Posted on April 21, 2023 / Alumni News, / General news
Gavin Choong (Class of 2018) and Laura Driessen (Class of 2010) at the Foundation Service
Thank you to Gavin Choong (Class of 2018) and Laura Driessen (Class of 2010) who were our Alumni guest speakers at our annual Foundation Service. Laura’s interview was pre-recorded, and Gavin was able to join us in person on the day. They were both inspirational for our students, and we were grateful for their time and support.
Gavin also visited our boys Junior school on the 6 March to speak to his work with Amnesty International, and assisting the SHINE Cambodia School. Gavin inspired our Tintern students to raise funds to purchase classroom equipment, raising $795. After the assembly Gavin was a special guest interview on our student podcast.
You can view a thank you video online here.
Penelope Thwaites AM (Class of 1960)
We were thrilled to welcome back alumna and Avenue of Excellence inductee, concert pianist and composer Penelope Thwaites AM (Class of 1960) to Tintern on the 24 February 2023.
Penelope Thwaites spent an enjoyable time sharing her wisdom and musical expertise with students in a Piano Masterclass in the Kelson Room. Performers for the event were Helen Yang (Year 11), Ruby Chen (Year 8) and Ronan Phelps (Year 7). The performers were supported by a group of piano students who also attended and observed the masterclass.
Madeline Townsend (Class of 2008)
Thank you to the Tintern Grammar community, who came together on Wednesday 8 March for the Tintern Grammar International Women’s Day Breakfast.
Thank you to our keynote speaker Madeline Townsend (Class of 2008) who shared her brave story of how she survived her rare cancer.
Congratulations to Madeline for her successful team climb of Mt Kosciuszko for the Rare Cancers Australia Kosi Challenge. All eight of her team made it to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, with four also summiting Mt Townsend.
The Tintern community, hearing about Madeline’s bravery and strength, donated to Madeline’s Team ‘Spirit of the Dragon’ for the Kosi Challenge, raising funds for Rare Cancers Australia. The Tintern Community together raised $1,819.70, Madeline thanks our community on behalf of Rare Cancers Australia.
Pictured in the group team photo are also fellow Class of 2008 Alumni Stephen Coles and Tanya Misiurak.
Maddie Wright (Class of 2016)
The Girls Junior School Theme of the Year is Confidence, and they were joined by Maddie Wright on Tuesday 7 March as a guest speaker at Assembly.
Maddie Wright is an indoor Cricket player, and a member of the winning Women’s Australian team at the Indoor Cricket World Cup series in October 2022. Maddie is no stranger to international competition, prior to COVID, she played in the U22 Australian squad in Sri Lanka, Dubai and NZ. She captained the U22 team in Sri Lanka and was to lead the Team in a World Cup but COVID hit and she missed out.
Maddie shared stories of times she has challenged herself, and developed confidence as a direct result.
Thank you Maddie for your time, and the inspiration you provided to our students.
If you’d like to share your own stories of confidence with our Junior School students, please get in touch with us to chat about opportunities.
Angus Maynard, Class of 2017
We recently welcomed back Angus Maynard, Class of 2017. A guest of our Green Team he spoke at the Secondary Assembly about sustainability. In particular the sustainable washroom products Tintern Grammar is now using throughout the School. At Tintern, we want to minimise our impact on the planet and the washroom products supplied by Angus’ family business AGS Direct are helping us towards this goal. Thank you for your informative talk Angus.
