Brighton Secondary School Connections Connecting with the past, building the future
2011 is another milestone in Brighton’s history: The Volleyball teams competed in their 25th year Phase 1 of the school expansion; the Poppy Rain of participation in the National School’s Cup in of Remembrance ceremony; the 35th anniversary Melbourne in December 2011 and succeeded in of the Special Interest Music program; the 25th winning the Australian Champion School title for anniversary of the Volleyball program and the the 7th time. opening of the Brighton Performing Arts Centre. Perhaps the most moving event in 2011 was the From 2011 to 2014 we shall see the transformation Poppy Rain of Remembrance. In late 2010, after of the existing Library into a two storey 21st century researching his family history and learning of his learning centre with classrooms, staff professional Great Grandfather’s service in WW1, Year 10 development spaces, relocated student services, student, Ryan Wilson, proposed that in memory science laboratories and art space. The southern of the 102,000 service men and women who wing of the Spence building will be demolished died in both World Wars, 102,000 poppies be to bring the new building into proximity with dropped from the sky onto Adelaide. the courtyard so that students may learn in both Following almost 12 months of logistics and indoor and outdoor spaces. The new cafeteria will planning by the school, the Army, the Returned provide a more contemporary service whilst the old Services League and Legacy, Ryan’s vision was canteen becomes additional physical education realized on Remembrance Day at the 11th minute classrooms. The refurbished Hall will become the of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th home of student reception, staffroom and library month in 2011. An Augusta 109E helicopter whilst the southern wing and current library are released 102,000 poppies onto a Remembrance demolished to make way for the new two-storey Day ceremony on the back oval attended by all 21st century learning centre, constructed during the students, hundreds of people from the local 2013. community and special guests. The event was The music staff and students could not be happier broadcast across Australia and even seen in with the news that phase 2 of the Brighton Finland. Performing Arts Centre has come within the Just to remind you all how the wider community $17.8m budget. The 400 seat Recital Hall will views your alma mater, when the army catafalque be adjacent to the Drama facility opened in May party was marching away from the Remembrance 2011 with the Governor, His Excellency Kevin ceremony, one of the men said, “I wish I had Scarce, in attendance to cut the ribbon with the gone to a school like this.” The response from his Hon. Jay Weatherill, Minister for Education & colleague was, “Me Too. What a great school.” Children’s Services. The event was expertly catered by the Brighton Food and Hospitality students. The 2012 will be a year to remember for old scholars community has made good use of the new facility – it is our 60th anniversary. Many events are being and the drama students have risen to performing in planned to bring the school’s alumni together to a professional theatre. celebrate our great school. Make sure you order your 60th souvenir book early. The 35th anniversary music spectacular at Elder
Comments Hall showcased the outstanding talent of 200 Olivia O’Neill, Principal music students and their dedicated staff. The European tour of the Concert Choir in December
Principal 2010 was an outstanding success against all measures. I was privileged to travel with them and witness their talent at performances in China, Italy, Switzerland and Japan.
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Friends of Brighton Sec daryS choolNewsletter
Chairperson Report 2011 Morphettville Function Centre. Other eventsduring with theDinneron10thof November, atthe several functionsthroughoutthe yearculminating School willbecelebratedin2012. Therewillbe ofBrighton Secondary The DiamondAnniversary building. facilities tobelocatedbehindtheschoolhall impressed withthearchitecturalplansfornew Members oftheFriendscommitteearevery to enableanincreaseintotalstudentenrolment. chosen toreceive special development funding Schoolisoneoftheschools Brighton Secondary raise fundstofitoutthisbuilding. the campaignto scholars andfriendswillsupport and musicproductions.TheFriendshopethatold thus moresuitableforaudienceviewingofdrama the oldschoolhallithasrakedseatingandis inMay.impressive openingperformance Unlike Diana BoydandIrepresentedtheFriendsat sideoftheschoolcampus.JohnBligh, northern complements theVolleyball Centreonthe building now completeandthisstrikingmodern Centreis Arts The firstphaseofthePerforming Year 11Award. Griffin, thisyear’s recipient oftheOldScholars achievement. Also to be congratulated is Colin Tuscharski andIagain congratulate heron Omnia BeneOldScholarsAward toSamantha Convention Centre.ThereIpresentedtheFac Year 12Validictory ceremonyattheAdelaide In November, Irepresented theFriendsat overall Housewinner. CoCurricula,Academicandalsothe Carnivals, Shield awardsforthethreecategories–Sports are proud to sponsor the inaugural House credited tothestudent’s House.TheFriends with pointsforachievementthroughouttheyear year theHousesystemhasbeenre-invigorated and theirHouse,(bycolourifnotbyname).This Day Most old scholars will remember Sports life memberoftheFriendswitha$50donation. past scholars and others are invited to become a current school community. To assist in this work, scholars, teachers,parentsandfriends)the those associatedwiththeschoolinpast,(old School istoenhancetheconnectionbetween The aimoftheFriendsBrightonSecondary I ISSUE 16 Acting Chairperson Frances Robertson details [email protected]. aboutactivitiesin2012,pleaseemail information people tothislist,ensurethattheyreceivefurther people listed.Ifyouwouldliketoaddfurther being developed.Atpresentthereareover3000 scholars, teachers,parentsandfriendsiscurrently A data-baseofnamesandaddressesold celebrations andre-unions. old scholars.We inthese urgeyoutoparticipate show, andanart music concert eachfeaturing the yearwillincludeavolleyballcompetition,
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Connections I 3 Reunion YEAR OF 2001 REUNION
On the 28th October the students of 2001 organised a reunion which included a tour of Brighton Secondary School and a gathering at the Holdfast Hotel. Students met in the refurbished hall foyer and viewed the new Performing Arts Centre, Volleyball stadium, Weights room and Senior Learning Centre. They reminisced about their time at school and inquired about their past teachers. Those on the tour were Adam Skillitzi, Paul Bologiannis (Cygnet), Melissa Matulka ,nee Zander, Kate Harper(Holdfast), Lauren Swan(Cygnet), Alexis Holland(Cygnet), Elizabeth McLean (Buffalo), Penny Nemeth(Rapid), Bridget O’Reilly, Cheyne Bird(Holdfast), Peter MacKenzie(Buffalo), Craig Siddon, Tom Young(Buffalo), Jessica Kurtzer, Alisa Ayres(Rapid), Kim Graham-Sutton(Buffalo) and Rob Buckly(Cygnet).
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Old Scholars Awards
YEAR 11 Friends of Brighton SECONDARY SCHOOL Old Scholars Award Colin Griffin This award is presented by the Old Scholars of Brighton Secondary School to a Year 11 student who has demonstrated leadership and citizenship qualities in the school community. Colin has demonstrated to his teachers and peers an exemplary level of commitment to study, observance of school policy, involvement in extra-curricular activities and service to the school and wider community. He brings honour to Brighton Secondary School. Colin Griffin Colin is a most worthy recipient of this award in 2011.
Year 12 Friends of Brighton SECONDARY SCHOOL Award Samantha TUSCHARSKI Samantha has demonstrated to a very high degree the school values of cooperation, excellence, fairness, integrity, respect and responsibility.
Samantha Tuscharski
Dux of the school DeAnne Wilson This certificate is awarded in recognition of the most outstanding level of academic achievement in Year 12 studies in 2010. DeAnne is a very worthy recipient of this prestigious award. DeAnne excelled in all chosen areas of study, achieving a very impressive set of results. DeAnne Wilson The Brighton Secondary School congratulates DeAnne on her excellent achievements.
Old Scholars Awards
Old Scholars value the ongoing traditions of Brighton and many have indicated a desire to continue their family’s legacy in the school. In 2011 up to five enrolment vacancies have been retained for the sons and daughters of Old Scholars through the Old Scholars’ entry scholarships (unfunded). By 2015 there will be approximately 250 more students than currently enrolled in 2011. The school will be developing a focus on “creative thinking and creative endeavours”. Additional scholarships will be offered to the sons / daughters of old scholars who demonstrate these qualities. These positions are secured through a competitive application process. Application forms are available when the scholarships are advertised in April each year.
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Proudly Celebrating 60 years of Public Education in 2012
Brighton Secondary School will proudly celebrate sixty years of providing public education in 2012. A 60th Anniversary Committee of current staff members was formed to support the Old Scholars Association in planning for this very special year.
The group has undertaken to revitalize the 50th Anniversary Gold Book by adding a further ten years to this publication. This one hundred and twelve page historical commemorative book will be sold at the special price of only ten dollars - a must for all old scholars. The group has also developed an anniversary calendar with images provided by present and past scholars from the school. The calendar has all anniversary events included as well as images of the school’s history and future direction. The calendar will be available from the school for an amazing five dollars until sold out.
Apart from these publications, the committee has also determined a list of events that will occur throughout 2012 for past scholars and teachers of the school. Please keep these dates free next year.
The Old Scholars Association and the 60th Anniversary Committee hopes that you will enjoy the events planned for 2012. March 1 If you would like further information, please contact Debbie Parsons Opening Ceremony [email protected] or 8375 8238. March 16 Volleyball Event May 23 Music Event August 9 The ‘60 Diamonds’ SALA Event November 10 Gala Dinner
November 15 Closing Ceremony
Friends of Brighton Secondary School Newsletter I ISSUE 16 Brighton Secondary School site circa 1900
AROUND THE SCHOOL Connections I 6 er. S Year 12 Valedictory Presentation Evening
The 2011 Valedictory Presentation Evening was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday 28th October. Students, parents and staff celebrated the graduation and achievements of the class of 2011 and reflected on the students’ journey from year 8 to year 12.
Samantha Tuscharski was presented with the ‘Fac Omnia Bene’ Old Scholars Award by Francis Robertson, chairperson of the Friends of Brighton committee.
Amongst the guests were several Brighton Secondary School old scholars who watched their own children being presented with their graduation certificates and awards.
Meredith ‘78 and Jake Taylor Peter ‘83 and Jess Hartley
Anita ‘81 and Lauren Crozier Sharon Trowbridge ‘84, Jake and Ian Forster ‘83 Judith ‘79, Jo and Martin Garrard ‘79
Helen ‘77 and Callum Shaw John ‘79 and Brittany McKay
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Our top student in 2010 was Eugene Braslavskiy. Eugene achieved an ATAR of 99.45 and achieved 3 merits. Kateryna Burlak who was awarded the Dux of Brighton Secondary School achieved an ATAR of 99.35 and Alice Andrawos achieved an ATAR of 99.25.
