2009 Grammarian

From the Principal

From the

Principal

In this my twelfth year as the Principal of the School, I am delighted to write a few words of introduction in our annual mid-year publication. I trust that you will enjoy the 2009 Grammarian as a snapshot in the life of our very busy School.

Obviously, the global economic recession has been a concern for us all and the School’s enrolments have been remarkably resilient to date. We are well aware of many families who have been affected by the downturn and continue to make sacrifices to ensure that their children can to enjoy the privilege of a Grammar education.

Our Capital Works programme continues to reflect our growth and confidence in the future.

Pre-Prep Stage 2 was completed in January and was immediately over-subscribed by families wanting to access this remarkable service. A new Upper Primary Building (six classrooms, staff

room, boys and girls toilets and change rooms) is currently being constructed at Annandale in readiness for 2010.

Of course, no introduction to the Grammarian would be complete without mention of the School’s remarkable biennial production of The Wind in the Willows. Five full-house shows were testament to the anticipation, wonder and excitement generated far and wide by Fiona Perry directed Production.

In terms of our future, the School has now been accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School and in 2010, our senior students will have the option of taking the highly acclaimed, internationally recognised, IB Diploma course. This option will clearly differentiate our curriculum offerings in Townsville and North Queensland and enable the School to benchmark our academic performance against

world standards. Once again, I am proud to say that we are on the cusp of exciting times.

Mr Richard Fairley Principal

Senior School Captains >> James Raggatt

Ellee McClymont

James has been a student at Townsville Grammar since entering Year 8 in 2005. On his appointment as School Captain he felt extremely honoured and believes that the Senior leadership group elected this year are well supported by the entire cohort and, together, are keen to contribute fresh ideas while supporting the values, culture and traditions inherent in the School community.

Over the past five years James has immersed himself in the School, participating in a wide range of academic and cocurricular competitions and activities. Academically, James has received awards ranging from a High Distinction in the TGS Writing Competition to Cum Laude Awards. James has also received Cultural Awards for his enthusiastic contribution to School Debating, Grammar Singers, Lezom and School Productions. James’ passion for sport has been acknowledged by receiving a Tri-Medal for his commitment to Interschool Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics. This year James has been elected Rowing Captain and is very hopeful that TGS Rowing will continue to maintain the highest standards in this specialised sporting arena.

On completion of Year 12, James hopes to pursue a career in Theatre and explore the possibilities of further education in the field of Science.

Contents

Co-ordinator: Kim Lambert Editors: Kim Lambert, Kristell Scott, Trish Christensen and Michele Gillespie Photography: Advanced Life Photography, Kim Lambert, Robin Gauld, Rob Bagnall, James Cook University, Corby Green, Kerry Strickland, Margaret Holmes, Kristell Scott, Graeme Brown, Kathleen Wiseman, Andrew Thompson, Jamie-Lee Coull and Middle School teachers Design and Print: Esto XPress Printing Company Thank you to all contributors.

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Ellee has been a student at Townsville Grammar since entering Year 8 in 2005. Overwhelmed and honoured by the announcement of School Captain, Ellee immediately responded to the appointment by seeking advice and suggestions from the Senior cohort about how they could contribute to the life of the School - while at the same time continuing to role model good character and moral leadership.

Ellee has maintained a healthy balance between her academic, cocurricular and social development. She has received outstanding academic achievements including High Distinctions in the Australian School Mathematics and Science Competitions, High Distinctions and Medallist in the TGS Writing Competition, Maxima Cum Laude Awards, Speech Night Academic Awards, Proxime Accessit in Year 9 and Dux in Year 10 and Year 11. Ellee’s contribution to the cultural life of the School has seen her participate in School Debating, APEX Public Speaking, Japanese Speech Competitions, Productions, Mezzo Choir, Grammar Singers, Girls Vocal Choir and the School Vocal Ensemble. Ellee has also participated in the School Netball programme since Year 8.

Ellee has expressed an interest in studying Law and Science when she completes Year 12.

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From the Principal Captains 2009 Introducing the International Baccalaureate School News School Production Junior School Middle School Senior School School Community News of Past Grammarians

Junior School

Middle School

Captains >>

Captains >> Bryce Day

Bryce joined Townsville Grammar from Belgian Gardens State School where he was House Captain.

Bryce arrived at TGS last year and quickly made friends and demonstrated maturity in his approach to schooling. He is a promising sportsman with tennis his first passion. Last year Bryce represented the School in both Cross-Country and Athletics and again, this year, he made the Cross Country squad.

Bryce is also a member of the Middle School Sports Committee. In the classroom, Bryce has excelled. Last year he received a Maxima Cum Laude and was the recipient of the Maths Prize for Year 8 and an Academic Award.

Harry has been a student at Townsville Grammar Junior School since Preschool.

He is a fourth generation Grammarian and his great grandfather Spenser Hopkins was a student at the School when it opened in 1888.

In 2008, Harry received a Cum Laude Award and an Academic Award and he represented the School in the Interschool Swimming Team.

Harry plays Club Rugby and he also enjoys tennis. He is a participant in the instrumental music programme where he plays piano and rock guitar. When he graduates from school, Harry would like to be an astronaut.

Captains 2009

Harry Price

Annabelle Allen

Bella started at Townsville Grammar in 2007 as a Year 7 student after completing her primary schooling at Belgian Gardens State School. Bella adapted quickly to life at the Middle School and has been an active member of the TGS community. In 2007 and 2008 Bella represented the School in Cross Country and Athletics and gained selection in the NQ Cross Country Team last year. She will again competed at Interschool Cross Country this year. Bella has also performed in the 2007 School Production Sweeney Todd and was a rabbit in this year’s Production The Wind in the Willows. Academically, Bella has excelled. In both Year 7 and Year 8 she received a Maxima Cum Laude and received the award for Performing Arts and an Academic Award at Speech Night.

Julia Reilly

Julia has been a student at Townsville Grammar Junior School since starting Year 1 in 2004. In 2008, Julia received a Pro Diligentia and was part of the Interschool Cross Country and Swimming Teams. This year Julia plays Club Netball and also enjoys hockey. She loves singing and drawing and when she graduates from school, would like to illustrate children’s picture books.

