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Mr Nic Christie
Preparatory School Sports Master


Nic Christie is the Preparatory School Sports Master, starting at the School in 2008 as a Physical Education teacher and moving into the Sports Master role in 2010.

As an Old Boy of the School, and 1997 Captain of Athletics, Nic is passionate about all aspects of sports, himself a keen sportsman, growing up with a love of athletics, basketball, baseball, tennis, AFL and rugby.
After leaving the School in 1997, Nic completed a Sports Science degree, after which he spent some time at WAIS and worked in talent identification and strength and conditioning roles with the East Perth Colts.

In 2001, Nic travelled to the United States, where he spent some time working in a summer camp in Pennsylvania. Initially planning to spend a year there, he ended up loving the work so much that he stayed for three years, and was appointed Sports Director. Now realising that his passion was in teaching young people, Nic returned to Perth in 2004 and completed his Bachelor in Education.

Since commencing at Guildford Grammar School in 2008, Nic’s role has evolved, with duties now involving the overseeing all physical education programs, coordinating all sports carnivals, events and JPSSA fixtures and employing all external coaching staff.

As a keen sports fan, Nic lists his top three sporting moments as:

1. The Chicago Bulls team of the late 90s, with Luc Longley and Michael Jordan
2. Peter Norman’s 200m race in the 1968 Mexico Olympics
3. Watching the 100m race in any Olympics. The Usain Bolt races will a moment remembered by many people for a very long time
 

Nic’s philosophy in teaching physical education is to encourage students to make the most of the benefits of sport and to learn to deal with disappointment and be gracious in defeat and winning. “To me, it is about teaching our students the value of commitment and how to be disciplined enough to achieve. It is also important to encourage young people to be healthy and appreciate the life-long benefits of being active.”

Mr Brett Tongue
Head Swimming Coach

Brett Tongue has recently joined the School as the Head Swimming Coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience and passion to drive our swimmers to achieve great success in the pool.

Brett’s passion for coaching started in 1991 when he coached two swimmers in three different pools each week. Before long, the squad has increased to 20 and was based at the Pickering Brook Sports Club. In 1994, Brett was appointed as Head Coach of Kalamunda Districts Swimming Club.

Since taking over as Head Coach of Kalamunda Districts Swimming Club he has seen the club progress to many new levels, with an increase in membership and promotions in intra-club and level of competitions. He formed a club program from learn to swim through to elite swimming to cater for the new direction of the swimming program. In the year 2000 the program went to new levels with the enclosure of the swimming pool for year round swimming for all its squads and members.

During this time Brett was also working for the Swimming and Water Safety division of the Education Department in a variety of roles from Swimming Instructor, Vacswim Country Coordinator, Equipment Coordinator and the Water based excursions policy.

Brett has been a high level performance coach since 1997 and his swimmers and club have been achieving this standard ever since.

Brett has chalked up some outstanding achievements in his career, including:

• Team Coach State Teams – Canberra (2011)

“I am looking forward to the new challenges here at the School and the opportunity to make a difference in the swimming program and developing a powerful swimming club in the area. This season my priority will be to improve our PSA rankings, by working on the boys’ commitment and dedication.”

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Mr Clayton Massey is passionate about education. He always has been, even as a young boy. In fact, it was this enthusiasm for schooling that ultimately lead Clayton to a career in teaching.

Clayton’s enthusiasm is contagious too. Walk past his office any recess or lunchtime and you will inevitably see a line of boys waiting to talk to him, seeking his advice on course selections, study methods or any other number of issues. His door is always open. This contact, for Clayton, is what makes his days so enjoyable. “Working closely with the students is important to me, helping them to solve their problems and reach their goals. I remember what it’s like to be a student and to learn.”

Clayton came to Guildford Grammar School in 2003 as Head of the English faculty. “At that time, as today, Guildford Grammar School had an excellent reputation in the areas of English and the Arts, and was known for producing well-rounded boys. As Head of Faculty, that was the type of school I wanted to work in, one which matched my own skills and attributes.”

In 2009, Clayton was appointed to his current role of Deputy Headmaster: Curriculum, overseeing all aspects of the curriculum across the School. “For me a big part of my current role is ensuring the boys are taking the right courses for their individual abilities. This is about getting the right boy in the right course, and giving him the best possible chance to succeed. It’s about listening to the boys and their parents and connecting them to the best possible options.”

Clayton was the driving force behind the innovative Catalyst program and, over a two-year period, was heavily involved in the development and implementation of this School’s innovative junior secondary curriculum.

On 23 July 2012, Clayton took over the reins from Mr Kevin Lange as Head of Senior School. This new role will see Clayton responsible for all aspects of the Senior School, with the role changing to include a wider student and staff focus. “The timing for this change is ideal, as the majority of planning for the coming school year takes place in Semester 2. Having spent ten years at the School, I am familiar with the well-established traditions and processes, which will certainly help me transition in the new role. My focus, and my area of interest, is to see pastoral and curriculum systems working intimately together. In time I will also be teaching one class per week, keeping me in contact with students in a classroom environment and offering my support as someone who understands the challenges of learning.”

Looking ahead, Clayton is excited about the changes underway at the School, as a new strategic plan is developed. “We are going from strength to strength as a school and in a very strong growth pattern in many areas. Catalyst has been a remarkable addition to our school, and the completion of the new building will see a further phase of its success. I feel that our focus on improvement and personal excellence will continue to be highly noticeable as the full impact of the program becomes evident.”

Anita Fuhrmann has been the Preparatory School Music Specialist since 2010, bringing something special to the music department through her love of music, her beautiful voice and her passion for sharing her musical gifts.

Anita’s love of music started early, coming from a family who enjoyed singing and music. “My Dad taught himself to play the guitar, and myself and my sisters all enjoyed singing but I was the only one in the family who pursued a career in music.” One of Anita’s younger sisters is professional netball player Susan Fuhrmann (known as the Fuhrmannator), who plays for West Coast Fever and the Australian Diamonds, and her youngest sister has forged a career in digital media.

Wanting to follow her dream of becoming a performer, Anita studied music at university, completing a Degree in Music Education and specialising in the flute. Upon completion of her studies, Anita undertook PhD research investigating musicians’ lung function and respiratory health. While studying at UWA, Anita was also involved in the Junior Music School, teaching music to very young children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years. It was during her time at university that Anita took up singing, performing mostly in choirs, singing a mix of classical and contemporary music.

In 2010, Anita joined the Guildford Grammar Preparatory School, where she now teaches music to students from Kindergarten through to Year 6. “This is a great role for me, as I love figuring out what makes the children tick, and how to communicate at an appropriate level to help children of different ages understand and enjoy music. The students really pick up on a teacher’s attitude and passion, and I hope I am inspiring them to love music as much as I do.” Every student in the Preparatory School takes music classes, tailored to their level of development. They learn to listen and respond to music, perform using their voices and instruments, and to create music of their own.

Outside of the School, Anita is heavily involved with St George’s Cathedral Consort and Choir. Recently, the Consort performed as part of the Perth International Arts Festival and accompanied Russell Watson when he performed at Burswood. On 3 April, the Consort performed Handel’s Messiah at the Perth Concert Hall, as part of Holy Week. Anita also enjoys playing the flute with the Fisenden Flute Ensemble and leading worship at Victory Life Church.