On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, all the way back in 1918, hostilities ceased on the Western Front, and peace descended upon an exhausted Europe.
Next Monday, the armistice ending World War I will be commemorated in Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country and worldwide. At Churchie, we look forward to continuing this important tradition, reminding our boys of the fragile world in which we live and the extraordinary stories of courage and sacrifice that built our freedom. These stories are deeply woven into the history of our own community, of course, and so there is an immediate and profound relevance.
The armistice in 1918 was actually signed in a railway carriage in the Compiègne Forest, France, in the early hours of that morning, but the cessation of fighting was agreed to take effect later, at 11 am, to allow time for word to reach all fronts. Such are the strange details of history. In an effort to remember the horrific sacrifices of WWI, important monuments were built in the years that followed. Menin Gate in Belgium is one such example, famously commemorating the thousands of unnamed British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell. Still today, it stands in quiet solemnity.
Writers and poets also sought to convey, somehow, the unprecedented nature of the calamity. Siegfried Sassoon is among the most revered, winning the Military Cross for bravery in WWI before becoming critical of the protracted nature of the war. In On Passing the New Menin Gate, Sassoon expressed the anguish that always shapes our remembrance:
Who will remember, passing through this Gate, The unheroic Dead who fed the guns? Who shall absolve the foulness of their fate— Those doomed, conscripted, unvictorious ones?
We shall offer our own response to Sassoon next Monday, though one of Sassoon’s main concerns was that we could never truly understand the horrors that he and his generation had experienced first-hand. He is right, of course, just as we—in the comfort of a relatively safe and stable country—are not truly able to fathom the terrifying reality of conflicts that are still taking place across the world today. Our rituals are indeed feeble next to the weight of these catastrophes, and yet they are still profoundly important.
Next Monday, we shall pass through our own version of Menin Gate—remembering and honouring our troubled past in the very best way we can.
Richard Wheeldon Deputy Headmaster
CPAA
Thank you to all volunteers of the School, who have been so dedicated again this year.
We value the enormous effort you make, and for your gift of service to the School, and the wonderful example you set for our young men in doing so.
Dr Alan Campbell Headmaster
Senior Chaplain Rev Sharon Mitchell and Headmaster Dr Alan Campbell with CPAA Chair Angela Rae, who has led the Churchie Parents Advisory Association again in 2024. Photo: Marg Campbell
Prep School
Prep value of the week: commitment
Commitment is caring deeply about something or someone. It involves carefully considering and deciding what you want to do, then giving it 100 per cent, holding nothing back. You show commitment by giving your all to a friendship, a task or something you believe in. You finish what you start and keep your promises.
Attribute of the week: risk takers
Risk takers approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and they have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Mr Clicketty Cane at Churchie
Last week, boys in Reception to Year 3 attended a concert by notable children’s entertainer, songwriter and producer Peter Combe OAM. Peter captivated and engaged the boys as he performed many songs, inviting the students to join in with movement, actions and, of course, singing. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the performance and were wonderful audience members. They were the first school on Peter’s tour to perform two new songs: ‘A Frog in My Cheese Sandwich’ and ‘10,000 Stars’. Peter commented on how beautiful and touching it was to hear his songs performed live by children’s voices for the first time. Our favourite songs were ‘Sun Comes Up’, ‘Spaghetti Bolognaise’, ‘Tadpole Blues’, ‘Newspaper Mama’, ‘Juicy Juicy Green Grass’, and, of course, ‘Mr Clicketty Cane’. We hope to have Peter visit our school again in the future.
Contemporary First Nations artist Wendy Rix visited the students in Year 6 to share her perspective and make connections to the PYP Exhibition central idea: systems support lives. Students listened to Wendy’s story as she shared her deep connection to Yuwaalaraay Country (Goodooga NSW) and her family’s history and experiences.
The artwork created as a response will be on display in the Campbell Centre for PYPX.
