Awards & Competitions

AWARDS GIVEN BY THE SCHOOL

Celebration of achievement can be encouraging and inspiring.

Children never cease to amaze in their individuality and development and our current school curriculum, more than ever, allows children to find their own path in the institutionalised standards that are expected of modern school children.

An era ago however, the priorities of the education system were very different. Prizes were not only given to students who coped exceptionally with the rigors of reading, writing and arithmetic, but recognition was also given for high standards in disciplines such as gardening. As the early North Pine community had an agricultural base, these skills would no doubt be very valuable outside school.

Some of the early prize worthy events were featured in the news far and wide.

 

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS PRIZES

 

1908: saw a combination of breaking-up and Christmas activities along with a presentation of prizes by Secretary of the School Committee, Mr Thomas Bray – also known (at least by the adults) as one who would become a regular Father Christmas, distributing presents from under the Christmas tree to the children at the Christmas concerts.

 

18 December 1908 (Friday)

The breaking-up festivities and prize distribution in connection with the local State School were held on Friday evening in the School of Arts Hall. The building was packed to overflowing … The prizes were presented by Mr T N Bray (a member of the committee).

Source: 1908 ‘NORTH PINE STATE SCHOOL.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld.: 1864 – 1933), 18 December, p. 6, viewed 14 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19554877

 

1909: Included distribution (by a local politician) of some 50 prizes for general proficiency and gardening:

 

2 December 1909 (Thursday)

North Pine, December 1

A concert, distribution of prizes, and Christmas tree was given in connection with the breaking up festivities at the North Pine State School on Saturday evening … Mr Forsyth distributed some 50 prizes for general proficiency and gardening …

Source: 1909 ‘GRAFTON DISTRICT.’ The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 2 December, p. 2, viewed 13 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19609757

 

The Christmas concerrt and prize distribution for 1910 was postponed a week due to bad weather:

 

17 December 1910 (Saturday)

SOCIAL

The prize distribution and concert of the North Pine State School, postponed on account of the weather, will take place next Thursday evening.  An enjoyable program has been arranged.

Source: 1910 ‘SOCIAL.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 17 December, p. 7, viewed 19 August, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19679289

 

Young Alice Leis was one of the well-deserved recipients of 1910, recieving a book prize for ‘good conduct’.  The handwritten inscription is written with a nib pen and ink and it has preserved beautifully after 104 years.

 

Caption: Christmas Book Prize of Alice Leis.  This book was presented to Alice for ‘Good Conduct’ in December 1910 by the Head Teacher of the time Mr Robert D Hunter.  It was presumably presented at the annual Christmas concert and was presented by Mrs James Forsythe, the wife of a local politician who routinely contributed to the North Pine School ‘prize fund’.  Courtesy Patricia Dunne.

 

1911: There were “handsome prizes” were donated by the local politician and his wife, Mrs Petrie and Mr Eaves:

 

11 December 1911 (Monday)

NORTH PINE STATE SCHOOL

A successful entertainment by the North Pine State School children, followed by the distribution of prizes and a Christmas tree, was held in the local School of Arts on Friday night … Handsome prizes were donated by Mr and Mrs Forsyth, Mrs Petrie, and Mr Eaves.

Source:1911 ‘NORTH PINE STATE SCHOOL.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 11 December, p. 9, viewed 13 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19724976

 

1912: A news article in ‘The Brisbane Courier’ in 1912, shows that the budgeting and forward planning for the annual end-of-year event was organised by the School Committee. It also gives us insight into the ‘prize fund’ which was, in this instance, contributed to by the late Mrs T Petrie (wife of Tom Petrie) and Mr Forsyth (a local politician of the era).

 

12 November 1912 (Tuesday)

NORTH PINE, November 11

… A meeting of the committee of the local State school was held on Wednesday evening. Mr Jas Connors occupied the chair and there were also present Messrs Bray (secretary), Osborne (treasurer), Leis, Lear, Baldwin, and Young. Final arrangements were made for the annual concert distribution of prizes and Christmas tree. The prizes are to be distributed by Mr J Forsyth, M.L.A., who will be accompanied by Mrs Forsyth Cheques of one guinea each were received from Mrs T Petrie and Mr Forsyth towards the prize fund.

