From the Principal - St James College
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Past Students’ Newsletter
Volume 14 March 2018
From the Principal
Welcome to the March edition of
Jimmies Spirit.
We embark on a year of celebration
this year to mark the 150th anniversary
of the founding of St James College
in 1868.
The story of this extraordinary little
school that has had such an impact taking over the running of St James The first major public event of
of so many lives over the years began in 1893 at the behest of Archbishop celebration is the 150th Mass and
inauspiciously in a small wooden Dunne. Reception to be held on Friday,
annexe to a cottage (“Castleracket”) 20 April, commencing at 6pm in the
For well over the next century until the
near the corner of Hartley St and Cathedral of St Stephen in the city.
founding by the Brothers of the new We are delighted that the main
Boundary St, close to where the parent organisation, Edmund Rice
College Hall now stands. Established celebrant for the Mass will be
Education Australia, the school created Archbishop Mark Coleridge, assisted
by the then Bishop of Brisbane, James its unique identity in Catholic education by past student Bishop Ken Howell and
Quinn, St James School for boys began circles, as well as being held close to joined by a number of priests who will
to flourish under its Head Teacher, the hearts of all Brothers in Queensland be concelebrating. Following the Mass,
Mr Jeremiah Long. as an authentic school in the true there will be a reception in the Francis
With the arrival of the Christian Brothers tradition of their founder, Edmund Rice. Rush Centre adjacent to the Cathedral.
in Brisbane in 1875, rivalry between Today St James College is highly Details of this event are available on
Mr Long’s school and the new fee- respected in Brisbane for the Page 2.
paying Christian Brothers school outstanding work it does with students I would ask you also to save the date
adjacent to St Stephen’s Cathedral was
with disability, refugee and asylum- for the official Past Students Gathering
witnessed to in a comment by Mr Long
seeker students, students who need a to commemorate the 150th Anniversary
at the time: “The Christian Brothers
‘second chance’ from another school, which will take place on Friday evening,
might think themselves smart fellows,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 10 August, in the College Library.
but they won’t get any of my boys!”
young men and women, and also
Many past students and teachers have
Well, as we know, the Christian students who revel and excel in a small
been interviewed over recent months
Brothers did in fact get Mr Long’s boys, supportive school environment.
by author and historian, Ian McDonald,
as he prepares a new social history of
St James. We eagerly look forward to
the launch of the book which will take
place in June. Copies of the book will
also be available for sale on the night
of the Past Students Gathering.
Friends, it is always a privilege to
welcome past students back to the
College and especially in this our 150th
Anniversary Year. Should you wish to
visit the school at any stage, perhaps
have a tour around particularly during
a school day, please do not hesitate to
contact my PA, Naomi Ritchie, in the
College Office.
Mr Gerry Crooks
Br PD Grealy, with relief workers excavating the tennis court below old ‘Castleracket’.
Principal
Jimmies Spirit | March 2018 1
You’re Invited to our 150th Anniversary celebrations
All past student of St James are warmly invited to the following events
hosted by the College throughout the year:
St James College Past Students’
150th Anniversary Mass Cocktail
Celebrated by Archbishop Mark Coleridge and assisted Friday, 10 August 2018
by Bishop Ken Howell at the Cathedral of St Stephen, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
249 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane on Friday, 20 April 2018,
commencing at 6.00pm. in the St James College Library,
Joseph Canali Centre
Light refreshments will be served following the Mass
in the Hanley Room of the Francis Rush Centre Cost is $60 inclusive of canapes, a welcome drink
from 7pm to 9pm. on arrival and a small commemorative gift.
A Cash Bar will be available.
RSVP: by Friday, 23 March 2018 to
Mrs Naomi Ritchie on 07 3230 8686 or at RSVP: by Friday, 13 July 2018
naomi.ritchie@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au Contact the College Office on 3230 8600 or
naomi.ritchie@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au
to prepay and register your attendance.
Alternatively call in to Jimmies, we’d love to see you.
2018 State of Origin
Series Opener Parking on the night will be available in the lower
playground. Entry via Gloucester Street, Spring Hill.
