Lion & Thistle | May 2022

Lion & Thistle

MAY 2022

Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q) CRICOS 00537M + spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

1

LION & THISTLE MAY 2022

THE COLLEGE Chairman of Council: Mr Martin Webb Principal: Mr Kyle Thompson Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School: Mr Richard Dobrenov Head of Junior & Middle Schools: Ms Amy Woodgate Business Manager: Mr Andrew Millard Director of Learning & Innovation: Mr Mark Richards Acting Director of Co-curricular: Mr Tom Bradbury Head of People and Culture: Mr Derek Naughten Director of Advancement: Mrs Wendy Whittaker AUXILIARY GROUPS Parents & Friends’ Association President: Mrs Leisa Holden Parents & Friends’ Association Vice President: Mrs Renee Mulcahy Parents & Friends’ Association Secretary: Mrs Hayley Watson Parents & Friends’ Association Treasurer: Mrs Samantha Bennett Past Students’ Association President: Mrs Carly Goddard Foundation Chairperson: Mrs Tracy Dobie May 2022 #112 Community Newsletter of SCOTS PGC College 60 Oxenham Street Warwick QLD 4370 T. 07 4666 9811 E. postbox@scotspgc.com.au www.scotspgc.com.au

News items welcome. All contributed material subject to editing.

Design: Therese Donovan Graphic Design Print: Greenridge Press Images: Helen Bohm, Greg Gardner Photography, Roslyn Hart, Samantha Bennett Photography, DNM Photography, Renee Mulcahy Photography and other contributors.

Cover: Vinni Caridi and Scarlet Judd

2

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

From the Principal MR KYLE THOMPSON When I sit quietly and think about what to write for each Lion and Thistle magazine, I find it a time for reflection.

Reflection on where the College has come from, where we are and where we are setting our sights over the next few years and beyond. It is an exciting, challenging and rewarding thing to do at times and makes you feel proud of our long history, proud of the legacy our current position will leave for future SCOTS PGC students, and excited at the potential developments and changes the immediate future will bring.

There is no more fitting time for such reflection than ANZAC Day. The 8th of April 2022 marked the 80th Anniversary of our College being evacuated in 1942.

Our campus was commandeered by the Australian Army and converted to a military hospital during WWII with all students being relocated to assist with the war effort. In recognition of this our ANZAC memorial was adorned with 80 poppies at our commemoration service.

Our 43 junior boys (Prep to Year 5) were moved to ‘Kingswood’ a grand old Queenslander just on the edge of Warwick. Its verandah became the sleeping quarters, while study took place on the cement slab under the home. For five years Kingswood was the home of the junior boys. The name Kingswood lives on today at the College, as the former Junior Boys Boarding Building and current Learning Support and Junior Arts building.

The older boys, 106 of them, were relocated to ‘North Toolburra’. The woolshed on the property was converted to classrooms and the long front verandah of the homestead served as accommodation. How cold those winter nights must have been! Our Old Boys from this era often recall that “by morning the blankets on the beds often cracked with frost”.

This was a time of uncertainty, rationing, and facilities were basic. Qualified teaching staff were scarce as many had enlisted in the war, school attire became more casual, bomb drills were a part of student life and teachers rode their push bikes out from town along dirt roads.

Student numbers at the College increased dramatically during this period, with wait lists for enrolments.

Families were eager for the children to continue their

education in a safe environment away from coastal towns and cities, which were deemed potential targets.

During this time, assemblies became sad occasions, as regular reference was made of ‘Old Boys’ fighting in several war zones. The list of casualties grew. The sombre mood was reflected across the river at PGC. Tempering the sadness of the deaths was news of the first decorations awarded to former students and visits from old boys returning from the front.

In some ways, whilst it can never truly be compared with the war era, our circumstances have in a small way mirrored this time in terms of the uncertainty we have lived through the last two years. This has also been a time of strong enrolment growth, as people recognise the values and benefits of a school such as SCOTS PGC. We again have waiting pools in some years, as people relocate out of more densely populated cities and recognise the value of our educational offering, including our character development of the young men and women in our care.

It again resonates how much our College has contributed to, not only our region, but our nation over the course of our history. We need once more to set our sights on our future – the needs of not only our current students but those yet to walk through our metaphorical gates. It will be our past that sets the foundation for our future and with a past like ours, this future is sure to be built on the most solid of grounds.

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

3

Meet our 2022 College Captains SCOTS PGC College Captains, Hannah Myer and Nicholas McGahan are boldly leading the way in 2022. Sure, they’ve been thrown a couple of curve balls so far this year but they are taking it all in their stride and rising to the challenge of guiding the College during its post pandemic era.

‘I think the most important leadership quality is to be personable and relatable’ says Hannah Myer, who joined the College as a Year 6 student back in 2016. ‘It’s really important for me to know students on a personal level so that they know they can rely on me as their captain. That’s what servant leadership is all about.’

