Boomalacka - Issue 124, Summer 2022/2023

UPCOMING 2023 SCHOOL DATES

Monday 30 January

Term 1 begins Friday 24 February Welcome Picnic

Saturday 25 February

Ballarat Grammar All Grades Pipe Band Competition

Monday 13 March Labour Day Exeunt

Saturday 17 June Grammar in Concert Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 July School Musical

COVER: Our Leavers’ Eucharist is a special service where our Prep students proudly present the ‘big kids’ with a sapling, representing the Year 12 students’ time at Grammar and the journey that is still to come. This tradition was started approximately eight years ago and is part of a series of special times shared between the cohorts over the final weeks of school, including reading stories together, and the Prep/12 Teddy Bear Picnic, the purpose being to build our whole-school community and gently remind our students of our School’s values: Integrity, Aspiration, Courage, Compassion, Responsibility and Hope.

Ballarat Grammar acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn, live and work. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

at www.trybooking.com/

Editor

Mrs Marnie Pullin

Head of Communications and Marketing Special thanks to Nola and Ross Squire, School Archivists, and Gemma Kelly from the Development O ce for all their editorial assistance.

Boomalacka readers love stories and news about the Grammar family, past and present. If you have something you’d like to share, please contact marnie.pullin@bgs.vic.edu.au

PHOTOGRAPHY Steve McDonnell, Teagan Glenane

DESIGN Mass Motion

PRINTING Sovereign Press PRINTED ON Supreme Uncoated Stock

This publication has been printed locally in Ballarat by Sovereign Press Pty Ltd, a Low C02 Member and FSC ® Certifi ed printer. Ballarat Grammar and Sovereign Press are focused on being environmentally conscious for future generations.

Scan the QR code below see updated list of Key Dates on our website, and more information about reunions. There are also links to register to attend the above events. We hope to catch up with you at one of these events soon!

Mark Robertson, Julia Llyod Bruin, Penny McCabe, Anna Batters, Stephanie Durant, Anna Robb, James Carter

Tristan Jens, Andrew Fisken, Kate Forbes, Tash McSween

Mark Warwick (staff) Kate Fay, Alex Lia Reg Billman, Andrew Kennelly, Georgia Bradley

Jemma Del Pappa, Anna Fairbain-Calvert, Jenelle Ryan, Deb Pitson (staff)

Bruce Pipkorn (staff) Beth Williams, Mark Roberts, Rashall Roberts

Matt Risbey (Rees!), Georgie Clarke (Collins), Emma Williams, Casey McDonald (Byron)

Kieran Leach, Jake Seers, Thomas Gribble, Trent Quick, Tarra Morgan, Lewis Ebdom-Goad, Madeline Lacy

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Mr Adam Heath

The tropical Perhentian Islands lie off the north-eastern coast of Malaysia, not too far south of the Thai border. When travelling there in the mid-90s, a rough old long boat was the primary transport to the islands and accommodation was in very basic bamboo huts sharing with multiple others, backpacker-style. In addition to the glorious beaches, the star attraction was the incredible array of tropical fish inhabiting a small atoll in the middle of the ocean. With tidal flow calculations involved, the idea was to drop the snorkelling group in the ocean, allow them to drift over the atoll, and then collect all with a sweep of the power boat on the other side.

Unfortunately for us, the timing was off, and the tidal run was far stronger than expected, causing us to see some spectacular fish, but at a great speed, and we were then dispersed far and wide from the tidal flow. The effect reminded me of the time the lid came off the blender, spraying blobs of cake mix all over our kitchen. Being so dispersed made it tricky for the snorkelling trip operators to find and then collect us all. We were eventually regathered in the boat, a little shell-shocked at our unnervingly speedy trip across the underwater wonderland.

This oceanic misadventure represents one of the possible outcomes when institutions or organisations experience shifts, such as growth or change. Without careful alignment, the outcomes, and indeed members of the community, can feel scattered, all at sea. How then to avoid this?

One of the ways we can avoid this is to reference every decision made through the lens of the School’s values. This was crucial throughout the recent pandemic and the multitude of decisions that needed to be made in the face of high levels of ambiguity. Throughout this time, we realised, however,

that the twelve existing values were just too numerous to reference readily. With input from many across our community, we condensed the values down to just six, being careful to retain key terms and emphasis from all the original values. Our re-shaped values are: Integrity, Aspiration, Courage, Compassion, Responsibility and Hope.

Perhaps one of the guiding principles that these values enable is the ability to determine the specific type of shift that we are aiming to achieve.

In a recent article, "The Road to Ethical Progress", the Notre Dame Deloitte Centre for Ethical Leadership suggests, for example, many of us are frequently heard to lament the imposition of technology on our lives, such as the enormous volumes of emails or unwanted advertising in our web browsing. However, few of us begrudge medical technology that can improve the quality of our lives and those of our loved ones. Whilst it could be argued that all technological innovations are a form of progress, not all progress appears to move us towards the community and society we wish to become.

In the same article, Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is cited as saying, “We have ceased to see the purpose”, inferring that this has caused us to sometimes pursue all progress, regardless of cost and without discernment. The values of our School allow us to assess the best next step for our community and to hone our focus towards the pursuit of the progress that best improves the learning outcomes and quality of life for our students and for all in our community.

One area that has become a recent focus for the School is the further development of our sporting and outdoor education programs. We have plans to commence the building of an extended Rintel project in Semester 2, 2023 which will provide expanded sporting, learning and characterbuilding opportunities for our students. We are also continuing to investigate the exciting possibility of an extended outdoor experience for our Middle School students. Progress, yes, but progress with purpose, that we hope will improve young lives and the future for us all.

The Wave, Oliver Wischer, Year 12

RESHAPING OUR VALUES

Everything we do at Grammar comes back to our values. They help us understand who we are and what we stand for as a community and they guide how we live our lives, not just at school but after school, too. It is important that they are easy to understand so we can use them every day in meaningful ways.

Our Ballarat Grammar values were first introduced in 2006 as part of the new Strategic Direction 20062010. Reflecting our Anglican philosophy, the twelve values sat alongside the new vision and mission.

Director of Care Dr Meredith Rayner explains that having such a large number of core fundamental beliefs is too many to focus on, especially when combined with ideals and principles associated with other programs at Grammar.

“We wanted to identify those that are relevant and relatable and that best serve our school community. Having six makes it easy for staff and students to understand and use them.”

Mrs Sandy Warwick, Senior School Deputy Head, Student Care and Wellbeing, talks about our reshaped values with Year 11 students Danny Conboy and Lily Jordan.

" We often talk about ‘the essence of Grammar’. Focusing on our values has helped people understand who we are."

While there are now a smaller number of values, Senior School Deputy Head Student Care and Wellbeing Sandy Warwick explains that none of the original values have been lost.

“The original twelve are all reflected in the current six. We’ve just sharpened the focus. It was also important to express them as lived values using active language, and we are very grateful to John Lee [English and Literature teacher and Director of Curriculum] for his wordsmithing expertise.”

Sandy adds that coming out of COVID has reinforced the importance of having clearly articulated values. “For staff and students coming back into classrooms after so much time apart, it’s been important to revisit what we value at Grammar and how we treat each other. We lost some of that when everyone was learning remotely. It’s also helped new staff who came on board during COVID to learn what our culture is all about.”

A detailed and collaborative process over two years involved talking to staff and students from across the whole school. One of the best things about the process for Sandy has been bringing people along on the journey.

“We often talk about ‘the essence of Grammar’. Focusing on our values has helped people understand who we are. For some people it’s almost been like an ‘aha’ moment, ‘Aha, I get it now – that’s what makes Grammar so special.’”

For Meredith, one of the best things has been the enthusiasm and commitment with which staff right across the school have taken the values on board.

"In 2019, work began on refreshing our values to better articulate not just what they are, but what they look like in action at Grammar."

“It’s when you see staff using the values with students in very practical ways that you realise how important it is to really know and understand what they are. I love seeing the values flip cards out on coffee tables and staff desks around the School.”

The refreshed values have been rolled out in staff workshops and across all year levels through activities designed to explore what the values ‘look like’ at Grammar and help staff and students develop a working understanding of them.

Junior School Assistant Head Student Care and Wellbeing, Sharon Cuff, says the language of the school values is incorporated in the Junior School in several ways.

“Students receive explicit instruction to develop their fundamental understanding of our values while also engaging in flexible learning experiences where they can apply this knowledge in meaningful ways. Connection with people and place underpin these daily experiences.”

Activities in the Middle and Senior Schools have taken place in Chapel services and assemblies as well as in Houses, Mentor Groups and classrooms. “For example, the Year 12s have led activities with the younger students in their Houses to explore how the values play out in a person’s behaviour,” says Sandy.

Bringing the values to life and will include making the values visible around the School and looking at practical ways of using them in all parts of teaching and learning.

“We want everyone to not just know them, but to live and breathe them. For example, staff will be able to use them to turn a negative conversation into a positive one. Instead of a difficult conversation about behaviour with a student being framed as, ‘Don’t do this and don’t do that’, it can be framed as, ‘This is who we are at Ballarat Grammar. This is how we behave here.’”

OUR

INTEGRITY

VALUES

We act morally and ethically, seeking the truth and treating others with consideration and respect.