Other students with particularly outstanding results were: Taylor received two merits (Ensemble Performance and Solo Performance), Lily Upton received one merit (Visual Name No. of Merits Art Studies), Tong Zhang received two merits (Ensemble Cashmere Collins-McBride 98.55 Performance and Performance Special Study). Joanna Keogh 97.65 An outstanding result from these students. Megan McDermott 97.3 A total of 264 A’s were received by our student cohort Julia Hicks 96.8 compared to 258 in 2009. Eugene Braslavskiy, Sam Reid 96.6 Cashmere Collins-McBride and Julia Hicks received 6 A’s. Alva Yin 95.5 Alice Andrawos, Ben Betelli, Kateryna Burlak, Callum Elise Clarke 92.65 Gunn, Hannah Kastrappi, Joanna Keogh James Colton 92.65 and Megan McDermott all received 5 A’s. Kimberley Evans 93.35 2010 was a watershed year as it was the final time the Eliza Graham 94.8 new and the ‘old’ SACE were offered together. Whilst our Callum Gunn 93.6 Year 12 students were undertaking the ‘old’ SACE, our Nick Jiang 92.35 Year 11 students were completing the requirements of the Kate Jeong 95 New SACE for the first time. Hannah Kastrappi 94.8 These changes impacted not only on the students, but Emmalee Rowlands 93.05 also the teachers. Teachers had to write new Learning Jennifer Wu 93.05 and Assessment Plans, redesign assessment tasks so Valeriya Kuznetsova 92.05 that they were in line with the new Subject Outlines Sandy Tatyrek 92.05 and change their marking scheme from the old SACE Jacky Lau 91.8 requirements to awarding students with a grade from A Gabriella Coote 91.2 to E. Overall the transition has been a smooth one, thanks
2010 SACE REPORT Renae Lloyd 93.85 to the professionalism and dedication of staff at Brighton. Madalina Oprea 91.45 They have embraced the changes at hand, attending professional development sessions and working within faculty teams. In total 12 students achieved an ATAR of 95 and above. 2011 promises to be an equally busy and eventful year This is a particularly outstanding result and these students as we prepare for the full implementation of the New should be commended for their hard work and consistency SACE across both Year 11 and Year 12. It will also be the throughout the year. first time students at Year 12 will be required to undertake the Research Project, a compulsory subject where students All students who managed to complete their SACE also must achieve a minimum C grade to complete their SACE. deserve to be congratulated. It is a difficult year for many I am very confident that the extensive planning conducted students to navigate their way through a heavy workload by all faculty areas in 2010 to prepare the school for and balance work, family and friends. Achieving their 2011 will see Brighton continuing to be the school of SACE certificate is a huge effort in itself. choice for all students, offering a high standard of Our students received a total of 27 merits. Callum Gunn education in a setting where all individuals are supported received three merits (Composing and Arranging, Solo and encouraged to achieve their personal best. Performance and Performance Special Study), Alice Warren Eaton Andrawos received two merits (Biology and Chemistry), Senior School / SACE Coordinator Rachel Bartholomew received two merits (Solo Performance and Performance Special Study), Ben Betelli received one merit (Composing and Arranging), Eugene Braslavskiy received four merits over 2009 /10 (Performance Special Study, Solo Performance, Legal Studies and Mathematical Studies), Kateryna Burlak received one merit (Biology), Danny Clarkson received one merit (Photography), Cashmere Collins-McBride received two merits (Ensemble Performance and Mathematical Studies), Eliza Graham received one merit (Health Studies), Hannah Greenshields received two merits (Solo Performance and Performance Special Study), Katherine Haddow received one merit (Health Studies), Julia Hicks received two merits (Ensemble Performance and Solo Performance), Joanna Keogh received two merits for subjects studied through the School of Languages (Italian Beginners and Spanish Beginners), Megan McDermott received one merit (Psychology), Jake
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2011 marked a very significant Other students with particularly outstanding results were: landmark in the SACE. It was the first Student ATAR Merits Jessica Archbold 97.0 year of the Stage 2 Research Project Rachael Bartholomew 90.25 1 and also the first year all Stage 2 Georgia Bevan 96.2 1 Tara Bouchier 92.45 1 subjects would be implemented into Daniel Clarkson 98.05 Patrick Cobiac 92.05 the curriculum. Needless to say this Estelle Coote 97.65 1 was preceded by a significant amount Jack De La Lande 92.6 1 Sarah Edwards 94.9 1 of whole school planning, professional Renae Fatchen 98.05 1 Lauren Footner 99.5 1 development and preparation. Ashleigh Greaves 94.8 Sarah Greenhalgh 94.8 It is clear that the planning and preparation undertaken Xuejing Han 96.5 at Brighton Secondary School paid off, with virtually all Jessie Hartley 96.0 our Stage 2 Learning and Assessment Plans approved Xuan Huang 94.05 by the SACE Board without any need for changes or Alisse Hywood 93.9 modifications. Karina Leatch 95.55 Our results were outstanding. They reflect the hard Wenhui Li 91.6 work, dedication and professionalism of the Brighton Yiju Ma 95.55 Secondary teaching community and efforts of our Shai Martin 93.25 1 students. We should take great pride in these results. Emma McEwan 91.9 This year our top-performing student was Deanne Sarah Metcalfe 93.8 Wilson. Deanne achieved an ATAR of 99.85 and Jack Morris 96.6 achieved 2 merits. Deanne was also awarded the Dux Mark Oakley 96.3 1 of the school for 2011. Samantha Pretty 91.9 Lauren Footner achieved an ATAR of 99.5 and 1 Merit, Callum Ritchie 94.4 Tim Stevens 99.0, Jake Taylor 99.80, Izabella Tunis- Georgia Ryan 94.05 1 Notley 99.0, Samantha Tuscharski 99.05 and 1 Merit. Hanna Sabic 93.05 2011 SACE REPORT In total we had 22 students who achieved an ATAR of Alex Schumaker 96.10 95 and above. This compares very favorably with last Rebecca South 91.8 year where 12 students achieved this result. This group Brianna Speight 96.75 1 of students deserves special mention for their outstanding Tim Stevens 99.0 results that came about through a consistent and studious Jake Taylor 99.80 approach towards all their subjects. Izabella Tunis-Notley 99.0 Amber Tuscharski 98.65 1 All students who managed to complete their SACE also deserve to be congratulated. Samantha Tuscharski 99.05 1 Jennifer Watson 94.05 It is a difficult year for many students to navigate their Deanne Wilson 99.85 way through a heavy workload and balance work, Emilie Wilson 97.15 family and friends - achieving their SACE Certificate is a significant effort in itself. Our students achieved a total of 19 merits. A total of 274 A’s were received by our student cohort The details are provided below. in 2011. This compares most favourably with 239 A’s Student Merits in 2010 and 258 in 2009. Although the number of A+ Matthew Oulton Ensemble Performance grades was lower, the overall number of A’s was higher. and Solo Performance Lauren Footner received 8 A grade, Jack De La Lande, Deanne Wilson English Communications and Physics Izabella Tunis-Notley, Deanne Wilson all received 7 Tara Bouchier English Communications A’s, Jessica Archbold, Renae Fatchen and Shai Martin Estelle Coote Visual Arts – Art all received 6 A’s and Estelle Coote, Sarah Edwards, Ashleigh Greaves, Alisse Hywood, Karina Leatch, Jack Jack De La Lande Ensemble Performance Morris, Hanna Sabic, Timothy Stevens, Jake Elliot, Sarah Edwards Visual Arts – Art Amber Tuscharski and Samantha Tuscharski received Renae Fatchen Ensemble performance 5 A’s. Lauren Footner Research Project Warren Eaton Finn Galindo Communication Products Senior School / SACE Coordinator Sean Helps Ensemble Performance Shai Martin Solo Performance Mark Oakley Ensemble Performance Georgia Ryan English Communications Brianna Speight Visual Arts – Art Amber Tuscharski Visual Arts – Art Samatha Tuscharski Psychology Rachael Bartholomew Capability
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Year 12 Research Project Summary 2011 was the first year that the Brighton Secondary School would Research Project, a compulsory Stage like to acknowledge Julian Swallow, 2 subject, was introduced by the Journalist from The Advertiser, who wrote SACE Board. The Research Project is the following article about Nicholas a subject that provides students with Pearce’s Year 12 Research Project. the opportunity to study and research The article below was published in The an area of interest. Advertiser on 3rd September 2011. Planning for the implementation of this subject at Brighton began early in 2010. To ensure we delivered students with a well prepared and resourced subject, a Research iPod noise inspires student to Project booklet was produced for every student. An electronic version of the booklet was also accessible on become a public speaker. Daymap. Senior School student Nicholas Pearce is hoping his plea A total of 11 Research Project classes were formed this for government action to reduce noise-induced hearing year, staffed by teachers who played an active role in the loss in teenagers won’t fall on deaf ears. Nicholas, planning stages. The results were excellent. They were 17, has asked Federal School Education Minister, Peter not only a reflection of the innovation shown by students and their willingness to embrace this subject, but also the Garrett, to introduce a school program to raise awareness preparation and planning that was undertaken by staff at of the dangers of exposure to excessive noise similar to a Brighton. A total of 193 students completed the Research program in the United States called Dangerous Decibels. Project in Semester 1. 52 students achieved an A grade ``He should know better than anyone,’’ Nicholas said, and 80 a B grade, representing 68% of all students. referring to Mr Garrett’s previous career as frontman of An outstanding result indeed! There was an interesting rock band Midnight Oil. The Year 12 student’s campaign and diverse range of topics selected by students, with was sparked by a school research project in which he several benefiting from the relationship we established asked 300 friends and fellow students how long and with Flinders University. A number of lecturers acted as loudly they listened to their iPods each day. His research, mentors for our students, providing them with a point of which involved an artificial ear, found 55 per cent of contact and expertise from which they could draw. This students were risking severe damage to their hearing was an excellent opportunity for a number of our students now, while a further 30 per cent were risking longer-term and it is hoped this relationship with Flinders can continue in 2012 and beyond. In planning for next year, Michelle damage. Nicholas said five students were listening to Andersen, Year 11 Manager, I will be preparing students music at a volume equivalent to sticking their head next for the Research Project by providing them with a structure a lawnmower for about half an hour a day. ``Lots of to select a topic and begin preliminary planning. Time them knew it was bad for them, but not how bad,’’ he will be allocated during home group for this to occur. said. ``They thought they might go deaf at 80, but it’s Warren Eaton probably more like 45.’’ Nicholas’s research found that Senior School / SACE Coordinator listening to anything over 85 decibels for periods over eight hours was unsafe. National Acoustics Laboratories director, Professor Harvey Dillon, yesterday said while their research found the problem was not as severe, it remained a serious issue. Nicholas has written to Senator Nick Xenophon expressing concern about his findings. Senator Xenophon said the research had revealed an ``urgent and pressing’’ public health issue. ``We could end up having grandkids sharing hearing aids with their grandparents,’’ he said. A spokeswoman for Mr Garrett told The Advertiser it was not a federal matter.
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Anzac Day Dawn Service
Students Jade Bouchier, Nicola Evans, Laura Elliott, Estelle Coote, Olivia Hunt, Martin Oakley, Billie Turner, Samual Brown; Olivia and Brian O’Neill and Jeffrey Kong travelled to France for a cultural tour of Paris and to commemorate Anzac Day at Villers-Brettoneux in the Somme.
