The Barker #114

Autumn 2017 Issue 114 ISSN: 2204-938X

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Darkinjung Our Second Year

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Robotics' Innovative New Program

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Alumni Profile Tom Williamson

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Junior School on the Move

The Regulars 03 Senior Weekend Away 08 Phonics: the building blocks of reading in Prep 15 Rocking out 18 Year 11 'O'-Week 2017 22 Alumni Profile: Tom Williamson 26 West Side Story 39 The Old Barker: Emma Chelsey Barnes

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The Features 01 Family Likeness Phillip Heath 02 From the Chair of Council Peter Berkley 41 OBA President's Message Tony Gamson

Issue 114 Autumn 2017 The Barker is the quarterly magazine of Barker College Editor-in-Chief Mr Phillip Heath

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Editor Julie McAllister Assistant Coordinators Mandy Loomes Karina Drummond Print Production Ian Lindsay Art Direction Glenn Quevedo facebook.com/barkercollege @barkercollege

Art on view

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2016 USA Band Tour

FROM THE HEAD

Family

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Of course, I love to hear such things but I am realistic enough to know that schools are full of fragile children and young people who are experiencing rapid change in their lives.

Not every day is paradise. However, the default culture of the School is a positive and inclusive one where every student is encouraged to thrive, and to be the best version of themselves possible.

A negative school culture will result in negative behaviours in the community expressed in interactions amongst students.

For instance, a highly competitive culture in a school can occasionally produce bitter individualism and narrow and ungenerous self-interest as a by-product. I have seen this in numbers of schools over the years. Loneliness can strike even the smallest schools when the culture is not right.

Barker College has embarked upon a time of challenge, change and fulfilment. We have developed an enthralling approach to learning and living that looks “beyond the Mint Gates”. We have set our minds on new horizons, opening the marvellous traditions of our School to girls and boys of all ages. We have created a partnership with a Local Aboriginal Land Council to educate Aboriginal children in the nearby Darkinjung community on the Central Coast. The results achieved in 2016 were thrilling. Our academic program is going from strength to strength as the 2016 HSC results demonstrate.

We must continue to expect more of ourselves. To those who have been given much, much is expected.

We have continued the good work of past generations and resolved to develop facilities fit for the purposes of the coming decades. The pages that follow in this magazine abundantly illustrate the diversity and depth of life at Barker College.

Inevitably, with such progress comes change, and change can be unsettling. At such times, it is comforting to reflect on the family likeness that binds the generations and is an illustration of God’s loving care for this community in circumstances of sadness and joy.

Phillip Heath Head of Barker College

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

hen the new academic year began some weeks ago, I asked students in the Middle School Assembly to raise their hands if any students had been told that they resembled someone in their family. Even I was surprised by the number of hands that were raised. More than 90% of students and (it has to be said, staff) admitted that they were often told that they looked like someone else in their family.

The eruption of conversations that broke out in the David Gamson PE Centre where we were gathered that day gave the impression that many students were told this frequently. It was a warming thought to imagine the vast number of family connections represented at the Assembly, many of them bound through generations of family likeness.

I have reflected on this simple moment of school life a great deal. Most schools possess a range of traits or characteristics that influence members of the community that gather there each day. Barker College has a culture that is identifiable in the members of its community – students, parents and staff.

It is a kind of “family likeness” that connects us all together.

This culture influences us, helps to shape our thinking and is reflected in our behaviour and our decision making. A really good school culture will not be imposed. It will arise naturally and be expressed gently enough for individual differences to be allowed to flourish – a bit like family likenesses. It is a value-laden imperative that helps us to know what’s expected and how we are to live our lives.

The Barker College culture is often described to me as “kind”. People who meet Old Barker students will use words such as “nice”, “considerate”, “well rounded”, and “down to earth”. People who meet present day students use similar words, occasionally adding “polite”, “respectful” and “capable”.

This is not a new phenomenon. It has been the Barker Way for many years. The sense of Christian grace in our community has nourished us for generations and spurs us to expect ever more of ourselves.

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FROM THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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Chairof Council

he beginning of the School year is always an exciting time. A time for optimism and high hopes, a time to greet old friends and make new friends, a time to plan and even dream a little. At the commencement Assembly I was inspired by the enthusiasm of our students and staff.

As I looked out across the multitude of beaming faces, in the beautiful natural amphitheatre of the OBA Sound Stage, I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12: “From those who have been given much, much is expected”.

The Barker community has been richly blessed. The grounds and facilities are terrific, but the real blessing is the people – our staff and, above all, our students. Our children are the most wonderful blessing.

Amidst such abundance our expectations are rightly very high. We are shaping young lives. Our students enter as children and leave us as adults to make their way in the world.

It is an awesome responsibility that we share with our parent community.

The School Council is always asking - ‘how can we do a better job of preparing our young people for life beyond the Mint Gates?’ In a changing world we can never be satisfied.

Every new year group presents a fresh set of challenges, and every graduating class will leave us to face a world that has changed since the last class graduated. How do we prepare our young people to face the rapidly changing world of the 21st century? It is by preserving the core values that form the bedrock of a Barker education, that define character and relationships, whilst constantly developing and improving our facilities and practices to equip our students for the world.

One of the great pleasures in my role as Chair is that I meet so many of our students, past and present. I recently met with a group of students who finished at Barker quite recently. Their shared experience was that Barker had prepared them for university life better than many of their new university friends.

At the other end of the spectrum, last year I had the privilege of attending the 60 year reunion of the Class of 1956. The warmth in the room as friendships were renewed was palpable. It was wonderful to see that friends made at Barker were truly friends for life. During the conversation, it became apparent that Barker has changed a great deal since 1956, in some ways it was unrecognisable. In other important ways, like our values and commitment to students, nothing has changed. All the members of the Class of 1956 were very proud of the School that Barker has become.

This year we face that challenge afresh – to retain the essential characteristics and values that define Barker, that define a Barker student, whilst at the same time driving improvement in a constant effort to deliver a better education to our students. To truly prepare them for life beyond the Mint Gates. Our shared commitment to that great cause is captured in our mission statement – inspiring every learner, every experience, every day.

Working together under God, I am convinced that this Barker community can achieve great things in 2017.

Peter Berkley Chair of Council

FROM THE COMMUNITY CHAPLAIN

Senior Weekend

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the Year 10s in a room filled with atmospheric lights, candles, picnic rugs and live music. The senior students excelled in their creativity but also in their care, friendliness and willingness to make it a memorable weekend to welcome the Year 10s to the Senior School.

Mr Damien Whitington, the Middle School Chaplain, gave several talks throughout the weekend and encouraged the group to look for the ‘gold’ in other people in even the most challenging circumstances. With the Senior Weekend Away as their starting experience, the Year 10 students who attended have started their Senior School journey with a memorable and ‘golden’ experience.

Kirsten Philips Community Chaplain

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

t the end of the first week of term, the Chaplaincy Department were delighted to host the annual Senior Weekend Away at the Crusaders campsite in Galston where an unprecedented number of Year 10 students attended. Several of them described the experience as ‘epic’.

As the temperatures soared into the high thirties, nothing seemed to dampen the spirits and energy of the campers.

Despite the heat, there was a thrilling buzz throughout the weekend as the students made new friendships and connections.

All the activities on the weekend centred on building relationships and helping each student feel connected to Barker. The team of 30 plus Year 11 and Year 12 students who helped run the camp took time out from their packed schedules to be part of it. Many members of the student leadership team assisted with various aspects of the weekend and in keeping with their theme of ‘inclusion’ filled the program with fun and well organised events for everyone.

The most memorable activity was the ‘paint war’ which took the theme of inclusion to another level as there was not a student or staff member who escaped being bombarded with a paint soaked sponge. The oval at Galston turned into a sea of colour, paint, water and energy as staff and students alike participated in the frivolity.

The campers were treated to a trivia competition, rousing Barker chant sessions, live music, a round-robin sports competition, a themed dress-up night and group dance performances. Another highlight was the ‘chill’ night on Saturday when the leaders cooked and served pancakes to

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

Junior School Our Pre-K to Year 6 Junior School is growing in every direction. An increase in enrolments, additional classes, a new timetable, an exciting building project and the continuing inquiry learning journey sees the Junior School poised to add another wonderful chapter in the life of this corner of the School.

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ver 150 new students began their Barker journey in February. A fresh faced and excited Pre-Kindergarten of 18, 14 new Kindergarten students, a handful of Year 1 students, a new class at Year 3 and Year 4, 70 new students in Year 5 and six in Year 6 has seen the Junior School expand to 430 students and 21 classes. With only a handful of places still available in Kindergarten and Year 1, the Junior School is in a strong position.

In planning for the future, we have determined that the Junior and Prep School need to be together. As a result, plans have been submitted to Hornsby Council for a building development on the corner of Clarke Road and College Crescent to house the youngest members of the School community. A state of the art facility in keeping with the Copeland Building will begin construction towards the middle of the year with completion in the second half of 2018.

These classrooms have been designed with the learner in mind. Flexible and engaging spaces will provide the Prep students with every opportunity to begin their Barker journey in the best possible learning environment.

Bringing the Junior School together provides wonderful opportunities for improved pastoral care and student wellbeing. It allows the community to be together and learn from each other in a safe and supportive environment. It also allows greater access to the vast resources on the main campus. We look forward to construction beginning and the excitement this will bring to learning. Stage Two of the development will see additional classrooms for the upper primary years.

A new timetable in 2017 has been developed with learning as the key motivator for change. The ability to provide hour blocks of literacy and numeracy in each class, every day, is an important factor. The introduction of Inquiry over the last 18 months has provided the opportunity to think about the best structure for the day and how we can maximise key blocks of time for learning. Lunchtime is now consistent across the entire School providing greater opportunity for student mentoring and staff collaboration. Sport has moved to the morning when conditions are more suitable (especially in Summer) to the acquisition of skills and the development of game sense.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

have undertaken specific training prior to implementation.

Parent workshops and further staff training will be provided this term.

Knowledgeable, caring, open-minded, balanced, principled, reflective, communicators, thinkers, risk takers, inquirers. It is these ten attributes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile that we hope will develop in each of our learners. Each learner will be working towards an understanding about the attributes and how they are an important aspect of their learning journey providing a strong foundation. Our path towards IB Primary Years Program accreditation has begun and over the next few years you will see learning in the Junior School “on the move”.

Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

There are a number of focus areas for learning in 2017.

During 2016, we identified the need to develop Writing skills. The ‘Seven Steps to Writing Success’ program was introduced and there has already been a marked improvement in the output of our young writers. This will continue in 2017, as we focus on the last couple of the seven steps and look at the application of writing skills throughout all areas of the curriculum.

In addition, each year group will be incorporating additional units of inquiry into their teaching and learning programs. These units will focus on the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and action, particularly in the areas of Science, Geography and History.

Developing students who are able to question, investigate, analyse and synthesise information, and then communicate their understanding is a key learning goal.

The importance of language acquisition, the development of competent and transferable reading skills, and the understanding of language and its use, are critical in the early years of learning. In 2017, we will implement a consistent synthetic phonics program in Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2. Jolly Phonics has been chosen as the umbrella program and staff

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

Darkinjung Last year will go down in the archives of Barker College as a pivotal year in the development of Indigenous education.

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r Phillip Heath has been at the forefront of this vision and I have had the opportunity to work with a number of talented and dedicated staff to develop his dream into a reality. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Mr Tom Spencer to Darkinjung Barker. Mr Spencer replaces Miss Brown as she continues her career at our Hornsby campus. I would also like to welcome Miss Wicks and Mr Davis to the team. They will be working in a supporting role, aiding our teachers and teachers' aides in the daily activities of the classrooms.

Our primary focus in 2016 was to build a culture within the School. A place where Indigenous children would have the opportunity to explore their culture in an environment that would best suit their needs. Yarramalong came alive. It was also a year in which we developed a curriculum that had a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. We identified needs within the cohort of children and put in place learning plans that would best suit their education.

2017 brings new challenges. Our numbers have reached 28.

The waiting list is growing and interest is at a premium.