ASPIRATION

COURAGE

COMPASSION

RESPONSIBILITY

We pursue excellence, in learning and in life.

We seek justice and the common good, leading with humility and persevering in adversity.

We show kindness and embrace diversity, committing to global awareness and understanding.

We take responsibility for our actions, serving our communities and acting as stewards of the environment.

HOPE

We share times of joy and live with hope in life’s challenges, ever grateful for the richness of human experience.

Junior School students working together to build a tower from small squares of ply - clearly demonstrating our values of hope, responsibility and aspiration in action!

WALKING THE TALK

Our Heads of Schools are passionate educators, working with staff members and students as our reshaped values are embedded. Boomalacka spoke with Brianne, Chris, Mark and Koren to find out more about what makes them tick.

BRIANNE CUTHBERT

Head of Senior School

Leadership…

"Leadership is about people. COVID demanded leaders evolve to be more nuanced and courageous when facing complex situations that had no blueprint or immediate solution. From navigating snap lockdowns to mapping the future, leadership requires a clear understanding of the core values that unite our community."

One Ballarat Grammar value that particularly resonates…

“Hope is the value that resonates most strongly with me. Hope is what makes me get up in the morning when things are challenging, and it is what inspires my vision. The essence of teaching is having hope for the future. The reason people become teachers is to put hope into action so that their students will go into the world with what they need to make the future better.”

Being part of the Heads of School team… “It’s a privilege to be part of this team. It provides a vital connection for understanding how the whole body of the School grows and moves together. Adam (Heath) has created a place where respect and value is given to each person’s perspective because he believes that a rich tapestry of ideas leads to a greater understanding of the challenges we face as we work towards a plan. Over the past two years this group has provided the first step in solving complex problems that really had no solutions: “How do we keep our young people close when they are so separated? How do we keep them engaged when we can’t see them? How do we keep them hopeful when we are all facing bleak news every day?” I believe this experience has cemented us as an incredibly compassionate leadership team.”

Something about your role that brings you joy…

“The human moments are truly some of the best parts of my job. One of those human moments was the day some senior students came to me at the end of Term 3 with a proposal to organise a House footy competition - they felt some of the Year 12s were in a bit of a slump. There has to be more to school than classroom learning and assessments. It also has to be about having fun, creating community and bringing joy to people, and sometimes things have to be unscripted. It was the middle of winter and the back oval was a muddy mess and we had not scheduled any House footy competition but the students needed one. The footy competition was a complete mud bath and the uniform policy definitely went out the window! But I was very proud of how the students had a real sense of the healing that they were responsible for leading as they jumped in and created an opportunity for fun and involvement.”

Something about you ‘outside school’…

“I’ve always lived the advice that I now give students – follow your passion and don’t be too worried if you don’t know exactly where you’re heading because your pathway will emerge in front of you. I’ve had lots of different jobs and careers. When I first left school, I knew I wasn’t ready for tertiary study. I wanted to have some adventure first. I tried to join a circus and even learned juggling skills but ended up getting work as a puppeteer with a touring puppet company doing shows and workshops in schools all around Australia. Little did I know then that working with young people in the performing arts would be the start of career pathway that would eventually lead me to Ballarat Grammar.”

" The reason people become teachers is to put hope into action so that their students will go into the world with what they need to make the future better."

CHRIS BEECHEY

Co-Deputy Head and Head of Middle School

Leadership…

“Being in the very privileged position of working with young people, the most telling lesson that young people can learn is that leadership is service. Our responsibility as educators is to ensure that young people are encouraged to take up opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and determination to make their mark on the world. This is best achieved in a caring environment where students are connected to peers and supported by caring educators. For me, it’s about asking: How can we give our students the space and opportunity to develop into the adults who will lead tomorrow? How can we activate their voice? How can we honour what young people need now, and in their future, to thrive in this world and provide opportunities that will help them develop in those areas?”

One Ballarat Grammar value that particularly resonates…

“For me it’s integrity. When I see integrity I see a person of character. The central element of a Ballarat Grammar education is about shaping character and identity through shared values. The Middle School is where students start to expand their horizons. They want to engage in something bigger than themselves and invest in something outside their family unit. We are responsible for offering a series of experiences that allow them to understand and develop their identity and establish who they are and who they want to be.”

Being part of the Heads of School team…

“It’s a really special group of people who genuinely care about each other and respect the different and varied perspectives that we all bring to the table. We have a shared determination to advance our community and provide support and care along with opportunity and challenge. It’s a very safe place to be. We listen to each other and

take on board each other’s perspectives. We can be honest with each other and respectfully critique ideas, which I believe results in better outcomes. I have learnt a great deal from this team and feel I have become a better educator through working closely with people I deeply respect who are prepared to challenge each other in a respectful way."

Something about your role that brings you joy…

“After a student has made a mistake you get the opportunity to spend time with them and work it through to a resolution that they can take ownership of. In a strange twist, having walked this journey with them you often end up with a better relationship with them and their families. Some of my favourite moments as an educator are when, years later at a reunion, you catch up with a great young person with whom you worked through a difficult time when they were at school and you can both look back quite fondly on that shared experience. They often reflect on it as a defining moment in their journey. Life is not perfect and often working through the imperfect moments brings the greatest satisfaction."

Something about you ‘outside school’…

“I’m passionate about agriculture and especially helping people understand about food and where it comes from. I’m fascinated by the notion of new life; a baby lamb, an emerging plant or a new calf. My family now lives on the family farm where I grew up, where my parents still live. Helping my Dad in my down time brings me great joy. I speak to my Dad every morning and my relationship with both parents is one I cherish. My Mum is the custodian of our family values and my Dad remains stronger than me at the age of 76 and I’m always humbled by his ability to get things done. There’s a bit of a pattern of me breaking things and Dad having to come in to fix them! An example is when I bogged the tractor recently after a heap of rain… I mean really, really bogged it… and of course I had to get Dad to come to the rescue!”

"Life is not perfect, and often, it is the process of working through the imperfect moments that brings the greatest satisfaction.”

MARK WARWICK

Co-Deputy Head and Head of Junior School

Leadership…

“To me leadership is about leading by example and living the way you feel is the right way to live, not just at work but outside work too. For example, if you are showing compassion or showing that you are trying to be the best you can be, you are hoping that your example of good actions will rub off. In my role, leadership is about mentoring other people, whether that is students or staff. If you can have a positive impact on other people and help them grow and expand their thinking… to me that is leadership.”

One Ballarat Grammar value that particularly resonates…

“Integrity probably stands out the most for me. I think it underlies all of the values. I do not think you can have aspiration, courage or compassion without integrity. I think it comes back to what I said about leadership which is about being a good person and doing the right thing. For someone with leadership responsibilities, modelling good actions for other people and actioning qualities such as compassion is really important. I also see how important it is in other parts of my life outside school.”

Being part of the Heads of School team…

“It is great to be part of a team where you always feel that other people understand the work you do. Having the support of others who are doing the same role even though we each have our own ‘patch’ to look after is important to me. While we each have a vision

and priorities for our own school, we also all understand the bigger picture of our students from K to 12, which is our main focus, and the staff – and I mean the whole staff because everyone plays an important role in the education of our students. I also feel lucky that I have had connections with many parts of the School over time both as a parent and in different roles."

Something about your role that brings you joy…

For me, it is the connections you have with the students (especially) and the staff and parents that are special. I love taking opportunities to be the silly person to engage the students! Whether that is climbing up on the big climbing ‘spider web’ in the playground where the kids are king and just having a bit of fun with them or getting fixed up in costumes by Gwen McMullin [Learning Resource Manager] for Book Week and other activities – I have been lots of things now, from the BFG to a cow, a cat and a llama! Those connections also happen as part of the everyday things, like walking through the playground or popping into a classroom or doing gate duty.”

Something about you ‘outside school’…

“I umpire footy on the weekend. I like that it pushes me outside my comfort zone and that I need to show courage. In our work with students we talk about walking the walk not just talking the talk, and we often push them to go outside their comfort zone. I feel it is important and part of my responsibility to my community to do the same. It can be a bit intimidating being out there in the middle of the ground surrounded by fully grown adults, or even Under 11 players, who are so desperate to win and you have the crowd and the players all giving you advice on how to do your job. I feel more comfortable now than when I first started umpiring but I still find myself outside my comfort zone at times.”

KOREN NAYLOR

Director of the Centre For Early Education Leadership…

“I’ve never looked at leadership as hierarchical. For me, it’s about working with my colleagues and setting the conditions so that we can all be the very best versions of who we are and who we need to be.”

One Ballarat Grammar value that particularly resonates…

“Firstly, I was really thrilled with how we distilled the values from 12 down to 6. They all resonate with me but if I have to choose one it would be integrity. Integrity provides a platform for all of the other values. I believe we should conduct ourselves with integrity at all times, whether we’re at work or outside work. It’s about doing the right thing at all times. I talk to my own children about it too. For example, we were lucky enough to go to Singapore for a family holiday over the recent break. I talked with them about how we were there to have fun and be together and have family time, but ultimately we were representing our family and our country too."

