Christ Church Grammar School

Annual Appeal / Christmas Appeal

The School’s Annual Giving campaign has raised $192,180 to date with $114,096 of this directed to the Old Boys’ Association Scholarship Trust – a wonderful contribution. In November, we will be mailing you about our Christmas Appeal also to support scholarships. We hope you will respond generously when that arrives! The goal is to offer scholarships to deserving boys who, for financial reasons, would not otherwise attend the School. In this way, we can make a real difference for individual boys. To download a gift form, click HERE

OBA AGM 20 October 2011

All life members are invited to attend the AGM at 6.00pm on Thursday 20 October at Claremont Yacht Club 

Agenda papers can be viewed by clicking HERE.
 

New Scholarship - Year 7 2012 - Help us find a Candidate

A new scholarship, established by the generosity of an anonymous donor, is being offered on the basis of financial need and is available to any Australian student. The scholarship will commence for a boy in Year 7 in 2012 and continue to Year 12 in 2017, subject to satisfactory progress. The scholarship will meet the full cost of tuition for six years.

This scholarship is not for a boy already at Christ Church but for a new boy to join the School and it is critical that the applicant can demonstrate financial need. For more information, speak to Andrew Baird in the first instance on (08) 9442 1528. Applications are open and should be addressed to the Headmaster. The application process is explained HERE. Please help us if you can by considering how you may bring this opportunity to the attention of any suitable applicants.

CCGS Foundation Art Collection - Exhibition Opening and Floor Talk

What is the CCGS Foundation Art Collection? The collection, established in 2001, comprises the School’s annual acquisitions made from funds allocated by the CCGS Foundation.

On Wednesday 19 October, from 6.00pm to 7.30pm, art consultant Michael Reid will open the inaugural CCGS Foundation Art Collection Exhibition and present a floor talk on the collection.

Old boys, parents, students and friends are invited to attend and enjoy a glass of wine as they make their way around the exhibition. Guests should meet in the Old Boys’ Gallery at 6.00pm.

While it is a free event, bookings are essential and can be made online at www.trybooking.com/XHI

Old Boy Supports Sporting programme

On 14 September John Harriott (1963) met with the Headmaster; the Director of Sport,  Anthony Lynch; Captain of Sport, Sam Foster; and Captain of Soccer, Hamish McCleary to present the school with a cheque for $5,000 to purchase GPS trackers which are a modern technology training tool with applications in a number of sports and in the PE Studies programme. John said “it gives me great pleasure to provide what assistance I can to enrich the sports programme by adding another dimension”. The headmaster responded that it was wonderful for an old boy to come forward and lend such generous support to programmes for the current boys.

Historic PSA Soccer Championship

The 2011 First XI made history last month when it became the first team to win a PSA Soccer Championship for Christ Church. It is the School’s best finish since the sport was introduced to the PSA competition in 1986. The team defeated Hale School in the final round of the season to seal victory and claim the Lawe Davies Cup. The Firsts went through the season undefeated with nine wins and three draws to finish with a total of 30 points – edging out Trinity on 29 points.

Director of Sport Anthony Lynch said the Christ Church outfit was clearly the team to beat from the start of the season. “They were consistent throughout and when they had to perform – they rose to the challenge,” Mr Lynch said. “In the last three games, they had to beat Trinity and Hale (last year’s winner). For them to go out and win these big games was a great reward for their efforts throughout the season.”

 Matthew Saville Exhibition

This is the Wild is the debut photography exhibition of old boy Matthew Saville (2005), currently on display at the Perth Centre for Photography (PCP), Northbridge. Since studying design in London, Matthew has been shooting photographs as an artistic practice for around three years. Last year, he was named the winner of the PCP’s Uncover exhibition, which showcases emerging talent and rewards the winner with a free solo exhibition the following year. Matthew’s carefully curated collection of photographs includes images from touring the United States with bands Tame Impala (of which old boy Nick Allbrook (2004) is a member) and MGMT during 2009 to 2011. Its common themes are freedom, identity and desire, “with images that bring beauty and hope to the dreams of a young Australian trying to find his path in life”.

The exhibition runs until October 23. Go to matthewcsaville.com or www.pcp.org.au for gallery opening hours.

Doctor Wanted for Pilgrimage of Hope India - January 2012

The Pilgrimage of Hope, an international service-based programme co-ordinated by Christ Church, is seeking a doctor to accompany the group on its next pilgrimage to India in January 2012. For details, click HERE

Class of 1981 (30 Year Reunion) Report

The Class of 1981 Reunion, held on Friday 2 September, started with a tour of the School by Headmaster Garth Wynne and was attended by a small but committed contingent. The group continued on to the Claremont Yacht Club, where the reunion finished around 11.00pm. A few even kicked onto Claremont. There were 25 old boys in attendance with another dozen apologising for their unavailability or living interstate or overseas.

