ME OR S E UA UR
L I A Q M
LET US KEEP PURSUING BETTER THINGS
BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY JOURNAL
ME OR S E UA UR
L I A Q M
SUMMER 2014/15
EDITOR AND FEATURE WRITER
Natalie van Wetering
nvanwetering@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au KEY CONTRIBUTORS
James Barker Brad Beitzel Andrew Biggin Claire Clarke Hiroko Hunt Tim Marshall Rohan Martin John Phillips Cameron Taylor Peter Toms PHOTOGRAPHY
Andrew Biggin Mark Chew Andrew Lee John Phillips Natalie van Wetering ILLUSTRATION
Ben Sanders DESIGN
Ross Donnan
rdonnan@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au PRINTER
Adams Print PRINT REGISTRATION
Registered by Australia Post: 100001167
Editor’s welcome In the second half of 2014 detail of the BGS strategic plan was shared widely among our community. As a result there is a great sense of purpose and focus around the  School. I hope you enjoy this edition of Meliora Sequamur which includes several stories about how we are working together to bring our vision for BGS to reality.
Natalie van Wetering, Editor
CON T EN TS HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITY
INNOVATION AND LEARNING
THREE CORNERED PARTNERSHIP
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STUDENT & STAFF WELLBEING 18
OLD BOYS’ NEWS
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NEAR AND FAR
67 ENABLEMENT
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HIGH PERFORMANCE COMMUNITY
APS Football premiership It was a thrilling day in July when BGS won the 2014 APS (Associated Public Schools) football premiership – only its third since joining the competition in 1958. The last was in 1992. A large and enthusiastic home crowd surrounded the boundary of the Crowther Oval on a cold and wet Saturday afternoon, 26 July 2014, to witness the hard fought win despite being down by three goals before half-time against Xavier College. Ultimately we won by 18 points to put BGS one win ahead of second-placed Melbourne Grammar. Captain Tom Fisher who played in all 10 games in his first two BGS seasons and nine in his last, reflected “It has been very satisfying. Last year we had a really strong team: Josh Kelly, Jayden Hunt, Christian Salem and Max Hayes. “This year we were not as strong but we had a close Year 12 group with only one Vic Metro player Josh Clayton.” This difference meant the First XVIII had more stability with fewer games being interrupted by boys pulled away to play representative football. First XVIII coach of the past five years is humanities and physical-education teacher Robert Shaw. The former Essendon utility and coach of Fitzroy and Adelaide acknowledged the journey of the senior players. “I’m absolutely thrilled for the Year 12 boys (there were 15 Year 12s), who are leaving, and have been with the system for 12 years,” 4
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Over the course of the year, only eight goals were goals kicked against us.
Robert Shaw said. “Basically, it is a really fantastic school team, very even - very strong.” There were two year 10s and 13 year 11s in the 30-strong squad, which is drawn from one of the smallest cohorts of students of the 11 APS schools. For Robert Shaw it broke two secondplaced finishes in his previous two seasons as coach. Last year the side lost two games and in 2012 it was just one behind from breaking its premiership drought when it drew with Caulfield Grammar at New St on the Crowther. “We’ve lost just three games in three years – they’re (premierships) impossible to win,” Shaw said. “This is not like the AFL - in this comp you can’t make one mistake, if you do you lose (the minor premiership).” This premiership complements BGS’s win at the Victorian Under-18 Touch Football Championship.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING
Young Biology Olympian wins silver for Australia Lachlan Wallace (Year 12) won silver for Australia at the International Biology Olympiad held in Bali in July.
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The Headmaster, Ross Featherston, Lachlan and Dr Vanessa Solomon from the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute after the medal presentation.
Having taught Lachlan, I was very aware of his quiet, polite and unassuming manner concealing strong academic ability and outstanding work ethic. I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient of such recognition of their ability. Roger Nink, Lachlan’s biology teacher The sessions took students through the equivalent of first year university level science. From 20, four were chosen to represent Australia in the Biology team. The 10 day competition in Bali was demanding, with 240 students from 60 countries involved. The competition comprised written and practical tests and problem solving, leaving just a little time for sight-seeing and socialising. Ultimately
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He was among 23 of Australia’s brightest student scientists competing in the 2014 UNESCO-sanctioned International Science and Mathematical Olympiads. The Olympiads are the world’s toughest science and mathematics competitions for high school students in the world. Lachlan and the others spent a year in intensive training to make the cut. They succeeded against more than 25,000 Year 10, 11 & 12 contenders in the qualifying exams, making a shortlist of 130 to attend intensive training summer schools. BGS was delighted that three boys from Roger Nink’s 2013 biology class (Lachlan, Jeffrey Jiang and Greg Feng) were among the 20 students selected to attend the Biology training course over two weeks in January at Monash University.
