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May 2010 -- Issue 3
e-Newsletter Popularity Grows
The distribution list for the e-Newsletter continues to grow as the word spreads. One disadvantage of email is the frequency that email addresses change resulting in many returning as "undeliverable". Please notify us if your address changes at Perth Modernian Society.
DIARY NOTE Perth Modernian Annual Reunion is Sun 12 September 2010
Contributors Barrie Baker David Black Don Cook Sallie Davies Peter Farr Jenny Fay Reece Harley Ian Jarvis Dr Robyn White
Editor Sallie Davies
Compiler Ian Jarvis
Deadline for contributions for Annual Newsletter is 25 June for mailout in July with Annual Reunion information
Deadline for next e-Newsletter is 25 August
REUNION NEWS
It is exciting to make contact with former class mates and see what has happened over time. Your Society is aware of a number of planned reunions and is always anxious to assist in their organisation. Reunions that are organised at present include:
The Annual Reunion of all years. This event is planned for Sunday September 12. Information will be sent to all Society Members closer to this event.
The Class of 1960 will reminisce over the weekend of October 23/24. More details to come.
The class of 1970 - November 13 - More details to come.
The class of 1990 - October - More details to come.
The class of 2000 - November 19. Email for further details.
The Music Class of 1977 are also planning to meet as they all turn 50 (!) this year.
For all reunions former students who would have been in year 12 (Leaving) and former staff of the year are welcome to attend. Please email info@perthmoderniansociety.org.au or phone 9487 1192 for more information about the specific year reunions. The source for the most up to date information is always www.perthmoderniansociety.org.au.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Term one of 2010 at Perth Modern School seemed to fly - with a multitude of student and parent activities and a very active planning time amongst our alumni.
Term one was busy for our community - with a number of important highlights.
The unforgettable Year 12 School Ball was held at the Government House Ballroom. This venue provided an incredible aura - reflecting the architecture of Hilton Beasley and provided a very fitting place for our senior student celebration.
Throughout the term, students and teachers focussed on engaging with new learning - including providing access to new opportunities to challenge their understanding through new competitions and links with other learning. During this time, three Year 10 students and Mr Meczes travelled to Beijing for the International Youth Science and Technology Conference. These students presented posters reflecting the research that they achieved through their work with UWA PhD students in 2009.
During the term, the School contacted past students with the request that they participate in tutoring and mentoring current students. As a result, ten past students are now attending the School's homework club to act as roving tutors.
On a number of occasions information meetings provided parents with further information about course structures and strategies through which the school supports and counsels for student achievement.
The annual Mufti Day was held on the final day of term one. With mild weather the half day was very well organised by our Student Council with a number of activities, performances and foods available for students.
While not part of the organised school calendar, the storm of 22 March was equally unforgettable to members of our community. On that afternoon, there were several activities at the school - including a parent meeting, homework club, senior basketball game against Churchlands SHS, preparations for the Night of Notables by Year 8 students, as well as a Perth Modernian Society Management meeting. As the hailstorm and then lighting storms descended, each activity was disbanded or cancelled. Until 8.30 pm, several of our staff remained at the school until students could be collected by parents - delayed by road flooding. Our Year 8 - 10 students were asked to remain at home for the following two days. In this natural disaster, our school received limited damage (compared with other younger schools). The office area of the west building was flooded as ice blocked gutters and water overflowed into ceilings. Three areas of the Thomas Street building were also flooded as a result of gutters being blocked by ice. The School Gym was flooded as windows failed to seal out the water.
A month later, the repairs are continuing more rapidly now that the most affected schools have been repaired. Our twelve cracked and broken windows are now repaired and all ceilings should be repaired by the end of week three. The one major hole in our stained glass window will be repaired over the next months. Waterlogged computers, desks and materials have been replaced or repaired and our students and staff are properly re-focussed on teaching and learning.
