Lion & Thistle
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 School: Ms Amanda Hall
Head of Middle School & Director of Girls’ Boarding: Ms Amy Woodgate
Business Manager: Mr Andrew Millard
Director of Teaching Learning & Innovation: Mr Blake Fatouros
Director of Co-curricular Activities: Mr Tom Bradbury
Head of People and Culture: Mr Derek Naughten
Director of Advancement: Mrs Wendy Whittaker
Director of Boys’ Boarding: Mr David Marriott
AUXILIARY GROUPS
Parents & Friends’ Association President: Mrs Leisa Holden
Parents & Friends’ Association Vice President: Mrs Samantha Bennett
Parents & Friends’ Association Secretary: Mrs Annabelle Spann
Parents & Friends’ Association Treasurer: Mrs Anita Judd
Past Students’ Association President: Mrs Carly Goddard
Foundation Chairperson: Mr Greg Finlay
May 2023 #114
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, Toni Crawford, Jesse Smith Photography, Roslyn Hart, Samantha Bennett Photography, Renee Mulcahy Photography and other contributors.
Cover: Year 12 Student, Jesse Bohm and Prep Student Charlotte Steele at the 2023 College Dawn Service. Photographer – Toni Crawford.
From the Principal
Mr Kyle Thompson
Every day at SCOTS PGC College I am cognisant of our 105 years of history, as well as where we are currently as a school community.
At the same time as noting these aspects, it is also important to look up and forward to what the future holds and needs. This involves considering the current and future needs of our learners, the needs of our staff and staffing needs, to ensure we continue to consolidate what is important as well as develop new and future focused offerings that equip our students for their futures, even if we cannot be 100% sure what that might be.
So far, 2023 has provided plenty of opportunities to allow us to address, celebrate, and communicate all of these important aspects that make up our school’s past, present and future.
A significant highlight to date would have to be our Masterplan Launch. More specifically, it was a night where the College was able to articulate where we were some 6 years ago, where we are now and what our focus will be on to further enhance our school in the short and medium term. It has been quite a journey to get to this point and now we reset and to some extent begin the next chapter of this journey that never ends.
The College is currently, arguably, in the strongest place in its history. We have just over 500 students with a strategic target of maintaining the number of streams (fancy word for classes) at their current level to maintain our smallish size yet be able to offer the variety of programs and subjects that we are known for. Our academic results have, over the last 4 years been the strongest in the College’s history, our Co-Curricular program has been revitalised to include some 25 activities, some of which are uniquely iconic to SCOTS PGC, and we remain committed to our student pathways including pure academics, vocational or blended. Our developing partnerships with Southern Cross University, University of Queensland (Gatton) and the agriculture industry in general are testimony to this. Our relationships with our community, supplementary to the above, continue to develop and remain an important part of our strategy for the College. Our partnership with the Warwick Community Kindergarten and other early learning centres, the Warwick Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and industry specialists are all developing.
The Masterplan Launch drew our community together to recognise this and to hear about our plans for the immediate future. We were able to proudly speak about our historical precinct, its importance to our history and our intention to bring this back to ‘front of house’ for SCOTS PGC. This process has begun, albeit slowly, as we have refurbished and relocated finance and IT to this area and commenced an historical gallery style walkway with some wonderful photos of our past.
Our largest endeavour to be embarked upon is the redevelopment of our Middle School, involving the building of General Learning Areas, Covered Outdoor Learning Areas, and specialist rooms for Science, The Arts, STEM, and Agriculture Technology-based learning. The College currently has a grant application in with the Block Grant Authority (BGA), our development application is about to be submitted to Council and a tendering process undertaken next term. Our timeline for Ms Woodgate to dig her first hole is the end of this year or early 2024. This is an example of us looking to the future and ensuring our classrooms are fit for purpose in an everchanging educational landscape.
Having reflected about our present and our future, it would be remiss of me not to mention the College’s ANZAC Service. The reverence of our service, our student’s commitment to honouring our past fallen and their willingness to attend and be part of this ceremony speaks volumes to their character. It was a morning where one could not help feel a great humility and pride in being part of this special community. I again thank all those who attended and supported this important College event – one that seems to be growing in attendance by the year. Please enjoy some of the imagery published in the following pages – it truly captured the special event that it was.
It is also worth celebrating the College’s involvement in the town services. Our Pipes and Drums set the tone of the day, leading the throng of Warwick’s school students to the town Cenotaph. Again, witnessing our students immerse themselves in our wider community is humbling to say the least.
