Penrith High Towers-Alumni

Welcome to the latest edition of Towers-Alumni.

The year has certainly been full and fast so far and after the next school holidays, Year 12 will be in their final term of school (including the Trial HSC exams) and Year 11 will sit their yearly examinations before starting the HSC course in Term 4.

PHS on Sunrise

The school hosted Sunrise Weather presenter, Sam Mac this term to launch the national Push up for Mental Health. An early 3:30am start was worth it, as the students spoke passionately and articulately about the school, the campaign and mental health. See article below.

Penrith in Performance - A new venue for 2021

Many Alumni would have fond memories of Penrith in Performance. The Creative and Performing Arts Programs on offer to students continues to grow at an exciting pace and it was wonderful to share the news recently that the 2021 event will be held at the historic and prestigious Sydney Conservatorium Music on Thursday 22 July. The theme for 2021 is Ricochet to reflect how the school community has bounced back after the COVID affected year of 2020. The event is sure to be spectacular and ticket details will be available on the school website and Facebook. Alumni are welcome to attend this event. See article below.

Boys Open Basketball - Top 16 in NSW

Our Boys Open Basketball Team finished in the Top 16 this term and after many students and staff spending quite a bit of time in the archives, this would appear to be the highest placing achieved by the school. The final match (56-45) against Warners Bay High School was a tight affair and the team was superb against a more experienced line up. See article below.

Vale - Sami Azmol (Class of 2001)

I’ve spoken and written before about the privilege of being the Principal of a school with such rich and special traditions. It is particularly poignant when former students return, and even more so when we lose a former student well before we should.

The Sami Azmol Award for the top student in HSC Economics or Business Studies

Mr. Sami Azmol (Class of 2001) passed away suddenly in December 2020 from a severe heart attack after being at the gym. Sami was a highly valued member of the class of 2001. A Chartered Accountant and graduated from Macquarie University. He was working as the Finance Performance Reporting Manager at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (A particularly complex role during COVID and the financial pressures that it presented for the health system). Prior to this role, Sami worked in senior financial positions in London for four years in large corporations. This award is sponsored for 5 years (2021-2026) by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Presented annually, the recipient will receive a certificate and $300 prize. A plaque in the school library celebrates Sami's life and contribution to the school and wider community. See article below.

Inaugural Hon. Penelope Wensley Awardee for the most proficient female student in HSC English

The Honourable Penelope Wensley AC FAILA was the 1963 School Captain, Diplomat and former Queensland Governor. A profile piece can be found in Edition 11 of Towers Alumni. Ms Wensley has given her name to a new award for, “The most proficient female student in HSC English.”

The inaugural recipient of this award is 2020 Vice-Captain, Holly Gerard. Holly was the top English student in the school for 2020 and it was recently announced that her Extension 2 (4 unit English) work- Saudade (pronounced: Sar-dar-day) would be published in the Young Writers Showcase. Only 18 works from the 2020 HSC are included in this prestigious collection of works.

An honour board will be hung in the hall, along with all other honour boards to celebrate one of our most successful Alumna and the achievement of HSC students in the years to come.

More details about Holly’s work can be found in this edition of Towers Alumni.

Admissions for 2022 and 2023

Many former students contact the school to inquire about enrolment for children or grandchildren. We have a number of multi-generational families still connected by current students at the school. Admission to Year 7 2022 is now closed and applications for 2023 will open in October/ November. This process is administered by the NSW Department of Education’s High Performing Students Team. A small number of places are available for positions in years 8-11 and this is managed by the school. Details and dates for both processes can be found via this link.

Final Notes

Preparations for the 70th Anniversary luncheon continue and details can be found above. I look forward to meeting so many of you in person in September and thank the organising committee for all of their work to bring this event to life.

If your year group is having a reunion, we are happy to welcome groups back onsite for tours, Monday to Friday. Please contact the school if we can help.

Finally, thank you to 3 former students, 2 of whom are currently CEOs and all have taken time out to contribute to this edition of Towers Alumni. Paul Hansen (1968) and Maria Calibo - Sales (1994) have each written about their experiences leading as CEOs during COVID. Both offer such insightful perspectives. Jim Mason OAM (1959) has uncovered a treasure trove of historical newspaper clippings about the Towers Mansion. A wonderfully rich insight into both school and community history.

Warm regards,

Mark Long

Principal

70th Anniversary Luncheon - Hosted and Organised by the 70th Anniversary Luncheon Committee

Details from the organising committee:

"It is confirmed that the PHS 70th Anniversary Reunion will be held on Saturday 11 September 2021 as previously advised.

The 2020 reunion was postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions and the date has been rescheduled for Saturday 11th September 2021. Every five years Alumni of Penrith High School come together to renew their friendships. In 2020, the school celebrated its 70th Anniversary. This will be a general reunion for alumni who attended the school for any length of time between 1950 and 2010.

Tickets will go on sale Monday 21st June until Monday 16th August or before if all tickets are sold.

Tickets will cost $75 each.

Tickets are only available through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/penrith-high-school-70th-anniversary-reunion-tickets-93743369943.

Further information is available on the Eventbrite webpage. The school will hold tours between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on the day of the reunion."

When people purchase tickets they will be asked if they intend going on a school tour. We will give the school the numbers about a week before.

The Context of of COVID-19

The year 2020 will probably historically be recognised as the start of a “new order” in terms of social, political, and environmental pivots. Consider the “Black Lives Matter” movement started in the USA just 12 months ago that resonated with populations around the world in a manner that has not happened since the 1960s; Consider the climate issue culminating as measurable global temperature warming increases coupled with the evidence of glacial erosion of the icecaps in Greenland; Consider that carbon issues driving that climate change coupled with the now rapid shift of green power; Consider the global immobility and population confinement as countries closing borders ending (or interrupting?) a significant period of population migration; Consider the continuing economic crash of the airline industry curtailed now for some 15 months as both planes and the entire aero engineering industry waits for flight; Consider the latest global pandemic currently in our midst . . .

