Lion & Thistle | October 2023

Lion & Thistle

OCTOBER 2023

Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q) CRICOS 00537M

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Lion & Thistle

OCTOBER 2023

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 Jarrod Turner 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 October 2023 #115 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, Annabelle Spann and other contributors.

Cover: Year 6 Student, Zoey-Ella Nowlan and Past PGC student, staff and Council member, Mrs Sally Fraser at the 105 Years of PGC celebrations. Photographer – Annabelle Spann.

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OCTOBER 2023

From the Principal Mr Kyle Thompson The Importance of a School’s History I often say our school’s history is the foundation on which our school operates and from which it looks to the future. It is more than just a collection of dates and events; it is a living narrative that shapes the identity and character of SCOTS PGC College today. It is a source of inspiration, a guide for decisionmaking, and a reminder of the values and traditions that have made the school who it is today.

Our school’s history is a testament to our tenacity. At SCOTS PGC, we live our values of tenacity every day, as well as valuing respect – respect in regard to those who have gone before us. When we delve into the past of our school, we often uncover stories of perseverance in the face of adversity, dedication to education, and the commitment of generations of educators and students to our school. These stories remind us that a school is more than just a physical structure; it is a place where knowledge is nurtured, friendships are formed, and futures are shaped. Schools are people.

Understanding and appreciating our history can instil a sense of pride and belonging in current students and staff, fostering a stronger and deeper sense of community.

SCOTS PGC’s history provides valuable lessons and insights that can inform our present and future. By studying past successes and challenges, we can make informed decisions about our school’s development, our teaching methods, and our educational priorities. We can draw inspiration from the achievements of past leaders, both students and staff, using their experiences to guide our own efforts to continuously improve what we do and how we do it.

Our school’s history helps maintain a sense of continuity and tradition. It connects the past, present, and future, creating a sense of belonging and identity among students, alumni, and staff. Celebrating milestones and anniversaries provides an opportunity to bring together the entire school community, fostering a sense of unity and pride. We have seen this demonstrated this year through the 105-year celebration of PGC’s formation, the 75th anniversary of the kilt, and the celebration of Betty Crombie’s contribution to the school as both a student and an educator. Special events, reunions, and commemorations allow individuals to connect with their school’s history on a personal level, creating lasting memories and deepening their emotional attachment to the institution.

it comes to fundraising efforts, something we need to develop further as we move into our future, those involved often consider a school’s heritage and reputation when looking to support future developments and initiatives.

The school’s history should serve as a source of inspiration for our students. When students learn about the achievements of past graduates, they can envision their own potential and aspire to make their mark on the world.

Knowing that they are part of a tradition of excellence can motivate students to work hard, strive for success, and carry on the legacy of those who came before them.

The importance of our history cannot be overstated, and I am proud that this Lion and Thistle has a strong focus in this edition on our history, our people and in doing so, honouring the past in a way that is important and just.

This past is a source of inspiration, a guide for decisionmaking, a source of pride and belonging, and a bridge that connects the past, present, and future. We should actively preserve and celebrate our history, ensuring that the stories of tenacity, spirit, authenticity, respect, and excellence, continue to inspire and shape our great school.

By understanding and appreciating our history, SCOTS PGC will thrive and continue to make a positive impact on generations to come.

SCOTS PGC College’s history is arguably our most valuable asset and one which cannot be bought by others. When

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Honouring our Past PGC Celebrates 105 Years Our College has a long and rich history and our Principal, Mr Kyle Thompson, often proudly quotes ‘Our school’s history is something that cannot be bought, and it will always uniquely belong to us.’

The Presbyterian Girls College (PGC) was officially opened on 14 August 1918. Significant birthdays don’t come by every day, so when they do it’s important to make the most of the moment and celebrate! This year we celebrate 105 years of PGC. So, to mark the occasion, on Saturday August 19, we welcomed old PGC girls from across the decades back to their home at Glenbrae House for a special birthday Garden Party. Here they had the opportunity to walk through the green gates, climb the sandstone stairs and walk the halls of their beloved PGC. It was a wonderful morning for a Garden Party and our current PGC boarders loved welcoming past students to their home, showing them around and hearing their stories. Our Junior Choir sang the traditional PGC school song ‘With the Hills’ and the girls within our Pipes and Drums played some tunes as well.

