Term 3, Week 7

Friendship 

In the 1950s a group of young boys entered the gates at the end of Button Street to become students of Launceston Church Grammar School.  Their first classroom is now office space, in fact, part of that first classroom now houses my office. Young boys, fleet of foot and keen of eye beginning their educational journey, meeting each other for the first time. I am sure for those young boys that are now older men, the time from the 1950s to 2022 has gone by in the blink of an eye. Just yesterday one of those men, Mr John Roberts (1956), left Launceston Church Grammar School for the last time after a funeral service in our chapel. The School Chapel was full of alumni proudly wearing their alumni ties and farewelling a friend, a friend that they first met as young boys coming to Grammar. A friendship that has lasted for our over 70 years from those first days together so many years ago.  It really emphasised for me the strong bonds that this School helps create in those who cross its path. I know speaking to recent alumni that the friendships forged in school years are friendships that last beyond the gates of Grammar and their graduation from the School. As I have written before, an education is much more than an ATAR score, it is about the development of our character. That character is developed by so many different people that help meld both our students, but also our staff and the wider community as we all grow together.  

Along with Mr Roberts, we also recognise two alumni whose passing we have been made aware of this week, Mr John Perkins (1971) and Mr Christian Sundstrup (1978). We offer sincere condolences to their families. 

As I write this article it would also be remiss of me to not mention the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Anglican Church. I know many people have varied views of the monarchy, however, I think her example of service and stoicism is an example to us all of servant leadership. An example that puts the needs of others before the needs of themselves.  It certainly is a passing of a generation. 

It was also great to welcome the Principal for 2023 Mr Dale Bennett to the School this week. Dale spent time with staff and students getting to know our community and we look forward with much enthusiasm to Dale and his wife Jane joining our community in 2023.  

Thank you to our Junior Campus staff and parents who helped make the athletics carnival such a success this week.  I am always buoyed by the infectious enthusiasm that our young students have and the support they show one another in competing against, but also with, their friends. I am sure moments like these create friendships that will last a lifetime just like those of the young boys from the 1950s. 

I wish our Grade 7 netball team good luck in the grand final Saturday at the Silverdome, and also our senior musicians as they embark on their music camp this weekend. 

Finally, I would like to thank the Old Launcestonian’s Association for organising the OLA Spring Cocktail Party being held this Friday night. 

Enjoy your weekend with your children 

Gods Blessings 

Nick Foster 

There have been many events happening at the Junior Campus. It has been great to see children, parents, extended family and friends enjoying the great sense of community for which the School is renowned.  

Fathers’ Day Breakfast  

The Fathers’ Day Breakfast on Thursday 1 September was a great success. Our intrepid team of staff collaborated to plan the morning. Christian, Zantuck, Anton Walton, Kate Tyson and Alex Peters spent much time planning, ensuring that all would be in order for the morning. The sunrise team, supported by the facilities crew, helped ensure that the set up was all in place. Lots of forethought ensured that all went as planned (except for the weather – but we were brilliant at being resilient!)  

The dads all felt very welcomed and enjoyed their breakfast. Thanks to all our young artists, the dad pictures on the Resource Centre windows looked great and generated a great deal of interest. 

The games were a great deal of fun and another way for us to raise money for our charity, the Tasmanian Men’s Shed, which was chosen by the children. 

Our Grade 6 busker, Kaleb Reid, and School musicians, The Fellas added to the community feel. It was great to see Acting Headmaster, Nick Foster, and Acting Head of Senior Campus, Adrian Finch join in. Our Senior Campus Chaplain, Matthew Pickering, engaged with many families, extending his signature warm welcome.  

The Fathers’ Day Breakfast was a wonderful morning!  

Fathers’ Day action… 

Kindergarten parents, Lauren and Luke Ellis, let us know that Fathers’ Day was also a source of inspiration for one of our younger learners to take action. Here is his story: 

“My name is Max Ellis, and I am in Mrs Greig’s Kindergarten class. I love my school, my teacher and my friends and I feel happy when I am at school. It is going to be Father’s Day soon and I will make my dad a card and breakfast in bed. My dad is going to come to breakfast at school. Sometimes I feel sad because my Poppa Jeff (Max, Millie and Josie’s grandfather) died so I cannot see him on Father’s Day”.

