12
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST ANNE AND ST JAMES October 2013 NUMBER 52 Past Students claim victory at the Touch Football Challenge Inaugural Brisbane Reunion Year 11 Development Camp

The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

The Cathedral School Past Students' Association Newsletter - The Connection Newsletter - October 2013

Citation preview

Page 1: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION 1THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST ANNE AND ST JAMES October 2013 NUMBER 52

Past Students claim victory at the Touch Football Challenge

Inaugural Brisbane Reunion

Year 11 Development Camp

Page 2: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION2

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 2

KATIE NOONAN WORKSHOP 3

DAFFODIL DAY 4

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 5

FAREWELL DI SCOTT 5

YEAR 10 CAMP 6

YEAR 11 DEVELOPMENT CAMP 6

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 7

FOUNDATION DAY AND LAGOON DASH 8

REUNION WEEKEND PHOTOS 8

PAST STUDENT’S PROFILES 9

TOUCH FOOTBALL GAME 11

REUNION INFORMATION 12

ST JAMES CATHEDRAL ROOF RESTORATION 12

It has been a real joy to catch up with so many Past Students this year, and in particular I would like mention all of those who made it to Townsville for the Reunion Weekend Celebrations in July.

The prize for the year level who has managed to gather together the largest numbers of their former classmates this year has come down to a close battle between the Classes of 1963, 1988, and 2008. I have always wondered what brings back students who left the school 5, 25 and 50 years ago, but one thing is for certain, there is always someone in the group who decides they are going to make an effort to contact as many people as they can, and then hound them until they say “Yes, we’ll be there”. My thanks goes out to these “organisers” and I hope there are many more out there, ready to take on this role for their upcoming reunions, and in particular the Centenary Celebrations in 2017.

Here at school, the Past Students’ Association (PSA) is updating the school database with the latest and fullest information about all of our past students, both of St Anne’s and The Cathedral School. At the moment they are updating the email address, postal address and phone number from as many past students as possible. Once this has been done they will be sending out a class list to each alumni year and any students that we don’t have any details for will be highlighted. We will then be asking for your help in getting contact details for those past students. This is going to be an extensive task for the PSA but will be made easier with your assistance.

Mr Ian Gamack Principal

Pictured on the front: Year 11 student Clare McCook on the Year 11 Development Camp.

Principal’s Report

Contents

Pictured above: Mr Ian Gamack pictured with past Principal, Canon Len Nairn and past student, Claire Leyden-Duval (Class of 2006) on Foundation Day

With our centenary year approaching, we want our database to be accurate so that all past students can be kept informed about the planned celebrations, and we want to know the best way of keeping in touch with you.

Please complete and return the survey on the back of your mailing slip (postage paid) OR complete it online: www.cathedral.qld.edu.au/paststudentsurvey

Past Student Survey

Page 3: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION 3

Inspirational, stirring, motivating, moving, encouraging, beautiful…these are just some of the words that could be used to describe the workshop with Katie Noonan. Earlier this term, the Year 10, 11 and 12 Music students had the opportunity to participate in a video conference with the very talented Katie Noonan. Katie Noonan is one of Australia’s most versatile vocalists hailing from Brisbane, so this workshop was quite personal for her. Students were linked through the school’s video conferencing to Somerville House in Brisbane, where Katie performed and spoke with them. Throughout the workshop students were able to ‘tweet’ with other students involved in the workshop around the state through the use of Twitter. If you would like to see the feed you can find it #anatomyofmusic.

The students were given a small task to complete in the interpretation of the Gotye song “Heart’s a Mess”. All of the groups from Cathedral did a fantastic job with their renditions, which you may like to listen to on the school’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/cathedraltsv or scan the QR Code below to visit. Katie then gave our group feedback and they received tweets from other viewers and participants in the conference from around Australia (as it was streamed live on the web) about their performance. This was a fantastic chance for students to work with someone of the calibre of Katie Noonan.

Written by Ms Nancy Watkinson Middle/Senior School Music Teacher

“I’ve got a Golden Ticket!” must have been everyone’s reaction upon booking seats for this year’s Middle School Play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The play was in such anticipation that tickets were sold out weeks ahead of the opening night and more seats had to be added. The popular demand to see the Middle School Play demonstrated the amazing talents of the students in Years 7 to 9. The students performed admirably during both performances under the fantastic direction of Ms Kate McCaskill.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, is one of the most famous and beloved children’s books. It is also famous for its film adaptations. Despite the challenges of performing a story many children and parents already know, the students delighted audiences by drawing inspiration from the novel as well as adding twists to the original story.

