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.
THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY / 3
