The Connection Newsletter | April 2015 | Number 55

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST ANNE AND ST JAMES APRIL 2015 | NUMBER 55

ContentsMatty Doyle Memorial Shield for Outstanding Effort 2

Celebrating Success 3

Spamalot 4

Keith Payne VC OAM visits Cathedral 5

Year 5 opens the doors to their new classroom 6

President’s Report 7

Congratulations Cathy McLennan (Class of 1988) 8

Class of 2014 Welcome Back Lunch 9

Cathedral’s newest Dentists! 10

Book now for Reunion Weekend 2015 11

What do teachers do on their holidays? Matty Doyle

Memorial Shield for Outstanding EffortCongratulations to Natalie Farmer who was awarded with the inaugural Matty Doyle Memorial Shield for Outstanding Effort. Natalie was presented with the shield on assembly by Matty’s parents, Stephen and Sharon at the end of 2014.

Thank you to the Smith family who donated the shield after reading Matty’s memorial in the April 2014 Connection newsletter as their eldest daughter Nikyta (also pictured) was Matty’s Year 7 buddy when he was in Year 12.

Renee Smith (Class of 2004) has returned to her stomping grounds this time as the teacher not the student and is currently teaching Year 2. Recently, Renee asked her class “What do teachers do on their holidays?” and here are some of their responses…

On the holiday’s teachers sometimes do weird things, like playing video games at home in their bedroom. They even play video games on the couch. They even play at school even when we are working! No one even knew that teachers could play video games!

By Daniel McDonald

On the holidays I saw a teacher riding a monster truck that crushed cars ran a red light and she was listening to country music!

By MacKenzie Fisher

On the holidays teachers go to the beach with their family, they go out to have dinner and then they go shopping to get clothes. They go to their Mother’s house to look after them.

By Braden Rebgetz

On the holidays I was just about to get into the car when I saw a teacher driving a limo with a dog, cat, bird, fish, and shark swimming in a pool at the back of the limo! She was playing her wii on top of the limo for her gymnastics! Why are teachers so crazy?

By Toby Riley

Left: Ms Renee Smith with two of the budding writers, MacKenzie Fisher and Braden Rebgetz.

With the School’s Centenary year and 100th birthday less than two years away, the Connection will become the main source of information, particularly for the St Anne’s Old Girls and The Cathedral School’s Past Students. There will of course be event information on The Cathedral School website as it becomes available and emails will be sent directly to former students when necessary. Our great hope for the Centenary is that huge numbers of St Anne’s and Cathedral past students are able to return to the school in its 100th year. A number of events will be run around our Foundation Day weekend which will follow our Foundation Day Celebrations on 28 July, 2017.

In the lead up to the Centenary, the school is very interested in receiving up to date contact information for as many of our former students as possible. To that end, we are asking Connection readers to contact the school (details below) to assist us in updating our past student database. As I have mentioned in a previous Connection article we will soon be releasing details of the Centenary Project centred around the school’s lagoon. While the project will be modest in size,

it will focus on this very important school landmark, and will display the names (those that we have in our database) of all the students and staff that have ever attended or worked at St Anne’s Church of England Girls’ School and The Cathedral School of St. Anne and St. James.

To be clear, ladies and gentlemen, it is time to get out your address books - hard covered, digital or your favourite social networking site - and start to call or message those old friends who you used to share the bustling halls of Heatley House, Sister Frances or Akins Boarding Dorms with. 2017 is the year you need to plan to be back at school, and we know that your old school and your friends will be very pleased to see you.

Updated contact details for yourself/classmates/friends can be sent to:

Email: [email protected]

Send us a message through the PSA Facebook page www.facebook.com/TheCathedralSchoolPastStudents Association.

Mr Ian Gamack Principal

Principal’s Report

ANZAC DayStudents and staff of the school had the privilege of marching in Townsville’s ANZAC Day parade on 25 April, commemorating the 100 years of service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. It was a very important day for the people of Townsville and to see so many children and adults of all backgrounds acknowledging the Centenary event truly affirmed how lucky we are as a nation, a city and as individuals.

