Published on: 21 November 2014





A number of Christ Church boys and staff were part of the recent Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award celebrations commemorating 50 years of the award in Australia. Boys had an opportunity to meet His Royal Highness the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, who was in Australia for five days to attend celebrations.

Headmaster Garth Wynne, School Marshal and Award Leader Ken Allen and 17 boys attended three events over two days. Presently, 140 Christ Church boys are engaged in the international award scheme, in which young people participate in a number of activities around the components of physical recreation, skill, service and expedition.

On Friday, two receptions were held at Frasers in Kings Park with the Prince in attendance. The first was to recognise the schools and organisations that run the award, at which Prince Edward made special recognition of Mr Allen for his services to the award.

Mr Allen said he admired the work of Prince Edward over a number of years. “He has been the driving force behind the new corporate image and standardisation of the award globally, making the award truly international,” he said. “To receive recognition, presented by someone who has earned my respect, is certainly one of life’s special moments.”

Christ Church’s Saxophone Ensemble, directed by Paul Millard and featuring six boys from Years 8 to 12, also performed. Later in the morning, Bronze and Silver awardees and Gold participants Rory Bett, Christian Keller and Michael Lukin (Year 11 students) attended a second reception for participants.

On Thursday evening, Prince Edward attended a fundraising dinner in the Grand Ballroom at Crown Perth, at which eight boys from Years 9 to 11 who are engaged in the award, volunteered to help during the evening.

Mr Wynne said he was very proud of the boys who participated in the award and he encouraged others to do so. “To be a recipient of this award, at any level, is an achievement that really sets them apart,” he said.

Photographs courtesy of Alana Blowfield