The Southport School Band of Brothers Issue 24 by The Southport School

ISSUE 24: March 2022

In this issue 24 Looking to 2032 Page 4

An old soul Page 8 Bonding through challenges Page 14

OSA 2021 President’s report Page 26

Old Boys taking dentistry to those in need Page 38

The beating heart of TSS Page 44

Year 2 visit the Clock Tower Page 48

Dixon House side show alley Page 68

Exploring our piece of paradise Page 80

FRONT COVER: HAMISH ROBINSON INSIDE FRONT COVER: ALISDAIR HEAD AND JOE MADDEN

Band of Brothers

Looking to 2032 Mr Andrew Hawkins Headmaster

“Students are changing due to the digital nature of our world and also the various ways they learn; the future of work is changing and new skills are required for success in the workplace.”

ome great news coming out of 2021 was South East Queensland’s successful 2032 Summer Olympics’ host bid. With borders opening within Australia, as well as internationally, we can sense the anticipation and excitement for the Gold Coast and Brisbane over the coming decade. To coincide with the 2032 Olympic Games, our school also embarked on a plan for the next five to 10 years. As a new Headmaster being appointed from within our organisation, I understood our strategic plan had reached a 10-year life span and was certainly due for a refresh having been written in 2010. The plan was extremely successful but had reached its natural shelf life in our school. I felt strongly that it was important to engage with an external company with ‘fresh eyes’ to assist us in a strategic refresh for our great school. After researching 10 different companies and individuals who specialise in education strategy, we decided to engage KPMG Australia on a nine-month strategy journey of which we are about half-way through. The point of difference for KPMG Australia was its work with tertiary institutions, as well as schools, on their vision and strategy. We wanted to learn more about the next logical step for our students and the institutions we aim to send them to. After consulting various stakeholders from students, parents, coaches, volunteers, staff, Old Boys, parents, and community partners we have reached the draft stage of a ‘strategy on a page’. Early in 2022 we will launch our plan for 2032. More importantly, we will also discuss how we plan to fulfil our vision and strategy moving forward. At the forefront of our minds as we approach the next decade as stakeholders of our school we must understand the following points: Students are changing due to the digital nature of our world and also the various ways they learn; the future of work is changing and new skills are required for success in the workplace; the funding and policy environment is volatile due to conflicting state and national bodies; and running a school is becoming

Band of Brothers

increasingly complex due to lessening teacher retention, focus on academic data, and regular and demanding skill updating requirements for staff. It is also worth noting that our non-negotiables here at The Southport School will remain the same over the next decade. TSS will remain an Anglican school for boys from Preschool to Year 12. We will maintain our strong links to boarding by offering 320 beds to rural and international families; we will continue to be distinguished by our culture; and our fees will remain all-inclusive. For those families with sons at the TSS Preparatory School our new vision may look somewhat familiar. It is by no accident that the Prep values of Teamwork, Scholarship and Service (TSS) that have been organically delivered across our Prep School over the last two years will now be disseminated across the School from P-12.

TSS Values We are a Team We work together in a spirit of trust, loyalty, inclusion and mutual respect. We persist and encourage each other to do our best each day. We are a community of Scholars We learn every day and our interests and different approaches bring diversity of opportunity and enrich our understanding of the world. We are here to Serve We contribute positively to our classes, our teams, our school, our families, and our communities, learning to lead and to improve the world in which we live. Although in draft form, we will also unveil our ambitions for 2032, our competitive advantage, and our collaboration, innovation, reflection, community, legacy and evolution goals moving forward. May 2022 bring us all joy and hope.

Band of Brothers

Life beyond TSS Our top scholars talk about where their TSS education has taken them

Douglas Brown (KAI11) and Brad Eagle (SUR96) are two Old Boys who have an illustrious award in common, the honour of Dux of School. We caught up with both Brad and Douglas to find out where life has taken them. Douglas Brown Since my school days, medicine was always what I had wanted to do in the back of my mind. The military however, was something I never really thought about, until we did cadets at school in Year 9 and Year 10. Having had fond memories of being in the Air Force Cadets in Year 9, whilst being in the Army Cadets from Years 10 to 12, this had increased my interest in what the military stood for and its values. Due to these factors, I had applied, and was accepted for a Defence Undergraduate Sponsorship during medical school with the Royal Australian Air Force. This has allowed me to pursue two of my strongest passions, aviation, and being a doctor! I completed a Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at Bond University in 2017, then a Postgraduate Diploma through the London School of Economics in 2020. I’m currently completing my Master’s Degree in Health Leadership and

Band of Brothers

Management through the University of New South Wales as I prepare for my Fellowship Examinations in General Practice. Having had the opportunity to work at tertiary centres such as the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, going on overseas exercises to countries such as Singapore, and traveling across every state/territory in Australia as a doctor with the RAAF, this has truly been a brilliant experience and I look forward to seeing what other opportunities present themselves in the horizon. A burning desire in wishing to achieve more is what motivates me. It’s something I’ve had since being at school and was instilled by a lot of our teachers, especially in our final four years of schooling. Life is short, so why not spend it trying to be the very best you could potentially be, and help bring it out in other people as well?

If there was one thing I would have done differently throughout my schooling it would have been picking up a musical instrument, such as the piano. Everybody at one time or another needs to de-stress, and there’s nothing better than playing a musical instrument. TSS has a great musical curriculum, and one thing I wish I could do differently, is learn different types of instruments (however the violin is also great, but sometimes, you just want to play a bit of jazz). Even though myself and a lot of my mates no longer live on the Gold Coast, I still try and keep in touch. However I’ve found as I get older (at the ripe old age of 26), it becomes far more difficult to maintain contact with your school friends, as your social circle changes and expands, with work mates, university mates and from other circles.

Brad Eagle

I was always interested in maths, physics, and chemistry at school, and I also really enjoyed air cadets. I wanted to either be a pilot in the RAAF or pursue a career in engineering or the sciences. Thanks to the high quality academic and co-curricular education TSS gave me I was fortunate enough to be offered a scholarship in Electrical Engineering at the University of NSW, which made my decision for me. I found moving to Sydney for university, and the degree itself, very challenging at first. Thankfully I saw it through and found a graduate engineering job in the power industry - planning, building, and maintaining the substations, poles, and wires that supply electricity to the city. I have been in the industry ever since in various technical, construction, and leadership roles. After 15 years in Sydney I moved to Canberra to be closer to my wife’s family. I currently lead a team delivering large and complex electricity infrastructure projects, growing the city and serving the community. The electricity industry is an extremely exciting place to be at the moment because it forms the backbone of humanity’s accelerating technological growth, and is at the very heart of our response to the threat of climate change. I kind of matured into my career over the years, and I have found it increasingly enjoyable and rewarding with experience. I can’t overstate how much the exposure to music, sports, cadets, camping, culture, and travel at TSS laid the foundation for an extremely fulfilling and adventurous life. They became my hobbies and interests as an adult. The stability of my career has enabled me to pursue these hobbies and interests, and as a result I have visited many places, seen and done a lot of things, and made friends with people all over the world. My main motivations are to make the most of life and contribute in a positive way to society, so I put as much energy into my career, interests, family, and friends as I can. As cliché as it is to say, you are only alive for a short time, and you are only young once! At school I was very focused on achievement as a form of success and it was always my goal to be Dux of the school. My parents encouraged me to do as well as I could to make the most of going to a fantastic private school. There are, however, many other important aspects to life besides achievement, and if I had my time again I’d make more of an effort to get to know a variety of people outside my close friendship group. It’s hard to know what amazing things people might have to offer, or what you might be able to offer them, unless you reach out and give them a chance. In terms of career, something I keep learning is how far a positive attitude, gratitude, and commitment can get you. And another great piece of advice that has really stuck with me was from my legendary Year 8

Housemaster, Mr Wallace, who regularly proclaimed “Work smarter, not harder!” Hard work is important, but everyone has physical, mental, and emotional limits, so after a point it is more about how effectively you direct your effort. Respect your teachers - they know what they’re talking about! I kept in touch and caught up with a few close school friends over the years, but it was obviously hard to do so regularly because I left Queensland straight after

Year 12. I also crossed paths and enjoyed catching up with quite a few people I wasn’t close friends with while at TSS, whether while visiting the Gold Coast, living in Sydney, or even travelling on the other side of the world. It’s easy to maintain contact via social media - even if you don’t have time to speak regularly it still feels like you’re a small part of each others’ lives. Many Old Boys seem to have at least one thing in common - fond memories of their time at TSS and the people they went to school with.

Band of Brothers

old soul in a young body Ms Renee Buckingham

Marketing and Communities Manager

ot many 17-year-olds have just spent the summer holidays working their family farm from 7am to 7pm. It’s no skin off Joe Madden’s nose though, in his eyes it’s the least he can do. “Mum and Dad are agronomists helping people get the best out of their crops. So when the weather is good they need to get to as many farms as possible. Us kids have to just get in there and keep our own cotton and corn crops going while they are gone,” Joe explains. “Although they kept a lot of it from me, the droughts really hurt my parents when I was in Years 7, 9 and 10. It’s a hard slog, so when the stars align you get in there and do whatever is needed.”

Band of Brothers JOE AND HIS MUM ANNA

JOE ON HIS FIRST DAY IN YEAR 7

For a young man who can leave batsmen baffled by his spin ball; super skilled with the soccer ball and academically on track to secure a university place in his chosen area, Joe’s humility is nothing short of refreshing. “I must point out that us boys only work the family farm in the summer holidays not the winter holidays and I’ve actually had to come back to the Gold Coast a couple of weeks early this year due to cricket commitments.” Joe will be the 115th School Captain of The Southport School and it’s a leadership opportunity he is not taking for granted. “Since Year 7 I have looked up to the School captains. It is a role I have always aspired to, but I would have been okay if it didn’t go to me, knowing that the student appointed would have been the better man for the job. That wasn’t the case though and I was thrilled to receive the honour.”

“I wasn’t upset for long, my cousin came and saw me and I just threw myself into every sport and activity the School had to offer.” “The fact that the campus has so much going on is truly a blessing. I have played so much sport and got to try my hand at nearly everything.” “I might be a boarder but I also have so many friends who are day boys. I have tried to embrace everything the TSS community has to offer and I would advise all new students to do the same.” Joe’s chosen sport is cricket and the 17-year-old plays for the First XI team as well A Grade for Broadbeach/ Robina alongside TSS Director of Cricket, Mr Baker. “To be honest, cricket is my A plan, I would be living out a long-held dream if I could play for the Gold Coast Dolphins and one day head over to England to play for a county team.”

“His leadership and friendship with his peers and remodelling for the younger boys sets him above.” “I was never meant to be coming to TSS, but I am so thankful it worked out the way it did. My high school years have been the best experience.” “I was always going to board but being based with my family in Wee Waa we were looking at the Sydney GPS schools. Then my cousin, Harry Wells, came to TSS and was raving about it. I have him to thank.” Biddle Housemaster, Leigh Holtsbaum, has watched Joe grow into the young man he is today and says the boy from Wee Waa models TSS values in every aspect of his life. “Within Biddle House he’s set the tone over the years for his peers and despite his success on the sporting field has always worked diligently on his academics,” said Mr Holtsbaum. “His leadership and friendship with his peers and remodelling for the younger boys sets him above. He’ll be a fantastic School Captain in 2022.” To help other boys in his situation feel seen and heard, Joe doesn’t hold back when recalling his first day on campus. “We drove up from the farm and I was doing okay until Mum and Dad said goodbye after helping me unpack. I just sat on my bed in Rogers House and cried. It was overwhelming, my primary school at home had about 16 students in each year level.”

“I know that everyone with a sporting dream has to have a plan B though, and that for me is a degree that involves sport. So at this stage, I am hoping to get into physiotherapy.” Joe is looking forward to putting his own spin on the school captaincy and is hoping Covid-19 doesn’t limit the traditions for his cohort like it has done the previous couple of years. “If you don’t know the war cry I suggest you get studying.” “When I first came to the school it was drilled into us to learn every word. More recently, I have noticed a lot of boys just yelling when we perform it. That is about to change. Out of respect for all the boys who have been through TSS before us, I want every student on campus, during my time as School Captain, to cry every word with passion.” Joe will also be pushing for the 2022 Prefects to speak more at assemblies so younger students can hear from a variety of leaders. “You just never know who is going to resonate with whom. These days our Prefects don’t address the boys as much as they have in previous years. As a younger student I recall looking forward to hearing from them as their experiences were only a few years ahead of mine so I could really relate.”

Band of Brothers

Introducing the

2022 Prefects of The Southport School

JUSTIN FABER, HAMISH WRIGHT (HEAD BOARDER), ZACHARY MILLER-WRIGHT, HARRY WARD, JOE MADDEN (SCHOOL CAPTAIN), ANDREW HOBART (HEAD DAY BOY), ZAVIER CRAIN (SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN), JOSEPH MAURICE (HEAD DAY BOY).

Band of Brothers

Joe Madden

Andrew Hobart

Justin Faber

House: Biddle

House: Walker

Ccommenced TSS: Year 7 2017

Commenced TSS: Year 6 2016

Commenced TSS: Year 4 2014

Home town: Wee Waa, NSW

Home town: Gold Coast

Home town: Pretoria, South Africa

Career: I want to hopefully play high-level cricket and one day have a career playing cricket for Australia. I also want to study physiotherapy or medicine at Sydney University so that I can move into a career in the medical field or as a sports physiotherapist if cricket does not work out.

Career: Enter the film industry and work on editing and writing films on the Gold Coast.

Career: I wish to own a business or to play professional sport.

General: Despite being born in NSW and living there for 12 years, I support the Maroons.

General: I love to surf and spend most of my spare time at the beach.

Joseph Maurice

Zachary Miller-Wright

House: Turnock

House Maughan

Commenced TSS: Year 6 2016

Commenced TSS: Year 7 2017

Home town: Gold Coast

Career: I hope to pursue a career surrounding law, economics and/or international relations.

Career: My goal is to get into an industry which revolves around the legal profession, either through diplomacy and international relations or a solicitor in civil law.

school captain

General: I live on an 800-acre crop farm five kilometres west of Wee Waa where we farm cotton, corn, fava beans and oats and have a few cattle. I am second cousins with School Captain of 2015 Charlie Wells and 2021 Biddle House Captain and Prefect Harry Wells. I have two younger brothers in Year 11 and Year 9.

Zavier Crain

school Vice Captain

head day boy

General: I enjoy surfing and rugby.

House: Melbourne Commenced TSS: Reception 2010 Home town: Gold Coast Career: At this point in time I am unsure what path I want to take once graduated from TSS. The electives I have picked are centred around business and so I am leaning towards going into commerce and law. I aspire to be a leader in the field and run my own business. General: My favourite sport is rugby however I also play cricket and football and I am in the athletics team.

Hamish Wright head boarder House: Thorold Commenced TSS: Year 7 2017 Home town: Wee Waa, NSW Career: My career aspirations would be either as a cotton farmer or an investment banker. General: An interesting thing about myself is that rowing is my preferred sport and I enjoy it even though it is probably one of the most physically demanding sports there is.

foundation prefect

General: I am an avid runner and enjoy long distance races and trail running.

Harry Ward

foundation prefect House: Atkinson Commenced TSS: Year 7 2017 Home town: Coffs Harbour, NSW Career: To follow an entrepreneurial career path and open a business that gives me endless opportunities to do the things I love. General: I love sport and pushing my body to the absolute limits.

Band of Brothers

Introducing our 2022 Leaders MAUGHAN HOUSE

ATKINSON HOUSE MACKENZIE DAVIS – Vice Captain HARRY WARD – Captain

ZACHARY MILLER-WRIGHT – Captain CHAAD HEWITT – Vice Captain MAX OTTO – Vice Captain

MCKINLEY HOUSE

BIDDLE HOUSE BRAYDEN HUDSON – Vice Captain HUGH FOWLES – Vice Captain MURPHY BAKER – Captain

DELPRATT HOUSE

CHARLIE DAWSON – Vice Captain GEORGE POWELL – Captain WYLIE BUCKNELL – Vice Captain

MELBOURNE HOUSE CHARLIE LANE – Vice Captain HENRY PEARCE – Vice Captain OLIVER GLEESON – Captain

ZAVIER CRAIN – Captain KALEB FISHER – Vice Captain

RADCLIFFE HOUSE

KAISER HOUSE KADE AITCHISON – Vice Captain KOEN GEMERI – Captain

ZAK HOWARD – Captain COREY HAWKINS – Vice Captain

DIXON HOUSE

SURMAN HOUSE JOSEPH PEARCE – Captain WILLIAM JACKSON – Captain ALASTAIR JOHNSON – Vice Captain

KAI SALAM - Vice Captain BRODIE BEETON - Captain

MITRE HOUSE

THOROLD HOUSE HAYDEN CARRIGAN – Captain HAMISH WRIGHT – Vice Captain ARCHER CHANDLER – Captain

MATHIAS DEVLIN - Vice Captain ARCHER ROSS - Captain

MUSGRAVE HOUSE

TURNOCK HOUSE COOPER VEIVERS – Vice Captain JOSEPH MAURICE – Captain

MAC HAWKINS - Captain WILLIAM THOMASSON - Vice Captain

SHEPHERD HOUSE

WALKER HOUSE JUSTIN FABER – Captain ANDREW HOBART – Captain JUSTIN BOLTON – Vice Captain

LACHLAN PASK - Vice Captain EDWARD MILLIGAN - Captain

Bonding through challenges Mr Jason Sten Director of Cadets

Band of Brothers

he Band of Brothers at TSS was exemplified remarkably on Cadet Camp 2022. The boys worked in platoons and watches to complete tasks, scale obstacles, hide from sniper view, bait fishing lines, set sail and practice navigating. In Week 10 of Term Three, the cadets embarked on their Army and Navy camps respectively, living away from home for the week, getting to know each other and bonding through the challenges they faced. Honouring our past The 39th Battalion was raised in 1916 as part of the Australian Allied Forces. It included boys from The Southport School who soon became men engaged in battle. The 39th Battalion fought and received battle honours in the following campaigns: World War I: Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Somme 1918, Ancre 1918, Amiens, Albert 1918, Mont St Quentin, Hindenburg Line, St Quentin Canal, France and Flanders 1916–18. World War II: South-West Pacific 1942–43, Kokoda Trail, Kokoda–Deniki, Isurava, Eora Creek–Templeton’s Crossing I, Buna–Gona, Sanananda Road, Amboga River. The 39th Battalion motto is ‘Blood over Mud’. It is what motivated them through the horrors of the trenches of World War I and through the rain, the mud and the physical challenge on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in World War II. It is in these places that the blood of their brothers was spilt, and it was the blood of their brothers that they fought to save. It is a motto that inspires through both sacrifice and resilience and a motto that our boys can aspire to. We honour the men of the 39th Battalion when we parade as cadets, and we seek to instil some of the characteristics that built these boys into men in our cadet program and our camps. Significantly, this camp had the boys challenge themselves through the mud obstacles of the Raw Challenge and Straddie mudflats and sand dunes.