Wednesday, 6 June 2018 in the St James College Hall
Parking on the night will be available in the lower
playground. Entry via Gloucester Street, Spring Hill.
2018 State of Origin Series Opener
For well over a century, Jimmies Rugby League. Furthermore, it would The College hall will be open from
students have donned the mighty be quite fitting to announce a Jimmies 6pm, food available from 6.30pm and
Maroon and Gold jersey thus keeping Rugby League Team of the Century the game will be telecast in the hall
the tradition of the Rugby League on the night. After a brief presentation, from 8.10pm. If you are interested in
fraternity alive at St James. Many past students, past and present staff attending, have any queries regarding
players have gone on to represent will be invited to stay and watch the this event or have a suggestion
their club, state and country. But more 2018 State of Origin series opener on for a possible nomination for the
importantly all have walked away with the big screen. Jimmies Rugby League team of the
fond memories of the battle won or Century then please contact me at
Doubles on the game will be sold andrew.ebrington68@gmail.com or
lost on the footy field.
before kick-off and a raffle to raise on mobile 0408 870 960.
To mark the occasion of 150 years money for the current crop of Jimmies
of St James College Education, on sporting teams will be drawn. Food will Mr Andrew Ebrington
Wednesday 6 June, the College will be available in the way of a BBQ style 150th Anniversary Committee Member
be hosting a Gathering in the hall hamburger and sausage sizzle at a
to acknowledge all those who have reasonable price and drinks will be on
represented the school in the sport of sale via a cash bar.
2 St James College
EREA Student Leaders’ Conference
Towards the end of the Christmas of St James College. In particular,
holiday, 17-20 January 2018, we had we have greatly enhanced our
the opportunity to attend a Leadership skills of networking, socialising and
Conference in Melbourne, organised collaborating whilst sharing insights
for EREA School Captains throughout and building community. We also
Australia and New Zealand. gained a greater understanding of
We stayed at the Amberley Retreat what it means to be part of a team,
Centre for four days of fun and both in the school setting and as part
leadership opportunities. our extended community. Most of
all the EREA Leadership Conference
On arrival we met our fellow EREA
gave us the tools to be able to heed
School Captains and were then taken
Pope Francis’ call to respond to the
on a walking tour along the Yarra River,
challenges of the world, a mission that
through the city and its parks. The
we will achieve through our leadership.
following three days were filled with
leadership activities at the Amberley Soumiga Gopalakrishnan &
Centre. Some of the activities were EJ Diomampo
Soumiga & EJ
designed to test us and they certainly College Captains
did. One of the activities involved
us creating a TED talk. For this
challenging task we had to devise
a scenario to cover topics such as
everyday leadership and then create
a video to present to the rest of the
group. It was also interesting to hear
other mentors present their thoughts
on leadership and to reflect on how
they matched our ideas.
This Conference was invaluable in
sharpening our leadership skills which
will enable us to be effective College EREA Student Leaders’ Conference
Captains for 2018, the 150th year
Wesley Hospital Internship START QUT
In November 2017, two of our Year with practitioners and education Congratulations to Soumiga
11 students – Tenzin Nyidon and sessions. The Program finished with a Gopalakrishnan who was awarded
Alissar Azar, were selected out of 400 Graduation Party on the evening of the a tuition scholarship to Queensland
applicants to participate in the Wesley last day to which parents were invited University of Technology’s ‘START
Hospital’s School Internship Program. and a performance by the students QUT’ Program which offers high-
Only 30 students were selected and was given showcasing what they had achieving Year 12 students the
our College community was delighted experienced in the hospital. Both opportunity to study two university
that two of those were from St James. Tenzin and Alissar are very keen to units, in the same classes as current
The five-day program involved pursue a career in the health industry QUT students, while completing
presentations from healthcare leaders, and were very appreciative of the first- Year 12. Two units from across the
tours of specific departments at the hand information and experience university are selected with one unit
hospital, practical work placements they gained. studied per semester. Soumiga has
enrolled in Biomedical and Medical
Laboratory Science. On successfully
completing the two units and Year
12, Soumiga will receive credit for
these units towards a related bachelor
degree at QUT, amongst other
incentives and rewards.
