Old Grammarian and Community News

Rear: Dr Damian Powell, Don MacInnes, Rob Hurley, Brett Smith, Hon.Rob Knowles. Middle: Nancy Wu, Jane Boadle. Front: Peter Hunt, Lindsay Evans, Jeanette Evans.

CONGRATULATIONS

Mr Lindsay Evans was awarded Life Governorship at the Board Dinner in December, 2018, in acknowledgement of 35 years of outstanding service to the School as a Board Member of the Ballarat Grammar Foundation, including 27 years as President of the Foundation, and as a Board Member of Ballarat Grammar Educational Services. Mr Lindsay Evans, and his wife Jeanette, are pictured above with others recognised at theBoard Dinner.

STAFF AND BOARD FAREWELLS AND THANKS, 2018

We warmly thank the following Staff and Board members for their contributions to the learning of our students and the life of the School who were honoured at the December Board Dinner:

+ + Hon. Rob Knowles - Grammar Board Member for 16 years, including 8 years as Chair

+ + Dr Damian Powell - retiring Ballarat Grammar Board Member (14 years)

+ + Retiring Staff member Mrs Jane Boadle (23 years) and departing Staff, Mr Brett Smith (20 years) and Mr Don Macinnes (20 years). Each received Certificates of Appreciation

+ + Mrs Nancy Wu and Mr Rob Hurley (continuing Staff members) received 25 Year Service Pins.

RETIREMENTS

Peter Hunt - 23 years

Our sincere gratitude to Peter Hunt, who has retired as Business Manager of Ballarat Grammar after 23 years of dedicated service. Across Australia, amongst Independent Schools, Peter is recognised for his brilliant financial acumen, wise decision-making and genuine willingness to help and support others within and beyond our School. With the ability to see the big picture from the balcony down to the smallest detail on the dance floor, he moved easily from steering the School through the global financial crisis, to choosing the colour of a carpet tile.

Peter has overseen tremendous but sustainable growth at Ballarat Grammar over the past 23 years, whilst helping the school remain loyally aligned with its values. He has been responsible for tens of millions of dollars in construction which has transformed the physical amenity of the school – with some of his highlights being the purchase of City Cite, the construction of the Centennial Building, the Centre for Early Education (CEEd) and the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. Peter also has enormous pride in the Stephen and Sue Higgs Centre and Mt Rowan farm.

Thank you to Peter and to his wife Meredyth, for their faithful commitment to and genuine love for our School. With Peter’s wry good humour always on display he has been a constant positive presence. We are indebted to Peter for his hard work, outstanding loyalty and service. We look forward to seeing Peter and Meredyth through their continuing interest in our School community and attendance at future School events. - Adam Heath, Headmaster

Jane Boadle - 23 years

‘Mrs Boadle, my pocket got torn when I was playing footy at recess. Can you fix it for me please?’ ‘No,’ Mrs Boadle says, ‘I can’t fix it for you. But I can teach you how to fix it, and then you’ll know how to do it next time’. Replace a torn pocket, a button that’s fallen off, or a hem that’s come down, Jane is a consummate technician and loves teaching young people how to do things well, whether they be stitching their first-ever hem, or designing a three-piece wearable artwork. Year after year Jane’s students have presented their work on the catwalk, often to great acclaim at the Apex Fashion Awards and Fashion Awards Australia, and two were accepted into Top Arts in 2019 from her final year of teaching. Jane was also involved for many years in the Grammar Rock Eisteddfod team, with the final at Rod Laver arena. It was a great opportunity for students to perform in a huge ensemble, in a massive auditorium, and many hold that experience as one of the best times they had at Grammar. - Sue Sedgwick, Chair of Faculty, Art/Design

Jane Johnston – 9.5 years

Jane commenced at Ballarat Grammar Early Learning Centre in 2009 in the Starfish Reception Program, and was then one of the inaugural team of Early Childhood professionals when the Centre for Early Education (CEEd) opened in 2012, working in the Bumblebee Program until the end of 2018. Jane has been the ultimate professional, continually searching for ways to expand her thinking. The way she carefully nurtured, attentively observed, and contributed to the growth and development of the young people under her tutelage was truly inspiring, giving each individual child the opportunity to flourish. - Koren Naylor, Director, Centre for Early Education

DEPARTURES

Don MacInnes – 20 years

During his time at Ballarat Grammar, Don has had a focus on teaching Years 7 to 10 Science, Years 11 and 12 Chemistry and he has also been a loyal Smith House mentor for his entire time at the School. Don is valued by the students as a terrific person, a role model that they can easily relate to and a teacher who brings learning to life through story telling. Don has decided to resign his formal position at the School but will continue to support some of our visiting international groups, another interest area of his. Don goes with our sincere gratitude and very best wishes.

