Edition No. 30 April 2009
Edition No. 30 April 2009
Edition No. 30 April 2009
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PENLEIGH AND ESSENDON<br />
GRAMMAR SCHOOL<br />
The Newsletter of PEGS Former Students’ Association<br />
Altior et Sapientior<br />
The PEGS Former Students’ Association held its annual<br />
golf day at the Sunshine "Mt Derrimut" golf club on<br />
Monday 15 December 2008.<br />
Over eighty players attended including current and<br />
former students, parents and school suppliers.<br />
Everyone who participated enjoyed the good weather<br />
and challenging "links" style course. The overall winners<br />
of the ambrose event were the team from Fuji Xerox<br />
whose players included Richard Barry, Renè de Prinse,<br />
Locky Hughes and Anthony Lewis. The highlight of the<br />
day was the hole-in-one achieved by Mr Brent Gordon<br />
from DCE Engineers.<br />
The flags used on each hole contained each sponsor's<br />
logo. These flags were then framed and presented to<br />
each sponsor at the end of the day. Special thanks to all<br />
of the sponsors of the day.<br />
The day’s surplus of $9,000 was donated to the<br />
School's libraries.<br />
Special thanks to Mrs Liza Portelli, Mrs Joanne Weston<br />
and Mr Gareth Allen for their help on the day.<br />
Mina Pitliangas<br />
Golf Day<br />
Sponsors<br />
A & D Plumbing Pty Ltd<br />
Arthur Reed Photos<br />
Calder Cleaning & Handyman Services Pty Ltd<br />
Campion Education (Australia)<br />
Consolidated Property Services<br />
Dalton Consulting<br />
Fortunato Group<br />
Fuji Xerox<br />
Grandma Jeans Lollies<br />
Kastoria Bus Lines<br />
Lenhart Builders<br />
Mercedes Benz<br />
National Australia Bank<br />
<strong>No</strong>one Imagewear<br />
PTA Architecture<br />
Ryan Bros Bus Services Pty Ltd<br />
Stambo's Pty Ltd<br />
Studio Bauhaus<br />
TH White & Co<br />
West & Williams<br />
<strong>Edition</strong> <strong>No</strong>. <strong>30</strong> <strong>April</strong> <strong>2009</strong> www.pegs.vic.edu.au
Annual General Meeting - President’s Report<br />
Tonight I have the pleasure of welcoming you to the<br />
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School Former<br />
Students’ Association's Annual General Meeting. Over the<br />
course of eleven years, what began as an amalgamation<br />
of the Penleigh Old Collegians and the Old Essendon<br />
Grammarians, has now grown to a community of over<br />
2390 life members, and remains an integral link between<br />
the school and its past, present and future students.<br />
Before detailing the Association's activities for 2008, as<br />
Acting President, I feel it is important firstly to<br />
acknowledge the immense contributions made by<br />
committee members throughout the year. The Former<br />
Students’ Association is a body which relies on the<br />
dedication and loyalty of volunteers, and without such<br />
likeminded individuals, our success would not be<br />
possible.<br />
In particular, I wish to start by acknowledging the<br />
contributions of departing committee members and offer<br />
my sincerest gratitude to former FSA president Kylie<br />
Harding, former committee member Lindsay Johnston<br />
and reunion coordinator Russell Carr. Kylie and Lindsay<br />
have been a driving force behind the Former Students’<br />
Association for many years, and the countless hours both<br />
have invested in the association have reaped untold<br />
benefits for students both past and present. Russell's<br />
contribution has extended far beyond the Former<br />
Students’ Association, a fact which hundreds of students<br />
who have passed through his classroom throughout the<br />
years will attest to.<br />
The resignation of all three came as a great loss to the<br />
Former Students’ Association and I wish once more to<br />
formally acknowledge Kylie, Lindsay and Russell for all<br />
their contributions.<br />
In 2008, the Former Students’ Association successfully<br />
held a number of functions beginning with school reunions<br />
for the Classes of '73, '78, '83, '88, '93 and '98. In all, over<br />
500 people attended these events organized by Russell<br />
Carr and it is a priority of the FSA to maintain the health of<br />
these reunions.<br />
The annual Golf Day held in December was again a<br />
highlight of the school sporting calendar and I am pleased<br />
to report that the organization was able to contribute<br />
$9,000 toward the PEGS Library Fund from the profits<br />
generated from this day.<br />
Fundraising is a vital component of the Former Students’<br />
Association and continued throughout 2008 with sales of<br />
uniformed teddy bears increasing substantially on 2007.<br />
Sales of wine also made strong contributions to our<br />
overall revenue. Despite the cancellation of the Craft<br />
Market due to landscaping works at the Essendon<br />
Campus, the FSA was able to continue returning profits to<br />
the school in the form of a variety of donations across<br />
several school departments.<br />
Finally, the Football Luncheon at the Keilor East campus<br />
