Canberra Girls Grammar School - Issue 100

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GRAMMAR REPORT

ISSUE 100

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

FROM THE PRINCIPAL CHAIR 2 / FROM 4 / FOUNDERS’ THE PRINCIPAL DAY 6 / 4 /GRANDPARENTS, OUTSTANDING YEAR GODPARENTS 12 RESULTS 5 / FROM THE ARCHIVES 14 / THE ANDIBGRANDFRIENDS DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (GGG) DAY 6–9 / 12 /CLASSROOMS SCHOLARSHIPS AT CGGS 14/ 2014 1 | GRAMMAR REPORT ELC No. 100 EXCEEDSCARNIVAL’S STANDARDS 19 / ANNIVERSARY PYP EXHIBITION 20–21 / GRAMMARIANS SWIMMING 80TH 20 / GRAMMARIANS 28–3424–30

CONTENTS ISSUE 100, 2014 Published by Canberra Girls Grammar School Melbourne Avenue Deakin ACT 2600 Australia

FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 FROM THE PRINCIPAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 THE WATERMAN CENTRE’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 FOUNDERS’ DAY 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

T: 02 6202 6400 F: 02 6273 2554

2014 SENIOR PRODUCTION: THE BREAKFAST CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

E: communityrelations@cggs.act.edu.au www.cggs.act.edu.au

GRANDPARENTS, GODPARENTS AND GRANDFRIENDS (GGG) DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

EDITOR

SCHOLARSHIPS AT CGGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

FETE TRADITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Monica Masters FAD Studios

PRODUCED BY COMMUNITY RELATIONS

SWIMMING CARNIVAL’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 A NEW TRADITION: THE YEAR 12 MOTHER DAUGHTER BREAKFAST . . . 24 BOARDER, PARENT, TEACHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 GRAMMARIANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ARCHIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Focusing on Tradition, this edition of the Grammar Report looks at a number of traditions that have been celebrated for more than 20 years at Canberra Girls Grammar School and some of the new ones.

Cover: 1954/55 School Captain Robina Johnston (Butz, 1955) and current School Captain Bridget Goonetilleke at the badge presentation to Grammarians as part of the Founders’ Day celebrations.

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Can you help the Archives? Go to page 35.

CELEBRATING Tradition

FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN had no idea what As a teenager, I wanted to change the world. I ing against that really meant, but I star ted at school—argu Canberra summer. uniform rules that made us wear gloves in the paigning.

We didn’t succeed, but I discovered I love cam ladies’. But it also The School prided itself on turning out ‘young y of us, university expected hard work, good results and, for man less at games, but I places. Being seriously shor t-sighted, I was hope ward, I also loved loved the learning. Although I was shy and awk t introduction to the school debating team, which gave me a grea arguing my case in public. both my parents I knew I didn’t want to stay in Canberra and wonderful three encouraged me to apply to Cambridge. I had a star ting a “...fighting for what you believe in— years there, studying English Literature but also the up open to n, paig cam l— essfu succ time new—and this and, just as I’d imagined as a girl, itated towards men’s colleges to women. After graduating, I grav helping to change the world s spirit of the the groups that seemed to reflect the rebelliou onal the Nati for the better...”

1960s and early 1970s: first Age Concern and then n paig cam the Council for Civil Liberties where I helped lead for the Sex Discrimination Act. fight long, hard battles to modernise the par ty’s ed help I y.

Part our Lab ish Brit the of ber Labour By then I was an active mem we won a landslide victory. I was one of 101 new ip, ersh lead t lian bril r’s Blai y Ton with , 1997 policies. In ister. After the 2001 women MPs and, a year later, a Treasury Min en and Secretar y of election, I joined the Cabinet as Minister for Wom lth Secretar y. And so I State for Trade and Industry, later becoming Hea working hours; create an was able to give parents legal rights to shor ter and introduce smokeannual vote for shareholders on executive pay; free laws. with still-sexist media.

Government is relentlessly hard, particularly your constituents, But it’s also an incredible privilege, representing I’d imagined as a girl, fighting for what you believe in—and, just as helping to change the world for the better.

Patricia Hewitt (1965) ec.) and

968) (d , Antonia (1 ilary (1971) Andrew, H 1961.

5) Hewitt in Patricia (196

Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt started at CGGS in kindergarten in 1954 and graduated in 1965, winning scholarships that took her to Newnham College Cambridge, where she studied for an honours degree in English Literature. She spent 10 years as General Secretary of the UK’s National Council for Civil Liberties (now Liberty) and then worked as Press Secretary and Policy Coordinator to the Leader of the Opposition, before helping to found the centre-left think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research. In 1997 Patricia was elected Labour MP for Leicester West, serving in Tony Blair’s government between 1998 and 2007. In 2010 she retired from Parliament.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 3

FROM THE PRINCIPAL THE 100TH ISSUE OF THE GRAMMAR REPORT IS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE AND ONE THAT MAKES US LOOK BACK AT THE LONG TRADITION OF CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL (CGGS).

There is no doubt in my mind that any organization or community benefits from tradition. It can generate a sense of purpose that everybody shares. Tradition encompasses corporate memory, a sense of continuity and stability and leads to a unique ethos.

We have numerous such traditions at CGGS. Some are simple, yet profound, like on the final day for our Year 12 students when the whole school forms a guard of honour at the front of school. Year 12 students walk through this long guard of honour, pausing for hugs, words of encouragement and farewells to teachers and their fellow students.

Bigger events like Graduation Dinner, Presentation Night, Grandparents, Godparents and Grandfriends Day and the

Father Daughter Dinner are also a part of the fabric and tradition of CGGS. Internal events like House Arts, Creative Minds Day, Exhibition in the Junior School and sports carnivals are keenly anticipated and strongly supported by our students.

This sense of connection and community leads us to react together, to share experiences and to appreciate those around us. We have all experienced the joy of the ‘in-joke’. Something that makes us laugh spontaneously. We go home and try to relate why it was so funny, or so moving, and often we end up saying that immortal phrase, “You had to be there.”

What we must avoid is letting tradition have a stranglehold on the future. Over the years I have heard many people say, “But we’ve always done it like that.” Or in

response to a proposed change, “We tried that in 1978 and it didn’t work then.” I am grateful that the community of CGGS is not like that. We endeavour to keep our best traditions and enjoy our solid foundation but we embrace the new and seek school improvement.

Anne Coutts PRINCIPAL

“This sense of connection and community leads us to react together, to share experiences and to appreciate those around us. ”

Anne Coutts with Year 9 Boarder Abbey Friesen’s grandma Deanne Phillips and mother Michelle Friesen at the Boarder Parent Dinner.

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CELEBRATING Tradition

THE WATERMAN CENTRE’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY Principal Anne Coutts, Peter Waterman, Beverley Wood and Head of Creative Arts Glenda Spiker.

Concept drawing of the Waterman Centre in 1984.

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE HR WATERMAN CENTRE FOR ART AND DESIGN. Named after Canberra pioneer Herbert Roy (HR) Waterman (1889–1964), the building was officially opened with the unveiling of a plaque on 23 August 1984 by Waterman’s son, Charles Waterman. HR Waterman was a founding member of the School. He was the first President of the Parents and Friends Association, the first Chairman of the School Council (predecessor of the School Board) from 1933 until 1950 and one of the first shareholders in the company officially formed on 6 December 1935 to acquire the School property.

One year later, the Waterman Centre won the Canberra Medallion for Excellence in Architecture, which was also awarded to Parliament House the following year. At the time, The Canberra Times reported that the judges described the building as “creating an environment that had the elusive feeling of order and playfulness at the same time, so essential for a building of this type.”

And “an immediate impression is that here is a building with a quite distinctly different geometry and expression from its colleagues, but at the same time it remains pleasantly integrated with them.

The excellent siting on the most elevated position of the campus enables all major spaces to take advantage of distant,

virtually unimpaired views of the natural countryside and the Brindabella ranges.

The planning is deceptively logical and uncomplicated; merging studio spaces are clustered around a spacious multi-use exhibition area which firmly establishes the structural fabric of the building. The materials and finishes selected are ones that will not easily tire from creative use, but will be enlivened by the artwork produced by the students.”

On Monday 25 August, the Senior School celebrated the Centre’s anniversary with a cake-cutting by special guest Peter Waterman (grandson of HR Waterman and father of Catherine Waterman (2009)) and the hanging of a framed photograph featuring students painting in the Centre in the nineties. The photograph was given to the School by former art teacher and Honorary Grammarian Beverley Wood, who also attended the celebration.

Eldest grandchild of HR Waterman, Jenny MacLennan (Waterman, 1956), sent this message ahead of the anniversary.

I left in 1948 at the age of eight to go with my parents to an overseas posting. My father was Ted Waterman (eldest son of HR Waterman) and my mother taught in the early days of kindergarten at CGGS as Joyce Palfreyman before she married my father. We have always been very proud of the family association with CGGS and were delighted that my grandfather’s work for the School was recognised in naming the Centre after him.

I send greetings and good wishes for a happy anniversary and all good wishes for the future activities of the Waterman Centre.

Jenny MacLennan (Waterman, 1956)

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 5

FOUNDERS’ DAY 2014 CGGS BEGAN ITS FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS WITH A FAMILY AND FRIENDS CHAPEL SERVICE ON SUNDAY 4 MAY AT THE CHAPEL OF THE ANNUNCIATION. ON MONDAY 5 MAY SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES IN THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR SCHOOLS MARKED FOUNDERS’ DAY, CELEBRATING 88 YEARS SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ST GABRIEL’S SCHOOL BY THE SISTERS OF THE CHURCH IN 1926 IN GLEBE HOUSE, THE OLD RECTORY OF ST JOHN’S CHURCH. ST GABRIEL’S BECAME CANBERRA CHURCH OF ENGLAND GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN 1933 AND CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN 2000.

