1 0 y e a r a n n i v e r s a r y e d i t i o n editor’s message · 2015-05-19 · celebrating 10...

10CELEBRATING YEARS 2005 2015

N O S T R U M V I A T O R 1 0 Y E A R A N N I V E R S A R Y E D I T I O N

EDITOR’S MESSAGEThis special edition of the Nostrum Viator proved to be something of a history lesson for me.As a relative newcomer to Moama Anglican Grammar School (I started work here in March 2014), there was much about the school’s past I didn’t know.This edition features coverage of the school’s 10 Year Celebrations, including Foundation Day and the 10th Anniversary Dinner, with many facets of the school community, past and present, providing information about this proud institution. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed compiling it.Verum et ExcellentiaJess AitkenCommunications Officer

CONTENTS

Foundation Principal’s Message.......Pg 2

Principal’s Message............................Pg 3

Looking Back.......................................Pg 4

Timeline................................................Pg 5

Foundation Day 2015.........................Pg 6

School Captains’ Message...............Pg 8

Foundation Dinner.............................Pg 10

Coming Events...................................Pg 11

Looking back: Former Murray Shire General Manager Greg Murdoch (left) and former Mayor Brian Sharp (right) joined foundation Principal Andrew Pullar at the 10th Anniversary Dinner on Friday night. These three men were instrumental in the early success of Moama Anglican Grammar School, and it was wonderful to welcome them to the special event. More about the dinner on page 10.

FOUNDATION PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE


When asked to write about the School as Foundation Principal my immediate thoughts went back to the very first Orientation Day on December 6, 2004. The Murray Shire had given the School permission to use the Gymnasium located in Martin Street Moama and to place a relocatable double classroom next to it. The first group of prospective Year 7 students joined me in the Gym with the other new teachers. Several parents watched from the sidelines as we started our “getting to know you” activities before having sample lessons of Science and Art. It seemed like such a tentative beginning, especially as only 16 of those 20 students commenced on Day 1 in 2005.Fast forward to my last day at the end of 2013. The School had classes from Kindergarten to Year 12 with enrolments that would exceed 700 in 2014. The School has been located at its permanent site since the beginning of 2007. The vast majority of buildings are of permanent

construction, with only a few relocatable classrooms still in use. Additional land has been purchased to the north and plans are underway to make full use of the additional space.To what can this amazing growth be attributed? There are three words: vision, hard work and commitment. All of these words could be applied to the small group of people who

established a steering committee following the public meeting on 4 May 2004. The same words also apply to those who have worked

at the School and to those who have served on the Board at some period over the last 10 years. They also apply to the parents who have entrusted their children to the School. I would like to wish everyone associated with the School a happy anniversary and God’s blessing on the School in the coming years.Mr Andrew PullarPrincipal (2005-2013)

“To what can this amazing growth be attributed? Vision, hard work and commitment.”

FOUNDATION DAY CUP

Put your back in to it! The Foundation Day Cup is always hotly contested, with students competing for house points in a range of activities, including the popular tug-of-war. Cup activities are coordinated by senior

Secondary students and follow the Foundation Day Ceremony, with school house Martin taking top honours on the day. Well done to all who participated and congratulations to Martin house on your efforts.

Two thousand years ago the Greeks invented the modern school. They defined a school as a place where children spent one-third of their time learning the arts, mathematics and public speaking, one-third on drama and music, and one-third on gymnastics. The Greeks believed this split would fit a man for the responsibility of being a citizen in a democracy.In contrast, the schools of the Roman Empire became focused with repetition learning. This was to become the practice of European schools for more than 1,000 years. Learning was simply forced into children. It was only in the mid-16th Century that the word “education” entered the English language. The word is based on the Latin “educare” meaning to “lead out” in the sense of a general leading his troops out on to battlefield. The Roman armies owed their success to perfect discipline. Transmitted into the world of education, learning was doing what you were told.The 20th Century model of schooling involved classes where students are assumed to be progressing at a uniform rate; skills and knowledge are delivered via subject-specific disciplines; more resources are allocated to the education of older students leaving the youngest children to be taught in the largest classes; the retention of teenagers in school is to save them from the turmoil of adolescence.The brain is driven by curiosity and the need to make sense of all its many experiences. Intelligence is now considered more than just a general capacity to learn; it is shrewdness, cleverness and knowledge all rolled into one. We are in an era of rapid change. Traditional features of our work structure are disintegrating; outmoded media such as newspapers and free-to-air television are being replaced with more contemporary alternatives; and people are now contactable 24/7. Digital content and information is being disseminated by endlessly evolving sources from an increasing array of devices. Some experts are now even questioning the concept of ‘core knowledge’ as facts and figures can be so easily searched and verified in an instant. Teachers will be front and centre of this change and must constantly adapt in order to deliver powerful learning experiences.The way we learn has often involved the

