2010 grammarian

C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M

2 l SECTION l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

Our First International Baccalaureate Cohort

C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C MC M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M M M Y Y Y K K K C C C M

1 l FROM THE PRINCIPAL l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

As I sit in my office and pen a few introductory words for the 2010 Grammarian, I am

‘comforted’ by the background noise of preliminary construction works associated with

the School’s long awaited Performing Arts Complex. This new $6.0m facility will be built

on the site of the existing Paxton House (former Boarders Dining Room) and will provide

a much needed state of the art building to complement our first class PA curriculum. It is

anticipated that the new facility will be operational in July 2011.

New buildings are symptomatic of change and progress. However, all who have attended

this wonderful school know only too well that ‘bricks and mortar’ are not anywhere near as

important as the quality of teaching and learning and the care shown by staff for our young

Grammarians as they ‘come in good and go out better’.

I am pleased to say that enrolment growth and new buildings aside, we are still student

focussed and fully committed to the timeless values that have made Grammar the School

it is today.

From the Principal

MR R ICHARD FA IRLEY

LEADERSHIP 1 From the Principal

2 From the School Leaders

BOARDING 3 From the Head Boarders

3 Lynch Pins - Four in Boarding

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 4 Introducing the

International Baccalaureate

4 What is the International

Baccalaureate

NEWS 5 Remembering our

Past Grammarians

6 Infant Sports Day -

Tinsel Town!

6 Drug & Alcohol

Awareness Week

6 Interact Disco

7 Writing Competition

7 Shinjo High School Visitors

7 Bloxham Connection

8 Grandparents visit TGS

8 Lake Tinaroo Camp

8 Sports Tour to Cairns

9 California here we come!

9 Yalari Partnership

9 Make a Wish Day

10 New Buildings at TGS

10 Educational Tours

11 Local Grown Hero

11 A ‘Likely’ Story - Six Likely

children at TGS

12 Mothers Day Luncheon

13 Supporting our Community

PAST GRAMMARIANS 13 News of Past Grammarians

14 Congratulations

14 Vale


2 l FROM THE SCHOOL LEADERS l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

2010 has already been packed full of challenges and events for the School Leaders. The Junior, Middle and Senior School Leaders have all participated in ceremonial duties such as ANZAC Day, Founders Day and Assemblies. However, being involved in the ceremonial duties is just one element of their honour as TGS School Leaders. The students are ambassadors for the School wherever they go as well as providing support, guidance and leadership for their fellow students. At the Junior School, Benjamin Armstrong and Georgia Bloxham have had many new exciting adventures this year. They have been involved in many important ceremonies including cutting the ribbon to open the new Willmett Building, made more of a challenge because the scissors didn’t work! A major responsibility has been the organisation of weekly Assemblies. The pair communicate with each other to prepare each week and this often involves Sunday morning phone calls. Another challenge has been trying to interpret Mr Nethery’s handwriting! Both Ben and Georgia take their roles as Junior School Captains very seriously and ensure they are good role models to the younger students. They are thoroughly enjoying their leadership positions and have found being a Junior School Captain both challenging and rewarding. They are looking forward to the rest of 2010, but are also eagerly awaiting next year for the implementation of the new school uniform and entering a new chapter as Year 7 students on the North Ward campus. Claire Cairns and Romesh Rathnayake, were thrilled when they were announced as the Middle School Captains. They have found their time as School Leaders to be both inspirational, challenging and fun! Romesh described one of his biggest challenges this year so far as “getting up to do a speech in front of parents at the Middle School Information Night” and added, “I have definitely gained confidence and have built a braver character.” Claire has been using her speeches on Assemblies

to try to inspire her fellow Middle Schoolers. “Middle School can be amazing, but only if you want it to be. Optimists and go getters succeed in life; if you learn that in Middle School it is going to make the next few years so much easier.” Claire and Romesh look forward to carrying out the rest of their leadership duties for the duration of 2010. Being the Senior School Captains, and therefore the Captains for the entire School, is definitely a big responsibility. Zoe Kaesehagen and Sarangan Ketheesan were honoured to have been selected to lead the School in 2010. “Initially I was a little daunted by the prospect of leading the School, but thanks to the support of the teachers and my peers, leadership has been going very well”, Zoe said. The pair have faced some challenges this year, including trying to balance the hefty workload of Senior studies and co-curricular commitments with their leadership duties. Zoe and Sarangan are looking forward to the rest of 2010, including providing guidance for Year 10s choosing the appropriate Senior study pathways to achieve their goals and assisting with the implementation of the new school uniform in the latter half of the year. There is also a lot to look forward to as Year 12 students, Zoe explains, “The Year 12 cohort are yet to brave the formal, smash the QCS tests and graduate as a testament to our School motto - bonus intra, melior exi.”

