FEBRUARY CGS Outlook 2014 The magazine of the Grammar School Community In this issue:

From the Head 1 From the Head of Primary 2 School leadership 3 Presentation night 4 Early Learning Centre 6 Teaching awards 6 Introducing CGS Care 7 Scholarships 8 CGS Sony Camp 10 Making courageous decisions 11 Junior school production 11 Scholarships to China 12 China study tour 13 NZ Lord of the rings trip 14 Exploring Arnhem Land 15 CGS campus transformation 16 CGS thanks Snowy Hydro South Care 17 Adrian Powell award 18 Brumby Nic White with CGS Primary students Fred Mould award 18 Bill Maude retirment 18 Teachers workshops 19 Newsbites 20 Go ! Records broken at In August 2013, Canberra’s Rugby Union team, the University of Canberra Brumbies Athletics carnivals 22 earned a place in the Super 15 Rugby Grand Final. In the week leading up to the Health and PE week 23 Grand Final, while Canberra was gripped with Brumby fever, the team, including Sibling Success 23 Canberra Grammar School Old Boy Peter Kimlin (2003), visited CGS for a training Farewell Class of 2013 24 session in the School pool. Following the session, the Brumbies met with CGS students to take photographs and sign autographs. CGS students were thrilled at HSC results 25 the opportunity to talk technique and game plans with greats of the game including Newsbites 26 George Smith and Brumbies Captain Ben Mowen. Christmas concerts 27 2013 Vintage club reunion 28 Old Boys return to CGS 30 Where are they now 31 In memory 32

Photos throughout by William Hall. Photos available for purchase from Brumby and CGS Old Boy Peter Kimlin (2003) with CGS students Emmanuel Drakakis and Alex John, www.livingportraiture.com/cgs and Brumbies Captain Ben Mowen From the Head

With the spectacular Year in Review at last year’s Presentation Night still vivid in the mind, it’s great to see this edition of CGS Outlook capturing the same spirit; celebrating the vibrant diversity of our School community in the year just past.

2013 was a big year, marked by the outstanding performance of Guys and Dolls before an audience of thousands at a professional venue; a year distinguished by yet another six boys earning scholarships to study at universities in China, a feat surely unmatched in ; and it was a year in which our own scholarship offering stepped to On a personal note, 2013 was also a year capped for Dharini and me a new level with the addition of by the birth our second daughter, Shantini, in the final days of Term 4. the Robert Poate and Terry Snow Thank you for all the good wishes at the Family Picnic. Scholarships. It was our first year of teaching for the IB Diploma Program and our first in preparation for the physical and educational landscape As we celebrate our 85th birthday IB Primary Years Program. It was made possible by the extraordinary this month with a Jazz party in our a year that saw the extension of $8 million gift of Old Boy, Mr Terry beautiful Quad, we can be confident our Early Learning Centre and the Snow, one of the largest donations in the excited sense of possibility inauguration of our own CGS Care to any school in Australian history. that surrounds our School; but as program for out-of-hours care and Above all, of course, 2013 was a we look ahead to our future we must holiday activity. year in which our students yet again never be too confident nor rest too Last year also saw the dramatic seized opportunity on opportunity secure. Proud as we are of what’s refurbishment of our Mathematics, to explore their potential and to done, there is still much to do as we English and History Departments, excel in all the dimensions of School seek to realise the nature of a truly with classrooms redesigned to experience represented in these global education, as we strive to fulfil set a new standard for open and pages and in Presentation Night: the vision of the Snow Centre and collaborative learning across the in sporting activity, in outdoor give our boys opportunities to study School; it was also a year in which adventure, in creative endeavour abroad, as we grow our Foundation our grounds and ovals began to and intellectual enterprise, in to support our scholarships and the show their former glory; and it was leadership and service. a year in which staff initiated more continued transformation of our If it was a momentous year in the life active professional learning than campus, as we work to make the of our School, and it was, then it was creative arts and physical activity ever before. very largely because of our students flourish side by side, and as we In addition, it was a year in which our and their energy; but it was also the commit ever more deeply to the care Board undertook the major task of expression of our community spirit: reconstituting the CGS Foundation the open optimism of our boys and and development of every individual. to support the future prosperity young girls, the professional and Happy 85th Birthday, Canberra of our School; and it was the year personal commitment of our staff, Grammar School. Now let’s see in which planning began for the the passion of so many parents what we can do by 100. ground-breaking new Snow Centre who so willingly support all that for Education in the Asian Century, we do, and the deep affection and Justin Garrick a very significant development in our generosity of our Old Boys. Head of School

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 1 From the Head of Primary

Skateboarding, , Moving into the new School year, proud of the exceptional care riding, constructing, baking, CGS Care provides extended learning provided to our youngest students; time for our children both before and hiking, experimenting and an outstanding level of care which after School. With our second shift was acknowledged last year through much more…that all sounds like of educators collaborating with the the National Quality Framework traditional teaching staff, CGS Care a great way for any youngster Assessment and Rating Program. to spend a holiday. And is able to provide personalised care, As you explore this edition of Outlook you many young members of our academic support, and engaging learning opportunities which extend can read more about that outstanding community did just that over the School day; something which is rating and about the services offered by the summer holiday period as increasingly needed by most families. CGS Care, including an introduction to part of our recently launched The mid-afternoon guilt that can the Director, Mrs Tanya Alcorn. come from knowing your child is still CGS out of School hours In addition, you will no doubt enjoy care program. Parents, busily at School well after 3.30pm is easily erased when parents try for ‘pick-up’ gaining a glimpse into the student engaged in their regular work but are sent packing while their child leadership opportunities on offer as week, were delighted to be able has ‘just ten more minutes please’ part of the Junior School, visions from to drop their children to School with their friends and the educators the end of year Christmas Concerts during the summer holidays at CGS Care. and sporting, cultural and academic while the children were equally The incorporation of CGS Care into achievements of our boys. Enjoy the pleased to be spending time the daily operation of the School will CGS stories of achievement, giving and enable the provision of a program adventure from across the School. with each other while playing which will no doubt exceed national an active part in directing the standards just as our Early Childhood Rosalie Reeves selection of activities on offer. care experiences do. I am immensely Head of Primary

2 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 Meet the 2014 School Captains

Jackson Friend Owen Steer Stephen Carroll School Captain School Vice-Captain School Vice-Captain Owen plays in the School’s 1st Stephen started at the School’s Jackson started at Canberra XI football team and in the ACT Grammar School in Year 6 and competition’s Under 20 Premier Northside campus in Year 1. moved into the School’s Boarding League. He is also a football He is currently the shooting guard coach for people with disabilities. House in Year 9. He is a rower and for the CGS 1st V team During 2013, Owen successfully and the fullback for the 1st XI hockey a rugby player as well as a coach campaigned to introduce ‘Thank you of younger teams in both sports. Water’ for sale in the CGS canteen. team and he has recently returned During 2014, Jackson aims to break The profits from sales of the water go from the School’s basketball tour down the barriers between year to building clean water infrastructure of the United States. In his role as in developing countries. In 2014, groups and to strengthen the ties School Vice-Captain Stephen hopes Owen hopes to honour the School’s between students in Year 12 and old traditions as well as introducing to promote academics among the those in Year 7. some new ones. student body.