Band of Brothers

Army Camp - Numinbah valley The Years 8 and 9 Army cadets descended on Numinbah Valley for four nights and five days on the home of the Raw Challenge obstacle race. The property is owned and run by the Spittle family, a family whose three boys have attended TSS and welcomed us warmly. The set up of the camp started weeks before with truckloads of tents, hootchies, camp stoves, fire pits, water jerries and a myriad of other military and non-military equipment being delivered and stored for the boys to use. Thanks goes to RSM WO1 Andy Roberts and a team of ten Army Reserve soldiers from the Ninth Battalion the Royal Queensland Regiment (The Fighting Ninth) who helped with this set up then stayed for the week to run activities and share their military experience with the boys. WO1 Roberts has joined TSS on the Year 7 camp over the last two years and has become an essential part of the cadet and outdoor camp team as he lends us his experience as a soldier of 30 plus years. The Year 8s had luxury accommodation in tents on the “flats” – the luscious green fields alongside the Raw Challenge course. They shared fully enclosed tents to shield them from the cold nights while their Year 9 counterparts huddled under hootchie shelters in the trees further into the property. The camp is designed to focus on building teamwork in Year 8 which will filter into Year 9 where they are challenged further by setting up platoon harbours in the bush and operating as an infantry platoon in the field environment. It is a significant step-up in responsibility and in reward.

Activities at Numinbah ranged from learning to use gel blasters then operating in a sniper alley, camouflage and concealment, learning about military equipment, navigation, learning how to effectively tackle the obstacles in the Raw Challenge and, of course, experiencing the value of “downtime” through activities of fishing, shrimping and fireside chats to encourage relaxation and reflection. A special thanks must go to Dr Angela Zagoren and her team for providing some tasty healthy treats for the boys at the wellbeing stand. The boys loved them.

Navigation Stand

Obstacle Course Training

Mud Run

Band of Brothers

Fishing

Navy camp - South Stradbroke Island The four Navy watches departed TSS for the campground at South Stradbroke Island for five days of sunshine and sailing. Unfortunately, the waters had other plans giving the cadets more challenges than they bargained for out on the water! The cadets bravely crewed their two-man boats and tested their rigging and marine skills in some challenging conditions from poorly behaved southerly blows. This produced some excellent sailing and some examples of the boys stepping up when they need to. Other activities included navigating the island by foot, raft building and archery tag. The boys had five-star tent accommodation on the sand and showers to warm them after their water adventures; something I’ve heard mentioned to the Army cadets more than once! The boys ate in the mess and showed excellent teamwork when on kitchen and clean up duties – jobs that no one likes doing but must be done; good lessons for teams to function effectively. As a reward for an excellent camp, the Navy cadets were treated to a fun ride back to school in jet boats to wrap up their adventure. It is safe to say that the boys all had a memorable experience. They may remember it as the week they went without showers (apparently the cold shower at the end of the mud obstacles didn’t count), ate ration packs, worried about snakes and spiders crawling on them when they slept, catching the biggest fish or sailing into the stormy waters of Straddie; they all have a story to tell. I think the 132 Old Boys who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the wars would be proud of the boys. I would finally like to thank all the TSS staff who attended camp and lead their platoons and watches. It never fails to amaze me that the staff volunteer to leave their own families to embark on an adventure where they are required to work 24 hours a day for five days, be outdoor adventure leaders, medics, councillors, motivators and knowledgeable in all things from fishing to cooking…and they do it with enthusiasm. Without them these camps would not be possible. I am also sure that the staff came back with many stories of their own to share.

Band of Brothers

Up close and personal with two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Old Boy

Mat Belcher (SUR00) M

athew Belcher is one of The Southport School’s and indeed Australia’s most successful sportsmen. He won gold at the 2012 London Olympics competing in the 470 sailing class, together with his crew Malcolm Page, and then achieved a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Will Ryan, before the pair reclaimed Olympic gold this year in Tokyo. Mat had the honour of being selected as the Australian flag bearer at the closing ceremony. He has been a world champion on ten occasions since graduating from TSS – an outstanding record of sustained excellence in his field over many years. The TSS Sailing program is going from strength to strength, with the boys securing an eighth successive GPS Sailing title in 2021, and also being narrowly pipped to the State Teams Racing title. On hearing that Mat was coming to visit TSS to present some prizes at the Final Senior School Assembly to the Year 12 boys just before they graduated, Lachie Wheatley, our 2021 Sailing Captain, Zach Miller Wright, our 2022 Sailing Captain together with Blake Wilson and James Wilson, were keen to meet with him and learn from his experiences:

Band of Brothers

Zach: What sort of training is required in order to be an Olympic sailor? Mat: A lot! In order to sustain a 21-year career in sailing, I’ve had to pay a lot of attention not only to fitness but also to injury prevention and management. There’s a lot of gym work – we try and complete about five hours per week and then an equal amount of time spent on stretching, recovery, strength and conditioning in addition to that. We also spend a huge amount of time on equipment and set up – rigging and de-rigging the boat, checking everything and doing it all on repeat! What’s really cool about sailing in particular is how diverse a sport it is. Particularly now, it is very physically challenging, with lots of pumping and hiking and moving around in the boat, so fitness is massively important. However, sailing is also about concentration, skill development, psychology, decision making and teamwork and to develop these takes many hours of detailed work with our team and our coaches. Zach: Which of all your many achievements in sailing are you most proud ? Mat: There’s probably two that stand out. Firstly in 2013, I was World Sailor of the Year. This was a particularly busy time for me – my first child was born and it was also the first year of my new partnership with Will Ryan. Balancing family commitments with

sailing commitments that year was very challenging, so to achieve what we did was very special. Secondly, making the Olympic Games in London in 2012 was the culmination of everything I had dreamed of since sitting in the Annand Theatre at my TSS graduation 12 years earlier! My wife was there also competing for Germany, so to be there wearing the Australian uniform and sharing the experience was fantastic. Blake: What’s the biggest struggle you have in maintaining a professional career? Mat: It’s definitely juggling training and family commitments, and managing the time away. In sailing particularly, you have to travel. For example, we travelled to Rio 11 times in the period before the 2016 Olympics and we went to Japan 16 times before the Tokyo games. When you are away from home for long periods, its really important to put your attention where it needs to be – if you are training, then really focus and train hard – you know that your competitors will be doing that! Then, when you have precious time with the family, really take the time to enjoy that time and make the most of it.

James: How do you sustain your motivation – once you have won the gold medal? Mat: It’s really about circumstances, the people you are working with and the environment in which you are working that keeps you going. The London Olympics was the culmination of everything I had been working for, but Malcolm was always going to retire when that was over, so then the challenge of achieving gold again with Will was really exciting. We didn’t quite manage that in Rio, but the journey was so good, that we wanted to carry on again. At the end of the day, the result is the result - you are either going to deliver the performance you want, or you are not, and therefore the final competition itself can either be absolutely fantastic or a failure. What keeps you going is definitely the journey that you are on and the experiences you have along the way. Lachie: You must spend a lot of time with your competitors, in the same events all around the world – how do you get on with them, when you are trying to get one over on them all the time. Things get pretty tense for us at times in GPS Sailing, and this must be much worse at Olympic level? Mat: I’m really good friends with my competitors – sometimes too good friends, actually! For example, the bronze medallist in Tokyo was Jordi from Spain, who I have known for over 10 years - he is younger than me and I was a mentor to him as a junior. To

see him achieve number one in the world was very rewarding for me. We had a pact with each other that we would always compete fairly and not make malicious protests against each other. If we ever had any issues, we would talk about it and do our penalty turns on the water. Sailing is a self-policing sport, and we all have too much respect for each other to try to take each other out. Blake: I know that you were close to retiring after the silver medal in Rio – what prompted you to carry on for another five years? Mat: Rio was really challenging – the partnership with Will was going very well beforehand – we had won three world championships and so came to the Olympics with a lot of expectation on us. As it turned out so many things went wrong in Rio: our coach got disqualified; we had a huge storm come through that ripped all our sails, so we had to compete with a ripped mainsail; things got very political as we went to the court of arbitration twice during the event. We found ourselves fighting incredibly hard to get the best performance we could despite so many things not going to plan that we ended up calling the silver medal the platinum medal – we were really proud of what we achieved. So there was always the sense that we wanted another go after Rio. At Tokyo, it was incredible how well things went – it was almost the complete opposite to Rio!

Zach: Tell me about the blazer you are wearing – are there lots of names on the inside? Mat: Yes, this is my Olympic uniform. Now that the Olympics are over, I don’t get to wear it that much, so I thought that this Assembly would be a really good opportunity. Every Australian Olympic gold medallist since the very beginning has their name printed on the inside of the blazer. All the sporting heroes are here and I have the honour of being under the armpit! It makes you feel pretty special to be able to wear it, just like the TSS representative blazer does at school. Matt also brought his medals to show us – the gold medals from London and Tokyo and the silver from Rio, which the boys enjoyed holding. They are on permanent display at Southport Yacht Club. Despite all his success, Mat remains an unassuming, humble person, who measures his achievements as much by the relationships he has formed and the experiences he has had along the way as by the many awards he has received. A TSS Old Boy who is a true champion in every sense of the word!

PICTURED BELOW: MAT BELCHER WITH JAMES WILSON, BLAKE WILSON AND ZACH MILLER-WRIGHT

Band of Brothers

What Lies Beneath the Annand Theatre

Band of Brothers

Mr Charles Martin MAU14

estled proudly on the banks of the Nerang River is the newly constructed Annand Theatre, whose 1200 seat auditorium, high-end audio-visual facilities, and expansive foyer and event spaces together have no trouble drawing the attention of their visitors. However, without taking the time to venture downstairs, guests may be completely unaware of the expansive Music Department that lies beneath. An upgrade from the Department’s previous home in the Pacific Cable Station just next door (which was originally constructed in 1901-02 and refurbished in 1982), the new Department boasts:

•

Three large performance and rehearsal rooms (with the largest room feeding audio directly into the new theatre above, removing the need for an orchestral pit)

•

Three isolation booths that allow simultaneous recording on behalf of a dedicated recording room

•

Ten studios of varying sizes for private lessons and class breakouts

•

One oversized classroom

•

Internal and external amphitheatres

•

Informal performance stages leading onto the river ovals

•

A stage lift that allows for seamless transportation of instruments and equipment to the stage above

•

Enormous storage space

With aspirations to one day create a TSS recording label, Director of Music, Mr Mitchell Buckley, noted how rare a sight a recording room is in a high school, describing the cutting-edge facilities as “university standard”, setting a high bar for schools around the world.

Band of Brothers

Fortunately, it appears our current students aren’t taking anything for granted. 2022 Music Captain, Andrew Hobart, is making the most of what the new space has to offer:

“The boys are absolutely loving it. The versatility of the space means that you can have concerts, functions, rehearsals, and music classes all at the same time without disruption to any of them.” Andrew Hobart, Music Captain The above is partly thanks to the exceptional soundproofing installed throughout the building, which is almost a necessity considering what a typical day in the Music Department looks like, beginning as early as 6:30am with Mr Green conducting the TSS Drumline in the Percussion Room. From 7:00am onward, groups such as the Wieniawski Strings, Grainger Band, Senior String Trio, Senior String Quartet and Sarasate String Orchestra will come together to make use of the performance rooms, strings room and studios, while the Senior Choir, under Mrs Fennell and Ms Budinska, will form in the indoor amphitheatre. Once the school day starts, the oversized classroom is occupied by students from Years 7 through 12 who are each faced with the challenge of remaining focused despite direct views onto the Nerang River, Main Beach and Surfers Paradise. During break times, some students will remain to continue practising their instrument or make use of some of the state-of-the-art technology available. Once the final school bell rings, students from Big Band 1, Big Band 2, Sparke Senior Winds, Acafellas, Senior Symphony Orchestra and a small group of rock bands assemble for rehearsals, typically finishing up before 5:00pm. On many occasions throughout the year, the theatre will also play host to solo performance evenings, soirées and concerts that showcase the talent and hard work of TSS students and Music Staff in a more formal setting. While current students take advantage of the space and while Old Boys are in envy, the next generation of students look on inspired – Mr Buckley remarked on how the new building was already motivating student musicians from the Preparatory School to continue pursuing music into their Senior School years. And who could blame them?

Band of Brothers

Champion Basketball School of Qld Not only did our First V take out the ‘Champion Basketball School of Queensland’ State Championships, Vice Captain Lloyd McVeigh and Captain Preston Le Gassick, both made the U20s Queensland state team that went on to win the 2021 National Championships for the first time in 30 years. TJ AmbrosePearce made the U18s NT state team and Josh Wolff was part of the Queensland South team. These talented players are inspiration for the 330 students enrolled in the School’s basketball program which is only going from strength to strength. All teams made the most of the restrictive GPS season, which saw only six rounds played and TSS First V going undefeated in these six rounds. Two Prep teams also took out their GPS competitions with the 6As recording one of the biggest victories in TSS basketball history, scoring 122 points against Toowoomba Grammar School.

DEC 2021

President’s Report Mr Christopher Johnstone

OSA President DIX 79-82; BID 89-90

atron, Past Presidents, Headmaster, gentlemen - thank you for the opportunity to address you for the final time as your President.

Since I had the honour of accepting this role some five years ago perhaps, despite outward appearances, I think there has been a number of important changes for the better within our organisation. You will recall that at the time I became President, the OSA had resolved to sell Hidden Creek. That sale process was not a simple exercise. Indeed, after a couple of false starts, it was not until 2019 that the sale was completed (although at least one of those sales resulted in the best every year of earnings for Hidden Creek). As a consequence of that sale, and some fine work from the Finance Committee and our friends at Morgans, our net financial position is healthier than it ever has been. It has enabled the OSA to continue its continued support for the School through bursaries, ad hoc funding for special projects, and support of the rowing shed through the Clavill Bere fund. Of the Hidden Creek proceeds, $800,000 remain committed to the construction of the Old Southportonians’ Pavilion.

sporting celebrations; Valedictory Chapel Services and dinners, and have presented the Old Southportonians’ prize on your behalf at the Senior Graduation each year. Perhaps most importantly, each year I have had the great delight of shaking the hands of our newest members as I welcomed them, on your behalf, to the OSA. I have also had the honour of representing you at both the farewell to Mr Greg Wain, a headmaster whose achievements should, and will, be celebrated for years to come, and the commissioning of Mr Andrew Hawkins, our first OSA headmaster. More about this later. One of the initiatives I, with the approval of Council, introduced was to present each graduating class with an OSA tie, embroidered with their year group. Over the years, I have met young Old Boys who have reminded me that I presented them with their tie and they have assured me that it has had far more use than they expected.

Turning to the Pavilion, we have reached the comfortable fundraising milestone of $1,000,000 which, when combined with the OSA commitment, means this gift which will transcend the generations can be considered fully funded. It is important to acknowledge that this includes the support of the School and the cricket, football and rugby support groups. Personally it will be a source of great pride for me to see this building constructed. It will represent the third major construction at this School after the Chapel and the Memorial Room which acknowledges and honours the lasting contribution of the members of the Old Southportonians’ Association to this great School.

We have been able to do this, partly because of the manner in which our expenditure has been managed. I have previously addressed you about the manner in which the production and postage costs of the OSA Review had reached a point where our annual subscriptions (collected and paid to us by the School) were being completely absorbed by these costs. For many years, the OSA Review provided a vital, and sometimes only, real connection for many of our members with the School. As the School’s publications increased, and our members were included in those publications, the double cost could not be justified, particularly given much of the content was the same. Our new approach utilising the Band of Brothers medium and working through the School’s Community Engagement department remains a work in progress, however I am confident that our presence within that publication will continue to grow to the satisfaction of our members.