Source:1912 ‘BELOW THE RANGE.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld.: 1864 – 1933), 12 November, p. 4, viewed 14 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19843494

 

Consequently an excellent night was had in distributing the prizes of 1912.

 

28 November 1912 (Thursday)

The annual concert, Christmas tree, and distribution of prizes in connection with the North Pine State School was held in the School of Arts Hall on Saturday night, and notwithstanding the severe storm the attendance was a record (writes our North Pine correspondent) Mr and Mrs R D Hunter were responsible for the excellent arrangements … The prizes were distributed by Mr Jas Forsyth, MLA, who was accompanied by Mrs Forsyth. Little Gladys Hunter, a wee tot of 4 summers, presented Mrs Forsyth with a beautiful shower bouquet.

Source:1912 ‘SOCIAL.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 28 November, p. 7, viewed 14 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19833974

​

In 1921, the majority of prizes were seemingly handed out for ‘home work’:

 

22 December 1921 (Thursday)

NORTH PINE STATE SCHOOL

The breaking up ceremony of the North Pine State School was held on Friday. An enjoyable programme of songs, recitations, etc., was greatly appreciated by the   numerous parents and friends present. The prizes were distributed by the chairman of the school committee (Mr J Baldwin).

PRIZE LIST – Class V.3: Dorothy Baldwin, Gladys Geiss, A Bicke, W Weilsen: home work. Dorothy Baldwin, A Bicke. IV.3: Violet Reading, Vera Vaughan, H Myles, T Bray, S Blake; home work. H Myles, Violet Reading. III.3: Lilian Myles, Marjorie Baldwin, Maggie Cogill, Ada Neilsen: L Geiss, B Blake, E Brewer, J Farr: home work. Marjorie Baldwin, B Blake. II.3: Dorothy Cooper, Marjorie Goodwin, Ruby Vaughan, Mary Cogill, K. Skinner, A Baldwin, R Hermann, C Leiss, E Neilsen. I.1:     Gwen Mitchell, Winnie Brewer, Isabel Campbell, G Armstrong, R Moodie, A Carter, W Bunbury, C. Howarth.

Source: 1921 ‘NORTH PINE STATE SCHOOL.’, The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 – 1933), 22 December, p. 10, viewed 19 August, 2014, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20511031

 

SEVEN YEARS PERFECT ATTENDANCE

One award that was much sought after in 1919 was the gold medal for seven years of perfect attendance. In that year the award went to both Mabel Skinner and Jean Ebert who were awarded the medals in December of 1919. These achievements were written in the publication produced for the Centenary event:

 

“Mabel Skinner is now Mrs Albert Hart and is very well known in the area. All of her children attended Petrie State School and a large number of her grandchildren were educated there. Mrs Hart is still living in Petrie and takes an active interest in the school and the community life of the area.

Jean McNamara (nee Ebert) had a perfect attendance record at school lasting through her entire school life. Mrs McNamara even refused to have a day off to be bridesmaid for her sister. She went to school until the roll was called at 1:30, and with a car waiting for her she dashed off to the wedding. The Ebert family is another well know family in the district.

Both these women have donated their gold medals and a sewing sampler (the like of which is not seen today) for display at the school. Mrs McNamara’s sampler received 1^st prize at the Lawnton Show about 55 years ago.”

Source: Centenary Petrie State School 1874-1974: History of Petrie State School Formerly North Pine State School

 

During preparations for the memorabilia displays organised for the school’s 140 year celebration in 2014, we were able to locate the relics preserved by the Hart family, who kindly allowed us to display them and document them for the ‘Petrie State School History Project’.

 

Caption: Ca. 1914 This sewing sampler was hand sewn by Mabel during her school days and shows the different sewing techniques girls learnt in the early 20th century.  It is approximately 1 metre in length.  Courtesy: Pam Alton (nee Hart).  See Rural and Domostic School to see Pam Alton’s (Mabel’s daughter) sewing sampler from the 1950s.

 

1939: The ‘prize giving’ tradition seemed to continue for some time as evidenced by an image of a book prize awarded in 1939 to Keith Fink.  Although, by this time it seems there were other events were one could win a prize, such as the annual ‘fancy dress ball’.

