Optima 2016-17 by Saint Stephen's College

Optima CRICOS Provider 01938G

2016 | 2017

SISTER SCHOOLS 10-YEAR SPORT CELEBRATIONS OUR NEW LOGO

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MUSICAL INTO THE WOODS

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Cat Fraser is

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2016 | 2017

Contents

Editor’s letter

On the cover

9 ......... New administration building Regulars

4 ............................ From the Chapel 5 ...................... From the Headmaster 8-9 ............................ College news 14-15 .....................Interact/Earlyact 23-25 ........................... Staff news 26-29 ............... Where are they now? 31-33 ............. Rugby / sports reports 34 .......................... 10-year reunion Special Features

32 ........................... New sport logo 6-7.................. Sister school ceremony 10-11......................... Tsion Mariam 18-19.............. Into the Woods musical 22 ......................... In loving memory Digital edition Optima is also available as PDF, on the College website at www.saintstephenscollege.net.au

Contact Us Reserve Road Coomera Qld 4209 PO Box 441 Oxenford Qld 4210 Tel 07 5573 8600 Fax 07 5573 8688 www.saintstephenscollege.net.au Saint Stephen’s College Limited ABN 31 071 134 024 CRICOS Provider Number 01938G Editorial production and design by Pacific Publishing Printed by Surfers Inkspot

Snezana elcome to Optima 2016 – 17. The third Dudic edition with yours MEDIA AND truly at the wheel! MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Admittedly, as I began pulling content together for this edition, I did briefly wonder how I would fill 36 pages, as I always do, but again was astonished at how much there really is to share, and how much doesn’t quite make the cut. I really believe the Optima is such an interesting read (if I say so myself ), because it is an entertaining mix of stories about Old Scholars, staff and how we at the College – students, staff and parents connect with the world beyond the school gates. One of my favourite sections to edit is the ’ Where are they now?’ pages. I so enjoy relaying what our Old Scholars are up to and how they are still linked to the College community no matter where in the world they are. In this edition we share some inspirational acumens, achievements and celebrations. Also, the staff pages are intended to provide a glimpse into some of the dedicated people who make up the College teaching and administration staff. This year we’ve included profiles – compiled by Dean of Students Kathryn Dendy - on a number of Heads of Years, who (combined) have been part of campus community for more than seven decades. In 2016 we celebrated our 10th anniversary with Japanese sister school Okayama Gakugeikan and the official opening of our new Administration Building, which has already won a prestigious award. This edition also includes an update on our sister school in Ethiopia Tsion Mariam, one of the many fund raisers the College community is involved in, as well as the regular columns by the Headmaster Jamie Dorrington and Chaplain Father Andrew Kinmont. On a sad note, we bore the tragic loss of the wonderful and much-loved former Head of Business Mrs Gaye Affleck, who in her 10 years plus at Saint Stephen’s influenced so many lives in so many ways. It was a great honour to have known and experienced Gaye’s influence. There is a heartfelt tribute inside by close friends and colleagues Carmel Stolarchuk and Gavin Neuper, that was shared at a special school assembly. Tributes included a special ceremony by Father Andrew Kinmont in the College Memorial Garden, where Year 12 students presented the All Hail and a stone was dedicated in her honour. My thanks to everyone who have kindly helped make the 201617 Optima a glossy good read. Also, to our advertisers – Gold Coast Orthodontists, Bond University, Surfers Paradise Inkspot, Quarterdeck Kitchen and Bar, Burling Brown Architects, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, Boardwalk Tavern, Ray White Upper Coomera and Zarraffas Upper Coomera. Your support allows us to produce what we hope is a wonderful product that is distributed far and wide. Happy reading!

Snez

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FROM THE CHAPEL

God gives us stability amid a changing world

o you need an upgrade? Whatever device you use, upgrades are a part of life. If you are online, your computer and your software need to be up to date. If you are on your smartphone, the operating system needs to be up to date as well. Your smart TV or Blu-ray player need updates. The necessity for updates is not simply derived from the desire for better things. No, in our world, they are a necessity. Upgrades and updates are a necessity because there are people who like to steal your information. Updates and upgrades are essential because there are people who like to destroy our computers for fun. In order to stave off cyber threats, companies must constantly update. In order to use the Internet, we all must update our devices or upgrade our technology in order to be safe. But wouldn’t it be great if what we had for our software, spyware and hardware was totally sufficient, not just meagre and adequate for the moment? Wouldn’t you love it if your computers and phones reported to you that upgrades and updates were not required any longer? All of this only speaks to us of how much things in our world are changing. It is certainly true that since the first of our Old Scholars graduated from our College in 2001, there have been a huge number of advances in technology. Even at our College, we see an increase in the use of technology to educate the next generation of Saint Stephen’s College graduates. But even though there have been many changes, there are still things that stay the same. We continue to see the importance 4

OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

Father Andrew Kinmont CHAPLAIN of traditional family values as something that maintains the stability of our society, and indeed, our College. Also, no matter what approach to education our College embraces, or what new facilities we might build, there is nothing that can replace the importance of our caring and nurturing staff, which is something that has not changed since our College’s foundation. Of course, the other thing that is unchangeable is God. In a world where everything seems to be in constant need of a better solution, a new idea, or the next innovation, God teaches us to rest securely in His grace. As the Psalmist puts it: “Be still and know that I am God.” We can rest and have peace, in Him. And incredibly, this God who provides for all of our spiritual needs, is with us daily as well. He invites us to trust in Him. He encouraged us to trust that He will care for us more than He does for the sparrows and the flowers of the field. Updates. Upgrades ... for your computers, for your phones, yes, but not for your life with God. No, God tells us that His grace in Christ is sufficient, period. Think about what that clear word from God to you really means, for life today, tomorrow and forever. My constant prayer for all of our Old Scholars is that you will continue to be nurtured by our loving heavenly Father, and that you will find your rest in Him, especially in this constantly evolving and every-changing world in which we live. With every blessing

Father Andrew Kinmont

FROM THE HEADMASTER

ld Scholars who visit the College often comment on the new facilities, but some of the other changes in the time following their graduation may not be so apparent. I hope they are as proud as we are of the increasing engagement we have with the local and international community. A large number of our students are active members of Interact and Earlyact, and they are often out and about in the local community with their sleeves rolled up or otherwise engaged in activities that are sometimes inconvenient and uncomfortable, but always impactful. The recent Homeless Sleepout – on the College sports oval - illustrates my point when more than 100 students from Years 5 to 12 were prepared to sleep out in a cardboard box to raise awareness of and funds for homeless people on the Gold Coast – Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Inc. Of course, each Saint Stephen’s College House – Bell, Greasley, Haley and Hughes - is still committed to raising funds for the charities they have been supporting for many years. These include the Leukaemia Foundation, Beyond Blue, World Vision 40-Hour Famine and Tsion Mariam, our sister school in Ethiopia. Again, the commitment and enthusiasm raises awareness and much-needed funds. The other related change that could go unnoticed concerns our students’ preparedness to accept personal challenges. We have an increasing number of students participating in the Kokoda Challenge, Outward Bound, and our service learning

Sharing sense of pride in our achievements Jamie Dorrington HEADMASTER program in Cambodia. Their involvement in activities such as these adds depth to their character and their resume. Many of our overseas exchange, service learning and/or outdoor education experiences are partly funded by The Goda Foundation. We are grateful to Chairman Mr Humphrey Firkins who continues to be our greatest supporter, whether funding our youngest students in the Suzuki Strings Program, Outward Bound, South Passage, Global Young Leaders Conference or New Hope Cambodia – just to name a few. We are where we are because of the dedication of the parents, Old Scholars and staff. This is an extraordinary school made up of exceptional young men and women and I hope we all can share in a sense of pride in our achievements and look forward to the opportunities that await Saint Stephen’s College in the years ahead. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION On 21 July 2016 Saint Stephen’s College hosted a special assembly and tree planting ceremony to celebrate the 10-year sister school relationship with Okayama Gakugeikan High School. The tree planting symbolised the roots of the relationship, and in a symbol of unity Saint Stephen’s College Headmaster Jamie Dorrington and Okayama Gakugeikan High School Headmaster Ken Mori, planted the first tree and unveiled the plaque and stone. The plaque dedication reads: These Prunus Campanulata (Kan-Hi Sakura) trees are a gift from Okayama Gakugeikan High School. They symbolise the beauty of our relationship and the blooming of flowers will serve as a visual reminder to students of both schools that life is beautiful but also tragically short. May they cherish opportunities to learn and make a positive contribution to their common humanity.

これらの記念樹（カンヒサクラ）は両校の美しい友好関係を象徴するとともに、咲き誇る花々は生命の麗しさ、そしてはかなさをも体現します。「だからこそ今を懸命に生きるべきである」という国境を越えた人類普遍の思いを胸に、両校の生徒達が大いに学びこれからの人生に役立てていきますよう祈ります。 Saint Stephen’s College shares a number of special sister school partnerships abroad - Okayama Gakugeikan Japan, The Harker School United States of America and Tsion Mariam School Ethiopia - which offers unique opportunities to our College community, such as student and teacher exchanges, volunteer programs, e-learning, sports excellence programs, curriculum enrichment and development. 6

Celebrate a special bond with Okayama Sam Holmes ASSISTANT TO THE HEADMASTER INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

feel very honoured to have been responsible for the relationship between Saint Stephen’s College and Okayama Gakugeikan over the past 10 years. It is fitting that we take time to put this special relationship up in lights and celebrate our time together. Saint Stephen’s College and Okayama Gakugeikan foster global citizenship and global competence aimed to shape and develop the global citizen. A global citizen is someone who identifies with being part of an emerging world community and whose actions contribute to building this community’s values and practises. Living in a globalised world we have the responsibility to face the problems that no single country by itself can solve. Meeting the Mori family 10 years ago allowed us to open the first real door in developing the rich international programs at Saint Stephen’s College. It was a great starting point for me personally as Japan has always been very special to my heart. I myself was an international student in Japan in the early 90s and find myself regularly drawing back to the many experiences and exposures from this time. When I boarded that plane at the age of 15, I was not aware of the changes this would make to my life. I see this regularly with our Okayama students who come to Saint Stephen’s. They arrive ready for their one year away wanting to pack as many experiences during this time as possible. They always take their study of learning English very seriously and are always amongst the most motivated and highest achieving students in our Intensive English classes. Okayama Gakugeikan students are always enthusiastic volunteers with a high sense of community service. They often take lead roles in initiatives to raise funds, but more importantly, raise awareness of those less fortunate than themselves. You have seen these students selling Japanese curry

OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

for the Fukushima disaster and raising awareness and much-needed funds for the Kumamoto area earthquake victims. Perhaps you have also seen them manning our College water station at the Gold Coast Marathon, starring in our musicals, opening concerts with their high-level musicianship or starring in our College dance troupes. You may even have seen one of them on the television recently during his time on the world pro surfing circuit. Okayama Gakugeikan students have experienced many successes at Saint Stephen’s College and we hope this continues for many years to come. We have learnt a lot from these students and from Mr Mori and his school community. An integral part of this team is Ms Tamiko Mori who supports Okayama Gakugeikan students in all areas of their life in Australia. We regularly see Tami around the campus counselling her students, or just checking in to see how they are. Tami takes her students on many weekend trips and regularly has them to her home so they can have a taste of some Japanese traditional food that they no doubt miss very much. I thank the Mori family for their support, their belief and trust in me, but more importantly their friendship over the last 10 years. It is with anticipated excitement that I look forward to where our relationship will progress in the future 10 years.

