Old school ties: Where Qld powerbrokers went to school
Queensland’s high flyers in the world of politics, business and sport have opened up about their school days – and some of the memories are awkward.
Education
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They’re some of Queensland’s biggest movers and shakers in the worlds of politics, business and sport.
But these high flyers had to start somewhere, and The Courier-Mail has sifted through the archives to discover the schools that moulded them.
We’ve also interviewed them about those formative years, with revelations including maverick Katter’s Australian Party founder Bob Katter being twice expelled, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman dislocating a knee at her school formal, and Queensland Teachers’ Union president Cresta Richardson talking too much in class.
A mix of public and private schools feature, both providing a well-rounded education and foundations on which our leaders thrived.
ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK
QUEENSLAND PREMIER
Schools: Jamboree Heights State School and St Mary’s School in Ipswich
What are your favourite memories of school?
I have fond memories of walking to and from school with friend Nicole, who lived two doors down. I also fondly remember playing sports, creating plays in the lunch break, running barefoot around the ovals, and staging mini-Olympics. In particular, St Mary’s taught me about social justice – values I try to practise every day as Premier. But I’ll always remember coming home and Mum would always have jam drops ready for afternoon tea for the friends who’d come home with me.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I was a prefect at St Mary’s and remember I rarely missed a school day. I was also school captain in Year Seven.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
I fondly remember my history and English teachers, Mr Costello and Mrs Molin and my debating coach Ms Webb.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I do keep in contact with some of my friends from my school days. Even though we don’t see each other as often, it’s always good to reminisce about the good times when we do.
STEVE JOHNSTON
SUNCORP GROUP CEO
Schools: Mansfield State Primary School, Mansfield State High School
Graduated in 1982
What are your favourite memories of school?
The lunch break from 12.50pm – 1.40pm. Usually, we would quickly consume the contents of our lunch boxes and get down to the oval to play footy.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I would describe myself as unremarkable from an academic perspective. I probably could have done better with more application, but I suspect a lot of people look back on their education with that perspective.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
The headmaster, Denis Frederiksen. He brought discipline to the school when it was needed. The fact that Mansfield State High School is now regarded as one of the best schools in Queensland can be traced back to the changes he made.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Yes, eight of the original group from high school catch up each year for the long weekend in October.
PETER DUTTON
FEDERAL OPPOSITION LEADER
School: St Paul’s School, Bald Hills
What are your favourite memories of school?
I was an average student and had a great group of mates. I have good memories and was pretty well behaved.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
I still keep in contact with a tight group of friends from school. It’s a pretty special bond we all have after 35 years.
My favourite teachers were Ms Pickering and Mr Jordan.
LARISSA WATERS
GREENS SENATOR
Schools: Rainworth State School, and Kelvin Grove State High School
Graduated in 1993
What are your favourite memories of school?
As for most awkward teenagers, school was a challenging experience, but I have fond memories of the friendships I made, and I enjoyed nurturing my interest in drama by participating in the musicals. Random trivia, Kate Jones and I had the lead roles in my grade 12 musical, and both of us ended up in politics.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I was always a bit of a nerd, very studious and polite at school. My rebellion against the system came later with my career choices.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Ms Kay Elsden, my grade 10 English teacher. She opened my eyes to the injustices of society and the role that binary opposition in language can have at reinforcing stereotypes. Niche, but made a huge impact on me. Mr Ross Allen my drama teacher is the other stand out, such a warm and encouraging teacher. All teachers are underpaid and overworked and all deserve more respect, and pay.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
The father of my second child was an old high school friend, and I co-parent with him. I see few others in person, but it’s always nice to see them happy via Facebook.
KURT CAPEWELL
BRISBANE BRONCOS BACK ROWER
Schools: St Mary’s School, Charleville State High School, Ipswich Grammar
Graduated in 2010.
What are your favourite memories of school?
Being a country kid from Charleville, I’ve got plenty of fond memories growing up and going to school at St Mary’s out there at home and being amongst my family and mates I’ve known since I was born. It was very different to the city, we got to run around with a bit more freedom, everyone felt like family. Growing up in a small community definitely shaped me into who I am today, it makes you very community-minded. I always remember Mum and Dad always being involved with things at school and with footy. I try and drop into St Mary’s when I’m back out to say g’day. I was a boarder when I moved down to Ipswich. My favourite memories there were all the things that the boarding school kids got up to in the time away from school, all the games of footy on the field after school. Luckily, it all came in pretty handy.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
Yes I was, don’t listen to anyone else. I never got into too much trouble and I always had a go at anything. I wasn’t the smartest or the brightest but I always had a crack (for better or worse) which I think is a bit of the country upbringing for you. I think that’s a good way to approach anything in life and something I tell young kids these days. Give it your best, that’s all you can do and you never know where you’ll end up.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Yeah absolutely, I have a few old schoolmates that I’m still close to. Obviously all the people in Charleville but also being a boarder, you build lifelong friendships when you live together like that, so I’m still in touch with some of those guys. It’s a big but small world around Ipswich, Toowoomba and out west back home. The support I’ve had all the way through from those people I grew up with has been amazing.