Outbreaks of a “global" pandemic virus was not new in Australia in 2019: for example, there had been history with significant viral outbreaks since the HIV outbreak in the early 1980s. As deadly as each of these modern “global” pandemics were, they tended to be localised and mainly affected the local region rather than “the globe” and generally not Australia. Thus, some countries with viral outbreak experience had processes and procedural systems in place ready for the next pandemic, but most countries, including Australia, did not. Australia's last big engagement, a global pandemic, was in 1919, the time of the Spanish flu.

Certainly, continental Australia had its own national issues in 2019. Having slowly recovered from a global financial situation 2008-2013, Australia was dogged by extended drought and continental warming, 2012-2019 recording record high temperatures year after year, coupled with the bushfire seasons extending in length. By 2019 the bushfire season started at winter's end and relentlessly engaged Australia’s attention, with every state fighting fires. By December 2019 the blue Sydney skies had disappeared and we breathed acrid polluted air from smoke filled grey skies lit by an orange-brown sun.

This was not a December to celebrate a joyful Christmas nor a Happy New Year. Australia suffered from 30 years of neglect of global warming. That December we started to get news of a new SARS-like virus spreading rapidly in Wuhan, China. Throughout January 2020 the fires built towards a crescendo just as virus started racking up its own impressive statistics in China and then in northern Italy. Having escaped China, the world started to take notice for the spread was both rapid and devastating.

The drought in Australia ended with heavy widespread rains in February 2020 and by April the last of the devastating bushfires was quelled. However, by April, Australia and most western countries were in the midst of the “First Wave” of the Covid-19 virus. In Australia the international borders were closed, some state boarders were closed, all schools were closed as far as practical and teachers taught remotely. Australia may have drought relief, now was the time to fight a new foe: a silent deadly highly contagious foe stealthily breaching our weaknesses and testing our patience.

Fifteen months after the first wave commenced in Australia, we, and all nations on this globe, are still fighting Covid-19. All nations are still playing catch up. Indeed, Victoria is currently in its Fourth Wave lockdown fighting to contain spread of the virus so not to over-burden hospital and medical resources needed to save lives. Certainly, vaccination started in Australia in March 2021 but as the supply line is so slow it is uncertain whether Australia’s international borders will open in 6 months or mid 2022.

The buzz-word in the past 15 months has been “unprecedented". Economically speaking Australia was in a period of unprecedented continuous growth since 1991, outperforming all economies since the Dutch Golden Age ended in 1637. The record national high temperatures were unprecedented. The fire season in 2019/2020 were unprecedented. The continuous smoke-filled skies in Sydney in December 2019 were unprecedented. The rapid and extensive outbreaks of Covid in Italy and in New York City were unprecedented. The numbers of deaths on cruise liners were unprecedented. Certainly, the speed with which the world ground to a stop and locked down was unprecedented.

Australia and the world were caught “with its pants down”. On all fronts climatic, environmental and medical, we in the Western nations were and are TOTALLY unprepared. China may have been first affected but China’s response was fast with harsh lockdown periods and China was substantially the first country “out" and perhaps the only successful country to recover from the Covid pandemic at this time.

Politically, Australia did react quickly and formed a “national cabinet” of the Prime Minister and all State and Territory leaders, that initially met weekly. This political arrangement maintained peace and goodwill through the First Wave of Covid in Australia. Broadly speaking the Federal government had the funds and the States had the systems and resources to deliver the funding. However, that model started to breakdown as some States went into a Second Wave. That breakdown mainly focused on 4 key issues (a) The federal government was responsible for aged age including the age care facilities, (b) The federal government was responsible for sourcing and supply of the vaccine once suitable vaccines were available in late 2020 (and the federal government was slow to lock in both the purchase and the delivery dates) and (c) the states needed the Defence Forces to supplement their Police for border lockdowns, monitoring logistics, contact tracing, quarantine hotel security and other support requirements, and (d) the federal government had to support the unemployed which rapidly lead to the "Job Keeper” program that last 6 months and subsequent “Job Seeker” program that lasted another 6 months to 28 March 2021. Although the lines of responsibility are reasonably clear cut the optics of each “brushfire” is of growing political importance with major Federal and State elections in 2022 and early 2023.

Australia is challenged at this time. Australia has faced all these different crises before one at a time. 2020 was a year several crises culminated and then galvanised under the force of Covid testing the resilience of not only Australia but most nations.

So, in a tumultuous year in an on-going tumultuous and unprecedented period of history how did our family business fare?

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1. Outline of your business

LB Wire Ropes established 1962 as manufacturer of lifting and lashing equipment. Control of the company is in the process of generational change from second to the third generation. The company employs some 24 people of which 6 are engineering, maths or economic professionals.

2. Immediate changes when COVID arrived
2.1 Management reacted quickly because as a manufacturer the company was not forced to close. In turn the company expected all employees, provided that they were fit, to be at the workplace. Only two Engineering staff opted to work from home, one still does. Generally, all other staff maintained daily attendance as required (that is, annual leave and sick leave continued as normal). The only change was that anybody with a cough could not attend work that day.

2.2 The LBWR Safety Committee adopted the required standard processes and procedures requirement in NSW: social distancing, wearing masks, cleansing work surfaces, tools, vehicles, work areas, etc

2.3 The "Job Keeper Scheme" was announced by the Federal government and back-dated to cover all permanent and casual employees at 1 March 2020. This Job Keeper Program ensured 6 months of secured employment for our employees. Most staff were thankful and did the right thing. However, a few took occasional liberties of a day off.