Despite much research prior to the trip, no one could have prepared us for the emotional impact of the Dawn Service or the site of thousands of graves dotted throughout the countryside in beautifully landscaped cemeteries. The students laid wreathes and posies of Australian wild flowers as a mark of respect. Paris was a thrill every minute – the Louvre and Mona Lisa; Montmartre and the painters; Sacre Coeur and the buskers; the Moulin Rouge and the “big fan”; the Palace of Versailles and its gardens and fountains. Then there were baguettes, croissants, snails, pastries and a super drink called Orangina. We travelled everywhere on the Metro with Jade Bouchier’s amazing App on her phone. We momentarily lost Nicola and Martin. Sam had the most contraband confiscated by airport officials. Billie worried we wouldn’t climb the Arc De Triomphe. Laura and Estelle got lost on the Champs Elysee and Olivia proved to be the most efficient shopper. Ms O’Neill came close to a Border Security moment with pate in Adelaide airport. Mr. O’Neill was nearly hit by a French bus and Mr Kong is now keen to learn French.The Spirit of Anzac Tour is a biennial event. Next tour is in 2013 – we recommend it.
Anzac Day Dawn Service 25th April, 2011
Mr Rod Murray of the Brighton RSL led the Order of Service for a crowd of approximately 5,000 people for the 6am Dawn Service at the Arch of Remembrance, Brighton Jetty. Brighton Secondary School Boys Chamber Choir, conducted by Andrew Barrett, led two hymns “O Valiant Hearts” and “Abide with Me” as well as the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems. Representing Brighton Secondary School, Head Prefect Jess O’Reilly and Deputy Head Prefect Tim Blight, placed a wreath and each presented a short speech giving their perspective on how we as a nation, are grateful for the sacrifices and dedication of the Service men and women who have fought in numerous wars to ensure we live in a peaceful and prosperous nation. Jan Sutherland, Counsellor
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Connections I 11 Poppy Rain of Rememberance
In Late 2010 Year 9 student Ryan After researching his family history and learning of his great grandfather’s service in WWI, Ryan proposed that Wilson sent a letter to the CEO in memory of the 102,000 service men and women who died in both World Wards, 102,000 poppies be of Legacy, Rainer Jozeps with an dropped from the sky on to the city of Adelaide. inspiring idea to commemorate Following almost 12 months of logistics and planning Remembrance Day in 2011. by Jozeps and his team, Ryan’s vision was realised on Remembrance Day at the 11th minute after the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011. An Augusta 109E helicopter dropped 102,000 poppies onto a Remembrance Day ceremony held at Brighton Secondary School which was attended by more than a thousand students and guests from Legacy, the RSL, Local Government and the Education Department. The red Flanders Poppy was first described as a flower of remembrance by Canadian Colonel McRae who served in France as a medical officer in WWI. He wrote this poem at the second battle of Ypres in pencil on a page torn from his despatch book.
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields. - John McCrae
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Connections I 12 Leaving or Retiring Staff
JENNY CABOT JAMES NELLIGAN 2007-2011. 1996-2010. Coordinator of Science, Business Manager Junior Science and Year 11 and 12 Biology teacher
Carol Cook CON PRESTON 1990-1999, 2004-2011. 2002-2011. Visual Arts teacher yrs 8-12 Visual Arts, Design and Media teacher
BILL GILES DEAN STEWARD 2002-2011. 2002-2011. Studies of Society Time table Support, Coordinator, teacher of Assistant Principal Geography and History. Human Resources and Data Management. Maths teacher.
SUE LACE 1987-2011. Laboratory Manager
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School Redevelopment 2011-20142011-2014
Brighton Secondary School will undergo a major redevelopment (as outlined in the Principal’s Report) to allow for the enrolment of 250 more students in 2014. The architectural drawing below shows the areas of redevelopment in blue and yellow.
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Brighton Performing Arts Centre Opening
The new Brighton Performing Arts Centre was officially opened on 19th May by His Excellency the Governor of South Australia, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce. The Honourable Jay Weatherill, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development presented a speech to honour those who have worked tirelessly on the project.
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Beyond the Desk
An Exhibition of the Artistic Talents of Teachers
The 2010 SALA festival presented the opportunity also contributed work. Kath was a student teacher for BSS staff to organize an art exhibition in the in 2010 and is a renowned local jewellery foyer of the new Brighton Performing Arts Centre. designer whose work is sold in outlets such as the Titled ‘Beyond the Desk’, the exhibition provided Jam Factory. Megan spent term 3 in the school 15 past and present staff, representing a number as a student teacher and is an old scholar of faculties, with the opportunity to develop their Brighton. creative talents and showcase them to the community. To extend the theme of showcasing the talents of the staff, the wine for the opening was supplied Old Scholar and talented practising artist, by “Showblock Estate”, which is the product of Joshua Pearce, opened the exhibition in which another past staff member, John Adomopolus. he reflected fondly on his time as a BSS student. Teacher, Annie Kwok performed on the night and Joshua is a young contemporary emerging artist student teacher and current staff member, Narelle who commenced an Advanced Diploma of Fisher, also helped design the poster and flyers. Advertising/Graphic Design, Douglas Mawson Institute of TAFE in 1998/99. He then graduated The exhibition led to vibrant conversations among in 2002 with a Bachelor of Visual Art and the people involved about their excitement and Applied Design, AIT Arts, Adelaide. He won creative energy. The standard of work exhibited numerous awards early in his career and in was very high and represented the diverse styles 2003 Associate Professor Rod Taylor, Adelaide and interests of the staff who practise the visual Central School of Art, became his mentor in the arts in their own time. Helpmann Academy Mentorship Scheme. He has completed a number of commissioned mosaic and mural paintings which are extremely large, prominently exposed works that help to emphasize the artistic/cultural atmosphere of Adelaide, eg. in Unley Museum, North Terrace Skate Park and Salisbury Interchange. Joshua was also employed in the art field at Carclew Youth Arts Centre during 2001 – 2003 on the City Sites Program.
The current teaching staff who exhibited work were Barbara Bleckly, Jill Brindley, Carol Cook, Cheryl Evans, Annie Kwok, Niccy Pallant, Yasmin Paterson, Con Preston, David Reed, Jamie Tester, Alan Todd, Nima Valamanesh and Maj-Lis Vatzlavik
Past Art teacher and BSS contract teacher, Mike Badenoch, who left Brighton in 2005, and past student teachers, Kath Inglis and Megan Retallick,
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Connections I 16 Take aSeat SPONSOR’S NAME: ______(Block letters please)
ADDRESS: (for mailing of a tax deductible receipt) ______
Number of seats to be sponsored: ______Take a seat in the new NAME (S) TO BE RECOGNISED ON THE PLAQUE: (Please use BLOCK letters)
Brighton Community 1.______Performing Arts Centre 2.______There is an opportunity for members of the community to sponsor a seat (or a number of seats) in the new Brighton Community Performing Arts Centre. Total amount of donation: $______($100 per seat)
The seating capacity of the new Performing Please find enclosed $ ______for ______seats Arts Centre is three hundred and fifty theatre quality seats. For a donation of $100, sponsors (Name and address for mailing the receipt:) who contribute to this initiative will be Name:______recognised by a named plaque to be attached to the back of a randomly allocated seat. Address: ______P / C______Donations are payable to the Brighton Secondary School Building Fund. Tax deductible Telephone: ______receipts will be mailed to sponsors upon receipt of the donation and completion of the attached Payment: Cash Visa Mastercard Cheque registration form. (Please make cheque payable to Brighton Secondary School)
Sponsors will also be included on a mailing Name on card:______list to be invited to the official opening of the Community Performing Arts Centre, and other Card No. / / / high profile community events in the first year of operation. Signature: ______Expiry Date: _____ / ______
This offer will obviously be limited. You could be one of only 350 people to have your Thank you contribution recognised. Please take this opportunity to be recognised as one of the Please post this form with payment details to: individuals who contributed to the furnishing of Brighton Secondary School, this new, state of the art, community facility. 305 Brighton Road, North Brighton. SA 5048, Olivia O’Neill P: 8375 8200 Principal F: 8296 0949 Brighton Secondary School E: [email protected]
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LIFT DANCE THEATRE at the 2011 FRINGE
In March of 2011 we took an idea of reincarnation, a group of students with little performance experience, hired the Australian Dance Theatre as biggest square space we could find in Adelaide and made ourselves part of the Adelaide Festival Fringe dance program for the second time. The technical challenges were enormous and we were to discover the extent of those difficulties over the four days we spent in the space. Our lighting guru Brad Salt could for the first time hire and set up an entire light system with John Schroeder providing much experience with lighting and sound. Colin Griffin with all of his expertise in circus strung lights and cabling across the roof of the ADT metres off the floor for two days working well into the night. Professionalism was a term we used a great deal all through the lead up process. The dancers and crew never let us down. For a year the cast committed themselves to the endless rehearsals. By the end of the third night on stage in front of near sell out crowds they had fulfilled every expectation and produced something that was more than just the sum of its parts or a roll call of individuals. None of them will ever forget what it felt like to perform something so powerful in a space where the Australian Dance Theatre has created its enduring masterpieces To create enough interesting moves to fill an hour is a challenge even the most accomplished of companies are daunted by. Over a year Erin McAnna, co founder of Lift, took the idea and gave it form. Ex Brighton student Lauren Cox came on board and choreographed
Lift Dance Theatre the Dogs; Polina Starovoitova and Daemen Bray helped refine the choreography while Imogen Behan and Adam Harrison took time out of their busy lives to run front of house. All of them came up through the Rock Eisteddfod and we thank them for their contribution. ‘This dance piece is exceptional in Not that ‘Awakening’ was all plain sailing. We had our share drawing the audience into the darker of injuries both during the rehearsal process and on the night. world inhabited by primeval forces Knees and hamstrings can be the bane of dancers and when Molly of humans and their animalistic Warland tore her hamstring during Friday’s lighting rehearsal and side – ‘Awakening”. What is truly could only manage the first part of the opening night performance extraordinary about this act is the fact Naomi McAnna stepped up into a role she had never danced or that despite the age of the performers understudied, let alone the problem of having to partner a male they bring amazing strength and dancer for the first time in her life. character to their roles. This is not a The guys in the cast deserve special mention. Jackson Hart year performance for the faint hearted as it 12, Kieran Turnbull year 10 and Jordan Bray from year 9 took on will send shivers down your spines. The contemporary dance and greatly impressed the critics while Mark angst that the main dancers toil through Oakley took his considerable frame, commanded the stage as an in a series of encounters will enthral actor/dancer and added muscle as a roustabout. you to the climatic finish. The theatre in the round ensures that everyone Our next production will be on the stage of the Performing Arts in the audience is immersed in the Centre. performance from the beginning.’ Alan Todd. Artistic Director and Producer. Talk Fringe ROCK EISTEDDFOD
Friends of Brighton Secondary School Newsletter I ISSUE 16
Connections I 18 STATE CHAMPION 2011 NATIONAL CHAMPION 2011
GLOBAL AWARDS; STAGE USE, CONCEPT, PERFORMANCE SKILL
2011 was a stellar year. Not only did we take out the state title for the sixth time including back-to-back twice but we also became National Eisteddfod champions. This title had never been won by a school outside of the Premier divisions in Sydney and Melbourne in the 30 years of the competition and given the way the Rock Eisteddfod is struggling to survive in the smaller states this feat may never be achieved again. We also qualified for entry into the global competition in 2011 up against New Zealand, UK, South Africa, Japan and a number of other countries. Of the eight sectional awards we took out three and narrowly missed being crowned global champions. Considering that ‘Max’ was the darkest piece we have put together we had little idea how it would be received. ‘Max’ combined two ideas. One related to the orphans abandoned by the Ceausescu regime in Romania and the other to the role of rabbits in mythology. Rabbits appear at dusk and have been seen as harbingers from another world. The orphans made a nightly choice as to whether their toy rabbits would lead them to a world of comfort or nightmares. The sheer emotional power of
ROCK EISTEDDFOD 2011 the piece challenged the audience and the judges commented on the commitment of the performers to the concept. Old scholars Erin McAnna, James Shaw, Imogen Behan, Rachel Lawrance and John Schroeder came along to help while Lauren Cox took on the roles of choreographer and assistant director. We are also eternally grateful for the continued support of Mrs Margie Blackwood who has been our make up expert forever. With the redevelopment of the school and the hall taking on a variety of roles over the next two years, our ability to stage another Eisteddfod has come to an end. Whether the whole competition continues to survive in uncertain financial times is another question. “….it was just professional…” Pep Regoni, Performance Judge.
