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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
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PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Featured in this Edition... Principal’s Report Joe Zavone
Page 4 - 6
Board Chair’s Report Nichole Overall
Page 8 - 9
Francis Owusu Alumni Profile
Page 10 - 13
Class of 2020 DUX Report Benjamin Francis
Page 14 - 15
Anthony & Saia Faingaa Alumni Profile
Page 16 - 19
Juanita Kapel Community Profile
Page 20 - 21
Jacob Knowles Alumni Profile
Page 24 - 27
Sharon Isherwood Community Profile
Page 28 - 30
Justin Giteau Alumni Profile
Page 31 - 34
Grant Jones Alumni Profile
Page 35 - 38
Jim Curran Alumni Reflection
Page 39 - 40
Tracey Brown Vale Read the Latest College News @ sec.act.edu.au/news
Page 41 - 42
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PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Principal’s Report
Joe Zavone
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
as a “school paper”, serving as “an organ of school activities, a record of our achievements, a means
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Christ, the God, will shed on the hearts and minds of our boys the clear, pure light of His inspiration and
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The Pelican has undergone a number of formats since its inception in 1957. It was originally launched
allow you to reflect on your memories of the College.
of contact with the parents and for each boy it will prove a souvenir and reminder of each term spent at Saint Edmund’s”. From The Pelican (May 1957, first edition): The title, “The Pelican” is adopted from the main feature of the school crest. It is used with all due reverence as an ancient symbol of the Person of Christ Himself. United with the school motto, “Christus Lux Mea”, it is a simple expression of the aim and purpose of education at Saint Edmund’s … that knowledge. May He bless our every work; may He bless every page of our little paper, and all those who read it.” I have a copy of one edition from 1957 and another from 1958, with many of the stories and features written by the students themselves. Since 2020, the latest incarnation of The Pelican is directed towards our alumni, our old boys, offering profiles of old boys and significant people connected to the College. I hope you enjoy reading the profiles in this current edition of The Pelican and that the profiles
No doubt you have read our reports about the damage experienced by the College as a result of the severe hailstorm in January of 2020. This was reported extensively in our newsletter Vortex as well as last year’s Pelican. I am so pleased to say that the repairs and refurbishments have now been completed. The most extensive repairs were made to the roof of the College, and the upper level of classrooms. This upper level has been extensively refurbished, with new ceilings, new light fittings, new carpet, and freshly painted walls. The area is now looking very fresh and bright, in stark contrast to the very tired look it had developed over the past few years. I need to give sincere thanks to our Director of Business Services, Samantha Brady, who had oversight of the repairs and refurbishments and spent many extra hours in ensuring that the refurbished spaces were appropriate and ready for our students PAGE 4
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
and staff. Many of you would be well aware of the significant issues that have emerged in the last few months following the online petition advocating for holistic sex education to be covered earlier in the school curriculum, and in particular the issue of consent. Whilst the website includes heartbreaking and shocking testimonies of young women, it is encouraging that young women are now able to express their concerns and their experiences, as unfortunately they have felt silenced for too long. What has been brought to light is that much more needs to be done in educating young people, and especially young men, in not only recognising correct conduct, respect and responsibility, but living this out every day in all situations, and calling this out when this is not followed. It is incumbent upon all members of our community to create a safe environment for themselves and for others. One of the statements in our Statement of Eddies Pride is for our boys to invest in positive and respectful relationships with everyone in the College and the wider community. We take this and our other statements with a deep sense of gravitas. The statements form the very core of what it is to be a student of St Edmund’s College; of what it is to be a young man of vibrant spirit and strong character. Of course this cannot be the sole work of schools. A culture of respect and positive relationships must be instilled in boys very early on in the home environment and it must be reinforced and developed at home as boys grow and mature. Parents and schools must work alongside each other as important partners in educating boys in being aware of inappropriate behaviours and attitudes such as sexism, abuse, harassment, prejudice, misuse of power in relationships and toxic masculinity. This is not “man bashing”, but rather a very timely and significant reminder to all of us that we must be more explicit, clear and direct with our young men, both at home and at school, in forming them to grow in a positive culture where they recognise and demonstrate appropriate behaviours and interactions with young women and do not tolerate anything other than this. This work must be strongly supported by the values and attitudes of the general community. We will begin to see real change only when all three parties are working in unison in the support of our young people and in the promotion of the dignity of each human person. As a result of the emerging issues, we took the time in Term One to examine our current programs and practices at the College in terms of sex education, personal development and formation. We have identified where our strengths are in these areas and where our challenges are and what must be done to address these challenges. We have looked at the ages targeted by our programs, ensuring that these targeted ages are timely. We PAGE 5
are committed to developing programs and practices which are specific, explicit and clear in their intention and their message. We will regularly review our programs from Years 4 to 12 within this
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PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
context – our programs in Health and Physical Education, formation, camps and retreats and pastoral care. The nature and timing around the specific issue of consent will be an integral part of our review. We are committed to working with our parents and carers in a closer manner, providing parents and carers with programs addressing these issues, allowing us to forge our partnership even further. We will notify you very soon of the first of these programs.
Brent Sanders delivering a presentation on respectful relationships. Whilst we acknowledge the fact that the vast majority of students and ex-students of St Edmund’s College are trustworthy boys and men who consistently demonstrate appropriate behaviour, respect and integrity, we must also acknowledge that there are many issues to be addressed when it comes to the nature of interactions between men and women and we must never be complacent and think that we have done enough. The last point in the Statement of Eddies Pride states that we want our young men to reflect the College motto, Christus Lux Mea (Christ is My Light) in all that they say and do. The values of the College are firmly founded in the words and actions of Jesus Christ. We are determined that the concepts of respectful relationships and the dignity of the human person are not only covered in our programs, but are lived out, everywhere and every day. In an age where young people have very easy access to pornography and are provided with warped images of status and power in a relationship, we must continue to partner with our parents, carers and community in being countercultural in actively educating our young men at St Edmund’s, forming a healthy and positive culture of appropriate and acceptable mindsets and behaviours. We will continue to use the Statement of Eddies Pride and the Touchstones of Edmund Rice Education Australia (Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, Justice and Solidarity) as our foundational documents in this work. Parents, carers and our community will be kept informed on these matters as we continue to develop our current approach in this area.
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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
The St Edmund’s College Building Fund enables the community to make a direct contribution to the refurbishment, maintenance and development of infrastructure at the College. Like many independent schools, St Edmund’s depends on the support of the entire community - school fees and government grants alone do not support new capital projects, major maintenance and restoration of existing buildings, or the ongoing support and enhancement of the college’s scholarship programmes.
We would like to provide our students across the College with learning spaces which: •
Can be adapted to accommodate learning modes and technology
•
Create opportunities for students to learn independently and in groups
•
Support collaborative learning and teaching for students and teachers
•
Provide optimum learning conditions that are aesthetically appropriate
How to Contribute 1. Visit our College website at https://sec.act. edu.au 2. Find ‘Links’ at the top or bottom of the page. 3. Click on ‘Online Payment’ which should take you to our College Payment Portal. 4. In the ‘Event’ selection menu, click ‘Voluntary Building Fund’
“
All gifts support our future, and whether large or small, gifts are greatly appreciated and assist the College’s vision to develop boys into young men of strong character.
