Quarterly Capricornus
VOL 38. No.1. APRIL 2022
LEADERSHIP
SELF BELIEF
WELLBEING
Primary students take on leadership roles Page 3
Sharni Norder talks all things bigger than sport Page 10
Finding a voice in life for every person Page 12
The Rockhampton Grammar School Grow in Character and Scholarship
www.rgs.qld.edu.au
Around the Classrooms at RGS Highlights
See all events, full details and up-to-date information at RGS Parent Lounge
PREP COOKING
YEAR 2 TWOSDAY
YEAR 3 REPTILES
YEAR 9 WORKSHOP
YEAR 12 ART
Cooks in the Kitchen
Year 2s celebrate 2
Close encounters
Keepsake boxes
Social commentary
RGS Prep students have been fine tuning their cooking skills in Term 1, and it’s more than just cooking a tasty treat! Students are improving their fine motor skills within the kitchen, like spreading and cutting, and they are also increasing their awareness of different foods and where they are grown or produced. The Prep students are also encouraged to try new foods, and it helps their confidence having their class friends around them to try new food together. Cooking is also an opportunity for students to become more familiar with kitchen routines and rules, hand washing and safety expectations.
RGS Year 2 classes joined the “Twosday” festivities in February when students and staff celebrated 22 February 2022 (22022022). Many activities in class had a “Twosday” theme. Teachers Mrs Irwin, Mrs Graff and Ms Nugent, and teacher aide Mrs Maitland, all dressed in their “Twosday” best!
Little Aussie Encounters, and their reptile friends, visited the Year 3 cohort in March. The students learnt about the different characteristics of Australian reptiles and the unique features each lizard has when living in its chosen environment. Little Aussie Encounters also showed everyone how camouflage and survival techniques help lizards stay alive in our harsh Australia bush. Due to the proximity to the Fitzroy River and surrounding farmland, Year 3 also discussed the importance of being aware of crocodiles and snakes and remembering that we are sharing their environment, so we need to be safe at all times. Getting up close and personal and handling these amazing creatures was a highlight of the incursion!
The Year 9’s in Workshop have been constructing and personalising a keepsake box to help with their storage and protection of personalised items. The students were asked to design and construct the keepsake box, following the needs and criteria of their selected client. They have been following production guidelines and plans throughout the building process, using woodworking hand skills and a variety of woodwork machinery.
Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice student Jessica Keune works on a colour reduction relief print. Students selected themes related to social commentary and were required to create an edition of prints with at least three colours. As the colours are printed students carve away the surface of a vinyl block and then progressively print colours over the top of one another. This complex type of printing takes considerable planning and can be quite challenging. In Year 12, Visual Art students investigate a focus for their work through a series of stimulus experiences and experiments. They then resolve these into more finished works.
Thank you RGS sponsors for sharing with us our mission of developing whole people through a balance of academic, sporting, co-curricular and social activities. If you would like to become a sponsor of RGS Sports or any co-curricular activity please contact Todd Wells, Director of Co-Curricular on 0488 778 300 or email twells@rgs.qld.edu.au
And for all those mathematics fans out there – the date is both a palindrome (the date reads the same from left to right and right to left) and an ambigram (the date reads the same upside down, if it’s written like digital clock numbers).
DR PHILLIP MOULDS HEADMASTER
Inside Supporting students to find their place
2
At RGS we pride ourselves on providing a learning environment that is supportive and engaging, while challenging and inspiring each student to be the best possible version of themselves. We encourage students to develop confidence through experience. To seize an opportunity, to try things, to give everything their personal best and to see every experience as a learning opportunity. By doing this, we support students to explore and find meaning and value in their lives. Opportunities present themselves to students in a myriad of ways. Many come through structured activities such as those offered in the School’s pastoral care programme, while others are identified and created by students. Throughout this issue you will read of students and alumni who are taking, and creating opportunities not only for themselves but also for others. You will also read about the way students in our co-curricular programmes are being challenged to take ownership of School pride, through positive representation of our RGS values of respect, community and responsibility. I thank parents and carers for also taking the opportunities that are offered in our School community. Whether that be through supporting School events, playing an active role in an Association, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines – it all contributes to providing students with a wonderful learning environment. Through your support we will continue to strengthen our community and encourage our children to take, and make, opportunities.
3 5 6
COMMUNITY
A Musical Treat
Triple threats ready to hit the stage LEADERSHIP
oung Leaders Y Primary leaders inducted
COMMUNITY
New Experience
Year 6 boarders reflect on Term 1 PAST STUDENTS
Adventurous Path
2021 graduate volunteers overseas COMMUNITY
10 Self Belief
Delving deeper into sport COMMUNITY
12 Helping Others
Contributing to a better life SPORTS
17 Cross Country
Hitting the ground running
18 RGS photo gallery THE FINAL WORD
20 Taking opportunities David Faiumu on life choices
The Rockhampton Grammar School takes seriously the challenge of preparing students for today’s world. We treat each student as a whole person through a balance of academic, sporting, co-curricular and social activities. Our School motto is Macte Virtute et Litteris or Grow in Character and Scholarship. Capricornus Quarterly is published by: The Rockhampton Grammar School Archer Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700, Australia www.rgs.qld.edu.au (+61) 07 4936 0600 ISSN 1839-4663 ©2022 The Rockhampton Grammar School
Dr Phillip Moulds, Headmaster 07 4936 0615 Headmaster@rgs.qld.edu.au Enrolment enquiries 1300 GRAMMAR The Registrar, Mrs Marissa Holloway 1300 GRAMMAR or 07 4936 0700 Registrar@rgs.qld.edu.au
Editorial & Advertising Ms Sue Moloney, Director Development and Communications 07 4936 0668 smoloney@rgs.qld.edu.au
On the cover:
Year 12 students are in full voice supporting their sporting house at the inter-house water polo played at the RGS Pool in Term 1.
