WestMAC Mag

ALUMNI & COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

...it’s satisfying to know each piece is a one‑of‑a‑kind and special p3 A passionate life p1 Facilitating tomorrow’s scientists p2 Coffee with the Waltons p5 EDITION 1 JULY 2016

EDITION 1 2016

COVER Bonnie Hislop “Eye bowls”.

See full story page 3.

CONTENTS

1

A passionate life

2

Facilitating tomorrow’s scientists

3

7 questions with Bonnie

4

21st century SpiritED leadership

5

Coffee with the Waltons

6 Notices

CONTRIBUTORS We wish to thank everyone who contributed stories and photos to make this edition possible.

WRITERS Geoff McLay, Amanda Houston, Nancy Fadden, Mark Hinchcliffe - Journalist EDITORS Kate McLay, Amanda Houston DESIGN Richard Taylor - Redtrike Creative Co. ENQUIRIES T (07) 3813 4555 E marketing@wmac.com.au This publication highlights the stories of the WestMAC community. Although the College has made every effort to ensure that the information in this publication was correct, we do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

If you would like to make a contribution to the next edition, email alumni@wmac.com.au

From the Principal It is only upon stopping to reflect on the history of the College that some idea of the contribution and the extension of WestMAC’s impact in the community can be grasped.

The nature and extent of WestMAC’s growth in just under 25 years is nothing short of outstanding. It is hard to imagine that when we opened the doors in 1994, we had just 225 students enrolled. Today, we educate over 1300 students across three sub-schools. Our campus has been transformed with cutting-edge facilities which enable us to offer a dynamic and inspiring schooling experience.

Our significant growth in size corresponds with our growth in reputation. The College is renowned for equipping students for success in school life and beyond. We encourage our students to value and respect themselves and others, and to be proud of their own achievements and those of their peers.

We are proud that our graduates are equipped to be tomorrow’s spirited leaders. Our Alumni have a local, national and global reach, making contributions and continuing to strive for individual excellence – each with his or her own story. The stories in this magazine highlight this broad spectrum of influence, and I hope you find them as inspiring as I have. The stories featured in this edition demonstrate the strong sense of community and social conscience that have become such an integral element of WestMAC’s identity.

Geoff McLay principal

Phil Larson (Class of 2002), He is now successful in the new‑age, non‑traditional career of video games marketing.

A passionate life A zombie movie and the Fruit Ninja video game seem a world away from the scholarly confines of West Moreton Anglican College.

Yet they have been instrumental in the successful career of Year 2002 Alumni Phil Larsen, who gave an impassioned Scholars Assembly address earlier this year.

At the age of 30, Phil has travelled extensively, completed a degree in marketing and advertising, and was honoured in 2014 as the Lord Mayor’s Young Business Person of the Year.

He is now successful in the non‑traditional career of video games marketing.

It all started with a solid education in the hallowed halls of WestMAC. “At school I loved Maths, English, Geography, and Economics. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do anything with any of them. But I feel like, by taking them all in one class at a time, I was able to learn a new perspective,” he said.

“I realised that when I was here. I really tried to take in every single moment and I really tried to apply

that to something I could turn into a career.”

with something I was really good at - marketing.”

“I did a multimedia course studying programming and film, and ended up topping my class. I don’t know how. I ended up making a zombie film – I guess it’s because I was able to use my passion.”

Phil says passion is one thing, but you also have to come up with ideas.

Before applying his passion to further education or a career, Phil says he spent some time travelling and building life experience by working at Target and even parking cars.

After completing his degree, Phil was able to combine his passions of film making, marketing and video games, including one of the most successful video games on the planet.

“Over the years, I was able to market many games, including Fruit Ninja - one of the most frequently downloaded gaming apps,” said Phil.

“I found a lot of joy in seeing something like that come to life. I was able to combine my passion

“I would say that ideas are the most valuable thing we have, and small ideas executed well are much, much more valuable than grand ideas that you don’t follow through,” he said.

Phil also had some advice for students: “Don’t worry too much about what you want to do for the rest of your life. That changes all the time.”

He said that even at 30 he still doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life.

