Past Students Newsletter | May 2023

Compiled by Katie Coleman | SCOTS PGC College Past Student Officer

The College would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all those who attended the ANZAC Dawn service. The presence and participation of the community meant a great deal to the College, and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for their country.

Thank you to the Past Student Association for their generous donation towards the Briggs Oval fence appeal. As the College moves forward, they wish to remind everyone of the upcoming events that have been planned. The 105th Anniversary of Girls’ Education will be celebrated later this year, and all PGC Ladies are invited to commemorate this special occasion.

Additionally, the Pipe Band weekend is coming up in September, which promises to be a fun and exciting event for everyone involved. Please see the program on page 6 The College would like to thank everyone once again for their attendance at the ANZAC Dawn service and their donations. The support of the community means everything to the College, and they look forward to seeing everyone at their upcoming events.

May | 2023 Edition INSIDE THIS ISSUE Briggs Oval Appeal Update Letter from Foundation Upcoming Events Did you Know Profiles ANZAC Day Dawn Service

Class of 2012

Briggs Oval Fence Appeal

The College wishes to express sincere gratitude to the Past Students Association and individual past students for their generous donations to the Briggs Oval fence appeal.

Dating back to 1920, Briggs Oval holds a significant place in history. It was established when Messrs Inglis and Parker helped the College acquire a portion of a paddock that extended close to the railway line. The first College oval was then constructed and enclosed with a fence. Initially, an ant bed wicket was laid, but it was later replaced with a renowned turf pitch, becoming a notable landmark in country Queensland.

In 1957, the Mr. W.W.V. Briggs Memorial Gates were unveiled by Mrs Briggs, in honour of her late Husband and founding Principal of the College. On March 1, 1958, the A.P. Muir Pavilion was inaugurated, the Past Students Association played an active role in raising funds and organising working bees to turn this vision into reality. During the mid-1980s, the Past Students Association once again came to the fore, assisting in the replacement of the top rail fence. Through weekend working bees, they diligently removed the old fence and built a charming white picket fence. This change in style enhanced the aesthetics and ensured that balls remained within the grounds and did not end up in the Condamine River bank.

Now, in 2023, the Briggs Oval is set to receive another much-needed upgrade, thanks to the Past Students Association and the generous contributions from the past student community. The College deeply appreciates the unwavering support and eagerly anticipates the improvements that will be made to the oval.

Athletes On Briggs unkown year

Briggs Oval 1984 Athletes On Briggs 1965 Briggs Oval 1988 floods Briggs Oval 2022 Briggs Oval 2012

75 Years of the Kilted Pipe Band

Dear Fellow SCOTS PGC Pipes & Drums family,

9 May 2023

On behalf of the SCOTS PGC College Foundation, I am contacting you as you hold a special place in the history of the SCOTS PGC College.

Dear Fellow SCOTS PGC Pipes & Drums family,

On behalf of the SCOTS PGC College Foundation, I am contacting you as you hold a special place in the history of the SCOTS PGC College.

The kilted SCOTS College Pipes and Drums was established 75 years ago, thanks to a donation to purchase pipe band equipment and the acquisition of kilts. Today the band is representing the College and performing stronger than anyone could have imagined. I had the honour of taking part in my first SCOTS PGC Anzac Dawn Service Commemorations this year and the quality of the performance and the visual statement was truly inspiring. Commemorated at the Cenotaph between the historic School House and Chapel, hundreds of people come to SCOTS PGC College to attend this service and recognise our Diggers.

A full 75 years on from the inception of our band, you and fellow band mates have maintained a continuous presence. This has helped put SCOTS PGC on the map, representing the College in the wider community. It has also been integral in educating students about teamwork, leadership, individual achievement and the joy and benefits of music. As Chair of the SCOTS PGC College Foundation, and as a past piper in the band, I am proud to be supporting the College Foundation as we seek to honour the Alumni and community that made this milestone a reality. Throughout the years, dedicated individuals like you have toiled at learning your craft and committing to all that was required of the band. There were staff, parents and supporters that quietly helped make it happen. And of course, we had our wonderful band tutors and managers, too numerous to mention here. Which brings us to today, where long time Band Master and Scotsman Sandy Dalziel, has tutored and trained the band into the very competitive outfit that proudly represents SCOTS PGC College.

A full 75 years on from th e inception of our band, you and fellow band mates have maintained a continuous presence This has helped put SCOTS PGC on the map, representing the College in the wider community. It has also been integral in educating students about teamwork, leadership, individual achievement and the joy and benefits of music. As Chair of the SCOTS PGC College Foundation, and as a past piper in the band, I am proud to be supporting the College Foundation as we seek to honour the Alumni and community that made this milestone a reality. Throughout the years, dedicated individuals like you have toiled at learning your craft and committing to all that was required of the band. There were staff, parents and supporters that quietly helped make it happen. And of course, we had our wonderful band tutors and managers, too numerous to mention here. Which brings us to today, where long time Band Master and Scotsman Sandy Dalziel, has tutored and trained the band into the very competitive outfit that proudly represents SCOTS PGC College

