S N O I T C E N N O C r u o f e u s is
ATION C I L B NI PU M U L A LEGE L O C NUEL A M AN EM
2020
Emmanuel College Alumni
get connected
ec_alumni
page 2 - connections
Emmanuel College Gold Coast
www.emmanuel.qld.edu.au/alumni
Fiona Gregory (Alumni Coordinator) fgregory@emmanuel.qld.edu.au
Phone (07) 5561 4017
We always love to hear from our alumni and include your news, photos, articles or comments in Connections. If you would like to be involved, please send your information to alumni@emmanuel.qld.edu.au
Moved House Recently? Got a New Phone? Update your contact details at emmanuel.qld.edu.au/alumni
Find us on Social Media
Editor: Fiona Gregory Director of Advancement: Julie Scott Design: Ryan Scott Digital Journalist: Ann Wason Moore Printers: Island Printers
2
Get connected
3
Contents page
4
Welcome Class of 2019
6
Introducing our new Board Chair
8
Uni news, careers and updates
10
Innervate Conference 2020
11
International Women's Day breakfast
12
The global gap year experience
14
Message from the Deputy Principal
16
Heart of gold
17
Dreaming big and setting goals
18
Rising to the challenge during COVID
19
Flying high
20
5 minutes with alumni teachers
21
International tech guru
22
Tones & I with Jackson Walkden-Brown
23
The legacy lives on
24
Saying goodbye to Mt Nimmel
26
5 minutes with Dr Gina Cleo
27
All creatures great & small
28
Spotlight on the arts
30
Alumni on campus & in the news
32
Alumni giving & serving
33
EC Reunions
34
Celebrations
win
a luxury night away! see back page for details
Welcome to Alumni
Class of 2019...
Congratulations on completing your studies at Emmanuel and welcome to our Global Community of Alumni. We hope you’ve enjoyed your first semester at Uni, work or making the most of your gap year experiences, despite the concerns and implications of COVID-19. We’ve managed to catch up with some of our most recent graduates during these unprecedented times and here’s what they’ve been up to……
Caitlin Sutton
is currently studying a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE and due to complete the course in June next year.
Jennifer Ting
received an Excellence Scholarship to Bond University and is currently studying a Bachelor of Actuarial Science.
Lucy Skea
is juggling working, volunteering and completing her studies at Worship Academy, Newlife College.
page 4 - connections
Jordan Seoud
is currently studying Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Griffith University, with the hope of becoming a Paediatrician.
Emily Casaclang
has been awarded a scholarship to Northwestern University, Chicago and will be a part of the Womens Cross Country Team. She will hopefully begin her adventure in August, however in the meantime, Emily is enjoying working, training and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica Chiu
Is currently studying a Bachelor in Physiotherapy at Griffith University.
Campbell Reid
is currently studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at Griffith University, while programming part-time. He was also offered a Sir Samuel Scholarship with Honours at College.
Cougar Kilby
has begun a four year apprenticeship for a surfboard manufacturing company called Kinaroad. He creates surfboards for big name brands such as Channel Islands and DHD.
Sam Hope
moved to Sydney to pursue an opportunity with Success Resources Australia who are world leaders in business events and promotions.
Lachlan McLean
has begun his electrical apprenticeship and is currently studying DC/AC theory at TAFE. Lachlan is enjoying the opportunity to be working and studying at the same time.
Taylor Driscoll
is currently studying a Bachelor of Business majoring in HR at Griffith University, while also balancing her part-time internship as a Human Resources Assistant Manager along with part-time work as a Crew Trainer Co-ordinator at McDonalds.
Chloe Stephens
moved to Melbourne earlier this year to study at Monash University, but since COVID, she's been back on the Gold Coast studying online. Chloe's plan is to study a Bachelor of Arts this year and begin Law/Arts next year, with a continued major in Human Rights.
Tyler Colquhoun
has begun a double degree at Griffith University in Business and Communication/Journalism. He also received a 50% scholarship from Sanitarium which includes 8-12 weeks paid internship at their headquarters in Gosford, NSW.
Savannah Barrios
Katherine Buckton
Sam Planting
James Rigby
has begun a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland, majoring in International Relations. She is hoping to finish the year with a high GPA so that she can swap over to the University’s Bachelor of Law program. is taking on a double degree in Applied Data Analytics and a Bachelor of Finance at the Australian National University in Canberra.
had the opportunity to do some extensive travelling with her family after graduating from Emmanuel and is now fully immersed in online learning at Griffith University, studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
is making the most of his time at Griffith University and studying a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Go now a true Emmanuel Graduate who is... a compassionate human being, unafraid to be, competent and willing to navigate life using your moral compass to make wise and just choices, a strategic participant in a global setting, a person of faith and integrity, aware of an eternal destiny. connections - page 5
Introducing
our new Board Chair TRACEY HICKEY
CLASS OF 1989
The staff feel it, students feel it, and I felt it in my first few days at Emmanuel, way back in January 1988. Our school was pioneered in faith, and there is no doubt that God continues to be with Emmanuel, not just in namesake, but firmly present in every moment of every day.
Emmanuel runs deep in my heart so it has been an absolute privilege to step into the role of Board Chair this year. I have served on the Emmanuel Board of Directors for the past three years, along with some of the most dedicated, passionate and talented people I have ever met. Two of my fellow Board Directors and their wives are also alumni and current parents of Emmanuel - Corey and Lana Lun, and Patrick and Dena Reid - and it is an honour to serve alongside them. I attended Emmanuel College for my senior years, graduating in 1989. The school was still relatively small but growing fast, with a mix of new brick and temporary demountable buildings. We ran cross country through the paddocks that surrounded the school and the school song was still many years away.
Patrick and Dena Reid (Class of 1992 & '94)
Today I am the Executive Officer of Newlife College on the Gold Coast and I am confident my passion for education and ministry were fueled during my time at Emmanuel. In 1996, I married my husband, Michael and we had two beautiful children, Montana and Taylor. Both completed their schooling at Emmanuel, from Prep through to Year 12 and are now at university. As a parent, I am so thankful for the depth of character they embody as a result of their Emmanuel education. page 6Â - connections
Corey and Lana Lun (Class of 1995) & Family
Many of you will have similar stories of how Emmanuel has impacted your journey and I encourage you to stay connected in whatever way you can. Attend reunions, visit the College campus if you find yourself on the Gold Coast, and actively engage in the alumni community. Most importantly, please pray for the current staff, students and families during this season. Emmanuel has many great days ahead and I look forward to what is yet to come.
"Right from these humble beginnings, God’s presence was strong and my teachers impacted my life more than they will ever know."
Emmanuel College
Tracey Hickey
The EC Band of 1989 (pictured Tracey Hickey)
connections - page 7
Uni news, careers Cara-Lee Wiese
Jeremy Drummond (Class of 1999)
Taylor Sing
(Class of 2012)
Cara-Lee Wiese was recently admitted as a Lawyer in the Supreme Court of Brisbane. Kerry Gibbs from MinterEllison moved her admission. She is currently working as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG on the Gold Coast with some other fellow Emmanuel College Alumni - Kayleigh Knowles and Anay Van Der Merwe.
Jeremy is now a Corporal in the Combat Engineers and has been in the Army for over 10 years.
Graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with Class IIA Honours.
During this time he has worked with the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program, a government scheme that allows the army to enter remote areas and build community centres, houses, roads and waste treatment facilities.