Buddy classes
Last week, 1B teamed up with their Year 6C buddies for an adventurous scavenger hunt across the Prep School grounds. This event, designed to build connections and foster leadership skills, saw boys excitedly finding different living creatures within our grounds, all while strengthening the bonds between the youngest and oldest members of the Prep School. The scavenger hunt not only strengthened peer relationships but also promoted confidence and collaboration across year levels, embodying the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Year 3
We’ve had so much fun learning about how heat can transform a state of matter in Year 3. The boys collaborated and put their construction skills to the test by making a solar oven. They investigated how quickly radiation can transform a piece of chocolate.
Year 2
Year 2 has been inquiring into the solar system and the patterns we observe in the sky. After our investigations of star constellations, the boys chose a star constellation to research and create out of marshmallows. They developed their processing and modelling skills and worked collaboratively to analyse their constellations.
Library news
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent Book Fair. We raised over $1,400 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation as a result.
Prep Support Group meeting
The final Prep Support Group meeting of 2024 will be the AGM on Thursday 21 November in the Year 2 Plaza, commencing at 8:30 am. All are welcome. Nominations for all executive positions (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary) will be called for and can be made to Trudy Naylor or via the Prep Office.
Anglicare collection
On behalf of Anglicare Brisbane Children and Families (a foster and kinship care agency), we extend our deepest appreciation for your continued support of our foster and kinship carer families at Christmas time. The gifts provided by our community last year meant Anglicare was able to put smiles on the faces of children during a difficult time when they were away from their biological parents.
Anglicare’s team supports 105 children and young people in out-of-home care, aged between birth and 17 years, as well as the biological children in foster and kinship carer families who generously share their homes. Over Christmas, this number often increases, with carer families unexpectedly opening their homes to more children in need. Your support through gift donations allows Anglicare to provide thoughtful presents, ensuring these vulnerable children have a memorable Christmas.
Anglicare supports a balanced mix of boys and girls aged from birth to 17. For children aged 13 and older, gift cards are well-received, allowing them to shop and choose something special themselves. We ask that any gift card donations exclude liquor services, and we request $30 denominations as the preferred amount.
All donations can be delivered to Chaplain Stephanie’s office in the Prep Admin building.
Final assembly: Years 4 to 6
The Prep School’s final assembly will be held on Wednesday 27 November in Morris Hall, commencing at 6 pm. This will be the Prep School’s annual Speech Night and prize-giving. All boys in Years 4 to 6 are expected to attend. The assembly will conclude at approximately 7:30 pm.
Years 4 to 6 Merit Awards
Merit Awards are awarded to the top ten academic students in Year 4 and the top ten students in each of Years 5 and 6 (not including the Dux). These awards are based on the boys’ classwork and academic achievements over the year.
Years 4 to 6 Effort Awards
Two Effort Awards are presented to the two students, determined by the form teacher, who have made the greatest consistent effort throughout the year. The boys’ efforts in all aspects of school life are taken into account. These awards have been donated by the Old Boys’ Association. It is delightful to have this ongoing link with the Old Boys’ Association, and we thank them for their continuing support of the Prep School.
The Jell Family Awards
Former Chairman of the School Council Dr John Jell was a Prep School student, as was his brother, Dr Peter Jell. The Jell family has donated awards for the boy in Year 4 and the boy in Year 5 who have shown high academic achievement and leadership and made a significant contribution to the cultural, spiritual, sporting and service life of the school.
The Head of Preparatory School’s Award
This award is presented to the boy in Year 6 who has seized the opportunities Churchie offers to grow into a fine young man. The recipient will be a boy who has taken opportunities, become a leader among his peers, made a significant contribution to the cultural, spiritual, sporting and service life of the school and given his best in a wide range of activities.
Dux of the School
This is the highest academic award in the Prep School. It will be awarded to the boy in Year 6 with the highest overall academic achievement.
The Jack Duff Award
This award is presented to the Year 6 student who has made the greatest, overall contribution to the school’s cocurricular programme and leadership in the Prep School. The recipient has made the most of the opportunities offered at Churchie, has demonstrated a range of skills and become a leader among his peers.