Our key focus areas revolve around our Key Learning Areas. We make sure that we cater for all individual needs and interests. The children are making connections between real world experience and learning. Darkinjung Barker staff are modelling positive outcomes and a passion for a high level of learning. 2017 will be a year of consolidation. We will build upon the work done in 2016 and let it grow even further in the upcoming year.

Thank you to all that have been involved in this project. I look forward to a productive year at Darkinjung Barker.

Jamie Shackleton Darkinjung Barker Campus Coordinator

JUNIOR SCHOOL

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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JUNIOR SCHOOL THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017 8

Phonics

on s se s u c fo ship s nic ation ters s o Ph rel n let und the wee ir so 13). bet d the S, 20 an STE (BO

JUNIOR SCHOOL

When children are learning to read during the first few years of school, they need a great deal of assistance from teachers and parents to learn phonics, as it is a major contributor to success in mastering the mechanics of reading.

Clockwise from left The Phonics 'fist' in action in 1B; Explicit small group teaching in Year 2; Harry Kind in 1H focuses on phonics.

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“High quality, systematic phonic work as defined by the [Independent Review of the Teaching of Early Reading] should be taught discretely ... Phonic work should be set within a broad and rich language curriculum that takes full account of developing the four interdependent strands of language: speaking, listening, reading and writing and enlarging children’s stock of words” (Jim Rose, 2006).

Phonics is just another string to our Prep bow when it comes to providing a quality Literacy and Literature Program using the most effective strategies. It is complemented by immersing our young readers in high quality and motivating literature, so that our children can make meaningful connections between their learning and personal experiences.

Most of all, they are learning that reading and writing are enjoyable activities. Our writing continues to sizzle and our students are writing up a storm across the School.

Rest assured, at Barker, every ounce of determination is being focused on our Pre-K to Year 2 students as they learn to read and write with research-proven methods of instruction.

Our new phonics program is just another example of our commitment to providing engaging and explicit teaching under the curriculum framework of Inquiry.

Caroline Merrick Deputy Head of Junior School (Pre-K to 6)

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

n Pre-K to Year 2 in 2017, we have embarked on our new phonics program using a multi-sensory approach that includes actions, singing, dancing and puppets.

It is child-centred and fun, as our youngest readers learn the 42 sounds that make up our alphabetic code.

Our Barker Prep students are having a wonderful time learning to read because after learning the first six sounds, they can blend sounds to read approximately 43 words. It is just so rewarding to see our students’ eyes light up as they crack the code. Essential grammar, punctuation and spelling skills are taught explicitly by our wonderful Prep staff, who have all undergone extensive specialist training in phonics.

A strong knowledge of phonics gives students a degree of independence in learning to recognise words and sound out unknown words. Knowledge of phonics contributes significantly to comprehension of written text and is important to build fluency and automaticity. By introducing phonics in a systematic logical sequence, supported by opportunities for guided practice, independent practice and the use of effective teaching strategies, our Barker students are loving learning to read.

As a new sound is introduced, more words can be blended.

Can you imagine the excitement amongst our youngest learners as they make sense of the world? Our Kindergarten children have already begun reading two, three and four letter words. We will increase the level of difficulty as the children become better at blending and segmenting. Our success in using a phonics program is well supported by research whereby “The use of a systematic synthetic phonics program was shown to give children a flying start with their reading, writing and spelling, it was effective for catch-up, it reduced special educational needs across the schools and it enabled higher numbers of children to transfer to their secondary schools well equipped to access the curriculum" Grant (2007).

Our children are engaged in reading and writing and we aim to develop five elements through our Barker phonics program: 1. Learning the letter sounds, 2. Learning letter formation, 3. Blending, 4. Identifying the sounds in words, and 5. Tricky words.

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THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Feedback, Feedforward

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TEACHING & LEARNING

TEACHING & LEARNING

“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow” Carol Dweck.

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Feedback has a profound effect on student experience.

Students want and value feedback; however, their experience of receiving satisfactory feedback is not always even-handed. John Hattie’s research on feedback, in particular, highlights the range of feedback for students’ learning experiences. Effective feedback includes: 1. Feedback is not advice, praise, or evaluation.

Feedback is information about how we are doing in our efforts to reach a goal (Wiggins).

2. If students know the classroom is a fair place to make mistakes, they are more likely to use feedback for learning (Dylan Wiliam).

3. The feedback students give teachers can be more powerful than the feedback teachers give students (Tovani).

4. When we give a grade as part of our feedback, students routinely read only as far as the grade.

(Johnson).

5. Effective feedback occurs during the learning, while there is still time to act on it (Chappuis).

6. Most of the feedback that students receive about their classroom work is from other students – and much of that feedback is wrong (Hattie).

7. Students need to know their learning target – the specific skill that they are supposed to learn – or else “feedback” is someone telling them what to do (Brookhart).

In the coming months, Barker will be engaging with teaching staff and students further in this area. The focus will be to develop the capacity for students to set clearly articulated learning goals (product and process) and then reflect, receive feedback and modify their learning accordingly.

Dr Brad Merrick Director of Research in Learning and the Barker Institute Dr Greg Cunningham Director of Teaching and Learning and the College of Teachers

www.barkerinstitute.com.au @BarkerInstitute Sharing innovation, research & professional learning throughout the education community. Fostering inspired teaching practice locally, nationally and globally.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

eedback on student – or for that matter teacher performance, when useful, is widely considered to be vital for learning. In general, students learn more deeply and effectively if they are aware of their strengths and weaknesses in task performance and, most importantly, how to improve future functioning.

Feedforward is the capacity to influence future performance. In order to encourage feedforward, feedback must not only identify the learner gap between actual and desired performance, but also provide information needed to close that gap. It is this additional information which is so important in making assessment formative. Further, when specific guidance is provided to close the gap, the feedforward effect is even greater and the focus of feedback rapidly becomes learning rather than scores.

One of the most valuable aspects of effective feedback is its ability to foster learner independence. Students tend to become self-regulated learners when they are provided with detailed feedback on performance as well as advice on future improvement. Evidence of this self-regulatory process can be seen in an increasing ability to align aspects of thinking, motivation and behaviour with assessment criteria, standards and learning outcomes as well as learning goals established by the learners themselves.

A similar effect can be produced in students’ written work. Feedback which specifically identifies weaknesses in aspects of their writing, such as structural and language issues and which then offers guidance in addressing these can equip the student better to proofread and self-correct in the future. Feedforward then results in less reliance on support from teachers. Even better, self-regulated learners are often more successful learners, being more resourceful, tenacious and confident.

Feedback can also play a vital role in aligning teaching, learning and assessment. When explicitly linked to assessment tasks, learning outcomes and marking rubrics, feedback operates to create and maintain meaning for teachers and students alike through a reinforcement of the purpose of assessment and how it relates to learning outcomes. Equally, the absence of effective feedback reduces assessment to a post-script for learning and teaching and little more than a means of justifying the awarding of a particular grade (Orrell, 2006).

Whether intended or not, feedback affects the selfesteem and motivation of students. Constructive, informed verbal or written feedback contributes to positive selfesteem and an ability to interpret feedback, be it positive or negative, more objectively. As positive self-esteem and self-belief increase motivation to learn and improve performance, effective feedback has a flow-on effect on student outcomes through increased success and retention.

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VISUAL ARTS

Art

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t is for this reason we are thrilled when we witness our students embrace their artistic practice and have success. From the 9,004 NSW students who submitted Bodies of Work for their Visual Arts HSC last year, five Barker students were considered exemplary and nominated for ARTEXPRESS for 2017. This is an exceptional result for Liam Bell, James Hodgeman, Jack Newman, Anna Stewart-Yates and Kelly Van Homrigh and should serve as inspiration for our emerging artists. From 500 Bodies of Work initially nominated only 228 were selected to create nine exhibitions representing schools from across NSW. Two out of the five nominated Bodies of Work were selected for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS 2017. Liam Bell’s To be furious in religion is to be irreligiously religious will be exhibited at Moree Plains Gallery from 7 April to 28 May then at the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery from 14 July to 2 September.

James Hodgeman’s Biotic Landscape – Syria will be exhibited at

The Visual Arts department role is to develop and extend our artists so they are able to convey their world view using visual language.

the Armory, Sydney Olympic Park from 27 February to 23 April. We encourage the Barker community to view these works in their respective exhibits.

Earlier in the term, the Visual Arts Department in collaboration with The Barker College Chaplaincy team announced that the winning entry for The Hope Prize was Fergus Berney-Gibson from Year 12. Fergus won $300 for his beautifully painted watercolour. Our runners-up should also be commended for the works they submitted including: Han Lin, Max Reger, Max van Grecken, Andy Santone, Damien Whitington (teacher), Yvonne Low (79), Andrew Mance, Liam Dulieu, Jack McAllister, Julian Eakins, Ju Chan Hwang, Finn Mason, Rupert Caradus and Jack Lloyd. These participants each received an art pack for their outstanding works.

Fergus’s winning work will be displayed at the front of the Communion table in The Barker College Chapel, while the Phoenix tapestry is being restored.

On a personal note, it is a privilege and honour to join the Barker Visual Arts team and lead this dynamic department into exciting times ahead as we strive to cultivate an environment that will produce lifelong learners, with inquisitive minds who will remain artists once they have left the nurturing grounds of Barker College.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Pablo Picasso.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Tara Claire van Drempt Head of Visual Arts

VISUAL ARTS

from left to right Biotic Landscape - Syria by James Hodgeman; Foreigner by Kelly Van Homrigh; Every Witch Way, You're only Seeing Half the Picture by Anna Stewart-Yates; Mind Fight by Jack Newman; To be furious in religion is to be irreligiously religious by Liam Bell; The winning entry for The Hope Prize by Fergus Berney-Gibson Yr 12.

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DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

A View

Above Claire Metcalfe, Rachel Liang and Morgan Overmass.

Last year the Design and Technology Department was rewarded by having two students obtain a place in the top five of their respective subjects in their HSC and another student was chosen to exhibit in the Shape Exhibition.

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organ Overmass achieved 3rd place in the State in Design and Technology for her Commemorative Jewellery and Rachel Liang achieved 4th place in the State in Industrial Technology for her amazing Violin. Claire Metcalfe also featured among the top ranks for her Major Design Project (an asthma monitoring device) and was awarded the 2016 MAAS Innovation in Design Award at the opening of the Shape 2016 Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum. I am extremely pleased with how well these students have performed. It should be noted however, that whilst the Major Project forms a significant part of the final mark, more than 50 percent of the students' mark is based on their ability to write. The articulation of the design process by students and the documentation of research, testing, experimenting and evaluating are essential components in an 80-page folio. In addition, the HSC examination is weighted 40 percent of the external assessment. The emphasis on the need for students to write well in practical subjects has increased significantly over the past ten years and schools along with their students have had to respond accordingly.

For Morgan, Rachel and Claire, their success in these 'practical subjects' is testament to the grasp of the 'multidisciplinary skill set’ required. Rachel is now studying Architecture at University of Sydney, Claire is enrolled in a Bachelor of Design and a Bachelor of Media (PR and

Advertising) at the College of Fine Arts (COFA), and Morgan is starting a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney majoring in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology.

She claims her experience in Design and Technology will serve her well. “Design and Technology and Medicine do not appear to be closely linked but I have developed a broad variety of skills such as time management, working under pressure and strong project management skills in the workshop which could easily translate to the laboratory or hospital where I eventually hope to work. This would be similar to the Major Design Project that I undertook in Year 12 where I had to address a genuine need and evolve practical solutions whilst under time constraints. Engaging in Design and Technology in Years 10-12 is one of my best memories of high school and I know the skills I learnt will definitely serve me well when studying at university and later on in the workforce.�

We are proud of all our students who have achieved a great deal of success in their own right, opening the doors to successful futures beyond the Mint Gates.

Darren Woodrow Head of Design and Technology

MUSIC

Rocking out

Above For many students Music Camp is their first Barker experience Below The concentrated awesomeness of trivia night; Mr Ellis inspiring choral hope.

T Simon Smith Head of Music

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017 

he annual Barker Music Camp moved location to The Stanwell Tops Conference Centre this year.

Close to 400 students from Years 7-12 attended the camp over the Australia Day weekend.