 

Caption: This book was possibly awarded to him as a prize for the 1939 annual fancy dress ball.  Courtesy Moreton Bay Regional Council Local History Library, Strathpine.

 

A ‘Brisbane Courier’ article sourced from the TROVE website (National Library of Australia) noted that a K Fink was awarded a prize:

 

24 October 1939 (Tuesday)

PETRIE

Prize-winners at the PetrieStateSchool children’s annual fancy dress ball were: — Boys: M Herman. D Duncombe, A King, D Neilson, J Herman, J Ferguson, K Houghton, K Fink, R Cook, D Webster, J Randall, D Skinner, C Campbell, K Beaky, G Houghton. Girls: P Buckby, E Tuffiect, G King, G Moyle, H Gordon, M Brewer, B Allsopp, A Duncombe. Mr and Mrs C Buchanan (Caboolture), were Judges. Euchre prizes were won by Messrs M Klatt, E Goddard, J Cooke, Mesdames L Ebbert, W Scott, and W Lang. Scriven’s orchestra (Sandgate) played the music, and the takings amounted to 20 pounds.

Source: 1939 ‘NEWS FROM THE COUNTRY.’, The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 – 1954), 24 October, p. 17, viewed 14 December, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article40886569

 

See FANCY DRESS BALLS for more about the prizes at these events.

 

Prizes were also handed out for the early sports events, you can read about those on the SPORTS AND HPE page.

AWARD FOR MERIT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE KIDS

Presumably awards have continually been presented for outstanding achievement, not only academically, but, in time, for other disciplines such as sports and music.

Depending on the year and what is available to the school, students have been presented with a number of different accolades.

 

1985: “… provided bursary for top Students (1984 winners Theo Riethmuller and Alexis McGrath).”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

The need to enforce and encourage a no littering policy, where students would became personally responsible for their own mess and that of their peers, spawned the “Tidy Aussie” award in the late 1980s:

 

1988: “Badges for ‘Student of the Week’, ‘Tidy Aussie’, ‘Sportspersons of the Week’.

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

Some of these awards are evidenced in the ‘Petrie Log’ of September 1988:

 

1988 – 1 SEPTEMBER – PETRIE LOG 88/15

A PAGE OF HISTORY / BICENTENNIAL: COMPETITIONS – Vegemite Competition; Thong Throwing; Gum Boot Throwing; Bottle Top Tossing; Jump Tree.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK AWARD: “A new award, made on Tuesday’s Parade, entitles the recipient to wear a badge ‘STUDENT OF THE WEEK’ until the following Monday.

SPORTSPERSONS OF THE WEEK AWARD: “A new award, made on Tuesday’s Parade, entitles the recipient to wear a badge ‘SPORTSPERSON OF THE WEEK’ until the following Monday.

 

Today, assembly is a regular presentation of excellence as children are encouraged to keep up the hard work as they receive ‘student of the week’ ribbons and class awards designated by their teachers.

Nowadays, the ‘big’ awards are given out at end of year assembly. See the PARADE TO ASSEMBLY page for more about this event.

 

At 9.00 am tomorrow we will hold our Awards Ceremony. This is a celebration of achievement over the year. Student leaders for 2014 will be announced. We welcome parents and carers – we would love you to be a part of our finals celebrations for the year.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 20/13, 12 December 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

Children from every class, who prove consistently over the year that they are working hard and achieving results, are called to the stage to receive ‘Academic Excellence’ awards.

 

 

In addition, two children from each class who aspired to this award, but were not the top achiever of the year receive “Achievement Awards”.

Special awards ceremonies are held for sports soon after the events. See the SPORTS AND HPE page for more about these awards.

 

2012: PRINCIPAL AFTERNOON TEA (PAT) AWARDS

 

“I hosted an afternoon tea for 23 students yesterday. The concept is called Principal Afternoon Tea Awards or PAT Awards. One student from each class was chosen by classroom teachers. The student was selected based on effort and achievement in their school work. Some examples included: consistently excellent work, a fantastic presentation of an assignment, working diligently to achieve a goal and supporting or mentoring others. Congratulations to the first ever PAT Award recipients. I have included names on the next page.”

