140 YEARS AT RGS

Family connections 140 years at RGS

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.* 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.

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.

“I think he would be impressed with all the different subjects now and all the extra buildings.” “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.

“It’s amazing how the family line has gone through the same school for a long time.”

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

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.

National award finalist

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.

Linking reading and writing

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 CREATING CONFIDENT SMILES