News from Grammar: Issue 61 | June 2017 by Launceston Church Grammar School

News from

GR AMMAR

Issue 61 | June 2017

CONTENTS

FROM THE HEADMASTER

From the Headmaster

Stephen Norris: With thanks, for service to Launceston Church Grammar School

Board & Old Launcestonians’ Association

Warren Spinks

Scholarships 8 Irresistible Journeys: Jan Haswell & Ewan Crawford Bombay to London 1965

Outdoor Education: Our lifestyle is our job

Broadland Broads Abroad

Science: Now and into the future

Generations of Jewellers: Katherine Brunacci & Kate Case

Chapel: A special place for Alumni & young students

Denys Walter

It takes a village to raise a production

Candace, Priya, Anjali, Tigist & Sebla

Bruce Fairfax – Educator: 29 years’ service

Coaches, Umpires & Mentors

Broadland House Old Girls Association

Fashion: Jye Marshall & Jason Hewitt

The Community Hub: Creating our future

This blunt question on the cover of Time is most appropriate to the season given that the Christian world has recently celebrated the Feast of Easter during which the essential truth/ belief of Christianity is told. This truth unfolds through

The children are set up to succeed

Art: How the student can become the teacher & the peer

Houses 40 Upcoming Events

In Memoriam

WHAT IS TRUTH? DEFINITION Truth, (noun), state of being true, something that is true (Collins English Gem Dictionary)

the telling of the story of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ, followed by His Resurrection from the dead and His later Ascension to heaven. As Easter becomes increasingly

provides a rich range of themes to be examined and explored

commercialised the essential truth of the story is rapidly

with the search for truth being central to the story.

getting lost, forgotten or misinterpreted. As a consequence Christian institutions like this School and our churches must

The Early Years at Launceston Grammar:

The Reeves family: Rob, Leeanne, Tyler,

IS TRUTH DEAD? TIME 3 APRIL 2017

continue to tell the Easter story clearly and unequivocally. Having previously read the book, I recently watched with interest the newly released Australian film Jasper Jones. As it is a popularly listed set text in many English syllabi across the country, I was particularly keen to see the visual depiction of this story, which could be loosely described as a ‘coming of age search for truth’. The novel, authored by Craig Silvey, has been likened by critics to Lee Harper’s American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. Seen through the eyes of a perceptive, sensitive and questioning young teen the book

As the story of Jasper Jones unfolds there are many pertinent references to ‘What is Truth?’ The novel has been criticised for attempting to deal with too many big themes, but its essential search for the truth is vital and timely. As the Time headline questions, in the face of the current dilemma over fake news and the disinformation or half-truths that are peddled as news, we must ensure that within the context of an education of value and real learning, we insist on our students learning the difference between what is truth and untruth. This is no easy task, but to settle for half measures would be to sell our students short and leave them with only a vague version of what to say or believe or do. RSJ Norris, May 2017

STAY IN TOUCH The Community Engagement Team is always pleased to hear more of the lives, work and activities of our past students. As people move beyond School please send your news. One aspect of our outreach is the publication of our monthly Alumni eNewsletter, another is the Launceston Grammar social media platforms. There has never been a better time to stay connected. alumni@lcgs.tas.edu.au

launcestongrammar

EDITORIAL TEAM Writer:

Kim Nielsen-Creeley

Editors:

Brigid Rawlings, Director of Community Engagement

Ben Clark, Community Engagement and Project Manager

Photography: Rod Thompson Design:

Round Table Studio

Printing:

Foot & Playsted 3

Stephen Norris MA (Dund), Dip Ed, GDEA (Melb) FRGS, MACE WITH THANKS, FOR SERVICE TO LAUNCESTON CHURCH GR AMMAR SCHOOL

Headmaster Stephen Norris is enjoying his work as ever in

consultation with his wife Kate, and recently retired teacher,

The life of a Headmaster involves much travel for different

this, the last year of his tenure as Headmaster at Launceston

Bruce Fairfax, Launceston Grammar’s special words were

reasons, including a Trade Mission to India in 2016, interstate

Church Grammar School. Stephen has publicly expressed his

born; Nurture, Challenge and Inspire, the essence of Stephen’s

and overseas visits for Alumni reunions and professional

love for the School, the community, his students, the Alumni,

approach to education.

sabbaticals. Locally, Launceston Grammar’s Outdoor

their stories and this place. With wife, Kate and daughters Anna, Olivia and Sarah, the family moved to Tasmania from Melbourne in 2003, and the girls commenced as students at their new school.

Boarding has changed; with characteristic humour, Stephen notes that, ‘Daryl (Strickland) produces some of the best boarding house food you will come across. Some of the older Old Boys say we’ve gone soft, taking tripe off the menu’.

Education programme is close to Stephen’s heart and he has attended all the camps. ‘The rapport between Outdoor Education staff and students is wonderful’, whatever the weather decides. He has walked the Overland Track and there have been countless trips to Lake Barrington in dual roles, as

From the beginning, Stephen expressed his philosophy and

Stephen called the roll for the last time when the Elizabeth

approach to education – the emotional and social aspects, as

Street Chapter met in April this year. Meeting and responding

well as the intellectual, having priority in his student-focussed

to the concerns of Old Boys and Broadland House Old Girls has

ethos. Everyone is valued at every level of achievement and

healed wounds, and the inclusiveness and dedication Stephen

respecting all is at the centre of his Christian belief. Pastoral

continues to show to Launceston Grammar’s older champions

We thank Stephen for his commitment and care for Launceston

care has been, and always will, remain important. Stephen

stems from his initial commitment to involve himself and

Grammar and the broader community, his encouragement and

came to Launceston Grammar with considerable experience

learn about the broader Launceston Grammar community.

support for the needs of the individual and his belief in equal

as a Department Head, Head of Boarding School and House

Stephen’s friendly and respectful approach has won many

education across all levels of ability. He speaks of the many

Head at Melbourne Grammar, where the day-to-day lives of

hearts. Learning about this community and the fascinating

happy and memorable moments and events but ‘…credit

every student were, and are today, his core business; humanity

connections between each person and group is a continuum

belongs to the man who is actually in the arena’.

expressed as kindness.

for him and these relationships will endure into the future.

Teaching has evolved and changed in positive ways during

New parents and visitors affirm the quiet achievements

Stephen’s 15 years at Launceston Grammar. He believes the

Stephen makes and describe his kindness, care and

practice of differentiation in the classroom, accounting for

individual approach as an aspect of his enduring legacy.

every student, including those from all sides of the middle

Staff members have received assistance in practical ways

levels, has better outcomes and he is delighted at how the

when circumstances have found them in personally difficult

teaching staff have embraced the change. ‘Kids make it work…

situations. Relationships and Christian giving extend beyond

they hold each other in the learning and it flows through;

our School, and Stephen is currently a Director with the

in the arena, whose face is marred by dust

a licence to be creative for teachers and students’. Staff

Care for Africa Foundation; a charity with close connections

grow, and opportunities occur when there is permission to

to past, current students and staff. He has visited the focus

and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;

step out, take responsibility and develop as individuals and

area working to support health and education services and

who errs, who comes short again and again

professionals, which is rewarding for the Headmaster. In

infrastructure in Tarime, Tanzania, on two occasions.

who knows the great enthusiasms, the great

Headmaster and father. At the 2017 Head of the River, the new Open Boys VIII was blessed and named in honour of Stephen’s dedication and service to the Launceston Grammar Boat Club.

“ Credit belongs to the man who is actually

devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” Theodore Roosevelt

Reports FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD During 2017 Stephen Norris is serving the last year of his tenure

strategy, research, interviews, listing, selection, assessments

as Headmaster of our School. As Chair and representative of

and then the important negotiations and transition phase.

the Board, I want to thank and acknowledge Stephen for his

These methods are rigorous, proven and individually tailored

service to Launceston Church Grammar School. His familiarity

to our School needs.

and understanding of our School culture is a great asset.

AN ENQUIRING MIND: WARREN SPINKS (CLASS OF 1957)

was presented by the then Governor, Sr Ronald Cross on 30th Old Boy Warren Spinks describes his life as a wonderful

March 1957, at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, just

journey, filled with interesting people. His passion is antiques,

after Warren left School. There was also a civic reception held

which he describes as stimulating, educational and absorbing.

in his honour in Launceston.

He enjoys bringing together objects of aesthetic, historical

I have served as Chair on the Launceston Grammar Board

and technological worth. Warren learned about the refinement

for six years and understand the responsibility we hold as

we associate with the world of collecting objects of historic

the Board to facilitate the appointment of this significant

significance, from the cradle. Warren had a close relationship

I am pleased to report that the Board has appointed Jo Fisher

role. Launceston Grammar is in a sound position moving

with his mother. ‘My mother was a cultivated lady and we were

Executive Search (JFE), a company with a proven record in

forward and this opportunity has already shown itself to be

very close. She was beautiful, genteel, and her father was

the Independent Schools sector, to guide us in all aspects of

a highly competitive one, affirming to the Board that

successful in business; she knew about literature and music’.

the recruitment process. An aspect of Stephen’s legacy is as

Launceston Grammar and Tasmania are attractive to

a discerning Headmaster, with a familiarity and respect for

outstanding candidates.

The process of recruiting the new Head involves thorough consultation, and Stephen is involved in those discussions.

relationships and community.

1956, when he was still a Launceston Grammar student. It

For the first 14 years after leaving School, Warren worked as a wool classer and flew to Flinders Island and over Bass Strait. In New Zealand he worked with Dalgety and Company, merchants in rural areas, wool brokers, stock and station and shipping agents - a registered company since 29th April, 1884. Back in Tasmania in the 1970’s, he worked as a child welfare officer, ‘I was in limbo after coming back from New Zealand. I’d

‘I was born in 1939 on the 11th June, and attended West

always thought I’d like to have a go at social work and went to

Launceston State School. In the last year, I didn’t seem to

Burnie for a few years’. A wool position came up in Sydney with

One aspect of our competiveness is the ongoing development

learn much and didn’t pass my ability test. Mother had a

Dalgety again and he has lived there ever since. Eventually

After extensive and competitive consultation JFE has been

and upgrading of our Junior and Senior Campus facilities. I

private education, so she approached Headmaster Vernon

he worked for 26 years with Mr Minute, the international

selected over other recruitment companies. The Board was

would like to take this opportunity to thank donors for their

Jones’. He recommended that Warren start in Grade 6 in Term

locksmith franchise. His role was as a branch manager and

impressed by the level of understanding and research the

continued support though the Annual Fund campaign and the

2 that year, a fresh start, and then in another four years sit for

trainer. ‘If any shop got into trouble, I turned them around. It

company showed for our story and the unique position that

Building and Scholarship funds. The Junior Campus Rooney

the Schools Board.

was a big job, hands-on and rewarding’.

Launceston Grammar holds in the Tasmanian independent

South Project will be completed this year and The Community

school sector. JFE executives have already met the Board,

Hub project is a priority for the Board. We look forward to

These were happy times and he loved School; academically

Sydney is the perfect place for a collector of decorative arts.

staff, student leaders, Old Launcestonians Association, and the

the next stage of the development to create valuable multi-

it was challenging but he thoroughly enjoyed rowing and

Warren’s favourite ceramic factory is Chelsea, and his home

Broadland House Old Girls’ Association. By the time this issue

purpose educational and recreational space and display

meeting people, including his great coach Lachlan Hardy-

is filled with his collection of objects and furniture. ‘Before

of News from Grammar is circulating the search process will be

our historical assets in 2018 and look forward

Wilson: a big fellow whom they hauled down the river. Some

I left Launceston, aged 27, I bought my first piece of antique

well underway.

to continuing community support.

of the people he rowed with had brilliant careers later in life.

furniture, a ten-seater cedar table. These objects are what

At School, ‘I was never numerate, but literate and always

I live with, and are personal household effects’. Warren has

Every aspect of appointing a new Headmaster for our School

Michael Bennett

read fact, not fiction’. Warren’s mother said he should learn

close friends and associates from the world of antique dealing

to dance with the Broadland girls, and he was taught by Mrs

and collecting, including institutions such as our local Queen

Millen. He remembers the School Balls at the Albert Hall, and

Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and the Powerhouse Museum,

still enjoys dancing with his wife: Latin and ballroom are his

Sydney, where he has loaned items for display. He

favourites. His mother trained as a pianist for ten years and he

says, ‘It is always sad to part with things, but

was encouraged to play, but later collected the instruments

you move things on. It is a full journey’. In

themselves, for others to play.

his home, he has an 18th century drawing

will be guided by JFE, including the detailed briefing, search

OLD LAUNCESTONIANS ASSOCIATION The OLA again this year delivered an outstanding Fun and

was held at The Beachway Motel Restaurant in Ulverstone.

Food Fest at the Junior Campus. Under the capable direction

The lunch attracted a gathering of old scholars from both

of Mrs Georgie Eastaugh (Class of 1988), the event raised a

schools. Special thanks go to the organisers Vivienne Locke

record amount of close to $6000. The event always provides a

(Class of 1968) and Sue Quinn (Class of 1966); also Launceston

relaxed and casual way to commence the School year, giving

Grammar’s Deputy Headmaster Nick Foster, Brigid Rawlings

parents and students an opportunity to re-acquaint after the

and Kim Nielsen-Creeley from the Community Engagement

long school holiday period. Many new friendships are always

Team, former School Archivist Jenny Gill and Dona Bradley

made, as we welcome new families. This is a family oriented

and Rosemary Stobart from BHOGA, who all attended.

annual event, and on behalf of the Old Launcestonians I would like to thank the Staff at the Junior Campus for the tremendous support. Thank you to all the parents and friends of the School, who donated produce and time, and finally to the parents and children for coming along and making this one of the most memorable Fun and Food Fests to date.