Head Boarders Clayton Lethbridge

Shae Jonsson

Clayton has attended Townsville Grammar School as a boarder from Werrington Station, via Einasleigh North West Queensland, since he enrolled in Year 8 in 2005. Clayton was both humbled and honoured when he was announced as Boarding Captain for 2009.

Shae has been a boarder from Ravenshoe since her arrival into Year 10 in 2007. Shae was shocked and felt overwhelmingly privileged to hear her name announced as Boarding Captain for 2009.

In his time at Townsville Grammar, Clayton has always been a conscientious and diligent student. He has received Cum Laude Awards as well as Subject Prizes for Information Technology and Graphics at Speech Nights in Years 10 and 11. Whist maintaining his high academic standards, Clayton has also involved himself in the co-curricular life of the School, participating in School Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Squash, Soccer, Cricket, Fitness and Weights Training and Rugby. His passion for, and dedication to, Rugby has supported his selection as Rugby Captain for 2009.

In the short time that Shae has attended TGS she has worked extremely hard academically and her efforts have been rewarded by receiving a Cum Laude Award, the Subject Prize for Health and Physical Education and an Academic Award in Year 10 and a Pro Diligentia Award in Year 11.

Shae has taken full advantage of the variety of co-curricular activities on offer at the School. She has actively participated in School Athletics, Cross Country, Netball, Touch Football and Fitness. Shae’s passion and commitment to School Athletics has supported her selection as Girls Athletics Captain for 2009. Shae has also enjoyed the camaraderie she experienced performing in the recent School Production.

When Clayton completes Year 12 he hopes to return to the family Station and pursue an apprenticeship in Diesel Fitting.

On completion of Year 12, Shae hopes to further her education by studying Physiotherapy at James Cook University.

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International Baccalaureate

Introducing the

International Baccalaureate Townsville Grammar School is excited to announce its unique position in Townsville as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.

As Vice-Chancellor of a University committed to delivering an internationally recognised standard of education and research and providing students with a global outlook and opportunity, I commend Townsville Grammar School for offering the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

From 2010 students will be able to make a genuine choice of which pre-tertiary course they would like to pursue in Years 11 and 12 – a choice that has previously simply not existed in North Queensland.

The IB is a broad-based learning experience for students allowing them to explore a wide range of disciplines and topic areas. Many pathways are open to graduates of the IB programme and we look forward to many of these students seeking places at JCU.

Students will now be able to pursue the Queensland Studies Authority course culminating in an OP score or the IB Diploma Programme.

The key to the IB’s appeal is its international credibility. It is taught in 134 countries and is recognised by all major universities within Queensland, Australia and the world.

Professor Sandra Harding Vice-Chancellor, James Cook University

Universities are displaying a growing appetite for IB graduates by offering IB scholarships, bonus entrance points and even advance placement.

Any enthusiastic learner aiming at pursuing tertiary studies, with an enquiring, caring, reflective, open- minded approach to his or her studies is potentially a TGS IB student.

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Students study six subjects, one selected from each of the subject groups above (Group 1 to 6). Three subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL) and the remaining three subjects are studied at Standard Level (SL). Subjects on offer may vary from cohort to cohort depending on demand and viability.

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This is illustrated by the hexagon above with the three parts of the core at its centre.

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What is in the curriculum?

The curriculum contains six subject groups, together with a core made up of three separate parts.

• extended essay • theory of knowledge • creativity, action, service

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Why study the International Baccalaureate Diploma?

The IB Diploma is a well-established, world-class qualification. It is a broad, but challenging course that is designed not only to provide qualifications for university entry but also to develop the education and maturity of the students involved. The broad nature of the IB Programme makes it suitable for a wide range of students however students need to be well-motivated and well-organised. IB Diploma students are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. Diploma students learn to ask challenging questions, the skills involved in investigating topics and express their opinions.

Universities and employers recognise the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma students.

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What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

The Diploma Programme is for students aged 16 to 19 – students entering Year 11. The Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum and leads to a diploma recognised by the world’s leading universities.

Group 5

Mathematics

Group 6 The Arts

A selection of Australian schools that also currently offer the IB Diploma Programme: Carey Baptist Grammar School (VIC)

Queenwood School for Girls (NSW)

Haileybury (VIC)

Somerset College (QLD)

Newington College (NSW)

St. Andrew’s Cathedral School (NSW)

Prince Alfred College (SA)

St. Peters Lutheran College (QLD)

Queensland Academies - Science, Mathematics and Technology, Creative Industries and Health Sciences (QLD)

The Friends’ School (TAS) Trinity Grammar School (NSW) Geelong Grammar (VIC) Wesley College (VIC)

School News

Mrs Sue Senent, Head Swim Coach, coaching the TGS Swim Squad

Swim@Grammar Swim@Grammar has experienced a very steady flow of support in the first months of operation.

The refurbishment of the School Pool was completed in late 2008, ready for the new school year.

The P&F have recently funded the installation of two 50 metre thermal pool blankets. These are in regular use and work in

conjunction with the solar heating system.

In early Term 1, TGS appointed a Head Swim Coach, Ms Sue Senent, a well known identity within the local swimming community having coached in Townsville for the past 16 years.

She has coached at all levels during her 20 years in the sport, working mainly with squads

and learn-to-swim programmes at the Tobruk and Willows swimming pools during her time in Townsville. She is one of Townsville’s most respected swim coaches and the School is thrilled that she is now a part of the Grammar team.

Squad training commenced this year and are free for all participating Grammar students.

The School has engaged local award winning fashion designer Trish Bellero to assist with the design of a new School uniform for implementation in 2011/2012. Trish will be working with a small consultative committee and also a local clothing manufacturer to develop an exciting range of options for consideration over the next 12 months.

Whilst the existing North Ward uniform has served our students well since 1966, it is now time for a fresh look at our uniform, as part of a healthy renewal process.

New Uniform

for TGS students

Changing a school’s uniform, especially when the School is P-12 and co-educational, is never an easy exercise and the transition phase can temporarily fragment the uniformity we strive to achieve. Hence our timelines, which allow for design and consultation (2009/2010), partial implementation (2011) and full implementation (2012).

