Anglican Church Grammar School

History

School

Churchie’s rich history and long-standing traditions date back to 1912 when Canon William Morris founded the School at Toowong, before establishing it on the present site in East Brisbane in 1918.

Canon Morris based the School’s ethos on the patron saint, St Magnus, a Viking Earl known for his Viking strength of character and his qualities as an educated man with a Christian nature.

The School crest reflects the character of the Viking tradition – the shield and battle axes stand for Viking courage and the axes are crossed to signify self-sacrifice. Churchie’s core values of scholastic attainment, personal development, spiritual awareness and community service build on the characteristics and attributes displayed by St Magnus.

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Churchie's Emblem.

The School’s Viking tradition is reflected in many aspects of School life – rowing boats are named after Vikings; architecture represents Viking icons; and the School’s mascot, ‘Eric’, a Viking effigy makes regular appearances at sporting events. In early days Canon Morris called on the boys to ‘finish hard’ in all their pursuits and this cry is often called on today.

In Canon Morris’s first address to parents he stated his aim was to ‘train characters as well as minds’. He encouraged boys to take part in physical activity in the bedroom, as well as their studies.

Early in 1913 the School’s name was changed to The Cathedral School following a move to new premises at St John’s Cathedral in the city where 33 boys finished the year. Numbers continued to grow and in 1916 with an enrolment of 106 students and the name changed to Church of England Grammar School, a decision was made to purchase land to build a new School. In 1918 the foundation stone was laid on the site where the School stands today.

Since 1912 thousands of young men have been educated at Churchie prior to taking their places as well-rounded men and responsible, contributing members of society represented in all walks of life.

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Churchie's current Headmaster Mr. Jonothan Hensman.

Headmasters

• Canon Morris (1912 - 1946)
• Mr. H E Roberts (1947 - 1969)
• Honourable C D Fisher (1970 - 1973)
• Mr. Bill Hayward (1974 - 1986)
• Mr. Christopher Ellis (1987 - 1997)
• Mr. David Scott (1998 - 2002)
• Mr. Jonothan Hensman (2003 - Present)

Spirituality

Churchie is one of the group of School's controlled by the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane. While enrolment is open to students of all faiths, or none, the School values highly amongst its four aims, ‘Spiritual Awareness’. Students are expected to share fully in the Chapel life and the Religious Education program. Anglicanism has traditionally valued intellectual debate of a high order in matters of Christian faith and tradition and does not welcome either religious bigotry on the one hand or the closed mind on the other.

The School has three Chaplains on the staff, all ordained Priests of the Church. As such, they are responsible for a large range of activities in the School. Chapel worship for the Preparatory Middle and Senior School's is a regular occurrence, as well as special services for boarders and other groups in the Churchie community. Active involvement by boys in the presentation of these services is an important emphasis. Religious Education is taught by a large number of staff in each of the sub-School's. Middle School has an Assistant Head of Faculty (Religious Education), whose sole job it is to keep teachers and students well-resourced for the delivery of the program. The Senior Chaplain is Head of Faculty for Religious Education.

Head Chaplain: Reverend Marcus Edwards

House System

Every Churchie student is a member of one of the eleven houses.

Day Boy Houses

There are nine day boy houses.

Biggs: Biggs was named after Mr. EE Biggs, who was a member of the first School Council and attended the School from 1918-1923. This family's association with the School has continued to the present day. The house places particular emphasis upon service to the School community and involvement in House and School activities. The house colours are Blue, White and Yellow and the House motto is 'Always Striving'.

Biggs 2006 House Captain: Joshua Cranstoun

Casey: Casey was founded in 1971 and named in honour of Richard Gardiner Casey (1890-1976), later Baron Casey of Berwick, the distinguished Australian diplomat, politician and Governor General. The House motto 'Vis et Unitas' is usually translated as 'progress through unity' and reflects one of the aims of the house system at Churchie, namely to built a unit of cohesion, identity and support for the boys within the framework of the School at large. The House Coat of Arms incorporates themes from Casey's own coat of arms, with the addition of the crossed Viking swords. The House Colours are Gold and Royal Purple, which were Baron Casey's own colours.