In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka releases five Golden Tickets in separate chocolate bars. The recipients of these tickets are invited to a tour of Wonka’s fabulous Chocolate Factory.

Charlie finds a Golden ticket and with his Grandpa Joe joins four other children to the most marvellous factory! But not everything goes to plan.

The students’ performances were so uplifting that audiences were gasping, laughing and cheering through the scenes. Audiences were equally pleased by the extravagant costumes, colourful sets and the wonderful flowing Chocolate River. Credit was also due to the backstage crew, hair and make-up crew and coordinators of the play. Their support was integral to the success of the production.

Thank you to the students, staff and parents who helped make the show a success!

Written by Aidan Moston Class of 2010 graduate and University of Canberra Bachelor of Communications student

Middle School Play - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It was Scrumdidilyumptious!

”“

Live video workshop with Katie Noonan

Page 4: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

During August the Early Learning Centre held their annual Art Exhibition. In the lead up to the event every child from Babies right through to Pre-Prep created a piece of work to go on display. Each class also created a piece of artwork together which was auctioned off on the night by local property auctioneer and parent, Damien Keyes. The Centre raised just over $2,200 which will be used to buy new learning resources for the children. A big thank you to our very talented children, wonderful staff and parents for supporting what has become a very memorable annual event.

Early Learning Centre Art Exhibition

Daffodil DayAs we begin our journey into our senior year of schooling, we start to recognise our roles as school leaders and begin to accept the responsibility associated with this. Throughout Week 6, the Year 11 Chatham cohort, with the guidance of Ms Turner, organised and managed school activities for Daffodil Day. This group of students had the opportunity to work together; taking responsibility for the event which involved taking orders and delivering daffodils as well as conducting a sausage sizzle. This valuable experience provided us with a small insight into the challenges and expectations as the future leaders of 2014.

Since Ms Turner initially organised The Cathedral School to be involved in fundraising on Daffodil Day, our wonderful school has

made considerable contributions to the Cancer Council. This year, with the assistance of many members of the Year 11 Chatham cohort, Daffodil Day was another successful venture, raising $1,191 towards vital cancer research. Thank you to all who volunteered their time and to those who kindly donated to this worthy cause.

Written by Kayla Spragg Year 11 Chatham

Jump Rope for Heart

THE CONNECTION4

This term students from the Junior School jumped to be fit and healthy as part of the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart. The students from Year 2 to Year 6 skipped, hopped, criss-crossed and more in their Physical Education classes.

The students enjoyed the skipping activities and challenges set by Junior School Physical Education teacher Mr Michael Porter and many of the students actually managed to outshine Mr Porter with their impressive

skipping skills. Our students enjoyed the Jump Rope for Heart program and are looking forward to jumping on it again next year.

Written by Aidan Moston Class of 2010 graduate and University of Canberra Bachelor of Communications student

Page 5: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION 5

Farewell Mrs Dianne Scott

From Monday 12 August, students at The Cathedral School celebrated National Science Week with a variety of hands on workshops including; slime making (Monday), bull’s eye dissections (Tuesday) and flying robocopters (Thursday). On the Wednesday, a Science Food Fair was the focus, with foods such as ‘Volcanic Eruptions’ and ‘Conglomerate Rocks’ for sale to the students. This was a huge success and a profit of $200 was donated to the Lighthouse Orphanage. Finally, we ended the week with seven teams competing in the traditional “Quiz in the Quad”. Georgina Kanowski, our quiz master, did an excellent job at testing the students on their

knowledge of the ‘Australian Scientists’ featured during the week. Congratulations to the winning team; Alyx Fox (Year 12), Georgia Manthey (Year 12), Thomas Butson (Year 9) & Simone de Nys (Year 8).

This week wouldn’t be possible without the help from many of our senior science students. We are so lucky to be surrounded by very generous and enthusiastic youth.

The promotion of science during this week showed students how interesting and interactive science can be. It would be great to see this result in more students studying in science related fields in the senior school and post school.