Reverend Jocelyn Pitt Award for Christian Living
Reverend Jocelyn Pitt was a teacher and then Chaplain in the Prep School for many years. This prize is awarded to a Year 6 boy who has made an important contribution to the religious and spiritual life of the school. This boy will have demonstrated Christian disciplines of worship, prayer, reflection, compassion, humility and care for others.
Japanese Award
Awarded to the Year 6 boy with the best overall achievement and contribution in Japanese.
Sports Award
Awarded to the Year 6 student with the highest overall achievement in Physical Education, sport and sportsmanship.
Art Award
Awarded to the Year 6 boy with the best overall achievement in Art.
Music Award
Awarded to the Year 6 student with the highest overall achievement in Music.
Technology Award
Awarded to the Year 6 student with the highest overall achievement in Technology.
PYP Exhibition
Mark Wyer Head of Preparatory School
Senior School
Pixevety reminder for Year 12 parents
If your son is in Year 12 this year, please ensure you visit our Pixevety photo platform and download any photos of him that you would like to keep by Thursday 30 November 2024. The parent guide to Pixevety at Churchie (available on myChurchie) has instructions on how to download your son’s photos. If you are another son at the school, parent access will continue.
The Year 10 rural operations students have successfully completed the course requirements for their Certificate II in Rural Operations and were awarded their certificate by the Headmaster this week.
Working with their teacher, Ian Jones, in theory lessons at school, the students also attended UQ Skills in Gatton four times each term for practical lessons and assessments.
Some of the units completed were workplace health and safety, weed identification, fencing, small machines, tractor operation and working with small and large animals.
The students can now progress to the Certificate III programme if they meet the eligibility criteria. Congratulations to everyone involved!
The team of Daniel He, Lucas Shan and Yunfan Shu were the state winners of the Queensland Association of Maths Teachers Quiz. The final saw the boys competing online against schools from across the state. They collaborated excellently and, after a slow start in the estimation round, built a comfortable lead after the speed and problem-solving rounds. The final two rounds of individual questions and maths general knowledge saw them edge out the defending champions, Brisbane Girls Grammar School.
Grant Smith Head of Gifted Education (Aquila)
Rod Olsen Head of Senior School
Music
Churchie Trumpet weekend
On Sunday 3 November 2024, Churchie hosted Yoram Levy, former principal trumpet of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and current head of brass at the Australian National Academy of Music. Many outstanding trumpet students from Churchie, Gregory Terrace and the Conservatorium performed in the masterclass session, as parents and fellow students watched on and noted the detailed advice on breathing, articulation and colouring the sound from one of the best teachers in Australia. The concert began with Mr Levy and Mr Williamson performing Baroque music with organist Christian Gante, followed by the masterclass sessions and culminating with the Churchie trumpet quintet, including Michael Keen, Jeremy Williamson, Chris Hudson and Luka Roberts (Year 11), performing a phenomenal piece entitled Brazilian Dances. The afternoon would not have been possible without the vision of Mr Williamson, and we are extremely grateful for all that he has done to make this opportunity happen for our trumpet students.
Churchie and UQ Clarinet afternoon
On Monday 4 November, the UQ clarinet ensemble Locked In came to Churchie to conduct a workshop.
Consisting of tertiary clarinet Bachelor of Music students, Locked In performed some of their own chamber music repertoire and workshopped elements of clarinet and ensemble playing with Churchie’s senior clarinet ensemble, Wind Power.
Both groups then combined to rehearse and perform a few clarinet ensemble pieces together to conclude the event.
Expression of Interest for 2025 Music Support Group Committee Secretary
The amazing Music Support Group is an integral part of the concert series, catering and fundraising to support students on their musical journey. Expressions of interest are now open for the role of secretary in 2025. This role joins a vibrant, active and welcoming committee of like-minded parents who encourage the potential of all music students at Churchie. The main duties include:
Actively contributing to the direction and planning of Music Support Group Meetings
Taking minutes at all meetings
Following up with action items with committee members
Organising volunteers using SignUp
If you are interested, the Music Support Group would greatly appreciate your time and skills. Please email Music Support Group President Belinda Fleming at belindafleming.msg@gmail.com.
