From the Board
BUNDARA is the biannual magazine of Central Coast Grammar School.
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Central Coast Grammar School
Arundel Road
Erina Heights NSW 2260 Australia
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E: info@ccgs.nsw.edu.au
T: +61 2 4367 6766
Website www.ccgs.nsw.edu.au
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Editorial Team
Carla Silvestri
Bundara is printed on Sovereign Silk. Sovereign Silk is manufactured according to ISO 14001 EMS accreditation and is FSC certified.
Central Coast Grammar School acknowledges the Darkinjung people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which the School is located. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country.
This year is one of reflection and celebration for Central Coast Grammar School. Not only does it commemorate the school’s 40th anniversary, but it is also the final year of our Striving for Excellence Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025.
As we mark these significant moments in our school’s journey, we do so with gratitude to the generations of students, families, staff, and community members whose contributions have each played a role in shaping the CCGS story. The Legacy Leaders event, held in May, was a fitting occasion to recognise the visionary leadership and enduring contributions of those who paved the way for today’s success.
2025 also signals the conclusion of our bold and ambitious Striving for Excellence Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025. From the outset, the plan served as a transformative roadmap, steering the school through a period of growth and innovation while staying true to its founding values. The Board and School Executive have worked in close partnership to realise the plan’s vision across every aspect of school life.
Over the past five years, CCGS has made significant advances in teaching and learning. Notably, the early adoption of the internationally recognised Designing for Deep Learning framework positioned the school as a national leader in delivering meaningful, future-focused education.
To support excellence in education, we have also invested in a range of infrastructure enhancements. These include an award-winning Junior School, the new Senior College precinct, and the addition of a contemporary canteen and café, each thoughtfully designed to align with leadingedge educational technologies and practices.
As a Board, we enter the second half of this year with a deep sense of pride in our legacy and a steadfast commitment to the values that have defined CCGS for four decades. These enduring principles, together with our vibrant and connected community, will continue to guide the school with purpose and clarity into the future.
Stephen Brahams FAICD Chairman of the School Board
2025 is a milestone year in the history of Central Coast Grammar School as it marks the 40th year since our beginning.
Significant events such as this invite us to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come: our story, the origin of our values and ethos, and the spirit that defines our community.
What began as a small regional school has flourished into a centre of educational excellence. Over four decades, more than 8,000 students have passed through our gates, guided by an extraordinary team of over 700 teachers, operational and support staff.
We are immensely proud of our graduates, many who have gone on to shape not only our local
From the Headmaster
community but the wider world across a diverse range of fields. From professional athletes and business innovators to healthcare professionals, philanthropists and more, their achievements reflect the strength of our foundation.
At the heart of CCGS is the legacy of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers who have each contributed to a culture of learning, growth, and innovation. Their dedication has enriched our campus and paved the way for future generations.
In this edition we revisit sporting records that have stood the test of time, see the evolution of our outdoor education program, and reflect on some of the events that have launched our anniversary year - our whole school service and Legacy Leaders event.
I’d also like to pay tribute to an outstanding staff member, Deputy Headmaster Steven Bennett, on his retirement. For the past 23 years, Mr Bennett has lived the CCGS ethos and values, shaping the lives of thousands of students. His legacy will no doubt continue to inspire our community long into the future.
Significant work is also underway on our next strategic plan, set to be launched at the end of this year. It will outline the next steps in our journey, building on our legacy as a centre of excellence that continues to innovate while staying true to its core values.
I hope you enjoy this special edition of Bundara - a tribute to our history and a celebration of this remarkable milestone. I look forward to the next chapter as we build on our strong foundations and step confidently into a new era of opportunity and excellence.