Written by Mrs Rebecca Smith Middle/Senior School Science Teacher

It is with mixed emotions that I announce to the school community that Mrs Dianne Scott will be retiring at the end of this school year. Mrs Scott has been a part of our school community for the last 30 years, as a parent, a grandparent and as a teacher. Over the years, Mrs Scott has taken on many roles beyond her classroom teaching role, originally starting as a part time teacher and eventually moving to full time. Mrs Scott has been an outstanding mentor to the teachers within the Junior School and also to the many pre-service teachers who have come through the school.

One characteristic I value about Mrs Scott is her willingness to change. Over the years, she has been presented with many new things – technology, new curriculums, new styles of teaching etc, and every time, she has embraced these with true passion. I have found Mrs Scott to be a true professional, always considerate of others and always doing all that she can to ensure the continued academic, spiritual and social development of the students in her care. I know that she is looking forward to this next phase in her life; however, she will also certainly miss the school community as well.

Written by Mr Paul Taylor Head of Junior School

National Science Week celebrations

Page 6: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION6

2013 House ResultsWell done to all the students who have contributed to this year’s House competition. The results are in:

Placing House Score

1st 37.2

2nd 36.3

3rd 31.4

4th 26

Senior

Placing House Score

1st 40.2

2nd 39.3

3rd 27.4

4th 24

Middle

Activities contributing to this competition include Plays, Swimming Carnival, Musicals, Cross Country, Debating and the Athletics Carnival.

Year 10 Outdoor Education

Year 11 Development Camp

The Year 10 students had a great time on their nine day adventure through the islands north of Townsville. They spent three days crewing the 32m gaff rigged sail training ship South Passage, snorkelling on the fringing reef at Pelourus Island, trekking the length of Orpheus Island and doing mangrove studies on Gould Island. All this plus beach Olympics kept all the students involved, busily entertained and challenged.

This nine day camp will stay in the students’ memories for years to come and is often mentioned when past students reminisce at school reunions.

Take a look at this great video by the Outdoor Education staff, Jannah Brown and Michael Wearne, showcasing the amazing things the students experience on this adventure. Scan the QR code to view

Written by Mr Richard Johnson Director Outdoor Education

All is quiet in the row of camouflaged hutchies, hunched in straight lines against the brittle morning air. Beneath the shelters lay a huddle of squishy fabric worms, otherwise recognised as Year 11 students curled up in their sleeping bags. Despite the grime that smothers their faces and the definitive aroma that pervades the air, the scene is almost peaceful. That is until... ‘GET OUT OF BED! HURRY UP, GET UP YOU SLOW COACHES, GO! GO! GO!’ Blank gun shots are fired into the air, tents are shaken and roars rent the morning air as half-dressed students stumble out of their groggy slumbers and leap straight to attention. Such is the way of Development Camp with The Cathedral School.

Last term, 19 & 20 June, 120 students attended a two day army experience at Lavarack Barracks, to learn leadership skills in preparation for the upcoming challenges of Year 12. During the time spent under the command of army personnel, students were given the opportunity to practise with fire-arms in a weapons simulation, tackle the training obstacle course, learn more about first aid, listen to a lecture about potential military careers, try out night vision goggles and participate in an ‘observations lane,’ all the while being subjected to discipline drills by the Physical Trainers, more commonly referred to as ‘PTs.’ The course was designed to both physically and mentally test students, and to create an environment where teamwork was not only a necessity, but an inevitability.

Highly enjoyable and educational, Year 11 Development Camp is an experience that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Written by Georgie Juszczyk Year 11

THE CONNECTION6

Page 7: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION 7

I really enjoy the time of year when The Cathedral School comes alive with excitement for the annual Foundation Day celebrations. The stage gets set for the Foundation Day service, runners get ready for the annual Lagoon Dash and the kitchen bakes 1,300 pieces of cake for the whole school community to enjoy.

This year’s Foundation Day service was held in the newly upgraded Rock Centre which was officially opened after all the renovations. We had Claire Leyden-Duval, a past student from the class of 2006, as special guest speaker to address the students. It was great having her back at the school; sharing many of her experiences of her time here at Cathedral and especially the boarding memories.

Following the service, it was then time for the Lagoon Dash. The Past Students team was made up of recent graduates, Lachlan Porter - 2011, Emma Josselyn - 2011, Edward Dawson - 2010 and Stephanie Prizeman - 2012. The cheering was very loud for the Bragging Rights race but unfortunately the Current Students were just too quick for the Past Students and Staff team runners.

