Autumn
EAGLE
2012
JPC becomes
overnight
YouTube
sensation
Shaping our
tomorrow…
today
Our Alumni
LONDON
BOUND
Unity | Christ
Unity | Christ | Learning
Cover: Past student, Mitch Larkin (2010),
at the USA Swimming GP Santa Clara Swim
Meet in June 2012, following his qualification
for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Photograph by Wayne Nevrilk
Inside this
autumn 2012 edition
FROM THE
HEADMASTER’S
DESK
1
published by
John Paul College
FEATURE
going for
gold
editor
Nicole Bryan
5
content editor
Nicole Bryan, Sue Homann
staff feature
in touch
Jan MacNamara
Shaping our
tomorrow
…today
design
Megan Hibberd
printing
CPX Printing & Logistics
contributions
[email protected]
Photographs are also welcome!
The Eagle is a symbol of spirit,
vision, strength and courage.
It is the epitome of John Paul
College where its students and
alumni ‘soar like eagles’. Not all
students can be leaders and not all
leaders will succeed, but we must
not allow the illusion of limitation
to ground us in our flight.
Unity | Christ | Learning
6
Educating for sustainability to
empower informed decision making
Take a walk
back in time
10
19
Say no to
bullying
JPC becomes
overnight
YouTube
sensation
The Spirit Video went viral, reaching
more than 45,000 hits on YouTube!
17
Mission Positive
for AlumNUS
20
PLUS
Where are
they now?
22
What does the
school of the
future look like?
From the Headmaster’s desk...
Our learners are on
an ever-changing
path, as technologies
constantly change,
improve and
revolutionise society
and by extension,
education.
As
a Headmaster, you can get
caught up in the day-today operations and neglect
the bigger picture. It is
important to take time to pause, stop and
consider what your school has achieved,
what areas it can improve and how we can
effectively serve the learners of the future.
Our learners are on an ever-changing path,
as technologies constantly change, improve
and revolutionise society and by extension,
education. If we define the future, not in
terms of a certain number of years ahead,
but rather as the period of time in which
foreseeable technology is mature enough to
take definitive roots in schools, and when
implementation constraints have been
removed, what will the school of the future
be like?
If we take pause and without restriction,
consider how the classroom of the future
will look and feel, the possibilities are mindboggling. However, as educators we have to
evolve and learn to ensure that our students
are able to meet the needs of society. This may
include the consideration of building design
for future technological needs or the utilisation
of the latest ’iPhone’ in the classroom, but my
thinking is far more abstract and I encourage
my staff to do the same. Educators needs to be
one-step ahead, contemplating not the ‘what ifs’
but the ‘whens’.
Some possible characteristics of schools of
the future could include the use of 3D virtual
reality environments allowing students to
be immersed in multisensory simulations.
Imagine the possibilities; a history class
could travel back in time and re-enact a
medieval joust, an English class could watch
Shakespeare in the Globe Theatre, science
classes could travel through space or walk
along the banks of the Amazon River, and an
art class could take a tour through the Louvre
in Paris. This would revolutionise the way
educators transmit knowledge, engaging in
interactive, co-operative virtual reality learning
experiences. Virtual reality technology
would also revolutionise school excursions
and classroom discussion, as instructors,
facilitators, historians, scientists, philosophers
and artists become online guides.
Another concept, which is difficult for many
in society to envisage, is whether a student
needs to learn continuously in a classroom.
john paul college 1
If virtual reality is
conceivable as a regular
tool in my school of the
future, then it is also
conceivable that students
could attend classes
from the comfort and
safety of a number of
environments.
2 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
If virtual reality is conceivable as a regular
tool in my school of the future, then it is also
conceivable that students could attend classes
from the comfort and safety of a number of
environments. There will be many arguments
against this type of learning, particularly the
lack of social interaction between learners.
However, in a future where learners can
communicate through cyberspace with their
peers or teachers, communication via virtual
reality may become almost indistinguishable
from face-to-face communication. Gabriel
Rshaid, Headmaster of St. Andrew’s Scots
School, whom I recently visited in Argentina,
and author of Learning for the Future,
Rethinking Schools for the 21st Century, says
“the real challenge is not to figure out how to
do without social interactions, but rather how
to rethink schools to enable them to engage
students in these specially designed instances
of social and physical interaction in a way that
helps them develop the skills that are needed”.
Global connectedness will take on a new
meaning in the school of the future as a result
of the growth in networking capabilities.
Schools will need to embrace globalisation as
an integral part of the curriculum if students
are to learn to manipulate and adapt to the
overwhelming stimuli during their formative
years and prepare them for society and the
workplace. Educators in the 21st Century
need to accept that the traditional teacher role
will most likely disappear and the concept of
the teacher being a learner with the students
is now a key component of the 21st Century
paradigm, and more than likely, how learning
will be approached in the future.
From Learning for the Future:
Rethinking Schools for the
21st Century, by Gabriel Rshaid
and Ainsley Rose
Going for
gold
FEATURE
Three alumni dream big,
work hard and aspire
to reach olympic glory
A
t just 18 years of age, gold medal
hopeful and John Paul College
alumnus, Mitch Larkin (2010), is
in the midst of an intense training
regime as he prepares for the London 2012
Olympics. Training more than 30 hours per
week, the Chelmer-based swimmer is not your
average teenager. Sure, he has more than 1000
Facebook friends, listens to Kanye West and is
studying Engineering at university, but while
other teens think about next Saturday night’s
outing, Mitch is looking to July where he faces
his biggest competition yet.
It was going to be the swim of his life when
music filled the South Australian Aquatic and
Leisure Centre. Mitch stepped up to the blocks
to compete in the 200m Backstroke final at the
Australian Swimming Championships which
doubled as the Olympic Selection trials. 1
minute 57 seconds later, Mitch had won the
final and qualified for his first ever Olympic
Games – the second only John Paul College
Olympian after fellow swimmer, Lara Hooiveld
(1989), who competed at the Seoul Olympics.
Mitch visits a nutritionist every three
months to ensure he is consuming enough
calories for his arduous training regime.
He also visits a sports psychologist every two
weeks to overcome the nerves and to help deal
with the pressure “to race fearlessly” as Mitch
aptly explains.
Now, in his second year of university,
Mitch Larkin will become a household name
as he goes for gold in London in July and is
already looking to 2014 for further career
highs. “Two years from now will be the
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, so I’d
like to be in a position to win a medal,” Mitch
says. Although swimming plays are large part
in his life, Mitch’s goals are not restricted to
swimming alone. The student would like to
maintain focus on his university studies, “to be
further along in my engineering degree” before
the Commonwealth Games.
His extreme focus and pursuit of excellence
mark a natural progression from his years
at John Paul College. He believes that
“excellence is never an accident” going on to
say “I think JPC taught me many important
morals and values both in my sport and
outside of the pool.” Mitch thrives on hard
work; he’s determined, he’s committed,
and he’s a fighter. Following his Olympic
qualifying swim, his Facebook read “All I can
say is thank you to anyone and everyone who
supported me. Especially those who didn’t…
makes it even better.”
Since graduation, Mitch is certainly a
meaner, leaner, much-improved swimming
machine under the watchful eye of Michael
Bohl and is ready to go for gold. In 2010,
while still a Senior at John Paul College,
Mitch was selected for the Junior Pan Pacific
Swimming Team and was fortunate to race in
Hawaii achieving first, second and third place
in the 400m Medley, 200m Medley and 200m
Backstroke respectively. A year later, with the
The ever-appreciative alumnus, Mitch
Olympics still a distant goal, he won the 200m
Medley and came second in the 400m Medley considers John Paul College an important
factor in his development as a swimmer and
and 200m Backstroke, qualifying for the
World Championships in Shanghai. Today,
a person. “[John Paul College] taught me how
john paul college 3
feature: Going For Gold
1
3
2
I think JPC taught
me many important
morals and values
both in my sport and
outside of the pool.
to overcome many difficulties and challenges.
