Meliora - Summer 2011/2012

MELIORA SEQUAMUR

BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL Community Magazine Summer 2011

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P O S T C A R D

End of the BGS khaki uniform From Term 1 2012, the khaki uniform worn by the bo ys of BGS for more than 60 years will be replaced with a light striped short sleeved shirt in summer worn without a tie, and a long sleeved shi rt for winter worn with a tie and the blazer. The khaki sho rts will be replaced with na vy shorts and slacks.

Front cover: Retiring Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School Peter Skelton with (from left) Year 12 boys Will Ramsay, Joe Longbottom, School Captain Zach Miller, Andrew Bisset, Charlie King, and Peter Redhead as well as his grandsons Taylor and Chandler Skelton.

If you would like to view the farewell dvd that was played at the Senior School Speech Night simply visit our BGS You Tube Account. Or you can view it on your smart phone or iPad by using this QR (quick response) code. Simply download your free QR code reader from your app store and then scan the code below.

One world, many stories Staff and boys got into the spirit of Junior School Book Week for the annual Book Week Parade.

Editor and feature writer: Natalie van Wetering Key Contributors: Andrew Biggin, Cheryl Critchley, Tim Marshall, John Phillips, Peter Toms, James Watson and Peter Wiles.

Photography: Andrew Biggin, Sarah Bishop, Mark Chew, John Phillips, Peter Tutera and the BGS archives.

Designed by: Designgrant Printed by: Adams Print Registered by Australia Post: P/P 3406 38/00001

Congratulations Joel!

Congratulations to Joel Le Couteur (Year 10) who won a medal in the 2011 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) English competition run by the University of New South Wales. He was presented with his medal at a Ceremony at Olympic Park in November.

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wife Judy. Through BGS rowing Peter not only forged lifelong friendships but was at the helm when BGS won their only Head of the River Regatta in 1983.

Peter also held the position of Master in Charge of Educational Statistics. This was an initiative of former Headmaster Mr Rofe in an attempt to lift the academic performance of the senior boys. After 5 or 6 years this position became redundant to computer technology.

One highlight for Peter during his time at the School was the success he had in building the Debating program. When he took the role of Master in Charge of Debating in 1986 only 20 Senior School boys were involved; 16 years later when he passed on the baton to Alex Sylvan and Megan Blake, more than 120 boys across Rosstrevor and the Senior School were involved as passionate and accomplished debaters – and importantly, it is now considered very ‘acceptable’ (aka ‘cool’) to be involved.

Farewell Peter Skelton What do statistics, mathematics, rowing, debating, chess and history have in common? Why, Peter Skelton of course!

After 36 years of loyal service to Brighton Grammar School our Deputy Headmaster and Head of the Senior School Peter Skelton will, in December, hang up his academic gown, stroll through the Quad giving the bust of Harry Zach a passing nod of respect and quietly walk through the gates to St Andrews Street for the last time.

Peter started at BGS in 1976 as a teacher of Mathematics in the Senior School. But it wasn’t long before he began taking on a raft of other responsibilities for which he is well known and respected. In ’77 he became the Master in Charge of Rowing, a position he held for 16 years. Peter was not a rower himself but as the Sports Master at his previous school, Beaufort High School, he had had a little exposure to the sport. As history will remember, Rowing, the BGS Boat Club and later the Meliora Club (for past rowers) became a passion for Peter and indeed his

It was in 1989 that Peter became CoVice Principal replacing Ian Batiste after his untimely death, and then after the retirement of Doug Scott he became Deputy Headmaster and Head of the Senior School, the role he holds today.

Mathematics runs through Peter’s veins.

He loves teaching it and gets enormous pleasure when he encounters students who share his passion. In 1992 he was a member of the founding Committee that established the University of Melbourne Extension Program for gifted secondary school students and taught the program at BGS from 1994 to 2010.

Initially just open to mathematically gifted Year 12’s, the program has now been expanded across a number of other disciplines. Students from other local

schools join our boys for classes at BGS. Peter describes it as “A great program.

It keeps sharp minds busy and has provided an entree for top students into the University where they will be known and not fall through the cracks”.

Top Down at the Yarra watching the rowing training.

Another program to flourish under the care of Peter is Chess. In the last five years our teams have consistently been awarded both state and national titles.

Above Right Peter with his wife Judy.

Continued on p4

Above left The 1983 Head of the River winning team.

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Born in September, Peter is a typical Virgo man – he loves order, is a diplomat and strives for perfection. He is intellectual, and has a sharp memory for details.

Maybe it was these innate qualities that made Peter such a good choice to co-ordinate on behalf of the School, the $6M Senior School development which included the Library Resource Centre, Atrium and Hay Family Lecture Theatre.

He and our previous Business Manager John McCausland worked seamlessly together taking the project from concept to completion.

It is the ‘Virgo Man’ qualities that also come to the fore in Peter when you also reflect on his passion for the history of the School. Very methodically, name by name, Peter, with the help of his secretary Anne Brozyna, checked and doubled checked the accuracy of the School Honour Boards relating to War Service, BGS Premierships, School Captains and School Dux and the Captains of every sport and activity in the School. To have this information accurate and up-to-date is an invaluable gift to the School.

But Peter’s interest in School history doesn’t end there. Over the years he supported former staff member and BGS legend Harry Zachariah write a couple of books as well as authoring The First 50 Years of Cricket at BGS; the History of the BGS Boat Club, which includes every boy who ever rowed and all the results from 50+ years of regattas.

When asked about significant change that occurred over the last 36 years Peter talked about how he and Judy, their three daughters and son Andrew all used to live on site in a School owned house (now demolished) and now they live in Mt Eliza; the way in which staff now need to be open and honest with the boys due

Community Farewell Function

right Beating of the Bounds.

Above After the ANZAC service with Nick Walsh.

to the ready access of information to all, (which Peter thinks is a good thing) and the wonderful diversity of subjects and activities now available to the boys.

Peter also applauds the expansion of the music program and the way in which BGS is involved with so many community service programs to support the disadvantaged both locally and overseas.

He is quietly proud too of the role he has played over the years in the development of the ANZAC service (recognised by visitors every year as one of the best they have ever attended) and the management of the Valedictory Week activities particularly the much loved Beating of the Bounds ceremony.

What a fabulous happy party was shared by 250 past and current staff, Old Boys recent and long gone, current and past parents and Skelton family and friends at the Community Farewell for Peter Skelton hosted by the School.

Held in the Senior School Atrium the evening was punctuated with bursts of laughter, spontaneous conversation and entertaining speeches.

Peter was also presented with Honorary Life Membership of the OBGS.

Above Some of the extended Skelton family.

As this article shows Peter has a history and talent for taking something new or small in its fledging state and nurturing it into something important and valued. We will miss this contribution to the School as we will miss his dry sense of humour and his gentle and sympathetic management of staff – especially when they are ill or in distress.

Far LEFT Director of Marketing & Community Relations chats with Old Boy Charlie Pickering who took the night off national TV to farewell Peter.

But what will Peter miss? “The bells, the staff, the banter with the boys.... and teaching maths” he said with a wry smile.

Right Judy Skelton with Isobel Simon, wife of former staff member, Graeme Simon.

Left Peter Skelton.

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Mobile tablet technology to support learning at BGS In our effort to integrate ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) as an everyday tool to support and enrich learning, each boy from Year 7-12 at Brighton Grammar School will have a tablet computer in 2012.

All boys from Year 9 to 12, along with teachers in the secondary school, will be provided with an ACER Iconia Tablet funded with a Federal Government grant under the DER funding arrangement; boys in Year 7 and 8 will be asked to purchase their own device.

Young man brings wealth of experience to BGS Above New Head of Senior School, Ross Featherston.

Brighton Grammar School is delighted to welcome Ross Featherston to the role of Head of Senior School from January 2012. Ross will join us from Geelong Grammar School where he has been for the last seven years working in several roles including most recently Head of Humanities, Head of History and Coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Program.

When Ross and his wife Rosie first moved to live on the Corio campus seven years ago they had one toddler and since then their family has grown to four children – two girls and two boys.

When asked about living on campus

Ross explained “It was a great community feel with lots of young families who will be lifelong friends.

But we never planned to stay there ‘forever’ and we are looking forward to the change and challenge this new appointment will bring.”

Despite teaching in co-educational schools most of his career including teaching at Carey and Melbourne Grammar School, Ross has had a lot of experience working with boys especially in co-curricular activities and in pastoral care roles. Ross is an experienced rower and rowing coach (something he is happy to leave to others at BGS) and enthusiastic football coach.

In just 18 months since their release on to the market, tablets have already clearly demonstrated a host of benefits in both the workplace and in the classroom.

These benefits include: • Flexibility and mobility allowing the learner to work anywhere at anytime • Excellent battery life • Immediate access to global knowledge and information freeing the learning experience from the limitations of any one teacher • Opportunity for collaborative learning and problem solving • More personalised learning; more student controlled learning • Higher productivity • Access to information even when engaged in learning beyond the School campus such as while on excursions, Outdoor Education camps and study tours.

• Opportunity to enhance levels of engagement, motivation and teaching to individual boys’ learning style • Increased organisational tools and skills • Reducing the weight of the school bag As with any major change, there are many questions. Readers may wish to access a list of Most Frequently Asked Questions that came from the three Parent Information Sessions held in November on the BGS Website.

We look forward to sharing with our readers further stories about this wide introduction of tablets in the future.

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iDesign project is a hit with the boys What a buzz filled the room at the presentation night of the Year 8 iDesign project in November. iDesign is a new initiative introduced and coordinated by Jamie Watson, Teacher of Extension Studies in the Middle School. The project ran over a semester with each boy working individually. This project was for all boys in Year 8 and included a lot of elements we know work particularly well when teaching boys – hands on activity, having an element of choice to follow his own interest, working in collaboration with an adult mentor (many boys chose a family member), and competition as each boy worked hard to be a finalist and be the ultimate winner of the iPad. Each boy had to choose a project he could work on over several months learning new skills but under the framework of sustainability, innovation and creativity. After developing his concept each boy then had to find a mentor to support him through the learning journey from June to November.

