Quarterly Capricornus
VOL 37. No.2. June 2021
FAMILY TIES
ON STAGE
TEAM RGS
140 years of RGS family connections Page 3
Meet the Cast of Singin’ in the Rain Page 9
The team behind the scenes at RGS Page 12
The Rockhampton Grammar School Grow in Character and Scholarship
www.rgs.qld.edu.au
Around the Classrooms at RGS Highlights
See all events, full details and upto-date information at RGS Parent Lounge
PREP Science
PRIMARY Garden Club
YEAR 9 BEAM
YEAR 10/11 Marine
YEAR 11 Leadership
Science Magic
Leaping Ahead
Inventive Ideas
Outdoor Classroom
Steps to Leadership
Just about everything starts with a question and our questions come directly from the natural world around us. The ‘I Wonder’ project has had a strong scientific focus with Prep M children working as scientists, explorers and adventurers. We wonder... We have a theory… We ask questions... We find answers if we can... We record what we find... We ask more questions if we need to... Finding the facts we need has been very important.
In Term 2, the RGS Primary Garden Club invited Mrs Bethlea Bell, Fitzroy Basin Association Participation Officer and long time frog lover, to speak to them about building a frog habitat in the Primary garden area. The group learnt much about the local frogs, how to build both a frog pond and a frog habitat without water and how to care for frogs once they arrive. Mrs Bell kindly left the group brochures and information about frogs and overall the visit was very beneficial to the group. The Primary Garden Club hopes to have a frog habitat in place by September, when frogs are out and about in the warmer weather.
Year 9 BEAM (Business and Enterprise Management) students held their annual Trade Fair in May. The students presented their products with enthusiasm and confidence to a large number of teaching staff, boarding staff, parents and members from the business community. Brent Giles from Kenna’s Chartered Accountants and Elize Hattin from SmartHub Rockhampton were also in attendance. Two groups of students are now working with external entrepreneurs to make their products a reality. What an exciting opportunity!
Year 10 Marine Operations and Year 11/12 Aquatic Practices students completed their field work activities at Great Keppel Island. Students monitored the biodiversity of the reef ecosystem in different marine park zones using Eye on the Reef surveys. Students also recorded the health of the coral using the Coral Watch survey method. This data will form part of their assessment for the Marine Biology unit and their results also contribute to the citizen science research community. Students also participated in a beach clean-up at Long Beach.
RGS Year 11 students returned to the yLead programme in 2021, with the programme welcoming the opportunity to again engage with students after the COVID break in 2020. The two-day programme in Term 2, which continues later in the year, looked at an introduction to leadership. Students delved into who they are and the impact they have on people around them. yLead also delivered the message that everyone has a role in leadership – it’s not just about the badge, title or position. The two-day programme encourages students to work alongside people they usually don’t work with in school and the importance of having a united team.
In Term 2, the ‘I Wonder Project’ looked at many experiments to answer questions in Biological Science, Earth and Space Science and Chemical Sciences.
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 Since 1881, RGS students from all walks of life have studied, lived, played, worked and grown on our iconic Archer St campus, known by many as ‘the School on the Hill’. Much has changed since our establishment by local families determined to have a first-rate school of their own, but their founding spirit has never wavered.
COMMUNITY
RGS at Beef Australia
140 years ago, on February 1, 1881 at 11:00am, The Rockhampton Grammar School opened. Through the gates that day walked 64 students – 33 boys and 31 girls. One of the young men was Robert Gambling Brown.
PAST STUDENTS
Lauren records a new career
90 years later, his son, Robert Mackay Brown would make history and donate the Ritamada property to The Rockhampton Grammar School in honour of his father. At the time, he wrote that he ‘hoped the property would be an asset to the School, and the unique nature of the property be appreciated and preserved’. At the School’s recent event “Celebration by the Sea” which was held on a glorious day at Ritamada, guests left with little doubt that Robert’s wishes had been fulfilled. Ritamada has been more than an asset to our school. It has become an integral part of an RGS education and the Grammar experience. The story of this magnificent property is a fascinating one.
2 TEAMWORK
RGS working together
SCHOLARSHIP
3 1 40 YEARS AT RGS Family ties still going strong
COMMUNITY
5 BEEF 2021 7 ON SONG COMMUNITY
10 CYBERSAFETY
Social media responsibilities
COMMUNITY
12 TEAM RGS
The behind the scenes team
The generosity of RGS families and community members has always humbled me. People like Robert Mackay Brown. Or the McDonald’s, who built the School’s first pool in 1928. They, and others, planted a philanthropic seed at RGS that we continue to cultivate today. In 2021, as we celebrate the School’s 140th year and 50 years of Ritamada, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the School and Endowment’s most generous and significant supporters. I extend a heartfelt thank you for all you have done for our School and most importantly our students.
SPORTS
THE FINAL WORD
The Rockhampton Grammar School has been privileged to educate thousands of boys and girls for 140 years. It is impossible to imagine what RGS will look like in another 140 years. However, I have full confidence in this school community – the trustees, the staff, the current families, the students – both past and present – that they will advance the School’s mission so that we are a place to grow in character and scholarship for decades to come.
Rower Alex Hill on the Tokyo Games
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
16 ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS
Primary and Secondary carnivals
18 RGS PHOTO GALLERY 20 OLYMPIC GLORY
On the cover: Year 11 Outdoor Recreation students at Blackdown Tableland in Central Queensland.
