Every year in the life of thisSchool has its special highlightsand, not surprisingly, 2008 bringsgreat cause for celebrationbecause it marks our 120th

Anniversary.

As the School’s eleventhHeadmaster, it has been myprivilege to play a small part inan evolving history that hasspanned three centuries, educatedmany generations of NorthQueenslanders and successfullyovercome cyclones, economicdepressions and world wars!

Most pleasingly, our 120th year ofoperation co-incides with our‘best ever’ Year 12 OP results andrecord enrolments, now in excessof 1,360 students from Pre-Prepto Year 12.

2008 has seen an enormousrange of capital projects come tofruition or be approved by theBoard. So far, this year hasincluded the construction of aPre-Prep Centre ($1m), a JuniorSchool Undercover Plaza($600,000) and Bus Shelters($40,000). At North Ward, theGeorge Hall boys toilets havebeen completely refurbished($300,000), the swimming poolrefurbished ($750,000) andplanning for a PA Complexongoing (approximately $6m).The School has also recently builta Rowing Shed at Annandale($40,000).

Recent Board approval has alsobeen given to fast-track Stage 2 ofthe Pre-Prep Centre ($800,000)later this year and to construct anew upper Primary classroomblock (approximately $3m) in

readiness for opening in 2010.Beyond ‘bricks and mortar’ theSchool is also progressing itscommitment to the introductionof the highly regarded,internationally accreditedInternational BaccalaureateDiploma programme for Year 11and 12 students. Our first intakeof IB Diploma students is on trackto commence in 2010.

Our 120th Anniversary is not onlytime for celebration but also anexciting foundation upon whichto shape both the physicalinfrastructure and educationalprogramme of the School. Weare certainly on the cusp ofexciting times ahead.

Mr Richard FairleyPrincipal

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Ayeshmanthe RathnayakeAyesh has been a student at Townsville Grammar since enteringYear 10 in 2006. In the short time Ayesh has attended the Schoolhe has truly earned the respect required for such a position fromhis peers and teachers. He was humbled by his appointment asBoys School Captain and believes that the leadership team electedthis year can productively contribute fresh ideas while supportingthe values, culture and traditions inherent in the Schoolcommunity.

Ayesh has immersed himself in the academic, sporting, cultural andcommunity programmes on offer at school – an ‘exemplary all

rounder’ is a term that well describes Ayesh’s contribution to the School over the past two years.Academically he has received awards ranging from Academic prizes at Speech Night and MaximaCum Laude Awards to High Distinctions in the School Writing Competition and Distinctions in theAustralian Schools Mathematics Competition. Ayesh has received Cultural Awards for his outstandingcontribution to Debating, Grammar Singers, Lezom Boys Choir and last year’s School Production.Ayesh has represented the School in Open Boys Soccer and First XI Cricket. His sense of citizenshiphas been affirmed through his commitment to Interact and the CSIRO Student Research Scheme.

On completion of Year 12, Ayesh hopes to study Medicine in 2009. At present, his thoughts areconsumed with carrying out his leadership duties in a compassionate and fair way.

Alex KershawAlex has been a student at Townsville Grammar since enteringYear 8 in 2004. Overwhelmed and honoured by theannouncement of Girls School Captain, she immediatelyresponded to the appointment by declaring a commitment tosupport the students, staff and School by role modelling goodcharacter and moral leadership.

Alex has excelled academically, receiving Speech Night Awardsfor Dux in Year 8, 9 and 11, the Award for Proxime Accessit inYear 10 and many Subject Prizes each year since arriving in Year8. Alex has also been a TGS Writing Competition Medallist and

Australian Schools Mathematics Competition High Distinction recipient. Alex’s contribution to culturalaspects of the School has seen her participate in Symphony Orchestra, Celtic Strings, GrammarMezzo, Debating and the Theatre Company. Alex has actively engaged in the sporting programmes onoffer by representing the School in Hockey, Soccer and Touch.

Alex has expressed an interest in studying International Law in Brisbane or possibly overseas in 2009.Alex’s generous nature, genuine citizenship and energy for life will greatly enhance her leadershipwithin the School throughout 2008.

Image on Front Cover courtesy of the Townsville Bulletin/News Ltd

Senior School Captains

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Page 1From the PrincipalCaptains 2008

Page 3School News

Page 6Junior School

Page 7Middle School

Page 8Senior School

Page 9120 Years of TGS

Page 11Past Grammarians

Page 13Staff News

Page 14TGS Community

Co-ordinator: Kim LambertEditors: Kim Lambert, Kristell Scott, Trish Christensen and Michele Gillespie Photography: Townsville Bulletin,Advanced Life Photography,Kim Lambert, Kate Dempsey,Corby Green, Kerry Strickland,Margaret Holmes and Middle School teachers Design and Print: Xpress Printing

Thank you to all contributors.

Renae HickRenae came to Grammar in 2003 for Year 7, when Year 7 was still at the Annandale campus. Before thattime, Renae studied by School of Distance Education through Mount Isa.

Throughout her time at Grammar, Renae has received a number of Academic and Sporting awards. CrossCountry and Netball are her chosen sports that she plays as well as coaches.

Renae aims to finish Year 12 by giving her best in all six subjects with an ambition to study HospitalityManagement after graduating this year.

Ricky KingRicky returned to school and entered Townsville Grammar School at the beginning of 2007, after spending2006 as an Apprentice Chef at Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge. Although he feels privileged andthankful for the opportunity, he realised that this career was not for him.

Since being at Grammar, Ricky has become quite passionate about Rugby Union and improves hisleadership skills on the sporting field.

Ricky is still unsure of his future career path. However he is considering either an Electrical Apprenticeshipor a university degree in Human Resources. Either way, his time at Grammar, combined with his dedication and leadership skills, willensure he is a success in whatever career he chooses.

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Captains 2008Middle School CaptainsDylan ThomasDylan is a polite and courteous young man who came to TGS at the beginning of 2007 from Kirwan PrimarySchool. At Kirwan, Dylan was House Captain in Year 7 and a Minister on the Environment Committee. He isa very strong sportsman, representing his School in Interschool Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country,Basketball and Rugby League. In 2005, Dylan was Co-Captain of the Under 12 Townsville Basketball teamthat won the State Championships and also made the Under 13 North Queensland Basketball team. Dylanarrived at TGS in 2007 and settled quickly into life at the School. He was a member of the InterschoolBasketball and Soccer teams and continued his success with Basketball being selected as a member of the

Under 14 Townsville side that competed at the Club Championship Nationals. Dylan also attended the Under 14 State BasketballDevelopment Camp in Cairns. Academically Dylan always gives his personal best and this was rewarded with a Pro Diligentia Award lastyear. He also received two Ambassador Awards throughout 2007. Dylan will, no doubt, lead the Middle School with distinction this year.

