February –
March 2012
BREAKING NEWS
(L-R) Louis de Bernières, Koko and Nelson Woss.
Red Dog wins Best Film at "Aussie Oscars"
Congratulations to the film’s producer Nelson Woss (1986).
Koko the kelpie and all the crew involved in Red Dog have cause to celebrate after the surprise box-office smash was named Best Film at the first ever Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards at the Sydney Opera House last week.
While the star of the film wasn't there to get his paws on the award, Nelson had brought Koko's collar along as a lucky charm!
Photograph courtesy of Woss Group Films.
2011 Graduates Set New Benchmark
The 2011 Year 12 academic results continued the School’s record of excellence as well as breaking records. This year, a new School and State record was set, with 10 of the possible 42 General Exhibitions won by Christ Church boys.
The Association congratulates its newest old boys and exhibition winners pictured from left: Harry Breidahl, Declan Davis, Guy Coleman (reclining), Ruaridh Williamson, Hugh Edwards, Fraser Wallace, Brian Wong and Ellis Xanthis. Patrick Davis and Tim Geller were unavailable for the photograph.
Of the 170 WA Certificate of Education (WACE) externally-assessed students who sat for the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR):
• 20 (11.8 per cent) obtained an ATAR of 99 or more, putting them in the top one per cent of students across the country.
• 31 (18.2 per cent) were in the top two per cent.
• 55 (32.4 per cent) were in the top five per cent.
• 79 boys (46.5 per cent) were in the top 10 per cent.
• The average ATAR for the year group was 85.
• 15 were awarded Certificates of Distinction.
• 23 were awarded Certificates of Excellence.
Of the 11 WACE Wholly School Assessed (WSA) students, six completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course; one is continuing VET and one finished a Workplace Learning course.
Oxford bound…
General Exhibition winner Declan Davis (2011) has been accepted into Oxford University. Declan is among a handful of Australian students who have been offered a place straight out of school. More than 17,000 students worldwide apply for about 3000 undergraduate places, of which only 10 are offered to Australian students. He will study politics, philosophy and economics when he starts later this year.
Other 2012 destinations for Christ Church’s top 10 include:
Harry Breidahl – Commerce at University of Melbourne (scholarship). Deferring in 2012 to work and travel.
Guy Coleman – Science at UWA (Medicine)
Patrick Davis – Commerce at UWA (Philosophy)
Hugh Edwards – Arts at University of Melbourne (scholarship). Deferring in 2012 to work and travel.
Tim Geller – Science at UWA (Genetics/Engineering)
Fraser Wallace – Arts at University of Melbourne (scholarship). Deferring in 2012 to work and travel.
Ruaridh Williamson – Science at University of Melbourne (Mathematics/Music)
Brian Wong – Science at UWA (Medicine)
Ellis Xanthis – Science at UWA (Law). Recipient of UWA Excellence Award (part of UWA Fogarty Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships Programme).
Class of 2011 Morning Tea - Friday 25 May, 10.00am
Old boys from the Class of 2011 are invited back to school for a Morning Tea on Friday 25 May from 10.00am. It will be an opportunity to catch up with teachers and to collect the 2011 Mitre. A personal invitation will be sent closer to the date.
Old Boy and Staff Member Receive OAM
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| Glyn Llanwarne (1982) |
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| Mick O’Sullivan |
Two members of the Christ Church community were awarded Medals in the General Division (OAM) of the 2012 Australia Day honours list. Lieutenant Colonel Glyn Llanwarne (1982) was recognised for services to veterans and their families and Army Cadet Co-ordinator Mick O’Sullivan for his service to youth, “particularly through the Christ Church Grammar School Army Cadet Unit”.
About 12 years ago, Glyn came across some war medals at an auction and was overcome with a desire to return them to the serviceman they belonged to. From there, he embarked on a private mission to reunite lost war medals with their rightful owners, in his spare time, through Lost Medals Australia. To date, he has returned 1061 medals to their owners or descendants and is currently researching about 200 others.
Glyn, who lives in Canberra, said he was really surprised when he received the letter from Government House. “I felt very humble that what I do would be considered worthy of national recognition,” he said. “I’ve always tried to have the focus be on the family I contact, or the veteran whose medals I’ve returned, so it is a bit odd to be the centre of attention.”
Mick, who has worked with Christ Church for 23 years and as Army Cadet Co-ordinator since 2004, said: “I feel so fortunate to have been employed at Christ Church doing exactly what I love doing, that its amazing to be rewarded in another way with this honour. I really do feel a bit guilty.”
As a result of Mick’s work at the School, the cadet unit has been recognised as the most successful in WA for many years and directly responsible for guiding and nurturing many young men into military careers.
2010/2011 Leavers - Defensive Course Rebate
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Four years ago, the OBA introduced an initiative in response to alarming statistics of young people in serious car accidents. Since then, the OBA has been offering a $100 rebate to young OBA life members, who complete an advanced driving course within two years of leaving school. In addition, old boys will receive a 10% discount on the advertised price at the time of booking.