I say often that Warwick is important to SCOTS PGC and SCOTS PGC is important to Warwick, just as honouring our past is important when planning for our future.
Masterplan
Betty Crombie –student, teacher, principal and PGC Icon
Betty Crombie is a name that is forever etched in the history of SCOTS PGC College. Betty Crombie nee Deanne Butcher, was an exceptional student during her 13 years at Presbyterian Girls’ College (PGC). She first attended PGC in 1931, quickly gaining prominence for her athletic prowess: she was Athletics Captain from 1931 to 1934 and Netball Captain in 1934. Betty was Dux of the College in 1933 and School Captain in 1933 and 1934. In 1935, she helped edit the PGC magazine ‘Miss Thistle’ and at the time of her departure, Miss Mackness wrote “no girl has left her mark on the school more than Betty Deanne- Butcher, and none has stayed longer in it.”
Betty studied at the University of Sydney before returning to PGC as Mrs Betty Crombie as a teacher. In 1957 she become Co- Principal alongside Mrs Dorothy Green until 1960. She taught Humanities and was a strong advocate for women’s education and her beloved PGC.
The Betty Crombie Middle School opened its doors in July 2003 and Mrs Crombie was present at the official opening ceremony, addressing the crowd. The October 2003 Lion and Thistle noted “Mrs Crombie’s gifts as an educator and a person of generosity and sincerity were clearly evident – she would step into any classroom today and win over another generation of students.”
It is only fitting that as 2023 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Middle School, the College has released plans for a staged redevelopment of the Betty Crombie Middle School as part of its Master Plan.
The plans promise dedicated and purposebuilt learning spaces to meet the needs of our future learners.
1. Mrs Betty Crombie 1959
2. The Captains (B. Deane-Butcher and M. Dunlop)
Revitalising our Historical Precinct
The Historical Precinct is the heart and soul of our Oxenham Street campus – it holds decades of memories forged by those who came before us, and serves as the very foundation on what our College stands for…
We’re proud to share that our Historical Precinct is once again becoming a very functional part of our everyday life here at the College. We have dedicated resources to restore these spaces to their former glory and bring them back online to fill them back with life just like they originally were.
If you wish to assist the College with this project, please contact the SCOTS PGC College Foundation Manager.
Our People
A moment with Martin Webb (Class of 1986) and Current Chair of College Council
I have been involved in the College Council since 2017 taking on the role of Chair in 2018. I guess if you were to have taken a poll of teachers and students in 1986, asking who would come back in this sort of role, I am not convinced I would have made any reasonable short list.
I think we all recognise that it is the passing of time which allows us to see what the experiences of our youth have provided us. Some people might call it maturity, others nostalgia. I am not sure it really matters, except to understand that your school years have influenced who you are today. You have good and bad experiences and what I realised later in life was that you get to choose which of these you let define you.
After moving to Toowoomba, perhaps more for business than lifestyle, it was a Past Students’ Reunion that brought the opportunities of the College to the front of mind. Our 30-year reunion celebrated sharing a period of our life together whilst walking around the College that looked eerily similar to what we had lived in all those years ago.
At that time in my career, I had been fortunate enough to have experienced being part of teams that had instigated and implemented major organisational
changes. Walking through our abandoned dormitories in 2016, seeing history wasting away, all felt wrong and I took to wondering just what it might take to change an organisation as old and unique as SCOTS PGC?
Running forward to today and I find myself enormously grateful to have had this opportunity. Taking a lead role in such a strong and dedicated team that is responsible for growing the school to a stage where we are building new classrooms solely to cater for continued demand has been enormously satisfying.
Construction is a great measure of success. But buildings themselves don’t define the College; buildings are simply representative of the heart and soul of the College as it is today. In the era of renewal and growth, as we march into the new century, it feels good to be bringing new buildings into such an historic campus.
SCOTS PGC will always have a unique and special place in our hearts. If you get an opportunity to give back to your old school; think seriously about it.
1. Martin Webb at SCOTS PGC
2. Martin Webb present day
Our People
Say hello to the
SCOTS PGC
College Captains for 2023, Bridget Hardy and William Auger
Officially inducted to their leadership roles during the first week of the new school year, Bridget and William have had a stellar start to the year, leading the College with honour and integrity.
We asked both Bridget and William to describe what great leadership looks like and what sort of legacy they’d like to leave as the College heads into its 105th year.