attracted strong numbers and continues to raise funds for<br />
the schools football program. Hosted by Tony Leonard<br />
and attended by speakers such as Dennis Pagan and<br />
2<br />
Trent Cochin, the event show-cased PEGS strong football<br />
culture, and was supported well by both current and<br />
former students.<br />
It was at this time, however, that the FSA and the school<br />
community mourned the sudden loss of committee<br />
member Dr Donald Stevenson. Donald was the inaugural<br />
president of the Former Students’ Association and a<br />
committee member whose passion for the school, and<br />
overwhelming enthusiasm and zest for life, influenced not<br />
only the direction of the FSA, but all who were fortunate<br />
enough to meet him. Donald will be greatly missed.<br />
The Former Students’ Association would not be possible<br />
without the support of the school and it is to them now<br />
that I offer my thanks. I wish to thank Mr Tony Larkin, Mr<br />
Mina Pitliangas and the school Board of Management. In<br />
addition to this, I wish to express my gratitude for the work<br />
of Joanne Weston in not only coordinating the FSA's<br />
activities, but in maintaining the FSA database whose<br />
numbers now amount to nearly 13,500 people.<br />
The Former Students’ Association is continually seeking<br />
ways to improve the services provided to its members and<br />
in early <strong>2009</strong>, a sub-committee chaired by Mr Geoffrey<br />
Collinson initiated an investigation into such matters. It is<br />
upon this foundation that the FSA seeks to build in the<br />
forthcoming year. We move forward optimistically and,<br />
along with the school, will collaborate to provide positive<br />
outcomes and real benefits to every member of our<br />
association. I look forward to a continued association with<br />
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in <strong>2009</strong> and<br />
once again thank all committee members for their<br />
contributions in the previous year.<br />
James Buonopane<br />
Acting President<br />
New Office Bearers<br />
<strong>2009</strong><br />
When nominations were called, Mr James<br />
Buonopane was elected President and Mrs Jenny<br />
Wakeling elected Secretary for <strong>2009</strong>. Other members<br />
of the committee are Dr Jacqueline Birt, Mr Andrew<br />
Cope, Mrs Leigh Philpot and Ms Nicole Ward.<br />
James Buonopane Jenny Wakeling
On 18 February this year, seventy-one members of Year<br />
Twelve Class of 2008 returned to the Keilor East campus<br />
for the annual Tertiary Transition Seminar. Chaired by<br />
David Stewart (Year Twelve 2006 and now studying<br />
Medicine at The University of Melbourne), the day<br />
provided an opportunity for the group to benefit from the<br />
experience of past PEGS students representing a range of<br />
disciplines. We were delighted that 92 per cent of last<br />
year's Year Twelve students had received an offer for one<br />
of their first three tertiary preferences and, notably, 59 per<br />
cent had gained a place in their tertiary course of first<br />
preference. In recent weeks members of the group have<br />
commenced studies in courses as diverse as Medicine<br />
and Dentistry, Music and Fine Arts, Aviation and<br />
Nanotechnology. This was the happy finale for a year that<br />
saw 28 per cent of PEGS students ranked in the top five<br />
per cent statewide and nine per cent ranked in the top one<br />
per cent of candidates. These results have been<br />
surpassed at PEGS on only two occasions: in 2001 and<br />
2007.<br />
As reported to the PEGS community in December, seven<br />
students achieved ENTER scores of 99.85 or above,<br />
placing them in the top 100 students in the state for 2008.<br />
They were the Dux of Girls, Anne Stewart, who achieved<br />
the highest possible score of 99.95, Bridget Bishop and<br />
Alyssa Brooks who scored 99.90, while equal Dux of<br />
Boys, Paul Hwin and Michael Issa, together with Emily Lui<br />
and Rachel Simpson all scored 99.85. Anne Stewart has<br />
been awarded a prestigious National Scholarship by The<br />
University of Melbourne to study Biomedicine. Bridget<br />
Bishop and Michael Issa have also commenced<br />
Biomedicine, Alyssa Brooks, Paul Hwin and Emily Lui,<br />
Dental Science and Rachel Simpson, Physiotherapy, all at<br />
The University of Melbourne.<br />
TERTIARY INSTITUTION DESTINATIONS<br />
Australian Catholic University 1%<br />
Deakin University 3%<br />
LaTrobe University 6%<br />
Monash University 12%<br />
RMIT University 15%<br />
Swinburne University 2%<br />
University of Ballarat 1%<br />
University of Melbourne 40 %<br />
Victoria University 11%<br />
TAFE Institutes 4%<br />
Independent Colleges 3%<br />
Year Twelve Results 2008<br />
3<br />
Fourteen other students achieved an ENTER score of at<br />
least 99: Laura Aston, Thomas Carmody, Colin Chen,<br />
Alexander Horton, Christadam Lakkis, Shane Licheni,<br />
Belinda Liew, Lucy Lu, Bradley McCann, Dean Newell,<br />
Clare O'Meara, Melanie Scully, Domagoj Vodanovich and<br />
Andrew Williams-Wynn.<br />
