Thrive Magazine | Brisbane's Education Guide by Style Media

THRIVE Brisbane’s Education Guide

Looking to the stars at St Margaret’s

FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW

Mount Alvernia is raising a generation of eco-conscious adults

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Churchie’s mission to challenge counterproductive stereotypes

WORDS OF WISDOM We asked alumni what they’d tell their younger selves

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WEL COME Our paths toward success aren’t always linear, and it’s through our education at school and at home we instil resilience, build courage, and inspire greatness.

elcome to the second annual edition of THRIVE – Brisbane’s Education Guide. Aimed at bringing you the very best when it comes to learning, study and further education, Thrive showcases Brisbane’s best schools and explores the city’s best options for your child’s education. In this year’s edition, we’ve spoken to some of Brisbane’s leading schools about their mission, their values, and what sets them apart. From Kelvin Grove State College’s incredible creative industries and Mount Alvernia’s passion for the environment, to robotics at St Margaret’s and Anglican Church Grammar School’s mission to raise socially and emotionally intelligent young men – take a glimpse into how each school is inspiring our future. Brisbane schools have a proud history of producing some of the nation’s most inspirational success stories – from Olympians to human rights lawyers, we’ve spoken to a range of past students from schools across Brisbane, asking the alumni what wisdom they’d give their younger selves, and how their school helped shape their success. It’s been a challenging year for parents, kids and teachers, but we’re focusing on the positives and looking toward a year full of new heights and inspirational moments. Explore some tips on how you can encourage healthy, productive habits in your kids which will set them up for success as we finish out 2021, and look toward a fresh new start in 2022.

CONTENTS 3.

IF YOU CAN SEE IT, YOU CAN BE IT St Margaret’s extensive careers education program.

THE MAKING OF SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT YOUNG MEN Churchie’s new mission in the ‘making of men’.

SUSTAINABILITY AT ITS FINEST Mt Alvernia flourishes with their La Foresta initiative.

LIFE LESSONS Advice from alumni to their younger selves.

11.

RUNWAY TO SUCCESS Kelvin Grove State College’s emerging fashion designers.

12.

CONVERSATION STARTERS Tackling the big issue with your kids.

14.

TIPS OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE Creating healthy habits for your kids.

ON THE COVER: Anglican Church Grammar School Publisher’s Indemnity: those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Style Media Pty Ltd undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. The views and information provided by advertisers/schools do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Style Media Pty Ltd. Readers should conduct their own research when choosing a school. Stock images sourced from Rawpixel and Unsplash.

THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

IF YOU CAN SEE IT, YOU CAN BE IT The sky isn’t the limit for St Margaret’s Year 12 student, Ashleigh Pomeroy.

reams of working in commercial space travel could have been just a ‘pie in the sky’ ambition for Year 12 St Margaret’s student Ashleigh Pomeroy were it not for the school’s extensive careers education program. Before attending St Margaret’s Broadening Horizons Conference and Expo as a Year 10 student, Ashleigh had never heard about a relatively new robotics engineering discipline – mechatronics. Now she hopes to study a Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering after she graduates this year. Careers and employability programs are a key focus at St Margaret’s to nurture the necessary skills to participate, thrive and lead in a global economy and are especially important given the world of work is changing so rapidly. The Broadening Horizons Conference is an integral aspect of St Margaret’s careers education program and is based on the premise, ‘if you can see it, you can be it’. Exposing students to people in different careers, the conference helps students to picture the same kinds of possibilities for themselves and to make informed decisions about their study and

work options beyond school. Since attending the conference, Ashleigh’s fascination with space and robotics has been nurtured through school-initiated opportunities like QUT STEM Camp, where she was exposed to career opportunities, worked with mentors, and obtained real-world experience. “I have also had the opportunity to study a broad range of STEM subjects at school like digital technologies, which gave me the opportunity to experiment with robots and an early insight into the field of robotics and how broad it can be,” she says. St Margaret’s director of careers and portfolio pathways, Naomi Holley, said the Broadening Horizons Conference is intentionally positioned within the Year 10 curriculum to inform students about future career opportunities in preparation for their senior subject selection. “We want to model for students the variety of career pathways and opportunities by hearing from a range of experts, recent school leavers and tertiary institutions to raise their aspirations, broaden their horizons and highlight the changing nature of work and its impact

