After leaving CHS at the end of year 9 went to St Clare's College (to my disappointment) and met a guy in year 10 who I could not stand. Met him again when I was in year 12 and things just happened from there. It also showed me that Marist boys really are not that bad ... well he was ex-Marist, he had already left school by the second time we met.
Married since 1992 and believe it or not ... Justin Smith was my husband's best man as they ended up being co-workers when Justin came back from Christmas Island.
Have 3 children (19 yr old boy (step son), 14 yr old boy and 12 yr old girl) have 4 cats and 2 dogs (Golden Lab and a Red Heeler).
Became a South side girl due to husband not wanting to move to the North side ... though would not change the Tuggeranong Valley for anything now :).
Attended Australian Catholic University (Signadou) in 1997 and finished my teaching degree (Bachelor of Education) in 2000 after having the kids and living in Wagga for 2 1/2 years, started teaching in 2000.
Bought a Kip McGrath Franchise in 2003 and love teaching there and running my own business. Left classroom teaching 2006 (had enough of having scissors, fists, chairs ect being thrown at me and being verbally abused by students and parents and have to be the one to accept it and get on with my job no matter how it affected me) to run business and to do something different for a little while which led me to ACT Department of Health and Ageing, absolutely love it however just a contract at the moment, hoping to have it extended. Am doing research.
Bought our second house in 2002 after selling our first and love it ... although hated the house but the view is great :) Full view of the Brindabella's from Mt Tennant all the way to Belconnen.
Besides that just keeping myself busy and see some old friends from CHS every so often. Unfortunately could not attend the 20 year reunion for a few reasons however, the biggest one was unfortunately all the old bad memories of being bullied and teased by people throughout my time there. No matter what you achieve in life it still does affect you when you are older, although it has taught me to be a lot stronger and speak my mind and not take any crap from anyone :) Though we all do grow up eventually, well you can hope. And I hope that I can walk into the next reunion feeling more confident and not worry about those who made my life a misery.
Well this is me in a nut shell ... hope to catch up with you all again at the next reunion ... and hope that no matter what has happened in the past that you are all safe and well and living the life you wanted to ... I know I am and I am very greatful and happy about that :) I couldn't ask for a better life, husband or children :)
Natalie
Thursday 25 October 2007
Tuesday 2 October 2007
Natalie Pacewicz said...
WOW!!! It looked like you had so much fun ... sorry I could not be there for the reunion ... was actually feeling a little nervous about going, especially since I left CHS at the end of year 9.
I think about you all, wondering what you have all been up to ... me I have been rather busy.
I would be great to catch up with some of you again ... how we have all grown up and changed :)Though some of you look as though you have not changed at all, as some faces from the photos were very easy to recognise, while others were a little harder to recognise.
I would like to say Tara you have done a tremendous job on this site.
See you later :)
I think about you all, wondering what you have all been up to ... me I have been rather busy.
I would be great to catch up with some of you again ... how we have all grown up and changed :)Though some of you look as though you have not changed at all, as some faces from the photos were very easy to recognise, while others were a little harder to recognise.
I would like to say Tara you have done a tremendous job on this site.
See you later :)
Tuesday 18 September 2007
Stephen Wood responds to the very first post...
see original post here.
Tara Madden,
I can’t believe it was you! Anthony blamed me for years, which lead to several nervous breakdowns due to my quiet and fragile personality at that time in my life..... which has led to years of counselling - all due to that one incident in my life....
But l harbour no ill feeling, l suppose in some way, l can sit back now and think that at least in my own unselfish way, l helped divert what could have been an even BIGGER Gastric attack in Anthony's hands and hopefully somehow that’s helped to preserve that beautiful song you both shared dancing away to "George Michael"!!!!
On a serious note! Checked out the web site and loved it! Upset l missed out on the reunion; unfortunately l only found out the day before and couldn’t at such short notice relinquish my parental duties... oh well next time…
Tara Madden,
I can’t believe it was you! Anthony blamed me for years, which lead to several nervous breakdowns due to my quiet and fragile personality at that time in my life..... which has led to years of counselling - all due to that one incident in my life....