Alissar and Tenzin
Jimmies Spirit | March 2018 3
2018 Senior Icon
The Senior Icon for 2018 has the The art work centres around the
motto ‘150 Years, Living the Jimmies School’s iconic original building
Story’ 1868 - 2018. To represent this surrounded by houses in the
mammoth achievement, we have Queenslander style to evoke a sense
worked collaboratively with students of place as a part of the heritage of
from different year levels to construct Spring Hill, amidst it’s rich tapestry
houses to represent the community of garden settings as well as the high
and how important being a community rises and apartment blocks. This is
quite a large work with a nice sense
is to the ethos of St James.
of whimsy to echo the heart and
The houses were created in 3d using
generosity of spirit that abounds in the
foam board constructed and painted
warmth of St James.
and the trees and shrubbery are also
made from styrofoam (bean bag beans Mrs Bronwyn Doherty
and expanding foam) and painted. Art Teacher
Let’s Talk Indigenous Immersion
From 7,500m above the earth, the
short flight from Sydney to Dubbo
revealed a monotonous landscape
constructed from areas of bushland
and of farmland, broken only by
undulating hills or the occasional river.
After a while, though, there seemed
to be a pattern, a patchwork of
predictable elements that spread out
mapping the landscape all the way to
the horizon. I was yet to discover that
within this patchwork, was not only
immense diversity and connectedness,
but also a map that navigated the
past, the present and the future.
In October of 2017 I travelled to
Dubbo to take part in the Let’s Talk
Indigenous Immersion. I would
be joined by fourteen other EREA
teaching staff from around Australia Myall Creek Site
on a weeklong journey that would take
us from Dubbo to Moree, Myall Creek, culture through dance and song. The of the area and the massacre that
Lightning Ridge, Goodooga and men were proud and strong and were bore the same name. The Myall
Brewarrina before returning to Dubbo. devoting much of their time to the Creek Massacre occurred in 1838
We would be led by Cassandra traditional education of their young and resulted in the death of thirty
Gibbs across Kamiliroi, Wailwan children through the passing down unarmed aboriginal people at the
and Wiradjuri country to interact of the various songs and dances hands of white colonists. While far
with various Aboriginal communities they had learned from elders. This from an isolated event, Myall Creek is
and hear stories that spanned both experience would set the tone for an important site as it commemorates
geography and time. Over the duration the coming week and would make it the first time in Australian history
of the week an interconnected map evident that our role would not be one that European Australians were not
would emerge of our journey, a map of mere spectator, but one of engaged only charged, but also convicted of
that went 40,000 years into the and included participant. the murder of Aboriginal Australians.
past, was inhabited by myths and The site was established by the
Early the next morning we departed
ancestors, traced peace and conflict, descendants of both the perpetrators
Dubbo for Myall Creek. The Myall
projected far into the future and called and the victims of this crime and
Creek Remembrance Memorial is
on every one of us to become part of is as much about strengthening
a site that stands to inform us of
its unique topography. relationships between Indigenous and
the realities of our past, so that we
non-Indigenous Australians as it is
Our first afternoon in Dubbo passed may better walk together into the
about acknowledging the dark past of
quickly. That night we were welcomed future. It consists of a meandering
Australian history.
by a local group of male dancers path (reminiscent of the rainbow
and their families who invited us to serpent) and a series of plaques that From Myall Creek we travelled to
a smoking ceremony and shared provided information on the history Moree where Auntie Noelie,
4 St James College
a local elder, took us on a tour of
the town. Auntie Noelie’s life story
uncovered a history of segregation,
dehumanisation, extreme poverty,
racism and the famous 1965 Freedom
rides. Above all, however, her story
was one of resilience. We were shown
one of her community projects at
the Moree cemetery, where she
had overseen the relocation of over
280 aboriginal peoples previously
unmarked graves. Aunty Noelie is a
purposeful woman who passionately
maintains the local history and
provides links to the past for younger
generation of aboriginals and non- Brewarrina Fish Traps
aboriginals alike.