He is currently working on his PhD Candidacy in Biomedical Engineering Research, specialising in developing Blood Pumps (artificial hearts). Taylor also had the opportunity to be an intern for BiVACOR Inc, an innovative Artificial Heart Research and Development Company. He attended the International Scholar Laureta Programme - Delegation for Engineering and Technologying in China in 2018.
Cara-Lee recently bought a dachshund puppy and enjoys spending time with him and her family, whilst working from home the last few months!
"It's a really rewarding project that provides remote communities with better educational facilities and improved infrastructure."
(Class of 2015)
Jeremy was recently deployed to the Middle East in a mentoring role but has since returned to Queensland and is now based at the RAAF in Brisbane.
Chris Delany (Class of 2011)
Since graduating from Emmanuel, Chris has completed a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at Griffith University and has commenced his career in flooding and stormwater management. Chris' work requires he undertake complex hydraulic modelling to provide design and mitigation strategies to local councils and private developers. Chris has also been employed by the AFL since 2018 as an AFL Boundary Umpire, which makes him a regular in officiating the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions home games.
page 8 - connections
Tara Slocombe
Olivia Gane
Tara graduated from University of Queensland with a dual degree in Business and Arts, majoring in Marketing, Art History, and Philosophy in July 2019. She now works as an account manager in an Advertising Agency. She has also just started her own copywriting gig as something to do on the side!
Completed a Bachelor of Film and TV at Bond University. Olivia is currently working in the entertainment industry as an associate producer and script writer and has just recently become the Production Co-ordinator for the Gold Coast Bleach festival. She has also pursued her interest in music and has currently released two songs on Spotify.
(Class of 2014)
(Class of 2016)
"Be Humble. Be Teachable.
and updates... Victoria Graham
Always Keep Learning"
Catherine Delany
Tiarni Bright
(Class of 2013)
(Class of 2009)
(Class of 2013)
Completed a Bachelor of Business (Management) / Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and achieved First Class Honours in Economics and the University Medal for academic excellence in 2018. Victoria has since been working as an Economist for KPMG and moved to London in August to study a Masters in Strategic Marketing.
Having completed a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University, Cat has been working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department (ED) at both Robina Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital.
Tiarni Bright is now a registered midwife at Nepean Hospital in Sydney and is currently completing a Masters of Midwifery at the University of Newcastle. Tiarni is particularly grateful to be working during this 'unusual' time and feels very lucky to be in a field that is so supportive and fun. She fondly remembers her Biology classes with Mr Hall and recalls the moment she was inspired to become a midwife.
Cat is nearing the completion of a Master of Emergency Nursing, undertaking a dissertation investigating the impact of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on drug and alcohol ED presentations. As well as working clinically, Cat has spent the last year as a research nurse and was also involved in the coordinated health response in the medical tent during the 2019 Gold Coast Schoolies. She is now working towards a future in aeromedical retrievals.
"One of the things that helped push me towards my career was when we had a midwife come visit us in biology class. It was amazing."
Josh Sherriff
Dr Annie Kan
Sidney Flego (Class of 2007) After completing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from Griffith and then a Bachelor of Paramedical Science from QUT, Sidney spent the next 5 years serving in the Queensland Ambulance Service. In 2019 Sidney received the news that he was accepted into the Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney.
(Class of 2016)
(Class of 2002)
Currently studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide.
Dr Annie Kan was recently appointed as the Project and Partnership Manager of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science. Annie is part of a group of 14 researchers who were awarded $35 million from the Australian Government to establish the Centre and develop their research in peptides and proteins to unleash their enormous potential for human benefit.
"Studying dance, drama and music, I'm excited to be able to pursue what I love doing and am preparing for a career in the Musical Theatre Industry."
Sam McCorriston (Class of 2016) Sam completed a Bachelor of Education at Griffith University and secured a position as a secondary mathematics teacher at Livingstone Christian College. "I am blessed to have had the opportunities through Emmanuel to travel on mission and experience teaching; this is where my love for teaching began and has subsequently grown."
connections - page 9
Year 11 and 12 students enjoyed the Innervate Conference once again this year. The seminar included keynote presentations from Elevate Education, Universities showcased their academic degrees and all the workshops presented by past students and teachers were very well received.
Emmanuel past students Megan Hall (Class of 2015), Emma Lu (Class of 2017) and Yasmin Lewis (Class of 2018), shared their knowledge and experience on life after school. They shared practical and helpful advice for our current students and many of our Senior teachers hosted workshops that were innovative and helpful.
If members of the Emmanuel Alumni or wider community would like to be involved with 'Innervate 2021' please contact the alumni office at alumni@emmanuel.qld.edu.au
INNERVATE SESSIONS life after emmanuel
managing money
Emotional Intelligence & Time Management
The Future of work
Megan Hall, Emma Lu and Yasmin Lewis
Carla Mutton & Alyssa Rezo - Class of 1997
A-Student Blueprint
Hayden McEvoy - Class of 2008
The positive edge: 5 ways to wellbeing and positive mental health
Shannan Sosinski & Amy Vocale - Class of 2000
EXCEL FOR PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY Sarah Kirkland
Preventing procrastination Amanda Raven
page 10 - connections
Tim Ward
University of Queensland
How our brains work Jacob George
Mind mapping: building new knowledge through visual connection Eli Shambrook
managing school stress: Creating a "school sport - school life" balance David Reid
#EachForEqual Past student Maddie Armstrong (Class of 2017), welcomed mums and daughters from the Emmanuel Community to celebrate and acknowledge International Women's Day. What a wonderful morning it was, with delicious food, inspiring speakers and a great community spirit! We are so grateful for all the incredible women in our community who make Emmanuel a tribe we are proud to be a part of! Thank you to Journalist and columnist, Ann Wason Moore, Psychotherapist and Counsellor, Dr Iona Abrahamson, and Head of Senior School, Karen Farrow, for leading the way and inspiring our community of women.
connections - page 11
THE
GLOBAL GAP YEAR EXPERIENCE
CLASS OF 2019
KIAH BEAL
I decided to spend the first half of my gap year running with a missions organisation known as Youth with a Mission.
I
underwent
three
months
of
discipleship
training
with
an
amazing group of international students on the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii.
The core focus of the school is to develop a faith in its students
"It was a life-changing experience filled with a lot of change, growth and good people."
that is strong enough to spread the gospel throughout the
nations. With its dynamic combination of incredible teachings, ministry and service opportunities, YWAM really changed the way I look at serving others. It was a life-changing experience
filled with a lot of change, growth and good people... the only downside being the quality of American food compared to the great food we have here in Australia.
I was due to head off to the small nation of Haiti in the Caribbean for the remainder of the year, but as COVID rolled through, I was sent home to be with family. Just the same as
many, my plans are up in the air as we reach the halfway mark of 2020, however I do know that this period has continued my growth
and
is
definitely
opening
considered back when this all began!
up
doors
I
never
"Dynamic combination of incredible teachings, ministry and service opportunities" page 12Â - connections
even
CLASS OF 2017
NICCI HALL I spent my gap year in America working at a Summer Camp located in a small town in Pennsylvania, on the East Coast of the US. With little to no connection to the outside world, we really lived in this little camp bubble. I met so many other camp
counsellors that came from all around the world and they soon became my camp family and lifelong friends.
