The Barker #122

Issue 121 Autumn 2019 ISSN: 2204-938X

Spring 2019 Issue 122 Issue 121 Summer 2018 ISSN: 2204-938X

Issue 120

Spring 2018 ISSN: 2204-938X

Amy Sayer and Billy Pollard

Inside this issue

Determined to Make an Impact

The Regulars 06

10

12

14

18

24

Junior School The World is their Oyster Teaching and Learning Guided Inquiry at Barker Visual Arts Artexpress Success Design and Technology Changing the Way we Use Technology Drama The School for Scandal STEAM USA Tour

The Features 01 From the Head of Barker

Phillip Heath AM

48

02 From the Chair of Council

Peter Berkley 48 OBA President’s Message

Vanessa Bennett

05 21

22

The Barker The Junior School Flourishes Uniform The Junior School has grown to 26 classes and 525 students.

Sam Priestley Class of 2011

Drones for Barker

Iconic in the long and proud history of our School.

STEAM at Barker is excited to be embarking on our new Drones Program.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor

Assistant Coordinators

Print Production

Art Direction

Phillip Heath

Julie McAllister

Mandy Loomes Karina Drummond

Ian Lindsay

Glenn Quevedo

From the Head

A Spirit to Follow “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” Mr William Leslie Fourth Headmaster of Barker College Headmaster’s Report, 1933

In my concluding remarks at the Commencement Assembly in February, I quoted from one of the earliest addresses made by our fourth Headmaster, Mr William (Bill) Leslie (HM, 1933-1957) after whom Leslie Hall is named.

To so many Barker alumni I meet, Mr Leslie is reverently remembered simply as “The Boss”. His towering presence is still palpable around the School, particularly in the older buildings nearer to the Mint Gates. He led Barker College through some of the most harrowing years of the 20th century. From the ravages of the Great Depression to the desperation of the Second World War and the uneasiness of the Cold War, Mr Leslie was a figure of certainty to generations of Barker students.

The values we hold dear take their origins from our earliest years in Kurrajong and were refined and tempered by the strength of leadership of the community that Mr Leslie formed. It is no wonder that so many of that generation have achieved remarkable things in their lives. It is upon these marvellous traditions that we seek to build the future.

In Mr Leslie’s address to the community in his first year as Headmaster in 1933, he called upon the students to strive with all their effort to achieve, particularly in their studies: “We have conscientiously endeavoured to place before those in our care this essential Motto: ‘whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”.

Or a more modern translation: “Whatever your task, work heartily (as if for the Lord)”. The text is from Colossians 3:23 and is often quoted as a call to

diligent, even quiet application. It is interesting that in a later section of his address, Mr Leslie warns against the distractions of the technology of his day!

“Carelessness seems to be on the increase among modern children, and there seems a greater tendency to a lack of application. Both faults are perhaps to be explained by reference to the aftermath of the war [First World War]. But, too, I am definitely of the opinion that with Day Boys the main cause is the wireless. It is quite impossible for boys (or adults) to do good work while the wireless set is causing continual wandering of the attention.“ There is nothing new under the sun.

The pages that follow in this magazine celebrate effort and achievement. These are important moments in any school, to be sure. However, the quality of a strong culture such as we enjoy at Barker is not confined to the triumphs and the great moments, as much as we enjoy them. The quiet and even unnoticed illustrations of effort and courage made by our students, even when no one is watching, is where we wish to shine most brightly.

May this same spirit which a revered figure from the long history of our School called us to follow still be present among us today. Whatever our task, do it with all our heart as if serving the Lord.

Peace.

Article by: Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 1

From the Chair of Council

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Mark 12:30

As an Anglican school the Biblical imperatives to love God and each other, and to develop our minds and our talents, inform all that we do at Barker. We try to capture some of this in our School vision and mission.

Inspiring every learner, in every experience, every day, sets a very high standard.

As Chair I have had the opportunity to attend many events across the School and to work closely with the Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath, and our senior staff. I see a strong spirit of caring and support for all of our students and a commitment to ensure that our fundamental principles guide all we do in looking after each young person entrusted to our care.

Of course we are all fallible. We fall short and things do not always go as planned. How we respond matters. How we help each other matters. Former CEO, author, and management academic Margaret Heffernan observes that a culture of helpfulness leads to teams working much better together. It turns out that teams who get to know each other personally, who care for one another, achieve superior results.

In such teams people are willing to ask for help and actively seek to help each other. In Heffernan’s words, “what matters is the mortar, not just the bricks.” The same is true in social groups. We all do better when we all look out for each other. It turns out that an excessive focus on individual performance can be counter-productive.

One of the great benefits of a Barker education is the many things our children learn outside of the pure academic pursuits. The sporting and co-curricular programs teach a variety of skills and behaviours. As I have written before, the social media world inhabited by our young people makes learning these crucial life

2 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

skills more difficult, and perhaps even more important than ever. The social skills and culture of helpfulness and caring for others that our students learn at Barker will stand them in good stead for their life beyond the Mint Gates.

It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Barker College School Council. Barker has been a wonderful blessing to my family and I will continue to follow its’ progress with a keen interest. As the School moves forward under the leadership of the next Chair of Council, Mr David Charles, and our Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath AM, please uphold them in your prayers and support them in whatever ways you can.

I close this article with an extract from a prayer that I have used at a number of Council meetings: Lord thank you for the wonderful blessing of our children. Please watch over them and protect them.

Thank you for the many blessings we enjoy here at Barker College. Grant us the courage and wisdom to make good decisions and the strength and persistence to see them through. Help us as a school community to give our very best in all that we do.

Thank you again for your continued support of Barker and the great cause of educating our children.

God bless.

Article by: Peter Berkley Chair of Council

From the Chaplain

Getting Connected

In many ways it was a traditional start to the new school year. Year 10 students arrived with fresh haircuts, new uniforms as well as being ready and raring for the Senior Weekend Away (SWA).

SWA has been running for more than 40 years in one shape or form: welcoming new students into the Senior School.

This year was bigger than ever with over 200 students spending the weekend at Galston. Under the watchful eye of the Chaplaincy department, and with the encouragement of a stream of staff visitors, a team of Year 11 and 12 leaders said: ‘Welcome Year 10’.

The student leaders had planned an action-packed weekend. Highlights included ‘Paint War’, Trivia Challenge, Aqua Aerobics, and a dance competition.

Our two new youthworkers, Caitlin Rossler and Ed Craig, also threw themselves into these activities alongside the new students.

The student responses indicated that they appreciated the ‘Get-To-Know-You’ groups and the sessions which were led by Rachael Picton and Dave Chilton, two of our Secondary School Chaplains, on the whys and wherefores of being connected to Barker, to one another and to something bigger than themselves.

Such was the response of the students that discussion and planning for 2020 and 2021 has already commenced. Meanwhile, may SWA 2019 prove itself to have been a really significant and worthwhile event for many of those entering the Senior School for the first time.

Article by: Rev Jeff Ware School Chaplain

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 3

4 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Junior School

The Junior School Flourishes The Junior School has grown to 26 classes and 525 students in 2019. Approximately one third of these students are new to Barker. It is indeed an exciting time, one of growth, new experiences and a focus on engaged, life-long learning.

The Junior School has been at the forefront of the School’s transition to full coeducation. In 2018, 18 girls began across Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. This year, girls continue into Year 1 and for the first time girls have joined Year 3. In total, there are 54 girls in the Junior School.

This year there are three classes in Year 3, two of them housing the fourteen girls. These girls are our pioneers. They join with a large number of new boys into this cohort and they are all quickly settling into the environment. I am extremely proud of the continuing boys in Year 3 who have made the new girls and boys feel welcome and included.

As part of the transition to coeducation, the School has introduced a new uniform for the girls and boys in Years 3 - 6. This uniform is modern, stylish and flexible.

The uniform is designed to be trans-seasonal, allowing students to choose the items of clothing based on the weather and what makes them comfortable. For the girls, this includes the options of shorts or long pants, whilst the boys are also able to wear long pants if they choose.

The School is more than its buildings or its size. The School is about the people; the culture and the character. The Junior School has a strong sense of community and the children are demonstrating their adaptability, flexibility, resilience and their commitment to being caring and kind. These skills along with the attributes of the Learner Profile of the International Baccalaureate (IB) are an important part of the development of each child through their time at the Junior School.

The Junior School curriculum is taught through the framework of the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the IB. PYP students learn how to learn through developing the understanding and skills to wonder, question, explore and inquire. They develop their independence and begin to take a level of control over their learning. The teachers collaborate and guide students to deepen their understanding, increase their confidence and self-motivation.

The transition to coeducation has been a positive experience. The Junior School is adapting well and is setting the example for the rest of the School to follow.

Article by: Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 5

Junior School

The World is their Oyster 2019 is the first full academic year in the Kurrajong Building for our Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 students.

As the year commenced there were 160 students in ten classes from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2, with over a third of the students in our coeducation grades being girls.

Kurrajong provides the children and staff with spacious classrooms, large community gathering spaces, learning nooks, break-out areas and endless possibilities for learning both indoors and out.

Kurrajong’s main campus location allows easy, quick and undercover access to all Junior School facilities.

In addition, there are increased opportunities for connections across the School for both staff and students, as well as bringing the resources of the secondary school areas closer to the youngest students.

The Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 academic program is based on an Inquiry approach to learning. This foundation of the PYP framework enriches a child’s

6 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

sense of identity, enables a sense of belonging, contributes to engagement, motivation and positive dispositions, promotes the transfer and adaptation of prior knowledge to new understandings, as well as motivating the effective use of ICT. In addition to the academic program, our Kindergarten to Year 2 children enjoy the After School Ignite co-curricular offerings of ballet, chess, hip hop, taekwondo, tennis, jazz and Mandarin. The children also have the opportunity to be involved in Crusaders, swimming, private instrumental lessons, environmental club and gardening. The Kurrajong Building provides a state of the art venue for this diverse range of activities.

Article by: Sarah Dickson Director of Early Learning Pre-K to Year 2

Junior School

PYP Journey Continues Our candidacy phase of our PYP journey continues this year. After submission of the application by 1 April, we will receive a feedback report which will outline any issues or areas that need to be addressed before the application is considered complete.

Once the Application for authorisation is complete, the IB will visit the School in October to verify that the IB’s educational principles and required standards and practices are in place and that Barker is prepared to become an IB World School. The whole Barker community will be part of this process.

These visits are typically conducted by two to three experienced IB educators from the IB worldwide network who have been fully trained according to global IB policies to become site visitors.

Following the verification visit, we will receive a report based on the findings of the visiting team and the information provided in the Application for authorization. In some cases, this report may identify matters to be addressed, which are issues that must be dealt with before the School can be authorised as an IB World School for the program in question; if this is the case, the School will be provided with a timeline for addressing these issues and the support to do so.

If our application meets IB requirements and there are no matters to be addressed, the Director General will grant the School authorisation to teach the PYP. With that authorisation, Barker will officially become an IB World School for the program.

Barker will then appear on the IB website and we may then display the IB World School logo and other information in materials.

As you can see it is a very exciting time for our School and a very rigorous process we will be going through this year. It will be a marathon, not a sprint with a satisfying reward at the end of the process.

Article by: Ainslie Breckenridge​ Director of Junior School Curriculum

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 7

Junior School

Understanding Culture and Building Capacity

Is it really our fourth year at Yarramalong? This is a question I have reflected on over the last couple of months.

There has been such positive growth both academically and socially since 2016. The connection to community, our growth in spirituality, the understanding of culture and the building of skills are some of these areas of growth.

This year we have welcomed eight new Kindergarten children. This is over 25% of our small school. Three of these children are siblings of older students at Darkinjung Barker, whilst others are extended family members or brand new to the community. As the children settled into the year, we shared a quote from Dr Seuss’, The Places You Will Go. “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains.” We are looking forward to seeing our children grow and shine throughout 2019. Just watch the mountains move!

8 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Indigenous heritage and culture is a key focus of our School program. Over the past three years, we have reinforced that Indigenous people have occupied Australia for at least 60,000 years and have evolved with the changing landscape of living in this country.

To Indigenous people, the land is their mother, the giver of life who provides them with everything they need. To start the year we shared the story “The Lost Girl” to assist our understanding in this area.

We will continue to spend time with our Cultural Leaders from Darkinjung LALC learning about the connection and importance of the land.

Article by: Jamie Shackleton Lead Teacher - Darkinjung Barker

The Lost Girl - By Ambelin Kwaymullina The girl had lost her way. She had wandered far from the Mothers, the Aunties and the Grandmothers, from the Fathers and the Uncles and the Grandfathers. She had hidden in the shadow of a rock, and fallen asleep while she waited for her brothers and sisters to find her.

Now it was night, and no one answered when she called, and she could not find her way back to camp. The girl wandered, alone. She grew thirsty, so she stopped by a waterhole to drink, and then hungry, so she picked some berries from a bush. Then the night grew colder, so she huddled beneath an overhanging rock, pressing herself into a hollow that had trapped the warm air of the day.

Finally, she saw a crow flying in the moonlight, flapping from tree to tree and calling ‘Kaw! Kaw! Kaw!’. The girl followed the crow. She followed him through the trees and over the rocks and up the hills, until at last she saw the glow of her people’s campfires in the distance. The people laughed and cried at once to see that the girl was safe. They growled at her for her foolishness, and cuddled her, and gave her a place by the fire. Her little brother asked her if she had been afraid; but the girl said - ‘How could I be frightened? I was with my Mother. When I was thirsty, she gave me water; when I was hungry, she fed me; when I was cold, she warmed me.

And when I was lost, she showed me the way home.’

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 9

Teaching and Learning

Guided Inquiry at Barker Many parents would be aware of the Thrive framework used to identify four fundamental pillars of a Barker education. One of the four pillars is Inquiry.

In the Junior School, a guided-inquiry approach is shaped by The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP). The PYP delivers the local curriculum as approved by NESA but does so in a “guided inquiry” approach making use of the language of the IB Learner Profile. This has naturally resulted in students from the Junior School arriving in Year 7 classes with a well-developed sense of how to conduct an inquiry and a vocabulary to match. Now, of course, inquiry does not have to be a formal process, it can be as simple as allowing students to express their natural curiosity through thinking about and posing questions. However, as Inquiry stands as a pillar of a Barker education it is vital that we strategically plan for inquiry and how inquiry learning will develop as a student progresses through the College (Chu, Reynolds, Tavares, Notari, Lee, 2017).

In the Secondary School a guided inquiry approach is being developed for Middle School classes using the Guided Inquiry Design Framework (Kuhlthau, Maniotes, & Caspari, 2015). The framework adopts an eight-step process to guide students through a process of inquiry and help them answer the questions they have about the topic under investigation. Most importantly, the framework is ‘guided’ allowing teachers to teach essential subject content and concepts as students move to the more subject-based setting of Middle and Senior schools.