For our new Year 7 and 10 students, Music Camp is their first Barker activity. The camp Trivia Night and student concert, organised by the Music Captains, is a great way for these students to make new friends, who share a common interest in music. After a relaxing bus ride, the students were impressed by the spaciousness and beautiful grounds of The Tops. The activities provided by the Centre such as high ropes, Goliath swing and go-cart racing were also very popular.

The aim of the camp is to establish the large ensemble program for the year and the students worked hard in their rehearsals over the three days. For the first time ever, a number of rock bands were involved in music camp.

On the final day, parents were able to move through the various rehearsal spaces to enjoy a musical smorgasbord of workshops and performances presented by the ensembles.

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MUSIC

2016 USA On 8 December 2016, 49 musicians from the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra journeyed to the United States of America to perform in one of the best “banding” nations on the planet.

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THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

hen it comes to wind bands and jazz bands, America knows how to do it right. There is a rich history and culture of these ensembles and without doubt, students and staff alike learned from some of the best musicians in the USA. Our first destination took us to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Here we had the opportunity to perform once more with the 2016 Barker Swings guest artist, Rex Richardson. The students were also fortunate to meet Chris Clark from the President’s Own Marine Band who was the first soloist to perform Brendan Collins’ (Composer in Residence) masterpiece, Encore Suite. Performing at Yorktown High School, exploring the various Smithsonian museums in the National Mall and walking by some of the most famous political monuments in the world, were truly memorable experiences for all.

Our next stop took us to New York City where we would brave the bitter cold for several days. The first performance here was at the Grand Street Campus in Brooklyn, a school with a demographic very different to our own. The Barker students loved meeting with the Grand Street students and instant, international friendships were formed - music being the common ground between all. Colin Williams, Associate Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic was the next musician to “wow” us. It was incredible for us all to see the difference between the interpretations of two highly experienced trombone players as they tackled Brendan’s

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Encore Suite. Our Jazz students also experienced a vibrant workshop with Vincent Gardner from Jazz at the Lincoln Centre. There was much shopping, exploring and sightseeing in New York City, but a highlight for all was seeing a Music Department favourite on Broadway - The School of Rock!

Departing from JFK and landing at LAX, the final stop for our tour began - Los Angeles, the capital of the film and television industry. Our Jazz students had another brilliant workshop, this time with the Workman High School Jazz Band where, again, new friendships were formed. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble also were able to perform Encore Suite one more time - newly arranged for French Horn and performed by fellow Australian, Andrew Bain, Principal French Horn of the LA Philharmonic. Andrew’s beautiful sound can be heard on many film soundtracks, notably Star Wars: The Force Awakens when Luke Skywalker appears at the end of the film.

Some R&R, or perhaps some thrill seeking on some of the best theme park rides in the world at Disneyland were enjoyed by students and staff.

A particular highlight for many was the Disney Soundtrack Recording workshop where the students recorded various Disney themes in a recording studio to footage from some of the most memorable Disney moments of all time.

MUSIC

Our final concert band clinic was taken by Larry Curtis, one of the most respected and experienced concert band directors in America. It was incredible to see and hear how much the Barker students had improved in their two weeks across the USA. Mr Curtis had his own unique ways of getting the students to lift to another level in their musical understanding and ability.

It was a jam-packed two weeks of incredible musical experiences. Not only did the students form new international friendships, but the camaraderie established between the 49 Barker students will be something they will remember for a long time to come. It was a truly special experience for all the students and staff who journeyed to the USA and we wish to thank Chris Gibbs and Joshua Wirt from World Projects for helping to organise such an outstanding band tour.

Andrew McWade Director of Bands

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'O'-WEEK

Below Head of English, Mr Andrew Hood, directs students in how to write better essays.

'O'-Week 2017

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n the three days before the start of term, over 200 Year 11 students arrived at School to participate in 'O'-Week.

The 'O'-Week program is designed to provide students with an introduction to Preliminary courses, with a focus on working towards the HSC year. The program is entirely optional and it was fantastic to see so many students take up the opportunity to get a head start in their Year 11 studies. The first session of each day focused on study habits and provided practical tips on motivation, maximising memory, goal setting and note taking. These sessions were highly relevant and very well received.

'O'-Week participants also had the good fortune to hear from ex-students who provided practical tips about what worked for them as HSC students. A popular session was entitled, ‘What’s Uni Really Like?’ This was organised in a Q&A style with class of 2015 members, Nicholas Chang, Natasha Bradshaw, Geordie Wilson and Caitlin McMenamin.

They offered frank advice based on their experiences as

a Barker student and how this has translated to being a university undergraduate. Common themes emerged about the importance of planning and goal setting and how easy it is to get lost at uni!

The afternoon sessions were run by Barker teaching staff.

These were focused on giving students an insight into Year 11 courses, to allow them to hit the ground running in the first classes of the new term. Students were treated to a wide range of expertise and should enter their new courses with a great deal of confidence. This is the second iteration of 'O'-Week and, as the School continues to set high expectations of students and provide them with every opportunity to be the best learners they can be, I am confident that 'O'-Week will become an established feature of each new school year.

Greg Longney Acting Director of Academic Performance

Mathematics

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MATHS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

Below Year 11 students in the Preparation for 3 Unit Extension Mathematics lecture with Mr Hanlon.

he Mathematics Department was off to a flying start in 2017 with many Year 11 students attending 'O'Week Mathematics presentations. Mrs Davis and Mrs Kalnins presented “Preparation for 2 Unit Calculus Mathematics” using HSC questions as a springboard for the big ideas in this course. A video was shown with advice from past students encouraging the participants to work hard and be consistent with their efforts. During the “Preparation for 3 Unit Extension Mathematics” lecture with Mr Hanlon and Mrs Pratt, students were challenged to think about the more difficult concepts within their chosen level. Nicholas Pike and Cameron Whiteside said they found this session useful for reviewing past work and thinking about the effort required for success in future courses. 'O'-Week is offered for students entering Year 11. Younger students can look forward to 'O'-Week as part of their transition to the HSC in the coming years.

Allison Davis Assistant Coordinator of Mathematics

Solving Problems

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Timothy Milkins Head of Computer Science

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

tudents from Years 9 to 11 were enrolled into the Australian Informatics Olympiad Competition (AIOC) in September 2016. AIOC is a national competition involving writing computer programs to solve complex mathematical problems. Working individually, students wrote code using their language of choice including Python, Java, and C++.

The Barker contingent were very impressive - earning two Bronze and three Silver medals. Silver medallists in Year 10, Robert Metcalfe and Tom Schwarz, received coveted invitations to the AIOC School of Excellence. This intensive Summer camp for 25 students from across Australia is aimed at developing skills towards selection in the Australian Informatics Olympiad team.

The growth of computer programming continues to ramp up at Barker. The Computer Science Department offers courses teaching programming: Information and Software Technology and HSC Software Design and Development. The Zero Robotics co-curricular club is also evolving to participate in more programming activities and competitions, building on our success in international Zero Robotics tournaments.

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ROBOTICS

Barker

Robotics

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

In Term 3 2016, Barker launched Middle School robotics. It was exciting to see just under 60 students sign up for this innovative new program and to see their progress as they developed their engineering, design and programming skills.

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ver Term 3 the students learned programming and game strategy using Spheros. In Term 4, they designed and built their own robots for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC). Three of our eight teams designed fully customised robots using CAD and manufactured their robot using the CNC router.

Their rapid skill development has been impressive.

All eight Barker teams competed at the FTC nationals in the last week of Term 4 in 2016. Of those teams, two of our teams; the Barker Redbacks and Barker Bots were Alliance Captains, and three others were selected by other teams as alliance members for the play-offs. This was a resounding endorsement of the skills and capacity our teams have developed in just two terms. The Barker Redbacks rookies team qualified as the second seeded alliance. We were thrilled that, in our inaugural year competing in FTC, we finished up as the Team Captains for both Alliances in the finals - guaranteeing our qualification to Championships. It was exciting to see the Redbacks win the FTC Nationals with an impressive 85 point difference in the first final match. We look forward to reporting on our efforts at the FTC World Championships in Houston, Texas in April this year.

Lael Grant Robotics Co-ordinator

Clockwise from left to right Four of our award winning FTC teams; The Redbacks' 2017 robot; Robot is bagged with three minutes to spare; Students from PLC enjoying the Week Zero Scrimmage; The national FTC final gets under way.

ROBOTICS

News Just In! The Barker Redbacks awarded the Engineering Inspiration Award at the inaugural Shenzhen Regional Competition - the first in China.

The team were also honoured to captain the winning alliance.

FRC Build Season On 7 January 2016, First Steamworks was released, a game in which robots score points by shooting balls into a Boiler funnel, place gears on an ‘airship’ and climb a rope.

Lael Grant Robotics Co-ordinator

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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RC build season has begun and concluded! Our team worked industriously to build the robot in just six weeks and succeeded in ‘bagging and tagging’ the robot on 22 February 2017. The team is proud of all they have achieved, but particularly the ways they have been able to assist other schools to engage and develop their FRC programs. Throughout the season, they

shared ideas with some of our mentors, offered advice on weekly mentor calls, provided an avenue for teams to easily and affordably obtain parts and held a Week Zero Scrimmage to allow teams all over Sydney practice on a ‘real’ field.

Robotics is difficult to get started and Barker is proud to be making it easier for as many schools as possible.

This year we made significant changes to the way we structured our team, with pre-season training and skills certification badges. These skillsets then translated into six design sub-teams for each of the functions on the robot. The build season has been the best organised and most effective season the Barker Redbacks have seen and we are excited to see how this will translate into robot and team performance during competition. The team were to compete again in Sydney at the State Sports Centre from Monday 13 March to Saturday 18 March.

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Alumni Profile Tom Williamson Barker’s most recent Rhodes Scholar, Tom Williamson from the Class of 2009, recently spoke to Mandy Loomes, Director Alumni and Development.

What did you study at University?

After finishing at Barker, I studied Economics and Law at the University of Sydney.

What will you be studying at Oxford?

I intend to study an MSc in Economics for Development and a Master of Public Policy at Oxford. I have a passion for economic development, particularly in how to develop the private sector in emerging economies. At Oxford, I am looking to build on my practical experience in development consulting through research on what works and what doesn't work in business training, consulting and microfinance programs.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

When do you leave Australia for England?

I will commence at Oxford in October 2017.

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What areas have you worked in?

Since finishing university, I have worked for global strategy consulting firm L.E.K. Consulting and international development consultancy TechnoServe.

Throughout 2016, I worked as a business advisor to Ethiopia's coffee industry, helping smallholder coffee farmers and cooperatives to improve the quality of their coffee, access financing and grow to become competitive exporters.

In which industries and areas have you volunteered your time?

I have volunteered as a mentor to Sudanese refugees settled in Sydney, acted as a pro-bono consultant to nonprofit organisations and volunteered as

a legal researcher for the International Crimes Evidence Project, investigating alleged war crimes during the Sri Lankan civil war. The most enjoyable aspect of all of these roles was seeing people overcome challenges in their lives and getting to play some small role in that journey.

What are you most looking forward to when you move to England this year?

Being in an environment with so much history and tradition, being taught by leading academics and surrounded by interesting and inspiring peers from all around the world. And English pub lunches!

How do you see yourself developing at Oxford?

There are obvious academic benefits from being in a classroom with leading academics and intelligent, enthusiastic peers from around the world. Beyond that, I am looking forward to Oxford expanding my horizons and opening my eyes to what's possible.

What did you learn at Barker that has helped you on your journey?

The importance of service and contribution. That who you are as a person is more important than what you achieve. Just being around intelligent, passionate teachers and students over the eight years I was at Barker fundamentally shaped my aspirations and approach to life.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at Barker?

It's too hard to pick one. While I have many fond memories of close sporting games on Saturdays, debating on Friday nights, the slow walk to an afternoon Middle School class in the DT Centre, starting out in the Junior School and finishing up in Year 12, my best memories are of the close friendships I made at Barker. I'm very grateful to still be close friends with many people I went to Barker with, so I regularly get to reminisce about the glory days (and some of the less glorious days).

What do you do to relax?

Outside of academics, work and competitive sport, I love being outdoors, hiking and catching waves.

Do you still play Rugby and will you play in Oxford?

