Jimmies Spirit - St James College
Transcription
Jimmies Spirit - St James College
Jimmies Spirit Past Students’ Newsletter Volume 8 March 2015 From the Principal refurbished thanks to a grant from the Federal Government. An enthusiastic welcome to the first edition of Jimmies Spirit for this year. And what a year it is shaping up to be in the life of the College! This has been a massively expensive and ground-breaking undertaking and all in the College community are now looking forward to the official opening which will take place on Friday, 24 April, in the College grounds. All past students are warmly invited to attend this great event in the life of our school. All students have settled in well and are enthusiastic in their adoption of that very special Jimmies spirit. The age-old custom of touching the crest at the school gates in the morning is alive and well and all students, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds, engage positively in the customs, rituals and traditions of this very authentic Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition. St James continues to be a school of choice for young people from extraordinarily diverse backgrounds. This year alone, out of a whole-school population of some 405 students, we have over 120 students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds, many other students for whom English is a second or third language, nearly 90 students who need extra assistance due to a learning disability or difference and others who just come to Jimmies because of its special welcoming and supportive environment. 2015 saw the historic enrolment of Year 7 students for the first time since that year level was phased out at the end of 1983 when the College went to an entirely high-school mode. It has been inspiring to see the support of all new students offered by our Year 12s, led so confidently by our wonderful College Captains Ireland Boyer and Satnam Kalsi. 2015 is a momentous year as well in that we will shortly be officially opening our new facilities, the first major capital development at the College for over 15 years. Such an eclectic mix of students brings many challenges for teachers and support staff, but I am always inspired by the work that they do in presenting the best educational opportunities for their students and developing the strong positive Julie Parsons, Mr Crooks and Stormy relationships among them, giving each student the confidence to match it with the best of those from other schools as they step out into the world. The College engages regularly with many community groups who work in and around Spring Hill and the Valley. The meetings are organised by our local Councillor Vicki Howard (Member for the Central Brisbane Ward). At one such meeting, I had the privilege of meeting a representative from Delta The Joseph Canali Centre at the northern end of the campus houses outstanding new science facilities together with the Ba-ra Barimi Learning Centre which will replace the library currently on the ground floor of the St James Building. The name of the learning centre is taken from the language of the Turrbal people meaning ‘upward dreaming’. We hope that it will serve as a place where students will develop their skills of research and self-motivated learning, opening new pathways for themselves in their education. An Invitation In addition, students have recently moved into the new industry-standard Trade Skills Centre on the ground floor of the Tom Carey Wing which itself has also been completely RSVP by Wednesday 1 April, 2015 to Mrs Naomi Ritchie (07) 3230 8686 [email protected] Blessing & Opening of St James College new Buildings The Principal, Mr Gerry Crooks invites Past Students of St James College to the Blessing and Opening of The Joseph Canali Centre and The Brisbane Flexible Learning Trade Skills Centre at St James College, 201 Boundary Street, Brisbane on Friday, 24 April 2015, commencing at 2.00pm followed by light refreshments. Jimmies Spirit | March 2015 1 From the Principal cont. We have been fortunate to be able to engage with Fortitude Valley Rotary this year. Rotary have been very generous in contributing to our Student Support Fund which helps to finance uniforms, pay for GoCards and help with school fees for students who have little financial resources of their own. St James never turns away students whose families cannot afford to send them to our school – quite the opposite in fact. It is our commitment to our ethos of inclusivity and the values of social justice and solidarity with the marginalised and poor that continually urges us to open our hearts, as Edmund Rice did, to Christ present and appealing to us in the poor. Mr Crooks, Alex and Stormy Therapy Dogs, Julie Parsons, herself a parent of a past Jimmies student. The result of the meeting was a visit to the school by Stormy, a beautiful golden Labrador complete with red bandanna. Stormy has been trained as a therapy dog to provide companionship to the sick and elderly, as well as to those who may be afflicted with a particular disorder which affects social, intellectual or emotional development. It was very moving to see some of our students who do have particular learning needs or disability, engage with Stormy who took all the attention in her stride. It is hoped that Stormy will be a regular visitor to St James. Fortunately, she and her owner Julie live very nearby in Spring Hill. The financial challenges this presents are at times overwhelming but we rely on the generosity of many – our own parent organisation Edmund Rice Education Australia as well as parents, staff and past students. Needless to say, if you are in a position to assist these young men and women, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College. My very best wishes are extended to all