Students in Year 7 this year will travel through six units of inquiry in Visual Arts, Music, English, History, PDHPE, and Christian Studies. Whilst each unit is grounded in the subject, the aim is for each unit to

10 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

build on previous units in terms of essential skills and learning dispositions. These units will be delivered in a blended learning environment (see Stewart, Temlett, Mifsud, & Harmon, 2017) that provides teachers and students with a more personalised and authentic learning experience.

As the curriculum becomes more prescriptive in Years 11 and 12, students can use the inquiry mindset and skillset they have developed to complete assignments and major works, and to continue to support their learning by making connections between subjects rather than seeing them in isolation.

An example of this can be seen in the first Inquiry unit, Wonderment, a collaboration between the Visual Art and Music departments. The unit will see students researching and gathering tools to create a visual representation of a significant landscape, accompanied by an original musical composition.

There continues to be a significant role for explicit teaching at Barker. Students continue to need to have a comprehensive knowledge of subject content. It’s difficult for a student to assess information critically, be creative, and ask the right or valid questions if they don’t have an appropriate knowledge of subject content (Mourshed, Krawitz, & Dorn, 2017). Guided inquiry will be part of the makeup of education at Barker.

Teaching and Learning

Open

Immerse

Explore

Identify

Dr Leslie Maniotes is the author of Guided Inquiry Design and an expert in helping teachers shape instruction using a guided inquiry approach. Dr Maniotes is visiting Australia for the first time in April and we are very fortunate to have her present at this Barker Institute event. Guided Inquiry Design is the framework the College is adopting to support inquiry learning in the high school and this will be a fantastic opportunity for parents to hear about the principles of guided inquiry, what it is, why it works, and how it can be misrepresented.

This event will be of interest to parents and students who are curious about inquiry learning and how the College is adopting a coherent K-12 model as part of the Thrive framework. Keep your eye out for Barker Institute advertising of this event!

1

Open

Stimulate curiosity, open minds

2

Immerse

Discover ideas, connect content, build background knowledge

3

Explore

Explore interesting ideas, look around

4

Identify

Pause and ponder, identify inquiry question, decide direction

5

Gather

Gather important information, go broad, go deep

6

Create

Reflect on learning, make meaning, create to communicate

7

Share

Learn from each other, share learning, tell your story

8

Evaluate

Evaluate achieve of learning goals, reflect on content, reflect on process

Gather

Create

Share

Evaluate

Inquiry Skills The use of guided inquiry will promote a common set of transdisciplinary skills. These skills are placed within five domains: •

Thinking

•

Research

•

Self-management

•

Collaborating

•

Communication

Article by: Greg Longney Director of Learning and Enrichment

References Chu S.K.W., Reynolds R.B., Tavares N.J., Notari M., Lee C.W.Y., 2017. Introduction. In: 21st Century Skills Development Through Inquiry-Based Learning. Springer, Singapore Kuhlthau, C.C., Maniotes, L.K. and Caspari, A.K., 2015. Guided inquiry: Learning in the 21st century: Learning in the 21st century. ABC-CLIO. Mourshed, M., Krawitz, M. and Dorn, E., 2017. How to improve student educational outcomes: New insights from data analytics. McKinsey & Company, September.

Stewart, J., Temlett, S., Mifsud, A., & Harmon, P. 2017. Shaping blended learning at Barker. Barker Institute: Learning in Practice, 1(1), 19–25. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/ barkercollege/docs/journal-28_november-_print

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 11

Visual Arts

Artexpress Success Each year ARTEXPRESS features a selection of outstanding student artworks developed and produced for the artmaking component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts.

This exhibition provides insight into students’ creativity and the issues important to them. From 8,770 NSW students who submitted Bodies of Work for their Visual Arts HSC last year, four Barker students were considered exemplary and nominated for ARTEXPRESS for 2019. This is an exceptional result for Charne Greyling, Emily Francis, Max Gregg and Rory Lewis and should serve as inspiration for our current Barker artists.

Two out of the four nominated Bodies of Work were selected for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS 2019. Rory Lewis’s ceramic work “The Brink of Biota”, based on the rising sea levels that are devastating the species that nest

12 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

in the dunes of Waihi Beach, New Zealand, which is a place of personal significance. His work is currently being exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW until 25 April 2019. Charne Greyling’s series of paintings of her beloved horse “Viola” will be exhibited at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery from the 12 April - 2 June. We encourage the Barker community to view these works in their respective exhibits.

Article by: Tara van Drempt Head of Visual Arts

Visual Arts

ART North Emily Francis and Max Gregg’s works along with Ben Wettstein and Georgia Gray’s artworks were included in the annual Art North exhibition, an exhibition of HSC 2018 Visual Arts from schools in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai district.

Ilford School Photography Competition Results 2018 Congratulations to all the photography students who submitted their photos in this competition to win “Best School of the Year 2018”. The after school photography students have won the Ilford annual award for 13 consecutive years!

Photographic and Digital Media This year for the first time at Barker College the Visual Arts Department has been able to offer Photographic and Digital Media as an elective course to Year 9 students. Inspired

by Cuban-born photographer Abelardo Morell we have transformed a classroom into a giant camera obscura, creating a magical upside down world on the walls of the classroom D3. We covered the windows and doors with black material in order to achieve total darkness. Then, a small hole was cut in the material used to cover the windows. This opening allowed an inverted image of the view outside to flood onto the ceiling and back walls of the room. Our new elective students experienced what it is like to be inside a camera and saw first-hand the effects of increasing or decreasing aperture.

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 13

Design and Technology

Changing the Way we Use Technology

Left to right Isabella Lee was placed first in Textiles and Design at Barker in 2018 Competition; Lucy Lake testing her bio-mimicry oars; Hailley Hunt designed an art gallery based in Darlington, and developed an app for artists to share their practise, with the aim of helping emerging artists gain an audience and find work.

One of the peculiarities of innovation is that you never quite know where it will come from next.

All developed nations recognise the importance of innovation and strive hard to promote it because of the economic benefits, though knowing just which companies to support is difficult. But backing one form of technology, ‘putting all your eggs in one basket’ is not an appropriate strategy. The Design and Technology Department at Barker seeks to develop students’ ability to be innovative by teaching them how to apply design thinking. Solutions that are developed are not dependent on one type of technology, rather they determine the technology which is most appropriate to use. This approach is supported by research which has been conducted on the interaction of architecture and technology.

“We initially thought that technology would change the way we do design.

But we quickly realised that it was the other way around.

Design was changing the way we use technology.”

Mary Lou Maher Professor in HCI, University of North Carolina Founder of Design Computing

Top left to right Erin Rench and Riya Swarup’s submission to Joy Ewart Scholarship; Main photo Year 11 Visual Arts students painting with light, photographed by Peter Solness.

14 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Design and Technology

Above Lucy Lake and James Casey-Brown achieved 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the BHP National Science and Engineering Competition.

It is not simply technology that drives change, rather it is the way that designers choose to incorporate technology into appropriate solutions that brings about the change. Through careful research, testing and observation students at Barker are able to identify and design appropriate solutions, but it is the design that drives what technology will best meet the requirements of the project.

Lucy Lake and James Casey-Brown achieved 2nd and 3rd places respectively in the BHP National Science and Engineering Competition for their Major Design Projects. Lucy, who is an avid rower for the Mosman Rowing Club, developed an improved rowing oar by incorporating tubercles, similar to those found on whales. The biomimicry approach to design, demonstrates that innovation can be drawn from sources of inspiration found in nature. Through applying physical and simulation tests, Lucy was able to make incremental changes to improve performance.

Lucy has now been selected to represent Australia in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona in May.

James produced a neoprene belt that can be worn by swimmers entering the surf; which contains an inflatable tube. When activated, a CO2 canister inflates the tube which is then released from the belt. The design of the belt and concealment of the inflatable tube was crucial so that users would not feel stigmatized. The amount of testing required to successfully produce a working prototypes is testament to James’ determination to improve safety for people entering the surf.

2018 was a successful year for our graduating students.

In Design and Technology fifty percent of our students achieved a Band 6 and Hailey Hunt achieved 10th in the State. On top of this success students in Industrial Technology achieved well with Lucas Brennan achieving first in the State for Construction. Students in Textiles and Design also performed strongly.

Congratulations to all of these students, may you shape the world we live in, for a better tomorrow.

Article by: Darren Woodrow​ Head of Design & Technology

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 15

Middle School

Introducing the New Middle School Team 2019 heralds a new era for the Middle School team with the appointment of three Deans of the Middle School and the expansion of the House system from 8 to 16 Houses.

The role of Dean has been an integral and very successful part of the Senior School team for many years. Under the leadership of the Head of Senior School, David Giltrap, the Deans of the Senior School - John Doran, Natalie Potent and Dean Bunn, provide outstanding support for students in Years 10-12.

Each Dean in the Middle School has been given specific oversight of one year group and will coordinate the academic compliance, behavioural management and pastoral care of students in their care. The Deans will work closely with the Heads of House, Heads of Department and subject coordinators to assist students to meet their academic requirements and potential. They will also liaise with Learning Support staff, Counsellors, Chaplaincy staff and youth workers to provide ongoing pastoral support for students. Whilst the Dean will provide essential advice, support and guidance for students and parents, the Head of House will remain the first point of contact for general enquiries by parents.

The introduction of eight new Houses has necessitated the expansion of the Middle School Head of House team. Heads of House have also replaced the role of Tutor in the Senior School and now students will enjoy membership of their House from Year 7 through to Year 12. There has been great excitement at the inaugural Year 7-12 House meetings where new traditions have been forged and strong connections created.

The introduction of the structured Wellbeing program, under the guidance of the Director of Wellbeing, Rowena Dudgeon and the creation of Connect Groups are additional developments which will enhance the care and wellbeing of students.

I am very excited about these reforms and the potential which now exists to extend greater levels of support and guidance for students in the Middle School. The Deans of the Middle School will provide dynamic leadership for the expanded Head of House team where the aim is to create the environment where every student has the ability to reach their goals and thrive.

Article by: James Denton​ Head of Middle School

Hill House Nicole Bailey

a PA to Head of Middle School Julie McAndrew

16 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Mackenzie House Anneke Blom

Middle School

Tim Eastman - Dean of Middle School (Year 7) Mr Eastman has had significant experience as a History teacher with co-curricular involvement in Cadets, Cricket, Rugby and was Head of Holt House for six years.

Jon Rheinberger - Dean of Middle School (Year 8) Mr Rheinberger has held a number of roles at Barker including Director of The Grange and the Head of Boarding. He has taught Christian Studies, PDHPE, Commerce and Economics and has a keen interest in fostering links and enhancing educational outcomes for Indigenous people.

Kathryn Driver - Dean of Middle School (Year 9) Mrs Driver has had considerable teaching experience as an Assistant Co-ordinator of History and has been an effective Tutor Associate in the Senior School. Her co-curricular involvement has included Coach and Manager of the Barker Track and Field team and Netball coaching.

Bowman House Mel Dooley

Andrew House Matthew Arnot

Boyce House Lainie Kalnins Butters House Lucas Gasparinatos Fear House Ben Robinson

Sthalekar House Geoff Clifton-Smith

Stevens House Simon Thompson

Pain House Campbell Smith

May House Kate Dundas

Wilson Stephen Solomon Wade House Steve Deveney

Wailes Jack Caspersonn

Stone House Phil Barden

Holt House Oscar Merven

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 17

Drama

Year 12 Play The School for Scandal Ariana Grande’s tattoo mistake, Meghan Markle’s pregnancy, who wore what to the Oscars…There seems to be no end to humanity’s need to gossip, judge and make a scandal out of other people’s lives.

Technology today can help spread indiscretions even faster than before, it can do nothing without the manipulation of insecure people who seek to destroy others for their own amusement and pleasure.

The School for Scandal is not a new play written for the modern era of Instagram, SnapChat or Twitter; this play was written in 18th Century England. A time where reputation was more important than the truth, and societal rumour and innuendo could change one’s fortunes with the merest hint in the morning papers.

If someone of power and influence said there was a scandal - then so there was, and all the better if the cutting down of one’s rivals allowed one to rise higher in the social ranks themselves. Our School for Scandal was populated by a multitude of bored - rich, men and women who gained immense satisfaction and entertainment from generating, circulating and escalating rumours about others. No topic is sacred.

Be it money, love, family or power. All dangerous in the wrong hands. In this “school”, either you run with the pack and dish on others or you find yourself against them, destroyed by their words...weapons sharper than knives...

How nice if we could say life was not like that now…

The committed, passionate and caring group of Year 12s I have worked with have given so much of themselves and connected fully with one another in order to completely understand the nuances of this ‘Comedy of Manners’ style production. Just climbing up and down the tiny ladders off-stage in huge wigs and hoop skirts would be enough to put most off!

We have discussed the issues within the play, made judgements of the characters’ choices, debated what we would do in their positions, we have danced, and I would hope they would all agree in saying - we have had fun!

Richard Brinsley Sheridan clearly had a few haters in his life, as do we all at times. But as Lady Teazle sings so well…sometimes, even though the ‘haters are gonna hate’, you just have to “Shake it Off” and live your life your way without fear of judgement.

Article by: Pia Midgley Director

18 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Drama

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 19

Drama

All is Calm The Christmas Truce of 1914

As the world remembered one hundred years since the Armistice it seemed a timely opportunity to bring together a salutation to the fallen and an end of year play that celebrated a Christmas message of peace and love.

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914 is a remarkable tale that endures as an episode in history that almost defies belief. The common story is that in December of 1914 there was a cessation of fighting to bury the dead and due to the nature of such close conflict in trenches, opposing soldiers would often banter across no man’s land. Shortly before midnight on December 24, there were rousing competitions between German soldiers singing Stille Nacht and the English singing Silent Night which drifted across the desolate landscape and into the morning where the exchange of gifts took place as well as the occasional friendly game of soccer. Year 9 Drama students did this story great justice when bringing these momentous events to life.

It was quite a challenge bringing a radio play to performance upon the stage. The creativity of many exceptional Year 9 students in blocking and improvising unique scenes and personalities was most inspiring. Laced among the soldier stories were songs from the period. Some were rousing, others wistful and heart breaking but all were performed by a 20 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

stunningly talented ensemble. The boys all approached each song with enthusiasm no matter what their vocal talent. As it may have sounded in the trenches, we had the voices of angels as well as of cheeky devils. The design of the set included a range of innovative multi media elements and the construction of a great many unique props added much gravitas to the dramatic experience.