Our birthday guests sang, ate, and remembered the good old days and of course, we had cake! It was very special for our Year 6 boarder, Zoey-Ella, to stand alongside our most senior PGC girl on the grounds, Mrs Sally Fraser, to cut the cake.

Thank you to all who returned to PGC to celebrate – this was a milestone we are truly proud of!

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L - R Dawn Counsell (nee Wilkie) & Glenda Grayson (nee Wilkie)

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L - R Alexis Zerner, Sally Fraser (nee Ottosen) & Bridget Hardy

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L - R Emma Smith (nee Lowrey), Julie Dunsmuir (nee Thomspon), Sharee Lawder, Zoe Huntley & Carissa Franco (nee Connors)

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L - R Amy Woodgate (Head of Girls’ Boarding) & Caroline Brodar (former Head of Girls’ Boarding)

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OCTOBER 2023

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Mitch Twidale, Laurel Cornford (nee Cochrane) & Alexis Zerner

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Current girls welcome past girls home to PGC

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Barbara Brown (nee Clarke)

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Reminiscing over PGC memories

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The girls of the SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums, led by Pipe Major Rosalie Mauch

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The McFarland family from Bingara

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Current PGC girls enjoyed celebrating 105 years of PGC

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Honouring our Past

Betty Crombie Middle School Turns 20 To mark the occasion of the Betty Crombie Middle School’s 20th anniversary, we hosted a special assembly and invited back some key guests to help us reflect on some of the things we love most about our Middle School.

When listening to our guest speakers Mrs Brown (past Head of Middle School) and Ms Amy Woodgate (our current Head of Middle School), it was noted that perhaps one of the most special things about our Middle School is not necessarily the buildings or facilities but more importantly, the people within it.

It is fitting to say that perhaps the most special person we remembered on the day was Mrs Betty Crombie (nee Deane-Butcher). We were honoured to host Mr David Crombie AM (Betty’s son) who was also a past student of our College and humbled to be a part of our celebrations for the day.

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We also welcomed back some other past students including Mrs Pennie Hammond, who was a student at PGC when Mrs Crombie was Co-Principal. Our Year 1 students were delighted to hear what school was like from both Pennie and David who paid a visit to their classroom.

They were intrigued to know what they ate for lunch and the subjects they learned.

While it was great to reflect on the last 20 years of the Betty Crombie Middle School, we are equally excited to see what’s in store for the next 20 years!

Watch the video about the future plans for the Betty Crombie Middle School.

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OCTOBER 2023

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Year 1 students loved hearing stories from our special visitors about their school days at Scots and PGC.

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Mrs Pennie Hammond (nee Hill) shared memories of her time at PGC as a young girl with students from Year 1.

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Mr David Crombie also enjoyed speaking to our Junior School students about his days as a Scots’ boy.

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Mr Kyle Thompson (Principal), Mr David Crombie & Ms Amy Woodgate (Director of Girls’ Boarding and Head of Middle School).

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VIP Guests enjoy the special assembly to celebrate 20 Years of the Betty Crombie Middle School.

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Our People

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Grandparents Day in the Junior School On Friday September 8, the SCOTS PGC Junior School was abuzz with excitement and warmth as we welcomed over 150 special visitors to our classrooms for Grandparents and Friends Day. It was a day filled with love, learning, and cherished memories.

Our students couldn’t wait to showcase their hard work to their beloved grandparents and special friends. From colourful artwork adorning the walls to math projects displayed with pride, the classrooms were transformed into vibrant showcases of young talent and creativity.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the interactions between the students and their guests. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends marvelled at the

progress their young, loved ones had made. The joy on the children’s faces as they proudly explained their projects and shared their favourite lessons was a sight to behold.

To make the day even more special, we served a delightful morning tea and coffee, giving our guests a chance to connect with other members of the SCOTS PGC community. Laughter and conversations flowed freely as friendships were forged and old stories shared.

As the day came to a close, there was a sense of fulfilment and contentment in the air. Grandparents and Friends Day was a reminder of the invaluable role our elders play in our lives and the importance of fostering strong connections within our school community.