The depth of creativity and diversity of the projects was quite extraordinary and exceeded expectations of the staff.

Amongst the final projects on display were a hovercraft, go carts, electric guitars, scale models, artwork, an edible Rosstrevor cake, surfboards, skateboards, hand modelled chess set, cricket bats, furniture, clothing and many other weird and wonderful creations.

Each Form voted for the top three projects from their class and this made up the final 15 projects that were presented to the official judges and competed for the prizes.

Before the official judging, parents, staff and boys had an opportunity to walk around all of the displays, and ask questions of boys about how they had developed the concept, and turned it into a reality. It was inspiring talking to the boys about their projects ranging from projects on creative cookbooks, a sound system inside a speaker, a thermo ice-cream scoop that makes serving icecream easy and a scale model of a design for a hotel.

The fifteen finalists were outstanding.

The judging panel consisted of Sharon Gauci, Chief Designer for GM Holden

and mother of Isaak Gerkis (Year 7), and Greg Healy, CEO of Quiksilver South Pacific and father of Luke (Year 12) and the Headmaster. Each boy who made the final fifteen had a few minutes to present to the audience about their project, how it had been developed and the challenges along the way.

Many in the audience were heard to comment just how difficult it would be to try and choose a winner in such a competitive field. Congratulations to all the boys but particularly to Warren Zhang who won the major award and received an iPad for his inventive and very clever Smart Tank Sustainable Water System made from recyclable materials.

Without doubt iDesign is here to stay and Year 7 boys were heard to be discussing already ideas for their iDesign project in 2012.

iDesign 2011 Finalists Bob Hong Abstract painting Nick Gillies Viking inspired leather belt Mitch Foss Handmade surfboard Andrew Beck ‘Edible’ Rosstrevor – cake and fondant icing model Matt Evans New football jumper design Above iDesign 2011 winner Warren Zhang.

Below Edible Rosstrevor created by Andrew Beck.

Ben Ronec Innovative football scarf with a range of surprising value adds Robbie Scacco Scripted, filmed and edited an instructional video “Golf for Noobies” Matthew Smallridge Girrawheen and BGS values inspired mosaic artwork James Bryant Hand made cigar-box electric guitar Lachie Lampard One-man hovercraft Toby-Lee Crabtree Seaweed nutrition cubes – to lose weight in the West and feed the starving in the third world Harrison McIntyre Copper boot garden water feature Sam Hanna Motorised skateboard Warren Zhang Smart Tank Sustainable Water System made of recycled materials Mitchell Trovati Innovative furniture made from recyclable and natural materials

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One boy’s story Mitch Foss teamed up with Neil Oke (an accomplished surfer and custom shaper of Oke Surfboards) to learn the art of board shaping. Mitch went to the Oke factory where Neil showed Mitch the finer skills required and was most helpful in fitting Mitch in around his busy schedule.

Left top The iDesign finalists with Rosstrevor Extension Studies Coordinator, Jamie Watson.

Above Mitch Foss discusses his project with Jamie Watson.

Above left The surfboard fins and logo designed by Mitch Foss.

Mitch started with a 6’6’’ blank and then spent several hours hand shaping it. Mitch also designed his own logo at School using Below Toby-Lee Active Inspire and adhered this to his board. Crabtree with his Fibre glass cloth and resin were applied and edible seaweed cubes. then the fins were attached. Mitch admitted he got help from the experts with the fins because if he made a mistake his hours of work would have been for nothing! To finish a final gloss coat was applied and the board was complete.

The process took several months and was most rewarding.

iDesign 2011 Prize Winners Rosstrevor Award – for going above and beyond all expectations Warren Zhang won an iPad 2 for his Smart Tank Sustainable Water System.

Above right Isaac Ng's solar energy solution.

Right Sam Hanna on his motorised skateboard.

Sustainability Award Mitchell Trovati won an iPod Nano and $20 iTunes voucher for his Recycled Furniture Innovation Award Toby-Lee Crabtree won an iPod Nano and $20 iTunes voucher for his Seaweed Nutrition Cubes.

Creativity Award Bob Hong won an iPod Nano and $20 iTunes voucher for his Abstract Painting.

Quiksilver Wildcard Award Mitch Foss won a $200 Quiksilver voucher for building his own Surfboard.

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BGS PERFORMANCE

MRC Concert hits the right note!

No one would argue that the venue change to the Melbourne Recital Centre for the August School concert wasn’t a triumph! The warm tones of the timber lined Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and generously proportioned seats immediately communicated to the audience they were in for a night of quality entertainment.

And the line up didn’t disappoint! From the pure voices of our Junior School Borwick House Choir boys singing traditional Jamaican and spiritual songs to the haunting drone of the didgeridoo and the energetic rhythm of the concert bands, the program was diverse and entertaining. The BGS community was also

below Allan Zavod working with the boys.

Bottom left Hank Kim the violinist.

delighted to have the contribution of the Firbank Grammar School Bel Canto Choir who sang a traditional American piece Shenandoah on their own and joined with our three choirs for some massed singing.

For many in the almost full Recital Centre that night, the two longest lasting memories will be the extraordinary talent of violinist Hank Kim A. Mus. A. (Year 11) playing Vivaldi with the Corelli Strings and the breathtaking performance of BGS Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Allan Zavod’s (OB 1963) Gershwin Medley accompanied by BGS music staff Nick Tsiavos, Tim Phillips and the BGS Symphony Orchestra.

on will so BGS a new have ite. webs

If music is food for the soul, on the 31st of August we were well fed!

Disclaimer: Please note all photographs were taken at the daytime rehearsal as no photos were permitted to be taken during the performance

The Hobbit Many would know that Tolkien’s classic novel, The Hobbit, was the prequel to the epic series, The Lord of the Rings. The key link between the two is the discovery of the Ring of Power by an unassuming hobbit by the name of Bilbo Baggins.

Hobbits are quiet, private creatures who live in Hobbiton, part of Middle Earth. It is an insular place, bereft of concern for other places other than Hobbiton. Hobbits mind their own business, socialise with their own kind and are very careful and reticent at attempting anything new or having any sort of ‘adventure’.

Given this context, we decided to set the play in Brighton and in the modern day.

Hence the design was centred around Dendy St beach, with a backdrop of the bathing boxes. Bilbo begins the play with a day at the beach and a picnic, until he is interrupted by all sorts of ‘outsiders’, like dwarves and the great wizard Gandalf.

They set out on their ‘adventure’. They meet trolls dressed as roadside workers.

They do battle with Goblins dressed as punks and meet up with Elves dressed in tennis attire. Bilbo meets the terrible Gollum, the previous holder of the Ring of Power, who is dressed in a wetsuit and then the play culminates in the defeat of the ferocious Smaug, the Dragon, who is depicted straight out of a Bee Gees hit, ‘Stayin Alive’. The Hobbit was a quirky interpretation of a classic, but one that said much about our own society and our ability to face challenges, take risks and achieve success. The play is about the journey we must take in life to become better people and that journey is a challenge and requires courage.

P O S T

AROUND THE SCHOOL

C A R D

Latch, lock and key The 3YO Wombat boys from the ELC love books ab out building and construction. There fore as a group, they decided to ma ke their own woodwork project.

The boys wanted things to “open an d shut” and things they could “hamme r in”. Over the next few weeks all the boys brought in all kinds of wood , nails, latches, locks and keys. To gether with the dads, they created their special woodwork creation that is now enjoyed by all the bo ys in the ELC. Well done Wombats !

The play featured innovative sets, spectacular lighting, cutting edge music and sound and quirky costumes and make up. Theatre at Brighton Grammar School always seeks to challenge the actors and production crew with new styles of performance and learning new expressive and technical skills. The students acquitted themselves very well and hopefully they will be given further opportunities to extend and further develop their abilities and love of the theatre.

All the students involved should be congratulated on their fine efforts and they were very lucky to work with renowned professional set designers, set construction people, sound designers and our own lighting designer, Tom Willis [old boy, 2004]. Of course our own staff deserve some credit too.

Below Parent Cari Lewis assists boys with developing their literacy skills.

What a difference our parents make Nearly every day in the Junior School there are parents actively involved in a host of important functions such as supporting the learning program, organising special morning teas or suppers for visitors like on Grandparents Day, assisting staff with special projects like the Art Trail display and hosting functions like the JPG annual picnic.

Without doubt this involvement adds a great richness to our school and enhances the experience of every boy.

And for those 100 or so parents who are involved, it’s a great way to develop new friendships and feel a greater connection with BGS.

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BGS MOVING FORWARD

The curriculum focus has shifted from a content heavy curriculum to one where it is equally important to teach the skills of • Learning • Creativity • Experimentation • Communication • Responsibility • Collaboration • Exchanging opinions

Teaching and Learning in the new Middle School Introduction In August 2011 we announced that the next major project at BGS is to build a new Middle School from the ground up on Girrawheen, the parcel of land adjacent to the current Rosstrevor across Allee Street.

This $20 million project to accommodate our Year 7 and 8 boys will be the biggest capital project in the history of the School.

It is planned that the new facility will be ready for use in Term 1, 2014.

The way today’s students learn and teachers teach is significantly different to our experience of schooling – even schooling just 10 years ago. The accessibility of information via the internet means education is changing from teachers being the sole deliverer of

content, to teachers working with, guiding and mentoring students on their individual learning journeys.

In planning for this development, staff from BGS have taken the opportunity to research contemporary school design and how this supports the change in teaching and learning. Our research has included visits to schools around the world and across Australia, as well as attending conferences on school design and consulting with architects and educational leaders with particular expertise in this area.

Worldwide, modern schools are characterised by the variety of learning spaces, the adaptability of facilities, flexible furniture and the accessibility of technology.

The new Middle School at BGS will embrace the most current research and thinking to enable our staff to deliver the most relevant and stimulating program possible to our boys.

How will the new middle school be different?

The new Middle School is an environment especially designed to cater effectively for the learning needs of boys. It will be light, bright and inviting. It will be spacious, as boys learn best when there is room to move.