Being part of the Heads of School team…

“I love being part of this team. We’ve been through some change over the past couple of years and I always feel very supported and that I’ve got a voice. For me, it’s a great place to learn different approaches to leadership. As well as that, I meet with Adam (Heath) fortnightly when he comes to the CEEd and we have a catch-up about all things CEEd. He then spends time in the program which is a really important thing and supports me in my role. I also meet with Mark (Warwick) fortnightly which originally started because I’m currently studying a Master of Education and Mark had recently finished. This has evolved over time and now our catch-ups are more focused on the CEEd to Junior School transition. We talk about how we can connect better between our two areas and that’s a great support as well.”

Something about your role that brings you joy…

“I feel really lucky because there are so many things. Lots of them are simply the ordinary everyday things. Something that comes to mind is that, through COVID, Tamara Abbott and I had more presence with our families than we’ve ever had before, especially around signing in time. That has forged stronger relationships with the children and families and I feel we’ve become a big part of their lives and I love that. Something that makes me really proud is the growth of our team. For example, this year we’ve been working hard on improving our practices and have had consultants working with us. They’ve really pushed us with things like our documentation and how we approach our teaching which has challenged us. When we took a step back and thought, let’s approach this with a beginner’s mindset and look at this as a growth opportunity, people stepped up and are really shining. I now see people – even those who’ve been here for the full 10 years – much more open and willing to challenge themselves by looking at things differently and trying things they’ve never tried before. That makes me feel good.”

Something about you ‘outside school’…

“The thing that currently brings me most joy is spending time as a family and enjoying going different places together. One thing that is a really important part of my life and always comes out at the top when I do the VIA character strengths test is appreciation of beauty and excellence. For example, when I go on my daily walk I always notice things and I’m now seeing that my children have started doing it too. They’ll stop and point things out. Another thing at the moment is that we’ve got a new puppy. We’ve never had one before and so while he is bringing us a lot of joy, he is also challenging us! It’s taking us out of our comfort zone a bit and we’re definitely finding out more about ourselves!"

“ When we took a step back and thought, let’s approach this with a beginner’s mindset and look at this as a growth opportunity, people stepped up and are really shining.”

“The CEEd is a place where little kids learn and play and grow up. I hope you have a good [birthday] party, CEEd.”

“Alistair and I will be forever grateful for the support given to our girls, Coco, Indianna and Belle, during their early childhood development by the dedicated team of educators at the CEEd.”

“Happy birthday CEEd. Thank you for nurturing our childrens’ dreams and aspirations. Thank you for the support and guidance you have shown us.”

“There is nothing better than knowing your children are safe, happy and supported. We will be forever grateful for the foundations the CEEd has given them.”

Toby Lim, CEEd Graduate 2020

Shona Gull, past CEEd parent

Anderson family, past CEEd family

Lauren Layton, current CEEd parent

THE CEE d TURNS 10

In July we celebrated the Centre for Early Education’s (the CEEd’s) 10th birthday. It’s amazing to think that the children who started in The Nest between 6-18months of age in 2012 are now in Year 5 and those from our first Kinder groups are now in Year 9. The children, families and educators who are the current custodians of the CEEd are fortunate to observe, to learn, to grow and to love in this place, individually and as a collective.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the CEEd’s wonderful learning journey over the past 10 years.

As we mark this special milestone, we use the following provocation (an Aboriginal proverb) to inspire our thinking, research, teaching and learning…

Malaguzzi, Founder, Reggio Emilia Approach

“It’s necessary that we believe that the child is very intelligent, that the child is strong and beautiful and has very ambitious desires and requests.”

Loris

We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.

Our CEEd Educators who have been here since the CEEd was opened: Lauren DiGiovanni, Turtle Associate Educator; Tamara Abbott, Assistant Director and Educational Leader; Martina Hooper, CEEd Teacher; Koren Naylor, Director; Emma Northcott, CEEd Associate and Tracey Dalton, Infant Lead Educator.

IF THE CEE d WALLS COULD SPEAK…

WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?

“Hello, please remember to use your kindness and friendship here.”

Perrie (Zebra 2022)

“They would say welcome.”

Elsie (Zebra 2022)

“I have no doubt that the walls of the CEEd would say… thank you for passing through and allowing me to share in the joys and challenges, wonder and madness, playfulness and potential, beauty and uncertainty. Thank you for allowing me to hold a place for childhood.”

Koren Naylor, Director

“They would speak of appreciation towards the special educators who have grown and developed into professionals over the past 10 years, advocating for all children with their kind and caring nature. And I would say thank you, CEEd, for growing alongside me.”

Tamara Abbott, Assistant Director and Educational Leader

“They would be embracing the joyful noise of learning and encouraging all to, ‘Bring it on.’”

Jane Johnson, past CEEd Educator

“They might say that there has been some significant mess made in these spaces over the past 10 years but much magnificent curiosity, exploration, creativity and expression generated!”

“I believe they would say… I am so proud of the early childhood educational journey that many little footsteps have taken accompanied by the bigger footsteps that have confidently guided and supported them through the hallways to the magical rooms where creativity, exploring and friendships come to life.”

Melissa Polkinghorne, CEEd Administrator

Jacqui

White, CEEd Specialist and Junior School Art Teacher

“Children are received in the Nursery School from the age of three years, and in the Kindergarten from the age of four. Boys may remain until they are six or are ready to enter the Preparatory School of the Boys’ Grammar School.”

From Queen’s CEGGS Prospectus, when Miss Krome was Headmistress

A Kindergarten for 4 year-olds and Play Class for 3 year-olds operated in the Queen’s CEGGS Junior School for girls and boys

Ballarat Grammar Community Kindergarten (run by the State Government) operated in the Junior School building

A Play Group operated in the Junior School (early days of BQAGS)

Early Learning Centre (ELC) constructed in the grounds of the Junior School

A Kindergarten operated in the Junior School, starting in the East Wing (former Junior School Building, which stood where Centennial Building now stands) before moving to the new Junior School in Dare Street (2 sta members)

The Kindergarten expanded to cater for 3-year-olds

ELC o cially opened on 14 March

“They would speak kindly. The floors would tell of thousands of small feet, traversing their way across new knowledge and friendships. The windows would shine light on connection, growth and new understandings amongst all those who looked through them. The ceiling would sigh with pride at the labours of love and professionalism the teachers and educators have shown. The outdoors would relish in the wonderings and revelations it fosters. And the walls would indeed speak – they would speak of challenge, development, learning, laughter, tears, achievement, and progress. They would remind us to tread lightly. That children come not from us, but through us, and we must make way for the change and curiosity they bring. And if they could truly be heard, I think the walls might say, ‘Could you wipe that bit off paint of me? I'm tired!’”

Lisa Baker, past CEEd Educator, past Teacher/Director Ballarat Grammar Community Kindergarten and past Director Early Learning Centre

“They would speak of the boundless love created here. The love that the educators have for our space which we work so hard to create, to nourish the minds of the children who learn and play in it. The love that grows throughout the year between children, educators, peers, and parents. The love we all have for the country the CEEd stands on which we show each day by teaching and learning about nature. The love we all have for learning. Speaking to the walls, I would like to say thank you for giving us a space to fit ten years of love, joy, and magic into.”

Mikhaela Vranesic, Infant and Toddler Educator and CEEd Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator

“I believe they would say… the CEEd provides our community with more than just a space to grow, it provides our families, CEEdlings and CEEd team with a sense of belonging.”

Rebecca Walker, Zebra Teacher

“ We give thanks for ten wonderful years of our littlest learners loving, laughing and learning together at the CEEd, and for the many years before that in the ELC.”

Extract from the birthday blessing given by Acting Chaplain, Keith Romanis

Three pillars developed for our CEEd Philosophy: Learning in Nature, Positive Psychology and Reggio Emilia

CEEd o cially opened on 15 July 6 months to 4-year-olds Karen Nijam (Ritchie) commenced as Director 3 sta members, 20 assistants

Bushlings program for infants and toddlers commenced

Bush Kinder program for 3 and 4-year-olds commenced

Consecutive days for Reception and Kindergarten programs introduced

Bush Kinder site o cially renamed ‘Boron Beek Murrun’ (Child in Nature) by local Elder Stephanie Skinner, proud Wadawurrung Woman from the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative

Koren Naylor commenced as Director (7 sta members, 23 Associates)

INSPIRING OLD GRAMMARIAN

DR DENBIGH BURROWS MD, BMED (2012, SCHOOL CO-VICE CAPTAIN)

Denbigh’s passion for practising as a rural General Practitioner combines his love of living in the country and serving his local community and has all the facets of work and lifestyle that he enjoys.

“I love that it means you get to be a jack-of-alltrades, but the thing I probably love most is being able to provide continuity of care to my patients.”

He says that rural GPs can have a big impact on patients and their families. For Denbigh, being responsible for navigating families through sometimes extremely difficult and challenging times is very rewarding.

“Looking after your patients from the day they are born to when they die, you get to know them and their families really well. You have the responsibility and privilege of helping make their lives a little bit better or more comfortable.”

These days, Denbigh’s time is divided between working as a GP at Camperdown Robinson Street Medical Centre and working on his farm outside Camperdown where he runs Angus beef cattle. “I wanted to have a little farm of my own, even though it’s essentially a paddock and I borrow what I need from Mum and Dad!”