‘Being elected College Captain is a tremendous honour, a goal that I have finally been able to achieve after many years at the College. My appreciation for all of the wonderful people in our community is immense. Being able to lead this community is something that I’ve looked forward to for a long time and I will fulfill my role through servitude and inspiring the improvement of our people. Within myself I, believed that I had both the passion and the capacity to serve my peers and the wider community, the role of College Captain would be the best place to begin with this, so I will now proceed with my intentions.’ William explains.
‘Within this role comes great responsibility, and I believe that a good leader must take responsibility for their actions and be accountable for the actions of the leadership group. This also means that we have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements within our leadership group and to support and uplift each other.’ Bridget adds.
Bridget and William have a great support network within their senior cohort –it’s a special connection among the group that has been noted by many and will add to their legacy as the Class of 2023.
‘We want to leave a positive impact on SCOTS PGC College by being the voice for our fellow peers, as well as good listeners for others to come to and bring ideas forward. Our whole class has a great rapport with each other and the College community.’ Bridget said
‘Mr Thompson has always said that you don’t necessarily need a leadership badge to be a leader, and I think that’s what is so great about the Class of 2023 – we are surrounded by a group of great people and collectively, we are a force to be reckoned with. William and I are so grateful to have the opportunity to lead not only a wonderful group of people but our whole College.’
Both Bridget and William are excited for the year ahead and are looking forward to what College leadership has in store for them.
1. 2023 Prefect Group
2. Bridget Hardy
3. William Auger
The 2023 Leadership group comprises the following students
College Captains
Bridget Hardy and William Auger
Vice Captains
Alexis Zerner and Mitchell Twidale
Prefects
Charlotte Kielly, Sophie Poole, Jessica Angus, Abby Brown, Emma Bradbury, Bryce Zerner, Fraser Collins, Daniel Hughes, Percy Kruger, Hamish Swift and Lachlan Naughten.
Clan Captains
Jesse Bohm, Paul Costello, Luke Stephenson, Ruby Noller
Boarding Captains
Adrian Titus and Makybe Edwards
Masterplan Launch
Masterplan Launch Speech Excerpt
Mr Kyle Thompson | PRINCIPAL
The College Masterplan Launch was the first major event to take place in Term 2. With parents, students, staff and members of the wider community in attendance, the Masterplan Launch provided the perfect platform to share an update on the College’s strategic intentions and progress, while also unveiling plans to make priority projects come to life.
College Chairman Martin Webb, Principal Kyle Thompson, and Amy Woodgate, who heads up the Middle School and Girls’ Boarding, were excited to share the top two priority projects born from the College’s Masterplan; the re-development of the Betty Crombie Middle School and the refurbishment of the College’s Historical Precinct.
The Historical Precinct encompasses the two traditional Boys’ Boarding Houses, School House and DeConlay House, alongside the Chapel, Cenotaph and the areas in between. We have long term plans to make this the front facing view of SCOTS PGC, to develop areas for administration and learning, as well as restoring and reinvigorating the beautiful historical aspects of the buildings.
Preliminary works have already been undertaken to bring School House back online. The College’s Finance and IT Teams have relocated to the space in newly renovated office spaces and function areas.
The re-development of the Betty Crombie Middle School is an exciting project that will see the expansion of the Middle School precinct on Oxenham Street. New ‘learning pods’ will be rolled out over four stages that will feature a range of flexible learning spaces to meet the needs of our future learners.
The key focus for the short-term future will recognise the roll out of Stages 1 and 2 with building set to commence in 2024.
While BGA applications will provide some of the funding to commence this project, the College Foundation will be embarking on a major capital campaign to source the balance of funds.
The Chairman of the College Foundation, Mr Greg Finlay, said ‘The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the development of innovative College programs and the facilities that benefit students and the support provided by our College community will ensure the vision and mission of SCOTS PGC is realised and that the College prospers into the future.”
Middle School
The Redevelopment of the Betty Crombie Middle School…
We are excited to share plans for the redevelopment of our Middle School Precinct.
Why Middle School?
The rejuvenation of Middle School at SCOTS PGC has been an important goal for us as a College. We have intentionally remained a school that has three sub-schools as we believe that this best supports the learning and development of our students.
Over the last 3 years we have seen 25-30% growth in our Middle School. This has implications on both our human and physical resources. We want to ensure that our learning spaces fully support our learning programs and the needs of our students at this age and stage of their development which is why this project has been chosen as a priority project within the overall College Masterplan. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:
Proposed External Works and Staging Plan
The addition of two new ‘learning pods’ which are referred to as General Learning Areas (GLAs) will be positioned on Oxenham Street on what is currently the vacant grassed area
The initial works will be completed in two stages
Proposed Floor Plans of Stages 1 and 2
The introduction of the learning pods feature a combination of flexible, general and specialist learning areas
What do the acronyms mean?