past Jimmies students for a positive and fulfilling year ahead. Gerry Crooks Principal 2014 Senior Students’ Results Many of the graduating class of 2014 would have been very happy on receiving their results in December and the first round of QTAC offers to tertiary institutions in January. Our very best students performed at the highest levels during February and this has taken them into some of the most competitive courses in some of our most distinguished universities. College Dux Mehitabel DouglasDrysdale and Lucy Kennedy both received offers to the first preference courses. Mehitabel to a double degree, Bachelor of Communication/ Bachelor of Arts at The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus and Lucy to a Bachelor of Creative 2 St James College Industries at Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Campus. Other students gaining entry to first preference courses included Georgia Ashton (Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of International Business, Griffith University), Sebastian Barrientos (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland), Pagan Blight (Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Law (Honours), Queensland University of Technology), Meaghan Cornhill (Bachelor of Nursing, Australian Catholic University), Sam Henry (Bachelor of Information Technology, Queensland University of Technology) and Fred Silver (Bachelor of Human Services, Queensland University of Technology). Along with these fine performances, members of the graduating class completed 88 Certificate I, 67 Certificate II and 3 Certificate III qualifications. Outstanding performances in VET included Yusuke Nagamoto who completed four Certificate I and four Certificate II, Owen Rogers completed two Certificate I and three Certificate II and Aduob Acuil who completed two Certificate I and three Certificate II. Congratulations to all our graduates. Tony McCulkin Deputy Principal The Brisbane Flexible Learning Trade Skills Centre (St James College Campus) The new Brisbane Flexible Learning Trade Skills Centre (TSC) opened its door to students on 27 January, 2015. The Centre is the result of extensive planning and consultation between Fulton Trotter Architects, St James Industrial Technology and Design Staff and James Trowse Builders. The TSC has been designed to incorporate cutting edge equipment and tools reflective of those currently used in industry. It provides students with the opportunity to become competent in the use and safety requirements of highly sophisticated machinery. The new learning spaces within the TSC provide students with environments that are flexible, enabling the construction of large jobs previously not achievable. The Design Studio is a classroom environment fully equipped with wifi, and a Touch screen television compatible with intranet and internet access. Within this space students access online training modules, undertake the design process to plan practical tasks and work collaboratively with their peers. The development of a partnership with Blue Dog Training enables students to access high quality online modules to address theoretical aspects of their vocational education courses. This partnership, in addition to the quality and extensive range of equipment offered in the TSC, provides students with every opportunity to excel in their vocational studies. The Engineering Zone incorporates eight welding bays complete with Oxyactelene, Arc, Mig and Tig welders. Together with a metal bandsaw, coldsaw, metal lathe, milling machine, guillotine, pan brake, sand blaster and hydrolic bender, engineering students will complete their certificate qualifications using only the best equipment available. Constructions students will access materials and tools from custom built trailers replicating trade experience in the real world. The generous proportions of the Construction Zone enable students to design and create large projects. The Furnishing Zone includes wood lathes, a bandsaw, planer, thicknesser, bobbin sander, disc sander, belt sander, morticing machine, drum sander, panel saw, slide compound mitre saw, edge bander and CNC router. This extensive array of equipment provides furnishing students with the cutting edge knowledge and skill set desired by industry. The TSC is an innovative centre providing real world experiences to St James students. It will significantly improve the skill sets of Certificate students and better equip them for transitions into trade pathways. The TSC is an extremely valuable addition to the St James College community. Anthony Hill Head of Faculty – VET & Trade Skills Jimmies Spirit | March 2015 3 Jimmies Basketball Program Welcome to St James Basketball 2015, a year that promises to be bigger and better than ever. This will not be an easy task with several significant milestones having been set in 2014. For the men’s program, there was substantial success in the growth of the program with two full teams being entered into several competitions. In the Brisbane Basketball Under 23’s competition, our teams claimed the Championship for the second year in a row. Whilst in the Champion School of Queensland Basketball Tournament, we were the only team entering two men’s teams into Division 1. The year was topped off with a fantastic showing at the National Schools Basketball Tournament in Canberra where the boys proved themselves to be the fourth best high school team in the country. Individually, past students Atem Bior, Ranko Puseljic and Steven Kiir headed overseas to play in America whilst Atem Atem signed a professional contract with the Adelaide 36ers. Jack Williams, John Taban, Dan Acuil made State teams and many others played in representative programs. The Open Women’s Basketball team’s success on the court was equally