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION

10-year connection grows

was delighted to welcome Mr Ken Mori, Headmaster of Okayama Gakugeikan High School, and Ms Tami Mori to the celebration of 10 years of friendship between our two schools, Okayama Gakugeikan and Saint Stephen’s College. I can remember very clearly meeting Ms Mori and Mr Mori for the first time a little over 10 years ago. Their school already has a network of schools throughout the world and they were keen to develop a new relationship with a school in Australia. I had been at Saint Stephen’s for a couple of years and I was very keen to develop a sister school network that would facilitate student exchanges and other ways of working together. Ten years ago we did not really have an international program, the only non-English language we offered was Indonesian, and opportunities for students to travel on school trips overseas were rare. Today, we have one of the biggest groups of international students in the state. There are six people I wish to thank for their work in building this program. Ms Sam Holmes has done an extraordinary job of planning and managing the program. She has been caring and empathetic and is always available to serve the needs of our students from overseas. Her dedication, imagination and energy continue to amaze me.

Jamie Dorrington HEADMASTER Ms Holmes has been assisted by Mrs Paula Craft and Mrs Sharon Edwards for many years. Their daily interactions with our students have ensured that they all feel valued and comfortable in, what is initially, strange surroundings. “Today, we have one of the biggest groups of international students in the state.” Mrs Hazel Saunders-Bass has worked diligently with every student in what was originally the Indonesian classroom, the Bali Hut. Why am I focusing on the entire international student program and not just our relationship with Okayama? Because Mr Mori and Ms Tami Mori did more than forge a relationship between our two schools – they actually helped lay the foundations for

this much bigger program. From the earliest days Mr Mori sent groups of students to spend lengthy periods of time at Saint Stephen’s. This decision formed the foundations of a program that has stretched beyond Okayama to include students from China, Hong Kong, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, South Korea, North America, the Pacific Islands and Europe. This foundation would not have been solid were it not for the presence of Tami Mori. Her presence on our campus, her warm greetings, her preparedness to become one of us, reassured us and the students from Okayama. Ms Holmes and I have always ensured that we only deal with people who are highly ethical, totally trustworthy and share our values. How fortunate we have been to find these people in abundance at Okayama Gakugeikan. Mr and Mrs Mori senior (Ken’s parents) were also very important contributors to building our sister school relationship. They, like us, are determined to provide you with a global perspective built on mutual respect and friendship between nations. I am absolutely confident that this approach has positioned you well to engage in the world you will inherit. We have all been enriched by a friendship that has grown stronger every year. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

COLLEGE NEWS

Kokoda spirit track records

even Saint Stephen’s College teams competed in the 2016 Kokoda Challenge - three in the 96- kilometre and four in the 48-kilometre events – setting records and embracing the Kokoda motto of sacrifice, mateship, endurance and courage. Now an annual College tradition, students teamed up with teachers, Old Scholars, parents and members of the community to take on the gruelling cross-country treks, with the aim of completing the 96-kilometre event in 39 hours in honour of the 39th Militia, the first Australian troops to set foot on the Kokoda Track. Congratulations to team The Lost Boys: Didier Lejeune, Michael Morris, Myer Raymond and Neil Strydom – who created College history by winning the school challenge Stan Bisset Cup in 24 hours 47 minutes! The cup is named in honour of the Kokoda campaign hero and sporting great Sam Bisset who died in 2010 aged 98. He remains an inspiration to those aspiring to overcome the mental and physical hurdles of the Kokoda Challenge. The Lost Boys were led by Alex Rutledge from the Kokoda organisation, who completed his eleventh challenge. Also congratulations to Year 7 student Jack Goucher who at the age of 12 took part in a special three-person, 48-kilometre course category - with his father, Jeff and uncle, Tim Naughton – and won! Thank you to the staff, parents and Old Scholars who sacrificed hundreds of hours, evenings and weekends preparing their teams, to ensure the College tradition of supporting the Kokoda Challenge continues.

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COLLEGE NEWS

nly six months after it was officially opened, the newest building on the block at Saint Stephen’s won a prestigious national construction award. The multi-faceted Main Administration Building won the Master Builders Award in the ‘Educational Facility up to $5 million’ section. It was opened by State Minister for Education, Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones, and Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen on 19 February 2016. Formalities included addresses by College Board Chairman Peter Hollett and Headmaster, Jamie Dorrington, music by the College Drumline and Strings Quartet, a blessing by Archbishop John Hepworth, a guest tour and afternoon tea. Mr Dorrington, said the $4 million facility was ‘more than just an administration building’, but a modern purpose-built space to accommodate the needs of staff and students. “It includes an IT area, space for ESL (English as a Second Language) students, rooms for Academic Advisers to meet with students, recording studios, a boardroom and much more. These modern facilities replace demountable buildings that have been occupied for much of the past 20 years,” he said. “We are delighted for the ongoing State and Federal Government support we receive that contributes to ensuring the best educational opportunities for our students and staff.” State and Federal each contributed $325,000 in grants, with the remaining cost funded through fees, capital levy and other funding assistance. “We are proud of our standing as a genuine Prep to Year 12

New admin building wins national award

‘

These modern facilities replace demountable buildings that have been occupied for much of the past 20 years. ~ Jamie Dorrington

College with one of the largest contingents of international students in Queensland. Each year more than 80 per cent of our graduating classes are offered tertiary places, so, if creating opportunities for students beyond school is the hallmark of a good school, we have done extremely well,” he said. “A large percentage of our students are involved in the school’s music program and all participate in our sporting program. We send students on service learning programs in South East Asia and host teachers from Myanmar each year. Our wide range of student opportunities include Outward Bound offered by The Goda Foundation. “I thank our Commercial Manager, Dolores Santosa for her management of the project and interior decorating, architect Simon Brook, from Burling Brown, and Condev builders for the extra effort to ensure everything is as it should be.” Condev Construction Project Manager, James Saltwell, said the recognition was an enormous accomplishment for

all involved. “This is a great achievement that considers the quality of design and finishes, degree of difficulty, client relationship and timeframe of the build,” he said. “Thank you to Burling Brown Architects and Saint Stephen’s College for giving us the opportunity to carry out the construction of the building, which resulted in this recognition of our efforts. It was a fantastic accomplishment for all involved!” OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

FEATURE STORY

Hair day raises $833

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enter our Project Number J539N (Addis Foundation to Educate Tsion Mariam) ● email us at tsionmariamdonations@ssc.qld.edu.au so we can match you to a sponsor child once the school year begins. Thank you on behalf of the Addis Foundation to Educate Tsion Mariam.

TO SPONSO W O TSION ❁ MARIAM R

Student A

taff and students from Childcare and Prep to Year 12 went all colours of the rainbow and beyond to fill a pot with gold coins for the College’s sister school in Ethiopia, Tsion Mariam. The annual Crazy Hair Day fundraiser, always attracts enthusiastic support and creative styles - collecting $883 this year. Many thanks to everyone who had a crazy hair day and donated a gold coin. These funds provide young students an opportunity to attend school. Our goal each year at Saint Stephen’s is to sponsor 50 students. Your support is greatly appreciated. The steps are: ● log onto the Global Development website: www. globaldevelopment.org.au ● make a donation by credit card or direct deposit - you MUST

There are three options:

1 Fee sponsorship covers the Government’s school fees - $275 2 Supplies sponsorship covers uniforms, books and stationery - $70 3 Full sponsorship covers fees and supplies - $345

FEATURE STORY

Help us help orphan kids

ince 2002, our College has been supporting the Tsion Mariam School in Ethiopia. Our involvement began when our foundation Head of Junior College, Noel Nethery, adopted two children from the orphanage that was attached to the school at that time. When he and his wife, Michelle, visited the school, he saw how few resources they had, and their serious lack of infrastructure. Initially, our support was geared towards the provision of infrastructure. This was in the form of toilet facilities, furnished classrooms, a modest library, and a photocopier. Since 2009, our focus moved from these infrastructure projects, to providing sponsorship for students who were particularly disadvantaged. Most of the sponsored students have been orphans, and the sponsorship has covered the fees that are paid to the government, together with their uniform and stationery costs. Since starting our sponsorship initiative, our College community has been able to support between 50 and 80 students at the school each year. Unfortunately, this year,

our sponsorship efforts fell slightly short of our target to support 50 students at the school, with only 40 children being assisted. While this was disappointing, this came about not because of a reduction in the total amount of money raised to support the school, but because of increased costs. The weakening of the Australian dollar against the

U.S. currency, meant that the value of our sponsorships were reduced. Also, the costs within Ethiopia have been increasing, especially the cost of the government school fees. On top of this, there continues to be pressure applied by the Ethiopian government for the Tsion Mariam School to replace their existing building, despite these being

built to the same standard of construction as all of the other buildings in the local community. At the moment, we are still trying to clarify what is required, but it is safe to say that the school still needs our support. Our 2016-17 sponsorship drive for Tsion Mariam was launched in August, and we have received the details from Ethiopia for the costs involved with the school fees, uniforms, and stationery packs. Hopefully, there will be a number of our Old Scholars who will feel moved to support our endeavours to continue this great work. The loss of the Tsion Mariam School to the local community would be devastating, especially as it continues to be recognised as one of the best Kindergarten Schools in the district. If you would like to get involved, please email me at akinmont@ssc.qld.edu.au Thank you for making a difference. With every blessing

Father Andrew Kinmont

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COLLEGE FUNDRAISERS

Raising funds for charity V

olunteering to fundraise is big on the agenda of Saint Stephen’s College. Each year staff and students commit endless hours to raise much-needed funds and awareness for a variety of causes, charities and organisations. The tens of thousands of dollars raised comes from the support we receive from the College and broader communities. Here are just a few of the many fundraisers held in 2016.

Chores for a Cause A Prep to Year 12 initiative, where students willingly did chores, and then donated their ‘chore’ money towards the Tsion Mariam project. The chores campaign culminated with a PJ Day when students brought in their ‘chore’ money and/or a gold coin donation.