Mrs Rachael McDonald 07 4936 0776 rmcdonald@rgs.qld.edu.au Mrs Ashleigh Harvey 07 4936 0667 aharvey@rgs.qld.edu.au
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 1
SCHOLARSHIP
Sing, dance and act: A musical treat Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the delicious musical treat being dished up by The Rockhampton Grammar School in August. Everyone has a role to play and this group of students are preparing to morph from one character to the next with their “triple threat” talents.
Singing, dancing and acting – it’s all a part of a “triple threat” in a musical production.
Kalani admits it is hard at first juggling singing, dancing and acting, but you get used to it.
Lucy Perry-Barr, Tilly Hungerford, Emerald Maddy, Tyler Bell, Charli White and Kalani Williams are taking on the challenge across a variety of roles in this year’s Secondary School musical, hitting the Pilbeam Theatre stage from 19 – 21 August.
“It’s also great hanging out with friends,’’ Kalani said.
“It doesn’t matter who you are in real life, for a few hours on stage you get to become different characters,’’ Lucy said. Charli agreed that musicals were a way to express yourself, no matter what role you get, while Emerald enjoys that each year every musical is different providing opportunities to explore different types of characters. Hectic backstage costume changes are another challenge for the “triple threat” group. “At the first dress rehearsal in the Pilbeam Theatre it’s hard to know where costume changes are and where you need to be side stage,’’ Emerald said. Tyler said musicals were the first thing that really made her go “wow”. “Singing is definitely the hardest for me, but we have really good people that teach us how to read music, hit the notes properly and you learn to harmonise,’’ Tyler said. Tilly said it was a really exciting process seeing how people grow and development into their characters.
“ It doesn’t matter who you are in real life, for a few hours on stage you get to become different characters’’ Lucy Perry-Barr
LEADERSHIP
RGS Primary Student Leaders (from left) Lachlan Robertson, Eva Wang, Jordan Hodgetts, Hatcher Cook, Allie Olive, Edward Roche, Sienna Caton, Leah Wilson and Jake Hodgetts.
Year 12 graduates join State’s best
Taking the lead The RGS 2022 Primary School Leaders have their opportunity to both development their own leadership skills and represent their fellow Primary School students. The RGS Primary Student Leaders have been elected for 2022 so let’s meet these inspiring Year 6 students:
Leah Wilson – “Leadership is about looking out for others and setting a good example for younger students.”
Lachlan Robertson – “Leadership is about humility, vision, caring and having compassion. Being a student leader is a big honour”
Jake Hodgetts – “Leadership means to be kind and look out for other people. I’m so happy to continue the Student Leader legacy and make RGS a kind and caring school.”
Eva Wang – “Being a Student Leader is an opportunity to help others and represent the School.” Jordan Hodgetts – “Leadership is about influencing others to be kind and caring.” Hatcher Cook – “Leadership means I can not only represent the School but also younger children, and my family. It’s an exciting opportunity that means a lot to me.” Allie Olive – “Leadership is looking out for others and always helping out. It’s an important role to take on.” Edward Roche – “Being a Student Leader, you need to be a good role model for younger students, you have to obey the School rules and you have to be kind, even when no-one is watching. We have good opportunities at the School.” Sienna Caton – “Being a Student Leader means representing our School and helping all around the School.”
Find out who our Primary Sporting House Captains are for 2022, page 19.
“ Leadership is about humility, vision, caring and having compassion. Being a student leader is a big honour” Lachlan Robertson
The Rockhampton Grammar School 2021 graduates Margil Rajaji, School Dux, and Cathleen Han have been acknowledged for their academic achievements, receiving Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards. This follows the success of James Vandeleur (Dux 2019) and Sansuka De Silva (Dux 2020) who were both recognised for distinguished achievement in their respective graduating cohorts. This year, 47 graduates across Queensland received a prestigious Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Achievement Award for exceptional academic achievements. Of the 47 graduates recognised only three were from outside south-east Queensland, with RGS having two of these three graduates. The School was also one of only six schools to have two or more students on the Distinguished Academic Achievers Award list for 2021 graduates. Margil is now studying a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Adelaide while Cathleen is studying a Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 3
COMMUNITY
IN THE NEWS RGS Year 12 students band together to help raise valuable funds for the Cancer Council; Harshitha Peddireddy is taking opportunities to share her voice.