I was continually blown away with how these kids, ranging
I was hired as one of the boat drivers and spent the seven weeks driving
rotated around the camp and participated in different
tube on the beautiful lake. It didn’t feel like a job at all. My work ‘uniform’
from ages 7-16, spent their summer. Each day they
activities, extending from EVERY sport under the sun to zip lines,
skate
parks,
archery,
mountain
biking,
sailing,
boating, aqua parks, circus, music, arts/crafts, cooking,
the speed boats and teaching the kids how to water-ski, wakeboard and
was my swimmers, my office was out in the sun around the scenic lake and I was constantly surrounded by my camp family.
dancing and singing, just to name a few…
CAMP
AMERICA
Once the camp ended, I had one month left on my visa and travelled with
18 of my new friends from camp to New York, Vegas, LA, Malibu and
Mexico. I can honestly say my gap year trip has been one of the best experiences of my life and one that I will cherish forever.
CLASS OF 2018
JOSEPH CHRISTENSEN
Although very small, Switzerland is a fantastically diverse country
In my gap year I spent 12 months living in Switzerland as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
for all exchange students, as well as a three-week tour of the
I was based in the ‘Gold Coast’ area of
filled
with
beautiful
mountains,
lakes,
forests
and
cities.
Throughout the year, Rotary organised events around the country
most famous cities in central Europe. I was lucky to travel a lot during the year, particularly with other exchange students from all over the world and we still keep in contact regularly.
the Zürich lake and was hosted by
three different host families throughout
"I will cherish the memories of my exchange forever"
the year. Although they were all very
different from each other and from what I was used to at home, I was welcomed warmly, cared for lovingly
Throughout my exchange I have had countless unforgettable
and taken in as a part of each family.
experiences; I have changed and matured so much as a person.
They taught me so much and shared
The lessons I have learned about myself and the world around
so many amazing experiences with me,
me were invaluable. I am now enjoying studying a Bachelor of
and I love each of them like my own.
Politics, Philosophy and Economics at UQ and am excited for what
the future holds although I will cherish the memories of my
"I have been able to forge so many new international relationships which will last a lifetime"
exchange forever.
I attended the final year of secondary school at Realgymnasium
Rämibühl in the centre of Zürich, two minutes away from the old
town. I had an amazing class who helped me integrate seamlessly and enjoy my time by chatting with me during the lessons, eating lunch in the city together, and meeting up in our free time.
The school, my host families and Rotary were all very supportive with my study of German, immersing me in the language, setting up special
courses
designed
for
second
language
learners
providing official exams to accredit my language skills.
and connections - page 13
from the
Deputy Principal
Whilst we were challenged in 2020 to 'flatten the curve' as the Coronavirus
spread across the world and changed our ways, the Emmanuel College curve of success has continued to soar! By any measures of academic, sporting and creative arts success, Emmanuel is not only maintaining but improving in every sphere of College life.
"...the cream rises to the top as Emmanuel’s outstanding staff, our IT platforms and our whole community’s ability to adapt..."
Within weeks of the pandemic’s arrival in Australia, schools were thrust into the spotlight, needing to facilitate online learning from home. It is in times such as this that the cream rises to the top as Emmanuel’s outstanding staff, our IT platforms and our whole community’s ability to adapt resulted in the College’s levels of excellence being a local, regional, national and international exemplar.
I’m have no doubt that Emmanuel alumni will read this wonderful publication with pride as they reminisce on their personal
investments that have collectively contributed to the kaleidoscope of characteristics that we see in our thriving College in
2020. In 2019, we held the first triple-reunion as the classes of 1989, 1999 and 2009 celebrated their memories,
contributions, friendships and what Emmanuel has become. Our prayer is that each person’s faith journey, perhaps having started at Emmanuel for some, remains at the core of who we are, that we honour God through our daily conduct, that we nurture a personal relationship with Jesus and that we recognise the Holy Spirit in what is true, beautiful and good. Our sincere appreciation to Fiona Gregory for her outstanding work as our Alumni Co-ordinator.
The Emmanuel and Rivermount College communities were saddened in September 2019 to receive the news of the passing of our founding Principal, Mr Colin Young. We celebrate his pioneering spirit, the foundations he laid, his prayerfully made decisions and his legacy.
We will forever be indebted to Colin and we celebrate his life as his Lord called him into eternal Glory.
Our highly valued character development, service learning and Mission and Connect trips remain Emmanuel distinctives as they improve our world and create the memories that our alumni treasure. Our heartfelt thanks to Alumni members who have been so generous actively and financially, particularly in leading the support for Emmanuel’s work in an impoverished area of India where we built a 500-student school in 2016 and alumni students have visited India to offer practical support. Current students again visited Thailand in 2019 and languages groups visited China and Germany. We are certainly a high reliability sporting school where consistent benchmarks of representative and team performances are being met on a yearly basis. 2019 was another outstanding year of sport as we won both the Senior and Junior School APS Swimming carnivals with a record number of swimmers progressing to the South Coast Regionals trials, our Senior School APS Cross Country team were back to back champions, our Open Boys Soccer team were Uhlsport Cup finalists, our Open Boys Cricket and 15 Girls Touch teams were Regional Runner’s Up and our Open Girls Netball team were one win away from qualifying for the Queensland Vicki Wilson Cup finals, after winning 7 successive games. Our students were entered and involved in over 60 different competitions across the country and we enjoyed two international sporting trips to Japan and New Zealand. Our representative successes are still, per head of population, likely to be the best of any school in the region. Seven students are at the pinnacle of their sport in Australia including the best 16-year-old triathlete in Australia, one of the country’s best cross-country runners, the Australian 13-year Swimming Champion in the 200m Freestyle, an Australian representative at the World Junior Baseball Championships in Taiwan, the Australian Ironwomen Champion, the Australian Open Water and Surf lifesaving swim champion, the Australian 3km Walking Champion and a national Artistic Roller Skater.
The familiarity of Queensland’s OPs ended with Emmanuel again achieving outstanding results in 2019 and our 2020 cohort will be the first to graduate through the ATAR system (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). A student’s ATAR is calculated from their best five subjects and English must be passed. In 2020, we welcomed our new Head of Senior School, Karen Farrow, who brings a wealth of experience, inspiring leadership and a delightful personality to the role. Karen has already had a huge impact on our community, and we wish her success and fulfillment at Emmanuel as we value her being in this significant role at the College. Emmanuel’s creative arts program is thriving with our quality talent and high calibre clearly on display at concerts, dances, competitions, eisteddfods and other performances. Students enjoy excursions, incursions, drama clubs, speech and drama programs, choirs and extension programs. We have introduced a bible-based, compass-shaped version of Positive Education, based on Martin Seligman’s five Positive Psychology keys to a thriving or ‘flourishing’ life i.e. positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishments. ‘Flourishing at School’ is a complete solution for wellbeing improvement for students and equips students with the necessary academic ability for working life and the ability to stay physically and mentally well. A wonderful example of this initiative was the positive purpose art project where Year 10 students designed and completed a mural for the carpark at the Genesis Cancer Treatment Centre in Southport as patients had indicated that driving into a sterile, concrete carpark to attend their treatment had a negative impact on them. The students painted a bright and beautiful mural to change that experience and the special significance for Emmanuel is that Rowen Dick, a former patient there, is depicted in a silhouette of him standing on the beach in the painting.