For Hannah, leading her school has been an aspiration since arriving in 2016. She’d always looked up to her predecessors and pictured herself in the same position while having the opportunity to give back to the school that has provided her with so many opportunities in all facets of College life.

younger, I always viewed the College leaders as people that I aspired to be like when I eventually became a senior student myself.’ As an all-round achiever in the academic and sporting arenas, you’ll often find Nicholas on the cricket pitch, playing his bagpipes or swimming laps – that’s of course when he’s not working on his regular schoolwork. He is a natural leader and in the eyes of his peers, a natural choice to lead the College, alongside Hannah.

After a later than usual start to the school year, the SCOTS PGC College leaders were inducted in a special ceremony attended by close family and the wider College community.

The captains are well supported by Vice-Captains, Mika Repo and Ala Frankcom and their fellow prefects, in their quest to lead the College throughout 2022.

Nicholas joined the College in 2013 to commence as a Year 4 student after his family relocated from Dirranbandi. Quiet and humble in nature, he too had always imagined himself leading the College after seeing so many wonderful leaders forging the way before him. ‘I think when I was

Hannah Myer is presented with her College Captain badge from her father, Brian Myer College Captains, Hannah Myer and Nicholas McGahan

Leisa McGahan pins on Nicholas McGahan’s College Captain badge

4

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

The 2022 College Leaders

Both Hannah and Nicholas are feeling ‘excited, honoured and privileged’ to have the opportunity to serve their College. Together, they plan to instill an even stronger sense of community between the younger and older students which they hope continues to grow for years to come.

ANZAC Day Dawn Service The SCOTS PGC College ANZAC Dawn Service always proves to be a special date on the College calendar. This year was no different as our community gathered to remember the life of Mervyn Cobbe Crombie – one of the College’s Magnificent 42.

The following biography was presented by College Captain Nicholas McGahan, at the SCOTS PGC Dawn Service which was held on Friday 22 April, 2022.

404172 SERGEANT MERVYN COBBE CROMBIE, RAAF. Mervyn Cobbe Crombie is a descendant of the famous Crombie family who pioneered the Longreach district in the 1880s after coming out from Scotland.

Mervyn was born at Longreach, Queensland, on 26 May 1920 and was the youngest of three boys. His other brothers, Charles and David, were also very prominent students during their time at The Scots College.

Mervyn entered Scots in 1928 after his parents David and Phoebe moved to the Warwick district and took over a property on the Stanthorpe Road called ‘Mountside’ which is still in the family’s possession today.

Merve had been nicknamed “Peak” by his family, as when a baby, his cries resembled a Peacock. This nickname stuck with him throughout his short life.

Scots College provided Mervyn with a sound education but unlike his two older brothers, he did not stand out in any notable way. In 1933, he left Scots to attend Sydney Church of England Grammar School, where he stood out as a member of the winning team in the Greater Public School’s rifle shooting competition. Academically, he achieved well, by passing the New South Wales Intermediate Certificate in 1936, which was the equivalent of Queensland’s Junior Certificate.

After leaving school in 1937, Mervyn felt a strong call to the land and so applied for a Jackeroo position at his Uncle Donald’s property ‘Greenhills’ situated just outside Longreach. He loved the outdoors and working with sheep, but another interest had now attracted him and that was flying. He decided to take up flying lessons whenever he visited Brisbane on leave from his duties at ‘Greenhills’. He worked to gain his private Pilot Licence at Archerfield and by the time Australia entered the War, Mervyn was ready to answer the call.

In March 1940, Mervyn enlisted at Brisbane and because of his qualifications in flying entered the RAAF. He started his training immediately and was posted to No.2 Elementary Flying School at Archerfield. On completion, he was then posted to do his advanced training at No.2 Service Training School at Wagga Wagga in NSW. Mervyn graduated with his “Wings” at the end of 1940 and awaited his next posting.

On 3 April 1941, Mervyn was posted to the Middle East to undertake combat duties. He was first sent to Geneifa to await an Operational Training Course, but he was soon redirected to Ismailia Air Base to train in Bristol Blenheim bombers. Ismailia was a remote air base situated near the Nile Delta and conditions and heat made it a difficult experience.

Mervyn was to take his last flight on 12 June 1941, when he took off on a training flight to test his Blenheim. For reasons unknown, his aircraft crashed near the base, killing him instantly.

Mervyn Cobbe Crombie was buried with full Military Honours at the Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt, Plot 6, Row E, Grave 2.

“Lest We Forget” + spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

5

Teaching and Learning TEACHING As the College continues to grow, student numbers in Senior School have allowed for the re-introduction of elective Music and Agricultural Science in Years 11 and 12. The College is proud to be able to reflect the

identified

pathways

of

the

Senior cohort and provide subject opportunities,

where

possible,

to

assist them to achieve their chosen path.