Our guest speaker was Dr Jeannie Paterson (Evenett, 1983), who spoke about things we learn at school without always realising, which are relevant to higher education and to lifelong learning, specifically; passion, skills and compassion. Dr Paterson is Associate Professor of Law at Melbourne Law School specialising in consumer law.

She was a student at the School from Prep (then called Transition) in 1971 to Year 12 in 1983 and shared reminiscences and photographs from her school years.

Grammarians from the classes of 1939 to

1972 joined with current students. Some had travelled from country areas, interstate or overseas to be present. At a luncheon in the Boarding House, Anne Coutts presented badges to Grammarians who had left the School 50, 60 and 70 years ago, to mark their association with the School.

The Senior School assembly finished with all joining in singing the School hymn And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time written by the Romantic poet, William Blake and sung

to Sir Hubert Parry’s 1916 composition, Jerusalem. This has been a tradition at the School since the days of the founders, the Sisters of the Church. Perhaps they had been influenced by the hymn having been taken up by the suffragettes in Britain in 1917 as ‘The Women Voters’ Hymn’.

Jessica Wu (Year 12) and Helen Truong

(Year 11) entranced the audience with their piano duet Slavonic Dance Op.46, No 7 by Dvorak and the Gabriel Singers sang Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith, conducted

by Melinda Sawers, Director of Music and accompanied by Kylie Loveland on piano and Charlotte Strong (Year 11) on violin.

Margaret Schroeder ARCHIVIST

Above: Some of the members of Coro Da Camera at the Service. Front row, left to right, Georgia Connolly, Ella Borgo, Andrea Newham, Sophie Rose Eccles and Brooke Corkhill. Second row, left to right, Lauren Jeffrey, Lucy Russell, Caitlin Richards, Grace Kefford, Alexandria Benson and Georgia Paton. Third row, left to right, Renee Chew, Felicity Allanson, Talei Grima, Alexandra Peters, Celine Tan and Ashleigh Lane.

Left: The Rev’d Paul Harris, Sophie Rose Eccles (Year 6), Lauren Jeffrey (Year 5) and Ashleigh Lane (Year 6) at the Family & Friends Founders’ Day Service on Sunday 4 May.

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CELEBRATING Tradition “The journey ahead of you through school, tertiary education and beyond will not take place on a straight and even road. Careers tend to evolve organically. They ebb and flow and take twists and turns. They are full of set-backs and surprises. My suggestion is to treat every step of your education as a campaign and an adventure. Even when you don’t realize it, you are preparing for the future.”

Dr Jeannie Paterson (Evenett, 1983)

“On Founders’ Day we celebrated the humble beginnings of our school. Past and present students of CGGS came together to recognise the wonderful place of learning it is today and we all prayed for continued success in the future.”

Alice Maxwell JUNIOR SCHOOL HEAD GIRL

Above: Dr Jeannie Paterson (Evenett, 1983) speaks at the Senior School Assembly.

Above right: Alice Maxwell (Year 6).

Right: Cantantes.

Below left: Year 6 students Jacinta Bennett, Ashleigh Lane, Yvonne Monk and Maddi McRae. Below right: The Gabriel Singers.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 7

Deakin House Captain Jessica Wu, Sports Captain Rebekah Sawkins and Polly Thompson (Mary Dunham, 1964) who came from California for the event.

MY FIRST RECOLLECTION OF BEING AT GIRLS GRAMMAR WAS THAT AT RECESS WE ALWAYS HAD BOTTLES OF MILK WHICH WERE STACKED UNDERNEATH A EUCALYPTUS TREE AND THE MILK WAS RATHER SOUR BY THE TIME WE DRANK IT. Another one is that we had spelling every day and as I was fresh off the boat from America when it came to the word ‘wireless’ I had absolutely no idea how to spell it, so I wrote ‘wallace’. I lived at Mt. Stromlo and travelled in by bus every day. We always had to wear our uniforms perfectly whereas the other schools were much more casual about theirs.

I found Founders’ Day to be very moving.

It had been 50 years since I’d been to Girls Grammar in any capacity and on thinking it over, it did not take me very long at all to decide to make the flight reservations from California so I could attend. The last time I had been to Canberra had been in 2003, after the bushfire that almost leveled Mt. Stromlo. It was very nostalgic for me being at the assembly and having a tour of the new parts of the campus. Tea with the Principal was lovely. I felt very much at

“Meeting the Grammarians on Founders’ Day was very interesting and inspiring. I was very intrigued about how the School was physically, as well as how it functioned. It was very nice to see how they interacted with each other, too, as they still had such a strong connection even after not having seen each other for many years. It just shows how strong the Girls Grammar community is.”

Rebekah Sawkins SPORTS CAPTAIN

home which actually took me by surprise since so many years have passed.

I was exceedingly pleased to receive the 50 year badge which connects me to my childhood and formative years growing up in Canberra and attending Girls Grammar.

My education from Grammar has staunchly stood by me through the years.

Polly Thompson (Mary Dunham, 1964)

“Receiving the 70 year badge was exciting as well as unexpected as a lot of girls did not go on to do their leaving, such as myself, due to it being the war time as it made it very difficult.

I was thrilled to receive the medal and I loved meeting the current Year 12 students. I couldn’t believe how new and completely different everything is – it is a totally different world, we did not have as much opportunity at school as the students do now.”

70-year badge recipient Beryl Seears (Hedger, 1944) with Anne Coutts.

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Beryl Seears (Hedger, 1944)

CELEBRATING Tradition

Back row: Elizabeth Johnson (1954) and Dawn Waterhouse (Calthorpe, 1940). Front row: Polly Thompson (Dunham 1964), Margaret McAuliffe (Garran, 1950), Elizabeth Limburg (1954), Beryl Seears (Hedger, 1944), Marilyn Royal (Johnson, 1949), Elaine McPhie (1950) and Robina Johnston (Butz, 1955).

Dawn Waterhouse (Calthorpe, 1940), Service Captain Sarah Francis and Pamela Yonge (Eddison, 1939).

“Receiving my 60-year badge was remarkable.

Everything at the School has changed so much.

As a former boarder, I’m pleased to see that students are no longer in large dorm rooms and most have their own rooms.

One of my favourite memories was from my final year at school. The boarders who stayed at the boarding house over the holidays filled in their time by painting one of the classrooms, to the teacher’s disapproval of the colour choice. We quite liked the finished product.”

Robina Johnston (Butz, 1955)

SRC Captain Phyllida Behm, School Captain Bridget Goonetilleke, Sports Captain Rebekah Sawkins and Deakin House Captain Jessica Wu.

Vice Captain Megan Carney with Margaret McAuliffe (Garran, 1950), Marilyn Royal (Johnson, 1949) and Elaine McPhie (1950).

Grammarian Elizabeth Limburg (1954) at the foundation stone. Her father David Limburg, was the architect who designed the original School building.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 9

2014 SENIOR PRODUCTION THE BREAKFAST CLUB

THE FIRST SENIOR DRAMA PRODUCTION AT CGGS WAS IN 1938. THE DRAMATIC CLUB, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1934, PERFORMED THE SCHOOL’S FIRST COMPLETE PLAY, PETER PAN BY J.M. BARRIE. THE PERFORMANCE TOOK PLACE AT THE BOARDERS’ PARTY ON 5 DECEMBER. The 2014 Senior Production was a reinvigorated version of the successful 1984 film The Breakfast Club. The production also involved students from CGS and Marist College. Under the expert guide of director and drama teacher Ms Sophie Benassi (1998), the five-week rehearsal process concluded with a fantastic performance that gained numerous positive reviews. The performances ran over two weeks and included three separate casts: Red cast: Grace Lyons (Brian), Fiona Brennan (Allison), Lachlan Bryant (Bender), Beth Patterson

(Richard Vernon), Robert Miniter (Andrew), Amie Maclaine (Claire) and Corina Fabricius (Carl).

Green cast: Rita Firth (Brin), Isobel Sneddon (Allison), Callum Bodman (Bender), Claire Paton (Richard Vernon), Jack Mahon (Andrew), Emily Hosie (Claire) and Claire Holden (Carl).

White cast: Kasina Cook (Brie), Poppy Zanderigo (Allison), Daniel Talanine (Bender), Beth Patterson (Richard Vernon), James Waldron (Andrew), Hannah Webb (Claire) and India Murphy (Carl).

Prior to opening night, the casts participated in a workshop

“The themes in The Breakfast Club are timeless and incredibly relevant: teenage angst, parental pressure, bullying, depression, social cliques and the never ending desire to fit in, find a place and above all to be accepted. There are some heavy themes in this show and we haven’t shied away from them in this interpretation because the message is too important. “We’re all bizarre, some of us are just better at hiding it.” – Andrew.

The cast is such a diverse group of people. We have had many discussions about their own lives and how the themes in the play relate to them directly. We talked at length about our parents, friends and teachers – what we admire and love about them and what we are grateful for.

I would like to thank the cast for their hard work and commitment and the parents for allowing them to be part of the production.”

Sophie Benassi (1998) DRAMA TEACHER

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Above: The opening night cast, back row, Beth Patterson, Amie Maclaine, Lachlan Bryant (kneeling), Grace Lyons, Robert Miniter and Corina Fabricius. Front row, Fiona Brennan.

Right: The full cast. CREDIT: Sophie Ottaviano (Year 12).

run by this year’s Heath Ledger Scholarship recipient, Cody Fern, to help them develop their characters and advance their portrayal.

casts, assistant directors Lauren Atkin (2012) and Natalie Waldron (2011) and director Ms Sophie Benassi (1998), the show was a resounding success.

The majority of the performances during Week 6 and 7 were sold out, creating a great atmosphere.