Ashleigh’s fascination with space and robotics has been nurtured.”

on Australians,” she says. In addition to this initiative, St Margaret’s also provides the services of two careers counsellors who work with students to guide them in subject selection and career choices and also with year level groups to keep students abreast of industry trends and opportunities within their areas of interest. ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL PETRIE STREET, ASCOT P 3862 0777 STMARGARETS.QLD.EDU.AU RECEPTION@STMARGARETS.QLD.EDU.AU

Imagine your future...

atSt Margaret’s Dr Rebecca Won (’99) Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Academic and Performance Scholarships for entry into Years 7 to 11, 2023 Applications open 28 September 2021 Full details on our website

PRE-PREP – YEAR 12 | BOARDING YEARS 5–12 www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au • T: (07) 3862 0777 • 11 Petrie Street Ascot QLD 4007 St Margaret’s School Council Ltd ABN: 69069684019 CRICOS Code: 00511K

THE MAKING OF SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT YOUNG MEN Every day I see curiosity and creativity; I see good character, strong intellect and generous spirit; I see the future generation looking to us. Words by Churchie’s Head of Preparatory School, Mark Wyer.

THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

rom an early age, boys hear messages that shape their notions and expectations about being a man. Sadly, many messages are counterproductive to raising well-balanced young men, such as boys being told to ‘man up’, that ‘boys don’t cry’, or ‘get over it, you’ll be fine’. This belief that men must be powerful and authoritative is reinforced to boys through popular culture and society. We need to challenge these long-held beliefs and look at how we can develop socially and emotionally intelligent young men. We want boys to be happy, healthy and successful—forming positive relationships as they move through their life. The mission of Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) is ‘the making of men’. We define this as developing young men of good character, strong intellect and generous spirit who will use their talents and gifts to lead and serve others. This is, indeed, a lofty goal, but one every educator at the school takes seriously. As Head of Preparatory School, I see this journey beginning the moment a boy commences at Churchie. It is a journey of personal growth, discovery and selfawareness, with social and emotional development at the core of our academic and pastoral care programs. Along the way, we ask boys to inquire into the nature of the self, including personal, mental, social and spiritual health, human relationships, rights and responsibilities, and what it means to

be human. We use circle time as a tool to assist boys with social and emotional issues and equip them with collaborative decision making, communication and problem-solving skills. The whole class sits in a circle and students are given the opportunity to communicate, make connections, think critically and learn perspective – which are all important life skills. Boys learn to talk about their feelings and experiences, appreciate and accept individual differences, and learn about healthy relationships. With the support of trusted educators and in partnership with parents, students receive comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual development and relationship education. With the ever-increasing access to and use of technology, we also work with international experts to help students to navigate and traverse the complexities of the online world. Further, in Years 4, 5 and 6, Churchie’s emotional intelligence (EI) measurement and intervention program measures each boy’s EI strengths and where they may need some development. Every day I am amazed at the enthusiasm with which boys respond to opportunities to explore both intellectual and philosophical topics. I see curiosity and creativity; I see good character, strong intellect and generous spirit; I see the future generation looking to us, as teachers and as parents,

to provide the opportunity to unlock their potential unhindered by outdated notions of manhood that do not have a place in today’s world. These are just some of the ways Churchie is working to improve the emotional and social intelligence of our younger students to better prepare them for future learning and life beyond school. To find out more about a Churchie education for your son, visit churchie.com.au. ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL OAKLANDS PDE, EAST BRISBANE P 3896 2200 CHURCHIE.COM.AU

...many messages are counterproductive to raising well-balanced young men.”

