Lion & Thistle

LION & THISTLE

OCTOBER 2022

THE COLLEGE

Chairman of Council: Mr Martin Webb

Principal: Mr Kyle Thompson

Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School: Mr Richard Dobrenov

Acting Head of Junior School: Ms Amanda Hall

Head of Middle School & Acting Head of Girls’ Boarding: 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: Mr Greg Finlay

October 2022 #113

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, Jesse Smith Photography, Roslyn Hart, Samantha Bennett Photography, DNM Photography, Renee Mulcahy Photography and other contributors.

Cover: Ellyse Kruger

From the Principal

MR KYLE THOMPSON

There’s No Magic in the Box. However, You Need the Box to Make Magic.

Relationships are at the centre of all effective educational practices. There’s no magic in the box, whether that box be a computer, a textbook or a classroom. The magic is in the interactions and the achievements of the human beings entrusted to our care and the way teachers, students and families work together to achieve positive outcomes. This is never more evident than watching the interactions between our students and the staff at SCOTS PGC. We learn when we have a relationship with those we are teaching or learning from.

With this as the paradigm, we can therefore conclude that the physical spaces we use to teach in, that we reside in as a boarding community, the grounds in which we sit during periods of rest and the co-curricular facilities we compete and train on are all not relevant to our achievements and experiences. As I write, it becomes obvious that this generalisation is most definitely not true. Whilst relationships are essential for success, the infrastructure we provide has an important part to play as well in what we do at SCOTS PGC.

This was particularly evident over the course of the Past Students Association Reunion weekend. As some of the more elderly members of our community wandered the grounds and visited some of the classrooms and our new and old boarding facilities, it became increasingly obvious that these spaces sparked memories of friendships and experiences of a priceless nature. I have often walked through School House, the most magnificent sandstone homestead that was our original school building (built in the 1860s) and lamented at the emptiness that fills the building. Not an emptiness in regards to the building being empty, but without people – students and staff. Without having life within the building, it takes on an empty and somewhat melancholy persona whilst we wait to bring it back to life in our not-too-distant future.

As our past students wandered through this building and our girls’ boarding facilities over the weekend, I had the privilege to listen to some of our elderly students telling stories of their time inhabiting these special places. It was like the walls could hear and these spaces that were bereft of magic the day before came to life again as you could visualise the fun, the hardships (no air conditioners back then!), the lessons, the personalities and the growth. It was humbling to hear the affection our past students had for each other

but also for the actual ‘place’. This in turn reinforced to me that our history is deep and unique. We must respect and learn from it, including the stories from our ‘elders’ who revisit their school. They hold memories and have developed the spirit behind what it means to be a member of the SCOTS PGC community and I sincerely thank those who were here for sharing some of this with me and our current students.

So in conclusion, the keystones to what we do at SCOTS PGC are the establishment of strong and appropriate relationships, fostering integrity, morality, social justice and a love of learning. In today’s society the embedding of resilience, continuous improvement and self-management into an educational context are important to a child’s success, both at school and beyond. We can learn some of these things from those who went before us in our families and at our school. We should also be cognisant of celebrating the success of our past and present students, staff and community, reflecting the value of striving for excellence in all aspects of life.

This excellence and community involvement will allow us to make even more magic for our future students and share our magic with the world. So, whilst there is no magic in the box, the boxes that are our buildings, classrooms, ovals and grounds have seen more than their fair share of magic and they will continue to do so well into the future.

Bienvenue au français au SCOTS PGC College

WELCOME TO FRENCH AT SCOTS PGC COLLEGE

French is recognised as a major world language, spoken as the first language in more than two dozen countries across five continents. It is an official language for 33 countries and is the fifth most widely-spoken language in the world. This year, we have introduced French as the language taught across our College, with all students from Years 1-8 experiencing the language for the first time in 2022 as a part of our College curriculum. 2023 will see the teaching of French extend to our Prep students and also into Year 9 as an elective subject.

The development of our French program has been led by our French specialist teacher, Callum Blake. Callum joined us at SCOTS PGC at the beginning of the year and is passionate about our students developing an appreciation for the language and its culture and inspiring our boys and girls to become French speakers who can see the learning of a language as an important life skill.

The focus of the program in these initial stages of implementation, is on communication and supporting our language learners to develop the skills and confidence to hold a conversation in French, know how to greet someone, share information about themselves, ask questions and describe their interests. They are gaining an appreciation for the language of French through

interactive and engaging learning experiences that provide a platform for them to explore the world beyond their current life experiences. They also have a bit of fun along the way singing songs, making French food or watching documentaries about places where French is spoken.