As your President, I have had the honour of representing you at Old Boys’ weekends, various branch functions, House Suppers, ANZAC Day commemorations, Cadet Graduation parades, various pre and post-match

Turning to the OSA Office, it is reasonable to say that my tenure has been more than a little disrupted as we struggled to find a suitable person to take on the role of OSA Administrator. I think we have one

Band of Brothers

now and, looking to the future, the model the School has developed should enable Mrs Julianne Young to keep our best interests at heart as she works with the Community Engagement team to grow and develop all of the OSA events in the years to come. Turning to the OSA’s relationship with the School, I am comfortable that we remain an essential cog in the TSS machine. We have a close and collaborative relationship with the School’s executive and, or course, the Headmaster. We are well (indeed heavily) represented on the School Council, and we also have a sotto voce presence through the large number of OSA parents who are heavily involved in the various support groups in the School. The OSA may not always agree with the School. When this happens, open dialogue in the spirit of collaborative friendship is essential for our contributions to be worthwhile. In my nominated successor, Mr Craig Hobart, I feel we have a leader who will be excellent in that role. To the Headmaster I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks on the OSA’s behalf. This is a School where first and foremost, the spirit of friendship is alive. Andrew Hawkins and Greg Wain both fostered a spirit of friendship amongst the staff which extends to their relationship with the boys and us. Mr Hawkins’ availability to us, his passion for the School, and his desire to get the best out of everyone at TSS is a positive reflection on us. I am delighted to call him my friend. The future of the School is in safe hands. Finally, can I thank all of those who have supported me in my role. I wish to particularly mention our Patron, Jake MacRonald, Chris Newton, Douglas Murphy QC, Philip Rouse and Peter Lockhart. These Past Presidents’ dedication to the OSA is unquestioned. In addition to headmasters past and present, might I mention the staff at TSS and the Director of Philanthropy, Greg Cornelsen. To the OSA Council members over the years, their help, often unremarked, has been vital. In particular can I mention Peter Waller, Scott Andrews, Scott Parry, Vaughan Oxenford and Craig Hobart.

Introducing the 2022

OSA Council and Committee CRAIG HOBART

CRAIG HOBART (THO85)– PRESIDENT B. Econ (UQ), Master of Management (MGSM), MAICD Craig has spent most of his career in financial services having been Managing Director of Tyndall and a senior executive of one of the largest industry funds in Australia. Craig attended The Southport School between 1980 and 1985 in Walker and later Thorold House as Vice Captain. He was awarded colours for rugby (best forward 1985), rowing (winning the Head of the River First VIII and third nationals 1985), cadets (CSM adventure training 1984; CUO 1985) and was awarded the HJ King scholarship for music and the Robert Holly prize for contribution to the school.

SCOTT PARRY

Craig represented Queensland in the youth eight and King’s Cup for rowing while attending St John’s College (UQ) and the Queensland Cyclones for lifesaving as well as playing A grade rugby for Sunnybank. Craig was a boarding master at ACGS (Churchie) and has also won state titles (NSW) for cycling and represented Australia in masters cycling (Slovenia 2014 and Denmark 2015). He was a volunteer pilot for Angel flight (2004-2012). Craig was Secretary of the OSA in 1993 and Vice President in 2021. He is married to Marisa and has two sons who have attended the school as second-generation boys. Joshua graduated in 2019 and Andrew is in Year 12 in 2022.

PETER WALLER

SCOTT PARRY (MCK90) HONORARY SECRETARY BA (UQ) Scott is the Queensland State General Manager for Westpac and St George SME Banking. He leads a team of over 90 bankers and leaders across the state that support Queensland’s important micro, small and medium business sector. Scott has worked in the banking and financial services sector for over 25 years, including 19 years of service at Westpac. Throughout his career, he has also held senior leadership roles in Westpac’s Consumer Bank and The Bank of Queensland. Scott has also worked firsthand with SME businesses and various industries across the state.

SCOTT ANDREWS

Prior to commencing a career in banking, Scott completed his education at The Southport School (1986-1990) and the University of Queensland (1991-1994). He has served as Secretary of the OSA since 2018.

PETER WALLER (WAL87) HONORARY TREASURER LLB (QUT), PG Dip Dispute Resolution (Bond University) Peter attended The Southport School as a Day Boy in Walker House between 1982 and 1987. He practices as a solicitor on the Gold Coast. Peter is the father of two Old Boys and a current parent. He has been a member of the OSA Council since 2014 and been Treasurer since 2017.

SCOTT ANDREWS (WAL98) – COMMITTEE MEMBER B.IT (Bond University) Scott is a Senior Software Engineer for IBM based in their Gold Coast Security Research and Development Lab, joining shortly after completing his studies at Bond University. In his varied roles of Cloud Identity Architect and Scenario Owner for Digital Trust, he specialises in Cyber Security focusing on risk and fraud detection and mitigation, identity and access management, and frictionless user experiences. Scott holds five patents and has co-authored three books. He is recognised for his professional mentoring and technical giveback. Scott has been a committee member since 2008 advising on technical direction, and establishing the first social media presence of the OSA. A long serving surf lifesaver, Scott has held a number of advisory roles at local, state and national levels in both advisory and operational capabilities. He is a ‘down the wire’ rescue crewman with the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service, a Life Member of Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving Queensland, and is the recipient of the National Medal issued by the Australian Government for his contributions to Surf Life Saving. Scott and his wife Breanna were married in St Alban’s Chapel in 2008 and are parents to two boys who have started the second generation of the family at the school.

Band of Brothers

VAUGHAN OXENFORD

VAUGHAN OXENFORD (MEL84) – COMMITTEE MEMBER

ALEXANDER (LEX) STEWART (THO03) COMMITTEE MEMBER

TIME Aust, B.TECH En, Cert IV Illum Eng, A.I.E.S

DipIT ACIT; BBus Informatics University of Canberra

Vaughan attended The Southport School from 1980 to 1984 and was Vice Captain of Melbourne House and School Prefect. A keen sportsman, Vaughan represented the school in cricket, rugby union and athletics and, in his final year, he represented the school in the 2nd XI for cricket, First XV for Rugby Union and GPS Athletics.

On graduating from The Southport School, Lex completed tertiary studies in Brisbane and later Canberra. Upon graduating from the University of Canberra he returned to Queensland in 2007 and was invited to take-up a work-out, live-in Senior Boarding Master position in Delpratt House, a role he immensely enjoyed through to 2014. During this time, he worked in the telecommunications industry for various organisations including Vodafone Hutchison Australia before joining the foundation team at Brisbane based Frontier Networks.

After graduating from TSS Vaughan gained full time employment in a consulting engineering firm, while completing his engineering degree externally through The University of Southern Queensland. During this time, he furthered his efforts on the rugby field by representing Gold Coast and South Queensland in all age groups, and Queensland in the Under 21s. Vaughan has maintained a close relationship with the school over the last nine years with both his sons attending the school from 2011 to 2019. In 2014, he was elected to the OSA Executive Committee as a council member. Currently, Vaughan resides on the Gold Coast and manages a consulting engineering practice. His family is deeply entrenched is the Gold Coast with his children the fourth generation to be born here.

DUNCAN YOUNG DUNCAN YOUNG (BID90) – COMMITTEE MEMBER

LLB (QUT), PG Dip Dispute Resolution (Bond University) Duncan boarded at TSS between 1988 and 1990 (BID). Duncan’s parents took the decision to send him to boarding school – as the family tradition is – because education has always been paramount. Duncan’s family are long established graziers in northern NSW. After school, Duncan studied at Bond University and moved to Sydney for his first job on the Options Trading Floor (helped by Angus Douglas & Virginia Fay, mentors).

LEX STEWART

After 15 years, Duncan moved back to Brisbane to be nearer family and farm, and to pursue his true interest in Design and Architecture. He is now working in A&D Sales in Lighting. Duncan is happy to be a part of the extended TSS family and has been a non-executive committee member since 2010.

Frontier Networks is a licensed telecommunications carrier specialising in the retirement living space – delivering high quality, ultra-reliable telco infrastructure to new and existing lifestyle retirement communities. Lex has worked with partners such as Aveo Group Ltd who have nearly 100 communities nationally, training and supporting operational staff and consulting to management on the impact of the National Broadband Network (NBN) to their communities. In recent years Frontier has also expanded into residential and commercial metro developments, working with forward thinking developers to design and build telco infrastructure that supports smart communities. Lex has been a non-executive committee member since 2014 and served on the executive committee (Honorary Secretary) in 2016.

SIMON SCOTT (MCK89) – COMMITTEE MEMBER

BA University of New England; MLM Ed Newcastle University Simon has been based at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus for the past 23 years as Head, and Deputy Head, of the Halls of Residence, a 430 bed residential student community. He and his wife Rowena have three adult children who have all but flown the nest and they are cautiously settling in to “empty-nester” status. Currently, he has been seconded to open Kev Carmody House, the University of Queensland’s 610 bed student accommodation at St Lucia Campus. Simon has previously served on the OSA committee from 2005-2008 and has been a long-time supporter of the Mulgowie Muster. He is very keen to see the expansion of the smaller, regular, localised reunions in regional areas and reconnecting with his own class mates as well as the broad spectrum of Old Boys throughout the world. To that end, he has been instrumental in getting the ’88 and ’89 cohorts together for their 10, 20 and 30 year reunions. In an interesting twist of fate, so common in old school connections, Craig Hobart was actually the CUO of his platoon in 1985 and was very influential in his decision to continue on as a leader in cadets for his entire school career. Simon is an avid golfer, loves classic European and British cars, and is truly excited to be an active part of the OSA again.

SIMON SCOTT

Band of Brothers

2022 President Craig Hobart (THO85)

t is a great honour to have been asked to serve you as President of the OSA in 2022. We are one of the oldest continuous old boys’ associations in Australia and have over 15,000 living members. My journey to TSS began at a state primary school assembly where a saxophonist Mr Wilcox performed and in that moment I was drawn to music. Some years later I became aware of a possible ticket to TSS via the HJ King Memorial music scholarship, but I also had to then overcome the disappointment of not being successful. Fortunately for me, and after a further year of hard work, I was awarded the scholarship, and so began my time at TSS. Blessed with this great lesson of gratitude, the foundations were laid for this young boy to be thrilled and embrace everything the School had to offer. I was in Mitre House, Walker House and then Thorold from 1980–1985. I was followed by my three brothers, and my father Peter was on the School Council and Chairman during the late 1980s and 1990s. Thirty years later, our two boys also yearned to attend the School, and we moved from Sydney so their

dream and our wish could be fulfilled. Josh followed in my footsteps with the same music scholarship, and represented the school in the First VIII before graduating in 2019. Andrew is in Year 12 this year and, like his father and brother, has embraced all the School has to offer and shares a great love and respect for the school. It’s a blessing that his peers and the school have entrusted him with sharing Head Day Boy responsibilities amongst his other leadership commitments. As President of the OSA, and with the valued support of the Executive Council and Committee, I look forward to serving with three key objectives: •

To continue to manage the assets of the OSA, including the construction of the OSA Pavilion.

•

To reboot the branches and networking connections put into hibernation over the last two years.

•

To work with the School to find ways to support boys leaving the School utilising our great asset, our Old Boys.

We are the custodians of approximately $4M of funds held in trust for bursaries and contributions to the School. We have a great legacy to work with, and an even greater opportunity to reconnect given the challenges and restrictions of the COVID-19 years. The OSA office is fortunate to have Mrs Julianne Young recently appointed as OSA Administrator, which doesn’t even start to describe the value she brings every day. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful wife, Marisa, who has made our house a home and, in her own right, made a real contribution to the school through Friends of Music. She made a difficult personal sacrifice to leave her family in Sydney so we could enjoy our time at TSS. We look forward to seeing you around the School, and I wish you all the best for 2022.

OPENING MY TSS ACCEPTANCE LETTER, 1979

FIRST DAY AT TSS, 1980

GPS PREMIERS FIRST VIII, 1985 (CRAIG SECOND FROM RIGHT)

YEAR 12 PASSING OUT PARADE, 1985

CRAIG WITH WIFE MARISA, ANDREW AND JOSHUA.

WITH FELLOW OLD BOYS AT THE 2021 TSS GOLF DAY

Band of Brothers

Our School, Your Family,

SECURE YOUR SEAT IN TSS HISTORY

The Annand Theatre leaves a lasting impression on all who visit the cutting-edge facility. Time is running out to secure your place in TSS history. We invite you to make a donation which will be acknowledged through the allocation of a named seat plaque. Secure your very own seat now to ensure your journey at The Southport School is remembered forever. To purchase a seat, visit TheSouthportSchool.com/Foundation

The power of a

CLEAR VISION Ms Renee Buckingham

Marketing and Communities Manager

yac de Barros (MAU21) was attending another Gold Coast high school when he set his sights on TSS. He applied for a scholarship and sat the required test. Despite performing well academically, it wasn’t wholly his test results that secured him the scholarship. It was the impression he left during his interview that made him standout from the rest. Ryac’s passion to be a TSS student and his self-starter attitude simply couldn’t be ignored. Not only was Ryac awarded a scholarship, he

“Not to mention his brilliant dry sense of humour and truly positive attitude.”

“I am forever grateful to the education I received at TSS,” said Ryac.

He was also a key member of the TSS Model United Nations team, that won the SecretaryGeneral’s Award for Outstanding School at the 2020 Bond University High School Model United Nations (BUHMUN).

Living with his parents in Molendinar, Ryac is currently doing the commute to Brisbane but is actively looking for an apartment close to the University.

“Ryac is a true global citizen - he has a unique ability to connect with others and he approaches challenges with positivity and pragmatism,” said Dr Bond.

“I am still really good friends with a lot of my TSSS cohort, and some are also studying at UQ, it’s an exciting time.”

“I can honestly say I didn’t play one sport. Academically TSS has so much to offer and extremely dedicated teachers who are at the top of their game” attacked every opportunity the school offered with the same gusto he showed getting to the school in the first place. Ryac started at TSS in 2019 and completed Years 10, 11 and 12. “I went to an all-boys school in South Africa and really wanted to get back to that environment. TSS was the school I really wanted to attend,” said Ryac. Ryac knew the school offered plenty of avenues for boys no matter what their interests. An intelligent and highly motivated boy, he quickly became involved with Dr Sarah Bond’s Academic Talent Development program and succeeded at nearly every project he touched. “Ryac is a conscientious, wonderful role model who has an incredibly cool head under pressure for his age,” said Dr Bond.

Despite a demanding work schedule, the driven youngster accomplished all he did without once complaining.

SAXON GEMERI AND RYAC

Ryac says there is a misconception in the community that TSS is only for athletes. “I can honestly say I didn’t play one sport. Academically TSS has so much to offer and extremely dedicated teachers who are at the top of their game,” said Ryac. The now 18-year-old achieved an ATAR of 97.4 and despite initially wanting to study law and being offered a place, he has since changed his mind and is studying a Bachelor Maths and Computer Science at the University of QLD. “I just decided there would be a lot more opportunity available to me if I went down this path.”

RYAC WITH HIS PARENTS RUI AND MELISSA

Band of Brothers

Year 6 students confidently conquer challenges Our future is in good hands! Ms Jasna Giebeler Preparatory Academic Talent Development

or the second year running students in the Prep School have entered into the Future Problem Solving (FPS) competition. Future Problem Solving was developed in 1974 by Dr E. Paul Torrance in response to a critical need for curriculum reform. There are many different opportunities available through FPS, today’s article focuses on the Global Issues Problem Solving component referred to as GIPS which enables students and their peers to make a positive impact on the world and on the future. FPS’s Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS) provides the tools and strategies students need to face the challenges of today and the future. Students complete in-depth research about topics of global importance, then learn to systematically address topic-related complex situations. FPS provides teachers and hence students, with a six-step framework to solve intriguing and difficult problems set in hypothetical scenarios 20-30 years into the future. Each scenario is called the ‘Future Scene’. The topics students have had to research, analyse and consider within these future scenes over the last two years have included, but are not limited to, key advancements in STEAM such as artificial intelligence, cyber conflict, nanotechnology, personalised medicine; global citizenship issues including environmental law, cultural prejudice, freedom of choice and freedom of speech; and social/

Band of Brothers

PROBLEM SOLVE MODEL

STEP 2 Select an underlying problem

2 STEP 1

STEP 3

Identify Challenges

Produce Solutions Ideas

3 5

STEP 5

STEP 4

Apply criteria to top solutions

Select criteria

emotional issues including coping with stress, healthy living, self-preservation in the global workplace, the impact of Esports and microchipping on families, sensory overload and social isolation. Participants complete in-depth research on a topic such as listed above and while, apply this six-step problem solving process, learn to systematically address and to resolve complex situations. They work together to predict several problems within the future scene related to law and justice, economics and business, health systems and medicines, transportation, to name a few. From here teams collaboratively decide on a key underlying problem; they evaluate the impact this problem would have on multiple aspects of society; and develop a detailed action plan to resolve it.

the world and in the future. Pleasingly our Year 6 team came second in their division in the FPS Queensland State finals this year. Proudly, our individual entrant Augie Hermann (Year 6) managed to get through to National Titles. Representing TSS Prep, Augie came Second in Queensland and first in the Action Plan Skit sectional. It is always an honor to see our boys embrace challenges and rise to them.

This process takes a high level of critical and innovative thinking. Collaborative teamwork is nurtured as students advance through challenging and exciting situations. At the forefront of the entire process is clear and articulate communication which is developed while working within a team or in the community, as ideas are presented in written and verbal modes. Linked closely to educational competencies this is certainly a challenging opportunity that enables students and their peers to make a positive impact in

AUGIE HERMANN

Band of Brothers

The great outdoors Mrs Kristen Bannister

Senior Teacher and Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

here have been many changes in the Outdoor Education space at TSS since Covid-19 hit. One of the main effects of the virus was the loss of Outward Bound in NSW, the Outdoor Education company that ran our Years 7 and 10 camps. Many Old Boys will have fond memories of canoeing down the Clarence River on their once ten-day camping adventure or climbing ‘Big Ben’ harnessed together at Uki in Northern NSW on Year 7 camp. The China trip used to spend five days trekking on the remote parts of the Great Wall of China and trips to Nepal and the Kokoda Track in PNG were halted in the planning stages. In 2020, TSS staff took Outdoor Education back into their hands – starting with Year 7. There are now Year 7 and 10 specialised year level camps and cadet camp for Years 8 and 9. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is open to all boys 14 years and older and events such as the Kokoda Challenge and the cadet dive course have established themselves as yearly events.