Each young man proved himself an integral component of this ensemble piece, moving through a range of different characters - some actors transitioning through as many as five diverse roles in the one performance. The depth and breadth of talent was quite incredible and many of our audience members were moved to not only joyful laughter but to tears as well, as the cast explored this momentous time in human history - a time that proved that beneath the brutality of war, humanity endures.

Article by: Karen Farris Director

Uniforms

The Barker Uniform The Red and Blue, along with the Barker double stripe, are iconic in the long and proud history of our School.

When the School Council made the decision in 2016 to introduce full coeducation, it was important that these elements of our uniform be retained. At the same time, the School started to look at some modifications to the existing uniform to provide options which would give our students more breathable fabric, were reflective of a modern School, were mindful of the climate and could be worn well for years and replaced when the students grew. Knowing that children grow at different rates and ages, it was important that parents not be asked to provide new uniforms frequently, and could instead replace everyday items when the children grew.

Jonathan Ward has been working with us for over two years to create a uniform that honours our history, is coordinated, age appropriate and gives students some choice from a set of core items. We are very pleased that all students, male and female, across all areas of the School, can choose to wear shorts in the summer and long pants in the winter from 2020.

Jumpers worn in the Middle School will from 2020 be able to be worn in the Senior School and students are given the option of layering items in winter, rather than a having a compulsory winter uniform. We retain key items such as the Junior School Baggy Blue and now complement it with the Plume Hat worn by our younger female students. The double stripe blazer remains a key piece for Senior School students.

We are committed to providing a uniform that is uniquely Barker that students will take pride in wearing and is suitable for the range of activities in which our students are involved.

Article by: Melissa Brady​ Director of Coeducation Transition

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 21

STEAM

Drones for Barker STEAM at Barker is excited to be embarking on our new Drones Program.

Unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV, commonly known as drones, are set to be an area of huge advancement with endless applications for industry, construction, communication, sensing, targeted delivery, mining, disaster first responders and rescue.

The variety of applications is vast and our first foray into this space will see:

During 2018 we partnered with the Ripper Group to undertake training to certify an initial intake of five staff as commercial drone pilots. Our plan in the coming months is to develop a program where the certificate course will be delivered by our staff and the Ripper Group to enable eligible students to also earn their commercial pilots licence.

• Scott Graham, Head of Agriculture, plans to

There is a rapidly growing market for trained UAV pilots and we want our students to be ahead of the curve. Students who undertake the training will be prepared with work-ready skills that they can take with them to their University courses and careers.

• Darren Woodrow and Nathan Staas from the

Design and Technology faculty utilising drones in their Year 9 courses. develop a partnership with some deliverable agricultural applications.

• Nathan Dumbleton will be working with the Cadet Unit on their publications and training videos and working with a team of cadets on their Cadet UAV certification.

• Glenn Quevedo, Barker Publications and Media

Coordinator has already been utilising his skills in school images and footage.

If this training interests you - student, parent or member of the Barker Community - please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss the possibilities!

Article by: Virginia Ellis STEAM Coordinator

22 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Robotics

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 23

Junior School

24 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

STEAM USA We had the opportunity to visit some of the best Science museums in the world and engage in workshops and experiences that stretched the students’ thinking across Science, Maths and Engineering with a major focus on emerging technologies.

Some of the museums, tours and workshops in San Francisco included the Tech Museum of Innovation and Engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge Engineering Exhibition, Alcatraz, the Exploratorium and the California Academy of Science. Each of these exceptional institutions offered us interactive workshops and opportunities to engage in active learning. The Exploratorium is one of the best interactive STEM spaces in the world and many of the world’s museums use exhibits designed by this institution and its team of 21st century “Tinkerers”.

The students were very fortunate to attend workshops at Stanford University where we were hosted by Prof Alison Marsden. The Marsden Cardiovascular Biomechanics Computation Lab develops novel computational methods for the study of cardiovascular disease progression, surgical methods, treatment planning and medical devices. We were able to immerse ourselves in virtual reality scenarios of complex heart problems and see how this technology assists surgeons to prepare for difficulty surgeries.

A highlight of the tour was a day spent on the aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet, where the students engaged in workshops investigating flight, the Bernoulli effect and how you get an aircraft off a flight deck that is 1/6th the length of a traditional airfield! A number of the students are planning a career in aeronautical engineering and this was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Seattle saw us visit the Living Computer Museum and lab where the students were immersed in the history of computers and wowed the workshop presenters with their exceptional programming and design skills. They had never met such engaged and capable students!

We were very fortunate to connect with Richard Harris, Class of 1985, who generously hosted us at

Microsoft and gave the students the most wonderful experience of the extensive campus and offerings at the interactive visitors’ centre. At the Museum of Pop Culture the students participated in an Architectural workshop where they again put their design thinking skills to work. Our final stop was the Future of Flight Aviation Centre and Boeing tour where we were able to experience the phenomenal manufacturing process involved in building state of the art aircraft and the somewhat daunting realisation of just how thin and strong the new carbon fibre aircraft technology has become.

The students were fortunate to have Mr Heath join them for some of the tour and they appreciated his company and his enthusiasm for their engagement in their learning. Together we visited the most inspirational exhibition at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where we came to understand the bold and innovative risks that they are taking to try and solve some of the worlds’ greatest humanitarian problems - access to fresh water, health and hygiene, vaccinations and finding a cure for malaria. They are motivated to undertake significant philanthropic work because they know that things can and will get better if we but try.

Mr Heath challenged our students to consider what their STEAM education at Barker can do for others.

“If you want to solve a problem - find a tough one. Be worthy of the problem and work hard to be part of the solution. Be brilliant at what you feel called to do and create something worthy of you and a big dream that will change the lives of others.”

Article by: Virginia Ellis STEAM Coordinator

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 25

Maths & Science

Maths William Li (Class of 2018) has been an outstanding mathematics student with a particular flair for the challenging problem-solving seen in competitions.

William is one of Barker’s most decorated mathematicians, having represented the School in 16 competitions over the past four years, gaining nine High Distinctions, Three Prizes, a Bronze Award and most recently 2nd in the prestigious University of NSW Mathematics Competition.

In 2018 William attended the National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS) in Canberra, an exclusive two-week residential program for the top 75 mathematicians in Australia under the age of 18. He is pictured here with his Year 12 Extension 2 teacher, Mr Kester Lee. Mr Lee says that, “For someone with such amazing talent, William was always very humble and friendly to everyone, ready to help anybody with their maths.”

The National Youth Science Forum The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) is a 12 day camp held in the summer holidays, located in Canberra and Brisbane, designed to encourage young scientists from all around Australia to pursue a career in STEM. Year 12 students Jared Tong and Holly Parker were two of 600 students from all around Australia to attend the program.

The NYSF was a fabulous experience, learning from many experts in STEM, expanding my interests in science. The friends made and experiences shared were priceless and I would recommend the program to future students.

Article by: Jared Tong Year 12 Student

26 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

We are very proud of William’s achievements and will watch his future exploits in the world of mathematics with great interest! This year William is undertaking a double degree in Actuarial Studies and Commerce at UNSW. Article by: Emily Pratt Assistant Coordinator Mathematics

Music

Music Camp 2019

There was the traditional explosion of creativity and excitement as just short of 400 Middle and Senior School students descended on the Stanwell Tops Conference Centre over the Australia Day long weekend.

This gathering is the annual kick-start to the Barker musical year, with bands, orchestra and choirs engaged in three days of intensive rehearsals and workshops under the direction of Barker music staff and visiting professionals.

Upwards of eight hours of rehearsals a day (in multiple ensembles for many of our students) are timetabled, along with other crowd favourites such as Trivia Night, Student Concert and the multi-faceted “activities” session. The camp ends with a workshop open to parents, and for many present it is the first inkling of the musical adventure that their children have embarked on.

The students wholeheartedly embraced all the musical and social opportunities on offer, from student camp veterans to the students for whom this was their first Barker experience. One third of the clientele was new to Barker in 2019. The strengthening of bonds and building of community remain a cornerstone of the music program.

This start to the year sets us up brilliantly for the demanding schedule of Barker Music, and the students are to be commended for the enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism they bring to everything they do. They all look forward to welcoming you to a Barker Music event in 2019.

Article by: Peter Ellis​ Director of Choral Programs and Music Teacher

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 27

Alumni Profile

Old Girl Dr Jenny May AM (Judge 79) shares her journey since leaving Barker.

My time at Barker was both an immensely enjoyable time and a launch pad for many opportunities that presented themselves as a result. Involvement in debating, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, drama and women’s cricket was stimulating and fun and I was surrounded by encouragement from students and staff. Many of the friendships forged in just two years at Barker have endured and built over the last 40 years.

After completing Year 12, I took a step into the unknown and enrolled in medical school at the University of Newcastle which was a new and innovative course. Unlike other courses of its time its emphasis was on patients as part of their communities and was very practical from early on in the course. I thrived at Newcastle and was struck by the commitment of clinicians to support and make life easier for local patients. I was also struck by the commitment to training Aboriginal doctors and those from the rural areas of NSW. I was hugely fortunate to meet my future husband at medical school and he, like many doctors, had grown up in a rural area and was keen to return. So at the first opportunity we moved to New England Northwest and worked in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Armidale and Moree before settling in Tamworth and starting a family.

We had the opportunity to use our skills not only in extended general practice (now called rural generalism) providing emergency care, obstetric care and sometimes providing patient care both in and out of hospital.

28 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

We were fortunate to be able to explore opportunities that were offered to serve smaller often remote communities. We spent a locum stint in Ba in Fiji, then moved to Exmouth in northwest Australia before spending nearly four years in Tom Price (WA) providing cradle to grave medical services. We were also fortunate working as a team to back each other up and when the chips were down we were able to work alongside each other whilst waiting for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to assist our patients. Our three children thrived - we were well supported by our community and whilst the options weren’t wide, the whole community participated in sport or events or when individuals encountered difficulties.

The “sense of community”, of knowing and being known was the gift that working in smaller communities gave us and it was the gift of a dependable medical service that we had to offer.

Secondary schooling eventually drove us back to the eastern states but not before we had the rich experience of living and working in a native Indian community in British Columbia for a year. If we had thought that Tom Price (WA) was remote the weather made practice in remote British Columbia Canada even more challenging as it could be more than 24 hours before a patient could be flown out of the small community we worked in.

On returning to Australia the role for providing academic support and teaching in Tamworth for medical, nursing and allied health students arose. What a great chance to make a difference to the rural workforce and start by increasing the aspirations of rural students to consider health careers.

The need for home-grown health professionals to supplement the metro origin converters was clear.

Through research and opportunities to work with governments and communities, new rural pathways in a number of health professions are opening up.

The value and importance of rural practice with an extended scope is now understood to be important in maintaining a system to have good health outcomes no matter where you live.

My journey has continued with opportunities to live and work in Alice Springs and back in Canada.

We now watch on with interest as our daughter Elizabeth (12) starts working in hospital having completed her medical degree.

I have the best of a few worlds - the opportunity to teach and support, and mentor the next generation of health professionals as well as the chance to practise medicine in a regional centre, with a continuing interest in palliative care and admitting rights to both public and private facilities.

This makes for a very busy life, balancing ward and surgery work with teaching and health advocacy

Alumni Profile

as we seek to fund models of health care delivery that will recruit and retain doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

The undergraduate policy piece is looking good with more students than ever (both metro and rural origin) graduating with an interest in pursuing rural medicine. The next piece of the puzzle is to support rural training “for purpose” and to encourage many of our specialist colleges to train in regional areas.

This will take more advocacy and requires everyone looking for the same outcome - that of a well distributed workforce.

I have the privilege of being inspired by the next generation who will also want equity of access - to health training and to services. I know from my positive experiences of living and working in small communities that it can be rewarding and supportive and these are the models we are building.

An average day as a rural doctor is never the same! It is never possible to predict who will walk through the door with what issues or need support with specific skills, or who you may need to team with. Unlike the movies though, it isn’t lonely, as we work closely with nursing staff, pharmacy, physio and managers to try and get the best for patients.

In many rural towns in Australia there is both birthing services and palliative care services meaning you have input right through the life course.

An average day for me involves a lot of travel, driving between Coffs Harbour, Taree, Moree, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Armidale where we have students doing medicine, nursing and allied health placements and also in many of the smaller communities also. With a small workforce we are often trying innovative approaches and combining skills. The increased IT connectivity of the last ten years has bridged much of the gap for clinicians working in small hospitals who can now get advice from specialist clinicians who can look at the patient via a camera in the emergency department and provide the support and guidance needed.

When we are not working (and being married to a doctor means two lots of shift work!!) we love spending time with family and friends and trying to grow a garden without water. I’m sure many people would be surprised to learn that I secretly have always wanted to be a cricket commentator and spend most of the summer multitasking with my ear glued to the radio at every opportunity. My cricket playing days at Barker were a highlight and I am very excited to see girls cricket today being visible on prime time TV. A career as a travel agent would also have been really interesting but in fact a medical degree and a passport have opened doors regularly through my working life and we

have travelled and loved working in other countries in rural and remote medicine.

For me there is no deficit model to rural living - I have the privilege of living in a community where I know others and they know me. I have not lacked options but at times have had to create opportunity or change the “model” or way of doing things to fit the tools or resources available. How fortunate we are to have choice about where we live and work and what great choices there are. I encourage anyone who thinks they might enjoy the rural lifestyle to try it and see how it works for them. Hosting students in rural areas has given them the bird’s eye view of what is available and whether it suits.

My advice to my 16-year-old self. Make the most of your opportunities. Try things and remember that you don’t make decisions forever and you will have more than one career. Work gives meaning and the capacity to give back and be part of people’s lives in a very supportive way. It is a gift that keeps giving.

Article by: Mandy Loomes Director of Alumni and Communiy Relations

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 29

Wellbeing

Wellbeing at Barker The new year heralds the strengthening of our resolve at Barker to bring in a renewed vision of what it means to live in community together, to strengthen the ‘red thread’ that binds us and drives us in our pursuit of care for our students, each other and the School.

I am often gladdened when I see Mr Heath’s emails and newsletters signed off with the word ‘peace’, for ‘shalom’ is at the heart of the wellbeing message. The ancient Hebrew meaning of peace is often meant as completeness, wholeness, safety, health and prosperity. In our walk with each other here at Barker, wellbeing starts with us as individuals. How we treat each other matters, the language we use, the words we say, our actions and decisions, all need to bring peace to those around us. The wellbeing of all of our staff, students, alumni and parents here at Barker is vital in achieving our long term outcomes of building a resilient and grateful community that works for the greater good of others - a thriving school.