impressive. Significantly, 2014 saw our first full Open Women’s squad. This group did an outstanding job during the year and qualified for the first time in St James’ history into Division 1 of the Champion School Basketball Tournament. Gvanii Taufua made a State team whilst the majority of other players competed at a representative level and were able to achieve personal success throughout the year. The students’ level of discipline and dedication to self-improvement never cease to astound me as they challenge themselves on a daily basis to get better. Aided by passionate expertise from our coaches Mr Nigel Berghan and Mr Clayde Osborne, the program has gone from strength to strength. What sets St James apart is not only the level of coaching but more importantly our ability to maintain the small school mentality that supports and encourages each individual student to fulfil their potential. The group of 2015 looks to be no different with the program tripling in size, allowing us to field two Senior Men’s teams, two Under 18 Boys teams and an Under 16 Boys team as well as an Open Girls and Junior Girls program. With fantastic opportunities to play in tournaments such as the TSS Tournament, the EREA Annual Basketball Tournament, Champion Schools Basketball Tournament and local competitions the athletes have even more opportunity this year. To continue the growth of the program I now ask all Jimmies’ past students for support. If you have a passion for basketball, St James or both and feel you can contribute in some way, it would be much appreciated. We are looking for support in many areas – coaching, managing, sponsorship, BBQ cookers, and other general support to ensure the program can continue to flourish. I can be contacted at [email protected] Thanking you in anticipation. Kirron Byrne Basketball Director Jimmies Umbrella The umbrella for all seasons. Rain, hail or shine – make sure Jimmies has you covered. Jimmies umbrellas have been very popular with staff, parents and past students alike. This golf style umbrella, proudly sporting the College colours Maroon and Gold and featuring the College Crest together with our Jimmies Since 1868 logo, are for sale at cost for $25.00. The umbrella not only provides great coverage but is wind resistant, a feature which has impressed many a happy customer. To purchase a Jimmies umbrella simply call in to the College Reception any time between 7.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday. 4 St James College Cambodian Immersion On December 28 last year a group of very excited St James College staff and family members (eight in all) gathered at Brisbane International Airport ready to embark on a two-week Cambodian adventure. Arriving in Phnom Penh we met up with another Jimmies teacher, Mark Holmes, who led us on this inspiring and unforgettable experience. Mark is president of PAC (Poverty Alleviation Cambodia), a registered NGO with the Cambodian Ministry of Interior. He, with the other members of the organisation, is a passionate and tireless worker for the improvement in the living conditions of the Cambodian people. As a result of years of war, civil unrest and the genocidal practices of the Pol Pot regime Cambodia is now one of the poorest countries in the world. PAC endeavours to alleviate the poverty through the provision of clean water wells, emergency disaster relief and micro-financing, but it is the provision of education which is considered by the members of PAC to be pivotal in breaking the poverty cycle. That’s what we were there to witness and support. Our first week was in Phnom Penh – a chaotic city, bursting with energy and life-endangering traffic. We loved it, particularly the tuk tuk rides. You felt so close to the pulse of life, even if at times your pulse seemed perilously close to stopping – staring down oncoming traffic which miraculously veered out of the way just in time. Our first day was spent checking out the city and buying much needed resources (folders, books, pens, pencils) for the students at the PAC schools. From our base there we visited two schools (Pous Vek and Sithor Lech) in the provinces, spending time with the students and teachers and distributing the resources. We got to see first-hand the wonderful work done by PAC and were truly humbled by the dedication of the teachers and students. We also saw the grim reality of many families living in poverty, barely at subsistence level. From Phnom Penh we took an eight hour bone-rattling bus journey to Siem Reap (and back!) and from there visited two more schools (Ouv Lork and Chrey villages). Loaded up with laptops donated from the college, maps, soccer balls and other essentials, we were made very welcome at the Chrey Village School, one of the largest vocational schools in Siem Reap. Here we joined in classes, took small group lessons and attended the graduation ceremony of 94 students in English and Computing. We had a wonderful time in Cambodia – celebrated New Year on the Mekong, saw the sun rise over the majestic Angkor Wat, took a Cambodian cooking class, spent a delightful day cycling (mercifully over flat terrain) from temple to temple in Siem Reap. However, it also had its devastatingly sad moments. This was particularly the case the day we went to the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh. It was a great privilege to visit and support the schools set up by PAC, an organisation that is making a difference. We were captivated by the beauty of the country and the people who have very little, but who welcomed us into their villages. We learnt, ate, sang and danced with them. It was a life-altering experience. Roz Ferris Head of Faculty – English & Languages Mark Holmes, Gerry Crooks, Melaine Som and student L to R – Callan Wiseman, Michelle Hardy, Louella Sparks, Roz Ferris, Mark