After a great deal of discussion at the dinner table surrounding Father’s Day, as well as the event the school was hosting, incorporating a fundraiser for men’s mental health, Max said he would like to help. Max decided that, with his mum’s help and guidance, he would like to make a small navy and white ribbon (similar to the design of the Pink Ribbon for breast cancer). Max carefully selected these colours because his Poppa Jeff barracked for Geelong (navy and white) and he also discovered that these colours are part of the Grammar uniform. Once the ribbon was folded and fastened with fabric glue, a small smiley face and a red love heart was placed in the middle. Max decided the smiley face represented being happy and that this was a big part of ‘helping our brain to be happy’ (mental health). The red love heart is in memory of his Poppa Jeff. 

The Lyttleton St Chapter Lunch  

The Lyttleton St Chapter Lunch was a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. BHOGA President, Rosemary Stobart, and her team ensured that all was well planned and that the day ran smoothly. Members of the Broadland House Old Girls’ Association (BHOGA) came together to reminisce and enjoy being together again. Many had travelled from interstate. Interested alumni came early for a Junior Campus tour and were warmly welcomed into the learning spaces. They were interested in how learning looks at Broadland today and commented on how welcoming and child centred the spaces looked and felt. To open proceedings in Faulkner Hall, the Broadland Voices Choir, led by Amelia Reynolds and accompanied by Therese Wahl, impressed and entertained. Amelia ensured that the students knew the Broadland school song; everyone sang beautifully! John Faulkner spoke about the significant  works underway at their old school – Broadland House.  

Rosemary is a keen advocate for the School, ensuring that the proud Broadland history is honoured and respected. We are very grateful to her, and all the Broadland House alumni, for reminding us of the proud history of our School. Special thanks to my Administrative Assistant, Alex Peters, and members of the Community Engagement Team, Tamara Clark and Lucy French, for assisting with all the preparations. Matson’s catering is also worthy of recognition and thanks for providing the delicious meal and supporting this important event in the BHOGA calendar. 

Junior Campus Athletics Carnival 

On Wednesday 7 September, the students in Grades 3-6 headed to the Northern Athletics Centre in St Leonards for the annual Athletics Carnival. There was much excitement in the days leading up to the event; house meetings were held, chants were practised and the day was eagerly anticipated. The children enjoyed getting into the House spirit and wore their colours proudly.  

At the track, children and spectators had a great day. Competition was fierce and events were closely contested. It was great to see so many parents, family and friends come along and support your young athletes. For some, a sports day is a day to shine, for some it can be quite challenging. The children are to be commended on their spirit of engagement and participation. Whether running, jumping, throwing and catching, individually or as part of a team, each and every competitor can be proud of the points they earned for their house. Evidence of good sporting behaviour was a highlight of the day, with many winners congratulating their opponents at the finish.  

Results: 

Grade 6 Boys Champion: Zac Holloway (Maxey-Middleton) (Zac is our 2022 Swimming, Cross Country and now Athletics Champion) 

Grade 6 Boys Runner-Up: Gene Spotswood (Maxey-Middleton) 

Grade 6 Girls Champion: Elsie Miller (Buesnell-Rooney) 

(Grade 6 Girls Runner-Up: Rose Hyde (Lyttleton-Hewton) 

House Champion: 

1st Maxey-Middleton 1600 points 

2nd Lyttleton-Hewton 1221 points 

3rd Buesnell-Rooney 1191 points 

Congratulations too, to our students, who won the Student / Parent / Teacher relay!  

Our Acting Deputy Head of Junior Campus and PE and Sport Teacher, Christian Zantuck, is to be commended for planning and running such a successful day. Staff and parent volunteers gladly assisted in many and varied ways, ensuring the day was a highlight for all! It was a great team effort by adults and children. Thanks to everyone for making the Junior Campus Athletics Carnival such a great day. 

Parents and students who arrive and depart School during the day 

Parents and students who arrive and depart School during the day should do so via Reception, which is in the Resource Centre. Please ensure that you sign in/out so that our records are accurate. Once again, your support is appreciated.  

Enrolments 2023 

There is increasing interest in places at Launceston Grammar. This additional interest in coming to Grammar means that places for 2022 and 2023 are filling. If you know of anyone who is interested in joining our community, please encourage them to contact our Head of Enrolments, Malcolm Dolman via Phone: +61 3 6336 6052 or Email: mdolman@lcgs.tas.edu.au   

We look forward to seeing members of the community at our upcoming events. Dates can be found below. 

Sheona Carter 

Head of Junior Campus