Thanks to the tireless work of the

Fiona Brennan and Isobel Sneddon DRAMA CAPTAIN AND VICE CAPTAIN

ff ff ff

9 performances 80 hours of rehearsal 30 students were involved



T

,

ff The Year 10 Textiles and Design students (22 in total) and Charlotte Baillie (Year 11), designed, modified and sourced the costumes.



ff The students chosen for the role of Brian were given the option to perform as either male or female, with some choosing to call themselves Brin or Brie.



CELEBRATING Tradition

Amie McLaine

Beth Patterson

Callum Bodman

Claire Holden

Claire Paton

Corina Fabricius

Daniel Talanine

Emily Hosie

Fiona Brennan

Grace Lyons

Hannah Webb

India Murphy

Isobel Sneddon

Jack Mahon

James Waldron

Kasina Cook

Lachlan Bryant

Poppy Zanderigo

Rita Firth

Robert Miniter

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 11

GRANDPARENTS, GODPARENTS AND GRANDFRIENDS DAY 29 YEARS AGO, GRANDPARENTS/GODPARENTS DAY (GG DAY) BEGAN. THE IDEA CAME ABOUT AFTER GABRIEL FOUNDATION MEMBER AIR VICE MARSHALL DESMOND HALL SUGGESTED IT TO THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION BOARD. ALONG WITH JUDITH BASKIN (1951), THE BOARD FORMED A COMMITTEE AND THE FIRST GG DAY WAS ON WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 1985. NOTABLE ATTENDEES INCLUDED SIR JOHN GORTON AND SENATOR MARGARET REID. Judith says GG Day originally began at the Senior School. “There was a brief service in the Chapel and it was significant that a Roman Catholic priest, who was a godfather, joined the School Chaplain in taking the service on several occasions. Then there were tours of the Senior School, followed by lunch in the Boarding House. The Principal and I spoke in the Chapel or at the lunch,” she says.

In the early to mid 1990s, GG Day was eventually restricted to Junior School where the guests attended a special assembly and the lunch became morning tea.

“On Friday my godmother (Marissa Christian, 1998) came to school. The first thing I did was show her around the School. She told me that it was different to when she was here. I then showed her my classroom, portfolio and then my game that we created as a part of our writing unit on procedural texts. We had so much fun! I like GGG Day because it gives me time to spend with my godmother and show her all the wonderful things we do at school.”

Isabella Oloyede (Year 3)

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“Later it was decided to ask Grammarians to become ‘Grandfriends’ with the children who had none of the above and then it was further restricted to some of the younger classes only,” says Judith.

GG Day then became Grandparents, Godparents and Grandfriends Day (GGG Day) and in the early 2000s, the event was held only for Year 3 students. In 2014, 110 guests attended.

“GGG Day gives people who are important in the lives of the individual students a chance to see where they are spending their school days and to learn something about the management and the ethos of the School. It was always a very moving occasion and I loved being associated with it,” she says.

“I was privileged to be a grandfriend for two girls; Harriet and Audrey on GGG day. It was lovely to feel such a special part of the School community and to be involved in the girls’ activities. I was made to feel so very welcome and the time spent with the girls in their classroom was filled with much talking and pride as they showed me the wonderful things they had worked on. I just hope I get invited back next year!”

Dr Penny Linnett (1984) Grandfriend of Year 3 students Harriet Hughes and Audrey Kuan

“It was great to feel acknowledged for the contribution that we, as grandparents provide in Sophia’s life. We also enjoyed being toured around the School by Sophia and hearing her excitement about how special her school is. Her favourite place is the library were she showed her Nona (Flor) the books she wants to read next. We visited the classroom and were warmly welcomed by her teacher Ms Ciesniewski.

It gave Sophia the opportunity to discuss with her Tata (William) the ideas and challenges she was having with her experiment. All in all, we appreciated the opportunity provided on the day and to share memories with Sophia about her fantastic time at school.”

William and Flor Sermeno Grandparents of Sophia Medina (Year 3)

CELEBRATING Tradition 1 Y asmeen Sidhu with grandparents Manjit and Guljit Kaur.

2 L aila Marshall with grandmother Jennifer Marshall.

3 S ophia Medina with grandfather William Sermeno.

4 H arriet Hughes with grandfriend Penny Linnett (1984).

5 D emi Koundouris with grandparents Eric Koundouris, Vickie Sipinkas and Georgina Koundouris.

6 J osie Monk with grandfriends Jeffrey and Barbara Jarrett.

7 F ront, Lucinda Thompson with grandmother Pamela Thompson.

Back, Isabella Oloyede with godmother Marissa Christian (1998).

8 A udrey Murton with grandmother Wieping Mao. 9 Freya

Alblas with grandfather Jan Alblas.

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GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 13

SCHOLARSHIPS AT CGGS CGGS HAS A PROUD TRADITION OF OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS TO GIRLS ON THE BASIS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND FINANCIAL NEED. The first scholarships were offered in December 1932. Three scholarships were available for day girls younger than 12 years of age and offered £15/15/- each for three years.

The fourth was a senior ‘resident’ (boarding) scholarship for £21 for two years, awarded on the results of the 1933 Intermediate Certificate examination. The recipients were Gwen Pinner (1939) (dec), Joan Parker, Gwen Prowse (Crawley, 1939) and Jean McLennan (Shepherd, 1939), who received the boarding scholarship, still lives in Canberra today.

The 92-year-old Grammarian says before her scholarship, she hadn’t been to school only doing lessons by correspondence. Back then, Jean and her family lived in ‘country’ Belconnen and the boarding scholarship gave Jean the opportunity to attend the school, though she was made to repeat 6th grade.

After school, Jean joined the public service, then served for three years in the Australian Women’s Army Service as a Gunner.

Today, the School offers a number of different prizes and scholarships with three programs starting in Year 7 to eligible applicants; the Gabriel Boarding Scholarship, the Vivien Gough Memorial Performing Arts Scholarship and the Janine Murphy Memorial Scholarship.

CGGS is also a Yalari partner school. Yalari offers Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities and towns across Australia the opportunity to attend some of the country’s leading boarding schools through the Yalari Scholarship.

Above right: Some of our current scholars. Back row: Year 12 students Niki Johnson, Katie Chapman, Cate Hallett, Jessica Wu and Shannon Coates. Middle row: Lyric Hearn (Year 10), Monisha Dhawan (Year 11), Erin Holder (Year 11), Poppy Zanderigo (Year 11) and Helen Johnson (Year 12). Front row: Sophie West (Year 10), Elanor Tait-Russell (Year 8), Larissa Woosup (Year 11), Kate Turner (Year 11) and Felicity Moran (Year 12).

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“As you read these pages, you will see what an important focus scholarships are to CGGS and The Gabriel Foundation. We proudly continue to support a number of scholars across the Senior School years. Growing out of a shared vision with the Principal, the Foundation is currently working on an exciting initiative to further enhance the number of scholarships offered and a tax deductible fund has been set up within the Foundation. This will enable us to assist the School to further extend the tradition that The Gabriel Foundation has of supporting educational opportunities and excellence at CGGS. Over the coming months, this new focus will gain more prominence as The Gabriel Foundation works to extend the scholarship programs at CGGS. I look forward to providing an update as the project progresses.”

David Holmesby CHAIR, THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION

CELEBRATING Tradition

PAST SCHOLARS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Lauren Kajewski (2006).

Harriet Farlow (2012).

Eliza Shephard (2011).

LAUREN KAJEWSKI (2006), GABRIEL BOARDING SCHOLAR

HARRIET FARLOW (2012), JANINE MURPHY MEMORIAL SCHOLAR

Since graduating from CGGS, Lauren has completed a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with the University of Canberra and is currently completing a Masters of Liberal Arts, Sustainability and Environmental Management with Harvard University. Lauren is the National Social Planning and Infrastructure Manager (Sustainability Team) with Stockland in Sydney and oversees the company’s residential portfolio including 70 projects.

Harriet is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) degree at ANU with a major in biological anthropology and a minor in physics.

Harriet has been active in a range of roles at ANU.

ELIZA SHEPHARD (2011), VIVIEN GOUGH MEMORIAL PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLAR AND GABRIEL BOARDING SCHOLAR

“Coming from a very small rural community in western NSW, the opportunities afforded to me by The Gabriel Foundation and CGGS have ensured that I have had every opportunity to thrive in my personal and professional life. I have had a world class education, with a wealth of academic and social resources which has undoubtedly supported my own personal desire to succeed.

By far the biggest opportunity The Gabriel Foundation offered me was exposure to Mrs Rosalyn Lindsay (former Head of Boarding) and Mrs Tina Twigg (current Head of Boarding) from the Boarding House. These two women are on a shortlist of most influential in my life and credited with where I am today—so I graciously thank them.”

“I’ve been involved in volunteering with Community Ambassadors, where we encourage kids in disadvantaged households and rural areas to attend university by holding outreach programs.

During my first year I was involved in debating and went to the national debating competition at the Gold Coast. I’ve also been accepted into a field school this January to study primates for three weeks in Cambodia. The Janine Murphy Memorial Scholarship contributed immensely, because it relieved the financial load of studying at CGGS—without it I would have moved to a different school for college. To continue studying at CGGS was a dream come true, since I had been there since Year 5. I loved all the co-curricular opportunities and no doubt it was a main contributor to getting my high ATAR (98.75), which enabled me to get into my degree at ANU. I loved studying there and it gave me so many opportunities.”

The 2011 Captain of Bands was heavily involved in music at CGGS and attended almost all choirs, bands and orchestra rehearsals. Eliza is currently a private music teacher and teaches both dance and drama around Canberra. “I teach students aged seven to 70, both individually and in groups and ensembles and love every minute of it!” she says.