United for a worthy cause
Harshitha provides a voice
RGS Year 12 students will once again this year raise valuable funds for the Cancer Council when they chop their hair in August this year. The girls will continue to grow their hair leading into the event. Thank you to all the students participating in the Ponytail Project and thank you to everyone who has already made a donation. If you wish to donate to this great cause visit the RGS Ponytail Project donation page – ponytailproject.com.au/fundraisers/2022rgsseniorgirls.
Year 12 student Harshitha Peddireddy has qualified for the State Final of the Lions Youth of the Year competition after winning the Zone and District finals. Harshitha was also accepted as a Youth Member in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP). The QYP allows young people to create real change in Queensland. Participants, known as Youth Members, are the voice of youth in their electorates, advising politicians and decision-makers across the state. They’re immersed in unique educational opportunities and experience parliamentary operation first hand, addressing topical issues.
ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE YEPPOON
4921 0399
www.luptonstewart.com.au
CREATING CONFIDENT SMILES
FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES
“ You don’t have to ask for sleepovers when you’re in boarding.” Taj Marshall
Year 6 boarders Taking an opportunity Rory, Brody, Taj, Bob, Allie and Lily have a different life to their fellow Year 6 students. They don’t go home at the end of each school day. Instead, they return to the RGS boarding community.
After school activities are filled with having fun with their friends, participating in co-curricular activities, attending Prep study sessions and having dinner in the RGS dining hall before an early lights out.
After school I play some football on the oval and I have homework around 5pm. I enjoy being around my friends all the time. I would recommend doing boarding because it’s really fun.”
Each morning the students get themselves organised, starting with getting showered and changed before having breakfast in the dining hall and then making final preparations for the school day ahead.
Taj Marshall, Agnes Water “Boarding has been really fun. You don’t have to ask for sleepovers when you’re in boarding. You get lots more opportunities to do different things. Lunch is a bit different for the boarders in Primary. You hand in your lunchbox at the dining hall each afternoon and collect it again in the morning.”
Meet our six, RGS Year 6 boarders: Rory Green, Rolleston “The other kids in Primary ask a few questions about boarding. They ask what it’s like and what the food is like. It’s really tiring going up and down that hill! There’s more opportunities at RGS and I really like the sport here. My other school only had about 60 kids.” Brody McCamley, Ulogie (between Dululu and Biloela) “I started at RGS in Year 3 and this is my first year in boarding. It’s pretty okay in boarding.
Bob Braitling, Springsure “I started at RGS in Year 5 as a day student. I used to go to Gindie State School before that. It’s been enjoyable in boarding this year. It’s pretty fun being with the older kids. My brother Bill is in Year 9, but he didn’t really give me advice about starting boarding. My advice to others thinking about boarding is to just make the most of it and have fun.”
Allie Olive, Marlborough “I started as a day student at RGS in Year 4. It’s good still being in Primary and boarding. You make lots of friends in boarding and it’s fun hanging out together. It doesn’t matter that I’m in Primary and the others boarders are in Secondary. Other primary students ask how we live without our mum and dad, but I can still call them every night.” Lily Chung, Gold Coast “This is my first year at RGS. Boarding was hard at first but then you get used to it. I had to get used to getting to sleep earlier. It’s fun hanging out with friends. It’s like a big sleepover. We do our Prep (study) time with the Year 7 boarders. I walk to school with Allie in the morning and in the afternoon after school I enjoy my dance lessons at the DMTA.”
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 5
PAST STUDENTS
ALUMNI NEWS Keep updated with more past students news in The Grammarian publication available at www.rgs.qld.edu.au/community/publications
Olivia’s adventurous path Olivia Old (RGS 2021) always planned on a Gap year after completing Year 12. Olivia is now taking that opportunity, based in the small Sri Lankan village of Ambalangoda, located south of the country’s largest city Columbo. Joining a three-month childcare volunteering programme, hosted by Plan My Gap Year (PMGY), Olivia is hoping to make a difference in the lives of young children. “I have absolutely loved the experience,’’ said Olivia, who volunteers in the girls home and lives in a three-story house, joining 50 volunteers in the accommodation. “I have been able to make a real connection with the girls and it has been very rewarding so far. They are all such happy girls. “I feel that I can contribute a lot to improving their English skills as well as just bringing some joy to their day.
Source: 2022 Good Universities Guide. CRICOS Provider Code 00117J
There’s a place for you at JCU
5 STARS FOR: Full-time Employment Learner Engagement Skills Development Social Equity Student Support
jcu.edu.au
“It’s also such a beautiful country.” PMGY programmes aim to enhance education, training, healthcare and general living conditions for those experiencing poverty. Olivia fundraised before her trip to provide the PMGY Foundation with much needed funds to help others in need. After her Sri Lankan volunteering experience, Olivia plans to work as an au pair on the French/ Spanish border for another three-months before returning to Australia and starting nursing studies at university next year.
PAST STUDENTS
Q&A Steven Deaves (RGS 1987) Nearing the end of school at RGS, Steve Deaves (RGS 1987) was unsure about what to do after school. Lucky Steve was paying attention at assembly, as an announcement about a local article clerk job was the starting point of a successful legal career, which nows includes the title of Queen’s Counsel (QC).