The driving force behind this involved the group in a smoking and type of connection between the past,
immersion was the relationships cleansing ceremony, not only created a present and future that is very much
we would forge over the week with perception-altering event, but was also alive in Aboriginal communities.
elders who are connected to the a testament to the loving and inclusive
Leaving Goodooga we headed
past, contemporary songmen who nature of aboriginal culture. By the
south, through dry red emu country
are reinvigorating traditional culture time the ceremony was over and the
to Brewarrina. Once there, we were
and ceremony, and young people fire extinguished night had fallen and
we would make a slow and cautious introduced to Uncle Brad who took
who are learning to become future us to one of the world’s oldest man-
leaders. These experiences not only journey, dodging droves of kangaroos,
to Goodooga. made structures—the Brewarrina Fish
shed light on the depths, strengths
Traps. These fish traps are estimated
and wisdom of aboriginal culture but Goodooga, for me, embodied a to be over 40,000 years old and are an
also encouraged wholeheartedly the strong sense and hope for the future. elaborate network of rock weirs and
inclusion of non-aboriginal Australians This was in large part due to the pools built to catch fish as they swam
engagement within this history and local aboriginal youth being fully up river. As the water flowed over and
these stories. engaged in continuing traditional amongst the rocks it was easy to be
A perfect example of such culture and customs. Damo was one transported back in time and imagine
relationships was having the privilege of Goodooga’s youth, who at only 11 groups of people working together
to be part of a late afternoon was already embodying the qualities harmoniously, calling to one another
ceremony by a local songman, Lockie. of a future leader and elder. Damo and sharing joy in natures abundance.
The openhearted way in which Lockie and Uncle George escorted us to a To think that I was previously unaware
thicket of woodland scrub a short that a site of such significance existed
drive out of Goodooga that put us just within Australia, made me all too
inside the Queensland border. Once aware of the fact that there is still
on foot Damo took lead of the group much that needs to be acknowledged
and systematically took us through and understood in order for us to
the telltale signs of witchetty grub move forward as a country.
inhabitation. We were on the look out
for Coolabah or Box Tree and were to Upon reflection of this immersion
search the base of the tree for a small experience, my initial impressions of
patch of sawdust—evidence that a the landscape as I flew into Dubbo
witchetty grub had burrowed into the were actually fairly accurate. The
trunk. Observing Damo it was easy to history of Australia is indeed written
see his immense understanding of his on its surface mapping our past and
environment and it was very clear that our present and alluding to our future.
he was part of his surroundings. Being It bares witness to tens of thousands
exposed to such depth of knowledge of years of Aboriginal inhabitation,
in someone so young was inspiring European Australian cultivation
to say the least and highlighted the and multicultural settlement. The
experience deepened my already
genuine respect for Aboriginal culture
and has encouraged me to tell of my
experiences, become more involved
and find ways to better embrace the
amazing gift of culture that aboriginal
Australia is eager to share with all
of us.
Mr Aaron Hill
Witchetty Grubs Damo
Teacher
Jimmies Spirit | March 2018 5
Basketball News
“Winning takes Talent, to repeat takes Character” – John Wooden
Fresh from an outstanding 2017 campaign, the character of the St James community and its students will certainly be tested
this year. Securing trophies at the Gold Coast International, The Southport School tournament and at the State Basketball
Championships the bar has been set for 2018 and expectations are high.
It is also the 150th Anniversary of the College and the significance of this milestone is not lost on the St James basketballers.
To this end we have several exciting events and additions planned for 2018.
Coaches
I am excited to announce the addition
of two very talent basketball coaches
for 2018 who will be working primarily
with our female basketball players -
Murphy Baldry and Sarah Davis.
Murphy’s coaching experience belies
her age, having played representative
basketball for over a decade,
Murphy has used her knowledge and
experience to coach school teams
Murphy Baldry
to 4 premierships across several age
groups. She is also an elite basketball
referee with intimate knowledge of the
rules which will prove invaluable
across the program generally as
we strive to maintain cutting edge
Chynelle Marama
coaching techniques.