When still a schoolboy, on the 29th December, 1955, aged 16, Warren rescued three people from drowning in the First Basin floodwaters. He became a hero, a term he finds interesting to this day, as he says, ‘You do what you have to do. Not having life-saving training I held them around the waist and fought with my right arm to swim to the bank and safety’. In 1956 Mr Austin Stephens donated and helped set up the Royal Life Saving Society Warren Spinks Trophy, for Junior Boys’

room, featuring his piano collection. It can be forbidding when people visit, ‘This is a very complicated house. If I entertain, people’s eyes dart about’, and it is a wonderful experience to share the stories of the collection. ‘I’ve really stopped buying and am currently writing up

The OLA scholarships for 2018 are now open until Friday

Life Saving. This was in appreciation of Warren who saved Mr

28 July 2017. For further Information pertaining to the

Stephens’ daughter Beryl, aged ten, from certain drowning.

eligibility of current students who might apply for an OLA

The trophy is a shield, and is now housed in the DV Gunn

Scholarship, please contact Ben Clark c/- the Community

Archive at School, along with an album put together by Warren

Warren has maintained

Engagement Team. Old Launcestonians

featuring press clippings and other writing associated with

his connection to

an inventory. I have a responsibility to do this’.

are proud to support Launceston Grammar

the rescues on that day. Simultaneously, the Sinclaire-Thyne

his School, and has

On Friday 12 May, the North West Coast reunion luncheon for

Scholarship initiatives and wish all our

Trophy was set up for the Senior Boys. His bravery award was

enjoyed visits from

former students of Launceston Grammar and Broadland House

students well as the year progresses.

a commendation from the Melbourne based group of trustees

Headmaster Norris at

from the Royal Humane Society, who met on the 28th May

his Sydney home.

Simon Wood 6

Scholarships AN INTERVIEW WITH ELIZA FORSYTH

You were also awarded university scholarships;

What are the stressors in the legal world?

how did this accelerate your education and your

Litigation is fairly high intensity work. As a lawyer, you are

professional prospects?

Scholarships are the key to making a Grammar education available to many deserving students and they are a source of pride and inspiration to those who receive them. With your help we can increase the number of scholarships available to our high quality students and help them achieve their full potential, now and into the future. To make a donation to our annual fund campaign please turn to our centre page.

doing your best to represent someone else’s interests, with the

I applied for scholarships in my final year at Grammar and

pressure of court deadlines and other cases. I think technology

was awarded two University of Sydney scholarships and a

has disrupted many jobs and legal practice is no exception. As

residential college scholarship.

a lawyer, you are always accessible, often receiving emails late

The scholarships reduced the fees for living on campus and were used to pay for textbooks and involvement in

When did you decide on a future direction in your

financial pressure of university, meaning that I could do less

professional life and what are your future plans?

part-time work and instead focus more on my studies and extra-curricular activities. I’ve noticed that employers look favourably on the award of scholarships and I believe the benefits of my scholarships from Launceston Grammar and at

You are an Associate to a judge of the Federal Court of Australia. What does that mean? Can you describe your job to a layperson? What leadership roles have you had throughout your

An Associate (sometimes called a Tipstaff depending on the

academic scholarship. What did it mean to you and

educational journey, and what are your thoughts now,

particular Court) is essentially an assistant to the judge to help

your family for you to receive a scholarship and

as a young woman, about leadership roles for women?

him or her to do their work. Associates often only work for a judge for a short period of time (usually one year) to give law graduates and young lawyers an opportunity to work with

The scholarship was a decisive factor for my family, both for

Public Speaking, and was Co-Captain in my final year. Those

me to attend Grammar and for my two siblings as well. I loved

leadership opportunities were a great way to understand

my time at Launceston Grammar and I’d like to extend my

working with other people and in teams. The leadership

sincere thanks to those who subscribe to scholarships and

roles at Launceston Grammar allowed students to have real

The Federal Court hears disputes related to Federal/

donor programmes because it made a big difference in my life.

responsibility and develop their leadership skills.

Commonwealth laws so it hears a range of matters in a range

What opportunities did you find at Grammar and who were

After finishing Year 12, I jumped straight into university

your mentors?

and moved to Sydney. It was a big change, but so exciting.

There were so many opportunities and choices for different people. For me it was debating, public speaking, Youth Parliament and model United Nations, but for others there was sport, drama, music and art (to name just a few!) Bruce Fairfax co-ordinated the extra-curricular activities I was involved in and he was an incredible mentor. He was, and is, wonderful! He has invested in the programmes and always encouraged students to improve, to be their best and to have fun at the same time. Many people looked up to Bruce – he had a way of sharing his interest with you and making you excited about what you were doing.

Suddenly, I was living on campus with 200 plus young women and surrounded by like-minded people. I launched straight into debating and public speaking – it was a terrific way to make friends and settle in at Uni, and my experience at Launceston Grammar was a great foundation.

them. In many ways, it’s like doing an internship with a judge where you get a behind the scenes view of litigation.

of areas. A typical day for me might involve legal research,

a gradual realisation that the law was the intersection of all the things I enjoyed. My future goal is to be a barrister, although now that I’ve worked at the Federal Court, being a judge might be something to aspire to as well! How important is education to you? What advice would you give to today’s Grammar students in terms of taking an

Education is the foundation for future direction and is important for every individual, regardless of his or her ultimate destination. Education is an opportunity to discover what interests, excites and drives you, and to develop skills in those areas. My advice is; be proactive and get involved as much as possible in your education because chances are there is something on offer at Grammar for you. What do you do to relax? What does downtime mean to you?

sitting in court with the judge during a trial or proofreading

I like to head to the beach or anywhere near water, and go

draft judgments, and may involve interstate travel to hear

walking outdoors. I love a good true crime documentary and

matters. One of the things I love about the job is the variety

my guilty pleasure at the moment is reality TV that involves

and the many different areas of the law that I am exposed to

cooking. In the future, I want to travel more – I am off to New

– for example, one day my judge might hear a dispute about

York in August when my role at the Court concludes and can’t

income tax, then the next about the packaging of medicines

wait to explore the Big Apple!

or the illegal fishing of rock lobsters. Some cases might last for

I think women should embrace leadership roles and leadership

weeks, or there might be many different matters a week. As an

roles should embrace women. One of the leadership roles I had

Associate, I get to learn about all of these areas of law, and I

at university was convening a university debating tournament

get to see the law in action.

for women. The event focussed on pairing senior women with junior women for support and mentorship. Are there any outstanding memories of your years at

Local products, World class results

Grammar that you would like to share? There are too many to mention but the Walkathon is a standout; it is a unique experience and something your time at Launceston Grammar leads up to, otherwise, all of the afterschool nights at debating and public speaking and all of the wonderful friendships forged. 8

I think it was at Launceston Grammar in Grade 10 or 11 – it was

active role in their education?

You came to Launceston Grammar in Grade 9 on an

At Launceston Grammar, I was Captain of Debating and

boundaries between work and home life.

extra-curricular activities. The scholarships reduced the

university have continued long after their completion.

achieve so much?

at night or on weekends, so it can be challenging to maintain

48 Brisbane Street Launceston TAS 7250 Phone: 03 6332 6400 Email: office@harrisonhumphreys.com.au

harrisonhumphreys.com.au

Gordon Humphreys 1961

Robert Harrison 1971

Ben Humphreys 1987

Nick Oliver 1995

Tom Harrison 1998

Irresistible Journeys

HIGHLIGHTS – TOO MANY TO LIST

the door of which was a long-drop open toilet (hole in the

In Singapore, we both purchased cheap watches. Jan’s was

floor) down through which one could see the morning sun

THE CLASS OF 1958:

cheaper than mine because his bargaining powers were better.

glistening on the heap on the ground. The occupants of the

He gloated about that as we left the shop. A minute later his

bedroom assiduously kept the door shut because of the

watch stopped and he had to return to the shop for repairs.

smell. American soldiers were kind to us in various ways,

I gloated about that. That night, after the ship had sailed,

such as with accommodation, drink and food, in New Delhi

my watch stopped at 11pm, as it did thereafter every night.

and Kandahar. An American pastor travelled with us at some

Jan gloated about that. In India, I think, I flipped a finished

point and a German woman, of questionable occupation,

cigarette out the passenger side window and some minutes

from Beirut to Ankara. I still have her whip, left by her in

later Jan, who was driving, noticed a nylon shirt of his, in the

our car. The last we saw of her was on the side of the road

rear luggage compartment behind the back seat, on fire. I

leading from Ankara to Istanbul, with her leg out trying to

apologised for that. In Beirut, Jan unintentionally ran a red

attract a passing car.

JAN HASWELL & EWAN CR AWFORD - BOMBAY TO LONDON 1965

FROM EWAN CR AWFORD Jan and I were 23 when he persuaded me to join him on a trip

we disembarked in Bombay. On advice, we carried a

overseas. Jan had travelled with Rex Rice (Class of 1958) a few

number of spare parts, which cost us close to £90, I think,

years earlier and was very enthusiastic about the pleasures

but it was a waste of money, as none of the spares were

that awaited us. I was unable to resist.

needed. Driver related damage was our main problem.

I had saved enough money to travel overseas, although not to travel home again (but that is another story). We agreed to jointly buy a green, second hand (20,000 miles) VW beetle and take it with us. Setting sail from Melbourne in March 1965,

The car performed well and VWs were well known and serviced in the various countries.

“ We laid a world map on the floor and thought, well, there must be a road through.” After four weeks in India, our journey crossed Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, back into Syria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Italy, Switzerland and France. Our first night in London was under a table tennis table at a youth club in Drury Lane. Then Jan and I obtained separate accommodation, until he returned home well before I did in March 1966.

light and we crashed into a taxi, extending our time in Lebanon for a few days for repairs. I paid him back in Belgrade by throwing open the passenger side door to enable Jan to enter. A passing bus took the door clean off, thereby extending our time in Belgrade for a few days for repairs. Each country was exotic in its own way. In Afghanistan,

“ Special mention to my delight upon meeting a refined mademoiselle in Place Pigalle, Paris, after four months with only the tennis

we entered through the Khyber Pass from Pakistan; ran a

captain for company; I used my schoolboy

checkpoint to avoid paying a toll; slept in the car down a track

French to tell her she had a beautiful face.

pointing towards a river, but turned it round when wolves began to howl. We observed two shepherds hand in hand

When she walked away, Crawford explained:

when we awoke; when we arrived at the first reasonably sized

‘You said her head was very large’.”

town via side roads (to avoid toll checkpoints) we asked at a bank how we could get to the capital (Kabul), because we

Jan Haswell

were lost - we were in its main street. We shared a fourth floor hotel bedroom with a number of other travellers, opposite

OTHER JOURNEYS Just as Ewan and Jan set out in the 1960s, young Launceston

Grand Tour, four wheel driving through southern African

Grammar alumni are having adventures today. ‘Tasmaniyaks’

countries with four friends from his college at the University of

Rob Strong, Julian Woods (both Class of 2012) and Tom

Queensland, Ramey, Wataru, Patrick and Isaac. We can follow

Poole (Class of 2011) supported Rainforest Conservation and

their adventures and see footage in their Facebook newsfeed.

the Clifford Craig Foundation on their 16,000 km London to

The technology and the language of travel has changed and

Mongolia in the Mongol Rally. In January, Rob Strong headed to

the boys have a drone to create ’vlogs’, their video blogs to

Africa for another overland driving adventure, the Afrikubros

post to YouTube. Jan and Ewan collected mail from home, marked Poste Restante collected at GPOs in the capital cities they visited. Ewan tried to write a letter home once a week.

“The photo of us on an elephant

Teachers Doug Grubert and Katherine Williams are experienced sailors. Doug has left the Antarctic and sailed

was taken in India. I recall that

to South America early in 2017 and the children at the Junior

the animal was made to kneel

as news arrives. Katherine has returned to routines, after two

Campus have followed his journey through books and maps

so that we could climb aboard,

years with her partner sailing in the Pacific. James Nathan

but at journey’s end the ‘driver’

of a lifetime on their yacht Miss Tiggy and blogging out to the

refused to kneel it and made us slide off down the elephant’s rear.”

(Class of 1968) and his wife, Tiggy, are the having the adventure world about the exotic locales they are visiting. Let us know about your journeys, and we can share the news through Launceston Grammar community networks. 11

Change Will Only Come Through Education THE REEVES FAMILY: ROB, LEEANNE, TYLER, CANDACE, PRIYA, ANJALI, TIGIST & SEBLA

her and stayed for two years in Ethiopia to complete the adoption process, seeing Rob and the family intermittently. Tigist’s health care was paramount as she dealt with ‘red tape’ and then finding a school as she became stronger. The deprivation that comes from living in an orphanage for over five years has an impact on behaviours and learning, but Tigist is thriving now and really embracing life. Leeanne also met Sebla who was a malnourished baby weighing just 1 ½ kilos at three months of age, nursing her back to health. Tigist and Sebla came back together to join the Reeves family in March 2014. In Addis Ababa many children are abandoned for complex reasons, including poverty, TB and HIV; the government ordered all children off the streets and into orphanages to find their birth parents to care for, educate and find new families to adopt them. Girls and boys separated from the age of eight make it hard to keep siblings together. Leeanne has built

The Reeves family: (Left) Left to right back row Rob, Anjali, Tyler Mel (nursing Elliotte), Addison, Leeanne (Nursing Sebla), Tigist, Priya.

and furnished a house for brother and sister Sammy (8) and

(Right top) Candace with Sebla and Tigist. (Right bottom) Candace’s husband, Matthew with Sebia.

Gerry (12) who lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. The children live with the support of a carer. Sammy is HIV positive and is now

friendly, confident, caring, young lady and is looking forward

with Leeanne to help with Tigist and Sebla’s first trip home.

receiving appropriate medication and the children’s nutrition,

to the Launceston Grammar Antipodean excursion, travelling

This was ‘an eye-opening and very special experience for me,

general health and well-being has improved dramatically.

to Cambodia later this year. Both girls have travelled back

shedding true light on just how generous and selfless mum

to India as the Reeves feel it is important for all the children

and dad have been’.