Camps Offered YEAR 7

Year 7 camp (Term One)

YEAR 8 Cadet camp (Term Three) YEAR 9

YEAR 10

YEAR 11

Man-up (Term Four)

Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys (for Duke of Ed participants)

YEAR 12

Band of Brothers

Dive course (voluntary)

Kokoda Challenge (voluntary)

Band of Brothers

Year 7 Camp As the Outward Bound option was no longer available to us, Mr Jason Sten, Director of Cadets was asked to take on the Year 7 camp. The camp, held at the TSS Dux campsite at South Stradbroke Island, proved to be an outstanding replacement, with the camps now running permanently on the island for all Year 7 classes. The Year 7 camp is held in Term One to help the boys get to know each other and bond as class groups. Mr Sten, assisted by Mr Roberts and Mrs Bannister, take the Year 7s through their paces for three days through early morning wake ups, archery tag, canoeing and a treasure hunt through the dunes. It is a camp that mixes adventure, an introduction to cadet discipline and skills, teamwork, mindfulness and emotional development. The classes leave South Stradbroke Island knowing each other and their mentor teacher well and gives them a very solid foundation for their TSS Senior School journey.

Years 8/9 Cadet Camp The largest of our camps is the Army Cadet camp for all Years 8 and 9 boys and the senior cadet leaders. Drawing from his 30 years of experience in the Australian Army, Mr Sten has set up an outstanding Cadet camp to challenge the boys in unique environments. The Cadet camp this year was run in the beautiful Numinbah Valley, partnering with the Spittle family whose boys have all attended TSS. The Spittle family own and run the Raw Challenge mud obstacle course – a course that rivals Tough Mudder and Spartan obstacle races. TSS took over the property for a week at the end of Term Three to put the boys through their paces. Year 8s had it easy in the luxury threeman tents on the flat paddocks while the Year 9s put their knowledge to practice setting up Army platoon positions and sleeping under hootchies. Activities included gel blasters, obstacle challenges, sniper camouflage, military navigation and equipment, fishing and more. During the four-day adventure, the platoons completed a challenge on all these activities and on the final day completed the full 9km mud obstacle course. Our Navy cadets, run by Mr Ken Connors, spent their week on the water based on South Stradbroke Island. Also known as ‘Dux’, the TSS campgrounds are located next to the Southport Yacht Club grounds. It has four cabins for the boys to bunk in and a large commercial kitchen and shower block area. It is the perfect spot for canoeing, fishing, raft building and adventures in the sand dunes on the eastern side of the island. The cadets also had the opportunity to sail the TSS sailing fleet and learn new skills in Navy craft; perfect for getting feet wet, sandy and bonding as mates.

Band of Brothers

Years 10/11 Man-up Camp It is the camp held at the end of Year 10 as the boys transition into Year 11 work in Term Four. This year it had a new format. The camp was held in two parts over the course of a week, one group spending time at school and the other at the Spittle property in the Numinbah Valley, swapping on the third day. Mr Bos, Deputy Headmaster of the Senior School, ran the school-based activities with help from staff on campus. The theme of this camp was ‘man-up’; activities included canoeing with Mrs Bannister, a jet boat ride, the ‘Find ya feet’ talk and a session where staff members Mr Trollope and Mrs Feledy shared their stories to help guide the boys in developing emotional maturity about this complex topic. On the second evening, the boys camped at school, they shared their own stories and reflected around the campfire on the oval. The Numinbah Valley camp was designed and run by Mr Sten assisted by a team of staff including Mr Roberts, Mrs Bannister, Mr Tonkin, Mr Roberson, Mr McQueen, Mr Rutherford and support from outdoor specialists Mr Chris Evans and Mr Shane Elisara who spent the week in the mud with the boys. Mrs Baker-Wright, Ms Mullaly and Mr Hain also assisted. The theme of this part of camp was to work together and to breathe, a lesson learnt in the colds of the river together at 5:30am and in the activities throughout the day and in the dark. Breathe through the challenge, breathe through the fear. Step up, accept the challenge, and work together to achieve success. Activities included gel blasters, river crossings, fishing, obstacles, archery tag, team challenges and the mud challenge course. On the second night of camp, the boys hosted the ladies of the valley at a formal dinner in the local hall. They were given the challenge of running the entire evening and, with only a few hours’ notice, had to organise a greeting party, hosts, boys to present the toasts, boys to perform the entertainment, waiters, barmen and kitchen staff. All of the boys displayed their excellent manners and gentlemanly behaviour in looking after their guests beyond expectation. The two halves of the camp gave the boys very different experiences to reflect on as they move into their Senior School.

The Duke Of Edinburgh’s International Award This year under the leadership of Mrs Bannister, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program soared. At the end of 2020, there were 115 boys enrolled in the program and there had been 39 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award certificates completed and presented at assembly. The second largest outdoor education program at TSS, The Duke of Ed program hosted eight camps in 2021 - hiking, canoeing and mountain biking adventures. Mrs Bannister is assisted on camps by Mr Sten, Head of Department - English, Mr McDonald, Mr Roberts and Ms Kerrianne Pearce as the core ‘Duke of Ed’ outdoor specialist team. Each level of the Award has four components physical activity, skill, service and adventurous journey. The aim of the program is to encourage young people to get involved in all of these aspects to develop into well rounded individuals. Many of our boys at TSS can complete these activities easily as there are so many offered at the school. All boys undertake GPS sport, music, debating, chess, drama, Round Square, Cadets and so many more activities that can amount towards achievement of the Award. The boys must complete two adventurous journeys per award level. They can be explorations – such as a study of different parts of the Great Barrier Reef on a dive trip or expeditions into the outdoors. Mrs Bannister and her team have so far run camps canoeing at South Stradbroke Island and bushwalking at Binna Burra and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. In 2022, camps will expand to canoeing at the Sunshine Coast and mountain bike riding through the bush in the Brisbane outskirts and along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to the west. There have also been 18 boys who have crewed the South Passage tall ship to sail along the Great Barrier Reef for their gold awards. During the pre-trip training, the boys learn to pack effectively for their activity, basic first aid and emergency procedures, mapping skills, they plan and source their own food and the route they will take on their adventure. On camp they take turns leading their group using their route navigation and maps, they camp and cook their own food. They are excellent camps to encourage confidence, leadership, and life skills for outdoor activities.

The Kokoda Challenge Under the guidance of Mr Saw and Mr Stalling, each year boys nominate for the gruelling Kokoda Youth Challenge held on the Gold Coast. The boys compete against other teams from all around the country in either a 48km or 96km endurance race. The 96km represents the Kokoda Track proper in Papua New Guinea where some of our TSS old boys fought and lost their lives. The boys train hard for the race through the Gold Coast Hinterland, on dirt tracks often no wider than a single person, aiming to complete the course in under 39 hours in whatever weather conditions are thrown at them. This is not only a physical challenge but an emotional one as the boys are pushed beyond the limits they thought possible.

TSS Dive Program Diving has been a resounding success at TSS thanks to Master Scuba Diver and trainer Mr Corey Brown from OzDive. Mr Brown knows TSS well through his son, Tyler, and has joined forces with Mr Sten to deliver introductory dive courses for senior boys in the TSS Cadet program. Under the supervision of Mr McQueen, each term a group of senior cadets is given the opportunity to join the dive program and learn new skills in the TSS pool during Cadets on Fridays. Many of these boys have gone on to compete their PADI dive qualifications through Mr Brown and his team and can now dive safely along our beautiful coastline. This program has been such a success that it has now expanded to St Hilda’s School as well. Look out for the first dive trip in 2022! There are many other activities that take the boys on outdoor activities at TSS – the Cattle Club, Biology and Geography excursions and of course boarding activities. Outdoor Ed has taken hold at TSS through Cadets, Duke of Ed, Kokoda Challenge amongst many activities to deliver first class adventures to challenge the boys, encourage them to extend themselves beyond their comfort zone and encourage emotional growth. It’s been an awesome year for Outdoor Ed - TSS style.

Band of Brothers

Old Boys

taking dentistry to those in need John ‘Fred’ Yared (THO69) After Year 12 I was rewarded with a Commonwealth Scholarship. This enabled me to start a degree in Dental Science at the University of Queensland in 1971 with another TSS Old Boy in John Wills, managing to graduate in 1975. I moved around the first few years of my practicing life with my wife Robyn, who I married in 1976, working on the Gold Coast, Gladstone, England, and Sydney, eventually ending up in Queen Street, Brisbane where I practiced for thirty years. A two-week visit to India in 1992 with a group from my church was a revelation of how the majority of the world lives. This was not a trip to see the usual tourist highlights, but instead we stayed in an orphanage in a village/township with a population of around four hundred thousand in Andhra Pradesh. This whetted my appetite for adventure and further trips to Bangladesh [twice] and the Philippines over the next few years allowed me to use my professional skills to help people who otherwise, would not have been able to afford dental treatment. I was then invited to join a multi-disciplinary team to go to Kenya and Uganda in 2003 and 2005 which was a wonderful introduction to the continent of Africa. It required quite an adaptation from ‘first world’ dentistry as working conditions in rural areas were primitive and only basic treatment like extractions could be offered. Living with the Daasanach people in the north of Kenya on the shores of Lake Turkana was like being dropped into a National Geographic documentary as they are nomadic goat and cattle herders. The women are topless and the men are warriors who must defend their livestock and grazing lands from neighbouring tribes. The work done on these trips fell into the category of ‘aid’ in that the work could not continue without us. This frustration was a catalyst to go to the next level which is ‘development’. This involves training and empowering local people. The opportunity for this next step came when my wife and I visited and worked at the Heal Africa Hospital in Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]. Goma is situated in the shadow of Mount

Band of Brothers

Nyiragongo, an active volcano which erupted in 2002 and again in 2021. That area of the DRC has endured what Time magazine described as the “deadliest conflict since World War II”, with over 5.4 million people killed in the last three decades, mainly by armed militia groups that evolved out of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. With the financial assistance of fellow professionals, we sponsored a young man through three years of training to become a ‘community dental officer’ and further sponsorship enabled the purchase of dental equipment for the establishment of a dental clinic as part of the hospital. I have learnt many lessons over my eleven visits to Africa. In the western world, we have an inclination to want to ‘fix’ things, and to achieve that aim as quickly and efficiently as possible. I have learnt that relationships and trust are more important. As the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!” Serving in a cross-cultural situation requires patience as events often do not start or finish at the expected times, hence the expression: “Africans have time, Americans [and Australians] have watches”. Flexibility, adaptability, a willingness to work in less than ideal circumstances, and cultural sensitivity are also beneficial. My realisation of the enormous blessing it is to have been born in a first world country like Australia, and the responsibility that comes with that of sharing our blessings with others less fortunate, were the catalysts for my attempts to redress the imbalance in the world. As Jesus said in Luke 12:48 – “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” I have also found the words of Jesus when He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” [Acts 20:35] to be so true! I have seen places that no tourists get to see, met people and had experiences that have been enriching and life-changing. I am now in the twilight of my career, having finished in private practice but still enjoy some mental and social stimulation as a part-time supervisor of the dental students at the University of Queensland and enjoy catching up with Old Boys from my years at TSS.

Dr Mohit Tolani (ATK06) Congratulations to Dr Mohit Tolani upon receiving Griffith University’s 2020 Outstanding Health Alumnus of the Year - an outstanding achievement and a very worthy recipient. Mohit contacted the OSA to pass on his thanks to TSS for his education:

“I am very grateful to TSS for the support and acknowledgement it provided me during senior school. This not only bolstered the spirit of the work I do but, at the same time, enhanced the coverage of the outcomes of the community initiatives that I am part of. I believe that TSS does deserve this acknowledgement as well, as I was part of it and started my work whilst at school.” Here is Griffith University’s article on Dr Tolani, shared with permission of Griffith University Media Department (Dr Mohit Tolani - griffith.edu.au)

Dr Mohit Tolani is a young community minded health care professional with a burning passion for dental literacy and equity of access. He is an outstanding example of someone who, although early in his career, has already dedicated countless hours to helping those who struggle with what can be painful, embarrassing, limiting or even life-threatening dental issues. Dr Tolani wants to reduce the “fear barrier and cost barrier” between dental practitioners and the community aiming to increase accessibility to dental care for all. Graduating from Griffith’s Gold Coast campus in 2016, where he won Awards for Academic Excellence and leadership, Dr Tolani now works as a regional dentist in Dapto, a suburb of Wollongong in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. He spends as much time treating paying patients as he does assisting those unable to afford care and some days he probably spends more time on the road, or in the air. In 2017, he delivered basic dental, eye and general health management information to high school and TAFE students in Shepparton and beyond, also servicing neighbouring rural towns and aged care centres, from a mobile dental van, as part of the Shepp Health project and his role at Goulburn Valley Health hospital. In addition to various initiatives, he currently volunteers with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to provide dental care to marginalised and indigenous communities in remote and rural NSW including but not limited to Bourke, Goodooga and Collarenebri and their regional based correctional centre. Ahead of his time, he embraced social media to reach parts of the community too scared to ask for help in person, offering free advice and more importantly, compassion to those for whom dental and public health concerns have significantly impacted their lives. “During the (ongoing) COVID-19 pandemic, I started a dento-pandemic health literacy campaign, utilising digital mediums to educate the community on ways to manage dental health while staying safe,” he said. Last year, when we ran a dental literacy campaign, many people were sending us videos, especially if they were too scared to come to the dentist during

Covid, in case they caught any sort of infectious conditions around. I asked them to call us or send us a video, to send us a Facebook story, explaining what their concern was. That removed people’s cost barrier and in turn removed the fear barrier because they weren’t in the surgery directly. Technology has played a very good role in building confidence and removing fear. We’ve seen the advent of new technology, especially with FaceTime, Facebook, and also video calls or tele dentistry. Also showing before and after images to the patient with an intra-oral camera is the new face of dentistry, where people can appreciate what the dentist is doing and what changes have happened.

winner for his role in addressing inequities in society, contribution to the wider Australia community via volunteerism and leadership, in association with community advancement through academic, professional and personal endeavours. Towards the end of this year, Dr Tolani plans to launch the New Smile 2021 project, aiming to provide free dental treatment to those in severe need as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and who are from marginalised communities with limited access to oral health services such as nursing homes. “I think when I took this job, my condition was I want to do things my way, in the sense that I want to do community-oriented projects bridging the gap between public and private sectors. And that kind of practice was new, but it’s been quite rewarding.”

Monitoring change over periods definitely helps build confidence for the patient, and ultimately they take more ownership of their own health, because your mouth is your gateway to your general body.” Dr Tolani says taking advantage of new technologies to help patients has been incredibly rewarding. “A lot of patients have benefited and some with dental diseases we’ve caught at an earlier stage, which has been fantastic.” He cites the case of a woman who put off visiting the dentist last year but contacted the clinic with concerns. Dr Tolani recognised the signs and referred her to a specialist, who diagnosed treatable oral cancer. “It is a sad story, but we called it at the right time because if it was any later, who knows where it might have progressed to,” he said. Dr Tolani currently sits on the Australian Dental Association NSW’s Dental Advocacy Committee and Professional Support Committee working on several policies and public health linked strategies for the future. He was awarded the 2020 Australia Day Outstanding Achievement Award by the Wollongong City Council for noteworthy community service within the field of dentistry and wider healthcare sector addressing gaps in dental health within various population groups. In 2018 he was a Pride of Australia National Medal

Band of Brothers

Welcome to the fold Mr Karel Bos

Deputy Headmaster - Head of Senior School

everend John Dougherty has commenced as School Chaplain at TSS this year, taking the reigns from Father Jonathan Whereat who retired at the end of 2021. Joining TSS is really a return to the school environment for Rev John. He was a business/accounting/SOSE and religion teacher at Coomera Anglican College and St Laurence’s College (South Brisbane) before entering the path to ordained ministry. Rev John also worked in youth and children’s ministry in Brisbane’s Hamilton and The Gap before being posted to Bundaberg and Toowoomba as a priest. Most recently he was Priest-in-Charge of Gold Coast North Anglican Parish which included Biggera Waters, Oxenford and Upper Coomera. Married to his wife Felicity for the past 20 years, they have five children: Lucy Year 12, Laurie Year 11, Griff Year 9, Jude Year 7 and Suzy Year 4. “I am indebted to Fr Jonathan for his work during his time here, as well as Mr Rowe and Mr Baker for their time in the Prep School.” Originally it was planned for Rev John to join TSS as an Assistant Chaplain, working in the Prep School and assisting Fr Jonathan. This circumstance changed with the retirement of Fr Jonathan due to his recent health complications and decision to step down from his role at the end of last year. Rev John has now been appointed as School Chaplain, and will be spreading his time across both campuses.

Band of Brothers

“I am sad not to be joining Fr Jonathan and would have appreciated getting to work alongside him and learning from him. We recently honoured and farewelled Fr Jonathan and Heather at a special assembly in the Annand Theatre followed by a luncheon.” Rev John is looking forward to helping the boys explore the spiritual life through the weekly chapels. “We are an Anglican school, but I appreciate that the boys will come from a range of spiritual and philosophical perspectives. My hope is that chapel will help the boys explore some of the deeper questions regarding meaning and purpose.” As well as supporting the students at TSS, Rev John will also be supporting the staff and Old Boy community. “One of the great privileges of my role is to walk with people through the good and not so good times in life. As a school chaplain, my role is to spiritually care for the community, by presiding at the weekly staff Eucharist, praying for the school, and celebrating weddings and baptisms, as well as officiating at funerals.” Rev John will be commissioned as the new Chaplain of The Southport School in the coming months.

Band of Brothers

Rugby TSS Rugby teams across the age groups showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the 2021 season. A number of Year 12 players, including Carsen Patu (Reds), Syris Schmidt, Massimo De Lutiis and Cooper McGeary (Brumbies), Isaiah Tolotu (Raiders) were rewarded for their performances with contracts in professional organisations. All teams made the most of the restrictive GPS season, which saw only six rounds played. The Under 11 age group showed that TSS Rugby has a lot to look forward to in the future, claiming wins against some usually strong rugby nurseries. The gutsiest win of the season came from the Second XV. Jett Budgen dived over late in the game to allow Will O’Brien to convert and steal the win from Nudgee College. The win was indicative of the spirit all of our TSS teams showed throughout the season, which will hold them in good stead for the year ahead.