In the Junior School, the CGS student leaders are the Captains and Vice-Captains of the four houses, Edwards, Garnsey, Radford and Shakespeare. Here, the 2013 Captains reflect on their year of leadership. During 2013 I encouraged all members At the beginning of 2013 I hoped that the Garnsey Eagle of Edwards House to 'strive with fire' as would fly high, and our house spirit would soar. Garnsey had a we worked together to try to win the great sporting year including a win at the Swimming Carnival. House Shield. Working with Vice-Captain, But what I will remember in the years to come is the friendly Zane Vidovic, and our House Masters to smiles on Garnsey boys and the spirit in our House meetings. organise fun and exciting buddy activities Freddie Klein, Garnsey House Captain, 2013 for the boys in Edwards was one of the aspects I enjoyed most about the role. I learnt a lot during the year about Harrison Pietsch, Edwards House Captain, 2013 myself and my leadership abilities and I hope the Radford boys have learnt The most rewarding aspect of being a House Captain was something as well. It has been a privilege working with fellow Shakespeare students. During buddy sessions, to get to know my peers across the years boys would come and talk, share ideas, and ask for help and I at the Junior School. Special moments have made some great friends throughout all year groups of the included seeing the boys rally in unity, Junior School. Being a House Captain has certainly improved my having fun and wearing a smile. confidence, and also helped me with public speaking. Ethan Nguyen, Radford House Captain, 2013 Thomas Kennealy, Shakespeare House Captain, 2013

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 3 Presentation Night

On Friday 6 December, 2013, the Canberra This year, as ever, our focus remains on the boys, as, Grammar School community came together in once again, we celebrate the extraordinary variety and the Royal Theatre of the National Convention vitality of their accomplishments: their endeavours Centre to mark the end of an extraordinary year. in the classroom, on the sports fields, in the water, Students from Year 3 to Year 12 were joined by their parents, on stage and on camp, in studios, in Chapel and teachers and support staff to recognise and celebrate the achievements of 2013. in service; their intellectual accomplishments; their astonishing creativity; their confidence to embrace The evening began with performances from the Year 6 rock band, the Junior and Senior hip hop crews, Burgmann House innovation; and above all their keen engagement with and the Matthew Nicholls Jazz Quartet. the world beyond the confines of our School, both

Awards and prizes were presented throughout the evening and locally and internationally.” addresses were made by the Head of School, and Junior and Singer/songwriter and CGS Old Boy, Alex Gibson (2005), Senior students. Here is an excerpt from Dr Garrick’s address: performed one of his own songs, The Dreamer, accompanied by the Canberra Grammar School massed choirs. “Last year, we gathered here united as Junior and Senior Schools for the first time to rejoice in the A highlight of the evening was The Year in Review, in which quality and the character of our boys from across the more than 100 students, each representing an element of age range of our School: all of our boys, whatever life at CGS – be it a co-curricular activity, house event or fundraising campaign – gathered on the stage, accompanied their strengths and their skills; their intelligence in its by a slideshow of photos from throughout the year. By manifold forms; and above all, their compassionate showcasing the enormous range and diversity of the commitment to the care of each other, which is the School’s activities and events, The Year in Review managed binding spirit of our community. to capture the essence of life at CGS.

...The Year in Review captured the essence of life at CGS. 4 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 5 Mrs Christy Murray with her NEiTA award for recognition as an inspirational educator

CGS teachers recognised as CGS exceeds standards in the ‘inspirational quality of its Early Childhood care educators’

Canberra Grammar School’s areas: care, management, physical In October 2013, two of Early Learning Centre and environment, learning and teaching Canberra Grammar School’s and community involvement. Northside Pre-Kindergarten teachers were awarded prestigious State and Territory received outstanding reports CGS has not only met the required standard but exceeded expectations. Awards in the 2013 Australian following their first assessment Scholarships Group National under the recently-introduced Canberra Grammar School’s Head of Primary, Mrs Rosalie Reeves, Excellence in Teaching Awards National Quality Framework for attributes the School’s outstanding (NEiTA) for Inspirational Early Childhood. report to the quality and dedication Educators. of its teaching staff and the strong The result of an agreement between all partnerships between the School The awards recognise individuals Australian Governments, the National and its families. In addition, Mrs who create an outstanding teaching Quality Framework (NQF) is a system Reeves said that Canberra Grammar’s environment and inspire their students designed to raise quality of care and educational leadership structure and to perform to the best of their abilities. drive continuous improvement and the embedding of the Early Learning Mrs Christy Murray, who teaches in the consistency in education for children environment into the broader life of School’s Early Learning Centre and Mr aged from birth to five years. All the School were major factors in the Tim Guthrie, a Year 5/6 teacher, were childcare and early learning centres in successful result. two of only 60 teachers to receive the Australia are now required to undergo a award nationally. They were selected rating and assessment process as part from more than 1500 nominations of meeting the NQF’s quality standard. received from across the country. Following its first assessment, which Mrs Rosalie Reeves, Head of Canberra measures the quality of performance Grammar Primary School commended in seven areas, the School received an both teachers on winning such ‘exceeding’ rating which is the highest prestigious awards. “Christy and Tim rating the School could have attained. are both excellent educators and a The NQF’s rating process has been credit to Canberra Grammar School,” reported to be especially rigorous. she said. “These awards are very It requires evidence be presented in well-deserved.” order to prove quality in the following

6 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 Welcome to CGS Care

In December 2013, Canberra Grammar School was delighted to launch CGS Care, the School’s out of School hours care program. CGS Care incorporates all before School, after School and holiday time care programs at the School’s Northside and Southside campuses and, unlike the previous out of School hours care program, which was run by an external organisation, CGS Care is managed by the School.

The aim of CGS Care is to provide a safe, caring, quality environment in which educators and children build relationships and in which children are empowered to make their own choices. The program develops independence, self-help skills and self-esteem by allowing children to make choices and Questacon and the National Zoo contribute to the offering of activities. and Aquarium. While on campus, A combination of indoor and outdoor the children were regular visitors to activities are provided each day and the School’s swimming pool, gym are guided by individual interests and ovals. Other planned activities and abilities. included, in the Early Learning Centre, CGS Care launched on the first day of nature walks, Christmas crafts and the 2013/2014 summer holidays with super hero dress up day, and in the a refurbished activity room and an junior years program, making movies, exciting program of events, including fun science experiments and Master visits to the Dinosaur Museum, Chef baking challenges.

Meet the Director

Mrs Tanya Alcorn is the Director of CGS Care. Tanya has excellent experience in childcare programs including twelve years in the area of Early Childhood and six years managing School Age programs. Tanya came to CGS from the YWCA where she was Program Support Manager for the Children’s Services portfolio. Here she works closely with CGS Campus Directors, Mrs Leith Biggs, Mrs Jenny Thompson and Mr Craig Donaldson, to ensure continuity of care and communication across the entire School day. Tanya heads up a dynamic team of dedicated and experienced staff who are passionate about their work with children.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 7 Scholarship recipients

Canberra Grammar School is proud to offer a range of scholarships unparalleled in Canberra to reflect the aspirations of our School. We hope that many boys will strive to attain the honour and financial support that they bring. Here, our current Year 11 and 12 scholarship recipients reflect on their areas of interest and what their scholarships mean to them. The School would like to thank the donors of these scholarships for the generous and important contribution they are making towards the education of our students. Thank you to Mr Peter Hazlehurst, Mr Ken and Mrs Susan Cooper, Mr Terry Snow, the Poate family and to all those who have donated to the Robert Poate Scholarship.

This scholarship recognises my love of science, maths and especially information technology. It inspires me to further develop my interests in these areas. I am exceptionally grateful to Peter Hazlehurst, an internationally successful CGS old boy currently working at Google, who endowed the scholarship.

Brendan Falk, 2014/15 recipient of The Hazlehurst Science and Technology Scholarship

I understand that our future lies not in isolation but rather in an approach that promotes international learning, cultural understanding, acceptance of others, understanding of motivators of various cultures and international trade and business opportunities.

Connor McCormack, 2014/15 recipient of the Terry Snow Scholarship for Global Studies

8 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 The Cooper Scholarship has afforded me so many experiences as part of the CGS community including playing at the Canberra Theatre as part of the Guys and Dolls production and performing a solo at the School Presentation Night. My knowledge of music has increased a great deal. A special thank you to the Cooper Family for their ongoing support.

Matthew Nicholls, 2013/14 recipient of the Cooper Scholarship for Music

I enjoy working with the younger students in my house and have learned a great deal from the older students who have been part of my School life. The understanding of how important being welcomed into a community is, and the sense of purpose it generates, make me want to engage with the wider community.

Alexander Cronan, 2014/15 recipient of the Robert Poate Scholarship for Leadership

In order to be a good leader, I think it is essential to foster an outward looking focus. I strive to ensure that my focus is not merely on my School experience, but on the broader life of the School where I interact with other boys and staff and engage with the community.