After high school, I played cricket for Northern District Cricket Club and rugby for Barker Old Boys' (BOBs). BOBs was a great way to stay in touch with the Barker community, and a highlight was making the First Grade final in 2015.

While I took some time off rugby and cricket while I was overseas, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to play cricket and rugby at Oxford.

Do you have any advice for today's Barker students?

Make the most of the opportunities that Barker offers. The more you get involved, the more enjoyable your experience will be.

ALUMNI PROFILE

“I am looking forward to Oxford expanding my horizons and opening my eyes to what's possible.”

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017 23

LANGUAGE

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A Language for all Seasons On 15 February Dr Bob Cowan, from the University of Sydney, visited Barker to conduct a seminar as part of the Year 12 Focus Day program.

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e delivered a scintillating synopsis of the opening movement of Virgil’s masterful epic poem – 'The Aeneid'.

Dr Cowan’s vast knowledge of Latin poetry and his ability to draw parallels with the modern world – ranging from Buzz Lightyear to Donald Trump – brought the text alive. The presentation encouraged our students to consider the Greek literary heritage upon which Virgil relied, the role of the gods and the broader political context in which the epic was written.

Matthew Ross Head of Languages

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Refurbished Rooms in the Q Block

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Above Mr Macoustra welcoming Dr Cowan to speak to Latin students in Years 11 and 12.

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ll language students have enjoyed beginning the year with lessons in the newly refurbished Q rooms. The new audio-visual system has facilitated collaborative, interactive – not to mention fun, learning experiences. The new shelving and presentation spaces have provided opportunities for staff and students to create a wonderfully warm, inviting and stimulating space in which to experience the world and learn a new language.

Matthew Ross Head of Languages

Above Japanese students enjoying the new upgraded facilities in the Q Block.

DRAMA

A Christmas Carol Year 9 Play The 2016 Year 9 Play A Christmas Carol was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their dramatic talents and meet like-minded peers whilst developing their skills and creating new friendships.

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Liam FitzGerald Year 9 cast member

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

ritten by Charles Dickens and set amidst the Industrial Revolution, the staging, costuming and make-up helped establish this setting. The Director, Stephen Gersbach, modernised the concept by introducing elements of Steam Punk into the staging by setting it in a warehouse, with a continuous rotating fan, symbolic of how monotonous life in the Industrial Revolution was.

In the well-known story, Scrooge is visited by three different spirits who help him change his perspective on Christmas. A Christmas Carol encourages its audience to embrace the importance of family, giving and, of course, Christmas cheer through the wild and mystical journey undertaken by Scrooge.

Whilst each spirit illustrates his past, present and future Christmases, Scrooge begins to realise that he is scathing and vengeful but, most of all, lonely. And as the play reaches its end, Scrooge transforms into a vibrant, warm character full of laughter and happiness.

Highlights from the play included the use of movable stairs, Daniel Jongma’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge and Fezziwig’s Christmas “rave” dance - an audience favourite. A stand out scene would have to be Oliver Clisdell’s performance as Jacob Marley - Scrooge’s deceased business partner who comes back to haunt Scrooge forcibly encouraging him to change his ways. Another highlight was the magnificent ‘demon chorus’. They worked hard throughout the play to create a dark, creepy atmosphere and supported the story as it unfolded.

In summary, and on behalf of the Year 9 Play cast and crew, I can say that it was an amazing production to be a part of and everyone is really pumped for their next opportunity to ‘tread the boards’. Many thanks to Mr Gersbach, Dugal and Barker Drama. Good luck to all the productions in the coming year!

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WEST SIDE STORY THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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ith no hint of exaggeration, West Side Story has been acclaimed by some as one of the greatest achievements in music theatre. This show has countless sublime moments of musicality, of theatrical story-telling, of choreography, of humour and of sorrow. Barker College has presented this musical on four previous occasions - 1976, 1986, 1993 and, more recently, in 2007. It is one of those shows that every generation of school student should have the opportunity to experience. It was our pleasure to perform Leonard Bernstein’s astounding score in October 2016.

The universal acclaim for the score and book of West Side Story is hardly surprising when we realise that it was created by the finest talents of their generation at a golden time in the development of musical theatre – Leonard Bernstein (composer), Jerome Robbins (choreographer and director), Arthur Laurents (playwright) and Stephen Sondheim (composer and lyricist). The show ran for 732 performances after its opening in 1957 and continues to be performed throughout the world.

West Side Story is a re-telling of Shakespeare’s timeless tale of 'star crossed lovers' in Romeo and Juliet. The inception of West Side Story occurred in the late 1940s, in a time of grief and of hope in post-holocaust Europe and the USA. Laurents originally pitched his two rival gangs as Irish Catholics and displaced Jews who clash as they sought to carve out a life in New York City’s East Side. The setting was switched to the West Side and the clashes to the children of post-war European immigrants and a new wave of arrivals from Central America seeking the modernity and prosperity of The Big Apple. The daily media reports of gang warfare in NYC would have fuelled the imagination of the writers and the Latin American musical themes gave Bernstein a rich vein of themes to plunder.

The darkness of this story caused several producers to withdraw from the project shortly before the show opened in 1957. It is one of the things with which the Barker 2016 production needed to contend. After all, this was a school musical – gangland fights, taunting scenes and death is not the usual diet of such productions. The cast worked hard to emphasise the visceral nature of the experiences of the characters as they pursued their hopes. Each one of them

WEST SIDE STORY

Phillip Heath Director

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

was driven by the same purpose – to belong and thereby to be fulfilled. It is one of the most powerful of all human instincts. For this reason, West Side Story tells the story of us all, not of the delinquents of a past long-forgotten generation.

Many of the darker elements of the story are rescued by this humanity, and by the humour Laurents included in his book.

The cast and crew were wonderful from the first moment of the rehearsals. The musical gifts of several of our students left me speechless at times and we do not underestimate how hard they worked to produce this quality. The choreography of Vanessa Dein lifted us wonderfully. The support of Virginia Ellis and Alison Dunnett with the costumes was amazing.

Dugal Parker was his characteristically ingenious self with the theatrical production, ably supported by a dedicated crew of students and Stage Manager, Isla Stevenson (Yr 12).

Amy Robertson was a joy as Assistant Director and Andrew McWade led our Music with accomplishment that belies the fact that this was his breakthrough musical director occasion.

I loved the glorious distraction that West Side Story offered from my “day job” as Head of Barker.

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THE GRANGE

Above Twilight Masterchefs at Newnes.

Changes to the Year 8 Program at The Grange in 2017

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or many years, Year 8 students have been enjoying expeditions in the Wolgan Valley in the Wollemi National Park, where they experience walking in darkness through the Glow Worm Tunnel, climbing on pagodas, exploring small caves and a night adventure amongst the industrial ruins near the campsite at Newnes. This year, we have added a second night camping in Barker-issued tents so the students have more time to enjoy this stunning location and experiential outdoor education.

The students experience longer hikes with maps, compass and GPS navigation lessons, practice and assessment in the field rather than in the classroom. Other additions to the four-day program include an introduction to mountain biking and native tree planting on site at The Grange in Mount Victoria.

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Liz Charlton and Scott Manwaring Joint Directors of The Grange

Above Mountain biking on site at The Grange.

BOARDING

Diversity The house is full and abuzz with music, languages and laughter!

Above Commencement Dinner.

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Jonathan Rheinberger Director of Boarding

Above Lachlan Ballard addresses the Boarding community.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

ur Barker community welcomed 20 new Boarding families this year, including students from Hong Kong, the Snowy Mountains region, the North Coast and the Hunter region. A geographically diverse group with a multitude of different gifts and talents. Each student brings a different story and a different perspective, which can be wonderfully enriching to the lives of others around them.

In week one, 2017 Boarding Captains Catie Crampton and Lachlan Ballard hosted the traditional Commencement Dinner for all boarders and many families to usher in the new year. Caitie spoke about the importance of accepting everyone who walks through the Mint Gates. Lachlan reflected on the importance of cherishing relationships that grow from boarding life. These are central themes in the experience of boarding students, who come from far and wide to live closely together so that they might extract the full value of a Barker education. It takes some work. Indeed the truth of the proverb “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” is evident in daily boarding life. Yet the rewards are manifest in friendships that, in many cases, last a lifetime and are deeply cherished.

We welcome all the new Boarding families to Barker and acknowledge the importance of their stories in contributing to the brilliant school narrative being continued this year.

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OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Barker goes to Peru

After months of planning, on 27 December 2016, 46 students in three groups departed from the comfort of holidays in Australia and headed over the Pacific Ocean towards Peru.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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n arrival, the three groups said goodbye and went their separate ways. One group hopped straight on a plane destined for Cusco while the other two groups hopped on buses and spent the first week travelling around, sightseeing in amazing cities such as Lima, Nazca, Puno, Arequipa and Cusco. We experienced sandboarding at the Nazca dunes; met the inspiring people of the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca; learnt some history at the towering monasteries of Arequipa and came face to face with some pretty old mummies in a Nazca cemetery.

Other parts of our trip included a trek through the stunning Sacred Valley, where we braved four seasons of weather and an altitude of 5,000 metres. An important part of our journey was a four-day project in a very welcoming community on the outskirts of Cusco, where we built a greenhouse. A definite highlight of our time in Peru was the opportunity to experience Machu Picchu, after which we browsed the colourful and lively markets of Cusco. After having spent three weeks in Peru, everyone involved gained a new perspective of the world, of the many things we take for granted and the many challenges faced in a developing country such as Peru. An experience like this will never be forgotten and we are so lucky to have had this amazing opportunity.

Heidi Crookes and Olivia Taragel Year 11 Students Scott Graham Head of Agriculture Clockwise from top left Exploring Machu Picchu; The group inside the completed greenhouse; Students building a greenhouse in a small community outside Cusco.

SPORTS

We be Travelling

Above Courtside at the Phoenix Suns NBA arena; Below Squad with Patti Mills, Australian NBA star of the San Antonio Spurs, Talking Stick Arena.

Hoops, Dunks and Layups: Barker Basketball tour to America 2016.

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The squad were able to watch NBA games in Phoenix and LA, as well as a College game in Phoenix. It wasn’t just basketball though. Visits to theme parks, the Kennedy assassination site, and the George Bush Presidential Centre (where we met former First Lady Laura Bush) were other highlights of the tour. Ralph Lauren had a bump in profits the week the students visited the factory outlet malls in Arizona.

Finishing the tour at Venice Beach on 21 December as the sun set over the Pacific seemed an appropriate end to a slam-dunk of a trip which the players and accompanying staff will not forget in a hurry.

Phil Gordon Tour Manager

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

wenty-two eager Basketball players boarded a Qantas plane on 8 December 2016 accompanied by super coach, Jared Scoines, assistant coach, Riley Spring and tour manager Phil Gordon, for the 16-hour flight to Dallas, Texas.

Arriving later than scheduled, we drove to our first game, got changed and played straight away to begin our three day tournament in Princeton, Texas. Adrenalin and teenage enthusiasm more than compensated for sleep deprivation on one of the world’s longest flights. With many of the boys unfamiliar with playing together, it took some time for the teams to gel, but gel they did resulting in the squad going unbeaten in its final six games ending with a 12-9 overall record. All but one of the games was seriously competitive on the scoreboard.

The parents/guardians and friends back in Australia were provided with real time score updates and video highlight reels on Instagram and Twitter while Riley ‘media mogul’ Spring wrote a daily blog for all to follow which was fantastic.

The undoubted highlight game was the Varsity match against All Saints Episcopal School in Fort Worth, Texas, where super coach Scoines weaved his magic to get the boys to within a whisker of a famous victory. The game literally went down to the final play, which is all the crowd of several hundred could have wished for.

Everywhere the boys went they made friends. The followers on Instagram and Twitter grew as the tour progressed, our players doing Barker and Australia proud with their grace and sportsmanship on court and wonderful personalities and friendliness off the court. Having the opportunity to stay with local families for the first week in the Dallas region was an undoubted highlight not just for the boys, but for their host families as well. All were glowing in their praise of our fine young men.

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SPORTS

Excellent Overhead Shoulder Mobility - helps prevent shoulder injuries.