transfer of information from a knowledgeable teacher to student in a classroom setting. This required the teacher to be an authority on a whole range of topics. With the advent of virtual classrooms, education will shift from an emphasis on teaching to an emphasis on learning, with teachers transitioning from topic experts to facilitators. Students could be involved in workshops delivered digitally by experts in another Australian state, territory or even internationally. Schools may shift to an online delivery for a portion of the day to make students, teachers, and schools more productive using rotation and flexible models. In terms of subjects, over 75% of newly created jobs will require Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design and Mathematics. The one thing that has been underestimated by most experts is the rate of change. Until 1900 human knowledge doubled approximately every century. By the end of World War II knowledge was doubling every 25 years. Today on average human knowledge is doubling every 13 months. Lifelong learning will now take on new meaning and the methods of learning will need to change. A real challenge for schools will be to preserve the wisdom of the past and also to embrace new information. Perhaps the traditional school will become a welcome oasis from a digital world, where students will be able to discuss ideas without the intrusion of technology, reverting back to the ancient Greek model of schooling and the birthplace of logical thought.Mr Guy EvansPrincipal


PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE


When you speak with Dave Connally about Moama Anglican Grammar School, you can hear the pride in his voice.A local business owner and long-time school board member, Mr Connally took the time to look back on the history of our school as part of 10 Year Anniversary celebrations.“Moama Anglican Grammar School was borne from a great idea, backed by great people,” he said.“Back then, it was obvious that Echuca-Moama needed another secondary school…there were so many kids who were getting on buses to go to school in Shepparton.”But setting up a school was not without its challenges or risks.“I think initially, there were many in the community who were sceptical as to whether the school would get off the ground,” Mr Connally said.“We needed families to commit to sending their children to the school, and then we needed to attract staff.

“In the initial stages, there were many generous donors who got the school off the ground; people who put their own money on the line.“They wanted to make it happen and their efforts have certainly not been forgotten.“Everyone who put in time or money to get Moama Anglican Grammar School started can share in this 10 year milestone.”Around 16 families enrolled their children at Moama Grammar before the school opened. “We needed someone to align with, and many of the people who were involved in kick-starting the school were Anglican,” Mr Connally said. Then, Foundation Principal Andrew Pullar was secured.“We still had no idea if the school was going to be a success,” Mr Connally said.He also acknowledged the assistance and guidance offered by the Murray Shire Council in the formative years.“I obviously feel very proud of what the school has achieved in 10 years, and this milestone is the perfect time to re-evaluate our direction: what’s our focus for the next 10 years and what do we want to achieve,” Mr Connally said.

LOOkING bACk...

“This milestone is the perfect time to re-evaluate our

direction.”

MY FAVOURITE MAGS MEMORY“Some of my favourite memories are from school camps. Archery was always fun with Mr Cadd. Year 12 Art, English and PDHPE were always really enjoyable...you got to know your teachers really well.” Hannah Hatton, Class of 2011

“When we were still at the old school site, we had a visit from a grandmother from the aged care facility, who came along to show the students how to make pasta. She couldn’t speak English and when the pasta wasn’t up to her standards, she was very verbose (in Italian) about voicing her displeasure. The students thought it was hilarious and all part of the act, but she did get a little frustrated. We also used to do Food Tech lessons on little portable stoves, and that was quite challenging.” Maree Slatter, Head of Italian

“The school canteen was once nothing more than an old caravan we got from the soccer club. The art classes painted it and the school served lunch orders which had to be delivered by the local bakery.” Jenny Martin, Business Manager

“Going to Italy was amazing...we busked in Venice! And I’ll always remember the chicken schnitzel and gravy rolls from the canteen.” Jayme Lowndes, Class of 2011

“Where is the red tambourine? It’s become the most coveted, legendary, highly sought after Staff Christmas Annual Re-Gift present of all! If only it could reveal its festive tales!” Lou Kennaugh, Registrar


SCHOOL TIMELINEFrom little things, big things grow - business Manager Jenny Martin shares a historical look back on how Moama Anglican Grammar School came to be. The school was originally located at a temporary location in Martin St, Moama next to the Community Centre which also provided us with a staff room, locker room and toilets. By the start of 2006, there were 90 students so we had to bring in another two portables to cater for the extra classes. This was nothing compared to the challenges we were about to face in setting up our permanent school on our current site.The School purchased this block of land with help from Murray Shire. The site was covered in old horse stables that had been abandoned and left in a terrible state. In some parts it was no better than a tip. There were many working bees but we also needed heavy machinery to get the job done.By September 2006 we had the block cleared ready to start construction. In January 2007 we had moved our portables from Martin St out to this site and with more working bees to make paths and clean up we were set to go. What many outsiders didn’t appreciate was the strength of commitment and vision we shared to develop and improve our fledgling school.One of the most memorable things from those days was the dust - lots and lots of dust. When the wind blew it was choking and when it rained, which luckily wasn’t very often, it very quickly turned to mud.