Brett Smith – 20 Years

Over his 20 years, Brett has taught Science, Biology, Agriculture and Environmental Science and has also been Head of Nevett House for 13 years. He has been dearly loved by the boys of Nevett. Brett and his family have become a tremendous source of envy; they are moving to Queensland as wife, Mandy, has been offered a position as School Nurse Manager with the Gold Coast Region. It is with great sadness that we farewell Brett and his family, including sons Jack and Finn, they go with our gratitude and very best wishes for their next adventure.

Thank you also to other departing staff Kim Willowhite (12 years), Natalie Draper (8 years), Eleanor O’Donnell, Sara Kaur, Shannon Peters, Denis Moneghetti, Amanda Adams, Dennis O’Donnell, Bethany Simonis, Johanna Dixon, Sam Anstis, Peer Taake, and Joyce Yang.

BIRTHS

Sally Latchford (Wilson, 1996, and former Hayhoe M.O.D.) and her husband Scott welcomed Arthur James Latchford in December 2018, a much adored little brother for Howard.

DEATHS

Alison Rucco

Alison Rucco (Staff member 1977-1995) passed away on 15 February, 2019. As Patrice O’Shea recorded in Met By Wendouree (2011)… ‘Alison was awarded Life Governorship in 1997, in recognition of the remarkable level of dedication she gave to education. The driving force of the English Department through the eighties to the mid – nineties, she could be relied upon by battling students for tips that built confidence and skill and by high flyers for extension. Her students appreciated the huge output of work demanded of them and of herself.

She was an indefatigable HSC/VCE marker’. As a dedicated Krome House tutor for 17 years, Alison provided excellent pastoral care for her tute groups. We offer our sincere condolences to her sons, Andrew (1984) and Antony (1984) and to her extended family.

Miss Margaret Graham

Miss Margaret Graham died on 3 October, 2018. Margaret began teaching in the Junior School in 1975 and retired at the end of 2008 after 34 years. She spent her career at Grammar in the Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. She created a welcoming and supportive environment for children in their early years of schooling and always found pleasure in assisting the young in learning to read and write.

In 2004, her thirtieth year of continuous service, Margaret was overwhelmed and humbled that a new Junior School House, Graham House, should be named in her honour. Margaret’s strong Christian faith, her association with her Church and her relationship with God, gave her life full meaning. Our condolences are offered to her family and friends.

Arthur Jenkins (Staff member 1988 - 1993) passed away in Perth on 15 March, 2019; he was 91. Always a gentleman, Arthur will be fondly remembered. He taught part-time in the Art Department offering Woodwork, Metalwork and Graphic Communication. Arthur’s son, Paul, said that the years Arthur taught at Grammar were probably the happiest years of his life. Arthur moved to WA in 2002.

Tom Ford AFSM OAM (1947) died on 16 November 2018, just four days short of his 88th birthday. Tom was the father of Dr Alan Ford (1973), Jennifer (1974), Graeme (1978), James (1981) and Marion (1986). Tom was awarded a Ballarat Grammar Scholarship in 1942 as were, in later years, his children Alan and Jennifer, and grandchild Chris. Tom will be remembered not only by the communities he lived in but across the region as a pillar of

strength in all his ventures. Sincere sympathy is extended to all of the Ford family, especially Tom’s wife, children and grandchildren.

Peter McIver (1971) passed away suddenly in October 2018. He was lovingly remembered at a farewell held at Spring Creek Reserve, Torquay. Peter was Captain of the First XVIII and a valued batsman and bowler in the First XI.

Jennie Spencer (Muller, 1961) passed away on 18 December 2018. Jennie commenced her education at Queen’s as a Year 5 boarder. She is fondly remembered by her brother OG Peter, and her sisters, all Queen’s girls, Wendy, Pam and Rosemary.