Leeanne and Rob began the journey of overseas adoption after visiting India in 1992. In 1994, they relocated their residential care home, Cadorna House, to a new purpose built facility

to visit their birthplaces. Sebla was in Ethiopia in April and Tigist in January. Priya visits too, helping her mother in the orphanages, informing her decision to study for a nursing

Leeanne Reeves has been involved with the Ethiopian orphan

at Riverside. These significant events have allowed them to

cause since 2002 and visits the country three or four times

build a home, educate their growing family and be flexible,

every year. In Addis Ababa, Leeanne and husband Rob operate

responsive, responsible and compassionate. When they

an Airbnb guesthouse, where she stays on each visit and goes

decided to adopt from India, it would take seven and a half

about the business of supporting and caring for orphaned

years for their baby daughter, Priya, to come home. During that

children. Rent from the guesthouse pays all overheads with

time, a baby girl, Shamida, was allocated to join the family but

profits channelled into her work as a nurse, mentor and

they never got to hold her, as she died during the drawn out

sponsor supporting The Care for Children and Elders Life

process. Leeanne has learned to be proactive through these

When Sebla graduates with a Launceston Grammar education,

Association. The Reeves had four children, Tyler (Class of 2000)

experiences and it took just two years to adopt their fourth

the Reeves children will have attended the School for 39 years.

and Candace (Class of 2002), born when they lived in Canada,

child, Anjali.

Tyler and his wife Mel’s (nee Hosford, Class of 2001) eldest

and Priya (Class of 2016) and Anjali (Grade 9), both adopted from India, when Leanne met Tigist in an orphanage in January 2009.

Priya and Anjali were used to being hungry babies, and it took time for them to realise that there would always be food. Leeanne says Anjali was a bit of a terror and tiny, but

The family initially sponsored Tigist to ensure she received

had a lot more strength than Priya, as she was a few months

extra care and medicine; her life was in the balance and her

older. She would have gone with any visitor at the start,

story became one of love and commitment. Leeanne nursed

taking time to bond with the family. Now she has become a

degree at UTAS. The experience of volunteering at the Launceston Grammar Sony Foundation Christmas Camp was also life changing, when she cared for a nine-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, and vision and hearing impairments. This was a very testing but rewarding experience, where she learnt a lot about herself.

child, Addison, attends Kinder with Sebla. He says, ‘They love being at school together and are best mates. I remember sharing the news with mum and dad that they were going to be grandparents and learning that they were bringing home not just one but two new sisters. I was a little shocked but not at all surprised, and excited that our children would be growing up alongside their youngest aunties’. Tyler travelled to Ethiopia

Candace works in a legal practice and lives in Melbourne with her husband Mathew. She says, ‘I don’t really think twice about having adopted sisters... I genuinely forget that we aren’t biologically related. My parents are very inspirational and I admire their selflessness and generosity’. With younger siblings and nieces, Candace misses home, ‘Melbourne is not too far away and we are able to make trips to see each other often. The girls love coming to Melbourne to visit’. Every two-week visit to Ethiopia is tiring for Leanne; there is always more need. She has the knowledge and experience to advise those who want to help; where a small amount of financial support can make a difference, providing shelter, food and education for children in need. She delivers medicine, toys, stationery for schooling and on her last visit, an electric wheelchair for a young girl. Leeanne is compassionate and wise, pragmatic and practical, caring for orphaned children, supported and loved by Rob and the whole family. Weblink: http://www.ccela-orphanage.com/about-us/what-do-we-do/ 13

performers on stage’. Education was changing. ‘We were

They won almost every Parliamentary Shield from that day

discovering ideas together, with students and adults working

through to the end of the century. Debating has been a life-

collaboratively…a traditional form being used in ways that

long passion; its genesis in discussions around the dinner table

were at the cusp of educational impetus. Adults and students

with his parents and two brothers. Supported by his wife,

learning together; part of the soul of the School’.

Louise, he has coached debating teams and public speaking

As Director of Studies, Bruce worked with Junior Campus staff on programmes that drew energy from the enthusiasm and delight of the younger students, as well as the intellectual curiosity of the seniors. He had been ‘thinking about this stuff for 25 years’. Teaching mostly English, some Mathematics and History, Bruce became involved in debating and was Head

we Nurture, Challenge, Inspire; as others care for us and

challenge students to play with ideas and ways of expressing

God is a present reality.

wide range of cyclic programmes, which students could take as short courses, missing some of the regular classes, being stimulated enormously in their own areas of special interest’. Bruce set out to win debating’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Shield Team in the Sesquicentenary year. Working with Grade 7 students, coaching the group for the next four or five years, they did win in 1996. ‘But I’m prouder to say that they were the second Launceston Grammar team to win, with our senior ‘A’ team completing the task one year ahead of schedule’.

Bruce Fairfax decided to become an educator after a year in

Bruce saw many opportunities for boys to act and sing. There

the Law Faculty at Sydney University. Bruce was concussed

was a beautiful choir of girls conducted by music master and

after hitting his head at an Anglican Camp and had to go to bed

city organist, Mr Bill Pierce but no boys singing at that time.

for a week where he read John’s Gospel. Influenced by it still, it

‘Getting boys singing was something dear to my heart’. The

presents a pattern for living and gives meaning for existence.

emergence of the Pirate King, Jamie Roberts (Class 1995) with

Bruce’s faith is central to his life; he believes in the goodness

a magnificent singing voice and lively stage presence brought

of God, the beauty of the world He has created and His brilliant

the stage to life for countless students to follow.

Grammar theatre to a new level with his

‘At our Founders’ Day service we had our girls singing

hard work and vitality. I was privileged to

beautifully in harmony and a group of good-natured,

have him as teacher, running coach, theatrical

what talent he had.

“ Bruce did a magnificent job with those productions and really took Launceston

from the football team, lustily sang their hearts out; boys

director, and most importantly, mentor. I credit

During his second year of teaching at Launceston Grammar,

singing returned to the school culture’. Bruce was assisted

Bruce became involved in theatre productions. In 1993, there

by the outstanding tenor, Jason Geeves (Class of 1988), who

him with teaching me to think, and his English

had not been a major Senior Campus production for ten

trained the boys whilst Bruce tried to keep them disciplined.

Literature class was one of my many fond

years. He chose The Pirates of Penzance because Headmaster

Mr Jeffrey Clarke later formed the all-boys acapella groups, an

Strong dearly wanted a Gilbert and Sullivan production.

enriching and satisfying aspect of school culture.

memories of Launceston Grammar.

And now faith, hope, and love abide,

‘Pirates’ generated a sense of excitement, permeating all areas

these three; and the greatest of these is love.

of the School. The Technology Department’s revolving stage,

a popular hymn, I was blind but now,

built with the assistance of some of the senior students, every

thanks to his guidance, I see.”

1 Corinthians 13:13

timber piece labelled ‘so the monster could be disassembled’, has been reused about ten times. ‘I was amazed, with 80

maintaining decorum.

Allison worked assiduously to develop a programme to

Future Problem Solving, Grade 7, 8 and 9 Challenges and a

somewhat rough around the edges boys, selected primarily

students to ferociously pursue the victory, whilst politely

positive one. He asks us to reflect and care for each other, as

in the development of initiatives such as Tournament of Minds,

him realise that teaching was his greatest strength, to exercise

Debating is a blood sport; one of the challenges is teaching

As Bruce officially retired in December 2016, his message is a

thinking and beyond. ‘Allison drew me into the net very early

in his portrayal of the good man, Jesus Christ. Faith has helped

their own local world, impacted upon by the bigger world.

teacher Allison Bassano in the Gifted and Talented programme.

Tasmania but in the main stream of Australian educational

example of both humanity and Godliness, which John offers us

to think, develop ideas, listen to others and take into account

of Campus for eight years. He worked collaboratively with

and developing which was the envy of schools, not just in

BRUCE FAIRFAX – EDUCATOR: 29 YEARS’ SERVICE

over generations. There are few activities requiring students

Prior to his tutelage, if I may borrow from

Jamie Roberts 2017

INAUGUR AL YEAR FOR GIRLS’ CRICKET

COACHES, UMPIRES & MENTORS

Allison Sheehan is managing girls’ cricket, which includes a very keen Grade 9 cohort. One of these enthusiastic cricketers

NETBALL

is Nicole Patrick, who has played with South Launceston

Netball is a popular sport at Launceston Grammar, with 96 girls

Shelby Miller (Class of 2015) plays for the Tasmanian Magpies

Knights, an all-girls’ team playing against the boys in the Under

playing in the 2017 roster. Grade 10 girls have the opportunity

in the Australian Netball League and is a role model for

15 competition. The Launceston Grammar team is coached by

to coach and umpire and the girls step up to take these

Launceston Grammar netball players. Last year she mentored

Dana Lester, a great mentor for the girls, with her experience

leadership roles. Coaches have weekly training sessions where

the girls and loved doing it. ‘Why not? Launceston Grammar

playing in the State Under 18’s team. Dana runs introductory

the students learn about position allocation, skill, technique

has given me so much and I know the girls’. Shelby is taking it

programmes through the MILO in2CRICKET and T20 blast

building and providing encouragement, and then they attend

step by step after moving to Melbourne to train and play. She

programs for 5-12 year old girls and boys. She is coaching

games on the weekends. Ashlea Mawer (Class of 2014) coaches

travels around Australia on most weekends and trains twice

the Under 17 girls Launceston club team and mentoring girls

the seconds and the Grade 9 and 10s. Grade 11 girls Jessie

a week with other girls from Tasmania based in Melbourne,

in that role, as well as coaching the Under 14 Northern Girls

Pretorius and Abbey Savage co-coach Grade 7s and Sarah

coupled with two or three gym sessions. The netball audience

Emerging Roar Team. Zoe Bourne (Grade 8) also plays cricket

Durkin (Grade 12) coaches Grade 9 and 10s. Netball umpiring is

is growing through the Suncorp Super League and there has

for Launceston Cricket Club’s Under 17 all girls’ team and

voluntary on a weekly basis. Ten girls volunteered this year as

never been a better time to be seriously pursuing her sport.

was in Dana’s Emerging Roar Team. Dana is involved in

the opportunity was opened across the grades. Isabella Young

‘I’m really motivated by the teams, the players, the coaches

taking clinics and training sessions at schools all around

(Grade 8) has umpired over 20 games.

and the venue - the facilities in Collingwood are amazing’.

the Launceston area to give girls the opportunity to see

Shelby is sharing a flat with her best friends who all play

what the sport is all about. Allison is thrilled that the girls

against each other, is enjoying meeting new people and is

are ready to embrace the competition. Girls’ cricket can

taking it step-by-step, for the love of her sport.

only continue to grow.

ROWING Michael Poole has been involved in Launceston Grammar

of Open boys have been together for four years and they all

BASKETBALL

Rowing and the Boat Club for ten years, working with eleven

gel and support each other. He says the early mornings are

Launceston Grammar has four qualified basketball referees.

crews. Like so many, his work as a coach has been dedicated,

fantastic, the water can be like a piece of glass and you can see

They are Alex Beaumont (Grade 8), Joe Redman (Grade 8),

with all the travel and commitment that rowing involves.

the sun come up.

Jacob Emms (Grade 8) and Thomas Beaumont (Grade 6).

Michael has three boys who have all rowed. He has coached

Thomas qualified last year and was given the opportunity

three Grade 7 crews, Under 15s and 16s right through to Open.

“ It’s a great community; you make a lot

to referee the Primary School

Michael has learned from other coaches; he just hopped into a

Championships, including a grand

dinghy and started asking questions. ‘We’ve had a lot of good

of great friends. I have, that’s for sure.

final. Qualifying to referee requires

teachers, all free flowing with their knowledge, as long as you

Don’t be frightened to put your hand up’.

the completion of the course

ask’. He learned a lot from his mentor of three years, Mark

Everyone comes together at the shed in

with a high pass mark and the completion of on court mentoring before participating in a game. Once employed as referees, the boys need to attend professional development days including in-class learning and fitness testing – again, with a required pass level. The referees are able to work within the Launceston domestic competition and travel the state for other events. Alex wanted to get more involved in basketball. ‘I wanted to learn. The other guys are good friends and it’s tons of fun. You learn from the others. I definitely will continue to be a referee’.

Ellis, who has been involved as a Launceston Grammar coach for 12 years. Getting the crew to do well is the best achievement for Michael. His current crew

the early hours; it is the best time of the day.” Michael Poole, Rowing Coach

Broadland House Old Girls Association A MESSAGE TO ALL BROADLAND OLD GIRLS On becoming President in April 2012, little did I realise that

AND SO THE DREAM BEGAN

it would be more than running a few meetings, attending

‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Broadland window – an older

luncheons and getting to know you all, whether personally or

student leading a younger girl towards the future?’

MISSION STATEMENT

DEDICATION CEREMONY

Within 24 hours, Headmaster Stephen Norris, Mrs Jane King

In order to recognise the Broadland House ethos of Christian

Launceston Grammar Chapel repairs will be completed prior

A few months later a request was made by the then Head of the

and the committee were on board, and the first of many

love, care and education and its continuation through the

to the window installation in December 2017. Old Girls who

Broadland Campus, Mark Saunders, to consider moving the

donations was promised.

present school, the Broadland House Old Girls Association

attend the Communion Service and luncheon on 7 December

is raising funds for a commemorative window in the

will be the first of many to discover and be proud of what we

Grammar Chapel.

have all achieved in such a short space of time.

Several Broadland House publications show two students -

The Right Reverend Dr Richard Condie, Bishop of Tasmania,

an older girl leading and caring for the younger student. The

will dedicate the Broadland Window in the Grammar Chapel

commemorative window continues this tradition of caring for

on Thursday 15 March 2018, followed by a light luncheon in the

others into the future.

Launceston Grammar Upper School Common Room.