Since graduating from CGGS, Eliza has just completed her third year of a Bachelor of Music at ANU School of Music and hopes to continue her studies in Honours. She has also achieved her Licentiate Diploma of Music in Flute and has followed many of her other passions including performing in musicals and is currently a choreographer for a local production of the musical Evita with Canberra Philharmonic Society.

“Achieving the Vivien Gough Memorial Performing Arts Scholarship gave me a boost of confidence with my music and I have pushed myself to further achieve my goals. I gained the motivation to attend university, study my passion of music and encouraged myself to partake in as many different activities as possible and inspire other people in my field.”

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 15

MEET SOME OF OUR CURRENT SCHOLARS

FELICITY MORAN (YEAR 12), GABRIEL BOARDING SCHOLAR Boarding House Captain, Nancy Fletcher Memorial Prize for Service to the Boarding House, Prize for Global Relations

Celia Thornton (Year 10)

CELIA THORNTON (YEAR 10), GABRIEL BOARDING SCHOLAR “The Gabriel Boarding Scholarship has allowed me to make the most of opportunities that CGGS offers. I am now able to take piano lessons and do extra co-curricular activities that help me be more involved in the CGGS community that without this scholarship I wouldn’t have been able to do. CGGS is a school that helps students excel in any way they want to. It offers many opportunities that allow students like myself to develop and reach their full potential. This is what I love about CGGS and what makes it such a great school.”

JESSICA WU (YEAR 12), VIVIEN GOUGH PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLAR Deakin House Captain, The Olivia Molineux Trophy for Sportsmanship, Prize for Music

“Receiving the Scholarship has given me the inspiration to continue my musical journey and to become a role model to younger musicians helping them realise their ambition. It has strengthened my

16 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

“What I love about CGGS and what I think is truly unique to the School, is the School spirit that everyone shares. And then within this larger community there are groups that are even more united, like the Boarding House. Being a boarder is something I’ve never experienced before. There’s something different about the friendships you make with those you live with it and I’m so grateful to be part of something like this. I’m grateful to The Gabriel Foundation for making such a generous contribution to my school fees. Another thing I love about CGGS is that there are literally boundless opportunities, no matter where your interests lie or what you want to pursue, there is something for everyone. And all these different opportunities provide a really great way to meet new people in and out of the School.”

ambition to continue to be active through music co-curricular activities. Most importantly I have enjoyed the musical journey the Scholarship has allowed me to embark on. I have gained more confidence in performing as well as my approach to music. I was awarded first place in the Concerto competition and selected as the most outstanding performer of 2014 from the combined Grammar schools. It has also given me the confidence to pursue my musical goals and I was able to receive my ATCL diploma in clarinet recital.”

Felicity Moran (Year 12)

MONISHA DHAWAN (YEAR 11), JANINE MURPHY MEMORIAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP “The opportunity to study at CGGS

has provided me with a great platform and a strong foundation to fulfil my career aspirations. The Scholarship

has benefited both my family and I

in a number of ways. It has provided

me with the opportunity to study at such a great and respected school. I

really enjoy the School and its great environment. The Scholarship has

also financially helped my parents

Jessica Wu (Year 12)

CELEBRATING Tradition

NIKI JOHNSON (YEAR 12), VIVIEN GOUGH MEMORIAL ARTS SCHOLAR Music Captain, Cicolari & Vido Award for Commitment and Excellence, BSSS Creative and Performing Arts Award, Prize for Leadership in Music, Prize for Music.

Monisha Dhawan (Year 11)

by allowing me to receive the best

possible education at a reduced fee.

After I graduate, I plan to start an

undergraduate degree in medicine,

or complete a degree in biomedicine/ science, followed by postgraduate

medicine. Basically, my career goal is

“The Scholarship has served externally as confirmation of what I have achieved in the School’s music program and in my personal music studies. To my family and I, it is confirmation and validation of the effort I have put into the music department and how I have tried to make the most of the opportunities provided to me in my musical endeavours. As well as being

Niki Johnson (Year 12)

given so many opportunities outside of school itself, I have found the teachers here have made my education and learning to be more enjoyable and beneficial. I have encountered so many passionate and committed teachers who have gone out of their way to help answer questions and give support outside of school hours.”

to become a doctor while fulfilling my

passion for the sciences and my desire to help the wider community.”

“We are very proud of Monisha for attaining this scholarship at CGGS. We believe that this scholarship has provided an opportunity to prove her competencies and fulfil our expectations to become a successful person in her life. I am confident that Monisha will make most of this scholarship and be a great contributor in the School and the wider community.”

Chander and Anita Dhawan

LYRIC HEARN (YEAR 10), YALARI SCHOLAR “The Scholarship has given me the ability to attend CGGS without leaving a heavy financial burden on the rest of my family and does not interfere with my siblings’ access to a good education.

Since receiving a Yalari Scholarship my life has continued to be enriched with valuable experiences and connections.

I’m able to follow my passion more closely and have the option to indulge in a wide range of other things that CGGS makes available. There’s lot to love about CGGS but the thing I love most would have to be the unfailing spirit of reaching for our dreams that comes from both staff and students. This school unleashes the potential within all of us, fosters our skills and tries to accommodate activities and programs

Lyric Hearn (Year 10)

that fuel our passion. No matter how ambitious your goals are or how big the dream you chase, nobody at CGGS, staff or student, will tell you it can’t be done and instead of doing it all on your own, you will even receive help along the way. Everyone knows that with passion, motivation and determination there will be success.”

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 17

FETE TRADITION THE FETE FASHION PARADE FOR 25 YEARS NOW THE FASHION PARADE HAS BECOME A TRADITION AT THE P&F FETE. AS ONE OF THE FETE’S MAIN ATTRACTIONS, THE POPULAR STUDENT-RUN FASHION PARADE IS A TICKETED EVENT RAISING IMPORTANT FUNDS FOR THE SCHOOL. MANAGED

BY THE SENIOR COUNCIL, SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS OF ALL YEAR GROUPS PARTICIPATE AS WELL AS MALE MODELS FROM CGS. From Burrawi 1989:

“One of the big attractions of this year’s fete was the Fashion Parade held in the hall.

Despite all the changes that had to be made to accommodate this, the fashion parade was a fantastic success – a credit to all the girls (and boys) involved in the modelling...”

And in 1991:

“….This parade seems to be getting better and more professional each year….”

1

For years now, the fashion parade includes a fashion, drama and dance element which follows a theme. Past themes include: Pride Rock (The Lion King), Smooth Criminal, Treasure Island, The Rocky Horror Fashion

Show, Follow the Yellow Brick Road and Enchanted. This year’s Superheroes and Supervillains parade consisted of two shows on fete day and included more than 60 students raising more than $3,400.

“…Each of our models walked with confidence, the dancers moved with such precision and the drama students convinced everyone that they were superheroes! Thank you so much to all of the girls for their hard work and cooperation over many months. Another huge thank you must go to all of the Senior Council’s Vice Captains and extra helpers for all of their hard work on fete day.

A massive thank you to the maintenance staff for all of their support, from setting up the catwalk to making sure that doors are unlocked, their work is much appreciated. Mrs Coulston, our supervising teacher was a great help throughout the process and was a constant source of support for us…”

Megan Carney SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN 2

18 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

CELEBRATING Tradition

4

3

6

CAN YOU NAME SOME OF THESE FACES? 5

8

?

1 I zzy Atkinson-Smith (Year 11), Kate MacInnes (Year 11), Zoe Heacock (Year 11), Bella Knevett (Year 11),Cassidy Shaw (Year 12), Miranda Hutchesson (Year 12), Madeline Mackie (Year 12), Lauren Sandeman (Year 12), Siena Montgomery (Year 11) and Gemma Newman (Year 12).

2 T he Smooth Criminal Parade in 2000.

3 T he 2002 Treasure Island Parade.

4 Models on the catwalk in 1991.

5 P age two of the 2010 Pride Rock Parade program.

6 I sobel Sneddon (Year 12), India Murphy (Year 11), Rita Firth (Year 11), Ruby Hammond (Year 11), Eliza Shelley (Year 12), Belinda Kyatt (Year 12), Fiona Brennan (Year 12), Prue Tysoe (Year 10) and Beth Patterson (Year 11).

7 T he 2011 parade poster.

7

9

8 T he 2010 Pride Rock Parade.

9 T he 2009 Rocky Horror Fashion Show Parade ticket.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 19

SWIMMING CARNIVAL’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR MARKS THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SCHOOL’S FIRST SWIMMING CARNIVAL WHICH WAS HELD AT MANUKA SWIMMING POOL. According to the first edition of Burrawi in September 1934: “During the first term the girls showed a keen interest in swimming. They worked very hard in preparation for the forthcoming School Swimming Carnival, which was held in March.

There was enthusiastic competition between the two houses, Kilburn and Waverley, to see which house could gain the highest number of points. Waverley succeeded in gaining 49 points against Kilburn’s 29.

Waverley has been unfortunate in losing its best swimmer, Betty Behan. Betty Behan and Del Calthorpe were the School’s champion swimmers and we hope Del will continue to swim as well next season as she did last…”

1935 CGGS/CGS Swimming Team. Back row, Peter Roach, CGS Master: Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton, Eric Peterson, Canon W J Edwards (Headmaster CGS) and Keith Eddison. Middle, Olive Robertson (1937), Jean Waring (1940)(dec.), Marjorie Pearson (Waring, 1937)(dec.), Betty Behan (1934)(dec.) and Jean Sheaffe (1937)(dec.). Front row, Harold Peterson, E. Leslie and Bobby Peterson. CREDIT: CGS Archives.

Some of the carnival’s swimming prizes are named after its outstanding past swimmers and families, recognising their contribution

to swimming at the School and beyond.

Carol Gathercole donating the Gathercole Family 100m Backstroke trophy in 2004.