But l harbour no ill feeling, l suppose in some way, l can sit back now and think that at least in my own unselfish way, l helped divert what could have been an even BIGGER Gastric attack in Anthony's hands and hopefully somehow that’s helped to preserve that beautiful song you both shared dancing away to "George Michael"!!!!
On a serious note! Checked out the web site and loved it! Upset l missed out on the reunion; unfortunately l only found out the day before and couldn’t at such short notice relinquish my parental duties... oh well next time…
Thursday 13 September 2007
Update
Hi everyone!
A quick update to let you know the list of students - those we've contacted, those we still need to - is on the left hand side of this page - just scroll down a bit.
HELP US OUT - forward details even if you think we may have them - we're keen to build up the list and ensure it is as up to date as possible. Especially those of you who complained on the night that we hadn't contacted enough people!!!
Also - for those of you on facebook, a 'CHS Year 10 1987' Group has been set up (for as long as the facebook fad lasts, at least...) and it's sad and lonely and really needs some friends to join as I (Tara) am the sole loser on there - a little like I was when at Canberra High, on scab duty in the quad when all my mates were playin' footy on the oval with the Year 10 boys... or like I was on Year 10 camp, when everyone went for dinner, and I got locked in the room, and no one noticed I was missing - and you all ate CHOCOLATE CAKE for dessert and I missed out.
So please, help.
A quick update to let you know the list of students - those we've contacted, those we still need to - is on the left hand side of this page - just scroll down a bit.
HELP US OUT - forward details even if you think we may have them - we're keen to build up the list and ensure it is as up to date as possible. Especially those of you who complained on the night that we hadn't contacted enough people!!!
Also - for those of you on facebook, a 'CHS Year 10 1987' Group has been set up (for as long as the facebook fad lasts, at least...) and it's sad and lonely and really needs some friends to join as I (Tara) am the sole loser on there - a little like I was when at Canberra High, on scab duty in the quad when all my mates were playin' footy on the oval with the Year 10 boys... or like I was on Year 10 camp, when everyone went for dinner, and I got locked in the room, and no one noticed I was missing - and you all ate CHOCOLATE CAKE for dessert and I missed out.
So please, help.
Thursday 2 August 2007
Message from Jean Chambers
I don't know about anyone else but 1987 feels like just yesterday to me and the 20 year reunion was just like we were catching up on the first day back at school after summer holidays.
Like Karra I loved my time at CHS. After leaving the AB block for the last time I went to Hawker College and then on to Reid TAFE for a couple of years. In early 1990 I met Paul and we have been inseparable ever since. When we met, Paul lived in Kambah and we soon developed a taste for living on the southside. We bought our house in Gordon in 1992 (pretty much as far south as you could go in those days) and have been happily married since 1993. No babies yet but our 13 year old kelpie, Scully keeps us on our toes - she is definitely the boss in our house.
I got my first full time job with the Australian Medical Association in 1991 and worked in various accounts, marketing and public relations roles during my 11 years there. Had a couple of other great jobs with medical organisations before trying my hand at the public service - something I had always resisted. I've been at the Tax Office working in internal communications for nearly two years now and I love it. The work is challenging and the people are fantastic.
After the reunion Paul and I went to the UK for four weeks to visit friends and family. The attached photo is of the two of us on a boat on Loch Ness. Unfortunately we didn't see the monster.
Take care my friends and hopefully we will all be able to catch up again really soon.
Like Karra I loved my time at CHS. After leaving the AB block for the last time I went to Hawker College and then on to Reid TAFE for a couple of years. In early 1990 I met Paul and we have been inseparable ever since. When we met, Paul lived in Kambah and we soon developed a taste for living on the southside. We bought our house in Gordon in 1992 (pretty much as far south as you could go in those days) and have been happily married since 1993. No babies yet but our 13 year old kelpie, Scully keeps us on our toes - she is definitely the boss in our house.
I got my first full time job with the Australian Medical Association in 1991 and worked in various accounts, marketing and public relations roles during my 11 years there. Had a couple of other great jobs with medical organisations before trying my hand at the public service - something I had always resisted. I've been at the Tax Office working in internal communications for nearly two years now and I love it. The work is challenging and the people are fantastic.