At Barker, wellbeing is seen in 5 central areas; Physical safety Physical

Health Positive relationships

Social

Connectedness Self awareness

Emotional

Emotional regulation Positive learning experience

Cognitive

Motivation and achievement Sense of meaning

Spiritual

Pupose

30 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

In line with the extension of the House system into the Senior School in 2019, the Senior Tutors will now be referred to as Heads of House. Last year it was also announced that Associates will now be known as Connect Group Leaders and will be leading and mentoring a Connect Group twice a week on Thursday and Friday.

The Connect Group Program in 2019 will reflect the CASEL wellbeing framework (www.casel.org) and also the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework (www. studentwellbeinghub.edu.au). The Connect Group Program will be promoting social and emotional learning skills through the following five core areas; 1. Self-awareness: Know your strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism and a ‘growth mindset’.

2. Self-management: Effectively manage stress, control impulses and motivate yourself to set and achieve goals.

3. Social-awareness: Understand the perspectives of others and empathise with them, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

4. Positive relationships: Communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively and see and offer help when needed.

5. Responsible decision making: Make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety, and social norms.

Wellbeing

Each student in the Senior School has been placed into a Connect Group and is led by a Connect Group Leader who is a member of the teaching staff. The Heads of House oversee the students in their House and work with the Connect Group Leaders to oversee the care of the students in their house. The Connect Group Leaders will be following a Social and Emotional Learning Program throughout each term that will cover the five CASEL capabilities.

There will be an emphasis on service throughout the Houses and each House will elect a charity to support and to be affiliated with throughout 2019. A House Captain has also been appointed to assist the Heads of House with the organisation and leadership of the House.

New wellbeing initiatives in 2019 Barker will be partnering with School TV (schooltv.me), an online wellbeing platform for all members of the Barker Community. School TV is an online resource that is emailed to parents each month to enable them to be equipped with evidence-based information and strategies to help with the issues faced by young people.

In Terms 1 and 2, students in Years 3-12 will undertake the Assessing Wellbeing in Schools Survey (www. awesomeschools.com). The AWE survey will assist us with identifying the wellbeing needs of our students and help to further shape the Connect Group program. It will also provide us with the data we need

to benchmark wellbeing among our young people and keep track of their wellbeing over time.

We welcomed Dana Kurford to the Junior School in Term 1 to engage with the Junior School parent body and staff through her program URStrong. Dana has worked with other leading schools in Australia, Canada and the USA and her social and emotional learning (SEL) program Friendology is used in schools to teach children a common language for confidently managing conflict and creating a culture rooted in respect and kindness. This unique program empowers boys and girls with the skills and self-confidence to develop healthier relationships. Parents learn what’s normal in a friendship, the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships, and how their children can stand up for themselves.

In light of the release and subsequent recommendations of the Department of Education’s Review into the non-educational use of mobile devices in NSW schools, led by Michael Carr-Gregg, it is pertinent that we maintain our cyber safety programs for the responsible use of technology at Barker. This year, we will be spearheading this work with Project Rockit (www.projectrockit.com.au) who will lead our students through workshops on e-safety.

Year 8 will also undertake an online e-safety course in Term 2.

Article by: Rowena Dudgeon Director of Wellbeing

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 31

Heads of Department Profiles

Simon Smith - Head of Music As Head of Barker’s Music Department, Simon Smith, is most proud of the times when the Department is able to bring the music ‘tribe’ together.

“This is always a unique moment as we combine students of different ages, genders and backgrounds for activities that range from our annual Music Camp, to concerts and international tours,” Simon said.

“I see the Music Centre as a community,” he explained.

“We are a community of passionate musicians and music educators who above all love making music together.”

Simon has been teaching at Barker for 20 years and has held the position as Head of the Department for the past nine years. It is a busy and thriving Department with 16 full-time members of staff and 45 visiting music teachers.

Over the coming year, the Department’s focus will continue to be on looking for ways to strengthen its approach to teaching, assessing, tracking and sharing students’ progress in the key musical skills of performing, composing and listening.

“We are excited about the performances and concerts that are planned for the year including the usual musical highlights of Symphony Under the Stars, Barker Swings, Coffee House and our Masterpiece Concert.”

When asked about his own musical highlight, Simon recalls the time he performed the Men at Work hit Land Down Under as a 16 year old, for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “She even smiled at me!” Simon recalls.

Michele Studd - Head of Learning Support Pre K - 12 For Head of Learning Support, Michele Studd, it is a privilege to be able to work closely with students from across the School, supporting them with many aspects of their life at Barker. This is what makes the Learning Support Department unique.

“I have been in this role for the past ten years,” Michele said, “and our approach has adapted and evolved over this time to allow the School to build on and continuously improve our response to our students’ learning needs. We have 12 staff who work in a broad range of ways to support students’ learning outcomes in classrooms, through specific academic support programs, Connect Groups and even cocurricular activities”.

It is an inclusive approach, where the team actively engages with staff, families and students to collaboratively design and implement learning and teaching approaches as well as structures and programs that support our students and allow them to thrive.

32 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

“This year we will continue to fine tune and build on our learning approaches and programs, being mindful of the diverse and changing learning needs of our students. Two prime examples are the addition of an English as an Additional Language teacher into our Junior School Learning Support Team at the start of this term and the various student workshop sessions that we are running during Focus On sessions for our Middle School students this year.”

The Learning Support team are most proud of the progress they see students make; their mastery of new skills, increased self-efficacy and improved achievement and effort grades.

“I’m humbled by the fact that we can have that sort of impact on a student’s life. As a team that’s something we’re all proud of. It is a great joy to see the smile on a student’s face when they achieve their personal best.”

Heads of Department Profiles

Rob Paynter - Head of Science As the Head of Science, Rob Paynter best describes his department in three words “We do Science” - by that he means that the students at Barker have the opportunity to do a lot of hands-on experimental work.

“We have 32 staff in the Department, including a number of Lab staff who ensure the pracs are set up and ready to go,” Rob said.

There are strong numbers of students continuing with a Science subject through to Year 12 and a great comradery amongst the staff.

Rob has taught at Barker for the past 29 years and been Head of Science for the last 15 years. His speciality area is Chemistry primarily teaching students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

“2019 is a big year for us as we continue to resource and get our heads around the new syllabus in all of the sciences. We have also introduced Investigating Science in Years 11 and 12 and a new subject, Science Extension for Year 12 students.”

Rob believes that an education at Barker is not complete without being exposed to Bob Dylan. A little known fact is that at the end of every term, in each of Rob’s classes, he will bring out the guitar or ukulele and perform a Bob Dylan song or one of his own compositions.

Darren Woodrow - Head of Design & Technology When asked to describe his Department in one word, ‘Committed’ was the considered response from Head of Design & Technology, Darren Woodrow.

“Staff are committed to achieving excellence; they spend many additional hours improving and maintaining their skills base and provide exceptional guidance to the students. As a Department we have high expectations of the students and of each other,” Darren explained. “What I am most proud of is the capability of our students when they leave Barker.”

“There is a really good culture that is exhibited to the students through our Major Works Exhibitions each year and students undertaking our elective subjects see the benchmark at these Exhibitions and know what to expect.”

Darren has taught in the Department for the last 16 years, has been the Department Head for almost ten years, and is excited about the introduction of new

electives and upgraded facilities.

“Plans are in place for a new east wing where the demountables currently are. The new facilities will allow us to extend our current subject offerings to include Food Technology.

This year with the introduction of a new syllabus we’re offering Digital Technologies and Material Technologies in Year 7. Next year in Year 8 we’ll cover Food & Agriculture and Engineered Systems.”

Growing up on a property between Brewarrina and Bourke, Darren spent a lot of his time observing nature. He believes that, “for students to become good designers you need to teach them how to observe closely what is going on around them.”

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 33

Year 12 Retreat

HSC Orientation Retreat Year 12 started their HSC year last October at the HSC Orientation Retreat in Kurrajong. The Retreat introduced the new Year 12 students to the practicalities of the HSC and provided them with tools and strategies to manage the workload, study and revise effectively, and maintain their health and wellbeing.

The students attended lectures and workshops presented by over 30 staff, and a Q&A session with 2016 and 2017 alumni. Once again, Director of Studies Kester Lee and Dean of External Programs Andrew Moody’s presentations were big hits.

Despite the constant rain, one of the highlights of the Retreat was spending time together off campus.

Students enjoyed the opportunity to stage a concert, play frisbee, touch footy and cards, participate in a dance class or bushwalk and just chat to their peers and get to know each other. As Imogen Roach said “it was a fun way to see everyone after the holidays and before the busyness of the term”. She also enjoyed hearing the past students speak about their experiences and their tips and tricks for the year ahead - “it’s all well and good to hear a teacher talk about the HSC and how to prepare, but when it comes from someone who was in your shoes two years ago, it seems much more reliable and realistic!” Other students also appreciated the opportunity to discuss the joys and pitfalls of the HSC year with former students.

Staff were impressed to see the year group working as a team for a common goal. As presenter and Head of House Phil Gordon says, “the Retreat helps the House and year group reconnect and dispel myths and fears about starting Year 12. Being able to reflect on what they have learned, and share this with their peers and Head of House, has proved to be extremely valuable in building confidence, a sense of community, and shared commitment to succeed in the final year of school.”

The students returned happy to have received consistent and clear information about the HSC process, along with having learnt about a range of strategies to help them remain balanced along the journey. Teacher, Josie Christoffersen noted that “when the students got back to school, they were ready to learn and realised the level of commitment required”.

Heads of House, Kylie McKnight and Jimmy Tod-Hill,

especially appreciated the fact that the students knew that the staff are keen to support them, that they ‘know what they need to know’ and that they feel energised and ready to get started.

The students found the Retreat a useful transition into Year 12. Reflecting on the Retreat in Term 1, Tyler Lang says it was “an important experience in which our cohort got to learn what the HSC is really about and what Year 12 is actually going to be like, debunking popular myths along the way”. According to Lewis Hay, it was a “wake up call and actually motivated me to start using the study skills I learnt and apply them in my work. I’ve definitely already seen a positive change in my results”. Parents have told us that their child found the sessions to be insightful and helpful and meant that they knew what to expect and what the expectations were. Many students have also reported feeling more confident and their teachers have reported increased focus. Teachers including Josh Toth and Kate Dundas have found that their students are more proactive and take more responsibility for their learning. They have a willingness to partner with their teacher and take on board feedback to improve their work.

Reaching your goals at school isn’t only about what happens in the classroom, and Director of Wellbeing Rowena Dudgeon says “I have been delighted to see how many students have taken on the message of how important wellbeing is during the HSC year. They are now much more conscious of the need for sleep and how this has a positive impact on learning and physical health.”

As Millie Austin says, “ultimately, the Retreat has brought the Year together and shown us the importance of being there for one another in our final year.” We hope the Year group continues to reap the rewards of the Retreat throughout 2019.

Article by: Sophie Mynott Indigenous Education Project Leader

34 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Junior School

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 35

Boarding

Community, Diversity and Connections A new year and a new leadership team take the rein in the Boarding House. Editor, Julie McAllister, speaks with Barker’s new Head of Boarding, Ben Christopherson, and the 2019 Boarding Captains, Rosie and Cooper.

Now in his sixth year at Barker, Ben Christopherson’s tall frame topped with an Akubra, has become a familiar site in the girls’ and boys’ boarding houses.

Whilst Ben has worked with the boarding community over the last six years, as its new Head of Boarding, he is looking forward to continuing to develop a family type of environment within boarding, based on respect and the rules that underpin any house structure.

“I really enjoy the interaction with the students,” Ben explained. “This year I’m hoping to connect the boys and girls in boarding a little more as I want them to come together and make decisions as one.”

Openness and transparency are two of the key success factors that Ben sees in the Boarding House.

“Nothing is done without discussion between the students and with the parents,” Ben said.

Ben is delighted with the way the new Year 10 boarders have settled in. “They are a fantastic bunch and it’s great to see friendships being formed so quickly. They are learning to ask for help and seek assistance where needed,” Ben said.

Working alongside Ben and helping to run the boarding houses are the Boarding Captains, Rosie McNair from Dubbo and Cooper Evans from Dumaresq Island.

36 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Both agree that the Barker boarding community is unique and diverse.

“The size and diversity is what makes boarding at Barker so unique,” Rosie said. “Boarders come from as far away as Hong Kong or Alice Springs, or live at the Beaches.”

Cooper is the first one in his family to come to Barker.

“I was looking for a coed school and I also really liked the fact that it was a small boarding community,” Cooper said.

“It’s given me new life skills and friendships. Having to live independently also means I have to do a lot more for myself.”

Rosie believes that boarding has taught her to be a good leader and a good role model. “There’s a lot of questions when you first start boarding and the Big Sister/Brother program we have in the boarding house is great, because you have someone you can just go to and ask.”

Article by: Julie McAllister​ Editor

NEWS UPDATE

Robotics Ignites!

As The Barker went to print it was announced the team had won the Southern Cross Regional and will compete at the South Pacific, Quebec Regionals and World Championships in Houston later in April.

For over the last three years, Ignite Robotics has grown from under 20 students to over 40 students.

This year, we are proud to have launched a new class in VEX IQ Robotics. As an indicator of the continuing demand for Robotics and STEAM education, weeks before the class started there was a long waiting list.

There are now 60 students engaged in Ignite Robotics in the Junior School, and David Frazer is integrating VEX IQ Robotics into the innovative STEAM curriculum time.

Each May VEX IQ launches a new challenge which students design robots to solve. Each game is composed of a programming and a driver-controlled challenge. We’re thrilled to announce Barker will be the Sydney Event Partner for VEX IQ and will be hosting competitions that will allow students to qualify for Australian Nationals, and from there to VEX Worlds, where over 10,000 students from across the globe gather to compete to be crowned World Champions.

VEX IQ offers students the ability to learn core STEAM skills in basic engineering, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and programming. The ability to wirelessly drive their robot creations provides a personal engagement and thrill of competition.

Barker Robotics has now seen our first group of students graduate from Robotics all the way from Junior School through to our Senior School flagship FRC program. The growth in design, engineering, and programming thinking we have seen from these students sparks our imagination for what will be possible in the future.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) On 5 January, the new game for 2019 “Deep Space” was launched. This year students must place cargo (orange 13” diameter exercise balls) into the Cargo Ship and two Rocket Ships, but first, they need to secure the cargo holds with hatches (19” diameter plastic toroids/donuts) attached to the face of the Rockets and Cargo Ship so that the cargo will not roll out. Finally, in the last 30 seconds teams retreat to the safety of the ‘hab zone’ by climbing onto a platform to earn points.