20 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

ff Stephanie Reeves (1984) — Stephanie Reeves 100m Freestyle; ff Dimity Douglas-Byrne (Douglas, 1988) — Dimity Douglas 100m Breastroke, first awarded in 1989; ff Gemma Dashwood (1995) — Gemma Dashwood 200m Freestyle, first awarded in 1995; ff Philippa Downes (1988) — Pippa Downes 200m Individual Medley, first awarded in 1989; and ff the Gathercole Family 100m Backstroke, trophy donated in 2004.

These races are on rotation each year with the Tanya Desmond 50m Freestyle Golden Flipper Championship race run every year, since the trophy was donated in 1980 by Tanya (now Granter, 1980). Today, the House Swimming Carnival is held

at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Swimming Pool, where the strong House tradition of themes and cheers continue.

“I

participated in swimming carnivals at CGGS from 1979–1984. They were always lots of fun. Everyone dressed up in House colours and sang/shouted at the tops of their voices in support of the swimmers from their House.

The earlier carnivals were held at Deakin Swimming Pool, then they moved to Civic (where diving could also be held) and finally in 1984, we graduated to the pool at the AIS. This was pretty special because for the first time we were able to be timed properly (by touch pads) rather than by teachers holding stop watches.

CELEBRATING Tradition

KILBURN’S CHAMPION SWIMMER

NOW 96-YEARS-OLD, DEL COLEMAN (CALTHORPE, 1935), A FOUNDATION PUPIL OF ST GABRIEL’S, A PROUD WEARER OF THE RED AND WHITE COLOURS OF KILBURN AND SCHOOL CAPTAIN IN 1935, HAS FOND MEMORIES OF HER DAYS AS A SUCCESSFUL SWIMMER. Her father, Harry Calthorpe, who was President of the Queanbeyan Swimming Club, taught her to swim on holiday at Narooma. He was among the most active supporters of a purpose-built pool in Manuka, a heart-lifting project in the years of the 1930s Depression.

The Swimming Pool (later named the Manuka Swimming Pool) opened on Australia Day, 26 January 1931. In the holidays and after school, Del rode her bike from her home in Mugga Way to Manuka. In the same changing rooms still in use today, she pulled on a woollen swimming costume which, though bulky in comparison with later swimwear, was surprisingly comfortable. Both male and female swimmers were expected to be ‘respectably and properly clad’. This applied throughout Del’s school days and although the bathing costume code for

We thought we had hit the big time.

I was very fortunate to be Swimming Captain at a time when two girls were swimming for Australia; Dimity Douglas (breastroke) and Pippa Downes (backstroke). When we competed at the Independent Girls’ School Carnival in Sydney, our Medley Relay Team (which included Dimity and Pippa) left the competing teams in its wake and the Sydney schools were shocked. A great result for the girls from the bush!”

Stephanie Reeves (1984) 1984 SWIMMING CAPTAIN AND WAVERLEY HOUSE CAPTAIN

women began to relax soon after she left, the authorities in Canberra were very conservative and it was not until 1939 that males under the age of 21 (and certainly not those over 21) were permitted to wear bathing trunks.

The number of students at CGGS and CGS was so small that they combined for swimming competitions against other schools. In 1933, Del and two of her Girls Grammar friends Betty Bracegirdle (Woodger, 1934) (dec.) and Joan Allen (1937) (dec.) took First, Second and Third places in the Ladies 22 Yards (about 21 metres) Open Championship. Girls Grammar House points were also awarded on the day. Sadly for Del, the winner was Waverley rather than Kilburn.

Top: Del Coleman (Calthorpe, 1935). Above: The Swimming Carnival at Manuka Swimming Pool in the 1940s.

Del was asked, “When you were in your mid-teens and not taking part in swimming competitions, what experiences at the pool were among the most enjoyable?” She answered without

hesitation, “Kissing the boys under the water!”

Jill Waterhouse (1962) Niece of Del Coleman (Calthorpe, 1935)

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 21

THE HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL TODAY

ON WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH, STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL CGGS HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL AT THE AIS SWIMMING POOL. THE HOUSES MADE THE BEST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY AND CONTINUED THE SCHOOL’S STRONG HOUSE TRADITION OF THEMES AND CHEERS. THE CARNIVAL WAS CERTAINLY A WHOLE SCHOOL EVENT, WITH STUDENTS AND STAFF INVOLVED IN ICT, RECORDING, TIMING, PHOTOGRAPHY, FILMING, CHEERING, SWIMMING AND HOUSE SPIRIT! IT IS THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF THAT MAKES THIS SUCH AN ENJOYABLE EVENT. This year, the House spirit themes were: Burgmann Boats, Deep Sea Deakin, Glebe Great Barrier Reef, Kilburn Kleopatra, Robertson Ranch and Waverley Wild Safari.

Three records were broken on the day: ff Stephanie Reeves 100m Freestyle (open event) by Charlotte White (Year 9 Waverley), 1:01.77 ff 50m Freestyle (14 years) by Charlotte White (Year 9, Waverley), 28.95 ff 50m Backstroke (13 years)

by Bella White (Year 7, Waverley), 33.84

The eight fastest girls in the ‘Golden Flipper’ race are: Bella White (Year 7, Waverley), Genevieve Morris (Year 10, Robertson), Rachel Crawford (Year 8, Deakin), Catherine Khan (Year 10, Robertson), Hayley Morris (Year 10, Robertson), Elizabeth Williams (Year 9, Kilburn), Evangeline Cleary (Year 11, Kilburn) and Charlotte White (Year 9, Waverley), who won the event.

The age champions: ff 12 years: Chelsea Antich (Year 7, Robertson) ff 13 years: Bella White (Year 7, Waverley)

Above: The 50m freestyle.

Below: The School’s fastest swimmer, Charlotte White (Year 9, Waverley) with the golden flipper.

ff 14 years: Charlotte White (Year 9, Waverley)

Congratulations to winning House—Robertson!

ff 15 years: Hayley Morris (Year

Thank you to all the parents who came to support their daughters and assist on the day.

10, Robertson)

ff 16 years: Jasmin Robertson (Year 10, Kilburn) ff 17 years: Evangeline Cleary (Year 11, Kilburn) ff 18 years: Molly Roberts (Year 12, Burgmann)

CURRENT OPEN SWIMMING RECORDS Stephanie Reeves 100m Freestyle

C White

1:01.77

2014

Waverley

Gathercole 100m Backstroke

Sarah Friend

1.08:15

2011

Robertson

Dimity Douglas 100m Breaststroke

Emma Harris

1:15.63

2013

Glebe

Gemma Dashwood 200m Freestyle

P Downes

2:11.67

1986

Waverley

Pippa Downes 200m Individual Medley

K Fullagar

2:26.44

1988

Robertson

Tanya Desmond 50m Freestyle Golden Flipper Championship Race

Imogen Schiwy

28.05

2013

Kilburn

22 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

Jenny Hall HEAD OF PDHPE FACULTY

CELEBRATING Tradition

1

2

4

3

5

“The Senior School Swimming Carnival is such a wonderful tradition that I am proud to say continues with the utmost enthusiasm by students and staff each and every year. I love that no matter what a student’s swimming ability is there is always an opportunity for them to get involved in this great event that brings the whole school community together.”

Emma Harris SWIMMING CAPTAIN

1 R obertson’s Samantha Blunn (Year 7), Pip Blunn and Sophie West (both Year 10).

2 K ilburn’s Lottie England and Sarah Francis (Year 12).

3 T he Year 12 House Captains after the cross throw; a tradition which has run for the past five years.

After a prayer, The Rev’d Paul Harris throws the cross into the pool and the first House Captain to retrieve it wins, but no points rewarded. 2014’s winner was Burgmann House. Back row standing, Jessica Wu (Deakin), Hannah Rawlins (Glebe), Diya Sharma (Waverley) and Kate Hitchcock (Robertson).

Front row, Molly Roberts (Burgmann) and Emma McLellan (Kilburn).

6

4 D eakin’s Meaghan Wray, Yasmin Abhayaratna, Taylor Caudle on the job (all Year 12).

5 B urgmann’s Olivia Domazet and Hayley Coorey (both in Year 8).

6 J asmin Robertson (Year 10, Kilburn) with Year 10 Glebe girls Julia Cronan, Laura Jorgensen and Rachel Toohey.

7 Y ear 7 students Olivia Cummins, Roopa SharmaBurton, Maddie Pik and Sarah Hutchinson from Waverley.

7

8

8 Y ear 10 Deakin’s Tiffany McCormack and Michaela Braggett.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 23

A NEW TRADITION

THE YEAR 12 MOTHER DAUGHTER BREAKFAST ON WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, THE SENIOR COUNCIL (SC) HELD THE INAUGURAL YEAR 12 MOTHER DAUGHTER BREAKFAST. A GREAT IDEA WHICH WAS SPARKED MUCH EARLIER IN THE YEAR, THE BREAKFAST BROUGHT IN AN EXTRAORDINARY 250 MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. THEY ENJOYED A FEAST OF BANANA BREAD, FRUIT AND CROISSANTS IN THE SCIENCE BUILDING FOYER. THE MORNING WAS COMPLETE WITH SUN STREAMING IN THROUGH THE WINDOWS, BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND A WRAPPED FLOWER FOR EACH OF THE MOTHERS OR FEMALE ROLE MODELS ATTENDING. The event aimed to foster closer relationships between mothers and daughters and focused on the appreciation of the continuous support we have received from our female role models, particularly in our final two years in the Senior School. The morning was filled with a warm buzz of conversation, starting with the SC’s Vice Captains greeting guests at the doors, collecting gold coin donations and handing out flowers. After going through the name station and grabbing some food, everyone paused to hear a

heartfelt speech from Cathy Dangar,

mother of Year 12 student Kate Dangar.