Sarah is another fantastic addition to
the coaching program, with a passion South boys’ team and Chynelle
for fitness Sarah started playing Marama heads up the Queensland
basketball at eight years old, playing South girls’ team. This is a significant
representative and state levels as achievement for all athletes and is
well as being named to the WNBL the result of many hours of individual
development squad once leaving trainings, 6am starts and effort that is
Sarah Davis second to none. All players will head to
juniors. Sarah’s basketball and fitness
knowledge will prove to be invaluable Geelong on 21 – 28 April. Good luck to
as the Jimmies women’s program all involved.
continues to grow.
Support Sponsorship and
EREA Basketball Donations
As part of our 150th year celebrations, Every year the St James basketball
St James will be hosting the EREA program has gone from strength to
Basketball Tournament from 9 – 11 July. strength with increasing numbers of
EREA schools from all over Australia students making Australian, State,
will participate in what is shaping up Regional and District teams. Whilst
to be a fantastic event. Special thanks this success is fantastic for the
goes to St Laurence’s College for students and solidifies our position
allowing us the use of their facilities as the premier basketball school in
for the fixtures. All past students are Queensland, the individual costs
encouraged to come along and support are extensive. I am asking for past
what will surely be a sensational event. students or businesses who would
be interested in supporting boys
and girls who achieve this level of
Players excellence to contact me at kirron.
Once again the talent being developed byrne@stjamesCollege.qld.edu.au to
at St James has been recognized on a discuss one of the many ways you can
state level with three students making contribute to our success.
under 18 state teams. Didan Toto and Mr Kirron Byrne
Didan Toto Moses Majok made the Queensland Basketball Director
6 St James College
Passing Memories of Jimmies
many others who had journeyed
and been welcomed at St James.
Here also were the photos of the
special principals and teachers who
came from many places to St James
College and stayed to educate
with that special quality of care
and support.
Did the teachers and students identify
with the spirit of the school namesake,
James the Apostle, who ventured
to the end of the known world in
Spain or later the first teachers and
Irish Christian Brothers who likewise
journeyed here to the extremes of the
globe? Maybe everyone at St James
captured that spirit.
My wandering memories at the gate
were about places and faces and the
I passed through the school gate for Edinburgh Award, Confro. Carnivals connecting spirit. However, it seemed
the last time in December 2017. Like and many other activities. to me there was a multi dimension to
many who had done over the past the Jimmies Spirit. It has that sense
150 years, I placed my hand on the There also came from the playground
of adventure and “having a go”. It has
well-worn school crest at the gate. I echoes of multiple lunchtime games
the Aussie sense of “a fair go”. It has
thought of the youth who had set out of touch football, basketball and
a sense of being included, welcoming,
here on the start of their career journey soccer all crisscrossing the same area
caring and supporting.
and of those like me who had set out together in some form of organised,
into retirement at career end. I thought rhythmic, harmonic chaos with never Full of such memories, I looked
of what it meant to belong to this St a distraction by the vibrations and through the gate at the school for
James community and its spirit, and exhaust from the railway tunnel the last time and I saw and realised
then as my hand came off the crest, smoke stack. something for the first time. THERE
the memories flowed. IS NO GATE. There has never been
I recalled the multicultural nature of
a gate. St James College has always
I looked down to the grassed traffic the college as I looked up to stained
island of Boundary, Turbot and been open and welcoming to anyone
glass windows of the St James room
Anne Streets and distant images of who wants to enter. That’s the 150
with its walls full of countless school,
resourceful students practising their Year long Spirit.
class and team photos. The photos
high jump as traffic sped by on all visually captured the story of the many Mr Jim Bartlett
sides. There on the corner was the young people (Italians, Vietnamese, Teacher/Counsellor – St James College
old fig tree. Maybe it has stood there El Salvadorian, African, Afghani and (1985-88 & 2003-17)
resolutely through storm and tempest
for all those 150 years or more
“Faithful Forever”.