The verse on the lower panels of the window is from Ruth 1:16

For many of you, perhaps this will be the first time you have

by reading your names on the mailing list.

Memorabilia Collection, situated at that time in the Art House, to a new home in Omagh. With Jenny Gill’s help, we archived items, set up house in Omagh and celebrated the occasion with 100 guests. Head of the Broadland Campus, Mrs Jane King, saw the potential of moving the collection to ground level in 2015. A new home was found in the Resource Centre where students,

Within a few weeks we: •

Consulted with artist Rolfe de la Motte

•

Priced the window at $28,200

•

Opened a Broadland Chapel Window Bank Account

•

Designed a Broadland Website (updated weekly) http://broadlandoldgirls.wixsite.com/bhoga

teachers and visitors can easily spend time learning the history of Broadland.

•

Days and at the Grammar Fair

In November 2015, we hosted an afternoon tea celebrating the 90th birthday of Faith Layton AM, together with a Dedication Ceremony, honouring the Broadland House Old Girls

•

Association Memorabilia Room to Bette Stevenson.

entrance gate and various Broadland plaques, once again,

•

identify the buildings in Lyttleton Street. Experiencing and celebrating, meeting and greeting, it was time to rest – and we did for a short time! Throughout 2016, Rosemary Stobart, Rosemary Hirst and

Arranged for Launceston Grammar students Maddie

•

Where you go I will go Your people will be my people and your God my God

read about the Broadland Window. Should you wish to contribute, ‘The Broadland Chapel Window Fund’ has been especially set up for this purpose and we warmly welcome all donations.

Beckett and Eva Reid to model for a photo shoot in

A brass plaque is also to be placed underneath the window

On completion in December 2017, your ‘little piece of stained

original Broadland uniforms. Both girls are descendants

with the School motto.

glass’ will be part of this lasting memorial to Broadland House.

of Broadland Old Girls

Long lost plaques were returned to the Broadland Campus in 2017. The Eberhard Gate plaque was placed on the main

Promoted the Broadland window on Memorabilia Open

I wish to thank the many Old Girls and their families,

Made the first of three payments, paid from the

Launceston Grammar staff and the Launceston Grammar

BHOGA general fund; and raised a total of $3,000

Board for their support. Perhaps there were doubts in the

from garage sales

beginning that we could achieve so much in such a short time.

As at 31 March, we have raised $16,324.26

Since its inception in June, the committee has raised over half the cost of the window. The project has been a delight, and we hope you are delighted too when you see the finished window.

I have volunteered in the DV Gunn Archives. It has been a wonderful experience learning more about Broadland and

Dona Bradley, BHOGA President

Grammar, unearthing photos, objects, trophies and albums, identifying what we can, and seeing some items return to Broadland. On one such day in June 2016, our conversation led to the

Should you wish to contribute,

Grammar Chapel. We investigated – and saw one window

The Broadland Chapel Window Fund has

devoid of stained glass…

been especially set up for this purpose and we warmly welcome all donations. Account details Name:

Broadland Chapel Window Fund

BSB:

037 812

Account:

600 2555 82

Cheques:

Broadland Chapel Window Fund

Project cost: $28,200 Brass Plaque: $1,000 Artist:

Rolfe de la Motte - Studio Stained Glass 19

Creative Lives - Art, Fashion, Design, Textiles JYE MARSHALL - CASTING OUT, MAKING AND WEARING Launceston Grammar student, Jye Marshall (Grade 11), is

Jye would really like to wear all his own designs. ‘Everyone

studying, attending TAFE and working as a presenter on Get

always asks, did you make those?’, but time is precious.

Arty, a children’s television programme for Channel 7. Jye cast

Extra study is a juggling act. He has managed to squeeze in a

out the ‘net’ searching for work, sending a video recording of

couple of extra drawing courses on top of all his classes. ‘I’m

himself, flew to Sydney for the audition and now travels there

determined, with so many ideas and dreams. I have a note pad

to film his ‘how to make’ segments for the show.

next to my bed, and sticky notes everywhere. The best ideas

Jye makes things all the time. He is currently working with textiles, creating his next piece for the 2017 Apex Australia Teenage Fashion Awards (AATFA).

CLASS OF 2005: JASON HEWITT’S FASHION STATEMENT

usually come in the night’. Jye is busy, but his aim is to have a creative portfolio ready at the end of Grade 12 next year and apply to the White House Institute of Design. We wish him every success.

came second in the national competition. ‘It is pretty amazing

retail. ‘Edgy’ gets attention, but it is important to plan your

base for his fashion business JA-H,

range into a saleable product. Jason is also putting a lot of

and he would not live anywhere else.

effort into an efficient supply chain, to avoid the pitfalls of the

Graduating from the Royal Melbourne

past. He is a fabric hoarder, interested in ethically sourced

Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 2010,

natural fibres – wool, cotton, silk and some leather, using

he lives in Clifton Hill on the creek,

synthetics for lining garments. Sometimes he still produces

riding his bike and catching a train to

in the studio and has manufacturers in the northern suburbs

Flinders Lane to his studio, where all

of Melbourne, always looking to future opportunities in our

the creative work happens. He has

region, particularly as the Indian market develops and the

participated in many fashion weeks

potential of social media platforms inform his vision.

and cares about the manufacture,

In 2016, Jye was successful with a suit ensemble as Young Designer of Tasmania in the Formal Wear section, and then he

Melbourne is Jason Hewitt’s home

marketing and purchasing methods of the fashion industry. He believes in the power of the consumer.

Jason has learned to be flexible, creative and responsive in a fastpaced industry. He likes to travel,

to see your clothes on the catwalk; standards are high and the

In the 2017 work cycle, Jason has designed and made a

read, walk his wolfhound Patrick

wearable art, amazing’. Backstage preparation is stressful, ‘a

collection for release during Sydney Fashion Week, promoted

and hang out in the studio.

shoe might be missing, a huge stress at that time. It feels like

as Australia’s only international platform for designers and

Jason returned to Launceston

the world is going to end…we can laugh now’.

makers to garner an international audience. Jason has an

Grammar in May, exhibiting

alternative view, this year making video and using video

work on canvas in the

platforms, another opportunity for promotion that gives the

Poimena Exhibition Mixed

designer and maker real agency for outreach, advertising and

Media/Mixed Messages with

communication in his industry. Through video and pop-up

Myfanwy (Myf) Doughty

stores in Sydney and Melbourne, this year’s collection launch

(Class of 2005) and Alistair

is ‘grass roots’, via a virtual internet showroom. If all goes

Mooney (Class of 2006),

well, he will have a Paris collection on the ground in

celebrating past students

September, with less risk and more opportunity. To make

who have all made a

a collection interesting, he is selling a concept, a story to

career in the visual arts

expand the brand.

and are

The suit lining was hand-sewn, the rest by machine. ‘You can make lots of mistakes, but you learn to go with the flow, and problem solve’. Jye is interested in formal wear, fitted to the body, precise and elegant. He is curious about decorative techniques, construction, finishes and embellishments. Jye’s favourite book is about fashion history. ‘Lots of things come back; silhouettes, shapes and styles from head to toe, even the hair’. He loves the names of fabrics, the spellings of different cottons, a new language to him. Sometimes he wants to pull clothing apart to see how it is made. No one else in the family sews, but with his interest in fabric and textile work piquing, Jye is enjoying the process. He begins with drawing concepts thinking about colour and fabric, working with, and making patterns. As soon as he sees the fabric, the real texture and drape of the fabric is revealed. ‘You can visualise the finished design’. It was exciting waiting for the Hawaiian satin to arrive to make his award-winning suit, which he wore to the Grade 10 Formal and to family weddings.

Design is important but, ‘I’ve definitely matured a bit and am less caught up in over-conceptualising what I’m doing, with

all still connected to their practice.

more making and less fear of failure. In an ideal world I would be hand-painting and hand-dyeing all the fabric’. Jason utilises decorative techniques, beading and embroidery and likes to be playful with ideas in the studio. He likes to leave an edge unfinished, cutting on the bias, leaving raw edges after the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, or beauty in imperfection. Once production starts, there is more administrative work as

‘At the last Apex I also made an organic calico, onion-dyed shirt

he engages a small workforce of part-timers. Sydney Fashion

and pants…I smelled like onion for the whole time’. Jye has

Week is the show, and everything works backward from that

strong family support, but ‘Mum made me boil it outside, using

date in May. To achieve the product, work and processes from

the barbecue with a big pot and a wooden stick’. He models his

the past fuse with new ideas that pop into his head in the

own clothing but his mother, Tammy, and sister Ellie do too.’

shower or before bed. ’The past gets changed in interesting

It is fun to wear clothes on the catwalk, but different to see

ways as lots of small elements come together with a range of

other people wear them’.

different outcomes’.

- with lack of sleep, working

In this competitive industry, Jason makes a lot of bridal wear,

your butt off, interspersed

helping to bankroll the main line. Conceptual design learned

with occasional glamorous

at RMIT, coupled with post-graduate business training, has

“ It is not a glamorous industry

adjusted his thinking. A show for the runway is altered slightly

moments. You have to love it.”

for manufacture and production – there is art and there is

Jason Hewitt

THE NEXT STEPS

The Community Hub CREATING OUR FUTURE

CAFÉ 175 EXPANSION

Launceston Grammar will next year celebrate 95 years since

Thanks to generous donations, as part of the 2016 annual fund

the laying of the foundation stone on the Senior Campus at

campaign, Café 175 has been opened. Students are enjoying

Mowbray by the Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce. To celebrate

the new fresh space, linking to the Gymnasium.

this milestone, and to prepare for the future celebration of 175 years of continuous operation in 2021 and 100 years of the Senior Campus at Mowbray in 2024, the School is encouraging the Launceston Grammar Community to come together to support the Community Hub project, to enable it to be open for these special future dates.

Café 175 will be extended to offer an informal space for students, staff and visitors to enjoy a vibrant and light-filled café and dining experience. The café will include an exhibition space to showcase the work of our current art students and staff.

Your support is needed to complete the next exciting stages, which will include an open, progressive learning space, a permanent and dynamic facility to display Launceston Grammar’s significant historical assets from the DV Gunn Archives and an open-air deck and viewing verandah, giving

The expanded Café 175 (area: 8 metres X 9 metres) will add vibrancy to the heart of the School as a meeting place and function centre for past students, family and friends. We endeavour to hold important events, including luncheons and festivities, in this modern and bright space.

uninterrupted views of the main oval.

THE SPACE The Space will be a permanent and dynamic facility to showcase the School’s significant historical assets. Our School story grows every day of every year. We are the custodians of significant memorabilia – items that resonate with individual identity and history. The Community Engagement Team has been working in consultation with past students, to ensure the prominent display and legacy of our historical assets. The Space (area: 8 metres X 9 metres) will also provide an alternative place for students to gather, socialise and study throughout the school year. Open and flexible working spaces have been proven to help children collaborate and learn in group settings, yet can be adapted to suit quiet, independent learning when the situation demands.

The Space, a yet to be named and dedicated area.

THE VER ANDAH A viewing platform (area: 8 metres X 3 metres) will complete the vision, by linking the above dynamic areas with the School’s sports field. The project includes the development of an open-air deck and viewing verandah, giving uninterrupted views of the playing field, the wicket and picturesque surrounds, adjoining the refurbished covered seating under the Tom Room Centre alcove.

$620,000 target

To help Launceston Church Grammar School realise this vision, you are encouraged to donate to the Community Hub Annual Fund campaign.

$480,000 required to complete works $140,000 raised to date

The Board is supporting these capital works in stages, aiming to work with the builders in early 2018 to progress the Archive display area link. There is work to complete so we can consult, fit out and furnish the facilities, plan and create the displays and be ready for Launceston Grammar’s next significant birthday.

Outdoor Education OUR LIFESTYLE IS OUR JOB After teaching Physical Education and Health for three years

filter into all aspects of life, on the camps, at school and later,

work with an outstanding group of contract staff who are

is responding to the trend and popularity of mountain bike

at Launceston Grammar, then a stint travelling overseas,

as young people make decisions about their future directions,

reliable, knowledgeable and great with the students. They all

riding with a new northeast cycle tour and incorporating trails

Jen returned to Launceston Grammar and joined the

commitments and working lives.

understand our programme and its aims.

in this area.

After seven years working, learning and travelling the state

The rewards are many. On a recent camp, a reluctant student

Camps are part of the core programme up until Grade 10;

with the Outdoor Education programme, Jen respects the

did his first abseil. ‘At the end he had the biggest smile, and

Grade 11 and 12 students may choose electives. This year has

opportunity to have the classroom outside. ‘It is amazing,

wanted to do all the climbs’. Confidence grows. ‘It changed him

been a bumper year for elective enrolments. Grade 9 camp

visiting the same places, you really build connections as the

in the camp environment as his self-esteem was nurtured. The

takes a month to prepare, with 100 students, divided into

Tasmanian landscape and wilderness reveals itself to you’. The

activities that we undertake aren’t really important, they are

seven groups, at a different campsite each night. The activities

camps are modified for extreme weather conditions. Safety

the vehicles, for all of the other personal areas of growth. It’s

include kayaking, sea kayaking, bike riding, Aboriginal studies,

is paramount, so the team responds to that. Jen oversees

hard to quantify the learnings that have occurred, sometimes

bushwalking, and team challenges all along the way. In all the

These objectives centre on life skills, the key attributes for

the preparation for each camp with her team, Willem van

realised later, after the camp has finished’. Students learn

grades, parents and students need to feel comfortable. ’I am

living in the 21st century, extending beyond the classroom;

den Bosch, Luke Stack and trainee Sarah-Eliza Cook (Class of

about themselves, others and the natural environment.

preparing two camps ahead, then the week before each event

teamwork, communication, resilience, independence,

2016). Within Tasmania, the outdoor education community

interdependence, integrity and the ability to make

is a close-knit group. ‘It is great to have a trainee to give

constructive, informed and considered decisions. These skills

back to that community’. The Launceston Grammar team

Outdoor Education team in 2011. Simon Shaw has returned to classroom teaching as he has a young family and Jen has taken over as Head of the Department this year. ‘My role is more as a director. We are a team, with different defined roles and strengths; we are flexible and able to work between roles too’. The team has common goals, working towards the same objectives.

