Quarterly Capricornus
VOL 37. No.1. April 2021
MAKING MEMORIES
PRIMARY FOCUS
GREEN WITH ENVY
RGS students rediscover favourite activities Page 2
The continued importance of nurturing Primary education Page 10
Jardine House leads the way in RGS inter-house sport Page 16
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 upto-date information at RGS Parent Lounge
PREP EASTER
YEAR 3 CULTURE
YEAR 7 JAPANESE
YEAR 8 CAMPS
YEAR 8 & 9 LITERATURE
Easter Egg Hunt
Rocky Instincts
International Cuisine
Form Camps
Literacy Circles
The excitment echoed through the School as the three Prep classes made their way up from their classrooms to the Library for the annual Prep Easter Egg Hunt. Hopping up the hill in front of the excited students was the Easter Bunny! Thanks to all the Year 12 students who once against assisted in making this exciting activity possible for the School’s youngest students.
Year 3 students were visited by local company Rocky Instincts. The focus of this visit was to let students engage in techniques the Darumbal people, our land’s traditional custodians, people used when turning natural resources into handy tools. The class enjoyed exploring many different tools and crafting their own coolamons.
Year 7 students studying their Japanese elective combined their Japanese language and cooking skills in Term 1. The students had to follow a pork noodle dish recipe, using their Japanese language skills to follow the cooking instructions. The language challenge combined with some unfamiliar cooking techniques created an interesting Japanese lesson. The students gave their meals a thumbs up!
Year 8 Form classes started their annual Form Camps at the end of Term 1. Students tested their hiking skills and braved the high ropes course while also having the opportunity to enjoy some water activities including surfing. Students also welcomed a return to overnight camps this year. Year 8 Form Camps continue at Ritamada in Term 2.
Year 8 and 9 English students experimented with Literature Circles in Term 1. An exciting way to discover how text is studied, the students would read a section of the text which may be particularly challenging or interesting. Students were then grouped together and assigned different roles to play as they unpacked the text. The roles allowed students to explore any challenging or difficult vocabulary or concepts and ideas, connections between the text and the real world, questions they would ask of the text, as well as summarising the text in a succinct manner.
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
DR PHILLIP MOULDS HEADMASTER
Inside Family pride in education
SCHOLARSHIP
3 Education options
Recently I had the opportunity to spend a few days visiting the regional towns that are the lifeblood of our boarding family at The Rockhampton Grammar School. Unfortunately, I don’t get the opportunity to hit the road and visit our boarding communities as often as I would like. But when I do, I am quickly reminded just how wonderful our Central Queensland region is, and why so many people are proud to call it home. During my recent trip, I spent time in Emerald, Clermont, Springsure, Moura and Biloela, meeting with current families, past students and families who are making plans for their child’s future education.
RGS students make the grade
COMMUNITY
4 I n the news
Students take centre stage
PAST STUDENTS
7 Delving into the past Preserving our history
The message that came through clearly to me from the discussions is the high importance that these families place on their child’s education. This often requires sacrifices, but these are made to ensure their child is given every opportunity to reach their full potential. Families want to make sure that their child will not be disadvantaged and that they can access a high-quality education, an extensive co-curricular programme and make life long friends – all in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. And importantly, remain strongly connected to their home life.
COMMUNITY
RGS has families based in regional towns and locations across Central Queensland. We never take for granted the trust that these families place in our School. It is a major life decision for parents and guardians to choose where their children will go to school. We are privileged that so many families chose RGS to not only provide a high-quality education but also to care for their child and provide a second home through the school year.
COMMUNITY
I am always impressed by how well rounded, resilient, and engaged our boarding students are. They grasp all the opportunities that life at Grammar provides them, and they do so with both hands, fully immersing themselves in all aspects of School life. This attitude and approach to life is a credit to their families and the supportive environment they have grown up in. It is no wonder that we have so many great students boarding with us, and it is reaffirming to know that many others are also on their way to becoming Grammarians.
16 Inter-house sport
With Beef 2021 only a few weeks away, and agricultural shows and field days back on the calendar, I look forward to meeting and chatting with more families as well all get out and about again.
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 ©2020 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
9 The right recipe
Year 12s test cooking skills
SCHOLARSHIP
12 Staying the journey
Making the most of opportunities
14 Stymie
Finding our voices
SPORTS
Students green with envy
18 RGS photo gallery THE FINAL WORD
20 Changing times
Mr Hadwen farewells RGS
On the cover: Chad Willett celebrates a gold medal at nationals. Photo credit: © RA/ Linda Higginson. See Page 16.
Mrs Rachael McDonald 07 4936 0776 rmcdonald@rgs.qld.edu.au Mrs Ashleigh Harvey 07 4936 0667 aharvey@rgs.qld.edu.au
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COMMUNITY
Students welcome a return to memorable moments
Happy Campers on North Keppel Island The annual Year 5 camp on North Keppel is a wonderful outdoor educational experience which complements many aspects of the Year 5 National Curriculum.
Musical magic returns to the Pilbeam Theatre RGS brought the Pilbeam Theatre back to life in Term 1 when the long-awaited production of Mary Poppins Jnr finally hit the stage. The RGS Primary musical production team first contacted then Primary students in February last year and 12 months later, on 26 – 27 February after many COVID setbacks, they performed on stage. “We thought about scrapping the show but these students really wanted the opportunity,’’ said Mr Robertson, Musical Director.
“Seeing the musical come to fruition on the stage and to see the fun and enjoyment of the students on stage, and the audience as well, was wonderful. “Students rehearsed three to four times a week, for the majority of the term. The parents commitment to get them to rehearsals was amazing along with the RGS staff and supporters giving up their time.” Mr Robertson found it surreal finally watching the performance on stage after a long build-up. Photograph: Michael Kennedy
Activities included snorkelling, a mangrove study and a night beach walk where the students built on their Science studies, observing that living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment. Team work came into play on the low ropes course and initiative games allowed the students to participate positively in groups, encouraging others and negotiating roles. Year 5 teacher Mrs Tricia Ruddick said students also applied critical and creative thinking processes in order to generate and assess solutions to movement challenges. The students also tested their outrigging skills and discovered more about the cultural signifcance of the island, while also learning more about the influence of people on the environment. Mrs Ruddick said the School’s positive, long-term relationship with staff at North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre allowed students to participate in both valuable academic and cultural experiences.
SCHOLARSHIP
“ It was comforting knowing I had my future planned for me before I finished school.” Darcy Turner
RGS Dux of the School Sansuka De Silva is now at Monash University, in Melbourne, studying a Bachelor of Medicine and still adjusting to life so far away from home. “It’s definitely been very interesting with a big focus on the clinical aspects and a holistic approach to medicine,’’ said Sansuka, who was one of five RGS Year 12 students to receive six A’s in their final year of study. “It’s been different getting used to more independent study and learning to manage my time more effectively, but a lot of skills from RGS have helped me.”
97%
of students received a Queensland Certificate of Education
93%
of students received a VET qualification
Fellow Year 12 graduate Darcy Turner always had a preference for pursuing a trade, and after completing his schooling last year he was employed full time as an apprentice carpenter with Adobe Constructions.
90%
of students received an ATAR over 75.00
Report Card: Diverse opportunities RGS 2020 graduates endured a very different looking Year 12 in the final year of study as they pushed through the unfamiliar territory of COVID while also being the first group of students in Queensland to tackle ATAR. This group of students is now pursuing the next chapter of their lives.
Pictured above: 2020 Year 12 students Ben Scott and Isabella Crow
RGS graduates are now building on their skills from which they laid the early foundations during their school years. Following the introduction of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) in 2020, 90% of RGS students received an ATAR over 75.00, with 37% receiving an ATAR between 99.95 and 90.00. 97% of students attained a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). The Year 12 cohort also performed strongly in the Vocational Education Training (VET) field with 145 students receiving a VET qualification. This represented 93% of the cohort and was well above the State average of 63.6%.