Our world is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent. Learning a language, such as French, can provide opportunities to engage more broadly in a globalised world and connect with neighbours in our Pacific region, such as in Vanuatu and New Caledonia, or more widely when travelling or doing business around the world. There are also cognitive benefits to learning a language including improved memory, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, enhanced concentration and an improved ability to listen better and multi-task. It can also be enjoyable and simply a way to connect when travelling or appreciate a culture different to our own.

The introduction of French as a part of our curriculum in 2022 has been incredibly positive, with the students eager to share the vocabulary they have learnt, attempt to engage in conversation in French with Mr Blake, sing a French song at Assembly or join together to make delicious crepes.

L-R: Erin Fraser, Marshall Woods, Kahn Hippi, Kelvin Daley and Mr Callum Blake in French class

Engaging with Year 8 AT SCOTS PGC

SCOTS Engage is a program unique to SCOTS PGC. Now in its second year of implementation, SCOTS Engage is an opportunity for our Year 8 students to connect with who they are as individuals, as a group and as members of our community. It is a program that is designed to complement our existing Pastoral Care and Wellbeing sessions run by Year 8 Tutor Teachers.

We know that the years that span from childhood to adolescence are a time of change for our young people. This includes physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral change. There are changes to the brain and cognitive development that coincide with significant physical and hormonal changes. It is a time that requires us to be responsive to the full range of needs, interests, and capabilities of our Middle School students.

During these years, young adolescents often have a desire to be more independent, yet at the same time seek meaningful interactions with their peers and with significant adults. They crave freedom and support simultaneously, whilst also navigating social, emotional, and physiological changes. It can be a time of ‘shifting sands’ – changes in relationships, changes in expectations and a change in understanding who they are and their place in the world.

The SCOTS Engage program has been developed with these understandings in mind. Throughout the year, we explore a range of topics and themes, ranging from ‘BIG’ concepts like trust and bravery, through to more practical skills such as how to study for an exam or what subjects to select as an elective for Years 9 and 10.

The overview for SCOTS Engage is:

Term 1 : ‘Knowing Yourself and Others’ – character strengths and leadership qualities

Term 2 : ‘Learning to Learn’ – understanding how we learn, organising ourselves, study skills and strategies

Term 3 : ‘Our Community’ – serving others and developing life skills

Term 4 : ‘The Next Step’ – preparing for the journey to Senior School

The conversations we have about ‘BIG’ concepts throughout the year are mature and thought-provoking. The students have an opportunity to share their ideas, develop the courage to speak up in front of their peers and be given time to reflect on themselves and their relationships with others.

There is no doubt that these early years of adolescence can be challenging for both the young people and the significant adults in their lives, but it is also important to remember how wonderfully empathetic, hilarious, surprising and insightful teenagers can be when we engage with them.

Layne Frankcom, Sienna Sparksman and Year 8 classmates engaging in an online activity

Some of the Year 8 SCOTS Engange activities are online

Gracie Philo, Harlan Brown and Rory Farrell taking part in a hands on activity

Jumpers and Jazz involvement

Warwick’s quirky Jumpers and Jazz Festival is a time when the town is awash with community spirit, the trees get dressed up and visitors don their winter woollies to dance in the streets. This year, students from the Junior School crafted magical birds from a variety of textiles to create their award-winning tree in town and a matching tree at the College. Birds of all colours, shapes and sizes made up the breathtaking presentation and the students had an exciting time climbing the ladder to perch them as high as they could.

The Years 9 and 10 students who undertake STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) as an elective subject also took part in the festival developing ‘a Night of Light Jazz’: a programmed, synchronised light display. The hand made light formations were coordinated to light up to classic jazz music and were mounted on the tennis court fence for the community to view. Not only were the students learning about coding and programming they broadened their knowledge of jazz music as well.

Each year, the Regional Council requests senior students from SCOTS PGC College to undertake visitor surveys on their behalf to gain a broader understanding of the length of stay and hometown of those attending the festival. The Year 11 students enjoy the opportunity to represent the College during the festival and talk with the visitors about their experiences in Warwick.

Experience of a Lifetime

SCOTS PGC PIPERS PLAY AT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

If you follow our social media platforms, you would no doubt already be aware that five of our students have just returned from the trip of a lifetime! Accomplished pipers, Nicholas McGahan, Rory McFarlane, Fraser Collins, and Samuel Bourke, along with drummer, Joshua Hullock, and our esteemed Pipe Band Master, Mr Sandy Dalziel, were invited to join the ranks of the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band to take a tour of Scotland to perform in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo –the pinnacle event for any piper or drummer.

