What happens to students from our MSC colleges? Enjoy six achievement stories from Daramalan
So many brothers, priests and students taught at our schools in past decades. Often they reminisnce – and, perhaps, at times, wonder about its worth. Here are some stories from Daramalan (which in 2021 is in its 60th year).
CONGRATULATIONS CAROLINE!
Each year, around 80% of our Year 12 students gain admission to University. So graduation stories are relatively plentiful and a strong testament to the Daramalan ethos.
But every so often, one particular student has a special story to tell, and in 2021 it’s Caroline Gouws (2012). This month, Caroline graduated from the University of Canberra as Doctor Gouws, with First Class Honours in Human Nutrition, the Dean’s Excellence Award, as well as winning the University’s ‘Parker Medal’ for the most outstanding PhD thesis of 2020. Huge congratulations Caroline, we are all very proud of you.
So if any of our Alumni are looking for the right applicant to fill a specialist food and nutrition role, I have just the person for you!
ROYAL LONGEVITY PUZZLE FINALLY SOLVED
With the passing of Prince Philip last Thursday aged 99, it is timely to remember the influence Daramalan had on the health of the British Royal household.
In 1973, Daramalan Fifth Form student Greg Turnbull (1974) was invited by Canberra ABC to participate in a TV program to speak with the Duke of Edinburgh on youth matters. Greg took the opportunity to ask HRH if he’d ever tried a sausage roll in a bun, the current Dara Tuckshop favourite. The Prince replied in the negative, but indicated he’d take the “recipe” back to the Queen, which helps explain how both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived such long and healthy lives. (Surely a knighthood can’t be far off?)
On another Dara connection, Greg is married to Yvonne Turnbull, who has been working at the College for the past 15 years.
JACK OF ALL TRADES
One of the great characters to graduate from Daramalan last year was “our Jack”, and I thought you might like an update on his progress, to illustrate that anything is possible - with and without a disability - if you have the right positive mindset.
Jack is now part of the Governor-General's household team at Government House for two days a week. He is seen here serving the Japanese Ambassador as well as the GG himself last week. All that Hospitality training in Ms Kline’s classes is really paying off!
But wait, there’s more! Jack is also working as an After-School Care Educator a day a week, then if that’s not enough, he is mowing lawns around his neighbourhood with his own small business Flash Mowing. Phew! What a positive and uplifting story about one of our inspiring ex-students.
DO WHALES LOOK FORWARD TO HUMP DAY?
It appears so, as Daramalan’s expert Vanessa Pirotta (2006) has just proven. Dr Vanessa turned up on Channel 10’s “The Project” and the ABC TV's "Breakfast" this week to explain her new humpback whale research. It looks like these mammals have been taking their name quite literally, with results showing humpback numbers now approaching those of pre-whaling days. Vanessa, who is leading the research group, described this recovery as “pretty exciting seeing these super-groups in Australian waters”. Excellent work Dr Pirotta
QUESTIONABLE BEHAVIOUR
Patrick Pigram (2017) was always the first kid with his hand up in class asking the hard questions, and last night he turned “professional” with his appearance on ABC TV’s Q&A “Budget Special” episode. His question? “Is this year’s Budget fiscally responsible considering I’ll be paying off the huge debt for years to come?” Good question Pat.
FILM AND THEATRE AWARD WINNER
Ex-student Daniel Widdowson (1998), now Dr Widdowson, is an Australian of the Year finalist, recipient of Best Director at the Florence Film Awards, Best Screenplay at the New York Film Awards and an Australian Playwright finalist. It’s that last bit that brings me to his latest production called “Rape & Other Acceptable Practices”.
Daniel’s one-act, three-person show is his commentary on unacceptable social problems which include rape, consent, silencing victims, speaking out and consequences, which he describes as “an intense, graphic, and uncomfortable show which presents a very important message”.
Daniel has a Doctorate in Performative Understanding, focussing on Shakespearean literature and theology, a Masters in Hermeneutics, and a Bachelor of Theology.