GLA – General Learning Area and
COLA – covered outdoor learning area
Stage 2 are specialist learning spaces that will form a part of our Future Learning Precinct for subjects such as Science, Agriculture, STEM, The Arts
Small group and individual withdrawal spaces allow for learning in small focus groups
Learning spaces are connected by fixed and flexible walls, with direct access to outdoor spaces too
Artist impressions of building perspectives
It is important that the spaces help facilitate the learning experiences and that they support the pedagogical practices being implemented. We know that Middle School students benefit from certain ways of working, from having the ability to move around the space, to make choices about how they learn and to be able to connect to one another and their teachers.
Perspectives 01
This is a significant development for the College, and it is important for us to be able maintain who we are at SCOTS PGC.
The outdoor learning spaces and the ability to connect with green spaces support our pedagogical practices while remaining authentic to who we are as a College.
The staged development will allow us to be able to operate ‘as normal’ during the construction phase in a safe manner for our community.
SCOTS PGC College Foundation is seeking support from the community to enable the re-development of the Betty Crombie Middle School.
Please contact the College Foundation Manager to pledge your support.
Drawings and artist impressions by Tanya Mathers Architecture + Design
ANZAC
426168 Flight Sergeant Colin Sheldon, 466 Squadron, RAAF
Colin Sheldon was born on 15 August 1921 and was the son of Frederick Charles and Laura Sheldon of Tyrrell Street, Stanthorpe, Queensland. He was also the husband of Phyllis Sheldon, (nee Elsley) of Stanthorpe.
Colin received his early education at Stanthorpe Primary School before entering Scots College in 1936. He very quickly asserted himself in sport at the College, where he was the Open Cross Country Champion in 1938 and 1939 and set College records on the track in the 880 yards and 1 mile events. This was said of Colin’s achievement in winning the Cross-country championship in 1939, “Although there is no official record of times for the distance, Sheldon’s excellent time of 25 minutes, 32 seconds is the best we can find. He went to the front throughout the course winning by about one minute.”
He was also a very handy cricketer playing for the First X1 in 1939 and ended with a bowling average of 23 wickets at 8.8. He was awarded Colours in Athletics, and also became a Prefect in 1939. In his studies, Colin was very diligent and attacked this challenge like he did his sport, passing his Junior Certificate in 1937 and his Senior in 1939.
After leaving Scots in 1939, Colin gained employment working for the National Bank of Australasia in the Stanthorpe branch. With the country now on a wartime footing and many young men answering the call, Colin enlisted in the R.A.A.F. He was possibly influenced in selecting the Air Force, as like many young men of Scots College, they had a role model in ex-Master George Avery, who had enlisted earlier, and visited the College to tell the awe-struck students of his experiences as a combat Pilot in the Libyan campaign. So, on 23rd May 1942, Colin was called up to undertake training.
Colin was sent to do his initial training under the Empire Air Training Scheme at Sandgate, then to do his Elementary Flying at Kingaroy. On completion of this, he was then posted to Evans Head and Parkes to do his Service Flying Training. Finally, Colin was sent to England for further training before being posted to Bomber Command. As RAAF Pilots were now being attached to the RAF’s Bomber Command, Colin was posted to the recently formed 466 Squadron flying Halifax bombers.
No.466 Squadron was formed on 10 October 1942 at Driffield, England, but when Colin arrived, they had been relocated to Leconfield. From January to April 1944, bombing of German targets continued along with minelaying operations, and Colin found himself navigating his Halifax in the Battle of Berlin.
On 30 January 1944, 466 Squadron made the first of many attacks against a German target. This was made when eight Wellington bombers attacked Emden. This was accompanied by Halifax aircraft, and Colin found himself in the thick of it. The attack was made during daylight hours with the bombers being protected by thick cloud. The crews were not used to this natural protection and two aircraft were lost. 466 Squadron was part of a force of 891 aircraft which dropped 2,643 tons of bombs on targets over Berlin losing two aircrafts.
Colin was involved in five missions over Berlin between 20 January 14 February before he set out on his last dangerous mission. On 15 February 1944, Colin and his crew took off from Leconfield and failed to return.
