From the Principal
1 From the Principal’s desk Every year in the life of this School has its special highlights and, not surprisingly, 2008 brings great cause for celebration because it marks our 120th Anniversary.
As the School’s eleventh Headmaster, it has been my privilege to play a small part in an evolving history that has spanned three centuries, educated many generations of North Queenslanders and successfully overcome cyclones, economic depressions and world wars! Most pleasingly, our 120th year of operation co-incides with our ‘best ever’ Year 12 OP results and record enrolments, now in excess of 1,360 students from Pre-Prep to Year 12.
Page 1 From the Principal Captains 2008 Page 3 School News
CONTENTS
Page 6 Junior School Page 7 Middle School Page 8 Senior School Page 9 120 Years of TGS Page 11 Past Grammarians Page 13 Staff News Page 14 TGS Community Co-ordinator: Kim Lambert Editors: Kim Lambert, Kristell Scott, Trish Christensen and Michele Gillespie Photography: Townsville Bulletin, Advanced Life Photography, Kim Lambert, Kate Dempsey, Corby Green, Kerry Strickland, Margaret Holmes and Middle School teachers Design and Print: Xpress Printing Thank you to all contributors.
2008 has seen an enormous range of capital projects come to fruition or be approved by the Board. So far, this year has included the construction of a Pre-Prep Centre ($1m), a Junior School Undercover Plaza ($600,000) and Bus Shelters ($40,000). At North Ward, the George Hall boys toilets have been completely refurbished ($300,000), the swimming pool refurbished ($750,000) and planning for a PA Complex ongoing (approximately $6m). The School has also recently built a Rowing Shed at Annandale ($40,000).
Recent Board approval has also been given to fast-track Stage 2 of the Pre-Prep Centre ($800,000) later this year and to construct a new upper Primary classroom block (approximately $3m) in
readiness for opening in 2010. Beyond ‘bricks and mortar’ the School is also progressing its commitment to the introduction of the highly regarded, internationally accredited International Baccalaureate Diploma programme for Year 11 and 12 students. Our first intake of IB Diploma students is on track to commence in 2010.
Our 120th Anniversary is not only time for celebration but also an exciting foundation upon which to shape both the physical infrastructure and educational programme of the School. We are certainly on the cusp of exciting times ahead.
Mr Richard Fairley Principal
Senior School Captains Ayeshmanthe Rathnayake Ayesh has been a student at Townsville Grammar since entering Year 10 in 2006. In the short time Ayesh has attended the School he has truly earned the respect required for such a position from his peers and teachers. He was humbled by his appointment as Boys School Captain and believes that the leadership team elected this year can productively contribute fresh ideas while supporting the values, culture and traditions inherent in the School community. Ayesh has immersed himself in the academic, sporting, cultural and community programmes on offer at school – an ‘exemplary all rounder’ is a term that well describes Ayesh’s contribution to the School over the past two years. Academically he has received awards ranging from Academic prizes at Speech Night and Maxima Cum Laude Awards to High Distinctions in the School Writing Competition and Distinctions in the Australian Schools Mathematics Competition. Ayesh has received Cultural Awards for his outstanding contribution to Debating, Grammar Singers, Lezom Boys Choir and last year’s School Production. Ayesh has represented the School in Open Boys Soccer and First XI Cricket. His sense of citizenship has been affirmed through his commitment to Interact and the CSIRO Student Research Scheme. On completion of Year 12, Ayesh hopes to study Medicine in 2009. At present, his thoughts are consumed with carrying out his leadership duties in a compassionate and fair way.
Alex Kershaw Alex has been a student at Townsville Grammar since entering Year 8 in 2004. Overwhelmed and honoured by the announcement of Girls School Captain, she immediately responded to the appointment by declaring a commitment to support the students, staff and School by role modelling good character and moral leadership. Alex has excelled academically, receiving Speech Night Awards for Dux in Year 8, 9 and 11, the Award for Proxime Accessit in Year 10 and many Subject Prizes each year since arriving in Year 8. Alex has also been a TGS Writing Competition Medallist and Australian Schools Mathematics Competition High Distinction recipient. Alex’s contribution to cultural aspects of the School has seen her participate in Symphony Orchestra, Celtic Strings, Grammar Mezzo, Debating and the Theatre Company. Alex has actively engaged in the sporting programmes on offer by representing the School in Hockey, Soccer and Touch. Alex has expressed an interest in studying International Law in Brisbane or possibly overseas in 2009. Alex’s generous nature, genuine citizenship and energy for life will greatly enhance her leadership within the School throughout 2008. Image on Front Cover courtesy of the Townsville Bulletin/News Ltd
Middle School Captains Dylan Thomas
Danika Sayce Danika arrived at TGS as a Year 3 student in Term 2 of 2002. At the Junior School she was a committed and diligent student, receiving Academic Awards in 2004 and 2005. Danika was in the first cohort of Year 7s to enter the Middle School at the beginning of 2006. As a Middle School student, she has continued her Academic achievement receiving a Magna Cum Laude in 2006 and 2007 and an Academic Award in 2006. Danika’s co-curricular involvement has also been extensive. In 2006 and 2007 she represented the School in Cross Country and Athletics and was also a member of Mezzo Choir. Danika is an exceptional dancer and has also been a member of the Performance Dance Group. She received a Cultural Award in both 2006 and 2007 for her commitment to the Arts. Danika is a delightful young person and always greets you with a smile. She will be an excellent ambassador for TGS this year.
Junior School Captains Jake Rebgetz Jake commenced Preschool at TGS in 2002. After spending the last seven years at Grammar, he has made many friends and has been an asset to the School. The qualities Jake has exhibited have led him to be voted in by his peers and teachers as Boy Junior School Captain. Jake has represented Townsville in teams for Hockey and Indoor Cricket, being awarded with the State’s Best Player in 2006 for Indoor Cricket. He also has interests in Cross Country running, winning Age Champion every year from Year 1 to his current Year 6. Jake works hard in class and in 2007 received a Pro Diligentia Award for his efforts.