The beating heart of TSS S

itting on a staggering 30 hectares of land, a walk across The Southport School senior campus is by no means brief. On your way through the grounds you will encounter vast playing fields, views of the Nerang River, sporting facilities, boarding and day houses, residential buildings, a library, lecture and performance theatres, administration buildings and a host of specialised classrooms. But eventually, at the point of highest elevation in Southport and at the geographical heart of the School, you will find St Alban’s Memorial Chapel. It was on 13 November 1921 when the St Alban’s Chapel was consecrated by Archbishop of Brisbane, Gerald Sharp. Erected in memory of those 52 Old Boys who offered their service and made the ultimate sacrifice during The Great War, school founder, Horace Dixon, hoped that the Chapel would serve as a reminder to those who shall worship here, that self-sacrifice … is the greatest of all Christian virtues. The Chapel was therefore aptly dedicated to and named

after England’s earliest Christian martyr, Saint Alban, who sacrificed himself for the life of his friend, Amphibalus, a Christian priest. The story goes that upon hearing that Roman authorities were on their way to seize Amphibalus, it was Alban who exchanged clothes with him, allowing him to escape. After being captured, Alban refused to abandon his beliefs and it was decided that he would suffer the same punishment intended for Amphibalus and so was soon beheaded on the hillside just outside of the old Roman town of Verulamium. The Chapel is therefore a prescriptive symbol for students, as both stories follow ordinary men doing extraordinary things. The years prior to the Chapel’s construction were far from conducive; the Spanish Flu had taken hold around the world, money was tight, supplies were difficult to come by as a result of governmentmandated rationing and with their fathers overseas, several students were forced to return to the family farm to help their mothers and siblings. The most

Mr Charles Martin MAU14

difficult thing for Dixon, however, was boosting the morale of the remaining students at the school, who each week during Chapel Service were read out the names of any Old Boys who had passed while in service of their king and country. To pay respects, a small altar had been constructed and positioned behind a curtain within an old wooden classroom in what is now Biddle House. For Dixon, this wasn’t enough and so he formed the idea of a larger Chapel which would provide a space of solace for students to mourn and memorialise those brothers who would never return. The renowned architect Robin Dods worked with Horace Dixon to produce a rough sketch of the chapel, which was to be modelled on the chapel at Queen’s College in Cambridge, England, where Dixon had visited. With the quoted cost exceeding 8000 pounds, an appeal for money was sent out, however only a few hundred pounds were raised, perhaps unsurprisingly considering the allocation of

Band of Brothers ST ALBAN’S UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1920

money from many families toward the War Funds. Even so, it was enough for official architects Atkinson and Conrad to draw up plans by June 1920. These plans would go on to inform the work of G.A. Carter who, as builder, would begin construction in June 1920. The plans also provided Dixon with the visual support needed for another appeal campaign, with funds eventually rolling in once the war had ended. By this point though, the cost of materials had risen and so an additional 2000 pounds was added to the price of construction. Here, many founding families from the Southport area came to Dixon’s aid, donating large sums of money, while other families offered furnishings, silverware lecterns and altars. Following completion in 1921, additions over the next decades included stained glass memorial windows, a new organ dedicated to choirmaster H.J. King in 1925 and donated interior items bearing names of loved ones. Interestingly, in 2007, Chaplain at the time, Father Bryan Gadd, was sent a ‘Roman Brick’ by a member of the St Alban’s Abbey in England. The brick had been discovered during excavations under the Abbey and had once belonged to one of the buildings of Verulamium during Roman settlement. The brick has since been reshaped into a tile and forms yet another part of the Chapel’s physical history enjoyed by the TSS community.

For a hundred years now, the Chapel has played host to weekly and annual day and boarding house chapels, graduation ceremonies, Headmaster inductions, Prefect inductions, new staff inductions, student orientations, memorial services, blessings of the school’s top athletes, year level meetings and School community baptisms, weddings and funerals. Its high ceilings, orderly pews, church organ, draped House flags and stained-glass windows come together to convey a sense of majesty and holiness for students and parents alike. Indeed, Admissions Registrar, Katrina Martin, along with several staff members will attest to overhearing new parents likening the Chapel to the Hogwarts Great Hall from the Harry Potter films. Above all else, however, the Chapel has served as a place for staff and students to reset, connect with God and develop their faith. School Archivist, Debbie Turner, describes the Chapel as a beating heart that keeps The Southport School’s traditions and faith alive today. The TSS school community looks forward to another 100 years of St Alban’s Memorial Chapel.

ST ALBAN’S CHAPEL 2021

ST ALBAN’S CHAPEL ORGAN

The Alban Bun - the original Hot Cross Bun The precursor to the well-known Hot Cross Bun, is thought to have originated at St Albans, where Father Thomas Rocliffe, a 14th-century monk at St Alban’s Abbey, created a unique recipe. Father Rocliffe began distributing the buns to the impoverished on Good Friday in 1361 and the gift was so well received that Rocliffe decided to bake the buns every year. In 1862, the Herts Advertiser featured the following quote from ‘Ye Booke of Saint Albans’: “In the year of Our Lord 1361 Thomas Rocliffe, a monk attached to the refectory at St Albans Monastery, caused a quantity of small sweet spiced cakes, marked with a cross, to be made; then he directed them to be given away to persons who applied at the door of the refectory on Good Friday in addition to the customary basin of sack (wine). These cakes so pleased the palates of the people who were the recipients that they became talked about, and various were the attempts to imitate the cakes of Father Rocliffe all over the country, but the recipe of which was kept within the walls of the Abbey.” The intriguing story of the Alban Bun continues to pique people’s interest, having been featured on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and the British breakfast show, Lorraine, as well as the BBC’s Mary Berry’s Easter Feast in 2016.

Interestingly, the Redbournbury Mill, which served the Abbey for half a millennium before English, Welsh, and Irish monasteries were abolished between 1536 and 1540, reopened its milling services for the St Alban’s Anglican Cathedral and since 2005 has also been operating a bakery that makes the Alban Bun.

ST ALBAN’S FALLEN SOLDIERS HONOUR BOARD

With the exception of some additional fruit, the baker today sticks to the original 14th century recipe, which includes flour, eggs, fresh yeast, currants, and grains of paradise or cardamom, however the full recipe is kept a tightly guarded secret. The baker also stays true to the original way in which the cross is adorned on the top of the Bun: the mark is pressed or cut into the Bun rather than the modern method of piping two crossed lines across the top. The cross signifies the Crucifixion of Jesus, with the spices representing the embalming of his body for burial, while the bitter taste of orange peel represents the bitterness of his time on the Cross. The time-honoured custom has been upheld over the centuries across the Anglican world, and will likely continue for generations to come. TSS continued the tradition when handing the Buns out to the school community this year during the Centenary Celebration of St Alban’s Chapel.

Band of Brothers

The pipes play on Mr Greg Cornelsen Director of Philanthropy

he outstanding St Alban’s Chapel Centennial Service was enriched by the recently refurbished Chapel pipe organ.

World renowned organist Andrej executed a breathtaking performance.

Kouznetsov

Eighty-five Old Boys and friends of the School donated the funds required for Brisbane based company Pierce Pipe Organs, to completely refurbish the organ to its original glory days. As school organist Christine Harth said “the sound is out of this world.” The original organ that was installed for the opening of St Alban’s Chapel, 1921, was quite inadequate

and replaced by our current organ which was commissioned on 22 February 1925. This organ was designed and built by Whitehouse Brothers of Brisbane. Our pipe organ cost 1,569 pounds which was paid for by parents and friends. The pipe organ is a musical instrument that produces sound by driving pressurised air through the organ pipes selected by a keyboard. The pipe organ is made up of four parts. These parts all work together to produce the classic sounds of a pipe organ. These four parts include the console, the

pipes, the action and the wind generator. Console. The console consists of the keyboards, the stops and the foot pedals. Our organ has three keyboards. Each keyboard plays different sounds allowing the organist to blend them together to create a more complicated and dynamic note arrangement. The stops (nobs) control the amount of pressured air that is allowed into the pipes. Each stop, of which our organ has 22, controls and switches on a set of pipes, up to 61, for pitch control. The foot pedals are used to play the deep notes of a piece. Pipes. Our pipe organ has 1,267 pipes ranging in size from ½” (12mm) to 16’ (4.9m). Pipes can be found

Band of Brothers St Alban’s Chapel Organ

in two forms, flue and reed pipes. Flue pipes are a hollow tube with no moving parts. Air enters the pipe through a slotted hole producing sound. With the reed pipe air enters through the bottom of the pipe and vibrates an internal reed. As the reed vibrates, the sound resonates creating the pipe pitch. Action. The action links all the assemblies and pieces of the organ together. The action is connected to the console and allows for the control of air to the pipes by using various means. Wind Generator. The pipe organ is distinctly a wind instrument. As such, it requires a lot of wind to create the incredible array of sounds that makes it so unique. The TSS organ is powered by an electrical blower which forces air into bellows that emit the correct wind pressure required.

Over the years some boys have shown an interest in learning to play the School organ. Now that it is fully restored to its original condition, and the loft is refitted and presented so well, the timing is perfect for students to have an opportunity to learn to play the organ. Visiting renowned organists such as Andrej Kouznetsov, may visit the School and participate in a concert in St Alban’s Chapel to promote our pipe organ and chapel, not only to the School community but to the broader community at large. Actively promoting our pipe organ through individual performances and chapel concerts, will introduce this unique musical instrument to boys and girls who may never have had this opportunity.

Clock Tower Year 2s visit the

he Clock Tower building at TSS is certainly a landmark on the Gold Coast. This beautiful brick building was designed by the architects Atkinson and Conrad and was the pride of TSS founder, and inaugural principal, Horace Dixon, back in 1926. Initially three boarding houses were resident in there, but now it is home to only Delpratt boarders. It was also used as an American army hospital base during World War II.

It is, however, the clock right at the top that holds a special place in the School’s history. Visiting the little room at the top of many flights of stairs, is an honour that very few have experienced. Inside this room lives the School’s timepiece. The clock has a traditional Westminster chime, four bells that ring for the 15-minute chime and a big bell for the hour chime. These chimes can be heard from a distance. Although many neighbours struggle to adapt to the sound, the Schools’ resident staff and boarders sleep soundly! This clock room is only accessible by climbing very steep ladders. Although it is off limits to staff and students, many boys have ventured up, perhaps a little

sneakily at times! Above this little room is another staircase to the platform on top of the tower, where the flag flies. The flag used to be hoisted and lowered each day, but now because lights shine on it, it is no longer necessary to do so. When the Year 2 boys were walking across to the Senior School for their history tour with the learned Mr Wallace, they bumped into Mr Hawkins who was visiting the Prep School. He had a chat to Mrs Joss and told her that he had a plan and hoped that he could make it work between his meetings on a rather busy day! The six boys, Mrs Joss and Mrs Stevens will be forever grateful that the plan did come together and that we were able to stand at the top of this incredible building and appreciate the views of our beautiful school and the city in which we live. Mr Hawkins shared his journey with this group of Year 2 boys, a special one being his first as Headmaster. “I have been chatting to the Year 2s in class throughout the year about various topics, but it is the history of the School has really resonated with them and ignites the most questions. I promised the boys in Term

Ms Sharon Joss Year 2 Teacher

One, that at the end of the year, we might be able to take some Year 2 boys to the top of the Clock Tower. As part of their recent tour of the Senior Campus, I organised for a small group of Year 2 boys to join me at the top for a photo. While the boys were excited, it was also exciting to have long-serving staff members, Mrs Ruth Stevens, Mrs Sharon Joss and Mrs Sue Jones join us on the adventure. Many staff and boys go through their TSS journey without heading up to the top of the Clock Tower so I am glad these boys got to do so this early in their TSS journey. As Mrs Stevens transitions to retirement in 2022, me taking her up the top made it even more special.” “My highlight, however, was that Miles Wu, with the assistance of Year 11 student Jack Stockbridge and Ms Mia Cunningham, got to fly a drone above the Clock Tower to take some photos and videos of the boys and staff. We as a school are currently looking at our strategic thinking around TSS in 10 years from now. Essentially, this means we are looking at what TSS will be like for these Year 2 students when they reach Year 12. Hopefully we can get the footage that Miles took from the archives in 2031 to remind these boys of the day way back in Year 2, 2021, when they are the seniors of this great school.”

Band of Brothers

adventure

The boys recounted their exciting adventure...

Boys in the Clock Tower

Seeing the Clock Tower

I was chosen to go into the Clock Tower when we went on our history walk to the Senior School. Mr Hawkins came with us. The Clock Tower was so weird, old, and enormous. Also, we were the first boys in Year 2 to ever go into the tower.

I was chosen to have a picture with Mr Hawkins on top of the big, towering Clock Tower. It was amazing and great. We got to see the splendid view of the Gold Coast and had a photo taken by a little, black drone. The drone was controlled by a senior boy.

When we were going in, I was excited and nervous. I thought it would look rusty and things broken but actually it didn’t look like that.

I saw how the old, metal clock works. Some of the clock parts were a bit rusty. The boys and I climbed up the huge, tall ladder to get to the very top of the Clock Tower. I was a little scared about climbing the steep ladder, but I was brave and was grateful that I reached the top.

We had to walk through the boarders’ rooms to climb the stairs. Everything wasn’t in perfect condition. Some of the rooms were messy. In the last room we found a ladder and I had never climbed a ladder. I thought “nah” this will be easy, but it wasn’t. When we got up the ladder, we were at the clock part which is the main part of the tower. There was a pully, and it clangs the clock.

Before our climb we saw where the Delpratt boarders studied and slept because we had to walk through their bedrooms to get to the ladders. The beds looked comfy and cosy. Very few boys go to the top of the Clock Tower, so it was a wonderful adventure for me. Johnny Quinn. 2J

Next, we went to the very top of the tower. A senior boy flew a drone over us and took a photo. Finally, we went back down. I felt very honoured and happy because it was the best experience of my life. Levi Tsekenis. 2J

Journey up the Clock Tower

Our Adventure Six boys were invited to go with Mr Hawkins into the Clock Tower. We climbed up stairs and saw the boarder’s bedrooms. We climbed a ladder to the pendulum of the clock. This was followed by another ladder to the very top of the Clock Tower. The views were amazing because I could see my street and the whole city!

First, we went walking with Mr Hawkins somewhere for a photo. I didn’t know where were going. We went up a lot of stairs then we went into a room that had a red ladder in it, we climbed up this ladder.

Joshua Nauta Hendriks 2S

Next, we got to the top of that ladder. We saw the machine that made the clock work. We then climbed up another ladder. At last, we found ourselves at the tippy top of the Clock Tower. I came down the ladder feeling very nervous, but I got down uninjured!

On Tuesday, we went to the Senior School. I was chosen to go to the top of the Clock Tower with Mr Hawkins. When I saw the ladder, I was a bit scared, but when I started climbing, I wasn’t so scared. In the middle of the Clock Tower, I saw the big machine that made the clock work. Mr Hawkins told us that it was over a hundred years old. At the very top you could see everything!

I really want to go up the Clock Tower again! Thank you, Mr Hawkins, for taking me to the top of the Clock Tower.

Our Excursion

Flynn Saw 2S Thomas Stroud 2H 50

Band of Brothers

Mr Greg Cornelsen Director of Philanthropy

The Old Southportonians’ Pavilion

hrough the generosity of so many from the TSS Old Boys’ community, the Old Southportonians’ Pavilion will now become a reality. Ideally situated on the northern hill of the Village Green and directly behind the rugby and football goalposts will stand the new two-level Old Southportonians’ Pavilion. The top level of the Pavilion will provide TSS Old Boys, their families and friends, a place to gather like never before. The Pavilion will comfortably seat 100 guests for functions, sporting events, special occasions and reunions. The ground floor will offer first class changing rooms for TSS and opposition teams, referees and umpires as well as a physio/medical room and storage. The Old Southportonians’ Pavilion name honours the strong unwavering proud tradition of alumni, community engagement and care for the School by our Old Boys. The OSA committed $800,000 to the project which was derived from the sale of Hidden Creek.

Band of Brothers

The School and the TSS Foundation have each contributed $250,000 with the remainder donated by Old Boys and some from the School community. A number of Old Boys and friends have offered in-kind donations and assistance. Initially the plan was only for the Pavilion build however the OSA and School are keen to terrace the hill either side of the Pavilion with sandstone blocks. As 2021 OSA President (now immediate Past President) Christopher Johnstone said: “Terracing either side of this magnificent building will really turn the Shark Tank into an amphitheatre of Romanesque proportions”. Hopefully additional funds will turn this dream into a reality. Although a fait accompli, we are awaiting final approval from a couple of organisations. The project is planned to go to tender in the first quarter and hopefully construction commencing during Term Two. This project has been an outstanding example of team work and generosity. The enthusiasm of so many to ensure that this vision become a reality has been a joy to be part of. Thank you all.

Track & Field Whilst our overall placing was not the desired result, TSS had some outstanding individual performances at the 2021 Track and Field. Max Durrington (14yrs 400m), Harry Bouwmeester (16yrs 800m), Jack Cameron (15yrs High Jump) and Kingsley Uys (14yrs Discus) all achieved gold and etched their name in GPS history. The following boys achieved silver Max Durrington (14 yrs 800), Archie Jasinski (16 yrs Long Jump), Harry Bouwmeester (16yrs 400m and 1500m) and Kingsley Uys (14yrs Shotput). Jay Campbell placed third in the 15yrs 400m. Harry Bouwmeester received the award for the most inspirational performance in the 800m in what can only be described as a truly brilliant exhibition of distance running. The Junior GPS Track and Field championships were held prior to the senior carnival during the morning. TSS finished in sixth position which was an outstanding effort by the boys and credit to our Junior Coordinator Mrs Goudy. Special mention to Charlie Blok – our 2021 Track & Field Captain and 2021 School Captain. Charlie has been an exemplary leader and an outstanding athlete throughout his time at TSS.