The boys prepared for months in the lead up to their trip. They practiced day and night to learn a host of new tunes in readiness for their 5-week tour of Scotland, which included 26 shows at Edinburgh Castle, at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Performances drew phenomenal crowds (up to 260,000 spectators in total) and it’s hard to fathom that a further 100 million viewers will also tune in from home as it’s broadcast all around the world at the end of the year.

Special mention must go to Nic McGahan (Year 12) Fraser Collins (Year 11) Rory Macfarlane (Year 11) and Samuel Bourke (Year 10) who were in a group of a few pipers chosen, (literally from a cast of 150) to play a fast-paced dance selection.

In addition to the Tattoo, the band also competed at the Scottish Championships at Dumbarton, the North Berwick Highland Games, the Bridge of Allan Highland Games and the World Championships – winning prizes in them all. Of note, a 5th place in the Scottish Championships Grade 4B contest. Joshua Hullock (Year 11) was part of the Brisbane Boys’ College drum corps who were winners at a pre-Worlds contest in the picturesque town of the Bridge of Allan.

Congratulations to all of the students on such a remarkable achievement – we’re looking forward to hearing more stories about their great adventure!

L-R: Rory McFarlane, Fraser Collins, Nicholas McGahan, Samuel Bourke, Joshua Hullock and Mr Sandy Dalziel in Scotland

We are SCOTS Collegians all, and we rally at the call…

Mother Nature has certainly given us more than our fair share of rain this year and residents living in the catchment areas have suffered more than most. This year during May, Warwick and the surrounding areas experienced a major flood event – the worst in a decade and reminiscent of the flooding that occurred in 2011.

While the College remained relatively ‘high and dry’ (aside from a complete inundation of floodwaters across Briggs and Dunning Ovals), some of our past SCOTS PGC Collegians weren’t so fortunate. When we heard that SCOTS Old Boy, Bill Lester, was severely affected by the May floods we jumped at the chance to provide some helping hands to help clean up.

Mitchell Twidale, a Year 11 boarder from St George, rallied a team of helpers from Years 10, 11 and 12 to spend some time assisting Mr Lester remove flood debris and repair fences that were damaged during the flood.

It’s often said that many hands make light work … this was an afternoon well spent by the boys to provide a helping hand to a fellow SCOTS Collegian.

Bill Lester and student Mitchell Twidale

William Bryant and Kweller Manfield

L-R: Peter McFarland, Anthony Gimm, Owen Eising, George Handley and Nelson Madua

Rugby alive and well at SCOTS

Rugby is that type of sport that incites passion, breeds school spirit, and forges a mateship that lasts a lifetime – it has been played since the College’s inception and SCOTS PGC has a long and rich history of battles fought, gallant victories and gracious defeats.

This year at SCOTS PGC, we’ve experienced some of those momentous battles on the field and celebrated some wonderful team and individual achievements. It’s a been a season to remember and it’s been gratifying to reflect on some of the highlights from 2022…

DARLING DOWNS SUPER SCHOOLS CUP

The College fielded 3 teams in the Darling Downs Super Schools Cup: U13, U15 and The First XV. The culture that comes with schoolboy rugby always provides an outstanding experience for SCOTS PGC boys.

Our U13 and U15 teams both had solid seasons. They unfortunately bailed out in the semifinals, narrowly losing to tough competition.

The First XV, despite having a shaky start to the season, strung together wins at critical parts of the season, earning a spot in the Grand Final. However, their most epic game would have to be the semi-final match they played against TAS (Toowoomba Anglican School). SCOTS PGC headed into the semi-final against TAS only a fortnight removed from their 71-0 loss, with players keen to make amends. TAS brought a well-coached and talented team to the finals and got off to a strong 7-0 start. SCOTS’ focus on defensive line-speed paid off with Paul Costello nabbing a 50m intercept try to keep SCOTS in-touch. Re-taking momentum, TAS scored a try to end the first half and another to start the second, putting SCOTS PGC down by 12 points.

Trusting their team and structures, SCOTS PGC stayed composed and were rewarded with a 60m intercept try to Aaron Hinch, reducing the lead to 5 points. With two minutes to go, hooker Jesse Bohm, kicked a 50-22, giving SCOTS field position that Aaron Hinch turned into a try with 30 seconds to go. Lachlan Woods stepped up to make a difficult conversion to give SCOTS PGC a tough 21-19 win.