Sofia Santagada Sofia came to TGS in 2007 as a Year 5 student. She quickly embraced the culture of the School forming friendships with her peers and achieving academic and sporting success. Showing commitment to her studies, Sofia received a Cum Laude and an Academic Award in addition to representing the School in both Swimming and Athletics. In 2008, Sofia has continued her studies in piano; is a member of the Drama Club; represents Townsville Grammar Junior School in Swimming, Athletics and Club Netball; and proudly wears her School Captain badge whilst displaying the admirable qualities of a School Leader and role model.
Head Boarders Ricky King Ricky returned to school and entered Townsville Grammar School at the beginning of 2007, after spending 2006 as an Apprentice Chef at Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge. Although he feels privileged and thankful for the opportunity, he realised that this career was not for him. Since being at Grammar, Ricky has become quite passionate about Rugby Union and improves his leadership skills on the sporting field. Ricky is still unsure of his future career path. However he is considering either an Electrical Apprenticeship or a university degree in Human Resources. Either way, his time at Grammar, combined with his dedication and leadership skills, will ensure he is a success in whatever career he chooses.
Renae Hick Renae came to Grammar in 2003 for Year 7, when Year 7 was still at the Annandale campus. Before that time, Renae studied by School of Distance Education through Mount Isa. Throughout her time at Grammar, Renae has received a number of Academic and Sporting awards. Cross Country and Netball are her chosen sports that she plays as well as coaches. Renae aims to finish Year 12 by giving her best in all six subjects with an ambition to study Hospitality Management after graduating this year.
Captains 2008
Dylan is a polite and courteous young man who came to TGS at the beginning of 2007 from Kirwan Primary School. At Kirwan, Dylan was House Captain in Year 7 and a Minister on the Environment Committee. He is a very strong sportsman, representing his School in Interschool Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country, Basketball and Rugby League. In 2005, Dylan was Co-Captain of the Under 12 Townsville Basketball team that won the State Championships and also made the Under 13 North Queensland Basketball team. Dylan arrived at TGS in 2007 and settled quickly into life at the School. He was a member of the Interschool Basketball and Soccer teams and continued his success with Basketball being selected as a member of the Under 14 Townsville side that competed at the Club Championship Nationals. Dylan also attended the Under 14 State Basketball Development Camp in Cairns. Academically Dylan always gives his personal best and this was rewarded with a Pro Diligentia Award last year. He also received two Ambassador Awards throughout 2007. Dylan will, no doubt, lead the Middle School with distinction this year.
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3 ANTIPODEANS TRAVEL TO CHINA AND VIETNAM...
School News
On the 21st June, 17 Year 11 and 12 students will be travelling to China and Vietnam on the School’s first Antipodeans Expedition. This is to become a biennial international trip offered by the School. The two and a half week trip will incorporate trekking through Tiger Leaping Gorge in South West China, working on a village school community project to enhance the learning environment for the primary aged children, trekking through the ethnic region of Sapa in North West Vietnam, exploring the ethnic diversity of Vietnam’s hill tribe indigenous culture and developing student leadership through the trip’s unique student-centred travel opportunities. The 2008 Antipodeans fundraised over an 18 month period, organising lunchtime sausage sizzles, car washes, a Christmas Tree appeal to sell Christmas cards and a Footy Tipping competition. All the money raised at these events will be taken over to China to purchase materials needed by the school, with the Antipodeans providing the manual
labour to revamp classrooms by painting them and installing new blackboards. Part of the motivation behind developing this challenging trip was to provide an international hiking component to satisfy the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For the first time, Grammar will have four Gold Duke of Edinburgh candidates undertaking the Award in 2008. The Antipodeans Expedition will meet the requirements for both their Gold Expedition and Residential Project and see the students qualify for the Gold Award before they graduate from Year 12. In addition, we also have a number of Silver Duke of Edinburgh candidates participating on the trip this year. The Antipodeans will have a DVD presentation of their trip at Assembly in Term 3 for all staff and students. In addition, they will also be hosting a presentation evening for parents and sponsors later in Term 3 to showcase their adventure and give testimonials of the expedition to the next potential group of Antipodeans for the 2010 expedition.
TOP (FRONT) Sarah Burge, Bridgitte Burge, Kari Ludvigsen, Scott Humphreys, Emily McLeod, Ashleigh Metcalfe-Smith, Sarah Anderson (BACK) Phoebe Kelly, Harry-Dean Kenchington Goldsmith, Hailey Renault, Adom D’Amico, Natalie Hock, Kaine Constantine, Absent: Lily Batterham, Hannah Hartman, Christopher Pagliano and Sacha-Leah Stainkey BOTTOM Antipodeans / Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition in May
Investigating the International Baccalaureate Anyone involved in the education industry will have heard of the International Baccalaureate, or IB as it is commonly known. But what is it? And what can it do for your child? Townsville Grammar School is about to find out, as it has now become a “Candidate School”, in the process of receiving full accreditation to offer the IB programme to Grammar students. The Diploma Programme, to be offered to students in Years 11 and 12, will be run in conjunction with the Queensland Studies Authority courses so that Grammar School students can make a choice between a Queensland Certificate of Education or an IB Diploma. The Diploma is recognised by universities internationally, as a Year 12 qualification, opening the doors to tertiary studies virtually anywhere in the world. Mr Greg Valentine, Regional Representative of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) in Australasia, visited Grammar last year to talk with various stakeholder groups of the School. “I have certainly loved my seven years of work with the IB and it has been very rewarding to work with forward thinking schools and
educators across all sectors and across the IB world. There are currently 111 authorised programmes in Australasia and over 100 Candidate schools with almost 50,000 students now working with IB curricula,” enthused Mr Valentine. “Internationally, there are more than 541,000 IB students at 2,059 schools in 125 countries.” The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. ABOVE Mr Chris Wilson IB Co-ordinator
To this end the IB works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. At this stage, Townsville Grammar is on track to offer the IB Diploma programme for the first time to Year 11 students in 2010. IB website: www.ibo.org
BELOW Mr Greg Valentine with Mr Richard Fairley
Club Sport
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Rowing
School News
Off and racing! McKimmin Mile 2008 (Middle School - Girls)
McKimmin Mile The story behind the run The McKimmin Mile was first run in 1954 and was initiated by the then Headmaster, Mr Maurie Blank, to commemorate the memory of Alan McKimmin, a student who died in 1945 after a short illness. Alan, a promising academic and sporting student, was only 17 years of age at the time of his death.