Danika SayceDanika arrived at TGS as a Year 3 student in Term 2 of 2002. At the Junior School she was a committed anddiligent student, receiving Academic Awards in 2004 and 2005. Danika was in the first cohort of Year 7s toenter the Middle School at the beginning of 2006. As a Middle School student, she has continued herAcademic achievement receiving a Magna Cum Laude in 2006 and 2007 and an Academic Award in 2006.Danika’s co-curricular involvement has also been extensive. In 2006 and 2007 she represented the School inCross Country and Athletics and was also a member of Mezzo Choir. Danika is an exceptional dancer andhas also been a member of the Performance Dance Group. She received a Cultural Award in both 2006 and2007 for her commitment to the Arts. Danika is a delightful young person and always greets you with asmile. She will be an excellent ambassador for TGS this year.

Junior School CaptainsJake RebgetzJake commenced Preschool at TGS in 2002. After spending the last seven years at Grammar, he has mademany friends and has been an asset to the School. The qualities Jake has exhibited have led him to be votedin by his peers and teachers as Boy Junior School Captain.

Jake has represented Townsville in teams for Hockey and Indoor Cricket, being awarded with the State’s BestPlayer in 2006 for Indoor Cricket. He also has interests in Cross Country running, winning Age Championevery year from Year 1 to his current Year 6. Jake works hard in class and in 2007 received a Pro DiligentiaAward for his efforts.

Sofia SantagadaSofia came to TGS in 2007 as a Year 5 student. She quickly embraced the culture of the School formingfriendships with her peers and achieving academic and sporting success. Showing commitment to herstudies, Sofia received a Cum Laude and an Academic Award in addition to representing the School in bothSwimming and Athletics.

In 2008, Sofia has continued her studies in piano; is a member of the Drama Club; represents TownsvilleGrammar Junior School in Swimming, Athletics and Club Netball; and proudly wears her School Captainbadge whilst displaying the admirable qualities of a School Leader and role model.

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ANTIPODEANS TRAVEL TO CHINA AND VIETNAM...On the 21st June, 17 Year 11 and 12students will be travelling to China andVietnam on the School’s firstAntipodeans Expedition. This is tobecome a biennial international tripoffered by the School.

The two and a half week trip willincorporate trekking through TigerLeaping Gorge in South West China,working on a village school communityproject to enhance the learningenvironment for the primary agedchildren, trekking through the ethnicregion of Sapa in North West Vietnam,exploring the ethnic diversity ofVietnam’s hill tribe indigenous cultureand developing student leadershipthrough the trip’s unique student-centredtravel opportunities.

The 2008 Antipodeans fundraised overan 18 month period, organisinglunchtime sausage sizzles, car washes, aChristmas Tree appeal to sell Christmascards and a Footy Tipping competition.All the money raised at these events willbe taken over to China to purchasematerials needed by the school, with theAntipodeans providing the manual

labour to revamp classrooms by paintingthem and installing new blackboards.

Part of the motivation behind developingthis challenging trip was to provide aninternational hiking component to satisfythe Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Forthe first time, Grammar will have fourGold Duke of Edinburgh candidatesundertaking the Award in 2008. TheAntipodeans Expedition will meet therequirements for both their GoldExpedition and Residential Project andsee the students qualify for the GoldAward before they graduate from Year12. In addition, we also have a numberof Silver Duke of Edinburgh candidatesparticipating on the trip this year.

The Antipodeans will have a DVDpresentation of their trip at Assembly inTerm 3 for all staff and students. Inaddition, they will also be hosting apresentation evening for parents andsponsors later in Term 3 to showcasetheir adventure and give testimonials ofthe expedition to the next potentialgroup of Antipodeans for the 2010expedition.

Investigating the International BaccalaureateAnyone involved in the education industry willhave heard of the International Baccalaureate,or IB as it is commonly known. But what is it?And what can it do for your child?

Townsville Grammar School is about to find out,as it has now become a “Candidate School”, inthe process of receiving full accreditation tooffer the IB programme to Grammar students.

The Diploma Programme, to be offered tostudents in Years 11 and 12, will be run inconjunction with the Queensland StudiesAuthority courses so that Grammar Schoolstudents can make a choice between aQueensland Certificate of Education or an IBDiploma. The Diploma is recognised byuniversities internationally, as a Year 12qualification, opening the doors to tertiarystudies virtually anywhere in the world.

Mr Greg Valentine, Regional Representative ofthe International Baccalaureate Organisation(IBO) in Australasia, visited Grammar last yearto talk with various stakeholder groups of theSchool.

“I have certainly loved my seven years of workwith the IB and it has been very rewarding towork with forward thinking schools and

educators across all sectors and across the IBworld. There are currently 111 authorisedprogrammes in Australasia and over 100Candidate schools with almost 50,000 studentsnow working with IB curricula,” enthused MrValentine. “Internationally, there are more than541,000 IB students at 2,059 schools in 125countries.”

The International Baccalaureate aims to developinquiring, knowledgeable and caring youngpeople who help to create a better and morepeaceful world through interculturalunderstanding and respect.

To this end the IB works with schools,governments and international organisations todevelop challenging programmes ofinternational education and rigorous assessment.These programmes encourage students acrossthe world to become active, compassionate andlifelong learners who understand that otherpeople, with their differences, can also be right.

At this stage, Townsville Grammar is on track tooffer the IB Diploma programme for the firsttime to Year 11 students in 2010.

IB website: www.ibo.org

ABOVE Mr Chris Wilson IB Co-ordinator

BELOW Mr Greg Valentine with Mr Richard Fairley

TOP (FRONT) Sarah Burge, Bridgitte Burge, Kari Ludvigsen, Scott Humphreys, Emily McLeod,

Ashleigh Metcalfe-Smith, Sarah Anderson(BACK) Phoebe Kelly,

Harry-Dean Kenchington Goldsmith, Hailey Renault, Adom D’Amico, Natalie Hock,

Kaine Constantine, Absent: Lily Batterham, Hannah Hartman,

Christopher Pagliano and Sacha-Leah Stainkey

BOTTOM Antipodeans / Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition in May

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School News

The McKimmin Mile was first run in 1954 and wasinitiated by the then Headmaster, Mr Maurie Blank,to commemorate the memory of Alan McKimmin, astudent who died in 1945 after a short illness. Alan,a promising academic and sporting student, wasonly 17 years of age at the time of his death.