After the reunion Paul and I went to the UK for four weeks to visit friends and family. The attached photo is of the two of us on a boat on Loch Ness. Unfortunately we didn't see the monster.
Take care my friends and hopefully we will all be able to catch up again really soon.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
HOW TO ADD TO THIS BLOG
A few people have said it's very confusing to work out how to add to the blog, so perhaps the directions to the left aren't clear.
Essentially, you don't add to it directly; this is done for you to save each and every person needing to have their own google-based email to register to use the blog.
Here's what you do:
1. Decide what you want write and a photo to send.
2. EMAIL YOUR WORDS AND PHOTO TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS
3. Relax.
It will be placed up there for you and you'll be notified as such.
So it's really not TOO HARD.
Essentially, you don't add to it directly; this is done for you to save each and every person needing to have their own google-based email to register to use the blog.
Here's what you do:
1. Decide what you want write and a photo to send.
2. EMAIL YOUR WORDS AND PHOTO TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS
3. Relax.
It will be placed up there for you and you'll be notified as such.
So it's really not TOO HARD.
Tuesday 5 June 2007
Update from Tara Madden
I have been helping to put this blog together but actually forgot to put my own update up after nagging everybody else.
So now I'll prove to you how easy it really is (but I love talking about myself so it's a cinch).
Since 1987... well after the glorious years at Lake Ginninnderra College I worked at the Hyatt after school then travelled to London where I met up with Kirk Zwangobani and Darin Ballard! I stayed in the UK for that first stint for just over two years, travelling Europe with Olivia Edlington and Penny Lion, and then being joined by Kim Lion after a year or so and we all lived together in a two bedroom flat and had a BALL! We had no money and hardly ate anything, but managed to put on masses of weight and drink loads of beer. Ergh. Was TOPS!
Olivia, Penny and I then travelled through Africa and reluctantly returned home in 1993 to debt and a job managing an STA Travel agency, which, although it momentarily found me a husband, Scott, who I married in 1997, it was also a very stressful job!
Deciding years of being kicked around in customer service was enough, I studied a BA in Information Management from 1995 (I have no idea what that means, but majored in Professional Writing which was the most important part) and took a job in Public Affairs with the Dept of Environment in Canberra in '98 until heading overseas with husband Scott, and Clare Nichols, in 1999.
We travelled in Europe and met up with Sally Naylor, Morgan Tully and Olivia Edlington plus lots of others, then returned to London where Cameron Wickham and Justin Stanger showed us all the places to get drunk in London. Scott and I broke up in 2000 and I then had a brilliant couple of years living in the UK - absolutely loved it. I worked in communications there and travelled a lot - through all those years between living in Australia and the UK have travelled to over 50 countries.
In 1999 I attended both semi-finals of the rugby world cup in Twickenham; in 2000 I nearly got run over by the Queen (yes, she was driving) while wandering through Great Windsor Park; in early 2001 met Kylie Minogue; in 2002 my divorce came through; in 2003 I dated a boy eight years younger than me; and in 2004 I did a triathlon.
I returned to Australia at the end of 2004 and since then have lived in Paddington, Sydney. I do freelance communiations work, bizarrely enough with a slant on planning/development and am a very content little cookie. I found Mr Right but he had a brain explosion recently, so now I'm just his 'very good friend'.
My sister Mel who was two years ahead of us has three wonderful kids - Jessica (10), Brendan (9) and Maddy (7) who I adore and Mum and Dad still live on the corner in Aranda. This is my photo of me with them. They rule.
The only other things of note is that 1) I'm going to Nepal for four weeks at the end of the year and 2) completely out of the blue last weekend I received an email from Meg Cole, our old Year 10 English teacher! Most exciting...
See, it's easy, isn't it...?
Shock News: Ex-CHS Students so bad at sending in stories, Kaleen High students have been brought in...
Yes, that's right - Bill Sarran has forwarded a terrific photo of Tanvir Haque and his gorgeous little girl Aaliya from April 2007, for those of us who got to know Tan while studying at Lake Ginninnderra College and beyond...