Mrs Rachael McDonald 07 4936 0776 rmcdonald@rgs.qld.edu.au Mrs Ashleigh Harvey 07 4936 0667 aharvey@rgs.qld.edu.au
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 1
COMMUNITY
Teamwork rewarded with accolades
Finding the right combination RGS students once again excelled in the long standing Maths Teams Challenge.
a team in a subject that is sadly often only judged by its individual results.
The School’s A teams won Year 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 divisions while B teams in Year 7, 8 and 11 placed second and the Year 12 B team placed third. Year 12 student Chelsea Wu also outperformed all other Year 11 and Year 12 competitors to win the Rex Boggs Award.
“Mathematics is the beautiful language that we use to describe and explain the world around us and this competition allows our students the opportunity to work as a team to solve challenging and interesting problems,’’ Mr Delley said.
RGS Teacher-in-Charge of the Maths Team Challenge Mr Peter Delley said this was a unique competition in Queensland where students had the opportunity to compete as
“It is this opportunity to work as a team that drives the continual interest each year in participating in this competition.”
RGS Music Festival
RGS students from Prep to Year 12 returned to the Pilbeam Theatre for the School’s annual Music Festival. Featuring bands, solo performers and signing choirs, the evening had something for everyone. Congratulations to all staff and students who contributed to the annual event.
A mind for business
Year 12 students (from clockwise top left) Arnika Forrest, Marshall Leeson, Armaan Kaushal and Piper Christensen tied for second in the CQUniversity Business Challenge Central Queensland region competition after competing against schools from CQ, Wide Bay and North Queensland. The students qualified for the national final on 27 July.
SCHOLARSHIP
Only a few decades earlier in 1858, Rockhampton’s population numbered five. The first students and families of RGS were pioneering families of their era. Just like the Shannon family. Shannon family tales tell of Jonty, one of 11 children, leaving “Saltbush” by himself on his trusty horse and heading for RGS, possibly stopping with family friends or camping by himself. The journey would take 7 to 8 days. Quite the adventure for the then 14-year-old.
“ It’s amazing how the family line has gone through the same school for a long time.” On arrival at RGS he would pasture his horse and attend boarding. He would write to his mother advising of his arrival. The letter was delivered by steamboat up to Mackay (5 to 6 days later) and a further 6 to 7 days later would arrive by mail pack horse down to “Saltbush”. Three weeks after Jonty had safely arrived at school. Now a mobile phone can connect families instantly. “I know a lot has changed since Jonty was here,’’ said Annie, a boarder from the Goovigen district.
Family connections 140 years at RGS
“I think he would be impressed with all the different subjects now and all the extra buildings.”
In 1881, The Rockhampton Grammar School opened its doors and provided a new education option to families, both in the Central Queensland region and further afield. In July of that year, Jonathon “Jonty” Shannon commenced at the School. Jonty’s ancestors are continuing the family connection at RGS with Annabelle “Annie” Shannon now in Year 11.
Main Photo: Year 11 student Annie Shannon. Inset: Jonty Shannon in 1888.
The Rockhampton Grammar School for Annabelle “Annie” Shannon is a far cry from the educational facility her great-great-grandfather first arrived at in 1881. Jonathon Bertmoor Shannon, “Jonty”, arrived on horseback from the family property of “Saltbush Park”, in the St Lawrence district. The School at that time was one building sitting a top the range, in a paddock with little other infrastructure in the area. A School with no walks, no drives, no sport fields or landscaping to enhance its position.*
“I think he would also be impressed that the original building is still standing here, even if it does look a little bit different.” Annie, whose olders sisters Lara (RGS 2016) and Grace (RGS 2018) also attended RGS, certainly welcomes living in air-conditioned boarding accommodation now, which was unheard of when Jonty first arrived at RGS in 1881. “It’s amazing how the family line has gone through the same school for a long time,’’ Annie said. Jonty’s younger brothers Elvyn (1902) and Alan (1902 – 1905) also attended RGS. Annie also has family on her mum’s side who attended RGS, with her grandfather Ian Amos (RGS 1955) also a past student. * The History of The Rockhampton Grammar School. Centenary 1881 – 1980.
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SCHOLARSHIP
IN THE NEWS Students on a mission to clean up our school; RGS recognised for national education award; Visiting author impressed with reading and writing enthusiasm in RGS Primary.
Cleaning up their act
National award finalist
Linking reading and writing
Students in 4G and 4W are attempting to introduce a new recycling programme in the RGS Primary School. Auditing the School’s rubbish bins, and armed with safety gloves, the students battled through the challenge of sorting different types of rubbish in the various bins. They quickly discovered that yoghurt and Le Snacks were a popular uneaten item. The students then collected the data before investigating future plans for a recycling programme at the School.
The Rockhampton Grammar School has been recognised as an “excellence awardee” and finalist in the category of Regional School of the Year for the 2021 Australian Education Awards. This award recognises the most outstanding school in a regional or rural area in Australia. Among the award criteria are: Consistently high standards of teaching and learning; Academic and other achievements during the 2020 school year; and Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community. The category winner is announced on 27 August.
Author Aleesha Darlison wants kids to get excited about books. Visiting RGS Primary students in Term 2, Aleesha quickly identified some creative minds in her audience, which with a little extra prompting, can take their reading and writing skills a long way. “They have great teachers and support at RGS. Just enjoy the writing process. Find your joy and passion in books and in writing and it will really open doors,’’ Aleesha said. A lifelong book lover, Aleesha encourages students to keep asking for help.
ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE YEPPOON
4921 0399
www.luptonstewart.com.au
CREATING CONFIDENT SMILES
FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES
COMMUNITY
Australian Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison meets with RGS Headmaster Dr Phillip Moulds and Year 12 students Piper Christensen and Meg Ingram.