REPRESENTATIVE PATHWAYS

After a solid performance as a Darling Downs representative at the U18 Queensland State Rugby Union Championships in Sunnybank earlier this year, Year 11 student Jesse Bohm, was selected to represent Queensland at the Australian Schoolboys Rugby Championships. Jesse spent three days in camp training with his Queensland team mates at Marist College, Ashgrove before heading down to Knox Grammar to take part in the national competition. Jesse is the first Queensland Schoolboys Rugby representative from SCOTS PGC since 2015.

Innes Nowlan was named as a shadow player for the Queensland Country team a after a strong performance playing for the U13 South Queensland Country squad at the Queensland Country Rugby Championships.

George Handley and Ryan Bohm were selected in the U15 Darling Downs Rugby Union side to contest Queensland’s best at the State Championships in Hervey Bay during July.

Darling Downs representatives, Ryan Bohm and George Handley

Scott Taat in action

Innes Nowlan representing South Queensland Country

Queensland representative Jesse Bohm

PAST STUDENT CONNECTIONS

Our current players have thoroughly enjoyed the mentorship of Old Boy, Phil Strang (Class of 1969) who assists the U13 SCOTS PGC Rugby team. Phil is passionate about the school and the sport and loves to see the school spirit on display – especially when it comes to chanting a post-match war cry.

We’ve been fortunate to have Robert Auger (Class of 1993) on the sidelines supporting our players for a number of years now. Rob loves his rugby and sharing his skills and knowledge with our U15 players. This season was a particularly momentous for Rob – his son, William Auger made his debut in The First XV side for SCOTS PGC in 2022. Graham Strang (Class of 1994) shared a similar milestone experience – his son, Aidan Strang played his rugby season in the cardinal and gold with the U15 side.

As a College, we celebrated the achievements of our past student international rugby superstars, Demi Hayes and Emily Bass. Demi claimed another gold medal victory with her Aussie team mates at the Birmingham Commonwealth games and Emily, a former Queensland Reds player, was named Rookie of the Year after just one season in the NRWL. She also made her State of Origin debut in the maroon jersey.

GIRLS IN RUGBY

It’s been great to see rugby develop as a sport for our girls here at SCOTS PGC too. Our 7s team enjoyed their 2022 season and improved their skills under the guidance of teachers, Jaime Slattery and Jonathon Fender. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store for them next season.

SCOTS PGC First XV after their win over TAS

Owen Eising makes a tackle

Aiden Strang (2) is the son of Old Boy Graham Strang (Class of 1994)

Robert Auger (Class of 1993) with son, Will Auger

Foundation

INTRODUCING GREG FINLAY

Welcome to our SCOTS PGC College Foundation where, although we have new membership, we are still driven by the same College values and belief of “Honouring our past and building our future”.

Please let me introduce myself as the incoming Chairman of the Foundation. Along with a period in Accounting, I have spent most of my career in Agribusiness with my brothers Dougal (1983-87), John (1987-91) and Angus (1992-95). Our father Bruce (194954), now retired at the farms, is also a proud Old Boy. My wife Lisa is an Agriculture teacher here at Texas where we live on the farms and have three daughters Claire, Grace and Georgia.

Our extended Finlay family of uncles, aunts and cousins has had a long and proud association with the College dating back to 1944. My Uncle Scott was the Chairman of the College Council and my grandfather and his brothers funded the commencement of the SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums in the late 1940s. Many of our family, from these generations, have passed through the band and my brothers and I all learned the bagpipes and still play today. At last count we have performed at over 300 Anzac Day events over 40 years. All of this community involvement was made possible by SCOTS PGC.

The new look SCOTS PGC Foundation is reaching out to reconnect our whole school community. The Foundation’s role is to assist the College to have the quality buildings and infrastructure required and to manage the many scholarships and bursaries provided by our wonderful donors and benefactors.

Since becoming a Director of the Foundation, I have been amazed at the work and progress that has been made by the College Council and Staff. The College, in a few short years has been managed from 320 students to almost 500 students. The College is now debt free. The academic results are at record levels in our history. The sporting and extra-curricular opportunities are robust and the envy of many in the education sphere. I have found the staff to be a very cohesive and inspiring team and I have been impressed, as I meet the individuals involved, that the school has assembled such quality staff who genuinely care about their roles, their students and their day-to-day work. From my commercial experience I congratulate this large team on the quality of their business of education.

This is all very fortunate, as now there is a big task at hand.