2.4 Managers had to work differently. Sales Managers were constantly communicating with clients about delivery issues, manufacturing issues and cost variations. Sales staff had to book appointments with clients (many clients did not permit any meetings at their site or with their staff). Procurement Managers were increasingly spending more time chasing products, arguing pricing, hassling about shipping times, vessel delay at various ports, decreasing availability of space on flights, etc. The HR Manager was spending more time explaining what was going on with JobKeeper, employment, leave entitlements, etc

2.5 Our NBN (national broadband network) connection was not reliable enough and an expenditure of $35,000 needed upgrading internet connections

2.6 The new method of B2B communication was ZOOM and that set up cost $10,000.

2.7 Management spent many hours on Australian and international industry webinars and specialist subject webinars to get the latest information for products, employee welfare, subjects like OHS requirements for employees working from home, how teams working from home work best (one simple example being that it be a company rule the video camera must be on for all meetings and that the employees be suitably dressed and presented at all meetings).

2.8 Employee welfare became an issue whether employees attend the work site or attended remotely. Those employees working from home needed a suitable office space.

2.9 A major hassle was pre-booked conferences and engineering exhibitions. These rapidly became “virtual” exhibitions and for engineering exhibitions were an expensive waste of time for most product lines.

3. Challenges and Benefits of leading in a Global Pandemic

3.1 Committing to delivery dates when importing products has become difficult as the supply chain broke/slowed down and continues to get worse. Even sourcing containers in Europe and US is no longer easy and then finding reliable shipping dates is harder out of US and Europe and then invariably, there are trans-shipping issues at the Port of Singapore. Finally, it is common for Australian port delays and for the imposition of so-called congestion taxes on arrival of sea freight.

3.2 Basically in our industry the whole supply chain was s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n after six months. Companies were getting delays in confirming orders and that just creates more work - and needless repetitious work leads to some frustrations (perhaps we never appreciated the modern reasonably seamless supply chain that had developed over the last couple of decades).

3.3 International travel to annual conferences and product expos had to be cancelled. International conferences were held in unfriendly time zones for Australian companies.

3.4 The blow out in lead-times leads to stock-shortages, production delays, disruption and frustration. A current case in point that affects the building industry is the sudden shortage of structural timber: the cost of LVL (laminated veneer lumber) has skyrocket 70% in recent weeks.

3.5 Border closures and bubble declarations further complicate business. Few want to risk interstate business trips if having to isolate and quarantine for 14 days at home is suddenly required.

3.6 With the international borders closed there is a need to attract labour locally. Many industries (like farming) are desperate for seasonal labourers or miss out on selling their produce. Hence more pressure on food costs.

3.7 There has been low wage growth for almost a decade and inflation has not been an issue for a couple of decades. But now, with what is becoming apparent to be a long-term disruption in a period of escalating costs, Australia may soon be facing a wage demand crisis not seen since the 1980s.

4. Where do you see things being in the next 12-24 months as a business leader

4.1 Of course the Job Keeper (and later Job Seeker) programs were national saviours - Australia could have been financially ruined but within a year has bounced back a stronger economy than we were 15 months ago. However, now 15 months into this Covid territory there has to be a sensible pathway planned for return to “normal” business conditions. Victoria is now in its Fourth Wave of State lockdown, whilst NSW has refused a State-wide lockdown after the First Wave ended. Vaccination is a high priority. Without a high percentage vaccination rates the flow-on consequences on medical services are likely to be unsustainable. That is, we have economic success walking together with much uncertainty around the timeline back to “normal”.

4.2 It is obvious we need international borders to open to Tourism and Education and to access the itinerant workers that supplement so much of the seasonal and city casual labour force. However opening borders depends on vaccination rates and the time to reach herd immunity (somewhere about 70% of the total population fully vaccinated).

5. Most valuable insight or lesson from the experience

5.1 On 28 July 2019 I was travelling Business Class San Francisco to Sydney. The guy next to me was from New York and was an adviser to the global insurance industry. We talked mainly about insurance and one topic was the coming global pandemic. He advised (1) that there will be another global pandemic, (2) that it will come from one of 7 or 8 defined “hot spots” and that (3) in-all-probability it will be sooner rather than later. Now this was some 4 months before the Covid outbreak in Wuhan.

5.2 If the insurance world was openly talking about the certainty of the next global pandemic in August 2019, then other agencies and industries must have been aware of this highly probable impending viral assault. However, in the event 4 months later there was a global lack of preparedness. There was a global lack of political and medical leadership. There was truly a total vacuum about another medical disaster that statistically was, apparently, inevitable. At the very least countries could have been gearing up medical resources (or in Australia’s case could have been stocking up on toilet paper).

1. Please outline your business

After 23 years working in global organisations as a multi award-winning program executive, Maria founded Calmar Corps – a Profit-for-Purpose Tech Start Up that retrain women transitioning from Domestic Violence Shelters, to have the dignity of flexible and safe employment in the digital economy.

2. Immediate changes when COVID arrived

100% of our face to face programs with commercial partners ended within the week of COVID lockdowns, which was 80% of our revenue. All our teams had to be redeployed into external roles. Fortunately, we were able to do so with the exception of 2 part-timers.

Personally, I became full time carer for my elderly mother, who is immune-compromised and was in lockdown with us. We couldn’t engage external care providers, so I had to get hands-on. Between my job as CEO, grappling with effectively transitioning and redeploying a global team, and being a full-time carer in lockdown – looking back, I’m still not sure how I managed it!

I also sit on a number of not-for-profit boards, and we spent 60% of our pro-bono time updating board constitutions, operating procedures and policies to allow AGMs, official voting, budget approvals and handovers to be conducted electronically – as well as setting up and training commercial clients and volunteer groups to operate remotely. The other 40% of our pro-bono hours were delivering essential services to vulnerable communities, including food, shelter and legal interventions.