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OCTOBER 2023

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Students lead our guests from assembly to the Junior School classrooms

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Hudson Duff (facing camera) and his Prep friends share what they love about their grandparents at Assembly

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Laura and James Dare with their family

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Josephine and Solis Mahoney and their family

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Grace Murphy with her mum and grandmother

Our People Middle School Grandparents Program: Fostering Connections and Compassion We are thrilled to introduce our latest initiative, the Middle School Grandparents Program, an initiative that resonates with our core values and strengthens our community through intergenerational connections. Partnering with Churches of Christ Aged Care, this collaboration connects our Year 8 students with residents of the aged care facility

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During Term 3, some of our Year 8 students embarked on their first visit to the aged care facility, and the experience was nothing short of heart-warming. They had the privilege of meeting several residents, engaging in conversations, and sharing stories and experiences. The interactions were a beautiful blend of youthful enthusiasm and the wisdom that comes with age.

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Our Middle School Grandparents Program is designed to ensure sustained interactions.

Every Monday during lunchtimes and Wellbeing sessions, Year 8 students who have volunteered to be part of the program will visit the aged care facility. This consistent engagement allows relationships to develop and flourish, as genuine connections are forged.

The program’s primary focus is built upon our Pastoral Care Philosophy and aims to foster connections between our students and the residents. Students learn the importance of caring for our elders, while the residents find joy in nurturing the growth of the younger generation. It is a journey of growth for all involved. The exchange of wisdom from the elderly provides our students with valuable insights, guiding their personal development whilst the genuine exchange of stories, kindness and compassion underscores the value of authenticity within our community.

This program encapsulates our commitment to positive relationships and care. By knowing and understanding one another, we become part of something bigger, cultivating a community of good character that positively influences our greater community.

We look forward to sharing more stories from the Middle School Grandparents Program as it evolves throughout the year.

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Indigo Cruice and her new friend from the Middle School Grandparents morning

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Cody Baker enjoyed chatting with residents from Churches of Christ Aged Care Centre

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Smile the for camera!

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Residents from Churches of Christ enjoyed being introduced to Chloe Harm and Hannah Bourke.

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Foundation Founders’ Day – A new tradition at SCOTS PGC On Monday September 4, our whole school community gathered in front of School House, just as they did back in 1920 at the official opening of The Scots College. With bunting flying from the Clock Tower, we celebrated our Founders, Mr BT de Conlay and Mr RJ Shilliday. These two men shared a vision that Warwick could have two fine Presbyterian schools. This audacious vision was supported by the generous Brisbane philanthropist, Mr W R Black.

Together the men worked closely together to establish our great schools. On Founders Day we pay tribute to these visionaries and all those who have supported the Colleges throughout the years.

To honour our rich history, we took a visual walk down memory lane, students wore attire from the early 1900’s and vintage cars were on display. Uniforms from the past were proudly worn and paraded. We also remembered key moments in our Colleges history including the evacuation of the College in 1942 and the amalgamation in 1970.

This year we celebrated 75 years of our Cameron of Erracht tartan kilts and the donation from the Finlay family to establish our Pipe and Drum band. A framed original kilt was unveiled as part of the ceremony and now proudly hangs in the Cedar room of School House.

As a College with such a rich, long history, it is important for us to always honour our past and those who came before us.

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Year 12 students, Percy Kruger and Luke Stephenson wear the traditional Scots ‘cardinal and gold’ blazers and boaters

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Wearing traditional PGC and period costumes, from left, Jessica Angus, Ruby Noller and Bridget Hardy

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Year 12 student, Sophie Poole

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Our Founders’ Day ‘walk down memory lane’ showcased uniforms from throughout the decades at both Scots and PGC

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Graeme Allen and Doug Partington attended with their Model T Fords

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OCTOBER 2023

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75 Years of the Kilt This year marks 75 years since the introduction of our ‘Cameron of Erracht’ kilts which have been worn proudly over the decades by our Cadet Corps and Pipe Band.

1948 Scots boys march past town hall

1998 Pipe Band performs at Ballymore

1958 Mr Dunning inspecting the Pipe Band

2001 Pipers on ANZAC DAY

1965 Pipe Band

2010 Pipe Band in ANZAC procession

1974 Pipe Band

2013 ANZAC Tour near Menin Gate, Ypres

1988 Expo

2023 SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums at the Australian Juvenile Pipe Band Championships in their 75th year

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Teaching and Learning 2

An arty evening in honour of the late John Simpson The annual SCOTS PGC College Art Show was once again a visual feast and a spectacular display of the creative minds within our College.

This year was extra special as we dedicated the evening to the late Mr John Simpson, who taught at SCOTS PGC for more than three decades. John was a SCOTS PGC icon and well loved by all who knew him. It was wonderful to be able to remember John alongside Mrs Mavis Simpson, who was our special guest for the evening.