Phil O’Regan Headmaster
HSC Highlights
CCGS ranked 46th out of approximately 800 schools in the top 100 NSW schools
VIEW THE FULL HSC RESULTS BROCHURE
21% of students achieved an ATAR of 95+
84 students were recognised on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Distinguished Achievers list for achieving a Band 6 in one or more of their subjects
32 HSC Major Work nominations
11th consecutive year listed as a top 100 NSW school
31% of students achieved an ATAR of 90+
70% of all exams sat resulted in a Band 5 or 6
10th in NSW for English Advanced and English Extension
DUX
Karina Cowie of the school with an ATAR of 99.3
Lindsay Hallam, Janine Southwell and Sherry Li achieved one of the highest places in an HSC course in the state
In Visual Arts, Modie Schmidt’s film was chosen for ARTEXPRESS
Poppy Cameron, Karina Cowie, Jacob Crane and Lincoln Matodes were honoured by inclusion in the NESA All Rounders list for achieving Band 6 in 10 or more units of study
In Dance, Ava Chippeck’s Dance Core Performance was selected to be performed at the CALLBACK showcase in Sydney
Poppy Cameron and Steffie Forrester both received HIGH DISTINCTIONS for their Personal Interest Projects in Society and Culture. Only 11 high distinctions were awarded out of 5,545 candidates in NSW
Rewind to the year 1985 to see what school life was like in the early days in this incredible video filmed by alumnus, Nicholas Moroney.
Four Decades of Service
CCGS’s 40th anniversary celebrations kicked off with a homage to history, tradition, and school spirit at a whole-school service.
This milestone event was set in motion by Hakea, the school’s newest House. Their vibrant presence and resounding sound of Prince’s iconic song ‘Purple Rain’ ignited an electric atmosphere and strong sense of spirit.
From the outset, it was more than a ceremony but instead a powerful tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and an inspiring glimpse into the future.
A highlight of the event was a nostalgic parade of uniforms, showcasing the evolution of CCGS across the decades, delighting students and staff alike.
One of the school’s founding staff members and former Headmaster,
Richard Lornie, joined as a special guest, offering heartfelt reflections on CCGS’s journey.
“I believe it’s important for the entire school community to celebrate this milestone,” he shared. “It’s a special time for all of us and an opportunity to express our gratitude to the school’s founders for their vision and hard work.”
“I spent 24 years of my life here and have seen it grow from nothing. When I signed up at CCGS in September 1984…there was nothing on this site except an old cottage, quite a few snakes, a lot of lantana, privet, and a wooden sign near the roadside –but no other sign of a school.”
Reflecting on the transformation, he added, “When I walk around today, I see in my mind so many faces from the old days and so
many happy memories. But I’m not focused on the past, I see a joyful, vibrant school community in beautiful surroundings, and that makes me very happy.”
Headmaster Phil O’Regan encouraged students to consider their own origin stories as part of this significant anniversary year.
“The greatest gift for teachers is that we get to support you, our students, as you define your own origin stories.”
“Just like our school, your story is shaped over time; through experiences, the books you read, the people you learn about, the places you visit, the groups you join, and the relationships you build. Most importantly, your character is formed through meaningful self-reflection and action,” Headmaster O’Regan said.
Building a School, Shaping a Future
Reflections from Dr Judy Stokes
Dr Judy Stokes has been part of Central Coast Grammar’s story since its formative years, first as a parent in 1990, then as a Board Member from 1996, and later making history as the school’s first female Chairperson from 2001 to 2004. Here she reflects on the school’s evolution and the changes she’s witnessed over the decades.
When I was asked to write about the school’s values ‘then and now’ and to reflect on today’s values of respect, courage and inclusion, I thought about change - the inevitability of it and the need to embrace it. Change since our first child started Kindergarten at CCGS in 1990. Change since being on the School Board from 1996 to 2004. I thought about the introduction of computers, mobile phones, social media, AI, diversity - gender, cultural and religious. An increase in litigation, privacy laws, audits, regulations.
I also noted the increased sharing of roles in parenting, the juggling of home and career, more car and less bus travel, more demands on staff, Smartboards and open classrooms, apps and the school portal, MyCCGS, in place of the green weekly Headmaster’s Newsletter and printed parent contact lists. Yet, some things stay the same.
