The Phoenix Rising - Term 3 2023

PHOENIX RISING

Term 3 2023

All Souls

St Gabriels School

CHARTERS TOWERS

FROM THE HEADMASTER

MR SHANNON LEE

This edition of the Phoenix Rising portrays three key characteristics: Opportunity, Community and Progress. These characteristics can be linked directly to three of our five strategic pillars and shows an exciting reflection of progress towards some the many improvement targets set out for this year.

Nurturing the Body and Spirit – Expanding Opportunities

This term has been filled with opportunities for students to extend themselves outside the classroom. In addition to the regular Term 3 Sports, Arts and Rural Activities, students had the opportunity to ski down the slopes of Mt Hutt, hike the range in Paluma, debate in the High Court Canberra, compete in the Maths Amazing Race on Maggie and enjoy a night under the stars at the Combined Schools Formal. This is but to name only a few.

Strengthening Community Connections

Our Past Students and Parents and Friends Associations are two pillars of our School community. The work undertaken to bring our community together by these Associations for the Fete and Reunion Weekend is a wonderful example of the strength of our community.

Pleasingly, we were also able to strengthen our connections further a field where for the first time we were able to have family members travel to share in our NAIDOC Week Celebrations.

Our new School App is now live! This is a major development in improving our communication strategy with our families. The app will provide real time calendar updates, weekly publications, notifications, information regarding Extra-Curricular activities, and a weekly vlog (video log) from me celebrating the opportunities and achievements of our students. Head to the app store now to download the app and stay connected.

Securing our Future

The announcement of the Pool Project and opening of the Rural Activities Precinct have been milestones this term and are testament to our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for our community.

We are on track to be swimming in Term 1 2024!

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming major celebrations and finishing the year well.

CAPTAINS’ CORNER

SETH GULDBRANSEN & ERIN BLENNERHASSETT SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Term 3 kicked off with an eventful nine weeks ahead of us. The Inter-School Athletics Carnival was quick to arise in Week 3 of the term with our athletics team ready and keen to show off their talents. With a bit of sickness going around it was great to see our reserves rising to the occasion filing in and competing for their School. After a two day carnival we are all proud of some great results bringing home the Goften Cup Trophy for boys relay, Alex Forbes Memorial Shield for the Boys Aggregate and most importantly the Peter Crowe Trophy for the Overall Combined Aggregate. A big congratulations to all of our Runners-Up and Age Champions.

The club netball season continued with finals rounds coming quickly, and the Inter-School Softball and Cricket seasons began. In the middle weeks of the term All Souls St Gabriels School had 3 teams through to the grand finals, these being Gabes Flames, Gabes Blaze, and Gabes Fire. Amazing netball was played with even better sportsmanship as Gabes Fire managed to come away with a win, finishing top of their division. Gabes Flames and Blaze put in their best efforts but unfortunately didn’t come away with the win however still got the amazing result of finishing second in their divisions. The softball season consisted of 3 rounds played by our 13s, 15s and First teams. The First and 13s teams finished 3rd with the 15s finishing 2nd overall. The cricket season kicked off with the Inter-School rounds before our 15s and Open team continued into their finals. Congratulations to our 15s boys who with some outstanding performances found themselves winning their final. The Open boys fought hard but were outclassed, going down in their final. The Open team continued their season with the teachers vs students game and their final game on Reunion weekend.

Towards the back end of the term, students had many opportunities to be involved in the Eisteddfod, Inter-School Rugby 7’s and to support us Seniors for the Ponytail Project, where we rocked the chop! Many students performed in the dancing, musical and theatre sections of the Eisteddfod with a lot of placings being awarded. Rugby 7’s on the final Tuesday of the term was a great turn out with many students playing some great footy. The 13s Girls and Boys team, 15s and Open Boys teams made the grand final and all went onto win overall.

KONNOR LAFFIN & LILAH PLANT JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Junior School participated in some really exciting activities in Term 3. The first Thursday of every month has now become our House Shirt Day. We wear our House shirts to participate in some team games and activities to help our Junior School students to engage and have fun with their teammates. Our first House Shirt Day had a lot of ball games out on the oval and all teams were supported by our House Captains. Our Crazy Sock Day in Week 6 saw some funny and entertaining sock designs and helped us collect some needed donations for P&F Fete.