Denbigh grew up on his family’s farm nearby and spent six years at Grammar in Wigan house. While studying medicine at UNSW, his course required him to spend half his time in Sydney and half in Wagga Wagga at the Base Hospital. Attracted to the regional lifestyle, after graduating he chose to stay in Wagga Wagga to do his internship and residency years before returning to Victoria to specialise in Intensive Care.

It was during that time working in the Intensive Care Unit at the Alfred Hospital that Denbigh realised he wanted to work in an area of medicine where he could really get to know his patients, so he switched his speciality to General Practice.

Now that he’s a rural GP, Denbigh says that a major part of his job is providing mental health support for patients.

“Mental health is a major issue for people in rural and regional communities. A large part of the care is provided by GPs who are the first port of call for patients seeking help. We try our best to assist people in navigating the system and linking them with the care and support that’s the best fit for them. And as someone who’s had friends die from suicide due to depression, and as someone who has experienced anxiety and depression at times myself, it’s very important to me to do what I can to change things for the better.”

Denbigh’s work to inspire change in the area of mental health started when he was still studying. He was named as a Royal Agricultural Society of NSW 2019 Rural Achiever in recognition for his work in various mental health groups and programs in Wagga Wagga.

He assisted in getting a program called ‘Tomorrow Man’ running in multiple schools and local community events which provided education and support to around 400 men and boys. The program provides a safe space for the men and boys to be vulnerable and talk about their issues.

“It was a very profound experience for me, especially seeing people being empowered to reach out and seek professional help when they are struggling.”

Denbigh is currently involved in a project focused on men’s mental health in South West Victoria. “The local public health network is looking at what rural GPs need, in addition to what they already have, to provide the best support and care for mental health patients.”

Denbigh’s inclination for getting involved in his community was evident during his time at Grammar. “If I was known for anything at school it probably would be that I was involved in as many things as I could fit into my day. That not only gave me a wonderful world perspective, but also meant I developed a wonderful network of friends and experiences that have helped me in everything I’ve done since.”

He says that Grammar provided a fantastic gateway to opportunities. “We were so privileged to have all those experiences. Grammar taught me about the importance of serving others and making the most of every learning opportunity and, most importantly, showing kindness to others and being a good person.”

Denbigh explains that Headmaster Stephen Higgs had a particularly big impact on him.

"I really admired Mr Higgs for the way he treated people with respect and fairness and for how he always considered people when making decisions.”

In 2023, Denbigh is undertaking further study of GP Anaesthetics for 12 months, which means he will be able to assist his patients even further. Meanwhile he will continue to work and advocate to help those in rural areas suffering from mental health conditions.

“It is very important to me that when young people are struggling, especially young men from rural and regional areas, they get the education and support they need to seek professional help."

Denbigh’s impact in the field of rural medicine, and in particular mental health in rural and regional communities, exemplifies Grammar’s values of pursuing excellence in learning and in life, serving our communities and taking personal responsibility for making a difference. Thank you, Denbigh.

"If I was known for anything at school it probably would be that I was involved in as many things as I could fit into my day."

This year we have again seen the generous support of our Ballarat Grammar Community with our kind and committed donors giving more than $121,600 to our Annual Giving campaign. These funds will help support scholarships and provide funds to invest in updating our facilities and programs that would otherwise not be available.

Such generous support has enabled the School to increase the number of scholarships for deserving students and the development of state-of-theart facilities to be completed in the future, including the redevelopment of The Must Memorial Library and a purpose-built Media Centre / TV Studio.

To our donors: your generous gift is an investment in our students. We thank everyone who joined in this effort by making a gift. Together we are making a difference.

BALLARAT & QUEEN’S OLD GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION

It has been a busy year in the Old Grammarians’ Association with a return to a full calendar of events and reunions. We have been able to catch up on our rescheduled reunions from 2021 with the 2016 6 Year Reunion and Gala Reunion for 1981, 1991, 2001 & 2011, and we have held the 2020 2 Year Reunion, Gala Reunion for 1982, 1992, 2002 & 2012, 50+ Luncheon and 2017 5 Year Reunion.

We are grateful to the Old Grammarians, parents and guests who have been involved in our recent careers events, including the Old Grammarians’ Careers in Agriculture (& related industries) Breakfast, Old Grammarians’ Careers in the Built Environment Breakfast, Year 10 Immersion Week at City Cite and our Year 10 mock interviews. Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive; the students find these events valuable, and the Old Grammarians really enjoy sharing their experiences and giving back. We are committed to holding more careers events with our Old Grammarians in the future.

Building on the success and growth of our Careers events over the past few years, our goal is to harness the Old Grammarian

network of experienced individuals to provide support, career development and networking opportunities for young Old Grammarians. We are looking to establish a program for young Old Grammarians (5-10 years post-graduation or qualification) to be matched with an experienced Old Grammarian mentor to provide “real-life experience”. We anticipate this program will start in early 2023 and encourage any Old Grammarians who would like to be involved to express their interest by contacting the Development Office. We will keep our School community informed as these exciting plans progress further. If you would like to find out more about this initiative, please get in touch with the Development Office via email – development@bgs.edu.au

Our Heritage Football matches were held for our boys and girls football teams in May and June; both teams played well, with the “Best on Ground” going to Henry Shea and Madeleine Seebeck. The teams wore the Heritage jerseys, and I was honoured to present them to the boys’ team before their game.

We will hold our Annual General Meeting on 27 February 2023; we invite Old Grammarians to attend. We welcome Old Grammarians to join our committee and help shape the future of Ballarat Grammar, build connections, and get involved in opportunities that make a difference.

If your contact details have recently changed, we encourage you to complete the alumni update details form on the website www.bgs.vic.edu.au/alumni-update-details so we can stay in touch with you.

We look forward to engaging with you via our events and other activities in 2023!

Tom Hunt (2012), President, Old Grammarians’ Association

NEWS AND EVENTS

In June, we held our Old Grammarians' Careers in the Built Environment panel and breakfast with eight-panel members speaking to our senior students about their journey and opportunities in the industry.

Headmaster’s Luncheons in Sydney and Queensland

Our annual Headmaster’s Luncheons recommenced this year after being unable to hold them since 2019. The Headmaster, Mr Adam Heath and Travis Polkinghorne, visited the Australian Club in Syndey on Thursday 6 October, and Harry’s on Buderim in Queensland on Friday 7 October.

A big thank you to our panel of Old Grammarians, parents, staff, and guests for getting up early and sharing your experiences and advice with our students. Two of our students also secured work experience with some of our panellists, such a fantastic result!

It was wonderful to reconnect with many familiar faces at these luncheons!

We look forward to planning more gatherings next year.

BQOGA “Careers in the Built Environment panel and breakfast.”

Sydney - Peter Brown and Lynette Brown (Peters, 1954)

Sydney - Nick Resch (1989), Matthew Fisher (1977), Andrew Hine (son of Leonard Hine, 1933, dec.)

Sydney - Geoff Oddie (1951) and Nola Oddie

QLD - Sylvia Muson, Graham Munson (1978), Ian Harris, Glenn Harris (Gazzard, 1951)

QLD - Graeme Gibb (1956), Robin Trotter (1957), Paul Atkinson (1988)

Sydney - Lynette Brown (Peters, 1954) Nola Oddie, Adam Heath, Geoff Oddie (1951) Peter Brown

Blessing of boats and the 2022/2023 Rowing Season Launch

On a sunny Spring day in October, more than 150 Ballarat Grammar community members gathered to celebrate the Blessing of four new rowing boats by the Bishop of Ballarat, The Right Rev. Garry Weatherall.

Bishop Garry delivered a short but moving history of why boats are blessed, explaining that seafaring was a hazardous activity and divine help was sought to keep those venturing out to sea safe, and then proceeded to bless each boat.

The boats replace older boats of the same names: The Rossy, The Alan Patterson, The Must Family and The Queen’s. The families after whom the boats are named, past Queen’s College students, and current rowers and their families. Guests delighted in listening to the history of the four boats delivered by four senior Ballarat Grammar students: Meg, Ollie, Bella, Charlie, and Eleanor.

Following the Blessings, the Ballarat Grammar Vikings President, Mrs Lyndal Geddes, delivered a short address explaining the support the Vikings provide to the Ballarat Grammar rowers, and welcomed new families to become involved with the Vikings. Mr Heath introduced the newly appointed Head of Rowing, Mr Marty Francis, who is anticipating a stellar season of rowing. The launch concluded with the traditional egg and bacon rolls cooked by many enthusiastic helpers on the BBQ.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NAMING OF THE FOUR BOATS:

The Rossy

The first 'Rossy'sweep four was launched back in 1998. It has now returned to the shed on a new hull which can be used both as a sweep boat and a quad scull boat. John Ross-Perrier, for whom this new boat and our water sport facility is named, entered the School as a boarder, aged 7, in 1943. He took up rowing in 1951 and, in 1953, was in the bow seat of the First Crew, who won the Head of the Lake in then record time. In the same year, he was the School Captain, Captain of Football and represented the School in cricket, tennis and athletics. In 1954, he was a student teacher and rowing coach at the School. After his premature death in 1997, it become known that he had an outstanding career with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), with years as head of the counter-intelligence branch and later as Assistant Director of ASIO in charge of counter-espionage.

Throughout his life, John continued his loyalty to his old school. He regularly returned on Boat Race days and for annual reunions. John was a member of the School's Board of Directors, serving on several committees and was Chairman of the Planning & Development Committee.

