From the Principal
1 From the Principal’s desk Every year in the life of this School has its special highlights and, not surprisingly, 2008 brings great cause for celebration because it marks our 120th Anniversary.
As the School’s eleventh Headmaster, it has been my privilege to play a small part in an evolving history that has spanned three centuries, educated many generations of North Queenslanders and successfully overcome cyclones, economic depressions and world wars! Most pleasingly, our 120th year of operation co-incides with our ‘best ever’ Year 12 OP results and record enrolments, now in excess of 1,360 students from Pre-Prep to Year 12.
Page 1 From the Principal Captains 2008 Page 3 School News
CONTENTS
Page 6 Junior School Page 7 Middle School Page 8 Senior School Page 9 120 Years of TGS Page 11 Past Grammarians Page 13 Staff News Page 14 TGS Community Co-ordinator: Kim Lambert Editors: Kim Lambert, Kristell Scott, Trish Christensen and Michele Gillespie Photography: Townsville Bulletin, Advanced Life Photography, Kim Lambert, Kate Dempsey, Corby Green, Kerry Strickland, Margaret Holmes and Middle School teachers Design and Print: Xpress Printing Thank you to all contributors.
2008 has seen an enormous range of capital projects come to fruition or be approved by the Board. So far, this year has included the construction of a Pre-Prep Centre ($1m), a Junior School Undercover Plaza ($600,000) and Bus Shelters ($40,000). At North Ward, the George Hall boys toilets have been completely refurbished ($300,000), the swimming pool refurbished ($750,000) and planning for a PA Complex ongoing (approximately $6m). The School has also recently built a Rowing Shed at Annandale ($40,000).
Recent Board approval has also been given to fast-track Stage 2 of the Pre-Prep Centre ($800,000) later this year and to construct a new upper Primary classroom block (approximately $3m) in
readiness for opening in 2010. Beyond ‘bricks and mortar’ the School is also progressing its commitment to the introduction of the highly regarded, internationally accredited International Baccalaureate Diploma programme for Year 11 and 12 students. Our first intake of IB Diploma students is on track to commence in 2010.
Our 120th Anniversary is not only time for celebration but also an exciting foundation upon which to shape both the physical infrastructure and educational programme of the School. We are certainly on the cusp of exciting times ahead.
Mr Richard Fairley Principal
Senior School Captains Ayeshmanthe Rathnayake Ayesh has been a student at Townsville Grammar since entering Year 10 in 2006. In the short time Ayesh has attended the School he has truly earned the respect required for such a position from his peers and teachers. He was humbled by his appointment as Boys School Captain and believes that the leadership team elected this year can productively contribute fresh ideas while supporting the values, culture and traditions inherent in the School community. Ayesh has immersed himself in the academic, sporting, cultural and community programmes on offer at school – an ‘exemplary all rounder’ is a term that well describes Ayesh’s contribution to the School over the past two years. Academically he has received awards ranging from Academic prizes at Speech Night and Maxima Cum Laude Awards to High Distinctions in the School Writing Competition and Distinctions in the Australian Schools Mathematics Competition. Ayesh has received Cultural Awards for his outstanding contribution to Debating, Grammar Singers, Lezom Boys Choir and last year’s School Production. Ayesh has represented the School in Open Boys Soccer and First XI Cricket. His sense of citizenship has been affirmed through his commitment to Interact and the CSIRO Student Research Scheme. On completion of Year 12, Ayesh hopes to study Medicine in 2009. At present, his thoughts are consumed with carrying out his leadership duties in a compassionate and fair way.
Alex Kershaw Alex has been a student at Townsville Grammar since entering Year 8 in 2004. Overwhelmed and honoured by the announcement of Girls School Captain, she immediately responded to the appointment by declaring a commitment to support the students, staff and School by role modelling good character and moral leadership. Alex has excelled academically, receiving Speech Night Awards for Dux in Year 8, 9 and 11, the Award for Proxime Accessit in Year 10 and many Subject Prizes each year since arriving in Year 8. Alex has also been a TGS Writing Competition Medallist and Australian Schools Mathematics Competition High Distinction recipient. Alex’s contribution to cultural aspects of the School has seen her participate in Symphony Orchestra, Celtic Strings, Grammar Mezzo, Debating and the Theatre Company. Alex has actively engaged in the sporting programmes on offer by representing the School in Hockey, Soccer and Touch. Alex has expressed an interest in studying International Law in Brisbane or possibly overseas in 2009. Alex’s generous nature, genuine citizenship and energy for life will greatly enhance her leadership within the School throughout 2008. Image on Front Cover courtesy of the Townsville Bulletin/News Ltd