As well as offering a Certificate III in Agriculture as part of a blended or Vocational

pathway,

this year

Mitchell Twidale - Agricultural Science student

the College was also able to add Agricultural Science as an ATAR subject, creating greater flexibility for both ATAR eligible and vocational students.

Students

studying

Agricultural

Science this year have assessed, in depth, the way the anatomy and physiology

of

agricultural

plants

and animals influenced agricultural production and management.

The Certificate III in Agriculture compliments

Agricultural

and

per

is

80

cent

Science

practically

based. It includes units on Farm

Agricultural Science student Lucy Watts

Safety, Fencing, Showing Livestock, Horticulture and Plant Nursery. The College timetable allows students to select both subjects, maximising their exposure to agricultural industries and setting them up to further explore a career in Agriculture.

In

Senior

Music,

students

both

respond to and perform music that expresses cultural, political social issues.

The

curriculum

allows

students to consider how music can be used as a powerful form of expression enabling them to explore their own Music at SCOTS PGC returns as a senior subject

musical identity.

6

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

At the opening of the Junior School Playground (Back L-R) Lindsay Burgess, Gary Zerner, Kyle Thompson and Amy Woodgate.

(Front L-R) Matilda Brand, Austin Judd, Andrew Amos and Maddie Bayley

LET’S PLAY! Late last year the new Junior School Playground was

into our natural environment and features both elevated

officially opened. Our students could not have been more

structures and a wide range of play elements which

excited and seized the opportunity to explore their new

encourage role-playing, climbing, gross motor movement

space as soon as the proverbial ribbon was cut.

and ground level, open-ended, imaginative play. After

With creative input from our students, the new playground was designed specifically for our boys and girls in Years 1 to 4 and is an excellent outdoor learning and play space for our Junior School. The playground is designed to blend

many weeks of watching the building team install climbing towers, slides and swings, our students were finally able to test out their brand-new play space.

The new playground which was expertly designed and installed by Everything Outside Playgrounds, was a generous gift from our Parents and Friends Association and the College to recognise and celebrate 100 years of SCOTS PGC.

Junior School Playground Rachael and Sophie Benz enjoying the new playground

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

7

Community SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums at the 2022 Apple and Grape Festival

SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums Band 2022

Playing at CelticFest 2022

Pipers and Drummers at the recent SCOTS PGC Pipe Band Competition

PIPES & DRUMS The SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums continue to contribute to a very long tradition of being involved in the wider Warwick community - playing and performing at several key community events across the region. Just as roses and rodeos are synonymous with the town of Warwick, our Pipes and Drums Band is iconic to SCOTS PGC, and you can almost count on seeing them at every street procession and festival in our shire. As it stands, the band have played in every parade for Stanthorpe’s Apple and Grape festival since the 1970s and more recently took part in Warwick’s very first CelticFest, which was immediately followed by our own Pipe Band competition hosted on Briggs Oval.

The SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums comprises members from Years 3 to 12, who are skilfully mentored by Mr Sandy Dalziel. Over the years, Sandy has taken the College band to many competitions both national and international, with the band now boasting significant awards under their sporran, including winning the Juvenile Band competition at Maclean Highland

Massed Bands at the SCOTS PGC Pipe Band Competition

8

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

Gathering in New South Wales last year, and placing 6th at the European Championships in 2018.

This year, we are very pleased to share that five of our students have been invited to attend the Edinburgh Tattoo as part of the Brisbane Boys’ College touring party to this amazing celebration. The pinnacle of Pipe Band performances is what these students will experience in a five-week tour of Scotland. The tour will include the World Pipe Band Championships held in conjunction with the Edinburgh Festival.

We congratulate Joshua Hullock (Drummer), Nicholas McGahan, Fraser Collins, Rory Macfarlane and Samuel Bourke (Pipers) on their selection to attend this once in a lifetime event. They will now learn some 20 pieces of music over the next three months prior to their departure for twenty-five plus performances on the hallowed grounds of Edinburgh Castle.

We wish the boys every success at this event and thank Brisbane Boys’ College for the opportunity to join them in representing the country as the only Australian performers at this year’s Tattoo.

FLOOD APPEAL There’s no doubt that 2022 has been a difficult year for many communities as they’ve grappled with floods and the devastation they’ve left in their wake.

For many, the process of regrouping and rebuilding after such a significant weather event is difficult to assume.

In a bid to help our neighbouring communities in northern NSW and southeast QLD recover from the recent flooding events, our Year 12 students set out to assist by launching a special Flood Appeal.

They sought donations of non-perishable everyday items and tasked each year level to contribute to a list of goods that could be packed up and sent to where they were needed most. The response was overwhelming and proved that when communities work together, great things can be achieved.

It was wonderful to see dozens of boxes of goods packed up and collected at the end of the Term 1. Thank you to all the SCOTS PGC families and our wider community members for their very generous donations – we know they are greatly appreciated and were a very welcome delivery to recent flood affected families.