School House and DeConlay House, which are the essence of the heritage of the College are in need of renovation, particularly to meet modern building codes. Briggs Oval fencing has been devastated by flood. The

College needs a middle school upgrade to support the growth. Although the College has had amazing progress, the modern times of uncertainty and high costs means the College cannot be expected to meet this capital development on their own. They will need help. The Foundation is here to facilitate that help.

The school community will begin to notice progress. What the Foundation is seeking is to have our school community speaking of the wonderful progress the school is making and the task ahead. This does not cost an individual anything. The true value is that back at the College, we have everything ready to receive those individuals who, in reflecting on their life and opportunity gained through their SCOTS PGC education, are able to help with the important work needed.

The value of conversation cannot be understated. There is power in education. There is power in communication and relationships. At the College, the Foundation has an experienced and energetic manager in Sarah Henry (1993-1997). Sarah is very approachable and is always excited to make contact with past students and the College community. Sarah’s direct line is 07 4666 9898.

May I conclude by saying the passion I have discovered at the College is truly inspiring. It inspired me to take on the role of Chairman of the Foundation. We have a big task ahead and we are all enjoying the process of getting our buildings and scholarships done. And there is much work to do.

Semper Patens Alta – Always Aiming Higher

GREG FINLAY (SCOTS PGC

1981-1985)

Foundation Chairman

SCOTS PGC College Captains through the years (L-R – Alec Peden, Greg Finlay, Paul Markey, Jack Henry and Nicholas McGahan)

Greg Finlay in the Pipe Band

2022 marks the 80th Anniversary of the Evacuation of the College during WWII to North Toolburra and Kingswood homesteads. In June this year, the College proudly honoured this milestone with a number of our original ‘evacuees’ and other past students returning to the College and paying a visit to both properties.

This year’s anniversary happened to coincide with the sale and subsequent removal of the Kingswood Homestead on Canningvale Road. In 1992, to mark the 50th anniversary of the evacuation, a stone and plaque were placed at Kingswood as a record of the College’s occupation. Upon the sale of the Kingswood Homestead, the College returned this commemorative stone to the historical precinct at our Oxenham St campus for prosperity. The stone was unveiled in its new location outside School House and de Conlay as part of our Reunion Weekend celebrations. Here, the stone will remain a focal point for future students of the College so that they can share in the College’s history and gain an understanding of the memories of those who walked these halls before.

80 Years on Honouring our Past, Building our Future

SCOTS PGC College has a rich and interesting history and we are very fortunate that some of the key aspects of our history have been captured and documented by a passionate historian, Mr John Telfer. John Telfer commenced working at the College in an academic capacity back in 2005. ‘JT’ as he is affectionately known by both staff and students, has a decorated career in the Royal Australian Airforce and a keen interest in preserving our history for others to learn and appreciate.

Over the years, JT has supported the College in varying teaching roles. During his time here, JT worked alongside the College Principal to establish the College’s annual Anzac Dawn Service ceremony, along with the foundation of the College Cenotaph in 2008 that bears the names of our Magnificent 42 old boys who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Notably, JT has researched and written eight published books detailing different aspects of the College’s history including ‘the Toolburra Experience’, cataloguing the College evacuation in 1942. Who at the College can forget that special day when JT arranged for the Russian Roulettes to fly over the College?

JT has taught many senior students the art of old-time dancing in

preparation for the Year 12 Cardinal. JT’s dedication and impassioned contribution to the College, in particular its rich history, was recognised at assembly on 7 October 2022.

Thank you, JT, SCOTS PGC College is forever in your debt.

John Telfer and students watching the flyover

John Telfer and Kyle Thompson

Junior School at Kingswood

Alec Peden (Class of 1948) unveils the commemorative stone at SCOTS PGC with Patrick Hamilton in Year 1

Past students and evacuees come together to remember 80 years on

Boarding Visits

It is vital that the College spends time with our boarding families, learning more about who they and where they come from - something that it is critical to be able to understand our students truly appreciate who they are as young people. This year, we have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit families and students at home across Western Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

In June we were in Blackall supporting the ICPA QLD INC - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Queensland Inc State Conference and all they stand for in advocating to ensure our rural kids have the best educational experience possible. Whilst there, we met some of our College Mums who are involved in this vital Association. Along the way we stopped at Roma where we touched base with past and prospective students. We then visited the Bauer Family at their home in Tambo (Angus in Year 8 and Alex, Year 7 2024) and the Watts Family (Lucy Year 11) in Charleville.

On our way to the Boarding Schools Expo in Moree, where we caught up with some past students, we were fortunate enough to be hosted by the McFarland Family from Gineroi. Their three children have been educated at the College (Jack, Class of 2000, Peter, current Captain of Boys Boarding and Eleanor Year 9).