Nithin Mathew, 2014/15 recipient of the Robert Poate Scholarship for Leadership

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 9 CGS hosts its third Sony Foundation Holiday Camp

During the first week of the During the course of the camp, Christmas holidays twenty students and children visited the zoo, students from Canberra Grammar spent time in the School’s swimming pool and gym, and enjoyed rides School and Canberra Girls and a jumping castle on the oval. A Grammar School (CGGS), along particularly enjoyable afternoon was with a team of volunteer staff spent decorating gingerbread houses from both Schools, moved into which were presented to the children’s parents during the Christmas party at the CGS boarding house to act as the conclusion of the camp. fulltime carers for local Canberra Canberra Grammar School is very children with special needs. pleased to continue to be involved with these camps which allow the children The holiday camp program, now in its with special needs to be treated third year at CGS, is an initiative of the to three full days of activities and Sony Foundation. Camps are run at interaction they would not normally schools across Australia but the one experience. In addition, the camp held at CGS is the only camp of its kind allows the parents and carers of the in Canberra. children to get some much-needed Over the course of three days and two respite. For some, this camp was their nights the CGS and CGGS students only break of the year. were paired with a child with special needs and tasked with their full-time care. For most students this experience was a new one which took them completely out of their comfort zone and presented them with unexpected challenges. For all of the students, however, it was extremely rewarding.

10 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 Making courageous decisions

Canberra Grammar School was video footage of his racing skills in the V8 Ute racing national competition. delighted to welcome Andrew Andrew developed his thoughts on Fisher from ‘Jesus Racing’ what a courageous decision actually to speak to all Year 7 to 11 was by citing examples of extreme students about life choices in sports, VC winners and finally a young boy who gave up his life for his brother. August 2013. He challenged all boys to make courageous decisions in their lives Andrew is a race car driver and a about six important issues: Smoking; passionate Christian who travels the Drugs and alcohol; The Cyber world; country talking to high school students Driving; Sex; Faith. about ‘Making Courageous Decisions’. The boys were impressed with He engaged the boys with his powerful Andrew’s replica ute which brought the stories and life experiences as well as quad to life at lunchtime.

Junior School production of Just Macbeth

In 2013, budding Junior Our protagonists are busy rehearsing Our talented directors, Junior School School actors waxed lyrical the witches’ scene from Shakespeare’s teachers, Mrs Kate Halcrow and Mr Macbeth, in preparation for English in our production of Just Matthew Gould, brought this modern class. They stir up a disgusting potion take on the classic to life, rendering Macbeth. The play is Andy and then dare one another to drink it. the adage “absolute power corrupts Griffiths’ adaptation of the After doing so, they are transported absolutely” relevant and meaningful Shakespearean classic. to the battle scene in Act 1; and Andy, for young people, and bringing mistaken for Macbeth by the three it to packed houses in a fun and The story revolves around three lead witches, is told of his fate: “Thou shalt pertinent manner. characters Andy (played by Jack be king hereafter”. From this point on Bolton, Year 6), Lisa (played by Thomas our modern heroes take on the roles We look forward to our 2014 Larcombe, Year 6) and Danny (played of the Shakespearean characters production of Lion King-meets-Cry by Angus Cleary, Year 5). Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo. Freedom, “My African Dream”.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 11 CGS students awarded scholarships to study in Shanghai

For the second year running, an Brenton Dally, Calvin Dicker, Nicholas “I am finding this to be a truly life extraordinary six scholarships to Kochinos and Alexander Vuong will be changing experience”, reported attending Shanghai Jiaotong University. Harrison Barnett, during his study at study at China's top universities Stuart Kieman will be studying at Shanghai University. were awarded to students from Shanghai Huadong Shifan University “My classes are full of diverse cultures, Canberra Grammar School's and Sam Shelley at Shanghai including Irish, Thai, Korean, Japanese graduating class. Fudan University. and Danish. Through my interactions The students, and their teachers and with these students I have fully grasped The scholarships, awarded by the parents, are very excited about this what it means to be an international Confucius Institute, are provided to well-deserved opportunity. person, breaking language barriers outstanding students of Chinese and forming lifelong connections. The The Year 12 students will follow in the classes are developing my Chinese at language based on their Chinese footsteps of six CGS students from a rate far beyond what was possible proficiency test results. Scholarship the Class of 2012 who completed in Australia, and this Scholarship has recipients have the opportunity to study their scholarships in 2013. Those given me the opportunity to completely majors including Chinese Language students found that their proficiency experience not only the Chinese and Literature, Chinese History and with Chinese language and their language, but to also understand the Chinese Philosophy, all while being understanding of the culture culture behind it, and the people who immersed in the culture of the country. progressed enormously. speak it.”

Alexander Vuong Stuart Kiemann "Following a School "Studying Chinese has trip to China in 2012, I can’t wait to get given me opportunities Nicholas Kochinos "I’m looking back. I plan to immerse myself totally in that I could never have forward to improving my Chinese, the culture and experience it all." imagined and I’m really living abroad and improving my Sam Shelley "I’m planning excited to go to Shanghai." cultural knowledge." to do a software engineering degree at university. Software engineering is a global field and having Chinese language skills will open up an entirely different market. "

Calvin Dicker "The opportunity to have six months experience studying and living in China and embracing the culture is such a gift." Brenton Dally "This experience will set me up for a world in which China will have increasing dominance. It will prove useful in my future career, hopefully as an engineer."

12 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 China Study Tour

In September 2013, a group of Canberra Grammar School students visited China on a study tour. Here, Year 9 student Jeremy Tsuei, shares his experience: Outside Jincai School

During a (very) rainy Shanghai day and hung out with them discussing on the final leg of our China Tour, we the differences between Australia bumped into a fellow westerner while and China. The school we went to, ordering dinner. With all of us soaked Beijing National Day School, absolutely to our knees we started a conversation dwarfed CGS in terms of size. while waiting for our meals. The school was a mini city of sorts, “To learn the language,” he said “you with tall apartment buildings for really have to spend a year in the the boarders, five food-court style country”. Well, we didn't quite spend cafeterias and convenience stores. a year in China, but we did do the Not only that, but there were heaps of next-best thing. Our experiences during classrooms, a massive PE centre and the China Study Tour could have easily swimming pool, and a huge population Great Wall of China been spread into a one year stay. The of students. At lunchtime, the grounds trip included home stays with Chinese would swarm with blue and white families, visits to tourist attractions jackets, all of them chatting as they and time in the country’s rural areas. migrated to their daily midday meal. The aforementioned tourist locales On the other side of the coin, we also included the Forbidden City, the Great saw the various minority groups in the Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and cities of Dali and Lijiang, both of which a quite tall tower in Shanghai. We are considered the more rural parts saw some amazing sights and the of China, even though the size of the Great Wall was a fantastic fitness two cities would still be pretty big by opportunity. All those stairs... Australian standards. The tour really gave me an insight into how varied China can be. Our The trip was a great cultural week spent with host families showed immersion and a rewarding what life is like for urban dwellers experience that I won't forget. in the capital city of Beijing. We ate And to top it off, I also improved dinners with our host families, took the my Chinese language skills along Lama Temple subway with them, met their friends, the way.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 13

Qianmen Tiananmen ‘There and Back Again’ trip to New Zealand

For ten wonderful days during and Samwise saw their first oliphaunts; the 2013 spring holidays, 13 marvelled at the beautiful gardens at ‘Fernside’ where Smeagol and Deagol students and two teachers – found and fought over the One Ring Mrs Krista Hooke and Mrs and where Galadriel farewelled the Madeline Leslé – embarked Fellowship; were awed by the stunning on the Alternate Reality Club’s scenery of Edoras, aka Mount Sunday, ‘There and Back Again’ trip to and duelled and posed with replica Lord of the Rings weapons both there and by New Zealand. the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Our focus was mainly on The Lord of We also enjoyed a hangi and learnt the the Rings movies, although the trip also haka at a Maori cultural evening; were provided a terrific opportunity to get to a little overwhelmed by both the beauty know New Zealand. and the sulphur smell of Rotorua; saw geothermal springs, geysers and Our first morning was spent at Hobbiton, volcanoes on the North Island; visited and during the ten days we also Christchurch’s International Antarctic visited sites in and around Wellington, Centre, and took the cable car to the top Christchurch and Queenstown where of Bob’s Peak, overlooking Queenstown different parts of the Lord of the Rings and the Remarkables. movies were filmed. We rode dodgems, a hagglund, luge We visited the Weta Workshop and Weta sleds, jetboats and the TSS Earnslaw, Cave in Wellington; posed where Froddo and took plenty of photos of beautiful yelled, “Get off the road!” and where he New Zealand. Asked to name their trip highlights and what they learnt about New Zealand, here are some of the boys’ responses... What were some highlights of the trip?

