We recently welcomed the Chair of School Council to the major chamber in School House for a meal. The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC CVO KC, a Kingsley boy, attended Churchie along with his brother between 1958-1965. What an extraordinary journey. Heralded as one of the men of his time in the legal fraternity, Paul’s list of achievements should inspire our young fellows to press the bounds of their ability to see where they can go in life. Demonstrating a lifetime of achievement culminating in his appointment as the XXVI Governor of Queensland, Paul’s journey is worth reviewing. His Excellency became a barrister at the age of 23, Queen’s Council at 33 and Supreme Court judge by the age of 36. He became the Chief Justice of Queensland in 1988 at the age of 40, making him the second youngest Chief Justice in Queensland’s history. During his career, His Excellency chaired the Queensland Law Reform Commission, was President of the Industrial Court of Queensland, was the first Chief Justice to conduct a murder trial in Longreach and to exercise the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court on Thursday Island and undertook sittings throughout Queensland as a Supreme Court Judge. His achievements where not limited to activity within the legal field. Community service as fostered at Churchie played a significant role in his life and continues right through to this day. In 2000 Paul was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for service to the law, to judicial reform, and to the community through the Anglican Diocese in Brisbane. This includes his extensive involvement in the Cancer Society and Cancer Fund, which he has served for more than 30 years. The boys were attentive and gave due respect when he spoke and made exit with the Headmaster at the conclusion of the meal service. Just great to see our School Council in the big shed for some time with the boys.

"I live in the hope that my presence here tonight would serve as a possible example to you all, that anything is possible when you get access to a good education." The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC CVO KC 2023