The WALEC was abuzz with visitors who were happy to meander around and take in all that was on show. Selected pieces were also sold via a silent auction with proceeds going towards hosting an ‘Artist in Residence’ program at SCOTS PGC.

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A selection of John’s own art was also on show which helped us all remember the great man he was and the legacy he has left behind.

All in all, it was another great cultural celebration of the College and a great way to bring our community together to acknowledge some of the magic that happens within the classroom. Congratulations to all involved.

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John Simpson’s work was front and centre at this year’s SCOTS PGC Art Show

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Junior art on display at the SCOTS PGC Art Show

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Senior artists make the most of textiles and mixed media in their work

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L-R Joan Darracott, Peter Pickering & Mavis Simpson

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OCTOBER 2023

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Teaching and Learning SCOTS PGC proudly presents ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ During June, the College Assembly Hall came to life as our senior students took to the stage to perform Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, The Taming of the Shrew.

The audience was transported to the vibrant world of Padua, where the story took place.

Under the guidance of our passionate and dedicated drama teacher, Ms Woodbine and supported by Ms Cole, the Assistant Director, the cast and crew spent months rehearsing, perfecting their lines, blocking scenes, and designing sets that truly captured the essence of Renaissance Italy.

Leading the charge were two talented actors who brought Katherine and Petruchio to life: Lelia Stiles and Lachlan Naughten. Both characters were brilliantly portrayed Katherine, both feisty and sharp-tongued with a fiery spirit but also vulnerable while Petruchio on the other hand, was both charismatic and persistent.

Of course, a production of this magnitude would not have been possible without the remarkable ensemble cast, who infused each scene with energy, humour, and depth.

The play was an excellent representation of the cultural offering available at SCOTS PGC.

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The cast of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’

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Lead actors, Lelia Stiles and Lachlan Naughten

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Cast members William Auger and Bridget Hardy

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Teaching and Learning 1

The sounds of Scotland at SCOTS PGC College SCOTS PGC College was very proud to have hosted the inaugural Australian Juvenile Pipe Band Championships and the Australian Solo Championships from Thursday, September 28th, to Saturday, September 30th.

Approximately 10 juvenile bands from around Australia travelled to take part, including Presbyterian Ladies College Sydney, Presbyterian Ladies College Melbourne, Scotch College Melbourne, The Scots School Albury Pipe Band (Winners of the World Pipe Band Grade 4B Championships 2023), Ballarat Grammar, Knox Grammar School (Sydney), and Granville Boys High School. These bands had joined SCOTS PGC College’s own Pipes and Drums, Brisbane Boys College, and the Queensland Police Juvenile Pipe Band.

The event included a range of activities for juvenile band members, including a series of workshops supported by a Regional Arts Development Fund grant,

which focused on skills development and creating connections between pipers and drummers from across the country. Participants later took part in both band and solo competitions. The band competition commenced on Friday afternoon with the Freestyle section, where bands performed featuring music that included other instruments either played by members of the band or to a backing track. The start of the Solo Championships were also held which started with the A Grade performers playing at various venues around the College. Saturday was dedicated to The Australian Juvenile Championships, which involved 24 band performances on Briggs Oval, followed by the remaining grades of solo performances, totalling 250 solo performances across piping and drumming – Australia’s largest ever piping and drumming solo competition.

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The Massed Bands performed in the closing ceremony of the Championships

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The SCOTS PGC Pipes and Drums

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The Amos family enjoyed their first National Juvenile Pipe Band event

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Solo performers from Brisbane Boys College

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Solo performer, Ainsley Hart in the College Chapel

Thank You You may have noticed our brand new fence is now in place and Briggs Oval is now complete again.

Our College Ovals suffered significant damage during the 2021 floods and our picket fence at Briggs bore the brunt of the mighty Condamine River.

Through our ‘Save the wicket, buy a picket’ campaign, our SCOTS PGC community, most notably our past students, raised funds to contribute towards replacing our iconic picket fence - a project valued at $250K. Our new fence panels are to designed to adjust to water flow so we are better equipped to handle future floods.

So, from us to you... we’d like to say a huge ‘THANK YOU!’ Scan the QR code to hear from our students…

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Teaching and Learning FarmFest & EKKA Our annual outing to FarmFest and the EKKA provided opportunities for our Agriculture, Industrial Engineering, Cattle and Sheep Club students to connect with industry partners and showcase their skills and knowledge in their respective interest areas.