Tan noted that Kaleen High aren't having a 20 year reunion, so it's the least we can do!
Come on though guys - more stories, more stories!
Thursday 19 April 2007
The lighter side...
Some words of wisdom from Craig Pollard...
My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asks, "Do you know her?"
"Yes," I sighed, "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since."
"My God!" says my wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"
My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asks, "Do you know her?"
"Yes," I sighed, "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since."
"My God!" says my wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Hong Kong calling...
A message from Bill Sarran sent prior to the reunion...
Hello friends. Sorry I could not be there. Living in HK these days and getting back not as easy with work and kids.
Finished at ANU in 1992 and moved to Sydney with Cameron Wickham and Tanvir Haque. Lived as a bachelor for 5 years before my lovely wife, Paula, of 8 years bowled me over when we met one night at a Ball. She was in attendance at our 10 year gathering for those who may remember.
Married in 1999 and now have two boys, Jack 5 and Tom 3. Moved to HK 2 years ago and loving the change in lifestyle and pace.
I have worked in banking since leaving uni. Currently working for ABN AMRO, a Dutch investment bank, Head of Asian Equity Derivative Sales. A good part of the world to be involved in with China and India both booming.
Nothing has changed my life as much as having kids. Entertaining and full of life. Helps put all other matters into perspective. Love my wife with all my heart and feel blessed by the two little devils she has shared with me.
Anticipate staying in Hong Kong for at least another 3 years depending on where the job takes me. Not the sort of thing you want to do forever! Still have interest to explore own business ventures post banking.
Have a great night one and all. Bill.
Hello friends. Sorry I could not be there. Living in HK these days and getting back not as easy with work and kids.
Finished at ANU in 1992 and moved to Sydney with Cameron Wickham and Tanvir Haque. Lived as a bachelor for 5 years before my lovely wife, Paula, of 8 years bowled me over when we met one night at a Ball. She was in attendance at our 10 year gathering for those who may remember.
Married in 1999 and now have two boys, Jack 5 and Tom 3. Moved to HK 2 years ago and loving the change in lifestyle and pace.
I have worked in banking since leaving uni. Currently working for ABN AMRO, a Dutch investment bank, Head of Asian Equity Derivative Sales. A good part of the world to be involved in with China and India both booming.
Nothing has changed my life as much as having kids. Entertaining and full of life. Helps put all other matters into perspective. Love my wife with all my heart and feel blessed by the two little devils she has shared with me.
Anticipate staying in Hong Kong for at least another 3 years depending on where the job takes me. Not the sort of thing you want to do forever! Still have interest to explore own business ventures post banking.
Have a great night one and all. Bill.
News from Bronwyn Phillipps
Some news sent from Bronwyn before the reunion (hopefully a photo may follow soon!)
20 years is a long time….
- family first: married Pete in 1998 and now have the lovely Cassie (nearly 2)
- lots of study: bachelor, masters, fellow, scuba diving, baby books….
- lots of travel: lived in a tent for a year while travelling the world, have hiked many interesting places from Africa to Scotland, Switzerland to Nepal
- currently working part-time (three days a week) as a consulting actuary for Ernst & Young
- now living in Sydney, and have also lived in Canberra & Melbourne (& short-term work in Hong-Kong and South Africa)…
- interests include black & white photography, photography in general, catching up with friends and fam and “gymbaroo” with Cass.
News from Barbara Doran
Life is pretty good - thrive on transience and diverse experiences. I'll never be one for your regular sedentary life in the burbs.
Since Canberra High I've lived in many skins and studied, studied, studied - finally putting a PHD on hold in '99.. During this time built a house by hand in the Blue Mountains, tutored, lectured, travelled mostly in SE Asia and lots of community arts and environmental stuff.
Had my daughter Heidi, she's 9 now - a 'tween'. Took a bit of a dog leg round this time - started working in film, advertising and got that always planned career as an artist on the road with a pause for baby no 2 - my son Jaz ( 2yr old dynamo).