Calling all Old Girls and Past Students!

THE CONNECTION 2015 2THE CONNECTION 20151

SpamalotSpamalot, the popular musical based on Monty Python’s Holy Grail, played to four very appreciative audiences last year. The school received an extraordinary amount of praise for this funny, irreverent and exciting show. The show featured a gifted main cast, and was supported by a group of talented singers and dancers. We were fortunate to have a group of extremely dedicated staff assisting throughout the preparation. Mrs Orr and Miss Watkinson worked tirelessly with the chorus and lead singers creating a beautiful, rich sound. Ex-student, Melissa Prince (nee Feather) once again created some clever choreography for the specialist dancers. Mrs Smith, ably assisted by the Year 11 Dance Captain, Bella Stanton, ensured that the dancers were well prepared

for each performance. Mr Triffett once again took on the responsibility of Stage Managing the show, and organised the exceptionally hard working backstage team. We were very lucky to have another ex-student, Ashley Baxter, commit to this project as Musical Director – Band. Using some of Townsville’s best musicians and a small group of talented Cathedral student musicians, Ashley dedicated many, many hours to ensuring the band’s sound was magnificent; many audience members assumed we had used a professional backing track. Without the support of these people, the show would not have been such a success.

For those who have not seen a Cathedral School production, it is something that you should add to your life’s bucket list! What the teachers and students, and in particular Ms Turner, manage to achieve over those six months of rehearsals is something special and out of the ordinary. I would like to thank all that were involved with this entire process, for without this opportunity I would not have had the chance to fall in love with Drama and become so confident in many other areas of myself as a person.

Curtis Rayment (Sir Lancelot)

I’m so glad the last school production I could be a part of was such a brilliant one. Everyone worked so hard and so many people came out of their shells when they saw how encouraging the cast and crew were towards each other.

Clare Simpson (Brave Sir Robin)

It is an excuse to sport outrageous outfits, to cross the cultural divide between middle and senior school, and to let loose your inner diva, exposing a side which is often dormant in everyday school activities.

Georgie Juszczyk (The Lady of the Lake)

It’s been a week or so since Spamalot ended and I’m suffering from PPDD ( Post Production Depression Disorder). It’s hard to believe the show is over and that I’ll never be able to go back and experience all the memories made.

Flynn Willocks (King Arthur)

Celebrating SuccessThe Cathedral School has had its most successful year yet with its 2014 graduates achieving the best academic and vocational results the School has seen.

The results for The Cathedral School OP eligible students were - 25% received an OP 1-3, 70% received an OP 1 - 10 and 90% of students received an OP from 1-15. Special congratulations must go to the five OP 1 students (pictured above), Nicola Arratoon, Harry Butson, Georgie Juszczyk (School Dux), Kayla Spragg and Thomas Townson.

On the vocational front, 50 students were enrolled in Vocational Education programs with 28 receiving a Certificate I, 33 a Certificate II and 8 with Certificate III qualifications.

Principal Mr Ian Gamack said “These results add to a very successful year for Cathedral students both in and outside of the classroom. However, none of this would have been possible without the considerable hard work from our dedicated and supportive staff and I thank

them for all the assistance they have given our students to reach their potential in an environment that values excellence and a life-long commitment to learning.”

As incredible as these results are, one of the other important measures of success at The Cathedral School is that students gain entry into their chosen field, whether it be the workforce, an apprenticeship, a traineeship, TAFE, or a tertiary institution. On this measure, the 2014 cohort can boast a 100% success rate.

Kayla Spragg was delighted to be offered a place in Veterinary Science at James Cook University. “For me, this is a dream come true,” she said. “I worked very hard for it, and am so pleased I have been successful.”