3. Challenges and Benefits of leading in a Global Pandemic

Very few organisations, irrespective of size, have effective crisis management plans – and even fewer ever put theirs into action. The global pandemic is the poster event for a V.U.C.A universal maelstrom – volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity at every turn. No one was left unscathed.

Because we work with vulnerable communities, we saw first hand how COVID-19 laid bare critical gaps in equality that have left millions of women and girls behind - the deep impact on the burden of unpaid work, personal safety, economic survival and psycho-social wellbeing.

The speed of disruption, social isolation, zero control of the immediate future and economic security took a toll on all we knew.

The greatest benefit that came out of the global pandemic has been the mainstreaming of flexible and remote work. Our business structure has always been at the core flexible and remote – so we were ahead of the curve when it came to remote work practices – and we have been able to effectively assist commercial and volunteer-powered organisations to transition effectively.

As Board Director for a number of organisations, I established Digital and CyberSecurity Compliance Advisory Committees and Action Groups which are now part of core business continuity and succession planning policies for the organisations we assisted.

4. Most valuable insight or lesson from the experience

· Be kind to yourself.

· Value your head space.

· You don’t have to solve everyone’s problems. People can solve their own – if you let them.

· Exercise your ASK muscle – meaningful changes are not meant to be done alone. There is always a community where you belong, and are willing to help.

· True Courage can only be achieved when you allow deep vulnerability to come to light. Be grateful for your humanity. No one can be strong all of the time.

5. Where do you see things being in the next 12-24 months as a business leader

Regenerative and Circular Economic (RACE) business models are gaining rapid traction. Consumer Led Philanthropy is a driving demand that smart, savvy and future-ready businesses are responding to. There is a greater understanding that businesses play a critical part in an equitable and sustainable global vision.

In Australia, there is a great demand for skilled project resources in the following areas of legislation: compliance activities for the Modern Slavery Act and Dept of Home Affairs’ CyberSecurity Strategy, imbedding the world-first eSafety legislation and recommended guidelines into workplaces and civil society organisations.

Calmar Corps is a global signatory and contributor to the UN’s #GenerationEquality Action Coalitions. The Paris Summit from 30 June - 2 July will be the largest global gathering convened by UN Women since the Beijing Declaration in 1995 that adopted the resolution: “Women’s Rights are Human Rights.”

This body of work will transform systems and global policies to dismantle inequity and make room for thriving, sustainable communities. There’s a lot of hard work ahead, and with our global partners, we have committed to deliver.

Sami passed away by severe heart attack in about 15 minutes after coming from gym on 6.12.2020

Residence: Bella Vista, NSW 2153

Primary Education: Crestwood Public School, Baulkham Hills, NSW

Secondary Education: Penrith Selective High School, Penrith, NSW

Bachelor of Commerce: Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW

Chartered Accountant: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia in 2010

Last Occupation: Finance Performance Reporting Manager, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Ministry of Health, NSW

Previous Occupations: Worked in Senior Financial positions in London for four years in large corporations prior to starting for Ministry of Health, NSW.

A part of the Eulogy for Sami Azmol written by Dr F H:

….

His term of natural life ended on
way to St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney
on early hour of 6 December 2020.

Now that he has entered the world of partition,
no longer can he come back in earthly cage
to greet his mum and dad, friends and other
dear ones!

But his presence will continue to be felt
at the parents’ house in Bella Vista Waters.

When you hear his mum and dad,
wife, friends and the younger sibling
say: “We sorely miss your presence!”

Stout and medium in stature,
huge in mind and heart,
his generosity had no bounds.

Always calm and composed he was
never impatient and indisposed.

As he has made his presence felt
touching our hearts and minds!

His smile beamed in pure innocence,
expressing love and tenderness,
peace and contentment, tranquility
and happiness, constancy and timelessness!

His voice was neither too loud nor too low.
His words were precise and to the point
and he was neither boastful nor arrogant!
He was bright and young and determined.

His friends were many but enemies were none!
He was wise and considerate, kind and compassionate,
forgiving and affectionate, truthful and trustworthy,
shy but not an introvert!

Everyone that came into his contact
parents, spouse, brother, cousins,
friends, colleagues and acquaintances
has been touched and enriched
by his generosity and kindness,
and ‘enormity’ of his presence.
As if he had a ‘magic wand’!

We cherish his memories, love
and affection, tenderness and devotion!

Indeed his memories will ever shine
like a beacon of light!

We salute him from the bottom
of our heart.

Congratulations to the 2021/22 Prefect Interns. The group of 26 will start their work of service to the school and community before being inducted as Prefects later in the year at the annual ceremony. The process for Captains, Vice Captains and Senior Prefects will be held in the coming months. A special thank you and well done to the outgoing 2020/21 Prefect body.

Thank you to Ms Pipio and Mr Elias for managing the election process.

The Prefect Interns are:

Alan Steny

Alisha Ahmed

Andre Dubier

Arya Chavan

Athena Xin Tian Auw

Christopher Kwon

Eric Ruan

Gabriel Cant

Gurveer Singh Khalsa

Halis Rishamsulkamal

Joel Goh

Joshua Gange

Lachlan Stone

Luke Byun

Olivia Lee

Papri Mallick

Rachel Mathew

Rionne Bondal

Riya Jain

Samantha Buda

Seniru De Silva

Shivangi Agnihotri

Shreya Patel

Tudhjot Hayer

Veerja Patel

Zoe Elizalde

In late May the school was visited by Sam Mac the Weatherman on Sunrise where Narelle Corless, Headspace Schools Program Manager, and Lisa Cheng, Executive Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Lifeline, and local representatives of Headspace and Lifeline discussed the idea behind the Push-Up Challenge. The Push-Up Challenge is basically a unique way to engage people in mental health and to get fit at the same time while fundraising.

Our students competed against staff in the Push-Up Challenge and as well our dance students performed with the Alumni Garden as a backdrop.