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AROUND THE SCHOOL Connections I 19
F1 in Schools Use of Advanced Technologies
In 2010, three Brighton teams represented South Australia at the national competition, held at Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney. The Cold Fusion team won the prestigious National Marketing Award and the Azoto team came second in the knockout-racing format. The F1 in Schools concept has its origins in the UK, some 8 years ago, where there was an obvious lack of secondary students moving into engineering careers. The resultant competition has spread globally through 25 countries, including Australia. Australia has embraced the challenge throughout the country. The competition requires the design and manufacture of a CO2 powered scaled prototype F1 vehicle, raced down a scaled ¼ mile (20 meters) track. These vehicles can reach speeds in excess of 100km. The competition requires teams of 3-5 students to mount a ‘campaign’ requiring not only the design, manufacture and engineering of a car, but team management, marketing and collaboration with industry. Teams must develop a written folio, conduct an 8-minute presentation to a judging panel, prepare and staff a booth at the event, develop marketing materials, and design and wear appropriate team uniforms. Teams use industry standard 3D modeling software (CAD) to generate the vehicle body, whilst the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software includes the use of 4D milling technology. The CAD technology is in the form of CATIA, which is used by Boeing and US government in their aerospace industry. Teams are required to analyze their designs pre and post manufacture. They use Virtual Wind Tunnel software in conjunction with data logging technology amongst other techniques to design an aerodynamic solution. The concept is a wonderful opportunity for our students, as this technology is ongoing, developing all the time and opens many career opportunities like engineering, project and team management, computer aided design and manufacture. Stephen Read
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Connections I 20 Special Interest Music Celebrating 35 of Specialist Music
The Brighton Secondary School Music Centre has once again reached new heights in 2011. This is our 35th anniversary; the Brighton Special Interest Music Centre started in 1976.
We usually present over 100 concert events each year. Year 2011 started with Brighton Secondary School’s Big Band One taking the leadership position at Government House to welcome invited guests to the SACE Board Merit Ceremony. Many of BSS 2010 music students gained perfect music scores in Solo Performance, Performance Special Study and Ensemble Performance and these merit achievers were amongst the invited guests for this very regal event. Through the enormous number of public music performances including several concerts in the Government House, we are delighted to report that His Excellency Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia agreed to be the Patron of the four Special Music Centres. I was fortunate to accompany the Principal, Olivia O’Neill, and a group of 8 students (some music students) to France in April to attend the Villers Brettonneux ANZAC Day Celebration. It was a very moving experience for all the peace lovers and all fellow Australians. We are hoping to return to France in 2013 for the ANZAC Day Ceremony. Perhaps some of the old scholars may consider performing in France with our student in 2013. The Big Band One and Big Band Two toured and performed in the Annual Generation in Jazz held in Mount Gambier in Term 2. Year 11 Trumpeter, Sam Hicks, was singled out by Jazz great, James Morrison, as one of the outstanding trumpeters in our country. Sam Hicks was the trumpeter for Brighton Secondary School Poppy Rain, showcased on ABC National TV. All those who heard Sam Hicks play would agree that this young man is a stupendous musician. The BSS Year 9, 10 and 11 Combined Choir gave a wonderful rendition of ‘Va Pensiero’ at the Adelaide Italian National Day Celebration. The performance was so much valued by the Italian Community that a teacher from Milano offered to teach Italian language. It is important for singers to have the language skills of Italian and other European Languages. Several public recitals were staged and recorded in Pilgrim Church to showcase some of our talented students and staff in Recitals Australia concerts. It was delightful to train our young musicians through real concerts. All these concert performances were broadcast by Radio Adelaide throughout the year. The most successful concert this season was the Violin and Piano Recital by old scholar, Tong Zhang and Jeff Kong. The recording of this concert has aired several times on Radio Adelaide. The Chaplain’s Concert staged by Brighton Secondary School Sinfonia and BSS Symphony Orchestra was held in the new Brighton Performing Art Centre. In the same program we also featured our German exchange student who was the lead cellist of the orchestra.
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Connections I 21 Special Interest Music Celebrating 35 of Specialist Music
This concert was to raise funds and awareness of chaplain services at various schools. Brighton Secondary School is keen to host a German Youth Orchestra to visit Brighton in 2012 for Brighton’s 60th Celebration. I wish to thank Andrew Dean and Craig Bentley for the success of the Chaplain’s Concert. The 2011 Spectacular Concert was really a 35th Birthday Celebration event held in Elder Hall. Once again it was a triumphant Brighton Secondary School musical spectacular. The concert featured one of Adelaide’s most gifted singing groups, ‘Limited Edition’. The group consists of old scholars who graduated in 1989 and 1990. The ‘Limited Edition’ performed at both the 2011 Sound of Christmas on 4th December and Brighton’s Lessons and Carols Service 2011 at the St Peter’s Cathedral. The Spectacular Concert also showcased two of our major musical talents from Brighton, Lucas O’Brien and Julian Bain. Lucas is now based in Perth completing his Doctoral Degree in Violin and Julian is an amazing freelance trombone specialist. It was a joy to collaborate with these young people who are the musical future of Australia. Old scholar, Andrew Bain, (brother of Julian and Mark) was the Principal Horn at Melbourne Symphony and recently won the Principal Horn position in Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Andrew is one of the finest horn players in the world. The Music Support Group has worked tirelessly in order to raise funds for our students in intra- and interstate travel, International tours and the purchase of instruments and printed music. Some of our parents were BSS old scholars and my former students. I thank them for their support and help to make Brighton Secondary School a great school. Please contact me on 83758215 or jeff.kong@brighton. sa.edu.au if you are interested in assisting with Music Support Group fundraising activities. Jeff Kong Head of Music
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Connections I 22 Special Interest Volleyball
25 Years Participation in Australian Volleyball Schools Cup 2011
2011 celebrates the 25th year of Brighton Secondary School’s participation in the Australian Volleyball School’s Cup. 1987 was the beginning of Brighton High School’s success in this Australia-wide competition. Brighton has been awarded the title of Australian Champion School in 1992, 1993, 2001, 2007, 2008 & 2009. Our participation in this event has grown from the initial single team to the current tour which has 24 teams representing Brighton across 23 divisions.
NATHAN ROBERTS WINS INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL AWARD
At the recent Asian Championships in Iran, 16 Nations battled for honours with Australia finishing 4th. Nathan was presented with the prestigious “Spiker of the Tournament” award for his excellent attacking for the duration of the tournament. Nathan Roberts is an old scholar from Brighton Secondary School, who first played international Volleyball when he represented Australia, at the age of 17, in Greece at the U18 World Beach Volleyball Championships. He subsequently commenced playing indoor volleyball at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2002 and competed in his first indoor Senior game for Australia in 2004. Nathan has now played 235 games for Australia and represented Australia in two World Championships and three Asian Championships.
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Connections I 23 Special Interest Volleyball
State Cup 2011
On 23rd-25th September the SA Schools Cup was held at different venues around Adelaide. This is the qualifying tournament for the Nationals Schools Cup held in Melbourne in December each year. Brighton had a very successful tournament with 30 teams participating in 16 Divisions against teams from all over South Australia. At the end of the weekend we had won 5 Gold, 8 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. Of the 30 teams that competed, 23 finished in the top three of their division. The Gold medal winning teams were U17 Honour Girls, U16 Honour girls, U15 Honour girls, U17 Div 1 Girls & U16 Div 2 girls.
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Connections I 24 In the News
AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE
Nick Petrucco and his sister Kate Harry attended Brighton Secondary School from 1984-1988 and 1986-1990 respectively. Nick earned leadership, academic and sports recognition during those years, culminating in his role as Head Prefect in 1988. Kate is remembered for her contribution to dramatic productions, art projects and netball, softball and volleyball sporting teams.
In December Nick with his Step Father Nick Gyss, and eldest daughter India Petrucco (12) will walk almost 800 km from the west coast of India to the east coast.
Nick’s wife Rebecca, and younger children Maggie (8) and Gus (3), along with Nick’s Mum Jenny, will also be an integral part of the walk team. Later in December Nick’s sister Kate and her 2 children Alice (12) and Max (10) will join the family in Bangalore for an Indian Christmas and walk the remaining 328km.
The family aims to raise $30,000 for ChildFund Australia to support children’s projects throughout India. These projects target the most disadvantaged children and create opportunities to promote their health, education and safety. The family’s chosen projects include: child protection awareness sessions; nutritional supplements for malnourished children and emergency medical support for HIV children; plus many more vital projects to support children and families.
Why are they doing this? The reason is simple. To make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged kids and at the same time create an unforgettable experience for their own children and to demonstrate how everyday families can make a very real difference.
People can follow the walk on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Coast-to-Coast-India and support the walk by making a donation at www.everydayhero.com.au/coasttocoast.
In Memorium
Dennis Woodward (BSS 1965 - 1969) Head Prefect, Rapid Secretary, ‘A’ Football, ‘A’ Cricket, ‘A’ Chess, ‘A’ Baseball, Athletics, Commonwealth Scholarship, President Chess Club 1968, 1969, Debating Club, Camera Club, Magazine.