Leadership is any action that makes the world we touch a better place Claire Cairns, Middle School Captain

From theSchool Leaders

SENIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS ZOE KAESEHAGEN, SARANGAN KETHEESANMIDDLE SCHOOL CAPTAINS CLAIRE CAIRNS, ROMESH RATHNAYAKE

JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS GEORGIA BLOXHAM, BENJAMIN ARMSTRONG


3 l BOARDING l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

This year, for the first time in the history of TGS, our boarding house will have four siblings boarding at the same time. Lachlan (12/10), Toby (11/10), Bronte (9/10) and Heidi Lynch (8/10) come from a cattle property, ‘Tara Station’, north of Cloncurry in North West Queensland (about 990 km from TGS). All the Lynch children began their education with Mount Isa School of the Air. The four Lynches love the bush and remember the move from distance education to boarding school in the city as a big change. However, they greatly appreciate the opportunities available to them at TGS. The Lynch children’s father, Dan, was a boarding pupil of TGS at the end of the 60s and early 70s. When asked about the differences for students of 2010 compared to his school days he lists: many more

students; twice the number of buildings at the North Ward campus and no Annandale campus; wider choices; more freedom and activities for boarders; different responsibilities and the presence of female boarders. He remembers the boarders being responsible for some of the maintenance of the school grounds including, as an older pupil, driving the tractor to slash the grass where Parker Hall now stands. Following a football injury, Lachlan commenced studies and practical experience towards his pilot’s licence. This is not something that his dad could have done at School either. There are other things, such as the friendships, school spirit, the need to learn, the dedication of teachers and parents, the enthusiasm of students and of course, the football, that haven’t changed with time.

FOUR IN BOARDINGTHE LYNCH FAMILY

So far this year, boarding has celebrated the annual Boarders Week, which, once again, turned out to be a great success. Events included the Senior grades bringing a day student friend to lunch one day and multiple

boarder versus day bugs touch and tug of war games. Quite notably the boarders triumphed in both selected sports! The Year 7 and 8 boarders were able to invite a day student for a sleepover in the dorms one Friday night. The Senior students and staff members organised a number of exciting games and events to keep them busy and engaged. Term 1 also saw out the first Boarder’s Disco for the year. All boarders rose to the occasion and the open, family-like atmosphere galvanised our little community. There has been a significant

increase in the number of boarders becoming involved with the sporting and cultural lives of Grammar with over 90 boarders regularly participating in one of the major School sports (Rugby, Netball & Rowing).

The most exciting initiative this year has been the formation of the Boarders Council. This group of leaders were elected by their peers and consists of eight boarding house representatives. The Boarders Council act as the voice of the boarding community and organise and advise on issues as diverse as boarding activities to the dining room menu. The Boarders Council has set a goal of lifting the academic profile of boarding and want this year’s academic celebration party to be the biggest ever, with every boarder fulfilling their academic potential. Our boarding community is one large family who bring a diverse range of personalities and talents to the table. Littered through this family are ‘boarder siblings’ who are culturally, academically and physically talented. The mutual respect fostered by our varying backgrounds certainly contributes to the boarders’ environment which is friendly caring and supportive.

From theHead Boarders

& LACHLAN LYNCHLEAH PETERS

The International Baccalaureate

Lynch Pins


4 l INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

The International Baccalaureate

FOR YEAR 11 & 12 STUDENTSAN EXC IT ING OPT ION

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

This year the first cohort of Year 11 students made the choice of which pre-tertiary course they would like to pursue in Years 11 and 12 – a choice that

has previously simply not existed in North Queensland.

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

The key to the IB’s appeal is its international credibility. It is taught in 139 countries and is recognised by all major universities within Queensland, Australia and the world.