Rugby
Alan was the seventh member of the family enrolled at the School, the first McKimmin enrolling in 1902. The family were great supporters of the School and Alan’s father, EJ McKimmin, was a Trustee from 1944 to 1951. At the time of Alan’s death the McKimmin family donated 1000 pounds to the School and the money was used to establish the McKimmin Memorial drinking fountain in the Quadrangle. For the first 30 years of the race only boys were allowed to run. In 1985 a separate race for girls was introduced by the Headmaster, Mr Alan Morwood. In the early years of the race, the McKimmin Mile was run on the top Oval, over the true distance of a mile. Trials were held in the week leading up to the race and students were handicapped on the basis of these trials. The prize for winning was a Parker pen and pencil set and was keenly contested. As student enrolments grew over the years, the number of students taking part in the McKimmin Mile naturally increased. From the 1980s, the race changed from running on the Oval to its current day course, which leaves from the McKimmin Memorial in the Quadrangle and is run through the School grounds, around the outside of the Sports Reserve, finishing back at the Memorial. Today, the race is no longer an actual ‘mile’ but the spirit of the race lives on. BELOW McKimmin Mile winners 2008 Jake Reid (12/08), Stephanie Kershaw (8/08), Joseph Raggatt (8/08) and Shae Jonsson (11/08)
Netball
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to give them a knowledge of basic first aid. This empowers students to deal with emergency situations by providing basic steps of what to do when confronted with one.
Middle School students practising First Aid skills
Progressively through this year, students will be taught parts of their First Aid course. Some year levels are learning emergency care and resuscitation, requiring students to practice on manikins and actually know what it feels like to give CPR.
School News
The Prep to Year 6 students will be learning, through appropriate class lessons, skills to deal with situations such as unconsciousness, severe bleeding, head injuries and burns. “Year 1 children at Grammar can certainly put an adult into the lateral recovery position and understand exactly why and how they are to do that. A basic skill such as this one could easily save a life one day. Our older children are learning more complex skills to deal with soft tissue injuries, such as those they may encounter with their sport, as well as the more life-saving ones of resuscitation and emergency procedures,” said Mr Noel Nethery, Head of Junior School.
First Aid In 2008, all Townsville Grammar School students, from Prep to Year 12, will receive First Aid training. This is an incredible innovation introduced by the School in an attempt to equip all students, no matter how young, with age-appropriate information about how to help save a life. The capability of the age group influences exactly what they are taught, but the underlying philosophy is the same for all students –
Head of Senior School, Sue Ahern adds, “By the time we are teaching First Aid skills to the 15 and 16 year olds in the School, many of them have already encountered a situation where they have had to help someone in distress – either through sports injuries or an accident at home. Our seniors really value these lessons and all of them have approached the programme with great maturity and understanding of its relevance.” Principal, Mr Richard Fairley, sums up the programme, “In preparing children and young adults to become valuable members of their community, we see this programme as not just important, but essential.”
Drug Awareness Week May 12 to 16 was Drug Awareness Week at Grammar. Every student on both campuses from Prep to Year 12 engaged in activities that highlighted the risk of drug usage and empowered students and their parents with facts and knowledge against drug usage.
Mr Dillon talked honestly to students in a matter-of-fact way about alcohol, marijuana, party drugs, such as ecstasy and how to help their mates, at the same time highlighting the short and long term legal and health issues of illicit drug usage.
Faculties devised their own awareness activities relevant to their curriculum. For example, the Art department ran a poster and bookmark competition for the best Drug Awareness Week message, reflecting the whole School’s involvement and enthusiasm to inform and help the students deal with this very real social problem.
Townsville Grammar School is very proud of this initiative to address the issue of drugs in a whole-school approach that tackles this problem. According to Principal, Mr Richard Fairley, “As a School we are acutely aware of our responsibility to educate children about drugs and the effect they can have on their lives. We are well aware that one week’s awareness campaign is not going to provide a panacea for a problem that is endemic in our society. However, we cannot sit by and ignore this issue and we are very confident that this Drug Awareness Week will raise awareness and knowledge for all the students in our care.”
In addition all students from Year 3 to Year 12 received a School-based emergency response / ID card to keep in their wallets. This has emergency telephone numbers and emergency first aid procedures prompts on it for students to refer to in an emergency situation. Mr Paul Dillon from Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA) was the keynote speaker for the ’Safe Partying’ Parent Information Forum and Years 10 to 12 workshops. Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, regularly appearing on a wide range of television programmes including Sunrise, Today and A Current Affair.
Drug Awareness is a significant step in helping teenagers to say “NO” to drugs, and for their parents to be properly informed about the current issues surrounding this significant social threat to their children.
TOP Middle School Winner of Drug Awareness Poster Katherine Godde BOTTOM Senior School Winner of Drug Awareness Poster - Soo-ji Park (11/08)
OPENING OF THE PRE-PREP CENTRE Monday, 4 February, 2008 saw the beginning of a new era for Townsville Grammar, as the new Townsville Grammar Pre-Prep Centre opened its doors for the very first time.
A completely new building with specialty work and play facilities has been designed and built at Grammar’s
The Grammar Pre-Prep Centre operates from 7am until 6pm each day and offers long day care. Pre-Prep will provide an ideal preparation for Prep the following year and the best start to the students’ educational careers. Our inaugural Pre-Prep class
Year 3 Strings Programme Year 3 students are being given a unique opportunity in 2008. The Junior School has purchased 53 violins and violas and each student is being provided with an instrumental lesson by one of Townsville’s finest Strings Tutors, Ms Heidi Newell.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day Grandparents and Special Friends Day is a celebration day for Junior School students to invite their special friends and grandparents “back to school” for the morning. On the 3rd of April this year, grandparents and special friends arrived in droves, many from other cities, a number from interstate and some even from overseas, to be part of this fun day with their grandchildren. Guests enjoyed a classroom visit during which they were able to spend time in their grandchild’s classroom. Shortly after, all guests, teachers and students were invited to take part in a morning tea. With 350 grandparents and special friends attending, this was certainly a very large morning tea! A concert of musical items was performed by the Year 6 Boys Choir, the School Band and the Year 3 Strings with Choir performances by each year group, from Prep to Year 6. This gave the opportunity for every child to perform and every grandparent was able to see their grandchild on stage.