On 21 April at our School Council meeting we agreed that as a school we would make an expression of interest to the Education Department, to become an Independent Public School for 2011
Term two is always a busy school term. Our ANZAC ceremony was a moving and formal occasion presented by the School Council. This year, Mrs Wendy Dekkers provided a superb wreath (in school colours) and trained our students to lay it in the appropriate manner. Mr Peter Hopper (a retired teacher from the school) provided the returned serviceman presentation.
Over this term, alumni may wish to consider attending one of the school music concerts. The junior music concerts will be held at the School on Wednesday 2 June and Thursday 3 June. The major music performance for the year will be held at the Perth Concert Hall on Monday 28 June – when all of the School’s music students will participate in an exemplary performance. Please contact our school music office for information about ticketing.
Also in this e-news will be an outline of the signature events proposed for our centenary year in 2011. These will not be the only school events for the year – but will be the prominent events. This calendar was launched by our Director General of Education, Ms Sharyn O’Neill ahead of the 19 April AGM of the Perth Modernian Society. Alumni, parents and teachers are now forming into groups to ensure that each activity will be successful and well attended as we attract the wider Perth Modern community. 2011 is promising to be an extremely busy and enjoyable year – a little like 2010!
Dr Robyn White Principal
2011 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
DIARY DATES FOR 2011
14 February (Mon) - Centenary Gala Dinner 14 February was the first day of school in 1991
11 March - Centenary Picnic Opportunity for parents and children to celebrate
9 April (Sat) - Centenary Concert in Perth Concert Hall Possibly matinee and evening performances
20 May - Staff Cocktail Party Bringing together past and current staff members
23 July - Summit: 100 Years Gone, 100 Years On Celebrate the past, plan for the future
9 September (Fri) - School Open Day Opening the School to the whole community
11 September - Perth Modernians Annual Reunion A special reunion for the 100years!
November - Arts Spectacular Exhibition (date to be announced) Past and current artists works on display
Members have been informed of much in the full report in previous e-Newsletters. We have reported to you on the Agnew feasibility study and its recommendations and will not repeat this detail.
The key recommendations from the Agnew Report adopted by the Council were:
1. That the Society and the School together adopt an integrated approach to advancement and together create a supporting strategy to include alumni relations, communications and fundraising. 2. Clarify School voluntary activity and draw it into a single structure and in particular have a strategy to engage students prior to departure from Perth Modern School 3. Set up a proper integrated advancement database for all alumni activity 4. Radically revise our communications to inform our members about the aspirations of the School and how we were to support these. 5. Run a professional fundraising campaign, starting with a bequest programme and implement an integrated stewardship and gift acknowledgement system.
The Society has adopted the School’s goal to "support the growth of individual students to their full academic, intellectual, social, and physical potential, and for them to become self-motivated, independent learners who will be productive and responsible members of our community" and students are now encouraged on leaving to join the Society via a special membership arrangement.
Our organisation has restructured to operate with four major committees, each with its own defined goals, and at least one school staff representative, reporting back monthly to the Council. The honorary position of Executive Officer monitors the electronic traffic through the portal, staffs the Society’s office, coordinates year reunions, manages the merchandising and liaises day by day with School staff.
Since October 2009 the Council and the Sphinx Foundation have been meeting as a combined committee as we make the transition toward the new structure. It is envisaged that the Sphinx foundation will consist of perhaps four people with investing and legal expertise.
Don Cook has taken on the role of Executive Officer, and we are very grateful to the School for making a small office available to him in part of the girl’s former cloakroom.
Functions Another super Annual Reunion was held on Sunday 13 September 2009 when 210 attendees enjoyed a Rolls Royce musical performance and arguably the best catering ever. Many thanks to Deirdre Owen, Debbie Beresford and Wendy Dekkers for the catering and overall arrangements, and to Carole Stabb for another most efficient ticketing effort. For the first time in many years we did not run at a loss!