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

9

Equestrian

Equestrian at SCOTS PGC College continues to be enjoyed by students across the College from as young as those in Year 4, to those in our senior years who have taken up the mantle as role models within our program. So far in 2022, our team has already competed in a number of events, including Day 1 of our Equestrian Extravaganza which covered off the Dressage and Combined Training disciplines.

Hosted at the Morgan Park, the Extravaganza drew some 152 interschool competitors from 24 schools in the southeast Queensland region – it is typically one of the most popular events among the Interschool Equestrian calendars.

We are now looking forward to the second day of our Extravaganza which is set to take place in Term 2 covering Showjumping and Show Horse disciplines. Thank you to our major sponsors, RB Finance and Black Toyota who have generously supported these events.

Scarlet Hart in the Combined Training The SCOTS PGC team at the presentations

Jessica Angus at Day 1 of the SCOTS PGC Equestrian Extravaganza

10

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

Cattle Club yields great success

Toowoomba (Daniel Hughes and SCOTS PGC team members)

Cruz Hamilton and Oliver Miller at the Warwick Show

The SCOTS PGC College Cattle Club has put its best hooves forward and started the year with some tremendous results. With an influx of new members who are keen to learn the art of cattle parading and judging, the team’s first term of competition has already set them in good stead for the remainder of the show season.

As a team, the Cattle Club has attended the Pittsworth, Inglewood, Warwick and Toowoomba Royal Shows with ribbons awarded for both parading and judging shared among several members.

Notably, Daniel Hughes has picked up a number of first placings including Champion Parader at the Pittsworth Show and Champion Young Judges at the Warwick Show.

Parading in the rain at Warwick Show

The SCOTS PGC Angus Cattle have also performed well so far with significant achievements including ‘Grand Champion Bull’ and ‘Supreme Champion exhibit’ at the Inglewood Show.

The Cattle Club at Toowoomba Show

There are still plenty of events left in the Cattle Club calendar this year, with the pinnacle event being the EKKA in Brisbane during August.

Looking smart in their new attire, the team is ready to continue their season with confidence and enthusiasm.

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

11

Strategic Plan 2022 – 2024

SCOTS PGC College recently launched the second edition of its strategic plan which reflects the fact that the College is experiencing great success and continuing to grow strongly. This is, in part, a result of the four pillars of the College, the College Council, the College Principal Kyle Thompson and Year 11 Foundation, the Past student Bridget Hardy, at the Strategic Students’ Association Plan Launch and the Parents’ and Friends’ Association, working together to support and encourage growth.

Mr Kyle Thompson presents the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan

In launching the Strategic Plan, College Principal Mr Kyle Thompson said this plan was the road map for success over the next few years.

“Whilst it is important that we want to grow and develop, we recognise that we will always be a smallish school, by comparison to other leading independent schools.

We will be proudly small and community minded and at the same time focused on excellence,” he said.

One of the major areas of focus over the course of this new Strategic Plan is the College’s Master Plan. Mr Thompson acknowledged that SCOTS PGC is an ageing campus and as it heads towards the future it is essential that the College recognises areas that can be improved and expanded on to address the needs of the 21st century learners.

Three principal areas of focus for the Master Plan were identified as: Re-imagination of the Betty Crombie Middle School into a modern learning space that still ensures the country feel and wide-open spaces that are synonymous with the SCOTS PGC College Campus  Honouring the College’s history by repurposing the historical precincts of the College and respecting the legacy of those who have walked these halls  Uniting our community by ensuring all our residential and academic spaces are easily accessible to all our learners and centered around the heart of the College.

12

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

Strategic Plan 2022—2024

A UNITING CHURCH SCHOOL

In launching the plan, Mr Thompson said that “We like that we are different to many independent schools, and in celebrating our unique position in the educational landscape, and importantly, acknowledging our history and our past it is important that we continue to look to our future needs and the needs of our learners, knowing that what we offer is the best it can be.”

The College’s Strategic Plan is available on the website – https://scotspgc.com.au/our-college/our-future/

Past Students now on Staff at SCOTS PGC Did you know that SCOTS PGC currently have 13 past students working at the College? These guys clearly loved being here as students so much, that they have now come full circle and are working at the College (some of them have been here for a while too!)

ROSLYN HART (NEE MCCLYMONT) Class of 1965 | Boarding Supervisor since 1997. “Rozzy” as she’s fondly known, has been a mum to many in the boarding house over the years.

Her children were also educated at SCOTS PGC and now her grandchildren are here too!

DAVE JOHNSON - Class of 1986 | Maintenance team Since 2004. Dave loved his days at SCOTS so much, that he couldn’t tear himself away from the campus. His daughter also attended the College.

REBECCA POOLE (NEE BARTEL) – Class of 1996 | Equestrian Coach since 2015. Rebecca married College sweetheart Nick Poole (also a Past Student) and they now have two children who are also SCOTS PGC students. You can find Bec on campus doing what she loves most, and that’s in the Equestrian area teaching kids how to be their best when it comes to the English riding disciplines and how to care for their horse.