Looking back, it’s amazing that any parents were willing to enrol their children - for many it was a real leap of faith.Very soon, we made great progress. With yet another working bee, we put in a small patch of lawn, which very soon became a little oasis. We built a concrete path and kerbing along one side of the driveway, got to work on the undercover area and, most exciting of all, our first canteen! – “The Caravan”. We rescued it from being thrown to the tip and then Miss Moon and her art class turned it into a masterpiece! This was followed by the art rooms and the middle school and more working bees.Enrolments were growing rapidly so more buildings were needed every year. Next was the rest of the middle school. The new canteen, the hall and the junior school built during drought breaking rains.In 2011, in a landmark event for the school, we welcomed junior students for the first time and the school stretched from one end of the block to the other.The senior school was next and together with other improvements extensions to the Junior School and a new block of land across the road, we have the school we now see in 2015.Who knows what we might see in 10 years time, as our work is not yet done.

FOUNDATION DAY 2015


It was a day 10 years in the making. Foundation Day 2015 was arguably the most important day on the School’s calendar and the celebrations were worthy of such an occasion. Students and staff joined alumni, families, board members and special guests for two ceremonies, one designed for Primary students and another, more formal Main service later in the day.The Primary service was well attended by school families, with everyone enjoying musical performances by the Strings Ensemble and Primary Vocal Ensemble. The Rt Reverend Rob Gillion, Bishop of the Riverina was a special guest at the Primary service, leading the school in prayer and offering blessings for the final stage of the Primary School Expansion.Bishop Gillion also attended the Main Service, alongside local Anglican minister Rev Wayne Sheean, former Australian Test cricketer Paul Sheahan AM and Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone.Mr Sheahan, a former colleague of Principal Guy Evans, spoke enthusiastically about his attendance at Foundation Day.“It’s an absolute pleasure to be with you today for a grand celebration, your tenth anniversary!” he said. “If you were married for ten years, you’d call this a ‘tin’ or ‘aluminium’ anniversary, not especially romantic, but the mums amongst the audience will be delighted that the modern context calls for a piece of diamond jewellery to mark the occasion!“In school terms, though, it’s almost one complete generation through the institution – a pretty fair achievement and a wonderful affirmation of the foresight and courage of those within the community and the diocese who germinated the idea to establish an independent Church school in the area.”Mr Sheahan spoke about the foresight and courage of the local contingent who decided they wanted an independent school in Moama.“If you think about what went through the minds of those founders; I’d venture to say that it began with a vision to create something that would serve the community well – I doubt

that they were all that interested in building a monument to themselves. As a member of the community, if you don’t have a personal vision and personal goals, you run the risk of wallowing around in a ‘sea of uncertainty’ and are likely to be pushed around by the latest fad, to the point where you finish up doing something distinctly unsatisfying.”Mr Sheahan also praised the endurance and patience of those involved in starting Moama Anglican Grammar School, and noted that those qualities are also needed by students, and the wider community. “The task of building a complete school is enormous and daunting and perhaps even too big for some to contemplate,” he said. “But if you break it down into manageable bits, you might well surprise yourself by what you can

Year 6 leader Andrew Martin offers a prayer at the Primary Foundation Day Service.

Guest speaker Paul Sheahan AM was well received at the Main Foundation Day Service.

achieve!“Now that my professional working days are over, I’ve decided that I want to run a marathon! The task of running 42.2km seemed totally overpowering but I’ve started training; I’ve broken the training up into bite-size chunks; and, for somebody who struggled to run over the road as a youngster, I’ve already completed a couple of half-marathons and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by discovering that I can do things that I used to think were impossible.“Don’t think everything will land in your lap as you wish it to be; you need to work hard at achieving your vision and be prepared to accept a few setbacks. A setback should do no more than cause you to think of an alternative solution and then bury your head to work hard again. ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’.“Today is a wonderful opportunity for you to reflect on why the school was established and what the aims of the founders might have been for you all, and to give thanks for their vision.“All good wishes to the school as it sallies for in to its second decade.”Mr Evans also provided an address, alongside School Captains Daniel Van Tubbergh and Stephanie Hindson.Business Manager Jenny Martin led the audience on a trip down memory lane with a historical photo slideshow.Many in the crowd could not fathom the sheer amount of work that the school founders faced.