Homeless Sleepout Organised by the College Interact Club, it encouraged 115 students and staff to experience for one night in the cold on the College sports oval, what more than 100,000 Australians experience every night. Their commitment raised awareness about homelessness in our city, and their fundraising contributed to the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Inc.

Shave for a Cure Always a popular and high profile fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation. The Shave for a Cure is coordinated by the College Chaplain Father Andrew Kinmont and Haley House. It included the sounds of the Funk Band, sizzling snags, stalls, games with many eager students and teachers ready to shave or colour for a cure.

Save Our Species Day Year 6 students ran a successful ‘Save Our Species Day’ - an annual event where they plan, prepare and run a stall designed to raise awareness of the environment and to raise funds for an environmental charity. This activity is part of a larger unit of enquiry based on similar themes. The success of the fundraiser meant they were able to donate to the Tangalooma EcoMarines and sponsor a tile at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We thank you for supporting us to support those in greater need. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

EARLYACT

Jordan Billing EARLYACT PRESIDENT

arlyact is an extremely rewarding community group to be part of. I was motivated to join Earlyact because I loved the idea of helping others and raising money for charities. My experiences during 2016 have been filled with memories of making new friends and having fun, all while helping the community at the same time. What I didn’t expect was to learn so much about other people’s circumstances and how community support can make such a huge difference. Support for the homeless, cancer sufferers, polio prevention and even recognition for the people in our families are all part of the Earlyact’s focus. I enjoy raising awareness and money for various causes because of the satisfaction and reward you get from helping someone. The little things you do can make a big difference. I encourage you-to Earlyact if you Adv6.inddSo8/07/16 11:13 AM 1 -join (Cyan) (Magenta) (Yellow) (BlacK) haven’t already.

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INTERACT

Interact: A dominant presence T

he Saint Stephen’s College Interact Club continues to be a dominant presence within the local community. The 70-plus members of our club regularly give up their own time to volunteer at various events throughout the year. During 2016 our Interact Club has volunteered at events including the Upper Coomera Anzac Day Ceremony, the Magnolia Aged Care Fete and the Gold Coast Marine Expo. We have also been kept busy with numerous school events, including helping out at the College musical, ‘Into the Woods,’ Family Fun Day, Mother’s Day stall and several others. On 6 August we held the annual Saint Stephen’s College Homeless Sleep Out. 2015 was the inaugural College Homeless Sleep Out, in which we raised approximately $1400 for Rosies and Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Inc. The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness and funds to address homelessness on the Gold Coast. All of the funds Interact raises from volunteering at these events is donated to various charities. In early 2016 the club donated $500 to Old Scholar, Stanley Du Preez, to help fund Gap Medics Program. Not only does the Interact Club raise funds for charity, but it also provides its members with a multitude of opportunities for personal development.

INTERACT PRESIDENTS Jayden Edwards and Jayde Lowe A number of students were able to participate in the Rotary Youth Transition Seminar (RYTS) and others attended the RYPEN Camp (Rotary Youth Enrichment Program). This four-day camp has a strong focus on building teamwork and leadership skills, to prepare students for their senior school years and beyond. The Saint Stephen’s College Interact Club provides students the opportunity to grow as individuals through a variety of different programs and meaningful community work.

Rotary helping communities at home and abroad My name is Georgia Howe and I am 14-years-old and a student at Saint Stephen’s College. Maybe many of you are wondering what my connection to Rotary is? Until a few years ago I had never heard of Rotary until my mum (Jane Howe) joined a Rotary Club and I was dragged along to one of the meetings. The breakfast was great and I really enjoyed meeting all the members and listening to all the projects that they were running. It gave me incentive to create

some ideas of my own, including the first Earlyact Club at the College. I thought Rotary was a bunch of old people who volunteered their time to help others. What I didn’t realise is the impact Rotarians were having on many communities, not just local, but worldwide. I also learnt

that Rotary has helped to almost wipe out polio. In 2013 I had the opportunity of being the President of the first Earlyact Club in the District 9640. This was an amazing experience as I gained leadership skills whilst making a difference within my local community with like-minded people. I’m now in the Interact Club at Saint Stephen’s College and I am loving it. We have nearly 70 members and with that many students involved I think the future for Rotary is looking great.

I have recently attended RYPEN, another great opportunity provided by Rotarians, which was a fantastic experience. I feel that camps like RYPEN RYLA and RYTS enable young Australians to embrace challenging situations which help you in the real world. Rotary is a vehicle for many opportunities for young and old or should I say more experienced and I can’t wait until I am a Rotarian myself. But, until then I will do my best to be an active Interact member.

OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY

High tech journey to Saint Stephen’s College Reflecting on my visit to Saint Stephen’s College in Australia: The learning spaces #flipclass #edtech By Stacey Robson Math Teacher and Technology Coordinator in Maryland USA (This article has been edited for Optima. For the full version visit https://techiemusings.com/2016/05/19/reflecting-on-myvisit-to-saint-stephens-college-in-australia-the-learning-spaces-flipclass-edtech/ wqw )

spent two weeks at Saint Stephen’s College. The school is committed to organisation-wide change to effectively infuse technology into the curriculum and they are truly forward-thinking in their approach; the school has already implemented many innovative teaching practices and spaces. They are well into their journey to bring blended and flipped learning to all classrooms. They invited me to share my direct experiences with their teachers and conduct large and small workshops to inspire and brainstorm possibilities. Touring their learning spaces was eye-opening and insightful. They have won a variety of awards for their innovative practices, including being a Microsoft Associate Showcase School. They received a D2L Asia Pacific Excellence Award along with Victoria University and Singapore Management University, and have hosted a variety of conferences, including an Interactive Technologies Conference and FlipCon. The learning spaces they have set up open so many possibilities and opportunities for blended and differentiated instruction and individualised learning, meeting the needs of all different learning and personality styles. Station rotation model The College has classroom spaces that truly allow for the station rotation model to successfully be implemented. … including small classrooms with glass walls and a large learning space in the centre. Each of the classroom spaces on the sides is optimised for student comfort and small class discussion. Students can sit on the couch area or the high tables/chairs that are on the perimeter. In the outer learning space, students work in their assigned station rotation. There is a teacher aide in to assist and monitor the learning. As well, since the walls are glass, the teacher can see all the learning that is happening. MOOCs (massive online open courses) Sophomores have the opportunity to spend a period of their day learning through a MOOC of their choosing. While students are working independently, the learning space they are assigned to promotes collaborative and social learning. Since there are around 10 students assigned in this independent learning time together, they still have the chance to chat with classmates and bounce ideas, questions, revelations, and wow moments to their peers. I was quite impressed with this setup. I think independent learning can sometimes feel isolating, but the environment they were in made the work feel less solitary. They have a teacher in this space (the Team Projects Manager) who monitors the learning, to make sure students are on task, and answers questions as needed. Math Rotation Model The learning space used for the MOOC classes are also used for students in math class. There are larger classrooms, again with glass walls, where the teacher does direct instruction with students. Because all walls are glass, the teacher can easily monitor what is happening all around. In the open space, students work on an activity, to apply the learning that happened with their teacher. In the particular class I watched, students spent half of the period in the classroom and the other half in the open space. They had the freedom to choose their groups and worked on their activity assigned. All students were working on the same project and most in small groups, although some worked individually. Again, because of the setup and the amount of space in the room, students could really sit in the environment they felt would optimise their learning. 16

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Science The science spaces are something to look at, for sure! The classrooms are all enclosed in glass walls. Some of the classrooms are mini lecture halls and others are science labs. Outside each of the rooms are displays of student work or science-related artefacts. The design of the building is also beautiful, with splashes of colour throughout. In the open space outside of the classrooms, there is a lot of similar furniture. When I walked through, some students were creating a lab report comparing the quality of water in Yaun Creek with Coomera River. Again, because of the flexible learning spaces, some students were able to receive direct instruction while others were able to work on a cumulative learning task in creating their report, in groups. Language Centre The Language Centre is a two level building. They teach Japanese and Spanish. There is an aide always in the open space to monitor and organise what is happening. For example, one morning I saw a group of parent volunteers reading, in Spanish, to the elementary age children. This had all been set up by the aide that monitors the space. Each level has a lecture theatre, webinar room, collaborative workspace, and open ‘foyer’ space, each enclosed with glass walls, looking out onto the open middle space. Depending on the activity, all students can be in the classroom, with the teacher, or some students can be in the classroom while others are in the middle space. The aide monitoring each level is there to help and facilitate the more independent activity. Arts and Applied Technology The Arts and Applied Technology space houses the Visual Art, Film,

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY The overwhelming success of the first FlipCon conference in Australia hosted by Saint Stephen’s College was the global tick of confidence in the ablility to deliver rich learning experiences through ever-advancing technology. The 2015 conference included international ‘flipped learning’ pioneers Aaron Sams and Jon Bergmann, attracted more than 200 local and interstate teachers and set the scene for a second conference in 2016. College Director of eLearning, Peter West, says flipped learning uses current technology to blend with, and enhance, ‘traditional’ learning. “It’s about keeping up with the latest useful changes in technology and using that technology to enhance teaching and learning, in both the classroom and at home. In essence, it is technology-enhanced learning that helps prepare students for life in the modern world,” said Mr West. “At Saint Stephen’s College we are proud to be able to deliver rich learning experiences through ever-advancing technology. We have been acknowledged nationally and internationally as a frontrunner in blended learning, and hosting this conference is another feather in our cap.