FAST FIVE WITH MARK WYER

How long have you been working in education? 25 years. What led you to a teaching and education career? Both of my parents were teachers, and I enjoy working with young students and seeing their true potential in what they can achieve. What inspires you? My family and the balance they bring to my life.

What do you like most about educating boys? I love the energy, passion and enthusiasm boys bring to school. There is nothing like it! If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Everything happens for a reason. This perspective is what maintains a positive outlook on life.

SUSTAINABILITY AT ITS FINEST From little things, big things grow – and that’s exactly the ethos Mount Alvernia students thrive on with their La Foresta initiative harbouring new generations of eco-conscious adults.

ount Alvernia College continues to set the standard in global thinking and eco-consciousness with its unrivalled place of learning, ‘La Foresta’. This sanctuary-like space was created for students to learn about sustainability through closed loop systems that benefit the environment, the importance of community, and how to effectively practise collective decision making. Inspired by the landscapes of Assisi, the award-winning La Foresta is situated at the main entrance of the college, looking out from the Carceri (Chapel). The area is flooded with natural light and admired daily by students, staff, and

college visitors alike. La Foresta truly hit its stride in 2020, when the college was commended by the Brisbane City Council in the WasteSMART Schools Award nominations – what an achievement! Under the guidance of the college’s horticulturist, a student-led commitment to enact sustainable change and reduce college waste by 50 per cent took place. The result, you ask? A garden that is infinitely more than just a garden. La Foresta produces over 55 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs used in both the Design Technology department and La Cucina, the on-site café. The minimal waste from such areas is then shared with the resident chickens, as well as used as organic compost across

the gardens as part of their zero-waste approach – an integrated, forwardthinking waste reduction system that educates and encourages Mount Alvernia students on how to be the next generation of eco-warriors. La Foresta is a highly sought-after resource within numerous college co-curricular areas, with art students creating outstanding watercolor paintings of the vibrant array of flowers and science students testing the pH levels of the soil. They say, ‘from little things, big things grow’, a sentiment that reigns true in numerous areas of Mount Alvernia, all stemming from La Foresta. MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE CREMORNE ROAD, KEDRON P 3357 6000 MTA.QLD.EDU.AU MTA@MTA.QLD.EDU.AU

We believe, we achieve... at Mount Alvernia. Mount Alvernia offers a range of academic and performance-based scholarships. 2023 Scholarship applications open 28 September. NT A LVERNIA MOU

For more details and to apply online visit: mta.qld.edu.au Ph 3357 6000

DE US

THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

A NI M E U S ET O M

LIFE LESSONS:

ADVICE FROM ALUMNI TO THEIR YOUNGER SELVES From defending human rights, and swimming at the Olympics, to making Brisbane a better place – we spoke to three former Brisbane students about their journey, and what life lessons they’d share.

ADRIAN SCHRINNER BRISBANE LORD MAYOR Tell us about yourself? I’m a father of four – Octavia (8), Wolfgang (6), Monash (5) and Petra (3) – and a husband to Nina. I love Brisbane. I was born here, I grew up here and now we’re raising our own family here. Outside of work, my life revolves around my family but we also love to include them in the special moments within the role as Lord Mayor, whether it’s attending community events or exploring our city. I was in Citipointe’s Class of 1994 and look back on my time there with fondness. It provided me with all the skills I needed to transition from high school and pursue my passions. Fast forward a few decades, and we’re proud to send our children to Citipointe.