“ Every case has a barrister on the other side who is trying to make you lose. It’s the ultimate competition.” Steven Deaves
CQ: What does it mean to have been appointed a Queen’s Counsel? SD: “For me, being appointed as a QC demonstrates that you don’t have to go to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne to reach the pinnacle of your profession. If kids love living in their home town they can still achieve their career goals without having to leave. The difference between a barrister and a QC is wearing a very long wig and having different robes, I now wear a silk robe, which reflects on the term ‘taking the silk’ instead of the woollen robe. It’s a different uniform and different title, but I’m also expected to take on more of a leadership and mentoring role at the bar.” CQ: Are many regional barristers recognised as QCs? SD: “I’m only the fifth Rockhampton-based QC in history. In Queensland, there are only 137 QCs – out of which, just six are based outside of Brisbane.” CQ: How do you become a QC? SD: “I applied in August and received the confirmation of the appointment on 2 December. An entire investigation was conducted by a sub-committee of experienced QCs who looked at the applicants’ careers and spoke to other barristers and solicitors who have worked with and against them. A recommendation is then made to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who then confers with the judiciary, and then makes a recommendation to the Governor as the Queen’s representative in Queensland.”
CQ: Where did your legal career start? SD: “After completing studies at The Rockhampton Grammar School, I undertook an Articles of the Clerkship at South & Geldard while at the same time doing a Bachelor of Laws study externally through QUT. In 1993, I was admitted as a solicitor and became a partner at South & Geldard Lawyers in 1996. I left the firm in 2011 to become a barrister.” CQ: Do you miss being a solicitor? SD: “I enjoy that this job (barrister) is intellectually challenging and every case is different. Every case has a barrister on the other side who is trying to make you lose. It’s the ultimate competition. I do miss the team aspect of working as a solicitor where you have other people to bounce ideas off whereas working as a barrister I’m often on my own.” CQ: Any tips for budding solicitors or barristers? SD: “Do work experience to try and get a picture of what it’s really like (not like what you see on TV); get some contacts from work experience; have a part time job in an unrelated field – get life experience outside of law; become a solicitor first before becoming a barrister. It helps with maturity and helps understand more about the soliticor’s job. It also gives you more knowledge as a barrister about how you can assist the solicitor and their clients.”
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 7
WE SEE YOU GETTING AHEAD WITH START UNI NOW Kickstart your degree with Start Uni Now (SUN), a CQUniversity initiative that allows you to study university-level units while in Years 10*, 11 and 12. You’ll get an insight into the expectations of university study, and successful completion of SUN study may make you eligible for direct entry^ into your chosen course and credit towards your degree.
Find out more www.cqu.edu.au/sun
‘When I graduate from high school I’m not facing the big change into university. I’m also spending less time completing my degree.’ Lily Moss SUN STUDENT
CRICOS: 00219C | RTO: 40939
TAFE AND UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS *Year 10 students are eligible for Term 3 enrolment only. ^Conditions apply. Some courses are not eligible for direct entry. Visit cqu.edu.au/sun for full details.
P_AD_220047_SUN_RGS
COMMUNITY
Taking ownership of school pride Playing sport and activities means many different things to many different people. A common underlying factor for every sporting participant should be a set of values both the individual, or a team, agrees to and acts upon – both on and off the sporting field. RGS Director of Co-Curricular Mr Todd Wells is calling for students to take the lead in making a difference. RGS Director of Co-Curricular knows what it is like to live and breath school pride. While now leading the Secondary School’s cocurricular programme, Mr Wells is also a past student of the school, graduating in 1995, who during his school days loved nothing more than representing RGS. “Red and Black. Loud and Proud,’’ Mr Wells said. This is the mantra he wants every RGS student to take on when they are representing the School, whether it be on the football field, the netball court or in a music rehearsal. Mr Wells also identifies the importance of the RGS students taking ownership of this pride. While expectations have always existed, Mr Wells now wants to take this from the pages of a book or the back of someone’s mind to the forefront of everyones minds.
challenged every single day to try and improve and we want students to be the best they can be. Excelling in a sport isn’t necessarily representing your region or State, it could be playing in a 7B team and then progressing to the 8A team the following year,’’ Mr Wells said. “It’s not about where you start but where you finish and we also want coaches to work with students who are coachable, which is where students need to identify with the values of Respect, Community and Responsibility. “You learn resilience through sport and activities. It also helps you manage your time and can provide a good balance in life. “It’s about learning more from a loss than a win, testing your character and helping your team mates. We want students looking out for each other and supporting each other around the School.”
“ We want students looking out for each other and supporting each other around school.” Mr Todd Wells
“Fundamentally, at School, we’re trying to use co-curricular to help students also develop life skills which is incredibly important both while they are at School and after they finish School,’’ Mr Wells said. Mr Wells, along with RGS Co-Curricular student captains and Teachers-in-Charge of sports and activities, have identified core values and the levels of participation on offer at RGS. “The students provided the input by voting on core values they could focus on when representing the School,’’ Mr Wells said. “We don’t have one sporting group living by a different standard to others. We want everyone to have the same values.” Three key values identified were – Respect, Community and Responsibility. Sitting above the expected values are the levels of participation available to all students – Participation, Challenge and Excel. “It starts with students simply signing up, turning up and having a go. We also want students to have the opportunity to be THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 9
COMMUNITY
SELF BELIEF DARE TO DREAM
Former Australian Diamonds netballer Sharni Norder (nee Layton) achieved more than she had ever hoped for pursuing her sporting goals. The champion athlete, who is now Head Coach and Program Manager at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) in Melbourne, arrived at RGS to coach our netballers with all the energy she unleashed playing in both her netball career and playing AFLW for Collingwood.