Well done and thank you to everyone who participated!

Press button below for the Interview with our School Captain, Kokulaan Santhakumar

It is with great excitement our Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Faculty, which includes our tutors, conductors, choreographers and directors, announce the return of Penrith in Performance (date to be advised).

This event, which will feature students in years 7-12, is a showcase of the exemplary works from our ensemble program across Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.

To reflect our school community's ability to bounce back from the challenges of 2020 the theme for 2021 is Ricochet.

Due to the large growth of our programs the showcase will take place at the Verbrugghen Hall at the Conservatorium of Music. If you're unfamiliar with this beautiful venue, here is a link to Romeo and Juliet Reimagined, a performance that some of our students performed in during 2019 on the same stage. Here are some photos of the space we will fill in less than 10 weeks.

An enormous Congratulations to the Open Boys Knockout Team who were superb on the court despite losing to Warner's Bay High School. Playing for a spot in the final 8, the score was 56-45, but the game was even closer than the score reflects.

A huge thank you to Mr Serrato for coaching, including the sessions in the school holidays. The team consisted of: Abhinav Santhakumar, Lachlan Stone, Josh Gange, Rionne Bondal, Eugene Chen, Cameron Lau and Pavethen Krishnakumaran. We are incredibly proud of every player and know there will be bigger wins ahead.

This result is the highest finish in a State Knockout Tournament for PHS Boys' Basketball. Well done!

Addendum

The most amazing atmosphere ever created. Have never seen anything like it at PSHS! Definitely one of the highlights of the year, if not the highlight! One of the refs said he wished he had this much school spirit/support when he was at school.

Losing only one player next year so another great chance of getting into the top 8 in the state!

The team were magnificent. Basketball is on the rise!

Clark Stone

Penrith Selective High School's Eugenia Kim has won this year's Bateman Battersby Law Bursary.

Eugenia completed the Higher School Certificate in 2020 achieving an ATAR of 99.65 and has been admitted to the University of Sydney to study for a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degree.

The Bursary has been conducted for over 30 years. It was instigated by the partners of Penrith legal firm Bateman Battersby Lawyers to encourage high school students in the Penrith and Blue Mountains Local Government Areas to undertake legal studies at a tertiary level.

Many of the previous winners have gone on to achieve great success in practising law in a variety of fields, working in high level management positions in both the private and public sectors and teaching law at Universities both in Australia and overseas.

As the 31st winner of the award, Eugenia was presented with the Bateman Battersby Bursary trophy and a cheque for $1, 000 to assist her in her initial year of legal study by firm partners John Bateman and Michael Battersby.

Excerpt from The Sydney Weekender April 26, 2021.

Congratulations Eugenia - you join a number of students from PSHS who have won this Bursary. They include Daniel Cunningham (1995), Irene Wong (1996), Melinda Roylett (1997), Anna Samson (1998), Catherine Mann (2001), Kieran Colreavy (2003), Jessica Pace (2005), Alicia Back (2006), Grace So (2010) and Maya Suzuki (2012).

Holly Gerrard from the 2020 HSC year has been informed that she will be officially published in the Young Writer's Showcase. This is the book where select English Extension 2 students have their Major Works published.

This is a HUGE accomplishment as only 18 students in NSW get published.

Her Major Work, titled Saudade (pronounced: Sar-dar-day) explores the profundity of fear and grief alongside the foreboding force of bushfires, examining how these elements coexist with life in fire zones.

Saudade is a Portuguese word that roughly translates to the ‘presence of absence, an attempt to describe intense melancholic longing for happiness that has passed.' Holly wanted to demonstrate how we must find artistry in the flames to understand fear and the possibility of rebirth.

Holly’s Major Work is an eerie poetic soundscape filled with chilling and goosebump-making moments. Whilst her piece is best heard through headphones, here is a snippet of her poetry that will be published later this year. Congratulations Holly!

Saudade

By Holly Gerrard

The Overture

In the beginning

There was silence

A hush fell upon her audience

Tremors of anticipation darted across the wind’s course

Anticipation?

Or perhaps fear.

For she had not been born yet,

But the Mountains knew,

They always knew.

They could feel her searing promises within the very core of the blue gums.

The promises that taunted from within the walls of flames

She formed when the wooden bones of the mountains

Met their crackling metal imitators

There was no denying the electricity.

She fed on the oils of the Eucalypts that coat the air,

Unable to contain her hunger,

Craving to feast on the Mountains’ sustenance

To devour the blue mist and leave only

Scorched

Blackened, remains.

The blazing curtain rose

And havoc awoke in all her glorious and volatile rage.

In case you missed it

This project has been months in the making between the Prefects and Multimedia Leaders. The podcast is to guide our students to succeed in life. Its aim is to share wholesome experiences and wisdom from prefects, teachers, successful alumni and professionals at the top of their field. The latest edition features Holly Gerrard interviewed by current students and one of her English teachers (Before she knew that she was the inaugural recipient of the Inaugural Hon. Penelope Wensley Awardee for the most proficient female student in HSC English)

If you'd like to listen to the episodes, click the link below or follow us on Spotify. You can also search for The Penrith Perception on your Spotify app.

https://open.spotify.com/show/5XRsX7by50diB1FNBSkNhD

Stay tuned for more upcoming episodes and hear from Holly Gerard (Article above) as she speaks about her HSC success, including her major work being showcased.

Relieving Principal at PSHS July 2014 - June 2016

Principal at Cambridge Park High School from July 2016 - Present

1. Best Memory of Penrith High School

Having suffered several strokes in recent years my memory and recall are unreliable.

My best memory of Penrith High School is the move to the new building on the Towers site in 1950/51.