BEEF 2021 RGS leads the way BEEF Australia is not just another event, the beef industry showcase provides an opportunity for students and their families to gain a greater insight into the ever evolving industry.
BEEF Australia rolls into Rockhampton every three years, and once again RGS was proud to be a part of the event. RGS students across Primary and Secondary converged on the Rockhampton Showgrounds from 2 – 8 May. Primary students received a closer look at cattle while also looking into the science behind the beef industry. Secondary agriculture students also attended the event, along with the School’s Show Cattle Team. RGS Head of Agriculture, and Teacher-in-Charge of the Show Cattle Team, Mr Hardy Manser said BEEF was Australia’s most important cattle event and provided a chance for the school to be a part of this great industry. “It’s not every day you get to see what a whole industry is doing and BEEF provides a snapshot of where our industry is,’’ Mr Manser said. “BEEF is an opportunity for our students to not only perform on the world stage in terms of show cattle team, but is also a chance to explore the industry and the showcase of the best and brightest that BEEF brings. “Students were involved in augmented and virtual reality exibits, evaluation of cutting edge stock management software application, property tours as well as activities that flagship our partnership with AgForce and CQUniversity.” Mr Manser said the event allowed students to engage and make links in the industry. “I hope they take away a variety of ideas on how they can implement cutting edge technology and practices in their family enterprises. Most of all, BEEF was an opportunity for students to make memories – a great event, for a great industry, with a great future in the hands of RGS’s best and brightest!” THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 5
PAST STUDENTS
ALUMNI NEWS A past Headmaster with a passion for education; a determined athlete pushing herself to the pinnacle of her sport and an award winning beef producer. Read more about RGS past students in The Grammarian – www.rgs.qld.edu.au/community/alumni
Vale: Mr Arthur Butler
Australian rowing honours
Beef Award Winner
Arthur Butler was the sixth Headmaster of The Rockhampton Grammar School, appointed to the position in May 1972 before poor health forced his resignation in 1987. There were many changes and challenges in that time. In 1977 girls were welcomed back as day students and boarders, new classrooms and dormitories were built, as well as a large assembly area and a new library after the devastating library fire in February 1985. Mr Butler passed away on 8 April 2021. A private family service was held to honour and farewell Mr Butler.
Grace Sypher (RGS 2019) was named in the Australian under-23 rowing team. Named in the lightweight women’s quad scull crew, Grace competed at the World Cup simulation regatta at Penrith from 11 – 13 June. At the 2021 National Championships in Tasmania, Grace competed for Sydney Rowing Club, winning one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Ryan Olive (RGS 2004), a third generation Brahman breeder, was named the 2021 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador at Beef Australia. Ryan, from Raglan Station, was presented with the award in front of more than 450 guests, which included Australian Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison. The award, presented every three years, recognises young, forward-thinking and high-achieving beef producers. Ryan was acknowledged for his leadership and vision behind the family’s Brahman operation, with his development of a feedlot and live-export facility on the Raglan property.
Vale: 1933 – 2021
This is Uni... but not as you know it
5 STARS FOR: Social Equity Full-time Employment Skills Development Student Support Learner Engagement
jcu.edu.au
Grace is pictured far left. Photograph courtesy of Rowing Australia.
Ryan is pictured with Rabobank Australia CEO Peter Knoblanche.
PAST STUDENTS
Q&A Lauren Finger (RGS 2014) Why let yourself follow only one passion in life? Lauren Finger (RGS 2014), also now known as Lauren Shae in the music business, released her debut single “Strawberry Sunset” on 14 May. It is just one of the many hats the Taroom district property owner enjoys wearing.
“ I’d only ever really sung to myself and never in front of anyone else.” Lauren Finger
CQ: You have just turned 24 years of age, how does it feel being a recording artist? LF: “I keep thinking that’s not me. It’s still a nice feeling knowing that other people like listening to your music.” CQ: How did this opportunity come about? LF: “I was new in the Taroom district and invited some people over for dinner one night. I was making pizza in the kitchen and just singing away. I didn’t realise they could hear me outside through the window. I was so embarrassed, but they said to keep going. After that I would just post a few songs on social media. A friend of mine heard one of my songs and got one of his friends, who is a music producer in Nashville, to listen to the song. It just went from there.”
I wanted to be a vet after school but didn’t get the grades so I worked as a vet nurse in Moranbah for two years and then returned home to the family property near Dysart. It was different moving away from the Dysart district when the family sold the property, but this (my own property) was always something I wanted to do. I always had breeders when I was a little kid.” CQ: You were one of five siblings growing up on “Meadowbrook”, how different has it been running your own place? LF: “Not knowing many people from around the district was hard and having to figure out things for myself. Previously I was always around my parents and siblings who I could ask for help. I’ve had to figure out how this property works. I still love the freedom and the peace of living on the land.”
CQ: Did anyone know you could sing? LF: “My family didn’t even know I was doing this. Mum knew I could sing but no one else in the family did. I’d only ever really sung to myself and never in front of anyone else. The debut single attracted 700 streams on its first day released. This means the world that I have the opportunity to make music.”
CQ: Recording a song isn’t your main business interest?