There are now three courses available through the RAC Driving Centre:
1. Driver Enhancement Course DTEC 1
Half day, $195 (with own car)
2. Defensive Driving Course DTEC 3
Full day, $350
3. Defensive Driving On Gravel Roads DTEC 6
Full day, $350
To receive the 10% discount, phone the RAC Driving Centre to book on 9479 5754 and quote the promo code ‘Christ Church Grammar School’. On completion of the course, please fax, email or post a copy of your certificate to the OBA and we will process the $100 rebate via cheque. Please note there is only one rebate per person.
Christmas Giving
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Congratulations and thank you to all old boys who made a tax-deductible gift to our Christmas Giving campaign for scholarships. Your gifts have raised $19,514 for the Old Boys’ Association Scholarship Trust and $20,165 for the Centenary Indigenous Scholarship Fund. A total of $39,679 with gifts still being received! Thank you.
Unflappables Summer BBQ - Friday 20 January
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Forty-three Unflappables gathered on the Walters Lawn, on a hot summer’s day, for their annual barbecue. The morning had been stormy and thundery all over Perth but by noon the sky had cleared and the thermometer was heading towards 36 degrees!
Alistair Dowling (1956) and Barry Jones (1955) drove from Albany to attend, as did David Hicks (1954) who unfortunately was a late cancellation due to ill health. Dexter Lee (1956) attended from London and Grant Fergusson-Stewart (1956) from Vancouver. Our overseas visitors assisted with the raffle draw with proceeds going to the OBA Scholarship Fund. Winners of wines, from Vasse Felix and Flametree Wines, were Denis Hodges (1951) and Gordon McRae (1952), who are pictured here with Grant and Dexter.
President Hamish Jolly (1983) attended for a short while and spoke to the group, introducing himself and congratulating the Unflappables on their attendance and support of the Association. Headmaster Garth Wynne stayed for lunch and chatted amongst the group – some of whom have grandchildren currently attending the School.
2012 Events
Save the date! All old boys are invited to attend the CCGS Community Cocktail Party – a Parents’ Association and Old Boys’ Association event – to be held on St Patrick’s Day, in the Chapel Forecourt, from 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Tickets are $55 per person and can be purchased through TryBookings. Come dressed in green for what is sure (to be sure) a great night. Support the 2012 First VIII as they defend the School’s title on Saturday 31 March, from 8.30am, at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. Old boy rowers are also invited to attend the Head of the River Sundowner on Friday 30 March, at Claremont Yacht Club, from 5.30pm. For directions to Champions Lakes, click here for map. All old boys are invited to attend the annual Beverley & Districts PSA Dinner on Friday 27 April, at the Beverley Golf Club, from 7.00pm. If you are interested in attending, please contact Alumni Officer Andrew Baird on 9442 1528 or abaird@ccgs.wa.edu.au. Join old boys from other PSA schools for a day of match racing on the Swan River. Old boys interested in participating in the College Cup, held at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (Sunday 6 May at 9.00am), should contact Alumni Officer Andrew Baird on 9442 1528 or abaird@ccgs.wa.edu.au. Spectators are most welcome. Golfers, young and old, are invited to play in the annual OBA Golf Day, held at Mosman Park Golf Club, on Friday 11 May at 11.30am. Official handicap not necessary. To register for this annual event, contact Alumni Officer Andrew Baird on 9442 1528 or abaird@ccgs.wa.edu.au. Lock it in! The third annual Battle of the Bands will be held on Thursday 14 June at Claremont Yacht Club. It is not too early to register your band’s interest for the popular event. Contact Alumni Officer Andrew Baird on 9442 1528 or abaird@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Head of the River Sundowner & Regatta – Friday 30 and Saturday 31 March
2012 Beverley & Districts PSA Dinner – Friday 27 April
College Cup Sailing – Sunday 6 May
OBA Golf Day – Friday 11 May
Battle of the Bands – Thursday 14 June
Archives
Lost Boys
This photograph, taken in 1989, is of Year 8 art students. Do you recognise anybody? If anyone knows the names of those who appear in this photograph, please contact School Archivist, Freida French, on (08) 9442 1532 or ffrench@ccgs.wa.edu.au. To view the photograph in full, click here.
Donations
If you have any items related to your time at Christ Church that you would like to donate, please contact School Archivist Freida French on (08) 9442 1532 or email ffrench@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Community Programmes
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The ongoing partnership between UWA Extension and the FutureSphere at CCGS continues to provide a variety of digital programmes to the community. There are a number of new courses on offer this summer. To view the summer brochure, click here.
Claremont Yacht Club
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Remember, OBA Life Members are automatically social members of Claremont Yacht Club (bar and restaurant facilities not jetties and boat ramp). On Saturday 18 February, old boys interested in becoming crew members are invited to the Club’s New Members’ Day. Try sailing a laser or dinghy, or join a current member onboard their yacht. There will be a sausage sizzle and all ages are welcome. If you are interested, contact Tara on 9384 8226, 0408 662 112 or tarar@claremontyachtclub.org.au.
Other events at the Club include an a la carte menu for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday 14 February and a twilight sail and barbecue on Anzac Day (Wednesday 25 April).