Our greatest achievement this term was the success of our Inter-School Athletics team. We won the Average trophy and were the runner-up for the Aggregate trophy. We are so proud of the students who participated in this event. We had a lot of success with our entries into the Charters Towers Show for handwriting and drawing. We had some students win the overall Primary School Awards for both the posters and their handwriting and Mrs Snelling and Mrs Fittock did an amazing job displaying our show pieces. Our term finished with each class from Year 1 to Year 6 participating in the Charters Towers Eisteddfod, the Jump Rope for Heart Jump-off Day and our Year 6 students heading down to Canberra to experience first-hand the great opportunities our National Capital City has to offer.

NZ SKI TOUR

After a couple of years break, a group of ASSG staff and students braved the New Zealand ski slopes of Mt Hutt once again.

67 students and 10 staff made their way across ‘the ditch’ in the third week of the June/July holidays. The touring party was so large, we had to split the group in two and have some travel a day ahead of the second group – even airline delays couldn’t stop the excitement building!

The group were able to ski / snowboard for the full four days they had scheduled. We were the first school group of the season to hit the mountain due to the limited snow on the slopes in the previous weeks.

Other activities in the 9/10 day tour included a jet boat ride, ice-skating, hot pools, tobogganing, dirt cart driving, shopping, and plenty of sightseeing.

Big thanks to Mr Ian Dietrich, Mrs Jordan Bensemann and Mrs Carol Shadforth for their key role in organising the trip. They were ably supported by Mrs Janey Dickson, Mrs Tui Maxwell, Mr Justin Power, Mr Connor Rose, Mr Mike Sedgwick, Mr Cameron Shearman, and Mrs Debbie Weston.

Many memories were created – great weather, plenty of laughter, and great company topped an awesome trip.

N A I D O C

CELEBRATIONS

This year’s NAIDOC celebrations consisted of over 40 members of our Indigenous families from Torres Strait, Aurukun, Palm Island, Mt Isa, Yarrabah and Townsville coming together for a cultural celebration of dance, art and sport. We began the day with a morning tea and meet and greet with our special guest, retired NRL player, Preston Campbell. Junior School was treated to an arts and craft lunch break with the support of some of our Indigenous Senior School students before we moved into a special NAIDOC Headmaster’s Assembly where we were Welcomed to Country by Traditional owner, Roe Hero and had an inspiring motivational speech by special guest, Preston Campbell. The highlight of our assembly was seeing our Indigenous students and families perform some wonderful, cultural dances. We were treated with delicious, curried chicken for lunch made by our lovely kitchen staff with all our attending families. The day finished with art activities that consisted of painting wooden boomerangs and tiles for our upcoming art installation and some Oztag and football drills with Preston Campbell. It was a fantastic and successful day. We would like to thank everyone involved in making this day happen and our special guests, Roe Hero & Preston Campbell for taking the time to celebrate this special day with us.

PON TAIL PROJECT Y

On Friday 25th August, 8 girls decided to rock the chop. The original goal set by Brandy Corlis, Olivia Haines, Layne Edgerton, Hannah Jenkins, Brooke Struckel, Regan Barkworth and Taryn Woodard and the very special Mrs Pia Roberts was $5000, the girls smashed their goal and ended up raising $7769. Kadyn Flanagan, Bryce Cowan, Seth Guldbransen, Mitchell Fox, Mitchell Candy, Darcy Frost, Mallee Hill, Jed Marshall, Mackenzy Jackson, Walter Shadforth, Jalen Barry and the one and only Mr Lachlan Glover also shaved their head in support of the girls. James Scott, Cam Trevor and Nathan Logan were away on the day but also decided to shave their heads over the weekend in support of the girls.

A special thank you to Jo Butler and Erin McGuirk for not only measuring our hair up and then straightening it and making everything look perfect, but also for fixing the boys’ hair.

A thank-you to Breanne for promoting us and helping us reach our goal and for taking the before and after shots. A massive thank you to Annabel Ruyg for being the MC for the event and keeping everyone entertained.