It taught me patience…something which in
swimming is very important as many sessions
can be a test of patience and can certainly be
challenging,” he says.
Genevieve LaCaze (2007) knows only
too well that a place on the Australian
Olympic team can come down to seconds.
In Genevieve’s case, it was not seconds, but
a matter of hours that almost derailed her
Olympic dreams.
Genevieve’s selection on the Australian
team followed an arduous 48 hour wait after
Athletics Australia initially denied her a place
on the team after missing the qualifying date
by little more than 24 hours.
Genevieve entered the 3000m steeplechase
event at the American Milers Invitational in
Indianapolis fresh and well-rested after missing
the qualifying time at the National Collegiate
Championships five days prior. Her first place
result of 9min 41sec bettered the qualifying
standard by almost two seconds, the only
Australian athlete to achieve the A-standard.
1 Genevieve LaCaze (Photograph by Michael
Scott) 2 & 3 Mitch Larkin (Photographs by
Wayne Nevrilk)
4 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
Genevieve explained that as a student
at the University of Florida, where she has
held a scholarship for the past four years,
she was required to run whatever events
her coaches wanted - and the University’s
goals often conflicted with her chasing an
A-qualifying time.
Buoyed by support from the Australian
public through extensive media and social
media coverage, and publicly backed by
Australian Olympic Committee President,
John Coates, Genevieve remained hopeful
of inclusion in the team.
One of the first messages Genevieve saw
on her phone when she woke on Saturday
16 June was one from her dad saying:
“Gen, you’re in”.
“It’s all paid off. All the support has been
absolutely amazing,” she said. Athletics
Australia, in talks with the AOC, agreed
to extend the qualifying period, allowing
Genevieve’s selection.
Headmaster, Peter Foster, who together with
alumni, staff and students, joined Genevieve’s
family and friends at John Paul College in
a show of support for her inclusion in the
team, said Genevieve’s grace and composure
throughout the process was inspiring.
“Both Mitch and Genevieve are exemplary
role models to our students and we all wish
them well for their Olympic campaigns,”
he said.
We also have our fingers crossed for another
alumni in Shane Alexander (2003) who at the
time of printing is involved in selection trials
for the Australian Volleyball team to compete
at the London Games.
WHEN TO WATCH (Australian time)
Mitch Larkin – 200m backstroke
Genevieve LaCaze – 3000m steeplechase
August 1 Heats. . . . . . . . 7.00pm
August 4 Round 1. . . . . 7.30pm – 10.45pm
Semis. . . . . . . . 4.30am
August 6 Finals . . . . . . . 3.50am – 6.40am
August 2Final. . . . . . . . 4.30am – 6.30am (mid program)
Photograph by Michael Scott
john paul college 5
in touch
Shaping our
Tomorrow
...Today
Educating for sustainability to empower informed decision making
He is seven years old –
and he has just shared
his top six ways of
making a difference in
the world by saving
water in the home. He
inspired his classmates,
teachers and family to
make changes!
6 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
S
he is 10 – and after conducting an
energy audit and armed with real
time data collected on campus, she has
discussed simple strategies for saving
power with fellow students and teachers. Her
actions helped everyone make informed decisions
about their power use!
He is 14 - and has engaged in scientific testing
and conducted a cost benefit analysis to evaluate
the economic advantages of using LED lighting.
He has carried that knowledge into his home to
convince his parents to make the change and save.
She is 16 – and has conducted a protracted
12 month investigation into photovoltaic cells
in the solar array that powers the tuckshop.
She has worked with industry representatives
in shaping her conclusions and has challenged
their thinking.
These are real students from John Paul
College who, with the right conditions
and appropriate support, are taking a more
significant role as agents of change. These
students, and the small steps they take and
the contributions they make, are shaping their
tomorrow…today.
At John Paul College we lead and value
practices that enable students to contribute
to and understand the importance of
sustainability in our world. We give our
students a chance to “do” and “learn”. The
21st century model of learning is to support
our students in taking responsibility for their
world in order to contribute to a society that
looks beyond itself to the future. Our aim is
to develop learning opportunities, which help
our students discover:
¢¢
a sense of responsibility for, and a
connection to, the natural world.
¢¢
an understanding of both natural
and human systems and how they are
interdependent.
¢¢
an understanding of how to make better
decisions incorporating all aspects of the
environment, society and economy.
¢¢
an understanding that sustainable living
does not mean sacrificing what we need,
just making conscious decisions about
what we do.
John Paul College’s classroom commitment
is guided by the Australian Curriculum
where “sustainability” has been identified
as a curriculum priority. The Australian
Curriculum states:
Education for sustainability develops the
knowledge, skills and values necessary for people
to act in ways that contribute to more sustainable
patterns of living. It is futures-oriented, focusing
on protecting environments and creating a more
ecologically and socially just world through action
that recognises the relevance and interdependence
of environmental, social, cultural and economic
considerations
According to the organising ideas of the
Australian Curriculum, “Designing action
for sustainability requires an evaluation of
past practices, the assessment of scientific and
technological developments, and balanced
judgements based on projected future economic,
social and environmental impacts.”
Every person, every
family, every group,
every community can
play a part.
1
2
1 Year 7 students, Jack Stanyon and Nicola
Eadie, conduct light testing with Works Manager,
Lucas Gilroy. 2 Andy Strudwick and Charlee
Berens plant a tree on the Finch Farm. 3 Year 2
students conduct water testing at the school pond.
4 Year 12 Biology students conduct soil testing
and analyse the data in class.
3
4
The sustainable operations of the
College are embedded into the school
curriculum and culture and provide
students access to practices. We have
included sustainability modules into the
curriculum from Kindergarten to Year
12—across science, mathematics, history,
SOSE, drama, commerce and design—and
these learning opportunities draw on the
College’s sustainable systems, processes and
infrastructure.
Our Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster has
commented on our online student portal
GreensPACE, “We want to be a sustainable
school. Our goal isn’t achieving utility cost
savings, it is cultivating responsible, empowered
contributive citizens who take these approaches
into the world.”
Everywhere our students look on campus,
they have the opportunity to investigate real
world examples of research and development
into sustainable practice. Critical changes
have been deployed by the Property Services
team as they work to achieve an eco-efficient
campus with initiatives encompassing
management of energy, water and waste.
Students and teachers have full access to the
research behind the College operations, and
the professional tools for investigations are
accessible to students so that they can replicate
or initiate their own inquiries. Students even
have access to real time reporting on water
and energy use around campus through an
interconnected grid, which feeds live data to
an online portal.
When you next enter the campus via
Markwell Carpark and glance at the buildings
and grounds - be reassured that energy, water
and waste management initiatives are right
there before your eyes.
¢¢
Take in the 4 million litre pond used to
capture local stormwater run off and to
prepare bore water.
¢¢
Note the white roof of the Coleman
Centre which feeds rain water run off into
the 500,000 litre on campus tank farm.
¢¢
Marvel at the filtration system of the pool,
which uses the distilled backwash from the
pool to flush the drainage system.
¢¢
Admire the gardens and ovals that
showcase hardy Australian natives.
¢¢
Make a purchase from the tuckshop where
the appliances use power generated by the
solar array on the Year 2 building.
¢¢
Visit the Finch Farm - taking shape as an
outdoor classroom for students to explore
the environment and natural systems as
we go to print.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
As a true learning community we are all
teachers and we are all learners. The United
Nations’ Children’s Earth Charter states
“Every person, every family, every group, every
community can play a part.” As students,
staff and members of our extended John Paul
College family you are challenged to play
a part in shaping our tomorrow… today.
