Capricornus Quarterly Volume 35, No.1, April 2019 by The Rockhampton Grammar School

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April 2019 35; No. 1 e m u l o V u.au s.qld.ed www.rg

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Time to thrive and shine! Celebrating the success of students and welcoming new families to RGS. Page 10

• RGS unveils its Indigenous rugby jersey • Getting stuck into apprenticeships The Rockhampton Grammar School | Every opportunity. Every student. Every day.

• Hands up if you’re against bullying

The Rockhampton Grammar School | Grow in Character and Scholarship

SEE ALL EVENTS, FULL DETAILS AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION AT WWW.RGS.QLD.EDU.AU/CALENDAR

What’s coming up at RGS – Highlights RGS Formal 2019 Friday 3 May All the glamour and more at the Spaceframe followed by dinner and dancing at the Rockhampton Showgrounds for the class of 2019.

RGS Parent Association Meeting Friday 17 May 8.30am Boardroom

Last Day of Term 2 Friday 28 June

Are you a member yet? Learn more at www.rgs.qld.edu. au/parent-association

CQ Rowing Championships Starts Saturday 29 June Bundaberg

RGS Race Day 2019 Saturday 4 May

RGS Scholarship Exams Saturday 1 June 9.00am

QISSN Carnival 1-5 July, Bundaberg

A great day at Callaghan Park, benefitting The 1881 Endowment, which helps families access RGS. Buy tickets at www.trybooking.com/ BBKCW. You must present your printed ticket at the gate!

For students from across Queensland entering Year 7 or Year 10, boarding or day, in 2020. Register by 22 May and learn more at www.rgs. qld.edu.au/opportunity

Best of luck to RGS at the 20th anniversary Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival. More information and schedules at www.shalom2019.com

RGS Parent Association Mother’s Day Luncheon Friday 10 May

RGS Red Shield Appeal Sunday 2 June

Confraternity 1-5 July, Bundaberg

Join the celebrations and entertainment, bring some friends and meet some new ones. Buy tickets at www. trybooking.com/BBLLR

Join in with hundreds of students, staff and parents doorknocking on behalf of The Salvation Army’s signature fundraising drive, supporting social and community services.

Go the Red & Black at Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League Confraternity Carnival. More information and schedules at www.shalom2019.com

National Boarding Week Starts Sunday 12 May

RGS @ ICPA Conference Starts Wednesday 5 June

First Day of Term 3 Tuesday 23 July

RGS students will join the Boarders Run Australia Walk/Run for Australian Boarding Schools Association National Boarding Week on the Bottom Oval.

RGS attends the annual Queensland Isolated Childrens’ Parents’ Association conference, A World of Connections, held this year in Charters Towers.

Matilda – The Musical 9, 10, and 11 August The Pilbeam Theatre Tickets at seeitlive.com.au

NAPLAN Tests Starts Tuesday 14 May

RGS @ The Rocky Show Thursday 13 June

Year 9, 7, 5 and 3 sit the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy exams, the annual national assessment in reading, writing, language conventions and numeracy.

Drop in and see RGS staff at the Showgrounds, including the RGS Show Cattle Team. More information at www. rockyshow.com.au/Home

RGS Parent Association Kids and Dads’ Fun Day Sunday 18 August Get out there and play, have lunch and then play some more with RGS families across the School. Learn more at www.rgs.qld.edu. au/parent-association

Thank you RGS Sport sponsors for sharing with us our mission of developing whole people through a balance of academic, sporting, Co-curricular and social activities.

From Australian Rules to Water Polo, RGS students compete in approximately 20 sporting activities including Basketball, Golf, Netball, Tennis and more. We encourage students across all year levels to embrace the benefits of joining in. If you’d like to join in as a sponsor of RGS Sports or any Co-curricular activity such as Music, Show Cattle or Theatre please contact Mike Donahue, Director of Development and Communications on 0409 309 782 or Director of Co-curricular Mr Todd Wells on 0488 778 300.

Dr Phillip Moulds

John Casey

Headmaster

2019 marks a special year in the Moulds household. After having commenced at RGS in 2009, our son Lachlan is in Year 12. He has just completed Term 1 and has already completed a university application. I am very proud of not only his efforts this term, but also the efforts of all the students at RGS. This is not limited to the academic areas either. This edition of outlines just some of the activities that RGS students have been engaging in, in the classroom, on the sporting field, on the stage and in the support of others. In looking through Lachlan’s university application I started thinking about what thoughts I could share with you in preparation for Term 2. Whilst the points below are not startling, I hope that they provide some room for thought and discussion among parents, teachers and students.

There are a large number of activities that will allow us all to thrive and shine.

•

inside CQ Volume 35 No. 1 April 2019

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CHARACTER, SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY

5 News Briefs

RGS wins one of only 12 National Teaching in

Excellence Awards; 2019 Leaders announced; Bullying? No way; Vale Frank Luck; and more including Past Students News.

Be all that you can be. Find out what you are really good at and what you really enjoy doing. Most students from RGS will find great satisfaction in meaningful work. Set high goals for yourself and pursue them with passion. Get excited about ideas, about thinking, about the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Understand though, that however hard you try you will have your failures. They are inevitable and shouldn’t be feared. The key to success is the ability to bounce back and be resilient in the face of these failures.

Year 12 student Lamech Kingsburra-

Don’t feel you always have to be “cool”. What is cool anyway? Be the type of person that people want to be with – warm, loyal, caring, honest, trustworthy and gracious.

SCHOLARSHIP

•

Have a positive mindset. Spread optimism and hope throughout your day. Rather than complaining that “I have to do this” think about “I get to do this!”

•

Don’t choose things on the basis of wealth or status. It is by far better to be happy writing a sonnet rather than miserable as a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

•

Ask questions and listen to the answers. Being interested in other people and things provides you with understanding and gives them value and purpose.

I look forward to seeing everyone around RGS in Term 2. There are a large number of activities, opportunities and challenges that will allow us all to thrive and shrine.

CHARACTER

8 Sporting a new design

Gilmartin wears his love for rugby on his sleeves – as do his teammates, who are wearing RGS’s first Indigenous jersey, designed by their artist/athlete friend.

10 Statewide report shows RGS leading

QCAA data reveals RGS has largest local OP-

eligible cohort and outcomes that are the best.

CHARACTER, SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY

12 Getting stuck into it

Apprenticeships give students a head start and put local businesses a step ahead.

CHARACTER, SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY

14 Best of both worlds

Boarder Nick Storey explains how he maintains close ties to home, the land and his mates.

CHARACTER, SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY

16 Their passions help others

The Rockhampton Grammar School Archer Street Rockhampton QLD 4700, Australia www.rgs.qld.edu.au (+61) 07 4936 0600 ISSN 1839-4663

Enrolment enquiries 1300 GRAMMAR The Registrar, Mrs Marissa Holloway 1300 GRAMMAR or 07 4936 0700 Fax 07 4936 0701 Registrar@rgs.qld.edu.au

18 RGS Sports briefs and Cultural highlights

LAST WORD

22 Hold that note

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. Dr Phillip Moulds, Headmaster 07 4936 0615 Headmaster@rgs.qld.edu.au

Outside School hours these RGS teachers are making a difference.