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

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

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?The Diploma Programme is for students aged 16 to 19 – students entering Year 11. The Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum and leads to a diploma recognised by the world’s leading universities. Why study the International Baccalaureate Diploma?The IB Diploma is a well-established, world-class qualification. It is a broad, but challenging course that is designed not only to provide qualifications for university entry, but also to develop the education and maturity of the students involved. The broad nature of the IB Programme makes it suitable for a wide range of students. However students need to be well-motivated and well-organised. IB Diploma students are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. Diploma students learn to ask challenging questions, the skills involved in investigating topics and express their opinions. Universities and employers recognise the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma students. What is in the curriculum?The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. • extended essay • theory of knowledge • creativity, action, service This is illustrated by the hexagon (right) with the three parts of the core at its centre. Students study six subjects, one selected from each of the subject groups shown in the hexagon (Group 1 to 6). Three subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL) and the remaining three subjects are studied at Standard Level (SL). Subjects on offer may vary from cohort to cohort depending on demand and viability.

Group 1

Group 2 Group 3

Group 5Group 4

Group 6

Language A-1

Individualsand Society

Mathematics

The Arts

ExperimentalSciences

A SecondLanguage

TH

E IB LEARNER PRO

FILE

theo

ry of

knowledge extended essay

creativity, action, service

I have made the right choice Rishabh Verma

IB has encouraged me to broaden my mind

Katelyn Anderson

It opens your mind to how other people in other countries do things

Timothy Saunders

The knowledge we aredeveloping is well worth the effort

Hannah Kahn

The course has enabled me tolive as a global citizen

Matthew Smit


5 l NEWS l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

OUR FALLEN HEROESTGS STUDENTS REMEMBER

Both the North Ward and Annandale campuses commemorated ANZAC Day in ceremonies held on 23 April, as well as School Leaders and Prefects participating in the Strand ANZAC Day March. Fifty-nine Townsville Grammar School students gave their lives to serve their country. Three of the past students were only 19 at the time of their deaths. Sydney Tyack was 18 at the time of enlistment in March, 1917 and was killed in action in September 1918 during

WWI. School Captains, Zoe Kaesehagen and Sarangan Ketheesan, read out the names of those who gave their lives in honour of their sacrifice. Townsville Grammar students have a long history of serving in wars from the Boer War through to more recent conflicts - over 500 past students have fought for their country in wars. A wing of the Parker-Hall Boarding Dormitory is named after Malcolm McConachy who was the only Townsville Grammar

student to be killed in action in the Vietnam War. Relatives of Malcolm’s are now students at Grammar. Guest speaker, Deputy Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Stockley, addressed the School community and spoke of the horror of war and the bravery of the young men and women who fought, and continue to fight, for our country.

Two Past Grammarians were involved in the Hill 60 campaign, made famous recently by the movie, Beneath Hill 60. Major James Henry (left) and Lt Col Albert Fewtrell (right) were both involved in the tunnelling campaign in Ypres Salient. Major Henry was a fellow officer of the hero of Beneath Hill 60, Captain Woodward, and the pair were pictured side by side in a photograph taken of the 1st Company top brass. However, unlike Woodward, Henry left no unpublished autobiography and died in Herberton in 1943. Lt Col Fewtrell was appointed the commander of the Mining Corps in 1916 and was subsequently transferred to command the 4th Pioneer Battalion in France, specialising in the construction of light railways. Both men won a Distinguished Service Order and although neither were made mention of in the film, their heroic actions helped the Hill 60 campaign immensely.

Hill 60& LT COL ALBERT FEWTRELL

MAJOR JAMES HENRY

Lest We Forget



The week of 24 – 28 of May was Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week at TGS. Students from Pre-Prep to Year 12 were involved in activities to learn the dangers of drugs and alcohol and life skills when dealing with self/peer and/or family incidents of drug and alcohol use. The younger grades learned the medical facts associated with drug and alcohol use as well as 000 procedure. The Senior grades learned skills in dealing with peer pressure, health problems associated with drug/alcohol use and crime statistics and consequences of drug and alcohol use.

Drug & AlcoholAwareness Week

OF DRUG & ALCOHOL USELEARNING THE R ISKS

ARE YOU GROOVY ENOUGHInteract Disco

On 27 of May, students in Prep – Years 2 participated in Infants Sports Day which had a ‘Tinsel Town’ theme for 2010. Students dressed up as characters from various movies including Toy Story, Lion King, Happy Feet, Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Shrek, A Bugs Life, Pocahontas, Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatters and Star Wars

(pictured below). The students showed off their wonderful costumes in a ‘March Past’ for the many parents and friends who came along to watch the event. Once the ‘March Past’ was completed a round robin of athletic events was organised for the students to participate in, followed by a 60m dash to conclude the morning.