– Kerry Lofgren, Former Acting Principal (Acting), January 2012-June 2013

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 10/12, 21 June 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: PRINCIPAL AFTERNOON TEA (PAT) AWARDS

 

“I hosted an afternoon tea for 23 students last Friday afternoon. The concept is called Principal Afternoon Tea Awards or PAT Awards. One student from each class was chosen by classroom teachers. The student was selected based on effort and achievement in their school work. Some examples included: consistently excellent work, a fantastic presentation of an assignment, a great work ethic and being helpful to others. Congratulations to these PAT Award recipients.”

– Kerry Lofgren, Former Acting Principal (Acting), January 2012-June 2013

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 15/12, 06 September 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: PRINCIPAL AFTERNOON TEA (PAT) AWARDS

 

“I hosted an afternoon tea for 21 students last Friday afternoon. One student from each class was chosen by classroom teachers. The student was selected based on effort and achievement in their school work. Some examples included: a considered approach in all areas of work, exemplary manners, work and effort, consistent effort in all areas, creative poetry and great improvement in literacy. Congratulations to these PAT Award recipients. I have included photos on the next page.”

– Kerry Lofgren, Former Acting Principal (Acting), January 2012-June 2013

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 20/12, 22 November 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: PRINCIPAL AFTERNOON TEA (PAT) AWARDS

 

“I hosted an afternoon tea for 21 students last Wednesday. For families new to the school, the concept is called Principal Afternoon Tea Awards or PAT Awards. One student from each class is chosen by classroom teachers. Students are selected based on effort and achievement in their school work. Some reasons for this term included: consistently delivering a high standard of work, the pride a student takes in her work, consistently completing work and participating in discussions, excellent writing and for work completed in a thinking and reasoning journal.

Congratulations to these PAT Award recipients. Unfortunately we don’t have all consent forms returned for these students so we are not able to include a photo in the newsletter. I encourage you to return the signed consent forms as soon as possible so we can continue publicly celebrating the excellent work from students at the school.”

– Kerry Lofgren, Former Acting Principal (Acting), January 2012-June 2013

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/13, 14 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

 

COMPETITIONS ENTERED BY STUDENTS

Students entering competitions offered to primary school aged children gathered momentum in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s as recognition was given to the need to extend certain students in particular areas. These competitions also provided vehicles for group dynamics practice, problem solving, increased self-esteem and school pride.

It was in the early to mid-1990s that evidence of Petrie school students’ proud participation in extra-curricular academic and creative competitions was promoted as a source of school pride and initiative.

 

1994: A SCHOOL IS A VERY BUSY PLACE AND 1993 WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR WERE

 

COMPETITIONS

The students were also given the opportunities to participate in the Westpac National Mathematics Competition, Heritage Art Competition, Australian Primary School Science Quiz, Australia Post’s 1993 “Design-A-Stamp” Competition, Mining Australia Competition … It is pleasing to note that our students did very well in all competitions with some outstanding results. The participation rate is always excellent.

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

1995: A SCHOOL IS A VERY BUSY PLACE AND 1994 WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR WERE

 

COMPETITIONS

The students were also given the opportunities to participate in the Westpac National Mathematics Competition, Heritage Art Competition, Australian Primary School Science Quiz, Battle of the Brains, Pine Rivers Landscaping Competition, Debating Competition, Pine Rivers Book Week Competition … It is pleasing to note that our students did very well in all competitions with some outstanding results. The participation rate is always excellent.

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS

Students entering competitions offered to primary school aged children gathered momentum in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s as recognition was given to the need to extend certain students in particular areas. These competitions also provided vehicles for group dynamics practice, problem solving, increased self-esteem and school pride.

It was in the early to mid-1990s that evidence of Petrie school students’ proud participation in extra-curricular academic and creative competitions was promoted as a source of school pride and initiative.

 

1994: A SCHOOL IS A VERY BUSY PLACE AND 1993 WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR WERE

 

COMPETITIONS

The students were also given the opportunities to participate in the Westpac National Mathematics Competition, Heritage Art Competition, Australian Primary School Science Quiz, Australia Post’s 1993 “Design-A-Stamp” Competition, Mining Australia Competition … It is pleasing to note that our students did very well in all competitions with some outstanding results. The participation rate is always excellent.