“But what I will do is try and take in every moment. Use what you love and put it into every single job you do, whether academic or even tedious - like parking cars. I’ll make a game of that!” he vowed.

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Facilitating tomorrow’s scientists Future scientists at WestMAC will soon have regular hands‑on access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories for prolonged experiment projects when the College’s $3.6 million refurbished facilities open.

Head of Science Mr Warren Butler said experimentation over several weeks is a cornerstone of Senior Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Agricultural Studies) under the National Curriculum and the QCAA Senior Syllabus.

“All of our Sciences are moving away from content-based learning and into project-based learning,” Mr Butler said.

Work has begun on Stage 1 with completion by October and the full refurbishment open in March 2017.

The 21st century learning environment includes state-of-the-art laboratories with improved layouts and storage, an extended preparation area, and safe amenities for chemical storage endorsed by Workplace Health and Safety.

2

Principal Mr Geoff McLay said the new facilities will give students the foundations to pursue a career in Science, Engineering or Technology.

“WestMAC endorses a ‘science for life’ approach, which includes developing science understanding, science inquiry skills, and recognising science as a human endeavour,” he said.

The National Science Curriculum is designed to foster the early development of our future scientists and people in science‑related industries.

The Curriculum recognises that knowledge, ideas and innovation are becoming the world’s most valuable commodities and contribute significantly to economic and social benefits for Australia.

“We hope that our students will have the opportunity to better understand the rapidly changing world around them,” Mr McLay said.

Students will also have easier access to academic specialists, as the new cutting-edge facilities allow all Science staff to be located under the one roof.

7 questions with Bonnie Bonnie Hislop (Class of 2005) is making a name for herself as one of Brisbane’s up and coming artists. She is a self-taught ceramicist, currently focusing on hand-built functional pieces and accessories.

1 How did you get started?

From a young age, my mother discouraged my sister and I from using colouring-in books. Instead, she encouraged us to ‘draw outside the lines’ and create our own imaginary worlds without boundaries. I credit my impulsive approach, diverse creative interests, and sense of freedom in my work to these early teachings.

“

It’s time consuming but it’s satisfying to know each piece is a one‑of‑a‑kind and special, and I think people like that

”

It is also through my mother’s own ceramic pursuits that I came to explore the medium for myself. What started as a hobby soon became a small business, and by the time I was 13 our family home was equipped with a ceramic studio, and one (now two) kilns. Once I had a handle on the basics, particularly in terms of painting, I was given free reign and encouraged to develop my own style and product. By the time I was 18 I had developed and was selling my first collection of pendants and brooches at markets and a few boutiques.

The last 10 years have seen a steady progression to where the label is at now, with some detours into illustration, painting, and leatherwork in between.

2 What do you love about working with clay?

I don’t have a lot of opportunity in my life to get dirty or messy or connect with the earth, so when I create art, I love getting clay and paint on me by accident. I guess it’s a way to connect to the piece. I love starting out with nothing and seeing it become something, but also not having a clear picture of what it will be until it’s completed. I don’t feel like I have complete control over the end product. I feel like these little characters decide who they’re going to be as the process goes on.

3 What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on expanding my range from my signature cat and dog planters to accessories and other homewares including vases, display bowls, brooches and tea vessels.

4 What inspires you?

My artistic eye is always on – walking around and in everyday life. I can be quite conscious of the pallet around me and can pinpoint or collect different colours to use later.

I get distracted a lot and it can be exhausting. I think that’s why I don’t like to plan the pieces; I find the end product becomes less organic and has less personality.

5 What are your fondest memories of your time at WestMAC? It’s a beautiful school and was really the first major interaction I had with agriculture. I grew up in the city, so it was incredible to be in the open space and part of such a different culture. I remember really loving being part of Rock Eisteddfod, TAS Swimming and the College Musical.

6 What were your favourite subjects at school?

Art, English and Drama. I now wish that I’d had the foresight to take a business subject as well. That could have been useful given what I am doing now.