Jan MacNamara
john paul college 7
International Baccalaureate:
For the past five years,
Senior School students
at John Paul College
have been able to
choose the International
Baccalaureate (IB)
Diploma Programme
as an alternative
study option for their
senior years.
Lachlan Kerley (Class of 2010)
is now studying a Bachelor of Biomedical
Science at University of Queensland
“Having completed the International
Baccalaureate Programme in 2010 at John
Paul College, which I enjoyed immensely, I am
currently in my second year of a Bachelor of
Biomedical Science at University of Queensland.
Along with my friends who completed the
IB programme, I found the transition to
my undergraduate degree to be incredibly
comfortable and smooth. The first semester
at university is constantly considered a ‘huge
wake up call’ for students, yet I found it was
a natural progression from the IB programme,
which prepared you for all facets of university
life. As well as the academic and social benefits it
provides me at university, I found the structure of
the IB programme to be fantastic for broadening
my approach to learning and thinking,
developing sincere friendships and building an
international awareness.”
Tony Zhou (Class of 2011)
is now studying a Bachelor of Law
at University of Queensland
“It’s been more than a year since I woke up
on the fateful morning to log onto the
International Baccalaureate homepage, awaiting
for the imminent release of my results, and
looking back, what a great year it has been!
It may not seem like it now, and I apologise if
this sounds too cliche, but by stepping out of IB
into uni, you get a real sense of preparation and
control (not to mention an incredible amount
of respect from other uni students who hear that
you got through IB). Having spent one year
at UQ studying Law, I have to say, the most
beneficial aspect of IB was the time management
skills. I hear other students complain about how
hard it is to read everything on time and how
they struggle to balance the case workload with
life in general, but to me, comparing it with
8 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
Alumni
testimonials
A
challenging two year curriculum leading to a qualification recognised by the world’s
leading universities, the Diploma has a reputation for independent approaches to
learning through a comprehensive curriculum. Students aiming to further their
study at local universities and who are interested in studying an internationallyrecognised and highly regarded curriculum that promotes cultural awareness, benefit from the
International Baccalaureate Diploma. As a testament to this outstanding world-renowned
program, we talk to five past students who have benefited from this pathway and are pursuing
their careers in science, medicine and law.
when we used to juggle Chem pracs, EE’s, TOK
presentations, Math A, English IOP’s and not
to mention CAS, the workload is really a breeze!
The hardest aspect about reaping these rewards is
having to overcome the incredible academic leap
from Year 10 to Year 11 IB… but at the end of
the day, what you put in is really what you get
out. The rewards in this case greatly outlast the
apparent ‘suffering’ that you have to endure!”
Hannah Nguyen (Class of 2011)
is now studying at Queensland
University of Technology
“Being involved in the program helped me
become a lot more independent and organised
in my studies and this created a great pathway
for me when I entered university. The first few
weeks at university were very overwhelming but
due to the challenges and obstacles IB pushed at
me during my time undergoing the Diploma,
it prepared me very well for what was ahead.”
Hannah was part of the Indonesian Service
& Cultural Trip, where students spent time
in an orphanage helping underprivileged
children in everyday activities.
Ji Won Kim (Class of 2011)
is now studying at University of Queensland
“According to the IBO, the program is
‘encouraging students to be active learners’.
This is only partly true. The International
Baccalaureate challenges students to not only
learn but to do. I call it a challenge because
it is undoubtedly easier to simply ‘get by’
and ‘make do’. I chose the International
Baccalaureate because I was challenged by
its mission statement to create a better world.
Surely, one does not need to undertake the
program to ‘change the world’, ‘make a
difference’, ‘be proactive’...etc. These phrases are
overused in society to the point where they’ve
almost lost their meaning. However, dismissing
such an opportunity would not have brought
me any closer to creating a better world. I chose
the IB programme because I did not want to get
through Senior School ­I wanted to hurdle over
it. I took the challenge so that I would have no
excuses for not becoming the best that I could be.
Now, as a university student, a frank observation
might conclude that, since earning my Diploma,
I have not found the cure for cancer, stopped the
global financial crisis or saved Earth from global
warming. But surely, I know that I have been the
best that I could be, and that the world around
me will also conform to this IB attitude.”
Joseph Mohan (Class of 2011)
is now studying a Bachelor of
Science at University of Queensland
“The International Baccalaureate programme
has definitely made the transition into university
a much more comfortable process. I had found
that a large portion of the topics and concepts
covered in the first year Biology and Chemistry
uni courses had already been covered in IB
Biology and Chemistry. One thing I fondly
remember about the IB programme was that
since a complete understanding of the science
subjects were needed, there was no shying away
from the tougher concepts (and there were
many!). This has had a deep impact on my study
habits in university. Now, rather than simply
sweeping the more arduous tasks under the
carpet, I actively seek them out because I know
it pays off. Perhaps most importantly in regards
to academic university life, IB has empowered
me with one of the greatest motivations to study.
When I find it difficult to get down and study
I reflect on all the rigorous study sessions in
IB and remember that fundamentally everything
I come across is simply just a different form
of knowledge that is waiting to be understood
and appreciated.”
New Staff @ JPC
Mark Zietsch
Head of Middle School
Why teaching?
“I enjoy engaging
with young people as
they keep me feeling
young! I particularly
enjoy getting out
and about attending
camps, sport and
watching students
perform,” Mark says.
Mark comes to John Paul College having spent the
past six years as the Head of Middle School at Townsville
Grammar School. With a Bachelor of Education in
Physical Education and Masters of Education, Mark
was vital to the establishment of a new Middle School
at Townsville Grammar School. His main focus was
building a positive culture of middle schooling.
Mark’s plans as Head of Middle School at John Paul
College are to continue to build upon the many great
initiatives and programs in place at John Paul College
and assist in putting in place new and exciting projects
that the College is embarking upon, such as
the Indigenous Education Program, the possibility
of Boarding and a more sequential and developmental
Leadership Program from Years 7-12. One area that
Mark is focussing on this year is the transition processes
for Year 6 students into Year 7. “Entering the high
school environment can be a significant change for
students and their parents. In reviewing our processes
and introducing the necessary support and structures
we can make the transition into Middle School as
smooth as possible for our families.”
Mark is married to JPC alumnus, Bethany Hooke
(Class of 1990) and is father to Eva (Year 5), Henry
(Year 2) and Ivy (3 years old). The Zietsch family has
a Cornish Rex cat named Elsie and seven chickens
(Pepper Pig, Violet Black, Puff Ball, Snow Ball, Ruby
Red, Millie Brown and Charlie Speckle!).
Andy Gordon
Deputy Head of Primary School
Why teaching?
“I read a quote once
that said education
should be about
giving students
the ‘opportunity
to inherit the
earth.’ That sums
up for me how
important, exciting,
revolutionary
education is,”
Andy says.
Andrew (or Andy as he is called) comes to John
Paul College with a wealth of experience in Primary
Education, particularly in Pastoral Care and Wellbeing,
which is the focus of this new role at John Paul College.
Andy has been the Head of Primary School at Christian
Outreach College Toowoomba for over three years. He
has a Bachelor of Education and is currently completing
a Masters of Education in Guidance and Counselling.
Andy believes that Primary School creates memories
that we take with us into the rest of our lives. His desire
is that the Primary years at John Paul College provide
students with the learning experiences, the friendships,
the skills, the emotional resilience, intelligence and
attitudes to inherit all that the world has on offer to
each of them, and more.
Andy loves to travel, loves history and loves learning
about other cultures; their traditions and beliefs. Andy
says that his career highlight occurs every day; “seeing
students working well together and challenging their
own ceilings to grow and be the best they can be.”
John Paul College School Captains for 2012
Meet Nazlee
and Daniel:
our 2012 School Captains
J
ohn Paul College is proud to announce
the appointment of Nazlee Atmeh
and Daniel Leong as School Captains
for 2012.