Television and New Media, Graphics, and Business departments. The open design allows for collaborative learning that extends beyond the walls of the classroom. This space has a sound proof media room, green screen, 3D printers and laser cutter, among other things. The whole space is incredibly flexible, with glass walls that can fold away to transform the environment from individual classrooms to one large, open space. In fact, once a year they convert the space into a gallery for their Art Exhibition. This space models a real-world, open plan typical of many workplaces in creative fields. Projects that have been completed and those that are being worked on are displayed around the room to spark creativity and help inspire. When students are working, they have the freedom to move between classrooms and open spaces to pick the environment that best meets their needs for the day. When I was visiting, they were preparing for their Wearable Art Show. Students were given a design brief based on Steam Punk. In addition to creating the outfits and video for the fashion show, students are responsible for setting up and catering the event, the behind the scenes work, marketing and promotion, and the production of the show. The teacher acts much like a Product Manager. Each student is given a brief …just as would be done in the real-world. Seeing the work going on in the classrooms and the collaboration between classes was super impressive and enjoyable! Physical Education The PE department is doing some really cool work infusing technology into the curriculum. They are using iPads and programs like ‘Dartfish’ and ‘Coach’s Eye’ to enhance lessons. I was particularly

Some of our teaching staff are working with flipped learning already, and these types of conferences undoubtedly add to their knowledge and confidence. “It was the first time the FlipCon conference was held outside of the United States and it is certainly an honor to be the host venue with such high profile keynote speakers.” Mr West said positive feedback from organisers and attendances regarding the inaugural FlipCon conference had generated a second conference in 2016. Flipped learning workshops and ‘boot camps’– an interactive introduction to flipped learning by experts Aaron Sams and Jon Bergmann were highlights. Topics included: ●● running a flipped classroom ●● technology and ‘how to’ tips ●● going beyond to deeper learning ●● subject networking ●● panel discussions

interested in their use of time lapses to have students review their own work and also peer critique. The way it works is that students will do a certain skill, say swing a bat, and the iPad will record the time lapse. They have the recording set to play automatically on a 30 second delay so that students swing the bat, view the video replay, and return to the line to redo the skill. After the video is replayed, it automatically is deleted. Students critique the video replay based on a coaching tips rubric the teacher has provided (things like: your arm was bent; your legs were too far apart). This truly fosters a culture of peer review and analysis which is very cool to see in a PE class. Conclusion The learning spaces I toured were fantastic and open up so many possibilities. Of course, great teaching can happen anywhere, but the spaces at Saint Stephen’s College certainly open up many options that would not be available everywhere. There were traditional classrooms that I also toured, but I highlighted their newer, innovative spaces and the blended learning that is happening in those spaces. It was remarkable to see the teaching and learning going on; I have never experienced classrooms quite so forward thinking as these. With such spaces, the teacher can drive a section of students while others step into a separate, open space to explore more independently. I am so grateful to Saint Stephen’s College for inviting me out to work with their teachers. It’s a true testament to how heavily invested they are in figuring out how to most effectively utilise their spaces and infuse technology to enhance the curriculum and optimise student learning. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

MUSICAL INTO THE WOODS

ONCE UPON A TIME…

very two years Saint Stephen’s Senior College presents a show stopping musical, allowing students to showcase their performing arts talents to the College and broader communities. And, the College campus is still buzzing from the euphoria of what has been hailed as the most amazing musical to date – Into the Woods – presented in the Goda Firkins Auditorium. The talented 27-student cast, brilliant 28-piece student Orchestra lead by Musician in Residence, Sam Konise, the colourful costumes and spectacular sets – designed and created by staff and volunteers - were exceptional! Director and Drama Teacher Bradley Chapman said when he joined Saint Stephen’s College in July 2015 he had been hesitant when asked by the Performing Arts Department to direct such a challenging musical. “Later that week, however, I attended a school assembly at which students performed an assortment of instrumental and vocal numbers. I was so impressed with the level of musical talent that I returned to the Performing Arts Department that afternoon and insisted on taking charge of the production,” he said. “The 2016 College Musical, Into the Woods, was a major success. Our performances had audiences laughing and applauding from beginning to end. A highlight for me was feeling the audience’s infectious excitement during intermission and after the show. “It was an honour and a privilege to direct such a wonderfully enthusiastic group of students who constantly surprised me with their talent, creativity and dedication. “A Stephen Sondheim musical is no easy feat for performers. It requires a level of musical dexterity that eludes even many professionals. Fortunately, I was blessed with a cast and musicians that were already ready and willing to take the challenges presented by the musical head on. “Our lead actors demonstrated a level of commitment, passion and dedication to this performance, the like of which I have never before encountered in a school production. A special thanks to all those who contributed to the development of this production, and to all the students involved for making Into the Woods such a magical experience for the audience and the production team, but most importantly for each other.” Headmaster, Jamie Dorrington, said: “Grace and I attended the musical with Mr Humphrey Firkins and we were all very impressed. The sets, costumes, music, vocals were all outstanding. It was, as people said, very complex musically. It exceeded my high expectations. Congratulations to all involved.”

MUSICAL INTO THE WOODS

CAST Matthew Thompson ..................................Baker Jade Delmiquez .............................. Baker’s Wife Rhiannon Sutton-Yeomans ..................The Witch Keturah Sutton-Yeomans ................... Cinderella Nicolas Van Litsenborgh .............................. Jack Georgia Rothera .............. Little Red Riding Hood Hardus Redelinghuys ..............Cinderella’s Prince Nathan Griffin ................................The Narrator Ethan Cairns ............................Rapunzel’s Prince Sarah Hunt ....................................Jack’s Mother Michaela Burlace ...........Cinderella’s Stepmother Kendall Wall ......................................... Florinda Molly Walker .........................................Lucinda Michael Erasmus ........................ Mysterious Man Rapunzel Sophie Rees ........................................Rapunzel Mitchell Hobbs......................................The Wolf Lochlann Woodall ........................... The Steward Alex Armbrust ....................... Cinderella’s Father Jordan Martyr.........................................Granny Shelby Baston ......................Cinderella’s Mother Yuina Mori .......................................Snow White Jayden Edwards ...............................Milky White Ethan Long ......................................Milky White Vaughn Campbell ............................... The Giant Georgia Howe ...................................... The Harp Elzani Redelinghuys .................. Sleeping Beauty Ella Todhunter ...................................... The Hen DANCERS Angelique Hass-Maganas and Tamara Burling ORCHESTRA Violin: Vaughn Campbell, Kelly Coleman, Lachlan Eyers, Malissa Fiorentino, Isabella Gray, Michaela Holsted, Michael Lamb, Lewis Low, Maia Mori, Luc Saint Clair, Jackson Youngman Trombone: .....Mitchell Hobbs, Christopher James Piano: ................................. Isabelle Khamsone Flute/Piccolo: ............................ Thaleia Fogarty Percussion: ............... Eliza Leng, Grant Sampson Cello: .......... Jasmine Kovacs, Towa Motai, Jin You Synthesizer: .....................................Liam Smith Clarinet: .................................... Lilly Whiteman Flute: .................................... Olivia Wooldridge Old Scholar/Staff Performers: ... Andrew Coleman (trumpet), Zoe Erskine (clarinet), Claudia Saint Claire (violin), Jake Wardle (trumpet)

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS

Fine art of nurturing talent T

he Friends of the Arts’ mission is to enhance the opportunities of our College’s Performing Arts students by providing support and funds to ensure they can successfully pursue their talents. FOTA is made up of a committed group of parents, students and friends. It has been in existence in some shape or form since the College’s inception in 1996, predominantly through the tireless efforts of a few dedicated parents. However, in late 2013, Friends of the Arts was formerly re-launched and a number of fresh faces emerged. It is a tight, but busy group that plans and oversees many fundraising activities each year. 2016 was no different and included: ●● sales of the Maestro Clef cookbook ●● sausage sizzles at the inaugural Super Showcase bands performance and Bunnings ●● providing food and beverages at various Performing Arts events including the College musical Into the Woods, P&F Family Fun

Jaclyn Lee FRIENDS OF THE ARTS Day, Battle of the Bands, Chamber Music and Vocal concerts and the Performing Arts Awards night. Another fundraising initiative is in the pipeline, so stay tuned for further details. In the meantime, we are pleased that through our fundraising efforts, FOTA has been able to provide: ●● major sponsorship for the last two school musicals ●● a piano accompanist for our three junior choirs ●● servicing and repair of the junior drum line ensemble set

●● sponsorship of the senior junior College music awards ●● subsidy for Drumline’s participation in the 2016 Australian Percussion Eisteddfod ●● food for the cast, crew and orchestra at the musical rehearsals ●● morning tea for the Years 5/6 Band Morning of Melodies All these things have only been possible with the support and expansion of our FOTA membership base. How can you help? ●● attend our Performing Arts events ●● spread the word ●● bring a friend or family member to the next event ●● become a member We encourage anyone interested in FOTA to come and chat to us at any of our activities or call Vanessa Chapman in the Performing Arts office (07) 5573 8672. We thank all those involved for your continued support in assisting our students achieve their artistic dreams.

P&F NEWS

Fruitful year for our P&F T

he involvement of parents and guardians is an integral part of the unique Saint Stephen’s College spirit and the Parents and Friends Committee. The aims of our P&F are: ●● To further the spirit of community and cooperation amongst all members of the Saint Stephen’s community. ●● To encourage the spirit of community and cooperation by organising social functions for the parent body. Lisa ●● To raise funds to Hunt purchase and provide facilities P&F PRESIDENT 2016 and equipment for the benefit of students at Saint Stephen’s College. The P&F has hosted many fundraising functions throughout the year. Here are some of the main events and the money raised in 2016. ●● Our Family Fun Day held in June 2016 was a wonderful success with College and local families, that raised $10,000. Thanks to the success of this event the P&F Committee was able to confirm a contribution of $20,000 towards the new Consolidations Playground, which will include the installation of shade sails. ●● We fundraised $8000 that contributed to finalising the new bus shelters that were constructed at the western end of the grounds. This included solar lighting and seating. This is a project that past P&F teams were passionate about and it is wonderful to now see these shelters in place. ●● Part of our P&F tradition is to provide breakfast for the Year 12 cohort on the first day of their QCS assessment – a tradition that continued this year. ●● We supported the Homeless Sleepout held on the College oval by sleeping out with the students and providing breakfast. All funds raised, $1000, was donated to the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Inc. ●● Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November always brings in a crowd. In 2016 the event moved to the InterContinetal Hotel Sanctuary Cove. For more information about our Parents and Friends Association, including events and fund-raising programs, please contact the College at 07 5573 8600. or visit the P&F Facebook page. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

Tributes In loving memory of Gaye Affleck Head of Business, English and Humanities Teacher, Debating Coordinator, Sports Coach 7 December 1955 – 30 March 2016 By Carmel Stolarchuk and Gavin Neuper

A touching tribute presented on behalf of the College teaching and support staff, to a wonderful teacher who supported many students in and out of the classroom. A service was also held to place a memorial stone in the College Garden of Remembrance at which the Year 12 students honoured Mrs Affleck with the All Hail. Carmel: Mr Neuper and I remember and honour Mrs Gaye Affleck as a friend, and a colleague and represent the teaching and support staff, and especially the English and Humanities faculties with whom she worked closely throughout her 10 years at Saint Stephen’s College. Sadly, Mrs Affleck lost her battle with cancer and we would like to pay tribute by reflecting on her time at the College, on her courage and determination and her positivity in the face of challenges. Gavin: Mrs Affleck joined Saint Stephen’s College in January 2005 and during her 10 years held many roles. For several, she shared Head of Humanities with Ms Jacqlyn Cassidy. They joined Saint Stephen’s on the same day and were delighted to be reunited again, as Mrs Affleck was Ms Cassidy’s economics teacher when she was in Year 12. Mrs Affleck took on much more than just a teaching role. Many of the teachers will remember the support and guidance she provided in the introduction of Intentional Teaching. She was a patient and encouraging mentor, always willing to share her knowledge of teaching and learning with others. She will also be remembered for her work as Debating Coordinator, as a dedicated and caring Haley House Tutor, an enthusiastic and committed Sport Coach and as the Head of the Business Faculty. There are many students from Saint Stephen’s, Old Scholars and present students, and staff, who have had their lives enriched and enhanced by Mrs Affleck and she will be missed by all of them. Mrs Affleck loved being a teacher. She came from a teaching family, and said it was in her blood. She was a passionate and dedicated teacher who demonstrated the ultimate commitment to excellence. She set high standards in teaching English, Humanities, Geography and Economics and she always encouraged and assisted her students to reach their potential. Mrs Affleck had a love of Geography and she travelled extensively – to Europe, Asia 22