Don and I have attended most of the year reunions held over the last year to sell books and wine coolers and promote the Society and the School. We are trying to obtain complete lists of names of attendees for the years after 1964.
Historical and Museum The Historical and Museum Committee, augmented by new members, are pleased to have a good work space allocated by the school in the old metalwork building. With carpeting installed they will move in shortly. The Mosaic database is filling with information thanks largely to Ian, Deb and Deidre
Communications An integrated advancement database designed by Ian Jarvis in consultation with Sallie Davies, Ed Lazarus and others is being filled with data from existing sources. As previously reported, successful submissions for funds from Lotterywest, and Federal Government Volunteer Grants have enabled us to obtain hardware and software to support this. Thanks to Sallie and Ian especially for this.
An increasingly useful portal provides a gateway for the community, for us to make contact with the outside world, and make information available to people interested in our activities
Two editions of the e-Newsletter, a high-quality electronic newsletter edited by Sallie, have been sent to all members who provided us with email addresses. This supplements "The Perth Modernian” produced and edited by Eve Broadley annually and mailed to Contributing Members. The next issue is scheduled for June.
Finance and the Sphinx Foundation Peter Farr and I have been working hard assisted by Jo Agnew, to draw up strategies to put the bequest programme into operation. The two existing named scholarships, "The Jean and Jim Cundill Creative Writing Scholarship" and the "Daniel Girling Music Scholarship" were presented to two outstanding young women Lucy Sharpe and Monica Brierley-Hay respectively. The two were ecstatic to receive their cheques at the end of last year. We and the donors can be well satisfied that our gifts are going to be well and truly appreciated.
Our main thrust is to raise $500,000 for general scholarships which will be awarded to students entering the School judged by a selection panel to be in a position to benefit most from such an award. Principal’s Discretionary Scholarships may also be awarded for those in special need circumstances during the school year. Two large gifts totalling $70,000 have already been promised.
Much has been achieved over the last year. I cannot praise highly enough the members of all the committees who have enthusiastically tackled big issues and seen them through. I think most of you believe that Carole Stabb, Sallie Davies, Ian Jarvis and Don Cook do practically nothing else with their lives than work for the Society and the School. They are brilliant and productive workers. In addition, I have personally leaned heavily on Peter Farr and Ian Jarvis for wise advice and unstinting action. All the other members have put their shoulders to the wheel in a great team. The unconditional support of Principal Robyn White and her staff has always been there and is much appreciated.
Thank you all. Barrie Baker, President
NEW PERTH MODERNIAN SOCIETY COUNCILLOR
In late 2008 Reece Harley was invited by the principal of PMS to address the graduating music students as a former student. While still completing his course in International Studies and Media Relations at Murdoch University, he is now working at the Graduate Research and Scholarships Office, University of Western Australia.
Reece is director of Media and Communications for Young UNIFEM Perth (The United Nations Development Fund for Women) and has been a member of the Perth Youth Advisory Council for almost three years. As a founding member of the Rotary Club of Crawley he serves on their Media and Public Relations Sub-committee. A member of the Youth Affairs Council of WA, he served as a member of the 2010 WA Youth Media Awards selection panel, administered by the State Government's Department of Communities. Elected by his peers, Reece is now a Senator of Murdoch University following a one year term as President of the Murdoch University Guild of Students in 2007.
He was selected as a panellist for the Prime Minister's Award for Australian University Teacher of the Year, administered the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, and served as a member of the National Executive of the National Union of Students.
He is a passionate photographer and has travelled throughout Europe.
SPHINX FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP APPEAL GETS UNDERWAY
At the Perth Modernian Society AGM on 19 April, Barrie Baker and Peter Farr spoke to the audience about the five things we want the Sphinx Foundation Scholarships to achieve using a pyramid diagram:
a) Supporting students to fulfil their potential:
Academic Excellence; Encourage talented WA students (City and Country) to choose Mod over other alternative schools.
