The Wynne years

Mr Garth Wynne was Headmaster of Christ Church from 2001 to 2015. In his first year, the Council introduced the School Mission – Boys Educated to Know, to Do, to Live with Others and to Be (UNESCO, 1996). The School Mission together with the School Values, published in 2006, have shaped the culture of the School to meet the needs of today’s school community.

During his time in the role, Mr Wynne oversaw further significant developments within the School. These include the heating of the swimming pool using a geothermal system; construction of the Collaborative Learning Centre; and the conversion of L Block into an archive facility, gallery, new classrooms and a state-of-the-art information technology facility, the FutureSphere. Other developments included the refurbishment of Sandover Dining Hall and the relocation of the Health Centre and Uniform Shop.

The innovative, environmentally designed Visual Arts, Design and Technology Building was completed in 2008, providing boys with a stimulating, flexible and functional space where students can explore their creative skills. The Preparatory gymnasium, completed in 2010, provided a covered sports area and a place where the whole school could meet together.

Initiatives to improve the boarding experience saw greater integration of boarders and day students. Since 2004, boarders have been allocated to school tutorial and organisational groups and are part of a residential community known as Walters. These measures have allowed students to become more involved in the wider school community.

In 2009, the Phases of Learning framework was introduced – a core framework of each age and stage with an educational approach that develops from childhood through to graduation. Boys take an educational journey through six phases beginning with Play with Purpose (Pre-Primary to Year 2) and culminating in Excellence and Expertise (Years 11 to 12).

On 7 February 2010, Christ Church Grammar School celebrated its 100th birthday, which was marked by a series of commemorative events. They included a fun-filled Birthday Carnivale; the Dedication of the Torch of Learning, a symbol of the School Motto ‘Deus Dux Doctrina Lux’ – God is our leader, learning is our light; and the Centenary Celebration at Challenge Stadium, attended by more than 3,000 members of the school community.

As the School entered a new century it examined the Strategic Plan, identifying areas on which to focus. Research into motivational drivers in education in the previous year led the School to focus on the first strategic theme – motivating boys to achieve at their best. This led to the introduction of the Christ Church Pedagogy, an aligned, whole school approach to motivation through partnering with teachers and parents.

Mr Wynne also extended the education experience beyond the classroom. Initiatives such as the Pilgrimage of Hope (now Service in Action), the introduction of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Program and Beyond Queenslea Drive, have enabled students to gain a wider view of the world.

Between 2001 and 2014 student numbers have increased from approximately 1,220 to 1,600 and in 2010 Year 7 transferred to the Senior School.

Christ Church boys consistently achieve outstanding academic and sporting results, including a high number of General Exhibitions and Subject Exhibitions in the WA Certificate of Education (WACE) Examinations. In 2011 the School set a new school and State record with 10 students achieving General Exhibitions.