In the September school holidays we went on a special trip to Mitchell and St George, where we filmed and interviewed a couple of our SCOTS PGC boarding families. It was fantastic to spend some time with the Bryant (Matilda Year 12, William Year 10 and Phoebe Year 8) and Twidale (Mitchell Year 11, Isabelle Year 10, Baxter Year 8 and Madeline Year 7 2023) families, learn more about what’s special to them and gain an insight as to why SCOTS is the best place for their family’s education. Thank you to our wonderful boarding families for welcoming us into your community and making the time to catch up with us.

College Councillor Kelly Ostwald, Head of Middle School and Girls’ Boarding Amy Woodgate and Parent Briony Sinclair in Blackall

Yalari’s Waverley Stanley at the ICPA State Conference in Blackall

Touring the RFDS Base in Charleville

Amy Woodgate and Alex Bauer at ‘Greendale’ Tambo

Past students Helen Bohm (nee Hughes Class of 1998), Richard Peatling (Class of 1998) and Matthew Joppich (Class of 1997)

Pheobe, Michelle and Will Bryant at Cytherea

Amanda, Alex and Matt Bauer at ‘Greendale’ Tambo

Dave Marriot with Terry and Helen McFarland

Michelle Bryant and Helen Bohm meet up in Mitchell

The Twidale Family at St George

P&F Wrap up

CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

This year, the SCOTS PGC Parents and Friends Association (P & F) set out on a mission to foster engagement and social connectivity amongst families across Prep to Year 12 at the College. We thought the best way to connect with our community of families was to host a key social event each term.

We kicked off the year with a Junior School Disco which drew in the crowds who were eager to dance the night away while parents chatted and socialised from the sidelines. This was a wonderful event to commence the year’s social calendar and very popular with the junior members of our school.

A Family Dinner in the Dining Hall was hosted in Term 3 during Jumpers and Jazz week. Our resident chef, Mr John Rogers and his team prepared an Italian-themed feast which provided parents with the opportunity to get

a real taste of the SCOTS PGC Dining Hall experience. Families queued to receive their meals (just as the students do at lunchtime), found themselves a table and enjoyed a meal of pasta, garlic bread and fresh salads, topped off with gelato. Students enjoyed showing their families how the Dining Hall operates, and our families genuinely enjoyed the whole experience.

The final event for the year is our golf day which we unfortunately had to postpone. It is now on Sunday 6 November, so the good news is that you have an extra few weeks to hone those putting skills!

We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know everyone this year and are looking forward to catching up at many more events.

LEISA HOLDEN President of P&F

Elsie Holden, Genevieve Hunter and Maggie Beisel at the P & F Disco

Holly Lubben and Maddy Charles enjoying the P&F Disco P&F Disco

Patrick Hamilton and Hank Collins at the P&F Disco Parents and Staff at the P&F Disco

P&F President, Leisa Holden and Treasurer Sam Bennett at the Family Dinner

Students enjoying the P&F Family Dinner night Serving up at the P&F Family Dinner night

P&F Family Dinner night in the Dining Hall

Past Students

Did You Know

The Joppich Family

MATTHEW JOPPICH | CLASS OF 1997

If you know Matthew Joppich, you’ll be well aware of his affinity for flying and being in the pilot’s seat of almost any light aircraft.

Matthew attended SCOTS PGC as a boarding student for five years from 1993 to 1997, which is when his love of flying began. While at school, he started flying lessons amongst study and just a year after graduating, he obtained his commercial pilot’s licence.

In 1999, Matthew gained his ‘Multiple engine and instrument rating’ and teamed up with his SCOTS PGC classmate, Teena Titley (nee Earle, from the Class of 1997) to conduct prawn spotting flights in the Gulf. He also obtained his instructor rating.

In the early 2000s, Matthew moved to Barcaldine and spent some time with Ergon Energy conducting inspections on powerlines from the air and ferrying staff visiting Queensland. He then moved further west to Alice Springs where he was a pilot for ‘Chartair’ conducting general charters, facilitating clinics for flying doctors and delivering mail to the remote parts of Australia.

Matthew moved to Roma in 2005, still flying, where he met his wife, Deb. They married in 2010, and soon after he joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service as one of their key pilots, ferrying doctors and specialists around Queensland to deliver lifesaving services. He later became the Team Leader for Roma base –a role he thoroughly enjoys to this day.

When he’s not busy flying around the countryside, Matthew devotes his time to his family, wife – Deb and their two daughters Lucy and Kate.