The SC would like to thank everyone

The event aimed to foster closer relationships between mothers and daughters and focused on the appreciation of the continuous support we have received from our female role models, particularly in our final two years in the Senior School.

who attended, it was an amazing turn out for a new event (that began at

7.30am). We would also like to extend our gratitude to all that donated to

the SC’s chosen charity for the year,

pressures. Thank you to Mr Corbett-

Jones for your continued support, the

Vice Captains for your assistance on the

The Reach Foundation. The breakfast

morning, Helen Mayfosh for the amazing

which promotes youth achievement

for the inspirational words and the

raised over $500 for the organisation

and drives youth to overcome societal

floral arrangements, Cathy Dangar

catering team.

It really was a wonderful morning, the 2014 SC hopes that this will become an annual Senior Council event.

Bridget Goonetilleke and Megan Carney SCHOOL CAPTAIN AND VICE CAPTAIN

SC’s Vice Captains: Maddison Pearce, Larissa Wossup, Alana Dalgleish, Cate Hallett, Rangana Wijewickrema and Evelyn Little.

24 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

CELEBRATING Tradition

2

1

3

5

4

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1 Diya and Gauri Sharma.

2 A driana Mackie, Gemma and Susie Newman, Madeline Mackie and Anne Coutts.

3 V irginia and Maddie Caldwell.

4 Caitlin and Toni Gwynn-Jones.

5 C arlie and Gemma Dodds with Jillian and Cassidy Shaw.

6 K ate and Cathy Dangar.

7

8

7 A ntonella and Issy Heggie.

8 S usan and Eliza Blain with Nada and Libby Jevtovic.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 25

BOARDER, PARENT, TEACHER BARBARA SELLECK (HAMILL, 1965)

AFTER BEING CONNECTED TO CGGS FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS AS A BOARDER, PARENT AND TEACHER, POPULAR JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER-LIBRARIAN BARBARA SELLECK (HAMILL, 1965) HAS NOW RETIRED.

were inspected each Saturday morning!

BOARDER

ff had to wash your hair—you could always tell the boarders from the day girls as their hair looked awful by about Wednesday each week; ff had your dormitories inspected—this included all the drawers and cupboards; ff were given clean sheets and had to make up your bed; ff had to write a letter home and our names were checked off to ensure that this had been done; and ff were able to watch Bandstand on TV.”

Barbara began at CGGS as a 13-year-old

boarder in 1962. Looking back, her earliest

memories were of not having free time and

the School bells, which organised their busy day starting from 6.30am in the morning.

“We had Prep for an hour before breakfast at

8am. At the end of the day all boarders had to do an organised sport, so we had a quick

piece of fruit and changed into our full sports uniform,” she says. “At 5pm it was a mad rush back to ‘bags’ a shower and get ready for

the Chapel Service before the evening meal.

With 80 girls all showering in half an hour it

didn’t take long for the hot water to run out!

After the meal, students were rostered on

washing-up teams to clear, wash, dry up and reset the tables before Prep started.”

As a boarder, Barbara says she and her friends had to “develop survival skills together” because of the strict Boarding House rules. The coordination of the “midnight feasts” was one such group survival task.

“This involved considerable planning then asking the day girls to buy all the food,” she says. “The food had to be hidden in our dormitories until we had decided to hold this highly ‘illegal event’ on a night in the last week of term. There were three terms of 14 weeks each in those years. The feasts involved sitting around on our beds with torches, munching on delicacies such as rocky road and trying not to wake the matron who would have put a stop to the proceedings by confiscating all the food.

Hiding food wasn’t easy as our cupboards

Saturday in the Boarding House was when you:

To Barbara, the sense of community amongst the students means that she and her peers have retained friendships after all this time.

“Our cohort has held three major reunions over the years and soon we will celebrate with our 50-year reunion,” she says. “I have been amazed at the places around the world where I have come across girls from my time in the Boarding House—youth hostels in many countries, on a bridge in Venice, Washington and Kathmandu.

During my first week living in Papua New Guinea, I met up with two very close friends from my year who were living there— Janet Fingleton (Oram, 1965) and Jill Hall (Dening, 1965).

PARENT Barbara’s relationship with the School continued, this time as a parent, when her daughter Rachel Selleck (1996) started in Year 6 after the Selleck family (her husband Bruce was in the army), returned from a posting in the U.S. Barbara’s son Hugh, began at CGS in Year 4.

26 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

CELEBRATING Tradition Barbara Selleck – friend, colleague and active educator. Over the past 24 years, Barb’s commitment to every aspect of school life has been remarkable. She is always busy, but never rushed. She gives of her time with passion and interest to every teacher and student who asks for her help in the library. She will be greatly missed here at the Junior School as her dedication, commitment and professionalism has inspired us all. We wish her happiness and fulfilment in her retirement.

Janet Robertson and Robyn Hetherington JUNIOR SCHOOL CLASSROOM TEACHERS

“As a parent, the relationship between CGGS and CGS was important for us where both our children could be involved in the same music events and also of course, the many hours spent attending rowing regattas… making things easier for families with boys and girls in their families.

This helped to further extend the feeling of community.”

The Selleck family had many connections to the School. Rachel, who now works for Google in the U.K., was confirmed in the Chapel of Annunciation in 1991 and married there in 2009. Her eldest son Max was also baptised by Rev’d Paul Harris in 2012. His godmother is Joanna Folan (1996), Barbara’s niece Jane Hamill (2002) continued the family tradition. Jane was a boarder and was also confirmed in the Chapel. Jane graduated from UTS with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and now works part of her time in New Zealand.

TEACHER As a qualified teacher with extensive experience, Barbara took a relief-teaching position at the Junior School in 1991, beginning on the afternoon of her interview.

She began as a religion teacher, then as a permanent staff member taught Years

3 and 5 and was one of the Junior School Teacher-Librarians for 15 years. During her time at the School, Barbara has also been the Junior School Rostrum coordinator, the staff nominee on the School Board, a Grammarians’ Association nominee on the P&F Committee and was heavily involved in rowing and the P&F Fete. Barbara says she loves teaching because every day is different and there are always new challenges.

“While teaching is extremely demanding and involves hours of preparation time it is also very rewarding—a positive response from a student can make the late night of planning seem worthwhile. Teaching is also collaborative—working in teaching teams is energising.”

In retirement, Barbara looks forward to spending time with her family. We wish her all the best!

Far left: Barbara (front row, far right) and the Senior A Hockey team in 1965.

Top: Barbara in her original school uniform in December this year.

Centre: Barbara (front row, second from the left) in the 1992 Junior School staff photo.

Above: Left to right – Judith Stewart (Stuart, 1965), Barbara Pillans (Hazelwood, 1965), also Rachel’s godmother, Svetlana Roberts (Novikoff, 1965), Barbara Selleck (Hamill, 1965) and Helen Jensma (Bridge, 1965) (in front). Photo belonged to Frances Parramore (1965) (dec).

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 27

GRAMMARIANS GEORGINA BYRON (1988) “CGGS WAS ENORMOUSLY FORMATIVE FOR ME. A STRONG WELL-ROUNDED

EDUCATION WHERE I WAS LED TO BELIEVE I COULD DO ANYTHING I PUT MY MIND TO,” SAYS GEORGINA BYRON (1988); BUSINESSWOMAN, PHILANTHROPIST, CEO AND MOTHER OF FOUR.

“Very influential was my three-month exchange student trip to Germany at the end of Year 11. I must admit I was homesick at times but overall a profoundly positive experience and it certainly fostered

“Philanthropy isn’t just about

money, not at all, it’s about giving

time and skills and facilitating new connections, something we can all

qualities that added to my career and

participate in.”

life in general—resilience, independence

Georgina says the leadership positions she

and confidence as well as a greater understanding of relationships and cultural differences. I am still in touch with my German family and recently took my four girls to visit them. Consequently, my

secured during her time at CGGS also gave

her the confidence and courage to publicly campaign on issues, lead teams and

mobilise people. Since 2007, she has held

many advisory positions and has also been

eldest is desperate to study German!”

a director of several charities including the

After graduating from CGGS in 1988,

Australian Women Donors Network.

the former School Captain graduated from Melbourne’s RMIT University with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing. Her career in the corporate sector spanned across all aspects of business marketing, product and strategy.

In 2007, Georgina became the CEO of the Snow Foundation, originally founded by her father Terry Snow and his brother

Hands Across Canberra Foundation and the “I have had so many opportunities given

to me—a loving family, a great education,

exciting experiences, yet there are so many others that don’t have any of this. I feel

immensely passionate to be able to support others that need it in such a significant

way. Helping others has been drilled into

us from the beginning. I still can hear Dad

GEORGINA BYRON began at CGGS in 3rd grade in 1979. After RMIT, she worked at National Australia Bank in market

research and consumer marketing. In

1993 she worked overseas and studied

French in France. She returned to Sydney

as an investment advisor selling European

equities and gaining a Graduate Diploma in

career at AMP followed involving a stint in

the UK. Since joining The Snow Foundation

“It’s been an incredible opportunity to

as CEO, Georgina has also become a close

build the Foundation substantially and

partner to organisation One Disease at

really improve the lives of those that need

a Time, which aims to eliminate scabies

support. The Foundation has also enabled

across Australia. In 2014, she was a founding

me to pursue my interest in advocating for

partner in the documentary 10 Stories for

investment in women and girls for a better

28 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

see someone struggling, reach out and give

them a helping hand.”

Securities Industry of Australia. An 8-year

community in Canberra and the region.

philanthropy.”

saying to us when we were children, “You

Applied Finance and Investment from the

and seeks to benefit the disadvantaged

global future as well as advocate for more

Georgina Byron (1988).

Single Mothers to raise the profile of single Georgina Byron and children.

mothers and champion change.