The original Charter of CCGS included the values of honesty, personal integrity, individual and team effort, diversity, respect for
others and authority, commitment to family and community, being excited about life and setting goals for lifelong learning. With a Christian ethos, the school strives to meet the individual needs of its students, drawing out from them their best efforts in the varied fields in which their talents lie.
This charter encapsulates why our four children started (and stayed) at CCGS. Despite their different personalities and talents, the school recognised and drew out their best efforts: academically, travelling to Orange or Bowral to play sport, performing on the stage or playing drums in the background, or making a rickety pottery bowl or paper aeroplanes in various clubs. I remember the resilience gained by 10-day Outward Bound camps where the students when ‘lost’ had to navigate their own way back!
I reflect on the lifelong friends we made as parents, helping to clear the bush, to build the original grandstand, to dig drains on the rugby oval, run lamington drives and paint faces at the Country Fair (now the Spring
Fair). Parent-student netball matches, trivia nights and auction dinners and gala balls. Fireworks Night. Carols by Candlelight. It’s wonderful to see some of these traditions continue.
Yes, some things stay the same.
The School Board continues to play a pivotal role with our Headmaster providing excellent management and the best education and pastoral care for our students, ensuring the values of respect, courage and inclusion, inculcated in the school’s foundation, live on.
We look forward to our grandchildren embracing these values and becoming kind, curious and hopeful young people in this ever-changing and challenging world. We look forward to them embracing the opportunities offered and giving back to the school and to their community.
The original mission statement still holds true today: ‘Striving for excellence in all endeavours in a happy, caring and supportive environment’.
A Legacy of Adventure
Outdoor education programs have been an integral part of the CCGS experience since the school’s early days. While locations and activities have evolved over the years, the core value of these experiences remains unchanged: challenging students to step beyond their comfort zones and grow.
This year, some of our alumni reached a special milestone when they sent their own children off on the very same camps they once attended, creating a full-circle moment of tradition and shared experience.
One such alumnus is Tony Ryan (2001), pictured at his Year 4 camp in 1993. Looking back at the moment, he recalls, “I remember that day at Riverwood Downs very well. It was the first time I tried fishing with a line. You can see Mr Clugston in the background trying to sort out another tangled fishing line!”
Now, decades later, Tony’s son embarked on his first off-site camp. While fishing wasn’t on the agenda, he took part in raft building, archery, damper making, and kayaking, building memories of his own.
Another alumnus, foundation student Lee Bailey, is pictured helping at a camp as a Year 12 student in 1989. This year, his daughter Piper (Year 9) set off to Glenworth Valley, where, along with her peers, she tested her courage and resilience through horse riding, hiking, abseiling, and more.
Foundation students on camp in 1989
Tony Ryan, 1993
Lee Bailey (in blue), 1989
Tony and his son, Ernie
Piper
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Honouring Our Legacy
In May, the vision and dedication of the pioneers who laid the foundation of Central Coast Grammar was celebrated at a special Legacy Leaders event. The occasion featured heartfelt reflections from former Headmasters, inspiring performances by the Performing Arts department, historical videos put together by alumni, as well as opportunities for reconnection honouring the enduring spirit of those who helped shape our school’s story.
Speaking at the event, Head Prefect Lachlan King said,
“We gather not only to mark four decades of educational excellence but also to celebrate the extraordinary community spirit and achievements that have shaped our school into what it is today.”
Head Prefect Pascale Todd added, “Over 40 years we have seen 160 seasons pass by, and many will ask what measures are applied to determine the success of a school. No doubt it is the combination of the exceptional academic achievements, sporting triumphs, visual arts and design major works, the performances, the cultural and
sporting tours experiences, and student exchange opportunities.”
“Another equally relevant measure is the human qualities, the emotions and feelings that come from forging friendships (many lasting a lifetime) as students, parents, families and colleagues. The warm, genuine and deeply caring relationships that have emerged amongst community members that are so distinctive to Central Coast Grammar School,” Pascale said.