“The school site where we sit today was nothing more than a paddock full of rubbish,” Mrs Martin said.“In the early days, we had no concrete paths, no gardens, no lawns. This site was like a dustbowl when it was dry, and a muddy mess when it rained.”The Main Service included the unveiling of a portrait of founding Principal Andrew Pullar before the final stage of the Primary School Expansion was officially opened by School Board Chairman Mr Craig Smith and Dr Stone, who fondly recalled her early visits to the school.Following the Main Service, guests were invited to enjoy a light lunch at the school ahead of Foundation Day Cup activities.


FOUNDATION DAY 2015

School Captains Daniel Van Tubbergh and Stephanie Hindson, Board Chair Craig Smith, Principal Mr Guy Evans, Bishop Rob Gillion, Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone and Paul Sheahan AM.

The crowd listens intently during Principal Guy Evans’ address.

SCHOOL CAPTAINS’ MESSAGE


STEPHANIE HINDSONAs we all celebrate the 10th anniversary of Moama Anglican Grammar School, I have reflected upon what my time at school has been like. I commenced my schooling at Moama Anglican Grammar School in Year 6, in 2009. The prospect of living in a new town, going to a new school and making new friends was daunting at first. However, on the first day we went on Year 6 camp. This took away my nervousness as I began to mix in with the rest of the group from the previous year. When we got back to school it made the transition easier, as we got to know each other very quickly. Our Year 6 classroom was situated in the original portable quadrangle which consisted of, a computer room, uniform shop and seven classrooms. Anything beyond the science rooms was simply a dirt paddock. Sadly our Year 6 classroom was removed at the beginning of this year, but was replaced with new classrooms in the middle school. As we moved into the Senior School in Year 9, we received our official blazers, also known as the POG, ‘preferred outer garment’. The growth of the school dawned on us as we watched the Senior School buildings form around us.Year 9 camp provided us with new experiences and challenges. In 2012, I travelled around Italy with 35 of my peers, as we visited Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice and for the first time, our sister school in Bassano del Grappa. This trip is certainly one I will remember as it provided us all with an opportunity to be independent and experience a new culture with our closest friends. I am so grateful for the opportunities that Moama Anglican Grammar School has provided my peers and I, and know that the successful overseas trips, including the inaugural Western Front trip will provide future students with excitement, experiences and

memories that I have been fortunate enough to encounter. As I come closer to the end of my time at MAGS, I am filled with a sense of pride and achievement. From the Teddy Bears Picnic to School Productions, sports days to overseas trips and school camps, I feel privileged to have been a part of the school’s history and look forward to seeing what is instore for the future. The commitment of the staff, students and families has provided us all with the chance to grow and mature into young adults.Thank you to the individuals who began what has now developed into a thriving school of over 700 students, as well as staff, Board members and members of the local community who have supported our school in all its achievements. As our school continues to grow, we look forward to what the future holds for our school and for our community. Happy 10th Foundation Day, Moama Anglican Grammar School.

DANIEL VAN TUBBERGHI arrived at the school halfway through Year 7 in 2010. The relatively young school was a shock for me as I had previously attended a school that had been established for 130 odd years. I arrived to a classic country welcome. As the

new kid on the block, it meant that I would be bombarded with questions that would allow my peers to get to know me. There was one question that kept coming up again and again. “What footy team do you barrack for?” Not knowing much of the game I answered in the


“I have no doubt that this magnificent school will continue to grow and prosper far into the future.”

worst possible way, “I don’t have a team”. This sent the boys into a frenzy. Every second person I met gave me insight into each team, which ones were the best and which were horrible. This predicament wasn’t only limited to school, even my bus driver tried to persuade me to barrack for his beloved Melbourne Demons. Unable to decide, I bounced back and forth between teams, dodging what seemed to be a life altering decision. I decided to remain impartial and become an umpire. While this didn’t necessarily please all of my friends, it helped me feel welcome. Being accepted into the school community so quickly made me feel like I had known my peers for years instead of months and is a testament to the school community.For me the most memorable year of my time at MAGS was Year 10. This year saw the school expand most noticeably with the addition of the junior school and the completion of the long awaited hall. Seeing the Primary school kids run around on their oval reminded me of the best years of my education, when I didn’t have to worry about things like parabolas