CELEBRATING Tradition

NEWS FROM GRAMMARIANS DIMITY AZOURY (2006), Has won the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, one of Australia’s most prestigious ballet prizes.

Dimity has danced with The Australian Ballet since 2008. She married fellow dancer Rudy Hawkes last year.

Demelza at her book launch in Canberra.

Dimity Azoury (2006).

CREDIT: Branco Gaica.

Courtesy of The Australian Ballet.

SALLY-ANNE CLARKE (2000), was nominated for the Young Business Women’s Award in the Telstra Women in Business Awards.

Sally is an Assistant Manager at the Commonwealth Department of Education.

DEMELZA HAINES (1994), has written and published her first illustrated children’s book, Jenkins The Hare. The book features 48 pages of original artwork by her husband Adam Murphy. Last year Demelza and Adam founded their children’s clothing brand Welly’s Wonders which features five different characters including the most popular—Jenkins.

Philippa Hetherington (2001) with her mum Robyn Hetherington.

JEAN TURNS 100!

JEAN CRANE (ELVINS, 1932), Celebrated her 100th Birthday on 29 September 2014. Jean was one of the founding students at St Gabriel’s School.

Jean currently resides in Victoria.

Jean Crane (Elvins, 1932) at her 100th birthday party with youngest great granddaughter Milla Houghton.

KELLY FRAME (2007), has been awarded an Australian Postgraduate Awards scholarship.

The scholarship provides financial support to postgraduate students of exceptional research promise. Kelly is currently in her second year of her PhD in English at UNSW in Canberra and is writing about the novels of David Mitchell, best known for his novel Cloud Atlas. Her thesis, Postmodernism and the Planetary in the novels of David Mitchell, will be the first sustained critical analysis of Mitchell’s complete body of work. The scholarship provides a stipend which will allow Kelly to work on her dissertation in a full-time capacity. Kelly says she’s thrilled to receive the award.

PHILIPPA HETHERINGTON (2001), was awarded a PhD in Russian History from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University on 29 May 2014. She is currently undertaking a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the History Department of the University of Sydney.

NATALIA MICHAIL (2011), who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when she was 8-years-old and is now the youth ambassador for Diabetes ACT. Natalia appeared on the cover of Canberra Weekly on Thursday 12 June.

Natalia Michail (2011). CREDIT: Canberra Weekly.

Kelly Frame (2007).

“I am in the very fortunate position of being able to do ground-breaking research into an author whose work I find compelling and whose novels are having a very real influence on the face of contemporary literature,” she says.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 29

SARAH NACO (2013), 2013 Kilburn House

Captain, visited the School to speak to

Kilburn students about her adventures

since graduating from CGGS. Since August

Sarah has been completing general studies at Yale University. Already pro-active in

her first year, Sarah has also been tutoring

inmates at the Manson Youth Correctional

Institution so they can complete the

equivalent of a high-school diploma and is involved with the Yale International

Relations Association, where she chairs

committees of delegates participating in Model UN competitions. Sarah is

interested in majoring in global affairs

with a focus on development issues, global health or psychology.

NIPUNI WIJEWICKREMA (2010), has been named the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year for 2014 as well as the emerging young leader at the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards for her contribution to the local community. Her business GG’s Flowers employs people with disabilities including her 15-year-old sister Gayana who has Down’s Syndrome. The 21-year-old is also a volunteer Lifeline Crisis Counsellor, something she has done since she was 17.

“My dream is to ensure no person with special needs is left without meaningful employment. I don’t think having a disability should be a reason as to why you can’t have a great career. I’m fortunate to have a job I love and a great career - I’d like my sister and her friends to have something meaningful too,” she says.

JENNIFER WYBORN (FISHER, 1997), has won the Young Business Women’s Award at the ACT Telstra Women in Business Awards.

The lawyer says her greatest achievement is becoming a partner at Clayton Utz and having two beautiful children.

“I am so excited and so honoured to have won the Award…. I am passionate about being a lawyer because it gives me a chance to work on issues that critically affect people’s lives. I have worked in a variety of roles from Judge’s Associate to Prosecutor and in-house with government as well as in the private sector. I have worked on gender pay equity cases and drug trafficking trials. In everything I do I am committed to using the law as a way to achieve fairness and justice for people,” says Jennifer.

FROM THE NEW GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT I am honoured to have been elected President of The Grammarians’ Association and know that I have big shoes to fill with Sue Hart’s (Grant, 1972) retirement. She has been great to work with over the years and is to be congratulated on her strong work ethic.

She has been instrumental in achieving our goals and working with the School. I know that we all thank her for the time

Nipuni Wijewickrema (2010).

Jennifer Wyborn (Fisher, 1997).

and effort she has put into this position and she will be missed, although I know she is only a phone call away.

Coutts and her dedicated staff. I think it is important that our profile is a visible one and I certainly enjoy the interaction with both staff, students and our members.

With a great team to work with, I hope that you will contact us with suggestions and ideas for the future.

Since taking on this role I have already represented the Association at three school functions. My intention is to be available whenever asked as I want to build on the good relationship we have with our Principal, Anne Bianca Mulach, Sanchia Glaskin (Starke, 1965), Sophia Fitt, Gail Tregear (1957) and Claire Holden at the Year 12 Leavers’ Lunch.

30 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

We are lucky to have Laura Hannan working with us on alumni matters and urge you to contact her when organising reunions etc. Potentiality is a wonderful source when trying to contact other members and is updated on a regular basis, so have a look and sign up!

Sanchia Glaskin (Starke, 1965) PRESIDENT, GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION

CELEBRATING Tradition

BIRTHS

SUSANNAH BOYD (TAYLOR, 2003), married in Thailand and honeymooned in Japan in 2014.

JANE HOLZAPFEL (1991) and Lyle Williams welcomed their fourth boy Finn Patrick into the world on 16 July 2014. A brother for Jack 8, Toby, 7 and Harry, 4.

AMELIA (HUANG, 2001) married Christopher Gard in Tasmania in March 2014. Her bridal party included Robyn Vance (2001), Amy Folan (2001) and Isabelle Huang (2009).

TESSA (O’BRIEN, 2005) married Shiv Goundar

at Gold Creek Chapel on 22 November 2014.

Her bridal party included Lauren Heddle

(2005), Clare Dahlstrom (Fetherston, 2005) and Ash Dunne (2005).

2

6

3

7

Finn pictured with his big brother Harry.

MELANIE MCKEAN (1992) and Jason Sleeman, welcomed their daughter, Chloe Gwenda, on 20 October 2014.

ENGAGEMENTS RACHEL BATTAMS (2007) and Brendan Blue on 19 October 2014.

KIRSTEN DOYLE (2007) and Joshua Stan Barclay on 7 September 2014.

1 S arah with her husband Adam.

2 R obyn Vance (2001), Amelia Huang (2001), Amy Folan (2001) and Isabelle Huang (2009).

LAUREN KAJEWSKI (2006) and Samantha Wilson on 21 December 2013.

3 A melia with her husband Christopher.

GINA MUNNINGS (2003) and Dominic Shanahan.

MARRIAGES

4 L eonie and husband Ryan.

5 L ucy with her husband Thomas.

6 T essa with her husband Shiv.

4

7 Tessa with her bridal party.

VALE

1

SARAH BOXALL (2005) married Adam Gray on 28 February 2014 at the National Arboretum. The bridal party included Catherine Carver Boxall (2003), Laura Beaton (2005), Eliza Tasic (Patrick 2005).

ANNA (BLOOMFIELD, 2004) married Daniel Ciccarone on 3 May 2014 at St Christopher’s Cathedral Manuka.

5

LEONIE (GORDON, 2004) Married Ryan Kendall on 4 October 2014 at the National Arboretum.

LUCY (GORDON, 2006) married Thomas Simmonds on 25 October 2014 at St Paul’s Manuka. Her bridal party included her sister Phoebe Gordon (2005).

SUSANNE ROBYN CHALLACOMBE (GEE, 1969) and husband Jeremy. Tragically killed in a car accident on October 27, 2014.

Parents of Bart and Stacey, Penelope and Wayne Austin, Murray and Casey, Nanna and Papa of Poppy, Percival and Harper.

SOPHIE JANE MACKINNELL (1995) on 13 September 2014. Following a long illness, passed away surrounded by her family.

Daughter of Jane and Graham and sister of Amanda (1990) and Kate (1994). Donations in memory of Sophie can be made to Liver Research or the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Foundation. Sophie also requested that those who can, register as organ and blood donors.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 31

NANCY VIOLET PRYOR (COOK 1938) on 26 November 2014. Nancy is the great grandmother of Charlotte and Madeleine Gee in Year 10.

JEAN LEMPRIERE GORDON SHEAFFE (1937) on 3 August 2014, aged 95 years. Sister of Isabel (1934), Rob (1934) and Gordon (1934) (all dec.). Jean was one of the ten foundation students who commenced at the School, then St Gabriel’s Church of England Girls’ Grammar School, at Glebe House (The Old Rectory) on 10 June 1926.

Jean received her 70 Year Grammarians’ Association badge in 2011.

FLORENCE BETTY WILLIAMS (CADDY 1932) on 16 July 2014, aged 98 years, died peacefully in the presence of her daughter, Maryanne, son Robert, son-in-law John and her grandchildren Sarah and Josh and Sarah’s husband, Dale.

JOAN ELISE ELLIS (WOODGER 1931) on 29 October 2014. Wife of Frank. Sister of Betty (1934) (dec.), Audrey (1941) and Helen (1942), mother and mother-in-law of Mary, John and Liz, Judy and Gerald and Jenny and Matthew.

Grandmother of Paul, Luke, Kate, Sarah, Nicholas, Philip, John-Paul, Andrew, Paul, Joanna and Simon. Great-grandmother to Kobe, Gus, Poppy Joan, Jack and Archie.