Sharni Norder hits the court, working on players’ passing techniques, setting up on defence and driving to the ball, but it’s when the training drills stop that RGS netballers gained a greater insight into the former Australian Diamonds netballer and AFLW player. Fielding insightful questions, Sharni informed the girls there is more to life than being fortunate to play elite sport. One student question was, “Would your younger self be proud of the person you are now and all the achievements you have made?” “Yes absolutely,’’ Sharni said. “I think sometimes we judge ourselves so much when we are younger. I think it made me who I was and made me push myself to who I am. It wasn’t always positive. But I achieved more than I ever could have ever hoped for or believed. You really don’t know what you’re capable of. There’s no one stopping you from doing what you want to do. “I’ve met people from all walks of life. They aren’t all nice and there’s nothing special about them. But they all work hard, some have an easier leg up than others but it doesn’t mean you can’t get there. So I would say never put a lid on yourself. It’s only your own beliefs holding you back.” 10 / THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY
Sharni said there was so much more than being a great athlete, or whatever you want to do in life, than what it just looks like on the top. “It’s really important that you find a mentor to tell you what else you can do because you don’t know what you don’t know,’’ Sharni said. Time management and being organised were also an important messages for the students. Sharni’s tip was to sit down on a Sunday and go through the week’s schedule, writing down your school programme and any sport or work commitments – not forgetting to include time with family and friends. “Have it written down so you can stick to it and hold yourself accountable for that. Reward yourself if you stick to it and there’s punishments if you don’t. If it ever got too much for me I would talk to my teachers,’’ Sharni said. Juggling training and study/work commitments since she was a teenager, Sharni also advised the students be self aware of when they were feeling rundown. “It’s important knowing when you are getting really run down and asking yourself if you need a break one night from sports training. That needs to be more accepted in sport. You can do a lot in a short amount of
COMMUNITY
“ You don’t always have to get along with each other but you do need to be respectful of other people.” Sharni Norder
time, but not all the time. It’s also important than when you do achieve things that you give yourself a pat on the back.” Reflecting on her netball career, Sharni said it was important for coaches to encourage the players, help them do the basics well and keep things in perspective. Sharni said it was also important to have selfless players in a team. “Create a safe space and safe environment to allow people to be who they are. You don’t always have to get along with each other but you do need to be respectful of other people,” Sharni said. “You have to be kind and courteous and take on other peoples’ feedback. Look at what you can do as both a coach and a player. Do everything you can to get the most out of yourself.” Sharni said it was also important to take self-responsibility for your own role in a team. “Stamp out any bullying. Enjoy the company you are with. Allow people to ask questions. Don’t shut them down. It’s about you and the team creating a vision and all buying into that vision. The vision has to be about the whole team.” When she’s not helping shape the next generation of netball enthusiasts, Sharni is back enjoying horse riding again, but doesn’t think she’ll make the Australian Olympic equestrian team now.
Sharni Norder works with RGS netballers in Duggan Hall during her memorable visit to the School in Term 1.
riversidewaters.com.au Mark Shore 0418 799 222 David Bell 0409 285 062
COMMUNITY
“ ...we encourage our students to aim as high as they can, to be curious, confident and ambitious...” Mrs Alison Wright, Head of School, Students
COMMUNITY
Preparing for life: finding yourself RGS students have a life ahead of them that remains in the imagination; many will do jobs that do not yet exist using technologies that have not yet been developed; they will be moving in a society whose boundaries, both physical and mental, will have moved. The simple delivery of knowledge is no longer enough, and the students of today need to learn the skills that will allow them to operate in this brave new world.
“At The Rockhampton Grammar School, we encourage our students to aim as high as they can, to be curious, confident, and ambitious; at the same time, we urge them not to fear failure and to see challenge and adversity as opportunities, not obstacles. All this we do both in the classroom and outside, be it on the sporting field or the stage. RGS is committed to promoting the wellbeing of every student. Our Pastoral Care Programme aims to foster strong character development, a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude to life and school. Nurturing the individual provides benefits in all areas of life and we strongly believe it is important to help our students develop the tools and mindset to help them grow in character and go further. Learning to grow in character is a fundamental part of our educational philosophy. Our Pastoral Care Programme is divided into four components: Wellbeing, Study Skills, Leadership and Careers. Wellbeing at RGS is inspired by the principles of the SEARCH framework: S
Strengths
E
Emotional Management
A
Attention and Awareness
R
Relationships
C
Comprehension Coping
H
Habits and Goals
This framework suggests that building wellbeing is influenced by: How we relate to others (strengths, virtues, and relationships); How our emotions filter our experiences (emotional management); What we focus on (attention and awareness); How we can help students understand, express and manage social aspects of learning (relationships); How we perceive and react to the world (comprehension and coping); and what we are motivated to do and achieve in life (habits and goals). Our Heads of Year work with the Head of School Students to devise a Year 7 to 12 Pastoral Programme to ensure students receive the latest insights to equip them with the skills to thrive and make positive choices in this ever-changing world.