“Visiting Hobbiton. “Queenstown. Truly an amazing “The Weta Workshop. It was really The spectacular detail and town/city with beautiful scenery fascinating to see what people the stunning scenery all made and a whole host of fun and actually do in the process of making me feel like I was actually in exciting activities to do.” films. We were able to see the Middle Earth.” - Tom Jordan, Year 11 - William Choy, Year 11 replicas and props that were actually in the films.” - James Lamberth, Year 8 What are some of the things you learnt about New Zealand? “It is a region of significant diversity “The North Island is pretty much “Te Papa is earthquake proof, in terms of the landscape, with hills just a giant volcano, with sheep!” despite Wellington sitting on a giving way to soaring mountains in - Liam Harris, Year 11 number of fault lines.” the course of a single drive.” - Andrew Hall, Year 11 - John Freeman, Year 11

14 | CGS Outlook | February 2013 Exploring Arnhem Land

In August 2013, a group of nine Canberra Grammar School students from Years 9, 10 and 11 embarked on the annual Community Service trip to the community of Ngukkur in the Northern Territory. The group had some amazing experiences as described here by the boys.

Jay Lindsay, Year 9 It is not very often you have the opportunity to spend time in an Indigenous Community, where you join in their cultural activities, rituals and beliefs and live on their land. Our time at Ngukur was amazing and I ‘m glad I had the opportunity to spend time there learning and experiencing their culture. We even joined in one of their Indigenous Customs called a Smoking Ceremony. This is a ceremony when an elder dies they burn the leaves of plants to produce smoke and take it around the community. They believe it cleanses and sends away bad spirits. Going on the Arnhem Land trip was an extraordinary experience and for me a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will remember forever. Charlie Templeman, Year 10 After a week, we were sad to leave Ngukurr. We had made some friends, immersed ourselves in whatever there was to do and realised how different our lives are to those of these proud, friendly people. The word “opportunity” has spun around in my head ever since…. None of us will forget the colours, the sweeping open spaces, the creeping morning light, the deepening purple horizon at sunset, the brilliance of the limitless stars overhead or the depth of feeling the Ngukurr community has for their country. Sebastian Hooke, Year 9 Ngukurr is a relatively small town on the Roper River which maintains quite an amazing community. The Community Education Centre, where we stayed, was where we spent most of our time. We got involved and helped out in the Athletics Carnival. This comprised of many other schools from the region congregating in Ngukurr to compete against each other in a number of ball games and more traditional athletic activities. Sadly, a large portion of the activities were cancelled due to sorry business regarding the death of a local elder. However, afterwards the school ran a separate carnival for the students in Ngukurr which we assisted with and even participated in, and which concluded with a barbeque. Rohan Longbottom, Year 11 We visited many locations along the way other than Ngukurr, including the Mataranka hot springs, cave-painting sites in Kakadu, and Katherine Gorge, where I managed to hook my first barramundi, and where a few boys with a brain cell between them (myself included) and a semi-trailer of courage swam to the far bank and back. Along with fishing and being courageous, we took a firm hand in the cane toad problem, going on nightly expeditions to try and do a little good. Whilst in the community we were also given the opportunity to make out very own traditional Aboriginal clapping sticks with some of the men. Whilst the methodology of the process was not quite the same as it would have been a few hundred years ago, we all got a fantastic cultural souvenir to take home and show off.

CGS Outlook | February 2013 | 15 CGS campus transformation

In 2012, Canberra Grammar School made the Beyond the ovals, the grounds team has put a huge amount decision to discontinue the School’s gardening of work into refurbishing the garden beds and replanting plants across the School’s 22 hectare property. In choosing and grounds contracts and to instead bring that plants and in deciding their placement, the team must work in-house. The School now employs a team of always take into consideration the sheer volume of traffic the five gardening and grounds staff, overseen by the campus experiences every day. The School’s front façade, Head Groundsman, Mr Greg Brearley. Under the outside the Residence and the Headmaster’s office, has care of Greg and his team the School’s grounds, undergone a noticeable change with the junction at the top of the main driveway – previously a bare patch - transformed garden beds, and most noticeably, ovals, have into a beautiful turf and garden bed. Other garden beds in never looked better. the School’s Main Quad and in the Primary School have undergone similar transformations as has the outside area Towards the end of 2012 Greg and his team focused on between the Senior School’s library and International Centre refurbishing and revitalising the School’s ovals. Given the which was unveiled in 2012 as the School’s Arts Quad. poor condition of the ovals, following years of drought, the decision was made to start afresh by first killing off all the Most recently, Greg and his team have worked on enhancing remaining grass (along with the weeds!). The team then the entrance to the School with the creation of raised garden started from scratch planting all new grass. Since that beds on either side of the main driveway. The garden beds, time, and with ongoing daily maintenance, the ovals have which are flourishing with green plantings, were built from remained green, even and thick and their condition is often scratch on a previously flat tanbarked area. commented on by visitors to the School. The groundsmen Along with the grounds team, thanks must also go to all continue to pay particular attention to readying the ovals’ members of the School community who contributed to the surfaces for the various sports that are played on them – ongoing grounds and gardening effort through contributions including football, rugby and . to the 2013 CGS Fete.

16 | CGS Outlook | February 2013 CGS thanks Snowy Hydro South Care

On a Friday in September 2013, Canberra Grammar School held a non-uniform day to raise money for the Snowy Hydro SouthCare (SHSC) helicopter service, the primary provider of Aero- Medical and Rescue Helicopter services to people in the ACT and south-eastern NSW. On that day Jonty Kevin ,Year 9, thanks Dr Peter Velloza who treated him aboard the SHSC helicopter visited the School and made the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter a spectacular landing on the Main Oval in front of the entire Senior School student body. It was the unmistakable sound Unbeknown to them at the time, a group of students would of the SouthCare helicopter. be seeing that helicopter again in just a few short weeks. In October, a Year 9 camp group was on a bush walk in Wee Dr Velloza and his team arrived and acted quickly to Jasper when one of the students, Jonty Kevin, was bitten by a snake. Jonty was attended to immediately by CGS Outdoor make me feel calm and secure. I knew I was in good Education staff who are always in attendance during School hands and that I was going to be okay. Thanks to the camps and who are wilderness first aid trained to respond in exactly these types of situations. They administered first aid SouthCare helicopter team I was assessed, prepped, and and raised the emergency alarm. quickly transported to Canberra Hospital to receive the What happened next was described by Jonty in a speech appropriate treatment – far sooner and much cooler he gave during a special assembly to thank the SHSC team. than if I had travelled in a traditional ambulance. “Within minutes the group leaders gave me first aid and I was told that an ambulance had been called. Personally I’d like to say a big thank you to Dr Velloza, As I lay on the grass with my leg bandaged, different who is here today, and his team for the amazing work scenarios played out in my mind, and I wondered what they do every day in saving people’s lives from all over would happen next. I expected to hear sirens in around the region. Especially because of their actions on Friday, an hour, and then expected another hour’s drive to the nearest hospital. But I soon heard a faint sound in the I feel really proud that we as a School were able to raise distance which quickly became louder and louder. money to support the SouthCare helicopter service.”