John Ross-Perrier came to epitomise the finest ideals of the School. His name will continue to inspire others to give their very best.

The MUST FAMILY

The Must Family boat replaces The Patricia Must in the current fleet and pays tribute to two other boats, The Phillip Must and The Norman Must.

The Must family has always had a keen interest in the School and rowing. Norman’s father, Philip Must, was a founder of the original Boys’ School, the Church of England Grammar School in 1911. A boat donated in 1971 by the family in memory of Philip, The Philip Must, has won many a race; Norman’s sister, Kathleen (1921), has a scholarship fund in her name, and the Must Memorial Library is named in memory of the Must Family.

In 1992 The Patricia Must boat was named in a pre-Boatrace Ceremony by Patricia herself. This new racing shell was used by the Girls’ Third Crew in their victory voyage across Lake Wendouree that day. Patron of the Grammar Foundation, Mr Norman Must (1921) donated the boat in honour of his wife Patricia (1939). In 1993, another boat, The Norman Must, was launched and Norman (1921) and Pat Must (1939) were in attendance just two days after Norman celebrated his 90th birthday.

The ALAN PATTERSON

The Alan Patterson was first purchased and launched as an 8-sweep boat in 2001; it has now been relaunched as a 4-sweep boat.

Alan Patterson was a senior teaching staff member from 1976 to 1982. Alan's wife is Susan Patterson (Taylor, 1957), an Old Grammarian of Queen’s CEGGS, past parent and past staff member.

Along with Erik Vahl Meyer, Alan was instrumental in the formation of the Vikings Club, serving as the first Treasurer/Secretary when

it was established in 1980. He was a great supporter of girls' rowing and coached our inaugural Head of the Lake First Girls' Crew in 1980. Alan donated a perpetual silver shield on a handsome black base for that event, which has been awarded ever since. He also coached the Boys' First Crew which won the Head of Lake 40 years ago in 1982 in a thrilling race.Alan left Ballarat Grammar when appointed as the founding Headmaster of Mowbray College, Melton. He died in 2002. The Patterson children were the third generation of the family to row for the School, preceded by Taylors. Emily (1986) and Celia Patterson (1987) were both captains of boats and both won Head of the Lake titles. Celia was selected to join a rowing program at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. She and her crew gained a bronze medal in the World Junior Rowing Championships in Milan in 1988. She successfully represented Australia in the U23 Trans-Tasman Championship races in New Zealand. George Patterson (1989) went on to stroke Melbourne Grammar’s crew in 1992 after starting his rowing career at BQAGS as a cox. He also rowed for Brown University in the USA.

The QUEEN’S

The original “Queen’s” boat was first named and launched in 1990 and is now back in the shed after a long hiatus.

The name Queen’s was suggested to the Headmaster, Mr Barry Smith, by the Vikings Club, early in 1990. This suggestion was prompted by the imminent launch of the book, Mainly About Girls - A History of Queen’s, Ballarat 1876 -1972. Appropriately, the boat was named the day after the book was launched, by Mrs Ethel Taylor, whose final year at the Girls’ School was 1921. The naming and blessing of Queen’s took place in the Boarders’ Quad outside the Chapel on Sunday, 25 March 1990.

2023 REUNION DATES

Celia Patterson (1987) with the Alan Patterson Boat named in memory of her father.

Margaret Cutter (Thomas, then Wright, 1951) and Ged Cutter (1951) with the Queen's Boat.

OLD GRAMMARIAN AND COMMUNITY NEWS

DEATHS

We mourn the passing of these members of our community and pass on our condolences to their friends and loved ones.

Judy Ann Attiwill OAM (Johnson, 1954), was a student at Queen’s CEGGS from 1943 to 1954, her roll number was 1052. She returned as an art teacher in the late 1950s. She died peacefully in June after a battle with illness, with her husband, Peter, and three children by her side. Judy was a pioneer in the fight against domestic violence. She was a wonderful and caring worker and advocate for the safety and support of women, their children, and their family pets. She played a significant role in developing legislation on domestic violence in Victoria. Judy was an inspiration and wonderful support to her family, colleagues, and friends.

Farewell to our classmate Joy from Janene Schillier (Bakes, 1971)

We were very sad to learn that our dear classmate Joy Bethune (Brant, 1971) passed away in January this year. Joy was enrolled at Queen’s in 1964 at age 10 and spent her school years with us as a boarder. Whether you were a day girl (day “bug”) or a boarder, we all formed strong bonds which continue at the periodic get-togethers after leaving school. Joy always attended these, and we were looking forward to catching up with Joy again at the 50+ luncheon in October.

Joy had previously lost her beloved husband, Peter, and is survived by her sister Gayle Brant (1970) who also attended the School. Our sincere condolences to Gayle and all Joy’s friends and extended family. She will be remembered for her warmth, cheer, kindness, loyal friendship, and many other wonderful qualities. We will all miss our dear Joy.

Geoffrey Closter (1965) a student from 1960 to 1963, passed away in July. Our sympathy is extended to Geoffrey’s wife Nola, and their children Anthony (1988), Ross (1990) and Helane (1993) and their families. He will be remembered from school days as an athlete and a rower. Our sympathy is extended to his wife and children, Anthony (1988), Ross (1990) and Helane (1993) and his younger brother Reginald, a student from 1962 to 1965.

Betty Mima Kinnersley (Reid, 1942) passed away earlier this year. Betty and her sister Joscelyn were enrolled at Queen’s in 1941, attending as monthly boarders. Due to the petrol rations, they would travel home on a passenger bus (no school buses back then!) to Waubra, and their Dad would meet them in a gig.

Lois Goodes (Batten, 1972) passed away in September this year. Lois was enrolled at Queen’s CEGGS in 1967. Her roll number was 2314. She was a fine musician. The Queen’s CEGGS Prize List for 1972 recorded that Lois Batten received the Headmistress’s Award for the School Pianist. Lois also passed Piano Grade 8 with Credit that year.

As this time was during the war years, air raid practices took place at Queen’s.  The Grammar boys dug the trenches. In winter, these often filled with water and tadpoles and the students were excused for not climbing into them. Betty often commented that they wondered whether they would die by bombing or drowning! The other shelter for the girls at Queen’s was under the staircase in the Boarding House (Manifold House.) The dormitory windows were blacked out and had muslin cloth on the bottom. In the classroom, nails were driven into the side of their desks for a haversack containing emergency rations.

Alison Goldsbury (Barratt, 1940) passed away in Donald in August this year. Alison’s roll number was 875. She was enrolled in 1939, when Miss Krome was Headmistress.

Terry Julien (1960), Old Grammarian, former Junior School teacher and Boarding House MOD in the 1970s, passed away in June. He was living in Johns River in NSW with his wife, Tori, and had been struggling with some illnesses over the past few years.  Terry taught at St Joseph’s in Echuca after his years at our School.

Betty returned home at about 15 years of age to look after her father and two younger siblings. Her mother had died in 1940 at 38 years of age, and her father was unable to get a housekeeper due to the number of people joining the Forces and the Land Army. The friendships made at Queen’s remained throughout Betty’s life.

Betty married Francis Kinnersly in 1954 and bought land at Mt Beckworth. The farm remains within the family, and the area name shares kinship with the School.

Terry Julien

Betty’s faith was an important part of her life, worshipping at the family church, Holy Trinity at Waubra. She and Francis had two children, Heather (1972) and Phillip (1969). Heather was the first baby to be baptised at the font given in memory of Betty’s Grandmother, Ann Ferguson. The font was purchased by Ann Ferguson’s daughter, Mrs Roy Loader. When the church closed in 2001, the Loader family gave the font to BQAGS where it currently resides in the Chapel of St Mark. All the grandchildren of Nana Ferguson attended Queen’s and Grammar.

Late of Dimboola and Castlemaine, Edward William Muntz (1947), known as Bill, muchloved husband of Judith and father of Simon, passed away in his 90s in July. Bill and his family had a long and distinguished family connection with our School and the University of Melbourne. Like his father Norrie, Bill lived in Trinity College while studying law. They were excellent students. In his final year at Ballarat Grammar 1947, Bill was a Prefect, held the rank of C.Q.M.S. in the Cadet Corps, and was a member of the Chapel, Library and Magazine Committees. Loved, admired and respected, Bill was always loving and kind and a true gentleman.

Philip J. Knox passed away in September this year after a battle with illness. Philip was enrolled at Ballarat Grammar in 1961 and a recipient of a scholarship. His roll number was 1982, and his father John William Knox was roll number 666 in 1930. He was very involved in the school, he was in the cast of the school play in 1965, and he was in the Football First Eleven and First XVIII in 1966. Philip was a Probationer in 1966 and a Prefect in 1967. Philip went on to study at Melbourne University on multiple scholarships and became a journalist and Foreign Correspondent for AAP Reuters, edited ‘Nation Review’ for a short time, and later worked with Foreign Affairs in Canberra. Margot Murphy, past staff member, sadly passed away in September this year. First involved in our Wellbeing Program in 1996, Margot was our School Psychologist until 2012. Margot’s commitment to our Wellbeing Program and the support she provided to students and their families and to members of staff is remembered with gratitude. Wise, gentle and kind, she will be sorely missed by her husband, Ed, their three children, Ben (1999), Mairead, and Caitlin, their partners, her four grandchildren, and her extended family and friends. A Prayer Service took place in Daylesford, and a number of current and former staff were in attendance. Vale, Margot.