“ Everything comes from being kind and responding in a kind way” Mrs Kate Harris, Head of Primary
Our Form groups provide an opportunity for each student to be supported in their personal journey. At the heart is the provision of a gratitude journal that encourages students to record their thoughts, successes, challenges and identify what they are grateful for. There is a team of passionate, highly skilled and experienced people around every student.” Mrs Alison Wright – Head of School, Students
RGS Secondary students gather for their weekly Wellbeing Committee meeting.
Learning compassion early RGS Head of Primary Mrs Kate Harris has a simple message when it comes to everyone acknowledging the important value of “compassion”. “Everything comes from being kind and responding in a kind way,’’ Mrs Harris said. It can be a challenge for adults, let alone young children. “Little people need to know how to identify emotions in themselves before they can identify emotions in others,’’ Mrs Kate Harris said. Mrs Harris has asked children to look at the Five Finger Strategy to Assist with Assertive Play. “You’ll always come across conflict. It’s normal,’’ Mrs Harris said.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 13
COMMUNITY
“We provide students with strategies on how to manage that, if someone is being mean or unkind. How do they get their voices across?” Mrs Harris said they also looked at teaching young children boundaries. “It’s okay to say, ‘I’m not okay with that’ and others need to learn to accept that response,’’ Mrs Harris said. “It’s a culture of kindness. It takes a long time.” RGS Primary will look at “respect” in Term 2. “It’s learning about self-discipline and respecting everyone’s viewpoint, not necessarily agreeing with it, and understanding different people’s backgrounds.”
Student Wellbeing “Upon commencing at RGS in 2021, I felt students, particularly in Year 11 were missing agency and leadership opportunities in the lead up to Year 12. I decided to open up time for
students on a Friday morning, to focus on and discuss matters important to them. Soon the Friday meeting became an essential part of the school week as our small humble beginnings as a group of no more than a handful of students turned into an impressive group. In less than a year, we have hosted bake sales, raised funds for charities, raised awareness for social and cultural events and impressively created a committee for cultural awareness for RGS. This year we have high hopes to continue the good work started last year and give back to our community. Our students are passionate young men and women who are determined to leave a positive mark on the world. It is an honour to watch students find their voices and are a true inspiration.” Mrs Amy Challacombe- Head of Year 11, Wellbeing Committee Chair
14 / THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY
COMMUNITY
RGS: Year of the GOAT
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING •
Self-Awareness Recognising one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges.
•
Responsible Decision-Making Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behaviour.
•
Relationship Skills Forming positive relationships, working in teams, dealing effectively with conflict.
•
Social Awareness Showing understanding and empathy for others.
•
Self-Management Managing emotions and behaviours to achieve one’s goals.
2
1
3
RGS School Captains (Faith and George) and Vice Captains (Mary and Henry) attended a leadership conference before the school year where they explored the legacy they could have as Seniors. They already knew they valued the School Motto of “Grow in Character and Scholarship”, however, they also wanted a mantra that represented their collective group and all that they want to achieve across the year. They decided 2022 is the year to be the GOAT! G
Greatness – This is the ability for all students to find their strengths, making the most of the many opportunities the School has, and then achieving their very best in their endeavours. It is important for us all to remember that greatness, first, needs to come from the confidence and appreciation you have for yourself. The saying, ‘you need to believe in yourself before you can believe in others’ is crucial in creating the foundation for greatness. O
Openness – The ability to experience failure and not close ourselves off, allowing others to give us advice and pick us back up during the difficult times. This year, as a school, we have already had many setbacks, and I’m sure everyone has experienced their own personal challenges, but it is how we remain positive and feel comfortable through seeking support from others that will allow us to keep 2022 on a great track. A
Approachable – If you see someone going through a difficult time or not acting quite like their usual selves, be there for them. Ask them if they are alright. Make conversation with them whether you talk about their weekend or what they had for breakfast. Although it may seem like nothing to you and only takes a few minutes out of your day, the positive affect a friendly conversation can have on others cannot be measured. And if a feeling that you cannot relate to is shared by someone, try putting yourself in their shoes to understand why their actions and emotions may be so different to yours. 1. Head of Year 7 Mrs Michelle Rundle works with the Year 7 students to “Be Better as One” 2. Year 12 students help out and have a chat at the Prep Easter Egg Hunt. 3. The Primary Friday Sports Gala Day allowed Primary students to reconnect with team sport.
T
Togetherness – No matter what grade you are in, or whether you’re a boarder or a day student, we are all one team. None of us are as good as all of us, so it is crucial to always look out for each other, to include everyone, and leave no one behind, as this is the only way we will all be able to move forward. Working together means that we can further develop all aspects of the school, allowing it to be a place that we all grow to love, as it remains a crucial part of us forever.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 15
CO-CURRICULAR
Grand Final Showdowns RGS students played in season deciders across cricket, rugby union and water polo in Term 1.