This building was outstanding when compared with the old building. It had a magnificent Assembly Hall, wonderful Science labs, and excellent Woodwork, Metalwork and Drawing facilities. I won a competition to design an Honour Roll of School Captains. It was mounted on the north wall of the assembly hall and I was so pleased to have my name on it.

2. Ambition to follow after high school

I had one ambition and that was to study Engineering at the University of Sydney. I achieved this, graduating Bachelor of Mechanical and Electrical

Engineering in 1956/7.

3. Current Occupation

I am currently retired for 20 years so I'll give you a brief resume of my career. My

first job was the design and installation of ABC's new broadcasting studios on William Street, Sydney.

This was followed by being responsible for the construction and installation of the Country Television Transmitters for the ABC in NSW.

I was then employed by an American company, Rockwell-Collins, to establish their Australian factory to manufacture Defence Communications equipment in Lilydale, Victoria.

I then retired and was engaged as a consultant to establish a Cooperative Research Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies which I then helped manage for 13 years part time.

4. Advice to PHS Students

Students whose careers require a university degree should expect to change their employer at least three times in their working life.

Don’t rely on the school’s Selective High ranking to boost your careers. It is more important for you to support your school and support its value by your own success.

1. What is the best memory of Penrith High School?

Small classes in senior years, support & encouragement of staff, friendship of other students, walking to school with friends; sport ; being in a new high school in a growing country town.

2. What did you think you would do after you left high school?

I wanted to explore what courses were available in the artistic field. Meanwhile I joined my twin sister Jean and my father (who was a Manager) in the Bank of NSW.

3. What are you doing now?

*Still learning and enjoying, gardening, language and art work

*Enjoying family life with husband, 3 children, 12 great and 8 great-great grandchildren

*Remembering great travels and great friendships

4. What is the best advice you could give to current PHS students?

Realise that God has given you unique gifts –Finding and developing them will make your life both satisfying, enjoyable and of value to others. Be thankful for the wonderful opportunities Australia offers.

A community has suffered a bereavement in the death of Mrs. Sarah Barber, which took place at her residence, The Towers, High Street Penrith, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Dear friendships that had been cemented by kind deeds during many years of residence in this town have been sundered, and there remains the memory of one who, though she

had no relatives in this district—nor elsewhere—had won a place in the hearts of many that blood relationship could scarcely surpass. Though largely blessed with the possessions of this world, making dispositions very often to the benefit of worthy causes, she pursued a simple, unostentatious life, enjoying associations with all classes of the community. She evinced a keen interest in various public matters, and identified herself with movements on behalf of the Penrith Public School. The Parents and Citizens' Association had her warmest support, and she often allied herself with efforts that that association promoted.

St. Stephen's Church, too, had in her a most faithful parishioner, who gave practical support and earnest co-operation to its various activities. Only those very few who were familiar with

the privacy of her quiet life were aware of the full extent of her wonderful open-heartedness and generosity.

Deceased usually enjoyed good health, and though of late she had not been so favored she, at least, retained sufficient vitality to be out in her garden on the day before her death.

The late Mrs. Barber, who was 77 years of age, was born in North Ireland. She was married there in 1875 to the late Dr. Alexander Barber, and two years later they left for New Zealand, where they lived for some time, making a host of staunch friends.

In later years many of these friendships were renewed in Australia. While in New Zealand fortune favored Dr. Barber in the way of riches, and he and his wife went to England, and re-mained there about two years. There he practised his profession and took his degree of M.D. Then he and Mrs Barber came to Sydney, and going on to Narrandera settled there for some

time. Dr. Barber had a large practice in the southern town until he sold out, and he and his wife went to the Old Country. They visited the Continent and America, and returned to N.S.W.,

Dr. Barber taking over a practice in Mudgee. Later they had another trip to Europe, returning again to Mudgee. In 1902 Dr. Barber bought the old home of Mr. William Tyndale, in High

Street, Penrith, and after making extensive alterations and improvements to it came to reside there. Years later the present imposing facade of the home—The Towers—was added, and

the place beautified generally. It was while costly improvements were being carried out that a sickness overtook Dr. Barber, and the completion was postponed. He died on 11th August,

1906, at Dr. McCormack's private hospital, Sydney, after a short illness, which necessitated an operation. He was then 54 years of age. Mrs. Barber continued to reside in the home for the rest of her days.

It was in the early years of Dr. Barber's residence in Penrith that the Municipal Council borrowed from him £7000 for electric light purposes. This was afterwards supplemented by another £3000. These loans fall due in 1930, and are bearing interest at 6½ per cent.

The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon. The body was conveyed to St. Stephen's Church, where a service was held by Rev. L. G. Hatfield Hall. The cortege proceeded to the Church of

St. Mary Magdalene, St. Marys representatives of many sections of the community being present Mr. John Lethbridge King (ex-stipendiary magistrate), Mrs. King, the Rev. L. G. Hatfield Hall, Mrs. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan McDonald, Charlotte Gillespie, and Patrick Egan were the chief mourners. Penrith Council was represented by the Mayor (Ald. D. Fitch), Ald. W. R. Walker, W. Dukes, T. Ransley, F. J. H. Allen, and H. Messer, and Mr. E. W. Orth (town clerk). Others present included :—Dr. Barrow, Messrs. G. King Lethbridge, Wm. Barron Lethbridge, J. K. Lethbridge, A. W. N. Judges, E. J. Fulton, C. C. Ezzy, Bathgate, C. J. Welch, H. J. F. Neale, A. C. Tipping, W. Fuller, I Gregory, Veness, I. Blissett, Monte Bennett, S. Payne, H. Foat, J. N. Peek, and Austin Upton.

Numerous wreaths were received, including those from :—Mr. and Mrs. D. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Lethbridge, Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Lethbridge, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. H. D Hay, Mrs. Fleming (late of Rooty Hill), Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Newman (late of Penrith), Mr. and Mrs. Austin Upton, Dr. and Mrs. Barrow, Rev. and Mrs. L. G. Hatfield Hall, Penrith Municipal Council, and Penrith District Golf Club. The service at the graveside was conducted by Rev. L. G. Hatfield Hall.