The Warwick CelticFest is being held this year from Saturday September 30th to Sunday October 1st. Integral in this event is the inaugural Australian Juvenile Pipes & Drums Championships being hosted by our very own SCOTS PGC College at Briggs Oval. The SCOTS PGC Foundation is seeking to incorporate our commemorations of the 75 years of the kilted Pipes and Drums by inviting you back to celebrate. We have now successfully formed a “SCOTS PGC Foundation Past Students Pipes and Drums . To link our history back to our founding, we have regular players Dougal Finlay overseeing the pipes and Glenn Finlay overseeing the drums. Dougal is a keen piper to this day having been Pipe Major in 1987. Glenn has been a passionate member of Sale and District Pipes and Drums for a couple of decades having been Drummer and Drum Major 1981 to 1985 at SCOTS PGC. I am honoured that this link will be a connection back to my grandfather and his two brothers who initiated the band with their donation 75 years ago.

The Warwick CelticFest is being held this year from Saturday September 30th to Sunday October 1st Integral in this event is the inaugural Australian Juvenile Pipes & Drums Championships being hosted by our very own SCOTS PGC College at Briggs Oval. The SCOTS PGC Foundation is seeking to incorporate our commemorations of the 75 years of the kilted Pipes and Drums by inviting you back to celebrate. We have now successfully formed a “SCOTS PGC Foundation Past Students Pipes and Drums” To link our history back to our founding , we have regular players Dougal Finlay overseeing the pipes and Glenn Finlay overseeing the drums. Dougal is a keen piper to this day having been Pipe Major in 1987. Glenn has been a passionate member of Sale and District Pipes and Drums for a couple of decades having been Drummer and Drum Major 1981 to 1985 at SCOTS PGC. I am honoured that this link will be a connection back to my grandfather and his two brothers who initiated the band with their donation 75 years ago.

Unlike Dougal and Glenn, I can still play the bagpipes but have a lot of rust. This is not about competition; it is about participation, reconnecting, and reminiscing. If you can please ignore any reservation of rustiness that you have and come join us to be a part of celebrations. There will be plenty of opportunities to informally jump in and play again to see if it all comes back to you.

Unlike Dougal and Glenn, I can still play the bagpipes but have a lot of rust. This is not about competition; it is about participation, reconnecting, and reminiscing. If you can please ignore any reservation of rustiness that you have and come join us to be a part of celebrations.

There will be plenty of opportunities to informally jump in and play again to see if it all comes back to you. Even if you can’t see yourself playing with the band, you can still enjoy the occasion and you can once again walk with the parade as a proud past band member or Old Collegian.

C’mon what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone or email Foundation Manager Sarah Henry on sarah.henry@scotspgc.com.au or please contact myself on 0428535130 or finlayhay@y7mail. com if you can join the band for formal duties. We welcome you to join in the celebrations in any capacity, be that as a spectator, a participant, band member or past Collegian. Make a weekend of it, by encouraging your fellow past Collegians to visit the College for this historic occasion. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself once again in the impressive sight of the Cameron of Erracht tartan together with the sound of both the pipes and drums marching down Palmerin Street and performing on Briggs Oval.

Accommodation will be extremely tight that weekend in Warwick. Sarah Henry, our Foundation Manager at SCOTS PGC College, has been able to reserve some rooms in town, but we will all have to move quickly to secure accommodation. Sarah has also planned a program of events for us over the Friday and Saturday, see attachment. If you are in need of a kilt or instruments, the College has access to some additional pieces.

This is a wonderful opportunity for connecting with your SCOTS PGC roots and the fun of the band. Please pick up the phone and join us.

Yours faithfully,

Greg Finlay Foundation Chairman | SCOTS PGC College

Sponsorship and Donations

In the pursuit of providing a high-quality Championship and provides a fabulous experience for our young competitors, we are seeking support from the community through sponsorship or donations.

Your support will help to cover the costs of facilitating the championships, from the provision of facilities, onsite safety and amenities, prizes, official and judge fees.

Please contact our Foundation Manager - Sarah Henry if you are interested in supporting this wonderful event. sarah.henry@scotspgc.com.au or click the link to our College Website. - https://scotspgc.com.au/community/foundation/ youth-pipe-band-championships/

75 Years of the Kilted Pipe Band

75 Years of the Kilted Pipe Band Program

Even if you can’t see yourself playing with the band, you can still enjoy the occasion and you can once again walk with the parade as a proud past band member or Old Collegian

Friday 29th September

5:30pm – Foundation BBQ Dinner, outside School House. School House Photo Gallery open for viewing.

6-10pm – Enjoy listening to A grade solos performed in various locations on Oxenham Street Campus, including the Chapel and Assembly Hall.

C’mon what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone or email Foundation Manager Sarah Henry on sarah.henry@scotspgc.com.au or please contact myself on 0428535130 or finlayhay@y7mail.com if you can join the band for formal duties. We welcome you to join in the celebrations in any capacity, be that as a spectator, a participant, band member or past Collegian. Make a weekend of it, by encouraging your fellow past Collegians to visit the College for this historic occasion. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself once again in the impressive sight of the Cameron of Erracht tartan together with the sound of both the pipes and drums marching down Palmerin Street and performing on Briggs Oval.