Rugby Union The RGS Open Girls team won their Rugby 7s premiership in the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools rugby union competition with a 10-7 win over Emmaus College. RGS U13 Boys, U15 Boys, First XV Boys and U13 Girls finished runners-up. Results/ RGS players of the final: U13 girls: TCC d RGS, 20-7/ Milleah Fulford U13 boys: St Brendan’s d RGS 27-7/ Tom Geddes U15 boys: St Brendan’s d RGS 31-5/ Cormack Werner Open girls: RGS d Emmaus 10-7/ Alenna Whipp First XV boys: St Brendan’s d RGS 15-12/ Ryan Francis
Cricket RGS Red won the Rockhampton Cricket Association Division 1 premiership with a 106 run win against Cap Coast. Batting first, RGS made 5-224 off their 35 overs with Rory Connor unbeaten on 107 runs (off 81 balls). Riley McDonald (38) and Charlie Hewitt (21) were also among the runs. In reply, Cap Coast finished at 7-118 with Euan Austin taking 4 for 12 (7 overs) and Jack Simmonds taking 2 for 6 (4 overs). In the Division 2 grand final, Grammar Black lost to Norths by 91 runs. Norths batted first making 6 for 167 with five RGS bowlers taking a wicket each. In reply, RGS finished at 8 for 76 with Vidath Wedisinghe top scoring with 25 runs. In the Division 3 grand final, Brothers defeated RGS. Lachlan Lewis finished with three wickets while Axel Allen top scored for RGS. RGS Year 12 students Henry Dingle and Brad Taylor also featured in grand finals action, joining the Frenchville team that won the A grade premiership against Gracemere.
Water Polo RGS students competed in the Term 1 Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Water Polo Grand Finals at the RGS Pool. Final Scores: (Senior Boys Grand Final) RGS d St Brendan’s 10-6 (Senior Girls Grand Final) St Ursula’s d RGS 9-6 (Finals play-offs) (Senior Boys) TCC d RGS Goats 5-3 (Junior Mixed) St Brendan’s d RGS 10-7 The inter-school water polo competition resumes at the RGS Pool in Term 4.
AROUND THE GROUNDS Cricket
Primary Gala Day
Rugby Union
The RGS First XI cricket team progressed to the next round of the StreetSmarts Secondary Schools statewide cricket competition, next playing the Mackay district winner in Term 3. The First XI had a win over TCC while the Year 7 – 9 team lost their Rockhampton regional final against TCC.
RGS Year 5 and Year 6 students had their chance to resume Friday Sport late in Term 1 at the Primary Friday Sport Gala Day. Students participated in football and Australian Rules Football, competitive and noncompetitive, along with tee-ball.
The RGS First XV rugby union team finished runnersup to Downlands College (Toowoomba) in the Regional Rugby Championships at RGS Rugby Park. The RGS U15s missed out on their division final. RGS players of the championship were brothers Dominic (First XV) and Henry Kallquist (U15s).
CO-CURRICULAR
Cross Country Age Champions 6 Years Girls
Mahalia Van Der Loos
6 Years Boys
Nicholas Winslade
7 Years Girls
Molly Garland
7 Years Boys
Euan Macnaughtan
8 Years Girls
Indianna Winslade
8 Years Boys
Henry Houghton
9 Years Girls
Emma Hansen
9 Years Boys
Oliver Lau
10 Years Girls
Bonnie Tweed
10 Years Boys
Alexander Winslade
11 Years Girls
Megan Nguyen
11 Years Boys
Lachlan Robertson
12 Years Girls
Grace Francis
12 Years Boys
Blake Kraatz
13 Years Girls
Sophie Wright
13 Years Boys
Vidath Wedisinghe
14 Years Girls
Lainey Foot
14 Years Boys
Henry Lau
15 Years Girls
Darcie Moore
15 Years Boys
Bronson Carlos
16 Years Girls
Mackenzie Little
16 Years Boys
Kaelan Etherden
Open Years Girls
Ella McCauley
Open Years Boys
Ulrich Kruger
Champion House
Wheatley
Swimming
Futsal and Basketball
Netball
Water Polo
RGS boys played in the Term 1 Futsal competition while the girls hit the basketball court. The boys basketball teams hit the court in Term 2 while the girls futsal competition is played in Term 4.
RGS Magic and Storm teams played in the Champagnat Cup, hosted by Marist College in Emerald. Magic was undefeated in winning the Open division while Storm lost their Development final by just one goal against Marist. Emerald State High School and All Souls St Gabriels School (Charters Towers) also competed.
The annual RGS inter-house water polo competition returned to the RGS Pool in Term 1 with houses vying for the Etherington and Kele Families Shield. Jardine won the title this year and winning both the Junior and Senior divisions.
RGS Year 11 student Taryn Roberts cleaned up at the Queensland Schools Swimming Championships. Representing Capricornia, Taryn won 7 gold medals and 3 silver medals. Taryn was also named Female Swimmer of the Meet.