Bohdan Davison Director of Music
Sport
Swimming
After a few years of interruptions, Churchie hosted St Margaret’s for the annual King and Queen of the Pool. Congratulations to our new King of the Pool, Maxwell Cunningham.
Congratulations to the following boys (please note, junior age group leaders will be acknowledged this Friday at our Points Carnival Meet):
10 years and under: Evan Zhao
11 years and under: Nash Walker and Harry Edwards
12 years and under: Stirling Hall and Oliver van Tonder
13 years and under: Lucas Pollack
14 years and under: Jack Barrett
15 years and under: Hugh Baxby
16 years and under: Max Cunningham
Opens: Lachy Evans
The programme is pleased to announce the first official line-throwing competition, to be held on Friday 22 November. To assist, we have arranged for Summer and Sam Short to host a line-throwing workshop on Wednesday 20 November at 3:20 pm. Summer Short, a Queensland and National Royal Life Saving Society athlete, has been selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships. Summer’s equally renowned brother Sam will join her to meet the boys and assist in the workshop. Following the workshop, boys can nominate teams of two to compete in our internal competition on Friday 22 November at 4:30 pm.
The Swimming Support Group looks forward to welcoming new and current families to the annual Parent Information Evening, hosted in Brenan Pavilion on Friday 7 February. Families are reminded to RSVP for catering purposes.
2025 Junior GPS Swim Day Clinic
Years 5, 6 and 7 boys – must be registered for GPS Swimming
For all camp details, itinerary and payment link please visit myChurchie – Swimming.
We encourage all boys aiming to compete in junior or senior relay teams to attend the relevant preseason camp, which builds the foundation of our season and prepares new swimmers for future championship meets.
Sporting achievements
Track and Field
The Queensland All Schools Track and Field Championships were held from Thursday 31 October to Sunday 3 November. Churchie had nine members of the Track and Field team competing in these championships:
Lachlan Moore, James Sterling, Freddie McDonell, Zac Moore, Hamish Russell, Josh Kwan, Andrew McConnel, Cruz Collins and Daniel Lane.
All boys competed admirably, with Churchie winning two silver and three bronze medals:
Cruz Collins: 2nd U15 Long Jump, 2nd U15 Triple Jump
Josh Kwan: 3rd U15 Long Jump
Hamish Russell: 3rd U16 Javelin
Freddie McDonell: 3rd U16 2,000 m Steeplechase
Lachlan Moore: 4th U17 3,000 m
James Sterling: 6th U16 100 m Hurdles
Andrew McConnel: 6th U15 2,000 m Steeplechase, 9th U15 3,000 m
Zac Moore: 7th U16 3,000 m
The top two finishers in each event are automatically selected for the Queensland team to compete at the Australian All Schools in December. Congratulations to Cruz Collins for his automatic selection in the Queensland All Schools team.
Trent Goodrick Head of Cocurricular
Parent Connect
The Parent Connect AGM was held on Wednesday 30 October. This meeting was an opportunity to reflect on our activities for 2024 and to hear from Dr Alan Campbell, Josh Di Bella, Clayton Kelly, Rev Sharon Mitchell, Mike Symons and Rod Olsen on areas of focus for 2025.
The formal part of the AGM involved electing the new Executive and Coordinator team. Sadly, we bade farewell to Emma Gasperini and Kate Velge, who, after four dedicated years of service to Parent Connect, are stepping away from their roles. Both have contributed an enormous amount of time and effort to our community, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our connections, communication and events. It is a legacy to be proud of, and we wish them well in their new endeavours.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are pleased to introduce the Parent Connect Director and Executive Team. For some roles below, we’ve included the traditional role titles alongside the new names:
Alison Thomas (Year 7 and Churchie Old Boys parent) – Vice President (Year and House Coordinator)
Yuni Lee (Year 4 parent) – Treasurer (Finance and Fundraising Coordinator)
Michelle Wade (Year 10 and Churchie Old Boys parent) – Secretary (Communication Coordinator)
Reagan Seldon (Year 10 parent) – Connection and Database Coordinator
Jo Shepherd (Year 8 parent) – Service and Volunteering Coordinator
There will also be a CPAA Parent Connect representative, soon to be elected by School Council.