Colin was listed as missing until 1946, when his next of kin were notified that he and his crew were buried in Grootegast (Opende) Protestant Churchyard, Row 63 Coll. Grave 1-7.
Lest We Forget
Lest We Forget
Teaching & Learning
Warwick Show Success
Our Cattle Show Team soared to new heights when they were awarded one of the most prestigious prizes that most local beef producers aspire to… ‘The Grand Champion Beast of the Warwick Show.’
Daniel Hughes, who captains the Show Team alongside Maddy Taylor said the team was naturally ecstatic about the win. “We feel honored to receive Grand Champion Beast in the Prime Cattle section at the Warwick Show out of approximately 120 head of cattle. The team was very grateful to the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society Inc and their sponsors to receive approximately $1000 in cash and prizes for the College.”
“The steer was then sold at auction by auctioneer Dennis Bourke of McDougall and Sons that afternoon to almost $2000” Dan explained.
“We’re really pleased with our decision to nominate the steer into the steer class, not only to win his class but also Champion Steer, then Grand Champion Beast of Show. It was an honor to take out that top prize.”
The Cattle Show Team has travelled to many of the local agricultural shows around the region during the first term alongside the College’s Sheep Club who equally experienced excellent success.
1. Georgina Buchan, Mackenzie Taylor and Cruz Hamilton
2. Ben Carey, Daniel Hughes and Nicholas Hughes
3. Grand Champion Beast of the Show
4. Nicholas Hughes accepts the Grand Champion ribbon at the Warwick Show
5. Cattle Club Prizes from 2023 Warwick Show
Teaching & Learning
Founding a love of literacy
Ms Amanda Hall | HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
It is recognised that the early years of education are the foundation for a child’s academic journey.
At SCOTS PGC College, we have implemented a structured literacy approach that utilises decodable texts from Decodable Readers Australia. Decodable texts allow students to apply their phonics knowledge in a meaningful and purposeful context. They are designed to support the development of phonemic awareness and phonics skills, which are crucial in the acquisition of reading fluency
The texts are carefully levelled to ensure that students are challenged but not overwhelmed, and they are given ample opportunity to practice and consolidate their skills in the classroom but also at home.
In addition to decodable texts, regular Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) sessions are held with Year 12 leaders. These sessions allow for a shared love of reading to be fostered among the students, while also providing an opportunity for students to practice their reading fluency and comprehension skills. The Year 12 leaders act as positive role models, demonstrating a passion for reading and encouraging their younger peers to engage in reading as a pleasurable and valuable activity.
Our structured approach to early years’ literacy, has had a significant impact on literacy outcomes at SCOTS PGC College. Students are developing strong foundational skills in phonics and reading fluency, which in turn, is leading to improved comprehension and a love of reading. By providing a structured approach to literacy, we are setting our students up for success in their academic journey and beyond.
It is important to note that the implementation of a structured approach to literacy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires careful planning and implementation, with a focus on the individual needs of each student.
At SCOTS PGC College, we have a team of dedicated educators who work together to ensure that our literacy approach is tailored to the needs of our students. We are excited to be on this literacy journey with our early years students as it is having such a positive impact on our students’ literacy outcomes and is setting them up for success in their academic journey and beyond.
1. Alexis Zerner and Prep Students reading outdoors
2. Bryce Zerner reads with Year 1 student Maisie Judd
3. College Captain Bridget Hardy reading in Year 2
4. Mitch Twidale reads with Prep students
Teaching & Learning
A badge of Honour…
Bridget Hardy | COLLEGE CAPTAIN
Each year we, as a Year 12 cohort, devise a ‘theme’ for the year ahead of us. This theme not only represents how we plan to represent the school, but also the legacy that we want to leave after our time here.
This year we have had the ‘honour’ of presenting our 2023 theme of the year badges to our College peers and this year, our theme, is in fact, ‘honour’.
Honour is the quality of acting with honesty, respect, and integrity. When devising this theme, we wanted to choose a word that carried on the legacy of our past themes, such as spirit, and pride, and we also wanted to choose a word that we believed students could apply to every aspect of their lives, and eventually be embodied involuntarily.
Honour represents everything that our school stands for: spirit, authenticity, tenacity, respect, and excellence.
When presenting students with this badge we encouraged each student to embrace the value of honour by making it a special part of their everyday lives. This includes honouring our uniform by wearing it correctly, honouring friends and teachers by treating them with kindness and respect, and honouring our school by embracing the community values, friendship, and opportunities that we have. By doing so, we’ll collectively inspire others to do the same.