Nazlee and Daniel were announced as captains
following a rigorous election process late last year
in which they won the votes of their peers and
teachers and impressed at interview.
Nazlee and Daniel have enjoyed a long
association with the College, with Daniel
starting in Year 8 and Nazlee starting in
Kindergarten in 1999. Nazlee and Daniel
are enthusiastic and dedicated students who
are committed to fostering school spirit and
community, viewing their captaincy as an
opportunity to serve the College and their peers.
The dynamic captains believe their leadership
should begin with our youngest learners in the
Primary School, giving focus to friendship,
respect and standards.
The cohesion and leadership that Nazlee
and Daniel will provide is highly regarded by
the College. They have dedicated themselves
to providing great service and leadership to the
College in 2012 and are looking forward to a
challenging, rewarding and busy year ahead with
30th Anniversary celebrations. The John Paul
College community congratulates Nazlee and
Daniel on their appointment as School Captains
for 2012.
john paul college 9
performing arts
Madeline puts
on her red shoes
Y
ear 6 student, Madeline MacRae,
successfully auditioned for the
Harvest Rain Theatre Company’s
production of the Wizard of Oz.
The production played at the Queensland
Performing Arts Complex Playhouse
Theatre at South Bank in February
this year. Madeline was bubbling with
excitement when she found out in
November of last year that she was
successful in her audition for
the part. Madeline really enjoys her
Primary School Performing Arts classes
each week and continues to be an
enthusiastic participant.
Sophie is a star
of tomorrow,
tomorrow
S
ophie Moman recently auditioned
for the production of Annie and
won a role as one of the orphans.
The Year 3 student was over the moon
when she learned of her success.
Sophie performed at the Queensland
Performing Arts Complex to sold out
shows, making a wonderful commitment
to her future stardom.
‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’
Jai is no chimney
sweep
A
s Jai Bofinger watched the
on stage performance of Mary
Poppins in a Broadway theatre
in New York City, he never dreamed he
too would play a part in the hit musical.
Last August, the 10-year-old from
Cornubia nervously auditioned with
other young boys from across Australia
for one of the lead characters, the part
of Michael Banks.
Jai’s amazing musical experience –
the likes of which would make a Broadway
star jealous – helped him secure one
of the four positions for the character.
His musical theatre debut follows seven
years of dance, singing and drama,
and involved seven weeks of rehearsals
and performances in Sydney. This was
followed by performances at the
Queensland Performing Arts Complex
in Brisbane, performing twice a week.
Jai plans to continue his arts career in
acting as he gets older, and has a lead role
in the upcoming John Paul College Back
in Time Musical Spectacular in August.
10 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
2
1 Audiences will be impressed by the level of
professionalism delivered in each performance.
2 JPC Alumnus, Adrian Kelly, fills the room with
his amazing voice at the launch of Back in Time.
3 Lions and Giraffes come to life as we relive the
Lion King. 4 A walk down memory lane as we pay
tribute to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour
Dreamcoat from 1992 and 2000. 5 The circus
is coming back to town as we recreate Cirque de
Musique for our musical spectacular!
3
We were impressed by the professional voices, but
then the DeLoreon drove out into the middle of the
assembly hall and we were on the edge of our seats!
Take a walk
back
in
time
1
5
4
Scintillating musical
performances,
gravity-defying aerial
stunts and dazzling
costumes will
ensure yet another
unforgettable musical
production when a
cast of 600 perform in
the John Paul College
Back in Time Musical
Spectacular.
S
taged at the Suncorp Piazza,
South Bank on 10-11 August,
the spectacular production will pay
homage to 30 years of theatre, dance
and splendour, as part of the school’s 30th
Anniversary celebrations.
Take a stroll down memory lane and relive
the classics that gave John Paul College the
world-renowned reputation it has today,
with favourites from Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar,
Guys & Dolls, and Grease.
John Paul College offers a contemporary
holistic learning experience, supported by one
of the most extensive co-curricular programs
of any Australian school. The production –
the largest ever staged by the College - will
feature 16 talented alumni and 12 outstanding
students in lead roles, as they reprise the
characters of yesterday over two amazing shows.
Back in Time was officially launched at
Headmaster’s Assembly on Friday 27 April to
stunned audiences, including Year 12 Horizons
student (and 2011 School Captain) Madeline
McAuliffe who just loved the preview.
“The launch of the musical was an exciting
experience for all of us. We were impressed
by the professional voices, but then the
DeLoreon drove out into the middle of the
assembly hall and we were on the edge of our
seats!” Maddie said.
“All of my friends have bought tickets.
We’re all very excited to see the musical and
can’t wait for August.”
The John Paul College School of
Performing Arts has a far-reaching reputation
for the outstanding professionalism of its
productions and performances. The College’s
ensembles have contributed significantly to
many national and international events over
the past two decades including World Expo
’88, Calgary Stampede, and the Sydney 2000
Olympic Games.
Through orchestras, ensembles, rock
bands, choirs, dance companies, drama
productions and visual arts, John Paul College
nurtures talents, practises to perfection and
creates unforgettable experiences for every
student. Each student’s talent is further
enhanced by the College’s involvement
in highly profiled musicals, such as Back
in Time, providing greater opportunities
in their pursuit for excellence.
With a comprehensive performance
program dedicated to excellence, you’re sure
to be impressed and inspired as you take
a walk back in time and celebrate 30 years
of musical genius.
Get your tickets! To get the best seats in the
house and show your support for JPC, visit
www.johnpaulcollege.com.au
john paul college 11
sport
Giving our youngest learners a foundation in sports
The 2012
Foundations
Sports
Program
will kick off
again in 2012.
T
John Paul College. Each sport runs an excellent program
that is fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate,
supported by great coaching staff that are knowledgeable
and experienced with teaching/coaching students.
Furthermore, the program introduces students to a
variety of sports available to them as they grow older at
Participating sports include Football, Hockey, Athletics,
Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Cricket, AFL and Rugby. Each
week students take part in three 25 minute rotations. For
example, students will rotate from Football to Hockey
to Athletics. The program is a fantastic opportunity for
our current Years 1 and 2 students and will become more
significant in the development of our future sportspeople.
he program commenced in 2011 and was so
successful that John Paul College has expanded
it to include nine sports. The program is
designed to introduce students in Years 1 and 2 to a
variety of sports in a play-based environment whilst
developing essential and transferable skills such as
striking, passing, catching, kicking, running, jumping,
game sense and awareness etc. – skills that form the basis
of a student’s sporting development.
The Skye’s
the limit
L
unch money, maths homework,
boxing gloves. This isn’t
something the average Australian
teenager would say to herself before
heading to school, but there aren’t many
teenage girls like Skye Nicholson.
Skye is a recent addition to the John
Paul College family and has been
selected to represent Australia in China
at the World Boxing Championships.
Skye competed for Queensland in
March, defeating Tasmania 10-4 in the
semi and then winning the title against
Victoria the following day.
Director of Activities, Karen Graham,
is proud of how well Skye has settled
into John Paul College life. “To have
a student from John Paul College
attend a World Championship is
wonderful. We are very proud of Skye,
not only with this achievement, but
also in the way she has settled into John
Paul College with tremendous focus
and dedication to both her sport and
academics. She is a great role model for
our girls,” Mrs Graham said.
Australian
handball team
F
our John Paul College students
were selected in the Australian
Junior European Handball team
to tour Europe in June/July this year.
Heather Cooper, Amy Beths, Alexis
Gardner and Chris Duffy played in
tournaments in Granollers (Spain) and
Teroma (Italy). Meanwhile, Primary
School student, Thomas Ellis, travelled
to Malaysia late last year to compete in
the Australian Under 12 Futsal Team
to represent his country.
12 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
Our football players
defeated the Australian
Women’s Football
side, the Matildas, at a
recent friendly match.