20 RGS Photo Album

COVER: Year 1 students Maya Williams, Johanna Hempseed and Aidon Li were eager to share their RGS experience during taping of a new video that welcomes new families to School. Watch the video at www.rgs.qld.edu.au/prep

Capricornus Quarterly is published by:

Editorial & Advertising Mr Mike Donahue, Director Development and Communications 07 4936 0654 mdonahue@rgs.qld.edu.au Mrs Rachael McDonald 07 4936 0776 rmcdonald@rgs.qld.edu.au Mrs Ashleigh Harvey 07 4936 0667 aharvey@rgs.qld.edu.au

CQUniversity lecturers admire the

persistence of music students.

rgs.qld.edu.au

Capricornus Quarterly is printed on quality silk art which is 100% recycled (FSC recycled certified SGS-COC-2260; certified carbon neutral and chlorine free) by City Printing Works, Rockhampton.

The Rockhampton Grammar School | Grow in Character and Scholarship

CHARACTER & SCHOLARSHIP

Old School ties at Grandparents Day

Maya Williams’ grandparents, Arthur and Shirley Hick (pictured with Maya), shared many interesting items and memories from their childhoods at the Year 1 Grandparents Day. Among them were photos taken when Arthur’s father was a foreman on works to School House, when the brick exterior extension was added (below). Arthur attended Berserker State School. He would walk 20 minutes to school. “I started as a 4-year-old in 1949. Year 5, I did it a second time because

I couldn’t keep up,’’ Arthur said. Shirley was a student at the old Glenmore State School and later attended what was Central Girls School in the mid-1950s. “We never wore shoes to school. We used to walk through a cow paddock to Glenmore, through barb wired fences and then walk over the railway line. I had a good brother who always used to put his foot on the barb wire and lift it up so I could crawl through,’’ Shirley said. Primary school has changed since Maya’s grandparents attended, but many things are still the same.

“We read, and we write, and we do maths, and we do counting,’’ Maya said.’’ The Hick family has a strong connection to the School. Their daughters Natalie (RGS 1987) and Tracey (RGS 1988) both attended RGS and now Natalie’s children Maya (Year 1) and Joshua (Year 4) attend the School as do Tracey’s children, Clay (Year 6) and Chloe (Year 6).

COMMUNITY

STEAMing up STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers are growing. So is the need for students to develop creative and critical thinking skills. RGS is inviting community and industry partner organisations and individuals to support this endeavour by donating time, energy and expertise to the School. Perhaps you are an engineer or pharmacist, an artist or scientist, or in another profession that draws together the skills of these different disciplines in an interactive way. If so, we would love your help by developing students’ interests and abilities. Please contact teachers Alana Mikkelsen (amikkelsen@rgs.qld.edu. au) or Nikki Kelly (nkelly@ rgs.qld.edu.au). Thank you.

SCHOLARSHIP

Leadership, a role for everyone The Rockhampton Grammar School Primary and Secondary Student Leaders for 2019 share a common bond: they all love what their School has to offer in terms of both education and co-curricular activities. They are also individuals, each contributing their own personality and perspective to their leadership role. Away from the classroom these students might pursue their interests in sport, dance or love of the land. It is this same uniqueness and energy that every student has at RGS. The badge provides an opportunity for our Primary and Secondary Student Leaders to not only regularly meet with the Headmaster and Head of Primary to discuss School matters but also creates an avenue to create more leaders at the School by setting a good example and inspiring others to pursue their own goals and become leaders in their own right. Leadership does not start or stop at the School gates. It is an ongoing journey in life in a variety of situations.

And it is not limited to students. Around 60 RGS staff have participated in the RGS Leadership Programme, under the guidance of Stephen Scott. The programme provides an opportunity for staff to step outside of their comfort zone, just as students are faced with on a regular basis, and discover their own unique leadership qualities – identifying both strengths and weaknesses. Stephen Scott has developed The 15 Disciplines to help guide staff through their leadership journey. The underlying theory of The 15 Disciplines, according to the author, is this: “Take care of your team and they will take care of you. A world where leaders think more about others than they do themselves is a world that will achieve extraordinary productivity.”

Above, Secondary School: Vice Captain Cane Comiskey, Captain Olivia Maynard, Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds, Captain Sean McDonald and Vice Captain Paige Baker. Below, Primary School: (back from left) Riley McDonald, Taylor Brock, Josh Peckett, Toby Rowland; (front from left) Lily Cooling, Lola Muir, Alessandra Williams and Ava Roche.

Read more about RGS leaders: www.rgs.qld.edu.au/news/view/409/ www.rgs.qld.edu.au/news/view/393/ Learn more about The 15 Disciplines at www.the15disciplines.com.au

COMMUNITY

Matilda and cast wait in the wings

RGS brings the worldrenowned musical Matilda to Central Queensland. Adapted for the stage by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, Roald Dahl’s much-loved book tells the story of a gifted girl

with a horrible family. “It is amazing to offer something new and exciting to Rockhampton audiences,” Director Mrs Jan Kennedy said. “We were incredibly lucky to secure the

rights and we will be the first school to present Matilda in this region.” Matilda will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre on 9, 10 and 11 August. Go to www.seeitlive. com.au for tickets.

News

COMMUNITY

Hands in

Secondary School students banded together in Term 1 for National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. Students wrote and posted messages of support on paper hands around School. Committee Chairs Paige Baker and Lachlan Moulds read a pledge at assembly, words written by Paige: I promise to take a stand against bullying. I promise to speak up when I see bullying, and to reach out to those who are experiencing it. I promise to treat others with respect and kindness. I promise to have the compassion to not be a bully, and the courage to not be a bystander. I promise to always be a friend. COMMUNITY

Wright farewell Ms Denise Wright has announced her resignation as Head of the Senior School. Her love and care for students, ready smile, great work ethic and positive attitude will be greatly missed. Instrumental in making RGS a leading school, Ms Wright has been a great supporter of staff and a powerful advocate for students, and has pursued academic and vocational education opportunities as well as personal and character development for students. “Our School is certainly a much better, richer community from Ms Wright’s involvement and countless hours of service,” Dr Moulds said. There will be an opportunity to thank and farewell Ms Wright in the near future.

COMMUNITY

Vale Frank Luck, former student and Chair The School mourns the loss of beloved past student, former Board Chairman and lifetime stalwart of The Rockhampton Grammar School, Mr Francis Edward Luck, known to all as Frank. Frank attended The Rockhampton Grammar School as a day student from 1939 to 1944. He was a gifted athlete whose name is scattered throughout the sports pages of the Schools’ Capricornus magazines. Frank represented the School in athletics, cricket, swimming and football. One of his greatest RGS achievements was winning the Junior Athletics Championship in 1943. Described by his rugby league coach at the time, Frank was an “outstanding

ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE YEPPOON

4921 0399

www.luptonstewart.com.au

player who should go far.” He captained the Junior Team to victory in 1943 while also playing five-eighth for the Senior team. “It was always a thrill and an honour playing for the School,” Frank recounted in an interview in 2016. Frank’s relationship with the School lasted well beyond his graduation in 1944. He served as a member of the RGS Board of Trustees from 1979 to 1997; the last four years as Chairman of the Board. On 7 October 1997, the School’s newly constructed Year 12 Boys Boarding facility was named in honour of Frank. Opened by His Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Major General Peter Arnison AO, Luck House has been home to hundreds of young men in their final year of schooling. In 2000, Frank was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his work in education. “Frank’s commitment to

CREATING CONFIDENT SMILES

FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES

education, love for the School, and the opportunities a good education provides, has benefitted RGS and thousands of students,” remarked Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds. “He was an active member of our community who would always make time to talk to students about their goals and achievements. He had a keen interest in their future.” Frank is survived by his wife Merilyn, their four daughters and several grandchildren, many of whom were educated at The Rockhampton Grammar School. Merilyn, also a wonderful and close friend of RGS, married Frank in 1954 in Rockhampton. We thank Frank for his enormous contributions, for standing for “Grammar and the right” and for helping the School grow in character and scholarship over 80 years as a student, Board Trustee, Board Chair and supporter.