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and North America – to complement her knowledge of different environments, cultures and people and to enrich her teaching. She was a talented photographer and on her return would share her experiences through these photographs with her colleagues and students. Mrs Affleck was also passionate about ensuring geography students participated first hand in field research. Her class could often be found at the lagoon or down in the mangroves. Several years ago she introduced the Great Barrier Reef trip which the Year 12 Geography students enjoy each year. Mrs Affleck also initiated the Year 7 excursion to Canberra, the Year 8 Burleigh Headland trip and the Year 10 excursion to Byron Bay. Carmel: Mrs Affleck had a lifelong commitment to education – she gained a Bachelor of Economics and a Master’s in Education and continually honed her teaching skills through Professional Development. In 2013 she travelled to Jakarta, Indonesia to attend a teaching conference which had a profound effect on her and she returned with a renewed commitment to social justice and the right for all children to have access to a quality education. She was passionate about the plight of refugees in this country and spoke of her desire to support refugee women by helping them with their literacy skills. Her compassion was also demonstrated through her ongoing support of the Tsion Mariam School, the children she sponsored through World Vision and her support of the Rosie’s Program. Mrs Affleck was a woman of strong principles, a champion of equality and justice, who was prepared to stand up for what she believed was right. Gavin: Mrs Affleck’s influence can be seen in many areas of the College. She fulfilled many years as the Debating Coordinator and spent endless hours organising teams, coaches,

competitions, adjudicators and driving to different schools to watch debates and support the debaters. As a result, many Saint Stephen’s debating teams were successful in reaching and winning finals. She was also involved in Public Speaking competitions coaching students and adjudicating Junior and Senior competitions. It was not only within the classroom that Mrs Affleck excelled. Her love of the outdoors was seen in her enthusiasm and dedication to coaching netball and softball. She was the first to admit she was not the greatest coach, but whatever she did, she did with 100 per cent enthusiasm and commitment. Carmel: Mrs Affleck will be remembered as a very generous and compassionate person who was always willing to provide support to students and staff. She was always the first to offer help and her care of others was reciprocated by staff when she fell ill. Very few days passed without somebody asking Ms Cassidy or me how Mrs Affleck was, and asking us to pass on their love and thoughts. So many times they simply said ‘I loved Gaye’. She was a warm, funny, caring person and generous to a fault. She believed in tough love, and would often tell us to ‘suck it up’. She had a strong and courageous spirit which we all witnessed in the final year of her life. If we are to learn anything from Mrs Affleck’s passing it is that time is precious and life should be lived to the fullest. Mrs Affleck spent very little time dwelling on her illness. Instead she seized every chance to embrace opportunities for growth – she briefly practiced yoga (which she hated), she continued to travel and marvel at the beauty of the Australian countryside, and was planning a trip to the United States and Canada.After a workshop with Mrs Bernal Continued next page

STAFF NEWS

Babies

Baby Macey Rose Congratulations to our Spanish teacher Aileen Seidman on the safe arrival of baby Macey Rose on Saturday 5 September. Baby Macey arrived at 6.33am and weighted 7.32 pounds. “She’s a beautiful, calm and healthy baby. I want to express my gratitude for the gorgeous flowers and wishes from you all. Thank you,” said an elated Aileen.

Baby grandson Theo Santosa Congratulations to our Commercial Manager ‘Oma’ Dolores Santosa on the birth of her first grandchild, Theo Lennon Santosa on 16 May 2016. Theo is the son of Matthew and Jeannie Santosa, well-named after two musicians and the pride and joy of his Oma Dolores!

Emmi Soars baptism Emmi Harper Soars, daughter of Ryan and Kerrie Soars was baptised on 11 October, 2015 by College Chaplain Father Andrew Kinmont. Emmi was born on 22 March, weighing 6lb, and is baby sister for Kai and Chelsi. Ryan is from the graduating Class of 2005. He teaches junior and senior sport, while Kerrie is a teacher in the Junior College. Emmi’s Godparents are Anne Trethewey, a former teacher, and Jake Trobojevic.

Jane and Simon’s granddaughter Congratulations to Jane and Simon Howe who welcomed their first grandchild Grace Elizabeth Welsh on 7 December 2015 weighing 2.8kgs or 6lb 5oz. Grace was born at the Gold Coast University Hospital and is the daughter of Danielle and Jeremy Welsh. Jane is in charge of Community Relations Development, and Simon is Head of Maintenance.

Baby Miles Wood A trumpeting welcome to baby Miles Wood, son of Malcolm Wood – College Band Master, tutor and highly regarded brass musician – born 2 September 2016. “God has blessed my family with another beautiful son. Mum and baby are wonderful and Dad is still floating. How cool!” said Mr Wood.

Weddings

Shelley and Dominic Congratulations to Saint Stephen’s College Head of Year 9 (2016) and Science teacher Shelley Spargo and Donimic McFarland on their 8 April 2016 wedding at Parkwood International Golf Club. Mrs McFarland, affectionately known as ‘Spargs’, is the Coordinator of Outward Bound which allows Year 9 and 10 students to apply for the 12-day life learning adventure. The College program is one of a number that is sponsored through The Goda Firkins Foundation and its Chairman Mr Humphrey Firkins. Mrs McFarland is also Coordinator of the internationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as keen sport coach and supporter of all things active and challenging. l From previous page dette Boundy, she started painting which she absolutely loved. She said it calmed her and was sad that she hadn’t discovered this passion earlier in her life. Never did we hear her ask ‘why me?’, instead she practiced gratitude. She would often tell us she was grateful for her long and wonderful life and how saddened she was when she had to witness children and

young people undergoing cancer treatment. The happiness and health of her family were her number one priority. She enjoyed a long and happy marriage with her husband John, who often accompanied her to College events. She was a doting mother to three children and grandmother to her lovely grandchildren, Louisa and Joey. After Mrs Affleck, Mrs Cassidy and I became grandmothers, many hours were spent discussing our grandchildren. One of the few times we

saw Mrs Affleck cry was at the thought of leaving behind her beloved grandchildren. Gav: Someone once said, “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones for your legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you. ” It is our belief that Mrs Affleck touched the lives of all those who knew her. She was our friend, our colleague and our teacher and we will all hold a piece of her in our hearts. She will be missed. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

STAFF NEWS

10 years of service acknowledged Ê

Each year on Saint Stephen’s Day we acknowledge our members of staff, including tutors, who have served the College for 10 years or longer. Congratulations to the most recent recipients who reached the milestone on 16 September 2016: Shanine Collavino, Michelle Stevens, Sue Schmidt, Fiona Sandral, Rebekah Barrie, Karen Doyle, Julie Larsen, Karen Innes, Lindy Culverwell, Caroline Taylor, Juan Garcia, Gerrit Bon, Leigh Elliot and Linda Van Viersen.

Staff profiles by Kathryn Dendy Mick Skehan Head of Year 7 · At Saint Stephen’s College almost since day one, Head of Year 7 (2016) Mick Skehan, has seen a lot – from the growth and development of facilities to the ongoing student and community spirit. In fact, Mr Skehan recalls the day the basketball courts were put in and that in the early days they used to put two bins together and play in the Western car park. “The two main things that have remained the same are the College spirit and the great kids we have,” he said. Anyone who has met Mr Skehan knows his great passion is sport, in particular rugby, which he played for many years, and led to the establishment of the College Rugby Academy Although Mr Skehan has taught in the Junior College, it was 10 years ago he moved into the Senior College when the Connections Program started, to help primary students transition to high school. “We have a great model here in the Connections Program, which runs over two years. It is quite different from other models and it came into play after we learnt a lot of lessons in the early years about the students and their capabilities. Connections is a specialised area that I feel truly connected to,” he said. Each day Mick comes to school thinking about the students he needs to catch up with, who he needs to say hello to and what he needs to talk with them about. In a recent talk to Year 7 students he drew on the life of Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi who retreated from the limelight after being asked by music producers to change her image and lose weight. She resurfaced years later, more confident and released the hit song ‘This Is Who I Am’. “My message to the students is to be themselves and to back themselves no matter what!” Mr Skehan teaches Maths and is the ‘College Marshall’ as well as the ‘go to’ person when you want to learn about the history and traditions of the College.

Congratulations Dr Sarah Standage Head of Year 8 Head of Year 8, English and History Teacher, Pastoral Care Team member and former Acting Head of Year 9, Sarah Standage was always destined to be a teacher – particularly with her keen interest in politics, burning passion for social justice and starting an Honours course in Arts. After five years of study she had her PhD conferred on the 6 October 2015. Her research project explores how Senior English teachers can account for the cultural identities of refugee students and investigates how particular understandings of cultural identity can impact on teaching practice. Dr Standage said: “At its centre this project is interested in how teachers practise in socially just ways. In Australia and within its major social institutions, debate is continuous over the place and treatment of refugees. However, in terms of education, the schooling of refugee students has not been given enough serious and finegrained consideration. “The empirical study was concerned with how cultural identity was accounted for in the stories told by specific Queensland English teachers and students, and ultimately, how cultural identity mattered in the teaching of refugee-inclusive English classes. “In the final stages of the project I taught Senior English at Saint Stephen’s College. My own students showed me immense support and have encouraged me in more ways than they know. My colleagues also provided amazing support and the odd editing tip. I am 24

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lucky to work in an educational environment that provides me with the rocket fuel to constantly strive to be the best teacher I can be.” Dr Standage said she was inspired by her father, who in his former position as Pro-Vice Chancellor at Griffith University had encouraged her to ‘discover things and change the world’. “It’s about getting yourself into a position to drive change for the noblest of reasons. I watched my Dad do incredible things. I still do,” said Dr Standage. Dr Standage joined the College in 2013. “I could be here for a long time. I had the best feeling about the school. And now, I absolutely love working here. It is a spirit I haven’t witnessed in other schools, and it helps that I work with great people,” she said.