“It was comforting knowing I had my future planned for me before I finished school. It can be really stressful for a lot of Year 12 students not knowing what they’ll be doing after school,’’ Darcy said. Darcy welcomed the opportunity to pursue his own interests at school, enjoying the pathways the School’s VET programme provided. “It’s really important because a lot of people would prefer to get a trade and get into work. I’m really enjoying the progress I get to see in my job. It’s always changing each day and you get rewarding results at the end of a project.” RGS Head of Secondary – Academics, Ms Reniece Carter said the the journey in preparing for the issuing of the first ATAR to Queensland graduates was a complex and multifaceted one, further complicated by the global pandemic. “The School’s extensive preparation and solid leadership by the Heads of Secondary School (Academics and Students), the Headmaster and the Dean of Studies and Dean of Academic Administration and Staffing meant the results of the Year 12, 2020 graduates in all areas – ATAR, QCE and VET – were outstanding,’’ Ms Carter said. “It is also important to recognise the contribution all staff make as RGS continues to be a school that ensures its graduates are young men and women of character.”
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SCHOLARSHIP
IN THE NEWS RGS students were back on centre stage this term with students wowing the crowds with their cooking skills, dramatic performances and their amazing reading skills.
Tasty Creations
Dramatic Scenes
Before School Reading
The Year 9 Food and Textile Technology class designed and created a café which highlighted native ingredients. Students worked in pairs to develop a menu item that would serve 20 guests. Students flocked to try the tasty treats during their Morning Tea break.
Year 8 – 12 students of the RGS Dance & Drama Department, presented “Creative Collective” in Term 1. The night featured students from Years 8, 9 and 10 Drama and Years 11 and 12 Dance. Year 8 Drama presented two melodramas “Ah Cruel Fate” and “Unhand Me Squire”, creating some popular audience interaction. Year 9 Drama presented “Little Red Rap” and Year 10 Drama students presented entertaining small group and individual musical theatre items with Year 11 Dance performing ‘Newsies’ and Year 12 Dance performed “Boxes” which were all assessment pieces.
The RGS Primary Before School Reading programme is preparing to return for 2021. Each year the programme involves RGS Year 11 students helping the Primary School students improve their reading skills. Year 3 student Harrie Hansen read to the Year 11 cohort in Term 1 to help promote the importance of being able to read. Current Year 12 students Manya Chauhan and Tayla Wallace assisted with last year’s programme.
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CREATING CONFIDENT SMILES
FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES
COMMUNITY
Creating future learning opportunities
RGS ready to welcome an eventful Term 2 In Term 2, we have lots to look forward to with an existing calendar of events for our Grammar community.
Celebration by the Sea – 19th June
Students master mentoring RGS parents gained an insight into the world of Music studies during Term 1 at the Year 5 “Teach the Parents Evening”.
“I think the music programme for the Year 5 and 6 students is a wonderful initiative that the school has adopted,’’ Rachael said.
RGS Head of Music Mrs Jessica Marrinan said the students took on the role of mentor and guided their parents through the first stages of learning their instrument.
“The Teach the Parent Evening” was relaxed and enjoyable, as well as very interesting learning about the positive benefits, reading and playing music have on activating the whole brain.
“It was wonderful to see parents share in both the challenge and success that is experienced when learning a new skill and there were certainly many laughs,’’ Mrs Marrinan said. Rachael Olive joined daughter Allie, welcoming the opportunity to step inside her daughter’s classroom and learn the flute.
“It was fun for the children to be able to teach their parents something and have a bit of a laugh with their parents at the same time. “I have a new found appreciation for anyone who plays the flute. It is not as easy as it looks!”
Join us on Saturday 19th June as we celebrate the School’s 140th Anniversary and the 50th Year of Ritamada. For the first time in the School’s history, Ritamada will be transformed to become a restaurant with a view. Enjoy a long lunch under beautiful Norfolk Pines while taking in the most beautiful view on the Capricorn Coast. Tickets go on sale 12 April, for what is sure to be an iconic and memorable event. All funds raised from the event go to the 1881 Endowment, which provides scholarships and bursaries to students who otherwise could not attend Grammar.
The Social Dilemma – 28th April Technology’s promise to keep us connected has arguably given rise to a host of unintended consequences that are catching up with us. If you want to learn more about social media, how it works and the impact it is having on our society, this event is for you. The School will be holding a free public screening of the acclaimed documentary, The Social Dilemma on Wednesday 28th April. The documentary provides an insight into social media, how it operates behind the scheme and the impact it is having on lives. The screening will be held in the RGS Auditorium and will be followed by a Q&A session.
Beef 2021 – 2nd – 8th May In 2021, Rockhampton welcomes the return of Beef Week.
“ I have a new found appreciation for anyone who plays the flute. It is not as easy as it looks.” Rachael Olive
RGS will be well represented at Beef 2021, so please drop into our site to a say hello or book a time to tour the School. We look forward to seeing our Show Cattle team shine, as well as catching up with families, past students and friends of Grammar.
Pictured below: Prep students sent a clear message in Term 1 that RGS was celebrating 140 years of education
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PAST STUDENTS
ALUMNI NEWS RGS past students are making a difference in their communities, whether that is leading national natural disaster recoveries, kicking goals at university or just starting their careers. Read more about RGS past students in The Grammarian http://www.rgs.qld.edu.au/the-grammarian-newsletter
Road to recovery
Business Challenge honours
From students to teachers
Andrew Colvin (RGS 1987) had not long stepped down from the role of Australian Federal Police Commissioner in 2019 before a new challenge knocked on his door. Following the 2019/2020 bushfires, Andrew was appointed National Coordinator of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency. As many communities still rebuild from the disaster, Andrew said, “My overwhelming reflection from 2020 is the strength that comes from community, and the willingness of Australians to act in the best interests of each other, before themselves.”
Paige Benson (RGS 2015), a CQUniversity Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Business student, placed second in the National Finals of the AMP University Challenge late last year. The Challenge allows students to combine technical knowledge with communication skills in a real-world scenario. The purpose of the challenge is to showcase how exciting and fulfilling the financial industry can be and to help competitors experience first-hand what it takes to be a successful financial adviser.
RGS past students returned to RGS classrooms during Term 1, this time in a teaching role. CQUniversity Education students Lachlan Hill (RGS 2016) and Teaghan Leach (RGS, Year 3, 2009) stepped back into the classroom along with another RGS past student Emmeline Elder (pictured, RGS 2014). Emmeline was looking to do something different after finishing school. In 2017 – 2018 Emmeline found herself working as a governess on a cattle station in the Northern Territory before returning to Central Queensland. “I love the combination of being able to teach and being outdoors working on the property,’’ Emmeline said. Emmeline has resumed her teacher aide studies this year following the COVID disruptions of 2020.
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PAST STUDENTS
Q&A Meg Absolon 1989 Meg Absolon discovered anthropology studies while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Queensland. Meg has since uncovered a rich and rewarding career unearthing treasures from eras past.
“ Every collection has amazing gems in it” Meg Absolon
CQ: How did you start your career in cultural materials conservation? MA: I was studying a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in anthropology and whilst working at the Queensland Museum I was introduced to the conservation department which ensures preservation of collections. Following down this path I completed a Master of Applied Science in Conservation of Cultural Materials and then worked as an objects conservator in museums and art galleries.