COMMUNITY

RGS wins National Teaching in Excellence Award

Apply now for scholarships and bursaries Applications for 2020 Scholarships and Bursaries are now open. Bursaries are available to Boarding and Day Students from Year 7 to 12 and are made available based on financial need. RGS Scholarships are available for Boarding and Day Students entering Year 7 or Year 10 only in 2020 and are academic in nature. They are awarded based on scholarship exam results, school performance and ability. RGS will administer the ACER Scholarship Test on 1 June, 2019. You must apply online by 22 May. This test assesses a range of skills such as the ability to interpret, infer, deduce and think critically.

RGS Staff Persephone Cook, Gary Glisson, Jan Kennedy, Dr Phillip Moulds, Julieanne Harris and Dan Bradford display RGS’s National Excellence in Teaching Award.

The Rockhampton Grammar School is among 12 national winners of the annual National Excellence in Teaching Awards, presented in March. RGS Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds has been recognised for his contributions to education throughout his career and the School’s achievements since 2009, when he joined RGS and became Headmaster. Each recipient was awarded a trophy and a $5,000 professional development grant on Thursday. Dr Moulds’ emphasis on teaching excellence, leadership and the learning needs of students

earned him the national title. “Success in education, at any level, relies on the support networks you have around you. This is no different,” said Dr Moulds, who shared the award with students and staff. “This award is a reflection of the commitment and expertise of all RGS teachers and staff and is another strong indicator of the level of teaching and learning excellence across all of RGS,” said Dr Moulds. More than 2000 submissions from communities across all of Australia were made for awards. “I want for all of our students to

do their personal best every day in an environment that supports teaching and learning excellence because it is teachers who have the most direct effect on learning outcomes. Nothing is more important than the teacher-studentparent relationship,” Dr Moulds said. “The Excellence in Teaching Award is something that reflects RGS’s commitment, value, support, care and engagement of all within the RGS community. Schools are about people, rather than a person.” Watch Dr Moulds’ NEiTA interview at www.rgs.qld. edu.au/news/view/413/

The application closing date for Bursaries is 26 July. Bursaries are supported by generous donors to the School’s 1881 Endowment, a tax-deductible fund that enables means-tested students from all backgrounds to study at RGS at reduced rates or at no cost. Learn more and apply at www. rgs.qld.edu.au/opportunity Learn about the Endowment at www.rgs.qld.edu.au/1881

SCHOLARSHIP

Making policy, taking action RGS Year 4 students gained an insight into Local Government operations during a visit to Rockhampton Regional Council in Term 1. The students (who met Mayor Strelow, pictured) were studying government, with a focus on local government services which include the library, pools, sports, arts and pet management. RGS Year 4 teacher Mrs Sonya Whitehead said they also learn about the differences between a rule and a law, and the reasons why laws were created. “We relate this to ‘rules’ at school being mainly for organisational purposes, safety and inclusivity,’’ Mrs Whitehead said. “Whereas laws can also be safety, ethically or morally orientated.” During the visit students participated in a mock sitting of local government where they had to make a decision on whether a skate park should be built on the

RGS bottom oval. Of course, it was a hypothetical example, but it was still hotly debated by the students. Innes Brennan said he really enjoyed the council visit. “We learnt about a lot of things that the council does around our town, like looking after the library, our local parks and the amount of people they employ. I was lucky enough to sit at the council chambers as well and vote on a new skate park. I voted a great big yes for a skate park to be built on the oval at The Rockhampton Grammar School because it would be a lot of fun to skate at school.” Lara Farmer liked sitting behind the large table in the chamber. “I got to be Councillor Rose Swadling and voted on whether The Rockhampton Grammar School should get a skate park. I voted no because it would be very dangerous and it would take up most of the oval so we wouldn’t be able to play other games there anymore.

Australia Day honourees Michael Evans (RGS ‘58) has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the community. “I owe my parents a great debt of gratitude for sending me to RGS from 1956 to 1958,’’ Mr Evans said. “It was at the School where I was inspired by the staff to take up the many challenges and achieve my goals through determination to succeed.” Mr Evans said his Headmaster, Fitzroy Jardine, was inspirational. “He showed us that discipline was the key factor in this process. I have never forgotten the School Motto, Macte Virtute Et Litteris”. Mr Evans, now based in Brisbane, was a trustee of Queensland Performing Arts and on the organising committee responsible for the planning of Expo 88 Festival Stage. He was the Founding Director of The Lyric Opera Company, too. Mr Evans was also President of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Mid-City (2016-2017) and is closely associated with Cruise Port International Director and Foodbank Queensland. His work has spanned the Queensland countryside which included committee work on the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Mr Evans was also a prominent figure in the National Party of Australia Queensland, and Australian Country Party Queensland, and

alana sending

was a Principal and Chorus Member with the Queensland Light Opera Company from 1968 to 1977. RGS Past Students were also recognised in the Rockhampton Regional Council Australia Day honours. A pioneer of CQUniversity, Emeritus Professor Errol Payne (RGS ’61) also an Honorary Life Member of the Royal Australian Chemistry Institute, was named Rockhampton Citizen of the Year for his commitment to education in the community. Professor Payne started his university education commitment in 1967 as an assistant chemistry lecturer at the then fledgling Queensland Institute of Technology (Capricornia), initially located in the Bolsover Street TAFE building. Blake Moore (RGS ‘17) was named young citizen of the year for his contributions to the Rockhampton Touch Football Association. If you have further RGS past student Australia Day honours to share with the School please email paststudents@rgs.qld.edu.au Picture: RGS 1958 Prefects: (Back Row) R Smith, J McDougall, S. Ruskin; (Centre Row) R. Powe, J. Tadman, B. Purdie, J. Window, C. Mann, A. Diamond; (Front Row) R. Bredhauer, M. Evans, R. Barraclough (Senior Prefect), Mr F Jardine (Headmaster), R. Westmoreland, K. Goody.

words this week

COMMUNITY

Lamech’s design scores big on the rugby field A field of dreams has taken on new meaning for RGS student Lamech Kingsburra-Gilmartin, pictured below, centre. The Year 12 student is passionate about his rugby and is also proud of his indigenous art ability. He has

successfully combined both to make is vision become a reality. Lamech stood before the RGS Secondary School Assembly in Term 1 to unveil RGS’s indigenous rugby jersey and speak of his passion for his people and his art.

These were Lamech’s words: “First of all, I would like to thank the School for making this happen and giving me a chance to design the school jersey. I am proud to announce that this will be the first Indigenous jersey worn by

“The first Indigenous jersey worn by RGS... will be here forever to represent all of us as a family.”