Head of Junior School, Mr Noel Nethery has been “instrumental” in implementing the Year 3 Strings Programme, “Making this decision to implement a strings programme was not a difficult one. Children who learn a musical instrument, even for only a year, learn and absorb so much, that they can then make use of in other areas of learning,” Mr Nethery said. “Our Year 3 parents have also been extremely supportive of this initiative – encouraging their children to practice at home, and coming along to the little concerts we have been organising to display their skills.” Head of Music, Mr Samuel Blanch, has also supported the programme, “At this age, children have a genuine curiosity about musical instruments and they are mature enough to understand the need for practice and to read their music.” The Year 3 Strings Programme will certainly capture the students’ imagination and develop a long term love of music.
It is a very special day for staff, students and guests alike with all involved looking forward to Grandparents and Special Friends Day next year. BELOW Jack Dunn, Ruby Ioannou, Eliza McKay TOP and BOTTOM Students enjoying their grandparents and special friends’ company
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Junior School
Pre-Prep at Grammar is for children who turn 4 before the 30 June that year – in other words, exactly one year prior to Prep.
Annandale campus, providing a single room facility for these lucky children each day. Work began on the building in September, 2007, and despite the remarkably wet January weather, opened in February.
Middle School
7 YEAR 7 TEACHING TEAM When the Townsville Grammar Middle School opened in 2006, the buzz of excitement was palpable – a new path along the educational journey was being mapped. Three years later, the Middle School has lived up to and exceeded all expectations - the happy faces of the children are a testimony to that. A purpose-built brand new building certainly creates a great infra-structure but the real road builders who make the start of the journey so smooth are the Year 7 teaching team – specialist staff, hand picked and strategically utilised to make Middle Schooling, and Year 7 in particular, so special. Year 7 classes are designed to pull together the best of both primary and secondary teaching pedagogies. Although the youngest students on the North Ward campus, the Year 7s are handed a sense of place and belonging by having their very own classroom, where they can leave their books, decorate and personalise to call their very own for the year. Their classroom teacher takes them for at least four key learning areas which allows the students and teacher to develop a close learning
relationship, and promotes excellent pastoral care. In addition to this, the Year 7s then have access to all of the specialist staff and facilities on the North Ward campus, undertaking Art, Design and Technology, Performing Arts, Music, Health and Physical Education as well as Mr Christopher Perry, Mrs Heather Tait, Miss Karyn Kybus, Mr Mark having a choice of three Zietsch, Mrs Cheryl Kybus and Ms Pam Abraham or four foreign languages continue to be ‘kids’ for a little bit longer – and a range of co-curricular musical groups a great relief for them and their parents in and ensembles, Debating, Opti-minds and many ways.“ various social involvements such as discos, community service activities, Club Sports, etc. Head of Middle School, Mr Mark Zietsch, “I am incredibly proud to head up the Year When interviewed about their specialist 7 teaching team. My role as Year 7 Coarea of Middle School teaching, the ordinator, a Year 7 Science teacher and teachers remarkably all came up with a sports coach for teams containing Year 7s similar theme – the pleasure of teaching means that I am constantly in contact with young minds so eager to learn and willing this year level and I’m equally constantly to absorb everything that is thrown at them. delighted by the positive feedback from kids, their teachers and their families. The New team member in 2008, Ms Pam decision to structure our Year 7 teaching Abraham said, “As a newcomer to this team in this way has been a fantastic one, system, I can really see the value of the and will provide a model for other Middle Year 7 programme as a way of making a Schools around Australia to try to replicate. smoother transition to high school life. I say ‘try’ because they can’t possibly These 12 – 13 year olds in a usual replicate the individual teachers whom we Queensland primary school would be are so fortunate to have in our team.” working hard at being ‘cool’ and mature – by being the youngest on the North Ward campus, it is almost giving permission to
Middle School Committees The Middle School Committees have been growing every year since their inception three years ago. Each year, the committees change depending on the demand and interests of the students. There are currently nine committees in the Middle School. These are: Citizenship Committee The Newspaper Committee Social Committee Lunchtime Activity Committee Peer Tutoring Committee The Sports Committee The Environmental Committee Battle of the Brains Committee Peer Support Committee All Committees are powering along in 2008, with some exceptional efforts so far. The various Committees have organised an Easter Egg Drive, produced a newspaper, fundraised, organised a Basketball shootout competition, offered peer tutoring and provided peer support, just to name a few! Middle School Committees give students something in which to participate, with students finding they not only enjoy the time they spend with their committees, but get a positive sense of teamwork, realising that they can achieve great things as a group.
Good times in the Middle School
8 Stefanie Schauer, Philip Duffy and Jessica Bromham
Overseas Exchanges
Music Tour to Sydney By Lisa Alsop and Matthew Higgins (2008 Music Captains) On May 1 this year, 46 choristers, accompanied by Mr Blanch, Mrs Scott and Miss Coull, arrived in Sydney for the Music Tour of 2008. The Townsville Grammar School Choir had four days of a fun-filled, musical experience, visiting some of the top schools in Sydney to perform. The Choir performed at various locations around Sydney including St Catherine’s School Waverley, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, Christ Church St Laurence, St Andrew’s Cathedral and its school for indigenous students, Gawura. Walking through the automatic doors to the reception of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, the students were amazed to find a room made of marble, which could have been mistaken for the reception of a 5 star hotel. The students were also impressed by the beautiful old school grounds of Kincoppal-Rose Bay, which featured in the film Looking for Alibrandi. It was at this school that the Choir had their most fun performance when some members of the audience danced in the aisle during the song Your Mama Don’t Dance. The Choir was privileged to participate in a workshop presented by the Director of the Sydney Conservatorium Choirs, Dr McEwan. Of course, it was not all performing and hard work. The students had some free time to visit the sights and sounds of Sydney. Students were wowed by the view at lunch on the Kincoppal-Rose Bay terrace, which overlooks Sydney Harbour with a full view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Mr Blanch organised a harbour cruise for the tour group. Walking to Darling Harbour, choir members boarded the ‘Fun Boat’, which was loaded up with pizza, soft drink and video cameras, providing first class entertainment. The extra entertainment provide by the teachers’ dance moves, particularly Mr Blanch and Mrs Scott’s version of the ‘YMCA’, was especially appreciated by all! Simply travelling on the rail system was an experience in itself for many Grammarians as we do not have trains in Townsville! A game of laser tag, which is similar to paint ball, had students battle it out on the last night. The highlight of the tour for many of the students was visiting the Capitol Theatre to see the exceptional Australian production of Billy Elliot. With so many activities packed into this short trip, the students did not have time to be bored! Travelling in the plane back to Townsville, all of the tour participants were glad to be going home but thrilled that they had the opportunity to experience such an interesting, entertaining and worthwhile music tour.