1994: ADRIAN SCHRINNER (FRONT RIGHT) AT HIS YEAR 12 FORMAL

Is your career path what you originally intended after graduation? For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved aircraft and my first job working in my family’s cleaning business funded my flying lessons. As soon as I graduated from high school, I joined the Royal Australian Air Force with intentions to become a pilot. I hit a speed bump when their famously strict testing deemed me better suited for another role. While that dream didn’t eventuate, I returned to Brisbane to work on my other passion – the city I love. After working in several different roles, I eventually began my journey as a Councillor for Chandler Ward in 2005. Can you tell us about any stand-out achievements in your life? On my very first day as Lord Mayor, I made it clear that my goal was to make Brisbane – the city I’ve grown-up in and loved for more than 40 years – an even better place to live. My recent mission to Tokyo to secure the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games was a stand-out, once-ina-lifetime achievement. It came after years of hard work from my predecessor Graham Quirk and Mayors from across South East Queensland. Who inspires you? My first role models were

THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

I thought it was the end of the world when I didn’t become a pilot, but it led to a different career that is even better than my early dreams.”

my parents, Jurgen and Beryl, who taught me the foundations of hard work and running a business. They remain my role models to this day alongside my wife Nina, who is a true inspiration in so many ways. What advice would you give to your younger self? Setbacks don’t mean it’s the end of the world. I thought it was the end of the world when I didn’t become a pilot, but it led to a different career that is even better than my early dreams. Have a good support network. Many of life’s major decisions can be daunting so it’s important to have a good network of family, friends or colleagues to support you along the way. Appreciate the small things. Whether it’s birthdays, family holidays or time in university, life moves so fast so don’t forget to live in the moment.

ZAC STUBBLETY-COOK OLYMPIC SWIMMER Tell us about yourself? I’m 22, an athlete, and I’m studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Business at Griffith University. I currently live in Brisbane and work for the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) in admin and community engagement – working with the Olympics Unleashed program. I attended Churchie and I have nothing but kind words to say about my time there. It wasn’t until I left that I realised what the ‘making of men’ really meant. Experiencing such a supportive academic program, learning key life values from sport and the partaking in service of the community are just a few of the things Churchie provided. I can easily say that without Churchie I wouldn’t be where I am today. Is your career path what you originally intended after graduation? Yes and no. I started on the path of biomedical science at Griffith University

which I really enjoyed, however due to the amount I was traveling and my training load it became difficult to have the contact hours needed. The spanner of Commonwealth Games also made me reassess what I wanted to do, as I felt at that point in time I needed to make a change and dive a bit deeper into what I wanted long term and how I would get there. I decided to transfer my credits over to Business/Psychological Science with the end goal now to work with people and get the best out of them, creating cultures in which people thrive in. I [always] wanted to be an Olympian which I can now say I’ve achieved – which is a real ‘pinch me moment’ – but I also wanted to be a photographer. When I got to school I had a real love for maths, chemistry and modern history, so my desire to work in the field of neurology was what I was drawn to pursuing after school.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAWYER Tell us about yourself? I am an international criminal lawyer. I represent victims and accused before international criminal courts. I have worked on cases involving atrocities committed in Cambodia, Rwanda, the DRC, Sierra Leone, the former Yugoslavia, and Myanmar. I live with my family in Geneva, Switzerland, spending much of my time trying to drill an Australian accent into my children and forcing them to run around outside without shoes. Thus far without success.

What advice would you give to your younger self? Relax, enjoy the moments, but remember that the dark times create the light ones. Live in the moment and control what you can.

ZAC STUBBLETY-COOK WON GOLD IN THE MEN’S 200M BREASTSTROKE AT THE 2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS

KATE GIBSON AND FRIENDS AT ST MARGARET’S

KATE GIBSON

Do you have any stand out moments of achievement? Obviously winning an Olympic Gold was a hell of a moment and something that is still very, very surreal.