CQ: What are some of the cultural materials you have worked with over past years? MA: The object types a conservator works with can be very diverse. At the Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville I worked on maritime archeological artifacts from the wreck of HMAS Pandora. I also worked on ethnographic objects, railway museum artifacts and historic house contents before making my way to National Gallery of Australia. At the Gallery I worked on sculpture, decorative arts, contemporary art, as well as Australian Indigenous and Pacific cultures works of art. I’ve been very fortunate that my job also took me to Antarctica where I spent four field seasons working on artefacts from the early explorer huts, which are still standing today, of the Scott, Shackleton and Mawson expeditions.
environment. It was a privilege to work with those objects and to help ensure they are preserved even further into the future. Most recently I worked at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii, on their cultural collections and installing exhibitions. CQ: What are you looking for in this line of work? MA: Whether it be art or artefacts the aim is to provide the best preservation needs for the collection for future generations. I’m interested in the physicality of the object and its current condition. Conservation treatments are devised for immediate stabilisation of an object and then the broader storage environment is addressed. I also think about who used it or who created it and how they created it. I had a great trip up to Yirrkala, in the Northern Territory, to speak with Indigenous artists themselves and see first-hand the techniques they used to create the artworks and hear about their connection with the work. CQ: Is there a particular collection that stands out for you? MA: Every collection has amazing gems within it. Every object in a collection or an exhibition has a story and a history. The connection we have with art and artefacts is different for everyone but if it leads us to feel and think and create then it’s a standout collection.
It’s incredible what they managed to take down there to set up bases for their exploration of Antarctica. It is also remarkable what remains after such a long period in a very hostile
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SCHOLARSHIP
Recipe for success: Teaching life skills Year 12 is often a year of “lasts” – the last exam, the last piece of assessment or the last sporting event. This year, RGS has also challenged many of the Year 12 cohort to try a “first”. The students enjoyed a break from their desks to test their cooking skills when they were introduced to some basic tips to help them when it’s time to leave home or their boarding houses.
Pictured above: Year 12 students Olivia Cook and Alex Niven text their cooking skills on a spaghetti bolognaise meal
RGS Year 12 students enjoyed a break from assessment commitments to test their cooking skills in Term 1. Last year RGS Head of Year 12 Mr Nick Blevin and Head of Home Economics Mrs Nyree Malone discussed options to give the Senior students more life skills for when they leave home or head to university. Mrs Malone said they developed a three-week programme that taught cooking in two weeks and simple sewing and mindful mending in the third week. “The recipes we cooked were very cheap (all under $3 per serve) and nutritious and can all be cooked with limited kitchen facilities,’’ Mrs Malone said. RGS Year 12 student Lily Morrison considers herself a “capable cook”, however, still found this programme beneficial.
“Not only did it develop everyone’s skills, but it also allowed the students to connect with each other and leave the stress of assessment behind for a little,’’ Lily said. “I think we were all amazed by the affordability and ease of the dishes we were cooking and we have all banked those recipes away for when we possibly move out of home next year.” Lily thanked Mr Blevin, Mrs Malone and all the cooking staff for this wonderful opportunity. Fellow Year 12 student Hugh Ross also enjoyed the cooking lessons. “I rated my cooking as “unorthodox” because our focus was on taste rather than recipe structure,’’ said Hugh, who enjoyed testing the cooking waters. “If you can make it taste better than the recipe just do what it takes,’’ Hugh said. Hugh also enjoyed the “free food”.
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SCHOLARSHIP
In good hands: The heart of education In Term 2 The Rockhampton Grammar School returns with a new Acting Head of Primary, Mr Bruce Saxby. Mr Saxby steps in for the retired Mr Geoff Hadwen, a long admired staff member at The Rockhampton Grammar School having first started at the School in 2003. Mr Saxby and Mr Hadwen caught up for a chat before the changing of the guard. Mr Saxby: Students are the core of everything we do at the school, one thing I’ve noticed is you have a great capacity to know the names of students. Any tips you can give me as to how you can remember so many names?
Mr Bruce Saxby
Mr Geoff Hadwen
Mr Hadwen: Try not to get tied to the office desk is the most important thing. If you can manage to get in the classrooms as much as possible you’ll see the kids a lot more. I try each week to visit every classroom even for 10 – 15 minutes to remember names. Every time I see a child I want to say their name. I’m teaching myself their names. I will say, I’m terrible with parents names. Mr Saxby: What are the strengths of the staff in RGS Primary? Mr Hadwen: I’ve been given the opportunity to hand pick the Primary staff and I’ve been able to get a great range of staff. The important thing about staff is they are not all the same. Everyone has to have different strengths.
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It could be on the sporting field, music, chess or cultural things. They firstly have to have a genuine love for kids. They have great skills across a range of things, age is important and a blend of male and female staff is vital. It’s a real juggling act and getting them to work as a team. It’s important the teachers are individuals. My role is to facilitate and assist them in what they want to do. Sustainability in one classroom in Year 4 can be completely different to another classroom, but the concept of sustainability is still there. It’s fascinating to see how kids learn in one classroom compared to another classroom because that’s how the teacher wants to deliver the lesson based on their strengths and allowing them the freedom to do that is one of the biggest things we have in Primary.
COMMUNITY
HAVING HOPE IN EVERY STUDENT When Mr Saxby asked Mr Hadwen about the greatest satisfaction he had with engagement in his career, Mr Hadwen recalled his second year of teaching at Miles State School and a class that will forever stay in his memory and his heart: “The class I was given was considered horrible. They were a very sporty bunch, and I managed to win them over quickly by agreeing that if they got their jobs done we could do something active outside. They gave me a dog as an end of year present when I was transferred to a one-teacher school. I think I learnt a lot in my second year of teaching. RGS Year 6 Student Leaders join Mr Hadwen for one last Primary Formal Assembly
“If you treat kids well and look after them, you like the kids and make them feel they’re not the worst class in the school and you like what they do, they’ll give it back to you in spades. “They were the class no one wanted and they were probably my favourite class I ever taught. All kids are good, you just have to find it in them sometimes. They’ll all make mistakes and it’s ok to make a mistake, but not twice. Not the same mistake twice.”
Mr Saxby: There’s a lot of history at this school. Traditions in Primary, what’s important for me to maintain? Mr Hadwen: One of the traditions I built around this School, that I’m very proud of, is their uniform. Some people call it old school. Tuck their shirts in, socks are pulled up and they look neat and tidy. It’s actually generally very well respected by the students in the Primary School. It shows pride in their uniform. I know they smile at me on their first day of Year 7 as they walk past me with their PE shirt out because they’ve got older and I’m fine with that. Also, when I first got here I couldn’t understand why Primary had sports houses named after Board Chairmen (Macfarlane, Hay, Jones and Callaghan) and the Secondary School houses were named after headmasters. Pretty much straight away I said we need houses that go right the way through the school, and now we do. My favourite room in the whole school without a doubt is the
Memorial Assembly Hall. The history from the Headmasters, the people involved in World War I, the School Captain and Dux from 1881. It’s a great place. This is where the School started. When students leave they become a part of this long history. What past students have achieved in the wider community adds a lot to the character to the school and it’s important to involve and teach the kids about this history.
Year 6 students reading a book is still really important. Having kids reading is still a major influence on their education. A tablet and those things don’t cut it. I don’t think it’s suitable. Picking up a book, sharing a book and reading a book is vital. I would love to see our own library in Primary. Just to borrow books. I don’t think in the next 20 years doing away with books will be an option for kids.
Mr Saxby: There have been significant facilities added to the Primary School. If you had one more wish for facility development what would it be?
Mr Saxby: What’s the one tip you can give me about my transition into Primary?