West Ham partnership
for soccer academy
J
ohn Paul College Football Club has
embarked on a new and exciting
partnership with another burgundy
and blue club. John Paul is now an
official partner club to the world-renowned
West Ham United Oceania Academy
(WHUOA).
The John Paul College football program
has a number of players who have graduated
and gone on to professional careers in the
sport. The most notable of these being Sung
Yueng Ki who not only plays in the Scottish
Premier League for Celtic but has more than
20 international caps to his name representing
his country, South Korea.
Brian Cheesman, Director of Football
at John Paul College says, “The West Ham
Academy has one of the most prestigious
and respected youth development programs
in the world and John Paul College is
thrilled and honoured to be associated
with it as a partner club.”
The joint venture with the West Ham
United Academy and the introduction of
the famous ‘West Ham Way’ will provide
further expansion of the John Paul College
Football Club, its principles, philosophies and
methods. This in turn will provide an exciting
new pathway to the top for elite players
as well as benefit coaches and parents alike.
It will also provide students of the College,
as well as young players from all over South
East Queensland, a fantastic opportunity to
showcase their talents via the National ID
camps and Technical Centres which could
deliver them the opportunity of a lifetime,
to train with the West Ham Academy players
in London.
Success overseas
in TransTasman
tournament
During the easter
school holidays, the
development netball
team from John Paul
College travelled over
the Pacific to New
Zealand to compete in
a four day challenge
against other high
school teams.
T
hirteen girls from the school
took part in the adventure and
came home with a tournament
silver medal.
John Paul College student and Vice Captain
of the squad, Stephanie Gillies, 16, said
she had the best time competing overseas
and representing her school. “Our team
travelled to Hamilton in New Zealand and
we competed against four other schools,”
she said. “We came second overall. We played
really hard but a lot of the girls in the other
team were taller than us and were really
good shooters.”
Stephanie said the trip was an amazing
experience. “It was fun to learn about the New
Zealand culture while we were there,” she said.
“The New Zealand girls did a Hakka for us
which was really cool to see.”
Teammate and Captain of the squad,
Lucy Pickering, said the tournament helped
the school side improve their skills. “The
tournament made us play better netball and
return with skills to help us play against other
teams here in Australia,” she said. “We made
lots of unforgettable friends who we will
cherish forever.”
Representing
Australia IN
Netball
F
or two John Paul College students,
their dreams of representing Australia
are only just beginning. Briony
Payne, 16, and Courtney Capper, 17, have
been selected into the Australian Under
17 years netball squad which travelled to
Canberra to compete this month.
Both girls undertook a gruelling
training session to be accepted into the
squad, with only two girls from each
state chosen. Having both played for a
number of years, the girls said they were
still in shock about making the squad.
“It hadn’t hit me until we were down
in Canberra,” Briony said. “I found out
I was in the squad when I got a call from
Netball Australia at school and I just
couldn’t believe it.” Courtney also said
the experience didn’t feel real.
I was so shocked
and surprised when
I was called up. But
I knew what I had
to do and that’s keep
on training.
The girls braved the cold down
in Canberra for four days as they
competed and trained with their new
team members.
john paul college 13
14 the EAGLE FEBRUARY 2012
BACK-TO-BACK
Australian School Champions
With Australian
Institute of Sport
athletes, rising stars and
a past A.C.T. Academy
Head Coach among its
ranks, it’s no surprise
Queensland’s John Paul
College is now back-toback Australian Schools
Basketball Champions.
C
oached by Peter Foster, and
already crowned 2010 Australian
Basketball Schools Champion
team, John Paul College had all the
ingredients to set the 2012 tournament alight.
Played at the Bendigo and Flora
Hill stadiums in December 2011, the
championships featured more than 100
schools. Eight girls’ teams vied for the
national crown. With crushing victories
leading to the 2010 final, John Paul College
sounded a warning to its rival.
John Paul College over-ran Box Hill
Secondary College in the last quarter of the
girls’ final to take the win 61-53. Box Hill
took a slender two point lead into the last
quarter but could only manage 11 last quarter
points as John Paul College piled on 21 points
in the fourth to snatch the eight point win.
At the foul line, John Paul College connected
on 20 from 28 free-throws attempts, to just a
four-from-six ratio for Box Hill.
With both teams shooting low percentages
from the field, it was Kalani Purcell, topscoring with 15 points for John Paul College,
and Madelyn Willey and Kristy Wallace
both chipping in with 13 points each, who
made all the difference. JPC out-hustled its
Victorian opponent, creating many turnover
opportunities and scoring on fast breaks.
Despite AIS athlete, Mikhaela Donnelly,
being unavailable while she trained in
Canberra, the specialist basketball school still
had an embarrassment of riches including
Maddison Allen, the 200cm 17-year-old
player, who added plenty of firepower
off the bench. Maddison was awarded
MVP in the grand final of the Queensland
Basketball Schools Championships earlier in
2011, winning the team’s third consecutive
Queensland title and tenth title overall for
John Paul College. “At John Paul College, we
really strive to be better than our predecessors
and the fact that we’re making history, both
for our school and Queensland basketball is
really important to us,” Maddison said.
But it was the team’s drive for a second
consecutive Championship as they defended
their National Title that spurred them on in
Bendigo. “It was a narrow win in the final and
from that we have learnt not to take anything
for granted, but we were a stronger and more
cohesive group than the team we took away
in 2010,” Maddison said.
Coach Foster, previous Head Coach for
the Southern Districts Spartan Men in
2005 which won a Queensland Australian
Basketball League title, has seen plenty of
talent in his many years as a Basketball Coach
for top teams in the ACT and Queensland.
The current Headmaster at John Paul College
is heavily involved in the education and
training of the Open Girls’ Basketball Team.
After strong performances at the National
Championships, John Paul College looked
forward to continuing their winning-streak
in Dallas, Texas, when they played against
some of the best school basketball teams in the
world over Christmas 2011. The John Paul
College team won six of their seven games
against school and college basketball teams;
the best of the best. John Paul’s only defeat
was against their biggest rival, the St Mary’s
Catholic School, who were the United States
National Champions for the past five years.
The team is now a prominent figure in the
minds of American basketball stakeholders,
with four John Paul College players offered
basketball scholarships with some of America’s
biggest colleges. Maddison Allen, Ashley
Taia, Peri Ewin and Madelyn Willey had
scouts from a number of colleges offering
scholarships after the girls led the open side
to its world number two ranking.
john paul college 15
community
The wine was chilled,
the menu was
delicious and the fairy
light decorations
transformed the John
Paul College 30th
Anniversary Gala
Ball into A Night to
Remember.
A
lmost 500 members of the John
Paul College family – made up of
parents past and present, alumni
and staff - ‘glammed up’ for an
evening of socialising, entertainment and
celebration. Together with the sounds of
champagne bottles popping, the fantastic
band had everyone up on the dancefloor
dancing and singing the greatest hits of
the past 50 years.
In his speech for the evening, the
Headmaster acknowledged the ongoing
support of the John Paul College community.
“Tonight, we look back with pride on what
we have achieved and how far we have come;
we embrace the changes of today; and look
16 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
remember
A night to
forward to a bright 21st Century future.
John Paul College has a strong sense of
community and a proud sense of family –
and that is what we are…a family. Without
the committed parents, both past and present,
the enthusiastic students and our alumni, our
dedicated staff – John Paul College would not
be the school it is today, nor would it be the
family we are tonight.”
A special thank you must go to our
sponsors who kindly donated amazing raffle
prizes including weekends away in 5 star
accommodation, helicopter rides, pamper
packages and a diamond pendant worth
thousands of dollars, donated by local
business, Boyce Jewellers.