Caption: Bill’s School Cap

Tom Runnalls was a talented artist, his excellent illustrations are part of the School’s history.

Mark Robbins (1974) passed away peacefully in May this year. The first-born child of Ken and Judith Robbins (née Symons) from Mildura, Mark attended Ballarat Grammar from 1971-74. His grandfather Harry Symons (1919) attended Grammar, and his mother, Judith (1949), went to Queen’s, and his younger siblings Tim (1976), Peter (1980), and Anne (1985) attended Ballarat Grammar.

An avid sports person, Mark was the school tennis captain and also played in the First Teams in squash, football, and badminton– a sport in which he would later become a junior champion in Ballarat.  His sporting prowess at Grammar led to him affectionately being known as ‘Sports’.  A former President and Treasurer of the Melbourne University Squash Club, Mark played State Grade squash.  He reached as high as playing State 3 with his brother Tim but spent most of his years in the State 5 team. He was also a keen cyclist, Mark completed several State bike rides.

Mark had a successful career working in accounting and finance. After over a decade working in private accounting practice, Mark joined the then-State Bank of Victoria, which later became part of the Commonwealth Bank. Mark worked at the Commonwealth Bank for 12 years in various senior finance roles. He later joined the Victorian Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure, where he worked as a

Senior Business Analyst until his retirement in February this year. In 2005, he married Jo-Anne Preston (dec.). He is survived by his two children, Sarah and Jasper.

Tom Runnalls (School Council, 1967 to 1979) passed away in September this year. At the family’s request, the School was honoured to host a Service celebrating the life of Tom Hodge Runnalls in the Chapel of St Mark on 27th September. Tom had become ill whilst on a trip to Italy with his son Ross (1972) to visit Malcolm (1971) and celebrate his 98th birthday. On return, he was admitted to St John of God Hospital, Ballarat, where he died peacefully.

Tom came to Australia from England when he was about 5 years old. He grew up, was educated, and worked in Bendigo prior to his appointment as the Accountant for Timken in Ballarat in the 1960s. Tom was appointed to a senior international financial role with Timken, based in France, in the 1980s.

Tom’s connections with our School were strong and significant. Most recently, he was Guest Speaker at the School’s Anzac Memorial Service in 2019 (pictured), having served during WW2 with the RAAF as a Catalina crew member; also, he had a long involvement with Legacy. His financial expertise was of great value from 1967 to 1979 as a member of the School Council (now the Board of Directors). Father of John (1967), Malcolm (1971) and Ross (1972),

grandfather of Kris (1995) and Susanne (1996), and great-grandfather of current students Andrew and Jade Runnalls, and Kate, Emma and Liam Brown, his wife, Blanche (dec.), taught woodwork in our Art department and was a Robin House tutor/mentor.

A talented artist, his excellent illustrations are part of the School’s history as they are in the marvellous recipe book “Grammar Fare” produced for the 1979 Grammar Fair. Some of his work is held at the School. He was a passionate and generous supporter of Ballarat Grammar.

Carolyn Priddle (Brown), a student at Queen’s from 1951 to 1963, died suddenly in March 2022. She worked all her life in aged care and was the Ballarat co-ordinator of the Sing Australia Choir. Sister of Barry Brown (1961), their father, Robert Brown, was President and Treasurer of the Parents & Friends for many years in the 50s and 60s.

Samantha Smith , former flute teacher at Grammar (1999-2003), died in June after a considerable battle with illness. Most recently, she was a member of the Ballarat High School music department. Our thoughts are with Samantha’s family and colleagues at this sad time.

Tom Runnalls addressing Middle and Senior School students at the 2019 ANZAC Memorial Service

A TRIBUTE FOR NOEL ELLIS FROM DAVID FAWELL (1954)

Noel George Ellis (1949) was born in Ballarat on 18th November 1932. He was a student at Ballarat High School when he won a scholarship to Ballarat Grammar, starting in 1946. He was a Probationer in his last year of 1949 when he completed Form VI. Many left school at this stage unless they were going on to university. Whilst at Grammar, Noel was an excellent athlete as a sprinter in 1947, winning both the Under 15 100 and 220 sprints at the Combined School Sports and coming 2nd in the under 16 hurdles race and winning the Under 16 Combined School Sports hurdles race in 1948. He was also a Corporal in the Army Cadet Corps and performed in school plays. He was awarded school colours for athletics and played in the 1st XVIII Football Team. At school, he performed successfully at the Victorian School Championships, winning a sprint race.

After leaving school, he passed the qualifications as an accountant, being the youngest to do so. He began his accounting practice under the name of N G Ellis & Co. He was also an agent for William Noall Stockbrokers, operated Ballarat Land Mortgage & Agency Co. and managed the business of Lensworth Finance Pty Ltd. He left Ballarat in 1966 to join Lensworth Finance.

One of his personal accounting clients in Ballarat was Clive Cleaver. Noel was instrumental in advising Clive to set up The Beckworth Trust under his will, prepared by Old Grammarian David Fawell, a partner at Cuthbert, Morrow, Must & Shaw. This Trust has proved to be of immense benefit to Ballarat Grammar, providing substantial funding, including various student scholarships and funds for capital works. Noel was also heavily involved in the first fundraising scheme when the school faced deep financial strife.

He worked extensively in the finance, stockbroking and merchant banking areas, including two and a half years as a general manager of Australian International Finance Corporation Ltd and three years as general manager of Barclays Australia Ltd. From 1976, he specialised in mergers and acquisitions services through his own company. He was an Associate of the Australian Society of Accountants and was the Treasurer of The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators in New South Wales.

Prefects and Probationers 1949 Back Row: J. N. Nice, J. A. Baker, P. W. Messenger, D. C. Stevens Middle Row: B. Newsome, P. F. Cram, R. H. Gallagher, A. T. J. Pratt, N. G. Ellis

Front Row: G. Hughes, A. M. L. Gibbs, A. J. Pittard, C. R. Lucas, J. D. Stowell

He became widely sought after for his financial advice. In 1978, Rydge Publications commissioned him to write the book Sources of Company Finance in Australia. This highly readable text was very successful, with sales of 30,000 copies, and became set reading for teaching institutions and bank colleges.

His final role was with Interlink Commercial Furniture Company, which incorporated a network of commercial furniture manufacturers, retailers and installers in Australia and New Zealand.

In retirement, Noel served many years as a guide at the Shrine of Remembrance and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he was a member; he enjoyed these endeavours immensely. Noel passed away in March 2022 at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife Gabrielle, his daughter Belinda Williams and his son Richard, who very briefly attended Ballarat Grammar, together with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

CONGRATULATIONS

Luke Barlow (2021) has reached his next significant milestone: The Team Cyclescape rider has been selected to represent the National Team Fox Factory Australia. Great work, Luke!

Well done to Maggie Caris (2020) on being named in the Australian 21-and-under Netball Squad. Maggie’s selection follows impressive performances at the Australian Netball Championships where she helped the Vic Fury to a second-place finish.

Congratulations to former Needlework and Leatherwork teacher Val D’Angri OAM on receiving an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services to community history preservation. Mrs D’Angri joined the staff at Queen›s in Mair Street in the second term of 1965; she replaced Mrs. D. Flower who had taught Handwork previously.

Janene Schillier made contact with Val after reading about her Australia Day award. Janene said, “I had read snippets of Val’s achievements from time to time in the Courier – particularly in 1973 when Val undertook the huge task of the conservation of the Eureka Flag at the Ballarat Art Gallery.”

Val wrote: “Teaching the leatherwork classes at Queen’s from 1965 was a real delight, as was helping the girls make the footwear for the production of Oedipus Rex I well remember Mr Mario Paris (the French teacher) organising a Bastille Day celebration on 14 July including a wonderful fireworks display on the hockey field that evening. Another teacher I remember well was Mr Torrick and his wife Joyce. I really enjoyed my three years teaching at Queen’s.”

Following the Eureka Flag restoration, Val became keenly interested in the history

of Ballarat and is an active member of the Ballarat Historical Society and an Honorary Life member of the Ballarat Art Gallery... amongst other things! She and husband Norman spent hours of voluntary time at the Gold Museum assisting in the sorting and cataloguing of historical documents and photographs. Val judged the Needlework section of the Ballarat Show for 36 years as well as entries in the Ballarat Begonia Festival Parade.

How fortunate we were to have had such a highly skilled teacher with such a diverse range of talents. Congratulations Val! We are proud to have had you as our teacher!

Janene Schillier (Bakes,

1971)

Needlework and Leatherwork from Val's classes at Queen's.

Elsie Fulton (2011) recently led a recycling trial for used cosmetics with Myer across 12 national stores. Elsie is working for Close the Loop, an end-to-end solutions provider from design and manufacturing through to the collection and recycling of products. The trial is investigating the feasibility of a product stewardship scheme for cosmetics, part of an Australian government-funded grant awarded to the organisation.

Exciting news for Lucy Gregory (Fay, 2006) and her husband, Dave, on the arrival of their son, George. Lucy and her family are residing in Jerilderie, NSW.