Perfect study scores of 50 were obtained in six subjects:<br />
Biology (Bridget Bishop), English (Laura Aston, Alyssa<br />
Brooks, Clare O'Meara, Melanie Scully), Further<br />
Mathematics (Andrew Hinkley, Bradley McCann),<br />
Mathematical Methods (Paul Hwin), Music Performance<br />
(Oscar Dang) and Physical Education (Domagoj<br />
Vodanovich).<br />
Scores of 40 or more were recorded by PEGS students for<br />
28 per cent of all study scores, maintaining our fine record<br />
of recent years. Results of this calibre are significant<br />
because VCE study scores are standardised such that<br />
less than 8 per cent of candidates in each subject achieve<br />
a score of 40 or higher. More than 40 per cent of PEGS<br />
students studying the following subjects achieved a score<br />
of at least 40: Biology, Australian History, Information<br />
Technology (Software Development), Physics and National<br />
Politics.<br />
We recognise that careful course planning continues to be<br />
a factor in achieving successful VCE outcomes and our<br />
departing students benefited from the advice of careers<br />
advisers and other senior staff. The University of<br />
Melbourne remains the most popular destination for our<br />
students but the diverse range of tertiary courses upon<br />
which they are now embarking confirms the breadth of<br />
interests and talents of the Class of 2008. We wish these<br />
newest members of the PEGS Former Students'<br />
Assocation well.<br />
COURSE TYPES<br />
Arts 17%<br />
Business & Commerce 25%<br />
Creative Arts 3%<br />
Education 3%<br />
Engineering 7%<br />
Environment 8%<br />
Health Science 14%<br />
Information Technology 3%<br />
Law 5%<br />
Science 11%<br />
Sport & Recreation 3%<br />
Combined (Generalist) 2%<br />
Alyssa Brooks Anne Stewart Bridget Bishop Emily Lui Michael Issa Paul Hwin Rachel Simpson
VALE Mrs Kerrie Pitkin<br />
The entire PEGS community was saddened by the<br />
recent death of Mrs Kerrie Pitkin. Mrs Pitkin immersed<br />
herself in various school activities after meeting her<br />
husband-to-be, Dr David Pitkin, in 1975. David played<br />
cricket and hockey with former students’ teams for<br />
thirty years and Kerrie revelled in this environment<br />
and forged many lifelong friendships.<br />
After David joined the school’s Board of Management,<br />
Kerrie became a keen supporter of the school at<br />
functions including Speech Night and valedictory<br />
dinners. She also involved herself in the school as a<br />
parent after her son James commenced at the school.<br />
Since contracting motor neuron disease three years<br />
ago, Kerrie’s courage has been obvious. She<br />
continued to attend school functions whenever her<br />
condition allowed. Her spirit was an inspiration to all<br />
who met her. She will be sadly missed by all her<br />
friends at the school.<br />
From the Archives<br />
Call for names!<br />
This photograph of "The Milk Brigade" appeared in<br />
The Triune 1970.<br />
If anyone can identify these fresh young faces, please<br />
contact the School Archivist Brigid Cooper by email<br />
Archives@pegs.vic.edu.au or phone 9016 2182.<br />
Anthony Simpson<br />
M. 0409 236 205<br />
anthony@magicinthemiddle.com.au<br />
Warehouse 2/50 Barrie Road<br />
Tullamarine VIC <strong>30</strong>43<br />
www.magicinthemiddle.com.au<br />
• table centre pieces • themed event decorations •<br />
• function co-ordination • product launches • corporate gift sourcing •<br />
40-42 Isabella St Moorabbin 9555 9997<br />
4<br />
Forthcoming Events<br />
Friday 19 June <strong>2009</strong> - The pre-football luncheon for<br />
the game PEGS vs Assumption will be held at the<br />
Keilor East campus in the gymnasium, commencing at<br />
12 noon. The cost - $60 per person - includes a two<br />
course lunch, drinks and half time snacks. The match<br />
begins at 2 pm.<br />
The Golden Girls have luncheon meetings arranged for<br />
Wednesday 8 July and Wednesday 11 <strong>No</strong>vember<br />
this year. They will meet in the Observatory Café, Royal<br />
Botanic Gardens at 12 noon. Further enquiries to<br />
Judith Ross on 9435 9299.<br />
Saturday 17 October <strong>2009</strong> - PEGS Craft Market -<br />
Raleigh Street Campus. Further details will be<br />
published in the next edition of the newsletter.<br />
Monday 14 December <strong>2009</strong> - The FSA Golf Day will<br />
be held at the Sunshine "Mount Derrimut" Golf Club.<br />
Further details will be published in the next edition of<br />
the newsletter.<br />
Reunions for the classes of 1979, 1989 and 1999 will<br />
be held between August and <strong>No</strong>vember <strong>2009</strong>.<br />
Further details will be published in the next edition of<br />
the newsletter.<br />
Girl's Sports Open Day will be held in 2010 to celebrate<br />
10 years of regular Saturday Sport for girls. All Penleigh<br />
Old Girls are welcome to either play or watch. Please<br />
contact Catherine Lane - Sports Director (Girls) on<br />
0438 366 145 if you are interested.<br />
David Thiessen Tony Downward<br />
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