1
The Gala Ball was a celebration of the
College’s 30th Anniversary and was the
result of hard work, blood, sweat and tears of
the Gala Ball Committee, who spent hours
and hours on planning, decorations, menu
choices, marketing and raffle prizes to make
this a night to remember. Thank you to
the members of our Gala Ball Committee;
Helen Weissenberger, Deanna Allan, Anita
Peckham, Kym Dawson, Maria Becker, Nicole
Bryan, Paula White, Nyree Fegelson, Bec
Peall, Danielle Brown, Scott Ingram, Leanne
Eadie, Lucas Gilroy and his team, and Nathan
Strudwick, past School Captain and our MC
for the evening, who even donned a burgundy
Performing Arts tie from 15 years ago.
2
1 Gala Ball Committee made up of parents, staff
and alumni. 2 Maria Becker and Peter Foster,
Headmaster of John Paul College. 3 The oversized
wine glass centrepieces were a big hit. 4 The Gala
Ball was well attended by staff – past and present.
3
4
Say no
to bullying
O
ne hundred and forty Year 7
students from John Paul
College marked the National
Day of Action Against Bullying
and Violence by spelling out the words
‘NO WAY’ on the Stephen Bowers Oval
on March 16. Each Year 7 student signed
an anti-bullying pledge and wore an orange
ribbon to take a stand together as part of
the community’s actions.
Schools throughout Australia joined
together to celebrate the annual day, covering
the hot topics of today such as student voice,
bystander behaviour and cyber bullying.
The focus of the 2012 day was on parents
and families taking a stand together and
recognising the important role everyone plays.
The declaration against bullying on the
oval at John Paul College was organised by
Head of Year 7, Stacey Lang, and new Head
of Middle School, Mark Zietsch. Mark
Zietsch said the day gave the students an
incentive to express their feelings. “The day
is extremely important for schools to adopt
as it empowers students to feel they can play
a part in the campaign against bullying and
violence,” he said.
“It gives students a voice and means to take
action. The day also allows for dialogue at
school and at home and a focus on teaching
strategies to deal with bullying.”
John Paul College enforces a zero tolerance
to bullying and has numerous ways to support
students. “We have a range of processes,
procedures and structures in place to deal with
incidences of bullying,” Mr Zietsch said.
“For example, we use restorative practices,
counselling and a variety of discipline
measures to handle bullying behaviour.
We believe in supporting students when
harm has occurred and in educating them
to understand the dynamics of bullying and
the effect it can have on an individual.”
We believe in supporting
students when harm
has occurred and in
educating them to
understand the dynamics
of bullying and the
effect it can have on
an individual.
In the lead up to the day, students displayed
bullying posters around their school and wrote
newsletter reports which were delivered within
the community.
john paul college 17
community
Oldmac Toyota –
a supporter of
John Paul College
O
ldmac Toyota originated
back in July 1976 with
two partners Graham
Oldham and Jock
McGregor establishing a motor
dealership at Springwood. Graham
and Jock combined their professional
motoring experience and their
surnames to form the business name –
OLDMAC. Three years later, Graham
and Jock expanded Oldmac Toyota to
Cleveland and as the Redland area, an
opportunity arose to invest in a major
redevelopment in 1986.
Community’s Reactions
Nathanial Koeter (Class of 1998)
Allan Russell, Surfers Paradise Coaches
“Wow the school certainly has changed since
we were there... fantastic production”
“Wonderful job!!! Makes us feel so proud
to be associated with our friends at JPC.”
Emily Warbrick (Class of 2001)
Dr Toni Noble, School of Educational Leadership
“What a gorgeous video, thanks for sharing”
Tenille Rodie (Class of 2001)
“That’s so fantastic!”
“Wow – this is extraordinary!!! Really looks like
a cool fun connected place to be – what a
mammoth task choreographing all that with cast
of 100s if not over a 1000?? - the mind boggles!”
In 1995 the business expanded to
Oldmac Mazda at Cleveland. Oldmac
Mazda’s development continued with
the official launch of the impressive
state-of-the-art dealership at
Springwood in February 2003.
With the assistance of Oldmac
client feedback, these facilities were
mirrored throughout the Oldmac
Toyota Cleveland major dealership
redevelopment in December 2003.
Clients enjoy the convenience of
a cooked breakfast or lunch in the
Oldmac Café, whilst waiting for their
vehicle’s service to be completed.
2002 saw Jock McGregor retire from
active Oldmac duty. Graham Oldham
continues his strong ‘customer first’
approach and involvement with the
community via local sponsorships.
In 2007 Oldmac Toyota’s new Service
Centre was completed providing service
clients with 30 service bays and a
luxurious client lounge area. The stateof-the-art Oldmac Toyota Springwood
showroom was completed in late 2008
with a dedicated Customer Delivery
Zone, café bar and extensive motor
vehicle display.
Graham revealed his secret to over
36 years of business success. “Customer
focus and the right Oldmac team is the
key. Oldmac Toyota has been fortunate
to be still servicing our original 1976
customers today in 2012,” Graham said.
“We are forever searching to improve
our customer service and our goal is
once an Oldmac Toyota client, always
an Oldmac Toyota client. We look
forward to establishing a relationship
and working with the community of
John Paul College”.
Web | www.oldmactoyota.com.au
18 the EAGLE FEBRUARY 2012
It was exciting being on the set
because we felt like movie stars
p
t
John Paul becomes
Geoff Combes,
Co-Founder of Tour
de Cure “WOW! What
a great clip. So many
people to co-ordinate.
I reckon this will get 10,000
views before the end of
the week! Well done.”
overnight
YouTube
n
o
i
t
a
s
n
se
The John Paul College
Spirit Video was
officially launched on
January 27 at the first
Headmaster’s Assembly
of the year, resulting
in hundreds of
hits in just a
few short hours.
T
he video involves the entire
College community – 2200
students from Kindergarten
to Year 12, and 350 staff - and
features flash mob dance scenes, stunting,
aerialists, an array of sport and cultural
opportunities, technology, our beautiful
campus and most importantly, our students
and staff lip syncing to ARIA Award Winner
Gotye’s song ‘In Your Light’.
Spirit Videos have become a trend
among schools of all sizes and ages in
the USA, and are only now just getting
picked up by Australian schools. John Paul
College Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster, loved
the idea because it embodied the JPC spirit.
“For John Paul College, school spirit is about
more than just the burgundy and blue.
It’s about creating a learning environment
where students and staff are proud to be a part
of the educational process.”
The essence of the Spirit Video was to
capture the spirit of the John Paul College
community, from our youngest learners in
Kindergarten through to our Senior School
students and dedicated staff. Launched for
the College’s 30th Anniversary, the Spirit
Video is a celebration of 30 years of Unity,
Christ and Learning. The aim of the 30th
Anniversary Spirit Video was to not only build
on our amazing school spirit, but to share this
spirit and pride with the rest of the world.
And it went viral, reaching more than 52,000
views on YouTube!
Senior School students Andy Strudwick
and Christine Tromp said being involved
in the video was one of the best things they
ever did. “It was really fun and I enjoyed the
whole process because we had never done
anything like this before, and probably never
will again,” Andy said.
“It was exciting being on the set because
we felt like movie stars,” Christine said.
“It was a really good opportunity
because the whole school got to be in the
video and although many were inexperienced
in front of the camera, we all danced and
had a great time.”
The three minute video took two days
to film and travels through the campus
from Kindergarten to the playground,
to the Bradley Building to Coleman Centre,
to the Gorman Centre and Cec Munns Sports
Centre. Check it out on our YouTube channel
JohnPaulCollegeQLD.
john paul college 19
ALUMNI
Mission Positive
for ALUMNUS
From: Mission Positive
Facebook page
J
ohn Paul College Alumnus,
Claire Allsop, is on a mission to
create a world filled with positivity.
The Class of 2010 graduate has
established a movement to create positivity for
everyone, everywhere by acknowledging a person’s
positive traits, and passing the positivity forward.