Shaping Generations Steven Bennett reflects on 23 years at CCGS
Deputy Headmaster, Steven Bennett dedicated over two decades to Central Coast Grammar School. Known for his kindness, wisdom and passion for learning, he has profoundly influenced the lives of thousands of students who have passed through our school gates. We had the privilege of speaking to him before he headed into retirement.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
School was a happy experience for me, so I decided to study education at university. This was a huge step as I was the first person in my family to pursue higher education. I undertook a double degree in Special Education and History, and as the saying goes, the rest is history! From my first practical placement in the western suburbs of Sydney, I knew I was on the right career path. I loved teaching with passion. My eagerness and motivation to be a quality teacher inspired me to complete two post graduate degrees shortly after my undergraduate studies.
What drew you to Central Coast Grammar School?
During the 1980s, my wife Bronwyn and I decided to relocate to the Central Coast to be closer to her family. I watched the initial development of the school site and its progress in the proceeding years.
While undertaking post graduate studies I met several CCGS staff members. I was impressed with their attitude and dedication towards education. I was the captain/coach of Kariong Rugby Club, and I met and connected with a CCGS staff member, Gary Glenn, whom I respected greatly. On several occasions, we met at the school, and I was always amazed with the values, the development of the site and the quality of staff and students.
In the early 1990s, I successfully applied for a position here, however I had also been promoted at the school where I was employed. It wasn’t until 2003 that I again applied to CCGS and was employed as the Head of Middle School. At the time, I recall an uneasy feeling of not being worthy enough for employment here. I decided I would not accept the position and arranged to meet to inform the Headmaster, Richard Lornie, face-to-face. During this meeting I was so impressed with his outline
of the strategic direction of the school that I could not say yes quickly enough. This personal decision was one of my best!
Are there any students, colleagues, or moments that stand out as especially memorable?
There have been many - it has been a joy to work at CCGS!
A personal highlight was the opportunity in 2024 to welcome a group of Aboriginal boys from Milingimbi - an island off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory - for a cultural immersion program at our school.
My involvement in the Senior School Outdoor Education programs is something I am immensely proud of as these programs promote teamwork, the opportunity to learn new life skills and encourage students to step out of their comfort zone to build resilience.
Our Senior School assemblies have provided an opportunity
to acknowledge a diverse range of student achievements and interview alumni and special guests. My ‘60 seconds with Benno’ interviews became a tradition enjoyed by all.
What lessons have you learned from your students?
Our students have inspired me to grow, challenge myself, and always approach education with a sense of wonder and possibility. Every student brings their unique perspective and way of thinking. I’ve learned that fostering a learning environment where diverse ideas can be shared leads to richer discussions, better problem-solving, and more innovative solutions.
Seeing students go through the process of self-discovery whether it’s about their interests, strengths, or passions has been one of the most rewarding experiences. It reminds me of how important it is to give them the space and freedom to explore who they are.
What’s next for you in retirement?
I’d imagine retirement would be the perfect time to reflect and recharge my battery for new
challenges like indulging in more cycling adventures. I have been fortunate to cycle through France, Spain, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. In addition, I have cycled within Australia to the Queensland border, Canberra, Forster and Wollongong. I wish I could say cycling keeps me off the streets, but it keeps me on the streets and in the bush! I don’t expect I’ll explore new passions in my early retirement years as I still have many roads to ride.
Ultimately, my priority in retirement will be my family. They have had to be patient with my career especially with my CCGS commitments…it is now their time. However, I am sure after a few months they will be encouraging me to embark on a new cycling adventure!
Read the full interview here:
Leaders in Education
Our educators are more than teachers, they are thought leaders who bring deep expertise, innovative thinking and a passion for lifelong learning into the classroom.
A curated, growing collection of thought leadership articles written by teachers has been developed across a range of topics such as deep learning, student agency and community service.
These pieces offer insights into contemporary educational practice, seek to spark meaningful conversations, and showcase the remarkable depth of knowledge within our teaching team.
Scan the QR code above to explore the latest articles and discover how our educators are shaping the future of education.