That Friday evening we welcomed the Class of 2008 back for their 5 year reunion. This was the best turn out we have had so far for a 5 year reunion! It was great catching up with this year group and hearing what they have been up to since they finished school.

The Saturday afternoon was the School Tour and Afternoon Tea. I think this is my favourite part of the Reunion Weekend celebrations. Past students can look back on their years at the school and see what changes have been made. Girls’ boarding always gets a mention, with their newly refurbished and air-conditioned rooms. Our girls sure do live in luxury!

At the Afternoon Tea we also held our Annual General Meeting. I would like to congratulate the new committee members - Johanna

Richardson, Vice President, Val Carson, Treasurer, and Karen Lane, Secretary. I was also fortunate to be elected as your President for another 12 months. We were sad to say goodbye to long-standing member of our committee, Yvonne Melville, who resigned from her position. I would like to thank Yvonne for all the work she has done over the years. For the last few years Yvonne has spent many Tuesday mornings in the school office going through and collating hundreds of photos for the association.

The Reunion Dinner was held on the Saturday night and what a lovely evening it was! We had the String Quartet playing on the Function Lawn to welcome our guests and then during the evening we had the singing of the school hymn, a roll call of each of the years and I also started a bit of a House war. There’s always been a strong rivalry between the four Houses and that tradition still remains. We also heard from our Principal, Mr Ian Gamack and our Past Students Scholarship recipient, Katelyn Guirguis.

I must say a thank you to our wonderful boarding students who waited the dinner, they always do an exceptional job. We were also very grateful to have our Head of Boys Boarding, Mr Mark Muguira drive some of the past students home after the dinner.

The Past Students rose garden is looking healthy once again thanks to two of the school’s wonderful cleaners, Jan and Sue. Both ladies approached me and asked if they could improve the rose garden that was looking quite dull. The roses have been brought back to life and I would like to acknowledge these two ladies for their work.

Earlier this month we had the Class of 1988 come back to the school for their 25 year reunion. The group enjoyed a school tour and morning tea hosted by myself and Mr Ian Gamack. It was wonderful to see about 30 past students back at their school, some for the first time since they had graduated. We also had the chance to watch their senior’s video over morning tea which was a real laugh!

Speaking of reunions, I’m really looking forward to attending the Brisbane Reunion on Saturday 12 October at St Margaret’s. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with new and familiar faces who now live down in Brisbane. If you have already purchased your tickets please see the back page for more information.

I always look forward to the end of the school year and it’s not because of the eight week school holiday break, but because of the many school functions that take place. From Presentation Nights to the Boarders’ Final Dinner and the Year 12 Valedictory Service; these events show that the sense of community at the school is alive and well. The faces at Cathedral are always happy and friendly which makes it a great place to be. If you haven’t visited the school for a while and would like to come in for a look, you are always welcome to pop in.

We have been gradually updating our database, but we need your help. If you have recently moved house, changed phone numbers or have a new email address we would love to hear from you. You can update your details by emailing [email protected] or phone the school office on 4722 2000.

I would like to thank the Past Students’ Association Committee for all their dedication and support. I look forward to the next 12 months as we keep working to improve the association.

Written by Tom Porter President, Past Students’ Association Class of 2007

Past Students’ Association President’s Report

7THE CONNECTION

Page 8: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION8

Foundation Day and Lagoon DashThe School’s 96th Birthday was celebrated in style on 19 July; with Foundation Day Celebrations and Reunion weekend events all proving a great success. Our guest speaker on Foundation Day, Claire Leyden-Duval (Class of 2006) spoke with great sincerity about her time at the school and her fond memories of her Cathedral school days. Our school Captains Brayden Fracchia and Bridget Boles were also very impressive and received warm applause from their fellow students.

Being able to hold this ceremony in our newly completed Rock Centre was a real highlight of the day, and it was indeed a very gratifying feeling to be sitting on the Rock Centre’s expansive new stage seeing the whole staff and student body sing the School Hymn at the conclusion of the service. Former Principal Canon Len Nairn and his wife, Vada were guests at the service and they were both very pleased to be back in the Cathedral community for the day’s celebrations.

The annual Lagoon Dash was fought out following the service, with the Langton House Girls and More House Boys winning their respective races. Even the Staff team with secret weapon Matt Bailey (pre-service teacher and former Australian 400m champion) were unable to beat the current students in the Bragging Rights race. Following the race our students, staff and guests all enjoyed the School’s 96th Birthday cake and headed back to class with a clear reminder of how fortunate we are at The Cathedral School.