CQ: Do you have spare time for anything else? LF: “I also do a bit of modelling for Roma business Dusty Creek. I’ve done a bit of modelling previously but that’s all just a bit of fun.” Follow Lauren’s music journey at www.facebook.com/lauren.shaemusic/
LF: “In 2019 I purchased my own cattle property in the Taroom district and I’m now running 1200 head of Droughtmaster. I also have my own Droughtmaster stud, “La Shae Droughtmasters”.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 7
OPEN SESSIONS ROCKHAMPTON
Whether you prefer a face-to-face or virtual experience, we've got the perfect event for you to explore your study and career options, find course information and chat one-on-one with our friendly staff.
ON CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE EVENT
INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS
LIVE ONLINE CHATS
Sunday, 22 August 9 am – 12 pm
Saturday, 31 July Saturday, 14 August 9 am – 1 pm
Wednesday, 1 September 3 pm – 6 pm
cqu.edu.au/open TAFE AND UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS
P_AD_210065_T2_RGS
CRICOS : 00219C | RTO: 40939
MEET THE CAST The RGS Secondary School musical hits the Pilbeam Theatre stage from 20 – 22 August. Here is a look behind-the-scenes at some of the production’s lead characters.
Nick Smith (Don Lockwood) welcomes the opportunity to sing and dance himself into a different world.
Much like her character, Peyton Cordell (Kathy Selden) is breaking new ground entering the world of musical theatre.
“My name’s Nick Smith (Year 12) and I play Don Lockwood. Don is a famous music star, Hollywood actor, and he realises his movies are no longer a success since talking pictures are becoming popular. His pals, Cosmo Brown and Kathy Selden, decide they are going to do a musical movie and it’s a blast. Don is very laid back, very cool, your typical Hollywood star. Cruisy, suave but a bit of a cheeky side when he gets his tap shoes on. It’s fun to research the old classic tap movies to get the style. RGS is my third musical. It’s an escape from the real world, just for a little bit. You get to do something you wouldn’t usually do on the streets and pretend it is something you would do on the street. You wouldn’t see a crazy person singing and tap dancing with a live band everywhere you go. It’s pretty cool.”
“I’m Peyton Cordell (Year 12) and I play Kathy Selden. Kathy is the dancer, an unknown character, and is a romantic interest to Don. She’s all about the dancing and performing on stage, which is exactly like me. This is basically my first musical. I come from a dancing background. I’m trying to bring my talents into a different light. It’s a bit stressful but I still love it. Everyone is welcoming and everyone is a family. Being involved in a musical, you get to see the stage from a different perspective, instead of just watching the show.”
Comedic roles and Benedict Wright (Cosmo Brown) go hand-in-hand when it comes to musical theatre.
Charlotte Hart embodies the energy that her character (Lina Lamont) captures in the world of entertainment.
“Hi, my name is Benedict Wright (Year 11) and I’m playing Cosmo Brown, the best friend of Don Lockwood. Cosmo is very bubbly, an extrovert, and always wants to be involved with the people even though he is sometimes overshadowed by Don. He just wants to be known equally with Don. I’ve been fortunate to receive a lead role in all five musicals at RGS Secondary School. Comedic roles seem to be a recurrence. To me, musicals are a place where I can escape and be in my true element, and not really worry about anyone who judges me. In musicals everyone has different skill levels and has started at different times with acting, singing, dancing. We all have different attributes and something we all need to work on. RGS musicals are so inclusive of everyone. I’m so grateful for everyone who has joined and come along on the ride, even if it’s for a short time, which is so important for the culture of RGS.”
“I’m Charlotte Hart (Year 12) and I play Lina Lamont. Lina is starlet and the star of the Lockwood and Lamont pictures. She’s desperately in love with Don (Lockwood) and absolutely hates Kathy (Selden) for coming in and trying to steal her role away. She is loud, she is boisterous, and she is fantastic. I have performed in school musicals since I arrived at RGS in Year 8. I love the environment that’s created (at musicals). We all come together and bond over something we, as a team, have created. Production week is always amazing because you just get that thrill and that exhilaration when you get on stage and the adrenalin kicks in. You get to show everyone how hard you’ve worked.”
“ To me, musicals are a place where I can escape and be in my true element” Benedict Wright
The Rockhampton Grammar School presents
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN The Rockhampton Grammar School presents
20 – 22 August at the Pilbeam Theatre
Tickets available at www.seeitlive.com.au
COMMUNITY
CYBERBULLYING TECHNOLOGY IS HERE TO STAY
In 1994 Susan McLean did not own a mobile phone and her employer, the Victorian Police, were not connected to the Internet mainstream. Susan was handed her first case of cyberbullying, and at that time could not have foreseen the frenzy of activity that would follow in the years ahead. This was just the tip of the iceberg in a new world of evolving technology. Susan McLean’s first cyberbullying case was “horrible”, involving a 13-year-old girl and other students. “For the first time, it made me start thinking technology could be misused,’’ said Susan, realising she had to upskill herself in this area. “I thought it (technology) was all this magical stuff, but these girls worked out a way to misuse it. “It was just another day at the office and I was doing something I knew nothing about. I twigged it would grow with problematic online use. “The only problem was you didn’t know where it was going because you didn’t know what was coming. “Early adopters of social technology were teenagers and then middle teenagers, then younger children and now children in Prep
have devices. In those days, could you have foreseen a 4-year-old would have an iPad?” Susan spoke with RGS students, from Year 5 to Year 12, during Term 2 to give them an honest insight, telling the students that while cyberbullying was part of their lives, cyberbullying is ugly and damaging – both in the present and the impact of a social media footprint that never goes away. Students were informed about the three “Rs”: Respect, Responsibility and Reputation. Susan recommends a series of questions to ask yourself before you touch an online device: • Is it showing respect to myself, my body and others? • Is it a responsible use of technology, not can I do it? You can do it if you press a button but is this what I should be doing? • How is what I’m about to do going to impact my digital reputation?
