Building Strong Foundations at Ballarat Grammar

Students have their own unique stories. They are at their best when pursuing their own passions. They have their own aspirations for the future.

We asked seven current and past students about how they have felt supported and encouraged in their journey through Grammar, and how Grammar has prepared them to be ready to step out into the world with confidence, to ‘do good’ and ‘be good’, whatever their world might be.

ABIGAIL TICKELL, KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM, CEED

What do you like doing at the CEEd? I play in the home corner and do some paintings of my family. I like to build with the blocks.

What do you learn about while you’re here? What your name looks like and how to be a good friend. With Ms White we changed a ball of clay into a different shape. With Mrs Dillon we learned how to sing songs.

Why is it important to come and learn at the CEEd? So you know stuff.

Why is it important to spend time with your family? Because I love them.

What do you learn about when you are with your family? Stuff that you don’t know. Sometimes Charlie teaches me to do cartwheels.

TOM ALLEN, YEAR 6, JUNIOR SCHOOL

Tom is a hardworking and collaborative student, highly respected among his peers and teachers alike. He loves pursuing interests including electric guitar and Parkour, and he recently enjoyed competing for Allen House in the Junior School Athletics Carnival. Allen House was the proud winner of the Spirit Cup! Tom is proud to share his indigenous story and he brings so much to our community. Tom’s Pa Kevin Allen (1943) and his Mum Jackie Allen (1986) also went to Grammar, as did many other relatives, Kevin, was the very longserving Bursar of the School.

My indigenous background is from the Wuthaithi people of the East Coast of Cape York (Shelbourne Bay). They are amazing dancers. My middle name, Anjirri, means Corroboree - Celebration Dance. I love music and dance. I think Grammar offers great opportunities in these areas. My Pa (my Great Grandfather) was a student at Grammar in the time of WW2 and he then spent a further 36 years at Grammar as the School Bursar. I am proud to be in Allen House, named after my Pa and his wife. Grammar offered Pa so much 75 years ago and it offers me so much today. I look forward to Grammar giving me the opportunity to support my indigenous background as well as helping me to become a contributor to my local community.

ALICE BARRY, YEAR 9, MIDDLE SCHOOL

I’ve always enjoyed finding new things for which to develop a passion. My interests at the moment are netball, photography and rowing. I also enjoy travelling the world and seeing how other people’s lives are different from mine. In Year 8, I went on the Thailand Middle School Round Square Service Project and I started to understand that the opportunities at Grammar are something that you really need to grab with two hands. The support from teachers and peers is always genuine and unlimited. I’ve realised that being at Grammar isn’t just about academics, or sport or the arts; it’s about discovering who you are and what ‘doing good’ in life is about.

JAMES O’SULLIVAN, YEAR 10, SENIOR SCHOOL

I love all sport. I’ve represented Grammar in tennis, crosscountry, athletics, footy, cricket, table tennis and squash. I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy playing the guitar, piano, saxophone and viola at school. Through tennis, I’ve been fortunate to represent Victoria in the Foundation Cup and have played in three National Championships. Grammar has supported me to attend training squads at the National Tennis Centre and Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club two afternoons a week, with my teachers giving me flexibility with my school work. I’ve also been given leadership and service opportunities that have allowed me to give back to the community, such as AAA Sports, the Red Shield Appeal and the Thailand Middle School Round Square Service Project. All of this support will help prepare me to ‘do good’ and ‘be good’ in the future.

“ Parents want their child to be happy, to be healthy, to follow their passion (to ‘be good at something’), and to ‘do good’ in their local community and the wider world. It is our responsibility at school to support them to build character and to develop intellect.”

Mr Adam Heath, Headmaster

Lauren coming off the field with her Collingwood teammates

Luke Henry

LAUREN BUTLER, 2018

I’m currently playing for Collingwood in the AFLW, while also hoping to study Design next year. Playing AFLW was my dream for so many years. While Grammar first gave me the opportunity to play football, I only now realise how important the School was in me getting to where I am today. From surviving Alpine Camp, practising weekly mindfulness in Year 9 and gaining perspective through service events, among countless other opportunities, I was continuously challenged to improve myself. My coach told me having great character is super important for a footballer, as you tend to last in the long-term and help build the best culture. I believe this is also true for life, and it’s something I will always be grateful that Grammar taught me.

Jono receiving his Collegian of the Year Award at Goldstein College in 2018

JONO YATES, 2016

Since leaving Grammar I’ve moved to Sydney to study at UNSW and have lived in Goldstein College for two years. At university there’s so much diversity around, so taking time to listen to others and hear their stories is fantastic. Whether it’s friends from College, students in my classes or people I’ve worked with, there’s so much to get out of being interested in what someone else is saying. Not only do you learn new things, but also the bonds you make are so valuable and set you up for later in life. Grammar has always been about more than academics, and by keeping these values and taking in the world and people around me, I’ve never stopped learning and have had such enjoyable experiences. (Currently doing 3rd year of a Bachelor of Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Engineering; Dean’s Award in 1st and 2nd years; Collegian of the Year 2018; summer internships with Provecta Process Automation and UNSW Estate Management.

DAVID BRUNTON, 2010

Achieving the highest study score in Agriculture and Horticulture in Victoria in VCE provided a strong foundation to be offered a full scholarship to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. Prior to completing my undergraduate studies I successfully obtained a research position with the South Australian Research and Development Institute in Adelaide. My role involved testing crop varietal sensitivities to different herbicides. A recurring interest in the area of herbicide resistance throughout my studies led me to commence a PhD at the University of Adelaide in 2017. My parents’ decision to send me to Ballarat Grammar provided the opportunities, support and encouragement for me to follow my passion and pursue a career in agriculture.