Holmes, Corrie Shand, Marty Wiseman, Di Riddle and Gerry Crooks Jimmies Spirit | March 2015 5 Youth Outreach Service (YOS) Education program in partnership with St James College Highlights of Graduation On 26 November 2014, I had the pleasure of witnessing the Graduation of our Senior Students and the successes of our cohort, who make up the students in the St James College and Salvation Army Youth Outreach Service Education Partnership. It was a night to remember and a memorable experience that our students will hold dear. There were many behind the scene organisations and businesses that came together to create a wonderful night of celebration at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Congratulations to Tarina-Rose Trundle, Keelan Fixter, Jamine Hunn and Sarah Paasi who graduated Year 12 from our Program. Mrs Brooke Flynn (St James College) and Mrs Samantha Gall (YOS) 2015 Has Arrived As we welcome in 2015, our cohort this year are made up of an amazing and inspiring group of fifteen young people, ready to take on the challenge of education and break free from the chains that have bound them. Whilst there will be great strength and courage required, there is certainly evidence and determination that they are prepared to face it head on. This year we have ten students engaged in the TAFE Schools Program, our highest number to date, with many also undertaking Certificate 6 St James College II in Active Volunteering and the Duke of Edinburgh, along with their other subjects. Students are keen to explore career pathways, particularly in the industry of Health Services and Hospitality. This year, pilot programs around wellness, further training and education are the priority for the Partnership. This focus will further develop the opportunities for our students, providing a solid holistic approach that will support our young people move forward and carve real futures. If you would like to know more about the Community Partnership between St James College and the Salvation Army Youth Outreach Service, or would like to gift educational resources or materials to the program, contact Samantha Gall on 3230 8643 or 3854 1245. Mrs Samantha Gall HOF – YOS Education Unit & YOS Teacher, Guidance Counsellor – Community Partnership Program Where are they now? Where are they now? Class mates 1949-1953 and Diggers stone 7 although I don’t think Larry is in the team photos. I first saw Larry in uniform at Enoggera in the mid-sixties. He marched-in as our company clerk during the Corps training of the 1st National Service intake. That is the two year intake not the 100 day intake. Larry was posted to 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) in Holsworthy, Sydney shortly afterwards and was in South Vietnam when the Task Force occupied Nui Dat. He was a rifleman in a Rifle Company and had a rough time of it while there. We keep in contact and I see him from time to time. He lives in Rylstone in the Upper Blue Mountains and was a good swimmer and athlete. Bill Dewhurst did his National Service at Wacol. That would have been in the late fifties. One of his instructors there was Keith Payne who later was awarded a VC in South Vietnam. By the way our Battery Captain in 103 Field Battery also was awarded a VC posthumously in South Vietnam. His name was Peter Badcoe and he was a first class soldier. I cannot remember if Barry Toms was at St James but he was at Terrace with us. Barry went to Officer Cadet School, Portsea and was commissioned into the Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) and did a tour in South Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion RAR on their second tour in 1970-71. Barry passed away just recently. Lance-Bomardier Terrence Dinneen ‘laying’ a 25-pounder gun of 101 Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery during the battery’s first anti-terrorist shoot at Sungei Rotan, North Malaya. Terrance Edward Dinneen (1949 – 1953 Scholarship) What happened to most of my class of St James is still a mystery to me, however I do know a little about several who donned the Queen’s uniform and served their country. Bony Connoll, a tall thin chap, I understand joined the Army and went to the Royal Australian Signals Corps. The School of Signals is still at Watsonia in Melbourne so he would have spent time there periodically but I don’t know where else or how long he served. Peter Starkey’s father and mine were mates, so Mum told me. We were both gunners together in Malaya in the early sixties. 103 Field Battery was the first Australian Battery to be equipped with the Italian 105mm pack howitzer and we were part of a British Field Regiment in Terandak Malacca. St Francis of Xaiver had a church there at one time but that was a while back. The ruins are still there. Both Peter and I were TARA’s, i.e. Technical Assistants Royal Artillery. We worked in the Command Post and did the sums for the guns. Peter’s elder brother Ray was in the class above us and Ray went into the RAAF. He was the first person I saw when I got off the plane in Vung Tau in South Vietnam in May 1967. Ray was ground crew, from memory, but it was great to see a friendly face when you first set foot on a hostile shore. Larry O’Connor and I were in the school rugby league team, 5 stone 7 and 6 Errol Eadie and I planned to join the Army together but he needed an operation to pass the medical so he was enlisted about three months after me and went straight into Infantry. He was off to Malaya with the 3rd Battalion (3RAR) for two years chasing communist terrorists (CT’s) in Perak, northern Malaya in 1957-59. He was my best man when I got married in 1961. We next crossed paths in 1967 in South Vietnam (SVN) when he was a mortar fire controller (MFC) in 7RAR and I was with 2RAR. Errol returned to SVN again with 7RAR