7 If you knew then, what you know now…

Don’t discount yourself. My advice to students in Year 12 would be, just because you may not be the star of a particular area or activity during school doesn’t mean you won’t succeed or excel in that field (or a completely new one) later. Find a space to hone where your interest is, seek out mentors, and work hard. Some of us just need a little more time.

View Bonnie’s work at www.bonniehislop.com Courtesy of Fairfax Media (excerpts ‑ story), Alison Francis and Rachael Baskerville (photos)

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21st century SpiritED leadership West Moreton Anglican College is forging ‘SpiritED’ leaders of tomorrow by not only pursuing academic success, but also fostering students’ physical, social, emotional and spiritual development.

The SpiritED program is a proactive strategy designed to counter national and international trends that indicate young people are increasingly experiencing anxiety and depression.

Principal Mr Geoff McLay said the program ensured WestMAC students were not only well equipped for success at school, but also in life.

“At WestMAC, we aim to prepare our young people to be flexible and responsive to change with a focus on continuous improvement,” he said.

The WestMAC SpiritED program is a fully integrated, interdisciplinary program extending from Year 3 through to the end of Year 12.

Mr McLay says the program is synchronous with their Religious and Values Education (RaVE) and Life Skills programs, as well as with Chapel services.

“With the addition of SpiritED, we now have strong synergy between our spiritual and wellbeing-focused initiatives that perfectly reflect the three domains of our motto: Faith, Knowledge, Service,” he said.

The program began with a series of initiatives exploring and addressing

the mental health and wellbeing issues faced by today’s students around the globe.

“This description therefore paid close attention to the mental and spiritual wellbeing aspects of development.”

The College then launched an awareness program developed jointly with Di Tamer from Principals Australia Institute which used the resources of highly-regarded mental health organisation, MindMatters.

Based on their research, WestMAC announced an updated Strategic Vision which included the development and implementation of a cohesive mental and spiritual health program. Before implementing SpiritED, College leaders read deeply and widely into contemporary mindfulness literature, and also visited other schools to research their wellbeing programs.

“We found our awareness program was useful, but it was really just the first step along the path to creating an initiative specifically tailored to the needs of our students and school community,” said Mr McLay. The next step was to identify a list of desirable attributes - apart from academic - that WestMAC valedictorians should have by the time formal schooling is completed.

The attributes were identified through consultation with staff members, students and parents.

“Our Attributes Project sought to define the qualities of a West Moreton Anglican College graduate. This was not done in a prescriptive, specific sense, but as a broader imagining of the attributes of a well-rounded school leaver,” Mr McLay said.

“This research led to a pilot program which is being implemented in 2016 and will be evaluated and analysed for further development in 2017,” Mr McLay said.

“So far, our pilot program appears to be working well, but we won’t know exactly what might need to be tweaked until we’ve undertaken a thorough feedback and review process,” he said.

A key aspect identified so far in the wellbeing program is the focus on student strengths rather than weaknesses.

Mr McLay said this positive approach has been critical to outcomes.

SpiritED includes the following components: ӏӏ Seligman’s Positive Psychology to replace negative thoughts and behaviour with more positive ones by incorporating scientific methods and modern psychology ӏӏ Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset to focus on success and happiness from dedication and meaningful work, rather than any innate ability ӏӏ Mindfulness practices that align with the College’s and program’s aims ӏӏ Service Learning that fosters altruism in students by helping others in the community.

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Daniel Walton (Class of 2015), currently studying Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice), also at the Con.

“

Nathan Walton (Class of 2013), currently studying Bachelor of Music (Classical Flute) at Griffith University’s Conservatorium of Music (the Con).

…don’t be afraid to follow your passion…

”

Coffee with the Waltons What are you doing now?

N I’m at the Con, using it as a base for my education as well as getting contacts and networks in the professional industry. I’ve been playing in amateur and professional shows and orchestras. I have had a leading role in some of the local orchestras. I am on the board of the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra.

I am involved in Queensland Voices, touring with them a lot interstate and internationally. We went to New York last year, Sydney is next month and there is a Palestine trip soon. I have just set up my own private teaching studio, for beginners to advanced flute students.

D I have only just started university.