CGS Outlook | February 2013 | 17 The Ian Powell Memorial Award Each year, Canberra support staff are co-recipients of the Ian Grammar recognises a special Powell Award tonight. contribution to the life of the Bob Alexander’s job title sees him School by a member of the staff. described as the Workshops Technician in the design Art Technology Department, In 2013, the Ian Powell Memorial a job he has performed remarkably well. Award was presented, on the School’s But in truth, Bob has been a technician in Presentation Night, to two members the lives of countless boys, from a great of staff – Mr Bob Alexander, Deputy variety of different spheres and angles. It is Housemaster of Garran and the in the pastoral and co-curricular activities Workshops Technician in the Design where his dedication to the education and Art and Technology Department, and wellbeing of students shines most brightly. to Mr George Hyder, the foreman of the School’s maintenance crew. The George Hyder is the foreman of the awards were presented by Mr Bill School’s maintenance crew and he has Maude, the School’s outgoing Human just completed 30 years of service. If Resources Manager. Here is an excerpt you stand at the entrance to the eastern Mr Bill Maude from Mr Maude’s speech on the night: side of the Main Quadrangle you can “Some of us build the School in the hearts see the beautifully detailed stonework of Mr Bill Maude retired from and minds of the students, putting new an archway that our School’s founders successes after every failure and creating must have conceived as a grand vista Canberra Grammar School the sense of connectedness that is the looking across the Main Quad through at the end of 2013, after 38 guarantee of a successful school. Such a to the stained glass windows outside years at the School. builder is Bob Alexander. Some of us build the Assembly Hall. That vista was not the school literally, brick by brick or field opened up to our view until 1994, just He will undoubtedly be remembered by field, room by room. Such a builder is twenty years ago. It is a great example of by many generations of Old Boys, as George Hyder. These two members of our George’s handiwork." a dedicated member of staff who served in a variety of different roles. Bill was appointed by Paul McKeown in 1976 to teach languages and was Housemaster of Sheaffe from 1985 to 1989, for part of which time he was also Head of Modern Languages. After an exchange to Germany in 1989-1990, he was appointed Director of Studies, a post Mr Bob Alexander addresses the Senior which he held from 1992 to 2004, School students Mr George Hyder after which he became Director of Curriculum until 2007. From 2009- 2013, Bill was the School’s HR The Fred Mould Award Manager. Bill was the recipient of the Ian Powell Memorial Award in 2006, Congratulations to School Sergeant ‘Sarge’, Mr Aaran Booth, who largely for his contribution to the life was awarded The Fred Mould Medal for Service to Students by the of the School in leadership roles. graduating Class of 2013. Sarge is dedicated to the care and welfare of every boy in the CGS Senior School and he regularly goes above Bill executed all his roles with and beyond the call of duty to assist any student who needs help. characteristic dedication and with care for the welfare of the School, The medal, a gift to the School from its students and its staff. Even in a the Class of 2004, is given each year School where teachers have often in honour of the School's previous stayed for decades, such dedicated Sergeant, Mr Fred Mould. service as Bill’s is exceptional. The Head of School, Dr Justin Garrick, Fred Mould was an Old Boy of the described Bill as “an inspiration to School, School Captain of the Class of many and a very significant figure in 1961 and beloved 'Sarge' from 1996 the intellectual School Sergeant Mr Aaran Booth until his death in 2004. Grammar School”.

18 | CGS Outlook | 2014 Continuing Professional Learning at CGS

At Canberra Grammar School our consists of the ability to construct and Trayner and de Last, 2011) has teachers are not only educating our traverse those networks. Siemens been continued. Our CGS Continuing students but each other as well. (2008) explained that a Community Professional Learning (CPL) rolling of Practice is a valuable, personalised Kerri Rock, Canberra Grammar workshop program over two terms learning network because a group is able required staff to engage in a 12 School’s Director of Teaching to share their expertise, ideas, questions, hour program of their choice. CPL Development and Patti Kennedy- and stories. This builds communities workshops were offered in the Hine, the Assistant to the Director of people committed to enlightening following categories: Department of Teaching Development explore themselves about the relationship Planned, Personal Productivity and why it is vital that educators between circumstance, action and Teaching Practice. Evaluation and continue to learn. consequence (Siemens, 2004). feedback from each staff member regarding the workshops attended Given the wealth of international Whilst the home, was required and provided valuable and local research data that is now professional feedback to our available, it is possible to isolate and the school and student presenters. A total of 60 workshops compare those factors that influence peers all account for were run from 4-5.30pm during Terms student achievement. Whilst the some influence on student 3 & 4 with 48 staff presenting. home, the school and student peers all account for some influence on student achievement, it is clear As part of this program staff were also achievement, it is clear that teachers that teachers make encouraged to submit applications to run action research projects, make the most difference (Hattie the most difference 2003, Fogarty 2001, Fullan 1993). professional reading programs, discussion groups, classroom It is the thoughts, actions and interests observation and shared practice of teachers that are most powerful With this in mind, CGS continues to forums amongst themselves. in influencing student outcomes. In a promote a Community of Practice meta-analysis of over 500,000 studies, through a shared approach to We are currently in a time of rapid Hattie (2003) verifies that above all professional learning. This is focused educational change, and the School factors, teachers account for the on school goals and is peer-driven recognises that a “one size fits all” greatest source of variance in student while allowing for personalised choice. professional learning program is no learning. This data signifies, according The participation and expertise longer adequate to meet all staff needs. to Hattie, that we need to ‘ensure that of teachers as collaborators and The School wishes to continue to build this greatest influence is optimised presenters, fosters sustained dialogue a Community of Practice to increase to have powerful and sensationally amongst them (Hendricks, 2009). collegiality, recognise the skilled positive effects on the learner’. The The passion that inspires the staff practitioners on staff and provide knowledge that teachers do have this to act independently also motivates growth opportunity and leadership in influence over student achievement is them to participate in the Community this program. A cross school community of Practice, learn from their peers, and both exciting and daunting. of learning which addresses the need appreciate the connection that CGS Connectivist learning theory is based for learning that is personalised, timely teachers share. on the premise that knowledge and able to be fitted into the busy life is distributed across a network of In 2013 a model based on the value of the school, provides our staff with connections, and therefore, learning of Community of Practice (Wenger, choice and life balance.

CGS Outlook | 2014 | 19 Robert Pollet NEWSbites Poetry Prize Taylor Miners, Year 5, was the 2013 winner of the Robert Pollet Poetry Prize – a prize presented anonymously in 1987 in memory of an Anglo French poet who died in 1985. The prize is awarded annually to the Junior School boy who submits the best piece of original poetry during the year. Future City by Taylor Miners Lachy Whitford (second from left) and Ms Laura Marshall (right) celebrate their mountain biking success with their riding partners I walk into an alleyway A completely new world Mountain Biking And pouring out from everywhere I watched as smoke unfurled Championships National Canberra Grammar School’s staff Chemistry Quiz A brown tinge covered the city and alumni had a successful Where rust grew absurd weekend at the Scott Australian Eight Canberra Grammar School The sky was nowhere to be seen 25 Hour Mountain Biking students were awarded plaques No sign of a bird Championships at Mount Stromlo in the 2013 Royal Australian in October, 2013. Ms Laura Chemical Institute’s National Sickly people trudged around Marshall, a staff member of the Chemistry Quiz. This quiz sees the Cigarettes hanging from their lips Outdoor Education department, best and brightest chemists across There were few standing upright finished first in the Mixed Pair Australia compete and the award With life barely in their grips category along with her riding of a plaque represents a student partner Ben Kaiser. In second being placed in the top 1% of I pass through the city place in the same category were candidates in their year level. Drowning in despair Lachy Whitford, a CGS Old Boy from the Class of 2007, and his The awarded students were... Graffiti on the walls riding partner Mica Hartley. Lachy Harry Evans (Year 8) A stench in the air took up the sport of Mountain Christopher Seidl (Year 8) When suddenly a smell Bike riding as a co-curricular Shane Arora (Year 10) activity at CGS. Lachy’s younger Wafts right up to my nose brother, Angus, is in Year 4 at CGS Stephen Melhuish (Year 10) The smell of fresh water and his teacher, Mr Matt Gould William Horsley (Year 11) Rushing from a hose also participated in the day, as Dillon McGrath (Year 11) a member of a team in the Male Trees arch over me Three category. Mr Gould’s team Josh Fridgant (Year 11) Lush grass bends under my feet finished in seventh place. Liam Pik (Year 11) I see fresh bread and fruit And many friendly people I meet