I went to St Margaret’s and I loved it. I remember laughing every single day. We really learnt all the right things: persistence, tolerance, kindness, commitment, and friendship. Is your career path what you originally intended after graduation? No! I think like many people, I studied law without really knowing what it meant to be a lawyer, and it took years to find my place. As a kid I wanted to be an actor. No question. The context would change, though. First was a desperation to be on Young Talent Time, then Neighbours. Do you have any stand out moments of achievement? I’m currently leading the legal team of Paul Rusesabagina, who was the subject

of the film Hotel Rwanda, who was kidnapped last year and is being tried in Rwanda on terrorism charges. Representing Paul is one of the greatest challenges of my life; the human issues at play are overwhelming, and I am learning to use all the legal and nonlegal skills I’ve acquired over the past 15 years to fight for what I believe is right, and try to bring the truth to light. And ultimately get him home. What subjects would you steer aspiring lawyers towards? Learn a language! This is less important if you’re lucky enough to speak a second or third language at home, but studying French at St Margaret’s really opened doors for me. What advice would you give to your younger self? Don’t worry too much, because it will all work out. Wear sunscreen, ageing is real. Don’t try so hard to get on the right path, try different things and find what you like.

THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

QUT STUDENT RAND SHRAIM, CAIDEN LAWRENCE, ALISSE BLACK AND CAROL TURNBULL

RUNWAY TO SUCCESS Kelvin Grove State College showcases a new generation of emerging designers at Brisbane Fashion Festival.

eeing your designs grace the catwalk is a dream for most fashion designers, and for two Kelvin Grove State College students the dream has been realised sooner than most, showcasing their designs at Brisbane Fashion Festival on August 24 this year. Year 12 fashion students Alisse Black and Caiden Lawrence, alongside teacher Carol Turnbull and past Kelvin Grove State College and QUT fashion student Rand Shraim, created the label BOLD – Believe in Oneself and Live the Dream – and presented the Landscape collection at the festival. After sacrificing lunchtimes and Saturday mornings, both Caiden and Alisse said the whole process – from working towards deadlines and creating a real world runway collection, to then seeing the fruits of their labour and

...it was

ecru, black, pale clay and blue imaginations on a runway walking out created a universally flattering in front of fashion industry on the runway look and offered a nod to the specialists – was surreal. as emerging Australian landscape. But for the young designers, The biggest challenge for designers that it was walking out on the runway as emerging was the ultimate the students was ensuring their work was up to industry designers that was the experience.” standard, painstakingly ultimate experience. perfecting every tiny seam, The inspiration for the S/S Landscape though it did highlight the amount of collection was the subtle shades of time and financial outlay involved, and the Australian landscape and fashion gave the students a newfound respect for designer Jacquemus, whose 2021 other designers in the industry. Ready to Wear collection was used as Kelvin Grove offers great pathway inspiration to create modern garments opportunities, which is why Caiden that were both stylish and functional. decided to attend the college due its The collection offered a sense of creative industry subjects. Also studying authenticity by creating garments that visual arts and film and TV, he is keen to last beyond the season, were not age pursue a career in fashion, with further specific, were made from quality fabrics, study at either TAFE or QUT. and had an awareness of sustainable and ethical fashion. A sun-washed colour palette of sage,

KELVIN GROVE STATE COLLEGE L’ESTRANGE TCE, KELVIN GROVE P 3552 7333 KELVINGROVESC.EQ.EDU.AU

CONVERSATION STARTERS: TACKLING BIG ISSUES WITH LITTLE PEOPLE

ne of the toughest jobs you have as a parent is explaining difficult subjects and trying to alleviate concerns over issues that in all honesty, might be keeping you up at night as well. There is a lot going on in the world at the moment and it’s important to be transparent and help ease your child’s anxieties, but as adults we also have the responsibility to protect them from distress. This puts us in a tricky situation, but there are a few ways to make tackling big conversations easier, and encourage open conversation in the future. But where do I start?! Getting the conversation started is sometimes one of the hardest parts, but usually the simplest and most honest approach is the best. Often asking your child outright if they have any questions about an issue will be enough to prompt conversation, and it’s a safe bet for all ages, and any subject matter. Choose your time and place right, starting a big conversation in the middle of morning rush is not going to help anyone! Go for a walk or spark it up over a weekend family meal so you have plenty of time. But I don’t have the answers?! With the uncertainty of the current pandemic, it can be difficult to even think about having a conversation