This year we have several students undertaking a GAP year in England - Jacques Eastment, Katherine Wilson, Scott Warnock and Erica Kennedy (12/07) . These students work for an independent school and, in return, receive a modest wage, accommodation and meals. When school holidays arrive, they can meet friends and travel in Europe. A second experience is a Rotary Exchange. Students apply for a position, are interviewed and selected on the basis of how well they represent their country. It is a highly competitive process. In 2009, three students will undertake Rotary Exchanges,
Stefanie Schauer, Philip Duffy and Jessica Bromham (12/08). Stefanie is going to Slovenia, a country that only gained independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. The language is Slavic, so Stefanie, who is bilingual (English and German) still has to learn a new language. Philip is to represent Australia in Brazil. The language in Brazil is Portuguese, so Philip will have to close the Science text books and acquire a second language. Jessica has achieved her dream to live in France for a year. Jessica is a French student and is absolutely delighted to have been placed in France where she can really hone her French skills. Townsville Grammar is very proud of all our students participating in exchange programmes and wishes them every success for the future.
Winners of the PF Rowland Medal with Mr Richard Fairley, Mrs Mary Hall and special guest Mr Jason Scott
Writing Competition Townsville Grammar has been conducting the Writing Competition for Years 7 through 12 since 2000, presenting PF Rowland Medals to the winners of each year level. Students are given the opportunity to showcase their writing talents by writing a response to the provided stimulus. Medals were presented this year by Mr Jason Scott, General Manager of The North Queensland Newspaper Company. The PF Rowland Medals for 2008 were awarded to: Year Year Year Year Year Year
7 William He and Caitlin Whiticker 8 Harshil Pillai and Laura-Jane Cooper-Jackson 9 Timothy Saunders and Eliza Ebringer 10 Nicholas Potter and Yierka Coomans 11 James Hodge and Hailey Renault 12 Ayeshmanthe Rathnayake and Alex Kershaw
Senior School
Townsville Grammar School Choir
Upon their graduation at Townsville Grammar, many students consider an opportunity to acquire new skills by spending a year overseas before commencing university or full time work, what is known as a ’GAP’ year.
120 Years of TGS
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CELEBRATING 120 YEARS OF TOWNSVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOL 1888 - 2008 Townsville Grammar School takes its place among very few prestigious Australian schools that have been in the business of educating the youth of this country since the 19th century. Townsville Grammar is the oldest co-educational school on mainland Australia - accepting its first female students in 1893 in a revolutionary move and one that has never been regretted. Many aspects of Grammar have changed in the past 120 years - faces, buildings, curriculum and more. However, there are other aspects of the School, the foundation stones upon which it is built, that have remained rock solid. The founders of the School, the original Board of Trustees, aimed to provide North Queensland families with a school in which the youth of North Queensland can be qualified for their future careers where local interest watches their progress and stimulates them to intellectual achievements (from the original School Prospectus of 1888). This philosophy, coupled with the values of good manners, respect, discipline and personal best academic endeavour, are all hall marks of the same school 120 years on.
lone Leonta, 1903 School House, post Cyc
School House in 1895
School House the original School building In 1888, the very first staff and students of Townsville Grammar walked into School House for the first day of school. The building, at the time, was the only building of Townsville Grammar School.
During the last 120 years, the lower floor of School House has been used for many different purposes - from teaching and staff rooms, however, the upstairs of School House has always been dedicated to Boys Boarding. Once housing more than 60 boys, School House now houses just 20 lucky boys who share in this strong history, not to mention have uninterrupted views of Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay. In 1903, School House was virtually destroyed by Cyclone Leonta. The building was replaced by the present School House building later that year, featuring thicker, cement mortared walls and steel roof bracing to fare better in cyclonic conditions. In 2008, School House is used as a School Shop and Finance Office downstairs and Boys Boarding, as always, upstairs. School House, as it is today
The School at ‘Rosslea’ By Mr Bill Muller, School Archivist A little known fact of the Grammar School is that in the years 1942-1944 it had to move from its North Ward campus and set up a campus in the suburb of Hermit Park. The entrance of Japan in December 1941 into World War Two had a dramatic effect on the Grammar School. The Queensland Government closed all schools in the district and students had to move either south or to Charters Towers. On March 2, 1942 the Government rescinded their closing of all schools and allowed schools to re-open. This, however, did not help Grammar because the School had been taken over by the RAAF in January 1942. On March 10, the School re-opened in a house in the suburb of Hermit Park. The house, belonging to a Mr Don McInness and named ‘Rosslea’, was ideal as it was
close to the river and had a park situated across the road. The move to ‘Rosslea’ was to prove a difficult three years but, under the inspiring leadership of Mr Tommy Whight, Headmaster of that era, the School thrived in spite of staffing problems, the lack of suitable Science Laboratories, inadequate sporting facilities and food shortages. In addition to the above problems, the School also faced the dangers of war. On July 27, 1942, a bomb landed across the river near the Rosslea campus with enough force to cause some damage to a lampshade in the main building. Mr Whight was later to write, tongue in cheek, that Townsville Grammar could legitimately state that they were the only educational institution on the East Coast of Australia to have suffered war damage.
The three years at ‘Rosslea’ is best summed up by Tommy Whight when he wrote in a Speech Night Report that students had come to a place not hallowed by age or imbued with tradition but to a home masquerading as a school. The staff and students rose to the challenge with the common aim of keeping the School Flag flying.
