A newspaper article - '50 Years Ago', 7 March 1957, reported that the Governor-General, Sir William Slim, described a gentleman as 'one who pays up, owns up and shuts up'.

'Sir William was speaking at the Sydney town Hall to hundreds of schoolboys at the centenary celebrations of Sydney Grammar School. He said the boys owed a great debt to God, their parents, society and their country for their lives and education. Sir William stressed the need for "educated Christian gentlemen". "If you are saying your prayers in a barracks and some oaf laughs at you, finish your prayers and then walk across and punch him in the nose," he said.'

Tony May ('57) was reminded when reading the above in The Canberra Times that Sir William Slim had given a similar address to senior boys at Canberra Grammar School on 25 July, 1957 (page 5, 1957 'The Canberran').

Tony remembers when closing his address, Sir William offered three pieces of advice to boys: 'Own up, pay up and shut up'.

His address was given in the School library situated where the Gallery is located today.

Join us on Saturday 31 March for the 2007 P&F Fete. The Fete is an eventful day bursting with fun and activity, and is an event not to be missed. Come and enjoy the rides, plants, silent auction, food, handcrafts, pre-loved clothes, music, books, cakes, white elephant, raffles and lots more.

Click to download a copy of the flyer

The two new prizes announced on Speech Night 2006 reflect the generosity and imagination of Old Boys and their families.

The James Colman Memorial Prize for Mathematics was funded by a bequest to the School from Mr James Colman (Jim, as he was known to the School).  Jim's two sons, Philip (1965) and Stephen (1971) and Philip's three sons Andrew, Joshua and Jonathon are all Old Boys.

Jim was a very keen supporter of Canberra Grammar School and twice served as Chairman of the Fete organising committee.  He thought very highly of the teaching staff and Jack Tyrell, in particular, became a great family friend. 

The James Colman Memorial prize for Mathmatics is awarded to the top Year 11 maths student. Richard Dear was the inaugural recipient.

The Thinque - Anders Sorman-Nilsson prize for Leadership was donated by Mr Anders Sorman-Nilsson (1999). The prize consists of the following:

• book vouchers for books on leadership and the personal qualities necessary for it
• cheque for the winner to donate to a charitable organisation of his choice
• one-year of mentoring/coaching by Anders Sorman-Nilsson to support and assist the winner during his Year 12
• a scholarship to attend two of Thinque's personal development, leadership or inter-personal communication courses.

photo: Anders Sorman-Nilsson, seen here on the right, with School Captain for 2007 Bradley Carron-Arthur, and on the left, Neil Bombardier, President of the OBU.