The movement is based around the idea that a random
word or act of kindness to others, empowers yourself as
you empower others.
From a single YouTube video posted on January 7, Claire’s
ideal has grown quickly into a movement of change using the
global reach of YouTube, Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook. The JPC
Alum receives approximately 60 submissions a day from as far as the
US, Germany and India. Claire has also had a sensational response to
her Mission Positive work, with coverage in the US, Europe, India and
most recently, in Australia.
The idea is to spread
the positivity by
empowering yourself.
The primary education student took to the streets on Valentine’s
Day with 10 volunteers to hand out 400 roses to strangers in the
central business district of Brisbane. Claire is looking to spread the
random acts and words of kindness nationally in every capital city,
and with further help, globally!
So what can you do to help? Take a photo of yourself with a piece
of paper covering your face. Written on the piece of paper should be a
positive note about yourself, for example, “I am a good singer” or “I have nice eyes”. It must be a statement
about your physical self, your personality or perhaps a talent you have. Whatever it is – it has to be positive!
Post this photograph of you and your piece of paper on the Mission Positive Facebook page and your own
social media sites, send it via text message to friends and family, or print it out and mail it to someone
overseas. The idea is to spread the positivity by empowering yourself.
Brittney has a world vision for poverty
C
lass of 2011 Alumnus, Brittney Mackenzie, has a vision
to eradicate poverty around the globe and is putting words
into action. The young student from Redland Bay has just
returned from an eye-opening two-week study tour of northern
Ethiopia, on the horn of Africa, as a 40 Hour Famine Youth
Ambassador for World Vision.
The former Vice-Captain of John Paul College was one of only
five teenagers to go on the trip, where they met impoverished
children and families who were struggling in poor conditions.
20 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
sop
All
e
r
i
Cla
While in Ethiopia, the group visited a farmer, a school,
a kindergarten, and a health centre.
After being inspired by World Vision’s work, it is a goal
of Brittney’s to be part of their media team, believing that
multimedia is the link to fighting poverty.
The Gold Coast university student is eager to help those she
met in Ethiopia; where one-third of the country is in poverty,
but will continue to focus on her journalism studies while
volunteering with World Vision and other charities in the area.
Events
ALUMNI
Champion Sport Saturday
F
orm your team for the ultimate sporting competition on Saturday 21 July to
do battle in netball, touch and tennis (doubles). Teams may comprise both
male and female players from all past years, parents or staff of the College.
Alumni teams in football and hockey will also play the current Open student team
as part of the competition.
Champion Sport Saturday forms part of the College’s 30th Anniversary events
program and aims to provide a means for sports-minded supporters of the College to
come together for an afternoon of friendly competition. A barbecue and bar will operate
throughout the afternoon to ensure everyone is appropriately refreshed. The registration
fee provides a soft drink and burger and covers umpires, medics (hopefully not required)
trophies and equipment. Registrations are now open at our Online Event Ticketing page.
Visit www.johnpaulcollege.com.au.
‘Recent Grads’ Reunion
T
marathon 4 mum
The love of netball cemented the lifelong
friendship of four students when they
became Open A teammates in their school
days, but 10 years later, it is the love for one
of their mums that has inspired the girls to
run the Gold Coast Marathon on July 1.
he Headmaster extends an invitation to first and second year graduates
(Class of 2010 and 2011) to join him at the College on Saturday 21 July for
a barbecue and catch-up. The barbecue will fire up at 1.00pm on the Markwell
Lawns. A complimentary burger and soft drink will be provided and drinks (18+) will
be available for sale at the bar. To assist with catering, could you please register your
attendance via our Online Event Ticketing page. Visit www.johnpaulcollege.com.au.
The girls will run the 42.195km distance
in memory of 2002 School Captain, Clare
McMeniman’s mother, Anne-Maree who
passed away with Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia in January, just two weeks after
diagnosis. The loss of Clare’s father, Geoff in
2009 compounded the family’s grief.
10 & 20 Year Reunions
Clare, along with Kirsten Strudwick
(2002), Cecily Moody (2003) and Helen
McMurtrie (2003) hope to raise over
$5,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation in
the process.
R
eunions are in October and will be a fantastic catch up for old friends and
classmates after many years apart. Payments will be accepted until end of
September. Invitations are available for download from our website on the
Alumni page. Payments can be made via our Online Event Ticketing page.
Visit www.johnpaulcollege.com.au.
Class of 2002Class of 1992
When
Saturday 13 October 2012
from 7.00pm to late
Friday 19 October 2012
from 7.00pm to late
Where
The Queensland Rugby Club
The Queensland Rugby Club
Level 1, 123 Eagle Street
Level 1, 123 Eagle Street
Brisbane CityBrisbane City
Cost
$100 per person
$100 per person
Outstanding Alumni Awards
A
s part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, John Paul College is looking
to recognise the success of our alumni. Since the first students graduated in
1985, almost 10,000 alumni have gone on to excel in a multitude of careers
throughout the world.
The Awards serve to recognise outstanding alumni in the areas of The Arts,
Community Service, The Professions/Industry and Sport. For further details,
including criteria, or to nominate (personally or on behalf of another alumnus), go to
www.johnpaulcollege.com.au. Nominations close 31 August 2012 with the winners
presented at an awards ceremony at Rydges, South Bank, on 26 October. The overall
winner will be presented to the College community at Speech Night in November.
“Obviously, everything happened really
quickly but the services and support
provided by the Wesley Hospital and the
Leukaemia Foundation were invaluable.
Mum was thrilled when we told her we
were running the marathon for her and
the Foundation,” Clare said.
Netball has been a huge part of the
girls’ lives since they were members of
the 2001 and 2002 Vicki Wilson Cup
winning Open A team. Clare has been a
Firebird since 2007, retiring last year with
an ANZ Premiership to her name. Helen
and Kirsten have also represented the
Firebirds and all girls have been regulars in
Queensland teams.
“Sport has kept us connected,” said
Kirsten. “We also try to be there for
milestones in each other’s lives like uni
graduations, netball grand finals, meeting
new boyfriends! The next time the four
of us will be together is at the Gold Coast
Marathon start line!”
To donate go to: www.everydayhero.
com.au/all_for_annemaree
john paul college 21
ALUMNI
Where are they now?
Yassmin Abdel-Magied (Class of 2007) to speak his mind, following official COP17
Ben Alexander (Class of 2005)
Yassmin graduated with an OP 1 and was a
recipient of the University of Queensland’s
Deans Excellence scholarship. Yassmin
recently graduated as Valedictorian with a
Mechanical Engineering degree with First
Class Honours. She plans for an international
engineering career in Formula 1 racing, and
is expanding the organisation she founded:
Youth Without Borders, while serving on
a number of government and community
boards. Youth Without Borders, is an
advocacy group that strives to empower youth
to work together for the implementation of
positive change within their communities.
Yassmin was awarded 2007 Australian Muslim
of the Year and 2010 Young Queenslander
of the Year. In 2011, she was named the
international winner of the Speaking Out for
Engineering competition in Singapore, for her
oral presentation on the chassis design for the
UQ Racing 2011 racing car.
Past School Captain, Ben Alexander, joined
a traineeship program studying multimedia
after school. He enjoyed the program
however felt that this was not the pathway
he wanted to pursue. After a number of trial
and error careers, Ben now manages Binnacle
Training and has completed two Certificate
IV qualifications. Ben has started part-time
university and is happy to have reached his
dream job. He believes that each career
change provided him with tools that are used
to his advantage in his current job.
Yusuf Omar (Class of 2006)
Yusuf is a well-known journalist for national
South African newspaper, The Mercury. At
the 2011 United Nations Climate Change
Conference, held in Durban, South Africa,
Yusuf took the podium during the tea-break
negotiations. The conference is regarded as
the biggest meeting in the world, with 192
countries and 15,000 delegates attending the
event. Yusuf ’s passion on the issue of climate
change is most noticeable in his articles.