RGS, that will be here forever to represent all of us as a family. “The story behind the design on this jersey, tells of the goats that would walk and stumble across the mountain on which The Rockhampton Grammar School is built, in order to find water. The traditional landowners, the Darumbal people, would follow the goats to this water and to the resources that the people needed to survive. “I hope that people wear the jersey with pride, just as I am proud to have designed it and to present it to you today.” RGS Director of Co-curricular Mr Todd Wells said Lamech is a talented artist and his dream is to design Indigenous jerseys or uniforms for sporting teams. Lamech’s School design was transferred from artwork to a jersey with the help of RGS Rugby sponsor, Zoo Sport, with outstanding results. The jerseys were generously donated to the School by an RGS community member. Showing their support for their friend and teammate, Lemach Kingsburra-Gilmartin (centre), were (from left) : Walter Wilson, Cane Comiskey, Bronson Ryan and TIC of Rugby Mr Glen Minto.

Rockhampton Grammar takes it to the next level In 2018, our Year 12 students excelled in their OP results outperforming the best performing local schools by a huge margin. In fact, RGS accounted for nearly 40% of all Year 12 students achieving OP 1 to 5 outcomes in the area, meaning more students are performing to the best of their abilities at RGS than anywhere else in Central Queensland. As you know, the are no academic pre-requisites for RGS applicants. Our students’ success is based purely on the effort they put in, the tailored programmes that we offer and the excellence of our teachers.

Congratulations to our 2018 graduates.

Source: Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

100 NUMBER OF STUDENTS

OP 1-5

80 70

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

OP 6-10

50 40 30 20 10 0 LOCAL LEADING STATE SCHOOL

LOCAL LEADING CATHOLIC SCHOOL

RGS

COMPARABLE LOCAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Maddy Black (RGS 2014) never planned to live overseas after completing university, but through CrossFit connections a chance to work in Abu Dhabi was too good an opportunity to pass up. After completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at the University of Queensland in December last year, Maddy was invited to join the coaching team at CrossFit Yas, a world-renowned CrossFit gym in the United Arab Emirates. Maddy’s friend through CrossFit in Australia was working at the Abu Dhabi gym, suggested she would love it over there and two days after their chat Maddy secured a two-year work contract. “I am loving it,’’ Maddy said. “CrossFit is still relatively new here in the UAE so my main goal as a coach is to make exercise as fun as possible and just get people moving,’’ Maddy said. Maddy coaches in English but has been learning some Arabic – which has been a “great learning experience”. “Overall, living in the UAE has exposed me to so many different cultures and people from all around the world,’’ Maddy said. “Contrary to popular belief, Abu Dhabi is one of the most beautiful, safe and welcoming places in the world. I definitely recommend everyone come and visit this city at some point in their life.” Maddy was first introduced to CrossFit towards the end of Year 11 at RGS. “Dad was first to find CrossFit and he finally convinced me to come along,’’ Maddy said. “He noticed there were many similarities between gymnastics and CrossFit, I had done gymnastics for 10 years prior.”

Class act on the water It’s all been smooth sailing recently for David Mann (RGS 1999). Gladstonebased David won the Australian Title for the Impulse Sailing Class at Lake Cootharaba, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, earlier this year. The Port Curtis Sailing Club member became the first Queenslander in the history of the class to take out the national championships.

News

JCU: Ready today for tomorrow Maddy would train at 6.00 each morning before school at CrossFit CQ and by Year 12 was participating in competitions. The fitness phenomenon combined every sport Maddy had ever played into one. “What most people don’t realise about CrossFit, is that it is suitable for absolutely any fitness level,’’ Maddy said. “No one will ever master all aspects of CrossFit, as its potential is basically unlimited. That is why I love it so much, as it’s a constant challenge, no matter how fit you are or how good you get.” While Maddy enjoys CrossFit coaching she also remains a determined competitor. Some of Maddy’s biggest achievements to date are placing 14th worldwide in the 16/17 year Open and representing Australia in Olympic Weightlifting in 2017. Now based on the “other side of the world”, Maddy has new competitions in her sights.

Distinguished Past Student

Saturday, 27 July 6pm @RGS. Tickets: $50 per person Includes hors d’oeuvres, limited drinks and three-course meal. Please RSVP at events@ rgs.qld.edu.au or call Rachael on 07 4936 0776 (before Friday 19 July). The Awards recognise the actions and achievements of Past Students who have gone above and beyond, and in doing so, encourages aspirations and ideals of the highest community standards and values. They are tangible models of good women and men to current students. It is the School community’s pre-eminent means of recognising outstanding achievement and contribution by Past Students in Community Service and Leadership, Academic and Professional Excellence or Sporting and Cultural Excellence. In 2019 the School also acknowledges past staff members of the School for their memorable and devoted service during their time at RGS. Join us to say thank you.

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Uplifting move

Make Life Matter

jcu.edu.au

COMMUNITY

Thrive and shine people!

RGS is celebrating the success of students and inviting new families to learn about the School through a series of videos, social media and information campaigns that show the many ways that RGS girls and boys ‘Thrive and Shine’, from Prep all the way through their senior years. Three videos – specific to Prep, Boarding and Senior School – are currently featuring on YouTube and RGS’s Facebook and Instagram sites. We’re grateful to the hundreds of students, parents and staff who are contributing to this ongoing project by sharing their stories with us and with each other, in School publications and social media, newspapers, magazines, events and more. Look out for new signage and promotions that speak to RGS’s traditions of character and scholarship as well all the many ways RGS students are achieving to the best of their abilities today. And make sure to follow RGS on Facebook and Instagram!

Statewide report shows RGS leading Comparison of Year 12 2018 Outcomes, Rockhampton Area >

School

QCE/ QCIA

State Average

OP % OP VET qualifications % students eligible eligible attaining QCE Cert I Cert II Cert III Cert IV students students 94.0%

The Rockhampton Grammar School

169

100%

Emmaus College

219

184

84.02%

Glenmore State High School

98.57%

Heights College

91.78%

105

100%

149

100%

94.85%

185

177

95.68%

130

100%

North Rockhampton State High School Rockhampton Girls Grammar School Rockhampton State High School St Brendan’s College St Ursula’s College The Cathedral College Yeppoon State High School

Comparative data released in February by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and reported by NewsCorp shows that local students at The Rockhampton Grammar School are achieving significantly better outcomes than other schools, with RGS having the largest local OP eligible student population achieving the area’s best results. 135 girls and boys, or nearly 80% of RGS Year 12 2018 students were OP eligible (compared to Emmaus, 126/58%; The Cathedral College, 94/51%; Heights 43/59%; and Rockhampton Girls Grammar, 22/63%). 28% of RGS students (38 girls and boys) received an OP-15. 70% received an OP1-10. 12 RGS students achieved OP 1 outcomes in 2018. “Other private schools – even 10

Students

94.29%

100.%

160 94.7% 4 1.8% 3 4.3% 3 4.1% 56 53.3% 1 2.9% 56 37.6% 37 38.1% 11 20.4% 8 4.3% 57 43.8%

Our curriculum development, parent involvement and every teachers’ care for each student’s personal success is why our students do so well. those with bigger enrolments than RGS – are lacking the quality education outcomes that RGS students consistently achieve in all categories,” said RGS Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds. Whilst RGS had 38 OP 1-5 outcomes, Emmaus had 14; TCC had 12; Rockhampton Girls Grammar had 6; Heights had 4. The Rockhampton Grammar School has no special

51 30.2% 43 19.6% 53 75.7% 21 28.8% 67 63.8% 4 11.4% 104 69.8% 73 75.3% 18 33.3% 35 18.9% 84 64.6%

38 22.5% 50 22.8% 21 30.0% 20 27.4% 13 12.4% 3 8.6% 6 4.0% 38 39.2% 12 22.2% 50 27.0% 64 49.2%

0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1 1.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0%

135

79.88%

126

57.53%

21.43%

58.90%

20.00%

62.86%

22.82%

35.05%

70.37%

50.81%

28.46%

academic requirements for enrolling students and all local schools teach to the Queensland curriculum. “Our students come from all over Central Queensland and they have different interests and abilities, but our curriculum development, parent involvement and every teachers’ care for each student’s personal success is why our students do so well,” added Dr Moulds, who marks 10 years as RGS’s Headmaster this year, and a decade of strong results. “Our tradition of academic excellence has informed our ATAR preparation, which we’ve been developing over the last three years. The 2020 cohort will be very well prepared,” said Dr Moulds, referring to the new external assessment regime that replaces the old OP system from next year.