with kids when you know you don’t have the answers. While it can be daunting, explain that you haven’t been through anything like this either while reinforcing that we are being guided by experts, and reminding them that we’ve had many global pandemics throughout history – all of which have run their course and come to an end. Highlight that you know the sun will keep shining, and that you are always there to look after them. Validate their feelings Ever had a bad day and needed to vent? Only to have your partner jump into ‘fix-it mode’ – annoying right? Your child is exactly the same, and needs to have their feelings validated before you give your response. Avoid diminishing their feelings with phrases like ‘don’t be afraid’, and instead try to help your child understand what they’re feeling and putting into words what emotions they’re experiencing. Is there anything you can do about it? Stop worrying about things you can’t change, and do something about those you can. Often fear and anxiety stem from feeling unable to help or do anything, and it can be tough – especially for little ones – not to stress over things you can’t change. If your child is concerned about something that may have a tangible solution, encouraging them to take action may ease their feelings of helplessness. THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

For example, if climate change is a concern, encourage the family to limit plastics and prioritise recycling. Don’t end the conversation Often kids will take time to process what you’ve said to them and will continue thinking about it for the next few days. Make sure you keep up the dialogue by checking in with them.

Often fear and anxiety stem from feeling unable to help or do anything, and it can be tough – especially for little ones – not to stress over things you can’t change.” |

FIVE TIPS OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE PEOPLE:

CREATING HEALTHY HABITS FOR KIDS Crafting healthy habits now, will help raise productive, successful adults.

e all know success comes from tenacity and hard work, but many successful people swear by a few daily habits to boost their productivity. From rising early and staying active, to making your bed and adopting a positive mindset – the good news is, these healthy habits are easy enough for us all to add to our routines and instil in our children. We often feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day, and while our kids are growing, instilling these habits may help them meet the demands and create a healthy work/life balance in adult life.

Make your bed! We heard it from our mums again and again, and while it seems like a waste of time for some, research says the simple act is one that sets productive people apart, leading to higher levels of productivity throughout the day. It might be a struggle, but experts say it’s well worth instilling this habit in kids when they’re young.

The early bird gets the worm Carpe diem! This one might be easier said than done – especially for teens – but rising early and seizing the day is one of the most commonly heralded habits for successful and productive people. Setting a new morning routine can take time, but once the habits are there, you’ll relish your calm, timefilled mornings! Try waking kids gently with natural light and music to help encourage late risers. Experts also suggest eliminating any 14

decisions from morning routines. Set out clothes and school bags the night before, and have lunches made. Instead of the usual morning rush, spend the time saved moving your body or enjoying a quiet cup of tea or breakfast with the family.

Stay organised! While kids should be free to be kids, getting them to stay on top of their own to-do lists, assignment due dates and schedules is a great way to reinforce the importance of organisation and build beneficial long-term habits. Get them involved by building a colourful family calendar!

Get your zen on Unfortunately, stress is a part of everyday life and learning to deal with it is one of the single most beneficial life lessons you can instil in your kids. THRIVE BRISBANE’S EDUCATION GUIDE | 2021

There are a range of healthy ways to manage stress, with meditation and exercise both easy methods to teach your kids to quieten the mind. Introduce meditation to your kids with a podcast or app – there are plenty on the market – to help the little ones to find their zen!

Clear your mind Studies of some of the most successful people in the world all suggest there’s a benefit in setting aside 10-15 minutes a day to contemplate. Whether you’re thinking through a problem you’re having, or dreaming of things you’d like to do – you can help get kids into the habit with a morning journaling habit, or asking them a new question each day and getting them to spend the day thinking of their answer.

St Joseph’s College

INTERACTIVE CAMPUS TOUR Visit the College website for details

Forming Gentlemen of Terrace to be young men of faith and learning who will make a difference through Knowledge | Humility | Wisdom www.terrace.qld.edu.au | 285 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000