Alan was the seventh member of the family enrolledat the School, the first McKimmin enrolling in 1902.The family were great supporters of the School andAlan’s father, EJ McKimmin, was a Trustee from 1944to 1951. At the time of Alan’s death the McKimminfamily donated 1000 pounds to the School and themoney was used to establish the McKimminMemorial drinking fountain in the Quadrangle.

For the first 30 years of the race only boys wereallowed to run. In 1985 a separate race for girls wasintroduced by the Headmaster, Mr Alan Morwood.In the early years of the race, the McKimmin Milewas run on the top Oval, over the true distance of amile. Trials were held in the week leading up to therace and students were handicapped on the basis ofthese trials. The prize for winning was a Parker penand pencil set and was keenly contested.

As student enrolments grew over the years, thenumber of students taking part in the McKimminMile naturally increased. From the 1980s, the racechanged from running on the Oval to its current daycourse, which leaves from the McKimmin Memorialin the Quadrangle and is run through the Schoolgrounds, around the outside of the Sports Reserve,finishing back at the Memorial. Today, the race is nolonger an actual ‘mile’ but the spirit of the race liveson.

McKimmin Mile - The story behind the run

Off and racing! McKimmin Mile 2008(Middle School - Girls)

BELOW McKimmin Mile winners 2008Jake Reid (12/08), Stephanie Kershaw (8/08),

Joseph Raggatt (8/08) and Shae Jonsson (11/08)

Club SportRowing

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In 2008, all Townsville Grammar School students, from Prep toYear 12, will receive First Aid training. This is an incredibleinnovation introduced by the School in an attempt to equip allstudents, no matter how young, with age-appropriate informationabout how to help save a life.

The capability of the age group influences exactly what they aretaught, but the underlying philosophy is the same for all students –

to give them a knowledge of basic first aid. This empowersstudents to deal with emergency situations by providing basic stepsof what to do when confronted with one.

Progressively through this year, students will be taught parts oftheir First Aid course. Some year levels are learning emergencycare and resuscitation, requiring students to practice on manikinsand actually know what it feels like to give CPR.

The Prep to Year 6 students will be learning, through appropriateclass lessons, skills to deal with situations such asunconsciousness, severe bleeding, head injuries and burns. “Year 1children at Grammar can certainly put an adult into the lateralrecovery position and understand exactly why and how they are todo that. A basic skill such as this one could easily save a life oneday. Our older children are learning more complex skills to dealwith soft tissue injuries, such as those they may encounter withtheir sport, as well as the more life-saving ones of resuscitation andemergency procedures,” said Mr Noel Nethery, Head of JuniorSchool.

Head of Senior School, Sue Ahern adds, “By the time we areteaching First Aid skills to the 15 and 16 year olds in the School,many of them have already encountered a situation where theyhave had to help someone in distress – either through sportsinjuries or an accident at home. Our seniors really value theselessons and all of them have approached the programme withgreat maturity and understanding of its relevance.”

Principal, Mr Richard Fairley, sums up the programme, “Inpreparing children and young adults to become valuable membersof their community, we see this programme as not just important,but essential.”

First Aid

Drug Awareness Week

Middle School students practising First Aid skills

May 12 to 16 was Drug Awareness Week atGrammar. Every student on both campusesfrom Prep to Year 12 engaged in activities thathighlighted the risk of drug usage andempowered students and their parents withfacts and knowledge against drug usage.

Faculties devised their own awarenessactivities relevant to their curriculum. Forexample, the Art department ran a poster andbookmark competition for the best DrugAwareness Week message, reflecting thewhole School’s involvement and enthusiasmto inform and help the students deal with thisvery real social problem.

In addition all students from Year 3 to Year 12received a School-based emergency response /ID card to keep in their wallets. This hasemergency telephone numbers and emergencyfirst aid procedures prompts on it for studentsto refer to in an emergency situation.

Mr Paul Dillon from Drug and AlcoholResearch Training Australia (DARTA) was thekeynote speaker for the ’Safe Partying’ ParentInformation Forum and Years 10 to 12workshops. Paul Dillon has been working inthe area of drug education for the past 25years. With a broad knowledge of a range ofcontent areas, Paul regularly provides mediacomment and is regarded as a key socialcommentator in Australia, regularly appearingon a wide range of television programmesincluding Sunrise, Today and A Current Affair.

Mr Dillon talked honestly to students in amatter-of-fact way about alcohol, marijuana,party drugs, such as ecstasy and how to helptheir mates, at the same time highlighting theshort and long term legal and health issues ofillicit drug usage.

Townsville Grammar School is very proud ofthis initiative to address the issue of drugs in awhole-school approach that tackles thisproblem. According to Principal, Mr RichardFairley, “As a School we are acutely aware ofour responsibility to educate children aboutdrugs and the effect they can have on theirlives. We are well aware that one week’sawareness campaign is not going to provide apanacea for a problem that is endemic in oursociety. However, we cannot sit by and ignorethis issue and we are very confident that thisDrug Awareness Week will raise awarenessand knowledge for all the students in ourcare.”

Drug Awareness is a significant step in helpingteenagers to say “NO” to drugs, and for theirparents to be properly informed about thecurrent issues surrounding this significantsocial threat to their children.

TOP Middle School Winner of Drug Awareness Poster -Katherine Godde

BOTTOM Senior School Winner of Drug Awareness Poster - Soo-ji Park (11/08)

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Junior SchoolOPENING OF THE PRE-PREP CENTREMonday, 4 February, 2008saw the beginning of anew era for TownsvilleGrammar, as the newTownsville Grammar Pre-Prep Centre opened itsdoors for the very firsttime.

Pre-Prep at Grammar is forchildren who turn 4before the 30 June thatyear – in other words,exactly one year prior toPrep.

A completely newbuilding with specialtywork and play facilitieshas been designed andbuilt at Grammar’s

Annandale campus,providing a single roomfacility for these luckychildren each day. Workbegan on the building inSeptember, 2007, anddespite the remarkablywet January weather,opened in February.

The Grammar Pre-PrepCentre operates from 7amuntil 6pm each day andoffers long day care.

Pre-Prep will provide anideal preparation for Prepthe following year and thebest start to the students’educational careers.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day is a celebration day for Junior Schoolstudents to invite their special friends and grandparents “back to school” for themorning. On the 3rd of April this year, grandparents and special friends arrived indroves, many from other cities, a number from interstate and some even fromoverseas, to be part of this fun day with their grandchildren.

Guests enjoyed a classroom visit during which they were able to spend time intheir grandchild’s classroom. Shortly after, all guests, teachers and students wereinvited to take part in a morning tea. With 350 grandparents and special friendsattending, this was certainly a very large morning tea!

A concert of musical items was performed by the Year 6 Boys Choir, the SchoolBand and the Year 3 Strings with Choir performances by each year group, fromPrep to Year 6. This gave the opportunity for every child to perform and everygrandparent was able to see their grandchild on stage.

It is a very special day for staff, students and guests alike with all involved lookingforward to Grandparents and Special Friends Day next year.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Year 3 students are being given a uniqueopportunity in 2008. The Junior School haspurchased 53 violins and violas and eachstudent is being provided with aninstrumental lesson by one of Townsville’sfinest Strings Tutors, Ms Heidi Newell.

Head of Junior School, Mr Noel Nethery hasbeen “instrumental” in implementing theYear 3 Strings Programme, “Making thisdecision to implement a strings programmewas not a difficult one. Children who learn amusical instrument, even for only a year,learn and absorb so much, that they can thenmake use of in other areas of learning,” MrNethery said. “Our Year 3 parents have alsobeen extremely supportive of this initiative –encouraging their children to practice athome, and coming along to the little concertswe have been organising to display theirskills.”

Head of Music, Mr Samuel Blanch, has alsosupported the programme, “At this age,children have a genuine curiosity aboutmusical instruments and they are matureenough to understand the need for practiceand to read their music.”

The Year 3 Strings Programme will certainlycapture the students’ imagination and developa long term love of music.

Year 3 StringsProgramme

TOP and BOTTOM Students enjoying their grandparents and special friends’ company

BELOW Jack Dunn, Ruby Ioannou, Eliza McKay

Our inaugural Pre-Prep class

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A purpose-built brand new buildingcertainly creates a great infra-structure butthe real road builders who make the start ofthe journey so smooth are the Year 7teaching team – specialist staff, handpicked and strategically utilised to makeMiddle Schooling, and Year 7 in particular,so special.

Year 7 classes are designed to pull togetherthe best of both primary and secondaryteaching pedagogies. Although theyoungest students on the North Wardcampus, the Year 7s are handed a sense ofplace and belonging by having their veryown classroom, where they can leave theirbooks, decorate and personalise to calltheir very own for the year. Their classroomteacher takes them for at least four keylearning areas which allows the studentsand teacher to develop a close learning

relationship, andpromotes excellentpastoral care.

In addition to this, theYear 7s then haveaccess to all of thespecialist staff andfacilities on the NorthWard campus,undertaking Art, Designand Technology,Performing Arts, Music,Health and PhysicalEducation as well ashaving a choice of threeor four foreign languagesand a range of co-curricular musical groupsand ensembles, Debating, Opti-minds andvarious social involvements such as discos,community service activities, Club Sports, etc.

When interviewed about their specialistarea of Middle School teaching, theteachers remarkably all came up with asimilar theme – the pleasure of teachingyoung minds so eager to learn and willingto absorb everything that is thrown at them.

New team member in 2008, Ms PamAbraham said, “As a newcomer to thissystem, I can really see the value of theYear 7 programme as a way of making asmoother transition to high school life.These 12 – 13 year olds in a usualQueensland primary school would beworking hard at being ‘cool’ and mature –by being the youngest on the North Wardcampus, it is almost giving permission to

continue to be ‘kids’ for a little bit longer –a great relief for them and their parents inmany ways.“

Head of Middle School, Mr Mark Zietsch,“I am incredibly proud to head up the Year7 teaching team. My role as Year 7 Co-ordinator, a Year 7 Science teacher andsports coach for teams containing Year 7smeans that I am constantly in contact withthis year level and I’m equally constantlydelighted by the positive feedback fromkids, their teachers and their families. Thedecision to structure our Year 7 teachingteam in this way has been a fantastic one,and will provide a model for other MiddleSchools around Australia to try to replicate.I say ‘try’ because they can’t possiblyreplicate the individual teachers whom weare so fortunate to have in our team.”

The Middle School Committees have been growing every yearsince their inception three years ago. Each year, the committeeschange depending on the demand and interests of the students.There are currently nine committees in the Middle School.

These are:Citizenship CommitteeThe Newspaper CommitteeSocial CommitteeLunchtime Activity CommitteePeer Tutoring CommitteeThe Sports CommitteeThe Environmental CommitteeBattle of the Brains CommitteePeer Support Committee

All Committees are powering along in 2008, with someexceptional efforts so far. The various Committees have organisedan Easter Egg Drive, produced a newspaper, fundraised,organised a Basketball shootout competition, offered peertutoring and provided peer support, just to name a few!

Middle School Committees give students something in which toparticipate, with students finding they not only enjoy the timethey spend with their committees, but get a positive sense ofteamwork, realising that they can achieve great things as a group.

Middle SchoolCommittees

Good times in the Middle School

Mr Christopher Perry, Mrs Heather Tait, Miss Karyn Kybus, Mr MarkZietsch, Mrs Cheryl Kybus and Ms Pam Abraham

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Senior School

Music Tour to SydneyBy Lisa Alsop and Matthew Higgins (2008 Music Captains)

On May 1 this year, 46 choristers, accompanied by MrBlanch, Mrs Scott and Miss Coull, arrived in Sydney forthe Music Tour of 2008.

The Townsville Grammar School Choir had four days of afun-filled, musical experience, visiting some of the topschools in Sydney to perform.

The Choir performed at various locations around Sydneyincluding St Catherine’s School Waverley, Kincoppal-RoseBay, Christ Church St Laurence, St Andrew’s Cathedral andits school for indigenous students, Gawura. Walkingthrough the automatic doors to the reception of StAndrew’s Cathedral School, the students were amazed tofind a room made of marble, which could have beenmistaken for the reception of a 5 star hotel. The studentswere also impressed by the beautiful old school grounds ofKincoppal-Rose Bay, which featured in the film Lookingfor Alibrandi. It was at this school that the Choir had theirmost fun performance when some members of theaudience danced in the aisle during the song Your MamaDon’t Dance. The Choir was privileged to participate in aworkshop presented by the Director of the SydneyConservatorium Choirs, Dr McEwan.

Of course, it was not all performing and hard work. Thestudents had some free time to visit the sights and soundsof Sydney. Students were wowed by the view at lunch onthe Kincoppal-Rose Bay terrace, which overlooks SydneyHarbour with a full view of the Sydney Harbour Bridgeand Opera House. Mr Blanch organised a harbour cruisefor the tour group. Walking to Darling Harbour, choirmembers boarded the ‘Fun Boat’, which was loaded upwith pizza, soft drink and video cameras, providing firstclass entertainment. The extra entertainment provide bythe teachers’ dance moves, particularly Mr Blanch and MrsScott’s version of the ‘YMCA’, was especially appreciatedby all!

Simply travelling on the rail system was an experience initself for many Grammarians as we do not have trains inTownsville! A game of laser tag, which is similar to paintball, had students battle it out on the last night. Thehighlight of the tour for many of the students was visitingthe Capitol Theatre to see the exceptional Australianproduction of Billy Elliot.

With so many activities packed into this short trip, thestudents did not have time to be bored! Travelling in theplane back to Townsville, all of the tour participants wereglad to be going home but thrilled that they had theopportunity to experience such an interesting, entertainingand worthwhile music tour.

Upon their graduation atTownsville Grammar, manystudents consider an opportunityto acquire new skills by spendinga year overseas beforecommencing university or fulltime work, what is known as a’GAP’ year.

This year we have severalstudents undertaking a GAP yearin England - Jacques Eastment,Katherine Wilson, Scott Warnockand Erica Kennedy (12/07) . Thesestudents work for an independentschool and, in return, receive amodest wage, accommodationand meals. When school holidaysarrive, they can meet friends andtravel in Europe.

A second experience is a RotaryExchange. Students apply for aposition, are interviewed andselected on the basis of how wellthey represent their country. It is ahighly competitive process. In2009, three students willundertake Rotary Exchanges,

Stefanie Schauer, Philip Duffy andJessica Bromham (12/08).

Stefanie is going to Slovenia, acountry that only gainedindependence from Yugoslavia inthe early 1990s. The language isSlavic, so Stefanie, who isbilingual (English and German)still has to learn a new language.

Philip is to represent Australia inBrazil. The language in Brazil isPortuguese, so Philip will have toclose the Science text books andacquire a second language.

Jessica has achieved her dream -to live in France for a year. Jessicais a French student and isabsolutely delighted to have beenplaced in France where she canreally hone her French skills.

Townsville Grammar is very proudof all our students participating inexchange programmes and wishesthem every success for the future.

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

Students are given the opportunity to showcase their writing talents bywriting a response to the provided stimulus. Medals were presented thisyear by Mr Jason Scott, General Manager of The North QueenslandNewspaper Company. The PF Rowland Medals for 2008 were awarded to:

Year 7 William He and Caitlin WhitickerYear 8 Harshil Pillai and Laura-Jane Cooper-JacksonYear 9 Timothy Saunders and Eliza EbringerYear 10 Nicholas Potter and Yierka CoomansYear 11 James Hodge and Hailey RenaultYear 12 Ayeshmanthe Rathnayake and Alex Kershaw

Writing Competition

Overseas Exchanges

Winners of the PF Rowland Medal with Mr Richard Fairley, Mrs Mary Hall and special guest Mr Jason Scott

Stefanie Schauer, Philip Duffy and Jessica Bromham

Townsville Grammar School Choir

9 CELEBRATING 120 YEARS OF TOWNSVILLEGRAMMAR SCHOOL 1888 - 2008

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Townsville Grammar School takes its place among very few prestigious Australian schools that have been in the business ofeducating the youth of this country since the 19th century. Townsville Grammar is the oldest co-educational school on mainlandAustralia - accepting its first female students in 1893 in a revolutionary move and one that has never been regretted.

Many aspects of Grammar have changed in the past 120 years - faces, buildings, curriculum and more. However, there are otheraspects of the School, the foundation stones upon which it is built, that have remained rock solid.

The founders of the School, the original Board of Trustees, aimed to provide North Queensland families with a school in whichthe youth of North Queensland can be qualified for their future careers where local interest watches their progress and stimulatesthem to intellectual achievements (from the original School Prospectus of 1888). This philosophy, coupled with the values of goodmanners, respect, discipline and personal best academic endeavour, are all hall marks of the same school 120 years on.

In 1888, the very first staff and students ofTownsville Grammar walked into School Housefor the first day of school. The building, at thetime, was the only building of TownsvilleGrammar School.

During the last 120 years, the lower floor ofSchool House has been used for many differentpurposes - from teaching and staff rooms,

however, the upstairs of School House has always been dedicated to Boys Boarding.Once housing more than 60 boys, School House now houses just 20 lucky boys whoshare in this strong history, not to mention have uninterrupted views of Magnetic Islandand Cleveland Bay.

In 1903, School House was virtually destroyed by Cyclone Leonta. The building wasreplaced by the present School House building later that year, featuring thicker, cementmortared walls and steel roof bracing to fare better in cyclonic conditions.

In 2008, School House is used as a School Shop and Finance Office downstairs andBoys Boarding, as always, upstairs.

School House - the original School building

School House in 1895

School House, as it is today

School House, post Cyclone Leonta, 1903

By Mr Bill Muller, School Archivist

A little known fact of the Grammar Schoolis that in the years 1942-1944 it had tomove from its North Ward campus and setup a campus in the suburb of Hermit Park.

The entrance of Japan in December 1941into World War Two had a dramatic effecton the Grammar School. The QueenslandGovernment closed all schools in thedistrict and students had to move eithersouth or to Charters Towers. On March 2,1942 the Government rescinded theirclosing of all schools and allowed schoolsto re-open. This, however, did not helpGrammar because the School had beentaken over by the RAAF in January 1942.

On March 10, the School re-opened in ahouse in the suburb of Hermit Park. Thehouse, belonging to a Mr Don McInnessand named ‘Rosslea’, was ideal as it was

close to the river and had a park situatedacross the road.

The move to ‘Rosslea’ was to prove adifficult three years but, under the inspiringleadership of Mr Tommy Whight,Headmaster of that era, the School thrivedin spite of staffing problems, the lack ofsuitable Science Laboratories, inadequatesporting facilities and food shortages.

In addition to the above problems, theSchool also faced the dangers of war. OnJuly 27, 1942, a bomb landed across theriver near the Rosslea campus with enoughforce to cause some damage to alampshade in the main building. Mr Whightwas later to write, tongue in cheek, thatTownsville Grammar could legitimatelystate that they were the only educationalinstitution on the East Coast of Australia tohave suffered war damage.

The three years at ‘Rosslea’ is best summedup by Tommy Whight when he wrote in aSpeech Night Report that students hadcome to a place not hallowed by age orimbued with tradition but to a homemasquerading as a school. The staff andstudents rose to the challenge with thecommon aim of keeping the School Flagflying.

The School at ‘Rosslea’

The School at ‘Rosslea’

10

120 Years of TGS

Boarding commenced with three enrolmentson April 16, 1888, and has continuedthroughout the years, despite cyclones andwars. From 1888 to 1994 only boys wereenrolled as boarders despite the fact that co-education had been introduced in 1893. With the introduction of girl boarding in1994, numbers increased with a peak beingattained in 2002 with 182 boarders.

Boarding dormitories have changedconsiderably over the last 120 years. Theopening of Parker-Hall, where most of thecurrent boarders reside, was monumental,with boarders now enjoying an air-conditioned Dining Hall and excellentfacilities.

With boarding running consistently at fullcapacity, the boarding community is still asstrong as ever in 2008.

Boarders WeekThe week of 21 to 25 April 2008 was‘Boarders Week’, celebrating 120 years ofboarding at Townsville Grammar.

To commemorate such a special event, aBoarders Honour Board of Achievement wasestablished.

Mr Bill Muller, Archivist, researched boarders’achievements over the last 120 years andcompiled a list based on merit, of success inacademics, business, sports, the military andother important criteria.

The Honour Board was unveiled at thespecial Founders Day Assembly on the 21stof April. Special guest, Mr Greg Hayden, wasproud to be part of the ceremony as he iscelebrating his 50th year since finishingschool at Grammar as a boarder in 1958.

A booklet outlining the details of eachboarder named on the Honour Board hasbeen distributed to all staff and students andis available upon request from the School.

Anzac Day is commemorated eachyear in a special ceremonyattended by the whole School. Thisyear, family of Past GrammarianMalcolm McConachy were invitedas special guests.

Malcolm McConachy was aboarder at Grammar for five years.He enlisted in the Australian Armyin 1968 and was posted to 9RAR.He was deployed to South Vietnamand sadly killed in action onFebruary 9, 1969 at the age of just21. Lance Corporal McConachywas the only Grammar studentkilled in the Vietnam War.

Malcolm McConachy’s relativesJeffery McConachy (8/08),Brandon McConachy (8/08) andJamie-Lea McConachy (10/08) arenow attending Townsville GrammarSchool as boarders themselves.This year, Lance CorporalMcConachy’s family attended theAnzac Day Ceremony as specialguests at the North Ward campusto remember and pay theirrespects.

A wing of the Parker-Hall BoardingHouse has been named in honourof Malcolm McConachy and he isalso named on the BoardersHonour Board for his ultimatesacrifice.

Malcolm McConachy

Boarding -120 years young

Current Works in ProgressRIGHT Refurbishment of the

50m Swimming Pool. Estimated completion: July 2008

LEFT The covered areaat the Annandalecampus. Estimatedcompletion: July 2008

BELOW The McConachy family paystribute to Malcolm McConachy

TOP Malcolm McConachy

ABOVE Mr Richard Fairley, Mr Bob Weir and Mr Greg Hayden unveil the

Boarders Honour Board

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Past

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Following the printing of a story in the Townsville Bulletinconcerning the commemoration of 120 years of boarding at theSchool, Mrs Audrey Stanley contacted the School to say that herfather H.TRENFIELD [1888] and her uncle K.TRENFIELD [1888]were two of the first three boarders enrolled. Mrs Stanley said thatshe still remembered the stories her father told of the early years atthe School and that she was happy to relate these stories to theArchivist in order to preserve some of the great history of theSchool.

We would also like to thank Miss Bayley for the donation of abook won by her father, H.M.BAYLEY [1908-1910] while he was astudent at the School. The book, which is embossed with theSchool’s badge and motto, will be a great addition to the archives.

In C.W.H.BINGHAM’S [1916] book The Beckoning Horizon hemakes reference to a fellow student F.H.S.ROBERTS [1916]. Little isknown of Roberts’ days at the School but he went on to becomeone of Australia’s most eminent entomologist and parasitologist anda world authority on ticks. Roberts also served with somedistinction in Papua New Guinea during WWII where he used hisknowledge to alleviate the problems our soldiers were having withlice and insects.

JOHN HOLMAN [1934] has also recently been in contact with theSchool. A prisoner-of-war of the Japanese in WWII, John is living inthe Ingham area and spoke recently to some of our senior studentsrelating his war-time experiences.

Visiting the School towards the end of last year was DULCIEBERESFORD [nee POPHAM 1948]. Dulcie enrolled at Grammar in1944 and was one of the few Grammar students to have threeHeadmasters during her time as a schoolgirl. Dulcie returned to theSchool as a teacher in 1949 and again in 1954.

For those associated with the School and living in the Ingham areathe name RENATO [BEN] CANTATORE [1951] is well known. Benrecently celebrated both his 50th wedding anniversary and 50th yearas a pharmacist in the area. Head of the School in 1951, Ben was atalented rugby league player and cricketer but he was best knownfor his prowess as an athlete. In his final year at Grammar hejumped close to seven metres to break the long standing long jumprecord held by our first Rhodes Scholar, GEORGE HALL [1909]. In1956 Ben represented Queensland at the Australian AthleticsChampionship and finished third. It is interesting to note that Ben’slong jump record was not bettered by PETER BURGE [1990] whenPeter was a student at the School. Peter went on to win the goldmedal at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and finishedsixth at the Sydney Olympics.

BILL CREWS AM [1957] continues to do terrific work among thedisadvantaged citizens of Sydney. He was recently featured in theWish Magazine section of The Australian as one of a group ofAustralian citizens who is making a difference in our communities.

Thanks to PAM MOLLOY [nee SERGEANT 1964] for her mostgenerous donation to the archives of the FINA Certificate she wasawarded when she broke the World 110 yards backstroke record atthe Empire Games in Perth in 1962. It was a most remarkable featby a Year 10 student and caused a great thrill for the staff andstudents at the time.

NATALIE WEIR [1983] continues to get good press in her role asone of Australia’s leading choreographers. She has recentlychoreographed ballets for the Queensland Ballet Company andAmerican Ballet Company and has been undertaking workshopswith the Dance East Ballet Company in England. Natalie is marriedto PETER MARSHALL [1982] and has two young sons.

KUMALAU GOTAHA [1996], Captain of Rugby in his final yearand Head Boarder, recently wrote to the Past Grammarians askingfor their help with a set of rugby jumpers. Kumalau is coaching ateam of disadvantaged teenagers. The PGA was pleased to helpand sent them a set of jumpers no longer used by the PastGrammarians (see photographs on next page).

RUTH ALLAN [1999] was Head Girl Boarder in her final year.After completing a Bachelor of Science Ruth joined the NorthernTerritory Department of Primary Industry and has been working asa pastoral production officer in many parts of the Territory.

NATHIN BUTLER [2002] has been achieving great success recentlyin the world of cinema and television. A scholarship winner toNIDA Nathin has had a role in Bazz Luhrmann’s film Australia duefor release in November. He was also seen in the ABC mini seriesRain Shadow and film Black Balloon.

Congratulations to BEN MACKEY [2003] and KRISTOFERBLOMBERG [2003] on their graduation from ADFA. We wish themboth all the best in their military careers.

Past Grammarians are also being rewarded for their academicachievements after leaving Grammar. SIMON IEVERS [1999]completed an apprenticeship as a boiler maker on leaving schoolbut then enrolled at James Cook University to study engineering.His results have been of the highest order and he was awarded a$10,000 per annum by BHP scholarship to complete his degree.Dux of the School in 2007 AMY LOVISA [2007] has also recentlybeen awarded a scholarship by BHP.

Congratulations to KATHRYN HARDY [2001] who was awardedthe Medal in Economics [Women’s College] at the University ofQueensland.

YVETTE GRIGGS [2003] recently graduated at James CookUniversity with a First Class Honours Degree in Engineering andwas also the winner of the University Medal. To add to Yvette’sachievements she received the Engineers Australia C. N. BartonMedal, the G. H. Allen Endowment Prize in Computer SystemsEngineering and IEEE Fourth Year Engineering Prize.

Past Grammarian News

Kristofer Blomberg with Major General Flawith

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Past Gramm

arians

Obituaries for the following were included in the May edition ofthe Melior Exi.

The Past Grammarians Association extends their deepestsympathies to the families of GORDON W.PHILP [1931], HENRYDAINTREE FOOT [1932], FRANK PROVERA [1939], PAT TOOHEYOAM [1940], JOHN FOOT [1942], THOMAS DAVIES [1956] andANDREA HOLLAND [1998]. Each, in their own way, contributedto the wonderful character of the School.

‘GRAMMAR AT HOME WEEKEND’ 2008Saturday 9 August 2008 • School Tours • Sporting Events • Past Grammarians Reunion DinnerPlease contact the School on (07) 4722 4900 for more information

Births

Honour Boards

After nearly two years of research by the School Archivist andinformation provided by interested past students, the variousHonour Boards were finally updated in April this year.

Four names were added to the WWI Honour Board, five names tothe WWII Honour Board and new sections such as Merchant NavyService were added. The biggest changes were made to the sectionon Vietnam where seven extra names of past students who servedwere added.

It should be noted that the research is on-going as it is the School’sintention to also acknowledge the service of those who have servedin the Middle East and in the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

Townsville Grammar School is what it is today because of the manypeople who have believed in it, who have given loyally of their timeand energy and have financially supported the School and itscommunity.

One way you can help Townsville Grammar School continue its fine tradition of academic, sporting and cultural excellence is to considera gift to the School through a bequest in your will.

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

Congratulations to the following students:

MICHELLE FINLAY [nee BUCHAN 1992] to Chris Finlay.CLAIRE DOWNEY [nee SHELLSHEAR 1996] and Dodhagan Downey atPortlick Castle, County Westmeath, Ireland.DANIEL MILLGATE [1998] to Naomi Kennedy. Naomi Kennedy is the daughterof LORRAINE KENNEDY, a former member of the Grammar Staff. Naomi worethe same dress as worn by her grandmother and mother on their wedding days.STEPHEN SHACKELFORD [1998] to ALICIA CLARKE [1998].Finally congratulations to LOUISE JOHNSON [1998] and MICHAEL MYLES[1998] on their engagement.

LEFT Stephen Shackelford [1998] and Alicia Clarke [1998] on their wedding day

Congratulations to the following past students and their partners on additions to their families:

STEPHEN de JERSEY [1987] and his wife, Louise, on the birth of their third child, Christian.RICHARD SAYERS [1985] and his wife Kate are the proud parents of a baby boy, also named Richard. Richard is the son of VERNEYSAYERS [nee SMITH 1959] and is also related to the APLIN Brothers who enrolled at Grammar in 1888.Four past students from the 1993 cohort have recently become parents. Congratulations to PATTI HALL [nee GLASGOW] and herhusband, Steve on the birth of Siena Denise; to DALE BYRNE and his wife JulieAnne on the birth of Connor; and to JAMES PAUL andBRETT FREW and their respective partners on the birth of their babies.

Kumalau Gotaha’s teams with the TGS Past Grammarians Association donated rugby jerseys

Marriages

Honour Board Valet

A Gift to Grammar

Brian Christensen, affectionately known as ‘BC’ by staff and ‘Mr BC’ by students, joinedthe School as a teacher in 1971. After one year he decided to widen his experience andso he moved to Sydney where he taught at Sydney Girls High School. While there hewon a scholarship to travel to Germany to develop his language and verbal skills. Acondition of the scholarship was that, upon his return to Australia, he would teachGerman. The first school to offer him an appointment to teach German was TownsvilleGrammar so he consequently returned to the staff room in May, 1973. BC retired at theend of 2007 as the School’s second longest serving schoolmaster behind Bob Weir. His34 and a half years is a few months longer than PF Rowland, Headmaster from 1905 to1938.

The greater part of BC’s years at Grammar have involved teaching in the Middle School.His interest in pastoral care and the great empathy he displayed towards younger studentsled to his appointment as a Year Level Co-ordinator. For many years he was variouslyYear Level Co-ordinator of Years 8, 9 and 10. In 1976 he was part of a group that initiatedthe Outdoor Education Programme and, for a period of time, he was an integral part ofSchool camps and excursions. BC was also, for close on 20 years, the ‘go between’ forthe School Administration and the Student Council. Under his guidance the StudentCouncil, represented by students across the year groups, would make representation ofmatters that would improve student conditions. One of the suggestions he is particularlyproud of was the introduction of the annual Sportsman and Sportswoman Award.

BC, however, will best be remembered for the quiet, unassuming support he gave to fellow staff and to the students. He is a good listenerand many students have said that his advice to them in times of stress and pressure helped them through difficult times. He will always beremembered for his love of and loyalty to the School. In recognition of his services, the BC Prize for Citizenship was initiated and will bepresented each year to a deserving student in the Middle School.

Best wishes to BC on a long and rewarding retirement.

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Mr Brian christEnsen (BC) retires

FAREWELL TO Mr Bob WeirAs Grammar’s longest serving schoolmaster Bob Weir,known affectionately as ‘Duck’ by a multitude of students,is proud of the fact that he survived four Headmasters andfour Deputy-Headmasters in his continuous 35 and a halfyears at the School.

Bob joined the staff in January, 1973 as a Science Teacherand within two weeks was promoted to Senior Biologyteacher. It was the start of a career that was to see Bobbecome Head of Science; a position he only vacated in1990 when he became Head of Boarding. Prior to thatBob had been involved in boarding from 1988, ourcentenary year.

Bob’s tenure in the boarding house system saw manychanges and Bob weathered them all with the goodnatured aplomb for which he is renowned. There was themove to boarding across the street in Chester-ParkerHouse, the introduction of girl boarders in 1994 and the building of Parker-Hall as a boarding house.

A love of sport also meant that Bob was, at times, heavily involved in the coaching of a variety of sports. A talented rugby league andunion player while at James Cook University, Bob coached rugby league teams at Grammar from the 1st XIII to junior teams. He was alsoheavily involved in athletics coaching and managing tennis teams.

In many respects Bob will be best remembered for the loyal support he provided to the administration of the School. He was alwaysavailable to provide his experience and wisdom at times when required and he rose to the fore in 1988 when both the Headmaster andDeputy-Headmaster were hospitalised during the centenary celebrations. Bob calmly assumed the running of the School and kept it on aneven keel when it could have fallen apart in a critical time in the School’s history.

We wish Bob all the very best for the future and sincerely hope that he comes to visit on occasions.

Mr Brian Christensen

Mr Bob Weir with 2008 Head Boarders Renae Hick and Ricky King

• TGS 120th Anniversary Investment Art Cocktail FunctionSaturday the 6th of September 2008 at 7.00pm (Centenary Gymnasium)

• Ladies Auxiliary Grammar Melbourne Cup LuncheonTuesday the 4th of November, 2008

Dates for your diary

14

TGS Comm

unity

Community Service is alive and well atTownsville Grammar School with studentsactively involved in fundraising andsupporting local and internationalcommunity causes.

This year, there have already been somemajor fundraising ventures. The Year 12son the Talent Quest Committee gave adonation of over $2,000 to the local branchof the Royal Flying Doctor Service; theInteract Club and Middle SchoolCitizenship Committee combined theirefforts for the Easter Egg drive to raise fundsfor the TGS sponsored school in China, andalso for the Townsville RSPCA. The RedCross Blood Bank received donations from62 healthy teenagers in the first of twoannual visits by the Mobile Blood donationvan.

In Term 2, the Interact Club organised thecollection of hundreds of non-perishablefood items to donate to the Salvation Armyfor their 2008 Food Appeal. As in otheryears, there was the incentive of a pizzaparty for the Form Class that collected themost goods, but this year, for added

competition, the teacher of the winningForm Class also received a bottle of winefor their efforts. Mrs Tait’s Form Class of 7.4were the winners collecting hundreds ofitems for the Salvation Army.

The Queensland Cancer Fund’s ‘Relay forLife’ was a wonderful success through theamazing efforts of teachers and students,co-ordinated by Ms Yvonne West, ablyassisted by the new Indonesian teacher MsSamantha Hutchinson. The students raisedover $5,000 and walked for anunbelievable 18 hours.

To further raise funds for a solar-poweredheating system for their sponsored school inChina, the Interact Club and Antipodeansgroup have been running a League FootyTipping competition, which received greatsupport from the School community, andraised the final $1,200 needed for theheating system.

Other planned service activities for 2008include fundraising for the QueenslandCancer Fund through the Pretty in Pinknight, and a disco and sausage sizzle to

raise funds for the School’s sponsoredschool in Sri Lanka - to name just a few.

Community Service is a very important partof Townsville Grammar School andinvolvement in or support for the variouscommittees and the Interact Club is a greatway for the students to learn the lesson ofcare and compassion for others.

Community Service

Townsville Grammar School is supported byfive parent committees that work tirelesslyto fundraise and co-ordinate events for theTGS Community. The various committeesmeet at different times to ensure that allparents can be involved with one of thecommittees to fit in with to work and familycommitments.

These committees include: Parent &Friends Association, Ladies Auxiliary, Black& Gold Association, Friends of RowingCommittee and Past GrammariansAssociation.

The Parents and Friends (P&F) Associationraises funds through a voluntarycontribution by families of the School, withthe Association also conducting fundraisingactivities to assist with capital works overboth campuses. Most recently, the P&F heldtheir annual Golf Day, with reports from the32 teams who participated concurring thatit was a wonderful day and they are keen tocontinue supporting the event in futureyears. Ben Green’s ProtectInsure teamfeaturing Head of Junior School, Mr NoelNethery, Damien Scott and Eddie Rooskov,won the coveted Green Jacket. Funds raisedfrom these and other ventures will be usedto improve facilities at the School.

The Ladies Auxiliary Committee is a forumfor mothers to share common interestsrelating to the School, raising funds andproviding catering support at the varioussporting carnivals held for both campuses.The Ladies Auxiliary also hosts the

Grammar Melbourne Cup Luncheon, whichthis year will be held on November 4.

The Black & Gold Committee conductsseveral functions throughout the Schoolyear. In 2008 these include the 120th

anniversary function at the Parry NissanRace Day (held in June) and the 120th

Anniversary Investment Art CocktailFunction on September 6.

The Friends of Rowing Group is ofparticular interest to parents with GrammarRowers in the family, raising funds topurchase rowing exercise machines androwing equipment, as well as providingsupport and focus for this dynamic group ofsportspeople.

The Past Grammarians Association (PGA)maintains the Past Grammarians (alumni)database, organises Past Grammarian eventssuch as the ‘Grammar at Home’ weekendand produces the Melior Exi newsletter.Funds raised through PGA membershiphave funded maintaining and updating theHonour Boards and sponsoring annualprizes awarded at Speech Night.

The School is indebted to these supportgroups, the sponsors of the wonderfulevents they co-ordinate and the parentswho attend and support their fundraisingefforts. New members are always welcomeand meeting times and dates are publishedin the School Calendar.

Parent Support Committees

TOP Principal, Mr Richard Fairley and his Golf team

BOTTOM Golf Day Winners - Damien Scott,Eddie Rooskov, Ben Green and

Head of Junior School, Mr Noel Nethery

FRONT Wylie Ahern andHarry-Dean Kenchington GoldsmithBACK Bronte Lyne, Sarah Anderson

and Sarah Burge