Now, I mainly work as an artist (show at Ground Floor Gallery in Sydney), lecture less (economics for planners) and spend a lot of time in San Francisco where lots of film making happens (and where my husband 'Tim' often is). Unfortunately, the world of art, music and multi media also happens to be more high energy in San Fran and I spend my time interacting with it!! We wouldn't mind being based in NY next. See what happens.......
Since Canberra High I've lived in many skins and studied, studied, studied - finally putting a PHD on hold in '99.. During this time built a house by hand in the Blue Mountains, tutored, lectured, travelled mostly in SE Asia and lots of community arts and environmental stuff.
Had my daughter Heidi, she's 9 now - a 'tween'. Took a bit of a dog leg round this time - started working in film, advertising and got that always planned career as an artist on the road with a pause for baby no 2 - my son Jaz ( 2yr old dynamo).
Now, I mainly work as an artist (show at Ground Floor Gallery in Sydney), lecture less (economics for planners) and spend a lot of time in San Francisco where lots of film making happens (and where my husband 'Tim' often is). Unfortunately, the world of art, music and multi media also happens to be more high energy in San Fran and I spend my time interacting with it!! We wouldn't mind being based in NY next. See what happens.......
Update from Jamie Baker
A message from Jamie forwarded just before the reunion.
After I left Canberra High School, I moved up to Queensland where I did a few odd jobs before joining the navy as a communicator.
I spent a total of 8 years in the navy and loved every minute of it. Too many stories to write about, you will just have to ask me when we meet!
I was married in 2000, but being at sea took its toll on the relationship and we ended up getting divorced. I have done everything from being a real estate salesman to working for Alvey Reels making fishing reels and re-married in 2004.
I have a total of five children to vaaaarious women ( Just like a sailor, a girl in every port!) but have only the one little girl living with me now as well as my wife.
I was also an extra in a few movies, one which will come out in april.
I have lived in every state except for south Australia, and have just moved back to Canberra as my wife is in the Air Force and we posted down here in December.
I am currently working for the department of immigration in Belconnen and love every minute of it, especially the mega bucks!
I was so disappointed in missing out on the 10 year reunion, but it is a bit hard to get to these things when you are sailing around Asia. I am very much looking forward to catching up with everyone at the reunion as I am sure it will be a blast.
After I left Canberra High School, I moved up to Queensland where I did a few odd jobs before joining the navy as a communicator.
I spent a total of 8 years in the navy and loved every minute of it. Too many stories to write about, you will just have to ask me when we meet!
I was married in 2000, but being at sea took its toll on the relationship and we ended up getting divorced. I have done everything from being a real estate salesman to working for Alvey Reels making fishing reels and re-married in 2004.
I have a total of five children to vaaaarious women ( Just like a sailor, a girl in every port!) but have only the one little girl living with me now as well as my wife.
I was also an extra in a few movies, one which will come out in april.
I have lived in every state except for south Australia, and have just moved back to Canberra as my wife is in the Air Force and we posted down here in December.
I am currently working for the department of immigration in Belconnen and love every minute of it, especially the mega bucks!
I was so disappointed in missing out on the 10 year reunion, but it is a bit hard to get to these things when you are sailing around Asia. I am very much looking forward to catching up with everyone at the reunion as I am sure it will be a blast.
Update from Clare Nichols
Here's what I've been up to since 1987
- I moved to Canada with my family in April 1987 and lived there for almost 2 years. We returned to Canberra end of 1988 and I went to Lake Ginninderra College in 1989 for Yr 12.
- I travelled around Europe for 5 months in 1990 mainly with Sally Naylor, Ann Mataczyna, Kirk Zwangobani and Rebecca Gilbert!
- I went home and did a Communications degree at Uni of Canberra.
- Moved to Melbourne and then Sydney where I’ve been ever since working in Communications-related jobs.
- Travelled OS again in 1999 with Tara Madden and others along the way such as Olivia Edlington and Sally Naylor.
- Went home and studied again?! Editing and Publishing degree.
- Met my husband Greg in 2002 and we married in 2003. We have two kiddies, Hugo (born Jan 2005) and Lucy (born Oct 2006).
- We are moving to Vietnam in July 07 for 18 months for Greg’s work. Very excited!