The badges pinned to our blazers and shirt collars serve as a reminder of our commitment to honour. Whether it is in the classroom, in the playground, or when playing sport, these badges are a symbol to embrace the value of honour in every aspect of our lives.
3. Alexis Zerner & Ivy Hurse
4. Eliana Amos & Jessica Angus
1. The ‘honour’ badge
2. Bridget Hardy & Maddie Bayley
5. Casey Byrne & Percy Kruger
Boarding
105 Years of Girls’ education at PGC
A message from our 2023 Girls’ Boarding Captain, Makybe Edwards
Ever since 1918, young girls have had the opportunity to be educated at PGC, both as Presbyterian Girls College (PGC) and after amalgamation as SCOTS PGC College. Although we current girls think of PGC as our home away from home, for many of you it was classrooms and school as well.
When originally commissioned in 1918, by founders Mr R J Shilliday and Mr B T de Conlay, with support from Mr W R Black, Presbyterian Girls’ College was a place for girls to undertake a quality education. This was a time of great change and development in Australia, 18 years after Federation and at the end of WWI. Secondary schooling was not compulsory and the Southern Downs was a centre of agricultural production and processing as well as a transport hub.
For country people, transport links, most notably rail improved during this time, and it was possible to travel to Warwick by train from almost anywhere in Queensland. Presbyterian Girls College, under the guidance of Miss Mackness, its first Principal, began with 53 students, including eleven boarders and thirteen kindergarten students. The initial trend of day students outnumbering boarders lasted until 1920, when boarders became the predominant group of students.
Over the last 20 years day students have been in the majority at SCOTS PGC College, however boarding students are a key part of SCOTS PGC and make up 30 per cent of the current student population from Years 7 – 12.
Currently there are almost 60 girls residing at the Locke St campus, fondly still known as PGC.
Over the past ten years, most of the dormitories have been refurbished to create modern, air-conditioned, single room accommodation for girls across all age groups and beautiful common spaces.
This August 19 we are inviting you all to return to our majestic gardens to celebrate 105 years of Girls’ Education at PGC.
We have planned a mid-morning brunch in the gardens and have organised some of the College bands and choir to help create the atmosphere. All of our dormitories will be open for you to stroll through and reminisce about your days at Locke St. We are really looking forward to hearing all of your stories. Please let us know if you can join us and invite all of your friends as well.
Scan the QR code to register your interest for this event or phone the College 07 4666 9811 for more details.
Past Students
Peter Pickering Dedication
The Peter Pickering Staff Common Room was officially dedicated in March, honoring Mr. Pickering’s 45 years of service to SCOTS PGC. The ceremony included a special plaque and portrait unveiling, with Mr. Pickering sharing highlights and values from his career. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have inspired generations of students and educators, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come. The dedication of this common room is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to the College and its community. Congratulations to Mr. Pickering on this well-deserved honour.
3.
4.
1. Ann Muir and Mary Johnstone
2. Joan Darracott and Mavis Simpson
Rayelee McBride and Andrew Costello
Mavis Simpson and Peter Pickering
5. Andrew Muir, Ian Muir, Peter Pickering, John Muir, Angus Muir and Trevor Donaldson
PSA Reunion
We extend our sincere appreciation to all past students who attended the reunion. It was a momentous occasion as we celebrated our shared history and the legacy of our school. On the Friday afternoon, we officially dedicated ‘The Peter Pickering Staff Common Room’, where we unveiled a special plaque and portrait of the man himself, Mr Pickering, in front of both past and present College staff and students.
Friday afternoon then rolled into Saturday, and we hosted our March Past Student Reunion. It was fantastic to see our past students return to the College to reconnect and reminisce about their time here. Many enjoyed the opportunity to catch up over lunch and take a walk around to revisit some of their favourite parts of the campus at both Oxenham and Locke Streets.
As Foundation Chairman and past student of the College, I am very pleased to acknowledge the pledge of $93,000 from the Past Student Association towards the Briggs Oval Appeal. This donation, along with others received from our generous past student community, will help us ensure the Briggs Oval fence is once again looking its best.
The Foundation wishes to sincerely thank all members of our community who have recently supported our fundraising initiatives. In particular, we thank an anonymous donor who has supported the Foundation through an incredible donation of $100,000.