Mr Hadwen: Three years ago I would have said a computer lab, but now so many of the students have tablets in the classroom I don’t see the need for a computer lab. I might sound a bit old school here, but I’m still a very strong believer in a library, in particular in the younger years in Primary. The internet covers many resources now, but for Preps to
Mr Hadwen: Trust the teachers. They are very good at their job. They have the best interest of the kids at heart at all times. There’s going to be some days when things don’t go well for an individual. Supporting them and knowing that you have their back makes life very easy. If you have a happy staff you have a happy school. That flows from the teachers being happy with their kids, their parents, you and their colleage next door. If that happens, the day’s going to be pretty good.
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SCHOLARSHIP
Leadership pathways Tamara Hunting, Team Leader of the Academics Programme with the Cape York Leaders Programme (CYLP), wants young indigenous students to see how many different options the world can offer them if they take the opportunity to find them. The Rockhampton Grammar School is joining this journey of discovery.
In 2021, Rockhampton Grammar School Year 12 student Shobi Salam will become the first student on the Cape York Leaders Programme to attend RGS from Year 7 to Year 12. It’s not an easy journey for many of the students, and not all will last the journey, but Tamara Hunting is determined to help as many students as possible complete their secondary school education. “I see the struggles they go through just to fit into a school environment,’’ Tamara said. Tamara Hunting CYLP, Team Leader of Academics
“ We just want for them to be more. To have those dreams and goals to reach’’ Tamara Hunting
“It’s adjusting to the timetable, it’s being where you have to be on time, if you want to eat it has to be now and not later, handing in phones is a big thing now and not having mum around to do things for you like putting your washing in your laundry bag.” It’s a familiar story many new students face leaving home and entering boarding. “To be away from mum and dad for this long is a challenge for some of them, and for their parents as well,’’ Tamara said. Despite the challenges, Tamara has seen what can be achieved for those students who stick with the programme. “You see changes in them like maturity, leadership, organisational skills. It gets so much easier as the years go on. If they start in Year 7 it gives them more time to catch up to the rest of the cohort,’’ Tamara said. “I just hope they have a goal in mind. We want them to have something to go to after school. Whether it’s a job, further training or university. As long as there’s that pathway
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and they know what they want to do. That’s the end goal we want to see.” CYLP graduates are now in trades, studying diplomas or are solicitors and nurses. Tamara said her advice to the students was always “stick with it”. “The kids need to keep busy, like playing a team sport, and their families have to give them the positive messages and motivation to stay at boarding school. We can say it, the school can say it, but it’s the parent saying to them you have to stick with it,’’ she said. Tamara has worked with Cape York organisations for the past 20 years and almost nine years with the CYLP. “I love giving back and doing this for our people,’’ Tamara said. RGS has been associated with CYLP since 2013, this year welcoming 14 new students on the programme. RGS Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds said the School was proud to be a partner with CYLP. “It provides opportunities for the Cape York students to attend a great school but also provides other students at Rockhampton Grammar with the opportunity to understand different cultures, history and perspectives,’’ Dr Moulds said. “That diversity of population is really important for preparing everyone at the School for life beyond school when they are finished.” Dr Moulds said Cape York was helping provide access to a quality education that aligns these students with many opportunities they would not have dreamed of previously.
SCHOLARSHIP
“ Whatever great opportunities come their way they should take them because they don’t know if these opportunities will come again” Shobi Salam “They (students) have the opportunity to make a fundamental difference to not only their lives, but to the lives within their communities when they go back each holiday, and hopefully beyond school,’’ Dr Moulds said. The transition from the students’ home communities to boarding and a new school is also recognised by the School. “People talk about perseverance and grit. When times get tough there are people around who genuinely care for you within the whole school community. If you’re a student having trouble there’s a role to be played by your peers, by your teachers, your parents – whether they be in Rockhampton or Far North Queensland. We all work together to get the best out of a student’s time at school.” CYLP has 103 students in 15 schools across Queensland.
SHOBI’S STORY – STAYING THE JOURNEY Shobi Salam (Year 12) Starting secondary school in a new region with new faces and cultures was a steep learning curve for Shobi Salam.
they’re doing ok. And not just them (CYLP) but the new kids in general,’’ Shobi said.
Shobi has had her “ups and downs” along the way, but is pleased she listened to her mum.
Shobi hopes, as she did, the new students at RGS come to realise the many opportunities they will have along their own journeys.
“I’d always think back to what my mum told me. She said to me – this is a really great opportunity for you and you just have to deal with it,” Shobi said.
“I would say, whatever great opportunities come their way they should take them because they don’t know if these opportunities will come again,’’ Shobi said.
“I’m so happy to have a mum like her.”
“And, not only that, but the outcomes are always the best. If you see it through to the end, even if you have hard times, that’s just life, you will look back like I am right now and appreciate it and be grateful.”
“I don’t want it (Year 12) to go fast. I really want to make the most of it because it’s my last year,’’ Shobi said. Shobi arrived at RGS from her hometown of Mossman in Year 7, 2016. She had grown up with three boys in her family, so moving into a girls boarding dorm was something very different. “Everything was different – the people, the cultures, the heat, the crowded town and boarding was something! I was now living in a dorm with a whole bunch of girls,’’ Shobi said. “Classes were different. I never did Science before I came here and I really liked doing workshop,’’ Shobi said. As a senior, Shobi’s journey has now broadened, where she finds herself keeping an eye on the many new CYLP faces starting at RGS this year and helping where she can. “I’ve been looking out for them and seeing if
Shobi is also grateful for the support from the Cape York Leaders programme. “I honestly don’t know how I would have got through my school years without it,’’ Shobi said. “They provided a lot of support over these past few years. Not only in education, but also reminding me about my culture, what the scholarship is for, and what they want for us in the future. It’s what the whole CYLP programme is about.” A talented art student who also enjoys her Certificate III Beauty course, someone who could also be interested in a trade or helping the Cape York programme, Shobi is still working out what 2022 looks like for her but this journey at RGS has created many options.
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Finding the courage to have a voice Twenty-five years ago, Rachel Downie became an educator to help young people flourish. After losing a Year 9 student to suicide, Rachel decided she needed to find a way to support young people to say something when they are seeing or experiencing harm. Rachel developed and self-funded Stymie – an old-fashioned word for stop – to allow students to anonymously report harm without fear. Why don’t we speak up and why do we have a culture of silence? They are questions Rachel Downie (RGS past student, 1987) continues to contemplate. The main work that she is doing is working with communities to normalise help seeking. Stymie can help break down those barriers and give people an anonymous voice to help create change. In Term 1 this year, RGS joined Stymie to give our students the courage to say something. “In large groups we’re so courageous and kind. We have a drought, or a flood, or a cyclone, we all band together in such a positive and supportive way. What we do lack, is the oneon-one courage to call people out on their poor behaviour; especially when we see them treating other people poorly,’’ Rachel said. In 2020, schools across Australia received 66,000 confidential notifications from Stymie.
Rachel, was named 2020 Queensland Australian of the Year for her work in supporting young people, and her drive to make Stymie a reality to support young people as the agents of change. She has worked with more than 600,000 students nationally, encouraging them to be in charge of their culture of care. “I was always trying to think of the bigger picture; staying one step ahead of the kids in terms of techno-based applications. You have to be abreast of all the stuff they are into and the creative and risky ways they use their technology,’’ Rachel said. Rachel was “shocked” at the volume of notifications Stymie received in its early days. “Schools have been in awe of the information they learn through Stymie and students have used the programme responsibility, but we want to encourage kids to use it more. That’s always a quandary. I would much prefer
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young people have the courage to initiate a conversation with a human rather than send an anonymous message about harm. We know Stymie is used in a proactive way, it helps schools find out about things before they escalate into something serious,’’ Rachel said. Rachel said students “are in charge of how people in their school are treated”. “They (students) are the people who will be stepping into our society in the future and driving change. Always, when we want to fix things, we have to look internally. See the change you want to make, learn everything you can about it, get support and change it!,’’ Rachel said. “My generation is gutless, in terms of calling out our best mates when they are behaving poorly. As grown ups and role models we need to be self-reflective; we ask our kids not to be bystanders but we do it all the time! How do you get your kids to speak up about harm and
COMMUNITY
STYMIE How Stymie is used by RGS students: 1. Visit the Stymie website www.stymie.com.au/ 2. A nonymously answer 9 questions 3. Hit “send” and your notifcation will be delivered to RGS in a second. 4. RGS will then triage the notification and progress the information. RGS owns the notifications. Stymie does not see the information.