Tight Hip Flexors – negative impact on all actions associated with running, particularly acceleration.

Low Individual Leg Strength – Limits ability to transfer weight from one side to another (i.e. reduced agility) also increases risk of lower limb injuries.

Left / Right Calf Imbalance – Increases risk of overuse / non-contact injuries in tighter calf.

Movement

Excellent Ankle Mobility - helps to accommodate sudden movements and changes of directions.

As is common in so many of our Barker activities, the Girls' Sport Department is constantly assessing our program to improve our offerings.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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n recent years, there has been a focus on player welfare and what we can do to support our coaching staff to get the best out of their players.

Neuromuscular training was first introduced into a range of sports as a preventative component to help reduce the risk of common injuries. In simple terms, this was the introduction of agility based warm-ups, to ensure the students were appropriately ‘conditioned’ as part of their team training sessions.

In 2017, the Barker Bunker has taken the next step in player welfare as the Bunker has facilitated screening of students, followed by preparation of individual strength and conditioning programs, allowing students to address weaknesses prior to the season commencing.

With the advent of technology and continuing research into sports performance and student welfare, we are constantly looking at ways to help students reach their goals and aspirations regardless of their ability level. The focus on what we have termed "Integrated Sports Performance" is the next phase of our Barker Bunker, not only helping students to achieve but also managing their welfare so that they can be at their best both on the sports field and in the classroom.

Using the latest research and technology, our Integrated Sports Performance model brings together four important components in a multifaceted approach to not only maximise sports performance at all levels but also help reduce the risk of injuries and overtraining.

SPORTS

The four components which make up our Integrated Sports Performance Model are: Movement Quality Training which is focused on improving the efficiency of students' movement patterns and joint mobility including targeted muscle activations through individualised movement preparation programs designed from a functional screen.

Sport Specific Training is linked directly with the College of Coaches in support of sports coaches at all levels to ensure the quality of each and every training session.

Performance Conditioning is primarily aimed at developing productive and purposeful complementary sessions which ensure our students not only have the functional capacity to perform at their required level but also continue to become resilient performers.

Rugby

Alison Cox Director of Girls’ Sport

Another exciting initiative is the launch of the Barker Girls' Rugby 7s as a trial sport.

ollowing an approach from the Waratah development team in 2016, Barker have joined in partnership with NSW Rugby to promote the development of schoolgirls Rugby 7s. The response from both current and new students was overwhelmingly positive. As part of the skills development strategy, girls had the opportunity to attend a five week Waratah skill development program or a one day intensive program in the school holidays, with many opting to attend both. The Waratahs have run the inaugural schoolgirls

competition at Barker on a Friday evening alongside the 'Friday night Lights' touch football competition this term.

The success of this trial will determine the future of this wonderful activity within the Barker College fixture sheet.

Alison Cox Director of Girls’ Sport

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017 

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With any physical activity, significant demands are placed on the body and thus Recovery forms the last essential pillar of our model. There are many aspects which fall under recovery from nutrition to sleep but one interesting component we will be looking at is Neuromuscular Fatigue Testing through the use of Kinetic GymAware Linear Transducer Device, enabling coaches to individually adjust student training loads to help minimise the risk of overtraining.

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SPORTS

Gold

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n the last week of Term 4, Barker students travelled to Canberra to compete at the National final of the Schools' Athletics Knockout Competition. Barker had two teams that had qualified from the State Championship which included the Senior and Intermediate Boys’ Teams. After winning the Senior Boys' competition for the last two years, the team went in with high hopes, but being a national competition, they knew it would be a tough ask.

The day saw many great performances including in the Senior Boys’ Team: Will Lloyd in the open 100m & Hurdles, Joshua Robins & Conor Bastow in the open 400m, Matthew Fraanje in the High Jump and Jack Mills & Jack Brown in the 1500m. In the Intermediate team, Ben Nogajski did very well in the High Jump; Nowel Musa ran a personal best in the 800m and Harry Flaherty threw well in the Shot Put.

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Steven Thomlinson Director of Boys' Sport

8A Cricket tour

arker's 8A team journeyed to the Nation’s capital at the end of Term 4 to play two one-dayers against our old nemesis St Edmunds and, for the first time, Marist College. Both matches were played in great spirit and our hosts ensured it was a wonderful experience for the Barker students. The Reds played superbly winning both matches thus retaining the Canberra Challenge trophy. Highlights of the tour were the five wicket haul for Finn Chalmers and the blistering batting of Samuel Tapner.

Steven Thomlinson Director of Boys' Sport

At the end of the day, the Senior Boys' Team was announced 1st place which was an exceptional result, and was a great way for the Year 12 students to finish their time at Barker. The Intermediate Boys’ Team narrowly finished outside the top three in 4th position after some great performances.

SPORTS

“We want to harness the fantastic tradition of sport at Barker while, at the same time, seeking to improve our holistic approach to our sports program in the future”

Director Above Stef Aisbet and David O'Keefe at the 2016 ISA Football Grand Final Victory.

With the aim of ensuring that top quality coaching and support is provided for all students regardless of their ability, Mr David O’Keefe, has commenced in the newly created role of Director of College of Coaches.

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A key focus of this new role is to look at improving the calibre of coaching for all teams to ensure they all receive the same level of coaching, relevant to their level of skill and motivation.

I have a strong belief that if we can improve the quality of our coaching for all of our students, over time it will provide us with a great depth of talent for the future.

Success can be defined in various ways and with various measures, however our future strategy will be aligned with Barker’s rich and diverse sporting experience for students.

This is not necessarily about winning trophies, but is about the process, the camaraderie, the lessons in sportsmanship, building character and the expression of loyalty that comes from belonging to a team at Barker.

It will also be developed with a view to ensuring a consistent approach to coaching & development across all sports offered within Barker with the student front of mind.

David O’Keefe Director of College of Coaches

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead what is a great initiative by the School Executive.

I have been involved in coaching (football) at grass roots, school, state and national levels over the past 26 years, and am looking forward to adding value to Barker's sports program.

I have been actively involved in Girls’ sport at Barker for the past eight years (including coaching roles with ISA & CIS) and therefore have first-hand knowledge of how high the current standards are within Barker. In this role, I will work very closely with each of the Directors of Sport across the Junior and Secondary Schools, to ensure Barker's evolution in sport continues to move in the right direction on and off the field. Working with both corporate and sporting organisations, leading small and large teams on-shore and off-shore, has enabled me to gain vast experience initiating, influencing and executing change.

Given my eight years’ experience at Barker as a coach and two years as a parent, I believe I have a good understanding of the existing philosophy and culture that exists within Barker, especially in relation to the current sports program offered to all students.

The fact the School has identified the need to create this role to fulfil this important brief, is an indication that Barker has the appetite and willingness for change in order to meet future demands and expectations of the Barker community.

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BCMA & CADETS

BCMA

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he BCMA was busy in Term 4 2016 fulfilling its goal of fostering friendships within the Barker community. Over the term, the new Committee of 49 mothers organised a lovely Melbourne Cup lunch that was held at Asquith Golf Club, a Junior School Christmas lunch in Boyce Hall and the Christian Fellowship Group hosted the annual, and not to be missed, Gingerbread House night.

To kick off 2017, we hosted for the first time, a Welcome Evening for parents/guardians in the Junior School. The rain did not deter parents/ guardians from staying for a light supper after meeting their child’s teacher in the classroom and it was a great opportunity for Junior School staff and families to meet one another in a relaxed setting.

Yvonne Goldman and Alison Finnegan BCMA Presidents

Cadets

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ince the last publication, the Cadet Unit has been busy as usual. Last October, Sue Helder, our devoted Administrative Assistant retired so she could spend more time in Melbourne with her parents.

The unit held another successful weekend Bivouac last December at Myuna Bay. The Cadets enjoyed paticipating in a food preparation course and on the signals course were exposed to the new radios (RTF 200) now provided by the Army.

In January, we conducted our voluntary Adventure Training Course (BCAT) based at the Marrangaroo Army Depot outside of Lithgow and in the surrounding State Forests. Nine students were successful in attaining their qualification after eight days of arduous effort.

We commence 2017 with an unprecedented interest from the new Year 10 girls to join BCCU. This augers well as we plan for a more integrated training approach (commencing this year during AFX) to cater for the future needs of BCCU with girls entering Cadets at the same time as their Year 8 male cohort in 2021.

Terry Nye Officer Commanding BCCU

Above The end of an era - Sue Helder retired in Oct 2016.

ARCHIVES

The tale of the Mint Gates Standing on the Pacific Highway, the Mint Gates have come to symbolise Barker College. The Gates however have not always called Barker their home.

Clockwise from top The Mint Gates in their original position at the entrance to the Chapel carpark, 1965; Reassembling the Mint Gates in their current location, 1975; The Mint Gates in their original location on Macquarie Street, 1870.

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The Mint Gates were originally situated at the entrance to the Chapel carpark. However, the carelessness of Sixth form drivers and construction vehicles resulted in the Gates being damaged on multiple occasions. Thus, in 1975, the Gates were deconstructed and reassembled in their current location at the main entrance of the School.

The gates, archway and lantern now standing outside the Sydney Mint in Macquarie Street are replicas of those at the front of the School. Today, the Mint Gates remind us to think and act beyond the boundaries of the Barker College community. As a School, how can we strive to spread hope and impact the local community, Australia and beyond?

Morwenna Dixon Manager of Archives

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017 

n 1855, a Sydney branch of the Royal Mint opened in Macquarie Street. Cast iron gates of the highest quality, along with an archway and lantern were installed at the front of the building. Production of gold coins at the Sydney Mint ceased in 1926 and the building was converted to Government offices.

In 1935, Sir John Butters was appointed Chair of the Barker College Council. Sir John was a notable engineer, having worked on the Great Lakes Hydro-Electric Scheme in Tasmania, served with the Australian Engineers during World War One and was Chairman of the Federal Capital Commission, the department responsible for the development of Canberra. During his time on the Barker College Council, Sir John was also serving on the Macquarie Street Re-Planning Committee.

By this time, cars had risen in popularity, resulting in the need for more parking within the city centre. Consequently, many public buildings had their gates removed, the Sydney Mint included. Sir John acquired the Mint Gates for Barker and gifted them to the School in 1937.

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FOUNDATION

Fundraising for Indigenous Education Thursday 4 May 2017

The story of Darkinjung Barker is a significant one. The collaborative approach we have taken with the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council is working and has so much potential to change the way in which Indigenous education is offered in this country and perhaps even beyond.

THE BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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he Darkinjung Barker campus is funded entirely through philanthropic means.

Initially, this was thanks to a generous gift from an old boy and his family who have a passion to create global change that fosters justice and kindness.

Last year, we held an inaugural fundraising dinner to raise additional funds to support our Darkinjung students.

This year, we need to build on this great work and extend the vision to an even greater scale.

We are incredibly grateful to Westpac for their support in allowing us to host the 2017 fundraising dinner on 4 May.

If you would like information about this fundraising dinner please contact Mrs Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni and Development, on 9847 8229 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Darkinjung Barker, please click on the Donations icon on the home page of the Barker College website, www.barker.nsw.edu.au and follow the links to Indigenous Education.

Mandy Loomes Director of Foundation

THE OLD BARKER

Emma Chelsey Barnes (Class of 2008) studied Drama whilst at Barker College and was actively involved in many theatrical and musical productions.

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Mandy Loomes Director of Alumni and Development

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

n 2009, straight out of high school, Emma successfully auditioned for one of the country’s top acting schools WAAPA, that boasts Barker alumni including Anna Bamford (07) Sean Moore (08) and Jarrod Draper (14) and graduated in 2011.

Since then, Emma has made her mark in the Australian industry with roles in film, television and theatre. She has worked with former Barker College Drama teacher Damien Ryan at Sport for Jove Theatre in many lead roles for the company, has studied at the prestigious Conservatoire National Supérieur D’Art Dramatique in Paris, as well as studying with renowned acting coach to the stars Howard Fine at his studio in the United States. Emma is best known for her work in films Mercy, In Transit, The Heart Thief and Zelos as well as roles on television in Home and Away and Comedy Inc. Emma is currently developing her own comedy television series Belle Vue and has interest from several US managers. We can’t wait to see where she is headed next!