Band of Brothers

OLD SOUTHPORTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION

Year in review

We’ve heard some wonderful stories from our Old Boys over the past year. Here are a few...

Older Old Boys Assembly

Chris Newton (THO67)

Unfortunately, COVID-19 impact meant we sadly couldn’t hold our much loved Old Boys’ Weekend for the second year in a row.

Chris continues to practice at the Bar in Queensland and maintain his interest in rugby, being a life member of not only the Old Southportonians but the Queensland Rugby Referees Association for which he has refereed over 650 games before retiring in 2021. He continues to be a referee coach and a Judicial Officer for ARU, QRU and even Tiggy Forrest’s Global Rugby when it existed.

However, neither closed borders, movement restrictions, masks and other regulations were going to stop us from honouring our Older Old Boys, those who commenced at the School 60 years ago and beyond. Who could have imagined a world where we would beam out to our community virtually? Yet that’s what we did – a very special Virtual Assembly was held on the day that festivities would normally have taken place on campus – Thursday 2 August. The live stream can still be viewed at https://youtu.be/M5vNxX7eXys Only two Older Old Boys attended to represent the community – Mr Bert Cockerill(MCK55) and Mr Lionel Meerkin (SHE53). With the Year 12 cohort, they led a socially distanced war cry, whilst wearing masks. Headmaster, Mr Andrew Hawkins, went to great effort to pre-record a virtual tour of the School to remind Old Boys of the nooks and crannies of the School grounds that they would remember, as well as showcasing the incredible new facilities. A special keepsake booklet filled with nostalgic photos and memories was sent to all our Older Old Boys. Our newer members, those who commenced 60 years ago, were also sent their commemorative OSA tie.

Anthony Levy (MCK63) I haven’t thought too much about my life as a student at TSS, other than to recall that, as one of a very few day boys way back then there was, I regret to say, a certain lack of commitment on my part. I made very good and long-lasting friendships but certainly didn’t excel academically or at sport. My parents’ home became an informal drop-in point for the occasional boarder walking on his way into town or, on a more formal basis, invited for a family day out. As a student I probably did what was expected of me, but not much more.

We hope that can all be together in 2022 – but we’ll continue to live stream whenever we can to include our Old Boys around Australia and the world. Looking back on this year’s Virtual Assembly, we will all remember the challenges of 2021.

Band of Brothers

I do have a few anecdotes, but I’ll limit them to one that stands out. It represents a bygone era of a smaller, more close-knit school and town community. That occasion was when the headmaster, ‘Gus’ Pearson, appeared at our art class with my lunch in a brown paper bag. He interrupted the session with the following announcement: “Levy, I wasn’t aware that you were married. Your father-in-law just dropped your lunch off at my office.” Mr Pearce was well known to my family and vice versa and was well aware that my grandfather’s command of English was not the best. Mr Pearce told me later that day that my grandfather had introduced

himself as my father-in-law (instead of grandfather) and that he should look for me in the super-senior class (instead of what was in those days called sub-senior). The episode was accepted in good humour. That day I did swap my lunch with a boarder for his place in the dining room. He preferred the look of my lunch that Mr Pearce had delivered, and I was always happy to have a hot lunch at school. After TSS I spent a year at Hubbard Academy in Brisbane, a well-regarded ‘finishing school’ for ambitious students who had passed through the GPS system. I then completed one year of dentistry and one year of an arts degree at Qld Uni before moving to Canberra in 1967. There I joined the public service and completed my studies in administration and computer programming part time.

Formal fireworks The OSA was pleased to gift the Year 12s a spectacular fireworks display for their Formal in the Annand River Room - a wonderful way to commence the boys’ countdown to being Old Boys.

I was employed as a computer programmer for several years and then moved into administration, for the most part as senior adviser in the Cabinet Office in support of several prime ministers over time and as Secretary of the Federal Executive Council facilitating the functions of that office at Government House. For a short period, I was also Chief of Staff to a Federal Minister. I spent the last five years of my working life as Parliamentary Liaison Officer for the House of Representatives with responsibility for guiding the government’s legislation program through the Chamber. On reflection I’d say that the influences of family and school evoke for me very fond memories. I got away with being a free spirit for most of my early life and would probably be described as a late developer. I’m lucky to have a wonderful wife, Glenda, and three adult children, Gemma, Caroline and Matthew.

Mr Joffre Bell (MCK39) Our oldest Old Boy

The fireworks were introduced with a message that the OSA recognises the good-natured resilience of the boys in the face of many trials and tribulations as they navigated the unpredictability and challenges of the past two years. Along with online learning, periodic isolation from friends and family – particularly for boarders, their much-anticipated Formal was cancelled twice due to health restrictions. Bravo Year 12s.

Gratitude to retiring OSA President A huge vote of thanks to retiring President, Christopher Johnstone (BID90). Christopher has served as President from 2017; Vice President 2016 & 2017; committee member from 1998 to 2001; and re-joined the committee upon his return to Brisbane in 2007. He now supports the Council as Immediate Past President. Christopher’s dedicated service over these many years was gratefully acknowledged at the OSA AGM by the Headmaster and OSA Council and committee members. His steadfast, collaborative and visionary leadership was praised, including his efforts to bring to realisation the Old Southportonians’ Pavilion, which will commence construction in 2022. Christopher attended TSS in the Prep School between 1979 and 1982, and then as a boarder in Biddle House from 1989 to 1990. He practices as a barrister in Brisbane and is also a legal officer in the RAAF (Specialist Reserves) with the rank of Squadron Leader. In 2019 he deployed to the Middle East on Operation Accordian and was awarded the Australian Operational Service Medal. Born 27 April 1920 Aside from his RAAF service overseas, Mr Bell has lived all his life in Clifton, near Toowoomba. Mr Bell is seen here at Older Old Boys’ Assembly in 2019. He sent this message in recent times when the Older Old Boys’ Day had to be cancelled due to health restrictions: “I had my 101st birthday this year, and I’m in good health. I’m living in Clifton and still have my driver’s licence. I wish we could all be together for Old Boys’ Day this year and hope we can get together next year. I have so many memories of my time at TSS, and love to see everyone at Old Boys’ Day. I send my best wishes to all the Old Boys and everyone at TSS.”

Band of Brothers

Captain Joseph awarded medal for service

Jack Doohan racing towards F1

Our congratulations and gratitude for service to Captain Lachlan Joseph (BID06), who was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the Military Division of the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Motorsport aficionados - and the new wave of followers hanging on every episode of Netflix’s Formula 1 series - will be watching 18-year-old Jack Doohan’s success with great interest as he races toward Formula 1 competition. Jack is a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, who competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship over the past season.

Captain Joseph was recently presented with the award by His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, at an investiture ceremony held at Government House Adelaide

Jack recently had the call up to compete in F2, and in his second ever F2 race in the November 2021 Jeddah Grand Prix came an impressive fifth. In the final F1 round in Abu Dhabi, Jack finished P11, P8 & DNF.

The award citation read: “For meritorious achievement as the Current Operations Office at Headquarters 3rd Brigade”. It was noted in the media that Captain Joseph’s leadership, skill and judgement in the face of a catastrophic weather event during the Townsville floods, made an outstanding contribution to the civil and military response and ensured superior cooperation that ultimately saved Australian lives. His exceptional service and technical skill as the lead planner during high profile international engagement activities has further enhanced the reputation of the Australian Army and has been in the finest traditions of the Australian Defence Force.

Old Boy Monty bags a Python Lights, camera, action - Miles ‘Monty’ Franklin (TUR00) is bringing the Great Emu War of 1932 to the big screen - starring John Cleese.

It’s been a year of big achievements for Jack, who in August became the first driver in history to win consecutive F3 races with his back-to-back showing in Belgium. “That was the moment of the year,” said Jack. “I was able to show my potential, and show what I can do.”

Old Boy names Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year Rapping sensation Jacob Paulson (BID15) aka JK-47 won the 2021 National Indigenous Music Awards’ Album of the Year for ‘Made For This’. Amongst his string of accolades, JK-47 was also the 2020 Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year. Congratulations Jacob.

Monty has co-written the script with Deuce Bigalow star Rob Schneider and Cleese. Production is due to start in Western Australia this year.

PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM, MONTY FRANKLIN

The Great Emu War was a nuisance wildlife management military operation undertaken in 1932 to address public concern over the number of emus said to be running amok in farming areas of Western Australia – let’s see what Monty, John and Rob make of it. Congratulations pulling off this enormous achievement, Monty.

Band of Brothers

You can see Old Boy JK-47 live - tour dates across Australia from November to April.

A tale of two blazers A large contingent of Old Boys attended the Rowing Support Group’s fundraiser lunch in November, where a very special and surprise presentation was made. Perry Cross (MAU92) and OSA President (06) earned his rep blazer for rugby and rowing but, as Rowing Support Group President Tom Ray (MEL91) explained to guests, “Pez was too busy playing rugby and rowing back then to collect”. To the huge cheers of the crowd, Ben Michael (RAD92) and Bryan Hain, TSS Director of Sport, presented Perry with his blazer almost 20 years after it was earned. Congratulations Perry.

OSA Honorary Life Member Awards The 2021 OSA Executive Council, in accordance with the Constitution and consultation with past presidents, was delighted to award two honorary life memberships. Mr Peter Lockhart (THO65) In recognition for your many decades of service to the Old Southportonians’ Association. From your dedication to the maintenance of fellowship amongst your year group, your service as President, and to your unmatched and entirely selfless generosity of time and energy in the management and maintenance of Hidden Creek, you are a most worthy recipient of Honorary Life Membership.

BRYAN HAIN, ANTHONY COOK, BEN MICHAEL, PERRY CROSS AM, TOM RAY, ASHLEY BRADNAM AND CHRISTIAN ONETO AT THE RECENT ROWING LUNCH

Peter Barr earned his blazer for GPS shooting in 1974, and in the same year he represented Queensland. He’s not sure why he didn’t buy his blazer at the time – but suspects because as a shooter he was much smaller than the rugby and rower recipients, and there may not have been his size! Peter was a special ‘in-person’ guest at this year’s Older Old Boys’ Virtual Assembly, so that Headmaster Mr Hawkins could present him with his blazer – 47 years later. Mr Hawkins said the fact that Peter wanted to collect his blazer showed how much it means to him and how special that is. School Captain Charlie Blok and Director of Sport Mr Bryan Hain made the presentation. Peter addressed the students and virtual audience with his gratitude, and said it was lucky he believed in better later than ever. Peter also said: “I am so honoured to be presented with this blazer, and I’ll keep it with pride. To all the boys here, you are at a great school. It doesn’t hit you right away, but when you come back like I have, you realise just what a great school it is.”

PETER LOCKHART RECEIVING HIS OSA HONORARY LIFE MEMBER AWARD

Mr Gregory Wain (Headmaster 2004-2020) In recognition of your personal and professional dedication to The Southport School over seventeen years as Headmaster. In fulfilling your role as custodian of the history and values of the School, you demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to the School as a centre of academic learning grounded in the moral foundations of the Christian ethos. On behalf of the Old Southportonians’ Association and, in particular all of our members who had the great privilege to attend the School under your headmastership, we welcome you as one of us.

OSA branches re-launching in 2022 With the excitement of borders and restrictions set to ease locally, nationally and internationally this year, we look forward to having our worldwide branches power up and bring members in their area together. If you are a branch coordinator, or would like to be involved, please email osa@tss.qld.edu.au.

PETER BARR RECEIVING HIS REPRESENATIVE BLAZER FROM SCHOOL CAPTAIN CHARLIE BLOK AND DIRECTOR OF SPORT BRYAN HAIN

Band of Brothers

Wallabies’ Captain Slipper

The OSA Award

Congratulations James Slipper (TUR07) on being selected as Wallabies’ Captain for the season-ending Test against Wales in Cardiff. The heart breaker finish was 29-28 to the Welshmen. However, here’s Slips’ winning advice featured in a 2011 OSA Review...

This prestigious award is presented to a second, third or fourth generation Southportonian for leadership and service. The 2021 recipient of the Old Southportonians’ Association Award was Cody Wood.

Head Day Boy and Foundation School Prefect, Cody is an accomplished scholar who is a member of the Dean’s List, a multiple Silver Palm recipient and a Scholar’s Tie holder. He played First XV Rugby and Division 1 GPS Gymnastics. Cody is second generation TSS student, and the Class of 2021 heard wise words from his father Paul (DEL84) as the guest speaker at the 2021 Valedictory Dinner.

History of the McWhirter Cup honoured OSA represented at Valedictory The OSA acknowledges the achievements and resilience of the fine young men graduating in 2021 who weathered many missed opportunities due to COVID-19 restrictions, with many boarding boys separated from families for extended periods, and some families across borders unable to attend Valedictory celebrations. At the Year 12 Graduation, OSA President Christopher Johnstone proudly gifted the valets an OSA 2021 tie. At the Valedictory Dinner held in the Dining Hall, Old Boy Mr Paul Wood (DEL84) was guest speaker, and his Valedictorian son Cody Wood gave the vote of thanks. Christopher Johnstone also addressed the boys to welcome them to the OSA.

Band of Brothers

The annual Foundation Golf Day in November was a huge success with many young, old and older Old Boys playing. Warm thanks to the Foundation for organising this great day. To honour the traditions of the OSA McWhirter Cup, a banner was made and Old Boys Derek and Douglas Murphy (whose uncle the cup honours) participated and presented the award - which only Old Boys can win. Douglas is pictured with the banner on the day.

The banner reads: The McWhirter Cup in honour of James McWhirter (MCK 1921-1930) The McWhirter Cup Golf Competition originated when Duncan McWhirter (MCK 191924; OSA president 40-41), honoured the memory of his brother James who died from illness during World War II. James was Paymaster in the Royal Australian Navy based in Darwin. The original competition prize donated by Duncan was a gold watch.

Class of 2021 Welcome to the OSA! Gentlemen - you went to sleep one day as a student and work up the next as an Old Boy.

Duncan passed away in 1953. Two of Duncan’s nephews, brothers Derek Murphy (MCK 58-64; OSA President 76-78; Chairman of School Council 05-06) and Douglas Murphy (MCK 61-68; OSA President 79-81 & 99-01), continue the family tradition by regularly participating and presenting the McWhirter Cup.

Class of 2021 Vote of Thanks to the OSA Charlie Blok, 2021 School Captain (BID21) Now being a part of the Old Southportonian’s Association, the seniors of 2021 will forever feel at one with this special place. No longer will we wear the sky-blue shirt and charcoal pants, but forever we can wear our Old Boys’ ties with pride and enrich ourselves in the countless events the OSA committee runs to ensure we are connected. On a personal note from our cohort, we would truly like to thank the OSA for the contributions that made our year exceptional. The fireworks provided for us at our Formal on September 17, truly made the night so memorable. The tie we were each presented with at Graduation Assembly will always have a special place in our homes. The proposed Old Boys’ Pavilion to overlook the Village Green will continue to connect the graduated with the current boys. From all of us, we genuinely thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for us, but particularly for how you have helped make our final year one to never forget.

For you, our newest Old Boys, the last term of 2021 was the culmination of your education in the nurturing and empowering environment of The Southport School. For the last time as schoolboys you embraced each other and roared the war cry. The OSA sends every wish for you to go safely forward and embrace the rest of your lives, and we look forward to your involvement with the OSA in the future. There will be social opportunities as well as mentoring, work experience and employment opportunities. Through the OSA, TSS will always remain a place of shared connection for you all.

We appreciate everything, from the little to large that you do for us all, in connecting us to our second home, The Southport School.

Band of Brothers

Class of ‘73 and ‘74 Mark Westcott (THO74) happily relayed that this group of mates from ‘73 and ‘74 held their annual get together at Cav’s Steakhouse in November, and had the usual wonderful time reminiscing.

Class of ‘61 The years have not dimmed their bond, the joy of being together, and their spirit of inclusiveness – this group epitomise Old Southportonians! Happy 60th Anniversary of your graduation. From Bryan Davies (THO): “Our scheduled 41st OSA61 Lunch (guys only) was replaced by Guys and our Gals (60th year celebration). This luncheon was a great success, and we resolved to invite our wives and partners to join us once per year, I guess until we run out of numbers.”

Class of ‘65 STANDING: GEOFF REICHELT (DEL), JOHN MAINWARING (THO), ARCHIE TAIT (MCK), GARTH CAREY (DEL), PETER LOCKHART (THO), TONY THELANDER (THO), DAVID MATTHEWS (THO), JOHN ANDERSON (THO), DENIS BROWN (DEL), PETER GRAHAM (THO), RANALD WARBY (THO), IAN MUNRO (MCK) SEATED: TERRY HERBERT (THO), ROGER CHANDLER (MCK), GEOFF CARRUTH (THO), ANTHONY FOX (THO), HORSE JACKSON (THO), DAVID DOUGLASS (DEL)

Headmaster an honorary Beagle Boy At the last Beagle Boys’ luncheon, Headmaster Mr Andrew Hawkins (MCK95) was made an Honorary Beagle Boy. Mr Lionel Meerkin (SHE42-47) subsequently presented him with an embroidered Beagle Boys’ cap.

Band of Brothers

From Dr Tony Thelander, BVSc MBA FAICD: “We had another successful Class of ’65 annual lunch held at Royal on the Park in Brisbane in November. Covid-19 restrictions and ill health reduced our numbers this year, but not the spirits of those 18 Old Boys who attended. Our annual lunch continues to reignite the camaraderie and friendship that existed when we left school in 1965. Each year we celebrate and give thanks for the opportunity given to all of us by our parents when they sent us to TSS for our education.”