The main building is based around four Learning Communities, each one designed to accommodate approximately 75 boys (but actually large enough for 100) and a team of teachers. Each Learning Community is an adaptable, agile learning space which can, with the use of innovative furniture, flexible walls and wireless technology, be configured and reconfigured to simultaneously support independent research, one to one explicit instruction, small group collaborative study and discussion, and

large group forums. It is not intended the learning space be reconfigured significantly on a daily basis, but maybe each term or semester, depending on the area being studied.

Each Learning Community will have a classroom space, withdrawal areas, instructional spaces for up to 75 boys, large storage areas, a wet area and direct access to outdoor terrace areas.

There will be an on-site experimental learning space/science lab for practical science requiring specialist equipment, and a specialist LOTE (Language Other Than English) Centre. The boys will continue to access specialist sports and creative and performing arts facilities across the School.

The new Middle School will be saturated with technology and information access.

There will be some fixed computers as well as each boy having his own tablet.

What is a ‘flexible learning space’?

A flexible learning space is one that can easily accommodate changes in technology and is not locked into one particular mode of teaching. Such learning spaces allow ample opportunity for students to study and learn independently and collaboratively as compared to traditional spaces in which students are primarily encouraged to learn alone.

When you walk into a flexible learning space you will rarely see all the students working on the same activity. Students learn in different ways and projects are set up to cater for a range of interests

BGS MOVING FORWARD

and learning styles. Students are provided with choice and are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning. This does not mean unlimited choice, since the boys will still have targets to be met. It will however provide them the opportunity to learn in ways that suit their individual learning style and ensure every student achieves the highest standard possible.

Furniture is an integral element – contemporary learning spaces need furniture that will support various activities.

Research undertaken by occupational scientists around the globe clearly demonstrates that teachers and students do better when they have variety, flexibility, and comfort in their environment.

How will teaching practice (pedagogy) change?

Rather than one teacher working exclusively with his or her class, teachers will work in teams. Teaching in teams enables staff to provide each other with feedback to enhance skills and practice. This is a powerful model of collaboration, one of the key skills needed in the 21st Century.

Teachers will guide, mentor and model learning and collaboration skills. They will work with the boys on a one to one basis, in small groups and in large forums. Often you will see teachers rotating around the learning space working with different groups carefully monitoring the boys’ progress. Having multiple teachers in the space will allow more contact between teacher and learner.

What are the benefits of ‘team teaching’?

Teachers with different expertise can work together to offer inter-disciplinary learning, sharing with the boys the sum of their experience and knowledge, while at the same time, learning from each other.

Teachers can’t be expert in every area, so the strengths of one teacher will complement the strengths of another.

Longer serving staff will share their experience with young staff, and recent graduates can inspire more experienced staff with their confidence working in the digital world. The boys will have the advantage of being taught by the very best teachers in each topic they cover.

Just as our boys learn in different ways, our staff teach in different ways. In a team teaching model each boy has the opportunity to work with teachers whose teaching style aligns with their natural learning style.

How will noise levels be managed?

Acoustic specialists have been engaged to work with the architects to ensure both background noise and sound reverberation will be dampened down using sophisticated acoustic materials to ensure optimum sound levels for all.

Isn’t this like going back to the open classroom experiment of the 1970s?

This change is not simply about substituting classrooms for open areas.

It is about designing facilities to support instructional needs. The new model does not dispense with direct or large group instruction. Instead, it provides opportunities for traditional teaching to seamlessly connect with many other ways of learning.

One key difference between now and the 1970s is the advance of technology.

Technology has changed everything.

Learning can occur anywhere, anytime – not just between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Students (and people) of any age have ready access to free information – the teacher is no longer the font of all knowledge. Modern classrooms and teaching methods need to embrace and harness the potential this change provides.

Furniture design has also advanced dramatically. Unlike in the 1970s, our boys will not be simply sitting at tables in a new space – a range of furniture will support the different learning activities.

And most importantly, the teaching styles have changed. It is the combination of the technology, furniture and teaching practice that creates the modern flexible learning space.

If new flexible learning spaces and teaching style are so good, what happens to the boys when they move on to the Senior School?

There is evidence that even the most rigid old style school facilities can be converted with modest investment of funds into more modern, effective places for teaching and learning.

These initiatives would not necessarily get rid of classrooms, but instead redesign them to operate as ‘learning studios’ and ‘learning suites’ alongside common areas reclaimed from hallways that vastly expand available space and allow better teaching and learning. Re-furnishing some areas in the future would change the way teachers might use the space.

It is also worth noting that at the time of building the Senior School Library Resource Centre in 2007, a key design feature was to ensure the building was built to allow flexibility and change in the future without much cost to accommodate changing styles of teaching and learning.

Staff professional development in team teaching will occur with staff across the Secondary School. Teachers in the Junior School have already begun to work in this way with some of the program.

Where can I get more information?

Several articles of interest have been posted on the BGS website www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

This information has been prepared with the assistance of and permission from: • Prakash Nair, President, Fielding Nair International, School Architects and Change Agents for Education, USA • Stephen Harris, Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning • The Crowther Centre for Innovation and Learning.

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BGS SEA CHANGE: LIZARD ISLAND

'The sight of Lizard Island will never be forgotten.'

‘We also had lessons about climate change and the effects man has on coral and fish.’

Lizard Island Research Station

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Boys from BGS have been travelling north to Lizard Island for a marine biology study tour since the inception of the Sea Change program in 2008.

This year, two groups of approximately 16 boys, chose the six day Lizard Island experience for their water-based expedition.

The Lizard Island Research Station is a world-leading supplier of on-reef facilities for coral reef research and education.

Located on the northern Great Barrier Reef (270 km north of Cairns, Queensland), the Research Station is owned and operated by the Australian Museum and conducts more than 100 research projects each year.

Lizard is a ruggedly beautiful island that provides the boys with access to numerous terrestrial and marine habitats and exceptional biological diversity. Lizard Island is a granite continental island with an extensive fringing reef, numerous patch reefs and magnificent beaches. It is an excellent location for safe snorkelling and boating activities. The diversity of marine life is enormous with hundreds of species of corals and over a thousand species of fish.

Each day is made up of an optional early morning run on the beach and a morning lecture followed by a dive where the boys will be asked to do underwater learning tasks and observations. The boys are given special equipment allowing them to write below the sea. In the afternoon they have another lecture and then a more ‘free’ dive.

With two to three hours of lectures studying the island ecology, four hours in the water, lots of beach soccer and helping out with the dinner preparation and clean up, the boys certainly sleep soundly at night.

According to Head of PE & Health, Peter Whitehead, who travelled to Lizard Island in Term 3, one of the highlights of the trip is when the boys go on a ‘shark attract’.

This is when the boys are in the water and the guide makes a noise with an empty drink bottle which quickly attracts several black and white tip sea sharks.

The up-close and personal experience is more about perceived danger than any real danger as this breed of sharks is harmless.

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Abseiling at Mt Arapiles A highlight of Year 10 for many boys is the week long adventure camp they attend in Term Three. A popular choice each year is rock climbing at Mt Arapiles, home to over 2000 quality climbing routes. Mt Arapiles is a rock formation that rises 369 metres above the flat Wimmera plains, west of Horsham in Victoria.

‘Mt Arapiles is the climbing Mecca of Victoria’ See how they grow!

Boys from each part of the school were involved in Athletics carnivals in October!

Do you have an interesting Collection??

Are you a passionate collector of tin toys, model planes, drink’s coasters or even interesting School archives?

Below Sebastian Savage.

If so, and you think your display may be of interest to the boys and community of BGS you are encouraged to display your collection in the BGS Senior School Library Resource Centre. Head of Library Services Jenni Neal has a lockable display cabinet with about two square metres of display space in the Library resource Centre which she would like to allocate to a rotating display of collectables.

Each display would be in place for about a month, photographed and information about the collector and the collection would be added to the BGS portal. Any interested people please contact Jenni Neal on 8591 2218 or the Development Office on 8591 2271.

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STAFF PROFILE It was a fact of life. There were … bombs and things like that. If you went into a shop you had your handbag searched. If you went into Coles or Kmart there’d be a security guard at the door to have a look in your handbag to see that you weren’t taking in bombs and arms.”

Despite this, Jane, 45, has fond memories of trips into the wild with her parents and older sister. As a pre-schooler, Jane used to ride her tricycle into the bush to spot animals such as zebras, giraffes and buck.

“I always had a house full of animals. We were the dreadful little children that kept hamsters and mice under the bed, and once we snuck a kitten home thinking we’d be able to keep it under the bed without mum knowing. We had labradors.

There were always cats around. Birds.

Hamsters. I loved them all.”

Jane studied zoology and entomology at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, graduating in 1987. After travelling and working in Britain and Europe for two years, she completed a Masters researching ticks and Lyme disease.

Jane Nurton – Out of Africa In each edition of the magazine going forward we will feature a member of the BGS staff to let you see there is much more to our staff than meets the eye. Our marketing campaign throughout 2012 will also feature members of staff and how their life experience brings richness to the School and our boys’ learning experience. To read other staff profiles visit our new School website.

Our science Laboratory Manager, Jane Nurton, had an idyllic childhood in the wilds of Africa. Growing up during the 1960s and 70s in Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia, Jane’s country was in the midst of a civil war which eventually saw Prime Minister Robert Mugabe take over.

“It was full on bush war,” she says. “We travelled with guns in the car. We travelled in convoys. It was very much normal.

While studying, Jane did not hear much about Nelson Mandela, who was still in prison. But she later met him when he visited her university to talk about his vision for education.

“It was only a small gathering of mostly post-graduate students,” she says. “By the end of the evening he had us all marvelling at what a great man he is. I threatened to never wash my hand again after shaking his!!!”

Jane wanted to work with animals, so after completing her Masters she worked as a technician in the Equine Research Unit at Pretoria University’s

Veterinary Facility. Among other things, her team worked on a new vaccine for African Horse Sickness, which has a mortality rate of up to 95 per cent in unvaccinated horses.