“ You’ll never know when someone’s had enough because you’re not them. Everyone’s enough is different.” Rachel Downie Founder of Stymie
how you have explicit conversations around what to do if something goes wrong? How do you empower them to say something?” Rachel addressed students from Year 6 to Year 12, along with RGS staff. “I talked to the Year 6 students about ‘trusting their gut’. Your body doesn’t lie. We need to more explicitly teach our children to listen to their body and trust it. This feels weird, it doesn’t feel right. Act on that feeling and find somebody to talk to about it. It’s such a simple thing. But sometimes having the courage to initiate that conversation is very scary.” Rachel’s message to RGS students was simple, “If you see something, say something.” “You are in charge of how people at this School are treated. That is your job. Students can drive change within their peer group and within the school setting in terms of what they deem to be acceptable treatment of each other. One of the Year 6 students had the courage to
say we don’t help people sometimes because we’re worried people won’t think we’re cool. That’s a huge admission from a Year 6 child around what they are thinking of their social standing, social currency and social worth.” Rachel also wants schools and parents to start realising they are on the same team – “your child’s team”. “In the last 10 years, in particular, there has grown a huge disconnect between schools and parent communication about issues of huge significance like empathy, kindness, sex, bullying and harassment. We really need parents to have specific conversations in a proactive way, not just reacting when something happens. Talk about body autonomy now. Talk about your family values and asking for or sharing nude images. Talk about what to do if someone is being hurt; teach them how to be allies. The online lives of our children are mostly a mystery to us and 70% of families experience conflict around screen time. If you
let your kids online there are safeguards you need to follow,’’ Rachel said. “Love, kindness, caring, empathy – all of those things are first learned at home. They are then challenged at school and in the workplace.” Rachel also wants people to realise that everyone’s limits are different; resilience is a very personal and individual measure of our ability to cope. “You’ll never know when someone’s had enough because you’re not them. Everyone’s enough is different.” Rachel said we need to respect young people. “It’s about a whole child: their mental wellbeing, their heart space, their family’s socio-economic opportunities and how all of this affects the kind of learner they are. It’s so complex and challenging but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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CO-CURRICULAR
Rowing: National Medals RGS continues to confirm its place among the country’s best school rowers after the National Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington, Tasmania. RGS rowers returned home with 5 medals, and every rower featured in an “A Final” at the national level. Year 11’s Chad Willett was a clear winner, taking gold in the Under-17 men’s single scull and later combined with Year 10’s Fletcher Hewitt to win bronze in the Under-17 men’s double scull. Laura Sypher, Year 12, won silver in the schoolgirls single scull and combined with fellow Year 12 rower Olivia Cook, in a composite crew, to win silver in their Under-19 women’s quad scull final. Year 12 rowers Riley Godwin and Marshall Leeson also joined a composite crew to win bronze in their Under-19 men’s squad scull final. Ryan Dillon was cox in the RGS schoolboys quad that qualified for the “A Final”. Congratulations to coaches Mr John Smyth and Mr Rob Fay.
Secondary Swimming Age Champions 12 Years Girls
Jade Mauger
12 Years Boys
Kurt Lynch
13 Years Girls
Layne Hodgetts
13 Years Boys
Henry Lau
14 Years Girls
Alice Besch
14 Years Boys
Oscar Wemmerslager
15 Years Girls
Taryn Roberts
15 Years Boys
Jack Lynch
16 Years Girls
Molly Cottam
16 Years Boys
William Salmond
Open Years Girls
Kourtney Draper
Open Years Boys
Riley Denham
AROUND THE GROUNDS Swimming RGS swimmers featured among the medals at the Queensland Schools Swimming Championships. Taryn Roberts won 6 gold and 1 silver; William Salmond won 4 silver and 5 bronze and Jack Lynch won 1 gold medal. Taryn was also named swimmer of the meet and named in the Queensland Merit Team. William captained the Multicalass Capricornia team.
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Cricket
Josh Driscoll (Year 12) achieved a rare feat in Term 1 – taking a triple hat-trick at the Queensland Open Schoolboys Cricket Championships in Brisbane. A “triple hat-trick” involves taking 5 wickets in 5 balls. Josh claimed the first wicket on the last ball of his over and then claimed wickets on the first four balls of his next over.
Water Polo Wheatcroft claimed the first inter-house sporting honours for 2021 winning the water polo competition in Term 1. Wheatcroft topped the points in the Senior Division while Jardine was the top team in the Junior Division. The Term 1 Rockhampton District water polo finals were postponed at the end of Term 1 due to COVID restrictions.
CO-CURRICULAR
Cross Country Age Champions 6 Years Girls
Pia Dhamsania
6 Years Boys
Wyatt Caton
7 Years Girls
Anabella Van Der Loos
7 Years Boys
Henry Houghton
8 Years Girls
Aria Caton
8 Years Boys
Oliver Lau
9 Years Girls
Bonnie Tweed
9 Years Boys
Alexander Winslade
10 Years Girls
Siyarna Puslednik
10 Years Boys
Lachlan Robertson
11 Years Girls
Grace Francis
11 Years Boys
Blake Kraatz
12 Years Girls
Sophie Wright
12 Years Boys
Ben Mosby
13 Years Girls
Lainey Foot
13 Years Boys
Henry Lau
14 Years Girls
Asha Stewart
14 Years Boys
Bronson Carlos
15 Years Girls
Ellie Wells
15 Years Boys
Riley Sullivan
16 Years Girls
Ella McCauley
16 Years Boys
Chad Willett
Open Years Girls Tayla Wallace Open Years Boys Ulrich Kruger
Rugby Union
Cricket
Chess
RGS claimed its 14th consecutive Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Open Boys rugby union title in Term 1 with a strong win over St Brendan’s College. Spencer Smallacombe, Year 12, was named player of the final. The RGS Open Girls sevens team also won their final against Emmaus College with Alenna Whipp named player of the final. The RGS Under-15 boys finished runners-up to St Brendan’s College.
The RGS First XI cricket team won the Rockhampton Cricket Association Third Grade premiership. Jack Connor was named player of the final. The First XI and the RGS Years 7 – 9 T20 teams also won their Rockhampton district finals to progress to the next round of the statewide competition later this year.
RGS Primary and Secondary chess teams were successful in the CQ North Interschool Chess Tournament at Emmaus College. The winning Primary team was Eddie Newell, Shivam Karthikeyan, Imogen Land and Zach Holtzman while the Secondary team of Oliver Dunn, Kaviya Vignarajah, Neal Dhamsania and Siyuan Liu won their division.
The Open Boys also played in the Regional Rugby Championships in Rockhampton, finishing runners-up to Downlands College. Spencer was named RGS player of the Championship.
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GALLERY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Year 9’s Joe Morrison breaks a tackle in the U15 rugby union grand final; Prep D students spot the Easter Bunny; Thomas Macrae finishes an unbeaten innings for RGS; Toby Janes, Year 5, joins the Primary School chess team; Year 12 students shared the love before their annual Valentine’s Day deliveries; William Goudie and Mitchell Tweed receive their Year 6 badges; Retiring Head of Primary Mr Geoff Hadwen received his car park sign as a farewell gift from the School. The sign was drawn by Oliver Mullen (now Year 2) when he was in Prep; Year 12 students Ella James, Miranda Luck and Lily Cottam help out at the Secondary School Swimming Carnival.