Village Green Outdoor Area Our already beautiful campus saw the completion and opening of the Neville Bonner AO Centre on 13 June 2019. Neville Bonner was appointed as Australia’s first Indigenous Senator in 1971 and we were delighted that his great niece, Joanna Lindgren, attended the official opening and reflected on her uncle being an ordinary man whose success and life reflected points of the Emmanuel Compass. The modern, innovative centre features three science laboratories, three general learning areas, the Careers Development Office, a meeting room, wide-open corridors and expansive spaces, including the new Year 12 area with a commemorative artwork made from the timbers of the former fondly remembered Year 12 deck that adjoined the old Hospitality centre. SBlock has been demolished and an attractive outdoor ‘Village Green’ with picnic tables and umbrellas, already very popular students, has been developed in that central location. The Josiah College campus has now been completed with an additional section of the old Woolworths land serving as an overflow carpark, very well-used by our Year 12 drivers.
As the world has faced these uncertain times, Emmanuel’s leadership team have prayed for God’s wisdom. Proverbs 3 instructs us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, in all our ways to submit to Him, and he will make our paths straight. We have sought to honour Him and as we have seen throughout the history of Emmanuel College, he has again been faithful. Thank you Emmanuel, God with us!
Gordon Johnstone Neville Bonner AO Centre
Deputy Principal
connections - page 15
CLASS OF 1989
BEN TRACY
HEART OF GOLD For someone who works with precious gems and superstars, it seems only appropriate that Ben Tracy has a heart of gold. Back in 1988, when he was just 17, he wrote in his Emmanuel yearbook that he ‘wanted to own a chain of jewellery stores throughout the world and become a fireman’. While one of those burning ambitions remains unrequited, Ben not only owns his own boutique but has created jewellery for Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, David and Victoria Beckham and even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - sadly, the gems lasted longer than their marriage. Despite designing pieces for royalty and celebrities alike, Ben says it was a class excursion while at Emmanuel that fired his ambition. “It was during an excursion to the Seven Hills College of Art with Mr Harris when I was in Grade 12 at Emmanuel that the subject of silversmithing captured my imagination.
“I wasn't always interested in jewellery, but I always wanted to have a creative career… I just never knew what that would be,”
Three months before school was due to finish, I found an apprenticeship for a jeweller here on the Gold Coast and as soon as I started, I knew this was for me and my career fell into place. Without being too clichéd, I haven’t worked a day in my life since. Creating unique pieces with beautiful materials and making people happy is ultimately what I’m passionate about.” After working all over the world, Ben is now happy to call Robina home, but says he will never forget his days working for the Crown Jewellers in London. While there, he restored and recreated the antique tiara which Sophie Rhys Jones, now the Countess of Wessex, wore in her wedding to Prince Edward. “It certainly was a proud moment and I definitely felt honoured to have been involved with restoring the tiara that the Queen had gifted Princess Sophie for her wedding day. Although it was always a goal from when I was an apprentice, I never thought I would have been involved in such an occasion,” says Ben. “There have been numerous expensive pieces I’ve worked on, especially during my time at The Crown Jewellers in London where many of those were priceless royal heirlooms. But the most expensive piece I worked on was the Heart of the Ocean necklace which sold at auction for $2.2 million.”
“Ultimately, I am inspired by the life and personal story of the client who I am designing a piece for.”
“Although inspiration comes from many areas of my life such as the ocean, I always have said the city is what really inspires me - from fashion, industrial design through to architecture - these are all strong points of inspiration for me.
Ben says that while he doesn’t have a chain of jewellery stores, he is proud of his jewellery boutique and workshop in Robina, which employs nine staff and he hasn't quite given up on his fireman dream, either. “I still haven’t fulfilled my dream of becoming a fireman. Even after 30 years, I still would be keen at some point to get involved - perhaps with the Rural Fire Service.” After three decades, he hasn’t forgotten his time at Emmanuel and wants to continue paying forward his own good fortune to future students. “I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since I graduated from Emmanuel and it was great to celebrate that occasion last year,” he says. “I remember my time there, when the school was in its infancy, as having a fresh approach to education and thankfully my art classes were a part of that".
page 16 - connections
I would love for any students who are curious about the world of jewellery design and manufacturing to come visit our jewellery workshop or to contact me.
DREAMING BIG & SETTING GOALS Kimberley McNamara (Class of 2001) Emmanuel officially has its own forensic files. Class of 2001 graduate, Kimberley McNamara, works with the Queensland Police Service’s cold-case homicide investigation unit as a forensic scientist, conducting forensic review and examination of all unsolved homicides in the state. After graduating from Emmanuel, Kimberley studied a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Master of Science at Griffith University. She later joined the police and obtaining the rank of Sergeant. After working in Central Queensland for 12 years as a Scientific Officer, where she analysed crime scenes requiring forensic evidence, she began working with the cold-case homicide investigation unit.
“I credit Emmanuel for giving me the motivation to prove that I could achieve my career goals, no matter how different they may have been.”
Tim Sinclair-Smith (Class of 1988) Forget the Tiger King, Tim Sinclair-Smith believes in serving the animals instead. After graduating from Emmanuel in 1988, Tim completed a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at James Cook University and has since been involved with the zoological and aquarium industries in Canada, South America, Africa and Australia. Last year he was appointed manager of the Ningaloo Centre in WA and will oversee the new $32 million centre.
“The teachers were not just there for us as mentors but also cared about who we would become and taught us to be whatever we could dream.”
Throughout the last 30 years, Tim has dedicated his life to educating people on the importance of protecting our environment and has worked to improve standards of animal welfare in captive facilities, as well as building research centres around the world for wildlife conservation. Tim was part of the first graduating class, “I think my best memories of Emmanuel are of how close we all were, both students and teachers”, he says. connections - page 17
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE DURING COVID Prior to the commencement of a New Year, most of us are occasioned to reflect upon the past year. We’re already 9 months into 2020, and what a year it has been so far catastrophic bushfires ravaged our sunburnt nation, causing unprecedented loss of life to humans, flora and fauna. Floods seemed to affect where the fires did not and now, more recently, a health epidemic that may be the defining generational moment in the lives of Emmanuel’s Alumni.
COVID COVID
But service is its own end. We need only make another smile to have made a difference. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time, the smallest collection of compassionate acts might become an intoxicating force so powerful that we overcome all adversity with a single direction and focus. To me, that is the hallmark of our alumni. We know to serve. This the legacy we carry as Emmanuel Alumni. Our nations and communities demand that we look to one another to raise each other up. Like never before, we are gifted with the opportunity to redefine what it means to be an Australian, and what it means to be an Emmanuel Alumni. So when, on December 31st 2020, we reflect upon the year that was, may we ruminate upon how our one small act may have changed the world, for without it, nothing would have changed. So...
START WITH A SMILE!
by Nathan Laing (Class of 2004)
“Emmanuel provided me with solid foundational instruction on being an upright citizen,
having the confidence of belief, the ability to be critical and the encouragement to aspire to my dreams.”
When it comes to professional accomplishments, Nathan Laing sets the bar high. Literally! After graduating from Emmanuel in 2004, Nathan studied a Diploma of Justice Administration from Gold Coast Institute of TAFE and was then accepted and graduated as a Police Constable in the Queensland Police Service. Since then, he has completed a Bachelor of Law (Hons), Bachelor of Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Bond University and upon graduation, practiced as a solicitor and consultant. After putting his legal career on hold, Nathan served in the Australian Defence Force for seven years, being promoted to the rank of Captain. During his final years in the ADF, he undertook the Bar examinations and was offered a place in the Queensland Bar Association's Bar Practice course. Successfully completing the course and a Master of Business Administration in the meantime. Nathan is now practicing Law as a Barrister on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. page 18 - connections
g n i y l F
h g i H
Every day Kylie Dewar goes to work, she sees the world from 37,000 feet in the air. As a pilot, the Emmanuel graduate has earned her wings in an industry dominated by men and now rocked by the COVID-19 crisis.
