Published on: 15 October 2014

Five old boys were guests in a variety of forums at Christ Church this term, each bringing something different to current boys in the classroom, at assembly or as guest speakers.

Yannick SpencerEnglish students drew on the knowledge of Politics Honours student and 2005 School Captain Yannick Spencer as he visited classes to explain the differences between socialism and communism, in George Orwell’s 1984, as well as poetry’s relevance in the 21st century. English teacher Spencer Davis (2005) said he invited Yannick to speak to his Years 10 and 11 classes as an outside expert, but also as an example of what deep engagement and passion for a subject looked like. Spencer said the ideologies and their complexity were well illustrated by Yannick, who is now at Oxford University studying International Relations.

John Harriott, John DoustAuthor Jon Doust (1965) and generous Christ Church benefactor Dr John Harriott (1962) were guests at a Senior School assembly. While Dr Harriott, a self-confessed soccer tragic, was there to listen to the winning First XI’s successful season, Jon had boys and staff in stitches as he read aloud a letter written to his boy-self. The letter offered some valuable life advice to young Jon…

 

Lockie CookeICEA founder Lockie Cooke (2007) addressed more than 320 fathers/friends and boys in the Refectory at a September breakfast to celebrate the father-son relationship and the opportunities offered to Christ Church boys. Lockie, who grew up in rural Western Australia (Tammin), felt he was not as gifted as many of the boys in his year group at Christ Church. However, after a poignant moment in Year 9, he made a decision to “stop making excuses and lift his game”. From this point, he made the most of every opportunity around him and actively sought out leadership roles when available.

Danny Della VedovaDanny Della Vedova (2011) spoke to boarders on Monday 18 August. Director of the Residential Community Geoff Guggenheimer reported that Danny had a fantastic message and the boarders loved hearing what he said. “Danny spoke to the boys about making the most of their opportunities and pursuing their passions. He talked about how he was able to use the friendships he made while boarding as a launching pad for his travels and desire to help those less fortunate than him,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

Dr Charles QiuDr Charles Qiu (2007) spoke to Senior School boys and staff at assembly about his surgical mission work in the Phillippines after the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda.  Charles, who joined fellow old boy Professor Grant Fergusson-Stewart (1956) as a volunteer surgeon in the only hospital left standing in Eastern Samar, told the boys he never imagined he would be standing before them at assembly as many old boys had before him. He urged them to get out there and make a difference, love they neighbor, and to give – as every bit counts.