Jane arrived in Australia in 2005, after spending several holidays here with her sister Liz, who moved to Melbourne with her husband and three children in the late 1990s. At first Jane managed a cattery and worked for Liz’s laser cutting business.

She worked as a laboratory assistant in Mornington before starting as a Laboratory Manager at BGS in 2010. In this role Jane helps teachers organise biology, chemistry and physics practicals, explores new ideas, helps manage the budget and co-ordinates two technicians.

She also cares for the growing menagerie.

The boys love feeding their python Hugo, who eats a rat once every month or six weeks. They also have a bird eating spider, turtle, frogs, blue tongue lizards and stick insects to observe.

In her spare time Jane loves photography and is a volunteer trainer with the Mornington Peninsula Dog Club. She has a Scottish terrier and two cats.

But the one thing Melbourne can’t provide is the thrill of chasing lions in the wild. “In my leave … I used to do a bit of wildlife work,” she says. “We used to go on lion captures and things like that in South Africa.”

Jane’s rich and varied work and life experience mean she is perfectly placed to make science exciting at BGS. “It’s very much hands on,” she says. “Science is great because you can learn so much by doing the practicals as opposed to … book learning. You’ve got to do the stuff and have fun.”

AROUND THE SCHOOL What an achiever!

BGS Business Manager, Greg Willcock, represented Victoria at the 2011 Men Veteran’s National Championships in September in Canberra. Greg, a player with the Southern United Hockey Club, was selected in the Firsts for over 55s.

Amazingly, Greg has only been playing hockey for eight years, and has made the Victorian team for the last seven!

As well as his full time job as our Business Manager for the last five years Greg has held the position as Treasurer of the Southern United Hockey club (560 members) since 2008.

Staff achievements Above Nerelie Teese.

Our Rosstrevor Teacher Librarian, Nerelie Teese, was invited to present a paper at the International Association of Teacher Librarianship conference in Jamaica in August – a trip partially funded by the Wehsack Travelling Scholarship for staff development.

Nerelie presented on the wide reading program she has developed at Rosstrevor which aims to encourage, document and extend boys’ reading confidence and capabilities. Each boy is required to set a target number of books to read each term and then document the details. Each term, the target must increase – and the book borrowing details are passed on to the boys’ English teacher.

Nerelie is passionate about reading and loves the challenge of working with reluctant readers helping them find material of interest. Nerelie has also initiated parent information nights, Middle School Book Club for BGS boys and FGS girls and a Book Club for parents.

If you would like any advice about encouraging your son to read, please feel free to contact Nerelie in the Rosstrevor Library.

Right BGS Business Manager keeps fit playing Vets Hockey Monday and Wednesday nights in the winter and Wednesday night during the summer.

He continues to be involved with Black Rock Yacht Club where he has been on the Committee in the role of Treasurer in 2004-06, Vice Commodore 2007, Commodore 2008-09, Past Commodore 2010 and is currently on the Building Committee for 2011.

Greg has been Chairman of the Parish Council for Black Rock / Beaumaris Uniting Church for the last four years and has been on the Board of the Credit Union, Big Sky, for the last six years and became Chairman of the Board in November 2010.

There is rarely an evening that Greg doesn’t have a meeting to attend during the week unless he is playing hockey!

Ute full of Food The boys of 7D once again gave exceptional support to the Ute Full of Food with two trollies of food and $284 raised just from their class.

Brighton Grammar School has been collecting food for St Mark’s, Fitzroy for many years.

Our contributions are much appreciated

by St Mark’s. In their most recent Annual Report this was acknowledged as follows: “We are fortunate in that we have a large number of parish communities and individuals who support us with foodstuffs, monetary donations and stock for the opportunity shop. The staff, students and parents of Brighton Grammar School visit four times per year with increasingly generous donations of food and household goods. Over the past 12 months they have donated something in the region of $22,430 for which we are very grateful.

ted ticipa ff par ber a t s 9 vem in Mo r raising a e y pport this to su .

0 0 9 $2, health men’s

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AROUND THE SCHOOL

Three, two, one...lift off!

By Jamie Watson, Gifted Education Teacher In the 2011 Year 10 Extension Studies, we studied the history of space travel with the view to discussing and predicting the future of space travel. In around 400 BC Archytas, a Greek Philosopher is said to have constructed a small suspended steam-powered device which was the first reported object to use rocket propulsion.

The mighty space rockets of today are the result of over 2,000 years of invention, experimentation and discovery. First by observation and inspiration and then by methodical research, the foundations for modern rocketry were laid.

Our discussions began with some philosophical debates about what is the most important space event in history? Has man really walked on the moon? What are the scientific principles governing motion? How has the space race effected the advancement of mobile communication? Robot spacecraft are on their way into interstellar space as you read this and the simulated first human trials have been completed so the next question is when will man set foot on Mars?

Rockets are fascinating components of our history and the Extension Studies class has developed a keen interest in their construction and operation. To conclude the unit each member of the group built, launched and retrieved a variety of water powered and black powder model rockets.

The rockets were up to 65cm in length and could reach up to 1600 feet in height. We managed to fit a camera inside one of the rockets to capture an aerial photograph of the School.

Left Sam Fairchild, Alasdair Stretch, Angus Grant, Michael Afanassiev and Matthew Miles.

The models were constructed using cardboard tubing, balsa wood, plastic and glue. This was a great activity for the boys to learn the methodology and benefits of basic space flight and involved skills like reading instructions, safety, construction, cutting and pasting and the importance of aerodynamics. The final products were impressive and realistic working models and the boys were quite proud of their work.

There is a strong sense of accomplishment that comes from launching a scale model of a rocket that you have built yourself. This amazing sense of pride was heightened by the incredible footage that the group was able to capture of BGS and the surrounding Bayside area. The entire experience was fantastic and has helped to bring to life the importance of space travel.

Below left Images taken from the rocket.

Did you know we now have 50 BGS related mini videos posted on You Tube?

Go to You Tube and search – bgsalumni

Debating recognised as a great skill builder In August, 10 representatives from the Order of Australia Association, (SE Suburbs) and Bendigo Bank came to BGS to watch our top two undefeated Year 12 debating teams in their final 2011 regional debate pitted against each other.

The Order of Australia Association and Bendigo Bank are this year supporting Debating as worthwhile activity for young people, and so had sent delegates to watch the debate and present prizes at its conclusion. A representative from the Order of Australia Association spoke to the boys and awarded medals, and then the manager of the Highett Branch of the Bendigo Bank presented each boy from the winning team with a $50 passbook and each boy from the losing team with a $25 one.

Above Senior debaters Charlie King, Sam Langan, Jonathan Goddard, Ben Le Couteur, Kalin Kempster, Zach Miller and Andrew Bisset (all in Year 12). Zach and Andrew were the 2012 Co-Captains of Debating and Public Speaking.

AROUND THE SCHOOL P O S T C A R D

Teaching not tagging!

This year’s Father and Son Getaway weekend was a highly successful event that brought together 112 Year 8 fathers and sons at The Portsea Camp under grey skies and a stiff southerly.

While Mother Nature tried her best to rain on our parade, it mattered little as fathers and sons participated in both physical and mental tasks in order to better the understanding of the unique bond that fathers and sons share.

Mountain bike riding, an ‘Amazing Race’ around Portsea and a theory session absorbed Saturday afternoon before team challenges and a trivia quiz got the competitive juices flowing later in the evening. Shannah Kennedy, a motivational corporate speaker, led an inspiring session prior to dinner that encouraged both fathers and boys to reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of their relationship. A 5:30am sunrise walk on Sunday morning sounded exciting in theory, however, the rising sun made way for 40km winds and persistent sideways rain! As many fathers commented later, in many ways the experience added a memorable element to the weekend and provided them with a chance to bond with their sons through adversity.

Now in its third year, the Getaway experience isn’t about quick-fix solutions for family issues or back-slapping for those with tight bonds, but rather about reflecting on relationships with others.

Such values as accountability, respect, integrity and passion were constantly bandied around The Portsea Camp and are the very same that we ask our boys to show when relating with their peers here at school.

Tim Marshall, Head of Year 8

Year 8 boys had fun learning Egyptian hieroglyphics in their study of the ancient world. This sort of ‘hands on’ activity brings learning to life for boys and helps them remember the lessons for much longer.

SOSE teacher Tori Olds explained – 'the boys just loved writing on the windows of Rosstrevor Hall – with washable pens of course!'

Holiday visit to BGS The boys of Year 7 2011 were delighted to welcome back former classmate Dennis Yang who was visiting from China during his summer break. Dennis' parents hope that Dennis will be able to come back to BGS in his senior years.

What a coincidence

Above Dennis Yang with his former BGS classmates.

Left Gus, Pedro and visiting from Venezuela, Carlos.

It’s certainly a small world sometimes.

Year 8 boy, Gus Jahn, who immigrated with his family from Venezuela four years ago, had his cousin Carlos Fernandez join him in Rosstrevor for a short exchange earlier in the year. We have another Year 8 student, Pedro Azpurua, who also hails from Venezuela. Pedro and Gus amazingly used to go to school together when they both lived there and just by chance both chose BGS when they moved to Australia!

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BGS MOVING FORWARD

BGS Facilities Master Plan Most readers by now would realise that the building of the new Middle School on the land we purchased in 2004 across Allee Street, is just one part of the puzzle that is our BGS Facilities Masterplan.

This plan began in 2005 with the $6M redevelopment in the Senior School which included the Atrium, Library Resource Centre and Hay Family Lecture Theatre.

Above The ‘student voice’ was heard loud and clear during a Q & A panel forum facilitated by Andrew Baylis, BGS Director of Teaching and Learning.

BGS co-hosts second Boys and Technology National Conference Brighton Grammar’s Crowther Centre teamed up with education professional development provider Critical Agendas to co-host the second Boys and Technology National Conference held at the Melbourne Convention Centre in August. The conference attracted delegates and speakers from all over the country who were interested in exploring how technologies will shape learning in the future.

One highlight, possible through the sponsorship of Apple Education, was that each delegate was issued with an iPad loaded up with conference materials for the two day event.