Ian Charles Shipway (BHS 1952 – 1954) Jeweller, golfer, collector. Born: July 25, 1939: Glenelg Died: August 3, 2011 Daw House Courtney Semmler BSS 1997-2001, Kendall Semmler BSS 2000-2004 Kendall Semmler BSS 2000-2004, married Jebb Francis-Staite Esther Dudley BSS 2002-2004, Maree
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Connections I 25
Professor Richard Head Director – CSIRO Preventative Health Flagship
I attended Brighton High School in my last two years of In 2002 I helped establish the Preventative Health Flagship secondary schooling – at that time it was known as Leaving one of CSIRO’s first Flagships. The Flagship is a cross and Leaving Honours. disciplinary activity, based not just on a single science discipline but on the ability to bring multiple disciplines I remember Brighton High as a phenomenal place – a together to focus on specific challenging issues. In this bright place, a place with a buzz of activity all the time and particular case the two areas chosen were colorectal cancer I am not the only one that holds these types of memories. and Alzheimer’s disease. This involved bringing together My particular interest at Brighton High was broadly in some of the best scientists across the entire Organisation sciences. As is invariably the case with many colleagues, nationally, together with outstanding collaborators in institutions right across Australia and overseas. they now? Where are they I have noticed that outstanding teachers were influential on my career choice. For me, in particular, it was my biology Outside of CSIRO, I have also been very active in roles on and physics teachers at Brighton High School. boards of companies, with the South Australian Premier’s Immediately after leaving Brighton High, I joined the Science Council and also in activities associated with the University of Adelaide’s Department of Human Physiology communication of science across the country. and Pharmacology in a technical capacity in the area of One of the most wonderful opportunities throughout my pharmacology and then graduated with a science degree in career has been the opportunity to work with, talk with 1972 and a PhD in pharmacology in 1976. My key area and communicate with exciting and creative people. of focus was understanding how small molecules associated Included within that grouping are both primary and with nerves modulated the contraction of blood vessels. secondary teachers. Some years ago I attracted funding I moved with my young family from Adelaide to Nutley to enable secondary and primary schools teachers from in New Jersey, USA as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the South Australia to visit, on an annual basis, some of the prestigious Roche Institute of Molecular Biology. This was key CSIRO laboratories, research facilities and national an outstanding institute and an outstanding experience. I collections across Australia during one very intense week then undertook a Research Fellowship at the Department – travelling from Adelaide to Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney of Medicine at the University of Melbourne and from this and Canberra. appointment I became Professor of Pharmacology and The Science Teachers Tour program has now been Toxicology at the West Virginia University Medical Centre running for six years enabling many teachers to have the in Morgantown in the USA from 1980-86. opportunity to experience first hand a diverse snapshot of In late 1986 we returned to Adelaide from the United the research being conducted in Australia and to interact States. Our daughter, Katrina, had the great privilege of with leading scientists from various fields. In particular, I going to Brighton High and she was one of the prefects in have found it a great privilege to interact with teachers her final year. during those intense periods. Part of my reason for putting this program in place relates to the fact that there is little I commenced work at CSIRO’s Division of Human Nutrition in doubt that during my time at Brighton High School teachers Adelaide where my focus again was around cardiovascular inspired me to embark on a career in science and this is systems, specifically understanding now how the long chain now a way in which I can repay that debt by providing fatty acids, such as Omega3, protect blood vessels and the opportunity for teachers themselves to be invigorated enhance their function. I took on the role of Acting Chief of about science and to hopefully inspire the next generation that Division in 1994 and then Chief from 1996 until 2002. of scientists in Australia.
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Connections I 26
STEVE CORNISH RETURNS TO OLD STOMPING GROUND I matriculated in 1983 from Brighton High School and football was my major sport. Apart from the sport I was also part of the Special Music scene being involved with Choir, Madrigal singers and Orchestra (Mr. Hannaford, Crosin, Kong, etc). I was a rare breed of ‘Muso/Jock’ and academically average. In the end, I was a student of many and a master of none but enjoyed it all the same. I graduated from university with a B Ed and worked as a Physics teacher even though I received a midterm “U” from Mr Hood in Yr 12 Physics. So the message to everyone is that anything is possible (and it helps to listen and work in class as well I suppose). I was a member of a very talented footy team in ‘83 which was coached by Roger (Froggy) Parsons. Roger and I worked together later on within the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency. He was one of our doping control officers and we attended many events together including the Sydney Olympics and Melbourne Commonwealth Games (taking
they now? Where are they the P out of people so to speak). The Snow Ski Trips in years 10 and 11 were fantastic, but then again we got into enough trouble back then, so maybe best left as, “What goes on tour stays on tour,” as they say! All great memories of BHS, and I still catch up with many friends made in that era. Many parts of what we used to refer to as “Hire a Party” or the “All-nighters”, but again that got us into trouble. Other memories include our Principal, Mr Farrow, barracking for the footy side with a high pitched, “Go Green!” and Mr Purcer (-aka Stickman) regularly trying to crack us ”shoelaces” into shape. My wife and I both went to Brighton High and son Dane is just about to enter year 8 in 2012 and then daughter Nellie in 2016. Some might say tragic but we still think it is a great school. We live just around the corner and although we did a 4 year stint in Canberra (what I call my tour of duty), on our return, we came back to the same area as we both grew up. Steve Cornish (BHS 1979-83) Rapid House Steve is currently working as the Strategic Development Manager of Surf Life Saving SA.
June Gaetjens nee Harrington, BHS 1952-1955 Retired Secretary, Played Netball, Basketball and Tennis at school. Captain, Coach Bank of Adelaide Netball team (S.A. Womens) Married David Gaetjens, has 4 children – Peter, Jim, Robert and Michelle ‘Some of the best days of my life were at BHS – especially sportsday!’
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Connections I 27
Sophie McKay BSS 2004-2008, Brittany McKay BSS 2007-2011 Performed at the Brighton Jetty Classic swim event. Jade Cooper
I was at Brighton from 2001 until 2005 and was involved in SRC, choir, stage band, orchestra, Japanese…pretty much anything I could get my hands on. Looking back at the opportunities we had at Brighton, and the encouragement we had to pursue excellence, by both peers and staff alike, it’s no wonder that some of the best friends I have today and many of the most driven and successful people I know are those who I met at Brighton. In 2006 I started a double degree in Law and International Studies, with a Diploma in Japanese, at
they now? Where are they the University of Adelaide. After two years at Adelaide I headed off on a year exchange in Osaka, Japan. Later I went to Accra, Ghana to work as a legal intern for the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, where for three months I was developing and implementing Matt Vrakking initiatives to help those most vulnerable in Ghanian society, on both an institutional and an individual Matt Vrakking (BSS 2006-2010) one of just 30 level. In 2010 I was selected for the Prime Minister’s students to be accepted into the two year Advance Australia Asia Endeavour Award; a program aimed at Diploma of Photography course at TAFE. developing future leaders to contribute to establishing linkages between Australia and its Asian neighbours. Under this program I studied international and human rights law at Osaka University, before undertaking a six month internship in Tokyo with the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA). My work at JIIA involved conducting research used in providing foreign policy advice to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as coordinating a number of international dialogues. The final six months of the award program I spent working with the Protection Unit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) Tokyo Office, where I was involved in the office’s entire range of refugee protection initiatives. Having worked within a UNHCR office in a country with a relatively limited refugee population, on completion I sought out an internship with UNHCR’s Kuala Lumpur office, where I am currently involved in work which brings me into Mitchell Shippey, contact with refugees on a day to day basis. After three months in Malaysia I will head to Canberra to begin BSS 2005-2009 work with AusAID’s Disability-Inclusive Development Fabrication second-year apprentice. team, before returning to Adelaide to continue my Won a gold medal for welding, and will studies. What’s next to come is anyone’s guess! advance to the national finals next year.
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Connections I 28
Dr Tony Minns 1974-1978 After leaving Brighton High School (as it was known then) a new job at Delft Hydraulics in the area of Marine and in 1978, I went on to study Civil Engineering at the South Coastal Management. However, a year later, I was asked Australian Institute of Technology (as it was known then) at whether I would be interested in returning to Australia to The Levels (as it was known then) campus. After four years take up a position of Associate Professor in Sustainable of study, I graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Water Resources Engineering at the University of South Civil Engineering. I was fortunate enough to find immediate Australia, which I gladly accepted. This also gave me a employment in Adelaide at B.C Tonkin & Associates, chance to spend a year with my family in Adelaide after consulting engineers. This was when I first started working spending almost 18 years away from Australia. on many water-related projects in and around Adelaide. I returned to my job at Delft Hydraulics in the Netherlands Due to my excellent study results at SAIT, I had been a year later when given the opportunity to take up a encouraged to pursue a post graduate education should management position in Marine & Coastal Management. the opportunity arise. I made many enquiries to various Several years later, when Delft Hydraulics merged with European embassies about the availability of scholarships in some other research institutes to form a new company their respective countries associated with water education. called Deltares, I was promoted to the position of Scientific I was very fortunate to be offered a scholarship for a Director of Hydraulic Engineering. Together with my one year post graduate course in Hydraulic Engineering at colleagues on the Board of Directors, we were responsible IHE in Delft, the Netherlands. During this course, specifically for the planning and execution of a 40 million euro ($AUS aimed at international students, I specialised in area of 52 million) per year research and development programme Computational Hydraulics, which would significantly to provide science and support to the Dutch government in shape my future career. the areas of water engineering and management. After graduating from IHE, I moved to Denmark to start In 2010, the South Australian government announced work at the Danish Hydraulic Institute in their Computational its plans for a $50 million research institute (the Goyder Hydraulics Centre, under the guidance of Professor Mike Institute for Water Research) to provide top quality science Abbott. After only 8 months in Denmark, Mike arranged to underpin policy development in the area of water for me to return to the Netherlands to take up a job as resources management. I jumped at the opportunity to lecturer and course leader in the Computational Hydraulics return to Adelaide once more, but this time to apply all of course at IHE, where Mike held his professorship. I spent my skills and experience in water research management the next 12 years at IHE, working with Mike and many to the role of Director of the Goyder Institute. I took up this other colleagues, training hundreds of students from all over position in May 2011.
they now? Where are they the world. During this time, we also developed the new This is an incredibly exciting time to be working in water area of study called Hydroinformatics. I obtained my PhD research in Australia. The decade preceding 2010 was in Hydroinformatics at this time. one of the most severe droughts on record and this has After completing my PhD, it was time for something new. helped shape the research agenda of the Goyder Institute. I jumped at the opportunity to spend a sabbatical year Australia is now in the process of implementing significant at the University of Idaho in the USA in 1998, where I water reforms (for example, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan), helped establish the Ecohydraulics Research Group. After and it is vital that new policies and legislation are based my sabbatical year, I returned to Netherlands and took up on solid, reliable science.
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Connections I 29 Year 11 Biographical Studies
What is a Biographical Narrative?
A Biographical Narrative is a style of writing that tells the story of an aspect of someone’s life. As part of the SACE Stage 1 English course, students undertake an Extended Study where they must focus on the use of language outside the classroom. The three Year 11 classes I taught in Semester 1, 2011 were invited to use this major task to produce a Biographical Narrative. Their final product was an article about a former Brighton student or teacher for the BSS Old Scholars’ publication Connections. Students were free to choose someone who had left Brighton as little as a year ago or someone who had been a student in much earlier times. After designing questions, students conducted conversations with their old scholar. Finding a focus for the piece and shaping an interesting article for the Connections readership was the next stage of the process. Many students found the process challenging, but interesting. One International student conducted a long phone conversation with her father, discovering much about his family’s survival as displaced persons during the war in Germany. She said her father had never spoken of his childhood with his children and she was grateful to have the opportunity to discover her family history. For SACE purposes, the task required a reflective evaluation of the process of development and an analysis of the student’s strengths as a communicator and user of language. There is not enough room in one edition of this magazine to print all 87 Biographical Narratives, but they now? Where are they over time, we hope you enjoy reading some of the our former students’ stories and even reliving some of your own memories of Brighton. So, enjoy reading these Biographical Narratives, brought to you through the eyes of Year 11 English students. Jenny Forrest Year 11 English Teacher
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Connections I 30 Year 11 Biographical Studies
Sarah Bain (nee Matson) Words by Jacob Bain
“I attended Brighton High School during the 1980’s and started Year 8 in 1982 as an elective music student. In Year 9, I auditioned for the Special Interest Music Program and was accepted. I graduated from Brighton Secondary in 1986”.