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THE OLD BARKER

Inside this

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41 OBA President 42 OBA Groups 46 Community Events

OBA GROUPS

Old Barker Association Contacts email: oba@barker.nsw.edu.au (Please note that the number in brackets after a name is the graduating year) President Tony Gamson (78) 0458 564 556 Honorary Vice-President Peter Gregory (03) 0400 419 253 Honorary Treasurer Andrew Hassall (86) 0412 610 434

School Contacts Director of Alumni and Development Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 (Sch) mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au Alumni Reunion Coordinator Karina Drummond (02) 9847 8283 (Sch) kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au Manager of Archives Morwenna Dixon (02) 9847 8290 (Sch) mdixon@barker.nsw.edu.au

F e a t u r i n g w o r kInterstate s b and y International Barker Contacts R y a n G e o r g Brisbane e Andrew Wilkie (01) J oSecretary h n M a c k e 0412 y 779 383 (m) Honorary Assistant David Brookes (79) andrew.wilkie@morgans.com.au F r a n k T i c h e Canberra li 0400 906 052 Andrew (74) General Committee J o h n W i l l i a m0422s 985McColl 281(m) Honorary Secretary Matthew Ross-Smith (10) 0408 284 702

Angus Abadee (07) Vanessa Bennett (91) Paul Goncharoff (88) Jenny Kalaf (Melville 78) Catherine Lancaster (82) David Slinn (80) David Trayner (84) Henry Wells (10)

mccoll@grapevine.net.au

T i c k e t s - w w w . t r y b o o k i nMelbourne g . cAnderson o m (65) /OTDV Murray

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Nominees to School Council Pennie Cruickshank (79) Michael Brodie (79) Tony Gamson (78)

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OBA Annual Patron Benjamin Anson (85) Sandy Hollway (64) Pip Hurley (Webber 85) Keith Thornton (64)

0457 000 407 (m) murray@capricorngroup.net.au Northern Rivers Jim Poulos (61) (02) 6686 7711 (h) pamio@bigpond.net.au Perth Tom Hargreaves (69) 0437 906 588 (m) tom.hargreaves@inpex.com.au Sunshine Coast Phil Benjamin (61) pandj.benjamin@bigpond.com

Over 70s Contact Peter Ward (59) over70s@barker.nsw.edu.au

Contributions Welcome Please send contributions to Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni and Development, 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au For further information please contact Mandy Loomes on 9847 8229.

Personal notes are published in good faith, as a service to the Barker Community.

50 Personal Notes 53 Obituaries

Upper Hunter Charles Cooke (65) (02) 6545 8141 (w) charles_cooke@esat.net.au Canada, Ontario George Darling (70) george.darling@hatch.com Japan Carl Bastian (93) bastianinternational@msn.com Middle East Erik Huyer (72) +6 39175302744 (m) erikhuyer@gmail.com New Zealand Scott Brown (91) (64) 027 230 4561 (w) scott@hipgroup.co.nz Oceania (Fiji) Neil Underhill (75) (679) 336 3968 (w) neilunderhill@connect.com.fj Papua New Guinea Johnson Kalo (83) (675) 305 6703 (w) jkalo@bsp.com.pg Singapore Carly Switzer (94) carlyswitzer@yahoo.com.au UK, London Annette French (Slattery 88) (44) 1732 382 281 (h) annette.e.french@sky.com USA, East Coast Andrew Renton (85) (910) 612 5671 arenton1@mac.com USA, West Coast Digby Cook (56) 623 523 4321 digbyhcook@gmail.com

FROM THE OBA PRESIDENT

President’s Tony Gamson (78), OBA President

A

help to promote the OBA community and the connections we all share.

Later this year, we will also be relaunching our OBA Business Directory as a means of helping members seek out other businesses that share that Barker connection. People within our community provide many of the services that we use regularly or from time to time. It would be great value if we could direct our business toward other OBA members where possible.

Further on, our Constitution states the OBA should “further the spiritual, moral, social and intellectual welfare of its members” and this aspect is now receiving considerable attention. Your Committee is currently looking at developing a structure that will enable us to provide assistance and support in times of need. At this stage, the exact scope of this support and the way in which it will operate is still to be determined and more information will be provided in due course.

I have written before about the serious issue of mental health that is prevalent in society and we would be naïve to feel that OBA members were immune to its effects.

Accordingly, in recent times we have attempted to raise awareness of the issue and the various support resources available. We are now looking at ways to further develop our activities in this area as well as seeing how we may be able to provide tangible support to our members who are experiencing difficulty.

The strength of the OBA community is our ability and willingness to offer support to each other. It is now time for us, as an Association, to seek ways that we can provide assistance to our members who may need a helping hand.

We will be developing this strategy over the coming months and hope you will join with us as we move forward.

Tony Gamson (78) OBA President

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

s the Old Barker Association continues to grow, there is a growing necessity to consider the changing needs of our members and our ongoing relationship with the School.

In recent times we have adopted a policy of establishing a much higher profile amongst the current School community. By the time a student completes Year 12 at Barker, they are almost guaranteed to have had some level of interaction with the OBA. The presentation of training shirts and OBA Spirit Awards give us the opportunity to speak to the students and raise their awareness of the OBA. There are also regular occasions during each year when OBA members return to speak to students about careers options and opportunities. We should never underestimate the value of these interactions and we know the students appreciate hearing first hand from people with whom they share a connection.

Our relationship with the current School community – students, staff and parents – is strong and that is an important element of activity.

However, our core responsibility is to our members, the former students of Barker who have moved on to their careers and raising their own families. How can the OBA best serve their needs? Our Constitution states as our principal objective “to further the interests and ideals of its Members, Barker College and the Barker Community”. This definition is suitably broad and almost anything we do could be said to satisfy these goals.

The support we provide to our affiliates would certainly qualify. We assist these groups to enable OBA members to continue to participate in the activities and interests they enjoyed as students. Across different sports, the drama group and our two music programs, there are now more members involved in more activities than ever before.

Our social calendar continues to grow as well. Traditional events like the golf day and the annual dinner have been joined by networking breakfasts and, together, these events

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OBA GROUPS

Groups

Above Chris Chong (06) in action.

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Old Barker

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Club

Football in 2017 at Old Barker FC is going to be great again.

We have indeed purchased many new balls assisted by the OBA, made some great deals to secure the services of Jim Harte and David O’Keefe in coaching roles and are looking forward to continuing our club’s success.

2016 was terrific with the women marching (pun intended) up the table, finishing strongly in 2nd. With the return of David O’Keefe as gaffer, fresh from touring with the women’s youth Australian football side, in addition to some fresh recruits, big things are expected in 2017.

The most social chapter of the club is the newly promoted Division 5 men’s All Age team. Led by Dane Boggart, Dave Calder (09) and Liam Demaine (13), we are confident of another amazing season both on and off the field. Question marks will always linger over on-field performances when games coincide with key festival dates in August, but performance blips aside, we are anticipating a stellar year.

The nucleus of the other Division 5 squad has taken a serious hit with babies, overseas opportunities and ageing joints felling our numbers. With some strong recruitment required, there are ample opportunities available for folks looking to take up a competitive, but social approach to their football.

The Premier League squad has already commenced fitness training led by the fearless football manager Phil Spruce. Phil has thrown down the gauntlet for what is required to play in the top squad. Fresh-faced School leavers from the Class of 2016, Cal McIntyre, Oscar Samios, Ross Johnston and Fisher Day have all noticed a step-up in physicality and expectations when compared to the experience of school-boy football.

With the season just about to begin, we are encouraging any interested football players to visit our website or Facebook page for pre-season details (www.oldbarkerfc. com or www.facebook.com/oldbarkerfc), come on down to a training and say "hi". We are sure to have a space for you in one of our seven teams and can guarantee that even if the football isn’t great, the social scene makes up for it.

Matt Vickers (05) OBFC Committee

Club

It is pleasing to report that the Barker Old Boys Cricket Club has had some success in the 2016/17 City & Suburban Competition. We have been lucky to see a couple of new players arrive at the club and also met a few current Barker College cricketers during their school holidays. This certainly helped us get over the line in our games against Hunters Hill and Sydney University. A big thank you to current Year 12 students William Giacometti, Tim Opie, Lachlan Hook, Ben Duce and Tom Krieger for giving up their time to represent BOBs Cricket. A great bunch of young men and hopefully we will see you again once you finish Year 12! On that note, we welcome all 2016 school leavers. If you didn’t receive your letter please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

A number of classy individual performances need to be congratulated:• Lachlan Hook (17): 85 vs Hunters Hill Cricket Club • William Giacometti (17): 72 vs Hunters Hill Cricket Club • Dylan Potter: 65 vs Knox Old Boys

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Barker Old Girls

Club

Barker Old Girls Netball is now in its 3rd year, how time has flown! In that time, we’ve had over 50 girls come to join us across one or multiple competitions, quite an achievement considering we were just a team of 12 when we played our first game. We play in three different competitions throughout the year: Summer (January – April) and Spring (September – December) on Tuesday evenings and during Winter (April – September) on Saturday afternoons, so there is always an opportunity to get involved and come play!

We are back into the swing of things with three teams competing in the Summer night competition at Pennant Hills Park with a strong contingent of red and blue descending on the courts each Tuesday.

We are now accepting registrations for 2017 Winter netball. Winter netball is played on Saturdays at Pennant Hills Park as part of the Hills District competition. Last year, the Barker Girls finished runners-up in their grade and hope to replicate similar success this year. If you would like to sign up, please contact barkeroldgirlsnetball@gmail.com so we can send through all the information. We welcome players

OBA

Andrew Newton (05): 150 vs Sydney University (club individual innings record) • Andrew Newton (05) & Brett Marvell (05): 140 run partnership vs Sydney University • Andrew Newton (05) & Dylan Potter: 111 run partnership vs Sydney University Please feel free to contact us at any time for more information about the club's history, upcoming matches, or to join us at our next social function. Match fixtures are usually on Sunday afternoons and are all played on turf wickets.

Matt Hall (00) 0416 297 775 matt.hall19@icloud.com Sam Haeney (05) 0413 766 207 sam.haeney@gmail.com

of all abilities and we work to put you in a team together with your friends – the more the merrier, or in a team with girls close to your alumni year.

See you out on the courts in 2017!

Lauren Kirkby (07) Co-President

Club THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Sadly we have not had the best of seasons with many injuries affecting our performances. We are hopeful that things will improve as we recover!

We train Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, with competition on Saturday. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along to training or compete for us, this includes past and present students. Please give Glen a call on 0410 597 235 for more details.

Tim Willatt (07) OBA Athletics

OBA GROUPS

Barker Old Boys

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OBA GROUPS

BOBs This year’s pre-season organisation is well underway with all members of the committee producing some great ideas for the club. The beach sessions have kicked off and are in full swing. The boys have been putting in the hard yards at Balmoral for the past few Saturday mornings. Regular training started on the first Wednesday in March at Turramurra Memorial Oval, also known as the BOB Dome.

The boys will have their first trial game of the season in Bathurst on 25 March. Following that will be trial matches against Forrest and Lane Cove in the ensuing weeks. Please keep a close eye on Facebook and the website for teams and locations.

There have been various items of merchandise organised for the coming season, including a never before seen BOBs vest. Supporter gear will be available for purchase at every home game. So once the season commences, feel free to come along to the BOB Dome for a sausage sandwich and some good quality rugby.

Thomas Hay (14) Secretary www.facebook.com/barkeroldboysrufc www.bobsrugby.org

OBA The OBA Big Band entered the new year with open arms as it welcomed the newest members of young, eager, alumni musicians. With most of our performances left towards the end of the year, including a performance with the OBA Wind Band, the band has focused on new repertoire. These latest pieces predominantly feature a Latin style and the band is sounding hot, hot, hot! If you ever have a chance to see us this year, we will be watching out for your salsa moves.