The 2021 Mulgowie Muster

unday 17 October 2021 was a glorious day and the Mulgowie Hotel was the perfect setting for the annual Mulgowie Muster – the 23rd to be held! Over 70 Old Boys and partners enjoyed a sumptuous lunch, fellowship and rekindling fond memories of days past. The Muster included Old Boys who left school in 1947 right through to 2014, and many stories and comparisons were shared about “school in my day”, the common thread of course being the development of life-long friendships. We were updated by Greg Cornelsen on the activity at School in 2021 and the refurbishment of the

St Alban’s Organ to which the Mulgowie Branch contributed $3000. We also heard some reflections from Christopher Johnstone on his time as the OSA President, and we all recognise his contribution and are grateful for the effort he has put into the association over many years. We have been made aware that the travelling OSA banner used at the Muster has disappeared, so the branch has started fundraising in earnest to fund a replacement!

Stonier and Kerry Eddowes who have had such a loyal and long-standing relationship with The Southport School. Looking forward to the 2022 Mulgowie Muster already! Simon Scott (MCK89) Mulgowie Muster MC & 2022 OSA Committee Member

It was fantastic to see Jai and Lawrence, a couple of our younger Old Boys by comparison this year, and we would love to see more of you in the years to come. It was wonderful to share the day with Jim and Diana

JAI GARDNER, ELIZABETH TONGE, GREGE LAHEY, LAWRENCE SEHMISH LAHEY AND SARAH ROSE

CAROL HANDYSIDE, MERCELI LAIRD, PETRINA GILMORE AND JENNIFER HOMEWOOD

PETER HODGSON, ERROL STEINHARDT, KIM L’ESTRANGE

LIONEL MEERKIN, COLIN OXENFORD, DEBBIE TURNER (TSS ARCHIVIST)

JOHN DARK AND JOHN BRIDLE

GEOFF LAIRD, KIM HOMEWOOD, NELSON HANDYSIDE AND BERT COCKERILL

DAVID HANDYSIDE AND BERT COCKERILL

Band of Brothers

Healthy online behaviour

“Conservative estimates suggest our kids are spending on average five times the recommended hours on technology than deemed safe for their neurological and physical health.” Dr Angela Zagoren

Director of Wellbeing Health

dvice from the Department of Health in Australia on recommended hours of screen time for children has seen little change over the years – no screen time for ages 0-2, no more than one hour each day for ages 2-5, and no more than two hours for ages 5-17. Conservative estimates, however, suggest our kids are spending on average five times the recommended hours on technology than deemed safe for their neurological and physical health. Technology devices, apps and social media platforms are constantly evolving; transfixing our young people and changing the way they interact with one another. However, it’s not all bad news, especially when we consider the integral role technology has played in bridging connections during recent lockdowns. To help us harness the positive benefits of technology while remaining cognisant of the potential for harm, TSS and St Hilda’s welcomed two leading experts to speak with our Year 8 cohorts. Melissa Tuffley, has a fitting name for her role as Detective Senior Constable attached to the Gold Coast Child Abuse and Child Protection Investigation Unit based in Surfers Paradise. With 23 years of policing experience, she spends much of her time on the road visiting victims of child abuse, sexting, online grooming and exploitation, as well as gathering the evidence required for justice. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the online world and a strong passion for educating students around the benefits and dangers associated with technology. In her presentation to students she shared real life scenarios from the ThinkUKnow Program –

an Australian Federal Police initiative designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation. Students were exposed to just how quickly online strangers can build rapport and request explicit material from young people, as well as the dangerous consequences of meeting in-person without telling a trusted adult. Two years ago when we ran our first Relationships Summit, we introduced both Stymie and its founder, Ms Rachel Downie. This year we welcomed her back to speak with both our students at the Summit and their parents at the subsequent Parent Evening. TSS is a Stymie partnered school and this anonymous online reporting pathway allows young people to seek support if they see someone being harmed or they have experienced harm. This may include situations involving online bullying or abuse, violence in the home, mental health issues or other unsafe behaviours such as drug use. This is an example of technology use helping young people to share with adults things they see online that worry them and in which they feel unsure or powerless to act. Rachel shared with students the catalyst for Stymie’s creation being the death by suicide of one of her Year 9 students. She explained that it was only after his passing that several students came forward with what was believed to be life-saving information. They shared that the boy was being bullied and excluded at school, had been experiencing family violence and saying that he did not want to be ‘here’ anymore. Rachel’s presentation empowered all Year 8 students to find their voice and use it when they sense that someone may be at risk.

Our Year 8 student leaders also contributed on the day by facilitating a group work activity where they discussed several online scenarios involving exclusion, cyberbullying and threats around sharing images without permission. Our student leaders also did an amazing job leading a panel discussion based upon a series of questions relating to the video, Tagged, which looked at the consequences of posting and sharing sensitive content from the viewpoint of various teens in a school setting. Feeling connected and having friendships both online and in person, is a key part of how young people learn about themselves and others, and how they support their mental health. In offering this Summit to our Year 8s we hope to continue an important conversation with them about online social and group norms. Online behaviour is not merely about legalities. We encouraged our students to connect first and foremost with their values, as there is plenty of online behaviour that is mean, cruel and lacking in compassion, which is not illegal. As a community of a brother and sister school, the students were encouraged to discuss and develop their own social norms or cultural standards for online behaviour. They were encouraged to decide collectively what is okay, what is not, what they wanted to see more of, or less of, and to discuss how they could support each other when they see something that does not appear quite right. It is a conversation we must all commit to continuing.

Band of Brothers

The Southport School’s PRODUCTION OF

BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY

Lionel Bart Thursday 5 May Friday 6 May Saturday 7 May Director: Mr Alex Fowler Musical Director: Mr Mitchell Buckley Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia

C AT E G O R Y ?

Ms Jessica Prouten 2022 Musical Manager

reparations are well underway for the first TSS musical to be staged in the new Annand Theatre. The production crew is very excited about the possibilities this venue poses and keen to put on a show that does justice to what is quite an historic moment in TSS history. Early in 2021 a group was formed and discussions were held around which show would best showcase our boys’ capabilities. Eventually we applied for, and were given the rights to stage ‘Oliver!’ based on the classic Dickens’ novel. Toward the end of the year audition calls were held, with the cast being finalised late in the term. Director Alex Fowler observed: “The journey of bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel Oliver to life is beginning to take shape and I couldn’t be more excited to take the audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England. Following the journey of young, orphaned Oliver Twist as he navigates London’s underworld of theft and violence, searching for a home, a family, and - most importantly - for love. However, it is not only the audience that undertake a journey through out this process we ‘the creative team’ aim to facilitate the learning experience of students in all aspects of current theatre arts.

Being a part of a musical encourages our students to discover who they are, and who they could be, as artists and young professionals. The most fruitful path to this is via active participation and through the art of collaboration. Oliver! in 2022 encapsulates an array of talented student-artists from Years 5 to 12, providing experiences that enable boys to grow in a range of chosen skills, develop their leadership and service, gain cultural experiences, and showcase the skills they have learned. These shows also provide ample opportunity for more technically-minded boys to develop audio-visual and management skills as part of a full production team. All boys will enjoy the opportunity of working with a range of directors, designers, choreographers and costumiers, and in so doing experience the richness of the creative dramatic process.” The show draws on the talents of both our Prep and Senior School boys, with the titular role of Oliver being played by Jay Shi a Year 5 student at the Prep School. Additionally it has been great to welcome some of the girls from St Hilda’s who are taking on the female roles in the show. Our first group gathering was held at the end of Term Four, and included current students, and students who haven’t started at TSS yet. Present were members of the cast, crew and band and it was fantastic to see the students all getting to know one another in anticipation of

the first proper rehearsals kicking off at the end of January 2022. Old Boy and Director of Music Mr Mitch Buckley reflected ‘‘I am extremely excited to be the Musical Director for ‘Oliver! the Musical’. I remember being taken by my parents to watch this musical the last time TSS produced this show in the 90’s. TSS Musicals run deep in my veins, from a student in the early 2000’s taking part in ‘Company’ by Stephen Sondheim and ‘Big the Musical’ to now a TSS music teacher and performing as part of the band for Guys and Dolls in 2015. I am honoured to be Musical Director for this year’s production of ‘Oliver! The Musical’ and am looking forward to being part of the newest chapter in our schools rich Performing Arts history as we embark on the first musical in the new Annand Theatre. A tremendous amount of work has gone into the planning and preparation for the show, auditions have been completed, rehearsals have begun, and we cannot wait to unveil the finished product in early May.” The show will run for three nights from Thursday 5 May to Saturday 7 May and we are looking forward to welcoming members of the TSS community, as well as theatre lovers of all types to this special event. Tickets will go on sale during Term One via Trybooking, so keep an eye out for this information to secure the best seats.

Band of Brothers

Programing drones and robots to pick up spare parts - all in a day’s work Mr Russell Ayres

Preparatory Robotics Teacher

fter a Covid-19 interrupted 2020, the Tribot Cup returned in 2021! A total of 12 boys were selected from Year 5 to take part in the annual competition alongside 12 St Hilda’s students.

Instead of competing against St Hilda’s, Luke Hu, Archer Ross, Andy Liu, Seth Quinn, Finlay Roche, James McManus, Kai Salam, Ethan Sly, Charley Prendergast-Burtenshaw, Odin Smith, Lachlan Te Kloot, and Hunter Hampton, were divided into teams of four, consisting of two boys and two girls. In their groups, they worked together to solve multiple challenges. For our boys, one of the main challenges was using equipment that they had never used before. Challenges consisted of programming a robot to pick up spare parts to repair a broken rocket ship, as well as programming drones and Micro Bit microcomputers. One of the real highlights was watching the teamwork of each group improve over the course of the competition. Understandably, both the boys and girls can be a little shy to start but by the end of their first challenge, it’s like they’ve known each other for years. This is important in the competition as one of the main scoring components is group communication. Groups that work well together score very well. Other scoring categories include overcoming adversity and, of course, how well groups actually go when it comes to solving the challenges at hand. All students did an amazing job, but congratulations to Ethan Sly and Hunter Hampton, along with their St Hilda’s teammates, took out the competition. Throughout the day their group communication was outstanding, and they came up with some very innovative solutions. The Tribot Cup is a great highlight on the calendar and we look forward to it returning to TSS in 2022.

Band of Brothers

OLD BOYS’ WEEKEND 25-27 August 2022

House Side Show Alley Ms Sandra Gippel Dixon Housemaster

his year the Dixon boys were very quick to jump on board an idea to create a carnival atmosphere for the Prep School. We talked about how we would be honouring our three Core Values of Teamwork, Scholarship and Service as we joined together to create this inaugural event. Our objective was to raise funds for a charity to help those in our community who were in need. We chose Redkite, an organisation which supports families with a child under 18 going through the trauma associated with being diagnosed and treated for cancer. This was close to our hearts in Dixon and was a suggestion from a Zack Jensen (Year 6), who has dealt with this personally and also went on to be awarded the Wings Trophy for 2021. Over the course of the planning and creation of the event, when lots of time was spent in the 5G classroom, many of the Dixon boys told me of how cancer has touched their lives. Young minds trying to make sense of something that seems so unfair. The chance to be actively involved in something that might help in some small way, seemed to give them endless energy to see this through. So, with the goal, time and date set, the boys were asked to create no less than 20 different stalls that they could run themselves, over the course of one day. The brief was to be as creative as possible, use as much stuff as they could find lying around at home, keep the outlay of funds low and failing all that - ask Mum and Dad for some help. What transpired was amazing. Boys as young as Year 3 came to me over many, many lunchtimes with games that they had carefully constructed, complete with rules, costing and prize pools. We had a lot of fun testing and fine tuning the games and the variety of what was offered was

Band of Brothers

Not only did the boys set up their stalls, they ran them like professionals on the day! outstanding. There were secondhand toys stalls, 3D printing, corn board throwing, nerf gun targets, quoits, paper boat races, footy throwing, rubik’s cube challenge, lolly stalls, chocolate wheel, what’s in the box, basketball shooting, cricket bowling, hot dog stand, popcorn stand, bottle flip, tenpin bowling, the list seemed endless! Not only did the boys set up their stalls, they ran them like professionals on the day! If I were a kid, I would have just wanted to go and play everything but the commitment of the Dixon boys on the day, to stay by their stall and roster themselves on and off with others, to steal a moment to wander through to see what they had created, was to be commended. The Prep Campus’ ‘Laneway’ was set up complete with blue bunting and banners. The atmosphere was wonderful, fun was in the air and the weather was just perfect. The Dixon boys and a group of Dixon parents (who I can never thank enough) delivered as promised. Prep boys from Reception through to Year 6 embraced the day and supported our side show alley idea, by cracking open their money boxes or bringing a few dollars given to them by their mums and dads to spend. A huge thank you on behalf of Dixon House to all the boys of Prep and their families for supporting the day. I almost forgot to mention - the Dunk Tank! I realise now that if we ask the boys whether they would like to dunk a teacher or staff member, the answer would be a resounding “where do I pay my money?” This was an absolute highlight of the day and such an entertaining event. Just how entertaining perhaps depended on whether you were in the tank or watching!

Band of Brothers

Wherever you may roam The character strength that was formed throughout the year of 2020 has built these boys into young men that are capable of following any pathway even through global turmoil. Jonathon Burnett

RAD20 School Captain

panning regional Queensland, Australian states and continents throughout the world, the class of 2020 have all developed individual aspirations choosing alternative pathways to begin their lives after school. The Covid-19 pandemic has posed its challenges however, amongst all of this, we have Southportonian Younger Old Boys studying and competing in American Universities as well as universities on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and north Queensland. Boys have also decided to pursue jobs on farms, cattle stations, professional sport and apprenticeships. Hindrances have presented themselves such as continuing restrictions being imposed, however the character strength that was formed throughout the year of 2020 has built these boys into young men that are capable of following any pathway even through global turmoil. School Vice Captain and Dux of 2020, Vishaak Gangasandra is currently studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Biotechnology at The University of Queensland and is residing at Emmanuel College, experiencing the college lifestyle along with other

HARRISON CHEN (KAI18; DUX) AND VISHAAK GANGASANDRA (KAI20; DUX)

Band of Brothers

TSS boys at Kings College. Vishaak commented on his first-year post school… “They say so much can change in a year and writing this piece now, one year after graduating from TSS, has got me reflecting on all that has changed and all that remains the same. The unstructured independence that is university life comes as a stark contrast to the consistency and security of high school. The fragility of the relationships formed with newly-acquired acquaintances and the lack of solid guidance from external figures is a phenomenon I have come to accept as typical of life after school. Everyone is on their own path discovering their role and their community; it can never compare to the close, unyielding brotherhood cultured at TSS, with a shared vision of prosperity for the red, white and blue. Despite all the changes I have observed in my world, what remains strong to this day is my gratitude to the staff and students that made TSS a home and the sense of belonging and pride I feel being able to say: “I am a TSS Old Boy”. Ten years at TSS has made me into the man I am today and has put me on a path of lifelong growth. One journey must end to begin another and, since I said goodbye to TSS one year ago, I have stepped out into a world with a unique assortment of skills that will continue to define myself and my community.” Solomon Kasokason has made the trip up the range and is currently living in Toowoomba studying a Bachelor of Aviation at the University of Southern

JONATHON BURNETT (RAD20) SCHOOL CAPTAIN, MARTIN DWYER (MEL20) AND MICHAEL VAN DER SCHYFF (TUR20).

Gold Coast and Brisbane means that I rarely see a lot of my mates from school regularly, however you can bet that at any given horse race there will be a huge group of TSS boys gathering. For so many boys from different places and backgrounds to call one place home is unique, and you can almost guarantee that no matter where you go after school, you’ll find someone from our band of brothers.”

HUDSON FAULKNER (MEL20) WORKING TOWARDS A MUSIC CAREER

Queensland. When asked about his time in Toowoomba, Solomon gave an insight into the current stage of his life… “It feels like only yesterday I donned the red, white, and blue and, even though you leave, your

“

Jack McCarthy has earnt himself a position at Cornell University, an Ivy League University located in Ithaca within the state of New York in America. Everyone is aware of the dedication Jack has given towards tennis throughout his lifetime and this is evidently paying off as he is playing for one of the highest regarded schools in the world. This is what he has to say regarding his relocation to the United States… “Since graduation, my life has completely changed. I worked and played semi-professional tennis for the first eight months of 2021. It was a refreshing break from study, and allowed me to improve significantly before departing to the U.S.A for college. At the end of August, I arrived at Cornell University

For so many boys from different places and backgrounds to call one place home is unique, and you can almost guarantee that no matter where you go after school, you’ll find someone from our band of brothers.

appreciation for your band of brothers only grows more. Starting the next chapter of my life at university was admittedly intimidating in the time of Covid-19, which unfortunately meant moving into college on my own without mum and dad by my side due to travel restrictions. This year I began studying a Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Flight Operations at the University of Southern Queensland residing at Concannon College. The structure of university is undoubtedly different from high school, and college is definitely far more relaxed than Dellie. Despite not being as large as the UQ Colleges, Concannon has a strong culture with most of its residents from country towns or properties, with the majority of its residents having gone to boarding school. Settling into Toowoomba was easy, especially with my roommate having gone to Churchie and a good number of my mates from school either working or transiting through Toowoomba, there were already familiar faces around. Moving away from the

”

in the Ivy League at Ithaca, upstate New York. The experience so far has been amazing, as in the first two months I have travelled around New York and Pennsylvania playing pre-season tournaments. I am very excited for the NCAA tennis season, where I believe we will be a top 10 team and contend for the national championship. Much like my experience at Southport, my tennis schedule is balanced with a heavy academic load in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. I am nearing the end of my first semester, and hope to come back to Australia for Christmas.” The talent, commitment, and sacrifice of boys from the graduating class of 2020 has provided them an opportunity to follow a pathway that allows them to be employed in an environment that they are devoted to. Jojo Fifita earnt himself an NRL contract with the Gold Coast Titans rugby league team and is working towards making his professional debut in the near future. In the musical industry, Hudson Faulkner is continuing to impress with his talented voice and is working towards making a career out of singing. While the Class of 2020 are all pursuing different paths and journeys, it is comforting to recognise that throughout our time at TSS, lifelong friendships were made. Although our current pathways may seem divided, we are bound to cross paths in the future. The young men mentioned in this article are just a few of the entire 2020 cohort that immersed themselves in everything that was to offer. It is hard to believe that I am writing this a year on from graduating, time has truly flown by. On behalf of the Younger Old Boys, I look forward to crossing paths with all of you again soon.