The School at ‘Rosslea’
Boarding -120 years young
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Malcolm McConachy Anzac Day is commemorated each year in a special ceremony attended by the whole School. This year, family of Past Grammarian Malcolm McConachy were invited as special guests. Malcolm McConachy was a boarder at Grammar for five years. He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1968 and was posted to 9RAR. He was deployed to South Vietnam and sadly killed in action on February 9, 1969 at the age of just 21. Lance Corporal McConachy was the only Grammar student killed in the Vietnam War. Malcolm McConachy’s relatives Jeffery McConachy (8/08), Brandon McConachy (8/08) and Jamie-Lea McConachy (10/08) are now attending Townsville Grammar School as boarders themselves. This year, Lance Corporal McConachy’s family attended the Anzac Day Ceremony as special guests at the North Ward campus to remember and pay their respects.
Boarding dormitories have changed considerably over the last 120 years. The opening of Parker-Hall, where most of the current boarders reside, was monumental, with boarders now enjoying an air-conditioned Dining Hall and excellent facilities. With boarding running consistently at full capacity, the boarding community is still as strong as ever in 2008. Boarders Week The week of 21 to 25 April 2008 was ‘Boarders Week’, celebrating 120 years of boarding at Townsville Grammar. To commemorate such a special event, a Boarders Honour Board of Achievement was established.
ABOVE Mr Richard Fairley, Mr Bob Weir and Mr Greg Hayden unveil the Boarders Honour Board
Mr Bill Muller, Archivist, researched boarders’ achievements over the last 120 years and compiled a list based on merit, of success in academics, business, sports, the military and other important criteria. The Honour Board was unveiled at the special Founders Day Assembly on the 21st of April. Special guest, Mr Greg Hayden, was proud to be part of the ceremony as he is celebrating his 50th year since finishing school at Grammar as a boarder in 1958. A booklet outlining the details of each boarder named on the Honour Board has been distributed to all staff and students and is available upon request from the School.
Current Works in Progress RIGHT Refurbishment of the 50m Swimming Pool. Estimated completion: July 2008
A wing of the Parker-Hall Boarding House has been named in honour of Malcolm McConachy and he is also named on the Boarders Honour Board for his ultimate sacrifice. BELOW The McConachy family pays tribute to Malcolm McConachy TOP Malcolm McConachy
LEFT The covered area at the Annandale campus. Estimated completion: July 2008
120 Years of TGS
Boarding commenced with three enrolments on April 16, 1888, and has continued throughout the years, despite cyclones and wars. From 1888 to 1994 only boys were enrolled as boarders despite the fact that co-education had been introduced in 1893. With the introduction of girl boarding in 1994, numbers increased with a peak being attained in 2002 with 182 boarders.
11 Past Grammarian Past Grammarians
News
Following the printing of a story in the Townsville Bulletin concerning the commemoration of 120 years of boarding at the School, Mrs Audrey Stanley contacted the School to say that her father H.TRENFIELD [1888] and her uncle K.TRENFIELD [1888] were two of the first three boarders enrolled. Mrs Stanley said that she still remembered the stories her father told of the early years at the School and that she was happy to relate these stories to the Archivist in order to preserve some of the great history of the School. We would also like to thank Miss Bayley for the donation of a book won by her father, H.M.BAYLEY [1908-1910] while he was a student at the School. The book, which is embossed with the School’s badge and motto, will be a great addition to the archives. In C.W.H.BINGHAM’S [1916] book The Beckoning Horizon he makes reference to a fellow student F.H.S.ROBERTS [1916]. Little is known of Roberts’ days at the School but he went on to become one of Australia’s most eminent entomologist and parasitologist and a world authority on ticks. Roberts also served with some distinction in Papua New Guinea during WWII where he used his knowledge to alleviate the problems our soldiers were having with lice and insects.
KUMALAU GOTAHA [1996], Captain of Rugby in his final year and Head Boarder, recently wrote to the Past Grammarians asking for their help with a set of rugby jumpers. Kumalau is coaching a team of disadvantaged teenagers. The PGA was pleased to help and sent them a set of jumpers no longer used by the Past Grammarians (see photographs on next page). RUTH ALLAN [1999] was Head Girl Boarder in her final year. After completing a Bachelor of Science Ruth joined the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and has been working as a pastoral production officer in many parts of the Territory. NATHIN BUTLER [2002] has been achieving great success recently in the world of cinema and television. A scholarship winner to NIDA Nathin has had a role in Bazz Luhrmann’s film Australia due for release in November. He was also seen in the ABC mini series Rain Shadow and film Black Balloon. Congratulations to BEN MACKEY [2003] and KRISTOFER BLOMBERG [2003] on their graduation from ADFA. We wish them both all the best in their military careers.
JOHN HOLMAN [1934] has also recently been in contact with the School. A prisoner-of-war of the Japanese in WWII, John is living in the Ingham area and spoke recently to some of our senior students relating his war-time experiences. Visiting the School towards the end of last year was DULCIE BERESFORD [nee POPHAM 1948]. Dulcie enrolled at Grammar in 1944 and was one of the few Grammar students to have three Headmasters during her time as a schoolgirl. Dulcie returned to the School as a teacher in 1949 and again in 1954. For those associated with the School and living in the Ingham area the name RENATO [BEN] CANTATORE [1951] is well known. Ben recently celebrated both his 50th wedding anniversary and 50th year as a pharmacist in the area. Head of the School in 1951, Ben was a talented rugby league player and cricketer but he was best known for his prowess as an athlete. In his final year at Grammar he jumped close to seven metres to break the long standing long jump record held by our first Rhodes Scholar, GEORGE HALL [1909]. In 1956 Ben represented Queensland at the Australian Athletics Championship and finished third. It is interesting to note that Ben’s long jump record was not bettered by PETER BURGE [1990] when Peter was a student at the School. Peter went on to win the gold medal at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and finished sixth at the Sydney Olympics. BILL CREWS AM [1957] continues to do terrific work among the disadvantaged citizens of Sydney. He was recently featured in the Wish Magazine section of The Australian as one of a group of Australian citizens who is making a difference in our communities. Thanks to PAM MOLLOY [nee SERGEANT 1964] for her most generous donation to the archives of the FINA Certificate she was awarded when she broke the World 110 yards backstroke record at the Empire Games in Perth in 1962. It was a most remarkable feat by a Year 10 student and caused a great thrill for the staff and students at the time. NATALIE WEIR [1983] continues to get good press in her role as one of Australia’s leading choreographers. She has recently choreographed ballets for the Queensland Ballet Company and American Ballet Company and has been undertaking workshops with the Dance East Ballet Company in England. Natalie is married to PETER MARSHALL [1982] and has two young sons.