"Despite this turbulence, Kylie still sees blue skies ahead as she forges a career in the aviation industry she loves." “After I graduated from Emmanuel, I worked in a few different jobs before I found my passion in aviation”, says Kylie. “I have worked as cabin crew, a supervisor, in the training department and now as a pilot. I have lived throughout the Northern Territory and Queensland, operating Cessna aircraft from the C210, C402 to the C208 Caravan. I flew up to 18 leg mail runs, charters and freight all around Australia and I loved my time in general aviation. Then I was offered a position as a First Officer for SkyWest Airlines in the USA, a company with 484 aircraft flying approximately 43 million passengers per year. I spent two years in the right seat and then upgraded to Captain, which is the role I am still currently in … and loving every minute of it. “ Kylie says while aviation companies have seen some stormy skies in 2020, it looks like the worst is over for the American industry. She says procedures are not yet back to normal but passenger numbers are improving. “Throughout COVID we have still been flying, but we have had a reduction in flights and a lot of procedures that have come into play. Aircraft are now being cleaned every turn, all crew are required to do temperature checks prior to departure and everybody is in masks. We still have two million less people travelling per day, but with numbers growing daily, we are now turning the corner.”
"Being a female pilot presents challenges almost everyday..." She says perseverance and a good attitude means every woman can still fly high. “As a female, you are challenged by people who will question you, I get this almost daily, but just work hard so when that day comes, you can stand proud knowing you deserve to be where you are, you are qualified, competent and do the job just as well as those dominating the industry”, she says.
"Stand proud knowing you deserve to be where you are, you are qualified, competent and do the job just as well as those dominating the industry." “You’ll need perseverance and a great attitude and from there you will not only make memories that will last a lifetime, you will inspire others to do the same. I can't say enough how much I love my job. The aviation industry is by no means an easy road - from the moment you start training, you are overwhelmed and are constantly studying. But as they say, choose a job you love and you’ll never work another day in your life. I can say that I have found this challenge and passion in aviation and I’ll never look back. I hope for each student from Emmanuel, past and present, that they find their own path to follow and love the journey that comes with it also.”
In fact, Kylie says it was her education at Emmanuel that helped equip her for a challenging but rewarding career. “I remember Emmanuel for the great people that were there teachers and fellow students. They were always supportive and encouraged us in what we were doing and any future aspirations we had. I look back now and I am extremely grateful for all the skills and tools Emmanuel equipped me with.”
Kylie Dewar (Class of 2012) connections - page 19
Graham Drake
5 MINUTES WITH ALUMNI TEACHERS Graham Drake
Graham Drake taught at Emmanuel for many years and was the Head of Business and Head of Wesley House. Graham and his son Adam (Class of 1995) have stayed connected with Emmanuel over the years and it was great to catch up recently.
What have you been doing since teaching at Emmanuel?
Lynton Allan
Well known as an artist and story teller, Lynton has inspired audiences for decades. He was our first Chaplain and many remember the moment he rode his motorbike into the Chapel with the Principal on the back of his bike.
What have you been doing since you were a Chaplain at Emmanuel College? My journey since Emmanuel has been a continuation of seeking to share the reality of God’s love. I believe in the amazing transforming power of God within us and through us. Connecting with people from all walks of life and creating art that tells a story have been the tools of my trade. I now live in Victoria and travel throughout Australia to minister to schools, churches, community groups corporate institutions, prisons, festivals and indigenous communities, to list a few.
After leaving Emmanuel, my wife and I did the ‘grey nomad’ thing and toured around Australia for the latter part of 2005. Upon our return it was a matter of what now Lord? From 2006 until 2010 I was a part time interviewer for the ABS, Executive Officer of Newlife Care and did some relief teaching. There was a significant change for me in 2010 when I began managing the Youth Development Unit for Julalikari Aboriginal Corporation at Tennant Creek. It was one of those ‘it must be God’ moments.
You have always cared about young people, What would you like to say to them today?
In late 2011 we moved back to the Gold Coast to care for my wife’s parents due to ill health/ageing and I once again work part-time for the ABS. After the parental responsibilities finished, we moved to Darwin to ‘semi retire’ and support our son, Adam, in his work with Northern Territory youth. Once again the ABS work ‘beckoned’ and I am still working part-time for them on a variety of surveys (including remote Indigenous health). Add to that my role as a Local Councillor and Chair of the Local Arts Group and, suffice to say, I am still ‘out there’ to make a difference.
If you had to do it again, what would you change?
What are your fondest memories of your time at Emmanuel?
There are so many fond memories of Emmanuel that I don’t know where to start. So much of life should be about working for justice and I couldn’t do justice to all the memories I have. Unfortunately there’s insufficient space in this publication. I could write a book!
Any Wise Words for our Alumni?
As I grow older I have become aware that life consists of relationships and stories. Be rich in both! In addition, I’m sure many alumni would be familiar with a much quoted part of the Bible which says that we should ‘do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God’. Can’t beat that for advice.
"God is Love and we should emulate that as much as possible." page 20 - connections
As I work with youth I am always seeking to share with them that they are like priceless works of art, each very different and reflecting something unique of the image of God. I also want them to know that if they mess up in any way, the canvas of their lives is not ruined. God's amazing radical love is able to forgive, restore and transform any mistake we make.
If I had my time over again, I would have liked to stay at Emmanuel longer, because one of the things I miss deeply as an itinerant is that sense of belonging to a community.
Lynton Allan
INTERNATIONAL TECH GURU Nathan Gregory (Class of 1998) What do you get when you cross an Emmanuel education with an interest in IT? A technical evangelist. But this job is no joke, just ask Nathan Gregory. Now working for Cisco Systems in San Francisco, his role as a technical evangelist is to train and certify engineers from all around the globe to effectively deploy, manage and secure their technology solutions. After graduating from Emmanuel, Nathan completed a Bachelor of Information Technology at Bond before working for a start-up company during the dot-com boom, and then founding his own technology consulting firm. He also spent a year volunteering for Youth With A Mission in Colorado, before going on outreach to Mexico, which brought back memories of his time at Emmanuel. “One of my highlights as a student was getting involved in the Duke of Edinburgh program,” says Nathan. “The expeditions sparked my passion for adventure and gave me skills to plan and survive a number of future solo remote travel adventures.”
"One of my highlights as a student was getting involved in the Duke of Edinburgh program"
“The expeditions sparked my passion for adventure and gave me skills to plan and survive a number of future solo remote travel adventures.”
Cisco Meraki Head Office in San Francisco After his years of international service, Nathan returned to Australia to work as Chief
Technology Officer for a fibre optic service provider before moving into the utilities sector, managing communication networks for the Queensland electricity grid.
