Out and About

Edith Cowan statue unveiled 

St George’s students were fortunate to witness the unveiling of a bronze statue dedicated to pioneer Edith Cowan on St Georges Terrace. The timing of the unveiling couldn’t have been more apt for our new Head of Cowan House, Mr Adam Edwards, who accompanied our School Captains Ben and Alison inside the Karrakatta Club for the dedication attended by the WA Governor, the ECU Chancellor and a room packed with dignitaries. The sculpture, outside Anzac House, was gifted to the City of Perth by architect and former City of Perth Councillor Sandy Anghie and her husband Michael Anghie who warmly welcomed St George's students to the official unveiling. 

School Captain Ben said that going into the event he thought he knew who Edith Cowan was - the first woman elected to an Australian parliament. “But I learnt so much more,'' Ben explained.

"I learnt of her passions and dedication to improving the lives and rights of women and children across Western Australia. I discovered vital details about her upbringing and childhood such as the death of her mother, her father’s conviction and how she was orphaned at 15. All of which was prominent in constructing the woman she became.

"Although her time in parliament was nothing less than revolutionary across the country, I also learnt that it overshadowed her most significant characteristics and life work of caring for children, women and those in need. I found that the Karrakatta Club’s motto picked by herself, Edith Dirksey Cowan OBE, best summed up her mission, Spectemur Agendo, meaning ‘let us be judged by our actions’. A suitable few words which I am sure that Cowan House will also live by.''

Other student comments from the event …

“Edith Cowan was a momentous figure in the history of our state and for the rights of children and women across it. Hence, this has timed so well with the unveiling of Cowan House, which couldn’t be named after a more inspiring figure.''

 

 "It was incredible to see the final reveal of her statue and both an honour and pleasure to attend the unveiling. We learnt that this is the first statue of a woman on St Georges Terrace!

 

“It was an incredible experience to be invited to such a special event. It was a great opportunity to talk to the individuals at the event about their life experiences and a common topic regarding the uniqueness of our school.’’  

The plaque for the statue features a QR code, linking visitors to information about Edith Cowan’s life and contributions. The artwork was created by renowned Western Australian sculptors Joan Walsh-Smith OAM and Charles Smith OAM.

Mrs Lisa Quartermain

Community Engagement Manager

Learned friends, mock trials and a real-life case  

As part of Humanities’ Civics and Citizenship course, Year 8 students walked to the city courts as part of the Francis Burton Law Education Program - a highlight of the curriculum that brings classroom learning to life. The excursion began with a visit to the Old Court House Law Museum, the oldest surviving building in Perth, where students took part in a Mock Trial, enthusiastically stepping into the roles of lawyers, judges, witnesses and jurors. It was a chance to apply what they have been learning about how courts make law. The outing continued with a tour of Courtroom 1 at the Supreme Court where students learned about the symbolism present in the courtroom – from the judge’s robes and the coat of arms to the placement of the jury and the bar table. They also gained insight into the many people who contribute to making a trial work, including judges, lawyers, court officers, and jurors.

Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the excursion came when students sat in the public gallery of the District Court to observe a real trial in action. The case they witnessed involved an alleged $3 million money laundering scheme, and students had the unique opportunity to watch the Prosecution deliver their closing arguments to the jury.

The excursion was not only educational but also deeply engaging, helping students to see the relevance of civics in the real world and giving them a greater appreciation for the role of law in Australian society. 

Mr Ken Maddess

Head of Learning Area - HASS

Debating with a twist

Round five of Novice Debating plunged us back into life as we knew it during Covid. The lack of a venue meant we ran the debating competitions on Zoom. Despite my amazing tech savvy, I did have doubts about the likelihood of the whole night working. I clearly underestimated the technical capabilities of my novices. Before I could say WADL, they had our screens set up and were busy developing arguments both for and against the proposition that “Wisdom does not come with age”. I withheld some opinions of my own for fear that I’d be howled down by our modern youth. I was itching to use Oscar Wilde’s observation that perhaps it is just that “I’m not young enough to know everything”.

Congratulations to Amy Stapley Oh, Emmeline Tribbick, Harper Pope, Milo Gorman and Xavier Koirala who were victorious over Scotch College. 

Commiserations to Mason Shoobridge, Angus Mc Aullay, Griffin Bingham and Christian Lustig who narrowly lost to Seton Catholic College.

Although our Senior team’s victory was on the basis of a bye, the evening was not a waste of time by any stretch of the imagination. Our Senior Team - Alfred Keane, Eli Holbeach, Aelwen Johnstone and Lawson Forrester - were scheduled against WADL One. This meant that all three of them were pitted against one experienced adult WADL debater, like some form of intellectual three-on-one gladiator fight. I am pleased to say, having sat in the wings, that our gladiators equipped themselves well. It is a while since I have sat in on one of their deliveries and I was impressed by how much their form and confidence had grown. Well done to all our debators.

Mr Damien Kerrigan

Head of Learning Area - English 

and Languages