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

1995: A SCHOOL IS A VERY BUSY PLACE AND 1994 WAS NO EXCEPTION. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR WERE

 

COMPETITIONS

The students were also given the opportunities to participate in the Westpac National Mathematics Competition, Heritage Art Competition, Australian Primary School Science Quiz, Battle of the Brains, Pine Rivers Landscaping Competition, Debating Competition, Pine Rivers Book Week Competition … It is pleasing to note that our students did very well in all competitions with some outstanding results. The participation rate is always excellent.

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS

 

MATHS, SCIENCE, COMPUTING AND ENGLISH COMPETITIONS

Over the years various academic competitions have catered for children with a talent for these disciplines:

 

1991: “First team entry into Department of Education Mathematics Tournament – Wade Johnstone, Douglas Charters, Glen Gallagher, Rochelle Stephens and Amelia Irish.”

David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

1991: “19 Year 7 students sat the Australian Mathematics Competition.”

David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

1991 – 31 OCTOBER – PETRIE LOG 91/19

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION: Year 7 students took part in 1991 voluntarily and Petrie students received certificates of Distinction, Credit and Participation.

Source: Petrie State School ‘Petrie Log’, Issue 91/19, 31 October 1991, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

2012: ICAS

 

Last term, a number of students competed in the ICAS Computer Skills competition. This is the first year we have attempted Computer Skills.  Children in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East participate in these competitions. Congratulations to Ben (4A) who achieved a Distinction, and to Alyssa (3B), Tennae (3C), Matthew (3C) and Joshua (6B) who achieved Credits. Well done!

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 13/12, 9 August 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: ICAS

 

Some students in Years 3-7 have participated in ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools). These competitions are run annually by the University of New South Wales in schools in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. A number of our students are to be commended for their academic performance in these competitions. We would like to congratulate all students who entered and did their best.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 14/12, 23 August 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: ICAS

 

Some students in Years 3-7 participated in the ICAS Writing and Spelling competitions. These competitions are run annually in schools in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. We would like to congratulate all students who entered the Writing and Spelling competitions and did their best.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 14/13, 2 September 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

PROBLEM SOLVING TEAMS

 

TOURNAMENT OF THE MINDS

‘Tournament of the Minds’ (http://www.tom.edu.au/) was originally started in Victoria in 1987 by 4 women who were busy mothers and full-time teachers. They realised that at this time in education there were no programs to extend students in various ways beyond their text-book based classroom learning. One of these women travelled to the United States and became captivated by the concept of ‘Odyssey of the Mind’ (http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/) .

(Source: Interview, Geraldine Nicholas, ‘Tournament of the Minds’, Victoria Branch – http://www.tom.edu.au/)

On returning to Victoria, she adapted this program and improved it for a uniquely Australian group of students and thus the ‘Tournament of the Minds’ was created. Although it began as a state-based program it was only a few years before the competition schedule went national in 1992.

Petrie State School signed up straight away and, in this inaugural national year, the first team was selected to compete in the local competition.

 

1992: “First Tournament of Minds Team selected.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

A team was nominated for the following year also:

 

1993: “A team also represented the school in the Tournament of Minds. It is the second year our school has entered and we are getting far more confident in the strategies needed for the tournament.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

It is not quite clear if a team was entered every year as by 1997 it seemed that there had been some break from entering teams in the ‘Tournament of the Minds’ competition as it was re-initiated in 1997 as part of the ‘Gifted and Talented Program’.

 

 

Today, ‘Tournament of the Minds’ is an international competition.

 

From their website:

 

Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a problem solving programme for teams of students from both primary and secondary years.

Teams solve challenges from a choice of disciplines:

– Applied Technology

– Language Literature

– Maths Engineering

– Social Sciences

Tournament of Minds is one of the fastest growing international school programmes with the involvement of thousands of participants.

TOM aims to enhance the potential of our youth by developing diverse skills, enterprise, time management, and the discipline to work collaboratively within a competitive environment.