With a desire to gain experience in the Chinese market, Nathan worked for one of China’s largest tech companies, Huawei Technologies, with a staggering 200,000 staff, before joining Cisco Systems in San Francisco. With a resume like that, it’s no doubt current Emmanuel students would love to hear Nathan preach about his experience as a technical evangelist.
connections - page 21
Tones
&
I
with Jackson Walkden-Brown Class of 1998
Jackson specialises in Music Law and is the Manager of global sensation 'Tones and I'. He talks about the time he first met Tones and I and how that meeting changed both of their lives. "In late 2017 I was with my wife on our first night out since having a baby, so we were in a great mood! As we were walking to the restaurant, we stumbled across a young busker who blew our minds. I ended up inviting her
to come and work out of my recording studio up in the Gold Coast hinterland and thereafter became her manager. We worked hard behind the
scenes for the next 12 months and released her first track to the world on 1
March 2019. It’s been a whirlwind since: 4 ARIA awards, two sold out world
tours, longest running No.1 Australian single of all time, longest running No. 1 Spotify single of all time, most “shazam’ed” song of all time, No. 1 in over 30
countries, NYC billboards and performances at the AFL Grand Final, Ellen and Jimmy Fallon. Needless to say, I feel incredibly blessed to have stumbled across Tones and I on that fateful night".
"My secondary education really laid the foundation for my ongoing love affair with business and music." Jackson lives and breathes music and also remembers his high school years fondly. His encouragement to current Emmanuel students is to "Savour your time at school"
"We worked hard behind the scenes for the next 12 months and released her first track to the world on 1 March 2019. It’s been a whirlwind since!"
page 22 - connections
Georgie Rankin (Class of 2015)
THE LEGACY Kicking goals for every girl who dreams of playing professional sports Perhaps it should come as no surprise that the 2015 Emmanuel graduate has made it as a member of the Geelong Cats AFLW team, given her great-great-grandfather was club legend Ted Rankin, while his three sons Doug, Bert and Cliff also starred for the Cats. Cliff was even Geelong’s 1925 Premiership captain-coach. For Georgie, it was a late game change as she only started playing AFL 12 months before making the professional team. Georgie began playing Australian Rules for the inaugural Surfers Paradise Demons women’s team in 2018, the same year she graduated with a Bachelor of Sport Development from Griffith University. After that first season, she was a rookie drafted to the Geelong Cats, one of the longest standing Australian Rules Football Clubs in Victoria. Alongside her successful football career, Georgie has a passion for individual and team development and she hopes to empower and nurture aspiring athletes and sporting teams in both sports and everyday life.
“My favourite memories from my time at Emmanuel were simply the conversations I shared with students from different grades and teachers from different faculties. I also loved Connect trips, sports carnivals, buddy programs and the overall culture of the Emmanuel College community.”
LIVES ON...
There's no doubt she’ll be inspiring a new generation of Emmanuel students to chase their dreams, especially now that women are being better included in professional sports. “Emmanuel was a home away from home and I loved the inclusiveness and being part of a strong community”, says Georgie.
Matthew Palmer (Class of 2003)
It's Horses for Courses Not every student is bound for an academic career and for Emmanuel alumnus Matthew Palmer, it was long odds from the start. After all, the Palmer name has been synonymous with racing in Queensland for decades, with Matthew’s father Gary, who was a champion jockey. Since graduating in 2003, Matthew has continued the family legacy, becoming a successful apprentice early in his career, with great success in the saddle, both domestically and internationally. Matthew says he has loved working with horses for all of his life and began racing immediately after finishing school at Emmanuel. “Emmanuel was an amazing environment,” says Matthew. “I may not have chosen a career based on academic teaching but the grounding, social and life skills Emmanuel gave me, enabled me to pursue what I desired. Being able to go to work every day in the saddle with the adrenaline of racing is just amazing”. The Palmer racing legacy seems sure to continue, with Matthew marrying fellow jockey, Rikki Lee and they now have two daughters.
“I may not have chosen a career based on academic teaching but the grounding, social and life skills Emmanuel gave me, enabled me to pursue what I desired." connections - page 23
SAYING GOODBYE TO
From 1988-2019, Emmanuel College grew up with its own outdoor
education property, right here on the Gold Coast. Although the
“That property was magical. I have so many great memories from a PE camp to Duke of Edinburgh adventures. It was really something special.”
property wasn't owned by Emmanuel College, it was in fact owned by Mr Unser who was the PE teacher at the time and has served at Emmanuel for many years since.
Mt Nimmel was a 67 acre campground and became the default
location for PE camps, Sport camps, Class camps, Cross Country
Delwyn Martin (Class of 1990)
Camps, BBQ nights, Leadership programs and many Duke of Edinburgh Award camps. Mr Unser and his family sold the
property in 2019, but until that time, Emmanuel students made
use of the opportunity to access camping bushland and the neighbouring national park for outdoor adventures.
The adventure playground was only a 30 minute drive from
school
and
provided
great
advantages
for
leadership development opportunities over the last 30 years.
Students could arrive after school on a Friday
afternoon and be ‘lost’ in the Springbrook National Park and afterwards be sitting around a campfire that night.
Although many will remember being cold, hot, wet,
bitten, bruised, tired or even scared, many will also have fond memories about the days and starry nights, fresh mornings,
mateship.
"Only a 30 minute drive from school and provided great advantages for leadership development opportunities over the last 30 years"
independence,
problem
solving
and
Over the last few years, many Alumni have visited again to retrace adventure trails or to simply meet with mates
to enjoy a campfire in a place that was familiar to them.
Outdoor Adventure will continue to be a unique feature of
Emmanuel's
character,
service
and
leadership
programs in the future but we would like to take this opportunity to thank Mt Nimmel Campground and the Unser family for their generosity over the last 30 years in
providing
adventures. page 24 - connections
a
'home'
for
many
of
our
outdoor
MOUNT NIMMEL LODGE
"It was a place to kindle community and be real without the distractions of the world, without cars or the internet, worries or stresses, it was a place that allowed me to just breathe and feel like myself again.”
“I recall being so enthralled by the whole experience of charging through the beautiful bush with my best mates …” Jackson Walkden-Brown (Class of 1998)
Emily Armstrong (Class of 2018)
“Everyone was holding hands and helping each other down, taking each other’s bags and even lifting each other down the big rocks. We all shared an experience and talked about it for years. It felt like a true adventure and was so exciting at the time …” Lauren Plass (Class of 2005)
connections - page 25
5 Minutes with Dr Gina Cleo Class of 2004
What have you been doing since you graduated from High School?
So much has happened since I was a student at Emmanuel. Straight after school, I completed a Bachelor in Health Science at Bond University, then a Masters Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Griffith University. I worked as a clinical dietitian for several years, both in hospital wards and private practice. Then I travelled round the world for 13 months and visited 36 different cities; a luxury I am even more grateful for during this time. When I returned from my travels, I was invited to complete a PhD at Bond University, which I accepted. My PhD was in habit change and weight loss maintenance. Since then, I have been blessed with so many wonderful job opportunities. I now work at Bond University as a Researcher and Assistant Professor and am the Director of the Habit Change Institute.
What have you learnt during COVID
I have learnt how resilient, adaptable and persevering we can be. This year has been somewhat uncomfortable, raw and even daunting at times. My fiancé and I had to postpone our wedding, cancel our honeymoon (which was in Italy…yup, no joke) and like all of us, learn to adapt our work and lives to a new way. It sounds like a rough time but actually, COVID has allowed us to slow down and reassess our values. We’ve created deeper connections with our friends and family, spent more time looking after our physical health and finally cleaned out the Tupperware cupboard! All of which, I’m incredibly grateful for.
Any advice to current and past students?
"COVID has allowed us to slow down and reassess our values. We’ve created deeper connections with our friends and family, spent more time looking after our physical health."