The Ponytail Project is an organisation that empowers people all over Australia to make a difference of those that are impacted by cancer. The hair that has been donated will go towards making a wig for someone that may be affected by cancer. The money that was raised will help fund life-changing research and support communities going through their cancer journeys.

A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

CHARTERS TOWERS COMBINED SCHOOLS FORMAL 2023

DINING WITH HOSPITALITY

The Hospitality Department continued to impress again this term with both Mrs Shadforth & Ms Ombiga’s Year 11 Hospitality classes putting on luncheons as part of their assessment. The students planned, practiced & prepared a delicious Tropical & Christmas themed Luncheon. They created a number of sweet & savoury goodies, as well as some delicious mocktails.

GOLD & SILVER TAKE ON PALUMA

After many practice journeys this year, students currently participating in the Gold & Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ventured to v for their qualifying journey. The journey started and finished at Paluma Dam, traveling a total of 25km over the four day journey.

YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP CAMP

This term, our Year 11 cohort attended the first Leadership Camp at Virginia Park. Students engaged in dynamic team-building activities, an adventure race and a lively talent show. Over the two days, students embraced challenges, fostered group unity and developed their communication skills in preparation to lead the School in 2024. The camp showcased hidden talents and allowed students to step out of their comfort zones and thrive. It was pleasing to see the growth and camaraderie within the group as they navigated the challenges of camp.

R U OK? DAY MATHS CAMP

This term, selected students from the Year 10 Advanced Maths class attended a Maths Camp on Magnetic Island. Students were separated into groups with students from other Schools. Groups participated in a range of activities over the three days such as the straw bridge challenge, ‘sizing up Sail Rock’, ‘maths at the Mall’, archery, a maths relay, and on the final day was the much anticipated Maths Amazing Race. Groups were allocated points for how quickly they correctly completed each activity along with three Maths reports that were completed once groups finished. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to put their learning into play, and meet many like minded friends.

JUNIOR SCHOOL INTER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Inter-School Athletics was a great day where our students got to test their abilities against the best athletes in Charters Towers. The day was filled with fun, excitement, team spirit, PB’s and some great personal achievements.

To top the day off, as a School we came away with the Athletics Overall Combined Average Champion shield and finished second overall on the aggregate ladder. This is a credit to each of the students who gave it their all in each of the events they competed in.

Based on the results from the Inter-School Carnival we had nine students selected to represent Charters Towers, at the NQ Trials in Townsville. Of the eight students who attended the NQ Trials, we have two who have been selected to represent North Queensland and will now attend the Queensland State Championships in Brisbane in October.

CONGRATULATIONS

AGE CHAMPIONS

Ella Thomson 10 Years Girls

Hooper Urquhart 11 Years Boys

RUNNERS UP

Samuel Shun 10 Years Boys

NQ SELECTION

Ella Thomson Long Jump

Pippa Tait 100m Sprint

SENIOR SCHOOL

INTER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The term started off with lots of training and preparing for the Inter-School Athletics Carnival which was held in Week 3 at Columba Catholic College. The Carnival saw two days of tough competition across all events. At the end of the Carnival, All Souls St Gabriels School managed to walk away with the Gofton Cup Trophy for Boys Relay, the Alex Forbes Memorial Shield for Boys Aggregate, and the Peter Crow Trophy for Combined Overall Aggregate Champion.

CONGRATULATIONS

AGE CHAMPIONS

Mathias Laza 12 Years Boys

Darcy Cameron 14 Years Boys

Lauchlan Butler Open Boys

RUNNERS UP

Damien Pedersen

12 Years Boys

Lexi Butler 13 Years Girls

Tahira Groth 14 Years Girls

Billo Wotton 14 Years Boys

Rory Clark 15 Years Boys

NQ SELECTION

Mathias Laza Long Jump

Darcy Cameron 400m Sprint

INTER SCHOOL SPORT

ASSG CRICKET INTER SCHOOL PLACINGS

13 Years 15 Years

First XI

3rd 1st 2nd

ASSG SOFTBALL INTER SCHOOL PLACINGS

13 Years 15 Years

Firsts

2nd 1st 2nd

INTER SCHOOL RUGBY 7’S

The last week of term saw All Souls St Gabriels School (in conjunction with Blackheath & Thornburgh College) host the 2023 Inter-School Rugby 7’s Competition. We had 6 teams enter the competition, and 4 of those came away with a win in the Grand Final.