Lachlan achieved a silver medal, making him one of the brightest young biologists in the whole world!
When asked what advice he would give to anyone considering applying for the Science Olympiads Lachlan said “Sit the test; have a good crack at it and if you have the opportunity, definitely take it. It was a lot of study, but worth it. You don’t have to be the best in the class – I wasn’t!“
Brighton Grammar has entered a two year research partnership with Professor Andrew Martin, from the School of Education at the University of Sydney, exploring how do PB goals impact educational outcomes in Year 7, 8 and 9 Mathematics. Why is striving for your PB so important? PB Goals enable a greater focus on self paced progress and have potential effects of reducing negative consequences of social comparisons as PB-orientated students use their previous best performance – not that of others – as a benchmark for their attainments.
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Personal Best Goals articulate a target performance standard that matches or exceeds one’s previous best.
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Striving for our PB!
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HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING
They struck the right note!
The traditional whole school concert was replaced in 2014 by two fabulous nights of music at the Strings Spectacular and Band Showcase concerts held in St. Andrew’s Church. 8
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At BGS we believe every boy needs to be exposed to learning an instrument as part of his journey to becoming a successful man.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE COMMUNITY
Top talent join the team
Michael and his family
It is well recognised that to develop a high performing community you need to take a two tiered approach: develop the talent of those already on staff and recruit the best of the best! We feel confident we are on track with both of these tactics.
Michael Arceri
Among recent staff recruited to the School we are delighted to welcome two new members of the BGS Senior Executive Team, Director of Business, Michael Arceri and Head of Middle School, Jeremy Martin.
Michael explained “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Education sector, the diversity of the role is such that no two days are the same. During my time with CGGS I have been involved with the achievement of some major strategic imperatives. Highlights include completion of all the projects associated with the School Master plan, implementation of an ICT vision to enable next generation learning, and strong fiscal management”.
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Michael Arceri’s professional background is in Management Accounting, having worked across several industry sectors including: legal, health, education and technical services. He firmly believes in continuing personal and professional growth as demonstrated by his CPA and MBA qualifications as well as undertaking a range of supplementary studies in governance, leadership, fundraising and ICT. Prior to joining BGS in mid-November 2014 Michael spent six and a half years working at Camberwell Girls Grammar School (CGGS) as Business Manager.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Michael is a family man, married with two young children. He describes himself as “one of the few North Melbourne fans” and someone who likes to spend spare time with family, keeping fit and identifying new experiences. “We try our best to do things as a family, keeping fit is a priority as it helps to balance the competing demands of the busy jobs my wife and I both have.”
Jeremy Martin A passionate teacher of (mostly) music, Jeremy has taught in a range of schools – independent and state – in Australia and the UK. Most recently he was an Assistant Principal at Surbiton High School - an independent school in South East London. He chose to live in the UK to support his wife Lisa who is a professional opera singer. Despite his most recent travels Jeremy is actually not far from home, having been educated at Mentone Grammar. Jeremy is an accomplished pianist and conductor and has served as the Director of Music for both the Victorian Girls’ Choir and the Victorian Boys’ Choir as well as conductor for the National Childrens’ Choir of Australia. Jeremy is a family man with two young sons who likes to stay active in his spare time running, swimming, playing tennis and playing with his boys. He also loves fishing, and when time permits, cooking.
Award Winning Canteen For a long time we have recognised we are spoilt with the canteen and function catering at BGS, so we were delighted when the BGS Catering Team were recognised as the number one canteen and catering facility amongst independent schools serviced by Compass Group throughout Victoria and Tasmania. Manager, Tim Li and Chef, Edward Seisun collected the prestigious ‘Site of the Year Trophy’ at the annual Compass Group awards on in November. The trophy is now proudly on show in the Senior School Canteen.
Jeremy said “I am looking forward to being part of a school that has a long history and is dedicated to the education of boys, working with the Senior Leadership Team, leading the Middle School staff and students and becoming part of the School community”.
Jeremy Martin
Tim and Eddie from the BGS Catering Team
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HIGH PERFORMANCE COMMUNITY
Headmaster, Ross Featherston, and Amelia with her award.
Amelia wins National Teaching Award
Amelia Barrow, our talented and caring Director of the ELC is one of 60 inspirational teachers from around Australia to win a 2014 ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award. The winners were selected from 120 finalists and 1,000 submissions. The award was announced at the end of October leading up to ‘World Teachers’ Day. The 60 finalists are all in the running to win the State and National awards to be announced early in 2015. Read Amelia’s inspiring profile as published on the NEiTA website.