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“ The internet is an adult world and if you are going to allow your child to be there you have to be there with them.” • Pause and think first. Then align everything you do with those three Rs and you can’t go wrong. “You can’t break a rule, you can’t break a law, you can’t go somewhere you shouldn’t be, you can’t be mean, you can’t be nasty, you can’t do anything if you are being respectful and responsible,’’ Susan said. Susan wants students to be mindful of opportunities that may present themselves, whether that be in the near future or years ahead.
COMMUNITY
TAKE OWNERSHIP
1. RESPECT Be respectful of yourself and others.
“You don’t know what they (opportunities) are because they haven’t presented themselves yet. It might be an opportunity to represent the school, opportunity to go on exchange, opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Opportunities mean people will look you up online and decide yes please or no thank you,’’ Susan said. “To the best of your ability, be ready to grab that opportunity when it presents itself.” Susan also wants parents to be “upskilled” when they hand their children social media platforms.
2. RESPONSIBILITY Ensure it is a responsible use of technology.
“You are a parent in the 21st century and this century is full of tech,’’ Susan said. Susan herself is a parent of three children, six years apart in age from oldest to youngest, and has seen first-hand the fast-paced progress of technology, noticing her youngest child is almost of a different generation of technology. Susan said this was despite all three children having the same house, same parents, same school, same opportunities.
3. REPUTATION Think about how something will impact your digital reputation.
She said that is how quickly technology is changing. “It’s (technology) not going anywhere. It’s been here for a long time. Ten years ago parents were ‘I don’t get it’ or they ‘didn’t understand it’. Today no. There is absolutely no excuse for
not knowing in your mind about technology,’’ Susan said. “You (as parents) have to get on top of this and you can not ignore your responsibilities. The internet is an adult world and if you are going to allow your child to be there you have to be there with them and you have to put in place rules and boundaries. If you do not, your child will be harmed. That’s what will happen. “I want parents to be the parent, not your child’s best friend, set rules and boundaries for technology use in the house. “Know their passwords. It’s not invading their privacy. It’s parenting. Also, please, make sure devices with internet connections and cameras are never, I repeat never, in bedrooms or bathrooms,’’ Susan said. Susan wants students and parents to know this is “real”.
SUSAN RETURNS TO RGS ON 27 JULY RGS families are invited to attend an information session with Susan McLean at the RGS Auditorium on the evening of Tuesday, 27 July. RGS will advise of more details closer to the event. Register at https://events. humanitix.com/cybersafetyseminar
Susan McLean is fighting the cyberbullying battle and making people aware of their responsibilities.
riversidewaters.com.au ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY Mark Shore 0418 799THE 222 David Bell 0409 SCHOOL 285 062
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Behind the scenes team Working tirelessly behind the scenes are a group of staff who are passionate about their roles in helping make RGS a great school. We meet some of the team working behind the scenes.
COMMUNITY
Food services team Preparing around 15,000 meals a week keeps the RGS Food Services team busy. Consisting of 22 staff, on an average day the first staff are on the floor at 5.45am getting ready for breakfast. Breakfast wraps up at 8.30am, but already an hour earlier on some days the morning tea preparation has started. It’s all hands on deck for morning tea service and after a whirlwind 10 minutes the gloves are off and it’s back to the next job preparing for the lunch rush. Afternoon tea is followed by dinner service over three sessions.
“ These men and women go above and beyond what I ask them to do and they make it happen every day.” Tanya Curtis-Flynn (Food Services Manager)
The chefs are working 10-hour days, the kitchen is closed at 7pm and the staff are off the floor at 8pm. Boarders receive six meals a day, including night time supper. Weekend service usually starts at 7am, or at 5.30am if there are trips heading off campus, and the kitchen is open until 7pm on a Saturday and 8pm on Sunday night. The kitchen is open all weekend. And then there are all the events scattered across the school calendar throughout the year, from major dinners on campus to packing eskies for day trips and preparing meals for Early Learning Centre children.
“There’s always something on,’’ said Tanya Curtis-Flynn, Food Services Manager. “What everyone doesn’t see behind the scenes is some days it’s ballet, with pirouettes and it’s seamless, and some days it’s like a footy field with crashing and banging into each other.” Mrs Curtis-Flynn said they were not a team, they were family. “These men and women go above and beyond what I ask them to do and they make it happen every day. Having to be in 15 different places at the same time we can get spread thin, but dinner still has to go out at the same time.” Mrs Curtis-Flynn also knows she can’t please everyone all the time. “We all have our favourite food. If I served crumbed steak every night there would be no dramas. We try to balance the nutritional needs and what life will throw at them. It’s their home and they need that balance.” Both the staff and students are also welcoming a return to more normality after the COVID challenges in 2020. “COVID really hurt us. We had to pre-package choices for the students. Now we’ve bought back the salad bar and more choices are available.” It’s also about adapting the meals – whether that be breaking up a predictable weekly routine or managing a growing number of meal requirements for allergies, intolerances or medical needs. “I love the challenge and I love what I do.”
Transport team It can be tricky coordinating transport for your own family, let alone an entire school. The RGS Transport team is constantly scheduling, and rescheduling, transport logistics.
Wayne particularly enjoys the Early Learning Centre bus passengers.
With permanent and casual bus drivers, across a bus fleet of four large buses and three small buses, RGS Transport is ready for work at 5.45am each day.