We’re incredibly proud of what our team of 40 students have achieved. Spending incredible hours designing and building the robot ready for ‘bag day’ on 20 February with a minute to spare. This year the team has designed an innovative elevator robot with a self-supporting climbing mechanism to climb the 18”/45cm high “Level 3” hab platform, potentially with capacity to lift other robots. If achieved in competition, we would be one of a handful of teams globally to perform this feat.

Our robot reveal video on YouTube (search ‘Redbacks 2019’) achieved over 50,000 views, with 10,000 in the first 12 hours.

Article by: Lael Grant Robotics Co-ordinator

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 37

Sports

Basketball: 2018 North America Tour Left to right Tour group attends NBA game Portland Trailblazers v Toronto Raptors in Portland, Oregon; Visiting the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington.

In December a group of 26 students and four staff set off for an exciting tour of Canada and the United States featuring two boys’ and one girls’ team.

It was the first coeducation sporting tour and a wonderful opportunity for the entire group. Flying first to Vancouver, the teams participated in the ‘No Regrets’ tournament featuring over 30 schools from all over Canada. With players billeted to families from the Collingwood School, it was an amazing introduction to such a warm and welcoming community. Playing up to five games in three days, all teams displayed a great attitude and effort whilst recovering from a long flight to Vancouver. All teams were evenly matched across the three days and were able to get a few victories along the way.

Following a terrific start in Vancouver, the group travelled to Bellingham, Washington to play Meridian High School then on to Seattle later that evening.

Over the next few days the group visited the University of Washington and South Pacific University to explore the facilities, watch practice sessions and hear about athlete experiences in the US college system. We then explored Seattle’s Space Needle, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and a surprise visit from Phillip Heath and Mandy Loomes from the Alumni and Community Relations office for dinner in the city.

Departing Seattle, we headed to Spanaway Lake High School for another amazing experience from our hosts in both games and dinner celebration. We then continued our journey on to Portland Oregon 38 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Episcopal School. To cap off a busy few days the group attended our first NBA game where the Portland Trailblazers hosted the Toronto Raptors. With the Blazers getting the victory, all members of our group were able to visit the court, take a free-throw and a few photos of the experience.

Moving from the Pacific North-West, our group flew to Palm Springs to play our last game of the tour against Palm Springs High School and explore the city, including a visit to the Aerial Tramway. Then in the final leg of the tour and with basketball games over, our group headed to Los Angeles to see the sights including Beverly Hills, Melrose and Venice Beach, going to Six Flags for an amazing day of roller-coaster rides and attending our second NBA game at the Staples Centre. Here we saw the LA Clippers take on the Trailblazers and at half time joining the player tunnel and taking to the court at the end of the game for a free-throw.

While our group saw many amazing sights, it was the generosity and kindness of many students and staff from our visiting schools who made this experience such a special one. This Barker Basketball Tour will be one we will all remember forever.

Article by: Nicole Bailey​ Tour Manager

Sports

T20 Cricket Victory The Barker College 1st XI Cricket side have been crowned champions of the CAS T20 competition after a wonderful victory against Waverley in the final. The team took their place in the final after topping the North Harbour pool in the preliminary rounds of the competition during Term 4, 2018. A very close win over Knox was headlined by Sebastian Hodge’s sensational four wicket haul which dragged the team back from the brink of defeat. This was followed by a comprehensive triumph over St Aloysius’ to round out Term 4. The final was a game of momentum shifts as

Barker held the ascendency early before a valiant fightback from Waverley swung the match back into the balance. Fortunately, some excellent ‘death’ bowling from the Red Caps resulted in a tight victory and a satisfying end to the T20 tournament.

Congratulations to all players involved for a tremendous effort.

Article by: Oscar Merven​ 1st XI Coach

30 Years and Looking Good!

November 2018 saw a number of significant events in the partnership between Barker College and Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Not the least of which was the appearance of Barker students on the beach, in hard training and learning first aid, communications, signals as well as patrolling. Barker students and staff provided hundreds of hours of patrolling prowess over the holidays, including on Christmas Day. This has been the pattern now for thirty years, so the last “Barker Saturday” (as referred to at The Club) saw the commemoration of this significant partnership that was instigated by then Club President (now Secretary) David Sams and then Barker Staff Member, Bob Richardson (Richo).

Director of Boys’ Sport, Steven Thomlinson, Club President Rod McGibbon (96) and Richo were present as the Club made a presentation to Barker to commemorate the milestone. Barker made a

presentation to the Club in the form of a commemorative bucket hat (much sought after!). Both parties celebrated 30 years of outstanding service to Club and College, by Bungan Beach SLSC Life Member “Richo” who sadly had announced that Term 4 would be his last with our program. His efforts have enhanced the life of many, many people; the students of Barker College and the surfing public at Bungan Beach. We will miss him sorely!

Article by: Matthew Lloyd Surf Life Saving Coordinator

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 39

Sports

Amy Sayer Determined to Make an Impact From tears and an inclination to pick up the ball every time it came near her as a five year old, to a promising young Matilda’s midfielder, Amy Sayer is now counting down the days until she can return to training properly and the game she loves.

A stress fracture in her navicular in November last year, saw Amy’s dream of playing in front of friends and family (and even a few Barker staff) on home soil, come to an abrupt end.

“It was devastating to be injured during the matches against Chile, particularly as it was before the first game,” Amy said. “My friends and some teachers here at Barker bought tickets to see me play. I didn’t realise how special it was to play in front of friends and family until I couldn’t.”

Amy acknowledges it’s been difficult to recover and it had been several months since she had touched a football.

“I’m getting a foot twitch watching my team training. It has been hard being away from the sport I love for so long, but I know that it will just make me stronger and more determined to come back and make an impact,” Amy said.

Finding the right balance has also been a challenge. “It is difficult to balance all parts of my life, and often my social life takes a beating or is non-existent when my schedule starts to become busier. Usually I am able to manage the balance between school and training.

It gets especially difficult when I’m in another country with a nine hour time difference - my teachers have to email me work and I have to study, make notes, complete assignments and sometimes do exams overseas,” Amy said.

40 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Amy has a great support network at school, with friends helping to take notes and explaining concepts via Skype when she needed help. “I guess that’s the Barker way,” Amy says. “All my teachers have been really supportive and have always given me a clear plan and helped me to manage all my commitments.”

For now, Amy’s biggest hope for 2019 is to make the World Cup squad and hopefully one day we will all have the opportunity to see her play on home soil.

Article by: Julie McAllister​ Editor

Sports

Billy Pollard The Road from League to Union Billy Pollard never had any intentions as a young boy of playing Rugby Union. As a six year old he started playing Rugby League and it wasn’t until his older brother started playing Union, that Billy thought he would give the game a go.

Fast forward 11 years and Billy has just enjoyed an incredibly successful year on the Rugby field culminating in his selection in the Australian Schoolboys team.

“I wanted to be selected in the Australian Schoolboys’ side so badly and knew that I wouldn’t be happy until that happened,” Billy said. “It was such a happy moment when I was given the news about my selection.”

He admits that whilst he didn’t play as well as he would have liked in the match against New Zealand in Brisbane, he believes that time taught him about how to overcome different challenges, both on and off the field.

The opportunity to play against the Ireland and Scottish schools was also an incredible experience.

“It was such a physical game against Ireland,” Billy explained. “The ball was wet and the conditions were so

windy at the Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin, so the experience was a really big learning curve for me, but it has helped my game a lot.”

Winning the CAS Championship title in front of a home crowd at Barker in 2018 was also a special moment.

“I’m definitely hoping that Barker can retain the trophy in 2019.”

Billy’s weekly training schedule is pretty intense with three gym sessions, scrum sessions, plus two other Barker training sessions, sprint training and throwing practices at lunches. All of this whilst managing his Year 12 workload and spending time with his friends.

“I’m still trying to juggle everything, but I’ve learnt to be more efficient with my time - to catch up with homework and make the most of each training session.”

As for life after Barker, Billy has indicated he would love to pursue a professional Rugby career if he can, as well as study at university.

Article by: Julie McAllister​ Editor

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 41

Sports

Barker Fencing Squad

Following the Barker Fencing Squad’s magnificent efforts during the inaugural season of the NSW Schools Fencing League, many young fencers’ attention turned to the hotly contested Barker Championships to see who would parry and lunge their way to victory.

Fencers enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to showcase their skills and development and put themselves to the test in front of their parents and peers.

After two weekends of wonderful competition only a handful of fencers remained to compete for top

honours. Laurence Ball and Cormac Sutherland battled it out in the semi-final, with the final being contested between Jae Young-Park and current Barker Champion Nate Cross. In an exciting bout, Nate Cross demonstrated superb skill and poise to emerge victorious and retain the title against an equally determined opponent. Well done to all the Barker College fencers who worked so hard throughout the year and best of luck in 2019!

Article by: Matt Prosser Fencing Coordinator

Australian Schools Challenge In November, Barker Tennis competed in the top school teams event in Australia, the Australian Schools Challenge, held on the grass courts of Albury. It is the sixth time Barker has competed in the event. The team of Noah Wheen, Flynn Covey, Corey Kavanaugh, Oliver Welch, Jamie Hilton and Kei Shishido and led by coaches Clint Newcombe and Sean White played excellent tennis over four days against some of the best juniors in the Nation.

The event is run in a Davis Cup format, where coaches get to be on court with the players during the matches. The benefit to the players is, in short, incredible. The advances the boys make each year in those four days in terms of their matchplay, courtcraft and mental strength are unequalled in any event in Australia.

42 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

While their performances were impressive, the boys were also fantastic in their behaviour and sportsmanship both on and off court. They received two out of a possible six votes in the John Newcombe Sportsmanship award, voted on by all the teams in the competition.

Article by: Andrew Jesperson Tennis Coordinator

Sports

Aquatic Achievements Whilst a lot of families have been on holidays, the Aquatics Team have continued the hard work and taken advantage of the school downtime to get some work done.

Highlights

Some exciting new additions for Term 1

•

5km State (Penrith) and National (Adelaide) Open Water Championships

•

Access to long course lane space at Hornsby

•

•

Senior State Age - six days of competition at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre leading into Christmas

Additional onsite parking in the Kurrajong car park (during certain times)

•

Updating our secondary Strength & Conditioning program to better cater for our changing needs

•

Better utilisation of current technology to enhance feedback for athletes and coaches.

•

Richie Campbell (three-time Olympian) ran water polo clinics with our boys and girls teams

•

Stroke and Carnival Clinics

•

Long course (50m) training at Hornsby Aquatic Centre

With a busy second half of the season, we are really excited to see what we can achieve.

Article by: Haydn Belshaw Director of Aquatic Centre

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 43

BCPA

Get Involved The year is already well underway and as well as our children, we hope all parents and guardians have settled into the swing of things, and in fact by the time you read this the Easter holidays will be just around the corner!

Hopefully you will have been able to join the BCPA at one of our Welcome Morning Teas, or at the annual “Inside the Mint Gates” parents’ social function. If not, don’t despair, there are plenty more events to come!

Our School continues to thrive through the active participation of parents in all aspects of school life, and the BCPA looks to promote friendship and interaction throughout the parent community, support families in times of need, and conduct fundraising activities to benefit the School and our children. So far this year, to add to the growing list of significant contributions over the years, and thanks to the fantastic continued support of our parent community, the BCPA have pledged a contribution of $150,000 towards the rejuvenation of the Middle School quadrangle.

As we move into the third year of our evolution from a “Mothers’ Association” to a “Parents’ Association”, we are actively encouraging the participation of our Dads in all of our activities. Whether participating as a member of our BCPA Committee, becoming a Class Parent, Year Group Parent, helping out a day or two each Term in the School Tuckshops, or joining one of the teams to help manage our major fundraising and social events. There are so many ways to be involved.

44 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

Below are the dates of the major functions planned for the rest of the year, please mark them in your diary, and know we look forward to seeing you there.

Look out for the upcoming email flyers which will include links to the Trybooking ticketing pages. Don’t delay, as numbers are usually limited, and tickets sellout fast!

Saturday 25 May

Trivia Night

Saturday 27 July

Christmas in July Dinner Dance

Friday 22 November Christmas Fair Friday 29 November All School Christmas Luncheon Article by: James Hole BCPA President

Archives

Boaters, Blazers and Bow Ties When Barker was founded, there was no prescribed uniform. Students wore the fashion of the day, which included knickerbockers, jackets and Eton suits.

After the School moved to Hornsby in 1896, the navy, red and white striped blazer seen above was introduced for sport on Saturday mornings. In 1916 however, the current navy and double red striped blazer was first worn, and The College Barker (June 1916, pg 18) reported that “the boys are pleased with it.”

In 1932, Headmaster Thorold introduced a dark grey suit for all students. The suit changed from dark grey to mid grey in 1967, with a white shirt for seniors being introduced the following year. It was not until 1975 with the enrolment of girls that the blazer became an every day uniform item. The current Middle School blazer was introduced in 1986, followed by the plain navy Junior School blazer in 2007.

A straw boater with a navy and red hat band was introduced very early on in the School’s history. A grey felt hat was introduced in 1915, followed by the Baggy Blue for Junior School students in the mid-1940s.

With the radical hairstyles of the 1970s, the boater was gradually phased out, and by 1978 was abolished altogether. The Baggy Blue is still worn by Junior School students today.

The original Barker girls’ uniform was affectionately known as the ‘potato sack’ and consisted of a grey princess line tunic with a white blouse. A red bow tie was added in 1990. The uniform changed in 1995 to include a grey pleated skirt, white blouse and the Senior School tie, but impracticalities in the design led to it being quickly abandoned. The current girls’ uniform was designed by Jonathan Ward and unveiled in 2000, with the arrival of girls in Year 10.

Whatever the style or colour, Barker students have always worn their uniform with pride.

Article by: Morwenna Dixon Manager of Archives Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 45

The Foundation was honoured to welcome in 2019 and to join with over 100 Barker parents to our inaugural Chinese New Year Lunch celebration on Thursday 7 February, at the Chinese Gardens of Friendship in Darling Harbour.

The gathering reminded me of how fortunate we are to be part of the wonderful Barker community and at the start of another year how we can look ahead with hope and purpose in the array of activities, learning and friendship that connects us all to Barker College.

Cellina Chen who has both a son and daughter at the school, delivered a lovely speech, where she shared her heartfelt thoughts on what makes Barker special, in particular she spoke about a well-balanced approach across the School where “a culture of diversity, respect and balance allows so many people to be part of Barker - to feel that they belong”.