LOLOMA ANNE WREN (COCHRANE 1954) on 27 June 2014, two years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Wife of Barry, mother of Grahame, David and Michael, mother-in-law of Su-Hee and grandmother of Rachel and Sophie. Sister of Jocelyn Nadin (Cochrane 1952). Loloma was the President of the Sydney Branch of the Grammarians’ Association for a number of years. A eulogy was given by Loloma’s friend Dianna Plunkett (Loftus 1954). They met as young boarders at the school and have remained friends ever since.

HERBERT (BERT) GORDON ROBERTS on 31 December 2014, aged 78 years. The School was saddened to learn of the passing of Bert Roberts. Bert was a former Deputy Chair of the School Board, Deputy Chair and Chair of the Finance Committee and longtime member of the Gabriel Foundation Board. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bert’s wife Dorothy and family. An acknowledgement of the contribution of Bert to the School will appear in the next edition of the Grammar Report.

32 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

REUNIONS CLASS OF ’04 — 10 YEAR REUNION ON SATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER, the reunion kicked off with a greeting from Principal Anne Coutts and afternoon tea in the Atrium of the main administration hub (one of the many new additions to the school since 2004). A school tour followed and was initially lead by Larissa Woosup (Year 11) before being hijacked

by Richard Kent.

The tour was highly entertaining and allowed students to reminisce with fellow classmates and to witness firsthand the exceptional changes that have been made to CGGS over the past 10 years. Whilst Mr Kent was evidently proud of the new science block, the quad appeared a favourite amongst the returning students.

Festivities continued at the residence of Craig and Eve Edwards, where a memory book was presented to Mark and Sheila Lynch in memory of their daughter and our friend Jamie Lynch (2004).

Overall approximately 50 alumni attended the day and many more expressed their disappointment at not being able to attend.

Above: Sarah Holdsworth, Stephanie McKew and Tory Bridges.

Below: Class of 2004.

The day provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends, relive some of our most cherished memories and to get a glimpse of the exciting future of CGGS. Thanks to all who assisted with the organisation of this fabulous event and cheers to Sasha Kovic (2004) and Jackie McDermott (2004) for putting their hands up to organise the next reunion.

Alanna Edwards (2004)

CELEBRATING Tradition CLASS OF ’94 — 20 YEAR REUNION ON SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER, 60 amazing women from the Class of 1994 gathered together at the Commonwealth Club to celebrate our 20 year reunion. Most people opted to leave their husbands at home to babysit their young children whilst they put on their best cocktails dresses to turn up looking absolutely gorgeous.

There was an amazing effort made to attend, with many people flying in for one night only. People travelled from locations such as Tokyo, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and the Central Coast and having their baby two weeks before the event didn’t stop two of the attendees! As the 90s music played, the bubbles flowed and the fantastic finger food was served, the conversation didn’t stop as it was a fantastic opportunity for people to reconnect after so many years consumed with studying, establishing successful careers, getting married and having children.

On Sunday 5 October Richard Kent was kind enough to take 20 of us and our children on a tour of the School. With such additions as the pool, new science block and hall, we kept losing our bearings.

Although the Year 12 common room was the same it was not as new as we were one of the first years to use it. Mr Kent also reminded us how he used to call tests “fun learning experiences” with one attendee telling Mr Kent that she now lectures and uses that exact same term!

Natalie Rees (Johnston, 1994)

Class of 1994.

CLASS OF ’84 — 30 YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF ’74 — 40 YEAR REUNION

A SMALL BUT VERY enthusiastic group of girls from the Class of 1984 gathered together at Royal Canberra Golf Club on Saturday 13 September to celebrate their 30 year reunion.

‘LAMBRIGG’ AT THARWA was the beautiful setting for the Class of

Some had travelled from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney to mark the occasion. For others it was closer to home.

(and one from New Zealand) enjoyed a fantastic luncheon and a

As the night went on and the music from Footloose was played, the years fell away and everyone had a wonderful time reminiscing, catching up on what had happened in the interim and arranging future get-togethers.

difference at all. The chatting went on into the late evening.

Everyone is looking forward to the 40th already!

Carey Lander (Egan, 1984)

‘74 Reunion held on Saturday 25 October. Hosted by Kate Gullett

(Barbour, 1974) and husband Peter, 47 ladies from around Australia perfect setting for many old friends to see each other again; some

reconnecting after 40 years and finding the years did not make any “What a fantastic day we had. The weather was perfect and Kate’s

garden was beautiful. The only problem was the day went too fast.”

– Rosalie Pilkinton (Bennett, 1974)

“What a lovely day it was today, it was a gorgeous setting and it

was nice to see old faces again.” – Meredith Freeman (Clark, 1974) “The location was exquisite and it was so interesting to hear life

stories and what people have been doing. We have a really great year group!”– Prue Robson (1974)

“It was a special and memorable day, the weave of our lives touching together again.” – Bridget Smith (Shaw, 1974)

“The company was great (of course), the food terrific and the venue perfect.” – Cathy Crompton (1974)

It was a very special day which brought many old friends together Class of 1984

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 33

DIARY DATES ff GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING – Thursday 12 February, Senior School Board Room ff GRAMMARIAN PARENT AND STUDENT AFTERNOON TEA – Tuesday 17 March, Senior School Administration Building Class of 1974.

again, reminiscing about old school days and where their lives have taken them. The day ended up with all vowing to reconnect on a more regular basis.

A big thank you to Kate and Peter for sharing ‘Lambrigg’ and its beautiful gardens with us all.

Sue Lovett (Manwaring, 1974)

CLASS OF ’64 — 50 YEAR REUNION THE CLASS OF ‘64 held a 50-year reunion on Sunday 20 September 2014. There were 23 of us able to meet in Canberra for this significant event, commemorated by a medal presented to each of us by Anne Coutts. In our group photograph those in the front row started in kindergarten!

Touring the School afterwards we struggled to identify somewhere familiar. We searched in vain for the courtyard where we sat tanning our legs at lunchtime, the oval where we practised marching for the athletics carnival, the whereabouts of the ‘new’ Senior School building. So much has changed, expanded and improved that we hardly recognised the School we had attended.

A highlight of the evening’s dinner was sharing emailed messages of regret and goodwill from another 10 classmates who wished they could have come. We farewelled each other at brunch the next morning and amidst all the reminiscing, catch-up conversation and laughter we resolved to have a 60-year reunion, preferably to be held in 5 years’ time!

Patty Shaw (Phillips, 1964)

ff GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING – Thursday 9 April, Senior School Board Room ff FOUNDERS’ DAY – Sunday 3 May and Monday 4 May, Junior School and Senior School ff GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING – Thursday 11 June, Senior School Board Room

KEEP IN TOUCH! Please contact Alumni and Events Manager, Laura Hannan grammarians@cggs.act.edu.au or 02 6202 6403.

Class of 1964.

PHOTOGRAPHS WANTED The CGGS classes of ’45, ’55, ’65, ’75 and ’85 are all celebrating key anniversary years. If you would like to share your photographs (featuring students or teachers), please contact the Archivist Margaret Schroeder on 02 6202 6457 (Monday to Thursday) or archives@cggs.act.edu.au

34 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100

CELEBRATING Tradition

ARCHIVES CAN YOU HELP?

FIVE photographs of CCEGGS students taken at a Science Exhibition in Sydney in 1964 have been purchased for the CGGS Archives from the State Library of NSW. Can you identify any of the students in the photographs, please?

A sailing boat, with ‘CCEGGS’ just visible under its current coat of paint, has been given to the School by the parents of a former student. The Archives has no information on sailing at the school in the past and would welcome any reminiscences or photographs you may have. Photos can be scanned and returned to you.

THANK YOU for the generous assistance to the Archives of: Del Coleman (Calthorpe, 1935) and Dawn Waterhouse (Calthorpe, 1940) who have loaned their personal collections of ephemera, including Del’s St Gabriel’s school reports from 1928 to 1932.

Beryl Seears (Hedger,1944), Elaine McPhie (1950), Margaret Cornwell (Archer, 1951), Elizabeth Johnson (1954), Mary H. Thompson (Polly Dunham, 1964) and Sally (Townley, 1983) who donated copies of photographs.

Norma Stenner (Davis, 1947) who has donated her war-time green blazer and red 1947 Prefect’s blazer, her school badge, the hymn book she used at school from 1943 to 1947, her School prizes from 1944 and 1947 and her autograph book. Norma has also loaned her photographs for scanning.

Lisa Ride (Heukeshoven, 1979) who donated a 1977 concert programme, Burrawi 19741978, a 20 year reunion booklet for the Class of 1979 and a copy of A Light in the Bush.

Felicity Williams (Collis, 1982) who donated her 1981 Medieval History assignment.

Melinda Sawers, Director of Music, who donated a green bucket hat thought to have been worn in the Junior School by Megan Hodge (Knowles 2001).

Wendy Townley (Prance, 1957), Jan Polak (Ginn, 1958), Alexandra Kernot (Nicholson, 1958), Dimitra Downing (Nicholson, 1960), Lois Edlington (Brown, 1960), Diana Keeling (Watkins, 1960), Lesley Lush (Robinson, 1961), Jennie Bailey (Button, 1973) and Jane Button (1976) who identified faces in photographs published in the last Grammar Report.

Margaret Schroeder ARCHIVIST P: 02 6202 6457 (Monday to Thursday) E: archives@cggs.act.edu.au

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100 | 35

Canberra Girls Grammar School Melbourne Ave, Deakin ACT 2600 P 02 6202 6400 | F 02 6273 2554 CRICOS provider No. 01294F ABN 67 008 559 331

CGGS.ACT.EDU.AU

36 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 100