The programme has an enviable reputation; offering a unique Tasmanian experience, fostering a life-long interest in the natural environment. The students have fun, and each camp has a different group dynamic. Our students will want to return to the outdoors after they have left the school. The programme

“ We need to be comfortable in the environment that we are in, so we can provide the students with the support they need.” Jennifer Tait Head of Outdoor Education, April 2017

it is all hands on deck. It’s always good to be on the road, when all the preparation is done and you can enjoy the camp’. Weblink: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcgsoe/

A TALE OF AFRICA: PAULA HEWITT (BHS CLASS OF 1971)

BROADLAND BROADS ABROAD

Paula Hewitt has been travelling to Africa since 2012 and Kruger National Park informs her creative writing through a series of published novels, A Tale of Africa. She recalls Africa,

PAMELA MILLER’S WANDERLUST

vicariously living with her own memories and the creative

Pamela Miller, (nee Bowditch, Class of 1961), was on her way

writing processes.

to India via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and a continuing journey through Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos from late October to

Writing consciously began for Paula as a Broadland House

early December 2016, when she stopped by her birthplace,

School student and boarder, when an inspirational teacher

Tasmania, to catch up with the Broadland House Old Girls.

helped to switch on her language brain. ‘English was

The travel bug hit Pamela at a young age. Her parents were

wonderful…writing poetry cathartic’. Paula’s working life

PAMELA KENT, AUSTR ALIAN TR ADE COMMISSIONER, REGIONAL CONSULTANT.

well known golfing identities and were busy on the amateur

began as a copywriter on the North West Coast of Tasmania for

Pam Kent, (nee Sturges, Class of 1952), began her working

circuit, locally and interstate, throughout the mid-1940s and

the radio station 7BU. Creative writing became her profession

life as a mothercraft nurse at Calvary Hospital in Hobart and

1950s. Boarding School was her greatest wish and she loved

and, after raising her family, she went back to writing for the

decided it was not for her. She eventually went to work for

it absolutely. With many friends throughout the state with

advertising industry.

a Melbourne advertising agency, writing copy as daytime

whom to holiday, she was seldom at home in Hobart. ‘I was

The heroine in her series, A Tale of Africa, Garrick Reynolds is

always somewhere’, staying with many families, including

from Tasmania and is based on a real person who also loves

the Field family at Deloraine. Barbara Jones (nee Field)

Africa as much as Paula does. Paula is in contact with a few

was a Prefect and mentor, teaching Pamela so much about

friends from her school days who live here still.

farming, keeping her out of mischief. ‘I wanted to follow in her

television was taking off. An opportunity arose and Pam transferred to another agency with a public relation arm that had an account with the Australian Wool Board. She became Press Secretary to the fiery Sir William Gunn, during the Reserve Price and Wool Promotion Campaigns, very tough

footsteps’. In the early 1960s, she left for New South Wales with

From Paula

times, working in Canberra during the political struggle for

her mother to work with a firm in accounts. This was not the

‘Sometimes when I am sat in front of my laptop I stop to give

both campaigns and travelling constantly. In 1979, she was in

life for Pamela, and soon she was off to jillaroo in Wellington,

thanks for the blessing that has been bestowed upon me. After

a delegation to China with Old Boy and Launceston Grammar

near Dubbo and Moree.

all, how many of us actually get to do what we really love and

Inaugural Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus awardee, Stephen

get paid for it. I’m referring to my daily ritual of writing, which

FitzGerald, which was an ‘incredible’ journey.

Travelling completely informed Pamela’s lifestyle and

has evolved into a trilogy called The Mistress of Crocodile Bridge

personality in 1969, when she left Australia with a one-

– A Tale of Africa series. Book two is titled Cradle in the Kingdom

way ticket to London. Lonely Planet and social media were

and book three is a work in progress.

unimagined. ‘You had to communicate, meet people…many

Pam married and then returned to work several years later with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as a Trade Commissioner, one of two women in her intake. There were

people asked if I was afraid, travelling alone’. Pamela was

I guess my love for writing began as a very small girl when I

around 180 Trade Commissioners around the world, and only

confident, independent and self-sufficient and worked her way

found writing poetry was a form of visage that wasn’t ridiculed.

four were women. ‘My first posting was Stockholm, followed

around Europe in the traditional au pair and waitressing jobs.

I quickly detected that this kind of expression intimidated the

by Hong Kong, Bangkok and Washington, D.C. In Washington,

London and the West End became an addiction – Hair, Jesus

schoolyard bullies, allowing my creative side to flourish.

I worked for the World Bank and then opened a consulting

Christ Superstar, Evita – a pleasure still today. Pamela travelled

Five years ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to Zimbabwe,

in precarious times to the Soviet Union, and then to South America during Pinoche’s Chilean coup, which was about to

Ireland qualified in equine artificial insemination, much to

overthrow Isobel Peron’s Government. She was once ordered

the chagrin of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. ‘The

out of a bus at gunpoint in Argentina. Recently, she visited

vets were up in arms because it was lucrative for them. I was

Lebanon, a country steeped in biblical history, with a cross

stubborn to a degree, but also humble and open to learn’.

section of cultures and friendly people.

in Africa, and I can tell you my jaw hit the ground when I saw the abject poverty and level of corruption, but somehow the

company in Thailand, where I represented a number of US companies. I absolutely loved Thailand and found the working environment fascinating’.

sting of Africa had bitten me. Shortly after I travelled to the

After ten years living in Asia, Pam came home and was

vast magnificence of Namibia, heading home via South Africa

saddened when she realised, at that time, the lack of

where I fell in love with the majesty and wonder of Kruger

preparation and knowledge about our region and its diverse

Apart from freelance equine journalism, Pamela has formal

National Park. Every year I return to Kruger and every year I

cultures, holding back many business opportunities for

When back at Boarding School, Miss Street caught Pamela

qualifications as a Private Investigator, working for Group4S

fall further under its spell. My wild life exploits are written into

Australian individuals and companies. She is retired now,

throwing bread and said, ‘You will have to have manners

a global security company, 12 years prior to retirement. She

my books and despite the series being fiction; the fables in the

after her many travels and lives in Glengarrie in New South

because one day you will be famous’. Fame and some

is courageous and sentimental. Ireland is home now, but

savannah and bushveld are indeed true’.

Wales, running a small Aberdeen Angus stud, with several

controversy came later through breeding stud horses. Pamela

this journey to Launceston has been an emotional one as

cows, a bull, two sheep, two dogs and three cats. She has

is proud of the horses she bred at Mount Cashel Stud - Virginia

Broadland House School ‘has never left me. It is as though we

been mopping up after the recent floods and is buoyed

Wolfa (her son Boherdeel Clover was an approved stallion

are family’. Pamela is back in Ireland, but not after taking the

by community action, as people are working together in

and represented Ireland in Europe for the Irish Army), Zonah’s

long way home through Thailand where she took a course in

Northern New South Wales in the aftermath of Cyclone

Pet, Zonah’s Treasure and Redhouse Conder, her Arabian

foot massage, and then India, her mother’s birthplace. ‘You

Debbie. Broadland House school days were a very happy time

Stallion who sired show jumping stock exported to Sweden,

fall in love with it or hate it. I’m glad I didn’t go there for the

in her life and she is grateful for the confidence instilled in

Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States

first time in 1969 - I would never have left’. There is always

her that allowed her to find a career that was a little off the

of America and France. Pamela became the first woman in

another journey to take.

beaten path at that time. Pam has managed to re-connect with some friends from her school days, after contact with the Community Engagement Team.

Sustainability is a major focus of the School’s Strategic

Science NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE

Plan. Our students’ understanding of the need to minimise

Grade 9 and 10 Science Extension students to the Science

energy consumption and to recycle plastic and green waste

and Engineering Challenge held at UTAS in April. The range

continues to develop across academic disciplines. In 2016,

and complexity of the challenges offered at the competition

Launceston Grammar was delighted to receive the Keep

was impressive and the students worked together to

Australia Beautiful Tasmanian Northern Secondary Schools

brainstorm, problem solve, construct and achieve fantastic

‘Sustainable School of the Year’ award, in recognition of our

and creative results! The challenges could be offered in a

co-mingled recycling initiatives.

number of ways to all students at Launceston Grammar,

Science is central to many of the issues facing Australian

in Grades 9 and 10 to participate in an extension programme,

citizens and the wider global community. In recent years,

enabling them to accelerate and enrich their learning as they

concerns such as climate change, genetic modification,

engage in TCE course work. The students are experiencing an

The Senior Campus Science Faculty includes Mark Cox (Head),

vaccinations, environmental and energy sustainability and

exciting and positive learning environment, while extending

Darren Chilcott, Patrick Moroney, Claire Green, George Darby,

bio-security are discussed extensively in the media and the

their understanding of Science beyond the scope of the

Paul Townsend, Emma Batten, Michelle Cooper, Greg Titmuss

community. Public discussions of such issues improve vastly

Australian curriculum.

and Tori Haeusler; with a team for each grade, supported by

when we have a good understanding of the relevant scientific concepts. By studying Science, we endeavour to challenge and inspire our students to appreciate and understand the world around them rather than just living in it.

Launceston Grammar’s Grade 6 programme brings students to the Senior Campus with their class teachers for practical sessions relevant to their studies. The students are always excited to come to the Senior Campus. With access to

Our Science Faculty plan is to deliver a contemporary

equipment and specialised teaching techniques, the young

curriculum to pique the interests of students from junior

students and their teachers are collaborating and extending

grades through to TCE level and beyond. We continue to

their experiences, knowledge and skills.

develop relationships with local scientists and research students as well as agricultural, conservation and industry groups. Many Launceston Grammar students continue their study of Science across a broad range of career paths: medicine, pharmacy, microbiology, material composition and chemistry, food science, environmental science,

within my own tutor group. Mr Doug Grubert and I intend to place a large emphasis on Science and Engineering in our sessions at the Double Helix after school science programme in Term 2 this year.” Karen Witt Laboratory Technician

Double Helix is a free of charge after school science club Engagement Team and our teaching staff, offered to all

skills related to horticulture and animal husbandry. These

students in the greater Launceston area. The programme is

classes are very popular with students who come from

open to Grade 5 & 6 students, with a limit of 30 participants.

rural backgrounds.

of Tasmania Science and Engineering Challenge, part of a

model developed further to provide opportunities for students

begun implementing these as games in pastoral periods

programme, which focuses on the development of practical

energy sector, just to name a few.

continue their interest in studying Science. During 2017, this

Weblink: http://www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/double-helix-club

to be Science minded or interested in construction. I have

co-ordinated by the Launceston Grammar Community

In April, Grade 9 and 10 students attended the University

implemented to provide students an alternate pathway to

laboratory technician Karen Witt.

including students who don’t necessarily think themselves

Launceston Grammar offers an Agricultural Science

biotechnology, agriculture, engineering, mining and the

In 2016, a Level II Physical Science course was successfully

“ I was delighted to accompany Mrs Haeusler and some of her

nationwide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outreach programme. The students were engaged in aspects of Science and Engineering beyond a high school environment. This opportunity fits perfectly with the Science team’s focus, inspiring students to choose Science and Mathematics in Grades 11 and 12. Teacher Tori Haeusler and Technician Karen Witt accompanied the students for a day of activities - some all day and others half a day, with a major Bridge Building project. All activities had a focus on teamwork and problem solving with science principles. Launceston Grammar placed third overall.

Grade 6 student Nina Gibson

Generations of Jewellers K ATHERINE BRUNACCI: MY BENCH IS MY HEAVEN

K ATE CASE: SILVERSMITH, CAST IN DNA

Katherine Brunacci (Class of 2004) is an award winning

Recent travel for gem and mineral trade fairs included an

Art seemed a low priority for Kate Case (Class of 1980) at

jeweller, manufacturing handcrafted silver and gold jewellery.

inspirational visit to the beautiful desert in Tucson, Arizona

School. In 1973, Kate was in the first year co-education started

As a Launceston Grammar Student in Grade 11 and 12,

and to Hong Kong, a truly exciting melting pot of big buyers

across all grades at Launceston Grammar. Kate intended to

Katherine worked with Old Girl Kate Case at Inveresk; she

who might ‘buy a truckload, and I’ll have three – hand-picking

become a marine biologist, focusing on science subjects. ‘I

loved it, and Kate was a good teacher. Katherine is qualified

from the source’ ahead of the Australian gem dealers.

might not have even chosen art as elective. It was a creative

in design, manufacturing and gemmology, launching her first collection in 2010 after completing a Master of Fine Art Degree in Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT; and now, trained and certified in jewellery valuation.

Fashion is a spectrum and Katherine is not interested in fast fashion - each piece she manufactures is unique. An artefact

environment at home. My focus was on science. The options were humanities or science’.

can last for hundreds of years and the tools she uses have

Kate later went to Oregon in the US on an AFS Exchange

not changed much over centuries. She uses ethically sourced

programme for a year and by chance, she took a jewellery class

Katherine’s Gallery Fifty Four in St John Street has been

gemstones and prefers working with gold, but with the cost

as a 17 year old. ‘The facilities were amazing compared to what

operating for seven years. ‘It felt like the right fit’, as she

prohibitive, the metals can be mixed; silver with gold accents.

you would find here. Art was never my intention…Mum was a

began a disciplined work cycle whilst continuing to learn

The work cycle begins with the designing phase in winter,

high school art teacher in Launceston. I had always drawn, art

and travel. ‘I’m a bit of a nomad. I love history, Florence, the

each collection comprising of 15 to 20 pieces. Design themes

was an interest and then I attended this jewellery class’. Kate

Medieval period and the Renaissance’. After a four-month

are story based, romantic and may be landscape focussed,

was encouraged by her friend, artist David Castle. Initially ‘it

stint at Perseo Professional Jewellery School in Florence and

influenced by her travels. Techniques include casting, hand

didn’t seem easily accessible as a medium and was still very

becoming proficient in stone setting and traditional stone

carving, forging, stone setting and basic fabrication. The music

much a man’s field’.

work, Katherine spent a year in London working in retail and

is on and she enters a meditative world; her mother, Jennifer,

the administrative area of fine jewellery at Liberty of London,

sits in the Gallery while she works at the bench upstairs.

in an advisory capacity and on the shop floor. She came home because she missed her bench, having learned about the British Jewellery Association and the Society of Jewellery Historians, ‘which I couldn’t believe existed’.