Excerpt from the Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW: 1882 - 1962) Sat. 29 March, page 5

HIGHLY IMPORTANT CLEARING SALE

OF ’THE TOWERS’ PENRITH,

WITH ALL FURNITURE, GLASSWARE, SILVER, ETC

A wonderful home offering for the first time.

The old home of the late Dr A Barber, known as “The Towers” (Old Hornseywood House), Penrith. This property, standing in spacious grounds, high elevated position, close to rail, 33 miles from Sydney by good motor road. Ideally situated for retired country gentleman or Sydney businessman. Admirably suited for private institution. Built of stone and brick, containing 13 rooms, which include spacious dining and lounge rooms, also three tower rooms, coach house, and sheds. The grounds are laid out in flower beds, with a circular drive forming the approach to the front entrance.

THE LAND comprises Lots 5/36 and 11/39, Section 19 0f Hornseywood Estate. The portion on which the home stands has a frontage to the Main Western Road of 800 feet by a depth of 341 feet, and the rear portion a frontage to Tindale Street of 650 feet, and a frontage to Lethbridge Street of 800 feet by a depth of 315 feet (measurements are approximate).

THE FURNITURE and EFFECTS are offered with every confidence. Bought by the late Dr Barber regardless of cost, they are an EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF MODERN AND ANTIQUE FURNITURE, SILVERWARE, ORNAMENTS and WORKS OF ART.

Full particulars at Sale.

Excerpt from the Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW:1882 – 1962) Sat. 24 May /Page 4

GOOD PRICES REALISED.

KEEN BIDDING BY LOCALS AND VISITORS

Probably Penrith has never been the scene of such an interesting and much-talked-of auction sale as that whlch took place at ' The Towers' on Saturday and Monday, when Mr. C. J. Welch, acting on behalf of Rev. L.G. Hatfield Mall, executor of the will of the late Sarah Barber, offered the property and all the effects to public bid.

Many articles of rare value, were submitted, and excited competition.

The result on the whole was eminently satisfactory to the vendor, though the property did not bring a bid. Private negotiations are proceeding for its disposal.

On Saturday the attendance reached about 700, including a large number of visitors from Sydney and other places, while many local people attended, and in numerous instances were

successful bidders. Folk came by car, sulkies, motor bikes, push bikes, foot, etc., etc.

Several art dealers from Sydney put in an appearance, and paid handsome prices for certain articles of virtue and Mrs George, of Oxford Street, and Angus and Robertson were among the well known business people represented.

A pair of Japanese bronzed storks that adorned the entrance to the hall was sold at a good price to a Sydney dealer. Some rare China, art silver, old Maltese and Italian works, choice

bric-a-brac, and a quantity, of plates (including the best Sheffield) brought high prices, principally from Sydney visitors.

There was great competition for odd lots, and glassware was in much demand.

At 2 p.m. the properties were offered, but no bid was forthcoming. Then the house with portion of the land was submitted, but with the same result. For the land at Springwood 10/-

an acre was offered, , but as this was not up to reserve it was passed in.

Private negotiations are proceeding in regard to this matter.

There was another large attendance on Monday, and many of the articles offered were keenly sought after. Among them were a marble-top washstand and table of George the Third period, a Dutch burr walnut bureau, a mahogany oval table, and a black escritoire.

An 1896 Broadwood rosewood piano was sold by private treaty to Mr. A. Kemp, of Orchard Hills, after the sale.

A wonderfully fine dining-room suite of oak, with sideboard and dinner wagon, was sold to a local bidder at a good flgure.

A quantity of books, withdrawn from the sale, was presented by the executor to the Penrith School of Arts.

Jersey cows and heifers realised good prices, and were secured by a local dairyman. Mr. Parsons, of York Estate, bought the poultry, and paid well for them.

A very artistic French China cabinet was sold privately to Mrs. George, of Sydney, and a French writing table of ormolu work, inlaid with brass and tortoiseshell, was secured by Angus and Robertson, Sydney. A well-known Emu Plains gentleman was the purchaser of an ebonised gold consul table, and much of the carpet in the dining-room will now adorn the house of Mr. W. Magrath. Other carpets however, were purchased by Mr. T. Campbell of

Winbourne, Mulgoa.

The furniture went mostly to local folk, and, with a few exceptions, sold well. Several bargains, however, were secured.

The late Dr. Barber's surgical books were purchased by Mr. Turnbull, of Penrith, whose son is a medical student.

A statuette on a pedestal, being a reproduction of the great work of art "The Rape of the Sabines," went to Major Sutton, of Sydney, at 40 guineas.

Luncheon was provided by the vendor each day, and was well catered for by Mrs. F. Horstmann. Various picnic parties were formed in the ground.

Everything passed off without a hitch. Auctioneer C. J. Welch proved himself a master of organisation, and he received many well-deserved congratulations. Nine men were

in attendance to assist, and purchasers experienced no unnecessary delays.

There was an absence of mistakes and of those petty thefts which unfortunately mar clearing-out sales.

The sales totalled well over four figures,

Everyone connected with the work preparatory to this great auction did his work well, and possibly we may be excused for handing ourselves a nosegay in connection with the printing

of the neat little catalogue, which was favorably commented on by many who used them. Once more the lesson is taught—stick to local industry.

Executor Hatfield Hall is to be commended for the fine spirit he showed in this respect, and ho has now no reason to regret it.