Shelley McFarland Head of Year 9 With a passion for great outdoors, courage, resilience and a can do attitude, Head of Year 9 (2016) Shelley McFarland is well suited to the College Experiences Program she shares with Head of Year 10 Gavin Neuper. Her love for the College and its students is evident in the long list of academic, sporting and cultural activities she coordinates and is involved in. It was in her second year at the College she took on the Coordinator role for the Duke of Edinburgh and Outward Bound programs, and in the past five years many students have grown to love the outdoors and embrace a challenge almost as much as she does. “The outdoors is my therapy and I enjoy seeing what students get out of these programs,” she said. Mrs McFarland is also involved in community service that support College initiatives such as the Cambodia Trip which she volunteered to coordinate in 2015, and recently providing respite care for families and children. “It’s an interesting experience and you certainly get to learn a lot. It’s good for my own kids to see and learn from the experience also.” As well as enjoying the Head of Year position, Mrs McFarland encourages students to challenge themselves while being responsible and accountable. “The Year 9 students are beginning to mature and we are trying to teach them to take responsibility and be accountable for their actions. I really enjoy getting to know the students, and the impromptu conversations we have. Each new day I think about who I might want (or need) to touch base with as well as what I want to get

STAFF NEWS

might want (or need) to touch base with as well as what I want to get out of my classes.” An enthusiastic teacher of Science and Biology, former Head of House and current Pastoral Care Team member, Mrs McFarland is an asset to student welfare and no stranger to helping others in need.

Gavin Neuper Head of Year 10 A 20-year association with, and understanding of, the College's culture and traditions makes Head of Year 10 (2016) Gavin Neuper an asset in the area of student welfare. Gavin recalls delivering his resume to the ‘old school house at Flower Bank’ and is nostalgic about the early days. “I remember the first cohort of 48 students going through. At that time, the College had a small school feel; it was a tight pioneering community that worked closely together, planting trees and running working bees. Whilst there have been changes over the years, as it is a sign of what we do, we still have a community feel and that’s what sets us apart,” he said. “The students now have access to first-class facilities and we send them all around the globe. We have Humphrey Firkins (Goda Foundation Chairman) largely to thank for that. The College has developed in the opportunities that we are able to offer and we are now up there with the best. Despite the changes and developments, the ethos of the College, in addition to the community feel, has remained the same, and that is based largely on mutual respect between staff and students.” In his time at the College, Gavin has held a number of positions, including Head of Year for students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 and Head of House in the early years when the College had a vertical Pastoral Care system; today he continues as the Head of Bell House and has taught many subjects, including Religious Education, Geography, History and Humanities. “I think I was designated as a jigsaw fitter in those early days as the school was growing,” he said. “What I love most about being a Head of Year is the interaction with the students, both as a group and as individuals. I enjoy feeling as though I am making a difference in their lives, and that I am encouraging them to take charge of their lives. I like to see them excited about their futures. It’s great to see a change in a group. I’m passionate about the College and that’s why I’ve been here for so long.”

Sam Cleary Head of Year 11 Foundation student, first College Captain, Class of 2001 graduate,

Pastoral Care Team member and Head of Year 11 (2016), Sam Cleary, is part of the fabric of Saint Stephen’s College. And, recently, Mr Cleary his enrolled his children at the College. “The College has shaped me into the person I am today,” he said. Interestingly, he now works alongside one of his former teachers and role models, Head of Year 10 (2016), Gavin Neuper, and College classmate and Old Scholar, VET Coordinator Kirsty Trezise. Mr Cleary says he did not become a teacher by design. He was studying Art/Science in Sydney and it was only when he paused to reflect on what he was good at that he realised he wanted to be a teacher. Working at Saint Stephen’s College however was very much by design. “I thought about where I would like to come to work every day, and it was Saint Stephen’s. It was about coming back to somewhere where I had a place and fortunately the College has a habit of employing Old Scholars,” he said. He undertook his practical teaching in 2010 and a position became available in 2011. “The feel of the place has remained largely the same, the core has remained static. As foundation Headmaster Brian Rowe would say ‘the students walk out of here with a violin case in one hand and a rugby bag in the other’.” A respected English and History teacher Mr Cleary has taken charge of Inter School Debating, which increases the rapport he has developed with the students. “As a Head of Year, I am able to get a more over-arching view of the students and track along with them over two years. These relationships are genuine, deep relationships. Students are really looking for guidance. They go through such a significant transformation, especially in Year 11 with the Retreat and the Leadership Process, and as a Head of Year I can be a positive influence,” he said. “Some students fly and others soar. But, unlike the students, I have seen the finish line and I’ve seen where they finish up. I want them to focus on how well they work together. Rather than focusing on what sets them apart, I want them to focus on what brings them together. I want them to see themselves as a team, to feel bound together as team.”

Karen Doyle Head of Year 12 With 10 years at the College, Head of Year 12 (2016) Karen Doyle, can be proud of the many areas that have benefitted from her wisdom and expertise. She began her time at Saint Stephen's in the Junior College, where she focused largely on Enrichment, but over the years has been involved in many extra-curricular activities, including debating, Tournament of Minds and student journalism. “I love it when it works out for a student…when you take some of the burden from them and show them that someone understands what they’re going through,” she said. Originally from Michigan and then San Diego, Karen moved to Australia in 1995 having married an Australian she’d met in the United States while they were both involved in water ski shows. Always athletic, Karen says her passion for water skiing, and more recently wakeboarding, is something the whole family is involved in, including her two children, one, Class of 2013 College Captain and Valedictorian and the other a Haley House Captain completing Year 12 (2016). “Having good relationships with the students makes what you are trying to do in the classroom easy. I like helping them work through problems and supporting them, both as a teacher and a Head of Year.” Karen’s job is not without its challenges as relationships are balanced with rules and revolve around the very good reputation students have created for themselves. “I tell the students it’s really hard to build a good reputation and they’ve certainly done that. I encourage them to finish the year with their reputation intact and to always keep going despite the pressure that’s on them in this big year. "I am confident they will do just that!” OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? BEN VEIVERS AND ASHLEIGH VEIVERS (NEE SPENCE)

Class of 2002 ¶

It was a baptism that brought together many Old Scholars special guests! Archie Benjamin and Hugo Alfred Veivers - sons of Ben and Ashleigh Veivers (nee Spence) - were baptised at the College Chapel on 3 July 2016. Both Ben and Ashleigh are from the graduating class of 2002. The Godparents included Belinda Eckstein (nee Brown, Class of 2002) and Nicholas Veivers (Class of 2005). Pictured, left to right: Godfather, Nicholas Veivers (Class of 2005); Ben Veivers (Class of 2002), holding Archie; Ashleigh Veivers (nee Spence, Class of 2002); Godfather, Dustin Spence; Godmother, Belinda Eckstein (nee Brown, Class of 2002), holding Hugo; College Chaplain, Father Andrew Kinmont.

TATUM ELLIOT

Class of 2003 ·

Tatum Elliot, Class of 2003, returned to Saint Stephen’s College for the baptism of her youngest son Chase by Father Andrew Kinmont. “Thank you so much….it was the perfect venue and we were all very happy,” said Tatum, pictured here with husband Billy and their sons Hudson and Chase.

KIA ANDERSON

Class of 2004 ¸

Congratulations to Old Scholar and foundation student Kia Anderson, Class of 2004, on the birth of beautiful baby girl Milly Louise on 9 July 2016, weight 8lbs 3oz.

SHANE HAY

Class of 2006 ¹

Congratulations to Shane Hay, Class of 2006, on his May 2016 engagement to lovely Rachel Harker. The two met in 2011 at Bond University and now live in Sydney, where Shane works as a Financial Adviser. A November 2017 wedding is planned at Gunners Barracks in Mossman, Sydney. Shane is the son of proud parents, Riana Hay, College Office Manager, and Collin, who are excited and look forward to welcoming Rachel into the family.

RYAN SOARS

Class of 2005 º

I graduated from Saint Stephen’s College in 2005 after spending my final two and a half years there. My OP score allowed me my first preference of Bachelor of Business majoring in Sports Management at Griffith University. After six months in the course I had a change of heart and after working at Saint Stephen’s in the sport department I decided to try my hand a teaching. After four years of University, working and placements at different schools around the Gold Coast I found myself working as a relief teacher at Saint Stephen’s and Coomera Anglican. After one year of relief teaching I was offered the position of Primary Physical Education teaching, which I am still doing now as well as teaching Physical Education in the Senior College. It feels as though I haven’t left Saint Stephens’s since I started in 2003, although it is a very different school now.

RYAN COONEY

Class of 2013 »

I graduated from Saint Stephen’s College in 2013 and during my final year I started writing a book. When I left I set aside this novel and spent the first year out of school studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Japanese and Public Relations, at Griffith University. I also spent this year pursuing my sports endeavours. Unfortunately, a major shoulder injury caused my sports career and my potential future career to end. I then deferred my university course and started full-time work as a Food and Beverage Manager at the Marriott 26

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Hotel. As rewarding as this job may have been it wasn’t where I saw myself in the future. At the start of 2015 I decided to revisit my passion for writing and reading. After completing and editing my first novel in mid-2015, I spent seven months waiting for a reply from potential publishers. I eventually received a reply and spent another three months editing and waiting for a second reply from the publisher. On the 6 April 2016, I received confirmation that my first novel A Hero Rises, part of ‘The Shadow Series’, would be published. I was signed for a three book deal. I would not be where I am today without the amazing education Saint Stephen’s College gave me. The teachers inspire their students to think as big as possible and set goals. I’d like to thank Mrs Rebecca Horry and Mrs Kate Naug, who both put up with me and inspired me the most to become a writer.

MADDIE LACY

Class of 2012 ¼

Maddie Lacy, in her last semester law degree at Griffith University, gained an internship with MinterEllison working on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Maddie said working with the law

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

into the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at the University of Queensland. During my five years there I had a lot of interesting and wonderful experiences - more than I had imagined or I could hope for. I worked for Dreamworld in the wildlife section, I fed the dingoes and was also involved in the Koala breeding program. I spent every Christmas working as a Veterinary Assistant in a Veterinary Hospital back in Hong Kong. I was able to witness the birth of a few puppies and hand reared them until they were all grown up. I can still remember those hard days when I needed to bottle feed those puppies every two hours. It was a very tiring time, but I had never felt so satisfied before. I was awarded the Vice Chancellor Scholarship during my five years of BVSc and graduated with first class honours in 2015. Following my graduation, I was employed by the University of Queensland as one of the Small Animals Rotating Interns in their Veterinary Hospital (UQ VETS) in Gatton. There are many roles in my job. I am one of the tutors for final year vet students in the hospital and assist them through school. As an intern, I also rotate through different departments in the hospital which involves referral surgery, referral internal medicine, anaesthesia, emergency and critical care, general practice, avian and exotic. Because of this, I had a lot of unique experiences which other people could only dream of. I had handled a wedge tailed eagle, stitched up an injured goanna and repaired an abdominal hernia in a baby possum. Being a vet is very challenging and exciting. This brings me tremendous satisfaction every day. As my father has said to me before: “choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I think this is very true. I am hoping to pursue further education and training once this internship is finished. I have a great interest in surgery and wish to become a specialist surgeon one day. I am hoping to move to Melbourne for another surgical internship and residency.