Equity and Access: Encourage WA students in need: Criteria: Students who are deemed to be disadvantaged through: Financial needs (low family income), Disability, English as Second language, Health, or other family or personal circumstance.
Encourage WA Aboriginal students to get a first-class school education.
The School Principal's discretionary Bursary Fund: Nominal 10 awards per annum of average value $400, for cases of special need, at the Principal's discretion.
b) Build a sense of Community - 'it's good to be involved with your (local) public school' c) Build a sense of Philanthropy - Bequests, Major Gifts, Annual Giving, etc. d) To develop the 'badge of honour' concept for attending and being associated with Mod. e) Teacher development - (long term goal): Bursaries to encourage teachers at Mod to deliver excellence in teaching and leadership. Based upon prudent investment strategy and current interest rates, the capital required to fund a small set of scholarships tenable for Years 8, 9 and 10 is $490,000.
It was announced at the AGM that an encouraging start has been made to the Appeal as $70,000 has been pledged in two key gifts. The Sphinx Foundation is very grateful for the generosity of these donors. Questions were taken from the audience regarding selection processes - especially to ensure that the scholarships go to families and students who most need help (and encouragement) to cover their secondary education costs at Mod.
Two Special Purpose named scholarships were funded and awarded in 2009 - The Daniel Girling Music Scholarship and The Jean and Jim Cundill Creative Writing Scholarship - both for students completing Year 10.
So, there is plenty of flexibility to try and meet the wishes of donors, and remember that all donations and bequests to the Sphinx Foundation Scholarship Fund are fully tax deductible. For a confidential discussion as to how you as an Old Modernian could help make the Scholarships possible, please contact Peter Farr, Hon. Treasurer, Sphinx Foundation Inc. on telephone 08-9321 3688 (W), Mobile 041 990 5864, or email: farr.peter@farr.com.au
ART INSPIRED BY MUSIC
Artstrings, a celebration of Art and Music, is returning to the Cullity Gallery at UWA on May 21st and 22nd. In an exhibition where the musical instrument becomes the canvas, well known Perth artists including Leon Pericles , Robert Juniper, Lance Chadd, Greg James and Howie Smallman have created art with violins, cellos guitars, trumpets and other instruments.
Coordinator Jenny Fay said, “Its an amazing process to see an instrument go out in its natural state and have it returned as a work of art. The artists amaze and astound us with their creativity – no two are the same.” The instruments are rendered unplayable in the process, but remain a beautiful work of art, exciting musicians and those with an interest in music and art with their beauty and collectability.
“We held a very successful Artstrings exhibition in 2008, attracting world famous artists to paint,” said Jenny. “Artists seemed very excited by the chance to paint on an object as beautiful and valuable as a violin or a cello! It is exciting! But the beauty is that we also have many works by local artists and there is something for everyone.”
The exhibition and auction, to be opened by Janet Holmes a Court, will raise money for the Perth Modern School music students Music Tour to Europe in 2011 and will be open to the public between 9am and 4pm on Friday May 21st and Saturday 22nd for a gold coin donation. Greg Rossen will conduct an auction at a cocktail party (ticket event) on Saturday evening and artwork will also be sold by silent auction.
May 21st and 22nd (9am – 4pm) Artstrings Exhibition and auction of musical instruments transformed into works of art. Gold Coin Donation
May 22nd evening 7pm onwards Auction of artworks, opened by Janet Holmes a Court. Auction conducted by Greg Rossen. Tickets $25 at www.trybooking.com
Venue: Cullity Gallery, Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts, UWA, Clifton St, Nedlands
An exhibition and auction, including works of art by Leon Pericles, Robert Juniper, Greg James, Lance Chadd and many more local artists, raising money for the Perth Modern School Music Tour to Europe in 2011. Old and unusable musical instruments are transformed into works of art. The event is supported by a Community Development Grant from the City of Subiaco.