Congratulations to 13s Girls, 13s Boys, 15s Boys, and Opens Boys who were all champions in their age groups. A special mention to Brooke Jenkins who was named MVP of the 13s Years Girls age group.

STAFF V STUDENTS CRICKET MATCH

The day was upon us, the premier event of 2023 was filled with anticipation for the first ever annual staff verse students cricket game. The batting began with Mr Dougan and Mr Shearman facing some absolute pearlers from Will Stibbs and some spin from Cam Trevor, which forced them onto the backfoot. Until the South- African slogger, Mr Sedgwick stepped up to put 42 runs on the board before retirement. Confidence was high among the staff camp with murmurs of this event being done and dusted, that was until Mr Lee stepped up to the crease and hit a crisp 6 only to get bowled the next ball to sink morale to an all time low. Following that loss, wickets began to fall increasingly faster with the staff eventually out for 114.

The students jogged onto the pitch with an aura of confidence in their step and an eagerness in their demeanour. James Geeves and Hunter McKellar started them off with some strong batting, followed by Edward Gale hitting some boundaries only to get caught by the jumping left-handed catch by Mr Wilson to terminate his terrifying batting prowess. With less than 20 runs between the sides, the Captain, Seth Gulbrandsen stepped up to put a batting clinic on the staff and on the last ball of the match smashed a six to steal the win.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW POOL (2023)

ARTIST IMPRESSION OF NEW POOL (2024)

W A T E R D A Y

In the last week of term, our Year 12 students organised an afternoon of fun water-based activities for the Senior School. With slip & slides, sponge fights, limbo & more, it was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of exams & a very busy Term 3. Thank you Year 12!

CHARTERS TOWERS ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD

In Week 7, a large roster of All Souls St Gabriels School students participated in the Charters Towers Eisteddfod across Visual Art, Speech & Drama, and Music. We are so proud of the effort of all the students involved which brought some outstanding results. Along with a slew of 1st places and other high placings, multiple students received special awards for their outstanding accomplishments.

Lucinda Reardon received the McCarthy Family Bursary for Most Promising Vocalist - Primary James Blennerhassett received the Jackie Koglkia Memorial Award for Secondary Instrumentalist (Other Than Piano)

Keziah Koglkia received the Dulcie Penberthy Memorial Award for Music

Taryn Woodard received the Accompanist Guild of Queensland for Most Promising Young

Accompanist

ASSG Stage Band received the Rotary Club Shield for Secondary Stage Band

ASSG Year 3&4 Choir received the Alf Madsen Memorial Award - Encouragement Award for Primary School Choir

Lilah Plant received the Charters Towers Performing Arts Festival Most Promising Theatrical Performer (Primary)

Mallee Hill received the Dulcie Penberthy Award for Spirit of the Festival

Tamzin Finger received the Gold City Bush Poets Shield for Poetry Performance

I would like to congratulate all these students for their amazing efforts and thank all of the tutors, staff and parents who supported us on our journey.

YEAR 6 IN CANBERRA

Year 6 students recently travelled to Canberra for an educational tour of the National Capital. Students were afforded the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

There were many highlights for the students (and staff) including visits to the Australian War Memorial, Government House, the Australian Institute of Sport, Parliament House, the High Court, the National Museum, CSIRO, and Questacon. They also enjoyed their evening activities at the Canberra Reptile Zoo, Rock Climbing and Ice-Skating.

On behalf of the Year 6 families, I would like to thank the All Souls St Gabriels School Parents and Friends Association for their donation, which also helped reduce the overall cost of the trip for families.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the National Capital, as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. Under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program, the Australian Government provides funding for each student to assist in reducing the travel costs for this educational experience. We thank the government for their support, and look forward to receiving the rebate which will be paid directly to the School in the coming weeks.

Thank you Ms Clarke, Mrs Clark and Mr Butler, Mr Turner for sharing this experience with myself and the Year 6 students.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

JUNIOR SCHOOL HPE

MRS MELISSA NICHOLLS

Thank you to all the students who got involved with Jump Rope for Heart! Whether that was skipping during our HPE lessons, skipping in their break time, or skipping at home. It was truly amazing to see the growth of all our students. They should be extremely proud of their hard work, commitment, and overall improvement.