Graeme Funcke (1956) of Minyip, sadly passed away in September 2018. He was a member of the First XVIII, rowed in the First Crew and was awarded Rowing Colours.

Clare Waites (Waller, 1998) sadly passed away in November 2018, as a result of an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Clare was a member of Hayhoe House during her time at the School and is survived by her husband, Glenn, and their two young children. Clare will be sadly missed by her family and her peers.

Helen Brown, past staff member, passed away on 14 October 2018. Helen will be fondly remembered by the Woodbridge girls and staff for her work in the House during the years 1975 - 1998.

Janis Sheen (Green, 1966) passed away suddenly on 26 September 2018. She will be warmly remembered by her contemporaries from Queen’s. Janis commenced at Queen’s in 1961. When Janis was in Form IV in 1964, Mrs Myles took over from Miss Woodbridge as Headmistress and Pam Stephens and Anne Molloy were School Co-Captains.

Nancy Lodge (Chequer, 1949) sadly passed away in August 2018. Nancy was #1288 on the Queen’s Roll. The Valete entry records 1st VIII, 1947-48; Senior Tennis Championship 1948; 1st XI, 1948; and House Colours 1948.

Cynthia Ann Barnacle (Burgess,1949) passed away on 18 September 2018. Cynthia was a member of Cuthbert House during her time at Queen’s. Also, see page 29.

“FINDING QUEEN’S GIRLS” Compiled by Janene Schillier (Bakes, 1971)

Recently I met Diana Janet Stevenson, for a cuppa and a chat. Known as Janet, she started kindergarten in 1951 at Queen’s CEGGS. She recalls Miss Radcliffe and Miss Hancock as lovely teachers at the kindergarten. However, the recreation slide in those days was made of wood, and Janet remembered one day she acquired a splinter in a very uncomfortable spot! Janet’s parents chose Queen’s for their daughter as it was a girls’ school, and just across the road from their home in Mair Street. The Headmistress at this time was Miss Woodbridge. Janet remembers her as being “absolutely wonderful; a delightful, friendly and gracious lady”.

Janet enjoyed sport and was in Queen’s House. The sports uniform included a tunic and red fringed cord around the waist. Sports included tennis, softball, hockey and basketball. Janet recalls the inter school sports days competing against Clarendon, High School and Mary’s Mount, with Miss Nancy Wright (OG, 1922), the Sports teacher.

Janet started work in 1963 and had over 35 years with the one firm in Ballarat. She then enjoyed many years as a volunteer, giving her kindness and skills back to the community, personifying the service ethos of the School which continues today.

A LONG FAMILY CONNECTION – BALLARAT GRAMMAR & QUEEN’S COLLEGE

Peter Burgess (1953) recently wrote to the School to advise of the death of his sister, Cynthia Ann Barnacle (1949). Whilst reflecting on Cynthia’s life, Peter explained that six members of his family had attended Ballarat Grammar or Queen’s:

Rev Leslie Burgess attended St Aidan’s Theological College, Ballarat as a senior student (1923) and played tennis at Ballarat Grammar. In the 1940s, Rev Leslie was Vicar of St Paul’s, Ballarat and left the city in 1950. His children all attended Queen’s or Ballarat Grammar:

+ + Beatrice Ellen Reeve (1941), a day student at Queen’s, studied Art and later taught Art at Queen’s and at the Boys School in 1947 and 1948.

+ + Philip Linton Burgess (1948) was a Probationer, choir member, rowed in the 1 st Four and was in the Rifles Team. He went on to join the priesthood and later became the Vicar of St Peter’s, Ballarat. Rev Philip preached occasionally at the School and was a member of the School Council.

+ + Cynthia Ann Barnacle (1950) attended Queen’s during the 1940s as a day student and was a Prefect in her final year. She trained as a Kindergarten teacher and taught at Queen’s Kinder in the 1950s.

+ + John Francis Burgess (1955) left Grammar after completing Matriculation. He was School Captain, a boarder, rowed in the 1 st Four and was 880 yards Champion. He studied Architecture in Melbourne, then Landscape Architecture and went on to be a Senior Lecturer at RMIT.