“They are friendly, direct and honest. They’re good kids and they definitely love a chat,’’ Mr Davis said.
Starting with RGS bus runs to Yeppoon, Emu Park and North Rockhampton, the team then focuses on daily runs across the Early Learning Centre, Primary and Secondary schools. From 3.10pm onwards buses start the return journeys for Yeppoon, Emu Park and North Rockhampton runs while also scattering in all directions for co-curricular activities, which can continue to 9pm. Transport also coordinates boarder bus runs and other school tours and excursions throughout the year.
Wayne also reflects on seeing the younger students progress through school. “You see them come up through the grades and become young adults,’’ Mr Davis said. During his years at RGS, Wayne has also see the bus fleet grow from two big buses and two small buses when he started. It’s not an easy job all the time. “It’s good when people have an understanding of how busy we do get. It can be very stressful at times, but we’ve got a good group of drivers to make it happen,” Mr Davis said.
RGS Transport Co-ordinator Mr Wayne Davis has worked at RGS for around 8 years. “The biggest thing I had to get my head around when I started was that the students called you “Sir”, and that’s a good thing, it’s a good show of respect,’’ Mr Davis said.
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COMMUNITY
Cleaning team Everyone can do their bit to help keep the School clean and tidy.
Grounds and maintenance team The RGS Facilities team, made up of Maintenance, Grounds and Cleaning staff, are on a daily mission to maintain and improve a vast arrange of assets and areas at RGS. Classroom cleaning starts at 5am followed by Campus Blowers cranking into gear at 7am with little time for rest before staff and students start arriving for the day. Facilities Manager Mr Darrin Spark said one of the team’s main goals was to have the School ready to start each school day as if it’s your first day walking onto campus. “First impressions do make a difference,’’ Mr Spark said. Mr Spark said a large part of the Facilities Team role was supporting the never ending list of events – covering everything from exams and Speech Days in Duggan Hall to Cross County at Rugby Park and weddings at the Rowing Club. The Grounds team works to a weekly plan, adjusted for events, ensuring the presentation of the School, including the ovals and grounds, are mowed and maintained to support the Co-curricular programme. “We have over five hectares of sporting fields mowed twice a week seasonally adjusted, approximately 1.5 kilometres of line marking on a rugby field, line marked every two weeks during the playing season,’’ Mr Spark said.
“During league season we expand to have three fields (Rugby Park and Bottom Oval). For Athletics season we have 3 kilometres of line marking for track and field events – again marked every two weeks.” The Maintenance team is the smallest team but they fill the “Mr Fix-it” roles, with daily tasks varying from minor electrical and plumbing to constant wear and tear repairs to ensure the teaching and boarding staff have what they need to keep the school running. Mr Spark said the best part of leading the team was knowing the staff, working with their strengths and the pride they show to deliver the best outcome for the School. “The Facilities Manager’s role is required to be across the whole of the asset base, it’s one of a few roles that provides a holistic perspective when considering events, projects and multi-dimensional problems and priorities,’’ Mr Spark said. “I’m lucky to lead such a diverse team with three dedicated and passionate supervisors supported by staff that are often asked to be flexible and go above and beyond.”
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Fortunately, our School’s cleaning team is dedicated to also going that extra mile to help our students, families and staff on a daily basis. The cleaners are on the job from 5am each week day, making their way to the many classrooms around the school. Always aiming to meet high presentation standards. Classroom cleaning is from 5am to 9am before starting dorm cleaning and the bin runs. The afternoon shift works from 12.45pm to 5.45pm to keep everything looking neat and tidy. You can still find the cleaners at RGS on the weekends, working from 7am to 11am.
“ I love meeting the kids and having a chat with them.” Judy Moore (Cleaning Supervisor)
Cleaning Staff also attend to RGS properties external to the Main Campus, including the Rowing Club and Rugby Park, with cleaning duties frequency adjusted relative to demand on a weekly basis. RGS Cleaning Supervisor Mrs Judy Moore has worked at RGS for the past 46 years. Initially working in the kitchen for two years, Judy then joined the cleaners and has worked in the School’s laundry since 2004.
“I love meeting the kids and having a chat with them,’’ Mrs Moore said. “They’re good company and it’s nice being able to help them. You see a lot of the kids in the younger grades but when they are in Year 10 they start to do a lot more of their own washing.” Judy said the cleaning is “full on”. “We have a good team with a lot of cleaning experience. It’s a hard job and they have a big area to work on the school grounds,’’ Mrs Moore said. Mrs Moore said COVID had created a lot of extra cleaning, like more regular cleaning of touch points like taps, sinks and door handles. “It was very hard initially but we’re used to it now and more aware of what’s required,’’ Mrs Moore said. Mrs Moore is also big on people showing respect for the people trying to do the best job they can. “It’s always nice when everyone is a bit tidier. It doesn’t take much to just pick up some clothes off the floor or put rubbish in the bin.”
COMMUNITY
School marshal After an Army career of almost 10 years, Dan Becker was not sure what he was in for taking on the role of RGS School Marshal this year.
IT team The RGS IT Department is helping make the complex things look simple. Looking after service systems, running the tablet centre, helpdesk, audio visual needs and coordinating the School’s internal database – a team of six rarely has a dull moment.
“ If it’s working well we don’t hear from anyone.” Neil Nankivell (IT Manager)
IT Manager Mr Neil Nankivell said his team builds the landscape for people to work in. “We help design the technology that supports the business and then manage and maintain that technology,’’ Mr Nankivell said. “We’re creating and assisting an efficient, productive workplace.” A key focus area is cyber security. “We are constantly battling and thinking about cyber security,’’ Mr Nankivell said. “The speed we need to keep up with, the breadth and specialisation we need to maintain is insane.”