“
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College Advisory Council Chair’s Report Nichole Overall
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There’s change, evolution occurring as I write this - much-needed and broadly, a very good thing. This change is about relationships. Not only between men and women, but between individuals, and each of us as unique human beings deserving of dignity and respect. It is about addressing long-entrenched notions and outdated thinking that has essentially never been correct or helpful. It is about dealing with imbalances and skewing of power and perception - how do we view and treat others, and through this prism, how does this reflect on who we are and how we wish to be viewed and treated? The expectation of being afforded dignity is not a privilege, it is a right. Whether or not someone has the same interests as you, barracks for the same footy team, or believes in something or someone other than what you do. Unfortunately, such acknowledgement can be seen as rather lacking in many of today’s settings, and seemingly exacerbated across social platforms, in the news, within the political sphere. Inevitably, there’s negativity and confusion, often stemming from hurt, marginalisation and even fear. Under this current, quite heavy burden, it is easy to be weighed down by the feeling the challenge is too great. More than ever though, what is needed is to stand up - stand up, look the issue squarely in the eye and ask the hard questions: what can I do to ensure my actions and behaviours don’t contribute to the perpetuation and cultivation of environments that potentially harm and de-humanise others? Much of the focus is on men and boys. Along with being a wife, I am the mother of sons, former Eddies’ boys, and I have spoken with many, many other mothers, and fathers, who have asked how we can help our young men navigate their way and be the best people they can be. For true and lasting change to be effected, it must be positive and pro-active. Leadership leads change. At home, in the school yard, in the community and at the highest levels.
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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
We can each be leaders in small ways and big. Taking personal responsibility, acknowledging our own shortcomings, correcting bad behaviour when we see it or experience it. Being respectful - along with respect for others, respect for ourselves, how we wish to make our way in this world and if how we’d like to be perceived matches the reality. To do right - not for acknowledge-ment, reward or because some external force expects it, but because it is the core of who we are and what we represent. All of this, to a degree, is relational and it is about empathy - more though, than just how a young man might wonder about the impact on his mother, sister or grandmother but also, how might he feel if he were placed in these situations? So should we be ever mindful that boys and men can find themselves in such positions, too. Do we need change? Yes, we do. Can it be done? Yes, it can; the first step, individual responsibility that seeks to combine with and inspire a unified movement for real cultural improvement - because ultimate-ly, we are all in this together. There was a man who did walk the path and who gave a fine example to follow; a man who still had failings and doubts, but who offered respect to all and received it in return. A man who said “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. A man called Jesus.
College Captain Baden Godfrey reading at the Easter Liturgy
Read more about our College Board @ sec.act.edu.au/board
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Alumni Profile - Class of 1993
Francis Owusu
For some, recalling memories of their school days is not such a fun thing
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to be thinking about. Indeed, they are often memories they wish to forget. However, for me, I will always remember my time at Eddie’s with an overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction. When my former school recently contacted me to share my story, I was humbled by the invitation. Funnily, I didn’t realise that the person who approached me was the College Principal, Mr Joe Zavone, until another former old boy Kieran Sloan pointed it out to me. Sorry, Joe, it’s been a while since I was last there. As I sit here to let my story unfold onto these pages, I realise there is a lot to share. So I will choose the most vivid experiences for time’s sake. I arrived in Canberra from Geelong in December 1989 to begin a new life here in the nation’s capital, my time at Eddies started in the following year of 1990. Before coming to Canberra, I knew very little, except it was where the politicians hung out and made lots of fuss in a ‘House’ called Parliament. It was actually fortuitous that I ended up at St Edmund’s, given that my parents initially intended to enrol me at Marist. Still, after I was given two-year books that included one from Eddies, I insisted my parents send me to Eddies after seeing a picture of George Gregan. Why? I was heartened by the notion of going to a school where I wouldn’t be the only African kid. More on that later. For now, I remember my first day began with me standing at the top of the third floor and looking out into the quadrangle and wondering how I would fit into this new environment; one with lots of unfamiliar faces. I must admit it wasn’t easy, to begin with, but it didn’t take too long to make new friends, some of who have endured as friends unto this day. When I came to Eddies, I was a pretty shy kid, lacking self-esteem and confidence because, from a PAGE 10
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young age, I felt that people looked at me differently; not because of what I said or did, but because of what I looked like. That all began to change when I got involved in the school’s first attempt at the
Rock Eisteddfod Performance 1992 Rock Eisteddfod Dance Challenge. I was lucky to be included as one of 25 students that competed as the first-ever boys’ school entry in Canberra. That year we came equal second in the ACT, and everything changed. It felt like that overnight I went from being a shy reserved kid, to an outright Rockstar!!! That’s what it felt like to me. I still recall the loudest screams from the girls at the AIS arena as we took to the stage during the rehearsals. All this was possible because of the dedication and persistence of a handful of teachers led by Doreen Deaner. Following the school days, three of the old boys Kieran Sloan, Martin Tavaya, Michael Humphries and I decided to start a boy band that ended up travelling and performing around the country for over a decade. We performed on TV, at festivals, in clubs and at large international sporting events. We recorded and released a single “Incredible Love” that became a number 1 hit on Canberra FM 104.7’s hot 30, with host Nige (an old boy) promoting our song and we also joined in line dancing with co-host, Mel.
Nine 2 Five video clip of the band singing Incredible Love PAGE 11
In 2002 I founded Kulture Break, a not-for-profit creative arts social enterprise committed to empowPELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
ering young people. The wellbeing of young people and their capacity for social inclusion were, and still are, essential characteristics in reducing the risks associated with mental health. Kulture Break provides a safe place for young people to express who they are and to be themselves. At Kulture Break we are about empowering young people with a simple but powerful message “You don’t become somebody, you are somebody!” This principle echoes the platform and affirmation that Eddies gave me all those years ago! To date, over 400,000 young people across Australia and around the world have been positively impacted.
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MOTORING P124
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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
In 2013 I was honoured to receive recognition as the ACT Australian of the Year Local Hero Award. This award has opened more opportunities for me to spread my message. It was also nice for ABC TV to do an Australian Story on me, which was partly shot at Eddies and gave me another opportunity to reflect on the great times I experienced there and the fabulous teachers I encountered.
motoringACT Local Hero Francis Owusu with Katy Gallagher in 2013 P143 Today, my wonderful family surrounds me. My wife Suzi and our beautiful three children are the focus for my life, especially as I continue to pursue my vision for Kulture Break. Part of this future includes providing national qualification training and employment pathway opportunities for young people. I’ve also joined ABC Radio as a Canberra 666 presenter. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the education, support, advice, friendships, and even the reprimands, the good times and the bad good times I had at Eddies. All this helped to shape the person I am today. When I look back, there are way too many memories to recount here. But, to sum up, I also fondly recall the stories behind our school retreat at Tuross; walks to St Christopher’s for full school masses; or singing in chorus the school song with our then Principal’s vain attempts to stamp out our feet stomps after we bellowed out “They were braved and famed men!” – STOMP! STOMP! This year ushers in a new era for my family connection with Eddies, with my nephew Oscar starting his journey at my old school, and I look forward to seeing him leave his mark! So for me, where I go and whatever I do, I will never forget St Edmund’s to the Fore!
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College Dux Class of 2020
Benjamin Francis
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so I loved that school allowed me to learn new things and answer questions. My catchphrase for many
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I was very fortunate my teachers at CCS quickly realised that following the curriculum was not going
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I started school back in 2011, at Canberra Christian School (CCS). I've always been rather inquisitive,
well knows that I love statistics, especially those of the sporting kind. I love trying to make predictions,
years was "did you know?", usually followed by a random fact that I had "read in a book". As well as being inquisitive, I was a bookworm, reading any books that I could get my hands on. It was in the school library that I discovered non-fiction books, and it was like candy for my obsession information-loving brain. To this day, I read as wide a range of books as possible, from art history to sports statistics. My mania for non-fiction books actually became a problem, because when I started at Eddies, I realised that it had been so long since I read a novel that I had no idea how to analyse one!
to be a complete solution for me. CCS was a very small school at the time, so they could work with each student in a very tailored manner. I started doing several extension activities and working with other year groups. When I started Year 5, I began doing tutoring sessions, learning Year 7 and 8 maths. During Year 6 at CCS, I needed to move schools, and so my parents and I decided that I should be accelerated. I enrolled at Brindabella Christian College in Year 9. It was at Brindabella that I was introduced to basketball and the NBA, and I went charging down this rabbit hole. Anybody who knows me whether it be a team or players performance, or where sports strategies are headed. However, things don't always go to plan… During Year 12 at Eddies, I tried to make a model that would predict the outcome of AFL games to help our tutor group win the O'Brien footy tipping competition. Even though we were pretty hopeless with our picks, my model was worse! It was so bad that I would have been better off picking the opposite of what my model predicted! After one year at Brindabella, I decided to move to Eddies, and accelerated a year in the process, starting Year 11 in 2019. My first memory of Eddies is being completely lost on my first day, asking multiple students and teachers where various classrooms were – the buildings seemed like a maze. A lot of PAGE 14
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things were confusing then, and I’m very grateful that there were so many people looking out for me. I was amazed by the number of students that were part of the Diverse Learning program at Eddies. I had just come from a school where I was the only accelerated student, so it was wonderful to find that there were lots of students doing the same thing as me, several of whom were in my classes. Not only that, but all of my classmates were extremely welcoming and accepting, and I quickly felt like I belonged to my Year 11 cohort. Having enrolled in Eddies I then had to pick my subjects. I had decided I wanted to become a medical physics researcher. To help achieve this goal, I studied Physics, Chemistry, Specialist Maths, and Specialist Maths Methods at Eddies, as well as English, Music and RE. I also studied a Chinese H-Course through ANU, something that was suggested by Mrs Ramke. Although I’ve got a long way to go, I very thankful to Eddies for setting this up. My classes were so special because of the amazing teachers that I had, who stretched my mind in a way that I needed. The assignments I received were quite challenging, and there were more than a few stressful moments. That's not to say it wasn't fun though: I fondly remember Friday afternoon Kahoots with Ms Arora, Mr Foskett's attempts to stop our class from forming “one big group”, and taking the “egg and bacon roll” with Mr Mickleburgh. Over my two years at Eddies, I was also involved in the Eddies-Clare's combined band, under our wonderful conductor Mr B. Despite being a very small band, with a very oversized percussion section, we worked well as a group and had a lot of fun performing at various concerts. Joining the band was simply the natural progression of my love of music and performing. I’ll probably never touch one again in my life, but now I know how to properly play a triangle. I've been learning piano since I was four, and, to the delight of Mrs Thomas, I am a very big classical music fan. I have a pas-
One of Ben’s passions is playing the piano
sion for learning and performing works by mostly forgotten composers so that people can hear them for the first time. Lots of my tastes sometimes seem a bit old fashioned and in Mr Burke's English class, we each completed a survey that identified our tastes. Apparently, I have the tastes of a 60-year-old, upper-class man, which is probably quite true. It also doesn't help that I have a rather British accent. In the future, I plan to study a double degree - Science and Medical Science - at ANU, to become a medical physics researcher. When I was at Eddies, I completed work experience at Canberra Hospital, in the Medical Physics department. Medical Physics is exactly what it sounds like: the use of physics for medical treatment. Often this involves radiotherapy and cancer treatment. During the few days that I was there, I was fascinated by the technology being used, and most importantly, the research. As a researcher, you get to develop new technologies and medicines, which may someday save someone's life. Going forward, I hope to be involved in some of the cutting-edge medical research that takes place both in Canberra and around the world. PAGE 15
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Alumni Profile - Class of 2004
Anthony & Saia Fainga’a
Anthony and Saia Fainga’a began at St Edmund’s College in Year
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7 back in 1999. They are twin brothers and the oldest of then 4 boys, being older brothers to Vili and Colby who in turn also completed their secondary education at Eddies. Their youngest sister Hulita was born in 2005. The Fainga’as are Queanbeyan born and bred. When at school “The Twins” soon established themselves as proud Aboriginal Tongans who were quickly recognised for their respect of other people, their work ethic and athletic ability particularly in athletics and rugby. During their early days at St Edmund’s “The Twins”, as they were affectionately known, flourished in the boy’s education environment that they immersed themselves in by being fully involved in the cocurricular life at the College and were quick to understand the need to also get a sound education and experience being involved in the service of others – a trait which in later life held them in high regard off the rugby field as well as on it. Anthony was selected in the 2002 First XV as a starting player at the age of 15. He was initially chosen as an outside centre. Saia’s body shape saw him emerging as an obvious choice for a front row position and as a consequence remained in the Under 16 age grade in 2002 – even though he was Under 15. At the time, another year was deemed as a necessary safety factor to develop his “hooker” specific strength and to tailor his coaching and skill develSwimming Carnival Fun 2004-check PAGE 16
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opment to best equip for this position before playing First XV. “The Twins” well remember the academic expectations imposed on them and that “it was the books before the rugby” and remain grateful today for the demands made on them in regard to their education and the care from their teachers they received.
Fainga’a Brothers “The Twins” never looked back – playing in the First XV together in 2003 and 2004 saw them never playing in a losing team and winning 3 Waratah Shields along the way. Anthony was First XV Captain in 2004 and as well as Saia, younger brother Vili was also in this starting team. Interestingly Colby – the youngest of the brothers played First XV for Eddies in both 2007 and 2008. Anthony, Saia and Colby also played Australian Schoolboys during their time at the College. Upon completing Year 12 in 2004 “The Twins” excelled Australian Schoolboys 2003
in professional rugby. Both boys went on to represent the Australian Under 19s Under 21s, the ACT Brumbies, the Queensland Reds, Australian 7s and the Wallabies. Both boys played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the Super Rugby title winning Queensland Reds. Anthony finished his career playing professional Rugby in Japan, Saia is still playing at the highest level for London Irish in the English Premiership. Vili played international rugby for Tonga and is currently in the Queensland Fire Brigade whilst Colby continues to play professional rugby in France (Lyon) after stellar performances for the ACT Brumbies, the Melbourne
Rebels and Connaught (Ireland). PAGE 17
“The Twins” have developed strong PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
business and highly successful commercial interests in recent years. At the same time, they have formed their own charity (Fainga’a Twins Think Pink) and have raised considerable funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. They too have served as ambassadors and mentors for Mission Australia. Both of “The Twins” are happily married and have young families – a trait
Fainga’a Twins Think Pink Charity
shared also by both Vili and Colby as well.
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“The Twins” look back at their time at Eddies with great affection - Anthony Fainga’a … “I loved be-
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ing at Eddies. I loved going to school every day, being with the boys and being supported by the whole College community. When Saia and I started at Eddies as young 12 year olds, we didn’t even know how to do up our ties, but we had the support of the Eddies community to support us. My time as an Eddies boys taught me humility and work ethic and backed me to chase my goals.” Saia Fainga’a … “Being at Eddies was amongst the best days of my life. The banter, the relationships, the discipline, the standards imposed on me and the care my whole family got from the community has made me forever grateful. I made so many mates at school – guys who I am still close to today.” Anthony Fainga’a
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Member of the St Edmund’s College Foundation Advisory Committee
Community Profile - Former Parent
Juanita Kapel
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mittee of the St Edmund’s College Foundation. This is a charitable fund which supports students in the
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refugee legal centres and very soon married a St Edmund’s old boy - Sid Marris. A newly qualified jour-
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I am a recent St Edmund’s parent (Leo finished Year 12 in 2020) and a member of the Advisory Com-
practise and joined the public service. This suited my ultimate career plan which was to always do
school and assists families with the costs of educating their sons. The Committee is always looking for donations and new ideas to increase the fund to help the College support more families. I grew up in Sydney, went to school at Loreto Normanhurst and studied economics and law at university. I was not at all ambitious to practise law and as soon as possible after finishing uni I headed overseas to travel and work in Europe and Africa. Back home in Sydney, I worked as an editor in a legal publishing firm, volunteered for community and nalist, he was sent to Melbourne, where we stayed for two years, and it remains one of our favourite places to visit and our oldest child now lives there. I was able to continue my community work and freelance editing and I also joined the Office of Parliamentary Counsel in the Victorian Government at the time they were setting up the first interactive legislation database. An opportunity for Sid to work in the press gallery at Parliament House eventually brought us to Canberra. Realising that government legal work could be quite interesting, I went to ANU to be admitted to something which could travel with me and which could be done on a part-time basis. I was certainly not planning to stay in Canberra for long. I enjoyed government litigation and a jet-setting lifestyle for a few years but after having my first child I moved to a legislation role, covering immigration, national security and law enforcement, and have remained in legislation drafting and development ever since. I am currently working in the Executive Council Secretariat which supports the Governor-General in the exercise of his executive powers, mainly in preparing legislation and government appointments for consideration. I’m still happily working part time. PAGE 20
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Having sent our three young children to the French preschool and then to Telopea, we took the opportunity of going to France for a term and settling in to a small French village and local school. However the French education system is not for everyone and by Year 3 Leo had mounted a compelling argument why he should not be forced to rote learn French history, or even speak French. We offered him St Edmund’s which he proudly and gratefully accepted in Year 4. It was a good choice - he was well supported by many great teachers, was kept very busy with music and drama, and ended Year 12 with a lead role in the 2020 musical Beauty and the Beast and several awards along the way. His association with the school continues this year as he has returned to work one a day a week as an assistant in the Performing Arts Centre. The Old Boys and Friends Association is also a great way to keep us connected to the school. Juanita Kapel and Sid Marris
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Old Boys & Friends President Report
Matt de Jongh
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sociation (the Association). Since being established in 2015 the Association has grown, and now hosts
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Unfortunately, in 2020 due to COVID-19 the entire year was very quiet for the Old Boys & Friends As-
communicate with the Eddies community, which includes old boys, teachers, family and friends.
and co-hosts three annual events to bring the Eddies community together. These annual events are the Blue & White Ball, Heritage Round/Reunion Day and Golf Day. The Association was in the planning phases for the Blue & White Ball which was to be held in May 2020, however as was the case with many events it had to be cancelled. Although the Association was unable to hold any events in 2020, we have been working with the College on enhancing the contacts database. This will enable the College and the Association to better
Like everyone we are looking forward to a better year in 2021, where we can hopefully continue to bring the Eddies community together. At this stage we are hoping to hold the Heritage Round/Reunion Day on the traditional day of the Eddies v Marist Rugby match, as well as the Blue and White Ball and the Golf Day later in 2021. However, this is of course dependent on COVID-19 restrictions. For further information on the Association
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
our website can be found through the College website, or look us up on Facebook. You can sign up online as a member for as little as $30 a year, and importantly a portion of funds raised by the Association is donated to those in need through the College Foundation.
PAGE 22
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
Inspired by the charism of Edmund Rice the St Edmund’s College Foundation (the Foundation) was established to give financial assistance to marginalised or disadvantaged families so that the cost of educating their sons would be alleviated. Since its inception in 1988 the Foundation has supported the education of over 100 young men at St Edmund’s College in Canberra.
The Foundation’s aim is to support families... •
Who are experiencing financial barriers that may limit their ability to provide an Edmund Rice Education for their sons.
•
Provide appropriate fee relief to ensure the boys have the quality education that they deserve.
•
At times tragedy may affect families and during these times of crisis, the Foundation will look to offer support where possible so students are able continue their education at St Edmund’s College without disruption.
How to Donate Contact foundation@stedmunds.act.edu.au or 6239 0673 and ask to speak to our Finance Staff for more information on how to make a donation.
“
Your donation to the Foundation will enable families in need of help in educating their sons leaving a lasting legacy that will
Donations of $2 or more to the St Edmund’s College
benefit current students
Foundation are tax deductible in Australia.
as well as students for generations to come.PAGE 23
PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
St Edmund’s College Foundation
Paul Scholtens
Secretary
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
STRONG CHARACTER.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
The St Edmunds College Canberra Foundation is the ‘sleeper’ amongst the activities that happen at St Edmund’s. It is either unknown, misunderstood or under appreciated. In many ways St Edmund’s is a community school. Enrolments are accepted from across Canberra and Queanbeyan and other outskirt areas, and there is no minimum academic or socio-economic entry requirement. It is well known that the sons of diplomats, heads of departments, leaders of industry and academics sit with, enjoy sport and participate in co-curricular activities with the sons of tradespeople, retail workers, single parents and stay-at-home-parents. During 1988 the then Headmaster, Br Bob Wallace, considered the creation of a financial trust to enable families in the community to send their sons to St Edmund’s when they might not otherwise be able to do so. When St Edmund’s received a substantial bequest, Br Wallace saw the establishment of the Edmund Rice Foundation as an appropriate way to use the bequeathed funds. In his final Headmaster’s report, he wrote: “It is one of the ironies and tragedies of our present society that whilst so many are reasonably well off or coping adequately, there is a significant group of families who go through desperate times to provide even the basic needs of children. I hope that we will always remain open to helping these families in the true spirit of Edmund Rice”. On 8 December 1988, just before he left St Edmund’s, Br Wallace called a meeting of suitable persons whom he thought could continue to implement his vision. Br Wallace’s successor Br John O’Shea continued the initiative. The Edmund Rice Foundation was established in 1988 with the sole purpose of assisting the College to offer places to boys who would otherwise not have the opportunity for an education in the Edmund Rice traditions. Edmund Rice was a successful businessman and the founder of the Christian Brothers in Waterford, Ireland in 1802. Following an accident that killed his wife and after the later death of his disabled daughter, he devoted his life to the education of poor and disadvantaged boys. PAGE 24
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
Following changes to the constitution of the Christian Brothers in October 2010 the original trust was wound up and all funds were transferred to the ‘St Edmund’s College Canberra Scholarship Fund’. In November 2016 the current name, The St Edmunds College Canberra Foundation, was agreed to. Donations to the Fund are tax deductible and Fund earnings are tax free. The Fund is managed by an Advisory Committee, made up of members with a range of experiences and who have a direct current or former relationship with St Edmunds. The Advisory Committee
meets
four times a year, unFollowing changless an extraordinary es to the constitumeeting is required. tion of the ChrisSt Edmund’s College tian Brothers in has a broad-based October 2010 the school population original trust was and like the broadwound up and all er society, there are funds were transfamilies who find ferred to the ‘St themselves in diffiEdmund’s College cult circumstances. Canberra ScholarThese families are ship Fund’. In November 2016 the current name, The St Edmunds College Canberra Foundation, was the focus of The Foundation. Consistent with the charism of Edmund Rice, the College is committed to agreed to. the tradition of the education, care and nurture of young men from all walks of life. Sadly, the demand for financial disadvantaged our community has always exDonations to the Fund are tax assistance deductiblefor and Fund earningsfamilies are tax in free. ceeded the Foundation’s capacity to provide assistance. The Foundation is managed on the basis that education or by sometimes a one-off assistance a members uniform orwith blazer fromofthe College’s The Fundassistance is managed an Advisory Committee, madewith up of a range experiences Uniform Shop madecurrent from the incomerelationship from investments, thus preserving the capital. In 2020 the and who haveare a direct or former with St Edmunds. The Advisory Committee meets Foundation able to offer the College only aboutis$20,000. four times was a year, unless an extraordinary meeting required.The Foundation is always on the lookout for additional capital to continue its work. St Edmund’s College has a broad-based school population and like the broader society, there are famThe Foundation is reliant on investment income, donations, gifts from fundraising activities by different ilies who find themselves in difficult circumstances. These families are the focus of The Foundation. groups and benefactors in the form of a bequest or donations. We recognise that we must also do our Consistent with the charism of Edmund Rice, the College is committed to the tradition of the educabit, not just rely on the generosity of others, and in that regard the Committee in 2014/15, undertook the tion, care and nurture of young men from all walks of life. construction of ‘The Eddies House’ in Ngunnawal with the assistance of Old Boys and Friends of the College in the the rallying call ‘Build a House - Create Opportunity’. house Sadly, theconstruction demand for industry financial with assistance for disadvantaged families in ouran community has The always exwas auctioned in May 2015capacity and resulted in approximately $45,000 being handed overon to the thebasis Foundaceeded the Foundation’s to provide assistance. The Foundation is managed that tion. That injection of funds assisted in aensuring the ideals of a Edmund continue at St Edmund’s. education assistance or sometimes one-offthat assistance with uniformRice or blazer from the College’s Uniform are or made from theorincome from investments, preserving the capital. In 2020 The gift of Shop property money now as a bequest in due coursethus would be very much appreciated andthe it Foundation touse. offer thedecision College to only about a$20,000. Theto Foundation is always thepersonal lookout will be put to was veryable good The become benefactor the Foundation is a on very forand additional capital to may continue one potential donors wish its to work. discuss their ideas with the Principal, the Foundation Chair or the Foundation Secretary. Please contact the College in the first instance. The Foundation is reliant on investment income, donations, gifts from fundraising activities by different groups and benefactors in the form of a bequest or donations. We recognise that we must also do our PAGE 25 bit, not just rely on the generosity of others, and in that regard the Committee in 2014/15, undertook
PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Former Member of Staff
Jacob Knowles
Alumni Profile - Class of 2003
Unofficially, I was an Eddies Boy from a very young age. At three, I was frequently found time to support the other mothers to serve the student and staff population. Officially, I began at St Edmund’s as a short, stout little 8-year-old in 1995. The youngest of five boys, my mother had chosen the College over a decade earlier to enrol her sons to with the hope that we would be guided by ‘strong’ male role models. I recall very little about my first day apart from the awe and wonder of looking at an imposing building with such innocent eyes. The first few weeks were lost to the normal fears that come with settling into a new school and making new friends. While I recall little about a lot of things, I do remember my first few weeks with Mr Tony Di Fronzo. I remember his firm but fair approach, his efforts to make learning fun and for all of his students to feel as though we belong and most importantly… his stories. I remember hanging on to his every word about the shark attack that left him scared on his arm and the ‘little old women’ who fooled him to paying for her groceries before he chased her into a waiting car.
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
STRONG CHARACTER.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
wandering around the school’s canteen – shadowing my mother who volunteered her
Mr Di Fronzo was the first, but certainly not the last, of a number of individuals that had a profound impact on my development as a young person. Ms Doyle, Ms Kitney, Mr Baily and Mr Roberts were also significant in challengDavid, Jacob, Paul and Mathew Knowles
ing me to be the best person I could be. In 2003, as a Year 12 student and
towards the end of my time as a student, Ms Craze, Mr Harvey and Ms Gibbs all played their part in PAGE 26
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
making me the person I have eventually become. Year 12 was also the point that I realised what I was called to do with my life post school. I remember quiet vividly the afternoon my mother collected me from my part time work at a restaurant in Manuka (a small, family restaurant run by a Mr R McDonald). As we drove home we began talking about graduation and what I was hoping to study at university. I was fairly steadfast in my assertion that Marine Biology or Zoology as something I was passionate about applying for. There was a pause and my mother said: “Why not teaching?”. She had heard me talk about enjoying coaching rugby and cricket teams over the last years and being a ‘Big Brother’ to Year 7 students during Year 12. My response to this was short and sharp: “Don’t be stupid! Who would want to be a teacher?” As it turns out, I did. I woke up the next morning and since that day have thought about nothing else. In 2003 I graduated and went straight to university and studied Education, majoring in Learning Support and Maths (a subject I had failed miserably in Years 11 and 12). I followed this with a Masters of Educational Research focusing on Boys Education and more recently a Graduate Diploma of Education focusing on Religious Education. The teachers at St Edmund’s not only taught me what to learn as a student but developed in me a passion for learning which is something that I enjoy doing every single day. In 2006, halfway through my undergraduate degree, I was fortunate to gain employment as a Learning Support Assistant at the College on a short term contract. From this, I was offered subsequent contracts and then a permanent Support Staff position. Upon graduating from university, Dr Chris Hayes offered me my first teaching position and I spent the next twelve years giving back to the community which had given me so much. I have taught across many areas of the school and been extremely fortunate to have applied for and won many middle and senior management positions. This has included Head of Cricket and Football, Senior Student Advisor, Head of House, Head of College Operations, Deputy Principal (acting) and
Jacob with other members of the Curriculum Support Team - 2006
PAGE 27
Assistant Principal - College Operations. I have also been PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
privileged to have organised and lead many overseas tours and immersions. These have included four India immersion trips, four Cricket and Cultural Tours to Sri Lanka, a cricket and rugby tour to New Zealand and many interstate tours with various groups. St Edmund’s has had a significant impact on nearly all aspects of my life. It developed my confidence to be who I am and not the person I felt I needed to be for others. It has celebrated in my
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
successes from awards and certificates to graduation and post school opportunities. As a member of the Eddies community, I have met my beautiful wife Erin and celebrated the arrival of our first child Grace, and we welcomed our
STRONG CHARACTER.
second child Andrew in May of this year. In 2020, my time at St Edmund’s had to come to an end. Through professional mentoring and guidance I decided it was time to venture away
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
from the College and find a new adventure at a different school. This was quite literally one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I have the fondest memories of my time at the College and these coupled with my colleagues and friendships I have developed are things that I cherish PAGE 28
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
dearly.
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PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Community Profile - Current Parent
Sharon Isherwood
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
could only describe as mad, and incredibly daunting. But I was determined to ‘start again’ and so the
STRONG CHARACTER.
During those years, we have been privileged to live in many cities around Australia due to military
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
Moving to Australia in 1997 from New Zealand, with literally $20 in my back pocket, was what one
of reasons. We had an extraordinary time getting to know amazing neighbours and friends and to
next day I headed out to find work and started working as a waitress the very next day. Whilst living in Melbourne, and living in a share house with another guy from the US, we were looking for another roommate and after many unsavoury applicants, we ‘interviewed’ my now husband Michael. Not long after moving in, Michael decided to join the military. His first posting was to Newcastle, NSW and that began our journey together in military life. In 2006, we welcomed our first sons, James and Daniel and then in 2011, Nicholas became our 3rd son. moves, including Canberra, Newcastle and Sydney as well as the United Kingdom and from 2011 to 2016 in Virginia, U.S. We experienced many wonderful holidays whilst in America, experiencing amazing places including Niagara Falls, New York, Nashville, Memphis, Yellowstone National Park, Florida, Phoenix, South Carolina and the Bahama’s. Moving every few years is not the most fun though and is hard on the children, as they just gain friendships and then it’s time to move on again. After living in the U.S. for four years, it was quite the culture shock to return to Australia, for a number re-start our lives again was always going to be another challenging time. In 2015, to prepare for the process of moving back to Australia, we were able to take a visit to St Edmund’s College. I think I felt just as nervous (and excited) as our boys; to enter the doors to a new journey of schooling. As soon as we were greeted by the College staff, I immediately felt part of the St Edmund’s family. I left that day knowing that we would have a wonderful school journey ahead of us and that whatever my boys had to experience during their future school life, that they would be nurtured, encouraged and supported for the rest of their school days here at St Edmund’s. Upon our return to Australia, I also had to return to work. During those final months prior to leaving PAGE 30
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
Virginia, I was asked to put together end of year teacher gifts for my children’s teachers, so I put together ‘gift baskets’ full of goodies. The teachers loved them, the parents did too and I loved doing it. So it gave me the idea that perhaps I could do this for a living! After the boys were settled into school I began my business, Sharwood Hampers in 2016. Our main focus is that we produce gift hampers filled with ALL local products from around the Canberra region. I knew that I needed a ‘point of difference’, so that is what we focus on. We stock products from over 50 local businesses, which is really important to support local in such challenging times. During the terrible time of COVID last year, our business became busier and busier with more people ordering online, and people wanted to send gifts to friends and family who they couldn’t visit. From being a home based business, we were able to expand to an office space in Fyshwick in August 2020, where we employ many casual employees over the super busy Christmas period (including our older boys!). Sharon, Nicholas, James, Daniel and Michael Isherwood As anyone who has started a business knows, it’s tough with a LOT of hours put into growing your business. A lot of hours spent away from your family, trying desperately to make your dream a success. I’d like to think that tenacity and determination is part of who I am. I’ve spoken to my boys about ‘grit’ and tenacity and persistence many times as I believe that these attributes are strong characteristics to hold in life. If you keep going at something, and work hard, you will achieve things in your life! We now have all our boys at St Edmund’s College. This year Daniel is in Year 11, James is in Year 9 and Nicholas in Year 6. They are all doing well thanks to the continuing support of their House (O’Brien rules!!), their teachers and ALL the staff at the school. Daniel is currently in the Senior School Band, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, has been in the Rock of Eddies Cabaret and has represented the school in a Japanese speech contest, debating, soccer and cricket. James actively participates in STEAM and Debating. Nicholas currently plays cricket for the school. Outside of school, all the boys have been actively involved with Scouts. Daniel was recently awarded his Australian Scout Medallion. Outside of running a busy household including taking the boys to their extracurricular activities and my work commitments, I have now taken a huge plunge and re-joined a local Marching Team (it’s called Drill Dance now but is essentially marching for all intents and purposes). I was a marching girl in NZ (many!) years ago, and marching has been in my blood ever since.
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PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Current Member of Staff
Alumni Profile - Class of 1996
Justin Giteau
young men in Queanbeyan in the early 90’s sent their boys to Eddies. Get some structure and dedication to your schoolwork from 9:00am-3:25pm and hone your skills in the afternoon on one of the many sporting fields made available. In 1991 when I first walked through the front doors at Eddies a wave of fear passed through me. I clearly remember arriving at Orientation Day in full school uniform and immediately noticing most of the boys in street clothes… When I say full school uniform, I am not referring to the basics - my
STRONG CHARACTER.
uniform had all the accessories, including garters to keep my socks up to my knees. This was an intimidating situation when I was doing my best to try and “fit in” on my first day at school. The chuckles
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
Sport and discipline. These were the two reasons that my parents, and many others of
To this day, I still reminisce with old Eddies boys about the experience of our Year 7 camp to Tuross.
and smart snickers from my new peers made for a less than perfect start. Little did I realise that 30 years later I would be back at this very institution attempting to mentor other young men to the best of my ability. Thinking back to the early years of my schooling it was the simple act of wearing my uniform with pride, listening to my teachers and working hard that built the discipline that my parents were looking for in me. I enjoyed the structure of school and the firm but fair approach taken by all of my teachers. Mr. Wayne Kaye was running the camp and had just witnessed my best mate tipping sugar out on the floor of the rec hall. He looked over with disgust, and asked him to pick it up. As my mate bent over to follow this request he was then swiftly lifted off the ground after being hit up the behind by Wayne’s right foot! The message, although unconventional, was clear. If you muck around, there will be a consequence. It built resilience and discipline in each of us. Speaking of resilience, the bus rides home every afternoon, particularly in my junior years ensured we would need that in spades. We knew not to sit anywhere other than the front of the bus, to let the girls from St Clare’s get on first, and lastly and perhaps most importantly, to mind our own business. There PAGE 32
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
was a pecking order and we were at the very bottom. In Year 8, one of my peers got pulled down the back of the bus and was slapped around by some seniors due to him giving cheek to his older brother. He only did this once! Numerous other times we were forced to stand in the middle of the bus. The seniors on one side would bump into us and knock us against seniors on the other side. Imagine if you will, a human pin ball machine. This would continue for the length of the bus ride, and would leave us with bruising all over our body. No words were spoken however. We accepted it and moved on. I was very lucky to observe such a wide variety of teaching personalities and styles throughout my schooling. Dr Ron Widmer was my Year Co-ordinator twice and demanded nothing less than respect and discipline. If you had your shirt out, your top button undone or hadn’t had a shave you were on his hit list. As the “Pie in the Bun” is seen as an Eddies custom and considered strange outside our four walls, Ron had a thousand quotes that only we would understand. A favourite of mine was “You’re a sloth Giteau, you grow on treeeeeees”. This essentially meant my uniform was far from perfect and needed to be fixed immediately. At other times Ron was also extremely empathetic as well, and if he sensed any of his students were struggling he would do his best to alleviate those anxieties and concerns. The PE staff were an assorted bunch. Simon Brown, an Australian representative in Volleyball was quietly spoken. John Papahatzis was loud and abrupt and would leave you with cauliflowered ears if you stepped out of line. Boris Teadorovic was charismatic and would often flaunt about how fit he was. It was not uncommon during the summer months to see him without his shirt on the ovals. Each of them however, were highly respected by the students and allowed me to gain an insight into understanding what my students needed when I returned years later as a teacher. I began this reflection by mentioning the importance of sport to many students who attended here. To be honest, to many of us it was the pinnacle of life at Eddies. We would happily train multiple times per week, and leave many sessions battered and bruised. I was lucky enough to represent ACT in Rugby on a few occasions and cherished the friendships that were formed with students from other schools in Canberra. As I grew older, I didn’t enjoy Rugby as much and had gravitated much more to Rugby League, where my passion still lies today. At the time, this wasn’t taken well with the hierarchy of the school so I continued to play both sports. After graduating in 1996 I enrolled at University of Canberra to begin my four year degree in Teaching. Upon graduating I was awarded a 12 month contract at Wanniassa High which was later extended for a further 12 months. The environment and culture at this school was very different to what I was used to at Eddies, but I had been prepared well by my teachers. Some students would often arrive to school drunk or stoned. There were multiple fights on daily basis, and truancy was not met with consequences. However, as I would later discover, regardless of which PAGE 33
school, kids are essentially just kids. They still long for empaPELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
thy and understanding from their teachers, especially when there is genuine concern for their well-being. After 2 years at Wanniassa, I applied for some relief work back at Eddies. To my surprise I was met by Ron Widmer who was now acting as the staffing officer. I started work the very next day. HPE Staff 2006
It was great to be back
and surrounded by so many mentors who I had once looked up to as a student. I spent a week relief teaching before a contract opened in Science. I
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
STRONG CHARACTER.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
would like to thank Tracy Craze for giving me that opportunity. Before long, Wayne Kaye who was now the Head of PE, asked me to apply for a newly vacant, permanent PE role. It was a no brainer from my end. My application was successful, and I started the following semester. HPE Staff 2020 As I sit here writing this, I realise that I have been blessed to have worked with so many wonderful teachers. I could write many more pages if I were to thank them all, but there a few that have definitely had a significant impact on me. Carlo Sorrentino is always someone that I looked up to from an early age. His firmness in class was revered but working alongside him at school has only strengthened my respect for him. Today, I share many afternoons in the College gym attempting to be as “hard core” as he is – I am yet to reach that goal. I have been blessed to have formed many other friendships with staff members outside school hours in the “House of Pain”. Therese Kitney was another teacher of mine who I later had the opportunity to work alongside as her assistant Year 7 Coordinator. Therese instilled discipline and old school values but also had a soft side to her when required. The PE staff have been a pleasure to work with from day one. In the early years I worked with Wayne Kaye, Ron Widmer, Mick Bulters, Scott Patterson and Jason Sepetauc. Whilst our teaching back then PAGE 34
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
was “old school” we formed a strong bond and collegiality. This bond allowed me to further understand the importance of pulling your own weight and having each other’s backs. Today’s crew of Joel Richardson, Denzil Fox, Tim Macarthur, Alana Beard, Klara Manenica, Trent Masters, Alex Hausen, Eva Lowe and Dale Argall are much the same. Whilst the current day staff is much more in touch with technology the bond amongst us is equally strong. Both eras have taught me many things, but most importantly, be accountable and
Queanbeyan Blues beat West Belconnen in the 2005 Grand Final
care for the kids with genuine concern. I try to not take myself too seriously and this has allowed me to build many meaningful relationships with our students. Outside of school my passion lies with Rugby League and my family. After finishing playing football in 2013 I turned to coaching, and spent four years as coach of two Canberra Cup clubs. Three years ago I was invited to be an assistant with the Canberra Raiders Jersey Flegg side and it only further ignited my passion for the sport. This year I have made the transition to an assistant of the Raiders NSW Cup side and look forward to working with many fulltime professional Rugby League players. I owe a lot of my luck with coaching to the many years spent at Eddies, honing personal relationships with my peers and later students under my care. Throughout my childhood I was lucky to have such positive mentors at home in my Mum and Dad. It is many of these values that my-
Justin Giteau wins Coach of the Year self and my wife Jackie attempt to instill in our kids now. Cooper, my eldest is a student here in Year 5 and I wouldn’t have him in any other place. He arrives at school excited every day and is proud to be an Eddies Boy, much as I did when I went to school here. It is seeing this pride in him that makes me confident that St Edmund’s is heading in the right direction in 2021 and beyond. PAGE 35
PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Former Chair, St Edmund’s College Foundation
Grant Jones
Alumni Profile - Class of 2005
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
same year that my brother Bradley started in Year 5, the following year my
STRONG CHARACTER.
I started at St Edmund’s College as a Year 7 student in the year 2000, the
decent grades. I think looking back I feel I let myself down to a certain
youngest brother Ryan joined in Year 4. While I think dad entertained the idea of us going to school elsewhere (at the time to appease mum), there was never any doubt that we would be Eddies boys with dad having attended school there and graduating in 1975. Like him, I really enjoyed my time at the College, I guess from an academic point of view I always ‘got things’ and was able to get by with degree because if a class didn’t interest me, I did not always apply myself fully which would have reflected in my results. I always enjoyed Maths and did quite well at it, as I did with Design thanks to the late and great Dennis Moreau. I also really enjoyed
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
Economics thanks to the legend that is Phil Hawke. I have had a lot to do with Phill since school due to our shared love of the Queanbeyan Whites and I enjoy occasionally talking to him about those classes and how some of his teachings have influenced my views in business and on the world in general today. Grant, Brad and Ryan Jones PAGE 36
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
While I feel I was always able to hold my own on the sporting field, I was never a world beater at any school sports. I remember talking to then First XV coach John Papahatzis on one of my first days of
The ‘Mighty Thirds’ 2005 school. He had worked out who my dad was and had high hopes for me. Dad had played 3 years of First XV including being captain in 1975 but failed to pass on that ability to me. Ryan got all of the rugby talent in the family and also captain the First XV, and in doing so in 2009, they would have to be one of the only father/son combinations to do so. The highlight of my rugby career at St Eddies came in my first year playing in the Under 12 Blue side who beat the previously undefeated Marist side in the grand final. It was a downhill slide from there making my way down to the Gold side within a couple of seasons. I had a couple of years away from rugby before playing again in Year 12 for the mighty Third XV. I absolutely love my rugby though.
I
have been involved as a player, coach, manager and committee member at the Queanbeyan Whites since leaving school. Year 12 Formal 2005
PAGE 37
It was pretty exciting to go from a Third XV player at school to being teammates with a PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
lot of the First XV players in the Whites Colts team the following year. Being at the Whites has not only let me continue to have great friendships with guys I went to school with but also form new ones with other Eddies boys that finished school in the years before and following me. A big part of the Whites are Eddies Old Boys which is something that I love being involved in. The other big sporting love of mine is golf. It is something that I enjoyed right through my time at St Edmund’s and, following a break for a few years after school, it is something that I continue to enjoy. I was lucky enough to captain the ACT Schoolboys golf team in my last year of school and have also
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
represented the ACT in senior golf since. While golf is an individual sport and I enjoy the challenge of it just being you against the course, it is team events that are the most memorable for me, which included winning the local A grade pennant flag with Queanbeyan in 2018.
STRONG CHARACTER.