All being well, this means that there will

In addition, the School is now offering Stroke Correction and Learn to Swim classes operating at the Pool. These sessions are open to the public as well as Grammar families and are on a fee for service arrangement. For booking of session times and costs involved, please contact Ms Sue Senent on 0438 138 141.

only be one year of transition (2011), where the old and the new uniforms will co-exist for 12 months.

Our brief to the designer will be to prepare a selection of uniform options for boys and girls across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools that are contemporary, functional, distinctive, durable and appealing.

Where appropriate, some elements of the existing uniform will be retained to ensure a traditional link between the old and the new.

Our Head of Senior School, Mrs Susie Ahern, will chair a ‘New Uniform Review Committee’ and will liaise with groups of students, parents and staff during the decision making process. If you have some particular preferences regarding new uniform options please email newuniforms@tgs.qld.edu.au with your input. We can then include you on an email contact list during the review process.

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School News

Townsville Grammar’s 2009 Junior School Boys’ Captain, Harry Price, is the fourth generation of his family to have attended Townsville Grammar School.

In 1888 when the School first opened, Harry’s great grandfather, Spenser Hopkins was amongst the very first intake of students. As time progressed Spenser Hopkins became a successful Townsville businessman in his own right, was elected to the School’s Board of Trustees and was promoted to Chairman of the Board not once but for three terms: 1928 – 1940, 1946 – 1952 and finally 1953 – 1960, taking up the challenges of those particularly difficult years of the Great Depression and post WWII. Keeping his finger on the pulse of the School was made easier for Mr Hopkins, as his children were students between 1922 and 1932, and were able to provide him with much inside information as to the goings-on in the classroom.

Fourth generation

Townsville Grammarian Harry Price, his grandmother, Margaret Pearce and his parents, Beverley Price and James Price

His granddaughter, Beverley Pearce (now Beverley Price) then enrolled as a student in the School from 1982 until 1986, paving the way for the fourth generation, Harry, to lead the current generation through when he enrolled in 2003.

Townsville is often spoken of as being a “transient” city, however, this generational linkage proves that there are some wonderful and very deep taproots within families that continue to draw Townsvilleans home.

Scartwater Scholarship Winners The Scartwater Foundation each year awards scholarships to students who live in the appropriate geographical region of North Queensland, and who are a direct descendent of an ex-serviceman.

Some of our 2009 Boarders - Anthony Involata, Michael Noah, Alexandra Fullerton, Claire Ellis, Lachlan Lynch and Georgie Keats

Boarding at Grammar Townsville Grammar School is the oldest co-educational boarding school on mainland Australia, having accepted its first boarders over 120 years ago.

Currently in excess of 150 Grammar students call our boarding houses their ‘home away from home’. Recognising that the lifestyle of a boarder is very different to that of a day student, six boarders took time out of their busy schedule recently to talk about what boarding life is really like.

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more tolerant and understanding of other’s needs and more resilient in their interactions. They all agreed that the bonds made during their time in boarding have developed strong, lifelong friendships. “The other students in boarding are not just your friends, they become like your family,” Lachlan Lynch in Year 11 student said. “Problems are shared and you’re never alone or lonely!”

Living at school in a large, tight knitted community requires that boarding life is very structured with specific time set aside for meals, study and even recreation. Whilst commenting that the strict daily routine was quite difficult to adapt to at first, all the students agreed that it ensured that there is always sufficient time for study and they were always aware of the expectations.

Even though boarders are always surrounded by other boarders, they suggested that they had all developed their independence through the boarding experience. “You learn how to work independently. You also learn to speak up for yourself if you need help because your parents aren’t here to give you assistance. It makes you really proud of your personal achievements,” Year 9 student Claire Ellis said.

Boarding away from home challenges our students in many different ways.

They said that living with different personalities enabled them to become

The boarders all agreed that the skills they learned in boarding have equipped them well for their lives after graduating from school.

Scholarships are awarded to worthy young scholars to help towards the costs of their ongoing education.

In 2009, both Bridie O’Toole and Kayla Ward from Townsville Grammar School were awarded Scartwater Scholarships to help towards their studies for Year 11 and 12, in recognition of their academic endeavours to date.

The scholarship is also in recognition of the wartime service of Bridie’s grandfather, Mr James P. Kluver who served in 467 Squadron at Waddington as part of the Bomber command during WWII. Mr Kluver’s story of his wartime service is both humbling and chilling. His entire squadron was killed on a bombing mission over France. The only reason Mr Kluver survived all of his mates was due to the fact that he was in hospital with appendicitis when they flew their fatal mission. To honour his mates, Jim named his first born son after his two best mates, Colin and Thomas, who perished in their Lancaster plane when it was shot down.

After returning from WWII to Australia, Jim spent a year with Thomas’ family helping on their farm, as Thomas had been their only son. Following this, Mr Kluver trained as a teacher and taught in many oneteacher schools around Queensland. It is therefore very appropriate that his granddaughter, Bridie, be awarded a scholarship to help with her academic career.

School News 2009 PF Rowland Medallists with Special Guest, Mr Peter Gleeson, Deputy Principal (Curriculum), Mrs Mary Hall and Principal, Mr Richard Fairley

Writing Competition Townsville Grammar has been conducting the Writing Competition for Years 7 through 12 since 2000, presenting PF Rowland Medals to the winners of each year level.

This year, some very pleasing results were realised by a large number of students. The special guest for this year’s Writing Competition Assembly was the Editor of the Townsville Bulletin, Mr Peter Gleeson.

Students are given the opportunity to showcase their writing talents by writing a response to the provided stimulus.

Jumps@Grammar It is quite extraordinary to see 75 teenagers getting up at 6.45am for anything (let alone to exercise), but, every Tuesday morning, bright and early, plenty of Townsville Grammar students get up and put on their running shoes for just that, a fitness regime named ‘Jumps’.

The activities vary weekly from circuits to runs to even walking up Castle Hill.

Mr Andrew Thompson, the Director of Sport, also takes part and exercises alongside all the students.

“It is fantastic to see that enthusiasm for keeping fit,” he said. “We try to mix up the programme to keep the students interested and to make it fun.”

The programme has been running for 11 years now and has taught many students healthy techniques for keeping fit and healthy into adulthood.