At FarmFest, SCOTS PGC students once again took out the award for the ‘Most successful competing school’ after impressing judges in the cattle ring. Our Engineering students also displayed agricultural products they’d fabricated in their Certificate II Engineering classes over the course of the year which included portable yards and hay feeders. The hay feeders were auctioned on site by Ryan Bohm, George Handley and Robert Flint who were keen to showcase their auctioneering skills.

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As always, FarmFest was well attended by our past student community – it was great to catch up with so many old Collegians of SCOTS PGC College.

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Year 11 students Ryan Bohm and Robert Flint auctioning off the hay feeders at FarmFest

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George Handley in the cattle ring at FarmFest

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Catching up at FarmFest, Andrew Backhouse, Sarah Henry and John Backhouse

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George Handley, Kyle Thompson, William Bryant and Ben Carey at FarmFest

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The Sheep Show Team at this year’s EKKA

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Winners of the Team Cattle Judging at this year’s EKKA, Daniel Hughes, ben Carey and Georgia Mulcahy

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Winners of the EKKA merino fleece judging, Connor Ryan, Abby Brown, Matilda Judd, Benn Hunter, Amelia Kuhn and Maggie Myer

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The EKKA is the pinnacle event for our Cattle and Sheep Show teams.

This year, our students were very successful in a range of events and represented the College with pride.

In the cattle ring, Dan Hughes, Ben Carey and Georgia Mulcahy brought home the blue ribbon and were named winners of the Team Judging event.

A number of students also experienced individual success in a range of other classes.

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It was a similar story in the sheep ring. Our students brought home a range of ribbons for various events but topped the charts for the merino wool fleece judging where it was a SCOTS PGC clean sweep for first, second and third.

We’re looking to build on these successes as our programs develop.

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Teaching and Learning Our champions on the national stage Our elite sporting stars have experienced some excellent success so far this year.

Bailey Harm In the pool, Bailey Harm, came home with a swag of medals from the National Swimming Championships.

Zara Kruger On the football pitch, our very own Zara Kruger recently secured a contract to play for Sydney FC and also toured as part of the ‘Young Matildas’ Under 20 Australian Women’s National Football Team earlier this year.

Zara will be graduating this year and has her sights set on one day representing Australia at the Olympics and in a World Cup.

He was the fastest in country for the 15 years 50m freestyle and the 15/16 years medley which earned him the gold medal and title of National Champion. He also collected medals for 50m breastroke (silver), 4 x 50m freestyle relay (gold), 4 x 100m freestyle relay (bronze) and 10 x 50 State vs State Mixed freestyle (silver). A gallant effort in all respects!

Sophie Brennan The Marcus Oldham Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships were hosted during early October and we are very proud to share that Sophie Brennan is the Australian National Secondary Preliminary Dressage Champion.

Sophie and her horse, Beechwood Lavita, won both of the Preliminary Dressage Tests which led to their ultimate crowning. They also picked up 2nd place in the Novice 2.2 Dressage test placing 9th overall in the Secondary Novice event. The Queensland Dressage Team placed 3rd overall.

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Boarding Northern Boarding Tour Among this year’s travel schedule, we had the opportunity to venture north. David Marriott, our Director of Boys’ Boarding, alongside his wife, Jodi, and Kate Coleman from the Advancement Office set off in early June for Julia Creek. The first leg of the trip included the ICPA Queensland State Conference before the team then travelled towards Winton to stop in and say hello to the Zammit family at their property outside of Julia Creek.

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Jamie and Trina Zammit have four sons - Darcy, Hank, Cody and Oran, all of whom are (or have been) boarding students at SCOTS PGC College. Darcy finished Year 12 in 2021 as the Boys’ Boarding Captain and now his younger brothers are making their way through the ranks.

It’s safe to say, Mr and Mrs Marriott loved visiting Wyreema Station. It was great to see where the Zammit boys call home and experience a little of what’s in their big backyard when they go home for holidays. We were very grateful to the Zammit family for their wonderful hospitality and opening their home to us.

The relationships we build within our community - especially in boarding are very special to us.

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The last part of the trip covered the Richmond Field Days, which was an opportunity for us to showcase the SCOTS PGC offering to the northern communities. We’re looking forward to visiting the region again in 2024.