Casey 2006 House Captain(s): Michael Johns & Andrew Mackenzie

Grenfell: Grenfell was one of the first four day Houses at Churchie, founded in 1935 and named after Sir Wilfred Thomasson Grenfell, who was born at Parkgate, England, in 1865. He was a doctor who gained his degree at London University. Grenfell was interested in boating and his great love of the sea led him to becoming a Master Mariner. A lecturer suggested he join a large fishing fleet as their doctor. Within five years he had encouraged the fisherman to stop drinking and Queen Victoria's interest in this feat led to her presenting the fleet with its first hospital boat. In 1891 Grenfell sailed to Cape St John's in the North Atlantic. He was mobbed by people who needed medical attention. The following spring he returned to Labrador with two doctors and nurses, where he set up two hospital bases for the Eskimos who populated Labrador. A third hospital was set up at St Anthony in about 1898. He acted as an arbitrator between the fishermen and traders which led to a cooperative being developed. Most would be satisfied with this work but Grenfell wasn't. He gathered up the orphans, and as the number of wards grew, he raised money and built houses for them. He built School's to which teachers from all over the world came, at their own expense, to teach useful crafts and occupations. Grenfell traveled the world lecturing to raise money for Labrador. He met his wife during one of these tours and had three children. During World War I he assisted the Harvard Surgical Unit in service in France. There are many 'Grenfell' associations which help raise money or do missionary work around the world. This House was named after a great man in the hope of inspiring the boys to greater heights. Sir Wilfred Grenfell gave the School permission to use his personal motto, 'Loyal Devoir', and Coat of Arms when the house was established. The name of Grenfell is surely a thing of which to be proud. The Grenfell Colours are Red and Gold.

Grenfell 2006 House Captain(s): Samuel Dal Pra & Lachlan Armstrong

Hillary: The name Hillary was chosen for this House by the late Charles Fisher, after looking for names of men who had achieved success in their chosen field. Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man ever to climb Mt Everest in 1953, a feat recently emulated by his son, Peter. The House Colours and Crest were chosen by the first students of Hillary from designs submitted by students. The Crest incorporates the symbols of knighthood - knight's helmet, castle and the fist pointing upward. This reinforces the House Motto 'Semper Sursum' - ever upward - a fitting tribute to Hillary's achievement. The House has a high academic standard and will strive to emulate this on the sporting fields. The Colours are Black and Gold.

Hillary 2006 House Captain: Jordan Wereham

Kingsley: Kingsley was one of the original four houses. It held both day and boarding students until 1950. when two boarding houses were created. In 1971, Kingsley house was divided to create Biggs and Hillary Houses. Canon Morris chose Charles Kingsley as a 'Patron Hero', as he was seen as a Christian with a Viking's courage. History reveals Charles Kingsley to have been a man who practiced his Christian beliefs and followed his social conscience to help the less fortunate people with whom he chose to live. The Kingsley House Motto translates something like 'Do what you do well'. The House Colours are Black and White.

Kingsley 2006 House Captain: Ian Harvey Ross

Magnus: In 1935, Canon Morris implemented the House system at the School. Magnus is one of the original four day houses. The House is named after St Magnus, Churchie's Patron Saint. Magnus has as its Coat of Arms a simple shield with St Magnus holding a sword and a palm of martyrdom. This image of St Magnus is from a stained glass window in St Magnus Cathedral in the Orkneys and dates back probably to the thirteenth century. The House Motto is 'Sibi Fidelis' - be faithful to oneself. The colours are Maroon and Royal Blue.