“We hope that they continue on with the skills we teach them after they leave school to remain healthy young adults,” Mr Thompson said.

The PF Rowland Medals for 2009 were awarded to: Year 7 Thomas Barlow and Bianca Parison Year 8 William He and Maggie Wakelin Year 9 Tommy Speed and Alana Tolman Year 10 Timothy Guazzo and Eliza Ebringer Year 11 Adam Walsh and Brigid O’Toole Year 12 Fane Hu and Georgina Nielsen

This year both the Netball and Rugby teams will head overseas for their biennial tours. The Netball team will head to New Zealand while the Rugby team will be travelling to the UK and France.

The teams have both been busy fundraising to get to their destinations, with a Sports Disco for the students and a Trivia Night for parents and the School community.

The students will not only be playing sport but will also have the opportunity to watch other schools’ sporting matches such as Stratford upon Avon vs King Edward VI School.

The students’ overseas travel experience allows them to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience another culture while playing their favourite sport.

The 2009 Rugby and Netball Tourists

Rugby and Netball Tours

Bullying Awareness Week Bullying Awareness Week was held in February this year from Prep to Year 12. The week consisted of in-class, Form class and Faculty initiatives to educate students about being bullied as well as the effects of being a bully.

Bullying Awareness week was a time to bring the School’s Anti-Bullying Policy into focus.

a ‘Friendly Schools and Family’ professional development day to raise awareness of this programme. A sub committee, that includes staff, parents and students, was established from this day and meet on a regular basis to discuss implementation of current policy, procedure and age specific initiatives.

This year has seen Prep – Year 7 staff involved in a world renowned programme, the Friendly Schools and Families programme, aimed at raising awareness of the issue of bullying. Early in the year, TGS staff attended

One of the committee’s main aims in 2009 is to gather further data regarding the occurrence of bullying. To this end, a ‘zonal’ survey has been conducted to identify areas which are

safe and those where further supervision could be required.

For teaching staff, the main aim for this year has been to help students understand the definition of ‘bullying’. For the Junior School especially, being able to teach the difference between an ‘incident’ and ‘bullying’ has been a rewarding task, with appropriate posters in place in the classrooms as reinforcement. The growing social maturity of the students has been extremely rewarding as the programme has progressed.

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School Production

Drama is an important aspect of life at Townsville Grammar.

A full School Production is held every two years, with 2009 seeing The Wind in the Willows brought to life on stage. The next Production will be held in 2011.

Years 7-12 are encouraged to become involved either through auditioning to become a member of cast or by applying to become a crew member.

From the Director

I first read The Wind in the Willows, the classic English book from the Golden Age of Children’s literature, when I was 12 years old. It was the one of the 10 set texts for my Year 8 English class. I confess I thought it was a bit babyish at first with its quaint little furry animals but in the end I remember believing that weasels were human size and strangely capable, like humans, of evil, apathy or sudden generosity - the problem being you could never be sure in which mood you would encounter them. So cleverly drawn are the original characters by Kenneth Grahame that you come to regard them as people and I was surprised to find out that those unfamiliar animals - moles, badgers, weasels and stoats - were in fact small animals. The affection that I felt for Badger, Rat, Mole and Toad would last always.

The Wind in the Willows affirms that life requires a readiness for adventure, an appreciation of the simple things - good food, good friends - and the preservation of old traditions and the land’s beauty.

The real story behind The Wind in the Willows is a more tragic tale.

Kenneth Grahame, born in Scotland, married late and spent much of his time on the River Thames near Oxford doing what Ratty loves best, ”simply messing about in boats” and his only son Alastair, who was a very self-centred, impulsive little boy, inspired the character of Michael Doris as Toad

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Toad. Sadly, like the real boys who inspired Peter Pan and Christopher Robin, Alistair would throw himself under a train as it passed the same riverbank that his father had immortalised in his book.

The selection of a play this year, rather than a musical, has allowed the focus of my direction and all rehearsals to rest firmly on the students and their acting skills especially strengthening their comedy skills, stage energy and expression. We have been freed at last from the musical’s need for heightened acting and movement dictated by staying in time with the instrumental musical score. Even as we began rehearsals, it was apparent that the new script, beautifully crafted by major British dramatist Alan Bennett, made our student actors look good. It is witty, intelligent and refreshingly unpredictable. The minor characters are well-drawn with attention to detail, giving actors, like Albert and the train driver, something to work with. Often the dialogue in musicals is poorly written, just the material between the terrific songs which needs very professional delivery to make it work. The major characters in this play are drawn with great care so that the actors enjoyed unravelling the journey that their characters go on. The Wind in the Willows is really a story of four friends realising that accepting each other’s flaws is an essential part of forging lifelong bonds. For Mole, it is a personal journey from timidity into self-reliance and new horizons. For Badger, it Anna Wallace as Mole

School Production is finding a world that can energise old age and renew life’s hold. Toad discovers that sometimes compromise is necessary. Rat learns that the effort of friendship is better than loneliness and stops you becoming too set in your ways.

Even at the audition stages, a pleasing new priority emerged, as the voice and speech clarity of the student actors became a critical factor in casting. We knew that for the first time in 16 years of School Productions we would not be relying on the technology of the microphone (and its often less than reliable operator). This allowed more actors to speak lines as with a microphoned show only 25 speaking characters can be supported.

Our rehearsal work began with three weeks of workshops on movement and we used the ancient Japanese theatre methods of Buto, Noh and Kabuki because they are disciplined to the mind, freeing and graceful to the body and also a new part of the QSA Grade 12 theatre course so it gave our Drama students additional techniques. This serious approach to the movement avoided any problems with students feeling it was beneath their dignity to hop around like a bunny rabbit. I have to add that Mr Simon Armstrong also had no objections to donning a tail and ears and wiggling his ‌.nose! We found that black box theatre James Raggatt as Rat

techniques, simple staging with imaginative use of fabric and the methods of puppet theatre suited our needs as we could highlight the acting rather than distract the audience with visuals. The black box theatre techniques allowed us to invent the set and props as we went along. Students devised many of the staging ideas.