I’m concentrating on building up my technical skills. I did a conducting course recently. I also went to the Australian Youth Orchestra camp in Sydney – it’s for the best youth musicians in Australia. I am the principal trombonist with the Queensland Youth Orchestra. I have been in a few Australian Voices concerts. I’ve also been working with the Brisbane Pops Orchestra.

What are your future career plans after university?

D I am not sure yet. It is still early in my degree, whereas Nathan is close to finishing so he has to make plans.

I have a few ideas. I would like to

move into the opera scene, and also become a Chorusmaster. I am fond of conducting after a course I did, and I would like to pursue that as a career.

I am not sure I will end up as a singer; I might go into trombone or other music industry interest areas.

N I would like to balance my different music interests - spend a few days a week in a business management role, use my connections to create my own opportunities and shows. A few nights a week, I would like to play in shows and events. A few days a week I would like to be teaching music. I plan to start in Brisbane and then go to London or Germany as there are so many exciting shows over there.

What are your fondest memories of your time at WestMAC? D Funnily enough, I miss my Maths class. It’s a bit sad I won’t study Maths again in my life! I miss the music ensembles and dance practices.

I miss the variety of events that happen at school.

N The two musicals I were in were amazing. I loved being Music Captain and Jazz Captain, leading the Music Department to lots of awards at eisteddfods. Being in the Spirit Video was great. I miss the comradery between staff and students, and knowing my teachers on a personal level. It was such a busy time; the final few years of school just flew by.

How do you think WestMAC prepared you for your life postYear 12?

N WestMAC taught us skills for life, not just how to study well for exams.

The College was a fabulous platform for learning. In particular, our QCST practices and the university study preparations we learnt in English were fabulous. I got to uni and was really surprised how much better prepared I was than some of my fellow Con students.

D I definitely agree with that. For instance I already knew how to structure essays from English classes.

Also, I knew a lot of music theory from Music classes. The WestMAC teachers were always so helpful. I loved the wide open spaces at WestMAC too, the green areas I could escape to at lunchtime. I don’t think I could have done as well as I did without the benefit of such a big campus.

What advice would you offer to Year 12s?

D Don’t be solely focused on your OP. It is good to strive for, but it shouldn’t consume you. No one at uni talks about what OP they got. It’s not relevant now. Enjoy some free time along the way too.

N You are so young, there are so many doors always going to be open to you. Don’t be afraid to follow your passion.

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ALUMNI

Notices

Our Alumni are important to us.

Update your contact details so that we can stay in touch with you.

Weddings

Congratulations Jamie Kennedy (2002) & Megan Harmston.

To update your details go to www.wmac.com.au under Community

Married on Sunday 3 April at St Andrews, South Brisbane.

Bereavements The College community was greatly saddened by the passing of Aunty Pat King earlier this year. Aunty Pat was one of the College’s treasured Aboriginal Elders.

Aunty Pat believed it was important to keep Aboriginal Culture alive in the consciousness of non-indigenous Australians by continuing to acknowledge the first nation’s people of Australia. She worked with great patience, good humour and skill to increase our awareness of the rich and long story of our Nation.

Through her words, prayers and actions, all members of the College from the youngest to the oldest among us, were encouraged to embrace diversity of culture. Vale Aunty Pat King.

Events 23rd BIRTHDAY DINNER DANCE Saturday 23 July, 6.30 until 11.15pm at the Multipurpose Hall.

2016 ART EXHIBITION Opening Night Saturday 30 July, 6 to 8pm.

WEST MORETON ANGLICAN COLLEGE Keswick Road, Karrabin Queensland 4306 Australia ENQUIRIES T (07) 3813 4555 F (07) 3813 4566 E info@wmac.com.au www.wmac.com.au

Public View Sunday 31 July, 10am to 4pm.

CLASS OF 2006 10 YEAR REUNION Saturday 20 August, 7 until 9pm at the Brewers Quarters, upstairs at the Pumpyard Bar and Brewery.

For more details and more events visit www.wmac.com.au

CRICOS PROVIDER NUMBER 01329M The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane (trading as West Moreton Anglican College)

Share your news and events with the College.

Email: alumni@wmac.com.au Telephone: (07) 3813 4555