If you would like to contact the OBA Big Band, please email OBA_bigband@barker.nsw.edu.au Luke Davis (09) OBA Big Band Representative

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Old Barker Theatre

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OBAT will return to the School in Winter, 2017. We're currently putting together our latest show, so watch this space! In other news, it's out with the old and in with the new. OBAT Co-President, Cassandra Rogers-Jones (10), is leaving us for the UK. We are so lucky to have Caitlin Williams (15) taking her place. Caitlin starred as Cecily in OBATs 2016 production of The Importance of Being Earnest and we are absolutely thrilled to have her involved in an executive capacity as well!

So, a few exciting things are happening for us here in Barker theatre land. We'd like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over our Winter season!

Amie McNee (10) and Cassandra Jones (10) Co-Presidents, OBAT

If your children have left Barker and you would still like to support the School and be part of the Barker Community events, then the Kurrajong Society is for you. We send a regular newsletter, Kurrajong News, to keep you updated on what is happening at Barker College.

If you would like more information, please contact us at kurrajong@barker.nsw.edu.au

OBA GROUPS

Society

Over Have you turned 70? If so, there is an organisation for you. The Over 70s run a number of events each year and are a social group. Our next event will be our annual Back to Barker Day here at School being held on Wednesday 17 May. Invitations and more information will be sent out soon.

If you would like further information, please contact Mandy Loomes in the Alumni Office on 02 9847 8229 or over70s@barker.nsw.edu.au Peter Ward (59)

OBA

Wind Symphony

The Old Barker Association North Shore Wind Symphony (NSWS) was established in 2016 to continue the Music Department's mission statement of instilling a 'Lifelong Love of Music' in our Barker students.

Our Director of Bands, Andrew McWade, provides an opportunity for past students to continue with the lifelong love of music after their graduation from Barker College. It is our hope that the graduate outstanding musicians should not just experience music passively but pursue it actively, as performing musicians.

The ensemble is also open to members of the community who do not have a specific relationship with Barker College.

Rehearsals have commenced for the year and take place on a Sunday evening from 5-7pm in Leslie Hall. A high standard of musical playing is expected from all participating musicians.

For more information - please contact Andrew McWade on amcwade@barker.nsw.edu.au

THE NORTH SHORE WIND SYMPHONY PRESENTS

Goals To provide an ensemble for adults to play repertoire at a very high level

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To increase a culture of fine arts (Music) in Sydney through more traditional mediums of music

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To provide an ensemble that allows Australian composers to present new works

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To be cutting edge in our repertoire selection and to find works to be premiered by the NSWS

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To commission international composers to write for the NSWS

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To expand our education of our students and other musicians in Sydney by providing opportunities for this wind band to participate in world class events

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To perform concerts at Barker College and become involved in other community events

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To promote Barker College as a centre of musical excellence and artistic activity within the broader community and to be a leader amongst schools in Sydney

Featuring works by Ryan George John Mackey Frank Ticheli John Williams Tickets - www.trybooking.com/OTDV

Under The Night Sky is our next concert in the series for this ensemble. Join us in Leslie Hall on 2 April at 6pm. For tickets, please go to trybooking.com/OTDV. We would love to see you there.

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Events Class of 1956 The Class of 1956 held their 60 year reunion at the School on 19 October 2016.

There were 22 in attendance with 13 apologies and sadly 26 deceased from our class. Special guests were the Chair elect of the Barker School Council, Peter Berkley, Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath and Ian Campbell who has a 48 year association with Barker as a teacher and later as Alumni Liaison Officer.

Everyone enjoyed the excellent lunch provided by the School and appreciated the opportunity to be informed by the Chair elect and the Head of the exciting plans for Barker in the years ahead.

Bob Hill Reunion Organiser

Clockwise from top (L to R) Berry Brown, Neil Marks, Bob Hill; Peter Berkley, Stuart Braga, James Duguid, Tony McCarthy; Barry Phegan and Sven Thorvaldson.

Class of 1976 The Class of 76 celebrated our 40th reunion last October at The Treehouse in North Sydney. Around 70 showed up for what everyone agreed was a fantastic night. Many old friendships were re-established as the night kicked on until about 3am through the bars of North Sydney.

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Rick Nelmes Reunion Organiser

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Class of 1996

Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore. The prize for the longest distance travelled though went to Mark Beveridge, who came from Sweden!

A lot of people hadn't seen each other for literally 20 years and "let's not leave it so long until next time" was a common sentiment heard. Five people who are no longer with us were missed and a glass raised in their honour.

Believe it or not, the food was slightly better than the hot cheese rolls and cream buns we had all devoured for so long from the tuckshop‌but I think more than a few of us would have paid a pretty penny for that hot cheese roll again at the end of the evening!

Special thanks to Peter Bryant for organising the invitations that couldn't have been any more retro 90s.

Thank you everyone for coming and we look forward to seeing you at the next one! All pictures from the night can be viewed on Instagram @barker96reunion or #barker96 Cheers from all of us!

Jothy, Mike, Robyn and Anthony Reunion Organisers

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

20 years ago, we had never heard of a hashtag, done a selfie or tweeted. 20 years ago, we didn't watch reality television, didn't use social media or smartphones. 20 years ago, we didn't have grey hair, beer bellies or kids‌ but at least we don't have pimples anymore!

The 20 year reunion for the Class of 1996 has been done and run and I think we are all still recovering! It was held at The Treehouse, in North Sydney, which used to be called VC's and was a venue a number of us went to, way back when.

The sticky floors and mirror balls have now been replaced with mahogany, but a number of us laughed about how the venue used to be in '96.

With a few novelty sized red and blue balloons as the backdrop, people trickled in nervously. As soon as they saw we had name tags, you could hear a collective sigh of relief.

After the initial awkwardness of "where do you live", "are you married" and "where do you work" were out of the way and a few drinks had been had, everyone got on with catching up with old friends, reacquainting themselves, reminiscing and laughing hysterically about 'that time'!

130 people came along from all parts of Australia including Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. We had people dusting off their passports to make the effort from New

Clockwise from top left (L to R) Isuru Nammuni, Raymond Chang, Stephen Fisher, David Gill, Alicia Gee, Gabbi Turner; Jothy Hughes, Mike Mason, Robyn Foxcroft, Anthony Chambers; Sarah Hollingsworth, Karen Micallef, Emma Ramsay, Bec Ward.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Class of 2006

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

On 17 December 2016, the Barker Class of ‘06 gathered at the Australian Museum to mark ten trips around the Sun since leaving the Mint Gates for the last time. Over drinks and canapés, surrounded by red and blue balloons, flanked by Barker banners, and with our class leaving video playing in the background, the Class of ‘06 reconnected with old friends and recalled fond memories from school days. One person in our class, Matthew (“Mop”) Fowler, even put together a special 10 Year Reunion Edition of the student newsletter he used to produce each week in Senior School – the Barker Youth Newsletter (BYN).

It was clear from the turn out that this was going to be a great night and we weren’t disappointed, with the Australian Museum having to resort to megaphones to move the last of us out of the venue. Despite the impact of social media meaning we’re constantly kept up to date from afar, it was very special to bring everyone together to hear how people are doing and the various paths that people have taken since School. We were always a class of diverse interests and it was great to see that our class motto ‘no regrets’ is still living on ten years later. It was obvious through the many conversations that we will always have countless fond memories in common and that Barker, in some way or another, has shaped who we all are.

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Nat Ware and Nicole Meyer Barker School Captains (06) Clockwise from top (L to R) Barker class of 2006 group photo; Katie Allman, Amy Beer (Little), Laura Green, Loren Place, Aviva Leitch, Fiona O'Connor, Rebecca Stanley, Hannah Heather (Downey); Christopher Baltussen, Chris Taylor, Sam Burnett, James True.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

OBA Annual The Old Barker Association came together on Friday 4 November to hold its Annual Dinner in the Junior School Multi-Purpose Hall.

The President of the Old Barker Association, Mr Tony Gamson (78), Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath, and OBA patrons, Dr Rod and Margaret Kefford, Rev John Griffiths, (48) and Kevin Thomas (52), were joined by over 130 guests from the Barker and CAS communities. We listened to guest

speaker Mr Chris Webb (89) regale the audience with stories of his time at Barker and how that helped guide him to a career in professional sports, ranging from rugby to equestrian.

The Annual Dinner was also a time to celebrate the achievements of Mr Chris Russell (70) who was made a Life Patron of the Old Barker Association. Chris has been a driving force in the Barker community over the past 45 years, serving on the School Council, the Old Barker Association Committee and the Barker Foundation. Chris was joined on the night by his wife Gill, sister Jenetta, sons David (97) and Peter (99) and daughters-in-law Diah and Vyvyan.

Phillip Heath spoke about the announcement made earlier in the day of Barker’s transition to full coeducation by 2022, which was so positively received.

The Annual Dinner was a fantastic night to celebrate the achievements of the Barker community over the past 12 months as well as an opportunity to catch up and reminisce with old friends and new.

Angus Abadee (07)

Sunshine Coast

Mandy Loomes Director of Alumni and Development

Above (L to R) Doone Ponder, Sam Ponder (75), Helen Anne Betts, Scott Ross (53), Roger Marriott (55) and Lucille Marriott.

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

November 20 was a beautiful, sunny day and perfect for our annual Sunshine Coast luncheon. We feasted on a delightful three course meal at Le Coq Bressan French restaurant in Flaxton set in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The luncheon was again organised by the ever reliable Peter Maidens (54) and Brian Allen (53). Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath, and Director of Alumni and Development, Mandy Loomes joined with 38 members of the Barker community to reminisce and to talk about the exciting future for Barker College.

The Alumni who attended were: Brian Allen (53), Scott Ross (53), Peter Maidens (54), Roger Marriott (55), Lloyd Betts (58), John Grigg (59), Graham Young (59), Colin Rankin (60), Peter McCall (60), Gordon Rich (60), Phil Benjamin (61), Philip Noss (64), Don Carmichael (67), David Sutton (67), David Coffey (71), Sam Ponder (75), Heath McIntosh (93).We look forward to meeting again later this year on 23 October.

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PERSONAL NOTES

Personal (Number in brackets is the alumni year)

THE OLD BARKER | AUTUMN 2017

Bruce ‘Kiwi’ Power (47) Still going strong at 86 – lawn bowling, woodworking, writing stories as leader of a Creative Writing class at University of the 3rd Age.

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Dr Tim Ealey OAM (44) is an internationally acclaimed scientist. Following Barker and University, I travelled to Heard Island in the Antarctic where I carried out field work surveying birds and counting elephant seals. On the basis of these surveys, Heard Island was ultimately made a sanctuary and there is now a glacier named Ealey Glacier, which I sledged across in 1949! Later I became the first Australian Scientist to circumnavigate the Antarctic Continent and was awarded a Polar Medal. I then worked for CSIRO in the Pilbara at a lonely research station with daily temperatures over 40 degrees to research the Hill Kangaroos and had a hill named after me. In 1960 I started at Monash University as a senior lecturer in Zoology and then, as a result of introducing various courses and changes for applied ecology, I became a founding Director of the Graduate School of Environment Science. During my time at Monash, I also worked with the United Nations Environmental Program and did a lecture tour at Nankai University in China. I worked for Channel 7 for six years on a program called Dr Tim, which was about ecology and conservation. I have been involved in many environmental research projects setting up an Environmental Living Zone and Conservation Cooperative in Christmas Hills, Victoria, and more recently working with seagrass and mangroves at Westernport Bay Victoria, with local students who call me Dr Mangrove! The smallest marsupial in the world is named Ningaui timealeyi! As a consequence I have received several awards including an Order of Australia, being rated by Canberra as a National Treasure, the Robyn Boyd Award for contributions to ‘Living Environment’, and the Victorian Education award for contributions to environmental education. I will be 90 on 29 March and have decided to retire after I finish my research on barnacles which inhibit our young mangrove plants.

Jackson Seeto (59), David Seeto (62) and Nigel Cluer (70) were inducted into the Papua New Guinea Sports Hall of Fame in November 2016 for their contribution toward sport in the country. As reported in PNG’s newspaper, The National, amongst other sporting achievements Nigel Cluer won four swimming gold medals and a silver in the 1969 South Pacific Games in Port Moresby and went on to win the 1969 Sportsman of the Year award. Jackson Seeto represented PNG in Basketball at the first South Pacific Games in Suva, Fiji in 1963 winning the bronze medal. In the 1966 South Pacific Games held in Noumea, New Caledonia both Jackson and David Seeto competed in the weightlifting featherweight class where Jackson won gold and David won silver.