PETRINA DAVIS – Class of 2003 | Maintenance team since 2017. Petrina and her sisters all attended the College. Petrina’s daughters are now also SCOTS PGC students in the Junior School and are some of the youngest members of the College Pipes and Drums.

PHILLIP STRANG - Class of 1971 | Boarding Supervisor since 2018. Phil re-joined the College to take up a position in the Boys’ Boarding house. His passion for the College has been a great motivator for the current students of the College – especially on the rugby field. Phil’s daughter also attended the College in the late 90s.

Past students David Hart with Phil Strang and Kenneth Brown at a recent rugby match attended by the College. Phil and Kenneth are residential staff

HELEN BOHM (NEE HUGHES) - Class of 1998 | Marketing Officer since 2018. Helen loved her time at the College so much that she’s taken on the role to promote and market the College and share some of the great stories it holds. Incidentally, she was married at the College Chapel, held her wedding reception in the Dining Hall and now has two sons attending the College too.

SARAH HENRY - Class of 1997 | Foundation Manager Since 2021.

Sarah joined the College last year as the Foundation Manager with a primary responsibility to build relationships and raise support for the College’s future. Sarah and her siblings attended the College in the late 90s and Sarah has a child at the College too.

SOPHIE OSBORN - Class of 2018 | Boarding Staff since 2021. Sophie loved her time at the College and has re-joined the College community as a boarding staff member at PGC. You may remember seeing Sophie in the very first Lion & Thistle video which tells the story of how PGC and SCOTS were first formed.

JAYDEN CLARK - Class of 2018 | Teacher Aide since 2021. Even though Jayden was only here for a short time during his senior schooling, he was drawn back to the College to assist alongside the teaching staff. Mr Clark can often be found in Junior and Middle Schools helping the students be their very best.

SARAH MONK (NEE STEVENSON) Class of 1999 | Relief Teacher Since 2021. Sarah has re-joined the College community in a relief teaching capacity this year. After a couple of long term stints covering various roles, it has been great to see Sarah around the SCOTS campus again.

KATIE COLEMAN (MCCORMICK) Class of 2012 | Administration Officer Since 2021. Katie is responsible for reconnecting the College with past students. Katie married her SCOTS PGC sweetheart, Cailum Coleman during October last year which proves just how special the relationships formed at SCOTS are.

KEN BROWN – Class of 1991 | Boarding Supervisor since 2022. Ken is one of the College’s newest recruits who joined the College’s Boarding staff earlier this year. Our boys in residence have connected well with Ken and love hearing about his time here as a student. Ken’s son, Harlan, also joined the College as a Year 7 student this year.

KATE WORTH – Class of 2016 | Education Assistant since 2022. It was wonderful to welcome back Kate Worth who is assisting in our Prep Room. Kate started her SCOTS journey as a Prep student so it’s great to see her now helping our youngest learners commence their schooling here too.

It’s remarkable to see so many past student returning to the College!

JAIME SLATTERY - Class of 2011 | Teacher since 2021. Jaime jumped at the opportunity to join the teaching staff earlier this year in the Maths and HPE departments. Jaime was a boarding student at SCOTS PGC during her time at the College and keen advocate for Cameron Clan of which she is now the leader.

Past PGC girls who are now staff members – Jaime Slattery, Roslyn Hart and Katie Coleman

Kate Worth

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

13

Parents and Friends Association WHAT’S NEW IN 2022 This year we welcomed some new faces to the executive committee of the SCOTS PGC College Parents and Friends Association (P & F). Mrs Leisa Holden was appointed as the P & F’s President. Leisa has four children at the College and is keen to promote the association’s social focus for 2022.

“We’d love to connect with as many families as possible this year and really focus on just being social. The College has a wonderful community and as a committee we’re planning on hosting at least one event per term that encourages all families (regardless of what age their children are in at school) to come together and enjoy each other’s company” Leisa explains.

With that said, Leisa is well supported by her team, including Treasurer, Samantha Bennett, who has also been instrumental in putting the 2022 calendar together. “I think the kids will really love bringing their parents in for a Family Dinner in the Dining Hall. It gives them an opportunity to show us where they eat every day, and we all know that Chef John Rogers will treat us with fantastic food.” says Sam, who is mum to Charlie and Steph, who have been students at the College since Prep.

The P & F’s calendar of events has been included for our reader’s reference. The Golf Day will take place on the Past Student Reunion weekend in October and is an open invitation for all past students to come along and celebrate the SCOTS PGC community.

4 + 5 MAY Mother’s Day Stall THURSDAY 12 MAY Junior School Disco

FRIDAY 29 JULY Family Dinner in the Dining Hall 31 AUGUST + 1 SEPTEMBER Father’s Day Stall SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER P&F Golf Day

Family BBQ - Date to be advised

P&F Committee members – Samantha Bennett, Leisa Holden and Renee Mulcahy

14

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

Founded on Philanthropy For over a 100 years, the College has benefited from the foresight and generosity of visionaries. BT de Conlay together with RJ Shilliday dared to believe that Warwick could have its own fine educational Colleges.