Refurbishing of obsolete science equipment held as part of the Historical and Museum Collection is about to begin. A meticulous audit has been undertaken by Alan Porter and Graham Glick and details have been entered on the Museum's Mosaic Data base by Ian Jarvis and labelling of any items to be displayed can be printed from Mosaic. Graham has photographed every item and these will be added to the database to simplify identification.
Volunteers Needed To continue this project we hope to establish a task group of willing workers with knowledge and recognisable understanding of science equipment to repair and prepare various items, produce one good item from several or to polish and clean items in reasonable condition and improve the presentation of all items for display within the School. If you are interested in working in our new home at the School on a regular basis to undertake this work please email: info@perthmoderniansociety,org.au
Have you sent us your biographical information? Many members have provided information to us in the past and this is being entered systematically into the Museum Committee's comprehensive database. It is providing a wonderful picture of Perth Modern School's past with a kaleidoscope of stories and reminiscences. Privacy is our highest priority and it is up to you what information you provide. You are able to indicate what is available for publication should it be considered at any time.
Such records make it much simpler to retrieve information when we receive requests such as those following:
Did you study French at Mod? The Alliance Française in Perth will celebrate its centenary next year, and has invited Beverley Noakes and Noelene Bloomfield, to write a history of the Alliance to be published in celebration of the occasion.
Bev writes that "The Alliance was launched at Perth Mod in 1911 on the initiative of the French master, and with the cooperation of the then headmaster. I've come across several links with the school in the Alliance's early archives."
Perth Modern School: the History and the Heritage, published in 2005, discusses the School's early decision to promote modern languages. They believe it would be interesting to say something about the school's situation in 1911, when discussing its important role as a friend and promoter of the Alliance in its beginnings.
The authors are seeking any other source material that they should consult.
Please email info@perthmoderniansociety,org.au if you can help and we will add your information to the Perth Modern School contribution
Are you a returned services veteran? The school is wanting to establish a register of contacts of former students who have served their country in times of conflict. Although too late for Anzac Day 2010, it is hoped that there will be a number of returned service personnel who could take part in future Anzac Day and Rememberance Day ceremonies at the school.
Now that the Sphinx War Memorial is a central part of the school landscape it is very appropriate for former students to take part in these ceremonies. If you would like to be considered for such a role please email info@perthmoderniansociety.org.au with brief details of your service and the best way to contact you.
SUMMIT: 100 YEARS GONE, 100 YEARS ON
Celebrate the past, plan for the future
On Saturday 23 July 2011 from 9am to 5pm a deliberative assembly will be held, probably at the school, to discuss where the education of gifted and talented students is at Modern School in 2011, where it has been in the past, and what should be the objectives in the decades (century?) ahead.
Those taking part, probably numbering from 50 to 100 depending on accommodation and other issues, will include current and past students, current and past staff, parents of current students, Education Department personnel, academics, and perhaps interested persons. Participants will be selected from those responding to a request for expressions of interest to attend.
The day will commence with some theme setting addresses from keynote speakers including the School Principal, the Director General of Education (hopefully?) and one or two interested academics/education personnel.
The next two sessions will consist of group workshop discussions with set groups in the first sessions and a ‘World Café’* style second session, and a review and resolution making final session followed by drinks etc.
*World Café - a technique where a host remains at each table but other participants move from table to table during the session bringing ideas from one table to share at another. The host coordinates the output from each table.
The methods of recording the decisions will depend on the technology and financial assistance available.
Participants will be advised from the outset that the resolutions of the assembly will be considered for action at the school level or where required conveyed to the Education Department with an assurance that they will be considered seriously at that level.
Expressions of interest to info@perthmoderniansociety.org,au would be welcomed from those interested in assisting as facilitators or in some other capacity.
Roberts Road, Subiaco Western Australia 6008
Telephone (08) 9487 1192
Fax (08) 9380 0550
Enquiries - info@perthmoderniansociety.org.au
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