Year group representatives Marc Nicholas and Rohan Nagappa did a wonderful job in mustering the troops. They said it was good to see people they hadn’t spoken to or seen for 30 years. “Apart from being a lot older, fatter and having less hair, we really hadn’t changed that much. I suppose the funniest aspect was looking at our final year photos; seeing how we’d changed and questioning where and what a number were now doing. Also the old stories of our time at school… it was amazing how big the fish had grown over the years. Ha ha.

“I suppose the most pleasing aspect of the night was that everyone was really happy to see each other. This was only reinforced by their desire to do it again sooner, rather than later.”

To see more photos from the 1981 Reunion, click HERE

Unforgettables Spring Gathering Report

The Unforgettables held their annual Spring Gathering, at the Mt Claremont Pavilion, on Wednesday 14 September. A highlight of the event was a visit by Headmaster Garth Wynne, who gave the old boys an update on recent successes, including the PSA soccer, surfing and chess wins, as well current and future developments of the School. Representing the Alumni Office was Dianne Bain, who came with a copy of the ‘School Song’, written in 1937, in a bid to find a tune - which she did! (See the Archives section in this newsletter for more details).

To see more photos from the Unforgettables Spring Gathering, click HERE

1971 First XVIII Reunion (Alcock Cup Champions)

Congratulations all those who attended the 40-year reunion of the 1971 First XVIII (the first team in Christ Church history to win the Alcock Cup), on Friday 23 September, for your collective contribution to a magical evening. Special thanks to our guests, Cliff “Camel” Watkins, Dean Bowker, Neil “Billy” Mildenhall and Headmaster Garth Wynne, for their kind words and comments shared with the group during the evening. Geoff Mitchell-Burden’s radio voice also once again provided us with an evening of humorous grace and organised chaos. It was sad, but understandable, that Gus, Gus, Gary, Ken, Michael, Rob and John (as well as ‘JT’) were unable to get there on the night however Geoff proposed a toast to all those absent teammates early in the evening.

A commitment was made on the night to try and get as many of us each year to meet for one home game at Mt Claremont and to have a luncheon every three years, so over time, all of us will be able to bond and enjoy the camaraderie of that “magic” season in 1971.

The items donated by Doug Young (signed football in presentation box), John Cramer’s moth-eaten jumper to be framed, Ian Avery’s honour blazer and pennants and my school badge from the 1971 jumper, were all received enthusiastically by the School. So in future years, if you are visiting the grounds, your little bit of CCGS history will be there for all to see.

Many thanks to Rumey, Geoff and Chuck for your roles in getting the event together and following up the players, as well as responding without complaint to my many emails and requests for meetings or tasks to be done. Thanks also to the OBA and President Rob Crossing for recognising the event as well as honouring the group with such a special memento from Jane Brook Estate. But the most heartfelt thanks goes to Andrew and Dianne, from the Alumni Office, for their support, encouragement and hard work in putting the night together.

May the magic continue,

Doug Meikle (Captain)

To see more photos from the 1971 First XVIII Reunion, click HERE

Legends @ Lunchtime

The OBA’s annual career development initiative, Legends @ Lunchtime, drew to a close last month and was deemed a great success. The interesting range of speakers, lunchtime catering and chance to win an iPad, brought in audiences ranging from 15 to 40 boys per session.

Thank you to the following legends, who gave their time: engineer and Evans and Peck principal David Meager (1971); electrician Mark Shirley (1999); David Adam (2003), who recently completed his medical degree and is working at Fremantle Hospital; Chef and WCIT lecturer Daniel Moore (1993); lawyer Matt Hudson (2003); AJ Ewers (2001), who completed a sports science degree and now runs his own personal training business; Peter Murray (1982), who spoke about his career in ICT and who now works for Apple; and stockbroker Leigh Travers (2003).

Adarsh Das (Year 12) was the winner of the iPad drawn at the final assembly of Term 3 and presented by Managing Director of XciteLogic Tony Panetta.

Old Boy of the Week Videos - Now in Rapid fire!

By now, you might have taken time out to view one of our Old Boy of the Week videos. If you haven’t had the time, our new format ‘RapidFire: 10 for 2’, could be more your style.

RapidFire: 10 for 2 is a pressurised interview format of 10 questions, which have to be answered in two minutes or under. The aim is to keep things fast-paced and answers’ quick-witted. The new format accompanies the existing videos to appeal to a wide range of viewers.

To check out the latest interviews online now, click HERE

To start connecting with your online alumni community, click below to choose your social network connection.

CCGS Gym and Swimming Pool - Community Hours of Operation (Term 4)

GYM
Mon to Thu: 5.00pm to 8.00pm

Old boys are required to present their Life Member tags to ensure entry into the Gym.