Belonging, to feel part of a connected community and to be grateful for the friendships and the blessings that flow from this are key attributes which contribute to a sense of thriving. To see this in action amongst the parents at the lunch in the aptly named “Chinese Gardens of Friendship” was wonderful. As Mr Heath has written and spoken about recently, Barker stands at the threshold of a new season. With the journey continuing to full coeducation, this brings with it a richness to the educational landscape in Australia

46 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019 46 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

and we are poised to be leaders in this sphere. This is respect and diversity in action. We continue to seek to support all our students to be enriched by diverse opportunities and experiences, so that they are able to develop resilience and adaptability within a supportive and inclusive environment. As a community, we value the relationships we have with each other and to express gratitude for the ways in which our lives are enriched by the lives of others. Our staff, students, alumni, families and members of local and international communities stand together as global citizens, included and valued.

The Foundation looks forward to continuing to support a variety of activities and events in 2019 as we work to help raise additional funds for the School.

Article by: John Slack-Smith Foundation Chair

Inside this issue

Help is just one phone call away 0434 385 442

50 OBA President 51 OBA Groups

obasupportforlife@barker.nsw.edu.au

54 Community Events 57 Personal Notes 60 Obituaries

Old Barker Association Contacts

School Contacts

email: oba@barker.nsw.edu.au

Director of Alumni and Community Relations Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 (Sch) mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

(Please note that the number in brackets after a name is the graduating year) President Vanessa Bennett (91) 0404 024 168 Vice-President Peter Gregory (03) 0400 419 253 Treasurer Andrew Hassall (86) 0412 610 434

Alumni Reunion Coordinator Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 (Sch) kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au Manager of Archives Morwenna Dixon (02) 8438 7290 (Sch) mdixon@barker.nsw.edu.au

Sunshine Coast Phil Benjamin (61) pandj.benjamin@bigpond.com Upper Hunter Charles Cooke (65) (02) 6545 8141 (w) charles_cooke@esat.net.au Canada, Ontario George Darling (70) gdarling@sandstormgold.com Hong Kong Vacant

Interstate and International Barker Contacts

Japan Carl Bastian (93) carl@rwo.okinawa

Adelaide Lane Hinchcliffe (00) 0412 130 935 (m) lane@lkggroup.com.au

New Zealand Scott Brown (91) (64) 027 230 4561 (w) scott@hipgroup.co.nz

General Committee Angus Abadee (07) Jenny Kalaf (Melville 78) David Slinn (80) Anna Sutton (05) David Trayner (84) Emily Tutt (09) Henry Wells (10)

Brisbane Andrew Wilkie (01) 0412 779 383 (m) andrew.wilkie@morgans.com.au

Oceania (Fiji) Neil Underhill (75) (679) 336 3968 (w) neilunderhill@connect.com.fj

Canberra Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 281(m) mccoll@grapevine.net.au

Papua New Guinea Johnson Kalo (83) (675) 305 6703 (w) jhnsnka03@gmail.com

Nominees to School Council Michael Brodie (79) Tony Gamson (78) David Trayner (84)

Melbourne Murray Anderson (65) 0457 000 407 (m) murray@capricorngroup.net.au

Singapore Vacant

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

Newcastle Nicholas Bedggood (88) 0410 565 101 (m) nickbedggood@yahoo.com.au

OBA Seniors Contact Peter Ward (59) oba@barker.nsw.edu.au

Northern Rivers Jim Poulos (61) 0413 087 412 pamio@bigpond.net.au pamio@bigpond.net.au

Secretary Matthew Ross-Smith (10) 0408 284 702 Assistant Secretary David Brookes (79) 0400 906 052

Perth Ian Christian (69) 0417 980 968 (m) ian.christian@thepark.com.au

UK, London Annette French (Slattery 88) (44) 1732 382 281 (h) annette.e.french@sky.com USA, East Coast Alex Skellet (94) (917) 251 3361 (h) alexandraskellet@gmail.com USA, West Coast Digby Cook (56) (623) 523 4321 (h) digbyhcook@gmail.com

Contributions Welcome Please send contributions to Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au For further information please contact Mandy Loomes on 8438 7229.

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

Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 47

Sam Priestley (11) has had recent success on Channel 10s Shark Tank and shares his views on being both a Mentor and young Entrepreneur.

What course of study did you start after finishing at Barker?

I studied Mechanical Engineering at University of Sydney.

Advice to your 16-year-old self?

While some of the topics and subjects at school may seem irrelevant at the time, the work ethic and developing your ability to learn and adapt to new and challenging things will greatly benefit you in both your work and personal life.

• The Barker • Issue • Autumn 48 48 • The OldOld Barker • Issue 234 236 • Winter 2018 2019

What are the benefits of being a mentor?

Being a mentor to someone always keeps you on your best game as the issues they face and ask you about will vary slightly from your own personal experiences and will therefore make you use your own experiences and input your knowledge to adapt it into the best advice possible.

Why should people seek out a mentor?

In life and business, failures are necessary to reach success. However, some failures are preventable. When money is involved, it is greatly beneficial to discuss your ideas with someone who may have been through a similar path before you and can give you that bit of guidance to make sure it isn’t a complete failure.

The Old Barker

Do you enjoy being an entrepreneur?

What are the benefits of being your own boss?

Being an entrepreneur is an amazing experience and a constant journey that most importantly keeps developing you as a person.

It allows you absolute freedom and you can make decisions for your work and personal life that you don’t have to ask anyone else permission for - whether it is a new product to sell, price change, or if you need a day off.

Your worst mistake as an entrepreneur?

My biggest mistake as an entrepreneur was entering into a partnership with a friend - not only did this affect our friendship greatly but severely restricted the growth of the business due to differing ideas.

Fortunately, I bought out my business partner over a year ago and now I own it 100%. My strong advice to anyone starting a business is to go it alone as half the fun of owning a business is doing what you want and not asking anyone’s permission.

What is your biggest success as an entrepreneur?

Our (my wife and I) biggest success has been turning a fun side venture into Australia’s biggest Hens party company. Coming up with a fun idea for a business and being able to make up to 500 people every weekend smile and laugh while getting paid has been an absolute dream we didn’t think was even possible.

What was it like being on Channel 10s Shark Tank?

Being on Shark Tank was a fantastic experience! As an Entrepreneur being able to present your own business idea to five extremely knowledgeable and successful entrepreneurs who had all started out just like yourself and were sitting where you hope to one day sit. The exposure for the business was incredible in terms of advertising and sales. Even just for the personal exposure and the validation as a successful entrepreneur.

Your words of wisdom for today’s students?

Don’t be afraid to just get out there and try different things. My first two business ideas didn’t earn much money but taught me invaluable experience and lessons which have made my third and fourth ideas succeed so much faster as I wasn’t wasting time learning the fundamentals of business.

Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 49

From the OBA President

OBA President’s Message Help is just one phone call away 0434 385 442 I hope you have all had a great start to the year so far. I really need to stop saying Happy New Year given the year is ticking along at a great rate already. It is certainly all systems go with our Affiliate groups both in sports and the arts preparing for a big year again in 2019. We wish them all the best and look forward to supporting them in any way we can.

It was wonderful to attend the annual Cricket Dinner and to have Old Girl Alyssa Healy from the Class of 2008 in attendance. Alyssa is a very successful Australian women’s cricketer and a great example and inspiration for all students, both past and present who play cricket.

We have also had the New Parent Dinner at Barker to welcome all parents who have children attending the School for the first time. It was so lovely to see some familiar Alumni faces sending their children to our School. It really demonstrates the strength of the Barker Alumni community and shows it is alive and strong, well after you leave the Mint Gates at the end of Year 12.

The start of the school year for the OBA is always busy. We have written to all the new students who have started at Barker in 2019 to welcome them to our community and also sent a copy of the OBA’s book A Proud History. We give all Year 10 students a USB to be used as a helpful resource as they start their studies in the Senior years at Barker, and have

50 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

continued with the presentation of OBA training shirts for a range of sports and activities on offer at Barker.

Building friendships during your School years and nurturing them once school has finished is a key way the OBA can support you.

My partner Scott (91) and I enjoyed our summer vacation staying at home in Sydney spending time with our school friends, some of whom live overseas and came “home” to visit their family and friends for Christmas. It was really so special spending quality time together. Later in the year we will visit them in London and the US. We are always grateful for our Barker friends.

My parents always said that school is the time when it’s easiest to make friends and have those friends for life. They were right. There have been plenty of life’s ups and downs but the Barker friends are always there.

Even if you don’t seem to catch up as often as you would like, maybe this year make an effort to connect or reconnect with some friends. You never know what they might be going through and just a phone call or a message could make all the difference.

Last but certainly not least, on behalf of the OBA community I would like to stress that the OBA is very inclusive of all Alumni in every way. We encourage all students to join the OBA when they graduate from Barker and to know they are part of a supportive and welcoming community for life.

Article by: Vanessa Bennett (91) OBA President

OBA Groups

OBA Groups Barker Old Boys Cricket Barker Old Boys Cricket Club has had a great start to the 2018/2019 season recruiting many fresh faces and expanding our great club.

The club has always been focused around comradery, sportsmanship and a positive cricketing experience, yet it has also been great to see a marked improvement in our performance during the season. Weekly net sessions and growth in club numbers have contributed to some memorable wins including defeating last season’s undefeated Knox Old Boys by 71 runs.

This win against Knox saw some incredible performances worth noting. Within just 35 overs, Barker scored 263 against a talented Knox side. Our openers Quentin Cheng (17) and Simon Marais (17) started very positively, smashing it to all parts of Gillespie Oval with ease.

The partnership only ended when Simon Marais was caught on the

BOBs Rugby Welcome to the 2019 year! I hope everyone had a relaxing break and was able to let their hair down. I know that some of our players have taken the term ‘off-season’ a bit too literally. Nothing some pre-season training cannot fix!

2019 is going to be our biggest year to date. With the world at our feet, it is with great pleasure that I would like to announce our new President is Karen Penrose (Collett 77) and our new Treasurer is Nicole Tracy (08). We are excited to welcome you both to the club! A big thank you goes to Sean Parker and Mick

boundary after a well-constructed 56. Quentin then went on to score 145 runs with the support of strong partnerships with George Furrer (16) 46 runs and George Naish (16).

Quentin should be incredibly proud of this achievement as it is believed to be the highest individual score for a member of the club. Furrer finished the innings by launching the ball into some nearby houses.

Knox also batted well but Barker were able to restrict their score to just 4/192. Cameron Armour (16) and James Rowse (16) bowled well, picking up a wicket each.

On top of his performance with the ball, Rowse demonstrated his consistency in the field and earned his 4th dropped catch of the season!

During our fielding innings star Wicket-Keeper Luke ‘glue mitts’ Davis (16) dislocated his finger and was only able to continue due to the medical expertise of spectator Sue Rowse who was able to pop it

back in quickly to allow the game to continue. The club is now in the process of negotiating a full-time contract with Sue. We play each week on Sunday afternoons and we are lucky enough to play on some great turf wickets including Number 1 Oval and Rosewood. We are always looking for new Alumni to join the club so please get in touch, regardless of what level cricket you played or your availability each season. Thank you to Barker College and all the staff involved in allowing this great club to remain a platform for Alumni to stay in touch and still remain a positive piece of the Barker Community.

Article by: Sam Carrick (16) Club Captain 0429 727 891 samcarrick58@gmail.com

McGowan who hung up the boots this year as office bearers.

more details surrounding the event.

You won’t want to miss it!

This year for the first time, BOBs competed in the Crescent Head 7s tournament. Coached and managed by Matt Hayter (10) and Nick Hannon (08), the lads won their first two matches progressing straight to the quarter-final.

Unfortunately, as fitness prevailed, the boys fell short of a victory.

A very commendable effort nonetheless!

Pre-season training has commenced and we are encouraging all players to come down on Wednesday nights @ 6:30pm regardless of skill level. We have some new coaches on board this year who are eager to shake up the Second Division.

Ladies day this year will be held on 4 May at our first home game. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bobsfooty for

We hope to see some new (and old) faces at training over the coming weeks in preparation for the fast approaching season ahead!

Article by: Thomas Hay (14) Secretary Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 51

OBA Groups Old Barker Football Club

Men’s All Age Premier League team to new heights in 2019.

Men’s Division 4 had a strong season in 2018 and are well placed to solidify their standing as the club’s perennial over-achievers.

At the time of writing, OBFC has commenced their pre-season training with vigour.

Vigour might not be the adjective typically associated with a new father’s energy levels, but Matthew Robinson (03), “Dangerous” David Vickers (03), Christopher McClelland (05) and Ed LembkeHogan (06) are lacing up the boots after VERY busy off-seasons.

After scoring goals on and off the field, Ed, in an interview for this article, said he was “looking forward to dusting off the cobwebs and firming up his softened dadbod”. We like Ed’s optimism, but pre-season training doesn’t work miracles.

In recruitment news, OBFC has imported the Catalonian firecracker, Oscar Suris-Ramon, returning to OBFC after a postwedding stint in his home town of Barcelona. Making a return are Andrew Taylor (07) and the everelusive Jonathan Payton. Taylor returns from a couple years playing Sunday league in London and Johnny looks to have re-emerged from a very deep love bubble.

Genuinely talented recruits, arriving from Bankstown Berries and Gladesville Magic, playing in the National Premier League in 2018, will shake up the Premier League squad selection competition.

Gohto Saikawa (11) will hope to continue his 2018 form, finishing as the 3rd placed player in the Premier League (as voted by coaches and referees). The disciplined defender will need to show a samurai’s resolve to lift the 52 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

Men’s Division 5 had terrific success in 2018, with a continued flow of quality recruits appearing in 2019. There are whispers of promotion in the wind. Under the gentle and nurturing leadership of Pete Gregory (03) and with the Danish stylistic influence of dual citizen Mark Asbjerg, there is a Hans Wegner elegance to their game play. Having been unlucky in a semi-final last year, they are yearning for victory in 2019.

By the time of reading, we are just commencing the beginning of the football season proper. We have enjoyed the continued support of the OBA, who allow us to provide a particularly supportive opportunity for school leavers looking for a football club beyond the solace of the Mint Gates. Whether you are the next Michael Essien or just looking for something to kick in a friendly and controlled environment, we’ve got a team for you.

For more information, please visit our website www.oldbarkefc.com

division so we look forward to competing against one another in the coming weeks.

We’ve welcomed many new players this season and it is fantastic to have these new players come on board to share their netball skills and happy presence with our existing players.

If you would like to play netball with us, send us an email: barkeroldgirlsnetball@gmail.com.

You don’t have to bring a team, we can put you in a team with people you already know or with a team that needs players and introduce you to some new friends!

If you have any questions about the club or the competitions, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

See you out on the courts in 2019!