One unique and very powerful element at our conference was the inclusion of the student voice – quite unheard of at a teacher conference. This came in the form of Zach Miller, our 2011 School Captain giving a very insightful keynote address on the topic “It’s a young person’s world – a student’s view of the future.”

This was followed by the $3M redevelopment of our playing fields including installing major water harvesting and storage infrastructure for future needs. Most recently we were able to build the $2.5M Peter Toms Early Learning Centre with funding support from the Federal Government BER scheme.

And now work has begun on the preparations for the $20M Middle School project which ties hand in hand with the development of the new School Arts Precinct which will be in the area of the current Middle School once the staff and boys are relocated into the new facility.

Due to its central location the new Arts Precinct will be a resource for boys across the School, and we plan to share it with the wider Brighton Community.

Likely facilities to be included are: • A new enlarged Music school • Purpose built Drama performance and rehearsal space • Spacious and light filled Creative Arts, Technology and Media spaces

To learn more about how you can support these projects please contact the Executive Director of the BGS Foundation, Frazer Hughes on 8591 2251 or fhughes@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au.

11, er 20 temb 80th p e S e 20 ed th e mark sary of th ee r tr e k iv a n o n a f the le by o g in g plant quadran ad. in the ishop He Archb

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ELC officially opens The late afternoon sun shone brightly on the first day of spring when about 100 family and friends of Peter Toms and Brighton Grammar School came together for the official opening of the Peter Toms Early Learning Centre.

Science specialist in JS We know boys in our Junior School love the hands on nature of learning science – it hits all the right buttons for them.

Co-ordinator of Science and Technology.

BGS is in one of few primary schools in Victoria with a full time Science and Technology specialist. And the outcomes have been outstanding.

Bill teaches all the boys from Prep to Year 6, team-teaching with the regular Boys love to ask questions and uncover classroom teacher. Generally Bill the answers; they like to get up, be works with two classes at a time, gives involved and be creative thinking outside the outline of the class and sets the the square. But unfortunately to deliver an instructions then the boys break off to exciting and relevant science curriculum work in small groups supported by the can take a lot of preparation time and a staff and then everyone gets together at real passion for the subject. Consequently, the end to discuss conclusions. Science in primary schools across Australia, when is taught everywhere – in classrooms, teachers are under pressure to squeeze in the corridors, on the oval and various everything in, sometimes, science is locations across the campus. left off.

The boys have demonstrated their About 18 months ago, Head of Junior passion for the subject by spontaneous School Peter Tellefson, searched for a comments like “I learnt a lot today Mr way to really get science going in the Gibney” (something Bill claims has never primary years to ensure the boys at happened before in 25 years of teaching) BGS had a chance to develop a genuine and strong membership of the various knowledge of, and interest in science. lunchtime Science Clubs. Bill runs clubs for interested boys – Gardening, Sailing Consequently, last year in 2011, former Club (boys build mini boats and race classroom teacher and lover of all things them) and the Science Challenge Club science, Bill Gibney, was appointed (a national run competition).

The official party included the Chairman of Council Ian Paroissien, the Headmaster, The Right Reverend Paul White, Bishop of the Southern Region who dedicated the new ELC, and former Head of Junior School Peter Toms who had the honour of opening the centre and unveiling the plaque.

The ceremony was quite delightful with the Welcome Song sung by boys from the Four Year Old classes and finishing with a beautiful performance by the Junior School Borwick House Choir and then a tour of the new facility.

The extended Toms family and friends travelled from far and wide to share this special occasion with Peter and his wife Sue, and thoroughly enjoyed the reception in the new Centre.

The ELC has been open to students since February 2011 and has two Four Year Old Classes and two Three Year Old Classes.

This is double the capacity of the former ELC but due to the fabulous new facility, a great team of staff led by Amelia Barrow and positive word of mouth, the ELC has been full most of the year and is full in 2012 and has significant enrolments for 2013.

The Peter Toms ELC was mostly funded by the Australian Government Building the Education Revolution (BER) program. The School is grateful for the $2.125 million which was received for this project.

Below left The Toms family around the plaque.

BELOW top to bottom Peter and the Headmaster at the Opening; Guests were greeted by Deputy Head of Junior School Rick Pemberton and JS School Officers Thomas Haddon and Robert Tongs; The ELC staff enjoy the party.

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AROUND THE SCHOOL

Time to grow On alternate Thursday afternoons, a group of boys would traipse down to the Development Office to tend to their gardens as part of the Activities Program we offer to our Year 10s and 11s. At the beginning of the year, the boys (with the help of their teachers) developed a plan outlining the skills they hoped to gain.

Interestingly, the boys emphasised that, in addition to “growing things”, they wanted to create an environment that promoted relaxation; a calm haven where they could get together to talk, eat and work. As life becomes increasingly busy, the boys wanted something slow-paced, where they could be creative, work with their hands and make things grow.

Above Director of Special Projects and Community Engagement, John Phillips, enjoys some of the produce while Development Office Administrator Sharon Martin picks some herbs to take home.

Throughout the year, the boys became involved in all aspects of gardening. With the help of the Woodwork teacher, Martin Green, they built raised garden beds from old sleepers. They filled the frames with organic soil and then planned the garden fantasy of their choice. Some chose to create the traditional vegie-patch set out in Beatrice Potter-like rows. They were soon harvesting silver beet, lettuce, herbs, beans (string, broad and exotic varieties), and peas. Ironically, these vegie-patches were so delicious they attracted an escaped “Peter” rabbit from the local neighborhood that had a wonderful time until his eventual capture.

One group focused on making a “tea garden” where they experimented with growing plants such as lemon verbena, various mints, chamomile and borage for herbal teas. In addition to the edible gardens, we also had a showy flower display with primulas, pansies, orange blossom, cosmos and foxglove.

As well as the physical work, boys were involved in budgeting and purchasing.

They enjoyed their various forays to WT Grant, where the helpful staff provided them with information about which seeds to grow when, how best to cultivate the beds, and how to control pests without chemicals, among other things.

Of course, no garden is complete without a barbeque. Each week, the boys were able to consolidate what they called their “dad skills” such as lighting a dodgy barbeque, not burning the meat and keeping count of who had more than four sausages!

Kristen Molloy, Teacher in Charge Left Liam Beasley-Birch tends to his garden.

First Anniversary Celebration Japan Reunion Sixteen of our Past Mothers from Japan met at Luke Mangan’s Tokyo restaurant ‘Salt’ to celebrate the first anniversary of our October 2010 BGS Japan Reunion which last year brought together 95 former BGS Japanese parents and students. Under the guidance of Akie Iwata and Setsu Kumagai, a committee of former BGS parents is maintaining and fostering our BGS – Japanese links. No doubt, there will be many more happy gatherings in the future.

BGS Merchandise Did you know there is an extensive range of BGS Merchandise available for purchase?

Whether you are a current student, parent, Old Boy or friend of the School, we have something to meet your own or gift giving needs.

To make your selection either visit the Development Office at 278 New Street Brighton or shop on-line via the BGS Website.

Around the school

A most successful inaugural Blue Dinner was held in September at the International of Brighton, with 250 men from age 18 to 80 attending. The Blue Dinner was inspired by the very successful Pink Dinners of the last 7 years for the women of Brighton Grammar School.

Michelle Wilson in the Development Office, whose husband James has suffered from prostate cancer, wondered whether the men of BGS would enjoy a similar function to that enjoyed by the women.

So it was decided to have a function for fathers past and present, Old Boys, male staff and friends. And it was agreed, the Blue Dinner as well as having fun and networking each year, would support a cause to do with men’s health and the first one would support prostate cancer research.

The evening’s entertainment was really varied with the night opening to the Blues Brothers theme played by the BGS Big Band under the baton of Conductor, Rodney Ford. Our special guest was Professor Tony Costello, eminent urologist

and prostate cancer specialist who is also closely involved with the work of Australian Prostate Cancer Research.

Tony has that wonderful ability to talk about a serious issue and be entertaining at the same time. He spoke about the prevalence of prostate cancer, and the importance of men having regular checks. Current parent, Adrian Emery, (father of Will Year 12 and James Year 10) spoke very powerfully about his journey through the diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.

Other entertainment highlights included a 20 minute stand-up routine by Old Boy Charlie Pickering who had the audience in stitches, as well as Junior School Music Teacher and professional singer Nina Sofo, who was accompanied by Nick Tsiavos, Tim Phillips and Audrey Boyle.

It was a very entertaining evening which, thanks to the support of those in attendance and our generous supporters, including Adams Print, Aussie Signs, Myles AV, Rathbone Wine Group for the donation of the delicious Mt Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz, The Brighton International and Alan Hunt, of the Sandringham Golf Range, we raised $15,000 for prostate cancer research.

Above The BGS Big Band set the mood.

Left – ClockwiSe from Top Old Boy Charlie Pickering had the audience in stitches; BGS father and prostate cancer patient Adrian Emery shared his story; Nina Sofo sings “what a wonderful world”; Prof. Tony Costello entertained and educated the guests; Tim Marshall, Head of Year 8, was a brilliant MC.

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OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE Vale It is with sadness that we advise the names of Old Brighton Grammarians and the year of leaving, who have passed away since the last edition of the Meliora Sequamur.

Our condolences to their families.

Anderson, Keith (1945) Atkins, Ian (1952) Bartlett, Samuel (1991) Fock, Willem (1948) Harrison, Geoffrey (1955) Lansell, Eric (1926) Logan, John (1946 Nalore, Trevor (2002) Petley, Max (1937)

Getting to the bottom of the matter Colorectal surgeon and colorectal cancer specialist Associate Professor Paul McMurrick (OB 1981) is another BGS medico making his mark in medicine in Australia. Paul heads up the Cabrini Monash Department of Surgery and his role includes clinical teaching of medical students, postgraduate teaching of surgical trainees and research.

Paul trained in surgery at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and then completed his specialist colorectal surgical fellowship at the Mayo clinic, Rochester, Minnesota in 1997. He was

formally consultant colorectal surgeon at the Alfred Hospital and Monash Medical Centre, and was head of colorectal services, Southern Health, 2001-2005.