Next week, we will share a list of all the wonderful Coordinators for 2025.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events and dates for your diary are below:
16 November | Year 9 Parent Christmas party
23 November | Year 7 Parent Christmas party
23 November | Year 8 Parent Christmas party
28 November | Last day of school
Wellbeing information
Dates for the Wellbeing Lecture series for 2025 have been announced. These presentations are open to all Churchie parents, with some speakers also presenting to boys in the Senior School.
Dr Terry Byers:How to set your son up for future success, Wednesday 12 February, 6 to 7 pm
Lisa Maltman:The sleep connection, Wednesday 26 February, 6 to 7 pm (online)
Peta Carige:Nutrition, Wednesday 19 March, 6 to 7 pm
Joe Hodges and Lisa Andersen:Helping children manage anxiety, Wednesday 30 April, 6 to 7 pm
Joe Hodges and Lisa Andersen:Helping children deal with bullying, Wednesday 30 July, 6 to 7 pm
Parent Connect and Old Boys’ Association:BBQ and wellbeing panel and discussion, Wednesday 20 August, from 5:30 pm
Rachel Jones:High-performance parenting, Wednesday 3 September, 6 to 7 pm
Please add these dates to your diaries. We look forward to seeing you at these sessions and other Parent Connect events.
Best wishes, Parent Connect Executive Team and Coordinator Community
the churchie emerging art prize
Longevity in the arts – What does it mean to be emerging?
Join ‘the churchie’ and VAULT Magazine for a free art panel discussion!
In collaboration with ‘the churchie,’ Australia’s leading art prize for emerging artists, VAULT Editor-in-Chief Alison Kubler will moderate a panel discussion to open the 2024 exhibition. Joined by visual artists Sam Cranstoun and Dylan Bolger, and curator Elena Dias-Jayasinha, Alison will guide an insightful exploration of ‘Longevity in the arts – What does it mean to be emerging?’
Date: Saturday 23 November 2024 Time: 10 to 11 am Venue: The Centenary Library lecture theatre
The Centenary Library lecture theatre is located on the level beneath The Arches café. Refreshments can be purchased at The Arches from 7:30 to 11:30 am. Toilets and lifts are available on-site.
The exhibition will take place at Metro Arts from 22 to 30 November, continuing the institution’s legacy of promoting innovation and excellence in art and supporting the future of Australian contemporary arts practice.
Churchie Cricket Luncheon
The Churchie Cricket Luncheon will take place on Friday 15 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank. This will be the 19th annual Churchie Cricket Luncheon which over the years has generated significant financial support for the Churchie Grand Master Plan, the Churchie Cricket programme and many nominated charities. The 2024 Cricket Luncheon will support Parkinson’s Queensland.
As always, the luncheon will be full of fun including the traditional bowling competitions for both men and women, networking, quality raffles and auctions, a quality three-course meal, top-shelf beverages and wonderful entertainment from cricketing legends Doug Walters, Michael Vaughan and Simon Katich.
Tables of 10 and individual tickets are still available.
Pixevety is Churchie’s photo platform, where photos from across the School will be uploaded weekly. The system recognises students so parents can simply click ‘myVIPs’ and see their son’s photos in one easy location.
Families new to the School may not see ‘myVIPs’ yet, as new student ID photos are still to be processed in the system. However, you can still browse the galleries.
Watch the video below to learn how to use Pixevety.
We welcome mums and dads to volunteer at our tuckshops. Please contact the Tuckshop Volunteers Coordinator for more details if you can spare some time during the term to help in our busy tuckshops.