Opportunities may come when you least expect them; be open to saying yes to them. It may not be how you planned your life to pan out, but a new opportunity could also take you places you never imagined. I had very little intention of doing a PhD, but I’m so glad I accepted the opportunity to do it because it’s opened up a whole range of really exciting jobs! I always knew I would be a dietitian and although I loved it, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to change directions and now I teach people all around the world about habits and human behaviour. Just start somewhere and let God’s plan guide you the rest of the way.
"Just start somewhere and let God’s plan guide you the rest of the way."
Brainy Bliss Balls Full of antioxidants, healthy fats and easy to make. Your brain will thank you for these delicious treats.
Ingredients ⅓ cup Walnuts
⅓ cup Brazil nuts
½ cup Pecans
2 Tbs Chia seeds
10 Medjool dates
20g Protein powder
Method
1. Soak dates in hot water for 1 hour
2. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until sticky and able to form in a ball
3. Optional: Roll in chia seeds and/or shredded coconut
Dr Gina Cleo's Easy Pancake Recipe
Follow Dr Gina Cleo on Facebook for Health Tips, Advice and Tasty Recipes page 26 - connections
ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL It’s all in a day’s work for the 2009 Emmanuel graduate, who works at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as a presenter and animal trainer.
CLASS OF 2009
LAUREN VARTANIAN
Lauren Vartanian might have snared her dream job, but there’s no denying that she works with some real snakes. As in actual venomous reptiles.
“I’m incredibly lucky to work with a variety of animals from birds of prey, parrots, mammals and reptiles like crocodiles and venomous snakes", says Lauren. Lauren says she knew from Year 10 that she wanted to work with wildlife. She says marine studies and biology were her favourite subjects at Emmanuel and she later studied at Griffith University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Marine Ecology. “A typical day for me includes presenting a range of educational wildlife shows including our signature Free Flight Bird Show: Wild Skies. Animal training is also an important part of my role as we are able to work with our animals closely and train natural behaviours, while also providing the opportunity for our free flying birds to show off their amazing abilities.”
"One of the highlights is being a voice for our wildlife ambassadors through our shows. I’m passionate about the environment, so my job allows me to educate others on the importance of conservation and wildlife, and why we want to protect them.”
"Since then I have volunteered for various organisations including Mon Repos Turtle Rookery and Heron Island for sea turtle research, before gaining my job at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. You could say I found my dream job. “There’s so many reasons why I love working with animals. They’re extremely intelligent with individual cheeky personalities and it’s so rewarding to know that I am enriching their lives in one way or another.
CLASS OF 2009
JESSIE HILL
When it comes to working with animals, it can be a jungle out there. Working at Australia Zoo’s Africa Department, where she cares for giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, meerkats and lemurs, it’s clear that Jessie has earned her stripes. Emmanuel graduate Jessie Hill says the highly competitive nature of the wildlife industry means students should take every opportunity to gain work experience, whether through volunteering or internships. “Since leaving Emmanuel, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Griffith with a major in wildlife biology,” she says. “I’ve always been interested in animals and their environment, so the degree was great for that and it covered a lot of relevant and related subjects too, like climate change."
“Working as a zookeeper allows me to work closely with the animals I love and provide them with the best care and husbandry. It’s such a rewarding industry and everyday is different.”
I moved to New Zealand in 2015 to start working at Auckland Zoo where I worked with carnivores and African hoofstock. Last year I moved back to Queensland and started working at Australia Zoo.” Jessie says her career demands not just a love of animals but a passion to advocate for them. “I wanted to work in a career where I could work with animals as well as people, to share my passion and educate others about the threats that our wildlife often face." connections - page 27
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS CLASS OF 2016
EVELINA SINGH Evelina Singh made it into NIDA. After winning a scholarship from the Bell Shakespeare company, just one year after graduating from Emmanuel in 2016! She was warned that it usually takes two to five years of auditioning for the National Institute of Dramatic Arts before being accepted - or quitting. With only 24 applicants accepted each year, and very few straight from school, Evelina knew she was in for a challenge. “I’ve spent the last three years getting some life experience. Since school, I have been teaching chess through Gardiner - quite often at Emmanuel, and I’ve also been doing a lot of belly dancing gigs at Indian restaurants around the Gold Coast and some private functions. “I graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Psychology and auditioned a month later for NIDA. By some absolute miracle, I got in my first year and have been loving the experience so far.” Evelina says while COVID has been its own drama, she has again risen to the challenge - this time with her fellow NIDA classmates. “The 24 of us have grown so close and have learnt so much in the little amount of time we’ve been in the building,” she says. “We’re on our feet 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday doing acting, dancing, singing, movement, voice classes and script analysis sessions. It’s such a draining new lifestyle but I’m loving every minute. It has been quite a struggle doing such practical and movement-heavy classes on Zoom in my tiny little room, but this online period has still given me many great opportunities. We’ve had many helpful and eyeopening Zoom conferences with multiple Australian actors and directors currently living in LA. Everything should resume in August and I can’t wait to get back to normal classes".
page 28 - connections
CLASS OF 2017
KUDA MAPEZA It’s an enchanted career for Kuda Mapeza. The 2017 Emmanuel graduate recently moved to Melbourne to join the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, an experience she describes as truly ‘bizarre’. After high school, Kuda won the the John Bell Scholarship, where she spent a week watching shows every night and soaking up information in masterclasses from the masterminds behind the company. “Since being at Emmanuel, my life’s direction has taken an artistic turn I could only dream of,” she says. “After my scholarship experience, I began my studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music studying Jazz Voice. As I neared the end of my first year, I moved to Melbourne to join the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which has been quite bizarre. “While I’ve been down here, I’ve also been songwriting, seeing shows, and playing a couple of music gigs. It's really been quite the ride.”
Achievements
John Bell Scholarship (Bell Shakespeare)
"Performing Arts is about joy, about making something that's so full of, kind of a wild joy, that you really can't put into words." -Laurie Anderson
Folio Script Writing Competition Finalist Winner of Off the Cuff Improvisation Competition Queensland Youth Shakespeare Festival Winner (shake & stir theatre co)
CLASS OF 2014
RYAN HODSON
It hasn’t been an easy year for the arts, thanks to the pandemic, but one of Emmanuel’s rising stars is focusing on a bright future. Class of 2014 graduate, Ryan Hodson, has been working as an actor in Sydney since graduating from QUT two years ago, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. Prior to COVID-19, Ryan was due to perform in Bell Shakespeare’s Players, which should resume post-restrictions, however he’s already been building a solid resume. “I have performed in various productions for independent theatre companies in Sydney and Melbourne, and in Australian Theatre for Young People’s Intersection 2019: Arrival,”. Ryan says his supporting stars are the Emmanuel staff trio of Mrs Bonser, Mrs Lintott and Mrs Fisser. He says that without their encouragement he might never have chosen acting as a career.
"After attending the Year 12 Drama trip to Sydney, I was certain that this was the industry for me."
“I am lucky to be able to say I do what I love and I have Emmanuel to thank for that.”