Ryhs Mitting-Jones completed the first year of his chef apprenticeship whilst still at School and was able secure a full time position at Jam Corner. Rhys said “I’m so excited to be working at one of Townsville’s best restaurants and having already completed my first year, I’m well on my way to becoming a fully qualified chef.”

The key to the success of Cathedral’s Senior pathways program is the individual approach that it provides to meet students’ needs. Having meaningful and achievable goals keeps them focused and motivated as they complete their senior phase of schooling.

Beginning in Year 10, each student - in consultation with the Careers Officer - charts their own pathway, based on their academic ability, personal strengths, interests and career aspirations. There are many opportunities for the students to explore their interests further during their final years of school such as workplace visits, certificate courses, work experience, university open days and presentations from guest speakers.

These programs, together with the diverse curriculum and the dedicated teaching staff, ensure that the school is delivering on its goal of Educating for life-long success.

Ms Jillian Turner Director


As we prepare to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landings we are reminded of our responsibility to the future of our great country. My Great Grandfather, Keith Payne VC OAM, visited our school on Monday 16 March to talk to the students about responsibility. He said that the young diggers who landed at Anzac Cove felt a great responsibility to defend our nation.

These soldiers left their homes and families to keep us safe, where they didn’t have to, but they chose to, and this is why we can live the way we do, in peace and harmony. Great Grandad spoke to us about how we, as future leaders in our community and country, are responsible for upholding the tradition that started on 25 April 1915, and carried on throughout the century by soldiers, sailors and airmen of our defence force. I can remember a story being told to me by Great Grandad that, “Freedom is not free”. I looked at him with a puzzled look and noticed he had that faraway look in his eyes when he replied, “Someone always pays”. He said unfortunately soldiers will die and for them the family grieves. He also said that soldiers who are lucky to come home are forever changed.

I believe that it is our job to help the returned soldiers in whatever way we can as I told Great Grandad that, that is our “responsibility”.

Mikealie Payne Year 5

Keith Payne VC OAM Visits Cathedral

Harmony DayOn Friday 20 March we celebrated Harmony Day in the Junior School.

Harmony Day means to me that everyone in the world needs to appreciate and take in all the cultures in the world.

On the day some parents set up stalls from five of the continents, America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Australia. We got to experience how other people live in these countries through food, art and craft, dance, music and other activities.

I helped out on the African stall, it was wonderful. The food was amazing and looking at some of the artwork and the dances were incredible.

I believe Harmony Day is very special and it should be celebrated all over the world.

Halina Matison Year 5

Australian Junior Athletics Championships Track and FieldSam Warner and Tayla King, both Year 10, have recently returned from the national track and field championships. Both students are to be congratulated on running personal best times in their respective events.

Sam dropped his personal best in the 400m heat from 53.11 to 51.57 then finished 7th in the final.

Tayla ran in both the 200m and 400.She was a little disappointed with her 400m time of 60.91 as she had been consistently running sub 60 second times in training however she was particularly excited to run a personal best time of 25.93 for the 200m.

Tayla has also been selected in the Regional Australian Athletics team to compete at the Oceania Championsips in May, well done Tayla!

During Term 1 the Year 5 students made the move into their brand new flexible learning space. With all the wide eyes, large grins and the “oo’s’ and “ah’’s” it looked and sounded like they were impressed with the space. Here is what some of the students had to say...

These new state-of-the-art classrooms are both stylish and colourful with lots of flexible furniture and whiteboards. This makes it a better place to learn.

Alice

My favourite part of getting the new classroom was that we could see the parts of the classroom that we designed. I also like the movable furniture and how we are able to move the chairs and tables.

Jacob

The Year 5 classroom is amazing! All of the colourful furniture is movable for our comfort. It is very open for us and very BIG!

Kayleigh

The new flexible learning space makes me feel like I’ve got more than enough space to move around and feel comfortable. We can move around and choose where we sit. I love it!