ANGE HUTCHINSON | CLASS OF 1999

Since graduating in 1999, Ange has lived and worked in various roles in Agriculture and regional communities, which will be no surprise to teachers and past students. Ange’s first job out of school was artificially inseminating wagyu genetics on properties in North Queensland and full-time mustering. A far cry from where she is now in Board positions and operating her own business, but those very foundations are the credibility and cornerstones of her career.

It wasn’t until Ange lived in Augathella that she started her family and where she remotely studied for a Bachelor in Accounting. From this came the opportunity to work in Agricultural Finance for Suncorp, where she enjoyed a 12-year career finishing as the District Manager for

Central Queensland. This leadership role was incredibly rewarding work and gave her the opportunity to work with diverse industries and people.

This year Ange started Aspire Ag Solutions, where she works with both corporates and primary producers on management advisory, tackling business challenges and opportunities, big and small.

Ange states that "It is a privilege to serve as a Board Director on Agforce Cattle Board and the Cattle Council Australia; these positions allow me to give back to an industry that has served me well while also meeting new people and learning new aspects of the industry."”

It is fair to say that Ange is very passionate about careers in Agriculture and regional communities.

Ange’s advice for our young people ‘’Lessons I have learnt over the years are many, but for the young people graduating, it is as you get older, it helps to have good stories of what you tried and failed. And have a sense of humour, as it will get you through most things."

Marriages Did You Know

MARISSA COSTELLO (GRAYSON) was a boarder at PGC from 1998-to 1999. Her three brothers also attended the College - Mark (Class of 1997), Luke (Class of 2005) and Ben (Class of 2006).

On graduating, Marissa accepted a place at UQ. After a short time, she accepted that city life was not for her, moving home to Killarney and an admin role at Killarney Co-op. At 18, Marissa was appointed Administration Manager, joining the Co-op’s management team.

Marissa has spent her career with the Co-op and, in 2019, was appointed to the role of General Manager – the first woman in the Co-operative’s 100-year history to hold this position. Killarney Co-op employs 80 staff over 6 stores and is one of the largest employers in the region. Marissa is passionate about retail as a genuine career choice and actively encourages young people to look at the opportunities that a position in retail can offer. Marissa sits on the Board of The Co-op Federation and various member councils.

Marissa married her husband Darren in 2004, and they have two children, born in 2008 and 2009. Marissa and Darren enjoy travelling and spending time outdoors and in rural living.

BROWN WEDDING

WEST WEDDING

HARRISON WEST (CLASS OF 2015) MARRIED PHOEBE WAUGH IN FEBRUARY 2022

Groomsmen: William Troughton (Class of 2015) Ben Johnston (Class of 2015) and James West (Class of 2013)

BOURKE WEDDING

KIERAN BOURKE (CLASS OF 2013) MARRIED BEC BAKER OCTOBER 2022

MCDOUALL WEDDING

TOBY MCDOUALL (CLASS OF 2012) MARRIED BROOK FLANAGAN SEPTEMBER 2022

STEPHANIE BROWN (CLASS OF 2005) MARRIED JAMES DEEGAN OCTOBER 2022

MCKEY WEDDING

SHAUN MCKEY (CLASS OF 2012) MARRIED EMMA HALE IN OCTOBER 2022

Births

ROXANA PATERSON (CLASS OF 2002) and her husband Steve welcomed their beautiful daughter, Isabelle Rose BeggPaterson, earlier this year.

With Sympathies

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

DR HAROLD WESLEY VICKERS CLASS OF 1954

The PSA extend sincere condolences to families and friends of the following past students

Dr Wes Vickers (1953-1954)

Mildred Hancock (nee Hoffman) (1949 – 1952)

Cec Jamieson (1944 – 1945)

Danie Keith Gibson (1971 –1977)

Geoffrey Ross (1957-1958)

Dr Harold Wesley Vickers, known as ‘Wes’ passed away on 6 May 2022. Wes’ childhood was blessed by many wonderful and enriching experiences, which he often recounted, including the two years of boarding at SCOTS College. He spoke highly of Headmaster Mr Des Davey and the respect all the students held for him. The relaxed country atmosphere always appealed to Wes, he was an avid reader and developed his music skills further while at school. He played the piano and the organ sometimes at PGC and was a member of the Pipe Band.

Jenny Kelly (nee Briggs) (1956 – 1957)

Thomas Richard Graham (1955 –1962)

lona Macintosh MacDowall Selke (1957 – 1960)

In 1995, Wes and his wife Bronwyn returned to SCOTS PGC for a School Reunion where Former Headmaster Davey was the special guest.