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 Bar and Functions Manager Tara Richardson (see above for contact details) or visit www.claremontyachtclub.org.au to view events, bar opening hours and menus.
Job Search
Colin Thomson (2006) is looking for part time or casual work in any capacity. Colin is a mining engineer, who currently works eight days on/six days off. He is keen to earn some extra money on his days off in Perth to go travelling later this year. If you think you might have something for Colin, please contact him on 0407 989 319 or at colthomson@hotmail.com.
Are you a younger old boy looking for work? If so, send your request for part time, casual work or work experience of any kind to oldboys@ccgs.wa.edu.au for inclusion in the next e-Newsletter.
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
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YOBS Sundowner Unforgettables BBQ Class of 1961 Annual Luncheon CCGS Community Cocktail Party Head of the River Beverley and Districts PSA Dinner College Cup OBA Golf Day Class of 2011 Morning Tea Battle of the Bands |
New Cufflinks Available
The OBA’s new cufflinks, styled on the Centenary sculpture Stand By Me, are now available. The cufflinks are $50.00 and are available in red, gold or silver. If you would like to order a pair, contact Alumni Officer Andrew Baird on (08) 9442 1528 or abaird@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
To view other memorabilia, click here.
Member Updates
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In October 2011, Winthrop Professor John Newnham (1969) led a delegation of senior UWA faculty academics on a trip to China aimed at increasing collaborations with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Nanjing University (NU). John is the Head of UWA’s School of Women’s and Infants’ Health and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science. Winthrop Professor Peter Leedman (1974), from the School of Medicine and Pharmacology Royal Perth Hospital Unit, was also a representative at a translational medicine research symposium in Shanghai. John, who is also the honorary director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NU, said a visit to the clinical school of the General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command – a paperless hospital and potential new faculty partner under the agreement with NU – was a highlight.
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Photographer Steve Ferrier (1979) headed back to school in January to snap Christ Church’s 2011 General Exhibition winners for the West Australian. Steve has been working at the West for the past 32 years. Last year, Steve won the Best Spot Photograph Award at the WA Press Photographer of the Year Awards for his image of a water bomber attacking a fire along the Kwinana Freeway.
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After reading the story about the Christ Church Cadet Unit’s 75th Year Anniversary in the last newsletter, Michael Leary (1981) sent us some photographs of senior cadets and staff along with a trophy he won in 1981. Michael was awarded the baton as the top Cadet Under Officer in Western Australia in his final year. According to Michael, to win the baton you had to attend, and top, the CUO Course, which was open to all cadet units in the State, both school and area based. “I believe it was the last course to be held at Kingston Barracks at Rottnest as the Army left the Barracks in about ‘81 and handed them over to the Rottnest Island Board. Winning the award meant that at things like the Northam Cadet Camp, which was held each year, the baton winner was the Commanding Officer for the camp’s final parade and various other activities.”
Michael believes it was called either the ‘Sir Frank or Sam Worrell Baton’. If you were also a recipient of this trophy and can shed some light on the name, please contact School Archivist Freida French on (08) 9442 1532 or email ffrench@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
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Former military officer Major Tim Hawson (1982) was recently appointed to the staff at Christ Church. After completing an Arts degree in town planning at WAIT, Tim joined the Army in 1985 and was posted to Townsville where he served in the Infantry Corps. Two years later, he was selected for the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) and posted to Campbell Barracks in Swanbourne where he specialised in water operations and diving. He fulfilled a number of command appointments over the years and in 2000, was commissioned as an officer. Tim served in a variety of capacities including second-in-command of the Regiment, and completed many deployments to theatres of conflicts including East Timor, Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and Iraq, along with postings to the USA and UK. His new role at Christ Church encompasses administration in the Facilities and Maintenance areas and Risk Management Officer. Tim is thrilled to have an opportunity to work at Christ Church and is amazed by the growth and development at the School since his departure 30 years ago.
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Paralympic gold medallist Joshua Hofer OAM (1991) met Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Garden Party, held at Government House, last October. Josh was among the 1200 special guests at the event, which was held during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. While many were lucky to catch a glimpse of the Queen, the swimmer was able to speak to her. “I shook her hand and everything, she said she was glad to see me,” he told Inside Edge (Edge Employment Solutions newsletter). “I told her I was going to London next year, she was quite pleased about it.” Twenty years after winning gold at the Madrid Paralympics, Josh hopes to be selected in the Australian Paralympic Swimming Team and to repeat his success in London. When Josh isn’t in the pool he is busy making deliveries around Royal Perth Hospital where he has worked for the past 18 years.
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After achieving the highest score ever (81.0) by an Australian Chorus at the International Barbershop Championships in America and ranking 19th in the world, Bodi Ledwij (1999), second from left, and Vocal Evolution returned to Australia to compete in the National and Pan Pacific Barbershop Championships. The Pan Pacific Championships are held once every three years and include competitors from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. The chorus took out both the National and Pan Pacific titles, in what was deemed to be the best year in the group’s history. Bodi’s quartet, Limelight, also competed at the Pan Pacific Championships and finished 7th overall in the Open Quartet division, out of 63 competing teams.