Saturday 30th September

Accommodation will be extremely tight that weekend in Warwick. Sarah Henry, our Foundation Manager at SCOTS PGC College, has been able to reserve some rooms in town, but we will all have to move quickly to secure accommodation. Sarah has also planned a program of events for us over the Friday and Saturday, see attachment. If you are in need of a kilt or instruments, the College has access to some additional pieces.

8am - Opportunity to march as the SCOTS PGC Foundation Past Students Pipe and Drums Band down Palmerin Street Warwick Foundation Lunch on Briggs Oval

This is a wonderful opportunity for connecting with your SCOTS PGC roots and the fun of the band. Please pick up the phone and join us.

1:30 – 4:30pm Opportunity to compete in National Solo Piping and Drumming

4:30pm – Opportunity to partake in massed pipe band presentation on Briggs Oval

Yours faithfully,

Celticfest – Warwick Showgrounds from 4pm

Sunday 1st October

Celticfringe – Warwick Showgrounds and various other locations https://www.celticfestqld.com.au/

Greg Finlay

There is no cost to attend, should people wish to support the Foundation Building Fund, this would be most appreciated. Accommodation in town will be tight, so we suggest people get in early and book.

Foundation Chairman | SCOTS PGC College

Scan the QR code to register your interest for this event or phone the College 07 4666 9811 for more details.

Join us for Assembly to remember and honour the founders of SCOTS PGC College.

Join us for Assembly to remember and honour the founders of SCOTS PGC College. Details will be published in the Past Student newsletter

Details will be published in the Past Student newsletter

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DID YOU KNOW?!

Sarah Benz (nee Bourke) | Class 2014

Sarah is a Supervisor in our Girls’ Boarding House at Glenbrae House. Sarah also happens to share a common interest with our girls, as she’s also donned the Macinnes tartan as a SCOTS PGC student herself. Here’s what Sarah had to say when we asked her to share a little more about her story and why she loves being part of our boarding house: "I was a day student at SCOTS PGC for my high school education from 2010 until 2014. I grew up in the Warwick area, spending a lot of my time at Freestone on my Dad’s farm where I am the 5th generation. I am now married and live and farm beef cattle just west of Warwick with my husband (and son Clancy!) on his multigenerational family farm.

I began working as a supervisor in Girls Boarding in August last year as it fits seamlessly into the rest of my life and gives me the ability to extend my maternal role as a mother at home to a work environment. What I love most about my job is being able to provide support and guidance to students who are far away from home and give their families the peace of mind that their child is in the best of care by helping them with any issues they may be having.

I love seeing our girls form lifelong friendships that I so clearly remember making with boarders when I was at SCOTS PGC. What I believe makes boarding at our school so special, is our country atmosphere and values that make students who are from rural and remote areas feel that little bit more at home than they may be if they went to a school in a larger city. The families of our boarders make massive sacrifices to send their children to boarding school and it is a privilege to be a small part of this journey with them. " We couldn’t have said it better ourselves... Thanks Sarah!

DID YOU KNOW?!

Kenneth Brown | Class of 1991

Ken is a Boarding Supervisor in our Boys’ Boarding Houses. Ken is a favourite among our boys - perhaps it’s because of his love of cars or maybe because he was once a student at SCOTS PGC himself. In any case, it’s fair to say Ken has a great rapport with our kids, and this certainly shines through every day. Here’s a little more from Ken himself... "I have been working with SCOTS PGC as a boarding supervisor for a little over 18 months. I first got involved with the boarding side of SCOTS PGC after my son, who is a current student, told me about the position.

I’m a past student at the school, I attended many years ago, during Years 7 through to 12.

"I love working with all students and boarders. I get a real kick out of working with children of other past students I knew when I was at SCOTS PGC. It’s rewarding to watch the growth in the students I work with. I often smile as I reflect on the journey that I shared with their parents when we were young. I really enjoy the challenges of working as a boarding supervisor - every day is different. Working in a boarding school environment I also work with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. I identify as Gulidjan and Wada wurrung man of Australian Aboriginal ancestry. I get a lot of enjoyment applying a philosophical perspective to cultural knowledge as an additional support system for these students living in the boarding environment, and are away from Country."

Thank you Ken!

ANZAC DAWN SERVICE

Honouring our servicemen and women each year at ANZAC Day is a special event that all SCOTS PGC students and community members do with the greatest pride and honour.

We often find it difficult to articulate just how significant ANZAC Day is to our College community. However, we think Alec Peden, an old SCOTS boy from the Class of 1948 does a fine job of summing it up. Click to Watch the Video

Our school has a rich history and born from it, is a deep conviction to honour those who sacrificed their lives for ours. For us, ANZAC Day is about showing our respect for our servicemen and women - those who have fallen, returned or are serving today. It’s also about teaching our students how to respect and honour these special sacrifices that have been made for us.