Education was quite different in the 1980’s from how it is isn’t great now, there was no air conditioning when Sarah nowadays. Everything was written by hand and computers attended school. When the temperature was above 36 had only just been introduced into society. Sarah did degrees students could go home early, and if it was above German in Year 8 and there were about ten computers 38 degrees they could have the day off! installed in the ‘language laboratory’. While she was in Brighton Secondary School’s uniform hasn’t changed Year 9, Computing was introduced as a subject. Sarah very much over the years. Sarah had to wear a checked did this lesson for a year, but to her it seemed boring. She summer dress and could wear a green skirt or pants in remembers writing computer programs that she thought winter. Sarah remembers the worst thing being the shoes. was called Java. When there was an outdoor assembly in the quadrangle One of the main differences from the 1980s is the rapid everyone’s toes froze during the cold winter mornings. change in the technology schools use. Sarah believes Sarah had friends who were both in the Music Program that the Internet today is one of the biggest changes with and who did general subjects. There was no Volleyball information and social networking at your fingertips! Program, but there was still the unspoken division between Back in the 1980s all of the research came from books, the ‘sporty’ kids and the ‘music’ kids. Sarah’s friends from demanding many hours in the local, school and even State primary school days were Mandy and Lisa and she made libraries. Finding information was very time consuming. new friends with Catherine Hannaford, Amy Butterworth Back then you had to write everything by hand, without and Carolyn Cornish whom she met at Brighton High. Spellcheck, you had to write neatly and look up words in Sarah still sees these friends today. a Thesaurus or dictionary. Sarah remembers writing for hours and her hands cramping up. Sarah used to ride her bike to school with her clarinet strapped to the back of it. Her friends, Lisa and Mandy, Another aspect of school that is quite different is discipline. would meet at her house and ride to school together. On Sarah remembers Brighton High School being very strict other occasions she just walked to school or was driven school in the 1980’s. Mr Pursar, the Deputy Principal,
they now? Where are they by her mum. was named ‘Stickman’ because he was tall and skinny and was the bearer of the ‘cane’. Sarah never received The popular culture and activities in the 1980s were the cane punishment. The cane was quite a common different from now. Sarah states that when she was discipline among boys, however, Sarah can’t remember a teenager they didn’t have mobile phones or Xbox or any other girls getting the cane. Everyone called it “the Playstation. People made time to phone friends on the cuts” because of the welts that would appear on your landline and get together at each other’s homes. Sarah palms. Sarah believes that the cane was phased out when had a rumpus room with a pool table. She would listen to she was in Year 11. Primary school teachers also used the records or play cards and Monopoly. Among her friends, cane back then. It was a normal aspect of school. Animal Snap was the favourite card game. In their version you had to make animal noises instead of saying the word Sarah remembers getting the ‘cone run’ punishment from ‘snap’ and they would laugh for ages! Sarah’s favourite her PE teacher. For PE their class had to jog to the beach, movies at the time were Star Wars, Indiana Jones and go for a swim and then jog back. Sarah hated the whole Ghost Busters. But her absolute favourite were “Pretty in idea. She disliked the jogging, the sand, the cold salty Pink” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. She loved Punk, Ska, water and the communal change rooms and showers. So and new wave music. Her favourite bands at the time Sarah left her bathers at home for about three lessons in were Split Enz and Madness. a row to get out of PE, which resulted in her getting the ‘cone run’. The humiliating cone run took place at 3:10pm Sarah had a lot of great teachers while at Brighton High while everyone was going home so they could watch. Ten School. Mr Rosy was her English teacher for three years. orange ‘witches hats’ were placed at one end of the oval. He encouraged Sarah to join the school debating team You had to run back and forth carrying one at a time to and take up public speaking. This was a great asset the other end – like a lonely relay. Sarah learnt her lesson for her in later life. Mr. Rosy could reduce the class into and brought her bathers from then on. tears when they studied Wilfred Owen’s war poetry. “You would drown in your own blood, boy,” Sarah recalls him The Principal of the school at the time was Mr Farrow who describing wartime gas. Mr Rosy also had fun arguing always wore a flower in his suit lapel. There was still the each year with his new class that the world is flat! He was usual ‘timeout’ back then where you were sent out of the a very inspirational teacher. class or had to write lines in your own time. Time outs were usually given for doing small things like talking in class or Sarah did lots of music while she was at Brighton High. mucking around. She was taught by Mr Crossin, whom she had for band, choir, theory, history and literature. Sarah remembers him When Sarah was at Brighton High, most of the classrooms being an enthusiastic teacher who often said, “Get it? were ‘prefabs’ lined up in rows. The only brick building Got it? Good!” was the original front building with an outside staircase to access the top level. Although Brighton’s air conditioning Sarah recollects Mr Kong being young and vibrant in the
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Connections I 31 Year 11 Biographical Studies
1980’s. “He was very funny, and still is.” Mr Kong’s hands would fly across the piano like she had never seen before. Sarah will never forget the time he played Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue at Thebarton Theatre while she played clarinet in the State Youth Orchestra/Concert band that accompanied him. Mr Kong was always perfectly dressed; Sarah also remembers him wearing fur-trimmed coats in winter. While Sarah was at Brighton, Mr Hannaford was the Head of Music. He was quite strict at the time. Sarah became very close friends with his daughter, Catherine. His son, William, was also in Sarah’s year and his eldest son, Christopher, was one year above. When Sarah finished Year 12 she was accepted into the South Australian College of Advanced Education (now part of UniSA) and studied a Bachelor of Design. Sarah got married and had two children, Jacob and Chelsea, who are now both at Brighton Secondary School doing Special Interest Music, much to her delight. Sarah worked in retail and did five years of instrumental teaching at different primary schools and from home. Sarah also joined the Marion City Brass Band and learnt how to play Mandy standing with Sarah a brass instrument. Matson at Brighton High.
Nicholas Coxhill 2000 - 2004 Words by Oliver Pawson
Nicholas Coxhill is 24 years old and his interest in music as a career has been they now? Where are they strongly influenced by his time at Brighton Secondary School.
Nicholas was educated at a private school before coming for their learning at university and having more freedom. to Brighton in 2000. He had no friends there, but he soon There are no teachers looking over your shoulder making made friends within the music program. He moved to you study, and the consequences for not studying are that Brighton because of the music program, and because it is you could fail your course. a state school; much less expensive to attend. Reflecting on his time at Brighton, Nicholas recalls that he His memories of those first days include sitting down in was a “bone headed” student who preferred to learn by the Hudson Room where Mr Hannaford addressed the doing things for himself. There were only a few teachers students. He read the wrong roll, played a game and did who forced him to work. an activity where the students had to think of adjectives Nicholas is married, and if he has children who are starting with the first letter of their names. He was then musically inclined, he will definitely send them to Brighton shown around the school by the peer support students. Secondary School. His Year 12 studies included German, Drama Studies, English Communications, Chemistry and Music Studies. In Year 12 he had ten study periods and in Year 11 he had five. Several teachers stand out in his memory and include his German teacher, Mr Henderson. Mr Reed, his Drama teacher, was wise, calm and cool. Mr Lawrence, who went with the students to China, was fun to be around, inspiring and enthusiastic. Nicholas has continued his music study at Adelaide University where he has completed a bachelor degree and a 2-year Honours course in Music Performance. He noticed the difference between secondary school and university mostly involved students being more responsible
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Connections I 32 Year 11 Biographical Studies
Sam Dendy 2006- 2010 Words by Kaylee Hollis
Leaving behind his friends, family and work, Sam Dendy with the support of everyone around him, is travelling to Kenya to help in a village. This 18 year old left the country on the 29th May 2011 to travel this adventure alone. Speaking to him throughout the build-up and the time he has so far spent over there, I have received an insight into what he is doing and what he is feeling. Although it can be a scary and very different environment in this place in the world, he tells me that this is, and will be one of the best and hardest experiences he has ever had.
Sam Dendy and some Kenyan children in Saikeri Kenya -May 2011 they now? Where are they
Sam started high school in 2006 at Brighton Secondary, He is sleeping in a room by himself, which is about three and graduated with the class of 2010. Throughout his metres by three metres. The kitchen and dining area are at time at Brighton he liked to have fun (sometimes this got another part of the site, which is separate to his room and him into a bit of trouble), make jokes and just ‘hang out is about 30 metres away. He has a host family who are with friends’. As soon as he completed school, he started looking after him. He is becoming quite close with his little picking up many more shifts at his work, which was at host sister, Maricee. He brought a footy over with him, and Movieland Glenelg. He also occasionally worked with when he showed her, she made him pump it up, and she Nova 919. This is when he decided he would begin hasn’t let it leave her sight since. to save his money, to travel in the future. After looking Sam has said being around the children and the culture at different options, Sam was set on going to Africa, to have been the highlights so far. He has had plenty of help the less fortunate. He Googled different places and opportunity to interact with the children as he has been eventually booked a ticket through a company called taking classes and doing PE activities with them or IVHQ. This company was designed to give backpackers teaching them English. ‘The children are very hyperactive a cheaper option and looking into the details, he mentions and love to wander around.’ Sometimes this can get them that it was similar to many other trips, which were more into danger. Over an email he explains a sad incident that expensive. occurred involving some children. ‘Something really sad Sam boarded his flight saying goodbye to his family and happened on Sunday. This whole area I’m in is used as an close friends at the airport lounge. His first long stopover army training area every now and then, they do marching was at Dubai, where he states ‘the airport is ridiculous and we always find plastic bullets. But in Ole Maleroi - so huge and busy’. His flight sequence was Adelaide which is about ten minutes down the road from where I to Melbourne, Melbourne to Singapore, Singapore to am, five kids found what turned out to be a grenade. Their Dubai, Dubai to Nairobi and last of all a road trip to parents were at work and they crowded around it and Saikeri ,Kenya. pulled the pin. So sad, we are going to the funeral on Friday which will be so intense.’ Talking to him over internet on his phone which he says costs a ‘lousy 20 cents ‘ each time, he has told me it’s going Sam Dendy will spend three months staying in Saikeri, ‘very cool’ at the moment. On his first day, he explained Kenya and a further three months in England with some of that he received a welcome wagon from the kids, who his relatives. His experiences will continue to grow and all sang “This is Africa” to him. The kids are everything he of the hard work of saving his money has paid off. thought they would be - energetic, excited and happy, and they just love having Sam around.
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Grant Mathers Words by Brenton Mathers Grant Mathers attended Brighton Secondary School from 1975 till 1978 and started in Year 10 after transferring from Sacred Heart College. The main subjects when he went to school were English, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry -what they called the big four and Wood Tech.