He is a member of the Executive of the Victorian Clinical Oncology Group, Cancer Council of Victorian, the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, the Executive of the Monash Comprehensive Cancer Consortium, and the Executive of the International Society of Digestive Surgery. He is an International Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Philpott, Ted (1939) Pike, Athol (former staff member) Stone, Noel (1947) Tovell, John (1936)

Paul is also a passionate supporter of Let's Beat Bowel Cancer, an initiative of Cabrini Health. Let's Beat Bowel Cancer, aims to reduce the incidence of bowel cancer – a condition that is the second greatest cause of cancer related illness in Australia killing almost 5,000 Australians every year. It is a not-for-profit, community awareness program dedicated to saving lives through improved bowel cancer research, education and prevention.

In his leisure time Paul hooks up with fellow Old Boy Dr Andrew Fock (OB 1980) to go diving and exploring WWII wrecks all over the Asia Pacific. Andrew is an anaesthetist and consultant in diving and hyperbaric medicine at the Alfred Hospital.

Funny man with a serious message Old Boy stand up comedian Monty Franklin (OB 2000) attended a Year 12 assembly in August to talk to the boys about they have options after leaving school and sharing some insights gained through his own experiences over the last 10 years.

Monty has had very varied work experience since leaving school but primarily has been a Melbourne based stand up comedian for seven years. He started in comedy working for free doing gigs in pubs learning the ropes along the way. Since then he has won many comedy awards, had numerous TV performances, performed stand-up on a cruise ship, been the audience ‘warm up’ man before ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’ and worked at many corporate functions.

Monty explained to the boys, “I thought in Year 12 I had to make the big decisions then – but I didn’t. In fact I don’t know anyone other than Chris Judd who has actually stuck to the same path.” He went on to say “In Year 12 you have a lot of pressure from parents, from teachers and yourself. Don’t put pressure on yourself.

Instead put in effort, because then you will do your best and most importantly you will have options.”

Monty also encouraged the boys to think about having a gap year in the first few years after leaving school and to “Get away from Church Street. Go to America, the girls are sensational and they love our accent” he advised.

Monty is currently based in Los Angeles performing comedy three or four times a week.

of the t s game One ver 60s Te en e O w t t n e rece match b land t g e n k E ic nd Cr our alia a Austr played on was ther Oval?

Crow

OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE the corporate leader of a large, fast moving and dynamic business. His strategic leadership paid off with the “Saints” playing in the 1997 Grand Final; the first since their one and only win in 1966.

Andrew is one of three Old Boys to have presided over an AFL Club, the other two being Nick Columb (OB 1963) and David Smorgon (OB 1964) past and current presidents respectively, of the Western Bulldogs.

Andrew’s greatest sporting love however is sailing. He commenced with Gary Linacre (OB 1970) when he was eight, sailing Sabots off the beach at Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

At the helm and steering Andrew Plympton (OB 1966) has achieved exceptionally at a very high level since leaving BGS. On leaving school, Andrew commenced studying accountancy part time but finding this not to his liking, he and school mate, Brett Bowden (OB 1966), headed off to Western Australia in an Austin 1800 and for 18 months, worked on the oil rigs at Barrow Island.

On his return to Melbourne, and wanting to get back in to sailing, he met up with Keith Farfor who was looking to crew his Admiral's Cup Yacht. Not only did he join the crew but he began working for Keith in his insurance broking firm Kinloch.

By 29 years of age, Andrew was Managing Director of the group, at the time Australia’s second largest privately owned broking group.

After the owners wound up and sold Kinloch in 1981, Andrew had to start all over again and eventually began with the world’s largest broking and risk management firm, AON. He specialised in corporate business, including the Aviation market, working his way to the top of the field.

In 1993, after serving on the subcommittee charged with managing the club’s move to AFL Park, Andrew was elected President of St Kilda Football Club. He changed the culture of the club president from a “Footy Club” president to

In 1988 he won the World Championship in the Etchells class. From 2002 to 2011 he was President of Yachting Australia and in 2004, after no medals of any colour were won in Athens, Andrew led a review into Olympic sailing.

This led Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President, John Coates to invite Andrew to stand as a member of the executive of the AOC. He was duly elected.

He chaired a review into rowing which is most appropriate as he coxed the BGS 1st VIII in 1966.

When asked what he attributes to his phenomenal success, Andrew said, “Being a good listener, being able to communicate with young and old people, not being restrained by the past and having great communication skills “Sport is a great communication vehicle. It offers a broad range of relationships which force one to keep current with technology”.

Andrew also said that he counted himself very lucky to have gone to BGS where he gained such a good grounding in life skills.

Peter Skelton OBGS Honorary Life Member At Peter Skelton’s community farewell function in the School Atrium on November 18, he was completely taken by surprise when OBGS President, Peter Scott presented him with Honorary Life Membership of the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society, the highest honour the Society can bestow on anyone. An honour well deserved after having such a positive effect on so many BGS boys over 36 years.

Below Peter Scott (right) presents Peter Skelton with his OBGS, Honorary Life Membership.

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OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE

Near and Far Neil Stoneman (1958) is living in contented retirement on a bush property in the Macedon Ranges with his wife Suzanne, their Bernese mountain dog, Ella, a herd of pet goats and over 6000 Jazz recordings. Neil is regularly seen at the MCG on weekends supporting the Melbourne Football Club and on Thursdays working as a volunteer tour guide with the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Colin Neave AM (1961) recently retired as the Chief Ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service after 15 years in the financial disputes business. He is still in harness though and is President of the Administrative Review Council of the Commonwealth Government and Chairperson of the Legal Services Board of Victoria, the peak regulator of the legal profession.

James Albietz (1993) completed a double degree in Management and Engineering, and then worked in the ski industry for seven years as an instructor at Jackson Hole, Wyoming USA, and later as manager of a ski shop in Melbourne. He is now working for a private equity fund specializing in healthcare in New York.

Right John Papalitsas proudly finds his name on the Honour Board for his active service in Timor and Iraq.

The Award is presented to a business person who has made an exceptional contribution to Australia’s cultural life by fostering and facilitating increased business investment in and support for the arts.

“My personal affiliation with the arts stems from the recognition that well-rounded individuals and companies make for well-rounded communities,” Sam said when accepting his award. “Well-rounded communities are critical to the economic and social health of a state.”

Keith Forster (1975) lives in Sydney and is married with three children. Currently, he is working for Insurance Australia Group in their Actuarial/Statistical pricing area.

John is currently Operations Officer, Combat Training stationed a Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland.

Recently, John spent 12 months at the USA Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. While there, as well as completing the course at the Staff College, he completed his Masters and is now an International Master of Military Art and Science.

Dr Steven Scally (1982) is happily married to Marcia, the love of his life and living in Sydney.

They have three children, Caitlin (10), Xavier (3) and Campbell (2) - with twins on the way, due soon! He is working as a GP in the suburbs and follows the Brisbane Lions, for better or worse. They miss Melbourne’s sport and culture though! He says he is trying to stay fit and healthy, and enjoying the weather and writes ‘It would be great to hear from any/all of you, and to hear of your exploits’.

Dr Sam Walsh AO (1967) and BGS Hall of Fame Inductee Sam was recently awarded the Richard Pratt Business Arts Leadership Award at the National Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) awards in Perth, Western Australia.

James Royston (1977) is working part time at Swinburne College, part of the Swinburne University of Technology at the Hawthorn campus and says he is happy to help any BGS students or parents.

Maj. John Papalitsas (1994) and his wife Kate recently dropped in to the OBGS office to catch up on all things BGS but especially, to see the magnificent honour board in the Memorial Foyer in the Senior School Library.

Above Sam Walsh receives his award from Jeanie Pratt.

Brendan Jones (1986) is still running the family motor repair business “Motor Improvements” in Cheltenham. He has a six year old daughter and lives in Yarraville and is racing Formula Ford open wheel cars at both state and historic level.

Did you know you can follow BGS on twitter? twitter@ BrightonGrammar

Philip Thompson (1986) At age 30, Philip decided he should see the world and began an adventure that has taken him to many exciting and interesting places like the Mt Everest base camp. He has lived in London, China and Ireland. Philip is currently living in Hiroshima, Japan where he teaches English to kindergarten and elementary level children. He is married to Silvia who is from Brazil and plans to settle back in Melbourne sometime in the future.

Nick Biggin (1996) has recently taken a big step by opening his own business Greenroom Digital and will take a second big step when he and fiancé Melissa Dowsett marry on 11 February 2012. Greenroom Digital create mobile websites (ones that you can use when you open them on a mobile phone) or as Nick and his partner call it ‘mobile web marketing solutions’.

Andrew Walsh (1997) has been living in London for the past four years, working for construction company (ISG Plc) as a Commercial/ Package Manager.

Eric Lam (1997) went to Monash University after school and completed his Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Systems. He is now back living in Hong Kong working for the family in the manufacturing industry. They are involved in electronics, plastic injection/tooling and power supplies. Eric is always happy to help old BGS boys should they require his assistance.

Jason Crebbin (1998) graduated from Melbourne University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) with Honours and is employed in an ongoing position with the Department of Education, Vic, at a new school in Melbourne's West.

Simon Lovett (1999) has recently moved to Singapore in the role of Regional Manager of the Singapore office of Langdon Ingredients, a food production company. Simon studied supply chain management at Swinburne and then did a post graduate Bachelor of Business, Retail Management/International trade.

Carl Maroney (2002) is currently working as a Business Analyst at Qantas within the Commercial Planning Team in the Engineering and Heavy Maintenance Division which will implement new production planning and control functions as part of larger scale business development initiatives.

Akira Uno (2000) practices as an accountant in Moorabbin. His parents Ted and Mihoko Uno were visiting from Japan in November and caught up for dinner at the Brighton Baths with Maggie and Frank Lynch and Peter and Sue Toms where they recalled a very happy time spent in Kobe with Ted and Mihoko during last year’s Japan reunion festivities.