Cottages made with neat Debating awards formations Two Canberra Grammar School Year Doors still attached 8 students, Shriram Vaitheeswaran No rust covers the walls and Deepan Kumar, received The rooves not metal but awards at the conclusion of the thatched Ford competition debating season in 2013. Shriram was awarded As I leave the city the Greenwell Prize for the best Inside I feel poor overall speaker in the competition and Deepan received a Highly How wonderful a city can be Commended certificate. If it’s cared for

20 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 CGS students excel CGS hosts at Lego Robotics

A Junior School team from In a very tense play off, two of the championships Canberra Grammar School placed four teams qualified for the semi In September 2013, Canberra third in the RoboCup Junior finals. The team of Year 6 boys, Grammar School hosted the 2013 Australian Open 2013. Jack Carey and William Harlum, Australian Sprint Orienteering The robotics competition, held at were successful in winning third Championships which is a world- the University of Queensland, was place overall. ranking event.In contrast to attended by nine boys from CGS traditional orienteering in bush and Lego Robotics is a Co-curricular competing in four teams. forest areas, the courses for the activity available to all boys in The participating students were; event were run around the school the Junior School at Canberra Jack Carey, William Harlum, buildings, mapped by our MiC of Lachlan Hocking, Charlie Grammar School. It encourages the Orienteering, Mr Matthew Purcell. Merchant, Oliver Koch, Akash development of problem solving Pathirage, Charlie Carey, Zachary and techincal skills while working Maxwell and James Garwood. together in a team environment. Chinese Star Writing Competition

The Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide, which promotes the learning of Chinese language and culture, runs an annual writing competition for high school students. The Chinese Star Writing Competition is an opportunity for Chinese language learners to demonstrate their Chinese The CGS boys who qualified for the Nationals are pictured here with their mentor, writing abilities. Ms Abbie Wade, an ANU Engineering student In 2013, four Canberra Grammar School Year 11 students placed in the competition, Nicholas McGinness and Ethan Norman Farewell Dr Cameron Webber at equal first,Sebastian Summersby-Mitchell at second Canberra Grammar School would School at the end of 2013. Dr Webber and Harrison Vlahos at third. like to say thank you and farewell to began working with the boarding Dr Cameron Webber who, after 14 students in 2001 as he wanted to Ms Jane Jian, a CGS Chinese years as the doctor to the boarding give back to the School that had teacher received an award for students, finished up his work at the looked after his children. Outstanding Supervising Teacher.

Year 11 student honoured at Bond University Film Awards

A Year 11 Canberra Grammar School student, Luka Vertessy, was honoured at the 2013 Bond University Film Awards. Luka received the award for Best Editing for his film,The Interview. In addition, the film was also nominated for Best Comedy Film. Luka was the only Year 11 student in Australia to have a film included in the top 20 nominee films. The film, which was originally created for CGS film competition was made in twelve hours as per the guidelines of the School's event. Luka's teachers have praised his passion and commitment for filmmaking and have encouraged him to further explore his interest in this area.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 21 Record broken at the Senior School Athletics Carnival...

A Canberra Grammar School Lachie Osborne, Year 8, equalled the athletics record that had been School record of 1.67m in the 14 years held for 25 years was broken high jump which was first set in 1989. at the 2013 Senior School Cameron Nicholls, Year 12, was Athletics Carnival. awarded the Triple Crown Trophy which is awarded to a boy in the Opens Jamie Gosney, Year 8, achieved a distance of 13.71m in the 14 years division who achieves first place in the shot put which broke the previous 100m, 200m and 400m events. Prior record of 13.62m set in 1988. to 2013, it was last awarded in 2009.

Jamie Gosney

...and at the National Championships Alastair Marshall, Year 4 and Ben Allen, Year 5, both broke Canberra Grammar School records while competing at the 2013 National Athletics Championships. Alastair broke the previous record of 9.25m in the 10 years shot put (which has stood since 1996) with his distance of 9.44m. Ben’s Under 11 200m time of 29.31 seconds broke the previous record of 29.50 seconds which had been standing since 1993.

CGS would like to thank Woden Little Athletics Club for providing the timing gates for the Senior School Athletics Carnival

22 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 Health & PE Week at CGS

Each year, Canberra Grammar’s Senior School PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) Department hosts Health & PE Week for the School’s staff and students.

The week uses fun activities and information to promote healthy behaviours and to spread the message that being active can be enjoyable and provide numerous lifelong benefits. In 2013, the events included blood pressure screenings for staff, trivia competitions and smoothies for sale made by the PDHPE staff. Lunchtime sports challenges included basketball, putting, , Iron Man, baseball and the much anticipated Strongest Man Competition which measures strength relative to body weight. Year 10 PDHPE students also had guest speakers from Mental Illness Education ACT to speak Sarge spots Sam McPherson (Year 10), winner of the strongest man competition. to them about mental health.

SIBLINGS ARE A SWIMMING SUCCESS

Brothers Hugo and Alec Morris record and placing fifth on the Alltime In March, Hugo’s younger brother Alec (Class of 2013) have strong Australian fastest record. At the same won the 17/18 age group 1500m futures ahead of them as meet, he won the silver medal in the at the Australian Age Nationals. men’s 200m freestyle event. The Following his graduation from CGS in swimmers. event was Hugo’s first time competing 2013, Alec has secured a swimming In August, Hugo (pictured above) as an open swimmer rather than in an scholarship to Drury University in competed in the Australian Open age group. Hugo studied Year 12 at Missouri, United States where he will Short Course National Championships CGS over a two year period to enable be studying politics and government and claimed gold in the men’s 200m him to give due attention to both his policy and will join the University’s butterfly, breaking the NSW open education and his swimming. swimming team.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 23 Farewell Class of 2013

The Canberra Grammar School Class of “Acknowledging fear is one of the most important things,” he told the graduating class. “Particularly, 2013 were superb leaders of the School acknowledging the most common type of fear – the who committed themselves throughout fear of failure. The biggest killer of innovation and their final year to the full range of School success is fear. And it shouldn’t be. There’s a lot to be said for the power of positive thinking. And as our life. The students marked the conclusion mind and our body need to be trained so should our of their schooling with a week of events at subconscious.” the end of Term 3, including a Valedictory Mr Roberts-Smith went on to speak about the importance of moral courage. “Physical courage Dinner in the School’s War Memorial Hall. is actually not that hard to come by,” he said. “It’s moral courage that is a far smaller commodity… The guest speaker for the Valedictory Dinner was Displaying moral courage is about standing up Ben Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for your values. And what I would urge you to do for Australia and the most decorated serving soldier is, regardless of your profession, always stay true throughout the Commonwealth. Mr Roberts-Smith to your personal values. Because, in the end, it kept the students captivated with a gripping account doesn’t matter how popular you are, you have to wake up and look yourself in the mirror…Whether of a fire fight against Taliban members in which his you are a gardener, a doctor, a butcher or a lawyer group was outnumbered four to one. He recalled is irrelevant. You always have the opportunity to give that, in that moment, he acknowledged his fear. back to your community.”

The biggest killer of innovation and success is fear. AND IT SHOULDN’T BE. There’s a lot to be said for the power of positive thinking.