Savanah

Our new Flexible Learning Space (FLS) is spacious, creative and movable. I love the FLS because when you want to sit, lay, or do anything with a piece of furniture, you can keep it where it is or you can move to a more comfortable or desirable place. When you do sit in places or go somewhere where the teacher can’t see you, you are building trust so the teacher can rely on you to do things.

Halina

This room absolutely amazed me when I first saw it because of the glorious form of the room, the cloud-like couches and the absolutely amazing cave. This room has everything needed for a well- earned day of Writing, Maths, History and English.

Nathan

Year 5 Flexible Learning Space Classroom


It’s always exciting starting a new year and 2015 has started with a great deal of enthusiasm and activity. But before I start on this year’s excitement, I want to update you on what has happened since our last Connection.

The end of 2014 was very busy. We held our annual Past versus Current Students Touch competition, but this year we decided to implement Netball as well. This was a great move as more past students took to the court. I even had a go at netball myself and I was sore for about a week after the event. The current students took out the prized trophy (again)! The current Year 12’s were excited about coming back to compete next year as past students.

Every November the PSA awards a scholarship to a Year 11 student going into Year 12. We had lots of applications and it’s always great to see what our Year 11 students are doing in the school. At the interviews, they tell us about their perspective on the school and the passion they have for it. This year the committee decided to award the scholarship to Katie Sutcliffe. She has been to our committee meetings and is already helping out a lot.

We then moved onto the part of the year which reminds me of 2007 when I was graduating from this wonderful school. I now think I am very fortunate to be the President of the Past Students’ Association. In a change from previous years, the Year 12 students had a special Valedictory Service at St James’ Cathedral on the Wednesday night. This was a beautiful service and truly a memorable occasion. Then I was lucky enough to address our Year 12’s of 2014

on their last day and let them know about the Past Students’ Association and what we offer them.

It’s been a busy start to 2015 with a lot happening. We have had one meeting this year and got the ball rolling. We know that our centenary is only 2 years away and our committee is working hard to bring you some amazing events in conjunction with the school. We held our first working bee going through old archives and dusting off old trophies – there will be many more of these in coming months!

In February, we welcomed back about forty past students from the Class of 2014 for their Back to School Lunch and it was great to hear where our most recent graduates have gone to and what OP’s they achieved. This was our biggest turn out since starting this event.

This year I was approached by the Parents and Friends’ President Margot Stanton who said ‘Tom it’s time for a Past Students team in our Trivia Night.’ Well I organised our PSA Committee members to make up a team and we had a wonderful Saturday night in the Rock Centre and… we even won the trivia night! Mr Gamack commented that the school is obviously ‘educating for life long success’.

We have presented the House Spirit trophies again this year and it’s always great to see students get their cheer on and wow, it was impressive. I could hear the noise from Boys’ Boarding. This year the Middle and Senior House Spirit trophies went to Chatham. The Junior one is still to be awarded and that will happen at their last swimming carnival in April.

I am very lucky to now work as a classroom assistant in the Junior School and appreciate all it has to offer. I was very happy to hear about their history program - in Term 1 they learn about Heatley House. We took the Year 2 classes on a tour conducted by Mrs Toni Lanphier. It was great to see the amazed looks on their faces and their interest in the history of the school. I even took time to tell them about the Past Students’ Association.

I love meeting up with past students and have caught up with many over the past few months at various locations and events. I hope that all of our past students make contact with the school and if you’re in town please drop in for a tour of the school. There are many people here who would show you around.

We are still chasing items of significance for the 100 years of the school. If you have something, we would love to add to our archive collection. We are happy to record and send items back if you want to keep them, or you could just send us details that you think would add to the history of the school.

It’s been an exciting start to 2015 and I look forward to what this year has to come and the events that are coming up like reunions and Foundation Day. There will also be news about the centenary plans that will be revealed over coming months, so keep a look out for this. Please if you want any information don’t hesitate to email me [email protected]

President’s Report

Rest in Peace Eileen Margaret Parminter (nee Armstrong)Eileen Margaret Armstrong attended St Anne’s from 1949 to 1954 and was More House Captain and a Prefect in her final year. Once finished school Eileen then went on to attend Teachers Training College.