Source: http://www.tom.edu.au/

 

EXTENSION PROGRAM

Mother and P&C member Julie Farrington, with the support and assistance of Teacher-Librarian Coral Foster, recognised the specific need within Petrie to extend the intellect of bright students who were experiencing boredom in the classroom. With the approval of the Principal (David Stephenson) and Deputy Principal (Ann Campbell), Coral became the ‘Extension Program Coordinator’ and some of the more advanced learners again represented the school in the competition.

 

“Tournament of the Minds allows children to be able to work with other children and to recognise their talents in areas of maths, sciences, english, etc.

So with approval of the P&C and Principal David Stephenson, Deputy Principal Ann Campbell, Coral Foster became the Extension Program Coordinator. This happened in 1997. It was a really great program and with a lot of wonderful enthusiastic children and parents involved. Parents were absolutely wonderful and very supportive of this.

Children were recognised as more academic by their teachers and were asked if they would like to be involved with this program with their parents’ permission.

Children were only recognised from year 5 to year 7. They would attend an extra class, or meet together at lunchtime and after school at someone’s home to practice for the “Tournament of the Minds” competition on weekends. Parents all had turns in doing this at their home.

Petrie State School attended their first [sic] Tournament of the Minds [in 1997] at St Pauls College. I really cannot remember how we did. Or for the next few years. All I remember is that our kids were always great!!! AAA+++ for effort!!!

Mark attended in this program until he left Petrie and I then had little involvement in this until again when my daughter Gemma became involved in this program in 2002.

When Gemma competed in Tournament of the Minds it was held at Albany Creek State High School.

My children also loved their sports and were in Patterson/Yellow, Mark became Captain one year and Gemma was vice-captain one year.”

– Julie Farrington, past Petrie parent and P&C member, recollections recorded 30 May 2014

 

Other academic and creative competitions have also been added to the school’s culture program from time to time including annual events such as ‘Opti-MINDS’ and ‘Battle of the Brains’.

 

2012: FUN-DA-MENTALS

 

Yesterday a number of Year 6 students attended Fun-da-Mentals at Pine Rivers High School.  They competed as a team in problem solving activities against students from other schools in the area. The students both enjoyed and were challenged by this activity. Four year 6 students have also been selected to participate in the F1 program at the high school, where they will design a small-scale F1 racing car.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 07/12, 10 May 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: BATTLE OF THE BRAINS

 

On Thursday evening last week 3 teams of Year 7 students participated in Battle of the Brains – a trivia competition run by Moreton Bay Regional Council. 34 teams of students from local schools competed. Two of our teams finished in the top 10 – in 4th and 9th places. Congratulations to all those involved.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 19/12, 8 November 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: F1 MORETON BAY REGIONAL FINALS

[COMING SOON: IMAGE – 2013 F1 MORETON BAY REGIONAL FINALS]

I went with Abby, Chloe, Sean & Joseph yesterday to the F1 Moreton Bay Regional Finals.

They did such an amazing job. They named their team “The Skittles”.

The teamwork this group showed was outstanding and was pointed out by every judge we came across on the day. Although they didn’t win any of the races, they did win the section for “Best Pit Display” and received a trophy. They also received a trophy for the “Encouragement Award”.

I was so proud of these kids and how well they represented the school.

Thank you for giving the kids this opportunity to go and I also thank Mrs Deakin the Principal of Pine Rivers High on the day. She also pointed out how impressed she was with them.

Cheers, Julie Foreman (Parent)

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 14/13, 2 September 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

MUSIC COMPETITIONS

Read More About Music Competitions on the Music and Performance page.

 

2012: PINE RIVERS SHOW MUSIC AWARDS

 

“Last week the Senior Choir and the Senior String Ensemble performed at the Pine Rivers Show. As usual, reports were that they were impressive both in the way they performed and the way they behaved. Thank you to the parents who went along and assisted with supervision. Our Strings group received an Encouragement Award, and the Choir won First Place. Congratulations to both groups, and to Miss Rose and Mr Jarvela. We also had some excellent work exhibited by many of our students. We received a number of first, second and third prizes. Congratulations to these students, and to all who entered items for the display. I would also like to thank Mrs Campbell and Mrs Vanstrien who spent time setting up and taking down the display.”