BOB KATTER
KATTER’S AUSTRALIAN PARTY FOUNDER
School: Mount Carmel Catholic College
Graduated in 1962.
Favourite memories of school:
Leaving it every afternoon. And, a particular game of school boys rugby league, I saw a gap opening up in the opposition forward pack, and between the gap was the goalposts. My teammate, Quaglioto passed the ball, and it was like it was suspended in the air. Yep, I hit the gap, and leap 40m for glory and a premiership.
Pain is temporary, glory is forever.
(Worst memory): Getting expelled twice. But I believe my football prowess got me reinstated.
Were you a good student:
We had public exams back then, if we had subjective assessment as they have now, teachers giving you whatever marks they feel like, I would have been world’s most hopeless student.
But in the statewide public exam, I got 100 per cent in maths, and later on I got As in history and English.
So other’s might say I was brilliant but I’d be too humble to make that assessment.
Favourite teacher:
I find that hard to answer because I had the greatest educators and all my classmates went onto very successful careers – mine managers, biggest real estate agent in northern Australia, squadron leader during the Vietnam War, university lecturer.
I think the enormous successes we enjoy in our lives are attributable to those great educators.
Do you still hang out from people from school:
Yes, I try to take as many of my friends to North Queensland Cowboys matches as possible.
DAVID CRISAFULLI
QUEENSLAND OPPOSITION LEADER
School: Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham
Graduated as school captain in 1996
What are your favourite memories from school?
We had the best tuckshop with some of the biggest mince buns imaginable!
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I really enjoyed school. I played every sport imaginable, loved music, had a great group of mates and my grades were reasonably good.
Did you have a favourite teacher, if so, why?
My primary school teacher Mrs Smith. I credit her with my love of reading and writing.
Are you still in contact with anyone from school?
I still know where every one of my Year 7 classmates are (there was only 7 of us) and keep in touch with a large number of my Year 12 cohort. To this day, some of my best mates were from school.
TATE McDERMOTT
QUEENSLAND REDS HALFBACK
School: Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Graduated in 2016
What are your favourite memories of school?
My favourite memory of School was Wednesday night rugby. After a big day at school nothing was better than running out with your good mates and getting stuck into some other schools on the Coast.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I’d like to think I was a good student, depends who you ask. I was very fortunate that my sister was three grades above, so I already had an existing connection with a lot of the teachers. There were hardly any diary entries during my time at Grammar.
Did you have a favourite teacher?
If so, why? I had no favourite teachers, but a lot of good teachers who invested plenty of time into me, particularly those involved in the rugby program. Top three were Mr Robotham, Mr Urquhart and Mr Evans.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I regularly keep in touch with my mates from school who are both in Brisbane and on the Coast. I also regularly chat to teachers and staff from Grammar who have been with me for a larger chunk of my rugby journey.
AMY MacMAHON
GREENS MEMBER FOR SOUTH BRISBANE
Schools: Petrie Terrace State School, Brisbane State High School
Graduated in 2003
What are your favourite memories of school?
Some of my most searing memories of high school were from being on the rowing team. I was not a naturally gifted athlete at all, but I found rowing to be a sport that was extremely challenging but equally as rewarding. I wasn’t particularly good at rowing, but one of the benefits of public education is that everyone gets a go. We came a devastating dead last at the 2003 Girls Head of the River, but I carry those memories of cold mornings on the river, punishing afternoons in the training shed, and tears on the riverbank with joy.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I was extremely studious. I wasn’t very organised in high school, but I worked hard and took schoolwork very seriously, which amused my parents. I was able to study a range of interests at Brisbane State High, including woodwork, drama, logic, maths, science, English, and history. I’m the proud product of an inclusive and diverse public education.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
At Brisbane State High School, we had a fantastic modern history teacher, Mrs Lingard. She taught us with passion and encouraged us to think deeply about how historical events continue to impact people and places today. I have vivid memories of learning about the U.S. bombing of Cambodia, which sparked in me a sense of anger and injustice that has, in part, led me to where I am today.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I’m still very close with a friend I met in grade one – we were lucky enough to go to primary and high school together. This year will mark 20 years since we graduated from high school – I’m looking forward to the reunion in a few months’ time.