Gregg McPheely (2004) and Sally Christie (Firbank 2004) became engaged on 19 August 2011. Both Gregg and Sally live in Atlanta USA and will marry on Mackinac Island, Michigan USA, on 29 September 2012.

The McPheely family is American and only lived in Australia for four years (2000-2004). Sally and Gregg met towards the end of Year 12 just before the family was due to return to Atlanta.

So began a long distance relationship and a lot of travelling! At the end of 2008, Sally decided to move to America permanently, sad for her mum Karen Christie former staff member of FGS, but she is very happy. Gregg’s family has been

OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE where he had been working part time while attending university.

Chad enjoyed working at The Pantry for another five years, ultimately in the role of General Manager. It was during this time he crystallised his desire to have his own business. “I always assumed I would have my own business, I just didn’t know what in” he explained. wonderful. Sally is studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design and next year will graduate with a degree in Graphic Design.

James Carlile (2008) James recently completed his training as a long haul pilot with Cathay Pacific and is now living in Hong Kong. If you are on a Cathay flight any time in the future, listen to the pilots announcements and if you hear Second Officer James Carlile, you will know you are in the safe hands of an Old Brighton Grammarian at the controls.

But opportunity came his way when, a few years ago, Chad and a couple of mates were searching for a rental property. Because not many people want their treasured property to be inhabited by three men in their early 20’s, many applications were made before they were successful. Each time they submitted an application, a very long and detailed form needed to be completed.

Above Three Generations – Generation 3 Tristan (left) and Callum (far right). Generations 1 and 2 in the middle Don Draper (left centre) and Gary Jones (right centre).

Phillip Georgiou (2010) Congratulations are due to Phillip who has been awarded a Soccer scholarship to go to Grand Canyon University in Arizona. He left Melbourne in July and expects to be in Arizona for the next four years.

OBG Profile

Callum Jones (2011) had three generations at Valedictory Day 2011. When Callum celebrated Valedictory Day, he walked in the footsteps of both his father Gary Jones (1972) and grandfather Don Draper (1944). What a proud and long association the Jones/Draper family have had with BGS and the OBGS.

Chad Stephens It took Chad Stephens (OB 1997) a couple of false starts before he saw the opportunity to run his own successful business 1Form Online. Like many of his peers, when completing Year 12, Chad didn’t really know what to do. He thought it looked like the future might be in computers so he enrolled in Computer Science and Software Engineering, but that lasted just one semester.

Left Gregg McPheely (2004) and Sally Christie (Firbank 2004).

The next year he enrolled in a Bachelor of Business (Property) at RMIT and pursued this course for two and a half years before opting out to accept a management position at The Pantry

Chad thought, there must be an easier way where we can fill in the form once, and then use the data for multiple applications. An internet search locally and globally revealed that no such form existed, and so the germ of an idea was born.

Partnering up with friend and Old St Leonard's boy Chris Kosh, Chad began the long journey of developing a form that would meet the needs of Real Estate Agents, be appealing to the general public and make money for the boys! Chris kept working at his relatively senior job in insurance to fund the project and Chad left The Pantry to work full time on the new business.

And while we can summarise the story with a line like ‘and the rest is history’, be assured it took five years of working out of their parents' garage, two years

of no profit and constant scepticism of friends and family before the business really took off.

But now their form is used by literally thousands of Real Estate firms across Australia and New Zealand and there are five fulltime staff. Income is generated by people submitting applications for rental properties choosing to save their details for a small fee for a designated time – eg: a month or a year.

What next? Chad and Chris are currently negotiating to break into the US market and exploring other industries where their form might also be of value.

And of the journey so far? Chris said, “The hardest thing was to just stick to it. If someone had told me how long it would take and how hard it would be, I would have never done it.” Chad didn’t have a holiday for five years, but is now enjoying a bit more leisure time snowboarding and travelling.

Chad, is the son of Greg Stephens (OB 1963), and one of five brothers who attended the School.

Tristan Stephens (1991) is an accountant in New Zealand and is married with six children.

Jordie Stephens (1994) practiced as an accountant before undertaking six more years of study to become a Priest.

Jordie has a Parish in Tynong, just beyond Pakenham.

Beau Stephens (2010) has just enjoyed a gap year.

Toby Stephens (2011) left BGS in 2008 to attend St Leonard's and hopes to be a singer and study the arts.

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OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE

Former Drama Captain Rocks Jensen Overend (OB 2002) has had a passion for performing well before he was co-captain of Drama and Captain of Music at BGS in 2002.

On completing his final year at BGS, Jensen went to Melbourne University doing an Arts Degree which he completed in 2005 after punctuating it with a trip to Italy.

He then enrolled at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 2006 and graduated the following year and went looking for work as a budding actor.

Below Jensen as Drew in Rock of Ages.

With lots of opportunities for stage work in Melbourne, Jensen landed roles in such productions as Crazy for You and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, he then secured a role in the Jeanie Pratt backed Cole Porter Tribute Tour which took him throughout Victoria and interstate. This tour had a big influence in what would become his most significant role so far.

After almost nine months of auditions, call backs and more auditions, he was given the role of a “Swing” in Rock of Ages.

A “Swing” in this case is an actor whose task it is to cover no fewer than four roles in the show as well as being involved in each show as a backing singer. What this means if any of the main actors for those four roles cannot go on stage, Jensen must be ready to take that role at sometimes, a moment’s notice.

The lead role was that of Drew Boley, being played by Justin Burford. Justin had the great misfortune to break his ankle very early in the show’s run in Melbourne and this thrust Jensen into the lead role playing Drew Boley up to eight times a week for the Melbourne season of 7 months and a further 5 weeks in Brisbane.

This was a role for which Jensen’s training at VCA which was very traditional stage musical had really not prepared him. In Rock of Ages, he was up on stage belting out Bon Jovi and other rock numbers.

Such is his innate talent and skill that he not only rose to the challenge but he grasped this great opportunity and excelled at his craft.

A show like this, which is extremely taxing on the body and mind and especially one's voice, requires great discipline in maintaining one's physical health. As Jensen said, “This show is like doing a two hour cardio workout, eight times a week”. He said he’s now the fittest he’s ever been.

No doubt, we will see lots more of Jensen’s great talent in years to come.

Lawn Bowlers Needed Each year the OBGS lawn bowls team, takes to the green at the Kew Heights Bowling Club to defend the honour of the OBGS. Our team has been led for several years

by Denis King, past BGS parent of Peter King (OB 1977). Denis has decided to pass on the baton of OBGS Bowls

Thanks to our OBGS sponsor Michael’s Appliance Centre Take a closer look at Michael’s Specialist suppliers of kitchen and laundry appliances. Ask for Old Boys Simon Williams or Michael Wood.

Phone 9592 6400 or visit our showroom 24 hours a day at michaelsappliancecentre.com.au

Captain and we are seeking expressions of interest not only for a team captain, but bowlers who would be interested in competing in this great annual bowling event.

If you would like to know more, please contact Andrew Biggin at the OBGS Office on 8591 2272 Above The team in action at Kew Heights.

OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE

Reunions

BRISBANE REUNION The President of the OBGS, Peter Scott, together with Andrew Biggin and Peter Toms, hosted a reunion luncheon at the Brisbane Customs House on the banks of the Brisbane River. The function was attended by 21 Old Boys and partners who dined on the terrace of the heritage building which came within centimetres of being inundated during the Brisbane floods earlier in the year.

SYDNEY REUNION The OBGS Sydney Reunion went to the top end of town when John Wilson (OB 1979), kindly offered to make his office boardroom available to hold the 2011 reunion.

John is Managing Director of PIMCO Australia which has an office in George Street Sydney, where we were privileged to hold the reunion for Old Boys and their partners.

Below Allan McKenzie was asked to speak on his 30 years as an official VFL/AFL timekeeper which the group found fascinating.

Oliver Yates (OB 1981), son of the late Bill Yates, was the guest speaker. A wonderful cocktail party was enjoyed by all.

Above Dennis Rebbechi (OB 1956) and Gary Lambrides (OB 1968).

Above L to R Robert Brewer (OB 1976), Rob Zacharin (OB 1977), Stuart Leach (OB 1981), Peter Toms, Rick Ralph (OB 1973) and Annette Ralph, Bill Dandie (OB 1984) and Andrea Newman, Robyn Biggin, Brenda Simpson, John Quick (OB 1963), John Simpson (OB 1953), Peter Scott (OB 1976), Dennis Rebbechi (OB 1956), Rita Cowles, Gary Lambrides (OB 1968), Kathleen Burrows and Allan McKenzie (OB 1967), Greg Mallett (OB 1978) and Ute Mallett.

Top L to R Andrew Skinner (OB 1981), Peter Toms (Bequest Manager), Rob Priestley (OB 1978) and Anthony Kritikides (OB 1990).

Above L to R Jonathan Prendergast (OB 1996), Oliver Yates (OB 1981) and his wife Jacqui.

Left L to R Frazer Hughes (BGS Foundation, Executive Director), John Wilson (OB 1979), Ian Davies (OB 1978), Robert Forsyth (OB 1982) and Dara Wilson.

Join us for Lunch The Top Enders group meet for an informal lunch on the last Thursday of every even month. The Top Enders originated when four Old Boys who all worked at the top end of Collins Street, Melbourne started having lunch together on the last Thursday of each even month more than 20 years ago.

These days the Top Enders tend to be retirees, or certainly Old Boys in their more senior years, and the lunch attracts anywhere between 30 and 50 people each time.

Any Old Boy who would like to attend a Top Enders lunch is most welcome to become part of the group, just call Andrew Biggin in the OBGS Office on 8591 2272. The lunch dates are all listed in the Reunion Program.

The (very affordable) lunches are held at Harry’s On Church except in February when we enjoy a barbecue lunch at Long On (near the new scoreboard) at the edge of the Crowther Oval. This lunch is a movable feast as it coincides with the first home game of the 1st XI.

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OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE 15 Year Reunion, Class of 1996

50 Years On Reunion At the '50 Years On' Reunion, 29 from the class of 1961 were inducted into this prestigious group: a record number! In all, 100 Old boys attended the reunion at which Old Boy and star Melbourne footballer, Jack Watts (OB 2009) was the guest speaker.