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 13/12, 9 August 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

SPORTING COMPETITIONS

 

Read More About Sporting Competitions on the Sports and HPE page.

 

COMPETITIONS ENTERED BY THE SCHOOL

TIDY SCHOOLS COMPETITION

Although it has been difficult to locate information about this competition, it was possibly run by either the local council or the Keep Queensland Beautiful organisation (which still offers a similar, yet somewhat more evolved program). It was an initiative to foster pride in the appearance of one’s school whilst also contributing the general beautification of an entire area.

 

1989: “School entered the 1989 Tidy Schools Competition.”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

COUNCIL LANDSCAPING AWARDS

Evidently during the late 1980s and through the 1990s, the then named and un-amalgamated Pine Rivers Shire Council (now Moreton Bay Regional Council) held a landscaping competition. It was presumably for individuals, businesses and institutions in the region to show off their beautiful grounds and gardens. It is believed to have been held annually, although references for this aren’t shown here.

Then Grounds-person, Brian Andrews, first took the school to the competition in 1989, where it was noted by the Principal of the time (Peter Boge) that the school tied for first place, competing against other ‘institutions’.

 

1989: “Petrie tied for first prize in the Council’s Landscaping Awards (Institutions).”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

The following year, the School entered again for a second attempt, on this occasion securing a Certificate of Merit.

 

1990: “Certificate of Merit in Council’s Landscaping Award Contest”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

It’s not clear if the School continued to enter annually, however they did enter again in 1993 – with stunning results!

Much media attention was gained for the school focussing on its beautiful surrounds and its enthusiastic junior gardeners.

 

18 October 1993: “School take out the Pine Rivers Landscaping Awards at presentation on 18 October.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

1994: WE WIN AGAIN!

 

After a very worthwhile effort the school was also successful in taking out the Pine Rivers Shire Council’s Landscape Award for schools under 500 students. This is a great effort by the students under the direction of Mr Andrews.

Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

 

OTHER HISTORICAL AWARDS WON BY STUDENTS OR THE SCHOOL

BOOKS, POSTERS AND FLOATS

 

1997: BOOK WRITING

 

 

Ca. 1988: SCIENCE WEEK POSTERS

 

 

1995: KALLANGUR RSL VICTORY PARADE FLOAT PRIZE

When World War II ended in 1945 ‘Victory Day’ was proclaimed by the Western Allied Nations (not to be confused with the ‘Victory Day’ of World War I in 1918).

Australia celebrated this day along with England, their colonial mentor in 1945, and in 1995 Australian citizens showed their remembrance of this day locally, if this snippet of Petrie State School’s history is evidence of such:

 

“First prize awarded to Petrie State School for float in the Kallangur RSL Victory Parade on Sunday 13 August.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

1999: FIRE POSTERS

 

28 OCTOBER – PETRIE RUMBLINGS 16/99

The Petrie Fire Station and Petrie Lions recently held a ‘Fire Poster Competition’ for year 4 students. Hannah Bayly (4M) received 2^nd place. At the Official Presentation on Tuesday night Jessica Bishop was awarded State Finalist and was presented with a trophy.

Source: ‘Petrie Rumblings’, 28 October 1999, Issue 16/99, Petrie State School. From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

2012: SEAT CALENDAR SUCCESS

 

Award-winning injury prevention program, the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) inspired students at our school to stay safe earlier this year. Run by the Spinal Injuries Association and accredited by Education Queensland, SEAT has a proud 24 year history having reached more than 1.4 million students and counting!  

The SEAT team reinforce messages like always wearing your seatbelt, wearing a helmet when on a bike or a skateboard, the importance of playing sports fairly and walking into any body of water to check its depth. These simple tips could save young people from sustaining a permanent disability.

Students were given the opportunity to enter a calendar competition to highlight important aspects of looking after your spine. Two of our students, Campbell and Paige have secured a page in the 2013 SEAT calendar. Congratulations to Paige (April) and Campbell (December). As well as having very proud parents, Mrs Brannelly is absolutely thrilled that the two winners are in 4B.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 21/12, 10 December 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014