College of Advanced Education at Newnham. In hindsight,

Katherine is grateful for loyal customers who buy from each

the environment for her creative career was cast in the family

series. Her current focus and travel is the marketing side of the

home, surrounded by her mother’s works and the story of

business and she continues to successfully enter awards and

her forebears. Kate was born in Wales, with an Australian

Above from top: Kate hand crafting a silver locket,

competitions. With the support of her mother at the Gallery

born father. Both grandparents on her mother’s side were

and Kate’s grandparents in the workshop.

Fifty Four shop front, and a sense of adventure, she leaves

silversmiths and jewellers. Kate’s drawing is precise, she

Tasmania again with a one-way ticket, and a small line of

is a scientific artist and her paternal grandfather was a

Kate has exhibited for many years. Her work is labour

current work to learn and grow the business.

watchmaker from Newcastle, NSW. His cabinet, full of little

intensive; she loves working with versatile precious metals.

tools, fascinated her as child. ‘I grew up with the mystique

‘People think it is rigid and unyielding, but it is malleable’; she

AWARDS

and magic. My mother wore my grandfather’s jewellery and

loves hand sawing and the patient, meditative process. ‘It is

Jewellery, Eyewear & Watch Design Category

there were beautiful hammered bowls that required regular

like being in a little cockpit. I love filing, sculpting the metal

2012 ‘A’ Design Award, Winner

cleaning. What I would give now to have inherited just a few

and doing precision work’. Kate is examining the balance

more of his tools’. She has a few pieces in the studio, reminders

between that work and commercial lines as she plans her

2011 ‘A’ Design Award, Winner

of a real silversmith’s work. ‘He made a lot of bowls, an

future after teaching.

2017 ‘Bronze A’ Design Award, Winner

Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware & Cookware Design Category Jewellery, Eyewear & Watch Design Category

2008 Diana Morgan Award, Runner Up 2007 Klepners Award, Winner Limited edition Jewellery Range

OUTLETS Gallery Fifty Four 50-54 St John St, Launceston Rose Street Markets Fitzroy, Victoria Heide Makers Market Bulleen, Victoria Weblinks: http://www.kabrunacci.com/ http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4599212/launnie-designer-wins-again/ http://www.perseoschool.it/index-eng.html https://www.thediamondstore.co.uk/help/guides-bja.cfm http://www.societyofjewelleryhistorians.ac.uk/ 30

When she returned to Australia Kate enrolled at the Tasmanian

http://www.rosestmarket.com.au/index.php/about-us/ https://competition.adesignaward.com/designer.php?profile=108405

amazing variety, quality that you don’t get now’.

Kate’s work is available through Handmark Gallery at

Since 2010, Kate has lived on a 40 acre property at Underwood

Evandale and Salamanca. You can find out more in

with her partner, luthier, Daniel Brauchli. Their property

Chasing & Repoussé Methods, Ancient and Modern

has a boundary on the Pipers River and she is surrounded

by Nancy Megan Corwin Brynmorgan Press.

by bushland and native species, including platypus, and is involved in local land care – Headmaster Strong’s work is remembered with respect in the area. Immersed in the making process, her pieces are inspired by the forms and patterns of the natural world – botanical, marine and microbial forms. It is a quiet place, but she remains connected to a large international metalsmithing group of over 3000 members, primarily in the US, and in some ways, is transitioning after a life of teaching others through the TAFE system, where Old Girl Katherine Brunacci attended her classes; ‘an amazing girl, with a love for it, an affinity’.

Weblinks: http://www.katecase.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ Katecasedesign/ http://handmark.com.au/ http://handmark.com.au/jewellery/katecase/ https://au.pinterest.com/katecase1/myjewellery-and-silversmithing/ http://secretlifeofjewelry.blogspot.com. au/2014/12/hand-pierced-delights-kate-casejewelry.html http://www.gesswein.com/p-11090-chasing-repoussmethods-ancient-and-modern.aspx

Chapel A SPECIAL PLACE FOR ALUMNI & YOUNG STUDENTS The late John (DAVID) MacDonald Taylor (Class of 1963) returned to Tasmania to retire after 40 years interstate, and found real meaning and a sense of belonging with his old School, in some ways an antidote for the trauma he experienced after serving with the ADF in Vietnam. David gave his time to historical research - methodical work, combing through our School magazine, The Launcestonian. His last project was focussed on the Chapel and its fittings,

DENYS WALTER Denys Walter was the School’s first Archivist, working from

Two years later he moved to Katsina, Northern Nigeria, on

a tiny office in 49 Joffre St, a building which also served as a

the edge of the Sahara Desert, to train local boys as teachers.

Domestic Science classroom. Historian, Basil Rait, and Wally

Megan (Class of 1973), his second child, was born in this

Conder, an Old Boy, teacher and historian, had contributed

challenging and interesting place. With two lovely little girls,

significantly to the archives. When Jenny Gill came to take over

it was time to settle down, so in 1960 he happily accepted

from Denys, he said, ‘Thank goodness’, because it was a time

the position of Master-in-Charge of the Junior School at

consuming job, even though an enjoyable one!

Launceston Grammar, teaching under four Headmasters- DV Selth, RP Hutchings, JB Windeyer and CS Strong. His other two

building on work previously completed by Bertram (Snow)

Recently I visited Denys in St Helens, where he has lived since

Thomas (Class of 1948) and others. The DV Gunn Archives

his retirement in 1988, to learn more about his life. Sadly,

holds considerable documentation, including extensive

leukaemia has been stealing his energy during the last ten

minutes from the former Friends of the Chapel Committee

years, but his memory is excellent and he still has his quirky

and beautiful architectural drawings, from the conception

sense of humour. He is still much loved, and respected by the

Denys always viewed his pupils as individuals, searching for

of the Chapel to the completion of the extension for the

St Helens and Launceston Grammar community.

the spark in each, always speaking quietly to them. He never

Sesquicentenary celebrations in 1996.

Denys walked the Overland Track twice, from the north and

Christopher (GUS) Green (Class of 1958) is the fourth

the south, when he was a university student in South Australia.

generation of his family to attend Launceston Grammar. Gus’

In 1945 it was less well developed than now, but it kindled his

mother and father were married in the Chapel on January 21

interest in this beautiful island.

1939. He was christened there and both Gus and his sister were

Denys had an amazing education in Adelaide and was taken

married there. David was his good friend and one of the things

to many plays and concerts . He was an accomplished athlete,

that bound their friendship is the sense of caring for the past,

and Head Prefect of Queens College. His usual Saturday

as a gift to the future. Gus is an advocate for the building, and

morning was busy, including one hour musical perception, one

in consultation with Launceston Grammar Property Manager,

hour ballet, one hour Dalcroze Eurythmics (an approach to

Andrew Merry, is progressing the Chapel works.

music involving expression and creativity) and one hour piano

children, Simon (JOLLY) (Class of 1977) and Natalie (Class of 1979) were born in Launceston, completing Denys and Joy’s young family.

used a cane, even though in the early days as Head of the Junior School, caning was expected when students were sent to him for discipline. In 1962 Denys started the Maria Island trips. For the first ten years he, and the late John Lord, took Denys’ class there during the May school holidays, hiring a fishing boat to get to the island. For the first trip there was no way to contact the outside world until the boat came to collect them, unlike today. Later it became an official school camp enjoyed by all Grade 7 students. Denys is so grateful to the parents, fellow teachers and pupils who helped to make this such a

Recently the vestry roof has been replaced and new carpet

lessons. In the afternoon he had school cricket or football

laid. Drainage problems are being assessed and repairs are

and on Sundays he was a choir boy. Denys danced with the

underway ready for the insertion of the Broadland House

Ballet Ruse as an extra, and was also asked to join the Carlton

Denys has continued to stay busy and give back to the

Old Girls Association stained glass window, in early 2018. The

Football Club.

community since he retired. He volunteered for many years at

original window moulds have been recovered and are in a useable condition, as we work with an experienced contractor to complete a quote before repair work starts and the window can be installed.

As the 2017 anniversary of David’s passing came around, we have reflected on the past and looked to the future. In

Queens College was short of teachers because of World War II.

Term 1 Junior Campus students with teachers Janette

When Denys completed Grade 12, the Headmaster asked him

Bowles (Grade 1/2), Alicen Kaye (Art) and Rob O’Brien (Grade 2)

to take up a position as teacher, which he did for one year, and

visited the Chapel as part of their History inquiry unit. They

so enjoyed it that he started training as a primary teacher at

were asking what significance the building holds and what

Adelaide Teachers’ College. This was interrupted by four years

purpose it has within our community and broader community.

in the army, after which he returned to university, where he did

The children listened to stories, created artwork and asked

a Diploma in Education, taught at St Peters College, Adelaide,

many questions about people, the furniture, the windows and

followed by a time at The Dragon School, Oxford, England. It is

the Honour Roll in the narthex. Headmaster Norris attended

a feeder school to some of England’s prestigious colleges. He

and spoke with the children; their curiosity and knowledge

then spent two years at Kidlington County Junior School, an

about history, family and the Chapel as a War Memorial

experience very different for him, as it was co-educational.

was outstanding. The students were animated about the experience on the bus journey back to the Junior Campus and in the following days. We will be continuing to offer this excursion to younger children.

Denys and his wife, Joy, lived in two rooms in ‘Cherwell’, Oxford, the huge house where Professor Haldane, the developer of the first gas mask in World War I, lived. This was where Denys and Joy welcomed Penelope (Class of 1972)

This experience was reported to David’s widow Annie, and she

their first baby. The beauty and the history of England’s

was happy to share David’s story with that sense of loyalty and

old buildings fascinated Denys and he spent many hours

continuity, across generations.

exploring, recording and taking photos. He spent many hours taking brass rubbings, which is no longer allowed.

memorable experience.

the St Helens History Room, where his collection of Aboriginal artefacts is now housed. He worked with Landcare, Coastcare and Preservation of the Blue Tier, where he was arrested for protesting against clearing of the forest. He founded the Bird Observers of the North East and has worked with roadside re-vegetation, was President of North East Field Naturalists, and was voted 2004 Citizen of the Year for the Break ‘O Day Council. In many ways, because of his upbringing, proficiency and disposition, Denys was, and is, a Renaissance man.

Performing Arts

husband Toby have worked behind the scenes, set-painting

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO R AISE A PRODUCTION

for Seussical with other parents and she has worked on the young actors’ hair before performances. ‘I’m a hairdresser: it feels normal, and it’s nice watching them prepare, they are

News From Grammar (Issue 60 2016) features an interview with Head of Drama, Louise Peters, acknowledging the Senior Campus Production Team. At Launceston Grammar we cannot quantify the hours of effort and support from staff, students, parents, volunteers, musicians, sponsors and our loyal audiences as each production is created and opens and closes. People are motivated to be involved for different reasons, working towards the common goal. Each production at the Junior and Senior Campuses requires many skills and a different creative infrastructure. Our teachers, students, parents and alumni community learn as individuals and contribute as our audiences, performers, directors,

This year our Junior Campus Production is Alice in Wonderland. Music teachers Mark Saunders and Sue Patterson will work on the choreography and Tim will co-direct with Mark. They work through the auditions right through to final shows. ‘I love

Masters qualification, sharing her skills in hair and make-

making is being offered as an elective for the Junior Campus

up preparation at Launceston Grammar. Sharon has been

students. In the past this was an adult activity for teachers

involved in school productions and local theatre for 30 years.

and parents. Tim enjoys seeing Launceston Grammar Alumni

She loves being backstage and has another life outside School

come back and take part in productions. Hamish Jetson (Class

as a wig mistress. ‘I’ve taught many students, leading to

of 2014) has joined many productions, playing bass guitar with

apprenticeships in the hairdressing trade’. Sharon explores

the orchestra.

her creativity as a hairdresser. She became involved with

Saunders, acknowledges the work of so many parents over the

technicians, marketers, playwrights, producers, set designers,

years, including Louise Robertson, Selena Symons, Jane Ward,

sound and stage managers, carpenters, set builders, painters

Karen Hogan and Carla Best, who have worked on costumes.

and more. For our students, the educational benefits are well

‘We get great support from parents, including dance teacher

documented, and there are new skills to learn for everyone

Kelly Hortle and Alison Gibson-Snare from the Tasmanian

involved. Launceston Grammar productions build community.

Academy of Dance’. Alison supplied many costumes for Peter

Charlotte’s Web. Tim has sung in youth choirs and high school productions, and then returned to acting in his early twenties as a university student. Teaching overseas, Tim performed in

as a parent are part of that’.

as part of the well-being and mindfulness objectives, prop-

costume specialists, hair and make-up artists, lighting

teacher Tim Brown made his stage debut as a baby spider in

it builds confidence and self-esteem; it’s a team effort, and you

Teacher Aide Sharon Parker is a hairdresser with a technical

Junior Campus teacher, producer, musician and director, Mark

and share their experience at School. At the age of seven,

Lettie (Grade 5) both have singing lessons after school. I think

the involvement; it’s a commitment from so many’. This year,

musical directors, musicians, administrators, choreographers,

Often teachers and students are involved in local theatre

excited, and it’s good to be a part of that’. Seth and his sister

wigs during the making of the Newstead Production of Dusty with Samantha (Sam) Hammersley (Class of 2008), which led to many opportunities, including a professional association with Melbourne-based musical director David Wisken. ‘I think it is important to show students the opportunities that exist in backstage work. There is an extra stepping-stone for hairdressers in stage, theatre and television work’.