Her married name was Eileen Margaret Parminter and she resided, until recently, in Salisbury, Brisbane. Eileen peacefully passed away on the 31 October 2014.

Eileen’s poem from the 1954 Dawn Magazine…

Rough seas breaking on the shore, White waves playing;

Sailing ships from foreign lands Distant trees a-swaying.

Labourers busy on the docks Toil, while seagulls play:

Is this simply doomed to be Our life, for e’ver and aye?

Maybe if we strived for less And worried less of gain,

We would achieve like wind and sea Existence free from pain.

‘This strange disease of modern life’ if it Could only be – less fruitless

Void of doubts and fears Intent on happiness.

Bat ah! If everyone were judge And thought the world his stage,

How would our lives be ordered then, What comfort in old age?

Nay, we must serve and serve alright, Then will our lives become Not patterns of a lost ideal,

But Ideals – everyone.

Eileen Armstrong (Form VIA)

Cathy McLennan (Class of 1988)Congratulations to Class of 1988 graduate, Cathy McLennan who was recently appointed to the Bench as a Magistrate in Southport. Cathy studied her Law degree at James Cook University in Townsville and is the first graduate of JCU to be appointed to the bench. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Magistrate McLennan was a barrister for over 20 years. She had a general practice with a focus on criminal law, succession, administrative law, personal injury and family law.

2014 was a busy year for Cathy as she also won the Queensland Literary Award for ‘New and Emerging Writer” for her narrative non-fiction manuscript, Saltwater People.

Congratulations Nathan Toll Congratulations to Class of 2010 graduate, Nathan Toll who was awarded Young Citizen of the Year at the Townsville City Council Australia Day Awards for his outstanding service to the local community. Well done Nathan!

Tom Porter President Past Students’ Association

Class of 2007


Past Students V Current Students Touch Football Challenge 2014On Sunday 14 September the annual Past Students V Current Students Touch Football Challenge took place. This year’s challenge involved two games; Touch Football and Netball. Unfortunately the Past Students went down in both games leaving it to the Current Students to win the Shield. Despite the loss, everyone had a great time out on the School Oval on a Sunday afternoon!

Cathedral’s Newest Dentists!December 2014 saw the first three past students from The Cathedral School graduate from the James Cook University Bachelor of Dental Surgery course. After five years of study, Lauren Page (Class of 2009), Nicholas Guthrie (Class of 2009), and Louise Hanrahan (Class of 2008) graduated from the course having spent their final year of study treating patients in Alice Springs, Darwin, Townsville, and Launceston.

Lauren Page was the 2014 recipient of the Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons Award, presented to the student receiving the highest academic result during their final year of study, as well as a university academic medal for her excellent results over the last five years.

Lauren currently has a full time position at a private dental clinic in Port Perie, South Australia.

Two of our past students have also been successful in applying to the Voluntary Dental Graduate Year Program, which offers 50 positions across Australia in private and government clinics. The program is designed to help graduates transition into working as a dentist by providing a wide range of clinical experiences as well as a self-directed study program. Nicholas Guthrie currently has a position with the program in Robina, Queensland, while Louise Hanrahan is based in Mudgee, New South Wales.

All three graduates have graduated as pioneer students for the dental degree, which has only graduated one cohort of dentists before them.

They have done exceptionally well over the last five years, and can be expected to contribute not only to the dental profession but also the communities they work in.

Congratulations Dr Page, Dr Guthrie and Dr Hanrahan!

Class of 2014 Welcome Back LunchOn 11 February, The Past Students’ Association welcomed back the Class of 2014 for lunch to celebrate their fantastic results before they all head off to university, work or travelling the world. We wish them all the best with their future endeavours.