Article by: Lauren Kirkby (07) President

Article by: Matt Vickers (05) Club Elder

Barker Old Girls Netball Club We’re back into the swing of all things netball in 2019 with two teams playing in the summer night competition at Pennant Hills Park. These two teams have been playing consistently in this competition since we began as a club four years ago and there is always a buzz on Tuesdays when its netball day! Both teams in this competition are in the same

Old Barker Association Seniors If you graduated from Barker 50 years ago you are now a member of The Old Barker Association Seniors. This is a social group who organise a number of events each year. Our next event will be in May for our annual Back to Barker Day. Invitations will be sent in early April 2019.

If you would like further information, please contact Mandy Loomes in the Alumni Office on (02) 8438 7229 or oba@barker.nsw. edu.au

OBA Groups OBA North Shore Wind Symphony The OBA North Shore Wind Symphony (NSWS) has had a magnificent start to their 2019 program landing a World Premiere of Viet Cuong’s Percussion Concerto, Renewa. Cuong is a world-acclaimed young American composer and the experience of being able to perform this great work hot-off the press has been a real highlight for every member of our ensemble but especially for our percussion section who had to manage 11 individual percussion parts! In addition to the World Premiere our Musical Director, Andrew McWade, also programmed an Australian Premiere of Julie Giroux’s Symphony No. V: Elements - Sun, Rain, Wind - an aural representation of these three elements, Mother Earth

by David Maslanka - a fanfare

OBA Big Band After finishing the 2018 performance season with the St John’s Fete and the OBA Dinner, the OBA Big Band dedicated a few weeks to learning and recording new pieces. These included smooth vocal charts, rhythmicallychallenging tunes, and some classics. Be sure to check out our recordings of In a Mellow Tone

Bungan Surf Life Saving In 1989, Barker teacher Rob Richardson set out to link Barker students to help a small struggling surf club and to give the students a different summer sport choice, one where they could be trained in the surf and help with service in the community. What began 30 years ago as a small group of around 20 students doing their Bronze Medallions and helping with patrols, has now grown into a lasting partnership, which has involved over 500 students and numerous staff.

reminding us to treat Mother Earth more kindly, and Yukiko Nishimura’s Ancient Flower - a fusion between music and dance.

Andrew McWade entitled our first season Renewal: Music of the Natural World, a theme that is not only very topical at the moment but also honours and reflects the beauty and, above all, the majesty of the environment on our planet Earth. NSWS is determined to move and challenge our audiences with music-making. Choosing to perform music composed by living composers’ means that we are able to play pieces which are relevant to our current and past lives.

This season is the first time that NSWS will be playing with the Old Barker Association Symphonic Wind Ensemble and we warmly welcome this opportunity to combine forces, especially being an Old Barker

and Papa Loves Mambo. 2019 brings with it new songs, new band members and the aim of a professional studio recording session or regional band tour (or both!).

To find out more, or to listen to our groovy tunes, please visit our website: www.obabigband.com Article by: Edward Koorey (16)

Over 300 OBA Alumni have continued to serve as Surf Life Savers at Bungan, beyond their time inside the Mint Gates. Currently, there are over 40 former students, alongside 80 current students who are members. Recently, it has been exciting to see a second generation of Barker students whose parents were Bungan Lifesavers now in the program.

Association ensemble. We hope to inspire Barker students to keep pursuing their music-making even after they finish Year 12. If you are interested in joining NSWS please contact us at: manager@nsws.band Article by: Bella Harvey (07)

Kurrajong Society 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 quarterly newsletter, Kurrajong News, to keep you updated on what is happening at Barker College.

Contact us at kurrajong@barker.nsw.edu.au generation. It has also provided many Alumni members with lasting friendships and networks.

For those old Bungan members out there, next time you head to the beaches, please drop by!

This partnership is a unique one in the Barker community and continues to reinforce the spirit of the School in developing young people to serve and be leaders within their own Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 53

Community Events

Community Events Class of 1953 - 65 Year Reunion The Class of 1953 held their 65 Year reunion at Barker College on Friday 30 November 2018. Our numbers are growing smaller as the years pass by. However, I think it is fair to say the whole contingent of 53ers were blown away by their tour of the Junior School including the new Prep School Kurrajong Building.

Personally, I found it hard to imagine that it was really a school, it was more like a fun park - perhaps it is ‘Barkerland’. The playground in particular was fantastic with its equipment. I liked the water gadget with the ability to play dams and spills with gates to control the water flow.

Class of 1968 - 50 Year Reunion The 50 Year Reunion of the Class of 1968 on Friday 16 September 2018 went off very well with 28 in attendance plus former teacher Peter Landahl.

54 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

Our visit brought back memories of Rosewood, the original federation style house which we inhabited in 1945 and 1946 for 3rd and 4th Class. This had stables for horses at the back, not then occupied, but the use of cars was very restricted because of wartime petrol rationing. Rosewood had wooden verandas with a few holes between the old planks. I remember these were useful for disposing of crusts of sandwiches or other bits of lunch if one acted while the duty teacher was not looking!

Following our tour we enjoyed lunch in the Marks Pavilion overlooking No 1 Oval.

Jim Whitehead

Ian Darling’s great work in chasing up tardy or nonrepliers certainly helped boost the attendance. The location was ideal with plenty of food. Name tags were a big help in some cases!

The group photo includes most of those in attendance - unfortunately about five had left by the time the photo was taken.

Community Events

Class of 1998 - 20 Year Reunion On Saturday 17 November 2018, the Class of 1998 held our 20 year school reunion. Ninety of us gathered to celebrate at the Marks Pavilion overlooking No 1 Oval.

Having it at the school brought back great memories and everyone was in high spirits. Classmates came from all over the world to enjoy the celebrations and we shared stories and had a good laugh. Thank you to the Alumni team for helping organise. Looking forward to the next one!

Matt Clarke (98)

Class of 73 - 45 Year Reunion On Saturday 24 November, approximately 40 school friends (and 5 brave wives and partners) from the class of 73 held their 40-year reunion at The Blue Gum Hotel and celebrated life, friendships and wonderful memories from their time spent at Barker.

We appreciated the effort several had made travelling long distances.

We talked about old friendships, new friendships, all the opportunities life has brought us, and remembered fondly those who are no longer with us.

With thanks to those who helped organise the reunion, we look forward to catching up again in 2023.

Canberra Event Some new faces and many familiar ones gathered for the annual Canberra event in November 2018. It was a great opportunity to hear from Head of Barker, Phillip Heath about the amazing life of the School.

It was fabulous to hear of the speed of progress and change at Barker but also how the heritage and traditions continue to be respected and considered in all the decisions made. We look forward to hearing an update in November 2019.

Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 55

Community Events

USA In December 2018, the Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath and Director of Alumni and Community Relations Mandy Loomes travelled to the west coast of the USA to visit Alumni. First stop was a dinner with Phillip Noyce (68) in LA, followed by dinner with Craig Barrett (79) in San Francisco.

Then it was up to Seattle where it was fantastic to catch up with the students on the Barker STEAM tour and the Barker Basketball tour before having a delightful dinner with Richard Harris (85), Stephen Jacob (71) and David Griffin (05). Richard was then on hand the following morning to present the session to the STEAM tour at the Microsoft Visitor Centre.

Phillip and Mandy travelled back to LA for a lovely evening with Greg Horne (74), Linda Lee (Chung 89), Peter Nott (60), Ross Le (00), Emilie Perrotin (12), Digby Cook (56), Bruce McKinnon (59) and Matt Donovan (91) at Manhattan Beach. It is always an honour and privilege to meet our amazing Alumni and to hear about their journeys after they leave the Mint Gates and genuinely inspire global hope.

OBA Dinner - 2 November 2018 The evening started with delicious canapé’s as we were entertained by the OBA Big Band, who once again performed at such a high level. Our fabulous emcee for the evening was Chris Russell (70) who had a wonderful Q&A interview with Penny McNamee (00). Penny talked about her time at Barker and how time in the Year 12 drama performance was the catalyst for the successful career she has today. It was such a delight to hear her story. Chris then hosted a Q&A with Head of Barker, Phillip Heath AM about his time in the role, which was another fascinating and interesting chat. It was a great night with lots of conversation, new friendships and new networks, a delicious meal, and at the heart of it all is Barker, the school that connects us all.

OBA Seniors visit to Darkinjung For some, the day started when we met at Turramurra Oval for the bus ride to Yarramalong, for others, it started a good couple of hours earlier when they left home from places including Gloucester to meet us at the Darkinjung campus. What a brilliant day we had! We were welcomed by the very excited students, their teachers, the Head of Junior School, Martin Lubrano and the Head of Barker, Phillip Heath. Phillip and Martin chatted with us about the campus and Barker’s vision for Indigenous education. They answered all our many questions before we received a traditional Indigenous welcome by two of the students. After our morning tea we worked with the students on three different activities which were painting our own boomerangs, bark plaiting and Indigenous writing. We were then delighted to be able to spend time in the classrooms with the students, both observing their lesson and helping too. We enjoyed our picnic lunch hampers and the opportunity to chat more with the students and the staff before making our way back to our respective homes. What a truly magnificent day for us all.

56 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

Personal Notes

Personal Notes (Number in brackets is the alumni year)

Norman Wong (53) was awarded Volunteer of the Year at the Third Sector Awards in Melbourne. These awards are dedicated to celebrating and recognising the best not-for-profit practices around Australia.

Norman was nominated for his longstanding contribution to the DARTS program which provides social and recreational door-to-door transport for adults with a disability, and wheelchair users across Sydney. Norman retired in 2002 and wanted to give back to the community and has been volunteering with DARTS ever since. He has chalked up 682 trips in total!

Jim Cox, Bruce Edwardes, John Fryer and Bob Phipps (54) all attended Hawkesbury Agricultural College after leaving Barker and have remained close friends ever since even though their careers paths led them to many different places.

Jim started his career with the Department of Agriculture in New Guinea on a coconut plantation. He then went onto sugar research in Mackay, Queensland for a year before moving to Devonport, Tasmania where he worked for 25 years in the horticulture section of the Department of Agriculture. In 1982 Jim and his wife Val entered field scale production of strawberry plants and in 2002 their business was a finalist in the Telstra/State Government State Small Business Awards. They have now retired and live in Penguin in the North West of Tasmania.

Bruce had a varied career starting with the Department of Agriculture NSW in the Piggery section before transferring to the Sheep and Wool Section in Sydney. He spent time at Cargo in the Central West of NSW, then Devonport in Tasmania where he was an Agriculture Teacher for a time. Next was time spent in Ballina where Bruce took up an agency with AMP, before settling in Canberra in 1976. He retired after 30 years as an AMP agent in 2002. Much of his retirement has been spent travelling with his wife Kaye.

John began his career jackerooing in Morundah before progressing to a role as overseer on a property near Roma in Queensland where he spent four years with the last two as manager. In 1963 John purchased “Dalwood” in Wee Waa spending many years riding the ups and downs of farming in northwest NSW. John and his wife Ailsa were also involved in many local organisations including Apex, Lions and the Wee Waa Hospital Board. In 2005, after 41 years of farming and grazing, they are now enjoying their retirement at Westbrook on the outskirts of Toowoomba.

Bob joined the family with dairying on 1350 acres at Picton from 1957-63. In 1960 Bob married June Simpson and bought 244 acres off the western boundary of the family property and spent several years dairying, clearing, farming and building.

They sold the property in 1967 and Jim joined the Department of Agriculture in PNG as District Livestock Officer / Stock Inspector / Quarantine Officer. After moving back to Australia they bought 20 acres at Jimboomba in Qld in 1975 and ran a turf supply and landscaping business until they divorced in 1981. Over the following 10 years Jim spent some time working in real estate among other jobs before marrying Margaret Williams. They owned a travel agency in Sydney (sold in 2000) then travelled anticlockwise around Australia before buying 120 acres at Warrell Creek, near Macksville. They retired to Saratoga on the Central Coast.

Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 57

Personal Notes

Denver Webb (59), Keith Bedggood (59), John Grigg (59) and Ted Gaden (58) celebrated Australia Day together in Forster.

garden. We’ve also been exploring Bendigo and the surrounding areas as well as discovering the local motorcycle roads.

I’ve become a volunteer conductor on the Bendigo tourist tramway, working a couple of shifts a week. I continue to indulge in my passion for photography, finding a great camera club ‘only’ 70km down the road in Maryborough.

We were married on 17 November 2018 by the shores of Lake Jindabyne. Also attending the wedding was my brother, Robert (82).

John Grigg (59) recently visited Paul Houng-Lee (59) in his nursing home.

John Dotch (63), Mitch Hale (98), Hunta Biddulph (59) and Geoff Fisher (63) played in the Elanora School Cup golf event. They didn’t win, though Mitch received a nearest the pin trophy.

James Proctor (79) I retired in September 2017 and my partner Peter Biilmann moved from Denmark to Australia in October 2017. We then launched the joint project of lodging a visa application for Peter and finding a ‘tree change’ location. We settled on Bendigo, buying a home there and moving in March 2018. We’re both loving being away from Sydney but still have Melbourne just down the road, in case we need a big city fix, which isn’t often. We’ve spent the last few months getting the house set up the way we want it, including establishing a low maintenance

58 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

Pip Ryan (83) For the past five years, I have been a full-time academic in the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology Sydney. In September 2018, in my capacity as lead author of an international technical specification for smart contracts, I travelled to Geneva to present to the UN’s Economic Commission for Europe in relation to technology standards and the role they can play in Sustainable Development. My co-authored book on this topic identifies seven “wicked problems” and offers ways that blockchain technology can help to solve poverty, hunger, health, education and energy.

Blockchain technology can provide a transparent, auditable and automated market-trading and clearing mechanism for the benefit of producers and consumers, including communities where people do not have a fixed address or a bank account. Of course, this technology is still in its infancy and my presentation prompted questions from the audience about the challenges and risks facing the implementation of blockchain technology and the automation of trust.

In 2019, I will be involved in the UK Law Commission’s inquiry into whether law reform is needed for the adoption of artificial intelligence, autonomous algorithms, robo-advice, and crypto-assets. Then in July, I will be moving to Canberra to take up a senior lecturer role at the ANU College of Law.

Personal Notes

Meanwhile, a highlight of 2018 was catching up with the Class of 1983 at our 35 year reunion in September.

And my favourite place to be is with my husband Dermot at our house in the Snowy Mountains, with the kids, extended family, and friends.

Abigail Nutt (87) won Commonwealth Veterans Fencing Gold at the AIS Main Arena in November 2018. Australia was also represented by Nigel Nutt (83), Benita Ramage (87) and Grant McKay (92).

Andrew Giltrap (08) was awarded the 2018 Cornforth Medal for outstanding achievement in chemistry as part of his PhD studies. Andrew designs pathways to synthesise complex organic molecules found in nature.