Jack Henseleit (2009) has launched a new series called Cross Bones, a fully illustrated adventure story about pirate dogs searching for hidden treasure, for readers aged 7+. The first book, called A Dog’s Breakfast, is full of jokes, japes, thrills, and spills -- everything a young pirate could wish for! This will be Jack’s seventh published book after his book series The Witching Hours, a sequence of spooky fairy tales for older readers. Jack has made a few return visits to Grammar over the last couple of years to help teach the primary students about storytelling and creative writing and has very much enjoyed trying to scare the Grade 4 students! Jack lives in Ballarat with his partner, fellow OG Jemima Marton (2009)

Congratulations to Wendy Jenkins (Anderson, 1990) on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). After receiving a double lung transplant in 2006, Wendy began her “14 years and counting” journey of charity work in lung transplantation before officially launching the Lungitude Foundation in 2017, alongside her husband Gordon, and in collaboration with a group of talented individuals across a wealth of skills and industries.

Through her roles at the Lungitude Foundation and in sharing her inspirational story, Wendy has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for vital lifesaving research which is already having an impact on patient longevity. Well done, Wendy, on this incredible achievement.

Congratulations to Emma Kealy MP (1995) on being appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Victorian Nationals recently. Emma has been the elected Member for the western Victorian seat of Lowan for eight years. Hailing from Edenhope, Emma was a boarder in Woodbridge House for three years and was very much involved in music, sport, House and community activities.

Graduating together recently at Charles Sturt University were Jordyn McCulloch (2016) (Business Ag) and Tom Guthrie (Wine Science). Tom is the father of Ford Guthrie (2016), who sadly passed away in 2016, just prior to beginning his final year at Grammar. Tom was delighted to share the day with Jordyn, one of Ford’s best mates from Wigan House. Tom dedicated his accomplishment to Ford, hence the Wigan tie.

Congratulations to Felix Oliver (2020) and his Under 21 Australian crew on winning the Rusty Robertson Trophy in Canberra.

Isabel Wilson (2010) and her husband Ryan welcomed Harriet Bonnie Ganz on the 22nd of May, 2022. Isabel and Harriet were cared for by Isabel’s wonderful midwife colleagues at University Hospital Geelong. Harriet is adored by her grandparents Nick and Mandy Wilson (Burge, 1981) (current staff member), and aunties Imogen (2014) and Audrey (2022)

Well done to Old Grammarian Lucy Stephan OAM (2009) and her crew on their win at the World Rowing Cup 2 event in Poland in June.

1995 Squash Team - Rear: Bruce Thomson, Marcus Walsh, Ben Nicholson, Joe Binns, Front: Emma Kealy, Sam Pullin, John Holden

STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES

We do our best to keep an eye out for news and achievements of Old Grammarians and we are always pleased to hear from our community if there is news or achievements to share. An important aspect of our role is responding to questions and diverse requests from the School community and beyond.

Displays were mounted for the Gala Reunion held in August, which had been postponed until this year for the 1981, 1991, 2001 and 2011 peer year groups, for the 50+ Luncheon on 21 October when the 1970, 1971 and 1972 peer year groups were inducted, and for the Gala Reunion on 22 October for the 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012 peer year groups. We hope you enjoyed the displays!

NEW ACQUISITIONS

Blade of Presentation Oar - 1934 First Crew Head of Lake presented to 2 seat: W.A.H.Johnston Donated by Alan Johnston, the son of Warren Johnston (1934) and his wife, Janet Murray. Residing in Queensland and “downsizing”, Alan and Janet kindly contacted the School to offer this gift.

Thanks are extended to Mrs Ada Jelbart, mother of the late John Jelbart (1977), for the gift of John's 1977 Head of the Lake Presentation Oar. It is now on display in the John Ross-Perrier Watersports Centre.

Blade of Presentation OarFirst Crew Head of Lake 1934

AN ADDITION TO OUR WALL OF MUSICAL FAME

The Wall of Musical Fame was created in 2011 when we celebrated a Century of Anglican Education. With the approval and assistance of the featured musicians, framed photographs with brief biographical notes created by the School’s Archivists for Old Grammarians David Hirschfelder (1976), David Hobson (1977), Jacqueline Dark (1985), Dr Calvin Bowman (1989), Maxine Montgomery (1992) and Matthew Tomkins (1992). These hang in the Peter Dale Foyer of our Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.

Friendly email communication with Warren Ellis (1982), punctuated by pandemic interruptions, has culminated in the addition of Warren to the Wall in October 2022, coinciding with the 40-year reunion for his peer year. It has been a pleasure to reconnect with Warren. Congratulations on your stellar career thus far!

The late Alan Woodend, Director of Music, wrote the following sentence in a letter to Warren’s father in 1976 “… I feel that I must put on record my feelings that Warren has exceptional talent and that he deserves every possible encouragement.”

The student pictured with the oar is Oliver Harris (Year 10), the son of Shannyn (Mitchell) (1993) and John Harris, friends of Mrs Jelbart, who with Valerie Cole, facilitated the donation arrangements.

Neil MacDonald (1979) and Laura Le Marshall (MacDonald, 2002) donated several documents from the 1970s and 1990s, including a variety of School publications. The Ballarat Grammarian 1977 cover photo will remind many of a fine snowfall! Do you recall the Junior School in the background? And where are the goalposts now?

Warren Ellis’ school photo from 1982

From Life Governor Pam Coghlan (Hall, 1968), past parent and current grandparent, we have received two donations, a collection of School memorabilia, 1931 to 1957, from her late parents Mavis L. Hall (Heinz, 1938) and Ronald G. Hall (1939) and further memorabilia from 1972, 1989, 1999 and 2004.

One of the certificates for examinations in Religious Knowledge awarded to Mavis in 1938 is pictured below, as is the first page of the Order of Service for the Blessing of new Queen's Junior School and Tablet for Martyrs of New Guinea in 1953.

When interviewed in 2011, Pam related, “Mother and Father were both very involved with Queen’s and Grammar, both Old Grammarians. Father was sent from the Wimmera to board. He attended in the 1930s. However, Mother’s family had been at Queen’s the previous generation: five aunts attended Queen’s in the late 1800s and early 1900s.”

A.W. (Warren) Stephens (1958) was a boarder from Apsley and has farmed there since leaving Grammar when he was 15. He donated his school writing pad, complete with the ink-stained sheet of blotting paper still attached. Was this used for a weekly letter home?

Warren also gave a collection of seventeen photographs from the 1950s, including football, cricket, tennis, rowing, choir, boarders and school grounds. Warren played in the First XVIII.

From Zara Field (2020), a straw boater worn at Boat race. This hat was originally owned by a former boarder, Kirsty Williams (1990) Thank you to Angela Field, the mother of Zara and Jasmine (2022), for donating this to the Archives.

1st XVIII 1957 Rear: D.Rees, G.Peters, J.I.McRae, G.Clayton, G.Kennedy, T.Sephton Centre: M.Edlund, D.Dewhurst, T.Gillet, G.Titheridge, W.Wood, W.Stephens, M.Robertson, J.Paine Front: R.K.Northey, P.Hannaford, R.Seddon.esq. D.Tucker, G.Iredell Squatting in front: G.Williams

An extensive and interesting collection of items was received from the Hancock family in October. Alf Hancock (1948, dec.), Judy Hancock (Gazzard,1949), and their five children, Rose (1978), Trish (1980), Liz (1982), Jen (1984) and Michael (1985), all of whom were enrolled at Queen’s CEGGS and then at this School. Most of the collection is currently displayed in the John H. D. Roberts Museum. Of particular interest are the Father and Son Head of the Lake Presentation Oars from 1948 and 1982, respectively.

A donation, hand-delivered, by Susanne White (Redman) (1969), the author of Mainly About Girls, of three items, her own Queen's CEGGS school jumper, the very long, both in the length of scarf and length of time spent in its production, hand-knitted school scarf, knitted without any adult assistance, fulfilling the requirements for a Brownie/Girl Guide badge, and the confirmation veil worn by Sue's mother, Phyllis Redman (Murphy, 1943), now 94 years old, when she was confirmed by Archdeacon Morgan-Payler at Christ Church in 1940 or 1941, with a group of other Queen’s girls wearing the white dresses all girls had to have as part of the compulsory uniform. Sue has reported, “As Mum said, at least the boarders got more wear out of their dresses”. She only wore hers once for school! Sue and her sister Deborah Westfield (Redman, 1971) also wore the same veil when they were confirmed, aged 11.

Donated by Leon Johnson (1971) per David Cook (1972) and read by David to the large group in attendance at the 50+ Luncheon 2022, a correspondence card from 1971 conveying congratulations from Reg Must (1918) to Leon Johnson (1971) and the other members of the First Crew, 1971, following their win in the Head of Lake, in the new boat, The Philip Must (refer previous page regarding the history of the new Must Family boat).

Donated by Margaret and Keith Smith, a fine watercolour painting of Manifold House at Queen's CEGGS, by artist Keith Smith, husband of Margaret Muntz (1960), a boarder at Queen's from 1956 to 1960.

Margaret also donated memorabilia, including the program and a photo from the production of “The Magic Pudding” in 1958, five speech night programs from 1956 to 1960, receipts for school fees and her book room account, two of her school reports, two blazer pockets with Boarders’ Prefect and School Co-Captain emblazoned, and the program and a Ballarat Courier newspaper cutting for the Ballarat Grammar Schools’ production of Caesar and Cleopatra in 1959.