It is through their audacity, strength of purpose and contributions of others, that their vision was realised in 1918 with the opening of PGC and SCOTS in 1919. As the College embarks on its bold plans for the future, we are reminded of our College’s great history and the legacy left behind by these gentleman and countless others who have supported the College through the years.

2022 is an historic year for the College. It marks the 25th Anniversary of the Foundation and the 80th Anniversary of the Evacuation of the College to Kingswood and North Toolburra. It is also 25 years since the opening of the Chapel in its current location, the opening of the John Muir Gymnasium and the Scott Finlay Boarding wing. It is befitting that in 2022 the College launches its strategic direction and grand plans for the future that encompass exciting future focused developments, whilst celebrating its rich history through preservation of the historical precinct.

For the College to maintain its hallmarks of tradition, sound values and educational excellence, it continues to need the generosity of spirit from its community.

The College welcomes members of our community to

David and Elizabeth Carey (on Ipad) with 2021 ‘Alice Jean Carey Medal winner, Mitchell Twidale

discuss the projects outlined in the Strategic Plan and how they too, can leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

It was a great pleasure to meet BT de Conlay’s granddaughter Allison (1941-1947) and husband Peter Nicholson (1940-1943) recently at the Sunshine Coast.

Alison graciously donated her grandfather’s leatherbound year books to the College Archives. Peter, a pupil during the Evacuation of the College in 1942, shared photos and stories from his time as a student at North Toolburra and entertained us with College songs and war cries.

Alison Nicholson and Peter Nicholson

Roger, Richard and David Carey

Alice Jean Carey

Carey Family In 2017 the College honoured past student Corporal Ralph Graham Davidson (1933) at the annual College Anzac Day Dawn service. Graham was a brother to Hubert "Jock" (1929-1931) and brother to Alice Jean Carey nee Davidson (1921-24). He was also the uncle of Barbara Callow (1947), Roger, Richard (1952), David (1956-1965) and late Bill Carey (1952-53). This opportunity for the Carey family to reengage with the College whilst honouring their late uncle was the catalyst for the family to reflect on their own education at SCOTS and PGC. Their mother Alice Jean Carey served on the College Council and was a passionate supporter of The PGC Past Students Association serving as President and Secretary for many years through the 1950s, 60s and 70s. In recognition of her dedication, the Carey and Davidson families decided to support the work of the College Foundation through a dedicated ‘Alice Jean Carey Medal’, which is awarded to a Year 10 student annually. The College sincerely thanks the Carey family members for their support and generosity.

Barbara Callow (nee Carey), Richard Carey and Bill Carey

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

15

Past Students

Did You Know

RYAN MCLEOD (PREFECT, BOARDING CAPTAIN, BASKETBALL & RUGBY CAPTAIN) (CLASS OF 1997) and Tahirih McLeod, with HUGH REARDON (CLASS OF 1996, SCHOOL CAPTAIN, PREFECT, RUGBY CAPTAIN) and Kristen Reardon (pictured L-R) are Owners and Directors of ‘Dicky Bill Australia’. Ryan and Hugh were close mates while boarding in the 90’s. Hugh joined Ryan’s family business in 2005 and they have been business partners ever since. They produce fresh and sustainable leafy greens covering 1200 acres with farms in Maffra VIC and Drinan QLD, together with 160 staff, providing paddock to plate freshness. Their products retail at Drakes Supermarkets, select IGA’s and are also supplied directly to Hello Fresh, Costco Wholesale Australia and wholesale distribution markets. They also export to Singapore and Hong Kong retail outlets.

JASMINE WHITTEN (CLASS OF 2014) was chosen as a ‘Young Farming Champion’ in 2017, where she was given extensive training in communication and opportunities to share her passion for agriculture with over 3000 school students. During her short career, Jasmine has had many roles including an internship with DA Hall & Co, working as a Junior Agricultural Consultant with the 2017 Consultant of the Year Greg Mills and working as a Landcare Coordinator based Cobar, NSW. Jasmine now has her dream job working as a Farm Business Consultant at ‘Agri Path’ based in her hometown, Tamworth, NSW. This is a role where she gets to share her knowledge with family farms, assist them to improve their business profitability, and achieve their personal and business goals.

ROLAND ‘ROLLY’ KNOWLES (1951 – 1956) Rolly has had an exciting career path focusing on accounting after a successful secondary education at Scots. He worked in banking and finance before spending seven years in the motoring business. This was followed by a senior role with aviation company, Cessna in Singapore. He returned to Australia where influenced by the late Bruce Petfield (a past Scots boy), spent 16 years in the printing business. He put together an excellent RV Outfit (4WD and Tandem Caravan) in retirement and spent over 11 years roaming Australia. Rolly now lives in the CBD in Brisbane, overlooking the Brisbane River.