24 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 2013 HSC Results

Canberra Grammar School is proud to Furthermore, 84% of Year 12 students achieved at least one result in the top two bands, and 56% of congratulate the Year 12 class of 2013 on their all results attained were in the top two bands, an Higher School Certificate results. The boys excellent performance for a non-selective boys’ school. achieved some outstanding individual and Once again, results in Software Design and group successes with performances in almost all Development were outstanding with 36% of our boys attaining Band 6 results relative to 7% across subjects substantially above the combined Band the state. Likewise, Science results were strong 5 and 6 percentages for the NSW HSC cohort. with 23% of Canberra Grammar School candidates in Biology attaining Band 6 relative to 7% across The joint-Duxes of the School for 2013 were Isaia the state, and with 24% attaining Band 6 in Curtotti and Sanjay Farshid, who both achieved an Chemistry relative to 12% across the state. Modern outstanding ATAR of 99.55. and Ancient History results were once again well above the state percentages in Bands 5 and 6, Other top achievers included George Rayns, who while PDHPE, Latin and French all surged ahead placed 5th in the state in Software Design and of the state Band 6 percentages. In Mathematics Development, and Toomas Mirlieb, who came 7th in Extension 2, the highest level of Mathematics History Extension. An impressive six students earned available in the HSC, almost half the class achieved places on the All Round Achievers’ List for attaining a result in the top performance band, compared with one third of the state. 90% or more in at least ten of their units: Sathya Chitturi, Samuel Coggins, Isaia Curtotti, Sanjay We are especially pleased that 99% of all Year 12 students at the School will receive an ATAR, with the Farshid, Aran Ravishanker and Alexander Vuong. vast majority achieving ATARs above 65. Overall, our students gained 128 places on Unlike other ACT schools, Canberra Grammar the HSC Honour Roll for top Band results, School offers the NSW HSC, which is a challenging and academically rigorous qualification that tests with 35% of all students earning a place a total cohort of over 70,000 students through a on the Distinguished Achievers’ List for combination of school-based assessments and demanding external examinations. Our students attaining 90% or more in at least one and their teachers are to be congratulated on their of their subjects. hard work and impressive achievements.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 25 UNSW Medals

Congratulations to Ben Daniell (Year 6), Elliott Murphy (Year 8) and Michael Nguyen-Kim (Year 8) who all received University of (UNSW) medals for their results in 2013 International Competition and Assessments for The CGS cohort at the IB World Student Conference Schools (ICAS) tests. The ICAS tests are high quality, carefully developed assessments IB World Student Conference in the areas of computer skills, Canberra Grammar School’s first cohort of students studying english, mathematics, science, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme will be spelling and writing, conducted throughout Australia, the Asia- graduating in 2014. In September 2013, four students from that Ben Daniell with his cohort attended the IB World Student Conference in Hong Kong. Pacific region and some 20 UNSW medal The theme of the conference was iResponsibility: How We Engage countries globally. in the Online World. In Australia, students with the top score in each subject in each year The four Year 11 students, Jordan Veit, Hamish Stafford, Alden level are awarded the UNSW medal for their outstanding achievement. Christley-Balcomb and Oliver Atkinson-Perillo, were joined by Ms In 2013, 980,000 entries were received but the Canberra Grammar Cristina Diaz, IB Spanish and German teacher. School medal recipients were three of only 514 Australian students to receive a medal. Ben was awarded a medal for spelling, Elliott for The conference, which was attended by students from countries computer skills and Michael for science. The medals were awarded all over the world, emphasised group work and international during a ceremony at UNSW in November 2013. engagement. Students were split up into groups with others from different countries to work on presentations, debates and problem-solving. The boys said they benefitted enormously from engagement opportunities with students from other cultures and enjoyed sharing their various experiences of studying the IB.

CGS chess champions

Following their first place finish at the South Canberra Primary School Chess Championship, and a second place finish at the ACT Primary School Chess Championships, a team of four Canberra Grammar Junior School students travelled to the Gold Coast in December 2013 to participate in the Australian Schools Team Chess Competition. Albert Winkelman (Year 5), Dylan Turner (Year 5), Angus Finney Cosi’s fundraising ride (Year 6) and Kristian Larsen (Year 6) enjoyed the tournament In December 2013, a Year 12 student from Canberra Grammar which their coach, the School’s Master in Charge of Chess, School journeyed on an 800 kilometre, four day, solo fundraising Mr David Messina, described as “by far the most challenging bike ride from Canberra to Melbourne. Cosi Hofman, who is tournament the boys have ever played in.” passionate about cycling and a serious contender in national Of the five rated chess games the boys played, they won four, and were downhill and cross-country bike riding events, came up with very proud to have the opportunity to represent CGS and the ACT at a the idea to tackle the ride to raise money for the CGS Sony national event. Here are some of the highlights in their own words: Foundation Children’s Camp which provides respite care for local "It was very hard to beat the other players from other schools because children with disabilities. they were the best chess players in Australia". Albert Winkelman Cosi, who raised over $5,500 through the ride, said he was "I really enjoyed the challenge and I played the best game of chess in thrilled to be able to give back to his community by doing my life". Kristian Larsen something he loves and by completing a personal challenge. During the journey Cosi tackled many hills and endured "It was a great experience to play in the Australian Schools Chess temperatures of up to 44 degrees. Tournament. It was also really nice to spend some time in the Gold Coast". Angus Finney Along with the fundraising and the personal challenge, Cosi’s ride also counts towards his creativity, action and service (CAS) "I really enjoyed wearing the CGS and ACT chess shirt and hat and component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. analysing our games with Mr Messina". Dylan Turner

26 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 2013 Christmas concerts

ELC Christmas Concert

NORthside Christmas Concert

Southside Christmas Concert

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 27 2013 VINTAGE CLUB REUNION

On 8 November, 2013, Canberra Grammar School hosted the members of the School’s Vintage Club for a day. The Vintage Club is open to all Old Boys who left the School 50 years ago or more. In 2013, the members of the Vintage Club enjoyed morning tea and lunch at the School and attended a chapel service and the Senior School assembly, where the School Sergeant called a roll of the Vintage Club members in attendance. Here is an excerpt of the speech given by School matter how many years have passed since you attended Captain, Jackson Friend, during the day’s assembly: this School, you will always be an Old Boy of CGS. “Seated behind me here today are members of the CGS To the Vintage Club, as the current custodians of the Vintage Club, an exclusive grouping of men who graced culture that you gentleman helped create, enhance these, our hallways, at least 50 years ago. What they and pass on to the future generations, we now have see here today at the School will be quite different, but the obligation in the 21st Century to be the keepers, in many ways very similar, to the experiences we all the enhancers and the drivers of a more contemporary journey through. When boys walk out of the breezeway culture which we can leave behind for the future. to conclude their life here at CGS they promise they will Whether you are the longest serving member of the always be men of Canberra Grammar School. Today we Vintage Club or a new recruit, in each and every one of have an amazing opportunity to talk, engage and, most you lies the tales and stories of this School and the real importantly, listen, to these men here on stage that are history of CGS. From you we can model ourselves so part of our School’s legacy. that in years to come, we too can come back and walk For me, I am lucky enough to welcome back two around this ever evolving School and be proud to say members of my own family, my Uncle and Aunt, Rick that we are Old Boys. and Jude Taber. Rick was a proud member of Sheaffe You don’t truly understand what you are leaving behind House and he had always waited for the moment that until you’ve finally left. So to all the members of the Sheaffe would excel at something, be it sporting or Vintage Club, on behalf of the School, we welcome you academic. He had waited years for this moment and back to CGS.” I will never forget the look of jubilation mixed with legitimate surprise that came over his face as I told him Jackson concluded his address by leading the student body in three cheers for the Vintage Club members. The Vintage a couple of weeks ago that Sheaffe House had won the Club members reciprocated with three cheers for Canberra House Shield for 2013. This just proved to me that no Grammar School.