Amelia is a trailblazer who is leading a boysonly ELC in the female dominated industry of early childhood. Recognising that boys learn differently to girls, Amelia worked closely with architects to create a centre that specifically served boys’ needs and enhanced their development. The result is a building recognised as a flagship ELC by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Over her 15-year career at Brighton Grammar School Amelia has explored pedagogy relating to the learning styles and needs of boys. She has implemented programs such as Behaviour Management; Positive Male Role Modelling and Community Connections and Inclusion (where the ELC hosts clients from a day centre for handicapped adults who work alongside the boys).
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Amelia has also led a team to implement action research on language delays in boys, and, as a trained teacher in impairments and disabilities, she has implemented individualised programs that support the boys and educate staff on current strategies and practice. Praised by parents for her passion, professionalism, vibrant manner and her “sheer hard work”, Amelia is also admired by her colleagues. In 2012 she was selected from a field of 200 staff to win the BGS Teacher of the Year Award.
eLearning Co-ordinator visits Microsoft head office in Tokyo While on the BGS Japanese language and cultural tour in the September school holidays, Cameron Taylor (Coordinator of e-Learning 7-12) visited the Microsoft Head Office in Tokyo. Cameron was invited by an Executive of Microsoft who had visited BGS earlier in the year to share some of the exciting things BGS is
doing with technology with a number of independent boys’ schools from around Tokyo. We were delighted earlier in the year when Microsoft chose to celebrate BGS as
a world leader in utilising Microsoft technology in learning by producing a video showcasing our school and posting it on the Microsoft global website.
Friends of BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL are invited to attend the
GALA DINNER Where 10 high achieving Old Boys will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with some 'Rising Stars'
Thursday 30 April, 2015 The Members Dining Room, Melbourne Cricket Ground Commencing with drinks at 7pm. $145 per person (all inclusive) RSVP by 15 April, 2015 For more details please visit www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au SUMMER 2014/15 13
HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING
BGS Staff recognised for amazing work For a number of years at BGS we have recognised and rewarded staff members who have performed exceptionally well and who have gone over and above in their work at Brighton Grammar School with the ultimate recognition being named BGS Teacher of the Year. This year the process was reviewed and improved through the work of the High Performance Learning Community team. Staff were invited to nominate their colleagues based on an individual’s capacity around three areas: the Australian Teaching standards, the School’s four values and the School’s Strategic Plan. Three levels or tiers of reward and recognition were set that included a cash bonus, a Professional Learning opportunity and public recognition. The following four staff have been recognised at the highest level for their outstanding contribution in 2014.
Chris Johnson AV and IT Technician
Chris was widely recognised for his capacity to assist in a number of areas that enable our various programs to come to life. In particular his role in the Drama Productions, Crowther Lectures, Speech Nights and a variety of other corporate events was much appreciated. Furthermore, in supporting the AV and ICT functionality around the School as well as contributing to the operation of the new Middle School and the Hancock Redevelopment, Chris proved to be a team player who is always willing to do what is required with a constant smile.
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Simone Lewis Middle School Head of Creative Art, Design and Technology
Simone was recognised for her great work in the areas of Creative Arts, the Artist in Residence Program and in assisting with our Drama Productions. Her work in establishing the CDT curriculum and teaching team was most impressive and the space now in place for this program is great. Simone’s leadership of the Artist in Residence program allowed boys to have exposure to the work and thinking of a high calibre artist. Finally her cheerful presence in assisting with the sets involved in our Drama Productions was very much appreciated.
Cameron Taylor
Head of Information technology, Coordinator e-Learning Secondary Cam was recognised for his work in enabling IT and eLearning to become an integral part of our teaching and learning program. His leadership in rolling out The Hub to boys, parents and staff throughout the year involved significant commitment and, while we are still on a journey, this is highly valued from those three stakeholders. Furthermore Cam’s work in the implementation of our laptop program and technology in the new Middle School and the Hancock Wing was excellent. Cam’s commitment and input as part of the Enablement team this year was also appreciated along with his cheerful disposition and willingness to always help colleagues in a variety of areas.
Cindy Van Dijk Junior School Professional Learning Team leader Social and Emotional Learning
Cindy was recognised for her work both as a leading classroom teacher and a leader in implementing the new strategic focus on Growth and Wellbeing in the Junior School. She is recognised for her work as a classroom teacher, mentoring past students and her work in the Growth and Wellbeing space.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING
Individual student achievements
So many of our boys are achieving amazing things outside the School. These are but a few...
In early December Jaxon Putland (Year 6) danced at the Australian Dancing Championships and won his third Australian title in a row. This was especially impressive as he had moved up an age group to Under 16 and had to compete against kids much older and stronger than him.