Excerpt from the Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW: 1882 - 1962) Sat. 28 June 1924, page 3

Penrith P. and C. A's. Agitation

FOURTH AND FIFTH YEAR CLASSES

If persistent endeavour in a good cause deserves success certainly such reward should come to the Penrith Parents and Citizens' Association in its efforts to have fourth and fifth year classes established at Penrith Intermediate School. ..Set-backs of the past are merely a spur to more determined action, and the agitation has been made district-wide by the enlistment of co-operation of other P. and C. Associations in the district.

All schools in the Blacktown-Faulconbridge area, including the outlying ones, have been circularised through the teachers-in-charge who have been asked to hand the circular to their P. and C. Associations. The aim is to enlist support from the different centres, the associations being asked to appoint delegates who will later be invited to attend a combined meeting at Penrith. Colyton and Kingswood Associations have appointed their representatives.

This effort was begun in 1929, and, though deputations have waited upon the Minister and Director of Education, success has not yet attended the movement.

During the five years 1929-1933, the number of passes from the Intermediate High School has been 35, 38, 40, 40,and 48. It is estimated that approximately 50 per cent of successful pupils have passed on to post-intermediate work. Though the majority have proceeded to Parramatta High School, some have had to travel to the Technical High School, Paddington, to secure the course desired, while others, no doubt, would have, continued their studies had 5th year work been available at Penrith.

In reviewing the results of the Intermediate Certificate Examination, 1933, the "Nepean Times" published the names of candidates from this centre who attended other schools. The passes gained by these pupils were, in most cases, much below those gained by pupils of similar standing at Penrith I.H.S.

Public Support Wanted

The members of Penrith P. and C. Association are, therefore, desirous of securing the support of all parents and citizens so that the town may secure the establishment of the five year course. The next meeting of the P. and C. Association will be held on Tuesday, 1st May, when it is hoped that all interested in the movement will attend.

Excerpt from the Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW: 1882 - 1962) Sat. 28 April 1934, page 1

Thank you to our Alumnus, Jim Mason - Class of '59, for researching the above articles

The Head Teacher History is gathering information about all of our past captains. The plan is to create a book which has the male and female captain for each year on a double page. There will be the name and year on each page. Each page is intended to have a school photo of the captain (when actually the captain) and a more recent photo beside it.

Underneath this will be four questions:

1. What is your best memory of Penrith High School?

2. What did you think you would be doing after you left high school?

3. What are you doing now?

4. What is the best advice you could give to current PHS students?

We may be able to get some of these responses from the profiles in the back of The Towers but would enjoy hearing from as many former captains or their families as possible.

If you were a past captain or family member could you forward a suitable photo and your responses to the four questions. This will be passed on.

If you know the contact details of any past captain could you pass this information onto the school via the school email penrith-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au and make it attention to Clark Stone.

The intention is to present the First Edition of the Captains' Book to the school late 2021 in celebration of our 70th Anniversary with copies for sale and one to be placed in the school foyer.

We still need to hear from: Please note the asterisk means deceased

Robert Smyth 1951 ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

Pat Parkinson 1951

Dennis Harrison* 1953 ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎

Margaret Eckford* 1953

Brian Bowles 1954‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎

Margaret Schubach 1954

Vida Vladickaite* 1955

Kenneth Smith 1956

Suzette Brown 1956

Doug Taylor 1957

Noelene Neville 1957

Lee Carroll 1958

Aina Alnis 1958

Greg Nicholls 1960

Barbara Crossing 1961

Rex Kinder 1964

Kim Longmore* 1965

Christine Borec 1967

Darryl Honeysett 1970

Margot Jensen 1970

Anic Vasic 1972

Stephen Cowan 1976

Joanne Wickes 1976

Elizabeth Doyle 1978

Gary Smith 1979

Elizabeth Jones 1979

Glen Bootle 1981

Michael Wholohan 1983

Carol Harris 1983

Andrew Thompson 1984

Nancy Thonton 1984

Colin Gardiner 1985

Marina Marjanovic 1985

Debbie TaylorVC 1986

Amanda Gibbons VC 1986

Grant Healey VC 1987

Robert Blair-Hickman 1988

Elizabeth Gyler 1988

Adam Haines 1989

Daniel Connolly 1990

Joanne Everingham 1990

Timothy Smith 1991

Karen Miller 1991

Qinton Single 1992

Alessandria Bosso 1992

Elizabeth Marchant 1993

Chantelle Vella 1994

Erin Reimer 1996

Michael Wong 1997

Anil Mishra 2000

Rachel Rowe 2000

Jonathan Freeston 2001

Vanessa Onden Lim 2001

Renee Yates 2002

Kieran Colreavy 2003

Sarah Walker 2003

Dillon Anderiesz 2006

Matthew White 2010

Emily Stone 2010

Angelica Manlangit 2011

Jonas Thomson 2014

Grace Shalders 2014

Simone Ferreira 2015

Deaundre Espejo 2016

Abirami Raveendran 2016

Janindu Kumara-Devage 2017

Manasa Bhatt 2017

Aryenish Kavarana 2019

Ethan Shackley 2020

Sophia Hadjimichael 2020

If you are interested please email the school on: penrith-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Attention Cathie in the library for further details

NOTE: the school was not established until 1950 so bear this in mind

In addition, if the Alumni listed below could also reach out to update some details:

Harry Grimes

Jason Peterson

Alan Jones(Somalia)

Stephen Thompson

Barrie/Barry Brown

Brian Carney

Alan Ormerod

David Stevens

Ian Dickens

Bill Wheeler

We would like to confirm the Duxes:

1.from the 50s

2. 1966

3. 1989

In Addition, we are also trying to find the Junior Sportsman and Junior Sportswoman of the year for;

1987

1990

1991

1992

1993

If you can help please email the school on:

penrith-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Attention Cathie in the library.

Thanking you

Email: penrith-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: penrith-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
Location: 158-240 High Street, Penrith NSW, Australia
Phone: 02 4721 0529
Facebook: facebook.com/penrithselectivehighschool