OP 1-5

6-10

21.8% 38 28.1% 14 11.1% 1 6.7% 4 9.3% 7 33.3% 6 27.3% 3 8.8% 7 20.6% 5 13.2% 12 12.8% 2 5.4%

32.2% 57 42.2% 36 28.6% 0 0.0% 8 18.6% 3 14.3% 3 13.6% 8 23.5% 9 26.5% 9 23.7% 37 39.4% 8 21.6%

11-15 16-20 21-25 28.7% 35 25.9% 31 24.6% 6 40.0% 17 39.5% 6 28.6% 5 22.7% 9 26.5% 11 32.4% 7 18.4% 33 35.1% 10 27.0%

15.8% 5 3.7% 39 31.0% 8 53.3% 14 32.6% 3 14.3% 8 36.4% 14 41.2% 7 20.6% 16 42.1% 11 11.7% 15 40.5%

1.5% 0 0.0% 6 4.8% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 2 9.5% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1 2.6% 1 1.1% 2 5.4%

100% of RGS 2018 Year 12 students also achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education according to the QCAA data. “We often talk about every student achieving success at RGS, and 100% QCE is evidence of that,” said Dr Moulds. Data released also shows that RGS students earn more VET qualifications than any other local school, with 249 Certificates I to III awarded. Only 3.7% of RGS students were in the 1620 OP band, with every other compared school in double digits, from 12% to more than 50%. Analysis of the data also reveals that RGS students account for approximately 40% of the top Year 12 2018 scores in the Rockhampton region.

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Getting stuck into it School-based apprenticeships are giving RGS students a head start in the workforce writes Rachael McDonald There are many career pathways for students at The Rockhampton Grammar School. Some students pursue university studies while others want a direct path into the workforce, and for some that can be helped along by securing an apprenticeship. School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships provide students aged 15 years or older with valuable employment skills, hands-on industry experience and a nationally recognised qualification. All while still completing their secondary school qualifications. RGS Head of Vocational Education Mr Stephen Brady said at the end of Year 12 the students are significantly ahead in their study when they become a First Year Full Time Apprentice. “They all say they are excited to have the opportunity to commence their career path earlier than if they waited

until finishing Year 12,’’ Mr Brady said. Mr Brady said School-based Apprentices are paid for their work while they complete competency based training that meets industry standards. Certificate Courses, taken whilst an RGS student, add credit points to students’ final QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) score when they graduate. Mr Brady said there are also many benefits to employers involved in the programme. “They can recruit keen young staff before they graduate from secondary school and employ and train a young person part-time in their business,’’ Mr Brady explained, adding that programmes helps businesses ‘future-proof’ their operations. He said the School-based Apprenticeships give young people realistic exposure to specific industries. RGS’s programme is available to all

Riley Moller with father, Mark Moller, and Alexis Hunt (Australia Apprenticeship representative). Also pictured above at Highway Auto Electrics Mechanical and Air-conditioning. 12

students in Years 10, 11 and 12, whether they plan to go onto tertiary education or pursue vocational education studies. “The students enter the workforce earlier and get to ascertain if that is indeed the career that they like or not,’’ Mr Brady said. “Having made a decision, it is the beginning of their future employment as a full time apprentice.” Mr Brady said a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship allows students to graduate from secondary school with a trade qualification much sooner. “Students can experience a variety of work placements at RGS and then, if they are committed, convert this into a SchoolBased Apprenticeship or Traineeship with an employer,’’ Mr Brady said. The School also assists in the programme by providing a student timetable, or curriculum, that reflects

Rory Jones and Josh Whitcombe (JRS Diesel)

2019 Year 12 RGS Community Apprenticeships Name Brady Collocott Caitlyn White Matthew Colbert Riley Moller

Rory Jones

Caitlin Van Loggerenberg Clare Saunders Reece Byrne Anna Eyles Rohan Fenlon Mackenzie Morgan Jack Harris Jarryd Hall

Certificate Certificate III, Carpentry Certificate II, Hospitality Certificate III, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III, Automotive Electrical Technology

Employer Wolf Constructions

Certificate III, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Certificate III, Individual Support Certificate III, Individual Support Certificate III, Retail Certificate III, Retail Certificate III, Mobile Plant Technology Certificate III, Retail Certificate III, Engineering Dies Certificate III, Mobile Plant Technology

JRS Diesel

Brady Collocott with father, Barry Collocott, and Tyler Wolfenden (Wolf Constructions).

Domino’s Pizza Insane Performance Highway Auto Electrics Mechanical and Airconditioning

Caitlyn White with Domino’s Pizza staff Annika Smith and Malaka Kevitlyagala.

Mercy Aged Care (Bethany) Mercy Aged Care (Bethany) McDonalds North Rockhampton McDonalds South Rockhampton Terraquippe

Matthew Colbert with father, Chris Colbert, and Brad Challacombe (Insane Performance).

McDonald’s South Rockhampton SMW Milne Bros

a combination of school studies, paid work for an employer and training in an apprenticeship or traineeship occupation. Mr Brady said the School can provide the School-based Apprenticeship student with up to 50 days of paid employment over the course of a year at a rate of one day per week. “The School modifies the timetable to release the student for one day a week to attend the apprenticeship but also ensures that core academic subjects of English and Mathematics are timetabled on other school days so that by the completion of Year 12 the student will graduate with a QCE score and a Year 12 leaving certificate,’’ Mr Brady said.

Why do an Apprenticeship? “It helps you see what the workforce is like for when you leave school. It’s not a big shock. At work they explain the work well if you don’t know what to do. After school I’m hoping to finish my apprenticeship and then have a qualification behind me to work on a property.” Rohan Fenlon, Year 12, Terraquippe “I work in lots of different areas including the drive through, help with cleaning, serve customers and then I have bookwork. At work they give me training in the different computer systems and my training is also marked. I would consider looking at being a manager after school .” Anna Eyles, Year 12, McDonald’s, South Rockhampton.

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Best of both worlds Nick Storey (Year 11) was a fresh-faced Year 7 boarder when he arrived at RGS in 2015. He had watched his sisters Madeleine (RGS 2012) and Imogen (RGS 2015) head off to boarding school before it was his turn. Claire Mactaggart reports on Nick both welcoming the new opportunities RGS provides and the time he gets at home with his family.