In the shadow of the new St James
Hall, I saw the mirage of the old tennis
court affectionately referred to as “The
Number 1 Oval”, with students of all
cultures, “having a go” and competing
passionately in Jimmies version of
World Cup Soccer.
From the lower yard, overlooked
now by the new Canali Building, I
thought I could hear the huge start
up roar of the two much loved buses,
Dolly (bought for a dollar from a
benefactor) and Col (a high horse
powered ex Snowy Mountain and ex
St Columban’s transporter). I thought
of the spirited and memorable trips
when we drove students to Jimmies
(L-R) College Counsellors – Mrs Tania Munro, Mr Jim Bartlett & Dr Shannon O’Gorman at the staff farewell for Mr Bartlett.
on the Dam, Outward Bound, Duke of
Jimmies Spirit | March 2018 7
Notices
Births
Evelyn Louise Sheehan, weight 2.7kg
was born on 18.11.17 to proud parents
Gerard and Johanna Sheehan (nee Hull)
Class of 2010.
Class of 1997 – 20 Year Reunion
Thanks to Principal, Gerry Crooks, the same as it was before, focus on
we were extremely privileged to what you all can do now, as there is
be given a tour of the College. We no other opportunity like the present.
were all amazed to see how far St Grab hold of your dreams, turn them
James has progressed in twenty into the passion you desire and never
years. In 1997 St James was known forget those who have helped you
for its multiculturalism and diverse along the way.”
Ged, Johanna & Evelyn Sheehan backgrounds of students regardless
We have all held our heads high and
of race, background, religion, ability
appreciated the endless opportunities
or social or economic means. We
that were given to us. Being present
Deaths were very happy to hear this is still
the way today. Each and every one
at our class reunion has made us very
Mark Burke (Junior 1970/ proud to be from St James College.
of us felt that being part of a multi-
Class of 1972) We continue to represent College
cultural diverse school has made us
Passed January 2018 after battling morals and beliefs in our daily lives.
more open minded, understanding and
brain cancer. RIP. empathic to all throughout our lives. As we all move forward in our lives
Les Rogers We believe that the students of today today, we all believe that we are
Passed January 2018. RIP. Les was a have greater opportunities than carrying on the College motto
past student of St James (1950-1955) ever before. “Faithful Forever” we will be.
who went on to become a teacher. He The Class of ’97 still holds a huge Steven McInerney, Julieann Black-
taught at the College from 1962 until sense of pride in the College we Madden, Andrea Gower & Mark Miot
the end of 1988. graduated from. Since leaving school Past Students of 1997
we took with us the spirit of St James
Reunions “Together As One”. During our time at
the College we really did stick together
Class of 1978 – 40 Year Reunion
A reunion will be held on Saturday,
Class of 1997 – 20 Year Reunion and embrace each other’s individual
23 June 2018 commencing with a
goals and achievements. This is
It was an absolute delight and honour tour of St James College at 2.00pm.
evident now as adults in our family life
to have been given the opportunity Gentlemen are asked to meet inside
and being able to reunite twenty years
to host our twenty-year school the Boundary Street entrance to
later still holding a strong bond.
reunion within the College grounds the College. The Class of ’78 will
we graduated from all the way back So many of us have lifted from the then gather at Tarragindi at 4.30pm.
on November 14, 1997. A group of platform that St James gave to us to Contact Valentino Steinberg at
us gathered on November 11, 2017, enter the world we all live in now. We valentino-steinberg@bigpond.com
to reunite and remember the time we all agree “embrace the moment you or see the Facebook group ‘Jimmies
spent together at St James. have today” because it will never be Boys 1974 – 1978’.
Stay Connected
Past Students, please send your • Title & Surname • Occupation/Skills/Interests
details to: • Surname at School • Have you been doing anything we
Naomi Ritchie, Principal’s Assistant • Given Names should know about?
• Telephone • Please advise if you would prefer not
St James College,
• New Address to receive information from the Past
201 Boundary Street,
Students’ Association.
Brisbane QLD 4000 • Previous Address
Phone: (07) 3230 8686 • Email
Naomi.Ritchie@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au • Last year at St James & Year Level
8 St James College
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