T INSEL TOWNInfant Sports Day



SCHOOL V IS I TS TGS

The PF Rowland Medals for 2010 were awarded to: Year 7 Samuel Pleass and Donna LeiYear 8 Thomas Barlow and Philippa CollinsYear 9 Daniel Porteous and Annabel CristaldiYear 10 Joseph Hallows and Alyana MaguireYear 11 Timothy Guazzo and Brianna O’ReganYear 12 Nicholas Potter and Megan Boyle

Gifted Writers

COMPETITION MEDALLISTSPF ROWLAND WRITING

Townsville Grammar has been conducting the Writing Competition for Years 7 through 12 since 2000, presenting

PF Rowland Medals to the winners of each year level.

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

stimulus.

This year, some very pleasing results were realised by a large number of students. The special guest

for this year’s Writing Competition Assembly was the Editor of the Townsville Bulletin,

Mr Peter Gleeson.

In March, students from Shinjo Higashi High School, our sister school in Japan, travelled to Australia to visit TGS. Staying for 10 days with host families, the students got an idea of Australian life by attending school every day. It was not all hard work though – the students had time out to visit Magnetic Island and even managed to squeeze in some shopping. On their last night in Townsville the Japanese students, teachers and host families spent an enjoyable evening at a ‘sayonara’ party held in the Middle School Plaza (above). TGS students will get a chance to catch up with the friends they have made next year on the School’s bi-ennial tour to Japan. On this tour, TGS students visit Shinjo and receive a very warm welcome, despite the extremely cold weather of winter in Japan.

OUR JAPANESE S ISTER

Japanese Visitors

This year, Year 6 student Georgia Bloxham was appointed Junior School Captain. Georgia’s family has a long history at Townsville Grammar. Georgia’s grandfather, Arthur Bloxham, was a long serving member on the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Board when it was decided to establish a Junior School. Sadly, Arthur Bloxham passed away in 1997 before the Junior School was opened. A building on the Junior Campus was named after him in recognition of his vision for the Junior School (pictured). Both Georgia’s father and her uncle are Past Grammarians. Her dad, Grant Bloxham (1984) was a Prefect in Year 12 and her uncle Craig Bloxham (1983) was School Captain in Year 12. Georgia is passionate about her School and is grateful for her teachers’ guidance and dedication. In fact, so much so, Georgia has decided that she would like to pursue a career as a teacher.

BloxhamConnection

PART OF GRAMMAR’S HISTORY



Grandparents and Special Friends Day was held on the last day of Term 1, at the School’s Annandale Campus. As a fitting end to the first term of the School year, Junior School students had a celebration day designed around their special friends and grandparents who were invited ‘back to school’ for the morning. Grandparents and special friends arrived in droves in Townsville, many from other cities, a number from interstate and even some from overseas, to be a part of this day with their grandchildren. Guests enjoyed a classroom visit where they were able to spend time in their grandchild’s classroom. This was followed by morning tea - as there were so many grandparents and special friends attending, this was certainly a very large morning tea! Soon after sharing a cup of tea, the grandparents and special friends were treated to a concert performed by talented Junior School students.

Grandparents &Special Friends Day

SCHOOL FOR THE DAYGRANDPARENTS GO BACK TO

the Coconuts Holiday Resort facilities by having a swim in the resort pool and a play in the adventure playground before watching a movie at their outdoor theatre.

The parents deserve a huge ‘thank-you’ for their support and assistance with the tour. The touring students were outstanding sportspeople and wonderful representatives for the School.

In early May, 25 Year 5 and 6 students travelled to Cairns for a three-day sports tour for both Rugby Union and Netball. Students played three games over two days against both Trinity Anglican School campuses and St Andrews Catholic College. This tour was the culmination of six weeks of selection, training and team meeting sessions to get ready for the competition. Students represented the School well with solid performances and outstanding ambassadorship. The netballers enjoyed two wins over St Andrews and Trinity Anglican Marlin Coast, while the rugby union players drew their first match with a gutsy second half fight back. However the effort took its toll on their energy levels and they were unable to back up that performance in the following game narrowly losing to Trinity Anglican White Rock campus. With the ‘business’ aspect of the tour out of the way the students enjoyed