Judy Karütz (Rowan, 1965) donated memorabilia from Queen's reunions held in 1986, 1998, and 2008, including biographical notes and photographs for the 1965 peer year, and six copies of M.A.G. 1960 to 1965; three photographs of large groups of girls - one is Cuthbert House with primary age students; photographs of Miss Woodbridge and Mrs Myles, the Junior School and sports day 1961; two “stick pin” lapel badges and one tie bar, each with Queen's Crest, and one Queen’s Collegians’ and Old Grammarians’ Association badge; one Queen's school tie; two hat bands; one large Queen's pennant.

Correction: The caption on page 27 of Boomalacka 123, alongside the letter from Jill Webber (Mayo, 1957), should be “Prefects 1957”. Thank you to Beth Codling (O’Neil, 1956) for advising us of this error.

50+ LUNCHEON

WELCOMING THE 1970, 1971 AND 1972 COHORT TO THE 50+ GROUP

We were delighted to welcome back over 130 Old Grammarians for the 50+ Luncheon on 21 October 2022 for past students whose peer year was 1972 or earlier. This luncheon has not been held in person since 2019 due to the interruptions of COVID restrictions over the past few years, so it was a great opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about old times and have a tour of the school.

It was wonderful to welcome many of our Old Grammarians and their partners from across Australia and, in some cases, overseas. Many apologies were received, expressing disappointment at not being able to attend, with a number of these being from areas affected by the recent floods.

The program was relatively informal, with the Headmaster, Mr Adam Heath, quizzing the crowd with questions about memorabilia. A special welcome was extended to the members of the 1970, 1971 and 1972 peer years and other eligible attendees who were presented with their commemorative 50+ Years badge by the newly appointed Guardians (school leaders for 2023). The Old Grammarians and Guardians sang the school songs, and the Boomalacka war cry with plenty of energy, spirit, and enthusiasm.

After careful consideration of the complexities of the extraordinarily busy School year, next year’s 50+ Luncheon will to be held earlier than previous years, on Friday 21 April 2023. The 1973 peer year students will reach the 50+ milestone next year; they will be honoured and inducted into the illustrious 50+ cohort at the Luncheon.

Margaret Read, Margaret Cutter (Thomas, formerly Wright 1951) Rodney Read (1951), Ged Cutter (1951)

50+ Luncheon 1971 inductees

Sue Adlington, Jane Martin (Shannon), Dianne Andrews (Todd), Jenni Britton (Jones)

Ros Saunders (Alexander) 1955, Colleen Ludbrook (White) 1955, Beckie Christie (Bishop) 1956

Anne Tolliday (Hobson, 1970), Anne Martin (Spittle, 1968) Rosemary Spittle (1965)

Megan Rankin (Bell) 1971, Alice Knight OAM 1962, Anne Gaunt (Nevett) 1970, Kevin Knight OAM 1958

Tony Crocker 1971, Greg McPherson 1970, Ross Gribble 1971, Ross Lumley 1972

50+ Luncheon 1972 inductees

Allan Wettenhall (1966), Bob Bath (past staff)

50+ Luncheon 1970 and earlier inductees

2017 5 YEAR REUNION

It was great to catch up with the class of 2017 on Saturday 5 November at the Golden City Hotel for their 5 Year Reunion. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and hear what our OG’s have been up to since they graduated.

Thank you to everyone who came along, we hope you all enjoyed the afternoon!

Vanessa Yung, Megan Brennan, Neve Claffey, Leah Holt, Laura Munn

Grace O’Dwyer, Jordy Bone, Tash Whiteside, Neve Claffey, Zara Nevett, Sophie Draffin, Tom BromleyLynch, Emelia Nigro, Liv Oliver, Will McInnes

Lashae Plover, Liv Oliver, Sam Crook, Molly West, Rose Kirby

Brittney Edwards, Mac BryanWakeling, Millie Illes

Claire Murray, Indi Calvert, Emelia Nigro, Nat Barbara, Jasmine Knowles

Will McInnes, Jeremy Williams, Bailey Hansen, Charles O’Loughlan, Dominic Black

Niall Barlow, Will Greig, George Fay, Abbey Mahncke, Kayla Davies, Hattie MacDonald

Sam Battye, Elyse Hamer, Taleesha Kemp, Red Skelton, Luke Belcher

Faith McKenzie, Abbey Mahncke, Deb Eldridge (staff)

Vanessa Yung, Lauren Yung, Laura Munn, Jordy Bone

GALA REUNION FOR 1981, 1991, 2001, AND 2011

After having to reschedule the Gala Reunion for 1981, 1991, 2001, and 2011, we were excited to welcome past students to celebrate their 10, 20, 30 and 40-year reunions on Saturday 13 August. The crowd gathered in the recently renovated and extended Memorial Dining Hall, where they enjoyed some drinks and nibbles, a few formalities, and photos, before being taken on a twilight campus tour to see their old stomping ground and the new developments. It was a fantastic opportunity to remember, reminisce, reconnect with old friends, and reflect on their life’s journey. It was a reminder that together, they celebrate a proud history and a great connection to Ballarat Grammar.

1981 Peer Year 1991 Peer Year

Elizabeth Oswald, Cameron McDonald, Shannon Hill

1991 Peer Year students who started at Grammar from Junior School - pictured in the JS Inquiry Centre

Lyle Weir, Heidi Astbury, Justin Lacy

Georgia Lea, Sash Ferguson (Tersteeg), Elizabeth Bateman 1991

Nadine Roberts, Justine Grzybowski (Hill), Stephanie Wilson, Louise Melotte (Bedggood)

1981 Peer Year

Andrea Kramer, Jessica Niblett (Kerr), Jessica Singh (Radcliffe), Max Stowe (staff)

Emma Fraser, Stacey Tennant, Ingrid Irwin (Micich)

2001 2011

Charleton Glenn, George Meek, Bridget Paton

Emma Harrison, Charleton Glenn, Bridget Paton, Louise Gunn (staff) Merren Petrass

Josh Bromley-Lynch, Pat Fay, Jason Simmons (staff)

2001 Peer Year

Andrea Kramer, Jessica Niblett (Kerr), Jessica Singh (Radcliffe), Max Stowe (staff)

Lisa Keppell, Zara Costello, Leanne Hayes (Robertson), Vicki Place

Charles Wynne, Felicity Little (Ellis)

Georgia Lea, Sash Ferguson (Tersteeg), Elizabath Bateman

Lara Freeman, Mina Ghobrial, Rachel Morley, Andrew Morley, Amelia Best, Adam Bignold

GALA REUNION

1982, 1992, 2002 AND 2012

We welcomed over 230 Old Grammarians back to the Gala Reunion for 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012 on Saturday 22 October. It was fantastic to have such a great turnout from all peer years, along with many current and past staff, with many Old Grammarians travelling from interstate for the event.

There was a real buzz in the Memorial Dining Hall, where everyone gathered for nibbles and drinks, a brief welcome from Mr Heath, and a twilight tour of the campus to see the new developments.

Everyone was pleased to catch up with old friends and reconnect with their former teachers; the tour was a highlight for many!

1982 peer year

Stewart Dekker, Anton Nijhof

Andrew Margetts, Peter Stutchberry

Rod Walsh, John Christie, David Westaway, Peter Carter

Tim Bodey, Michelle Bodey (Hern), Nic Osburn, Vicki Colville, Trent Ball, Melinda Bray (Dalman), Caroline Lagongiannis (Chibnall), Simon Coghlan, Raymond Creelman

1992 peer year

Jenny Bogie (Cattanach), Lorraine Austin (Bridgewater), Gayle Wrigley

Matthew Argall, Georgie Macleod, Nat McIntosh, Ben Jackson

Stuart Pacey, Stewart Dekker, Matthew Argall, Nicholas Gooding

Neroli Dunn (Martin), Karen Edwards (Twigg), Lorraine Austin (Bridgewater)

Jennifer Moore (Matthews), Hilary Hazeldine

2002 2012

Mark Robertson, Julia Llyod Bruin, Penny McCabe, Anna Batters, Stephanie Durant, Anna Robb, James Carter

Elliott Livingston, Tristan Jens, Sebastian Stobart

Tristan Jens, Andrew Fisken, Kate Forbes, Tash McSween

2002 peer year

Mark Warwick (staff) Kate Fay, Alex Lia

Reg Billman, Andrew Kennelly, Georgia Bradley

Jemma Del Pappa, Anna Fairbain-Calvert, Jenelle Ryan, Deb Pitson (staff)

Bruce Pipkorn (staff) Beth Williams, Mark Roberts, Rashall Roberts

Matt Risbey (Rees!), Georgie Clarke (Collins), Emma Williams, Casey McDonald (Byron)

Kieran Leach, Jake Seers, Thomas Gribble, Trent Quick, Tarra Morgan, Lewis Ebdom-Goad, Madeline Lacy

BALLARAT AND QUEEN’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL 201 Forest Street, Wendouree Victoria 3355 Australia P +61 (0)3 5338 0700 F +61 (0)3 5338 0991 E bgs@bgs.vic.edu.au

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BALLARAT AND QUEEN’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL