Class of 2020 DUX Report Page 14

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.

Alumni Profile - Class of 2004 Anthony & Saia Fainga’a

Anthony and Saia Fainga’a began at St Edmund’s College in Year 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 devel-

Swimming Carnival Fun 2004-check

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.

“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 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 Rug-

Fainga’a Brothers

Australian Schoolboys 2003

Rebels and Connaught (Ireland). by 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

“The Twins” have developed strong 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 shared also by both Vili and Colby as well. Fainga’a Twins Think Pink Charity

“The Twins” look back at their time at Eddies with great affection - Anthony Fainga’a … “I loved be-