- Missed the reunion but would love to make the next one…
Message from Cameron Wickham
Tara, thanks for setting up this website, it looks great. Click here for a selection of my photos from the reunion...
Cameron
Cameron
Yummy Mummies - September 2006
I had three gorgeous girls to my house in September last year for brunch - and here they are. Clare Nichols was heavily pregnant with her baby girl Lucy, born in October and Claudene Nestler was pregnant with her boy Zack born in January. Rebecca Osborn was there with her two little girls, Imogen (toddler) and Olivia (baby). Clare's son Hugo and Claudene's son Luca were no doubt wreaking havoc elsewhere at the time.
Hopefully the girls will provide some updates on following this mini baby boom of 2007!!!
Cheers, Tara
Friday 30 March 2007
Let us know what you're up to!
Telling your old schoolmates about what's happening in life is pretty easy.
If you wish to create your own 'post' - which means you can also include photos of your families, partners, pet dogs etc etc - then please email to either have the information put up for you, or give you permission to register as an author of the CHS Year 10 1987 blog (however, to register, you need to create a google/gmail sign in).
If you wish to create your own 'post' - which means you can also include photos of your families, partners, pet dogs etc etc - then please email to either have the information put up for you, or give you permission to register as an author of the CHS Year 10 1987 blog (however, to register, you need to create a google/gmail sign in).
Sharing photos from the reunion
We'd love to see your photos from the reunion, or even some old scanned photos from High School.
Please click on 'comment' at the bottom of this post and include in your comment any links to online albums you may have from the reunion or from school days.
If you have just a few photos, please email to get them online.
Here is a link to Tara's photos from the 20 year reunion - what fun!
Please click on 'comment' at the bottom of this post and include in your comment any links to online albums you may have from the reunion or from school days.
If you have just a few photos, please email to get them online.
Here is a link to Tara's photos from the 20 year reunion - what fun!
Something Fishy...
Question: Have you ever seen a better looking fisherman than this?
Incidentally, the fish was 16.55kg and 115 cm long - I'll leave it to Stang to tell us more about the whole thing!
Tuesday 27 March 2007
Old Photos
The 20 year reunion: the recovery...
In 1985, while dancing with Anthony Bezos at the Year 8 social, I was so nervous and excited (I had a bit of a crush on the Bezster) that I farted and farted (and when he complained about the smell, I recall blaming the whole thing on Stephen Wood).
Twenty two years later, while dancing with Anthony Bezos in the somewhat less salubrious surroundings of Mooseheads at about 5.30am on Sunday morning, I was so nervous and excited that I partially dislocated my left kneecap. Girls, you will all be thrilled to learn that our Anthony has lost none of his charm as he assisted me off the dance floor, then to the toilets, then waited patiently to help me up the stairs, and then left me in the safe hands of Stang who got me home in a taxi at a time I've not stayed out till since, well, about 1989.
I think the 20 year reunion proved that we've all turned out to be rather rather nice people, wouldn't you agree? And with a few of us raising the expectations to hold a 25 year reunion, it was suggested that we have some kind of online area to leave details and keep up to date.
Details on how to leave your info are listed to the left - if you're at all confused (and we are getting old, so that is okay) please email if you have questions.
All the best, Tara
Twenty two years later, while dancing with Anthony Bezos in the somewhat less salubrious surroundings of Mooseheads at about 5.30am on Sunday morning, I was so nervous and excited that I partially dislocated my left kneecap. Girls, you will all be thrilled to learn that our Anthony has lost none of his charm as he assisted me off the dance floor, then to the toilets, then waited patiently to help me up the stairs, and then left me in the safe hands of Stang who got me home in a taxi at a time I've not stayed out till since, well, about 1989.
I think the 20 year reunion proved that we've all turned out to be rather rather nice people, wouldn't you agree? And with a few of us raising the expectations to hold a 25 year reunion, it was suggested that we have some kind of online area to leave details and keep up to date.
Details on how to leave your info are listed to the left - if you're at all confused (and we are getting old, so that is okay) please email if you have questions.
All the best, Tara
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