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GALLERY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Laura Collins, Year 9, produces a tasty treat from the Home Economics Department; Year 12’s Lance Torres displays his basketball skills at the Co-Curricular Expo; Year 11s take a break during their wet and windy Outdoor Recreation adventure on Great Keppel Island; Lachlan Etherden, Year 2, catches up with Healthy Harold at the Life Education Van; Year 3 student Mitchell Malcolm works on his Art masterpiece; Harrison Hepburn, Year 9, joins the Wednesday Morning Tea activities in the Space Frame; Joining the stunning Year 12 Formal were (from left) Grace Clancy and Riley Denham; Ben McMurtrie and Peyton
Cordell; Maddison Acton and Jack Roberts; Cameron Mortimer and Darcie Allen; Armaan Kaushal and Lucy McCartney; Jack Lu and Jessica Le; Max Gadsby and Sally Adamski; Year 8 Drama student Joe Jensen takes to the stage in the Creative Collection production in the RGS Theatre; Mastering the art of public speaking are (from left) Sithmi Konara, Harshitha Peddireddy and Sineli Dissanayake.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 19
Q&A
The final word Mr Geoff Hadwen first joined The Rockhampton Grammar School staff in 2003. Mr Hadwen in his role as Head of Primary has left a lasting and memorable impression on countless numbers of students, parents and colleagues.
Having spent almost 40 years in Education I have seen many changes. When I first started there were no computers, internet, mobile phones, whiteboards or electronic whiteboards. The blackboard was the greatest resource we had and chalk going through the wash was a regular occurrence. Upon reflection though, the key to success in Primary Education has not changed. For me, Primary Education is about four main things. 1. Learning to read. 2. Basic mental mathematics
Geoff Hadwen
RGS HEAD OF PRIMARY Mr Hadwen, The Rockhampton Grammar School wishes you all the best for your future and thanks you for everything you have done for our School.
3. Ability to write a concise sentence that can be understood by the reader
I have loved working in education. It’s created an opportunity to make a difference for kids and encouraging them to reach their potential. It’s important for anyone working in education to keep track of the important things for students and families. I started working in education in 1984. I have no regrets retiring from work.
“ Find what you love doing and follow that path”
4. Good manners It has been an honour and a privilege to work at The Rockhampton Grammar School for the past 18 years. Having the opportunity to work at a School that has students from the age of Kindy right through to Year 12 has ensured that I am able to follow with great satisfaction the students’ education and personal growth to adulthood. I was interviewed by some Prep students about a decade ago and was asked what does the Head of Primary actually do? I had to make my response easy for Preps to understand. But since that day, I have used this response many times and it still runs true today. The Head of Primary has three jobs. 1. Keep the Students happy 2. Keep the Staff happy 3. Keep the Parents happy
Geoff Hadwen: Educating RGS students from 2003 to 2021
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Some final pieces of advice: For my colleagues – think before you press the send button on emails; remember that not everyone learns at the same pace; and be kind to each other. For the students – always be kind to your friends, family and yourself. Be proud of yourself and your achievements. Some general advice for everyone – find what you love doing and follow that path. Pam and I look forward to the next stage in our life and know that we will always be Grammarians for Life.
SCHOLARSHIP
2020 Speech Day awardees
Congratulations students on all of your 2020 Academic and Co-curricular pursuits. You have grown in Character and Scholarship. A special congratulations to Internal and External Dux of the School Keyan Sansuka De Silva and all of our prize winners. Year 7 Business Enterprise and Management Alexander Connell
Outstanding Boy Boarder in Year 8 (The School Prize) Riley Sullivan
Design and Workshop Outstanding Girl Boarder in Year 8 Paige Emery (Colin and Pauline Ash Digital Technology Trophy) Alexander Connell Gracie Finger Drama General Improvement Kathleen Nguyen Riley Sullivan English General Proficiency Alessandra Williams Riley Sullivan Geography Macte Virtute Award Alessandra Williams Isabella Yore Lachlan Wilson Health & Physical Education The Rockhampton Kathleen Nguyen Grammar School Past Students’ History Alessandra Williams Association Prize for First in Year 8 Home Economics Martha Dingle Alessandra Williams Eloise Lang
Japanese Amna Nadeem
Year 9
Agriculture (Wealwandangie Cup) Gabby Macrae
Business Enterprise and Management Sandee Music Alessandra Williams Weerasinghe Meegahawattage Science Design Paige Emery Ella McCauley Visual Arts Digital Technology Daniel Spiryagin Almarouf Olabode Outstanding Boy Drama Boarder in Year 7 (T. W. Conaghan Benjamin Baillie Family Trophy) Outstanding Girl Amelie Tripet Boarder in Year 7 English Lila Atkinson (Peter and Nina The Mace Family Vamvakaris Trophy) Shield Ava Tregea for Most Improved Essential English Year 7 Paris Corrigan Hannah Hovey Mathematics Bronson Carlos
General Proficiency Deepanshu Bhowmik Macte Virtute Award Taylor Brock Paige Emery The Rockhampton Grammar School Past Students’ Association Prize for First in Year 7 Alessandra Williams Year 8 Agriculture Ellie Wells Business Enterprise and Management Medha Koduri Design (Eggleshaw Trophy) Lachlan Wilson Digital Technology Lachlan Wilson Drama Trinity Hutt English Martha Dingle Essential English Clayton Besch Geography Martha Dingle Health & Physical Education Martha Dingle Health, Sport & Exercise Science Alice McDonald History Martha Dingle
Geography Tegbir Sandha
Health & Physical Education Timothy Wiltshire Health, Sport & Exercise Science Timothy Wiltshire History Mahjuba Kohinoor Home Economics Mathew He
Year 10 Accounting (Year 11 subject) (Birkbeck & Associates Award) Dominique Sleaford English (Mrs J. Wheatcroft Memorial Prize) Ella Milfull Essential English Alenna Whipp Geography (Year 11 subject) George Plumb Global Studies George Plumb Health & Physical Education Charli Harrison History Ella Milfull The Robert Mackay Brown History Prize Kiana Mueller Japanese Lily Roopnarinesingh
Music Max Morrison Science (The South Family Prize) Kaviya Vignarajah Essential Science Grady Wight Visual Arts Brooke Peckett Workshop Knox Burnham
Australian Defence Force 2020 Future Innovators Award Paarbon Siddiqui Australian Defence Force 2020 Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award Brianna Mauger C.A.R. Luck Prize Jacqueline Sleaford The Rockhampton Grammar School Past Students’ Association Prize for First in Year 10 Millicent Rayner Year 11 Agricultural Science (Jeffrey Reid Memorial Prize: Outstanding Achievement in Rural Subjects) Arnika Forrest Aquatic Practices Finley James Biology Margil Rajaji Business Arnika Forrest
