Published on: 27 February 2025


The youngest members of the Christ Church Grammar School community were treated to a special visit from Mr Dean Bowker (’55) – whose connection to the School spans decades as a student, teacher, staff member, OBA Fellow, and proud member of the “Unflappables.”

Speaking to our Pre-Primary class, Mr Bowker shared captivating stories of Christ Church history, such as how the School has evolved since his time as a student in the 1950s. He described what the grounds once looked like, how the campus has transformed over the years, and reflected on the many changes since his retirement in 2005.

One of the stories that Mr Bowker shared was about the school uniform. Recalling how students wore starched white shirts, grey shorts, long socks, jacket and a hat – quite different from today’s more modern attire. He also shared his journey getting to school by bus from a young age as his parent didn’t own a motor car. Perhaps the most intriguing detail for the young students was his story about pens. Unlike today’s biros and laptops, students in his time wrote using a dip pen and inkwell, carefully dipping their pens into ink before writing.

Mr Bowker’s visit was a reminder of the strong connections between past and present students and the enduring spirit of the school community. His deep affection for the School and his lifelong involvement with the Old Boys’ Association make him a treasured figure, and we are grateful for his time in inspiring the next generation.

Thank you, Mr Bowker, for sharing your memories and passion with our youngest learners!