Greg Finlay CHAIR OF FOUNDATION
1. Barbara Brown and Student Leaders
2. Laurel Cornford (nee Cochrane) and Merilyn Playsted (nee Sweet)
3. Paul Markey and Ian Burrows
4. Cameron Niven, Martin Webb and Jim Cameron
5. L-R Paul Markey, John Muir, Caillum Coleman, Will Auger, Alec Peden and Greg Finlay
6. James Coggan, Robert Auger, Rob Cummings, Matthew Jones and Zaneta Ross
Past Students
PSA Reunion cont.
Did You Know?
The 1971 ‘Bedathon’
‘What is a Bedathon?’ you may ask. The memories of this crazy feat came flooding back at a Reunion event last year when we welcomed back the Class of 1972 for their 50-year Reunion.
In 1971 a group of SCOTS PGC boys banded together to raise funds to put towards a tour to Scotland for the Pipes and Drums. Their challenge was to push a hospital bed from Warwick to Toowoomba and raise funds by seeking donations on a ‘per kilometre’ basis from local business houses.
The bed was donated by the Warwick Hospital and push bike wheels and steering were added by the Manual Arts department to provide an element of basic functionality and ease of use. All in all, the painstaking trip took 9 hours and 52 minutes from Warwick to Toowoomba – a gallant effort from our SCOTS boys!
Kuljit Narula recalled “I still have great memories of what seemed a never ending effort to push a bed on wheels for a worthy cause with crude steering for nearly 10 hours by 12 Scots boys!”
“I can recall semi drivers attempting to donate by throwing coins out the window as they went past at speed and frighteningly close. Mostly the coins hit the bitumen and are still somewhere beside the road. General motorists tended to just honk their horn in moral support rather than a financial contribution” said John Robertson.
The group reflected on their Bedathon feat at the 2022 Past Student Reunion. They made some valuable observations and wished they had done things a little differently:
Businesses sponsored at the level of several cents per km as it was considered a long way to Toowoomba so the end result was only a couple of dollars each.
They had to make a second visit to each donor to collect their couple of dollars, so they wished they’d have asked for a lump sum up front.
The end result was about $160 which wouldn’t have paid for the bus to Brisbane so it went into “general revenue”, however, the camaraderie and friendships that were cemented during this time are priceless and still as strong as ever to this day.
The Bedathon participants were:
Robert Butler, Ian Campbell, Lionel Kerr, John Robertson, Jasbir Narula, Kuljit Narula, Rod May, Pat Witton, Mark Richards, Robert Hart, Kamaruddin Che Lah and Rodger Cochrane
Did You Know?
Dr Brent Finlay | CLASS OF 1979
Brent Finlay is an Australian agricultural leader who has made significant contributions to the industry over his 40 years of experience. He attended SCOTS PGC College from 1975-1979, where his father, uncles, aunts, siblings and many cousins also attended. His father, Scott Finlay, was the College Chair for many years and his cousin Greg Finlay is currently the Foundation Chairman, showing the strong ties Brent and his family have to the College.
Throughout his career, Brent Finlay led numerous community and agricultural production groups, including serving as the President of the National Farmers Federation (NFF) from 2013-2016. He also held leadership positions in AgForce Queensland, the World Farm Organization based in Rome, and the Consultative Committee for the Commonwealth of Australia Future Drought Fund, where he currently serves as Chair.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the Australian Agriculture Industry, Brent Finlay was awarded an honorary Doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland. He is highly regarded for his expertise in the field, and his consultancy and project management firm, Finlay Agricultural Industries Pty Ltd, reinforces his continued commitment to the industry.
In addition to his professional work, Brent Finlay is also involved in his family farming enterprise, “Cooinda” Partnership, where he serves as Managing Director. His passion for agriculture runs deep, and he has dedicated his life to improving the industry and advocating for the needs of farmers.
Overall, Brent Finlay’s lifelong dedication to the agricultural industry has made him a highly respected and influential leader in Australia. His commitment to his family, his community, and his profession is a testament to his character and his unwavering determination to make a difference in the world.
SCOTS PGC Marriages
GEORGE WEDDING –SCOTS PGC NUMBER
102
Jaime Slattery (Class of 2010) and Wes George (Class of 2012) were married in November 2022
FULWOOD WEDDING – SCOTS PGC NUMBER 103
Ashleigh Whittaker (Class of 2013) and Harry Fulwood (Class of 2013)
Ashleigh and Harry were married in April 2023. The majority of their wedding party comprised past students and there was a strong contingent of past students who also helped them celebrate their special day.