JAMES SOURRIS (1950 – 1955) James started his working life in the family milk bar in Albert Street, Brisbane, following his time at The Scots College. The family also owned and ran the Red Hill Cinema and later purchased the Embassy Theatre in Fortitude Valley.

James took a break for 11 years from the film industry, working and managing the family sheep and cattle properties at ‘Woolabra’ north of Charleville before returning to the cinema. He sold out of the cinema

16

LION & THISTLE

business ten years ago and invested in companies which produce content, such as Disney, Warner Brothers, and MGM. James has been a considerable benefactor of the Gallery of Modern Art following his keen interest in contemporary art and has had some highly successful promotions at GOMA. He received his OAM in the Order of Australia Awards for his work and contribution to GOMA. In September 2022, the Sourris family celebrates 100 years in the movie theatre industry – a fantastic achievement!

BILL MCCLINTOCK (1953 - 1956) Following his secondary education at Scots, Bill won a scholarship to Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College. He started his teaching career at Maroochydore and then moved on to one-teacher schools as a relief teacher. As newlyweds, Bill and his wife Dorothy took their VW campervan to New Zealand, where they taught and toured for nearly a year before returning and accepting an appointment in the Junior School at Scots.

years on Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria. He concluded his career after 13 years as Principal at Bardon. He then took on the role of Collegiate Friend, supporting Principals in their schools all over Queensland, travelling the state extensively in his own designed motorhome for eight years till health issues changed his course. He spent some 50 years in Education. Bill received an OAM for his support to Principals and Teachers, particularly in the more isolated parts of Queensland.

Bill and Dorothy have been involved in the motor homing world all their married life and have motor homed in some 25 countries, including five months with their four children touring the UK and Europe.

All three men are all grateful for the time they spent at Scots and appreciate their get-togethers where they share great memories reflecting on the past 65 plus years.

Bill spent three years at Scots and then moved onto various Principal roles around Queensland, including four

MAY 2022

Sixty-five years on - Rolly Knowles, James Sourris AM and Bill McClintock OAM still get together for lunch in Brisbane and rewind the clock

Marriages DID YOU KNOW

L-R Margaret Jeffery (Griffiths), Nerida Cooper (Markey), Robyn Hoare (Taylor), Elizabeth Carey (Wallace), Ros Hart (McClymont) and Rhonda Bridle (Murphy)

The College currently has over 100 marriages between SCOTS PGC students noted on file. If you would like to know what number your wedding is or check that we have the details, please contact Kate Coleman at kate.coleman@scotspgc.com.au

COLEMAN WEDDING – SCOTS PGC NUMBER 100!

CAILLUM COLEMAN (CLASS OF 2012, SCHOOL CAPTAIN) AND KATIE MCCORMICK (CLASS OF 2012) L-R Jim Cameron, Paul Markey, John Backhouse, Robert Murphy and Val Mann

Past Students Reunite

Martin Webb and Paul Markey

On Tuesday 15 March the SCOTS PGC Foundation and Past Students Association co-hosted a luncheon in Toowoomba at the Downs Club. The sell-out event was a fabulous opportunity for past students to reconnect both with each other and the College. Principal Kyle Thompson and College Chairman Martin Webb (also a past student) provided an update on what has been happening at the College. Past students travelled from as far as Canberra and Hervey Bay and Tenterfield to attend. 75 past students attended the event, and many more memories were shared.

The event was a wonderful success, and we hope to make a Toowoomba Luncheon an annual event in our Past Student calendar.

Caillum and Katie are high school sweethearts and after being together for 10 years they finally tied the knot in October 2021! - Caillum’s best man was James Smith (Class of 2012)

ROBERTON WEDDING – SCOTS PGC NUMBER 101 STIRLING ROBERTON (CLASS OF 2011) AND LAUREN BOURKE (CLASS OF 2011) Stirling’s Groomsmen were Josey Gordan (best man), Tim George, Tom Montgomery, and Riley Eastcott-Layton, all Class of 2011

Engagements

Thank You

Thank you, Adrian Estwick, Doug Cosh and Peter Campbell (pictured L-R) for the time commitment and dedication they have invested to keeping the connections alive and well between our past students.

WES GEORGE (CLASS OF 2012) AND JAIME SLATTERY (CLASS OF 2010)

HARRY FULWOOD (CLASS OF 2013) AND ASHLEIGH WHITTAKER (CLASS OF 2013)

Jaime and Wes are looking forward to tying the knot in 2022.

Harry and Ashleigh have a 2023 wedding planned.

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

17

With Sympathies The Past Student Association website provides more information on past student obituaries. To read the full version, please visit the website.