For a boarding student, nothing compares to returning home at the end of a busy term to be reconnected with family and a familiar landscape. When sixteen-year-old Nick Storey hops off The Rockhampton Grammar School’s western bus service and comes home to Dalby Downs, a 4,451-hectare property ten kilometres from Capella, there’s a sense of anticipation as he scans the black soil cultivation paddocks. After greeting Max, the family’s Border CollieKelpie cross dog, Nick hops on a motorbike and heads down the paddock to see how the country is responding after a welcome 170 millimetres of rainfall in March. His parents, David and Megan Storey, grow wheat, sorghum and chickpea at Dalby Downs and nearby Moongoo. There wasn’t enough moisture for a sorghum crop earlier this year but the late break in the season means there’s plenty of jobs to do to prepare for the winter crop and Nick 14

I enjoy the people you connect with and make life long relationships with. There are some very good people in the community and many of them will help you at the drop of a hat.

enjoys getting back into the farm routine. “I’m Dad’s right-hand man, after his brother, Alan, that he farms with. I’ll do the long hours on tractors in paddocks doing most jobs, to smaller jobs around the house such as the handy man fixing computers or water taps,” he says. While he is away at boarding school, Nick stays connected to what’s happening on the farm via Snapchat, with his parents sending him pictures of new machinery as it arrives or the progress of a crop. Nick has boarded at The Rockhampton Grammar School since 2015 when he joined the school with the first intake of Year 7 boarders. Older sisters Imogen and Madeleine are past students of RGS and maintain a network of friendships developed during their time at Grammar. It’s those friendships as well as the opportunities that makes boarding a positive and rewarding experience Nick says.

“I enjoy the people you connect with and make life long relationships with. There are some very good people in the community and many of them will help you at the drop of a hat. At the moment it’s helping with a hard maths question but no doubt they will be there for you when bigger problems stand in the way,” he adds. Nick’s advice to new boarders is to find a good crowd. “It may take a while and you might not be popular but if they are good mates they’ll stick by you.” Another way Nick has found to make the most of boarding school is to get involved in sport and the many extracurricular activities on offer. This year, he’s been involved in rowing and water polo and recently returned from competing at the National Rowing Championships in Penrith where he won bronze in the Men’s Under 19 coxless four along with Riley Godwin, Reece Byrne and Bradley Burr. “There are definitely great opportunities at RGS – it’s just a matter of finding what suits you best. Coming from home I would

never have been able to get into sports such as rowing and water polo,” Nick adds. “Sport is the best way to get out of the dorm and to meet other people. You’ll find that there are different groups of mates for the dorm, sport and for school.” Nick trains for water polo once a week while rowing preparation in the lead up to Nationals involved five morning training sessions before school as well as gym sessions in the afternoon, twice a week. Sport at RGS has taken Nick as far north as Townsville and south to Sydney as well as rowing regattas at various locations in between. Getting out on the water is also a release from the demands of senior school. “It’s good to have the time away from everything and be completely focused on the race or the game and not worried about anything else. The two sports also help me to build good habits - like waking up to my alarm and not hitting snooze.” When Nick is at home, he’s able to apply his learning to practical situations

like calculating the volume of a tank, the rate of chemical to spray or the yield of a paddock during harvest. His favourite subjects are mathematics and Certificate II in Engineering. “The Certificate II in engineering is hands-on and teaches me how to operate workshop machines such as welders and milling machines. It always helps to know how the school and workplaces operate compared to home,” he explains. Managing the workload of senior school with sport commitments can be difficult but Nick says it all comes down to priorities and a well set out routine. He is considering a career in mechanical engineering before a longer-term hope to return to Capella and take up the reins of the family farm. In the meantime, this Easter break was an opportunity to help get machinery ready to then plant about 3000 hectares of wheat and chickpea. “It’s always good to get home and reset, ready to go again at school,” Nick says.

Field days provide wide open learning opportunities RGS Agriculture students have explored factors affecting crop success and silage production as a part of a partnership with CropX and Pioneer Seeds. Head of Agriculture, Hardy Manser, said it was critical that students not only learn to work with industry partners in maximising yields, but also apply scientific concepts to improve their business outcomes, if they are to stay competitive in an increasingly competitive Agricultural marketplace. Middle and Senior students evaluated an in-house population trial of fodder sorghum “Megasweet”, a Pioneer seed variety, planting out the crop at different planting rates across irrigated and non-irrigated sites. Students then had the opportunity to evaluate areas like the effect of moisture, soil electroconductivity, plant health and competition on yield or

growth characteristics such as DM/Ha yields, plant height and width coverage. Monitoring the crop was a new cutting edge piece of equipment provided by CropX. The CropX Pro sensor monitored, around the clock, soil moisture, temperature and electroconductivity. The sensor alerted staff and students if the crop was exposed to conditions outside of investigated parameters. This crop generated so much interest, that the story featured on the ABC’s Country Hour radio programme, on how RGS is taking the introduction of the new senior agricultural science syllabus seriously, and is determined to ensure that RGS students are exposed to the best opportunities Agricultural Education has to offer. Ben Hardy, from Pioneer Seeds not only supported the programme through

the generous donation of seed for the trial but also visited the School to talk to students about the benefits of silage (storing compacted, air-tight fodder). “It is great that RGS is providing students with the opportunity to learn about the benefits of silage,’’ Ben said. Ben also organised a tour of the School’s hay supplier, Harders Hay at Etna Creek as a part of the Certificate III in Agriculture. Students explored the megasweet crop grown commercially, as well as explored Rhode Hay production, and even incorporated some drone monitoring. More information about Silage or Megasweet can be found by contacting Ben Hardy on 0417 713 023 or CropX sensor information is at www.cropx.com

Outside the classroom their passions help others

Joining forces to help save lives are (from left) Red Cross Blood Bank Regional Manager Community Relations Manager Judy Dash, RGS Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds, RGS teacher Adam Easton and Red Cross Blood Customer Service Officer Tania Barlow.

RGS teacher Adam Easton hates needles, but he and RGS Staff helped save over 200 lives in 2018. “Many people hold themselves back from giving because of a fear of needles, but that does not have to be a reason not to give,’’ said Mr Easton, who, with a number of RGS staff, regularly donates blood to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Mr Easton has been donating blood since 2011 as a member of the Red25 group – a group of RGS teachers who frequently donate blood. The group made 76 donations and in doing so saved 228 lives in 2018. Red25 is already pushing ahead in 2019 to save more. Their blood donations have already saved 78 lives so far this year. Participants are eligible to donate 16 16

blood every three months or make plasma donations as often as they wish. “I reckon cancer patients probably hate needles more and that challenges me to give, and my dislike for needles has gotten far less over time,’’ Mr Easton said. “The ladies and men at our local Australian Red Cross Blood Service Centre in Quarry Street are amazing at talking people through the whole process to help you understand what is required before you donate”. Mr Easton said his family, like many, had been touched by cancer. “Donating is my way to help others who are being affected by a disease that doesn’t discriminate,’’ Mr Easton said. “Most plasma donated is used in a variety of life saving treatments and you are able to donate every fortnight, so that’s why I go for plasma over whole blood,” he explained. A plasma donation can take about an hour. More information on plasma is available at www.donateblood.com.au/learn/plasma RGS Year 5 teacher Mrs Tricia Ruddick

is another regular supporter, having donated blood on and off for the past 20 years and has now made 75 donations (65 whole blood and 10 plasma). Mrs Ruddick’s initial involvement started when she was helping a friend, supporting her for other medical reasons. “Soon after that, I began donating whole blood and have been doing so ever since,’’ Mrs Ruddick said. “There have been times, such as overseas travel when I have not been eligible to donate whole blood so this is when I became a plasma donor as well. “If you are well enough and fit the criteria as a donor, it is a great way to help others. Each donation helps save three lives and I highly recommend it to my family and friends.” Please give blood. There are three ways to book an appointment: • Go online and register and book yourself in at www.donateblood.com.au • Call 131495 • Download the app: Donate Blood

Gareth Saunders and Lachlan Libke Cross Country Training 5.00pm Mondays, Rugby Park

Sally Moran and Sonya Whitehead RGS Primary Maths Team Challenge Training 3.15pm, Tuesday afternoon Gareth (Year 6 teacher) “There’s kids of all ages at cross country training. It’s a whole school thing, and it’s a good opportunity to keep my fitness up. Being aerobically fit benefits so many other sports. Having everyone together and having a structured programme helps encourage the kids to come along.” Lachlan (Year 3 teacher) “The biggest thing I enjoy about cross country training. It’s a sport that’s close to my heart so it’s not much of a chore. Cross country is a lonely sport at the best of times so if we can develop a good community and good spirit we can get more participation.” Cross country training is also held at the RGS Bottom Oval on Saturday mornings.