A huge thank you for the effort skipping and fundraising for the Jump Rope for Heart program this term. Together we raised an incredible $2,724 and this money will all go towards vital heart research and education programs.

We’ve loved seeing so many smiling faces skipping on the playground, in sports lessons and on the Jump Off Day. Our Jump Off Day was a huge success, you can see a few action photos from the day below.

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT

MRS JUSTINE WALSH

Inter-School sport for Term 3 included both netball and soccer. We had a mixed team for each of the two sports. We played a total of 10 games over a 5-week period. Overall, the Soccer Team had 2 wins and 8 losses which placed us 5th out of 6 on the ladder. The Netball Team had 4 wins, a draw and 5 losses to place 4th overall on the ladder. Both teams showed great sportsmanship and learnt a variety of new skills throughout the season.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

PRE

PREP

MRS AMY SWEENEY

Pre-prep participated in an exciting Geography incursion in Term 3, that supported their understanding of taking care of the environment. Together, we walked through the Junior School, all the way to the Senior School, collecting rubbish as we went. Afterwards, discussions were held on the effects the pollution we found could have on the environment. It can be doing much more harm than just being unpleasant to look at, it could harm animals, pollute the air, soil and our waterways as well as hosting lots of germs. The children expressed how much fun they had and are continuing to make links with their new understandings.

PREP

MRS KATELYN OSBALDISTON

OH, the places we have gone this term! In English, we have been learning all about rhyme. The highlight was our ‘Rhyme Crime’. Students came in after lunch to discover many of their belongings were stolen in what we called a ‘Rhyme Crime’. All the taken items were replaced with a rhyme where students had to figure out what was taken. Once they used their rhyming detective skills, they finished with a final rhyme to uncover where all their items would be. The students had so much fun and laughed knowing it was myself who had taken them all along and left them with Mrs Snelling.

We can’t wait for more learning next term!

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Reardon’s Rainforest Explorers (also known as Year 1) finished Term 3 with a visit from our local Fire Brigade who taught us about fire safety. We learnt about good and bad fires and the difference between toys and tools. Year 1 now know what to do if we catch on fire; “Stop, drop and roll!” and what to do if we have a house fire. We need to yell “fire, fire, fire!” and then “get down low and go, go, go!” After all the serious learning about fires, we got to go out to the fire truck and use the fire hose. Each of us had a turn at shooting the hose onto the grass and seeing how far we could shoot the water. Our local firemen were very friendly giving us stickers as well as a light and siren show as they left.

MRS JANITA REARDON

Mrs Heuir’s Hive has been a flurry of making and creating as the children have been immersed in their learning of procedural texts. They loved meeting the main characters George and Granny when listening to the novel ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ and were very surprised to learn that the book was about one huge crazy procedure made by George! The events in the story lead the children to create some weird and wonderful procedures as a class and individually. One of their favourite procedures was the “Shushing Potion” created by their crazy teacher. Not only did the potion work, but it boiled and bubbled in front of their very own eyes (NO STOVE NEEDED!). The children have written their own weird and wonderful concoctions, along with a magical chant to make their potions work their magic on the very nasty Granny from ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’.

yEAR 2

MRS

JUNIOR SCHOOL

yEAR 3

MISS PETA MILIAUSKAS

What a term the No Prob-Llamas have had!

In between the Eisteddfod choir, verse speaking, and we had a special visitor. The Queen of Llamas herself Miss M’s Mum. She taught us all how to crochet and we had a few fun afternoons creating different things with a range of wool. She also answered lots of questions about Miss M when she was little which we thought was hilarious.

yEAR 4

MRS JANE TURNER MISS AMELIA RICHARDS

In Year 4, we started Term 3 off with excitement as we headed on our much awaited excursion to Billabong Sanctuary. Continuing on from our endangered animals Science unit last term, students researched and completed a task about the bilby, cassowary or the hairynose wombat. Students had the opportunity to experience seeing these animals in person during a ranger tour and also saw all the other animals they care for at the Sanctuary. A class favourite was the enjoyment of the crocodile show.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Term 3 started with not one, but two excursions for Year 5 students! The class enjoyed two wonderful outdoor days of learning visiting Black River Produce and Laffin Honey farms to experience the paddock to plate process for asparagus and honey. Students loved getting their hands dirty as they harvested asparagus and spun honey. Now, students have put on their film-production hats on and are working hard to create an iMovie trailer to explain the paddock to plate process. Watch this space!