Tristan Cartmel (Class of 2006)
Having graduated from Griffith University
with a Bachelor of Asian and International
Studies, Tristan has been awarded one of
only five Queensland Government Trade and
Investment Queensland International Business
Cadetships which has taken him to Shanghai,
China. Tristan also received a scholarship
supported by the Australian Government
through the Australia-Korea Career
Foundation of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade and completed an intensive
language course at Seoul University in Korea
over three weeks in January 2012. Tristan
has partnered with Transpacific Cleanaway
to conduct a market research project on their
behalf during a 20 week stint in China.
He will work out of the Trade and Investment
office in Shanghai. Tristan plans to return to
Asia to build a long-term career working in
China, Taiwan or Korea.
Matt Baxby (Class of 1993)
After nine years as Managing Director of
Virgin Money Australia, Matt decided to
pursue a career opportunity this year that
takes him closer to his family in Brisbane.
For the past three years, Matt has commuted
between Brisbane and Sydney for the working
week, which was difficult with a young family.
Matt thoroughly enjoyed his time with Virgin,
and was fortunate to have worked with some
incredibly talented people and was presented
with some amazing opportunities. Matt
recently accepted a role with the Bank of
Queensland, working with their new CEO,
Stuart Grimshaw.
Engagements / Weddings
Trent Binch
(Class of 2007)
Ben Jordan (Class of 2002) and
Samantha Avey (Class of 2002)
Trent Binch was
married to Jessica
Chatwin on 21
January 2012, at
Saint Matthews
Anglican Church
at Sherwood.
Following their
perfect wedding
and reception
at the Brisbane
Golf Club with
120 guests
in attendance, the happy couple
honeymooned in New Zealand for three
weeks. Trent is currently working as a
Director at Select Data and is in his last
year studying a Bachelor of Arts Security,
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism. He
will then pursue a Masters in International
Studies in Policing, Intelligence and
Counter Terrorism.
On 13 November 2011 Ben Jordan married
Samantha Avey in a beautiful ceremony at
Tamborine Mountain. Ben and Sam went
to the Year 12 Formal together and decided
to tie the knot after four years of dating. All
members of the bridal party were former
John Paul College students. Shortly after the
wedding, the newlyweds set off to tour Europe
for their much anticipated honeymoon.
Upon returning, the couple have recently
purchased their dream home which they are
hoping will be built by mid-year.
22 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
Alumni: Lachlan Jordan, James Ingram, Ben Jordan,
Samantha Avey, Emily Ingleton and Tavia Goodison
Chevaun Allardyce
(Senior School Teacher)
Senior School teacher, Chevaun Allardyce,
married Nathan Kerrins on 1 April 2012,
at Oscars Rooftop at Burleigh. The lavish
reception was held at Palazzo Versace at
Main Beach with 60 guests in attendance,
including the couple’s dog Charli. Chevaun
and Nathan met through a mutual best
friend in 2007.
Farewells
Births
Shane Howard
Property Operations Manager, Shane
Howard, was recently farewelled by
hundreds of staff after 16 years at John Paul
College. Shane has been a long serving and
well respected staff member at the College,
working closely on every musical, major
event and celebration John Paul College has
hosted since 1996. We wish him well in the
next phase of his career. Shane will continue
to be a familiar face around the College as a
parent and we look forward to him taking
on some new roles in that capacity.
Bereavements
Benjamin Eames (Class of 2011)
It is with a heavy heart that we advise of the passing of John Paul College Alumnus,
Benjamin Eames in March this year. Ben and his twin Joshua commenced at John Paul
College in Preschool in 1999, and their older brother Samuel, in Prep in 1996. We
send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to Terry and Sally Eames, Joshua and Samuel.
Sue McGuiness (nee Dixon)
Katy Gorman (Class of 2002)
Beautiful baby girl, Lacy May Scott,
was born on 14 November 2011.
Melissah Cotter nee Hughes
(Class of 2002)
Congratulations to Melissah and husband
David Cotter, who welcomed baby
Lachlan Stewart into the world on
24 February 2011.
Sarah Jackson (Class of 2002)
Congratulations to Sarah and partner
James Grier, who welcomed baby Levi
Robert on 9 February 2011.
Kristy Walker nee Graham
(Class of 1998)
Kristy and husband Adam Walker,
are the proud parents of Sienna,
born on 24 January 2012.
Gareth Stephens (Class of 1996)
It is with sadness that we inform you that past staff member and parent Sue Dixon
passed away early April in Lismore Hospital after a battle with lung cancer. Sue was
a staff member at the College for 10 years from 1989 to 1999 and parent of alumni
Kylie, Amanda and Rachel. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Congratulations to Gareth and wife
Natalie, on the birth of their daughter
Chloe Charlotte, born on St. Patrick’s
Day weighing 3.8kg. Chloe makes baby
number three for Gareth and Natalie.
Raylea Wakefield
Shirley Mao (Class of 1996)
We were saddened by the tragic passing of College parent Raylea Wakefield. Raylea
was heavily involved in the life of the College, particularly with Basketball. She was a
familiar face on campus and will be missed. Wife to Chris and a mother to Mackenzie
and Sidonie, our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
We are delighted to advise the arrival of
baby Miley Cheng on 1 March weighing
3.54kg, to Shirley Mao and husband
Stanley Cheng.
Luke Trouchet (Class of 1992)
Generation 2.0 –
Enrol your child for 2013
Remember the opportunities you had at John Paul
College? The musicals performing to thousands of
people, the large sporting events that rivalled the
Olympics, the amazing friends that you still stay in
contact with today. Your John Paul College journey
may have ended years ago, but your child’s journey is
just beginning! Start your child’s 2013 schooling in a
John Paul College environment you know and love!
Preference is given to children of John Paul College
Alumni. Visit johnpaulcollege.com.au or email
[email protected] for further information.
Congratulations to Luke and his
wife, Angie, on the birth of their
twin boys Noah and Joel, born on
29 December 2011.
Sam Couche (Primary School Teacher)
Congratulations to John Paul College
teachers, Sam and Jane Couche, on the
birth of their beautiful twins, Sophie Jane
and Jake Samuel, on 23 December 2011.
Jodie Barnard (School Counsellor)
Congratulations to Primary School
Counsellor, Jodie Barnard, who welcomed
a healthy baby girl, Quinn Marie, on 17
February weighing 8 pounds.
john paul college 23
around campus
1
2
3
6
5
10
Across the entire College, our
campus is alive with activity.
24 the EAGLE AUTUMN 2012
1 Class of 2011 students jumping for joy prior to the Year 12 Formal
2 Robyn Waddingham enjoys the special Primary School morning tea on
World Teachers’ Day 3 Eloise Adams shows off her baking skills at the Back to
Prep Picnic 4 Eddie the Eagle – the new College Mascot – is unveiled at Mayfair
2012 5 Year 2 students give the thumbs up after visiting the construction site
of the new Primary and Middle Learning Centre 6 Snow cones were a big hit
at Mayfair this year with a record attendance! 7 Headmaster, Mr Peter Foster,
reading the ‘How to Fill a Bucket’ book to Year 2A 8 Jack Boughton lays a
wreath on behalf of John Paul College at the Springwood ANZAC Day service
9 Enright supporters looked heavenly at the Swimming Carnival earlier in
the year 10 Father Leo Burke was at the Senior School Swimming Carnival,
cheering on Burke House 11 Year 4 students, Jack Dugandzic, Lydia Bell and
Katie Jennings, selling cookies as a fundraiser for the Mater Children’s Hospital
4
9
7
8
11
john paul college 25
Unity | Christ | Learning
Unity | Christ | Learning