+ + Peter Robin Burgess (1954, twin of John Francis) was also a boarder at Grammar and left in 1953 after completing the equivalent of Year 11. He studied a Diploma of Agriculture at Longerenong. Peter was also a Probationer, rowed in the 3 rd Crew and was an active participant in most sporting competitions. Peter was also employed as a part-time, resident House Master during 1957-58 and was a rowing coach. He later went on to train at Ballarat Teachers’ College.

Additionally, John Harvey Burgess (1989), son of Peter, was a boarder in Wigan House in 1988 and 1989. He was a fine athlete and was a Prefect in his final year. John returned to Grammar in the 1990s to act as a resident House Master in Wigan; he completed a Human Movement degree, University of Ballarat, a Dip. Ed. and taught Outdoor Education at Ivanhoe Grammar. He is currently an ambulance officer in Melbourne.

OTHER NEWS

Clive Chatfield (1940) recently registered his apology for the 50+ Luncheon. We were most impressed with Clive’s email skills at the young age of 94! He shared some of his news: After graduating in Electrical Engineering, and working in the field, Clive retired, and undertook novel-writing classes at Holmesglen TAFE. He has written and self-published five full-length novels – “a thread of romance and a bit of light aircraft action”. There’s a sixth and seventh novel in the pipeline. Clive has two daughters, six grandchildren (three boys and three girls) and one great granddaughter, and since the passing of his wife Joyce, some 22 years ago, has shared his abode with a cat, to say nothing of several computers, a “smart” TV and a suitable sound system!

Felicity Crowley (Hewitt, 1965) was Miss Elaine Pascoe’s Personal Assistant at Queen’s during 1971 and 1972. Felicity was then appointed as P.A. to Mr Graeme Renney until early 1975 prior to the birth of her identical twin boys Ashley and Adrian. Felicity remembers many of the students from her days at Queen’s who then became students at BQAGS.

Grenville Tonzing (1950) was unable to attend the 50+ Luncheon. He remembers his time as a boarder for three years. Grenville rowed in the Head of the Lake in 1950, received Rowing Colours, and wrote of his appointment by Mr Dart as “Head of the Tuck Shop” which operated from a room near the old gym.

Margaret Quail 1963 is enjoying retirement, playing croquet and travelling in a motorhome around our great country!

Judith Comley (Keens, 1963) is the author of two current French secondary level series, “Touché!” and “Quoi de Neuf?”.

Lesley Williams (Errington, 1958) has moved back to Kerang to be with family and relatives, after 51 years!

Penny Byrne (1984) is a Visual Artist and Conservator. Check out her website – www.pennybyrneartist.com

Kate Sanders (2008) Kate’s proud mother Helen Sanders, recently wrote to advise that Kate completed her Bachelor of Health Science - Myotherapy in 2017 and was awarded Dux of her course. Kate was a volunteer member of the medical team for the Commonwealth Games in 2018. Kate is now working as a Myotherapist around the Gold Coast and is busy establishing her own business.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SIOBHAN TOBIN (2012)

Late in 2018, the Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, announced Old Grammarian Siobhan Tobin (2012) as the 2019 Victorian Rhodes Scholar, enabling her to undertake a DPhil at the distinguished University of Oxford. Siobhan is currently working as a Physicist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

After completing Year 12 at Ballarat Grammar, Siobhan studied for a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) majoring in Physics with First Class Honours at the Australian National University. Inspired by a desire to understand and ensure science was accessible, Siobhan competed in the Physics Olympiad program while at Grammar, later became an Olympiad tutor and is now the Deputy Director of the Australian Physics Olympiad Program, inspiring and training talented secondary school students to become passionate and engaged in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Siobhan has won numerous academic awards and scholarships, and has presented her work at high-profile international conferences. She is also an accomplished ultra-marathon trail runner, equestrian and rower. While at Oxford, she plans to study a DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics in exotic electric and magnetic behaviours of materials, which may lead to new developments in sensor, storage and quantum information technologies.

On behalf of the Ballarat Grammar community, we congratulate Siobhan on this outstanding achievement, and send our best wishes for her studies at Oxford and her future career.

Siobhan joins three illustrious Old Grammarians who have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships: A. M.L. (Tony) Gibbs (1949), the Victorian Rhodes Scholar in 1956, Lynn Gillam (nee Sampson) (1979), the Victorian Rhodes Scholar in 1986, and Nathan Grills (1994), the Victorian Rhodes Scholar in 2002.