Stephen
James West, Matthew Bourke, Wendy Whittaker, Beth McNamara, Ashleigh Fulwood (nee Whittaker), Harry Fulwood, Joe Fulwood, Amelia Cowley, Tim Sharpe, Levi Tanner, Giorgia Brennan, Keiran Bourke, Grace Brennan, Will Malone, Lauren Whittaker, Matthew Locke, Matthew Whittaker, Bailea Fatnowna
Group Photo: Marty Campbell, Matthew Bass, Ajay Anjganjuan, Tamar Stanfield Roche, James Skehan, Saul Whiley, Tahlia Fatnowna, Caitlin Hay (nee Bucknall), Tabatha McDouall, Laura Debnam, Bryce Lamb, Megan Allen, Bodie Gorey , Hadley Dearden,
Turnbull,
Past Students
With Sympathies
Robert Johnson (1956 – 1959)
Bob was a remarkable individual who lived a life full of adventure, learning, and meaningful connections. He made many lifelong friends during his years at Scots College and discovered his passion for playing the bagpipes, which opened many doors for him throughout his life
The Past Student Association website provides more information on past student obituaries. To read the full version, please visit the website.
After graduating from the University of Queensland in Applied Science and Chemical Engineering, Bob worked in various sugar industries around the world for over two decades. He then retired to a life on the land, starting with a sheep property and then a stone fruit orchard. Despite facing health challenges in his later years, he remained resilient and put up a brave fight against his illness. Bob is survived by his wife Sue, son Roderick, daughters Sheena (Class of 1992) and Abigail (Class of 1994), and eight grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Dr Jean Calder AC (1950-1951).
The PSA extends sincere condolences to families and friends of the following past students
David Sweet (1969)
Graham Blake (1948-1950)
Willie Higham (1951 –1953)
Wade Kajewski (1986-1987)
Keith Ronald Horne (1951-1956)
Dr Jean Calder AC (1950-1951)
Helen Phyllis Symes (nee Hooper) (1949-1952)
Cedric Woltman (1945 - 1947)
Mary Lowe (nee Warren) (1948 - 1949)
Charlotte Brock (nee Speed) (1956-1960)
William Turner (2020-2022)
Laurence Meacle (2006-2010)
Robert Johnson (1956-1959)
Lynette Elizabeth Parker (nee Morters) (1954-1957)
Jean Calder was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping others, particularly disabled children in the Middle East. She was born in Australia and attended PGC where she was inspired by her teacher, Miss Taylor. After completing her studies to become a general teacher, she pursued her interest in special education and obtained a PhD in the United States.
Her passion for helping children in need led her to volunteer in Beirut, where she met Dalal, a blind 4-year-old girl who she adopted as her daughter, and two disabled boys who soon became her sons. She also contributed to the Palestinian Red Crescent Rehabilitation Centre in Cairo. Her work in Beirut became dangerous due to the war,
and she was eventually deported. However, she was reunited with Dalal, Badr, and Hamoudi through a miracle.
Jean moved with the children to Gaza when it opened, and she set up the Rehabilitation Centre once again. Her tireless efforts were recognised when she received the Companion of Australia Award in 2005 and the Honorary Doctor of Science Degree and Alumna of the year from the University of Queensland in 2012.
Jean was an inspiration to many and loved by those who knew her. Her legacy continues through the lives of the children she helped and the people she inspired to make a difference. Her passing late last year was mourned by many around the world.
Join us for Assembly to remember and honour the founders of SCOTS PGC College. Details will be published in the Past Student newsletter
In 1948, the Finlay family’s donation of bagpipes and drums sparked the creation of the SCOTS PGC College kilted Pipes and Drums. 75 years later, the College is hosting the first-ever Australian Juvenile Pipe Band Championships and the Australian Solo Championships from September 28th to 30th in conjunction with CelticFest.
The kilts, acquired 75 years ago, are an iconic symbol of SCOTS PGC and are proudly worn by the College Pipes and Drums, student leaders and historically by the College Cadet Corps.
To celebrate this milestone, the College hopes to bring together past players to form a past student band that can participate in the CelticFest street march and get together at the championships.
The College is proud to continue this tradition of promoting Scottish culture and music, and the upcoming championships are a testament to their dedication and passion. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate this milestone, showcasing the talent and hard work of the performers.
The SCOTS PGC College Pipes and Drums have a lasting legacy, and their contribution to the College and the wider community is immeasurable. The upcoming championships are a fitting tribute to their 75 years of excellence, and we look forward to seeing as many past members as possible at this event.