Foundation Day allows us to celebrate what we have achieved as a school and to give thanks to God for the abundance of resources, facilities and opportunities.

Mr Ian Gamack Principal

Class of 1988 - 25 Year ReunionOn Sunday 8 September we welcomed the Class of 1988 back to school for their 25 Year Reunion celebrations. The group enjoyed a school tour, morning tea on the Function Lawn and even reminisced over their seniors video which was watched in one of the classrooms. We look forward to seeing this group back at the school in five years’ time for their 30 Year Reunion

8 THE CONNECTION8

Page 9: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION 9

Reunion Weekend Photos 2013

THE CONNECTION 9

Page 10: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION10

Past Student Profiles Aidan Moston

Andrea Kirwin

Class of 2010 graduate Aidan Moston has recently returned to old stomping grounds to complete an internship program as a part of his Bachelor of Communication degree at the University of Canberra. Aidan spent two weeks working in the school’s Marketing and Communications Department on a variety of tasks including writing articles for this newsletter – you can read them throughout. Aidan also spent a bit of time putting together his own Past Student profile…

I was a student at Cathedral for six years, 2005 - 2010. My fondest memories of my time at Cathedral were Geography classes, representing More House, Year 10 Camp and the 2010 New Zealand Ski Trip.

Upon graduating, I moved to Canberra to study Public Relations at the University of Canberra. The support I received from my teachers and friends at Cathedral inspired me to support myself during my time at university by working at the Australian Institute of Sport and Club Med.

As part of my degree I have had to complete an internship program. So I arranged to work somewhere I didn’t think I’d ever return to, The Cathedral School.

I had the opportunity to interact with teachers and students from Prep to Year 12. My former teachers were amused by me referring to them by their surnames and it was hard getting into the habit of calling

them by their first names. It was equally amusing for my brothers Erik (Prep) and Damien (Year 9) to see me walking around the school.

My aspiration is to become the PR consultant of a professional football team based either in England or Spain. However, for the time being I have decided to return to Townsville upon completing my university degree (end of 2013) where I plan to join the Past Students Association and take part in many of Cathedral’s programs.

Thank you to those who made my return to Cathedral an enjoyable experience. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Aidan Moston Class of 2010

Andrea Kirwin was a boarding student The Cathedral School from 1996 - 2001. A proud representative of More House and member of the school choir, her time at Cathedral was one she will never forget.

Since an early age Andrea has had a very keen interest in classical music. After finishing school, her love for singing inspired her to pursue a career in music. She dedicated seven years to touring Australia performing as part of the “Andi and George Band” as well as under her own name. A talented musician and singer, Andrea has blended her own combination of Island-style folk and Soul themes to produce an intriguing and passionate debut album, “From the Ground Up”.

What years where you at The Cathedral School? 1996 - 2001

What House were you in? More House

What were your favourite subjects at school? I loved Art, History, Sport and Music at school.

What activities were you involved in during your time at school? I was part of the choir, interschool sporting teams and the girls boarding house Kardinia. I also remember painting a backdrop for a high school play “The Labyrinth”.

What are your greatest memories of The Cathedral School? I enjoyed hanging out with the boarders and playing sport at lunch. Another highlight was the sports carnivals and days out with the girls visiting The Strand or going to Cowboys games.

What have you been up to since leave The Cathedral School? I left Cathedral in 2001 to complete my final year of schooling at Geelong Grammar to study under the International Baccalaureate program. I then attended the Australian National University and completed three years of an Arts/Law degree before choosing to follow a career in Music. I formed a band with friends called “The Andi and George Band” and performed at some of Australia’s biggest music festivals including The Dreaming, Woodford Folk Festival and Womadelaide in 2008. After teaching singing, song writing and guitar for a few years I have now released my debut Album, ‘From the Ground Up’ (available on iTunes) and will be performing at this year’s Woodford Folk Festival over the summer singing with my sister Litia Kirwin and band.

Do you have any advice for how Cathedral students can get further involved in Music and to pursue their dreams? There are so many opportunities to be creative with Music in Australia. Whether it be as a songwriter, performer, manager, venue booking agent or in film and television. If you have a passion for music follow it! Queensland has one of the most supportive Music Industry environments. Start getting in touch with organisations like Qmusic and Bigsound and find opportunities and competitions you can get involved in. It’s a great industry to be involved in and there are many jobs around Music and Entertainment that you can find if you are passionate about what you do!