Mrs Bonser was so encouraging in my early years of high school, and after Mrs Lintott joined the staff, I had two fantastic mentors and teachers,” he says. “While they equipped me with some fantastic knowledge, and performance and ensemble practice; they were, overall, believers in the future that I hoped for. “I did private Speech and Drama lessons with Mrs Fisser, who is an incredible teacher and she taught me how to really delve into text and make the work my own; not to mention, gave me confidence to be myself. After attending the Year 12 Drama trip to Sydney, I was certain that this was the industry for me.” connections - page 29
Alumni on Campus Welcome Back Kaoru and Yukiko We welcomed back on campus our long-standing friends and International past students Kaoru Takemura and Yukiko Kunisaki. Kaoru and Yukiko participated in the exchange program and completed year 11 at Emmanuel with the Class of 1991. Emmanuel began a sister-school agreement in the early '90's with Hakata Girl's High School in Japan and many of our Emmanuel students visited Japan in return.
Track & Field Athletes Unite Emmanuel has a proud tradition of distance athletes and many of our past students were invited back for the 800 metre race during Emmanuel's Athletics Carnival. Congratulations Lachlan Links (Class of 2015), who took the race out in style. A huge thank you to Emerald Lakes Golf Club and Oakley sunglasses for sponsoring the race and providing great prizes.
Alumni Athletes: Emily Casaclang, Tom Meehan, Johann Zipf, Lachlan Links, Ryan McCure, Lachlan Jones and Jack Davis.
"It was great to have a run again with some of my former running friends and was really good to participate at the carnival again and see some of my old teachers! I train my two younger brothers for running so I thought I better hop in and do this race to show them how it's done"
Virtual Swim Meet with USA Swim Club In keeping with the ‘virtual’ theme of 2020, our EC Swim Squads competed in the first ever ‘virtual swim meet’ against Charlotte Swim & Racquet Club located in North Carolina in the USA. Alumni swimmers Ben Vincent, Sara Eade, Luke Dippenaar, Lucy Skea and Christie Sofatzis were back in the pool to compete and assist in the virtual swim meet.
page 30 - connections
and Teachers In The News
"I have been teaching at Emmanuel for nearly 12 years. I work with an amazing group of dedicated colleagues and staff who are incredibly kind, supportive and motivational. I was both humbled and shocked when I heard that I received the accolade."
Andrew Tuppen became our own Lego Legend and was awarded
2nd place in Lego Masters. He won the hearts of viewers and inspired many throughout the series with his Lego creations. connections - page 31
ALUMNI GIVING & SERVING From Ashmore to Ashford, Emmanuel is all about making community connections The school has built a strong relationship with the rural NSW community of Ashford, working with farming families, the Indigenous community, aged care facility, churches, footy club and especially the local school. So when it came time to give our school a spring clean, Emmanuel happily donated surplus classroom furniture to the town. Alumni Chanel Christie and Tom Harris travelled for six hours to Ashford, with Tom towing a fully-loaded furniture trailer, to meet with local teachers and community members who were delighted with the many valuable items that Emmanuel staff generously set aside.
ANZAC Day Service
Jack Watson and Emma Lush (Class of 2019) featured on Channel 7, ‘Sunrise’ morning show. They performed ‘We will remember’ which was composed by Music Teacher, Mr Andrew Tuppen
Anzac Day was approached differently for all of us this year due to COVID restrictions. Many of us remembered and honoured our service men and women on our driveways or in our homes. There were a number of current and past students who played the 'Last Post' in their neighbourhood. Past student, Cooper Hendry was invited to play at the Greenmount Kiosk in Coolangatta. Patriots stood in solidarity on the beach, outside their houses or on their balconies in surrounding high rises. "It is always an honour to play the Last Post while we stand together to remember the ANZACs each year and be grateful for their service to our country."
Volunteering in India Emma Lu has a message for her fellow Emmanuel alumni: "Go back to school!" But instead of visiting the ever-growing Carrara campus, she recommends spending time working with the school Emmanuel College helped build in the West Bengal region of India. The Emmanuel India Project, working with the Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC), helped construct the only school in it's village that provides high quality education that can be afforded by poor families.
“Last November I had the opportunity to volunteer with IIMC in Kolkata, India, which empowers the poor through education, medical access and maternal support... I’m very grateful to Emmanuel College who supported me during this beautiful yet confronting journey and I encourage more alumni to get involved. You won’t regret it!” Emma says she also helped provide primary healthcare and educational programs during her trip, as well as disaster relief to villages affected by Cyclone Bulbul.
"The highlight of my trip was visiting the school which Emmanuel raised funds to build in 2016. It made me incredibly proud to be part of our alumni." page 32 - connections
“I spent most of my time travelling to rural clinics and providing primary healthcare – taking blood pressure, injections etc. Seeing so many tropical diseases which you rarely find in Australia, made me realise just how privileged I am to live in a developed country. I also participated in education programs by teaching health topics like oral hygiene and nutrition to village women. Common knowledge for us, but incredibly valuable to them.”
EC Reunions
The Classes of 1988 & 1989, 1999 and 2009 celebrated their reunions in style at Emmanuel. It was a privilege to welcome back alumni, special guests and past teachers from the early days of Emmanuel. Dr Ian Lambert, Murray and Jane Averill, Rosemary Duncan, Elroy Mee, Paul and Barbara Harris, Kay Banks and Liz and Reece Swanson. It was a wonderful evening of reconnecting with friends and teachers, reminiscing about the 'good old days', laughing and even cringing at some of the old videos, photos, year books and Emmanuel memorabilia.
"Thank you so very much for inviting us to the recent Alumni Reunion. We had a wonderful night celebrating all that is Emmanuel. It was brilliant to catch up with staff and students and remember how it all began. We came away humbled that the investment of our youth has been so fruitful. Emmanuel College will always remain in our prayers". -Liz Swanson
ALUMNI REUNION ANNOUNCEMENT As a result of COVID-19, we are unable to host our Alumni reunions for the Classes of 1990, 2000, 2010 this year. We are hoping to re-schedule these events in 2021. In the meantime, stay safe and please contact the alumni office (alumni@emmanuel.qld.edu.au) with your current contact details and we will be sure to contact you with upcoming reunion information.
Kerryn Beard (nee Devine) Class of 1997 Earlier in the year, alumni and now Emmanuel employee, Kerryn Devine married Jason Beard in a ceremony by the beach. Having met exactly one year before, to the day in the exact location they were getting married in, it was a relaxed and beautiful ceremony officiated by none other than Emmanuel's hospitality guru, Mrs Diane Ayscough. With a cake made by a current year 10 Emmanuel student and many other past students in attendance, it felt a little like a reunion!
Ryan Lewis Class of 2009
Ryan and his wife Jadee had their daughter Audrey Jade Lewis on the 2nd June 2020. Audrey was born at John Flynn hospital weighing 3.5 kg. Ryan, Jadee and Audrey love being a family of three and little Audrey has brought a lot of joy into their lives!
Richard Pienaar & Savannah Grey Class of 2014 They started dating at the end of Year 12 and exchanged vows last year in San Casciano, a small village in Tuscany, one of the most romantic locations in the world.
Willem and Jenna Hattingh Class of 2007 Emmanuel's Senior School Teacher, Jenna, and her husband Willem Hatingh who both graduated from Emmanuel welcomed their third child, Landon James in May this year at the Gold Coast University Hospital. "Our family feels complete and Landon's two big brothers can't wait to teach him all their favourite sports."
page 34 - connections
James & Nicole Hunt Class of 2014
Ben Parnell Class of 2006
High school sweethearts James and Nicole welcomed Judah Samuel Hunt into the world on the 2nd of December 2019. Apparently Judah has already developed a love for bucket hats and sports.
Ben and his wife live in Boise, Idaho, USA. They recently welcomed their first bundle of joy, Finnegan Parnell, on the 3rd of June 2020.