Kristofer Blomberg with Major General Flawith
Past Grammarians are also being rewarded for their academic achievements after leaving Grammar. SIMON IEVERS [1999] completed an apprenticeship as a boiler maker on leaving school but then enrolled at James Cook University to study engineering. His results have been of the highest order and he was awarded a $10,000 per annum by BHP scholarship to complete his degree. Dux of the School in 2007 AMY LOVISA [2007] has also recently been awarded a scholarship by BHP. Congratulations to KATHRYN HARDY [2001] who was awarded the Medal in Economics [Women’s College] at the University of Queensland. YVETTE GRIGGS [2003] recently graduated at James Cook University with a First Class Honours Degree in Engineering and was also the winner of the University Medal. To add to Yvette’s achievements she received the Engineers Australia C. N. Barton Medal, the G. H. Allen Endowment Prize in Computer Systems Engineering and IEEE Fourth Year Engineering Prize.
‘GRAMMAR AT HOME WEEKEND’ 2008 Saturday 9 August 2008 • School Tours • Sporting Events • Past Grammarians Reunion Dinner Please contact the School on (07) 4722 4900 for more information
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Kumalau Gotaha’s teams with the TGS Past Grammarians Association donated rugby jerseys
Births Congratulations to the following past students and their partners on additions to their families: STEPHEN de JERSEY [1987] and his wife, Louise, on the birth of their third child, Christian. RICHARD SAYERS [1985] and his wife Kate are the proud parents of a baby boy, also named Richard. Richard is the son of VERNEY SAYERS [nee SMITH 1959] and is also related to the APLIN Brothers who enrolled at Grammar in 1888. Four past students from the 1993 cohort have recently become parents. Congratulations to PATTI HALL [nee GLASGOW] and her husband, Steve on the birth of Siena Denise; to DALE BYRNE and his wife JulieAnne on the birth of Connor; and to JAMES PAUL and BRETT FREW and their respective partners on the birth of their babies.
Marriages
Congratulations to the following students: MICHELLE FINLAY [nee BUCHAN 1992] to Chris Finlay. CLAIRE DOWNEY [nee SHELLSHEAR 1996] and Dodhagan Downey at Portlick Castle, County Westmeath, Ireland. DANIEL MILLGATE [1998] to Naomi Kennedy. Naomi Kennedy is the daughter of LORRAINE KENNEDY, a former member of the Grammar Staff. Naomi wore the same dress as worn by her grandmother and mother on their wedding days. STEPHEN SHACKELFORD [1998] to ALICIA CLARKE [1998]. Finally congratulations to LOUISE JOHNSON [1998] and MICHAEL MYLES [1998] on their engagement. LEFT Stephen Shackelford [1998] and Alicia Clarke [1998] on their wedding day
Honour Board
Valet
After nearly two years of research by the School Archivist and information provided by interested past students, the various Honour Boards were finally updated in April this year.
Obituaries for the following were included in the May edition of the Melior Exi.
Four names were added to the WWI Honour Board, five names to the WWII Honour Board and new sections such as Merchant Navy Service were added. The biggest changes were made to the section on Vietnam where seven extra names of past students who served were added.
The Past Grammarians Association extends their deepest sympathies to the families of GORDON W.PHILP [1931], HENRY DAINTREE FOOT [1932], FRANK PROVERA [1939], PAT TOOHEY OAM [1940], JOHN FOOT [1942], THOMAS DAVIES [1956] and ANDREA HOLLAND [1998]. Each, in their own way, contributed to the wonderful character of the School.
It should be noted that the research is on-going as it is the School’s intention to also acknowledge the service of those who have served in the Middle East and in the Solomon Islands and East Timor.
Honour Boards A Gift to Grammar
Townsville Grammar School is what it is today because of the many people who have believed in it, who have given loyally of their time and energy and have financially supported the School and its community.
One way you can help Townsville Grammar School continue its fine tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence is to consider a gift to the School through a bequest in your will. Play a part in the future of the Townsville Grammar School. If you would like further information about bequests, please contact the Principal, Mr Richard Fairley on (07) 4722 4926. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.
13 Mr Brian christEnsen (BC) retires
Staff News
Brian Christensen, affectionately known as ‘BC’ by staff and ‘Mr BC’ by students, joined the School as a teacher in 1971. After one year he decided to widen his experience and so he moved to Sydney where he taught at Sydney Girls High School. While there he won a scholarship to travel to Germany to develop his language and verbal skills. A condition of the scholarship was that, upon his return to Australia, he would teach German. The first school to offer him an appointment to teach German was Townsville Grammar so he consequently returned to the staff room in May, 1973. BC retired at the end of 2007 as the School’s second longest serving schoolmaster behind Bob Weir. His 34 and a half years is a few months longer than PF Rowland, Headmaster from 1905 to 1938.
Mr Brian Christensen
The greater part of BC’s years at Grammar have involved teaching in the Middle School. His interest in pastoral care and the great empathy he displayed towards younger students led to his appointment as a Year Level Co-ordinator. For many years he was variously Year Level Co-ordinator of Years 8, 9 and 10. In 1976 he was part of a group that initiated the Outdoor Education Programme and, for a period of time, he was an integral part of School camps and excursions. BC was also, for close on 20 years, the ‘go between’ for the School Administration and the Student Council. Under his guidance the Student Council, represented by students across the year groups, would make representation of matters that would improve student conditions. One of the suggestions he is particularly proud of was the introduction of the annual Sportsman and Sportswoman Award.
BC, however, will best be remembered for the quiet, unassuming support he gave to fellow staff and to the students. He is a good listener and many students have said that his advice to them in times of stress and pressure helped them through difficult times. He will always be remembered for his love of and loyalty to the School. In recognition of his services, the BC Prize for Citizenship was initiated and will be presented each year to a deserving student in the Middle School. Best wishes to BC on a long and rewarding retirement.