BOB WILD

Andrew Chan (2004 - 2006 )

PAST STUDENT 1958 – 1961 Robert (Bob) McGregor Wild, was born in Dalby on 1st March, 1943, to proud parents Neil and Moya and was the Bob Wild eldest of four circa 1990 children. He completed his primary school by correspondence at the local school before attending Scots College from 1958– 61.

Bob adapted to boarding school life very quickly, and achieved high academic marks, as well as being a very good leader, and talented sportsman. He had many sporting achievements in Rugby and Athletics as well as a Rhodes Scholarship Award. He was in the first XV from Grade 10 up, which is rare for one so young to achieve.

He was one of two from the school selected in the Darling Downs Team, to play Brisbane schools.

His connection to the school was strong and lasted a lifetime. He went on to serve as President of the Old Boys Association and was Chairman of the College Council for some time.

He generously donated time and funds to the school and was very proud when his son Tony and his grandchildren attended the College.

Representatives from the College including two pipers attended his funeral.

The PSA extend sincere condolences to families and friends of the following past students David Petfield (1961 – 1964) Don Fletcher (1956 – 1957) Doug Cameron (1961 – 1966) William Gilbert Ross (1944 - 1945)

Tom, Rita and Pop Ellwood Mt Jukes - Approx 1985

William Robinson (Rob) Harris (1945 – 1948) Timothy Tubb (1954 - 1957)

IAN ‘POP’ ELLWOOD

Liz Marshall - 1954 - 1966

PAST STUDENT 1947 - 1951 Ian was born in Mackay on 22 October 1933. He was the youngest child of Bob and Joyce Ellwood and had two elder brothers, Neville and Keith.

He attended the Mt Jukes Primary School and later went to The Scots College in Warwick – Grade 6 to Senior. He played a lot of sport and was in the College Cadet Corps.

DOROTHY JEAN MULLINS (NEE BLACK) PAST STUDENT 1941 - 1942 Dorothy was a Bundaberg girl who attended PGC Warwick as a boarder to finish her high schooling during World Dorothy BlackWar II. She circa 1942 was a prefect in her Senior year. Although only attending for two years, those two years at PGC were pivotal and of immeasurable influence on Dorothy’s life.

SHIRLEY LUCK PAST STUDENT 1943 - 1947 Shirley Luck (nee Weiske) was born in Roma on Christmas Eve, 1929, to parents, Doreen and Lancelot Weiske. The family moved to Gladstone, but when WWII broke out, to keep the children safe, Shirley and her sister Pamela were enrolled at PGC in Warwick.

RICHARD GOLDSWORTHY PAST STUDENT 1964-1966 Richard Goldsworthy was born Crookwell, NSW. He started school at Myrtleford, then the family moved to “Lara” at Emerald where he continued his education by correspondence before coming to Scots College from 1964 - 66.

Richard was a sharpshooter at the College and after school went on to become a member of the Queensland Clay target shooting Team.

Please get in touch with Past Student Administrator - Katie Coleman Please get 9887 in touch with Past Student Administrator Katie Coleman (07 4666 | kate.coleman@scotspgc.com.au) to share- any updates on (07life 4666 9887 | kate.coleman@scotspgc.com.au) any updates events and special achievements since leavingto theshare College. on life events and special achievements since leaving the College.

18

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022

SAVE THE DATE

Past Students Association Reunion Weekend Saturday 8 October 2022 & Sunday 9 October 2022

CLASS OF 2017 - 5 YEARS ON CLASS OF 2012 - 10 YEARS ON CLASS OF 2007 - 15 YEARS ON CLASS OF 2002 - 20 YEARS ON CLASS OF 1992 - 30 YEARS ON CLASS OF 1982 - 40 YEARS ON CLASS OF 1972 - 50 YEARS ON CLASS OF 1962 - 60 YEARS ON

All past students are welcome to attend, particularly those who missed their milestone years due to recent restrictions.

THE WEEKEND WILL INCLUDE T H E O P T I O N T O B E I N V O LV E D I N : SATURDAY PGC Campus (Locke St) Tour 10.00am SCOTS PGC Campus (Oxenham St) Tour 11.00am Picnic in the playground (Junior School) from 12 noon BYO your own picnic and be entertained by the SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums

Warwick Cup Races ‘Tartan & Tweed’ theme from 1.00pm | PSA Marquee at the Warwick Turf Club – afternoon and evening event. Tickets available online in June (refer to PSA website for details) or Past Student Reunion Dinner from 6.00pm | Des Davey Dining Hall. Tickets available online in June (refer to PSA website for details)

SUNDAY P&F Golf Day – Tee off from 8am | More details to follow in June Chapel Service | 9.30am followed by morning tea in Chapel Hall

The PSA committee will be updating the SCOTS PGC Alumni Facebook Page and website www.scotspgcpsa. com.au for further details and how to book tickets.

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

19

For more details on event locations and registering your interest to attend, please visit the College website: www.scotspgc.com.au/boarding/regional-tours/

20

LION & THISTLE

MAY 2022