Guess WHO?
Before becoming part of our expert teaching team, these educators were once students at Central Coast Grammar School. Can you guess who is who?
From the Starting Blocks to the Finish Line
Celebrating our athletic and aquatic legends
Director of Sport, Paul Geddes and Archivist, Christine Hodgkinson revisited swimming and athletics carnival records across the decades.
IN THE POOL
The inaugural swimming carnival was held at the Gosford Olympic Pool on Monday 4 March 1985, with Nicholii the eventual winners after a close fought battle with Acacia.
Our two longest standing swimming records have remained undefeated for over 30 years:
Anna Windsor (Ironbark, 1993) holds the girls 16yrs 50m freestyle record with a time of 27.63. Not surprising, she went on to win a gold medal in the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Canada, placed sixth in the 4 x 100M freestyle in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a won gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia.
Andrew Brand (Nicholii, 2004) current CCGS Board Member, parent and rugby coach, holds the Kindergarten boys 50M freestyle record with a time of 51.18. Kindergarten times are no longer recorded, but Andrew still has a phenomenal 11 other records that are still standing!
Our newest record breaker, Isaac Yeo, (Nicholii, Year 11) recorded his second record this year, breaking Andrew Brand’s 2002 16yrs boys’ butterfly record with a time of 27.53. One to watch for the future.
ON THE TRACK
Our first athletics carnival was held on Friday 26 July 1985 in superb weather at Adcock Park, with Ironbark taking out the honours.
Seniors (Track)
The longest standing senior field event records date from 1986, 39 years ago, when Lisa Reddie (Grevillea, 1991) jumped 1.35m in the 12yrs girls high jump, and Grant Greenwood (Ironbark, 1991) jumped 4.71m in the 12yrs boys long jump.
Some of our longest-standing senior track records still uncontested are in the 100m sprint. Michelle O’Connor (Ironbark, 2000) set a time of 13.92 in the 12yrs girls’ division back in 1997, while Owen Martin (Ironbark, 2005) holds
two enduring records: 11.69 in the 14yrs boys’ race in 2001 and an impressive 11.07 in the 15yrs boys’ event in 2002.
The senior competitor with the most athletics records still standing is outstanding sports all rounder Aidan Cranney (Grevillea, 2009), with 11 records dating 2004 – 2008, across 100m, 200m, 400m, javelin and high jump events.
Juniors (Track)
The longest standing junior field records date from our first decade, when Jarrod Smith (Ironbark, 1990) threw 8.60m in the 8yrs boys shot put in 1986, and Fiona Pollock (Nicholii, 1998) jumped 1.10m in the 9yrs girls high jump event in 1990.
The longest-standing junior track records are a proud part of Acacia’s legacy, all set during our very first athletics carnival in 1985. Jenny Henstock (Acacia, 1994) blazed through the 8yrs girls’ 800m with a time of 3:09.20, a benchmark that still stands today. In 1990, Jeremy Foot (Acacia,
2001) and Trent Barrett (Acacia, 2000) etched their names into the record books with enduring performances in the Year 1 and Year 2 boys’ 100m, clocking 17.70 and 16.55 seconds respectively. The title of most junior athletics records still standing is shared by two exceptional competitors. Alexander Herford (Nicholii, 2017) claimed three records in the 100m and 200m events across Years 10 and 12 between 2009 and 2011. Meanwhile, swimming standout Andrew Brand set the pace on land too, holding three lasting records in the 200m and 400m races for Years 1 and 2, dating back to 1993 and 1994.
International Success
Over the past 15 years, CCGS athletes have seen their greatest success on the national and international stage in the 800m
track event. Robert Dredge (Grevillea, 2012) placed first in the 17yrs at All Schools Track & Field in 2011, Georgia Wassall (Nicholii, 2013) took gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in 2013 breaking a 2005 record, and Charlie Hunter (Grevillea, 2014) won a scholarship at Oregon University in 2018 and went on to represent Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, making the semi-final race. Charlie’s senior 400m, 800m and 1,500m records still stand, unbeaten since 2014.