and quantum mechanics. The completion of the hall was a godsend for those who are unfortunate enough remember the wintery assemblies we had in the undercover area. I’m glad those days are over. But for me my favourite addition to the school was that of the new wood work class. I still have my dodgey first project that would barely pass as a wooden car. These are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my years.The school has certainly evolved since my beginnings five years ago, it will continue to evolve and develop and become further ingrained with in the local community. The planned future developments of the school will ensure that the school is always on the cutting edge of education, providing its future students with the best opportunity to succeed both academically and in life. For those kids who are lucky enough to be sitting in the first few rows they will see the school begin another chapter in its life. I sound like my parents but these years at school go by so quickly, get everything out of them that you can, make the most of the resources you are lucky enough to have. On behalf of the Year 12 group, I have no doubt that this magnificent school will continue to grow and prosper far into the future, and we appreciate the opportunities we’ve had at the school.

FOUNDATION DAY 2015

Rt Reverend Rob Gillion, Bishop of the Riverina and Moama Anglican Grammar School Principal Guy Evans unveiled a portrait of Foundation Principal Andrew Pullar at Foundation Day on Friday 8 May. The portrait was painted by local artist Jess Le Clerc. It will hang in the Multi Purpose Hall. Bishop Gillion was a special guest at Foundation Day, leading prayers and blessing the Primary School Expansion in both the Primary Service and the Main Service.

FOUNDATION DINNER


Moama Anglican Grammar School’s 10th Anniversary Dinner was a rousing success, with 150 people attending the Friday night event.Moama Bowling Club’s The Venue room was proudly decorated in school colours by school parent Lisa O’Connell and set the tone for what was a night of laughs and memories.Guests enjoyed musical performances from students Heidi Moncrieff (Year 10) and Samuel Hill (Year 9), as well as a special guest performance by the Tori Pannett Quintet, a band made up of MAGS music tutors.Board member and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies Mark Pearce introduced a number of guest speakers, including Foundation Principal Andrew Pullar and Foundation Board Member Fran Galvin OAM.

Business Manager Jenny Martin, whose three children attended Moama Anglican Grammar School, provided a historical presentation which showed those assembled just how far the school has come in 10 years.Former Murray Shire Council General Manager Greg Murdoch, who played an instrumental part in MAGS’ history, also spoke during the evening, alongside Alumni and other community members.The dinner followed a busy day of celebrations at Moama Anglican Grammar School, with Foundation Day Services held on Friday morning.We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond at Moama Anglican Grammar School.

Kim Lannen, Marlene Stapleton and Raelene Mullane.

Head of Food Technology Michelle Downie with husband Brad Downie (Head of Secondary School) and daughter Mackenzie (Class of 2014).

Former teacher Jenny Pullar with foundation Board member Fran Galvin OAM.

A crowd of 150 people enjoyed listening to Year 9 student Samuel Hill perform. Samuel was one of two student performers, the other being Year 10 student and vocalist Heidi Moncrieff.

HOODIES FOR HABITATThursday 21 MayStudents are encouraged to wear a hoodie to raise money for the 2015 Service Trip to Sri LankaGold coin donation

SCHOOL PRODUCTION‘Disney’s Alice in Wonderland’Thursday 30 July and Friday 31 JulyEchuca Paramount TheatreTickets on sale soon

‘EXPERIENCE MAGS’ SESSIONSPrimary Open Days for prospective Kindergarten to Year 6 studentsDates from July 24 to August 11Bookings essentialPhone 5480 5900

HSC TRIAL EXAMSMonday 3 August to Friday 14 AugustMoama Anglican Grammar SchoolMulti Purpose Hall

SCIENCE WEEkMonday 17 August to Friday 21 August‘Making Waves - The Science of Light’Science Faculty

FESTA ITALIASunday 11 OctoberOur biennial celebration of all things Italian, and the 2015 Year 11 VET Tourism project. Not to be missed!School grounds


COMING EVENTS 2015

Year 6 leader Meg Kennedy-Ripon performs a Bible reading at the Primary Foundation Day Service.

Kyoya Hairo shows off his soccer skills during Foundation Day Cup activities on Friday 8 May.

Ava Whitbourn celebrates winning Kindergarten tug-of-war at the Foundation Day Cup.

E X P E R I E N C E ‘M A G S’

Come and see our school in action

Primary School sessionsJuly 24 to August 11

Don’t miss out!Book your session now

Phone 5480 5900

www.moamagrammar.nsw.edu.au

1 0 y e a r a n n i v e r s a r y e d i t i o n editor’s message · 2015-05-19 · celebrating 10...

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