If you have needs outside of the available school gym hours, an arrangement has been made with Daly Difference for discounted rates and personal advice at their gym in Lemnos Street in Shenton Park. Contact Richard Daly directly on 0403 133 877 or richard@dalydifference.com.au and explain that you are a Life Member of the OBA.

POOL
Weekday Mornings
Monday to Friday: 5.30am to 7.00am (2 lanes available)

Weekday Afternoons
Monday to Friday: 5.00pm to 7.00pm (2 lanes available)

Weekends
Saturday: 7.00am to 6.00pm
Sunday: 12noon to 6.00pm (NB. Swimming competition on Sunday 27 November)

Memorabilia and School History Now Available

The Old Boys’ Association’s merchandise order form makes it even easier for you to purchase your CCGS OBA memorabilia. To view the latest range of memorabilia click HERE

Archives

School Song

Deus Dux, Doctrina Lux
The Motto of our School,
What’er our State both great and small
Shall guide us by its rule.

Deus Dux we ask of thee
For help to all mankind.
Doctrina Lux, we seek to learn,
How nations peace may find.

School of ours we owe to thee
All thanks our hearts can give,
For in our work and hours of ease
You teach us how to live.

Claremont Yacht Club

Claremont Yacht Club’s new Functions Manager Rob Rogers is looking forward to meeting old boys as part of the OBA’s social membership arrangement with the Club. Rob, who recently returned to functions management after a five-year hiatus in the finance sector, has previously worked in corporate functions at Mantra on Hay. “After working as a finance manager, I decided I’d had enough and it was time to get back to do something that I loved,” he said. Rob, who is a passionate Aussie Rules fan and coach in his spare time, said he was enjoying his new surroundings and the diversity of his role. He encouraged OBA Life Members to introduce themselves when next at the Club.

Remember, OBA Life Members can enjoy the Club’s bar and restaurant facilities (not jetties and boat ramp) and are entitled to bring up to five guests. In November, the Club will celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in style with a fabulous buffet luncheon. If you would like to receive the Club’s weekly email advising of events and current menus, email Rob at robr@claremontyachtclub.org.au or visit www.claremontyachtclub.org.au to view bar opening hours and menus.

If you are looking for a venue for your next function, why not consider the Club’s newly refurbished facilities? Drop by and take a look or contact Rob Rogers on 9384 8226.

Job Search

As a new initiative, we will publish requests for part/time, casual work and work experience being sort by younger old boys. So if you are looking for work of any kind, why not send your request to oldboys@ccgs.wa.edu.au for inclusion in the next e-Newsletter? The deadline for the next issue is Friday 25 November.

Member Updates

In December 2010, Sam Vandongen (1986) was appointed Senior Counsel by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Appointment as Senior Counsel is based on eminence in the practice of law. Sam is married to Merrilee Garnett and they have 3 gorgeous children. Sam occasionally paddles a surf ski or rides a malibu. He can also be spotted on the beach as a surf life saver for the Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club where he has been a member for over 15 years.

Brett Patten (1988) is currently ranked equal number one in the ITF World Over 40 Tennis Singles rankings. After winning the Australian O/40 Singles and Doubles Championship in January, Brett was chosen to play for Australia at the ITF World Championships, held in Christchurch, New Zealand, during February.
The World Championships were struck by devastating earthquakes. The ITF made the executive decision to cancel the World singles championships while the team events were diverted to locations around the country. Brett competed for Australia in the Tony Trabert Cup played in Timaru, about 160km south of Christchurch, and went on to win a World Championship Bronze Medal – the best result from an Australian O/40s team in 30 years. His good form moved him into equal world number one status.

Brett, along with his brother Darren Patten (1987), who is a former ATP touring and Grand Slam player, host Court Talk – Australia’s only dedicated tennis radio programme – on 91.3 SportFM. Court Talk airs every Sunday morning, recommencing for its second season this summer in October.
 

Old boy Daniel Moore (1993), together with fellow chef Chad Tilbury, was named the national winner of the Dilmah Professional High Tea Challenge, held in Melbourne, in August. The chefs, who represented the West Coast Academy of Hospitality and Tourism of Perth, beat hotels, restaurants and culinary schools from across Australia to claim top honours in the inaugural culinary competition. A Dilmah representative commented: “… the challenge saw the redefinition of High Tea, beyond the very traditional cucumber sandwich and hot, milky tea of the last century, to a distinctly modern, Australian occasion...” The pair was awarded a trip to Sri Lanka, which will include visits to the Dilmah Tea Gardens and the Ceylon Tea Trails and a holiday at the Relais and Châteaux luxury resort. During their visit, Daniel and Chad will showcase their Dilmah High Tea menu at a celebration at the Colombo Hilton’s Dilmah t-Bar.