TRAVEL TO CAIRNSJUNIOR SPORTS PLAYERS

In the first week of Term 2, the Year 7s travelled to the Atherton Tablelands for their camp at Lake Tinaroo. Each student on camp was placed in one of five activity groups, with each group having a mix of students from each Form class to facilitate the building of relationships and new friendships. The camp was packed with fun filled outdoor educational experiences including swimming in the lake, canoeing, raft building, orienteering, catapult building, team initiatives, circus skills and high ropes. Most activities required each team to work together using skills such as formulating ideas, making decisions, designing and constructing. The night time activities were also lots of fun. One night each group competed against each other in a series of races and events using balloons. The second night was an activity that required patience, camouflage and stealth. The lantern stalk involved all students, and some teachers, trying to capture the flag near the lantern in the dark of night without being spotted. On the final night the students were treated to a trivia night hosted by the Lake Tinaroo staff. After a long bus ride home, everyone returned to School safe yet tired and thankful for a wonderful experience. The success of the camp is due to the positive attitude of the students who attended and the outstanding effort from all staff involved. AT LAKE T INAROO

OUTDOOR EDUCAT ION

Year 7 Camp

JUNIOR SPORTS TOUR



USA Music TourCALIFORNIA HERE WE COME!

Preparations are well under way for the USA Music Tour which will occur at the end of this year. Thirty-three students from Years 9 to 12 will be travelling to the West Coast of the USA at the end of November to sing, learn and develop their musical experience. The Tour Choir, lead by the Director of Music, Mr Samuel Blanch, will present concerts, participate in workshops and see the sites in venues in San Francisco, St Luiz Obispo, Los Angeles, San Diego and Anaheim. The Tour Choir has been rehearsing since the beginning of the year and is making exciting progress. The repertoire will include music from a variety of styles including music with a specifically trans-Pacific flavour. Members of the Grammar community are encouraged to let friends and family living in California know about the tour so that they might attend the Choir’s performances and catch up with folk from North Queensland. The farewell concert will be presented on Sunday, 21 November.

In April, the children and staff of the Pre-Prep Centre dressed up as what they “wish they could be when they grow up.” The children and staff did this to raise money for the ‘Make a Wish’ Foundation that grants wishes to children who have a life threatening disease. The young students talked about all the things that they could do to help these children. Some suggestions were to give lots of money to help doctors find a cure for the disease and to play with the sick children to make them happy. A great suggestion was to make a card and send it to the hospital. The students stayed true to their word and made a card to send to the children who are in the Townsville Hospital undergoing treatment. Kerry Strickland, the Pre-Prep Centre Director didn’t tally up how much was raised for the ‘Make a Wish’ Foundation, but said that the “the donation tin did feel very heavy” and added, “we hope our small contribution is enough to help grant a wish.”

Townsville Grammar School is proudly a Yalari partnership school. What does this mean? This means that Townsville Grammar is one of 34 Yalari partnership schools in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. In conjunction with the Yalari foundation, we provide support for Indigenous children from regional, rural and remote communities and towns throughout Australia to gain access to a first-class secondary education through scholarships to attend some of Australia’s leading boarding schools.

Established in 2005, Yalari now supports 180 children around Australia. Yalari was founded by Indigenous educator Waverley Stanley and his wife Llew Mullins. Waverley’s own experience of attending boarding school at Toowoomba Grammar School over 20 years ago started him on the Yalari journey. Yalari draws its support from individuals, companies, philanthropic foundations and Government Departments. This year, Yalari is gaining a very public support from Australia’s leading rock band Powderfinger, as they have recently announced that they will be highlighting Yalari’s work on their forthcoming national tour.

When Powderfinger play in Townsville in October during their national tour, one very excited young Yalari man at Townsville Grammar School will be there to cheer them on and prove that the Yalari foundation are doing superb work in Australia for young indigenous Australians.

Partneredwith YalariINDIGENOUS EDUCATIONSUPPORT ING

‘MAKE A WISH’ FOUNDATIONSUPPORT ING THE

Make aWish Day



TGS has had some exciting building works happening at both campuses over the past 12 months. Construction has commenced on the new Performing Arts Building (please see above for artist’s impression). The state of the art facility is due to be open and ready for students to enjoy in mid-2011. This new teaching facility will include Drama classrooms, a Dance studio, a large ‘performance space’, a PA staffroom and important storage and toilet facilities. On Founders Day this year the Willmett Building (below right), a new upper primary building, was opened at the Annandale campus. The

building was named after Thankful Percy Willmett, whose relatives attended the opening ceremony (below left). Mr Willmett was one of the five founding Board Members who established Townsville Grammar School by raising finance for the building of a new Grammar School under the Grammar Schools Act of 1860. Basically, the Act allowed for the establishment of a grammar school in any town where £1,000 could be raised locally, which Willmett and his fellow board members achieved. Willmett was elected Chairman of the Board in 1888 and was the person to welcome Headmaster Hodges to the School. He resigned as Chairman in 1892. but he did remain as a Member until 1894.

WILLMETT BUILDING & NEW PERFORMING ARTS BUILDINGBuilding Works

This year students from TGS will have the opportunity to travel locally and overseas on a number of School organised tours. This year the tours include: · Music Tour to the United States· Junior School Sports Tour to Cairns· U14 Rugby/Netball Tour Sydney/Canberra· Ski Tour to New Zealand· Indonesian Tour to Indonesia and Malaysia and· French Tour to France School tours help students become independent, responsible, self-disciplined and well rounded young men and women.

ToursOUT OF THE CLASSROOM

TAKING EDUCAT ION



Past Townsville Grammar School student and former School Captain, David Coker (2002) was awarded a bravery medal in March at Government House in Brisbane for his courage to save his girlfriend Katie Antsee in the Mumbai attacks in 2008 (both pictured left). The pair were travelling to India to celebrate their graduation from Law at the Australian National University in Canberra. David and Katie had only arrived in India that day when the popular café they decided to eat at was targeted by a group of terrorists. Shooting randomly into the crowd, the couple initially thought that it was fireworks going off, but soon realised it was gunfire. “When I noticed red and yellow flashes on the floor behind Katie – that’s when I knew it was real,” David said. They ducked for cover with David covering Katie during the gunfire. When the terrorists reloaded their weapons, Katie and David tried to run to escape. Unfortunately, Katie was hit in the leg by a bullet and didn’t make it to the exit. Realising this, David ran back to her side to rescue her, just as the shooting started up again. He was grazed by a bullet and wounded by shrapnel, but he managed to pick Katie up and escape. “I didn’t realise what danger I was in, and I think it’s easier that way.” The couple have fully recovered from their injuries and are now living in Sydney. David is studying Medicine and Katie is working as a solicitor. During the three-day attack on Mumbai, more than 300 people were injured and nearly 170 people were killed.

(c) Newspix / Annette Dew

LocalGrownHero

AWARDED BRAVERY AWARDPAST GRAMMARIAN

So you think your house is busy at 7.30am? Spare a thought for the Likely family with six children, all attending Townsville Grammar School this year. Six lunchboxes packed, six lost socks/school bags/homework and six times as much washing and ironing! On any given day, there are six little Likelys running around the grounds of TGS. Amy (Prep), Tim (Year 3), Molly (Year 7), Isabella (Year 10), Benjamin (Year 11) and Tom (Year 12)

all currently attend the School, possibly a first in the history books for TGS! Thomas, the eldest, is finishing his high school educational career this year after being at Townsville Grammar School from Preschool until Year 12. Meanwhile, Amy is just starting school this year in Prep. With six children involved in sports, co-curricular and of course, their social lives, Mum, Shona, is definitely one very busy lady.

Six GrammariansA ‘ L IKELY ’ STORY


12 l SCHOOL COMMUNITY l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

Friday, 7 May was another spectacular event for the Black & Gold ladies with the Mothers Day Luncheon at the Coffee Club, The Strand. Nearly 100 mothers, grandmothers and even great-grandmothers attended this event with a theme of ‘celebrating motherhood’. In honour of the contribution that mothers make, many prizes and giveaways were awarded on the day. Special presentations were made to: Mother with the Most Children, Youngest Mother and Grandmother with the Most Grandchildren. Angelique Pickering convened the hard working Black & Gold supporters for this occasion and created a wonderful

community event, where each mother felt duly recognised and rewarded. Whilst the Coffee Club chefs created a great three course feast for all to enjoy, Cheryl’s Boutique provided a wonderful feast for the eyes with a cornucopia of beautiful race-wear and accessories displayed in a fashion parade for all to admire. Special thanks must go to Townsville BMW, major sponsors of this event. Townsville BMW’s generous sponsorship allowed the committee to be able to channel all profits from the event towards improving facilities for all of our children at the School, and this is very much appreciated.

BLACK & GOLD FUNDRAIS ING FUNCT ION

TGS’s Interact Club organised the collection of hundreds of non-perishable food items to donate to the Salvation Army for their 2010 Food Appeal, as part of their local community service programme for the year. As an incentive to the students to encourage donations, the Form class that collected the most food items will be treated to a pizza party. This certainly helped to create a worthwhile rivalry between classes, and increase the number of items collected. Raising awareness of the needs of others is an important part of the Community Service group’s motivation. A Food Appeal such as this one highlights the fact that there are many, even within our own

city, who require help and support. The TGS Interact Club has a charter of both local and international community service. The Salvation Army food Appeal is one very real and tangible way of helping those in need locally. Internationally, the complete eradication of polio has been a project of Rotary International for the last 20 years. This year, Townsville Grammar’s Interact Club is also contributing funds to the final eradication of polio in the remaining four countries where polio is still causing young children to be crippled for life. Through helping those who are much less fortunate than themselves, these students gain a far great appreciation of their own good fortune in life.

Supporting the Community

SALVAT ION ARMY FOOD APPEAL 1920s Cotton Club Dinner DanceFriday 13 August, Greek Community Centre

$75 per person or table of ten $750

Premium Table Seating with Marketing Opportunities AvailablePlatinum $2,000Gold $1,200 Silent Auction of Rare and Impressive Collectable ItemsMusic by Abbey Road featuring Ang Williams. Proceeds to go towards Townsville Grammar School & the Townsville Hospital Neonatal Specialist Retrieval Team.

DATE CLA IMERBlack & Gold

Mothers Day Luncheon


13 l PAST GRAMMARIANS l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

Two weekend newspapers on the ANZAC Day weekend dealt with LAWRENCE WACKETT (1912). The Townsville Bulletin had an article on Wackett’s years at Mundingburra State School where he is still regarded as their most famous past student. The Weekend Australian had an article regarding Wackett as the father of the Australian aviation industry and the role he played in designing the Boomerang, a war plane used during WWII. Thanks to NANCY ARMATI (nee BRAZIER 1944) for her most interesting letter in which she wrote about her years at the School at Rosslea. It is a wonderful description of the difficulties faced by the School in those days and also a glowing assessment as to how Tommy Whight, Headmaster at the time, coped with the many issues. Nancy Armati also fondly remembers ZÖE BURNETT (1944). Zöe died in 2007 but kindly donated a sum of money in her will to the School. Zöe was Head Girl in 1944 and also the winner of the Mary Agnes Donald Prize which in those years was presented to the girl student attaining the best results at the Junior Certificate. Some wonderful news regarding MIKE SUTHERS (1961) was received from ARTHUR BURKE (1961). Mike who is a Life member of the Association and was President during the Centenary year had a spell in hospital for close to one year. He is gradually recovering and is staying in Townsville where his health can be monitored. He is back to playing bridge at the Townsville Bridge Club and is having some success. BILL TWEDDELL (1967) (above) continues with his stellar career in government service. He is currently the First Assistant Secretary to the

America’s and Africa in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Prior to this Bill had been the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, the Deputy High Commissioner in London, the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau. Bill’s niece BELINDA PERRY (nee CUSACK 1995) is married to JAKE PERRY (1996). Belinda has been teaching at the School but is currently on maternity leave. CRAIG BLOXHAM (1983), head boy of the School in 1983, was recently a visitor in town from Perth where is rather busy as managing director of a firm that employs up to six hundred engineers. His brother GRANT BLOXHAM (1984) resides in town and is the proud father of Georgia who is the Junior School Girl Leader. Grant who previously represented Natal B in the Currie Cup rugby competition in South Africa and coached the Townsville Brolgas team is helping out with the Grammar under 10 team. EDWARD PLANT (1993) has resigned his commission with the Australian Army and has started his own consulting services in Canberra. We wish him all the very best in his new venture. It is always rewarding to hear news of the progress our former Papua New Guinea students are building their country. KUMALA GOTAHA (1996) works in the Tax Department in Port Moresby and has become an expert on international tax law. He was recently in South Korea for a conference on international tax law. Kumalau who was captain of the School’s very successful rugby union team in 1996 coaches a Colts team in Port Moresby. Other successful students in PNG include KIVI KORUO (1996), CALVIN SINGOMAT (1996) and RALPH BOAS (1996). Kivi works for Customs in the country while Calvin is involved in magisterial services in Lae. He also regarded as one of the best rugby union referees in the country. Ralph was working in the PNG Government Finance Department but has resigned to do freelance work. GODFREY WONG (1997) lives in Lae where he continues to run the family business.

MICHAEL ILO (1997) is an accountant with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Lae and PAUL PIPINGAN (1997) is an army captain and serving in the Solomon Islands under the RAMSI programme. PEPE GOTAHA (1998) lives in Port Moresby and works with the National Health Department. He recently attended a two week training course in Fiji. MICHAEL LUCK (1998) continues with his career in the NRL Competition. He is currently in Auckland playing for the Warriors and he has captained that team on a couple of occasions this season.

Two past students continue to make a name for themselves on the local rugby scene by playing for the Old Boys and the Townsville Brolgas. They are SCOTT O’NEILL (1999) who is teaching at The Cathedral School and DAVID JONES (1999) who is a barrister with the Department of Public Prosecutions. CAMERON MISKOVSKY (1999), a former member of the Old Boys Rugby Club is leaving to work in the mining industry in South Africa.

Well done to KATHERINE WILSON (2007) for winning the best first year performance for the Bachelor of Planning at James Cook University.

PastGrammariansNEWS OF PAST TGS STUDENTS

DID YOU GRADUATE IN 2000, 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960 OR BEYOND?

You’re invited to GRAMMAR@HOME 2010 - Saturday 14 August 2010School Tours • Sporting Events • Past Grammarians Reunion Dinner

Tickets on sale now • 14 August @ 6.30pm - Pier Restaurant, Townsville - $75 per person

Please contact the School on (07) 4722 4900 for more information


14 l PAST GRAMMARIANS l THE GRAMMARIAN 2010

Congratulations to MICHAEL WOODWARD (2000) and ANGELA HUDSPITH (2001) on their recent engagement. Michael is working with Korea Zinc and Angela joined the staff of the Grammar Junior School at the beginning of this year. Congratulations to KIM STEELE (NEE LAMBERT 1998) and David Steele (left) who married in August last year. Kim is the Assistant Director of Enrolments & Publications at TGS and helps out with the Past Grammarians Association. Congratulations to the following on recent additions to their family: To ANTHONY MARTIN (1993) and his wife, Jo, on the birth of their son, Samuel. To PATTI HALL (nee GLASGOW 1993) and Stephen on the birth of Lucas Keith, a brother for Sienna. Patti is currently on maternity leave from her position at the Junior School as a physical education teacher. To BELINDA PERRY (nee CUSACK 1995) and JAKE PERRY (1996) on the birth of Gemma (left). Belinda is on maternity leave from the School where she teaches History with great enthusiasm. To ALEXANDRA GOLLEDGE (NEE COLWELL 1998) and her husband, Jonathan, for the birth of their first child, David (far left).

To JANE GODSMARK (1991) and her husband on the birth of their son, William. His little sister Olivia, aged two years, apparently adores him.

It is with a great deal of sadness that the Association says farewell to some of our longest standing members. They were all great supporters of the School and the Association. BONUS INTRA: MELIOR EXI The death of TOM WETHERELL (1924) occurred on April 24. Tom, who was born on 11 February, 1909, was our oldest past student at 101 years of age. Tom attended Grammar from 1922-1924 and was a prefect in 1924. In the School History written in 1988 he remembers the explosion in the science laboratory that nearly destroyed the science building. Tom’s father was a Trustee of the School from 1928-1938 and presented the G.H.Wetherell Memorial Prize in 1929

for the best All-Round boy student in Form V. Tom’s two children, Anne and Peter, attended Grammar in the 1950s. Tom served as a Major in PNG with the Australian Army during WWII. ALEX TROTTER (1930) was regarded as one of the best photographers in Townsville. Alex who was a Life Member of the Association worked for the Townsville Bulletin and often had photographs on display in the City Library. He worked with Kim Allen on the History of the School and was responsible for many of the older photographs in the book. His son Gregory was a student at the School in the late 1960s and his daughter Linda worked in the School Office form 1966-67.

GRAHAM TUTTY (1937) passed away in January of this year. Graham was the only past student who served in the Merchant Navy during WII. After the war he joined the railways in Victoria and spent the rest of his life with that institution. Graham was an interested Past Grammarian and in his later years attended quite a few of the Reunions in Townsville. JUNE ROBERTS (nee WILLIS 1942) was married to GRAHAM ROBERTS (1933) for over sixty years. In her younger years June was a keen supporter of The Old Girls Association.

Vale OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES

FOR PAST GRAMMARIANS

CongratulationsMARR IAGES AND NEW BAB IES

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