Take a look at Andrea’s new music video http://youtube/i7Rl2oxIfTM or visit her website www.andreakirwin.com.

THE CONNECTION10

Page 11: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION 11

Congratulations to the Past Students team for winning the annual Touch Football Challenge on Sunday 15 September. Finally, after four years the Past Students were victorious in winning the shield and can add their name to the honour list.

Thank you to everyone who came down to the game and either played or cheered on the team.

Earlier this year, Class of 2012 graduate, Candice Bode, was awarded with the 2013 R.M. Williams Outback Horsemanship Training Scholarship at The Longreach Pastoral College.

Hailing from Prarie in western Queensland, Candice has had a keen interest in all animals from an early age with a particular interest in horses. The selection panel for the scholarship unanimously agreed that her application was outstanding.

Candice started at The Cathedral School in Year in 2008 and was a Prefect and Girls Boarding Captain in her final year of schooling.

The Cathedral School congratulates Candice on this fantastic achievement and wishes her the best of luck with her future studies in Agriculture.

Horse enthusiast Candice Bode wins the chance to follow her dream

THE CONNECTION 11

Current Students Vs Past Students Touch Football Challenge

Page 12: The Connection Newsletter | October 2013 | Number 52

THE CONNECTION12

100

School Centenary approachesFollowing our 95th anniversary last year, attention is now turning to the next major milestone in the life of the school – our centenary year in 2017.

While this may seem a way off, the PSA Committee and School Executive members are already discussing ideas to make this a very special commemoration of our history, and a wonderful celebration of achievements over the years.

In particular, we are keen to gather memorabilia and photographs to augment the collection at the school, so if you have any items to donate (or loan) to the school, please get in touch with me.

We are also looking at collecting information on significant achievements of past students e.g. Australian level representation in sport, significant academic or political achievements or military honours.

If you can provide information to update our records on past student achievements, please email it to me.

Thanks, Toni Lanphier [email protected]

The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James

PO Box 944, Aitkenvale QLD 4814 154 Ross River Road, Mundingburra

2014 Reunion Weekend Date ClaimerMark in your diaries now for the 2014 Reunion Weekend Celebrations – Friday 25 – Sunday 27 July 2014.

St James’ Cathedral Roof Restoration

A large proportion of our past students live in the south-east corner of Queensland, so the PSA Committee has decided to host a reunion event in Brisbane this year. This allows past students to ‘connect’ with their old school without having to travel to Townsville. If successful, this will become a regular event – ideally, organised by past students living in the area.

For this first event, we have planned to keep it casual – just a friendly gathering of people from all ages. Our youngest past students are still at university, but we also have some in their 90’s living in Brisbane, and we would love to see you all!! Here are the details:

Date: Saturday 12 October

Time: 4pm - 6pm

Venue: St Margaret’s School - Arts Centre Foyer

Address: 11 Petrie St, Ascot

Format: Smart casual dress. Light refreshments and non alcoholic drinks will be served.

Cost: $10 per person

Bookings: Online www.cathedral.qld.edu.au/brisbanereunion or phone the school office on 4722 2000 to pay using your credit card over the phone. Bookings close 1 October.

Brisbane Reunion – Sat 12 October

Program of events:

Friday 25 July Class of 2009 Five Year Reunion – Drinks by the lagoon

Saturday 26 July School Tour and afternoon tea and Reunion Dinner

Sunday 27 July Church Service at St James Cathedral

Volunteers are required for our year group contact for the Class of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2009, if you would like to help out please make contact with Mrs Toni Lanphier via email - [email protected]

Alas because of the unplanned work required on the spire, St James’ Cathedral roof restoration will take much longer and more money than planned. The good news is that the plans to rebuild the spire have been approved and work will recommence soon.

The difficult news is that the Cathedral will remain closed for all of September and October and we have a significant funding shortfall. If you or any friends would like to donate, you can make a tax deductible donation to The National Trust St James Cathedral Conservation Appeal. Cheques can be posted to PO Box 1244, Townsville QLD 4810. If you contact [email protected] or 07 4771 4175 information can be provided on other ways to make your donation. We thank all those who have generously contributed so far.

Telephone: (07) 4722 2000 Facsimilie: (07) 4722 2111

Email: [email protected] Web: www.cathedral.qld.edu.au