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Mrs Jodi Marriott on tour in Central Queensland

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Mrs Trina Zammit and Jodi Marriott at Wyreema Station

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Jamie and Trina Zammit received a visit from Head of Boys’ Boarding, Mr David Marriott and wife, Jodi.

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At the Richmond Field Days, David and Jodi Marriott with Kate Coleman.

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Past Students

In memory of two Scots mates Two Scots past students died earlier this year – John McKay in February, and Tom Boyd in May, both at the age of 92. Having been allocated beds beside each other on arrival at Scots in Year 9 in 1945, they became the closest of friends. After two years, John returned home to work on the family sugar cane farm near Mackay and Tom returned to Currumbin where he obtained employment in a bank while spending the weekends acting as a lifesaver on Currumbin Beach. However clerical work didn’t appeal to him and after some years he convinced his father to allow him to try his hand at farming some land up the Currumbin Creek valley which his grandfather had selected years before. He developed a dairy while growing bananas in the hills.

Both John and Tom appreciated their time at Scots and lived up to the school motto “Always aiming higher”.

(Of the six McKay family members who attended either Scots or PGC, Doris remains in the Currumbin Valley as mentioned, Eric lives in Melbourne, and Beth (Higham) in Finch Hatton near Mackay.)

Story supplied by Eric McKay 1.

Tom Boyd (on left) and John McKay in either 1945 or 1946

The physical distance between John and Tom meant that there had not been much contact between the two until John invited Tom to come to Mackay to be his best man at his wedding in 1956. As good fortune would have it, Tom fell in love with the bridesmaid, John’s sister Doris, who after PGC, and teacher training, was teaching in Mackay. The attraction was mutual and Doris applied for a transfer to a school closer to Currumbin. Despite Doris at one time pronouncing that she would never marry a dairy farmer she became Mrs Boyd in 1957and she and Tom lived in a house beside the dairy on the Currumbin Creek farm all their married life.

Good fortune shone on both John and Tom. They had happy marriages, lots of children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren and were successful in their farming ventures. They both were very active in their communities and in local organisations - John for instance was district governor of Rotary for an area that stretched from Mackay to Gladstone and west to beyond Longreach. As a result, they both had large attendances at their funerals – in fact more than 400 people attended Tom’s memorial service.

Tom, in particular, remained very fit all his life and at 6am every Sunday morning until a week or so before he died he would join other surfing mates to swim beside the Currumbin Surf Lifesaving Club.

Please get in touch with the College 07 4666 9811 | psa@scotspgc.com.au to share any updates on life events and special achievements since leaving the College.

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Shout out to – the Old Collegians’ Pipe Band This year marks 75 years of our very own kilted Pipes and Drums. To celebrate this special occasion, we invited past students who’ve played in the band throughout the decades to return to their old stomping ground and join the ranks once again to form the SCOTS PGC Old Collegians’ Pipe Band.

Past students returned to SCOTS PGC on September 29 and 30 which coincided with the College hosting the inaugural Australian Juvenile Pipe Band Championships and the Australian Solo Piping and Drumming Championships.

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Celebrations began with a BBQ in front of School House on Friday night and culminated in a special performance Saturday morning in front of the Warwick Town Hall. The Old Collegians’ Pipe Band didn’t miss a beat even though their first public performance was also the first time they’d played together as a group.

It was very special to have some of our senior old Collegians in attendance too – including the band’s foundation members, David Laird (first ever Pipe Major), John Muir, Darryl Hutton , John Stewart and Bruce Finlay to name a few.

Our Old Collegians’ Band members then returned to Briggs Oval to spend the day in the VIP tent taking in performances from Australia’s best pipers and drummers. At the conclusion of the day, the band then lined to take part in the Massed Bands performance before calling it a weekend.

We’re sure there’ll be more opportunities for the band to play again in the short term future. Many thanks to those who were able to join us for the weekend.

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Our Old Collegians’ Pipe Band played in the Massed Bands on Briggs Oval at the closing ceremony of the Australian Juvenile Pipe Band Championships.

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From Left: John Rankin, John Finlay, Brendon Bonner, Luke Tanner, Glenn Finlay, Nicola Finlay (nee Young), Nicholas McGahan, Grace Want (nee Peterson), Nicholas Tomkins, Rachel Dunlop (need Donaldson) Charles Hope, Jayne Shelley, Chris Donaldson, Dougal Finlay, Simon Tanna, Stuart McIntyre and Greg Finlay.