My production assistant Jenni Ansic became adept at mastering many forms of gloves and began to expect orders for surreal gloves, such as fire gloves and root gloves, to be added after each rehearsal. The black box theatre at Riverway has been a very serviceable and flexible space for us to work in. Its wonderful acoustics, versatility and audience proximity have allowed us to concentrate on the play itself. The theatre is by nature, ephemeral - so much work and artistic effort for such a brief moment but that also is its glory.

This version of The Wind in the Willows is something that has been hand-crafted by an enormous team who worked together to ensure that it was a wonderful and enjoyable play for young and old.

Fiona Perry Director of The Wind in the Willows

Sarangan Ketheesan as Badger

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Junior School

Owen Scott and his mum, Tavia Scott

Pre-Prep Mothers Day Morning Tea Enjoying Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Grandparents and Special Friends Day Grandparents and Special Friends Day was held on 8 April at Townsville Grammar Junior School’s Annandale Campus.

Junior School students at Grammar had a celebration day designed around their special friends and grandparents who were invited “back to school” for the morning. Grandparents and special friends arrived in droves in Townsville, many from other cities, a number from interstate and even some from overseas, to be a part of this day with their grandchildren.

Guests enjoyed a classroom visit, spending time in their grandchild’s classroom. Grandparents and special friends also enjoyed a special morning tea. As there were over 350 grandparents and special friends it was a very large morning tea! Following morning tea, everyone was treated to a concert of musical items.

Everyone had a wonderful day and the students were thrilled to spend the day with their grandparents and special friends.

Infant Sports Day On 4 June, students in Prep – Years 2 participated in their ‘Infants Sports Day’ which had a ‘Circus’ theme for 2009.

Students dressed up as Ringmasters, Clowns, Animals and Magicians, all brilliantly shown off in a ‘March Past’ for the many parents and friends who came along to watch the event.

Once the ‘March Past’ was completed, a round robin of athletic events with a ‘Circus’ twist was organised for the students to participate in, followed by a 60m dash to conclude the morning.

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On Friday 8 May, the Pre-Prep Centre hosted the Pre-Prep Mothers Day Morning Tea. Mothers of Pre-Prep students were invited to have morning tea with their children at the Pre-Prep Centre.

The preparation for this wonderful morning started months prior with the children painting and decorating placemats and coasters. The students coloured traced cut outs of their handprints which were used as the centrepiece decoration of each table. A very special gift of a flower picture frame was also hand-crafted by the creative children of our Pre-Prep Centre.

The Thursday prior to the big event all the children and staff started baking. There were mountains of muffins and shortbread biscuits for all the mothers to enjoy. The mothers were treated to cold drinks, sandwiches, fruit pancakes and, of course, the specially baked muffins and biscuits.

All the mothers had a glorious morning and no doubt had a very special Mothers Day on the Sunday as well.

Prep - Year 2 Dads Book Night In today’s society, it is often perceived that it is only Mums who are invited to school events to spend time with their children. Too often, Dads feel like they haven’t had the opportunity to go along to their children’s school and be involved with their children’s education.

Mr Noel Nethery, the Head of Junior School, has developed a programme to invite Prep to Year 2 Dads to the School for a book and barbeque night. The night has a strong focus on literacy and how fathers can be involved with their children’s education through books.

On 28 May, Dads of Prep to Year 2 students went along to the Junior School. Mr Nethery said there is usually about a 90% turn out. “The Dads are really keen. They involve themselves not only in reading but also in literacy related activities that enhance language development,” he said.

Mr Nethery took the Dads on a tour of the campus, through their children’s classrooms and followed up with a barbeque. Fathers are able to use this casual evening to meet and connect with other Dads to discuss issues that Dads face in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Soiree

On the evening of 5 May, talented TGS Middle School students performed in the Middle School Soiree.

The evening showcased a variety of talented musicians playing a multitude of instruments ranging from piano, clarinet, violin to voice.

The night was a huge success with both the families and staff delighted by the wonderful performances of our young musicians.

Students performing in the Middle School Soiree

Middle School

Drug Education Parent Forum The last week of May was Drug Awareness Week at Townsville Grammar School.

Every student on both campuses from Pre-Prep to Year 12 was engaged this week in activities that highlight the risk of drug usage to empower students and their parents with facts and knowledge against drug usage.

The Middle School Drug Education Forum was held on 28 May. Parents were invited to listen to Middle School students speak about the work they had completed in the HPE Drug Education unit. There was also information about other initiatives from Drug Education Week including CPR demonstrations by Year 8 and 9 students.

Middle School

Middle School

Drug Awareness is a significant step in helping teenagers to say “No” to Drugs and for their parents to be properly informed about the current issues surrounding this significant social threat to their children.

Townsville Grammar School is very proud of this initiative to tackle the issue of drugs in a whole-school approach that tackles this problem.

Middle School Activity Day The Middle School Activity Day was held on 19 February, with Form class and House activities planned for Year 8 students throughout the day.

One of the activities was a scavenger hunt to find articles to be placed onto a poster to represent one of the Middle School values. Posters were judged on the accuracy of the answers and artistic interpretation of the given Middle School value.

The students also participated in a series of activities designed to test teamwork, strategy and endurance whilst keeping the students involved in a fun way.

Some of the activities were water based to ensure that students kept cool on a very hot day. The water activities included ‘The Gauntlet’ where students had to retrieve tennis balls whilst dodging wet sponges that were being thrown at them. This proved to be a very popular event and due to the heat some students chose to be easy targets!

All in all it was a very successful day and prizes were awarded to the winning Form class and House based on scores for each activity. New friendships were forged and the day went a long way to uniting the cohort.

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‘Box and Blanket’ Night

Senior School

‘Service learning’ is one of the focus areas that has been identified for Year 10 Pastoral Care in 2009. It is connected to the concept of ‘Pay it Forward’, meaning If we do something good for some people then those people might be inspired to go on and do good for others.

The programme was launched with a ‘Box or Blanket’ sleepover evening on 20 March. Fifty Year 10 students ‘roughed it out’ sleeping in the School’s gymnasium with only a box or a blanket for bedding, and only cold tinned food or pre-packaged food to which hot water could be added for sustenance.

The idea was to allow students the opportunity to experience what it might be like, at least on a very basic level, to be homeless.