Sally (Primary Learning Support and Extension Teacher) “It is so lovely to watch such enthusiastic, bright, capable kids, rise to a challenge and make the most of the opportunities they are given. We end up with a stronger team because they are familiar with the complex problems, but really it’s just a pleasure to see how much they all benefit and how much they love it.” Sonya (Year 4 teacher) “This provides opportunities for those children who really enjoy maths to challenge themselves with increasingly difficult problems. It is wonderful to see their excitement throughout the training, when they are able to solve problems that they initially thought quite difficult. The competition is just the goal and the reward for all their hard work during the term.”

John Crossland Swimming Training 6.00am, Tuesdays and Thursdays, RGS Pool “I do it because my background in sport is triathlon and swimming is an integral part of triathlon. Swimming is something I’m really interested in and it’s a great thing to start your day. I’m a bit of a morning person anyway. I signed up to come to the Grammar School for the reason of being a part of the students’ whole life, not just the academics but also the cocurricular and the cultural aspects of it. It really appealed to me as part of the education of young people. That just flows through to being involved in the co-curricular program like I am with triathlon and swimming. I believe I have some knowledge and help them understand a bit more about it and maybe adopt it for a lifestyle themselves. Every day I get thanked by each and every one of the kids. It’s just fantastic. It’s well worth the effort.”

Donna Littlejohn Staff Yoga 6.40am, Wednesdays, DMTA Studio “Yoga is pure joy. From the very first class I attended I knew it was for me. No matter how you feel when you go into a class, whether you are tired or scatty, you leave feeling energised and/or calm. The asanas (postures) not only stretch and strengthen but also calm your nervous system. Yoga is beneficial both physically and mentally. Whilst engaged in the practice your mind is not distracted by all the other conversations in your head and you bring more focus to the breath which has a calming effect. I have such a sense of well-being after a yoga practice. I simply wish to share, that’s why I teach. I also love being able to share the actions in postures as this brings so much understanding and engagement. We aren’t just doing but doing with understanding. All I know is they (staff) keep coming back and give appreciation at different times.”

17 17

SPORT

AGE CHAMPIONS SWIMMING (Secondary) 12 Years Girls Alice Besch 12 Years Boys Oscar Wemmerslager 13 Years Girls Taryn Roberts 13 Years Boys Lee Mauger 14 Years Girls Molly Cottam 14 Years Boys Clay Valigura 15 Years Girls Miranda Chopping 15 Years Boys Riley Denham 16 Years Girls Kourtney Draper 16 Years Boys Tim Cookson Open Girls Caitlyn Goudie Open Boys Joseph Milburn

ATHLETICS (Primary) 6 Years Girls 6 Years Boys 7 Years Girls 7 Years Boys 8 Years Girls 8 Years Boys 9 Years Girls 9 Years Boys 10 Years Girls 10 Years Boys 11 Years Girls 11 Years Boys 12 Years Girls 12 Years Boys

Aria Caton Hudson Rothery Mackenzie Geddes Connor Hursthouse Hollie Richmond Lachlan Robertson Grace Francis Archie Cugola Tazmyn McInnerney Kurt Lynch Katie Cooper Tosibiletu Adegbija Taylor Brock Koda Crear

CROSS COUNTRY (Secondary and Primary)

Interhouse Sport was off to a flying start in 2019 with the Secondary School Swimming Carnival, Primary School Athletics Carnival and the combined Secondary and Primary Schools Cross Country. Here are our winners! Jardine House has taken the early honours on the RGS 2019 Interhouse sporting calendar winning both the Secondary School Swimming Carnival and the combined Primary and Secondary School Cross Country trophy in Term 1. Not to be outdone, Wheatcroft House broke a long drought in Primary School Athletics when they won the winners Shield for the first time since 2007. The Interhouse rivalry continues early in Term 2 with the Secondary School Athletics Carnival in the opening week of term. This marks the end of the major InterHouse carnivals for Secondary students but the Primary students will renew their battle in the pool during Term 4. Pictured: (top) Jardine captains Lauren Galloway, Jayden Mills, Caitlyn Goudie and Caitlin Spence with Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds; (above) Jardine Primary and Secondary students celebrate a Cross Country win; (right) Wheatcroft Primary captains Oscar Donovan and Tileah Billman with their Athletics trophy. 18

6 Years Girls 6 Years Boys 7 Years Girls 7 Years Boys 8 Years Girls 8 Years Boys 9 Years Girls 9 Years Boys 10 Years Girls 10 Years Boys 11 Years Girls 11 Years Boys 12 Years Girls 12 Years Boys 13 Years Girls 13 Years Boys 14 Years Girls 14 Years Boys 15 Years Girls 15 Years Boys 16 Years Girls 16 Years Boys Open Girls Open Boys

Annabelle Rayner Hudson Rothery Mackenzie Geddes Presley Acton Olivia Corrigan Lachlan Robertson Grace Francis Jamaal Loomans Sophie Wright George Pentecost Madeleine Green Peyton Goudie Marlee Chopping Riley McDonald Martha Dingle Zavier Cooper Megan Adamski Chad Willett Liezl Kruger Ulrich Kruger Sally Adamski Ben Werth Grace Sypher Hayden McGuigan

ROWING

RGS rowers’ medal haul at nationals

RGS rowers are now focusing on the season ahead after a successful medal haul at the national championships in Sydney during March. The squad won six medals: one gold, two silver and three bronze. It was the School’s highest medal total at nationals in decades. The 2007 performance of three gold and 1 bronze remains the School’s strongest result. The Rowing achievements, however, are shared widely by the community, including parents and sponsors who contribute time, energy and resources to the students’ preparations. “We all feel a sense of accomplishment and ‘family’ in the lead-up to nationals or any event,” said a Rowing parent. “There is something about rowing that’s deeper than the water the

kids are on. It’s the relationships and camaraderie they develop in gym, around the barbecue and on the road between regattas.” “It’s not just an achievement for these winning rowers. It’s for the whole club, the parent support group, right down to the incoming group of first-time rowers.” All eight rowers – Grace Sypher, Keeley Dunne, Nick Storey, Brad Burr, Reece Byrne, Jack Koerner, Riley Godwin and Laura Sypher – made A-finals in their respective events and RGS proved themselves among the best regional school rowing programme’s in the country. Grace Sypher, in the Year 12 student’s final nationals appearance for the School, led the medal charge, winning gold in the under-19 women’s four (combined crew) and silver in the