Grant’s favourite subject was Maths but he got average five games then play one from 6 till 11 o’clock and earn grades all through school. His favourite teacher was Mr $8 for every game. Grant played for South Adelaide Trembar and he remembers this teacher the most because Basketball Club. he umpired their footy matches and was a really good ‘There were not many interschool activities back then like bloke and a nice teacher. there is now,’ he said. The only thing he had was music The other teacher he remembers is the Deputy Principal. He and I didn’t do this. There were no interschool sports teams cannot remember his name, but he remembers they used to either. call him Stickman. He was really infamous for being a hard, At recess and lunch Grant kicked the footy with his friends mean teacher. He said that the thing he remembers the most and they did this everyday all recess and lunch. He was about him is one day in 1977 all the kids were listening really into football back then and played for a local team. to the Melbourne Cup on their radios and Stickman was running around stealing everyone’s radios because he Grant stayed at Brighton Secondary School till Year 11, didn’t want them to listen to the Cup. Grant still remembers when he dropped out just before exams after he had the winner of the cup was Gold and Black. an interview about a carpentry apprenticeship. He was not very good at Wood Tech at school so I am kind of Grant said the worst thing about school was the clothes confused as to why he did this, but he was keen and good his parents made him wear. His said it was there only at the interview. He was so confident at the interview, he as a form of child abuse, so when he had to walk to got the job and he left school. Before he knew, he had school, he would wear really bad shoes and as soon as the job. His father was not very happy about his leaving he walked out his front door he changed his shoes back school, but was thankful he got the apprenticeship. into something reasonable. Grant did not really enjoy school, but he had good people Back then there were not many things to do after school skills and this got him a job as a apprentice. He was for fun, but Grant said he played a lot of sport like a carpenter till he was 25, then became the youngest football, basketball, cricket and skateboarding. Grant’s building inspector in the government. they now? Where are they predominant sport was basketball. He used to umpire
Nicole Foura 2003-2007 Words by Kate Foura Nicole Foura started in Year 8 at Brighton Secondary School and came from St. Leonard’s PrimarySchool of just 200 people. She did not live in the zone or have brothers and sisters, but was accepted into the school through the Volleyball Program.
Her highlights throughout high school were Volleyball valedictory she was awarded with the Caltex Best All competitions and trips, especially to Melbourne. She was Rounder award. Volleyball Team Captain from Years 10 to 12 and became After receiving a TER of 90.15 Nicole had a gap year and Special Interest Volleyball Program Captain in Year 12, went to Port Douglas for four months just to have a look representing Brighton Secondary School in Melbourne. around and experience some of the Great Barrier Reef. Nicole also played reserves for Lions Volleyball Club out She was offered a job on The Quick Silver cruise boat of school with one or two trainings per week and games as a Life Saver but decided to come back to Adelaide to and duties on Saturdays. start Uni. Whilst studying at high school she worked at KFC and She started studying to become a Home Economics Sports Power, which allowed her to go out on weekends teacher and within a few weeks she decided that wasn’t and do things with friends such as lunch, the beach for her. She managed to get into a Psychology Honours and movies. Nicole also continued her Surf Life Saving, course and for two years studied at Magill campus. competition and volunteer patrol for Glenelg Surf Life Halfway through 2010 she applied for an exchange and Saving Club. This led to becoming part of a boat crew scholarship to Toronto, Canada. She was offered $6000 and competing in places all over Australia including Perth, to contribute towards paying off her HECS debt and a Bondi Beach, Manly, the river Murray (Murray 500), position to study in Canada. Woollongong and Broulee, in NSW. At the end of 2010 she left for five months to Toronto Nicole was a high achiever at pretty much everything and has been studying at the Ryerson University. She she pursued and achieved good grades for her subjects. is currently traveling around, New York, Washington, In Year 12 she studied, Photography, Classical History, Vancouver, Buffalo, Whistler and Boston and is about to English Communications, Biology and Volleyball. At join a Contiki tour on her way back home to Adelaide.
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Jodi Dowden Words by Jodi Dowden
Punishment from the cane, typewriters, itchy uniforms, strict teachers and spending time with your close friends in breaks is how Jodi Dowden had to get through her high school years at Brighton High School back in 1975.
Jodi Dowden explains what schooling and the teaching Jodi’s favourite memories at school were her school socials methods were like when she attended Brighton High and Radio 5KA that was used to promote touring bands, School. They sounded strict to me. They used books, which played at Brighton Secondary at lunchtime. blackboards, very old projector screens and microfilm. Jodi Jodi’s favourite activities were playing cricket, netball, explains how effective typewriters were. In 2007 Smart drama, and sports day and charities week. As no surprise Boards were introduced to schools and now almost every her favourite lessons were PE, English, History and classroom in Brighton Secondary School has one along Woodwork. Her favourite teachers were English teacher, with Apple Mac laptops distributed in 2010 to every Year Mrs Poben who always gave her interesting assignments 9 and 10 student. The modern teaching methods work are and her Wood Tech teacher, Mr Vinal. Jodi said ‘...I was fun and a new way of learning. allowed to do Wood Tech in second year along side ‘The uniforms were strict,’ explains Jodi. In the summer another girl instead of Home Ec because in first year girls wore a summer dress very much the same pattern we tried harder than the boys. I loved using my hands and colour as today. They were worn just above the to make the projects, ladders, door stoppers and pencil knee although some girls hitched them up until they got in holders.’ And their grades proved just how well they were trouble. The winter dress was similar. It was a thick woollen doing. Today not much has changed within the Wood material similar to our winter skirt. In the 60’s the girls had Tech subject as all Year 8 and 9 students make the exact to wear a hat and they weren’t allowed to wear makeup, same projects as Jodi. nail polish or jewellery. The boys wore green or grey Overall, Jodi Dowden’s and my own, Madeline Dowden’s Californians or grey cotton trousers, white shirt, tie and schooling weren’t all that different. Apart from the a jumper. I’m glad to say that the uniforms have become modern technology and more relaxed uniforms, Brighton more relaxed with girls wearing a summer dress just above Secondary has still continued the wonderful reputation it the knee, a winter skirt with black stockings or navy pants had back in 1975. along with a navy and green stripped polo shirt with a green jumper, whilst most boys wear grey shorts down they now? Where are they past their knees with the same top as girls all year round. I would much rather the uniform we have today. The students’ behaviour in their breaks was very good; they didn’t have as much freedom as we do today, but they did have some. ‘We had the option of going to the store across the road at recess and lunch if we had a note signed by our parents, although I didn’t do this,’ said Jodi. Today we are only allowed to leave at lunch and recess if we are going home for a study break, although some use this time to wander to the food store or to go to a friend’s house. The discipline was very strict, if students continued to do something that they were asked not to, the girls had to run through cones on the soccer oval after school until they were dismissed or pick up papers whilst the boys had a more brutal punishment: getting wacked across the knuckles by a wooden cane or ruler until they learnt their lesson. Jodi Dowden enjoyed her first year at Brighton Secondary School. Making new friends in and out of school, it was a challenging but an exciting step out of Paringa Park Primary School. I too found first year to be exciting. The older students threw fruit at us, but we didn’t care. We were at a stage in our lives where we could reshape our personalities to whatever we wanted. Some chose to make sure that they were the most popular kids in school, whilst others made the smart option of keeping on track with school and achieved good grades.
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Nikki Meinel (nee Berry) 1990-1994 Words by Jake Heading
Nikki Meinel (nee Berry) attended Brighton Secondary School from 1990 to 1994 and was part of the Special Interest Music Program. After finishing Year 12 she auditioned for Flinders Street School of Music on the clarinet and was successful. She enjoyed her time at Flinders Street and after Nikki’s three years an extra degree year was offered to upgrade from a Diploma to a Bachelor of Performance..
Nikki Meinel later saw an advertisement in the paper for Nikki currently teaches piano on a Tuesday afternoon, the South Australian Police Band. She was encouraged by in her home. She has eight students and at the end of her family and a teacher from the Flinders Street School each year she has a concert as she knows how important and decided to try out for the band. She didn’t think she performance practice is. would be good enough, but was successful and accepted Nikki is heavily involved in “Kidz church” at Edwardstown as a clarinet player. She performed in the Edinburgh Tattoo Baptist Church in a voluntary capacity. This has helped in 2000, and had performances at schools, kindergartens her in her ability to speak in front of kids. She is currently and various concerts and pageants. This was a great studying for her Master of Teaching, as she eventually chance for Nikki to be able to put in to action everything wants to do classroom music teaching. she had learnt at Brighton Special Interest Music and Flinders Street School of Music. Her favourite teacher, Mr Kong, is still teaching at Brighton Secondary School. She didn’t love school, but says the She has since married Andrew Meinel who is a fine experience was invaluable to her. She loved being a part musician himself. She has three wonderful kids: Chloe of the Special Interest Music Program and her photo still who is 5, Kiana 7 and Jake 9. Nikki is very passionate hangs in the music centre today. about her kids and encourages them to learn by giving them lots of different experiences. Two of the kids are at She seems very happy with where she is at the moment Colonel Light Gardens Primary School now where Nikki and she has lots going on. She is very good with her kids enjoys going to the school, helping where she can and and leads a happy life. She is a very positive enthusiastic building friendships with other mums. She enjoys watching person, with a passion for life and a big smile. She is very her son play football. encouraging to those around her and she really listens to people when they talk. It seems as if everything she has they now? Where are they Nikki left the South Australian Police Band prior to having done to this point has prepared her well for becoming a her first child. She had a year to decide whether she classroom music teacher. would return, but at the end of that time she decided the job didn’t suit family life and she decided to stay home and be a mum. Nikki was still able to use her music skills during this time, playing the piano at church and also leading a singing session and also playing the piano at the kindergarten.
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Jamie-Lee Pennesi 2003-2007 Written by Micaela Pennesi
Jamie-Lee Pennesi started at Brighton Secondary School in 2003 and graduated from Year 12 in 2007. Jamie, along with the rest of the family, was born in South Africa, moving to Australia in mid 2001. Jamie was eleven years old when she moved from Durban, a city on the east coast of South Africa. Her fondest memory of her childhood birthplace was when her entire extended family would go to the beachfront most Saturday mornings and eat breakfast at the restaurant named ‘Steers’. The entire family would bond, play on the beach together and have a lot of fun.