MISS CHLOE BASSETT

In Year 6 we started to talk about transitioning into Senior School and all the things we are excited about, but also the things we are worried about. We

were lucky to have Mrs Kempster answer some of our questions and Mr Wilson took us on a tour of the most important places we need for Year 7. We had the opportunity to interview some Senior students so we could get a firsthand perspective on what Senior School at ASSG is really all about. We are very thankful for all the wonderful people who have given up their time to come and help us as we start our journey into the next chapter of our schooling education.

RURAL ACTIVITIES

7 IN A ROW @ THE CT SHOW

To finish off the incredible show season, All Souls St Gabriels School Cattle Club students began preparing from the start of Term 3 for the Charters Towers Show. The School cattle took out both Grand Champion and Reserve Commercial Heifer and Grand Champion Steer, along with a pile of 1sts, 2nds and 3rds. Yet again, students showed off their hard work in the cattle ring from many place getters across young paraders, commercial team judging, and stud judging. Students dedication and hard work saw the Charters Towers Show School Cattle Club trophy returning home for the 7th year in a row. To reward all the success we have seen throughout both Cattle and Horse Club for 2023, the Rural Activities Awards night was held. Students were recognised for their work over the term. A massive thank you must go out to everyone who has made this year such a great experience and a success. To our Rural Activities Co-ordinator, Mr Lionel Hartig, Miss Miliauskas (Miss M), for supervising and supporting us, and to the supporters that helped out.

EMILY GALE RURAL ACTIVITIES PREFECT

RURAL ACTIVITIES

RURAL PRECINCT EXTENSION OPENING & AWARDS

CATTLE CLUB

Best Attendance Allysha Gillham

Perseverance Award Allysha Gillham

Most Improved Rheannon Sayegh-Read & Sophie-Lee Schultz

Up & Coming Jacy Morton

Most Successful Henry Gale

Commitment Award Edward Gale

HORSE CLUB

Best Attendance Clancie Sivyer

Perseverance Award Helen Walsh

Most Improved Maddison Brown

Up & Coming Jade Cowan

Commitment Award Jade Cowan

The last week of Term 3 saw the celebration of the official opening of the Rural Precinct Extension. The extension includes the addition of power, water and data to the rural area, new cattle crush, a new Rural Studies Office, and outdoor classroom. The extension was officially opened by 2023 Rural Activities Prefect Emily Gale, and was a great opportunity for our students to showcase our cattle and their handling skills. It was also a chance to discuss with our families the future opportunities this extension will provide for our students..

MY LIFE IN BOARDING...

CHARLI COOK

Hi, my name is Charli Cook,

I live on my family owned and operated cattle station west of Georgetown in North Queensland. I have lived there with my dad, mum, little brother, and my Granny & Grandad for most of my life. While living remotely, I completed my primary education through Charters Towers School of Distance Education.

I am currently in my first year of boarding in Year 7 at All Souls St Gabriels School. Being at boarding School is one of those things you don’t really understand unless you have been there and experienced it yourself. My mum completed her secondary schooling and boarded at All Souls St Gabriels School and was also in Becket House like me. She did try and explain to me what it was like

before I arrived but it was nothing like I thought. Being part of the Becket House family has really made me feel at home. My dormie, Sam has been my mentor this year. She has played a huge part in teaching me how to stick to schedules, like getting up at 6:30am, getting organised for the day and getting out the door on time for breakfast. I have learnt to stay on top of my homework and how to study for assessments, keep my bay area clean and organised so everything runs smoothly.

I have made some lovely friends and I am also lucky enough to have some of my cousins in boarding as well. The girls in my dormitory all look out for each other and there is always someone there to lend a hand or just have a chat to if I need. My Year 12 buddy, Annabel also played a huge part in my settling into boarding. Annabel is a kind and loving person and is there if I need help or don’t understand something. My ‘Aunty Ness’ is also just around the corner in the next dormitory (Alban). Vanessa has also been my mentor and someone I look up to. She has made my boarding experience fun and exciting.