RUGBY UNION

Sports Briefs

WATER POLO

Sean McDonald (Year 12) was selected in the Queensland 18 years boys water polo team. Jardine won the Inter-House Water Polo competition in Term 1, topping the points ahead of Wheatcroft, Wheatly and Jardine. Students from Year 7 to Year 12 were invited to compete. Pictured is Jardine’s Jock Menzies competing in the Junior Division.

schoolgirls single scull and the under-21 women’s lightweight scull. The bronze medals went to the RGS crew of Storey, Burr, Byrne and Godwin in the under-19 four, Laura Sypher in the under-17 coxed quad (combined crew) and Godwin, Byrne and Koerner in the under-17 coxed quad (combined crew). It was a credit to the RGS rowers’ professionalism and dedication to their sport when they combined with new crews to place among the medals. Grace Sypher and fellow Year 12 student Bradley Burr returned to the Penrith course in April to row in Queensland Eight boats along with Keeley Dunne and Nick Storey. The crews were vying for Australian team selection for the Junior World Titles. The four students qualified for the Queensland boats after attending

The Term 1 rugby union season has wrapped up with some strong showings from RGS teams. At the annual Ballymore Cup, the RGS U15s produced a strong undefeated run to win their division while the First XV placed fourth overall after qualifying in the top division of finals. At the inaugural Regional Rugby Championships, the RGS First XV celebrated an impressive win at RGS Rugby Park (below). RGS defeated Towoomba’s Downlands College in the final. Other teams competing were Ignatius Park (Townsville),

a Pathways selection camp in Brisbane earlier this year. That was in addition to their intensive RGS Summer Training Camp held over the Christmas school holidays. The nationals rowers will now row alongside all RGS rowers in several regattas starting in Term 2. RGS will be strongly represented in local schools regattas along with competing in the Central Queensland, North Queensland and South Queensland Championships. They will then aim for more medals at the Queensland School Rowing Championships at Lake Wyaralong later this year. Pictured below are RGS nationals squad members: (from left) Rob Fay (coach), Laura Sypher, Grace Sypher, Jack Koerner, Reece Byrne, Nick Storey, Riley Godwin, Keeley Dunne, Brad Burr, Jack Barwick (coach) and John Smyth (coach, RGS TIC of Rowing).

Matthew Flinders College (Sunshine Coastj), Marist College (Emerald) and St Brendan’s College. Walter Wilson, RGS captain, was named player of the championship and Joe Callanan was named the RGS player of the championship. The girls rugby sevens competition also proved a hit with the crowd with a combined TCC team narrowly defeating RGS. In the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools rugby, the RGS First XV, U15s and Girls U13s Sevens all won titles.

NETBALL

RGS netballers toured New Zealand’s South Island over the holidays. Two teams played five games each and also enjoyed spectacular sightseeing and adventure activities. RNA fixtures continue in Term 2 and the Rockhampton District Schoolgirls Netball also hits the Jardine Park courts on a Thursday afternoon. 19 19

RGS Photos

This page Top Row: Year 1’s Harrie Hansen and Frankie Wells; Exploring Science are Year 6 students Caylee Fisher and Ella Doyle; Prep’s Russell Woods takes a break in the playground; 2nd Row: Holly Thomas catches her breath at dance; Sporting the swimming look are Year 12’s Brock Valigura and Will Tyson; Brad Taylor, Year 9, bowls down a delivery in his T20 game; 3rd Row: Councillor’s Drew Wickerson, both the real Cr Wickerson (left) and Year 4’s Magnus Connell; 4th Row: Year 12’s Samantha Namasasu hits the water at the RGS Netball camp at Ritamada.

Opposite Top Row: Year 7 Drama students Joshua Withoos and Asha Stewart take the stage; Year 9’s Millicent Rayner works on her Robotics project after school; Year 9’s Mohsin Tashkandi breaks for open space at futsal; 2nd Row: Year 11’s Ellouise Anderson and Max Paxton support no bullying at RGS; 3rd Row: Year 2’s Sasha Durga-Shaji prepares for her day at school; Taryn Roberts and Timothy Cookson blitzed the pool in their respective 100m freestyle events; Damon Dessent, Year 12, gets to work in Certificate II Engineering; 4th Row: Sisters Anthea (Year 12) and Tileah Billman (Year 6) share the love on Valentine’s Day; the traditional Year 12 Valentine’s Day photo; 5th Row: Helping at the Year 10 BBQ are (from left) Olivia Old, Ruby Burnham, Hannah Boyce and Georgia Hendrie; Working with Mrs Angela Richmond at the RGS Music Workshop are Year 10 students (from left) Mollie Merry-Simpson, Thayaghan Vignarajah and Chelsea Wu. Do you have an RGS photo you want to share? Email it to rmcdonald@rgs.qld.edu.au 2020

21 21 21 21

THE FINAL WORD

Hold that note

Learning music is like learning a new language. The notes look completely foreign and it will take time to become fluent, but persisting will help students develop other skills and qualities according to CQUniversity Lecturer Jason Smyth-Tomkins. Q: CQUniversity is a Development partner of The Rockhampton Grammar School. How does that work? A: On this occasion (at the start of Term 1) we are here for a day to kick-start the year with the Small Jazz Ensemble. A oneday intensive workshop is the best way to cram a lot of work in. Essentially the first six weeks of rehearsal are done in a day. My colleague, CQUniversity Lecturer Peter McKenzie, is an expert improviser. Students are not necessarily experienced in this area. It’s also a general band workshop. Like most school ensembles, RGS has a calendar of events they are working towards and have some repertoire they are working on. We’ve had a partnership with RGS for some years now. That includes delivering the workshops and the university hosts the schools jazz festival here (at RGS) each July. We mentor the students and help the staff. Q: Tell us about music programmes and options that follow after high school. A. Music becomes a profession, like teaching or performing. And there is always a demand for music educators.

Music education, however, can provide lots of different opportunities. At a tertiary level, students can do things that are practical, performing with ensembles, developing their skills individually on their instruments, learning all the background in theoretical and history courses and then there’s spending time on the business of music, learning composition and arranging, and exploring digital music. These things have become core to working musicians. They are not just wearing one hat any more. They’ve got several different areas they are maintaining at the one time. All of that is their profession. It (music studies) varies from university to university on the type of music focus each university has. Some universities are more renowned for a particular area like jazz or composition. Each university has a different reputation and that works for each of them. For CQUniversity music students, our core areas are jazz and popular music, a fairly broad area but we deal with lots of jazz and commercial music styles. Students can also perform with professional artists that we bring to the university.

Q: How does learning an instrument influence a young person’s development? Multiple studies have been done on the benefits of studying music. Music, in general from a young age, contributes to linguistic development and enhanced motor skills. Take, for example, the skills required to play a saxophone. You operate all the keys, plus do something with your mouth, as well as your tongue, all the while you are listening and learning cooperatively. One of the biggest traits I see with students who are arts students, in general, is they have a better understanding of themselves and they easily work together and cooperate. It’s very much like a team sport environment. They develop a discipline and commitment to their craft and to each other. That is so valuable and applicable to any work setting they’ll find themselves in – and that’s in any field. Jason Smyth-Tomkins (pictured left) is a lecturer of music at the CQUniversity Conservatorium of Music in Mackay. He and colleague, Lecturer Peter McKenzie (pictured, top), hosted music workshops at RGS in Term 1.

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