Students also had the opportunity to listen to three guest speakers, Michael and Ruth Stainbrook from FEAT (Food Emergency Accommodation Townsville) and Kirwan Baptist Church as well as Ray Roberts from Food Bank. Students learned about the homelessness problems in our local community and what people, such as themselves, can do to help with the situation.

A student who attended the night, Matt Simmons (10/09) noted, “The night has taught us how we can lend a hand to help the homeless

whether that’s by donating food or money to charities. During the night some of us did not want to sleep thinking that our personal belongings were going to get stolen, which is just like it is in the real world. All in all the night was a great success.” Jessika Faithfull (10/09) also added, “Despite several boxes collapsing, everyone had a great night learning about homelessness and the devastating effects it has on Australians.

As a bonus, those of us who happen to sleep-walk or sleep-talk or even sleep-spin (!) were exposed in the morning by a tired Ms West, to the amusement of the others who managed to sleep quietly (and lying down).”

Students also had some fun bush dancing and viewed the movie, Pay it Forward. The movie and the evening has inspired the cohort to try and make a difference in the world, which is the aim of service learning, through the following class projects: 10.1 Collecting and donating non-perishable items for the Black Saturday fire victims 10.4 Raising money for World Vision Child Sponsorship support programs 10.7 Community works day with an outside organisation on June 13.

10.2 & 10.6 Raising funds for the Children’s Ward at the Townsville Hospital and spending time with sick children (face painting etc.)

10.3 & 10.5 Organising TGS involvement in World Vision 40 Hour Famine

Upcoming Tours to Japan and Italy Students studying Japanese or Italian this year will have the opportunity of a lifetime – to visit the country of the language that they are learning and to practise their language skills in person. This is a once in a lifetime experience for our students, designed to

The 2007 Japan Tour

boost confidence and improve fluency with the language.

The Italian tour will begin in Rome where the students will have the chance to visit amazing sights such as Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon Church and Colosseum. From there, the students will do a day trip to Pompeii to visit the excavations. The students then travel to Florence where they will stay in a homestay environment, living with Italian families and living like locals for a week, as well as visiting some of the local attractions including a day trip to Pisa. The final three days will be spent in the city of canals, Venice, where the students will sightsee including visiting a glass factory to watch a glass blowing demonstration. On the way, a stop has been planned at Verona, where of particular interest will be a visit to what is reputed to be the family home of Juliet, the character from Shakespeare’s famous play, Romeo and Juliet.

The Japanese tour will begin in Tokyo, where the students will be visiting Tokyo Disneyland, no doubt an exciting moment in any child’s life! The students will then have the opportunity to visit some of Tokyo’s top

tourist attractions including Akihabra (Tokyo’s ‘Electric City’), Harajuku and Ginza. From Tokyo, the students will travel by Shinkansen, known in English as a bullet train, to Yamagata Prefecture in Northern Honshu. It is here, in the town of Shinjo, that the students will spend two nights in homestay with families at the TGS Friendship School. The students then travel to Kyoto, a city renowned for its culture and home to a plethora of ancient and beautiful shrines, temples, gardens and tea houses with their ubiquitous geisha. From Kyoto, the tour group will have a day trip to Hiroshima including visiting the Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome, which prove to be a very sobering experience for the young travellers.

The tour concludes with an exciting ‘shop ‘til you drop’ in Kyoto before the busy explorers head back to Australia.

A lot of hard work, preparation and organisation are required to make these tours a success. Head of Modern Languages, Mrs Kathleen Wiseman and Italian Teacher, Mrs Elena Bertucci should be congratulated for their efforts in organising these wonderful tours to enlarge our language students’ experiences.

Five Modern Languages on offer from 2010

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Townsville Grammar will offer five languages in 2010 including Japanese, Italian, French, Indonesian and Spanish.

option of studying any of the IB subjects, including the newly offered Spanish course.

Year 11 students choosing to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) course in 2010 will be required to study a foreign language. The School will be offering three language subjects for our IB students - Spanish Ab initio (meaning the student had never studied Spanish prior) as well as French and Japanese. Students who choose to study the usual Queensland Certificate of Education rather than the IB will still have the

Additionally, from the beginning of 2010, aspiring dual-linguists in Year 8 may decide to study two foreign languages if they so wish. Students may choose one pathway either from Indonesian, Italian or Japanese.

This will be the “major” focus of their studies. The designated “minor” will be French. From Year 9, timetabling will enable students to continue to focus on their foreign language studies through to the end of Year 10.

Across both campuses, Townsville Grammar supports its local community through various Community Service projects.

• Some of the fundraising efforts this year include: • • •

•

Interact sold cold cups to cool down the troops at the start of 2009. Funds raised helped our sister school in Sri Lanka.

Students raised over $9,300 across both campuses for the Red Cross Victorian Bushfires Appeal.

Mrs Debbie Oliver’s class (Year 6O) and the Junior School Community Service Group raised over $700 for the Premier’s Flood appeal through the sale of coloured house wrist bands at the Junior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival and the organisation of a ‘Cheeseburger’ Day for Prep to Year 6 students.

Interact sold soft drinks at Middle and

•

• • •

Senior School Swimming carnivals to raise funds for our sister school in Sri Lanka.

A gold coin trail supported by Pre-Prep to Year 6 students and organised by the Junior School Community Service group raised over $400 to support the Junior School’s Ethiopian sponsored child, Temesgen Arage.

Year 12 Hospitality students organised, produced and served the light lunch and refreshments for the recent opening ceremony of the Youth Art Exhibition held at Umbrella Studios in Flinders Street.

Year 10 students participated in a ‘Box and Blanket’ evening to ‘experience’ what it is like to be homeless.

Mrs Margaret Silke’s class (3S) sold ANZAC Day badges.

Mrs Kerry Strickland and her Pre-Prep staff and students raised funds for the

Cancer Foundation through their ‘Colour for a Cure’ initiative and for the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ with staff and students dressing up to the theme “I wish I was a….”

Other planned service activities for 2009 include fundraising for the Queensland Cancer Council through the Pretty in Pink night and Jillian’s Day as well as a sausage sizzle for our sponsor school in Sri Lanka.

Recently, the Interact Club along with the Junior School Community Service group teamed together to collect food items for the Salvation Army Food Appeal.