28 | CGS Outlook | February 2014

OLD BOYS RETURN TO CGS

In September 2013, Canberra year at School. He said that experience Grammar School hosted a taught him an important lesson about 2014 Leadership Day for Year 11 leadership – that it requires ‘courage students to prepare them for when the chips are down’. Old Boys their roles as School leaders as Craig is an ICT Project Manager, and they enter their final year. has spent time refining his leadership Reunion skills in the Army Reserves. He talked As part of the day, four recent Old to the boys about every one of them Weekend Boys returned to the School as guest having a part to play in the leadership speakers to speak on the topic, 30 May – 1 June 2014 of Year 12, not just those in elected ‘What I learnt about leadership at positions. He also reminded the Individual year group functions will School and in the years following’. students that ‘leaders need to be able to laugh at themselves’. be held for the following: Nick Dahlstrom, School Captain from Ryan, who is studying and forging the Class of 2004, Craig McGruddy, a 2004 a successful career in media, House Captain from the Class of 2006, For details and to book encouraged the students to learn from Ryan Goodman, a House Captain from please visit: past mistakes but not to dwell on them. the Class of 2010 and Tom Staniforth, a http://www.trybooking.com/EHFV House Captain from the Class of 2012, He suggested that the boys, instead, shared interesting stories about their think about how they can use those memories of Grammar and what they experiences to develop as leaders. 1994 For details and to book have been doing post-graduation. They Tom, who is a former member of the please visit: also all had insightful and varied advice Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union http://www.trybooking.com/EHGA to share with our current students. squad and has trained with the ACT Nick, who is currently working as a Brumbies, spoke about the importance The Old Boys Association Dinner lawyer, recalled the tough time he, and of goal-setting. He urged the boys to will be held on Saturday 31 May. his fellow classmates endured when be specific with their goals and to set the School’s then Sergeant, Mr Fred themselves up for success by plotting The dinner will be an opportunity Mould, passed away during their final out how those goals will be achieved. for Old Boys from 1984 (30 Year Out) & 1974 (40 Year Out) to reconnect along with any other Old Boys who would like to attend. Other events will be held over the course of the weekend. A program and invitation will be posted and emailed to Old Boys. Please ensure your contact details are up to date by contacting Community Relations: [email protected] or call (02) 6260 9606. Details will also be posted on the Alumni page of the CGS website as they are finalised. If any peer year would like to hold their own reunion during 2014, please feel free to contact the Community Relations Office to assist with planning your event.

30 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Nigel Hall 1982 Lt Cdr Chris Having moved to Sydney, Adelaide, the Christopher Carpenter 2002 Netherlands and back to Adelaide, Nigel Chris and his wife Rebecca (Forrester, is married with two adult daughters. Emonson 2001 CGGS 2002) are proud to announce He is co-founder and CEO of Adelaide Christopher joined the Royal Australian the safe arrival of Victoria Lillian on 22 Navy upon leaving School and was Interim, a niche provider of executive August 2013, a sister for Eliza. Victoria management contractors, project recently promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He is currently serving as is a second niece for Ben (2002), managers and software engineers. part of Operation Slipper in the Gulf. Oliver (2008) and Bronte (CGGS) Christopher married his high school Forrester. girlfriend, Julie Clyde, and the couple have three children, daughter Taylor, Mark Peters 1979 three and a half years old, and twin boys, Huon and Scott who were born in Mark’s garden, called ‘Donnelly’s September 2013. Christopher returned Cottage’, at Bungendore, has been home for twelve days for the birth of part of the Open Gardens Australia the twins before returning to service. scheme since 2010. It has received Christopher’s career has taken him more than 1,000 visitors. Mark also all over the world and he is looking maintains most of the historic gardens forward to further travel in the future with his family. in Bungendore. He is planning his next Open Garden weekend to occur in spring 2015. Alexander Seccombe 1998 Lawrence (Larry) Alexander has recently been awarded a Prime Minister's Endeavour Award to Anthony 1979 complete his Masters of Public Policy and Management, which he started at Lawrence’s life and career has had Monash University. He will be spending many twists and turns since he six months at the Lee Kuan Yew left Canberra Grammar School in School of Public Policy in Singapore 1979. Following tertiary study at to both undertake study and also the University of New South Wales, promote links with public and private Lawrence spent ten years as a organisations in Southeast Asia. This Parliamentarian and Minister in the follows time spent in Vietnam during Alexander’s undergraduate course Federal Government. He has spent the and complements the work he has last eight years working in the private been doing for the past five years with and not-for-profit sectors. Lawrence, the Victorian opposition and now- who has three children, has many fond government in the fields of consumer, memories of his time at CGS. liquor and energy policy.

CGS Outlook | February 2014 | 31 IN MEMORY

Peter Graham Edward Venn (Ted) Anthony John Marshall (1944) King (1950) (Tony) Crisp (1945) 1928-2013 1934-2013 1928-2013

Peter Marshall died at Coffs Harbour Ted King, who attended Canberra Tony Crisp, who boarded at Canberra on 21 August, 2013. Here he is Grammar School from 1946-1950, Grammar School from 1937-1944, remembered by his friend, and fellow died on 30 October, 2013. He had a died on 9 July, 2013. Old Boy, John Rogers: BA (Hons) from Sydney University and “Peter came to CGS in 1940 from Tumut. spent most of his working life with Ford We became friends and played rugby and Motor Company specialising in security and writing computer programs. Ted cricket together. Peter captained cricket was also a musician and played the in 1943. He worked in the motor and organ at a leading Anglican Church Ian Warren aluminium semi fabricating industries and in Melbourne for many years. He had in 1975 moved to Coffs Harbour to go into some involvement in the acquisition of Kershaw (1965) partnership with a window fabricator. He the new organ in the School’s Chapel 1947-2013 retired in 2000 and moved to Marion Grove of Christ the King. Retirement Village 10 years ago. Peter was Ian Kershaw, who attended Canberra a best friend and we talked each Sunday Grammar School from 1960-1962, morning after he moved to Coffs. I was died in September, 2013. His honoured to be asked to give the eulogy by funeral was held at Christ Church in his wife Muff.” Queanbeyan.

32 | CGS Outlook | February 2014 MAKE Invest in the YOUR “ potential of CGS MARK ” We are proud to offer a world of opportunity This leaves little funding for capital works and here at Canberra Grammar School. for investment in priority projects that will Our students have access to some of the finest directly benefit our students. educational and co-curricular opportunities in Ensuring that we continue to progress and to Australia. However CGS did not have a wealthy flourish has always required, and will continue foundation and receives some of the lowest to require, additional resources. levels of government funding per capita of any Please consider making your mark on CGS school in the ACT. with a donation to the CGS Foundation. Did you know that 98% of our combined total income, including student fees, is consumed by annual operating expenses?

How will you make your mark on CGS?

Choose to nurture Choose to help CGS Choose a brighter our kids be all it can be future Primary School Renewal Project Campaign for CGS CGS Scholarship Fund

Through your choice to support the CGS Foundation you are personally shaping the life of this School. Thank you to all of our donors. Your support allows CGS to excel.

www.cgsfoundation.org.au Canberra Grammar School’s MAJOR FETE SPONSOR Dr Michael Hyde has been creating Orthodontics at The University beautiful smiles for the parents and of Sydney. children of Canberra Grammar ◄◄Appointed as an Examiner for Schools for the last 23 years. the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in the Special Field of ◄◄Has successfully completed the Orthodontics. prestigious exam by the Royal Australasian College of Dental The Supersmiles Practice is Canberra City 6249 7818 Surgeons and was admitted as considered to be the most friendly, Belconnen 6251 0663 a Fellow of the Royal College of caring, fun practice in Canberra, www.supersmile.com.au committed to excellence in the Dental Surgeons in the Special Supersmiles Superdontist – Field of Orthodontics. He is one of treatment of patients and to building a proud supporter of only 7 orthodontists in the world loving friendships with children and Canberra Grammar School! with this qualification. adults alike. ◄◄A member of the Australian For all your orthodontic needs and Society of Orthodontists, the for a great smile using the latest Australian Dental Association, the cutting edge technology, including Australian Orthodontic Board, and self ligating braces, Invisalign the European Orthodontic Society. and Incognito the absolute ◄◄Is a clinical tutor and lecturer ultimate in totally invisible for the Masters Program in orthodontic treatment.

40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill ACT 2603 T +61 (0)2 6260 9700 F +61 (0)2 6260 9701 E [email protected] W www.canberragrammar.org.au