The Eagle Magazine Summer 2022 JPC

Message from Mr Cec Munns AM Foundation Day 2022 was one of the greatest highlights of our 40th anniversary celebrations. The College came together to celebrate our humble beginnings and 40 years of rich history with Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM , Governor of Queensland, guest speaker at this year’s event. Our Founding Principal, Mr Cec Munns, was not able to attend but sent this message. So often as we have gathered, as we do today, we have correctly recognised the contributions of Rollo Enright, Leo Burke, Patrick Doulin and Bryan Gilmour OAM for the part they played in establishing the unique ecumenical nature of our College. And, so often as we have gathered, as we do today, we have correctly recognised the contributions of Harry Coleman, Terry Layton and Peter Hollett for the part they played in establishing the financial stability of our College and our Board of Directors system. And, so often as we have gathered, as we do today, we have correctly recognised the parts played by Ena Bradley-Spencer and Keith Drake for their financial support which allowed our College to open its doors on Australia Day 1982. And, today, as we gather to celebrate 40 years of educational excellence, I feel it appropriate to give some additional recognition to the significant role played by Don Cameron, the local Federal Member of Parliament, in allowing our school to flourish as it did in its foundation year and subsequent years. It is true to say that, without Don Cameron’s political support, we may have commenced on Australia Day 1982 but we may have found it very difficult to see out the 1982 school year, and to go on to make such a mark on the educational landscape of Logan, Brisbane, Queensland and Australia. He (Don Cameron) could have turned his back on us – and that could have been the ‘politically safe’ path for him to take – but he recognised the potential of our cause and chose to give us the political support that allowed us to flourish. In helping us, he also assisted other independent schools to open their doors and flourish. Today, as we look at our great facilities, spread over the Daisy Hill landscape, it is difficult to understand the absolute humility and fragility of our foundation 40 years ago. For example, we had no library, no science laboratories, no sporting facilities and a caravan for a tuckshop; when we opened, I as Principal, had only enough money to pay my teachers up to the Easter holidays. Foundation Day Please scan the QR code to view the Foundation Day 2022 Assembly 8 THE EAGLE SUMMER 2022