School Community

School Community Service

These community service projects cannot happen without the strong support of Grammar families and the Grammar community.

North Ward Campus

Open Night 2009 The winning team of the 2009 P&F Golf Day

P&F Golf Day

The 2009 TGS P&F Golf Day was held on 24 May and saw the team of Ajay Rane, Rabieh Krayem, Logan Ballantyne and Paul Bow demonstrate their sporting skills to win the green jacket.

After a shot gun start at 6.30am, golfers made their way around the 18 hole course at Townsville Golf Club.

Thanks to a supportive School community donating prizes, sponsoring holes and of course playing golf, the 2009 P&F Golf Day was a huge success and enjoyed by all.

For your

The P&F Golf Days have been among the most successful and enjoyable fundraising events for the P&F. Funds raised from these and other ventures have been used to improve facilities at the School. For example, both campuses now proudly boast new sports pavilions beside their ovals, wholly funded by the P&F. In 2009 over $20,000 has been allocated to thermal insulation blankets for our Swimming Pool at North Ward.

diary

Black & Gold Bush Dance Family Fun - Bring the whole family Pre-Prep to Year 12 welcome!

Annandale Campus 8 August 2009, 5.30-8.30pm

Open Night Annandale Campus (Pre-Prep to Year 6) 1 Brazier Drive, Annandale 30 July 2009, 5.00-7.00pm

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Past Grammarians

News of Past Grammarians It was good to hear recently from JULIE EDWARDS (nee HANGER 1983). A Physiotherapist, Julie recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Mathematical Science and is working as a physiotherapist at the Queensland Children’s Gait Laboratory where she does 3D clinical motion analysis on children’s gaits.

It was with a sense of great relief to hear that DAVID COKER (2002) survived the terrorist attacks on the commercial centre of Mumbai.

David, who had just completed a Science/ Law degree at Australian National University, was on the first day of an extended visit to the Indian sub continent. For those members of the School community who followed the events, there will be great pride in the manner in which David conducted himself and rescued his travelling companion, Katie Anstee. Well done, David, and all the members of the Townsville community are indeed very proud of you. Best wishes to you and Katie for the year.

Congratulations to CAVIN WILSON (2005) on the excellent results achieved at his recent graduation at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Cavin graduated with a Bachelor of Business with High Distinction and topped the Bachelor of Business cohort. He was awarded the Australian Management Institute Prize for excellence in Management and was one of only ten students who were awarded Dual Commandants Commendations for both Military and Academics. At the final ceremony Cavin was presented with the top possible recognition within the Air Force student cohort when he won the Chief of Air Forces Prize as the best Air Force cadet. Cavin has been promoted to the rank of Flying Officer and has accepted a posting in Darwin where he will take command of the Joint Movement Control Centre (Tri Service).

ALLAN LAURIE (1937) was a recent visitor to the School. Alan and his two brothers lived in Queens Road and all attended Grammar in the 1930s.

The School would like to congratulate Tim Sheens on his appointment as the Australian Rugby League Coach. Tim is married to Past Grammarian, RHONDA (nee KELLY 1972) and two of their children SCOTT (1999) and KATHLEEN (2000) attended Grammar.

We would also like to wish MATTHEW ELLIOTT (1981), coach of the Penrith Panthers, the best for the 2009 season.

I was again made proud to be associated with the Grammar School recently. While boarding a train in Brisbane I fell rather heavily and the only person to come to my aid was a past student of the School. He was GREG BOLTON (1985) and it was great to catch up with Greg again.

A recent visitor to Townsville was KASEY BLOOMFIELD (1994). After working in the hospitality industry in Great Britain for some years, Kasey moved to the United States of America where she is currently working on cruise liners sailing in American waters. Kasey is now based in Puerto Rica.

the American College tennis circuit. Now a sophomore at a University in Tennessee, JohnPatrick was the SEC Freshman of the Year as well as the Region III Rookie of the Year. He has also been named in the All-American team of the year while at the same time achieving very good results academically. John-Patrick’s major is Economics and according to a major newspaper he is also achieving a teamhigh 3.9 GPA average in the fall semester.

Congratulations to John-Patrick and we wish him all the best in his chosen career.

EDWARD GEORGE DAVIDSON (1954) recently became the twenty-eighth Past Grammarian to be honoured in the Australia Day Honours’ List. Edward was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for “service to the community of Townsville, particularly through Rotary International as a contributor to programmes assisting youth at risk.” Well done, Edward, on an award fully deserved.

JOSH HANNAY (1997), one of the youngest players to ever play in the National Rugby League competition, is continuing to play in Wales for the Celtic Crusaders. His team won promotion last season and is now playing in the English Super League. Josh played over 150 games for the North Queensland Cowboys and five games for Queensland in State of Origin matches.

The Townsville Rugby Union team, the Brolgas, are currently playing in the pre-season State wide competition. It is pleasing to report that six past students are members of the squad.

They are SCOTT O’NEILL (1999), DAVID JONES (1999), BEN ABBOTT (2002), DAN WITHERS (2004), DANIEL WRIGHT (2006) and BEN HUMPHREY (2006). It is good to see past students continuing in the sport they played at school.

Congratulations to SIMON IEVERS (1999) on attaining a first class Honours Degree in Engineering at James Cook University.

On leaving Grammar, Simon completed an apprenticeship and then worked for a period of time as a tradesman. He enrolled in civil engineering in 2005 and has the remarkable academic record of passing every subject either at distinction or high distinction level.

It is great to see that JOHN-PATRICK SMITH (2006) is going from strength to strength on

ALAN PARKHURST DODD (1910), a boarder from Kuranda, has the honour of being

Grammar at Home Weekend 2009 Saturday 1 August 2009 • School Tours • Sporting Events • Past Grammarians Reunion Dinner Please contact the School on (07) 4722 4900 for more information

Marriages

Congratulations students:

to

the

following

past

GREG LEWIS (1992) will be marrying in Santiago in Chile, the city from which his fiancée comes.

KIM LAMBERT (1998) on her engagement to Dave Steele.

ARCHIE BELL (1993) on his forthcoming marriage in Brisbane to his fiancée, Catherine.