Pan and The Little Mermaid. She says ‘We have had the pleasure

There are many other past and present students, teachers

of supporting the Junior Campus Drama and Performing

and parents who have been involved in community theatre,

Arts Programmes with the use of costumes from our store

including musicians, Christine Clarke and Daniel Wahl, on-

house. It is wonderful to see costumes and props that would

stage staff and students, Louise Peters, Jeffrey Clarke, Abbey

otherwise lie dormant, providing positive experiences for the

Hansson (Class of 2013), Jason King, Lachlan Cassidy (Class

students and helping to bring characters to life on stage’.

of 2105) and even teacher Helen Wilson’s dog. Parent and staff member Amelia Reynolds played the lead of Christine in

When the young students graduate to the Senior Campus, they meet International Students Co-ordinator and teacher Pushpa Kunasegaran, who has another role as the producer for the Senior Campus Production, just as Mark Saunders does at the Junior Campus. Being a producer is about communication, applying for and obtaining the rights for each musical and sourcing rehearsal materials. She communicates with parents and students about rehearsals, organises catering for staff

two shows in North London. He has acted and sung locally in

Art teacher, artist and graphic designer James Walker

Grease, Annie and Mary Poppins, since returning to Launceston.

has conceptualised and built many sets for Senior School

‘You get to work with students you have taught, such as

productions, and is working on the sound for ‘Alice’. Student

Teacher Janette Bowles has been involved in Junior Campus

Community Engagement Team to promote the production

Rhiannon Bone (Grade 11) as Annie, and I love that connection

Seth Gardner (Grade 12) has returned to the Junior Campus to

productions for over 20 years and is usually in the background

and co-ordinates ticket sales, with Senior Campus

as her Grade 6 teacher. Within our community and at School I

assist as a sound technician. His mother Tammie made paper

painting sets, helping with hair and make-up, costumes and

receptionist Lisa Lockhart.

continue to learn and pass on new skills’.

crocodile masks when Seth was in Grade 2 and loves seeing

taking photographs, since her own children were students.

them still used in productions. She says each production is

Her biggest kick is seeing the kids’ eyes light up when they

a commitment, learning lines and songs. Tammie and her

see the sets for the first time. ‘They become part of the actual

Phantom of the Opera.

performance. Prior to that they are a character and the sets and props help them understand where they belong in the play, and then their character grows with their enthusiasm’. Janette has seen the productions grow over the years. As the children move to the Senior Campus they understand how a production comes together, and there are more leadership roles for students. Early Learning teacher Susie Bennett and

and students and liaises with the team, communicating to ensure everything goes smoothly. Pushpa works with the

Teacher Janelle Scott manages costumes for Senior Campus productions - making, sourcing, caring for and co-ordinating distribution with the students. She enjoys generous costuming support from a small, enthusiastic team of past and present parents, for each of the past four productions and says, ‘It really is a lot of fun to see students bring to life all the colour, texture and sparkle of costumes on the Launceston Grammar hall stage. The stage has a warm character. Dressing heads and legs requires a lot of detail to make the most of the space’.

music teacher Sue Patterson co-ordinate the performance of

On every level, it is impossible to acknowledge and name

an annual Christmas Nativity that has grown in recent years,

every student, parent, teacher, musician, volunteer and

as enrolments have increased. Jeanette says that often drama

sponsor for the support that our School receives as the

and music finds the child, opening up a new world as they

Drama programme evolves. We know that each production

act in roles outside of themselves. ‘The shyest girl might gain

has a special dynamic, and there is a seamless flow of learning

confidence, or a boy might find a place to belong’. She feels the

and community between the campuses. Each person has a

Grade 2 Production is important for allowing that to happen.

unique memory and a personal involvement with Launceston Grammar stage productions.

The Early Years at Launceston Grammar

are preparing for learning the key

THE CHILDREN ARE SET UP TO SUCCEED

elements of literacy and numeracy, as they move through Prep, Kinder and then into Grade 1. It is not about putting limits

Launceston Grammar parent Sue Elliott has two daughters,

‘softly, softly’, a gentle transition, and the teaching

on people. The younger children take pride in

Laura and Kathryn. Eldest daughter Laura was enrolled in the

staff was divine. Leanne (Rossetto) was a gem and with

the environment and the teachers on duty are

Early Learning Programme when she was three. Sue says, ‘My

Emma Stevenson, her assistant, they became known as

actively rewarding and motivating the children

girls have different temperaments, one is shy and the other

‘the dynamic duo’.

to display those positive behaviours, helping kids

the opposite. By the time they reached Grade 1 and 2 they had grown in confidence, feeling safe and comfortable and sharing ideas to explore amongst their peers’. The Junior Campus has a strong emphasis on quality relationships and community spirit. Every child is valued and unique. The Early Learning Programme is based on an inquiry and child-centred approach within a nurturing and caring environment. Children are encouraged to develop their confidence, a love of learning and a natural curiosity for the world around them.

The thing that attracted me most was that the classrooms were quite ordered and calm, and the children looked so happy. Older kids were smiling at younger kids and we were reassured as parents. I found that there was an enormous diversity and it wasn’t all about the upper echelons of society - this is important to me. Fitness trainers, nurses, chefs, truck drivers, doctors and entrepreneurs - we have made many friends with other parents; we all seem to be on the same page with similar expectations.

to integrate. As parents, we all want the best for our children. We all see it as an investment, setting the children up to understand what it is to be a part of a community. The school environment beds down all those moral standards. The three R’s, resilient, responsible and respectful, permeate throughout the School. Laura and Kathryn’s successful integration through the Early Learning Programme has been nurtured because of the buddy system. There is nothing like feeling you belong, and that friendship with an older child enhances the feeling of belonging. Later the girls become buddies and are

A CONVERSATION WITH SUE ELLIOTT

It’s about exploring the possibilities with your children;

socialised into that role, encouraging interaction between

I was quite nervous about my children starting school as

whether your child is interested in drama, or music or is highly

older and younger children. It is important for both sides of

neither had been in care. As they became more comfortable

literate. There are no limitations with play-based learning at

the relationship. The younger children feel they have someone

at school we increased the number of days they attended, as

the core. Socially the children see kindness and can exercise

‘just for them’ and, as a rite of passage you become a buddy,

the girls were ready for more. The teachers are all lovely. It was

those behaviours, because we can and we should. The children

which means you are quite grown up as you have someone to look out for. Critically, I never appreciated what Early Learning was all about before we enrolled our girls, as I was born overseas. I understand now how important are the Preparatory years and Kinder, setting the children up for Grade 1. The extension programmes later enhanced the girl’s enjoyment of School. Laura, through Tournament of Minds and Kathryn through reading extension. It is not just about their academic achievements, it is also about who they are becoming as people. Laura loves writing and reading and entering in poetry competitions. A welcome surprise this year is that she is also enjoying cricket. They always have Physical Education with Christian (Zantuck). He has a fun approach, and a superstar image. It is ‘Mr Z’ this and ‘Mr Z’ that.

When extended family visit the Junior Campus, they all walk out with a smile and are full of compliments. This affirmation of our choice of school from close and extended family is important to me. The stewardship of the School from those early years onwards, sets the tone for the entire learning experience. When you drop your children at the gate you know they are going to be well cared for, so you don’t have to worry.

The girls love the productions, and the Early Years Productions

The open door policy from all the staff means you can address

were just divine. I think it is amazing that even the youngest

any issues or problems the children may have and assuage any

children are happy to appear on stage, or equally to present

concerns that you may have as a parent.

news in front of their peers. This is such a great skill, and one that many parents say they would love to have themselves as adults! Class sizes are small and intimate. The kids could not get lost figuratively or otherwise. Then there is the interaction with other parents. We have formed some lovely friendships with other parents in the School. So, as a family we have received a lot more than we expected socially, becoming

The Early Learning Team consists of a vibrant, professional and caring group of educators. They are Susie Bennett, Leanne Rossetto, Sarah Brooks, Emily Malinowski, Alicia Nuccitelli, Sharon Parker, Joanne Walsh, Jude Mainwaring, Jemma Barker, Catherine Savage and Natasha Baldock.

part of a community. 37

Art ABBEY CRUICKSHANK (MACDONALD):

MARK MAKING

HOW THE STUDENT CAN BECOME THE TEACHER AND THE PEER.

WITH NIGEL LAZENBY (CLASS OF 1964)

Abbey MacDonald (Class of 2001) met Paul Snell, Head of

Bovill (from the Class of 2001), and Dominique’s mother, at

Drawing is important to artist, Nigel Lazenby, and he took two

Launceston Grammar Art School, as a student when he was

Exeter near an apple orchard, which was great. I had grown up

years out to focus on it in 1978 early in his career, spending 40

teaching at Latrobe High School. Abbey has written the

at Northdown on the North West Coast and it was beautiful to

to 60 hours on each artwork, inspired by the landscape of the

catalogue essay for Paul’s exhibition, The Liminal Space, and

be living in the country again.

North West Coast of Tasmania. The works are intricate pieces

this is her spoken story of finding her own practice and life as researcher, artist and teacher, from the evolution of her friendship and collaborative relationship with Paul.

A CONVERSATION WITH ABBEY ‘I was really into art-making at school; I lived and breathed it, and my parents were keen to cultivate that. Our family had to work hard to send me to Launceston and we chose Launceston

After Grade 12, I went straight to Art school, completing a fine arts degree with Honours. I still had some legs left after that, and did a teaching degree as well. I had never really planned to be a teacher but my friend Romany Brodribb (with whom I did my teaching degree), encouraged me to join her. Through this, I discovered a passion for research and learning – research ticked all the boxes to satisfy my inquisitive nature.

Grammar because Paul was there and also Katy (Woodroffe),

I started teaching, but missed the inquiry that came with

who was wonderful. I had to pitch in and worked in Devonport

study. I was teaching at Launceston Grammar and started my

every weekend as a check-out-chick. The whole family worked

Doctorate when I worked in the Boarding House as a tutor. My

together for my education. I was stoked that my parents were

thesis was about becoming an Art teacher. It is a significant

giving me this opportunity. After a term in the Boarding House

transition from pre-service to professional teaching practice,

which was a completely different culture for me, I ended

and my Doctoral investigation explored the artist to teacher

up boarding privately, and in Grade 12 lived with two other

transitory journey, using qualitative arts-based and narrative

Launceston Grammar girls, Dominique Bowen and Lauren

inquiry research. During that time, I moved to teaching at

informing his future then, and his current practice. Nigel’s son Cain has Niche Ignite, a graphic design business, and after the iPad Nigel brought sat unused, Cain uploaded a drawing programme and coaxed his father into graphic drawing. The first series of work that came from intoxication with digital drawing that emerged then,was on the theme of 1960’s go-go dancers, exhibited at the Mill Providore and Gallery in Launceston. The technology that Nigel uses maintains the integrity of the digital mark, no matter what the scale of the printed or projected artwork. He has been working with the iPad pro for three years, changing the direction of his art-making, to encompass architectural works for homes and businesses. When he first began studying at art school, then art teaching and making, this iPad was an unimagined way to work.

the University, then back to Launceston Grammar as Girls

When each work is completed, files go to Think Big printers for

Boarding House Co-ordinator in 2012/2014. I had met my

reproduction onto acrylic, aluminium or any other medium.

partner, Vaughan, earlier at Launceston Grammar, and we

Nigel has been able to negotiate and create a pleasing

now have two girls, Zara (3 years) and Bridie (2 years). At the

outcome for everyone without too much compromise. ‘My

end of 2015, I secured a fulltime position at the University

first commission, using this technology, was for the foyer of

of Tasmania as a Lecturer in Arts Education, working within

The Charles Heart Centre and the subject was totally foreign

the parameters of the five art forms - dance, drama, music,

to me’. He learned a lot about the heart, the technology of the

media and visual arts, with visual art being my primary area of

vector files used in the programme to create the artwork, and

specialisation. Vaughan has also just completed his PhD, and

through the process of the negotiation realised the potential

holds the position of lecturer in Health and Physical Education

for exciting ways for this artwork to occupy corporate spaces.

at the University’.

Within this architecture, the work sits on the walls and flows

Abbey maintains her own practice and has just had some work in an exhibition at the Academy Gallery at Inveresk,

through and along the front of the reception desk, almost like an installation.