FAREWELL TO Mr Bob Weir As Grammar’s longest serving schoolmaster Bob Weir, known affectionately as ‘Duck’ by a multitude of students, is proud of the fact that he survived four Headmasters and four Deputy-Headmasters in his continuous 35 and a half years at the School. Bob joined the staff in January, 1973 as a Science Teacher and within two weeks was promoted to Senior Biology teacher. It was the start of a career that was to see Bob become Head of Science; a position he only vacated in 1990 when he became Head of Boarding. Prior to that Bob had been involved in boarding from 1988, our centenary year. Bob’s tenure in the boarding house system saw many changes and Bob weathered them all with the good natured aplomb for which he is renowned. There was the Mr Bob Weir with 2008 Head Boarders Renae Hick and Ricky King move to boarding across the street in Chester-Parker House, the introduction of girl boarders in 1994 and the building of Parker-Hall as a boarding house. A love of sport also meant that Bob was, at times, heavily involved in the coaching of a variety of sports. A talented rugby league and union player while at James Cook University, Bob coached rugby league teams at Grammar from the 1st XIII to junior teams. He was also heavily involved in athletics coaching and managing tennis teams. In many respects Bob will be best remembered for the loyal support he provided to the administration of the School. He was always available to provide his experience and wisdom at times when required and he rose to the fore in 1988 when both the Headmaster and Deputy-Headmaster were hospitalised during the centenary celebrations. Bob calmly assumed the running of the School and kept it on an even keel when it could have fallen apart in a critical time in the School’s history. We wish Bob all the very best for the future and sincerely hope that he comes to visit on occasions.
Dates for your diary
• TGS 120th Anniversary Investment Art Cocktail Function Saturday the 6th of September 2008 at 7.00pm (Centenary Gymnasium) • Ladies Auxiliary Grammar Melbourne Cup Luncheon Tuesday the 4th of November, 2008
Community Service competition, the teacher of the winning Form Class also received a bottle of wine for their efforts. Mrs Tait’s Form Class of 7.4 were the winners collecting hundreds of items for the Salvation Army.
This year, there have already been some major fundraising ventures. The Year 12s on the Talent Quest Committee gave a donation of over $2,000 to the local branch of the Royal Flying Doctor Service; the Interact Club and Middle School Citizenship Committee combined their efforts for the Easter Egg drive to raise funds for the TGS sponsored school in China, and also for the Townsville RSPCA. The Red Cross Blood Bank received donations from 62 healthy teenagers in the first of two annual visits by the Mobile Blood donation van.
The Queensland Cancer Fund’s ‘Relay for Life’ was a wonderful success through the amazing efforts of teachers and students, co-ordinated by Ms Yvonne West, ably assisted by the new Indonesian teacher Ms Samantha Hutchinson. The students raised over $5,000 and walked for an unbelievable 18 hours.
In Term 2, the Interact Club organised the collection of hundreds of non-perishable food items to donate to the Salvation Army for their 2008 Food Appeal. As in other years, there was the incentive of a pizza party for the Form Class that collected the most goods, but this year, for added
To further raise funds for a solar-powered heating system for their sponsored school in China, the Interact Club and Antipodeans group have been running a League Footy Tipping competition, which received great support from the School community, and raised the final $1,200 needed for the heating system. Other planned service activities for 2008 include fundraising for the Queensland Cancer Fund through the Pretty in Pink night, and a disco and sausage sizzle to
FRONT Wylie Ahern and Harry-Dean Kenchington Goldsmith BACK Bronte Lyne, Sarah Anderson and Sarah Burge
raise funds for the School’s sponsored school in Sri Lanka - to name just a few. Community Service is a very important part of Townsville Grammar School and involvement in or support for the various committees and the Interact Club is a great way for the students to learn the lesson of care and compassion for others.
Parent Support Committees Townsville Grammar School is supported by five parent committees that work tirelessly to fundraise and co-ordinate events for the TGS Community. The various committees meet at different times to ensure that all parents can be involved with one of the committees to fit in with to work and family commitments. These committees include: Parent & Friends Association, Ladies Auxiliary, Black & Gold Association, Friends of Rowing Committee and Past Grammarians Association. The Parents and Friends (P&F) Association raises funds through a voluntary contribution by families of the School, with the Association also conducting fundraising activities to assist with capital works over both campuses. Most recently, the P&F held their annual Golf Day, with reports from the 32 teams who participated concurring that it was a wonderful day and they are keen to continue supporting the event in future years. Ben Green’s ProtectInsure team featuring Head of Junior School, Mr Noel Nethery, Damien Scott and Eddie Rooskov, won the coveted Green Jacket. Funds raised from these and other ventures will be used to improve facilities at the School. The Ladies Auxiliary Committee is a forum for mothers to share common interests relating to the School, raising funds and providing catering support at the various sporting carnivals held for both campuses. The Ladies Auxiliary also hosts the
Grammar Melbourne Cup Luncheon, which this year will be held on November 4. The Black & Gold Committee conducts several functions throughout the School year. In 2008 these include the 120th anniversary function at the Parry Nissan Race Day (held in June) and the 120th Anniversary Investment Art Cocktail Function on September 6. The Friends of Rowing Group is of particular interest to parents with Grammar Rowers in the family, raising funds to purchase rowing exercise machines and rowing equipment, as well as providing support and focus for this dynamic group of sportspeople. The Past Grammarians Association (PGA) maintains the Past Grammarians (alumni) database, organises Past Grammarian events such as the ‘Grammar at Home’ weekend and produces the Melior Exi newsletter. Funds raised through PGA membership have funded maintaining and updating the Honour Boards and sponsoring annual prizes awarded at Speech Night. The School is indebted to these support groups, the sponsors of the wonderful events they co-ordinate and the parents who attend and support their fundraising efforts. New members are always welcome and meeting times and dates are published in the School Calendar.
TOP Principal, Mr Richard Fairley and his Golf team BOTTOM Golf Day Winners - Damien Scott, Eddie Rooskov, Ben Green and Head of Junior School, Mr Noel Nethery
TGS Community
Community Service is alive and well at Townsville Grammar School with students actively involved in fundraising and supporting local and international community causes.
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