JACK WOOD

Class of 2014 ¾

After graduating from Saint Stephen’s College in 2014 I started a small media company called Fast Media Solutions. With the help from my family I have been able to get in contact with large construction companies from around the country and have been capturing their projects from start to finish with my long-term time-lapse cameras. This type of work is very long-term as each project can take anywhere from 10 to 20 months. I began to work on ways to fill in my time whilst my cameras are running on several projects. I started to work with a fellow Saint Stephen’s College graduate in making 360-degree interactive floor plans for real estate and housing development companies. These floor plans have the user online and interacting with pop up 360-degree images that capture the entirety of a room or area. Throughout this time, I have completed my first year at QUT in a Bachelor of Creative Industries which I hope to use as a bridging course to get into the highly competitive Bachelor of Fine Arts (film and television). group allowed her to combine her passions of law and sport, with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience for her future. “I absolutely loved the internship. It is a privelege to work as an intern for such a prestigious firm and to be able to contribute to a project I am so passionate about makes every day feel less like work and more like a dream,” Maddie said. Maddie said the interns gained real world experience while helping to provide support to many areas including brand protection and compliance.

LINCOLN CHAU

Class of 2010 ½

In 2008, I made a seemingly stupid decision according to all of my friends and teachers in Hong Kong. I came to Australia to continue my education in the hopes that one day I could become a veterinarian. At that time, it was a one-way trip for my education as I hadn’t completed my certificate level examination in Hong Kong. Fortunately, my parents were very supportive and allowed me to be ‘reckless’ in order to pursue my dream. As a result, I joined Saint Stephen’s College in July 2008. In 2010, I graduated and enrolled

CLAIRE CHRISTIAN

Class of 2001 ¿

Class of 2001 Old Scholar Claire Christian won the 2016 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing for her novel Beautiful Mess. When I left school I studied a Bachelor of Education majoring in Drama, where I became a high school Drama and English teacher. I then came back to Saint Stephen’s and taught for three glorious years before I decided to move to London to teach, travel and study playwriting at the Royal Court Theatre. In fact, I blame my brilliant students at Saint Stephen’s for shifting my whole life down a new artistic path. It was a play that I wrote specifically for Theatralis that won me an award with Queensland Theatre Company and got me into the program that I wanted to study overseas. So, high-five Theatralis 2007! When I came home I decided I still wanted to work with young people, because I’m pretty sure it’s my super power, but I didn’t want to work in schools anymore. I studied a Graduate Diploma of Creative Arts Therapy (MIECAT) and a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing (QUT). For the last few years I’ve worked runOPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? ning Youth Arts programs for different theatre companies, like the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, Queensland Theatre Company and I currently work at La Boite Theatre Company. It’s my job to create programs, make shows, produce work and encourage young people to create, watch, or simply just love, theatre. Since I’ve left school I’ve freelanced as a community arts worker, director, playwright and facilitator. I’ve worked with young people in the juvenile justice system, young people from refugee and/or asylum seeker backgrounds and young people living in rural communities. I have had three plays published by Playlab Publishing (The Landmine is Me, Talking to Brickwalls and Hedonisms Second Album) and have staged a heap of different theatre projects all around Australia. Just recently my first young adult novel, Beautiful Mess, won the Text Publishing Text prize – which means you’ll be able to buy my book mid-way through 2017. I also have a podcast called Ask Pew!Pew! and I write a blog at www. claireandpearl.com

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BEN COOPER

Class of 2015 ¶¶

Congratulations to Old Scholar Ben Cooper, Class of 2015, who was crowned the 2016 open male world jump rope champion in Portugal. It is the second year running that Ben has taken out the top gong by breaking his own three-minute speed world jump rope record – which now stands at 1048 jumps! Ben was a regular at the College annual Sport Awards dinner, where he and his skip club members demonstrated the high energy acrobatic talents of a world stage skipper - simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating to watch!

ALEX HEUSSNER

Class of 2010 ¶·

Alex Heussner, Class of 2010, describes her return to Saint Stephen’s College as a music teacher and violin tutor ‘strange as well as wonderful’. “Part of me is on edge when I see a teacher from my past and realise I don’t have my hat on! However, the school itself has grown so much sometimes it is hardly recognizable,” she said. “It has been amazing being able to give students who are literally just like me the same opportunities I was given at this fantastic school!” After graduation Alex studied a Bachelor of Music, majoring in classical violin performance, at the Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium, which she completed in 2014. She then spent a year at the University of Queensland where she completed a Graduate Diploma in Education. Alex has performed in the popular Maske Electric String Trio at several high profile events across Australia, including the stakeholder’s function for Rio Tinto in 2014, and still regularly performs solo and in quartets on the Gold Coast. At Saint Stephen’s Alex is a violin tutor, teaches the Foundation Strings (Prep to Years 2) and the Year 3 Strings Program. She also teaches Years 6 to 11 classroom music and conducts the Largo Strings Ensemble. “Being back at Saint Stephen’s College has been strange as well as wonderful!”

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¶¹

ZACK RUTENBERG

Class of 2013 ¶¸

In the three years since graduating from Saint Stephen’s College, I would best summarise my life as a journey of self-discovery. Like many Class of 2013 students I didn’t have much bearing to my life. Everything I had ever known had been school. I walked out of the College gates into a world that was daunting but at the same time enticing. However, I was lost – I had no idea as to what I wanted to study, even if I wanted to study at all – I hadn’t yet quite found my calling. For me this all changed when I embarked on a trip to Cambodia. Here, I fell in love with the people, I got immersed in the culture, and I took the first real steps to self-discovery. My life found its purpose when I was volunteering at the New Hope school. Wondering around the school one morning, I found myself walking into the local clinic. It was a very modest room packed with at least 15 to 20 children, some accompanied by their mothers. It was in that room, watching the struggling doctors treat patients (mostly children) with 28

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less than ordinary equipment, that I found purpose. From that day I knew medicine was my calling. Having returned to Australia, I resubmitted a university application taking my first steps to my destined future. I am currently in my third year of a biomedical science degree, that, all going well, will get me accepted into a medical degree hoping to one day become a paediatric neuro surgeon. Apart from study, I work as an Academic Advisor at the College and a personal tutor – education is another passion of mine. I plan to return to Cambodia one day as a fully qualified medical professional and give back to the country that gave my life purpose and meaning. Additionally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and students at

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

¶¸

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servatorium of Music and ultimately teach. I completed my studies at the College in 2006, graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 2009 and from there have followed my passion for teaching. I taught part time at AB Paterson College on the Gold Coast during my university years, obtaining valuable experience, and continued at university to obtain my Graduate Diploma of Education in 2010. I accepted my first full time position as Director of Music at Blackheath and Thornburgh College, Charters Towers in 2011. In 2015 I accepted a move to Townsville with Education Queensland as Senior Music Coordinator at Pimlico State High School, a much larger campus and school of music excellence. Whilst continuing with this position I achieved first place in the Townsville Startups for entrepreneurs and am now able to further assist students with an online teaching program by developing a fully interactive ‘Tutor in the Cloud’ web site for this purpose. (youreducation.com.au) I am currently studying a Masters in Applied Innovation and Entrepreneurship externally through the University of Adelaide. Saint Stephen’s College provided me with an education in the Arts (Music) which has served me well in my chosen profession and in my ‘school days’ goal of passing on knowledge to others.

BJ DOYLE

Class of 2013 ¶º

Saint Stephen’s College for all they gave me in my time as a scholar. Without its guidance I do not believe I would be where I am today. For the nurturing, for the educating, for the character building and for the mateship, I truly thank you. There really is something special about a Saint Stephen’s student and the Saint Stephen’s community.

CAINE WAGER

Class of 2006 ¶¹

My education at Saint Stephen’s College was enhanced by the offer of a Music Scholarship covering the Years 7 to 12 and was integral in shaping my music destiny, which was to attend the Queensland Con-

In January 2016 I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the Philippines as part of a university-funded project to improve water safety in outlying regions. It seemed counterintuitive initially that an island country would have an issue with drowning, but it turns out that the Philippines simply does not have anywhere near the level of swim and beach culture that Australia has. While there are swim schools in Manila and other major cities, there is hardly any swimming training conducted in outlying areas, many of which are coastal. This fact, coupled with the huge seasonal monsoons that affect the Philippines, means that drowning is the leading cause of death in children under 18. In an increasingly westernised country, this is clearly unacceptable. Our project began when the head of the Griffith University Honours College, which sponsors high achieving students to take part in projects such as this, learnt of the drowning problem at an international conference when speaking with an Australian Embassy worker in the Philippines. They kept in touch, and 10 months later, four Griffith students, including Marc Bruneau, Class of 2014 graduate, and I were headed to the Philippines to meet with the embassy and other potential partners. First, we met with the Philippine Surf Lifesaving Association, who have only a very small presence and reach. They are, however, very competent in teaching swimming and surf lifesaving. A plan began to form. We would meet with other potential partners in the project, such as businesses in outlying areas and the Philippines Department of Tourism, and try to help partner them with the Philippine Surf Lifesaving Association. That way hopefully the project could keep going with minimal physical input from us, since we were unable to spend a huge amount of time in the Philippines ourselves. To further this idea, we travelled to Baler, a coastal town on the east side of the north island where we met with Joseph Cole, the founder and owner of ‘Charlie Does’, a surf school and hostel. He had contacted us when he heard we were travelling to the Philippines because he was keen to get a project going in partnership with his surf school. His network of contacts in Baler included local school principals who were all positive about the initiative, and we are hoping to work with them to have swimming classes taught in schools in much the same way they are in Australia. Overall, the experience for me was both eye opening and very enjoyable. It highlighted the difficulties of starting up a project like this in a still developing country where funding is very difficult to find and it is politically challenging. But, we are hopeful that we can help form a successful partnership between the Philippines Surf Lifesaving Association and ‘Charlie Does’ in Baler, and contribute in some way towards generating a safe beach and swim culture in the Philippines. OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