When Jamie first started at Brighton, she had already had Jamie found her high school experience a rewarding one. a year of high school, first starting at Immanuel College Having good friends and good teachers, she found herself for Year 7. Most felt scared and lost on their first day of having fun while she learnt. Her best memories would high school, but because Jamie already had had a year come from the five consecutive years that she participated to prepare, she almost knew the do’s and don’ts straight in the Rock Eisteddfod, where they won three out of the away. five times, and she was a lead choreographer in Year 10. It was an enjoyable experience, dancing and having fun Jamie has always been a sporty person, being involved with her friends. with sports such as swimming, volleyball and surf lifesaving while at school. One of her favourite subjects in Jamie owned her own drum kit from about Year 8, and took
they now? Where are they high school was Volleyball, probably because she loved lessons at school. She also performed with the Percussion sport. Another favourite was Psychology as it opened her Band but eventually stopped taking lessons, and sold her mind, learning about why we humans act the way we do, drum kit, as she did not playing them any more. When she and to further understand the way we think. Since leaving did play the drums, she always enjoyed it. school, she has been studying a Bachelor of Psychology All her friends since high school have moved on to study Honours, first at Magill’s UniSA campus, and now at their own things and have gone their own way, so the Flinders University. only way she can really keep in touch is through the Jamie has always been a swimmer. From the age of networking site, Facebook. She changed friendships as two she has been taking lessons. When she moved to she grew older and her interests changed. In Year 9 she Australia in 2001, she joined Marion Swimming Club. mostly socialised with her surf lifesaving and swimming While being a part of this club, Jamie became an elite friends, as she spent most of her time swimming. In Years swimming athlete, which required complete commitment 11 and 12, her friends were more those that focused on and dedication. Being an elite swimmer required 20 their schoolwork and did the subjects that she did. In Years hours of swimming training (before and after school), two 8 to 11, Jamie found that she had lots of time to socialise gym or training sessions, and some sports psychology after school and during lunch and recess, but when Year sessions every week. She was required to have a strict 12 began she became more focused on school and doing diet and sleeping regime. Competitive swimming took a well with her grades, so she socialised less. lot of time and effort. Although Jamie feels that she missed Jamie says that she can’t think of anything that she would out on a bit of her adolescence from spending so much change because she really enjoyed her time in high time swimming, she does not regret it. Unfortunately her school. competitive swimming career ended in 2006 because of illness. The most challenging year for her was definitely Year 12. She had to be a lot more independent as there were more study lessons and less direction from teachers. There was also a lot of pressure to get a good TER score, especially if she wanted to get into Psychology Honours.
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Clarke Rodda Old Scholar, Class of 1975 Words by Tayce Fry
Canes, photographs and pharmacies. What do they have in common? Upon being asked this question, many people would bluntly answer with, nothing! A smaller portion of people would sadistically try to solve what seems to be a difficult riddle to then realise there is no recognized solution. And for the rest, their answer would be, Clarke Rodda.
Clarke Rodda was an ex-student of Brighton Secondary Year 12 was his biggest achievement in school. Finally School, attending from 1970 to 1975. Like many students, that year he found himself in a good place. His confidence Clarke was there to enjoy the high school experience. was higher and he made some lifelong friends. Year He wanted to get as much out of his teenage years as 12 was the year that most people snapped out of their possible. Clarke had his goals set at an early age. He ignorance and tormenting ways. Everyone was out to wanted to be able to achieve good results and continue help each other get through the final year. Clarke studied into his father’s career of Pharmacy. Persistent and raring Chemistry, Physics, Maths, English, French and German to go, Clarke started his high school years with fantastic throughout his last year of school and attained impressive academic results. results with ease. He was a naturally gifted learner and found the work easy to understand. With hard work and Times were harder back when he was at school. Fewer natural talent his goals for schooling were achieved and opportunities were available to students and the facilities he was ready to move on for the next stage of his life. weren’t as outstanding as those today. Buildings weren’t as modern and the technology wasn’t available in that era of From school Clarke went on to study at University as schooling, meaning students had to study a lot harder and anticipated. He began a course in Pharmacy as soon as read heavy, thick books to find the information required for possible, hoping to become a Pharmacist like his father. their education. There was a smaller range of subjects; art On top of his study, Clarke also had a part time job in and sports were lacking. A lot of the subjects were limited a chemist, which he hoped would give him some work and some subjects were only single gender. Boys weren’t experience before graduating his Pharmacist course at able to do any Home Economic classes. Clarke didn’t University. Along with University and work, he also picked let discrimination in certain subjects stand in his way of up an interest in photography. Not thinking it would achieving his goals and aspirations. He had big hopes develop into a career, he continued to do it as a hobby they now? Where are they of doing well in Year 12 and then later proceeding to whenever he had the time. University. With the continuation of his hobby, it grew into a profound With his achievements came setbacks, when it came to the passion. He gained a part time job as a photographer. social scene. The worst part of schooling for Clarke was After one year he continued to develop as a photographer how the people picked on him. Bullies were a problem and was soon offered a permanent job. Clarke deferred for him for quite some time in high school. They picked on his University course and started in the photography those who achieved good results, on those who weren’t industry, as it was now his desired career pathway. as confident and for those who weren’t the Captain of the After many years of dedication and hard work Clarke sports team. Clarke considered himself a late bloomer and established his own company, Festival City Photography. when having to shower after PE class it ignited the bullying The company has now been running for twelve years and and deflated his confidence even more. Being a shy and his wife is currently a part of the management team. He quiet achiever, Clarke has some problems trying to stick up continues to work and make his business a long lasting for himself. The bullies continued until Clarke cleverly, yet success. Clarke still has his Pharmaceutical qualifications harmlessly, out witted them. at rest, but he doesn’t wish to return to that career pathway. Clarke didn’t let bullying affect what he wanted to do. Photography is now where his head and heart are and In the long run he knew that one day these bullies would that is where they will stay. be the ones watching him succeed in life. He continued Clarke still visits Brighton Secondary with the rest of his to go about his schooling, striving even harder. Being team, taking photos at numerous school events. Clarke victimized in school put his mind set in the right place. He captures the happiness on those teenage faces as he treated people with respect because he knew what it felt reminisces over his own school life. He sees a more like on the receiving end. He treated teachers with respect modernized version of himself. All his memories come because he knew that they were there to help him get flooding back of his time at Brighton Secondary School. the results for which he aimed. He was a very respectful student and barely ever got into trouble. Only once he fell to peer group pressure. Clarke joined in with his fellow group of students by flicking drink bottle lids on top of classroom roofs. Immediate punishment was enforced. Back then the punishment given to one who misbehaved was a wack across the fingers with a cane stick. This was a lesson learnt. With bruises and red raw cuts, Clarke was able to identify his real friends and those who were simply trouble.
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Connections I 38 Year 11 Biographical Studies
Rosslyn Yakas (nee Greenhalgh) 1973-1977 Words by Tegan Starr
In 1973 Rosslyn Yakas (nee Greenhalgh) turned 13 and started at Brighton High School. What she remembers most about her time at the school was her very first day of Year 8. She started the school without any friends and just a few acquaintances. She stood against the wall in the quadrangle hoping to disappear and describes these as some of the longest few hours in her life.
Roz describes how the attitude towards school depended didn’t use one until around 1982 in her early 20’s. Also on the year level. In the early years work wasn’t taken all mobile phones were a new technology to come out of the that seriously, but then they ‘knuckled down’ for Leaving late 70’s. and Matriculation which is what Year 11 and 12 was After Roz grew up and completed Year 12 she studied referred to at the time. She says that the main difference Education at Sturt College of Advanced Education (now between schools then and now is the wide range of Flinders University). She specialised in Junior Primary, curriculum as well as the resources, tools and technology Literacy, Art and Special Education and worked in various that students are provided with now. schools in Adelaide and regional SA for around 25 years. However, she says some things seem to have stayed the She then decided to take a different path in 1993 after same throughout the years. There was a strict uniform her second child was born. She conducted song-writing policy and teachers regularly conducted checks. The workshops in Adelaide primary schools and started a students were against the uniform policy. Roz says that they business with a friend called ‘Fast Class Songs’. Later in would always try to change what they thought was wrong 2005 when she was ready for a change, Roz completed with it and see if they could get away with it. For anyone a course to become a chocolatier and started her own who managed to look good in the uniform they’d wonder boutique chocolate manufacturing business called 10 how they did it. Roz herself would bear 40°C weather Degrees. She explains the reason behind the name as in a jumper as it did a good job at holding her skirt up. “a name that pays homage to the fact that cacao grows However she says it all changed as they approached their approximately 10 degrees either side of the equator”. final year. It became cool to not care when it came to the She sold her business in 2008 and moved to Pilbara in uniform and grooming, including not shaving their legs or Western Australia and started the position as a manager plucking their eyebrows. of the Roebourne Art group, an Indigenous art centre. they now? Where are they Growing up in the 70’s Roz experienced many fashion Roz is now currently living in Airlie Beach in Queensland fads and crazes influenced by the ‘hippy culture’. In Year with a job as an Employment & Training Advisor involving 8 she recalls wearing a white skivvy paired with tight helping long-term unemployed Australians get back into green paisley patterned slacks. “They were actually hand the workforce. However, she says there’s still more to come me down from somebody my mum worked for but I didn’t for the future. “My next venture will probably involve food care. I thought I was fabulous.” There came a phase of - I am plotting and scheming as we speak, so watch this colourful plastic bangles that only cost a few cents and space!” some people had a collection stretching up both arms to their elbows. At one point they wore long Indian skirts with lots of caftan style tops. However, at another stage in the 70s Roz says, “our skirts were so short they were ‘positively indecent’ according to our elders”. Then later on in the 70’s more fads came and went including flares and platform shoes and ‘shag’ haircuts. Then also ‘pot ‘o gloss’ lip-gloss and lots of blue and green eye shadow. Roz can also recall big changes occurring through her teen years, in terms of politics and world issues, for example an oil crisis occurred leading to a nuclear power debate and uranium mining. Also when Roz was aged 12, Gough Whitlam and the Labor Party came to power, Australian troops were removed from the Vietnam War, the voting age was lowered to 18 from 21 and university education was made free. The White Australia Policy was abolished resulting in people from Asia and the Middle East settling in and thus the beginning of multiculturalism. Also in the 1970’s Indigenous Australians were counted in the census and were given land rights, rights for women were addressed, women were given the right to be paid equally and paid maternity leave started. All this meant that women began to enter the workforce and challenge the sexist views. There were also inventions that came out of the 70’s era that have changed our way of living. Home computers began being used although Roz herself
Friends of Brighton Secondary School Newsletter I ISSUE 16
Connections I 39 We need your help
Brighton Secondary School is looking for Old Scholars to help contact other Old Scholars from their era for our 60th Anniversary dinner With our anniversary celebration on 10th November 2012 fast approaching, we would like to get in touch with as many of our Old Scholars as possible. If you are in contact with or can pass on information to any Old Scholars or like to offer assistance for our 60th Anniversary Dinner, WE NEED YOU!. The more past students and staff we can spread the word to, the more special we can make our anniversary celebration. If you are interested in helping with the reunion for the 60th Anniversary please contact Deb Parsons by emailing [email protected]
Join Brighton Secondary School Old Scholars http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33353778702&ref=ts Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload an unlimited number of photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. Here is an opportunity to connect with past scholars and staff from time spent at Brighton High School, Brighton Boys Technical High School, Mawson High School and Brighton Secondary School.
Dear Alumni, If you would like to provide an article(s) for future ‘Connections’ newsletters, please email [email protected] with 100-200 words of text. If you have a particular photo(s) that you would like included, please attach this to the email. Thank you in anticipation
Lynlee Graham Coordinator Community Development
Friends of Brighton Secondary School Newsletter I ISSUE 16
Connections I 4014 Friends of Brighton Secondary School Please print this form, complete and return with payment to Brighton Secondary School, 305 Brighton Road, North Brighton SA 5048
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Friends of Brighton Secondary School Newsletter I ISSUE 16