Magnus 2006 House Captain(s): Will Williams & Lewis Cook

Mansfield: This day House was named after Sir Alan James Mansfield, a distinguished Barrister, Judge, Chief Justice and Governor of Queensland. Sir Alan attended this School when it was known as St Magnus Hall. To the boys of Mansfield House, Sir Alan provides an example of distinguished service to the public. Writing in the 'Old Boys' Scrapbook' in 1961, he said: 'The real proof of the quality of a School, however, is to be found in the character of the men whom it has produced. Many of the Old Boys of this School have distinguished themselves in various walks of life and their names are well known, but it is not only by their achievements that the soul and spirit of this School can be gauged. It is to be seen in the character and conduct of many old boys whose names are not well known, but have infused them into everyday life of the community something that is healthy and good.' This contribution to the community has been the result of what has been one of the underlying principles which has always been emphasised in this School, namely, that true education of the individual depends not only upon what he gets from the School but also upon what he gives to the School - loyalty, honesty and service. And those are the true qualities of citizenship. The House crest borrows heavily from the Mansfield Family Coat of Arms. The Motto is 'Steadfast' and the House colours are White and Blue.

Mansfield 2006 House Captain: Lucas Stewart

Mawson: This House was named after Douglas Mawson, a Professor of Geology and distinguished academic, who became famous for his discovery of the South Magnetic Pole in 1908 and his tragic second journey to Antarctica in 1911. He contiuned to visit and explore Antartica up to 1931. To the members of Mawson House, Douglas Mawson provides an example of great strength of personal character. He would never let anyone do anything that he was not capable of doing himself, nor would he be deterred in the face of extreme hopelessness. His most famous characteristic was the fact that he had to prove himself to many people because many people doubted his intelligence and stamina. He therefore provides the House members with a valuable role model with the message that we all have the ability to prove ourselves in all situations. The House Motto is 'Alis Austri' which translates to 'On the wings of the South Wind'. The Coat of Arms for the House include the vessel Mawson used on his voyages south and the Southern Cross. The House Colours are Red and Green.

Mawson 2006 House Captain: Christopher Bubke

Nansen: Nansen House, one of the original houses of the School, was named after Fridtjof Nansen, whose distinguished career as a scientist, explorer and humanitarian has epitomised the true Viking spirit and has set a fine example for the boys of the House to follow. The Nansen House crest was established at Churchie in 1938 and inscribed on the crest is the motto 'Fram', which means 'Forward'. This motto reflects the proud tradition of service to the School and to the community and the involvement of its members in extra-curricular and inter-House competitions. The House Colours are Green and White.

Nansen 2006 House Captain: Joel Akhurst

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School House.

Boarding Houses

There are two boarding houses that function as day houses during the School day.

Gerald: Gerald was opened in 1934 as the need for new boarding accommodation grew. Prior to 1959, boarders took part in competitive sport as members of a Day House. Thus you could live in Gerald but play sport in Magnus House. This changed in 1950 when the boarding houses became sporting competitors in their own right. The House was named after Archbishop Gerald Sharpe. The House Crest shows the Bishop's mitre which symbolises our connection with Archbishop Sharpe; the large star signifies God; the two smaller stars King and country, and the five small stars signify Truth, Honesty, Duty, Comradeship and Charity. The Houses Motto is 'Fideliter Et Constanter', meaning 'Faithfully and Constantly'. The House Colours are Green and Yellow

Gerald 2006 House Captain(s): Montague Summers & Tighe Summers

Goodwin: Goodwin was opened in 1928 and named after Sir John Goodwin, famous for his medical work in World War I. He took a personal interest in the progress of the School during the time that he was Governor of Queensland. The House Motto is 'Fide et Virtute', meaning 'By Faith and Courage'. The Goodwin House Crest is the family crest of Sir John Goodwin, who suggested it be adopted by the House when he granted permission for the House to be named Goodwin. The House Colours are Red and Gold.