GALLERY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Year 8’s Eric John Dennis joins the RGS Music Workshop; Prep’s Adelaide Geddes loved catching up with the Easter Bunny; Bri Mauger (Year 12) assists her sister Jade (Year 8) from the rugby field; Kiana Van Der Loos (Year 4), Mackenzie Sotelo (Year 3) and Anabella Van Der Loos (Year 3) prepare for netball; Year 12 students Georgia List and Sophie Smith; Alex Hardy (Year 12) at the inter-house water polo; Year 3’s Alessandra Gazal gets a closer look during the reptile visit; Year 12’s Lacey Robertson joins the Wednesday Morning Tea fun; Year 12’s Nash Beak cools off at the sweltering Rugby Championships at Rugby Park; Mackenzie Wright, Year 12, helps with Year 7 Thursday Sport.
18 / THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY
GALLERY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rory Connor, Year 10, celebrates a century in the Division 1 cricket grand final; Abbey Dewar, Year 9, gets creative in workshop; Oliver Lau joins the Harry Potter Day activities in Year 4; Honu Cedergreen, Year 6, is all smiles at tee-ball; Lana Trump and Noah Jasperson, both Year 4, on their first day of school at RGS; Madeleine Tzioutzias hits the books in Year 7; Gabby Macrae (Year 11), Abbey Harvey (Year 10) and Darcie Moore (Year 10) wrap up another big cricket season; RGS Primary Sporting House Captains for
2022 – (from left) Megan Nguyen and Orlando Godsmark (Wheatcroft), Olivia Corrigan and Toby Janes (Wheatley), Hollie Richmond and Max Cottam (Kellow) and Olivia Rundle and Oliver McCosker (Jardine); Hannah Carlton, Year 1, makes a colourful creation to start the school year; Year 7’s Blake Kraatz makes an attacking run at futsal; sisters Emma Hilber, Year 7, and Mikaela Hilber, Year 9, attend Choir practice in the Memorial Assembly Hall.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 19
Q&A
The final word David Faiumu left New Zealand as a 17-year-old to play rugby league at the Canberra Raiders. He would later player for the North Queensland Cowboys and Huddersfield Giants, in England. During that time, David also had the opportunity to help young people find their way in life. Now he’s lending a helping hand at RGS. “I left New Zealand as a 17-year-old and arrived at the Canberra Raiders. I had no family, had to adapt to shared living and wasn’t at all prepared for what was to come. I had to fend for myself. I had to learn things like setting up bank accounts, getting a driver’s licence, cooking, and learning a new way of life at a professional sporting organisation and in new social setting. I played in the various age groups and state leagues at the Raiders, then moved to Rockhampton for a year where I played with the Capras before going to Townsville for five years with the Cowboys. I then went to England with Huddersfield.
David Faiumu
RGS INDIGENOUS LIAISON OFFICER HEAD OF RUGBY BOARDING SUPERVISOR
A big part of what the Cowboys do is their work in the communities across North Queensland. Players were assigned to different schools and communities. Most of my community engagements were done in the aboriginal community of Palm Island and also the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre. I’d run rugby league clinics on behalf of the Cowboys and talk about living healthier lifestyles through sport and exercise and would deliver other wellbeing initiatives. This is something, that to this day, the NQ Cowboys do well and something I loved about the club. Most of the kids in Cleveland and on Palm Island were from similar communities and backgrounds that I grew up in New Zealand so it was easy to connect with these young kids. I was away from my home in New Zealand but that kept me in touch with where I came from. Following Townsville, I continued to my career playing in the English Super League for eight years. Again, my club in England adopted strong community values and was heavily involved in community-based initiatives throughout schools and local amateur clubs, hospitals and charities. Again, this is something I’ll always look back on and be proud that I experienced. Post retirement from footy, I continued coaching/development roles in Huddersfield, in New Zealand and now here in Rockhampton, which has put me in good stead to pass some teachings to our Grammar students. Sports has been a great vehicle for me to work with different people, cultures and organisations to learn some incredible lessons
20 / THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY
in life and now I have the opportunity at RGS to pass on some of the things that I have been fortunate enough to experience. For me, I feel it’s vital that our students understand who they are and where they come from and to be proud of it every day. When you are a part of an institution or sporting code for so long you can lose that identity, or never understand what it means to have your own identity. This is something that I love helping students and players to discover and reinforce. For many of the Indigenous Students at RGS this is a world away from where they come from. This is a big step for them. I just tell them to embrace it and have an open mind. I say you have a wonderful opportunity to come to a great school, make the most of it and enjoy the opportunities that will come your way if you decide to make the most of your time here at RGS.
“ Sport has been a vehicle for me to work with different people and learn some good lessons in life.” David Faiumu
When I’m in boarding you get your parent hat on. You are always on them about different things, waking up on time, uniforms, have you brushed your teeth, are you ready for Prep, do you have your homework, when’s assessment due, tidy up. It’s like being at home and what I say to my kids. It seems somewhat natural to me. My roles at Grammar vary from helping coaches with skills training on the field, teaching lifts in the gym, creating wellbeing plans for students, organising cultural workshops, communicating, and liaising with administration and teaching staff to sitting in Prep with Boarding students. It can be a challenge to juggle all three roles some days (Indigenous Coordinator, Head of Rugby and Boarding Supervisor), but I get to impact someone’s life every day. I can change or help create someone’s story.”
Mark Shore 0418 799 222 David Bell 0409 285 062
33 years of bringing timeless design home
Follow us www.hbandco.com.au 116 Denham Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700