MEAGHAN SCANLON
HOUSING MINISTER
Schools: Aquinas College Gold Coast
What are your favourite memories of school?
Making friendships and connections with people
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
At times yes, but I know other times I could’ve tried harder
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Mr Beard in grade 7 – he was the teacher who came to my inaugural speech in Parliament. He inspired me to think critically, challenge ideas and push for reform.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I have less time than I used to, but I still occasionally catch up with mates.
JOHN KOTZAS
QPAC CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Schools: Innisfail State School and Innisfail State High School
Graduated in 1976
What are your favourite memories of school?
Primary school was about getting through – and then there was a shock at the end of Year 6 when I was made one of the house captains. Whereas high school was formative and fantastic. At the start of Year 8 in 1969, the day before I went to school, I was watching a documentary called Shakespeare On Wheels about taking Shakespeare from Brisbane up the state on the train. The next day, one of the people in that documentary was my English teacher – Robert Arthur. That became my introduction into the Arts, that and having a theatre company just outside of town (Innisfail) who welcomed me and three others in.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
Oh no, I was terrible. The only thing I was interested in was the Arts. I was also confused, I didn’t know which direction I wanted to go in – the thought of a career in the Arts was non-existent for many years of school.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Robert Arthur – who was my English teacher in 1969-1973. I started Year 12 in 1973, but ended up leaving before I graduated. I worked in a cheese factory, then a bank, then I was introduced to La Boite Theatre Company in Brisbane. I ended up going back to school in Innisfail to finish Years 11 and 12 and I actually graduated Year 12 in 1976. But those years when I went back as an adult, several teachers saw I was making an effort, so they made an effort to tutor me after school to make sure I graduated.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I’m not in close contact per say, but I do keep in touch mostly with everyone from my school days. Unfortunately Robert Arthur died a few years before I took over at QPAC.
SHANNON FENTIMAN
HEALTH MINISTER
Schools: Marymount Primary and Marymount College
Graduated in 2000
What are your favourite memories of school?
Not necessarily my favourite, but my most memorable moment was dislocating my knee while carving up the dance floor at my school formal.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
As the daughter of a teacher, I was mostly well-behaved at school, and I spent most of my time with my head in books.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Mrs Cheryl Fraser was my modern history teacher in high school and was a real inspiration for me. She taught me during the 1999 republic referendum and sparked my interest in politics. And Mr Damian Bolten was my English teacher and ran the St Vincent de Paul chapter at the school which I became involved in.
He helped develop my keen sense of social justice and showed me just how important it is to give back to the community.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I am still close with a number of my friends from both primary and high school and I was recently invited back to Marymount to speak about my career in politics which was pretty special.
HARRIS ANDREWS
BRISBANE LIONS CO-CAPTAIN
School: Padua College
Graduated in 2014
What are your favourite memories of school?
Playing a variety of school sports with my mates.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I don’t think I was a bad student, I just think I enjoyed socialising with my mates too often and had different priorities outside of competing my schoolwork.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Mr Spargo – my Year 12 economics teacher. He brought great energy and interest to the subject of economics.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
JARROD BLEIJIE
DEPUTY OPPOSITION LEADER
Schools: Caloundra State School and Caloundra State High School
What are your favourite memories of school?
I always enjoyed participating in the school community activities, fundraising for the Student Council particularly on Athletics Day, so I could get out of the track and field events.
Talent quests. Loved the school version of Australia’s Got Talent. Most years, I entered as Elvis singing Blue Suede Shoes.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I’d like to think so.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Yep, Mrs Alison Cassell. Mrs Cassell helped me greatly in the transition from Primary to High School and was one of my greatest mentors during school.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Yep. Have stayed connected with many friends from high school.
DON MEIJ
DOMINO’S PIZZA CEO
School: Clontarf Beach State High School
Graduated in 1986
What are your favourite memories of school?
My favourite memories from my time at Clontarf Beach State High School are playing team sports with my mates, and the culture of the school. I really feel as though these two elements of my schooling life shaped how I think today.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I was no teacher’s pet, but I do believe I was a good student. I was voted School Vice-Captain by my peers and teachers, enjoyed participating in a number of team sports, and received an 895 TE score. I’m not 100 per cent sure what that would equate to today, but I was very studious during my time at Clontarf Beach State High School.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
My favourite teacher at Clontarf Beach State High School was Mr Stubbington. I respected him because he was a great storyteller, he pushed us really hard, and always got the best out of us. I knew that if I was walking into Mr Stubbington’s classroom, I needed to be prepared for a challenge – and I loved that.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
I first met two of my greatest mates today during my time at Clontarf Beach State High School – Miguel Rojano and Craig Tuffin.