Business Studies (John Carkeek Cup) Marine Operations Marshall Leeson Tanuri Somarathna Chemistry Advanced Cathleen Han Mathematics Harshitha (Theodore Kingel Peddireddy Prize) Dance (Year 12 Millicent Rayner subject) Essential Peyton Cordell Mathematics Dance (Year 12 Lachlan subject) MacDonald (Kath Creswick Mathematics Memorial Trophy) (Annette and Darryl Nick Smith Daley Rockhampton Design (City Printing Trophy Works Award) Centre Award) Jo-anna Baillie Ella (Steedman) Giles
Science (The South Family Prize) George Plumb
Essential Science Japanese (Eggleshaw Drewe Mace Trophy) Introduction to Kaviya Vignarajah Industry Megan Adamski Marine Operations Ava Tregea Introduction to Senior Agriculture (Donald Advanced Fraser Memorial Mathematics Prize) (David and Trevor Katie Swan Patterson Memorial Trophy) Introduction to Mikaela Hilber Senior Art India Iwers Mathematics Gabby Macrae Introduction to Senior Essential Mathematics Business Lacey Robertson Ashton Whatman
Outstanding Boy Boarder in Year 9 (The School Prize) Japanese (Eggleshaw Thomas Arber Trophy) Outstanding Girl Martha Dingle Boarder in Year 9 Mathematics (The (Colin and Pauline Ash Westpac Trophy) Banking Corporation Alexandria Award) Appleton Abenaya The C.C. Boland Suntharavadivel Prize for Essential Mathematics General Improvement Ben Van Bael Jack Simmonds Music MacFarlane Prize for Trinity Hutt Leadership and Science (The Westpac Service Banking Corporation Knox Burnham Award) General Proficiency Martha Dingle Danielle Clark Visual Arts Macte Virtute Award Gracie Finger Knox Burnham Ella McCauley Workshop Alice Besch Home Economics Caroline Sparks
The Rockhampton Grammar School Past Students’ Association Prize for First in Year 9 Mahjuba Kohinoor
Introduction to Senior Health & Physical Education Faith Maynard Introduction to Senior Music (RGS Music Council Award) Millicent Rayner Introduction to Senior Philosophy, Reasoning and Psychology Ella Milfull Outstanding Boy Boarder in Year 10 (The School Prize) Drewe Mace Outstanding Girl Boarder in Year 10 (Colin and Pauline Ash Trophy) Faith Maynard The C.C. Boland Prize for General Improvement Jett Grundy Leadership and Service Sophie Smith The E.W. Luck Cup for Character Development Millie Griffin Gloria and Peter Hansen Memorial Trophy for Character Development Harland Burnett
English Cathleen Han
English as an Additional Language (CQUniversity Australia Prize) Xiwei (Will) Wang
Visual Arts Manya Chauhan
Ancient History Benjamin Scott
Visual Arts in Practice Chelsea Wu
Industrial Technology Skills Benjamin Hinman
Best Boy Boarder in Year 11 (The John and Linda Crossland Prize) Angus Johansen Outstanding Girl Boarder in Year 11 (Colin and Pauline Ash Trophy) Maddison Acton A.T. Clarke Cup for Character Development Yuchi (Bruce) Liu
Sport and Recreation William Arnold
Legal Studies (The CQUniversity Prize Australia and The South Geldard Lawyers Award) Carmen Harrington-Wade
Literature Round Square – King Keyan Sansuka Constantine Medal for De Silva General Mathematics Service Claire Moulds (The Volck Family Prize) Passionate Music Ella KibblewhiteEndeavours and Claus Humanitarian Ideals (Nicolas K Fitzgerald Yewdale Memorial Prize) Claire Moulds
Mathematics Methods (C.C. Boland Prize) Keyan Sansuka De Silva
Fitzroy Jardine Memorial Prize Piper Christensen
Specialist Mathematics (C.C. Boland Prize) Keyan Sansuka De Silva
Chris and Mitchell Petersen Prize Spencer Smallacombe The John and Ruth Bath Prize for General Improvement Manya Chauhan
Essential Mathematics Caitlin Van Loggerenberg Physical Education (The Antill Wills Memorial Trophy) Molly McGrail
General Proficiency (Peter and Nina Vamvakaris Trophy) Olivia Old Jane Brighton Thayaghan Vignarajah
Physics Keyan Sansuka De Silva
Best Two Year 10 Passes in 2019 (John and Elizabeth Blair Memorial Prize) Harshitha Peddireddy
Visual Arts Benjamin Scott
Margil Rajaji
The Rockhampton Grammar School Past Students’ Association Prize for First in Year 11 Essential English Cameron Mortimer Cathleen Han Year 12 Geography (Year 12 subject) Accounting (City (Peter and Nina Printing Works Award) Vamvakaris Trophy) Keyan Sansuka Grace Garraway De Silva Health Education Agricultural Science Breannah (Ian R. Millroy Mackenzie Memorial Trophy) Industrial Technology Kasey Frame Skills Aquatic Practices Thomas Matsen Lucas Johnson Japanese Biology Thasuni Ama Lillie Bain Wickramarathne Puhule Gamayalage Business Management (The CQUniversity Legal Studies Australia Prize (The South Geldard and The Paul Palmer Lawyers Award) Cup) Harshitha Mikealy Ryan Peddireddy Business Studies Literature (John Carkeek Cup) Harshitha Peter New Peddireddy Chemistry Mathematical Keyan Sansuka Methods De Silva (Annette and Darryl Design Daley Rockhampton Trophy Centre Award) (Andrews & Girle Architect Prize) Margil Rajaji Candice Herring Specialist Drama Mathematics (Kath Creswick Margil Rajaji Memorial Trophy) Essential Mathematics Olivia Offord Lincoln Major English (Kellow General Mathematics Memorial Prize) Arnika Forrest Lillie Bain Modern History English and Literature Grace Garraway Extension (Volck Family Prize) Music (RGS Music Max Paxton Council Award) Cathleen Han English as an Additional Language Physical Education (CQUniversity Lucy McCartney Australia Prize) Physics Chenjun Ma Cathleen Han Psychology Tayla Wallace
Japanese (The CQUniversity Australia Prize) Hasee Weerasinghe Meegahawattage
Essential English Benjamin Hinman Health Education Lainy Curtis
Psychology (The Carter/Buxton Shield) Molly McGrail
Visual Arts in Practice (Mark Coombe Outback Art Award) Nicholas Samuels General Proficiency (Peter and Nina Vamvakaris Trophy) Rowan Nicholls Joel Brighton Eliza Cowan Isabella Shute Hayden Brown Genavieve Cooling Natalie Marks Outstanding Boy Boarder (Coombe Trophy) Nicholas Storey Outstanding Girl Boarder (Roxborough Trophy) Mikealy Ryan General Improvement (C.C. Boland Prize) Joshua O’Regan Gladstone Ports Corporation Student of the Year 2020 Olivia Offord Peter Leslie Foot Quiet Achiever Memorial Trophy Benjamin Scott Coningham Memorial Cup for Character Development in the Senior Form Kasey Frame Outstanding Achievement in Music (Chudleigh Trophy and Book Prize) Keyan Sansuka De Silva Outstanding Achievement in Public Speaking (Frank & Merilyn Luck Trophy and Bursary) Keyan Sansuka De Silva Greatest Contribution to Drama (The Argus Trophy) Roxanne McDonald Greatest Contribution to the Musical Team (McCutchan Trophy) Ellouise Anderson Olivia Offord
Sporting Prowess (The C.C. Boland Cup) Kade Goudie
Cooking Madilyn McAlister
Humanities & Social Sciences Aanya Bhat