During his PhD studies, he completed the first total synthesis of teixobactin, a molecule of great interest due to its potential as a treatment for tuberculosis and MRSA. Max Fulton (12), Amy Martin (11) and Liz May (11) graduated from Medicine at the UNSW Coffs Harbour Campus in November 2018.

Norman Hui, Albert Cheung, Warren Sun, Alex Kar and Clement Tsang (all 96) enjoyed catching up together in Hong Kong in November 2018.

Baptisms in the Chapel 18 November Hudson Richard Bailey, son of Laura McGregor (10) and Kale Disher 9 December Aurora Rose, daughter of Jacqueline and Byron Byrne (01) Nicole Seebacher (06) was a nominee for NSW Young Australian of the Year for her key role in developing treatment options that target drug resistant cancer.

Although missing out on the award, Nicole is optimistic her research will continue with funding support from charities who have approached her about her work.

Nicole also studies a post doctorate through Harvard University.

Trent Potts (07) and George Darling (70) share a drink in Vancouver Canada reminiscing about life at Barker.

20 January Emily Claire, daughter of Loren (Place 06) and Michael Seager

Weddings in the Chapel 28 October Jane Bedggood (84) and Richard Wixon JUST MARRIED

Keith Bedggood (57) performing at his daughter Jane’s wedding.

25 November Hannah Panos and William Wilhelm (10)

Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 59

Obituaries

Obituaries (Number in brackets is the alumni year)

Roger James Haylock (61) 1943 - 2018

Son of William Arthur Haylock (26), brother of Peter Haylock (55), Roger attended Barker from the age of nine until leaving at the end of first term in 1961. By then he had made the 1st X1. Our father had told him he couldn’t leave school until making the Firsts so Roger held him to that deal. Schooling and the “big smoke” hadn’t really been for him. The land and being home was his chief desire. He had made good friends with many of his fellow boarders including the McCalmans, Slack-Smiths and Lampes. In later years the Lampes at Coonamble helped him out on several occasions by taking sheep on agistment when the Monaro was doing it tough. The Slack-Smiths were also very good to our family with local knowledge and hospitality when we had a big mob of wethers in their area.

On leaving school Roger was public spirited right from the start. He became President of the Nimmitabel Bush Nursing Association before turning 21. He was very involved in the establishment in 1967 of the Nimmitabel Country Club which saw the actual building of the Club House, a bowling green, a 9-hole golf course and two tennis courts. He became President in 1972 holding that position for 16 years.

60 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

He was also an inaugural member of Nimmitabel Lions giving 40 years there. Following the retirement of our father from the Monaro Shire Council (25 years, 12 as President), Roger filled that vacancy.

Cricket was his great sporting love, playing for Nimmitabel. Some of the highlights in his career were four consecutive centuries, 1,000 runs in a season and a 204 opening partnership with me. He captained the Southern District combined team and enjoyed cricket trips to New Zealand and Tasmania. Roger also played A grade tennis in the Cooma competition.

All the while he was running a successful grazing enterprise at home. He had a wonderful eye for stock and kept maintenance up to a very high standard. He and Heather Rolfe had married in 1982 and son George was born in 1983. Things changed dramatically in 1999 when a routine hip replacement operation went wrong owing to a mishap with the epidural procedure. Paraplegia resulted. Bit by bit with Heather’s love, support and help they made their way forward and adapted to these new conditions. He was able to get around the property on his John Deere gator and with his dogs could muster and take away stock. George had taken over the management role before Roger’s death so the property still runs smoothly. Three young grandsons auger well for the future.

Roger passed away on 19 November 2018 and he was buried on his Old Springfield property where around 400 people, on a bitterly cold day, offered their tributes and bade him farewell.

Peter Haylock (55)

Peter Ellwood Parker (56) 1939 - 2018 Peter Parker attended Barker College from 1950 to 1956, completing his leaving certificate with a pass for Sydney University.

Apart from being an amazing scholar, Peter was an exceptional sportsman. He excelled in Swimming (receiving Colours in 1954, 1955 and 1956), and although breaking many school records, Peter had the misfortune of competing against Murray Rose from Cranbrook in the combined school’s swimming carnival at North Sydney Olympic Swimming pool in 1955. Murray of course went on to win Olympic Gold medals in 1956 in Melbourne, he and Peter however became lifelong friends.

Peter also excelled in Rugby and was a member of the 1st XV in 1955 and 1956, receiving Colours in both years. The 1956 team being the first to defeat both Waverley College and Shore.

After completing three years studying Medicine at Sydney University, Peter decided that Medicine was not for him, so for a short period of time he had his own business renovating homes. He later moved to New Zealand to race horses. Upon retirement he moved back to Sydney, settling in Mosman.

Peter passed away in July 2018, leaving his first wife Judy, who he remained good friends with all his life and seven children.

Always good humoured and popular with his mates, he will be much missed.

Obituaries Peter and I attended each other’s weddings and other family events.

We remained best friends all our lives. Rest in Peace old mate.

with distinction as the second Chancellor from 1998 to 2001. Dr Phelps was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University in 2002.

Berry Brown (56)

Other roles in the community included: Secretary of the National Rotary Bowelscan Committee; Life Member and Past President of the Northern Rivers Chapter of First Fleeters; and Member of Lismore Council Rainforest and Botanic Gardens Committee.

Lionel Edward Phelps AM (1946/47) 1930 - 2018

In retirement Lionel enjoyed macadamia farming, gardening and spending time with friends and family.

Lionel Phelps attended Barker as a boarder from 1945 to 1947. His brothers, both deceased, Earl (52) and Kevin (45) also attended Barker.

Following Barker, Lionel attended Sydney University completing a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education. His teaching career included many schools in NSW and he was also Principal of Batlow Central School and Inspector of Schools for the Nowra region. In later years, Lionel was appointed Assistant Director and then Director of Education for the North Coast Region of NSW, a position he held for six years until he retired in 1988.

Lionel held many positions throughout his public and community life and received a number of acknowledgments. He was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Education for his work in the field of teacher professional development, and was given the Paul Harris Fellow Award by Rotary International in recognition of his contribution to the community over a period of 49 years. A Doctor of the University was conferred by the University of New England in 1993.

His service was further acknowledged in 2000 when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to education and the community.

Lionel played a foundational role at the Southern Cross University in a variety of governance and leadership capacities and served

Dr Lionel Phelps, late of Goonellabah, passed away on 3 November 2018 and is survived by his wife Lenore and daughters Narissa and Renata.

Annie Elise Kelly (Tucker 88) 1970 - 2019

After school she attended UNSW, graduating in Arts and Law, punctuating her studies in 1992 working sundry jobs and backpacking the South American continent for 11 months, learning Spanish in Guatemala - this came in handy in her final months when she went back to Mexico for cancer treatment. She found praying in Spanish easier.

Annie’s professional life was largely spent in Community Law in Sydney and Melbourne, working particularly with migrant women and family violence. Latterly she was an advocate to both the Victorian and Australian governments for community legal funding helping to secure substantial funding for family violence practices within Community Legal Centres. She also worked as a presenter in Sydney, with an aptly named organisation ‘Talkforce’, and as a Yoga instructor in her Melbourne studio.

Annie married Dean Kelly in 1999.

Together they had three children, Ellora (now 17), Devereaux (Dex, now 14) and Alaitz (Itzy, now 12).

After living in Sydney they moved to Singapore (2002-2009) and then to Melbourne (2009+). Annie was a deeply committed passionate mother, participating in their multiple sports and community organisations.

Annie Tucker came to Barker from The Cathedral School, Townsville and was a member of the Co-Ed Senior School in 1987 and 1988. Her father Neil had become Barker’s 7th Headmaster. She wished to establish her own identity, and indeed she did. She was a larger than life character who left an indelible impression on all who met her.

At Barker, she participated actively in sport: hockey, cricket, volleyball, athletics; in debating and drama; as a member of the Student Council.

She was also a Prefect, and winner of the Woodburn Bowl for the best student in the humanities in her HSC year.

Annie maintained close contact with many from her Barker years - catching up regularly with old friends, sharing in their life stories and children. Many visited her in her final months, when she also enjoyed the dedicated care and loving support of her mother, Margaret, and sister Frankie (91).

Annie passed over on 2 February 2019 of metastatic breast cancer.

600 people from all facets of her life attended a memorial service at Leonda by the Yarra in Melbourne on Monday 25 February 2019. A fitting send-off for this high energy and high impact Barker Old Girl.

Autumn 2019 • Issue 236 • The Old Barker • 61

Year 3 Atrium Concert McCaskill Music Centre 24 June

Year 4 Atrium Concert MAY Winter Playhouse Griffiths Court 16 May

McCaskill Music Centre 26 June

Drama & Textiles Exhibition

Year 2 Atrium Concert

Rhodes Theatre Thursday 1 August

McCaskill Music Centre 28 June

Coffee House Coram Boy

27 June

Junior School Ensemble Concert

Barker Band Festival

The Concourse, Chatswood 26 June

22 August

Orbit Year 10 Play BCMA Theatre 19-21 June

JULY The Hypochondriac OBAT 17-20 July

62 • The Old Barker • Issue 236 • Autumn 2019

Multi-Purpose Hall 2 August Year 11 Group Rhodes Theatre 15 August

JUNE

Masterpiece Concert

Barker Swings

Performance Evening

Year 11 Play Rhodes Theatre 30-31 May, 1 June

Leslie Hall 12 June

AUGUST

Visual Arts Exhibition McCaskill Music Centre 21-24 August

Hypochondriac A N I M A L

F A R M

Barker Goes Broadway Rhodes Theatre 22 August

Senior Ensemble Concert and Music Supper 30 August

SEPTEMBER Design & Technology and Industrial Technology Exhibition Boyce Hall Wednesday 4 September

Year 10 Political Theatre Rhodes Theatre 17 September

Barker Musical Leslie Hall 29-31 October 1-2 November

November

Animal Farm

Year 3 Atrium Concert

Year 9 Play BCMA Theatre 20-22 November

McCaskill Music Centre 4 November

Year 4 Atrium Concert

Carols at Sunset

McCaskill Music Centre 6 November

OBA Soundstage 23 November

Year 2 Atrium Concert McCaskill Music Centre 8 November

December Celebration

HSC Drama Showcase

Year 9 Film Night

Leslie Hall 12 September

BCMA Theatre 14 November

Hillsong 4 December

Autumn 2019 • Issue 122 • The Barker • 63

Alumni Parent Breakfasts 31 May Alumni Parents from the Classes of 1975-1983 14 June Alumni Parents from the Classes of 1984-1985 21 June Alumni Parents from the Classes of 1986-1987 18 October Alumni Parents from the Classes of 1988-1990 15 November Alumni Parents from the Classes of 1991-2002

OBA Annual Golf Day 2019 All Welcome

Friends | Colleagues | Clients Tuesday 27 August at 11.00 am Pennant Hills Golf Club Green Fees & Canapés (non PHGC Members): $95.00 pp Green Fees & Canapés (PHGC Members): $30.00 pp Cart Hire to be booked through PHGC (8860 5860) RSVP: Friday 14 August

To book, visit www.barker.nsw.edu.au and click on the Payment option to book this OBA event.

Queries: Mandy Loomes 8438 7229 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au 64 • The Barker • Issue 122 • Autumn 2019

OBA

Annual Dinner Guest Speaker: Peter Garrett AM (70) Peter Garrett is one of our most prominent living Australians. A renowned activist, the former politician and lead singer of Midnight Oil is a long-time advocate and campaigner on a range of local and global issues.

He served as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation for two terms, which saw significant additions to natural protected areas, and the ACF grow into Australia’s leading national environment organisation.

As Minister for the Environment he instigated the successful historic International Court of Justice case against Japanese whaling.

As Minister for School Education he was responsible for introducing the national curriculum, and for legislating a new needs based funding system for all Australian schools.

He is the only Australian politician to receive the ‘Leaders for a Living Planet’ award from the World Wildlife Fund and is a member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the music industry and environment.

Date:

Friday 1 November 2019

Time:

7pm

Venue:

Junior School Multi Purpose Hall

Cost:

$70.00pp, $630.00 for a table of 10

To Book:

Visit www.barker.nsw.edu.au and click on the Payment option to book this OBA event

Queries:

Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

Alumni Events Class Reunions 2019 1961 – 58 Year Reunion Sat 3 Aug John Meagher 0410 324 911 john@driftwoodfilms.com.au 2014 – 5 Year Reunion Sat 24 Aug Micki Mueller 0430 191 966 barkerclassof2014@gmail.com 2009 – 10 Year Reunion Fri 6 Sept Bec Meyer 0415 876 113 rebeccapmeyer@hotmail.com Joe Ware 0450 012 530 joseph.d.ware@gmail.com Benjamin Ho 0408 426 754 barker2009@gmail.com 1979 – 40 Year Reunion Sat 21 Sept Judy Learmont (Bruce) 0433 131 955 judylearmont@gmail.com 1964 – 55 Year Reunion Sat 26 Oct Keith Thornton 0410 693 698 keiththornton@hotmail.com Ron Switzer 0419 249 887 ron@switzer.net.au 1969 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 9 Nov John Mettam 0412 121 617 johnkmettam@hotmail.com

2004 – 15 Year Reunion OBA Seniors Events 2019 Sat 30 Nov Back to Barker Day Rivka Lloyd (Figg) barkerclassof2004reunion@gmail.com Wed 8 May Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 Beth Taylor (Goldfinch) mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au www.facebook.com/ groups/1400551923558274/

OBA Events 2019 OBA Meeting Tues 21 May Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Meeting & AGM Tue 30 July Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Golf Day Tues 27 Aug Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Meeting Tues 17 Sept Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Annual Dinner Fri 1 Nov Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

David Cook 0400 449 229 davidcookgti@gmail.com Bill Trollope 0408 274 839 wwt@bigpond.com

91 Pacific Highway Hornsby NSW 2077 Australia

t +61 2 8438 7999 f +61 2 8438 7609 w barker.college

AGM, Luncheon & Rugby Sat 3 Aug Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

Class Reunions 2020 1970 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 10 Oct Jack Brislee 0411 648 217 prbb@bigpond.net.au Phil Montgomery 0449 545 954 philnmont@gmail.com

Regional events Regional events provide a great opportunity to connect with members of the Barker community in your area.

Please send your contact details to mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au if you are living in a different location to your Barker mailing address, so we can invite you too!

Privacy Due to changes in Privacy Legislation we are required to inform you that your contact details may be shared with OBA reunion organisers with the strict guidelines that they are only to be used for the purposes of organising your OBA reunion. Please contact the Alumni Office if you wish to keep your details private.

Photos Photos from your event may be posted on the OBA Website (www. oba.net.au) and the Alumni Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ barkercollegealumni) and in The Barker magazine. For further queries please contact the Alumni Office.