IAN MACFARLANE
QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL CEO
Schools: Durong North State School and Brisbane Grammar School.
Graduated in 1972
What are your favourite memories of school?
I went to primary school (Grade 1-7) at Durong North State School, 7km from our farm and 80km west of Kingaroy. The school was always tiny with around 13 kids all up when I was there, and it was closed in the late 90s. I always tell people how I was school captain in my final year because I was the only student in Grade 7. My favourite memories are of playing marbles under the brigalow trees and playing cricket on a dirt pitch that sloped downhill to the east. We’d only ever bowl downhill from the western end which made our bowling faster.”
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I was a reasonably good student and I enjoyed Maths, English and Social Studies the most. I didn’t mind school but as I grew up on a farm, I was always happy to get outside to play sport at lunch time.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
My school only had one teacher, Ron Campbell, who taught all 7 grades so I suppose he had to be my favourite. Fortunately I liked him anyway. He was sporty, and a good tennis and cricket player. We often didn’t have enough people to play cricket so everyone would join in, including Ron and all the girls.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Yes, it’s still my home country, so I see people I went to school with who live around Boondooma, or when they come into Toowoomba to do their shopping. I also catch up with school mates whenever my wife and I go to the Burrandowan Races.
GRACE GRACE
EDUCATION MINISTER
Schools: All Hallows and Kelvin Grove State High School
Graduated in 1977
What are your favourite memories of school?
My favourite memories of school were the social interactions with my friends, general school life and just the carefree nature of school. A special mention goes out to the savoury mince rolls served at the canteen during winter, they were certainly a favourite.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
Generally I was a good student but I was very opinionated. At All Hallows that was a good thing, because the school would bring that out in the students – it encouraged broad thinking. We were told that in life, we could be whatever we wanted.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Sister Pascall was good. She was a volunteer photographer for the school magazine, she was quite a good photographer and also a kind teacher. We would always enjoy seeing her around the school grounds.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Yes, I still have many friends from my school days. Despite graduating some time ago, my school friends continue to be a great support. We regularly catch up with each other and look back at our time at school fondly.
JESS JONASSEN
BRISBANE HEAT WBBL CAPTAIN
School: St Anthony’s Primary School, Rockhampton
Graduated in 2004
What are your favourite memories of school?
I liked learning and really enjoyed things like getting my pen licence – meaning I could shift from pencil to ink in my writing. I enjoyed the hands-on learning best, getting to start touch typing, those assignments where you had to build a diorama, or create something with papier mâché. I was inquisitive and always felt I wanted to find out more about things I didn’t know.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I was studious. I was a bit of a loner by choice; because sport was something I did from an early age that progressively took up more time as I got older, so I had to work on things by myself a fair bit. I was a bit of a teachers’ pet because I knew I had to do some of the work away from the others so wanted to know what needed to be done. Being a daughter of a teacher, I was always keen at school, although my dad never put any extra pressure on any of his kids. But I wanted to do my best so that it would reflect well on him.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
Mrs Williamson in Year 7 – she taught me a lot about time management and the benefits of good planning. Those were the sort of life lessons that really made an impact for me, especially as I moved into top level sport where planning and preparations are so important. I bumped into her a few years ago and was really pleased that I had because that year was so important to me.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Not really. I have some friends through social media, but we’re not in regular contact. I went through primary school and high school together with a few friends but because I played so much sport, I was away a lot. I moved down to Brisbane to go to Uni and play cricket as soon as school finished.
CRESTA RICHARDSON
QUEENSLAND TEACHERS’ UNION PRESIDENT
Schools: Healy State School, Mount Isa State High and Townsville Cathedral School as a boarder.
Graduated in 1990.
What are your favourite memories of school?
Primary. Playing netball at lunchtime with the sulphur fumes coming over. And playing Red Rover on our gravel school oval. I loved social studies. Secondary. As a student leadership team, we led a student walkout/strike.
Were you a good student? Why/why not?
I always had the comment of ‘Cresta talks too much’. I was fine at school. I loved going to school. It was diverse and I had a lot of support and it was fun.
Did you have a favourite teacher? If so, why?
I had a lot of good teachers. If I had to pick a favourite, it was probably Mr Burnett. He was involved in the community, cared about us and supported us. But Mrs Clissold and friends started a netball club so we could all play together and be developed. In secondary, teachers went above and beyond to help us achieve. Academically and socially. I was very lucky.
Are you still in contact with anyone from your schooling days?
Yes I am. Facebook has really assisted. I haven’t attended any school reunions. But catch up via social media or when we are in the same town. I value reconnecting with people I grew up with. They have helped make me who I am today.
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