English, Mathematics, Humanities & Social Sciences Technology Luca Skilton Interest in Physical Mathematics, Science Hayley McCamley Development English, Mathematics, English, Mathematics Tosaron Adegbija and Athletic Science English, Physical and Science Proficiency Kitty Flenady Xavier Khandaker Education (Sylvia Dixon Trophy) Jordan Hodgetts English, Mathematics, English, Mathematics, Patrick Chay Art, Music, Japanese, Mathematics, Music Humanities & Social Australian Olympic Technology Megan Nguyen Sciences Change-Maker Award Zachary Holtzman Jacob Tripet English, Mathematics, Nicholas Storey Year 6P English, Mathematics, Humanities & Social Kasey Frame Humanities & Social Sciences General Effort Inter-house MacKenzie Sciences, Science Giovanna Sidharta Eric John Dennis Shield Robert Muller Fiza Kaushal Year 5C Jardine Year 3L Technology (Captains) General Effort Seth Tregea Thomazine Cumner General Effort Kishan Kotian Kade Goudie Leo Carolan Lily Aird Mathematics, Art Oscar Muller The Wilson Family Darcy Malone Technology Trophy for Hannah Davis Cooking English, Mathematics Most Outstanding VET Oliver Moore Shyam Ashokumar Mathematics Student Joshua Richmond Physical Education English, Humanities William Howland Presley Acton Physical Education & Social Sciences, The Wilson Family Lochlan Snaidero Mathematics Science Trophy for Ruchika Mamadigi English Rini Clayton Most Outstanding VET Ekamjot Singh English English, Mathematics, Student - Agriculture Sasha Durga Shaji Art Humanities & Social Benjamin Hinman Sciences, Science, Kiva Hirpara English and Science CQUniversity Music, Physical EduRuby Rowland Associate Vice Science cation, Japanese Chancellor’s Award English, Mathematics, Benjamin Bahnisch Tosibiletu Adegibja for VET Humanities & Social Music Year 6R Wade Haynes Sciences, Science, Daisy Williamson Music General Effort Australian Defence English, Mathematics, Zara Kummerfeld Kallan Parker Force 2020 Humanities & Social Libby McDonald Future Innovators English, Mathematics, Sciences Award Humanities & Social Music Davena Keyan Sansuka Sciences, Science, Cooper Newell Parker-Clipsham De Silva Art, Technology English, Mathematics, Humanities & Social Elsa Li Australian Defence Sciences Humanities & Social Force 2020 Year 3/4W Risham Sandha Sciences, Science, Long Tan Youth 3W Japanese Mathematics Leadership and Vidath Wedisinghe Siyuan Liu Music Teamwork Award Jenul Menikpura Year 5K Benjamin Scott Art General Effort Hank Woodard General Effort The Rockhampton Siyarna Puslednik Snigdha Koduri Grammar School English, Mathematics Mathematics, Art Alexander Community Service Bhavik Bhardwaj Desal Macdonald Award Science, Physical EduChandrarathne Keyan Sansuka English cation, Technology De Silva English, Humanities & Noah Vella George Pentecost Social Sciences Interest and Service Mathematics English, Mathematics, Elizabeth Wright Out of School (R. H. Tyson Carlos Japanese McKenzie Cup) English, Mathematics, Ziran Lekha Art Kimberley Weier Science, Technology, Tatenda Mugebe English, Humanities Physical Education Outstanding & Social Sciences, Physical Education Lachlan Davis Achievement and Science Sid Ward School Spirit (Ramm 4W Neal Dhamsania Trophy) Technology General Effort Natalie Marks Year 6S Seton Brock Lachlan Ricks The Malan Family General Effort Science, Japanese Mathematics Trophy and Sewmini Yueqi (CiCi) Zhang Emma Hilber Caltex Best AllChandrarathne Mathematics, English and Science Rounder Award Harry Wright Humanities & Social Sienna Caton Joel Brighton Art Sciences 2014 Seniors’ Prize for Mathematics, Art Kate Penrose Sanula Mudalige Miaoke Li Service and Spirit English, Mathematics, Mathematics Isabella Shute English, Humanities & Bennett Reilly Music Headmaster’s Cup for Social Sciences Lara Ho Physical Education Allie Olive Leadership and Kurt Lynch English, Humanities Service Music, Physical Edu& Social Sciences, Lillie Bain Mathematics, cation, Technology Science Keyan Sansuka Technology Lachlan Robertson Riya Chakravarthy Jason Maveza De Silva Year 4G Year 5M John Wheatcroft English, Humanities General Effort Cup for & Social Sciences, General Effort Best Exemplar of the Ainsley Lang Japanese Grace Francis Freya Weigall School Motto Macte Layne Hodgetts Ava Carolan Technology Virtute et Litteris English, Science, Science Gabrielle Stewart Natalie Marks Music Harley Aitchison Nicholas Storey Physical Education Aditi Menon Art Max Cottam Best Two Year 10 English, Mathematics, Jade Harmsworth Passes in 2018 Music Humanities & Social (John and Elizabeth Mathematics Brody McCamley Sciences, Science Blair Eddie Newell Sophie Wright Science Memorial Prize) Humanities & Social Naija Abbott Co-curricular Keyan Sansuka Science Pennants De Silva Mathematics Nash Mahon Hasee Weerasinghe Pramoth Vasudevan AFL Science, Physical Meegahawattage Ethan White English, Humanities Education Kate Penrose Highest Average in the and Social Sciences Archie Cifford Secondary School (R. Edward Roche Netball English, Technology J. Macfarlane Cup) Libby McDonald English, Mathematics Ashton Rodgers Keyan Sansuka Prahas Peddireddy Tennis De Silva Mathematics, Music Spencer Besch English, Mathematics, Magnus Connell The James Risham Sandha Humanities & Social Vandeleur Sciences, Science, English, Mathematics Chess Internal Dux of the Art Lara Farmer Neal Dhamsania School Hollie Richmond English, Humanities Signing Choir Keyan Sansuka Year 4S & Social Sciences, Aditi Menon De Silva Japanese English Primary Rock Band Sascha Thomas PRIMARY Jake Hodgetts Eric John Dennis Year 5R Year 3H General Effort Primary Concert Band Calee Krarup General Effort General Effort Layne Hodgetts Lalanya Gazal Sophie Benton Marley Newell Primary Jazz Band Dimple Kotian Ruby Rowland Technology Vikram Chauhan Aryan Dost Art Physical Education Taekwon-Do Ava Creek Archie Cugola Science Ashton Rodgers Isaac Campbell Music Humanities & Social Primary Woodwind Grace Ramsay Sciences, Science Art Ensemble Miles Dey Chloe Mullen Physical Education Ziran Lekha Alexander Winslade
Primary Strings Ensemble Daisy Williamson Primary Beginner Concert Band Nate James Rugby League Kurt Lynch Archie Cugola Hockey Jade Harmsworth Senior Vocal Choir, Primary Musical, Hockey Patrick Robertson Senior Vocal Choir, Signing Choir, Primary Musical, Softball, Netball Kalani Williams Primary Trophies K.W. Green Trophy – Girls’ Swimming Layne Hodgetts Jones’ Cup – Boys’ Swimming Kurt Lynch Ford Family Trophy – AFL Most Valuable Player Archie Clifford Baxter Trophy – Best Cross Country Performance Sophie Wright T & M Moore Trophy – Softballer of the Year Tazmyn McInnerney Sally Gartside Perpetual Trophy – Netballer of the Year Madeleine Green Becker Family Trophy – Rugby League Player of the Year Tyson Carlos The Barrett Cup – Cricketer of the Year Archie Clifford Becker Family Trophy – Most Valuable Hockey Player Lawson James Prep Tennis Shield Neal Dhamsania Peter Moodie Trophy – Touch Football Player of the Year Madeleine Green Philip Bauman Memorial Shield – Primary School Equestrian Tyler Hyden SACANATAB Shield – Overall House Champion Wheatley Westpac Shield for Significant Contribution to the Arts Kalani Williams Edwards’ Trophy for Learning Acceleration Alexander MacDonald Shane Priddy Memorial Trophy (Year 5 Citizenship) Kitty Flenady RGS Red & Black Association (Positive Character Award) Layne Hodgetts The Merrick Family Shield (Most Improved Year 6) Hallie Etherden 1990 Seniors Trophy (Citizenship) Tosibiletu Adegbija 1990 Staff Trophy (Effort & Excellence) Shyam Ashokumar Ziran Lekha Kate Wilson Cup for Academic Excellence Tosibiletu Adegbija Board of Trustees Trophy (Dux of Primary) RGS Past Students’ Association Prize Neal Dhamsania
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