Goodwin 2006 House Captains(s): Ross Burbury & Nigel Foxton

Inter-house Competition

Boys compete in the inter-house sporting events in these houses which include swimming, cross-country and track & field. Points are awarded according to participation and positioning and the inter-house cup is awarded at the end of the year.

Cocurricular

Sport

Churchie has on offer a wide range of sporting and cultural activities to appeal to all students. The School is highly involved within the GPS sporting system competing in almost every sport available. Boy’s of any skill level are encouraged to participate in the sports on offer which include AFL, basketball, chess, cricket, cross-country, debating, football, gymnastics, rowing, rugby union, sailing, swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball and water polo. Churchie offers leisure sports which operate out of School time and these range from golf to scuba diving and canoeing.

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Churchie Rowing.

Cultural

Churchie’s cultural scene is very broad with the School containing many outstanding musical groups such as the symphony orchestra, the symphonic band and both the School and chapel choirs.

Other activities include:

• Cadets (Army, Navy and Airforce; Churchie is one of only two School's in Australia with a tri-service system)
• Photography Club
• Art Club
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It is a combination of these activities and the other three aims of the School that allow each and every student of Churchie to achieve Personal Growth.

Support

To support the School in sporting events, there is a cheering squad comprising of senior boys. They are known as the "ACGS Berserkers". Berserkers were viking warriors which draws on the schools Viking traditions. Berserkers were fierce and powerful warriors and before battle they would go into a frenzy and howl like animals to prepare for battle.

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Churchies Mascott 'Eric'

Service

Service is one of the four aims of life at Churchie. The School is regularly involved in charitable events including various doorknocks and fundraising events, meals on wheels, attending special schools to help out and the Sony Foundation Camp held at the School during the holidays. Over the past 14 years, Churchie boys have raised over $1 million for more than 120 charities.

Director Of Service: Mr. John Collins

Student Bodies

• The Prefect Body - A group of seniors selected by the students and teachers of the school to lead the student body in all aspects of Churchie life. It is lead by the three School Vice-Captains and the School Captain. These four students are known as the Student Executive.

2006 Leadership Positions

• School Captain - Daniel Pitt

• School Vice-Captains - Marcus Maclean, Alexander Groeneveld, Rohan Dunsdon

• Head Boarder - Rohan Dunsdon

• Prefects - Joel Akhurst, Toby Coates, Ian Harvey Ross, Matthew Hogson-van Daal, Michael Johns, Robert Lewis-Swan, Andrew Mackenzie, Paul Patty, Jordan Wereham

• Middle School Leaders - A group of students selected within the Middle School to set the example for all students in Grade Seven, Eight and Nine.

• The Student Council - A student democratic organisation lead by the Speaker of the House (a School Vice-Captain) and the two Managers-of-Business, consisting of the Assembly and the Cabinet.

• Service Coordinators - A group of seniors selected by their House to organise service activities throughout the year.

Notable Sporting Achievements

• GPS Chess Premiers 2000, 2001, 2002
• GPS Gymnastics Premiers 2002, 2003
• GPS Rowing Premiers 2004, 2005
• GPS Rugby Premiers 2003 (tie The Southport School), 2005 (tie Brisbane State High School)
• GPS Sailing Premiers 2001, 2004
• GPS Tennis Premiers 2004, 2005

Notable Alumni

Cultural

• Milton Dick - President of the Queensland Labor Party
• Nick Earls - Award-winning Author
• Paul de Jersey - Chief Justice of Queensland

Sporting

• Jason Dunstall - AFL Player
• David Smerdon - Chess Player (Chess Grandmaster)
• Scott Harding - AFL Player (Brisbane Lions)
• Karmichael Hunt - Rugby League Player (Brisbane Broncos)
• David Pocock - Rugby Union Player (Western Force)

Links

• Anglican Church Grammar School Website
• Queensland Great Public Schools
• Churchie Old Boys Website
• Churchie Emerging Art Website