Head of Sport, Paul Geddes, reflected on these achievements, “Congratulations to all participants, winners and record holders over the years, and the coaches and families who have supported them along the way. Whether you get involved in cocurricular sport
for fun, fitness, friendship or high-level competition, there’s an opportunity for everyone to build character, reach their personal best and excel at national and international level,” he said.
There’s an opportunity for more records to tumble at the upcoming athletics carnival in August where newest Houses Banksia (2020) and Hakea (2025) have a great opportunity to write themselves into history.
Which House came out on top?
Which House has won the most swimming carnival titles (Junior and Senior combined)? Nicholii
Which House has won the most athletics carnival titles (Junior and Senior combined)? Ironbark
Anna Windsor
Jenny Henstock (top row, far right)
Andrew Brand (front row, far left)
Alumni Profile: Glenn Scott
Glenn Scott (2007) joined CCGS in Year 7 during a pivotal time in his life. At 12 years old he lost both his parents in a tragic accident. He credits the school as an essential part of his support network helping to shape the man he is today. He’s since gone on to pursue his dream, travelling the world racing motorbikes at the highest level.
Tell us about your memories of starting at CCGS?
The transition to high school was a daunting one. I was coming from a small rural primary school of 30 kids, to a school of more than 1,000 students. On top of this nervous transition, I had just endured a horrible tragedy in my family. When I was in Year 6, I lost both my parents in a motorcycle accident. At just 12 years old, losing your mum and dad, moving into high school and being at the beginning of my sporting career was overwhelming to say the least, still to this day it is hard to put the emotions into words.
When something of this magnitude happens in your life, a support network is vital for your survival and sense of belonging in the world. I am extremely lucky to have a beautiful brother and sister who are older, and I was incredibly grateful that my parents had chosen CCGS as my high school before they passed away.
Was there a particular subject or class you really connected with, or a teacher who helped you see things in a new way?
Mr Bennett was a fantastic role
model for me. Although he did not teach me in any class, he had the ability to teach in passing, whether it be dropping into a classroom or at lunch in the playground. His presence was impactful and taught us to be respectful and kind, while still being able to have a good laugh.
What did the CCGS community offer you, beyond academics, that helped you navigate such a difficult personal time?
I didn’t really know I needed it at the time, but everyone was always so supportive and open to offering me help. I always felt a sense of safety and calm when I was at school. There was always someone to turn to. I was able to ask anyone for help. All my teachers were great to me, even if you had the odd talking to.
How did the structure or culture at CCGS enable you to pursue elite-level sport while still staying connected to your education?
I think the school accepting and being ok with a student putting their passion for sport first creates a level of respect with the student. Because my dream was accepted by the school, I was motivated
to work on my education while I was focusing on my goal of racing motorcycles at the highest level. Academics were never my strong point, but it was a nice balance, and I wanted to learn.
Is there a piece of advice or encouragement from a teacher or peer that has stayed with you into adulthood?
“Don’t worry about them, focus on what you’re doing”. At the time you think it’s just a passing comment to get you to listen in class or focus. When you move into adult life there is a lot to be taken from that advice.
What do you think makes CCGS unique, from the perspective of someone who’s lived a big life beyond its gates?
It’s a community not just a school and teachers very quickly become people and friends. It’s not a school that creates an ‘us and them’ culture; it’s a family culture. Everyone is there together helping each other become the best version of themselves.
Read the full interview with Glenn:
Do You Hold Part of
CCGS History?
Do you have any memorabilia or stories to share about Central Coast Grammar School’s history? We’d love to hear your story! Please email our Archivist, Christine Hodgkinson (christine.hodgkinson@ccgs.nsw.edu.au) and she will be in touch with next steps.
A big thank you to the dedicated volunteers from the school’s early years who’ve been swapping stories as they organise photos from our archives, including: past Headmaster Richard Lornie, past Board Chair Judy Stokes, and past school parent and founding volunteer archivist Sue Macneil.