Major programmes at school are the laptop programme, accommodating approximately 2000 laptops, maintaining and keeping the technology functioning. Mr Nankivell said his team takes the complexity of managing technology and boiling it down to help the end user get the most effective and simple experience. That can range from professional staff and teachers to a four-yearold Prep student. Working in a world of constant flux, Mr Nankivell sill enjoys working with “a good mob of people”. “We enjoy the independence. We can innovate as required with a level of freedom. We can pick and choose what fits our school the best in different situations,’’ Mr Nankivell said. “If it’s working well we don’t hear from anyone. No one brings us a computer that’s working. We only see things when it goes wrong.”
“I still remember my first school (Secondary) assembly. I was so nervous. I went to play the school song and it didn’t work. Just silence, with hundreds of students and staff looking up at me. But then they all had a bit of giggle and broke the tension. I still struggle with public speaking and I still have to get tips off some of the kids who are good at it,’’ Mr Becker said. He has gone from the “new kid at school” to someone who loves a chat with the students. “The School Marshal role can loosely be termed as “monitoring the tone of the School”. With the help of all other staff, I try to ensure that the standards expected of the School and its students are met,’’ Mr Becker said. It’s a bit of everything – from running Secondary School assemblies, coordinating lost property, ensuring the grounds are tidy, uniform checks, setting up events, coordinating lockers and fire warden duties.
“The best part is the kids,’’ Mr Becker said. “I get to spend every break talking with the students and if I can do that it helps make everything so much smoother and takes pressure off the teachers on duty.” Mr Becker is also Teacher-inCharge of Cadets. Focusing on Army tactics and techniques, Mr Becker brings his Army experience back to the level of the students’ ages while also giving them an insight into Army life. “I love it. The kids are so keen to learn as much as they can,’’ Mr Becker said. “I was very lucky, as many of the students had great prior experiences. I’ve added my own style and some of the newer techniques. They’re even starting to enjoy push ups as much as I do. Maybe?”
DID YOU KNOW... 1. O n average the kitchen serves 15,000 meals a week. 2. G rounds and Maintenance help with over 120 separate events in a school calendar year. 3. T he RGS Transport bus fleet can cover over 9000km in one of their busiest weeks of the year. 4. 1 2km of fibre cables, or 150km of individual fibres, link campus buildings. 5. W henever the Year 2’s are lined up at the library Mr Becker has a “Uniform inspection”…and so far they’ve all scored 100 out 100. 6. T he RGS laundry can coordinate laundering of over 2500 items a month.
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CO-CURRICULAR
Back on track in 2021 After COVID paused the RGS Athletics Carnivals in 2020, Primary and Secondary students welcomed a return to track and field events this year. Wheatley House returned to the winners podium at the Secondary School Athletics Carnival. Wheatley held out a fast finishing Jardine followed by Kellow and Wheatcroft. Held over two days, the field events were contested on 9 June before the runners and high jumpers were in action on 11 June. Katie Cooper (Year 8) and Ben McMurtrie (Year 12) won the coveted girls and boys 70m sprints. At the Primary School Athletics Carnival the previous week, Wheatcroft was victorious ahead of Jardine, Kellow and Wheatley houses. Winners of the Hindmarsh Family Trophy for Open Mixed 100m Sprint were Archie Cugola (14.36) and Grace Francis (15.20).
The Magic touch RGS netball teams have wrapped up the 2021 Secondary Schoolgirls competition with five premierships. RGS Magic, the First VII, produced a 38-30 win over TCC in the final. Goal shooter, and captain, Esther Bourke was named player of the final. Magic, who also played in QISSN (Queensland Indpendent Secondary Schools Netball) over the holidays, will represent the region in the Vicki Wilson Cup State Finals in August. RGS Storm narrowly missed out in the Shield division, losing just one game by two goals in regional qualifiers. Schoolgirls finals results: (Open A) Magic d TCC 38-30; (B1) Meteors d TCC 22-17; (B2) Bullets d Heights 33-27; (10A) Sparks d TCC 38-31; (9A) Storm d TCC 23-15; (10B) Heights d Thunder 32-22; (10C) Mt Morgan d Phantoms 36-34 (in double extra time).
AROUND THE GROUNDS Cricket Major RGS award winners for the 2020/2021 Rockhampton cricket season were: Senior School Cricketer of the Year – Jack Connor (right); Middle School Cricketer of the Year – Rory Connor (left); Club Player of the Year – Henry Dingle; Crozier Family Trophy – Brad Taylor.
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Touch
Year 11 student Sophie Smith was selected in the Queensland 18 years girls merit team after representing Capricornia at the Queensland Secondary Schools Touch Championships. Representing Capricornia in the 15 years boys competition were Bronson Carlos, Mason Broadhurst and Kai Williams.
Rugby League The RGS Primary School rugby league team won their first ever CQ Capras Challenge (Jake Granville Cup) with a 24-20 win over Frenchville State School in the grand final. Tyson Carlos was named player of the final. In earlier qualifying games, RGS defeated St Joseph’s Park Avenue and St Mary’s.