RIGHT NOW BOND STUDENTS HAVE GREATER ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS LECTURERS AND FACILITIES “I chose to study at Bond University because of the amazing learning environment, from the experienced lecturers who are all experts in industry to the state-of-the-art facilities. At the moment I am currently studying a Bachelor of Business, where I am majoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. The degree is very hands on and the lecturers are industry experts which helps provide an insight into real world experience. The smaller class size really helps with the learning process where my lecturers are more than happy to lend a hand when I have questions or need assistance with work. In many ways like Saint Stephen’s College, Bond has a great community with an amazing support network. If you want to learn in a positive environment and make friends you’re going to keep for life, Bond is the place to be.” Jinny Le Former Saint Stephen’s College student and current Bond University Bachelor of Business student. For more information about undergraduate study at Bond, please contact:

MB1945

Stephanie Bryan, Manager for Schools and Community, Gold Coast North, Toowoomba and Ipswich Phone: 0419 483 340 Email: sbryan@bond.edu.au

Apply direct at bond.edu.au/apply CRICOS Provider Code 00017B

COLLEGE SPORT

Skills to play rugby union T

o be selected as a member of the Barbarians is regarded as one of the highest honours that a rugby player can achieve while attending Saint Stephen’s College. The team is selected based upon the qualities of leadership, skill, sportsmanship and adherence to the fine traditions of the game. To be selected, the player is deemed to be the best player in that position across the entire Senior College; taking into account his age, experience and playing ability. Selection is judged and based on: ● overall rugby talent ● sportsmanship both on and off the field ● strengths that they bring to that team ● representative honours ● training ● maturity of play in relation to their age group

Mick Skehan HEAD OF RUGBY

2015 RUGBY BARBARIANS

LOOKING BACK TO BARBARIAN SHEET 2010

LOOKING BACK TO BARBARIAN SHEET 2005

1................................ Alex Nelson

1.............................. Jed Rushford

1............................... Joshua TeTai

2..............................Owen Looney

2................................. Jason Hunt

2..............................Jason Mackie

3............................. Ryan Mitchell

3.................................. Jason Choi

3................................Scott Morris

4............................Angus Douglas

4..........................Duncan McNicol

4..........................David St George

5...............................Riley Teague

5........................... Jed Dorrington

5.............................. Michael Blair

6................................Jye Janetzki

6.............................Patrick Dwyer

6.........................Bradley Erasmus

7.............................. Emile Du Toit

7...........................Andrew Howell

7........................James Ostapenko

8.............................. Zander Henn

8................................Dean Cockin

8..................................Jacob Lacy

9............................ Ethan Claverie

9......................... Liam O'Loughlin

9.........................Matthew Knight

10 ............... Matthew Geldenhuys

10 ..............................Cole Neuper

10 ..........................Michael Currey

11 ........................... Lachie Kizana

11 ........................ Robert Benadie

11 ............................ Thomas Luck

2016 RUGBY BARBARIANS

12 ..........................James Nicholls

12 ......................... Matthew Blair

12 .......................... Matthew Blair

1............................... Caleb Enoka

13 ........................... Austin Billing

13 ...............................Joel Trickey

13 ....................... Benjamin Harris

2.............................Luke Ceprnich

14 ........................Lleyton Morgan

14 ......................... Michael Turner

14 .......................... Zachary White

3................................ Alex Nelson

15 ............................. Cooper Cook

15 ................................Zack Curtis

15 ............................Sam Copping

Spirit of Rugby: Lachie Kizana

Spirit of Rugby: Peter Dalzell

Spirit of Rugby: Matthew Knight

4....................Dwayne Roopchand 5.......................... Harrison Stacey 6........... Peter-Michael Agiasotelis 7.............................. Emile Du Toit 8.............................. Zander Henn 9...........................William Overell 10 ............................ Archie Kensit 11 ...........................Alex Voerman 12 ............................... Luka Crane 13 ............... Matthew Geldenhuys 14 ....................... Harrison Rowley 15 ............................. Cooper Cook OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

COLLEGE SPORT

Chargers logo reflects our strength and our heritage O

ur new College sporting logo, the Saint Stephen’s College Chargers, is already a roaring success. Created, approved and officially launched in 2016, with the College 1st XV rugby team the first to proudly wear into competition. It means that whenever a Saint Stephen’s College team takes to the sporting field in any competition, we can stand proudly together as the Saint Stephen’s College Chargers. The horse was chosen to represent the College for a number of significant reasons. ●● We all are aware that Mr Humphrey Firkins ran a deer farm on this land, but it is a little known fact that his favourite animals were his dogs and his horses. Many a splendid afternoon was spent taking his children for a ride around the farm. ●● The history of our district is that of farming and logging communities. Neither profession would have been able to do his or her job without a trusted team of horses. ●● Oxenford was also the first stop on the mail run from Brisbane to Sydney. Long before cars and phones, a rider on horseback was the only means of communication. ●● Lastly, during these early days if you 32

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THE HORSE Where in this wide world

Mick Skehan HEAD OF RUGBY

can man find nobility without pride, friendship without envy, or beauty without vanity? Here where grace is laced

were to travel anywhere within our district you had a choice – a long walk or a pleasant horse ride. Play, work, companion. A horse was essential. The College also has a proud sporting tradition of never taking a backward step and always taking it to the opposition. Thus our new logo was designed to represent both. Chargers banners have been made and the logo will appear on some Saint Stephen’s College training shirts, but not our PE uniform or any College jerseys. A new sports bag incorporating the Chargers logo has been produced and is already a ‘must-have’ item. So Old Scholars, students, parents and friends: get behind our sports teams as we loudly and proudly shout: “Go the Saint Stephen’s College Chargers!”

with muscle and strength by gentleness confined. He serves without servility; he has fought without enmity. There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent; there is nothing so quick, nothing more patient. Ronald Duncan (1954)

COLLEGE SPORT

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PA S S P O R T

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lass of 2016 student, Jye Davies, is leaving a cross country legacy, and big shoes, his little brother Ace is keen to fill. Both students chalked up a win – no mean feat - in their respective age category in the 2016 College Cross Country Carnival, earning points for their College House Greasley. Jye has been at Saint Stephen’s since Prep, when he also won the Cross Country, and a formidable frontrunner every year after. According to mum and Junior College Sports Coordinator, Prue Davies, Ace idolizes his big brother and wants to do everything ‘just like him’. “It was a moving moment for the brothers to share top spot on the podium in 2016 - Jye in his final year of school and Ace in his first,” she said.

Call for your Sanctuary Cove Country Club Passport which entitles you to six complimentary visits to the club. Your complimentary passport includes: • Two complimentary gym sessions • One complimentary aerobic session • One complimentary yoga session • One complimentary pool session • One hour complimentary tennis court hire Sanctuary Cove Country Club provides the ultimate training and recreation environment with the latest gymnasium equipment, four air-conditioned training rooms including a cardio room, a weight training room, a secluded yoga studio and group fitness room, five floodlit tennis courts, a 25 metre heated pool, a first class Kidz Club, a coffee shop and our highly trained professional staff.

For your complimentary passport register at The Country Club today or call 07 5699 9070. Sanctuary Cove Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove QLD www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au *Conditions apply. One pass per person. Passport complimentary sessions are valid for 14 consecutive days only from date of redemption. Valid until 30 June 2017.

10-YEAR REUNION The Class of 2005 returned to where it all began, the Saint Stephen’s College Campus, to dig up some treasured memories and to catch up with some familiar faces.

CLASS OF 2005 Owen Ainsworth; Mairead Andrew; Adam Arthurs; Alyssa Barry; Rebecca Baumann; Annabel Beauchamp; Sophie-Kay Benson; Holly Berry; Roger Blaxland; Cherise Botha; Robert Buttigieg; Nicholas Chambers; Mieke Chew; Ureshen Chinia; Roxanne Cormack; Michael Currey; Chanelle Davis; Jamee Doherty; Carly Donovan; Gregory Down; Scott Downey; Rory Dummett; Jacel Dunn; Gregory Dwyer; Courtney Evans; Alexa Fraser; Georgie Fulton; Naomi Fulton; Brooke Grady; Andrew Greig; Christopher Hardy; Benjamin Harris; Tara Hayden; Sarah Hickey; Rebecca Hill; Ryan Hong; Thomas Hortz; Da Huang; Matthew Jones; Stefanie Jory; Laura Kinmont; Matthew Knight; Jacob Lacy; Jessica Large; Jarrod Lindley; Thomas Luck; Jenna Rose MacDonald; Jade Marchant; Claire McClendon; Jesse McCormack; Melinda McKenzie; Hinrich Meijer; Scott Morris; Rebecca Mowles; Fiona Murray; Dylan Murray; Lucy Newton; Nazzer Nicerio; Mitchell Novak; Catherine Ogden; Taylor Oldfield; Anna Ornig; James Ostapenko; Ben Parker; Keira Parker; Gabrielle Parkinson; Debra Philip; Kirsten Phillips; Victoria Rathbone; Thomas Richmond; Charne Robbertse; Gareth Roberts; Kim Schubert; Tammy Shead; Sarah Sherriff; Jonathan Simpson; Mitchell Small; Tyson Smith; Ryan Soars; Daniel Sorrensen; Laura Spencer. HIGHLIGHTS IN 2005 ● 10-year anniversary of the College ● International Education Department created ● Prep to Year 2 classrooms completed ● Quadrangle garden completed ● Introduction of Drumline ensemble ● First XI cricket team wins APS Premiership Trophy ● Canberra Sports Tour

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OPTIMA | SAINT STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

Developing character, inspiring hope Saint Stephen’s College is a co-educational, Daycare/ Preparatory to Year 12 independent school on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Students at Saint Stephen’s College enjoy impressive success in all areas of academics, sporting and cultural pursuits, but it is the ‘spirit’ of our community that truly sets us apart from other schools. We strive to develop students who are full of character, who are empowered to reach their full potential, and who live their lives as responsible global and local citizens.

integrating our domestic students with our thriving community of international students.

We value the development of global perspectives in our students and we achieve this through

07 55738600

All of our students experience rich learning, excellent facilities and visionary technology such as our digitally interactive learning spaces that encourage rich engagement and collaboration. Discover more, book a personal tour today on:

saintstephenscollege.net.au CRICOS Provider Number 01938G

HELENSVALE FEATURE STORY 5519 3666

ROBINA 5578 7333

UPPER COOMERA 5519 4623

No referral necessary No charge for initial consultation Interest free no deposit payment plans

Dr Joseph E Bleakley BDSc (Qld), MDSc (Ortho) (Syd), FRACDS, MRACDS (Ortho) Dr Scott McNab BDSc (Hons), MDSc (Ortho), DClinDent (Dento-maxillofacial Radiology) Dr Nida Khan BDSc (Hons) (Qld), DClinDent (Ortho) (Adel)