I grew up with parents in the construction industry and swore it was something I would never do, I was that certain that I did not even do construction in my senior years at St Edmund’s and completed a Diploma of Agriculture when I first left school. However,
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
I ended up doing a carpentry apprenticeship Year 12 Retreat 2005
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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
and working for some other local builders before joining the family business of DJ Homes in 2013, and have loved helping to grow the business in that time. It is unbelievable the amount of times being an Eddies Old Boy helps establish a relationship with someone in business who also went to the school. My brother Ryan also works in the business with me along with a number or other Eddies Old Boys as part of our team or as sub-contractors. We were really proud of being able to help out by building the ‘Eddies House Project’ which brought together the Eddies community to build a home that was then sold to raise money for what is now known as the ‘St Edmund’s College Canberra Foundation’. Following the completion of the house I was asked to come along to a Foundation Committee meeting
St Edmund’s College Canberra Foundation House and somehow found myself as Chair after a couple of meetings. I loved being able to give back to the College in that role, providing opportunities for others to get that same opportunity of the wellrounded education that Eddies provides. In my nearly 4 years in that role, I am proud of establishing a closer relationship with the College Advisory Council, the College itself and the Old Boys and Friends Association. While I stepped down last year knowing there is still work to be done to realise its potential, I know there are some really good people on the Foundation Committee who will carry it forward. I am so lucky to now have three boys of my own and be supported by my wife Jayde. She really is the backbone of our family who not only does a fantastic job as a mother but also supports me trying to run a business and spending a lot of time helping the rugby club. She doesn’t even complain that much when I sneak out for a game of golf (or two) each week. For her sake I have entertained the idea of our boys going to school elsewhere but, like my mum knew back then, knows that our boys will also be Eddies Boys and I look forward to the next stage of my life with St Edmund’s as a parent.
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PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Alumni Reflection - Class of 1957
Jim Curran
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
STRONG CHARACTER.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
From the Principal, Mr Joe Zavone: We received this reflection from old boy Jim Curran during Term One of this year. Jim had been keeping an eye on the Eddies Cricket Facebook page. He reached out to the parent who runs the cricket page enquiring how to go about obtaining a cricket cap as he has no physical souvenirs of his time at St Edmund’s. We sent Jim a cricket hat and College tie pin. Jim is now 79. Canberra was his home for 60 years, followed by 17 years in Muswellbrook and for the last two years he has been living on the Gold Coast. Jim knew Bishop Pat Power, in fact they started kindergarten at St Christopher’s together in 1948. When Eddies opened they both enrolled and have remained great friends ever since. Five years ago Jim and his wife renewed their wedding vows in celebration of 55 years of marriage. Bishop Pat travelled to Muswellbrook to celebrate the Mass. My great thanks to Karen Hutchinson, one of College parents, for alerting us to Jim’s story. These are Jim’s cricket reflections from his time at St Edmund’s We used to play cricket on Wednesday afternoon against Canberra Grammar, Telopea Park, Saint Gregory’s and Queanbeyan. One of the greatest highlights of my days at Eddies was one afternoon when we were told there was special practice from 1pm till 3pm. We turned up and to our great surprise we were greeted by three Australian test players who had toured Great Britain in 1938, part of Sir Donald Bradman’s team. They were Jack Fingleton, who was an opening batsman and had two boys at Eddies, one was in my class. Then there was Stan McCabe, who was a brilliant batsman; he sold sports gear to the school and had a big sports store in Sydney. The third player was Bill O’Reilly, a great bowler who worked at Parliament House press gallery with Jack Fingleton. The practice went overtime and I missed the school bus home to Duntroon. When Mr O’Reilly found out he arranged for the Commonwealth car that came for them to take me home. When we got to my home there was a small gathering of people with my father who was very angry looking. He had asked my brother where I was and told him I had been at practice but did not see me get on the bus. We pulled up and Mr O’Reilly went up to my father. I did not know what was going to happen as dad was 6 ft 7 and O’Reilly was bigger. Mr O’Reilly beckoned Mr Fingleton and Mr McCabe to get out of the car (Stan McCabe happened to be my mother’s favourite player) and we all had afternoon tea together. PAGE 40
Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
We all had to play in our zones for Saturday morning cricket. I was told I had to play with Ainslie, but my father disagreed, claiming that I was closer to Kingston. There was a short cut through a dairy farm down near the palliative care unit where there was a small foot bridge beside the power house. Turns out dad was right, so I played with Kingston in under 14s, I was age 12. I was an opening bowler some afternoons at Duntroon. My brother and I and a couple others used to go to the nets with a few cadets to practice (four of them), there were no helmets then and they were fast, and we ended up with plenty of bruisers. We shifted from Duntroon to Narrabundah, which was in Kingston zone, playing under 14 on Saturday morning. We often had to play in the afternoon with 2nds or 3rds so it was full on. I advanced to 1st grade at age 16. I was an opening bowler batting at number 10/11 … plenty of ducks or not outs. I was a good fieldsman and we had a great side. I did not get a lot of batting. There were two fast bowlers that came to training and were straight in 1st grade. They had transferred to the banks at Kingston and boarded at Kingston guest house. My mother knew I was not very happy but told me not to give cricket away, then one Saturday I turned up at Manuka Oval, walked in and the captain and two selectors were having a discussion. They nodded to me - they were with a real smart looking gentleman and I had a feeling I was the topic of conversation, so I went and got changed (more on this to follow). There had been a lot of rain in that week. We lost the toss. I got the shock of my life when the captain (John Cope) came up and told me to put the pads on as I was opening. John Cope went in with me, he was a brilliant batsman, he said I could take strike. The opening bowler was Richard Searle, a left arm, very fast swing bowler who had been transferred to Canberra from Queensland. He had opened the bowling with one of Australia’s best, Ray Lindwall at Queensland in the Sheffield Shield at Marist. I believe there is an oval named after Ray Lindwall. I stayed opener for next 5 years representing Canberra. I walked past a conversation between the captain and selectors that day about why I was not opening. Stan said I had always batted down the order. He told them he had seen me bat from age 12 and that I was one of the best players of fast bowling he had seen. He was one of the cadets who used to leave me battered and bruised. Just goes to show … hope you boys get the message here, how close I was to giving the game away. Returning back to my story of the practise at Eddies with the former test players with a player Jack Fingleton. After Eddies he did 5 years at Duntroon, he was awarded the Queens Medal which is given to the best on their graduation and he went on to be Head Master at one of the biggest schools in WA. His son captained WA in Sheffield shield and played for Australia. The scoreboard at Manuka is Jack Fingleton Scoreboard. God bless, Jim Curran.
Jim’s advice to all of our Eddies boys is to never give up!
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V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
STRONG CHARACTER.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
Vale
Tracey Brown Tracey was a very valued member of our College community as a parent and member of staff. She took her role of supporting each student who required her help very seriously. She became a caring mother figure to boys she worked with in Diverse Learning; they knew that she genuinely cared about their progress and would go that extra mile for them so they could be better. Tracey always adopted a strong sense of commitment to all areas of the College with which she was involved. Creative and Performing Arts, Diverse Learning, organising the Year 12 graduation, First XV Rugby Manager and Dragon Boating were all areas of the College that benefited from Tracey weaving her magic. She often said in reference to the College, “I love this place”. And we loved her back. Tracey embodied the Eddies spirit and we have all been touched by her sense of humour, her positive attitude and warm heart. She fought her fight with cancer to the very end. We light a candle to ask God’s blessing upon Tracey, her family, her friends and for us. Rest in peace dear Tracey, your gentle caring presence will be missed. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her.
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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
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Alumni Magazine of St Edmund’s College Canberra
V I B R A N T S P I R I T.
STRONG CHARACTER.
TA I L O R E D L E A R N I N G .
PELICAN: SEMESTER 1, 2021
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A Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition ABN 45 551 557 285 • RTO 88014 • CRICOS 00639E
