Past Students Newsletter - March

Compiled by Katie Coleman | SCOTS PGC College Past Student Officer

Welcome SCOTS PGC Collegians!

We extend our sincere appreciation to all past students who attended the March reunion. It was a wonderful occasion as we celebrated our shared history and the legacy of our school.

Special thanks to everyone who donated or pledged their financial support on the day. We are inspired by your commitment to our community and look forward to collaborating on more initiatives in the future.

We are very excited to announce that the Past Student Association has pledged $90,000 to support our school’s Brigg Oval appeal to fix the fence. This is a tremendous boost to our efforts to restore the iconic white picket fence.

As we approach ANZAC Day, we would like to extend an invitation to all alumni to join us for the College’s ANZAC Dawn Service. This event holds great significance to our community, and we would be honoured to have you join us in remembering the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women - in particular, our Magnificent 42.

Once again, thank you for your continued support

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Class of 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Upcoming Alumni Events

Thank

Monday 24 April 2023 | 6:00am to 7:30am

As a valued member of our College community, I’d like to personally invite you to join us at the SCOTS PGC College ANZAC Dawn Service to commemorate and honour the lives of our Magnificent 42 past students, who lost their lives during World War II.

This year’s service, to commemorate the life of Flight Sergeant Colin Sheldon, RAAF will be held on Monday, 24 April 2022 at 6.00am at the College Cenotaph.

I welcome you to join us for breakfast in the Des Davey Dining Hall following the service. Please be seated for the service by 5.45am.

Warm regards,

RSVP | Friday 14 April 2023

For further information contact Mrs Alisi Malolo | Principal’s EA 07 4666 9805 or alisi.malolo@scotspgc.com.au

From The Foundation

GREG FINLAY | FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN

My grandfather, Frederick Finlay, and his brothers made a significant contribution to the College in 1948 to purchase equipment for the establishment of a College Pipe Band, which was a long-held dream of BT DeConlay. This coincided with the College’s acquisition of kilts at that time. As the Chairman of the College Foundation, and a lifelong enthusiast of pipe bands, I extend an invitation to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of this momentous occasion. The College is hosting the inaugural Australian Youth Pipe Band Championship on 29 -30 September, and we would be delighted to have you join us as part of this event. It would be wonderful to bring together members of the SCOTS PGC College Pipe Band from over the years and all those past Collegians who have proudly worn the Cameron of Erracht kilt.

On Friday night, we will start with drinks at School House, followed by a BBQ on Circular Drive. Youth solos will be performed in the Chapel and Assembly Hall. On Saturday morning, we have the opportunity to march down Palmerian Street, enjoy a reunion lunch on Briggs Oval, and participate in a mass pipe band at the end of the championship. We extend an open invitation to all past students who were involved in either the band or the kilt to join us in celebrating this milestone.

The Celticfest will take place at the Warwick Showgrounds on Sunday, 1 October, and we hope you can make it a weekend to remember. If you are interested in being involved, please book your accommodation as soon as possible as it will be in short supply. Please feel free to contact me - finlayhay@y7mail.com

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY is a day to celebrate the many wonderful women in our lives who inspire others and generally make our world a better place.

This year we’d like to share a story about a particularly wonderful person by the name of Dr Jean Calder AC. A woman of the people, Jean dedicated her life to others and also happened to be a past student of our College (1950-1951).

Here’s her story...

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.

It’s fitting that we pay tribute to Jean and the contribution she made during her life to make the world a better place. What an inspiration!

Watch more here: https://www.abc.net.au/.../hundredsgather.../101709940...

DID YOU KNOW?!

The WR Black building at SCOTS PGC College has a fascinating history that many people may not be aware of. In the early 2000s, the historic building was sold and moved to Byron Bay, where it was later used as a location for a reality TV show.

Principal Kyle Thompson and Foundation Chairman Greg Finlay recently caught up with past student Dr Joseph McMeniman at TSBE Protein Conference, Dalby. Joseph is currently Feedlot Program Manager, Meat and Livestock Australia.

Past Students Reunion

Thank you to all our amazing past students who made our reunion a huge success! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and catch up on old times. Your presence made this event truly unforgettable. We appreciate the time and effort you took to make it here, and we hope that this reunion has brought back many happy memories for you.

Thank you again for making this day special

Celebrating 105 Years of girls education