ABOVE 15 Year Reunion, Class of 1996.

Below L to R Peter Hulburt, Sydney Levy, Xavier Cara, Colin Poon, Tim Whitelaw, Andrew Biggin, Pat Phelan, Toby Ewert, Greg Witte, Nick Biggin, Chris Biggin (behind) and James Bellerby.

Above Peter Roenfeldt receives his '50 Years On' lapel pin from OBGS President, Peter Scott.

Above left L to R Ian Thomas, Peter Siggins, Colin Neave and Ian Fraser.

Left At 102 years young, former staff member Alec “Tiger” Lyne (centre), was a special guest at this year’s luncheon. Here talking with former students Peter Demaine (OB 1940) left and David Madden (OB 1934).

ABOVE L to R Nick Ryan, Satoshi Tomita, Philip Silverstone and Macquarie Carr. Satoshi travelled from San Diego California USA to attend the reunion Right Nick Phipps imitating the Headmaster on Valedictory Day 1996 (left) and together again, 15 years later. Who’s changed more?

OBGS COMMUNITY FOR LIFE 20 Year Reunion, Class of 1991

25 Year Reunion, Class of 1986 Left L to R Paul Bond, Brendan Jones, Rohan Geddes, Dean Fergie and Simon Bowles.

Below Class of 1986, 25 Year Reunion.

Top Left L to R Campbell Jackson, Brevis Judd, Paul Roach, Andrew Forster, John Paolacci and Blake Inman.

Above Listening to one of the five best stories of the Class of ’91, L to R Michael Devine, Derren Wilson, Matt Walker and Campbell Jackson.

40 Year Reunion, Class of 1971 Left L to R Brian Kitney, Chris Grieg and Sam Paynter.

Below L to R Nick Callander, Peter Toms, Matt Allen, Sam Paynter, Peter Campi, Dean Fergie (standing), Tony Hance, Harley Hutchison and Monty Stevens.

Left Class of 1971, 40 Year Reunion.

Above L to R Andrew Miller, Mark Riddell and Greg Betts.

Above Left L to R Standing Mark Dobbie, Michael Jennings, Seated: Stewart Lush, Robert Patrick, Simon Corrigan, Malcolm Gray and Chris Oldfield.

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SEQUAMUR SOCIETY

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OBGS Reunion calendar 2012 Please mark these dates in your diary now for your class reunion to be held in 2012. Invitations will be mailed approximately 6 weeks prior to the reunion.

Every reunion at the School will be preceded with a full tour of the School commencing at the Oak Tree, 1 hour before the reunion commencement.

REUNION

FUNCTION VENUE DATE

Top Enders

Cricket Lunch

Long On

3 Feb

60 Yrs On Reunion “Pendennis Chapter”

Morning Tea

Memorial Foyer

17 Feb

First Class of 2011

Drinks & Nibbles Harry’s On Church

24 Feb

30 Year, Class of 1982

Dinner

BGS

2 Mar

Top Enders

Lunch

Harry’s On Church

26 Apr

Perth Reunion

Dinner

TBA

4 May

10 Year Class of 2002

Cocktail Party

BGS

25 May

5 Year, Class of 2007

Cocktail Party

Harry’s On Church

1 June

Top Enders

Lunch

Harry’s On Church

28 June

15 Year Class of 1997

Dinner

BGS

27 July

20 Year Class of 1992

Dinner

BGS

3 Aug

The John Gray Scholarship Fund

25 Year Class of 1987

Dinner

BGS

24 Aug

By Peter Toms, Bequest Manager

Top Enders

Lunch

Harry’s On Church

30 Aug

Sydney Reunion

Cocktail Party

TBA

7 Sep

40 Year Class of 1972

Dinner

BGS

12 Oct

Top Enders

Lunch

Harry’s On Church

18 Oct

50 Years On

Luncheon

BGS

30 Nov

Brighton Grammar School was humbled and grateful to learn of the $1,370,000 donation generously bequeathed by John Gray (OB 1964) to establish the John Gray Scholarship Fund.

Top Enders Christmas

Lunch

Harry’s On Church

13 Dec

NOTICE OF OBGS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given of the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society Inc Annual General Meeting to be held in the Development Office on Tuesday 27 March 2012 at 6.30pm.

278 New Street Brighton Vic 3186 Refreshments will be served.

The Sequamur Society was established to honour and thank those members of the Brighton Grammar School Community who have confirmed their intention to include BGS in their Will.

An outstanding gift to the School

I first met with John in October 2009.

He shared with me that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness several years earlier. John was very keen to know about the School of today: what it stood for, the values and what we do to imbue our values in the boys.

After many meetings and several visits to the School, including a meeting with the Headmaster and a two hour tour of the School, it became clear that John was passionate in his desire to set up a means-tested scholarship fund for ‘worthy boys’. John Gray’s boys would

not necessarily be academic or sporting highflyers; they would be boys of good character and general all-round ability, who would embrace the culture and spirit of the School but, in normal circumstances, could not afford to attend a school like BGS. As a schoolboy, John was a gifted sportsman representing the School in football, cricket and tennis and, on leaving school, made his mark as a resolute and courageous member of the Old Boys Football Club. In the classroom John was a hard-worker but he left mid way through his final year to join his father’s engineering business. In later years, John set up a successful engineering supply company based in Taiwan.

John was devoted to his parents, was a ‘surrogate’ member of the Hurley Family, a highly respected and loyal mate to his many friends, an astute businessman and car enthusiast. Sadly, at the age of 45, John began what was to be a 20 year

history of fighting ill health. Firstly, a series of heart procedures followed by kidney disease and then cancer which finally took his life in March 2010.

Throughout my many meetings with John, he never conceded to his illness, yet at the same time he took great consolation knowing that in the not-too-distant future ‘his boys’ would enjoy a BGS education.

On behalf of the BGS Community, I express our appreciation and our admiration for John’s forethought, his enduring love and respect for his school, and his outstanding generosity.

John Gray’s name will live on in perpetuity in the lives of future generations of BGS boys who will be the beneficiaries of The John Gray Scholarship. John’s legacy sets a marvellous example and certainly epitomizes our School motto, Meliora Sequamur.

Above John Gray (on right) with friends Andrew and Susan Hurley.

SEQUAMUR SOCIETY

A word from some of our members Alan Glover –

Allan McKenzie (OB 1967)

Alan fulfilled many roles including Master in Charge of English, House Master, Master in Charge of Tennis, Editor of the Grammarian and Chapel Organist.

Allan is a lawyer and officiated as a VFL and AFL timekeeper for over 30 years. Alan lives in Queensland and was guest speaker at our 2011 Queensland Reunion.

Member of Staff (1954 to 1989)

A bequest being an expression of confidence in the worthiness of the recipient, I can say that I did not hesitate in making a bequest to Brighton Grammar School where I taught in the Senior School for over thirty years.

Graeme Templeton (OB 1964) BGS has been a large part of my life commencing in 1956 when, with my parents and brother Bryan, we relocated to Brighton from country Victoria. I have fond memories of my school days and maintain to this day a strong friendship with many past students from that era.

My involvement with the School has been maintained as a member of the School Council, President of the Old Boys’ Society and the Football Club, and through my son James, nephew Cameron and my wife Margaret who taught in the Infant Department for many years.

The memorable times and benefits derived from an association of over fifty years is why I am happy to leave a bequest to BGS. It is important to look to the future so that others can benefit as all my family have from such an outstanding school.

I have always observed that BGS is ever keen to improve the facilities offered to its boys. For me this has translated more than once in my recommending the School highly to prospective parents, while in four cases I have been responsible for a teacher from outside successfully applying for a staff position.

This surely indicates my respect, and indeed my affection, for the School.

I hope that many others who partake of the Brighton Grammar experience will seal their approval by including the School in their Will.

In a perfect world, we are told you should review your Will every two years or so to see if it needs updating and amendment. After all, circumstances change for each of us brought upon by birth, death, marriage, divorce and any special needs of family or loved ones.

One thing does not need amendment in my Will – a bequest I have made to BGS as a “thank you” for giving me a kick start in my life and an ability to pursue my working career.

No bequest can ever be too small. I am pleased I now have an opportunity to give something back to the school that gave me a path to follow. Think about it when you next review your Will.

You too can change lives!

A scholarship can be a life changing experience for the recipient. And bringing talented, but less privileged boys to the School enriches the fabric of Brighton Grammar. But funding Scholarships is expensive and takes significant resources.

That is why we celebrate so sincerely when members of our community choose to support the School in this way.

As previously reported in early 2011, BGS received a bequest from the Estate of Miss Mabel Fairweather, former Headmistress of the Junior School, to build the corpus of the BGS Foundation Scholarship Fund. Then recently, through the establishment of The John Gray Scholarship, from 2013 and forever more there will be three worthy boys attending the School.

Your bequest, depending on your wishes, will enable the School: • to fund scholarships for talented boys who otherwise would not be able to attend BGS • to undertake major building projects which cannot be funded from fees • to enable Staff to undertake important research into boys’ education • to enrich educational programs as in Science, the Arts, and Sport Please consider making a gift in this way to support the long-term future of BGS without affecting your present financial situation. No matter the size, every bequest is much appreciated.

For further information, call Peter Toms in the Development Office on 8591 2274

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James Gerstman – James Gerstman – bringing life to learning bringing life to learning Adventure traveller Adventure traveller Boundary pusher Boundary pusher Keen cyclist Keen cyclist 80s music tragic 80s music tragic Year 9 mentor Year 9 mentor BGS PE and Health Teacher BGS PE and Health Teacher

“I love being able to walk through “I love being able to walk through the Quad and you know every boy, the Quad and you know every boy, every teacher, everyone’s name... every teacher, everyone’s name... even if you don’t teach them.” even if you don’t teach them.” the er of Winn liora S Me G B f the 2011 her o d!

(Teac Awar Year)

90 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 90 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic Telephone: 8591 2202 Telephone: 8591 2202 www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

CRICOS Provider No 00132K CRICOS Provider No 00132K