CO-CURRICULAR
Athletics Age Champions 6 Years Girls
Grace Marrinan
6 Years Boys
Chael Sonter
7 Years Girls
Indiana Winslade
7 Years Boys
Henry Houghton
8 Years Girls
Ezriela Sidharta
8 Years Boys
Oliver Lau
9 Years Girls
Grace Evans
9 Years Boys
Alexander Winslade
10 Years Girls
Hollie Richmond
10 Years Boys
Lachlan Robertson
11 Years Girls
Grace Francis
11 Years Boys
Archie Cugola
12 Years Girls
Mela Cooper
12 Years Boys
Vidath Wedisinghe
(Secondary) 12 Years Girls
Sophie Wright
12 Years Boys
Sam Driscoll
13 Years Girls
Lainey Foot
13 Years Boys
Henry Lau
14 Years Girls
Asha Stewart
14 Years Boys
Oscar Wemmerslager
15 Years Girls
Eliza Acton
15 Years Boys
Kaelan Etherden
16 Years Girls
Megan Adamski
16 Years Boys
Jett Grundy
Open Years Girls Tayla Wallace Open Years Boys Jarrod Bacon
Football
Taekwon-Do
Show Cattle
Tennis
RGS finished runners-up in the Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Year 9 and 10 Football competition after a 3-0 loss to Emmaus College in the grand final. The girls competition will be played in Term 3.
The RGS Taekwon-Do Club hosted competitions during the term. Sparring winners were Jamie Rodgers, Ruby Rowland and Jane Brighton (pictured). Patterns champions were Rob Muller and Daniel Driscoll.
The RGS Show Cattle team won a sixth consecutive inter-school trophy at the Rockhampton Show in June. The Show Cattle team attended shows across Central Queensland during Term 2 and some students are now preparing to attend the Ekka in Brisbane.
The 2021 RGS Tennis Team represented the School to the highest standard at the Queensland Secondary Schools Teams Tennis Regional Competition on 22 April. The Boys No. 1 team suffered a narrow defeat in their final after earlier winning all three round games while the Girls No. 1 team won two of their three round games.
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GALLERY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The RGS Cadets join the Rockhampton ANZAC Day march along Quay Street; Year 4’s Alexander Winslade collects recycling bins; Eliza Acton joins the RGS tennis team at Victoria Park; Year 7’s Spencer Besch collects his Krispy Kreme donuts; Primary students sprint into action at the Athletics Carnival; Year 5 student Elyse Rea at the Sullivan’s Netball Carnival; Year 3’s Mia Mills and Year 11 student Lucy Chay team up at the Primary Before School Reading Programme; Year 10 students Molly Cottam and Alain Li put their science skills to the test.
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GALLERY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Prep’s Arlo Cotter-Crouch loves his cooking lessons; Robert Muller, Year 4, prepares for action at the RGS Taekwon-Do competition; Year 6 student Olivia Tummon takes a closer look at forensic science; Year 9’s Katelyn Hill joins the RGS Show Cattle Team at the Rockhampton Show; Sisters Harriet (Year 7) and Georgia (Year 8) Appleton enjoy the opportunity to play netball against each other; Shannon Smith, Year 11, in action for RGS at football; Year 12’s Jake Phillis and Luke Whalan dress up for the Secondary Athletics Carnival; along with fellow Year 12 students Hannah Boyce, Olivia Old and Anna Mactaggart; Year 8’s
Sam Gassman joins the RGS golf session at the Rockhampton Golf Club on a Monday afternoon; Primary students attend a writing workshop in Duggan Hall; Year 9 Food Technology and Textiles students celebrate the start of their design process.
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Q&A
The final word Australian rower Alex Hill will make his second Olympic appearance at the Tokyo Games. The Australian men’s four stroke, originally from South Australia, is preparing for an Olympic campaign like no other and gives us an insight into the preparation and why he loves pushing himself in rowing. Rockhampton hosted the Australian Olympic rowing team for their final training before departing for Tokyo.
How would you describe this Olympic campaign compared to your previous Olympic experience at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil? Well firstly, this campaign has obviously been longer, stretching over five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been a challenging time with the postponement of the Games, but I’d say that the extra year has helped us to be better prepared.
Alex Hill
AUSTRALIAN MEN’S FOUR
The other major difference in how we’ve prepared for this campaign, in that, since 2016, we’ve been in a centralised programme, with us training as full-time paid athletes. How have you managed to keep on top of your training, both physically and mentally, with so many uncertainties leading into the Olympics? We took the approach that the goal posts had simply been moved, and held the strong belief that the Games were still going to take place, just a year later. However, with the understanding if it wasn’t to happen, that there is more to life than simply the Olympics – the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge thing over the last year and half and it being bought under control was the main thing that needed happen. There are students rowing across the country who aspire to be the best they can be, how would you describe yourself when you were rowing at school? I rowed at school for fun and enjoyed being part of the rowing team, but then as I got older I realised rowing could open up opportunities for me and so I then refocused my attention on racing competitively.
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Any advice for students chasing their sporting dreams? I would say, continue to strive to be better, don’t set limits on yourself and take on advice an d support from those around you.
“ We took the approach that the goal posts had simply been moved, and held the strong belief that the Games were still going to take place, just a year later.” What keeps you in the sport of rowing? There’s a few things that keep me in the sport, but I’d say camaraderie and team mates are two factors and also trying to achieve the goals I’ve set myself over the years. I want to continue to improve as an athlete. Alex Hill, from Loxton in South Australia, made his Olympic rowing debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil, winning a silver medal in the men’s four event. Alex has also won gold medals with the Australian men’s four at both the 2017 and 2018 World Championships. Photograph courtesy of Rowing Australia.
Mark Shore 0418 799 222 David Bell 0409 285 062
116 Denham Street, Rockhampton 4700 www.hbandco.com.au