Being in boarding is building my foundation for my life ahead. It has been a wonderful adventure and I would explain it as a life-changing chapter in the short time I have been there. I have grown and become more independent, and I feel like it is setting me up for to be responsible and accountable for myself. I have loved being in boarding, but I do miss my family and all my animals at home. I guess we all get a bit homesick at some stage throughout the term, some more than others, but if you have a supportive community around you, they help you through it.

P.S. Becket House is the best!

BOARDING NEWS

An action-packed Recreation Calendar for the boarding students has guaranteed a fun and eventful term. The first weekend saw a group of about 50 students travel to Townsville to watch the Cowboys smash the Eels. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity for the students to meet the players and get autographs. We also saw the return of our much loved Burdekin River outings with the seats on bus the hotly contested. The ‘Fake Formal’ was a great opportunity for the younger boarders to socialise with our Seniors with dancing and games. Hats off to those students who went all out with their outfits. The bonfire nights at Burry Oval have been a huge success with many students not wanting the night to end. Many of our students are enjoying successes in the campdrafting arena this season. Some special shout-outs for this term need to go to:

Sam Vaughan who has secured a School-Based apprenticeship with Gavin Webber (GJ Webber Mobile Auto Electrical)

Well done to Macey Elliott who made it into Charters Towers District Team and will now trial for athletics. What a great achievement for your first year in boarding. A shout out to Billo Wotton for obtaining the opportunity to attend a development clinic with the Brisbane Broncos.

Alby Powell-Lancaster finally won his first game of dorm pool since starting two years ago.

Thanks to all our families for another great term.

REUNION WEEKEND 2023

BIANCA MASON (NEE HASTIE)

The 2023 Past Student Reunion was a fantastic event filled with fun and excitement. On Friday night, everyone gathered for a thrilling game of netball between past and present students, followed by an exhilarating cricket match played under the vibrant lights. The atmosphere was electric, and it was wonderful to see the spirit and camaraderie amongst the players.

We were fortunate to have the talented Kelli Shun as our entertainment for the evening. She captivated the crowd with her incredible performance, leaving everyone thoroughly entertained and impressed.

Saturday was a day filled with joyful activities. The Parents and Friends Association (P&F) organised a highly successful fete, which brought together the entire community. It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, all while enjoying the various stalls and activities available.

The evening continued with a delightful dinner held in Halse Hall. The venue was beautifully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all attendees. It was a special time to reminisce about shared memories and celebrate the achievements of the School and its alumni.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated committee and all those involved in organising this incredible weekend. Their hard work and dedication ensured the success of the reunion, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Lastly, if you haven’t already done so, please make sure to update your contact details with the School. This will ensure that you receive all future correspondence and stay connected with the School community.

Thank you once again for being a part of this memorable event.

P&F2023FETE

TRACY MAFF P&F PRESIDENT

Once again, we have had a very busy Term 3, which was finished off with the ASSG P&F Fete as part of the Past Students Reunion. It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years since our last fete due to COVID, but we are excited to see it back on the calendar. A BIG thanks to all the Staff, Students and volunteers who assisted with making the Fete such a successful and fun event. The ASSG Gift and Stockman’s Challenge, were also great additions to the day, so thank you to everyone who participated. A BIG THANKS to our sponsors – W Titley & Co., Elders Charters Towers, Zapps Bi-Rite, Charters Towers Veterinary Service, Ice Cream By Birdie, and ATM Aquatics.

COMING UP

Tickets are now on SALE for the ASSG P&F Derby Day event @ The Rix, Saturday 4th November 2023 – via trybooking.com (please go to the School Facebook Page or contact the School to purchase tickets). The ASSG Derby day is a MUST DO of the School Social Calendar for our Parents and Friends of the School. With raffles, Best Dressed and also race sweeps, it’s a great day out in the air-conditioned comfort of The Rix, with beautiful tapas and bubbles on arrival included. This event has grown and ticket numbers are limited, so get in quickly!!