Wes graduated from the University of Queensland in 1962, and completed his medical residency in Hobart, before taking up duties as a Medical Officer in Papua New Guinea. He gained a Cadetship with the Department of Territories in his fourth year, so he spent the Christmas university vacations in PNG. Wes relished the challenges offered there and fully immersed himself in all facets of medicine.

Medicine, though an important part of Wes’s life, certainly wasn’t the only thing. Through the decades he sailed and dived, developed a passion for photography, built a private library of thousands of books, farmed and raised cattle, learned how to weld at TAFE and played several musical instruments, which earned him two degrees in Music.

Wes passed away at Macleay Valley House. He was farewelled at Port Macquarie on 30 May 2022 with many tributes from family, former colleagues, and friends.

Dr Wes Vickers

Front row: Piper E T Schwennesen, Piper H W Vickers, Pipe Sgt. J C Muir, Mipe

Major A J Muir, Piper R J Kennedy, Piper TJ Russell.

Back Row: Drummer K J Jarman, Drummer C Troy, Drum Major T E Dalton, Drum Sgt. B F Finlay and Drummer R A Kelman

PSA Reunion Weekend

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 October 2022 was a weekend of revisiting, reconnecting and reminiscing for our past students over the weekend for our annual reunion event for SCOTS PGC College Alumni.

Our schedule of events covered all corners of the campus and provided an opportunity for our past students to wander through their old boarding houses and reflect on their time here. After touring the Locke and Oxenham Street campuses, our Pipes and Drums Band entertained our returning visitors before they headed off for an afternoon at the Warwick Races or an evening back in the Assembly Hall for a dinner with their classmates.

Our Sunday Chapel service brought past and current students back together once more, for a time to give thanks to the College and be proud of what it means to be a student of SCOTS PGC.

Afterwards, we unveiled a special commemorative stone that sits proudly in our historical precinct to remember the evacuation of the College during WWII. The stone was originally in place at Kingswood Homestead, (where junior boys were relocated to during the war) and was moved to the College for prosperity following the sale of the Kingswood Homestead. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend which allowed friends to gather, tell tales and remember the good old days. We look forward to doing it all again next year!

Back Row: Ian Barlow, Harry Brutnall, Richard Banks, Dick Foster, Ross Petfield, Robert Hall, Don Thallon. Front Row: Merilyn Playsted (nee Sweet), Margaret Ann Pranther (nee Morris), Juleen Marchant (nee Humphries), Glenys Johns, Aileen Norman (nee Robinson). Ross Petfield, Kyle Thompson and Don Thallon

Dick Foster, Ross Petfield and Robert Hall

Dick Foster and Glenys Johns

Howard Mullins, Ross Petfield, Glenys John, Aileen Norman (nee Robinson) and Juleen (Humphries) Marchant

Back Row: Ross Petfield, Harry Brutnell, Dick Foster, Richard Banks, Robert Hall. Front Row: Don Thallon and Ian Barlow

John Robertson (Class of 1972 - Past College Captain and Pipe Major) with Nicholas McGahan (Current College Captain and Pipe Major)

Coralie Williams (Class of 1971), Lesley Keevil and Lesa Weber (Class of 1972)

Carly Goddard (Class of 1997), Greg Finlay (Class of 1985) and raffle winner, Paul Wild (Class of 1985)

Roderick May (Class of 1972 and Merry Robertson

Students from the Class of 1970

Greg Finlay (Class of 1985), John Muir (Class of 1954) and Paul Wild (Class of 1985).

Richard Banks (Class of 1962), James ‘Buddy’ Statham (Class of 1958), Maureen Statham, Geraldine and Graham Kirkland (Class of 1961)

Megan Allen and Georgia Taylor (Class of 2012)

Luke Tanner, Ian Lewis and Rob Edwards (Class of 1997)

Students from the Class of 1972

Nicholas McGahan (Pipe Major and College Captain) meets Mary and Alec Peden

Class of 1972

Darryl Hutton (Class of 1952)

Class of 2012

Students from the Class of 2002 (Roxana Paterson, Adam Green, Scott Godlonton and Sam Gengos)

Greg Finlay (Class of 1985), Desiree and Mark Walker (Class of 1970)

Sunset Drinks

On Saturday 13 August, the SCOTS PGC Past Students Association hosted a Sunset drinks event in Brisbane at Byblos. Thank you to all who came along to support the PSA. It was a fantastic afternoon catching up over cocktails and great company!