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Darryl Hutton, John Webb, David Laird, John Muir and Bill McClintock OAM

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Past Students With Sympathies Richard John Carey Anyone who knew Richard Carey knew that he adored his wife Sue and their family, that he was a straight shooter, that his word was as strong and true as his remarkably robust handshake, that he was determined, innovative and considerate, and that he loved horse racing.

What some won’t know is Richard might have been a legendary cricketer, up there with the other Richie, had he not chosen to pursue a career in Agriculture. Sixty-five years later, his SCOTS College Warwick school mates still remember him opening the batting against Downlands.

Richard married his wife Sue in 1974. In the years that followed they welcomed their four children Matt, Rebecca, Ryan and Chelsea. Together they endured the shattering heartbreak of Ryan’s accidental death at the age of three. Richard and Sue owned cattle properties in Western Queensland and although thoroughly enjoying this lifestyle, his love of racehorses gave him great joy. Richard viewed his time at SCOTS College fondly and was a passionate supporter of the College Foundation.

Alison Nicholson nee Ewan Alison Nicholson (nee Ewan) was a beloved member of the College community, who attended PGC from 1941 to 1947. Alison was a proud PGC girl who embodied the spirit of kindness and devotion in her role as the PGC Captain in 1947. Her roots at PGC ran deep. She was the granddaughter of BT de Conlay, one of our Founders of our College. Alison married Peter Nicholson, a SCOTS old boy. Alison’s mother, Alison De Conlay, who holds the distinction of being the first pupil at PGC, also served as College Captain. Alison’s thoughtful contribution included the generous gift of her grandfather’s leather-bound Miss Thistles to our College Archives, ensuring the preservation of the College’s rich history.

The PSA extends sincere condolences to families and friends of the following past students Cedric John Woltman (1945 – 1950) John Alexander King (1944 – 1950) Barbara (Bunty) Hill (nee Costello) (1942-1945) Robert Boyd (1947 - 1950) Richard Carey (1952) Helen Watts (1942 –1944) Lynette Johns (1985 – 1986) Margaret Speed (nee Graham) (1953-1955) Laura Burnett (nee Daly) (1936 – 1941) Betty Storey (nee Dougall) (1945-1949) Christopher Lisle (1969-1973) Brian Smith (1945-1946)

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LION & THISTLE

L-R Ann Gibbs nee Scott, Alison Nicholson Jessie Mc William nee Lemon and Mary Brown nee Ewan

OCTOBER 2023

SCOTS PGC Engagements Congratulations to the following SCOTS PGC couples who are tying the knot!

Sam McCullough Class of 2015 and Olivia Rickert Class of 2016

Matthew Whittaker Class of 2015 and Bailea Fatnowna Class of 2015

Stephen Turnbull Class of 2012 and Megan Allen Class of 2012

SCOTS PGC Marriages Yvette Arundel Class of 1997 married Jason Chapman

Ashleigh Fearby Class of 2012 married Tim Harris

Harry Shooter Class of 2015 married Jane Morris Annie Bowen Class of 2010 married Charles Farlow Caitlin Berry Class of 2010 married Adam Clarke Rebecca Capper Class of 1997 married Jason Jaeger

Alastair Costello Class of 2012 married Emily Raymont

Nick Tomkins Class of 2010 married Laura Casey

+ spirit + tenacity + authenticity + excellence + respect

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NOV 2023

MAR

Past Student & Foundation Luncheon TOOWOOMBA | The Downs Club

105 Years of Scots College

2024

BBQ DINNER by DECONLAY & SCHOOL HOUSE

MAR

Past Student Reunion

2024

TOURS OF PGC & SCOTS | LUNCHEON IN ASSEMBLY HALL

APR

2024

ANZAC Dawn Service Foundation Billy Tea

MAY

Beef Week Rockhampton

2024

PAST STUDENT CATCH UP | EVENT DETAILS TO BE ADVISED

MAY

Foundation Giving Day

2024

A DAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE OF OUR COLLEGE

SEP

Founders’ Day Assembly

2024

ASSEMBLY BY SCHOOL HOUSE

OCT

Warwick Cup Races

2024

WARWICK TURF CLUB | JOIN THE PAST STUDENT TENT

NOV

Foundation Luncheon

2024

TOOWOOMBA | The Downs Club

The College will provide more event details closer to the event - please look out for updates in our newsletter, email and social channels. Some dates may be subject to change