Scholarships Appeal

Among alumni, there is an overwhelming feeling of warmth towards Perth Modern School, and gratitude for the extraordinary educational opportunities is provided as a selective school." This is the opening statement of the recommendations in the Scholarship Fund feasibility study (May 2009) by consultants Agnew Associates Pty Ltd that was commissioned by the Board of the Sphinx Foundation Inc.

The report explored the feasibility of conducting a Sphinx Foundation Scholarship Fund Appeal. Resulting from this report, the PMS Council Meeting on 13 July 2009 resolved:

That the Council supports the establishment of a Sphinx Scholarship Scheme as recommended in the decisions of the PMS Scholarship Committee (especially decisions 1 – 12 of 4 Dec 2006), bearing in mind the recommendations of the ‘Feasibility Study for a Scholarship Fund’ (May 2009).
That the purpose of the general scholarships be advertised (in line with the School’s Educational Framework 2009 – 2011) as: To support the growth of individual students to their full academic, intellectual, social and physical potential.
That the Council supports recommendations 1 and 2 of the Feasibility Study for a Scholarship Fund.
1. That the Perth Modernian Society work to develop an integrated approach to advancement.
2. That the Society create a cohesive advancement strategy that includes alumni relations, communications and fundraising.
  That is, the PMS Council, the Sphinx Foundation and the School develop this integrated approach.
That a single advancement database related to School Alumni activities be established, depending upon feasible costs and resources.
That the Council supports the Recommendation that a bequest programme be initiated as soon as possible to formally initiate the Sphinx Scholarship scheme.

Donations and bequests are tax deductible

All donations and bequests to the Sphinx Foundation Scholarship Fund are tax deductible. If you can help, please contact us at sphinxscholarships@perthmoderniansociety.org.au

What we want the Sphinx Foundation Scholarships to achieve:

a) Support for students to fulfil their potential:

ü Academic Excellence; Encourage talented WA students (City and Country) to choose Mod over other alternative schools.

ü Equity and Access: Encourage WA students in need: Criteria: Low income, Disability, English as Second language.

ü Encourage WA Aboriginal students to get a first class school education

ü Principal's discretionary Bursary Fund: Nominal 10 awards per annum of average value $400, for cases of special need, at the Principal's discretion

b) Build a sense of Community - 'it's good to be involved with your (local) public school'

c) Build a sense of Philanthropy - Bequests, Major Gifts, Annual Giving, etc.

d) To develop the 'badge of honour' concept for attending and being associated with Mod.

e) Teacher development - (long term goal): Bursaries to encourage teachers at Mod to deliver excellence in teaching and leadership.

Progress to date

The first two Sphinx Scholarships have been established via donations from two Old Modernians, Jim Cundill and John Down.

Work is now proceeding by the the Board of the Sphinx Foundation Inc.to establish a Bequest program, as recommended in the Agnew Associates report.

The Sphinx Foundation also thanks Jim Cundill for his generous donation of a valuable violin which is being restored and will be available for use by a student at the School.

Volunteers with suitable skills (e.g. financial planning, legal) are being sought to advise and administer this fund. If you can help, please contact us at

Postal Address: Sphinx Foundation Inc., PO Box 1349, West Perth, WA 6872 AUSTRALIA

Telephone: (08) 9487 1192 Fascimile: (08) 9380 0550

Email: sphinxfoundation@perthmoderniansociety.org.au