TAFE with teachers and Old Boys Alan McIntyre (Class of 1930) and Geoff Tyson (Class of 1928) who ‘were the sort of people I needed’. After TAFE and encouragement from his mentor John Heyward, the principal of the Art school, he continued studying with a scholarship at the Art School in Hobart, leading to a career as a high school art teacher. In 1982, with three children under the age of 11 years, Nigel made the big decision to work as a full-time artist. To reach that point he taught at TAFE, at Adult Education, as an artist in schools and continued to exhibit. ‘I had worked as an art teacher with great peers and artists like Kit Hiller, Peter Barraclough and the late Alan Turner, and travelled overseas to Europe. Travel is a great education, making those comparisons, going to the Continent

The seeds for the strong design elements of this work were

and experiencing cultures and languages’, but he would not

design elements inherent to food. Abbey examined and

sown when Nigel was a boy. ‘My mother worked as a decorator

want to live anywhere else but Tasmania, where he belongs to

visually rendered the relationship between gut health

for local interior designer Rex Edwards. So Boarding was what

a supportive, stimulating and creative community.

where the brief was to explore the art, aesthetic and

and mental health. When she wrote the catalogue

I knew. I was an only child, I’d be home by myself…what do

essay for Paul’s show, she says it was fantastic,

you do…our neighbour Mrs Cox, loaned me a book about

having that personal rapport. ‘I know Paul in

architecture, with translucent tissue between the leaves and

different ways, as a teacher, as a person and as an artist. It was

I copied all the drawings, like thatched roof cottages and oak

lovely and a privilege for me to be given the opportunity to

trees. Even as a child, I was taken to lots of exhibitions. Gallery

write about his work’.

owner Mary Jolliffe helped me put a portfolio together when I applied to The Examiner Newspaper, to work as a commercial

The Examiner recommended art education, so Nigel attended

The Liminal Space simultaneously harnesses and unleashes colour and form, pushing both threshold and the in-between intercept, creating a truly provocative and affective space. In this space, many things can occur as we move within and beyond it.

artist, a year after leaving School’. Weblinks: https://nigellazenby.com.au/

Nigel worked with furniture and wood worker Toby MuirWilson (Class of 1971), wood turner and furniture maker Mark Bishop (Class of 1982), and potter Ian Clare in the mid 1990’s. The artists formed a group called The Tasmanian Touch and exhibited nationally together for five years. These connections are strong and they will exhibit again this year at Cradle Mountain.

http://www.nicheignite.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/Ian-Clare-Studio-Potter-1393018797692274/

http://markbishop.com.au/

http://www.dot.org.au/muir-wilson-toby/

HOUSES SAVIGNY

GILLETT

When we all meet as a House, it is about communicating

in the Swimming Carnival; everyone was expecting us to come

This year Gillett House students are wearing a new red badge

Gillett has a really good spirit, feels like a family and we

with everyone. Our House meetings are always busy and we

last! Mr Rostron was amazed. We felt proud and it brought us

with the acronym GRIT. ‘Gillett’s Right Into iT’, represents

all know each other well. We are planning a bingo or trivia

participate in a lot of physical activity, such as dodgeball, flags

all together, with everyone participating - we are working on

the value of perseverance, resilience, and recognises that

fundraiser soon for our charity, Canteen, supporting young

and volleyball. Tutor games and activities include ‘minute to

a House chant, to keep our House motivated. Our charity this

things are not always going to be easy. Our House meetings

children who have cancer.

win it’ games; they are good, fun and noisy activities. This year

year is Beyond Blue and we are looking at a free clothes day,

are generally informal, conversational and relaxed. We have

we are getting our own Savigny tops for House Carnivals. Our

which is always a really good fundraiser. At the end of the year,

tutor challenges weekly or fortnightly and try to cover a broad

five-cent challenges were a good fundraiser for the Walkathon,

along with all the other Houses, we are involved in Christmas

range of activities. We like to consider everyone’s interests.

and all the Houses raised funds for this year’s charity, Epilepsy

boxes. Savigny really enjoys it, and everybody participates

The programme includes knitting, colouring-in, Lego, carpet

Tasmania. Footy tipping has a following in Savigny. The

with toys and stationary to send around the world where

bowls, board games and down ball. At the Swimming Carnival

students organise our participation in carnivals, allocating

children are in need.

this year, we had a few champions, and everyone was getting

tasks to help things run smoothly. We punched above our wait

Amelia Chilcott and William Jones

in and having a go. Our mascot is the red Angry Bird.

Edward has two older brothers, ‘I knew I’d be in Gillett when I was 10, and I had cousins in Gillett. It’s special, to be able to lead the House’. House Chapel service was a great opportunity to meet parents, watch them engage with staff and get to know everyone. Stephanie Freeland and Edward Loone

ROFF

FR ASER

Life in Roff House feels like you are part of a big family, not

youths who are disadvantaged or may be at risk. To raise funds

Fraser is a proactive House and we participate in a range of

organisation that delivers food and goods to hospitals, schools

just within the tutor groups, but as a whole House. This has

and awareness for this organisation a trivia night fundraiser

goal-setting activities. Tutor sport occurs fortnightly. We elect

and orphanages in the Philippines. It feels like we are making

been encouraged through the year’s theme of ‘unity’, which

has been proposed, as well as the annual ‘Bail Out’ to be held

a sport or activity through tutor groups and play as a House.

a difference when we see videos and photographs and receive

was launched at our Commencement Chapel earlier in the

in Term 3, where Grammar staff members are auctioned off,

This system really mixes it up, as we move from basketball

feedback from Rachel.

year. Weekly tutor challenges foster a sense of fun and healthy

locked up and required to complete challenges to ensure

competition amongst the tutor groups, with the annual ‘selfie

their bail at the end of the night. This event was immensely

challenge’ show-casing the creativity and personality of the

successful last year, with the Headmaster, Mr Norris, receiving

group. The House mascot ‘Simba’ has even appeared in some

a cream pie in the face for a great cause!

to charades! This is ongoing all year. Our House charity is the Filipino Needy Children Fund, which we have supported for a long time. Mr Moroney works with us on fund-raising activities such as coin drives and lolly jars. We try to make a deal of it and get together as a House, designating activities and participating in challenges. We have a Christmas in

We are big on participation in Fraser. Other activities include public speaking, inter-House debating and chess tournaments. We also participate strongly in the swimming carnival and intra-school Mathematics competitions. Our mascot is the The Hulk – in a green morphsuit.

Winter fundraiser which was in the Hall last year. It is a good

It is a pleasure to have Mr Moroney as House Head; he loves

money-spinner and we Skyped Rachel from our charity and

to bring the best out in everyone and we appreciate him as

interacted with her on the big screen; she is the head of the

a role model.

of the selfies!

Meliora Sequamur, which translates to ‘seek better things’, by

Walkathon, with Roff House raising over $700 for the Grade

having pride in everything we do, and encouraging others to

12’s chosen charity, Epilepsy Tasmania, we have now shifted

be the best versions of themselves. Our House is a supportive

focus to our chosen House charity, Whitelion, supporting local

environment where we celebrate everyone’s achievements and successes.

Sophie Dornauf and Dominic Rawlings

WILKINSON

Members of Roff are always reminded to live by our motto,

After a successful House fundraising campaign for the

Blair Kirkpatrick and Hayley Bowen

HAWKES

We believe that Wilkie is a family. Within our tutors and within

Wilkie is not defined simply by one individual, but by every

Belonging; unlike other students we are living away from

This year we have a Boarding Committee instead of Vice-

the House there is an incredible sense of pride. Our House

single person who contributes to the House. We believe that

home, and it is important to us to have our House identity. The

Captains, as this allows us to get a broader engagement with

has a long history of being winners and having extraordinary

everyone should be included. This means simply putting up

Boarding House has weekend outings, such as AFL at Aurora

everyone. The Boarding House is having renovations with a

people. This year we have emphasised the idea of being Wilkie

your hand to help, or entering in the sports carnivals, just

Stadium and rugby in Hobart. We also take part in social

refurbished dormitory. We are looking forward to seeing this

Worthy. We are an extraordinary group of people, so whether

because you want to contribute to Wilkie. This is what our little

activities with Scotch Oakburn Boarding House students, as

exciting upgrade upstairs for the Junior boys.

you can sing, run, dance, debate or act we believe that your

family is all about; it is what Wilkie spirit is all about; without

we all have something in common and are working towards

commitment should be acknowledged. Each person is Wilkie

fear, without reproach.

closer friendships. We are planning one activity a term. We

Worthy, in his or her own right, and we have tried to highlight our diversity in that regard this year.

Wilkinson spirit is high after winning the Swimming Carnival, and we are keen to get into the other sports carnivals and keep that momentum going.

visited Scotch boarders and had a barbeque and played laser tag at Elphin. We went back to their Campus for dessert and a game of sardines - an extreme version of hide and go seek.

Relationships with tutors and Gap students allow us to thrive, socially and academically, and this is an important aspect of Boarding House life. Olivia Nibbs and Liam McLaren

They are visiting us soon.

Natasha Patrick and Joshua Corban-Banks

IN MEMORIAM Archer, Robin Basil – Class of 1946

UPCOMING EVENTS

Barratt, David Robert – Class of 1951 Boag, Roderick (Rick) Paul Harrison – Class of 1957

Launceston Grammar Boat Club

Broadland House Old Girls Association

Brammall, Charles John – Class of 1959

Inaugural Rowing Alumni Evening

Communion Service and Luncheon

Carins (Brooks), Winsome Gertrude – Class of 1940

Friday, 8 September 2017.

Thursday, 7 December 2017 at 11am.

Chamberlin, William (Bill) Robert Shackell – Class of 1952

Class of 1997 – 20 Year Reunion

Class of 2012 – 5 Year Reunion

Saturday, 23 September 2017 (tentative date).

Friday, 22 December 2017.

Embroidery and Fine Arts Exhibition

Class of 2007 – 10 Year Reunion

Ellis, Margaret Jessie – Class of 1940

Broadland Junior Campus

Saturday, 23 December 2017.

Gardner, Philip Edward Joseph – Class of 1941

Friday, 29 September – Sunday, 1 October 2017.

Launceston Grammar Chapel

Corrick, John Leonard – Class of 1946 Cunningham (Woolcock), Angie – Class of 1990 Dowling (Evans), June Jeanette – Class of 1940

Gee, Antony (Tony) – Class of 1956 Grove, Donald – Class of 1960

Remembrance Day Service

Broadland Window Dedication Service

Friday, 10 November 2017.

Thursday, 15 March 2018 at 11am.

Harper, Leith Robertson – Class of 1940

For further information on any of these events, please call the Community Engagement Team on (03) 6336 6000.

Hiscock (Atkins), Honora Margaret – Class of 1945

Melbourne Alumni Reunion Friday, 17 November 2017.

Higgins (Mantach), Lynette – Class of 1954 Hope (Baker), Marie Betty – Class of 1952 Johnston, Natalie – Class of 1989

BURLEIGH & DEAN CONSTRUCTIONS PTY. LTD. (Incorporated in Tasmania)

Master Builders & Joiners

Building Better Communities.

Contact Craig Burleigh 0417 131 976

Jones, Robin Bethune – Class of 1947 Jones, Peter Vernon – Class of 1950 Jones (Hammond), Janice – Class of 1954 Lloyd (Crawford), Joan Elaine – Class of 1944 Logan, David Leslie – Class of 1958 Lorimer, Dorothy – Class of 1946 Luck, James (Jim) Clarence – Class of 1957 McEwan (Stackhouse), Jennifer – Class of 1946 Meredith, Keith Stewart – Class of 1932 Mitchell, David – Class of 1955 Morris, John Craze – Class of 1943 Osborne (Bailey), Gillian (Gill) Mary – Class of 1946 Painton, Geoffrey Charles – Class of 1945 Palmer (Bowman), Patricia (Trish) – Class of 1956 Randall (Dent), Mae Morrison – Class of 1940 Ratcliffe, Kathleen Joan Roff, Philip Anthony Vere – Class of 1955 Shepherd, George Mervyn – Class of 1952 Shrosbree (Addison), Frances – Class of 1947 Temple-Smith, Michael Geoffrey – Class of 1963 Thomas (Fisher), Ailsa Lorraine – Class of 1954 Tucker, John William – Class of 1959 Turner (Edmond), Jane – Class of 1979 Wainman, Lucas Macain Holmes – Class of 1997 Wilkinson, Graham Neil – Class of 1943 Whilst the School makes every effort to make itself aware of the deaths of past students, it sometimes happens that information is incorrect. It is appreciated when advice is received on the passing of former students so they can be remembered. The School regrets any distress such an omission may bring to family members and loved ones.

Scholarships

GIVE THE GIFT OF LEARNING I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SINGLE GIFT OF: $50

“A scholarship is a really big deal. It has opened a lot of doors for me” Lachlan Stedman Scholarship recipient

$100

$500

$1000

Other $

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A RECURRING GIFT OF: $50 Monthly

$100

$500

For a period of

$1000 months

Other $ Quarterly

For a period of

quarters

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss: First name: Surname: Address: Postcode: Phone: Mobile: In publications and donor honour rolls I/we wish my/our names to be read as: I would like my donation to remain anonymous I would like to receive information on making a lasting contribution to the School via a bequest

HOW TO MAKE A GIFT To make a gift online please visit: www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/support-us Please find enclosed my cheque or money order – made payable to LCGS Scholarship Trust Please charge my credit card Visa Card number

Mastercard

Expiry date

Cardholder name Signature Receipt in name of (if not above) Please return in the enclosed reply paid envelope, or address to: Community Engagement Office, Launceston Church Grammar School, PO Box 136, Mowbray Heights TAS 7248. Ph: (03) 6336 6056 Email: development@lcgs.tas.edu.au

The Community Hub

CREATING OUR FUTURE I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SINGLE GIFT OF: $50

$100

$500

$1000

Other $

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A RECURRING GIFT OF: $50 Monthly

$100

$500

For a period of

$1000 months

Other $ Quarterly

For a period of

quarters

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE Mr / Mrs / Ms / Miss: First name: Surname: Address: Postcode: Phone: Mobile: Viewing Platform

In publications and donor honour rolls I/we wish my/our names to be read as: I would like my donation to remain anonymous

Archive Space

I would like to receive information on making a lasting contribution to the School via a bequest

HOW TO MAKE A GIFT To make a gift online please visit: www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/support-us Please find enclosed my cheque or money order – made payable to LCGS Building Fund Please charge my credit card Visa Card number

Mastercard

Expiry date

Cardholder name Signature Receipt in name of (if not above)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Please return in the enclosed reply paid envelope, or address to: Community Engagement Office, Launceston Church Grammar School, PO Box 136, Mowbray Heights TAS 7248. Ph: (03) 6336 6056 Email: development@lcgs.tas.edu.au

Launceston Church Grammar School 36 Button Street, Mowbray Heights 7248 Tasmania, Australia P: 03 6336 6000 F: 03 6336 5980 E: senior@lcgs.tas.edu.au www.lcgs.tas.edu.au

CRICOS Provider No.: 00650K