JOJO FIFITA SIGNED WITH THE GOLD COAST TITANS NRL

Band of Brothers

Year 2 benefit from rich teaching friendship Ms Sharon Joss Year 2 Teacher

MRS STEVENS TSS YEAR 2

THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL STAFF 1995

CLASS 1991

TSS EARLY EDUCATION CENTRE STAFF

MRS JONES TSS YEAR 2

1992

CLASS 1992

SUE JONES AND RUTH STEVENS

MRS SHARON JOSS, MRS RUTH STEVENS, MRS SUE JONES AND MRS CINDY HARRIS

Band of Brothers

“A relationship that is truly genuine does not keep changing its colours. Real gold never rusts. If a relationship is really solid and golden, it will be unbreakable. Not even time can destroy its shine!”

am not sure there is another year group at the Prep School that can say they have three teachers with over eighty years of teaching at TSS between them! Well, our Year 2 teaching team can! Sue Jones has been teaching at TSS for 32 years and Ruth Stevens has been teaching here for 30 years. I have got some catching up to do, having taught here for almost 20 years.

at our Junior Assemblies for over 30 years. Sue has organised the Staff Association and tirelessly bought and prepared eats, and drinks for our end of term functions, purchased farewell and celebratory gifts for staff and organised the Secret Santa each year. Sue is also very creative, and her classes have certainly enjoyed the many fun artistic and imaginative activities.

The Year 2 level vision is for all boys to be able to learn in a safe, supportive, and happy environment where respect, consideration and kindness to others is valued. Optimism, resilience, and initiative is encouraged, as they are guided through the Year 2 learning journey. Our Year 2 teaching team certainly adheres to this vision in what we present in the classroom and the way in which we present ourselves.

Mrs Ruth Stevens started her teaching journey in 1975 in Richmond, North West Queensland, teaching there for four years when she married her husband Ray, and they lived on a property in the outback. She taught at Nerang State School for four years before starting her family. Like Sue, her career at TSS started in the ‘Early Education Centre’, where she first taught a Year 3 class, even teaching Sue’s son David. Ruth went on to teach Years 3, 1 and 4 before finding herself in Year 2 in 1999, where she has spent the past 22 years. Most of those years were spent in the Cribb Building before moving across to the Rogers Cottages.

Within this teaching group is the amazing long term teaching partnership, of Ruth and Sue that has lasted over 20 years. Mrs Sue Jones started her teaching journey in Sydney back in 1976, where she taught for a number of years. She then became a mum and took a break from teaching. Her journey here at TSS started in 1989, where she found herself teaching in the Memorial Room before moving to the ‘Early Education Centre’, now called the ‘Cribb Building’ in June 1989. At that time this was the only building on the Prep School site and there were six teachers, a secretary and a groundsman. They became a little ‘family’, caring, helping, and supporting each other. It was during this time, in 1991, that Ruth joined the teaching team, and their friendship became truly cemented. Sue spent many years teaching Year 6 and was a specialist teacher in Art and Music. Sue is a very caring, fair, and firm teacher. Hundreds of young boys have passed through her classroom and have benefited from her high standards and expectations of respect and consideration. She has a box of letters and cards from grateful and appreciative parents and boys, that are testament to her dedication and professionalism. Sue is a truly Christian person and is always considerate, perceptive, and thoughtful. She is the quiet achiever and has played the piano

Both ladies are very hard working, they are at school long before they are expected to be there and are always well prepared for their day. They both hold traditional teaching values close to their heart and have seen many changes over the years with staff, curriculum, technology and the construction of many buildings. As the curriculum and teaching methods have changed many times over their teaching careers, both ladies have embraced the changes, adapted their methods and continued to be very effective and wellrespected teachers. They even managed to survive online teaching during lockdowns during Covid-19 times. Ruth has certainly gleaned what she considers best practice for boys. At the parent teacher night at the beginning of each year, Ruth states that she has high standards and expectations regarding manners, effort and behavior and makes no apology for consequences given to boys not meeting those standards. Ruth is often thanked at the end of the year with gratitude from parents for the way in which their son has developed not only academically, but as a whole boy.

They say that they were concerned at the beginning of the year as their son was in a ‘strict’ teacher’s class but came to appreciate the difference that Ruth has made to their son’s learning journey and were very grateful for her input and teaching style. Ruth and Sue have had a perfect partnership over the years. They have never had a cross word or disagreement in the many years of working together. They certainly make the day pleasant for each other and are very proud of their professional relationship and firm friendship. Throughout their time together they have shared many experiences, good and bad, many sorrows and many joys. They share a love of grandchildren, travelling, movies, food and often shared common opinions on education - they would have made the perfect shared class teacher! The best kind of people are the ones that come into your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that you believe in and then you have you believing yourself. The people that love you for being you! The once in a lifetime kind of people. Unknown Sadly the time has come for Ruth to leave the Year 2 team and the ideal teaching partnership with Sue. Ruth’s dedication and loyalty will certainly be missed. Although Mrs Stevens won’t be part of the Year 2 team, she will still be part of the Prep teaching team on a part-time basis in 2022, before taking her retirement in 2023. We wish her well in her transition to retirement and the Year 2 teaching team will certainly not be the same!

Band of Brothers

OLD SOUTHPORTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION

Obituaries

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those TSS Old Boys who have sadly passed. Vale 2021* Mr Stanley Aboud (DEL49) Mr James M Alexander (DEL66) Mr Allan N R Anderson (THO66) Father Ross D Cameron (DEL58) Mr Charles F Campbell (THO51) Mr William A Dautel (Unk50) Mr Graham H Dillon (THO50) Mr John R Dobson (THO51) Mr D (Jim) Fouras (THO56) Mr Robert J Gunn (DEL71) Mr Russell N Handyside (DEL64) Mr Stuart M Hollindale (THO88) Victor K Huxley (THO60) The Hon Justice Mr John A Jerrard (THO64) Mr Murray J Johnson (DEL61) Mr Brian L Jones (DEL49) Mr Burnett F Joyce (DEL64) Mr David M Law (MCK49) Mr Richard G T L'Estrange (MCK48) Mr Oliver R Martin (THO19) Mr Siemon A Mulder (MCK72) Mr Raymond B Neilsen (THO62) The Venerable Clifford (Jim) Nolan (THO59) Mr Robert P Palethorpe (THO64) Mr Peter St Henry (MCK59) Mr Karl Scott (ATK87) Mr Michael D B Stuart (DEL14) Mr Bruce Thompson (THO74) Mr Michael C Wild (DEL74) Mr Robert W Young (THO44)

* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples please note that these pages contain the name and picture of a deceased person/s. As at November 2021 E&OE Alumni Year may not reflect year of leaving TSS

Band of Brothers

David M Law

MCK49 5 February 1931 – 1 October 2021 David Law and his two younger brothers, Euan and Michael, became boarders at TSS in 1944. In 1947, David left school to work on his family’s property Goolburra, near Cunnamulla. He married Betty Layton, a St Hilda’s girl, in 1953. They bought the neighbouring sheep property, Nombardie, where they established a highly productive Merino flock. The family moved to Tamborine Mountain and founded a Santa Gertrudis Stud, and later David became a dairy and goat farmer at Canungra. He was a Councillor for the Beaudesert Shire Council. David’s family remember him as an adventurer, a storyteller, a student of human nature, a much-loved father and grandfather, and a modest, gentle man of integrity.

Peter Bonner

MCK58 29 November 1956 – 22 July 2021

Graham H Dillon

THO50 12 September 1931 - 20 November 2021 Kombumerri Elder Dr Graham Dillon (known fondly and widely as ‘Uncle Graham’) was one of the original Adopt an Elder in the Anglican Schools’ Office program in 1999. Uncle Graham was the AAE for the Gold Coast Anglican Schools for many years, and greatly admired and respected. As the former director of the Queensland Land Tribunal, Uncle Graham founded the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Islander Housing Co-Op in 1981 which transitioned into Kalwun Aboriginal Development Corporation, a provider of health, community, and local tourism services.

DEL74 29 November 1956 – 22 July 2021 Extracted and abridged from the eulogy by fellow Old Boy, Chris Lloyds: I first met ‘Beachy’ as he was known in 1972 in Delpratt House. Apart from his family, there was nothing more important in Beachy’s life than music. We left school in 1973 and it wasn’t long before our love of music brought us back together. We travelled many miles and performed in many venues over the years. Beachy was an intelligent, talented and caring soul who is sadly missed.

Uncle Graham was a father of four, grandfather to nine, great-grandfather to 19 and great-greatgrandfather to one.

Murray J Johnson

DEL61 25 July 1943 – 29 March 2021

Peter Bonner was well known and loved in his home territory of the Southern Downs, Tenterfield and Liston. After battling illness, he was buried in his family’s cemetery on his property. This photo shows his final journey on his trusty landcruiser.

Murray James ‘Fish’ Johnson and his wife Denise were involved in a vehicle accident, and tragically both passed away on the same day twelve days later. They were loving parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

Peter had a long involvement with the Rural Fire Brigage and was President of the Stanthorpe Agricultural Society.

A very proud Old Southportonian, Murray had been a champion rower, rugby player and swimmer at TSS. After leaving TSS he worked for the Queensland Department of Forestry, before establishing his own plantation with Denise.

Peter was a very proud Old Southportonian, a husband, father and grandfather.

Michael C Wild

Ross D Cameron

DEL58 19 July 1940 - 15 July 2021 Ross was born in Oakey and his wife Jocelyn recalls he was raised with the country values of love and loyalty to family, respect for all, hard work, self-sacrifice, thrift, and respect for education and religion. From The Southport School he was awarded a scholarship to University of Queensland where he studied Agricultural Science, and later a Bachelor of Divinity. He returned to the Rockhampton Diocese and was ordained as a Deacon. Ross was a loved husband, father and grandfather.

Band of Brothers

Dimitrios (Jim) Fouras

(THO56) 8 March 1938 – 18 November 2021 Jim Fouras, former Member for South Brisbane, later Ashgrove and also Speaker of the House, passed away in November from a heart attack. Jim’s long and happy association with The Southport School continued as an Old boy, and he was a member of the Old Boys’ group, The Beagle Boys. During his long career, Jim followed his passion for social inclusion and worked as a Human Rights Commissioner. Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends.

Richard Guy Tyrwhitt L’Estrange (MCK48) 18 September 1929 to 12 August 2021

Richard was brought up on the family property Bora at Yelarbon, before attending Toowoomba Prep School and then The Southport School. He always told his wife Jan that he slept “under the clock”. He later attended Queensland University before returning to live at Bora, then at Highfields Tambo. Later Richard and Jan retired to Charleville where they lived for the last 22 years. At his funeral, the School Hymn, “Here I am, Lord” was sung.

Band of Brothers

Peter St Henry

(MCK59) 13 December 1940 – 20 October 2021 Sadly passed away in Bundaberg after a long illness. Peter was a popular student, an Under Officer in the Cadets, a member of the winning eight and the Challenge Flag four and played in the 1st Rugby team. He went onto a career in teaching in regional Queensland becoming a high school headmaster and was prominent in community activity particularly rowing in the Bundaberg district. This photo was taken at Peter’s 80th birthday in Bundaberg in December 2020, proudly wearing his TSS Old Southportonians’ cap.

Victor King Huxley

THO60 8 January 1942 – 19 January 2021 Victor passed away on 19 January 2021 after a courageous battle with illness. His daughter, Mary Bucholz, remembers his as a proud Old Southportonian who often reminisced about his years at The Southport School “Dad was a kind man, a wonderful father, and will be very sadly missed.”

Vale Fr David Johnstone TSS Assistant Chaplain 1979 -1982

With sadness and great respect, we advise the recent passing of Fr David Johnstone. Fr David was very well known in the Anglican Diocese, and was formerly an Assistant Chaplain at TSS. He was School Chaplain at the Anglican Church Grammar School from 1983-2005, and later offered part-time ministry to Churchie Old Boys and the chaplaincy team. Headmaster Mr Andrew Hawkins represented TSS and the OSA at Fr David’s funeral, and we send our heartfelt sympathy to OSA Immediate Past President, Christopher Johnstone.

Elouise and Sean Jacobs Wedding Sean Jacobs (TUR03) married his beautiful bride Elouise, during a brief gap in restrictions – however they had postponed for a year!

Barton and Carla Keenan Wedding Neither Covid-19, a lockdown, pouring rain or a last-minute wardrobe hitch could dampen the spirits of happy couple Barton Keenan (MEL06) and Carla Nash. Their wedding was held on 2 July 2021 in the Chapel of St Alban, TSS by Chaplain, Fr Bryan Gadd.

Dillon and Shae’ly Thompson Wedding Mrs Kendall Wark proudly let us know that her son Dillon Thompson (MAU09) married Shae’ly Markey in a beautiful ceremony. Two of Luke’s groomsmen were Old Boys – Alistair Sutherland (MAU09) and Luke Dempsey-Ceh (MEL09).

Watts Baptism William Jack Watts, born 4 March 2018 - Baptised on 14 January 2022 Child of Timothy Andrew Hammond Watts (MCK02) and Anna Kristin Watts

Band of Brothers

Exploring our piece of Paradise Mr Charles Martin MAU14

Band of Brothers

significant contributor to The Southport School’s fostering of renaissance men is the quality of its outdoor education camps. The philosophy guiding their development is derived from inspirational educator, Dr Kurt Hahn, who is associated with the founding of international organisations such as Outward Bound, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Round Square. Dr Hahn once said: “I regard it as the foremost task of education to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all, compassion.” TSS strives to follow Hahn’s lead by providing students with age and ability-appropriate physical, mental and social challenges in authentic natural environments. And what better a setting than the picturesque South Stradbroke Island? With the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Broadwater to the west, the Dux Campground on South Stradbroke Island offers a marine-coastal setting unlike any other – all within a one hour ferry ride of the TSS boat ramp. The island holds a special place in the School’s history, serving as a destination for rowing and sailing excursions for students and staff across many decades throughout the 20th century. It wasn’t until 1982 when a lease was developed that

an outdoor education facility was constructed, with a residence also built for the Campground Caretaker in 1986. Apart from a tree-planting project, the facility was subject to wear and tear in the years that followed and so, upon taking on the position in 2010, current Caretaker Steve Johnson immediately set to work repainting and plastering the existing facilities, all the while attempting to “keep it looking as it did 200 years ago”. A jack-of-all-trades, all cleaning and maintenance duties fall under his responsibility, as well as stocking of materials and supplies, which he accomplishes through trips to the mainland in his 18foot tinnie. Since starting, Steve has constructed new cabins for students as well as a pathway connecting them to the main hall. Upgrades have also been made to the Dux Campground’s environmental footprint; in 2012, endeavouring to improve environmental standards after years of heavy reliance on diesel and LPG fuel stores (which was so expensive it could only run for a few hours each night), solar panels and a generator were installed. The result was a campground that produced more than enough power for large student groups (with the excess stored in a large bank of batteries), a reduction in wastage and carbon emissions, minimal reliance on fossil fuelreliant generating systems and improved operating efficiency (which saves thousands of dollars in

running costs per annum). Perhaps the most frequent and passionate enjoyers of the Dux Campground are our Year 7 students. Beyond the curriculum, the Year 7 Adventure Camp operates through the concept of ‘Have you got my six?’, reinforcing the idea of looking after your brothers. The Camp provides the perfect setting for key curriculum elements to be explored through practical, hands-on activities including canoeing, archery, bushwalking, ecological awareness tasks, navigation and beach challenges. Together, they teach the values of courage, initiative and teamwork which all form the basis of the Cadet Program in Years 8 and above. Importantly, the idea of a ‘true gentleman’ is reinforced through the teaching of principles relating to behaviour, decision-making, treatment of others, goal-setting, success and failure, mental health and positive masculinity. In addition to the Year 7 groups, Dux plays host to the Duke of Edinburgh, Navy Cadets, Men of Business (MOB), and Year 8 Math camps as well as year-level boarding house bonding weekends. It is hoped that through their experiences on the island, TSS men recognise the truth in Dr Hahn’s words: “there is more in you than you think”.

Band of Brothers

Thank you to all the courageous healthcare heroes

Band of Brothers

Photography Dan Sleeman, Karen Ellis, Julianne Young, Adrian Gaglione, Tolhurst Creative and Australian Department of Defence

Content TSS and the OSA publishes articles in good faith as a service to the School and OSA communities. TSS and The OSA accepts no responsibility for publishing information that is erroneous, incomplete or false.

Founded in 1901, TSS is an Anglican day and boarding school for boys from Preschool to Year 12, with boarding available from Year 7. Winchester St Southport Queensland Australia 4215 Telephone: Facsimile: Email: Visit:

+617 5531 9911 +617 5531 9977 reception@tss.qld.edu.au TheSouthportSchool.com

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane trading as The Southport School CRICOS Provider No. 00523F