for a second tour in 197071. We keep in touch and he lives on the Central Coast north of Sydney. I think the Korean War may have influenced some of us to join up as that conflict was in full swing during our time at St James and was often in the news. If all of our time served with the Colours were to be totalled up it would be well in excess of half a century. You could say our class did its bit for God, Queen and Country. Jimmies Spirit | March 2015 7 Where are they now? cont. Bill Thornton (1925) The St James College Community congratulates Bill on the recent celebration of his 100th Birthday. A very special day was spent with his son, Br Neville Thornton and the other Brothers at their Wooloowin Community. Best wishes Bill for a wonderful year ahead and in your new residence at Emmaus Retirement Home, Nudgee. Graham Ebert (1961) The St James College Community congratulates Graham on the recent celebration of his 70th Birthday. Best wishes Graham for the year ahead. John Pepprell (1963) John is now retired and enjoys living on his 50 acres near Gin Gin. Peter Egan (1979) Last year my wife Maria and I left our teaching positions in Brisbane to work as teachers in the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, in the Tiwi Islands, about 80km north of Darwin. I was teaching at Xavier Catholic College (Years 7-13) but have recently been appointed to the position of Deputy Principal of the Primary School next door, Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School (P-6). We are due to return to Brisbane in 2017. Michael Oxenham (1988) I read in the September 2014 edition of Jimmies Spirit that Mr Chris Zammit and Year 11 students travelled into East Timor and travelled the area, and was interested in the story. I was deployed into East Timor in 2000 and based at the Combat Support Group at Dilli Airport, during the UN mission. As a past student I was proud to see the school taking a positive step into helping our neighbour and to bring joy into the lives of all ages. Since leaving Jimmies in 1988, I joined the RAAF and have deployed on numerous operations in PNG, East Timor, Indonesia and the Middle east Area of Operations to name a few, and found that East Timor and the people will always be close to my heart. I witnessed firsthand, the destruction and loss these people have had to endure, and find them an inspiration that I now try use in everyday life. obstacle course and a 400 Ft (122 M) zip line through the woods. I have vowed that when I retire, I will return to Timor Leste and see the changes that were made since 1999. Keep up the great work and I look forward to reading more of the St James’s trips into Timor. Lucy Kennedy (2014) Melissa Tabulo (2013) I attended St James from 2009 to 2013. In my final year I had the privilege of being the College Captain. In 2014 I was in the process of applying for the Royal Australian Air Force. Throughout the year I did additional testing for specialist roles and passed for Aeronautical Life Support Fitter. This role entails maintaining all life support on aircraft such as Fighter Pilots flight suits, Life Rafts, Oxygen Mask etc. I went to my assessment day and unfortunately was asked to come back in 12 months, preferably with some life experiences. I have gone on to become a swimming teacher, coach and lifeguard. On May 16 this year I will be travelling to America to work at Camp Frenchwoods in Hancock, New York State, near the border of Pennsylvania. The summer camp runs for 12 weeks and during that time I will be working with up to 750 students from the ages from 7 to 17 and up to 400 staff members. During the day I will be running what they call “Project Adventure”. Project Adventure is a high ropes course which consists of a 30 Ft (9.1 M) climbing wall, an After I finish at summer camp I look forward to travelling around America for a month and then heading up to Canada, hopefully to work in the ski fields till the end of their winter, April 2016. I will then return to Australia and continue with my application for the Air Force. Faithful forever. I attended St James from 2010 to 2014 and was very lucky to have the opportunity to be one of the Mary Rice House Captains in my final year. I enjoyed attending St James and I’m sure given the opportunity I wouldn’t change anything about my high school journey. This journey founded many close friendships and I feel that our small but tightknit group grew so much together in our final few years. When we graduated, although we were ready to leave school, I could see that a lot of the students were terrified that each would go his own separate way and the relationships that had been built would be lost. My close friends and I knew that we would see each other again but realistically over the years many friends drift apart and lose contact. We decided that we were NOT going to let this happen and so decided to meet on a weekly basis to take part in a small social futsal competition in West End. These matches have become something we all look forward to each week, (not to mention exercise!). Of course we aren’t the most successful team, (our first match ended with a score of 0-4), but we do strike fear into the hearts of our opponents with our team name: Unreal Madrid. Stay Connected Past Students, please send your details to: • Title & Surname • Occupation/Skills/Interests • Surname at School • Naomi Ritchie, Principal’s Assistant • Given Names Have you been doing anything we should know about? St James College, 201 Boundary Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 • Telephone • • New Address • Previous Address Please advise if you would prefer not to receive information from the Past Students’ Association. • Email • Last year at St James & Year Level Phone: (07) 3230 8686 [email protected] 8 St James College