Matt Rumenos (1997) was spotted in his local paper selling his wares at the Manjimup Farmers’ Market. Matt, who lives in Manjimup with his fiancée Donna, works in forest management for the Department of Environment and Conservation as a dieback interpreter. In his spare time, he has a passion for growing unusual plants including slow-growing trees from New South Wales and Queensland rainforests, rare fruit trees and 18 species of bamboo.

Ryan Dawson (2000) was recently made Assistant Policy Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR. After completing his degree in Economics at UWA in 2005, Ryan worked as a Policy Officer for the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy and then as a Departmental Liaison Officer to Senator the Hon Helen Coonan. He also spent time with AMP Capital Investors and the Victorian Department of Transport before becoming an Advisor to the Liberal Party. Ryan, who is visiting Perth in November, will be address Year 11 politics and law students at the School.

Todd Skipworth (2002) won a gold medal for Australia as part of the men’s lightweight four crew, at the 2011 World Rowing Championships, held in Bled, Slovenia, in September. The gold medal was Australia’s first in the boat category since 1981, a period in which three silver medals and one bronze medal had been won. CCGS Director of Rowing Steve Saunders said it was a deserved career highlight for Todd, who showed signs of a champion when he began rowing at 14. He stroked the 2002 First VIII to win the Head of the River on the final stroke. “Since leaving school, Todd has been training up to 40 hours a week. He is a very dedicated, focused individual - tough and tenacious - and a nice bloke to go with it.” Todd, who is also a qualified pilot, is now living and training in Tasmania in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics. Steve said the crew, which includes Trinity old boy Ben Cureton (1998), was now regarded as the top lightweight in the world. Despite Todd’s busy schedule, he continues to be a regular speaker at the School including this year's Y12 Valedictory Assembly later in October.

After growing up watching his father Mark Chrystal (1973) compete in many Avon Descents, Scott Chrystal (2006) decided it was time to take on the challenge. The race, which runs for 144km from Northam to Bayswater, is no mean feat. After a difficult first day, struggling with dehydration and fatigue, Scott managed to successfully navigate through the notoriously difficult maze of tea trees and overtake around 20 boats. On Day 2, after a 6.00am start in four degrees, he began to have fun, despite facing the most dangerous rapids for the first 40km-stretch down the valley. The final challenge of the race was the 36km-stretch on the Swan River to the finish line, “which after paddling over 100km on flowing water and now having to paddle into wind on a flat river, while all the power boats overtake you at 70km/hour, is a miserable experience.” However, spurred on by the encouragement from thousands of spectators lining the river banks, Scott finished 31st out of 200 (in the long plastic category) in just under 11 hours. “It was a fantastic experience and I can't wait until next year – hopefully with a few more months of training under my belt!” Also at the event was Tom Shalders (2005), the School’s current Boarding Recreation Officer and a residential boarding assistant, who was involved in running the event.

Old boys Daniel Harper (2009), Max Ward (2009), Tyson Rauh (2009), Henry Topley (2009), Jack Hoffmann (2010), as well as Tom Swarbrick, have high hopes for their progressive metal band Meridian. While currently unsigned, the band is looking forward to lining up as one of the supporting acts for Voyager on Saturday 15 October at the Amplifier Bar, Perth. Daniel, the band’s drummer, also teaches percussion at CCGS. To learn more about Daniel and Meridian, check out his ‘RapidFire: 10 for 2’ interview on the OBA YouTube Channel.

George Ford (2010) represented Australia in the 2011 Junior Men’s Water Polo World Championships, held in Greece, last month. The Aussies beat USA and Italy to make it to the top four - narrowly losing the bronze medal match to Greece - in what was the equal best result by an Australian team. George, who was the youngest member of the side by two years, recently returned home from Budva, Montenegro, following a training camp with the WAIS and VIS men’s squads.

Ashton Turner (2010) was selected in the Under 19 Australian Cricket Squad, which is currently on a three-week tour in India. The squad will take part in a series of matches against the hosts and Sri Lanka. The Cricket Australia website describes Ashton as “an all-rounder who bowls off-spin and is a powerful middle-order batsman. He also exhibits natural leadership skills and is highly regarded for these skills in the West.”

Calendar of Events

2011 PSA Golf Day

Friday 14 October
Cottesloe Golf Club, 11.30am

Class of 1976 (35 Year Reunion)

Saturday 15 October
Mosman Park Bowling Club, 4.00pm

2011 OBA AGM

Thursday 20 October
Claremont Yacht Club (downstairs), 6.00pm

Sundowner for Life Members 2011

Thursday 17 November
Claremont Yacht Club, 6.30pm

Former Staff Lunch

Monday 5 December
CCGS, 12.30pm

Unforgettables Summer Gathering

Wednesday 14 December
Sandover Dining Hall, 12.30pm 

Class of 2001 (10 Year Reunion)

Saturday 17 December
Claremont Yacht Club, 6.00pm