Ian Assheton-Cooper (61), I worked as a radio personality around Australia for 22 years in commercial radio on air, PD, assistant news director, and some television. Later lived in London and studied law in the Royal Court of Justice London.

I also sing - baritone to bottom note of a tenor. Previously was a signals instructor in the 7th Field Regiment for six years.

Now studying as a pilot and flying a Sportstar light aircraft.

Barker was the best of all schools as it gave me the grounding to go up and up and never quit. I loved it and still do.

Paul Allison (71) and Chris Dart (98) both work for Guy Carpenter LLC, a reinsurance broker which is a subsidiary of Marsh and McLennan, New York. Paul is based in Sydney and Chris is based in Bermuda.

Whenever we can, we meet for a game of golf, most recently at the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda, where Chris is a member.

PERSONAL NOTES

Sam Small (11) married Laura Begg at the Small's family property in Bilpin, Blue Mountains. Laura is the granddaughter of recently deceased Dr John Elly Begg (46). Barker old boys in the bridal party included Conner Healy (11), Mackenzie Small (13), Lachlan Small (15) and Sherwin Ho (11).

Tony Ivory (76) Still kicking. Blessed with four children from 31 to 11 and actively involved at work as a chiropractor and also owning specialist bed stores, The Back and Neck Bed Shop, in Perth. I look at The Barker regularly and try to keep up with fellow classmates and current events.

Bob Snow (62), Recent travels - Since retiring from school teaching (two years at Barker, seven in Fiji, two in Zimbabwe, 15 in PNG and one in Vanuatu), I have undertaken Egyptology studies at Macquarie University.

These studies resulted in me travelling to Egypt to see first-hand the wonders of this ancient civilization. I have just returned to Australia after having visited Egypt for the fifteenth time. Egypt is a great hospitable country and I am happy to return again and again to see my friends – and regularly visit the classic archaeological sites along the River Nile and in the Western Desert oases.

In addition to studies in Egyptology I have had a 40-year involvement with Athletics in Oceania, and the Pacific Islands in particular. This year will see me travelling to our neighbours Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu for major Track & Field meets. The highlight of my Athletics career was to be the Manager of the PNG Athletics Team to the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. Looking forward to catching up with former classmates at our 55th Anniversary Reunion on 18 August this year.

James Handel (02) married Jessica Heath (staff 2011) from Cherrybrook in the beautiful Barker Chapel by Reverend Jeff Ware on Sunday 6 November. Upon graduation from university, Jessica was an intern teacher at Barker in the K-2 classes when the Prep School was opened in 2011 and is the daughter of John Heath (74) and the cousin of Sarah Lipman (nee Thornton 99) and current Junior School staff). They are now living in London where James is working in the construction industry as a Quantity Surveyor and Jessica is a Year 2 Primary school teacher.

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PERSONAL NOTES

Karen McWilliam (95) and Nick Miller (95) celebrated our 3rd year anniversary last December, and our son James turned two on 29 January. On 31 January 2017, we then welcomed Catelyn (Cate) McWilliam Miller into the world!! Here’s a most recent shot; and have also included one of our friend’s family farm getaway weekends. All ex Barker ’95! – Nick and Jane Woodward, and Sonia Matiuk and Steve Chung. Good times!

Baptisms

Weddings

23 October Emerson Louise, daughter of Samantha (Carr 05) and Rory Lemon (05)

17 December Cortney Husodo (09) and Hil Yun Choi

6 November Lachlan Anthony, son of Nicole and Timothy Howard (00) 17 December Grace Marian, daughter of Nichola (Keevy 01) and Steve Beland 18 December Jagger Leonardo, son of Jennifer Guerra-Downes and Jason Downes (Charlton 92)

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2017

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8 January Spencer George, son of Mayling and Adam Fitzimmons (96) 15 January Madison May, daughter of Kristen and Corry Cummings (95)

17 December Emily Tutt (09) and Thomas Elstermann (09)

Australia

Day Honours The Reverend Dr Roger Henry Chilton for service to the Anglican Church of Australia and to the community. Rev Chilton was a member of Barker College Council from 1998-2012.

Eric Allen Robinson (65, deceased) for service to business in the area of professional audio and lighting equipment.

OBITUARIES

Obituaries (Number in brackets is the alumni year)

Noel Pitt Cleeve (43) 1925 - 2015

a company to do repairs, renovations and minor extensions. They moved to Lesmurdie and continued to live there until his death on 27 June 2016.

David is survived by his wife Hilary, sons Allan and Garth and daughter Ahrna.

Charles William Hutchings (43) 1926 - 2016

David Louis Ross Edwards (53) 1936 - 2016

David’s early education was had through the Correspondence School and then at Barker College where David attended as a boarder from 1949 to 1953. He was a member of the 13A Rugby Team, was a Corporal in the Cadet Unit and Member of the 2nd Debating team.

On leaving school he worked for his father and the Perry Family at Coonabarabran and then with Dalgety and New Zealand Loan, Gunnedah followed by the position of branch manager at The Rock near Wagga Wagga. He was then offered the position of Store Stock Manager for Western Australia which he accepted and later moved to Esperance in 1971.

He married Hilary Otway in 1971 at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Epping and continued to live at Esperance for the next five years. Company amalgamations created uncertainties so he returned to property management.

In 1979 after Cyclone Alby, David saw the opportunity to go into the building industry. He and Hilary formed

Charles 'Charlie' Hutchings, late of North Turramurra, attended Barker as a boarder from 1940 to 1943. During his final year at Barker, Charlie was a School Prefect and a member of the 1st XV Rugby Team. Charlie was born in Calcutta, India and prior to attending Barker was a boarder at St Edmunds College in Shillong near the Himalayan foothills.

Following Barker, Charlie accepted an apprenticeship with CSR, later gaining a higher engineering qualification. Charlie stayed with CSR his whole working life, taking early retirement before being offered a part time consultancy which extended his CSR time a further eight years. While at Barker Charlie met Shirley Handel who he married in 1951; forming a partnership lasting nearly 70 years.

Charlie’s work in the refinery division of CSR saw the family transferred interstate frequently in the early years with Charlie also travelling across Australia and overseas with work. He had many highlights including leading a team to commission a sugar bagging plant to China in the early trade days and the Whitlam era, working at Mount Newman in the early stages of its development, travelling to the UK, USA, Europe and New

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Noel, late of Mermaid Beach, was a descendant of Sir William Pitt, the Prime Minister of England, with the famous ‘Pitt Street’ in Sydney named after his family. Noel attended Barker as a boarder from 1935 to 1943. Whilst at Barker, Noel was a keen athlete and cricketer. He played in the 1st XI in 1942, receiving Colours, and in 1943 when he was the Cricket Vice-Captain.

Noel also enjoyed Cadets and was Cadet Lieutenant in charge of A company in his final year.

Following Barker, Noel attended the University of Sydney, graduating with an Economics degree in 1948, before going on to study Medicine. His distinguished career began with his junior residency at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and senior residency at Rockhampton General Hospital when he also studied Aboriginal health at the Woorabinda Settlement. His career included military service as a medical officer during the Vietnam War where he was based at Ubon RAAF base.

Whilst there he discovered resistant strains of Falcipium malaria and alerted the Australian Defence Force. His military service was acknowledged in 2008 when he was awarded the Defence Medal and Australian Service Medal South East Asia. During his career, Noel practiced in Canberra, Concord and the Gold Coast with his interests ranging from general practice to dermatology, as well as hypertension, diabetes and migraines. He furthered his studies in London, Tel Aviv and Geneva prior to developing laser practices in the UK, Lithuania, Switzerland and Saudi

Arabia. Noel also lectured in these countries as well as Malta, Singapore and Turkey, training dermatologists in laser skin surgery. Noel certainly lived the current Barker mission of Inspiring Global Hope.

Noel continued his love of medicine, working as a GP until two weeks before he passed away on 10 November 2015.

Noel is survived by his daughters Jenny and Katie; grandchildren Matt, Jayden and Michaela; and close family members Marc and Veronique.

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OBITUARIES

Zealand and a residential executive management course at Mt Eliza Business College.

Charlie and Shirley loved family and entertaining. They enjoyed the opera, jazz and the theatre and were regular and adventurous travellers. In retirement they still travelled overseas and around Australia as well as volunteering with Vision Australia and other community activities.

Charlie was an avid sportsman playing cricket, rugby, tennis, squash, surfing and, when the family was younger, took up sailing, before settling for a motor boat and playing golf into his retirement years. Charlie was also a prolific DIYer and fixer, still repairing other resident’s walkers and wheel chairs at the nursing home.

Charlie passed away on 26 December 2016 and is survived by his daughter Bronwyn, his son Warwick and five grandchildren.

By this time he was recognised internationally for his work with begonias (including publication of two books on the subject) and was invited to volunteer at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Peter passed away on 14 July 2016 and is survived by his brother, Derek (1937), his daughters Penelope, Deborah and Lucinda and grandchildren, Geoff, Jon, Amy and Ava.

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Charles Henry (Chic) Wilson OAM (49) 1931 - 2016

John Barry Simpson (49) 1930 - 2016

Peter Granville Sharp (44) 1926 - 2016

Peter Sharp, late of Dulcot, Tasmania, was a boarder at Barker from 1938 to 1944. Whilst at Barker, Peter was a member of the Swimming and Athletics teams and played in the 1st XV Rugby team in 1943 and 1944. Peter was also a Prefect in his final year.

Peter joined the Australian Army and his service to our country included a tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He retired at the age of 56 with the rank of Major and embarked on the life of a gardener.

Peter and his late wife, Shirley, were volunteers at the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens where they developed and enlarged the begonia collection and took responsibility for the planning and production of two large gardens featuring begonias as landscape plants.

After 22 years at the Sydney Gardens, Peter moved to Tasmania to live with his youngest daughter and her husband.

a collection of value to students in the future.

Barry is survived by his wife Sheena, children Sarina and Rachel and grandson James.

John Barry Simpson who died in September 2016, attended Barker from 1948-1949. Whilst at Barker he was a member of the Barker Chess Team.

After leaving school, Barry studied Arts/Law at the University of Sydney from 1950-1956. In 1957 Barry travelled to England where he worked as a Solicitor at Messrs. Farrer & Sons at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in London until 1959.

After working as a Solicitor in North Sydney, he was admitted as a barrister to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1969. As a result of a motor vehicle accident he retired in 1985.

A few years later he obtained a Masters degree in Law at Macquarie University. The subject of his thesis was “The Military and the Administration of Criminal Jusctice in New South Wales 1788 - 1806: Historical, Legal and Social Aspects.”

For many years Barry collected books on various aspects of the history of music, its composers and the instruments used in the performance of music throughout the centuries.

Barry kindly donated the entire music collection as a permanent resource in the McCaskill Music Centre at Barker College for the use of music students and staff.

Barker College is extremely grateful for the generous gift Barry has provided.

This resource is assisting current students and staff. It will continue to be

Chic attended Barker College from 1942 to 1949. He participated fully in school life playing in the 1st XV in 1948 and 1949 (Colours in both years), was a Prefect and corporal bugler in the Cadet Corp.

Chic’s early career was in advertising and in 1962 he started in the life insurance industry. In due course he became his company’s leading salesman. Chic joined Lions early in his career and remained active throughout his life, receiving Life Membership.

Chic served twice as National President of the Life Underwriters Association of Australia. In January 1984 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. His citation reads “For Service to the community and the Life Insurance Industry”.

In 1973 Chic purchased a run-down pineapple farm in the hills beyond Noosa and ultimately 150-200 tonnes of pineapples were being cropped annually. It was sold and in 1996 on a property in the Noosa hinterland, The Noosa Alpaca Stud was started.

Unfortunately dingoes caused havoc with his beloved alpacas and as Chic could no longer obtain insurance on his beasts, the herd was sold. Chic then bought and built in Noosa Springs where he became active in golf and bridge.

Chic passed away on 3 September 2016 and is survived by his third wife Pamela; four children – Simon, Andrew, Sarah and Kate; 10 grandchildren; his sister Gwenda and twin brother Jim (49).

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