Western Queensland Drought Relief FundraisingLast year The Cathedral School community raised almost $12,000 to support Western Queensland families struggling with the drought conditions. Various fundraising events were held such as House Days, the Unite this Night 5km Twilight Walk, raffles, sausage sizzles and more.

We are pleased to announce that the fundraising money was well spent on delivering calf and lamb feed to families to help support their livestock. Pictured below are two calves from the Medill family in Ilfracrombe (between Longreach and Barcaldine) named St Anne and St James, after the they were raised on donated calf feed after losing their mother’s to the drought.

$8,000 was donated to the Isolated Children’s and Parents’ Association (ICPA) who are a voluntary and non-profit parent body dedicated to ensuring that all rural and remote students have equity access to a continuing and appropriate education.

Thank you for the generosity of our wonderful School Community in raising money all year for this very worthwhile cause, our rural and remote families appreciate it.


Bookings are now open for this year’s Foundation Weekend events.

Please book online for any of these functions at http://www.trybooking.com/HAKS.

Class of 2010 Come to your first ‘official’ reunion. Drinks and nibbles at the Birdcage

on Friday 24 July 5.30 – 7pm.

School Tour and Afternoon Tea All are welcome to come and view

the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ on Saturday 25 July 1.30pm – 4pm.

Annual Reunion Dinner All are welcome, but especially

the ’10 year’ groups of 2005, 1995, 1985, 1975, 1965 etc.

on Saturday 25 July at 6.30pm. Canapes plus two-course meal

cost $45 per person.

Bus transport is available into town after the dinner – included in the online booking form.

Reunion Weekend Contacts 2010 - Darby Walmsley

[email protected]

1985 - Annette Nelson (nee Muguira) 0437 502 105 [email protected]

1965 - Ngaire Tagney 0412 480 593

[email protected].

Brisbane Reunion After the success of our inaugural Brisbane reunion in 2013, we are planning to hold another reception in Brisbane this year.

Date: Saturday 10 October, 4pm – 6pm

Venue: Arts Centre, St Margaret’s School, Albion

Bookings for this will open soon Check the school website http://www.cathedral.qld.edu.au/our-community/past-students-association or ‘like’ our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CathedralSchoolPastStudentsAssociation for updates.

Tell us your story … be part of the school’s historyIn the lead-up to the school’s centenary, we are asking past and present students and staff to ‘tell us your story’ as a way of illustrating the rich tapestry of the school’s history. Over the years, the school has gone through many changes, but it is the people, their values and their experiences, that have created the life and character of the school, and this is what we seeking to preserve.

So, do you have a story to share about your time at St Anne’s or The Cathedral School? It may be a general reminiscence about your school days, or a particular incident that stands out in your memory. We would love to hear about it! Length does not matter, nor does your writing style – just get it down and send it in!

It is our intention to publish such stories in a commemorative book in our centenary year. Please send us your story and include a photograph or two from your time at the school to go with it. If you would prefer to tell us your story orally, please get in touch and we will organise someone to talk with you and record your story for you.

Please send stories or queries to: Toni Lanphier (Registrar)Phone: 07 4722 2000Email: [email protected] Post: P.O. Box 944 AITKENVALE Q4814

Our own opera singer returns Ben Connor (Class of 2005) will be back in Townsville for Foundation weekend, and will be guest speaker (and singer!) at

the school’s Foundation Day Service on Friday 24 July.

After leaving school, Ben completed his Masters in Music at ANU, and then moved to Europe to follow his dream of establishing a career in opera. For the past 4.5 years he has been living in Vienna and working as a member of the Soloist ensemble at the Vienna Volksoper.

He fondly remembers the time he spent at Cathedral, especially his involvement in various music ensembles and performances, and is looking forward to being back in Townsville.

He and his wife (Sonia Anfiloff also a singer) are also planning to stage a public concert while they are here, so if you would like to hear Ben and Sonia sing, watch our website and Facebook page for further details.

Reunion Weekend 2015

THE CONNECTION 201511

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The Connection Newsletter | April 2015 | Number 55