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TRACEY TADMAN (1989) and EDWARD ROSSATO (1989) on their recent marriage on Magnetic Island.

ALEXANDRA GOLLEDGE (nee COLWELL 1998) recently married Jonathan Golledge.

Alexandra is the daughter of Geoff and Lynda Colwell, who have both been teachers at TGS since 1997. Many Past Grammarians and teachers attended the beautiful ceremony held at St James Cathedral, Townsville.

Alexandra Golledge (nee Colwell) and Jonathan Golledge on their wedding day this year

It was interesting to hear from BERYL BELL (nee BARKER 1941) who wrote about the happy few years she had at Grammar. She was offered a scholarship in 1941 to stay at the School but had to leave because of the demands of World War Two on her family.

She remembers the Headmaster of the time, TOMMY WHIGHT, with great fondness. Beryl’s mother VERA JENSEN (1918) was also a student at Grammar and told Beryl that she was one of only six girls in the School in her final year.

DULCIE BERESFORD (nee POPHAM 1947) has also been in touch and sent an obituary of ALBERT CHARLES ASBURY (1954). Dulcie taught Albert in 1954 and was instrumental in getting him a position on the Townsville Bulletin. From there Albert moved to 4TO as a journalist before joining the Townsville regional office of the ABC in 1958. Albert was to spend the next fifty years working for the ABC rising to be the ABC News Chief of Staff in Queensland, a position he held for 32 years. Albert spent some time in Papua New Guinea working for the ABC and his work in training indigenous journalists was recognised by the PNG Government when he was awarded the Independence Medal in 1973. A man of wide interests and talents, Albert was, among many things, a member of Apex and regarded as an expert on James Bond films.

Valet

The Past Grammarian Association would like to pass on their very best wishes to MICHAEL SUTHERS (1961) and to his family. Michael has been seriously ill in the Mater Hospital and it is anticipated that his recovery will take some time. Michael is one of the great stalwarts of the Association and was President of the PGA in the Centenary Year (1988). He was the driving force behind many of the activities that took place during that year. Michael is also a great supporter of the School and has made a variety of donations to the archives. We look forward to him making a full recovery.

Those members of the School community who are regular users of the City Libraries may have noticed a new book called The History of the Townsville Library Service displayed around the various city libraries. The book is written by RICHARD SAYERS (1985) and is an interesting chronological outline as to how the local libraries developed. Much of Richard’s research for the book had been undertaken when he was an Honours’ student at James Cook University. Richard was a keen history student while at Grammar and won the History Prize in his final year.

The Townsville Bulletin recently carried a full page story on BRENT STEVENSON (1992).

Brent had two years at Grammar and was a cricketer of some ability, playing for the Queensland Schools’ team during that time.

The story featured Brent’s work as a provider of barramundi to the various fish farms in the area bounding Ingham to the north, Bowen to the south and Charters Towers to the west.

Congratulations to MICHAEL LUCK (1998) on breaking a National Rugby League record in a recent match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm. Michael, who played for the Cowboys for some years before moving to Auckland, made 71 tackles during the 14-14 overtime match in Melbourne. The number of tackles made

The Past Grammarians Association extends their deepest sympathies to the families of: A.J.S. ASPINALL (1935), BRAD SIM (1982), LEIGHTON DOWKER (1995), R.M. LINNETT (1944), JOAN BURKE, CHARLES ASBURY (1954), ROBERT MAXWELL ACKLAND (1944), and VINCENT JOHN BUTCHER (John) who was a member of the staff from 1972 to 1984.

Each, in their own way, contributed to the wonderful character of the School and will be sadly missed.

is the highest ever in a NRL fixture and it is a record that could stay for some years.

Two students, in particular have performed well in the Australian Rules arena since leaving Grammar JAKE SPENCER (2006) left during Year 11 to take up a scholarship with the Melbourne Club. He has played three first grade games for the Demons this year and we wish him all the best for the future.

MATTHEW STOREY (2008) is a member of the Gold Coast U18 team. The Gold Coast expects to be the seventeenth in the national competition in 2011 and if Matthew can hold his form he could be a member of that team.

It is good to see two boys doing so well in a sport that is not yet mainstream in North Queensland.

Past Grammarians

awarded both the British Empire Medal (1935) and the Order of the British Empire (1964). Alan had a highly successful career as an entomologist and was the driving force behind the eradication of the prickly pear menace in Queensland. Australian Geographic (Issue 94) has an article on Alan’s father, Frederick Parkhurst Dodd, better known as the Butterfly Man of Kuranda. Alan’s father was the first researcher in Australia to recognise that some butterflies were carnivorous in their behaviour.

Well done to KENDALL MESSER (2008) and RHYS VOLANT (2008) on recently being awarded prizes by the Geological Society of Australia (Queensland Division). Kendall won the bronze medal for her outstanding results in Year 12 in the subject of Earth Science while Rhys was awarded a certificate of excellence. Congratulations to both students and to the staff who set up the programme and supported these pupils’ efforts.

TAVIS NICHOLSON (2003) has returned to Townville with the 2 Royal Australian Regiment and is once again playing rugby with the Old Boys’ team in the local competition. Tavis has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan over the last couple of years.

Mr Bill Muller Secretary/Treasurer, Past Grammarians Association

Births

Congratulations to the following past students and their partners on additions to their families: MATTHEW DURWARD (1997) and wife, Amora, on the birth of their first child, Jemimah Kate.

BEATRICE GIBBERT (nee PLANT 1995) and her husband, Chris, on the birth of their daughter, Olivia.

NICHOLAS LAZAREDES (1991) and MEGAN (nee CARNES 1991) on the birth of their second child and first son, Leo. Nick’s father JIMMY LAZAREDES (1957) is a prominent local dentist and is pleased to have a grandson to continue the family name.

Townsville Grammar School is what it is today because of the many people who have believed in it, who have given loyally of their time and energy and have financially supported the School and its community. One way you can help Townsville Grammar School continue its fine tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence is to consider a gift to the School or a bequest in your will.

Play a part in the future of the Townsville Grammar School. If you would like further information about such donations, please contact the Principal, Mr Richard Fairley on (07) 4722 4926. All information is treated in the strictest confidence.

A Gift to Grammar 14