APS Aths record holders Relay team of Harry Catt (Year 8), Oscar Lewis (Year 7), Aaron Leferink (Year 7) and Will Lam (Year 8) set a new APS record for the U14 4X100 metres.
Another epic swim by Dan On the Melbourne Cup weekend Dan Canta (Year 9) became only the 6th (and youngest) person to swim the notorious Rip from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale - and back! Dan needed to tread water for 15 to 20 mins on the return swim to allow a large ship to pass! Dan is aiming to swim the English Channel later this year and will be raising funds for the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation at the same time. If you would like to support him, his swim is posted as an event on the RCD Foundation website. 16
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Aim it, roll it and hold it! Ben and David Lawlor are 13 year old twins – but not identical and their golf handicaps are not the same either. Ben is off 9 and David is off 20. They are part of the Cheltenham Golf Club Pennant Squad. Ben performed extremely well in 2014 in golf and captained the Cheltenham Colts Team. At the Cheltenham Golf Club Awards night he received four trophies! His awards included Men’s B Grade Championship and the Geoff Ogilvy Trophy by Cheltenham GC for the best Junior at the club in 2014 as is voted by the committee. As well as golf the boys play tennis, football and swim. Another sports highlight for Ben was being a ball boy for Djokovic at the 2013 Australian Open. When asked, ‘Name one thing you would like to do before you die’ Ben replied, “Play golf in every country of the world!”
Billy drafted to Vic Melbourne Rebels
Josh drafted to join the Lions
Billy Gray (Year 12) was selected to join the Victorian Melbourne Rebels under 20 squad for 2015. He has been selected to play with Mark Higginson (OB 2013) another BGS Rugby product. This is what Billy had to say; “This is a full time program that is running for five months. There are five training days a week which include all aspects of Rugby: in the gym, on field and bonding, working on specific skills and gaining combinations in phase play. In February we head to Adelaide for the Nationals where we will play all other states around Australia. I am very honoured to be a part of this squad of 30 boys and to represent my state and my family. I am a ‘bottom aged player’ meaning I can be selected in this team next year.”
Congratulations to Josh Clayton (Year 12) who was picked up by the Brisbane Lions Football Club. SUMMER 2014/15 17
WELLBEING
Walking is man’s best medicine (Hippocrates 500 BC)
There is growing evidence on the harmful consequences of having a sedentary lifestyle – sitting for long periods is now regarded as a health hazard affecting both individual health and a significant enormous cost. The Staff of BGS have partnered with Australian Unity and RMIT in a research project to see if the level of daily physical activity can be increased (and consequently improving health) by wearing a self monitoring device. Even moderate walking lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduces the risk of obvious things like obesity and stress, but also diabetes, vascular stiffness, and inflammation, colon cancer, artery disease, dementia, depression and even erectile dysfunction. (Amanda Hooten, Walk the Walk, The Age, 2014) Australian Unity is working with RMIT and funding the project because they are passionate about finding and using evidence – based cost effective ways to improve health outcomes for their members. Just supplying the FitBits to BGS, which staff can keep after the trial, cost Australian Unity $18,000.
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SOME COOL NUMBERS
86 10,000
staff remained active to the end of the trial
40 Fitbitters had an average of more than 10,000 steps
My max steps in a day has been 22,424. I am sure there are people that have done more than that.”
18,224
Highest Average steps. 10 Fitbitters had an average of more than 15,000 steps
The Fitbit certainly has made me more aware of calorie intake and my weight; apart from walking more, I now have a far more healthier lunch and I’ve lost a few kilos.
113 BGS staff chose to participate in the 8 week trial, each one issued with a Fitbit. The Fitbit Ultra Wireless Activity Tracker tracks daily steps, stairs climbed, distance, calories burned and even your sleep. Each staff member noted their average ‘steps per day’ prior to the trial, set their own new goal for daily steps according to their current fitness level and then was monitored. Participants were spurred along with regular motivational emails from Kay Rogers, Director of Growth and Wellbeing.
Student Wellbeing Committee established This year saw the former Peer Counselling Team program re-invented as the Student Wellbeing Committee with the primary goal of raising awareness for health and wellbeing for the students at Brighton Grammar by having team members around the school who are happy to hear boy’s issues. The team consists of students across Years 9-12 and is led by Dr Amber Kelly. The team meet weekly to exploring ways in which BGS can better promote a greater focus on student wellbeing. As the year unfolded the Committee’s presence slowly grew with regular posts on the noticeboards spreading the news about this new feature of BGS. To kick-start the program the Committee held a BBQ raising awareness for the national ‘R U OK DAY’ which encourages people to start a conversation with a friend, family member or colleague you may be worried about. The Student Wellbeing Committee also ran the Healthy breakfasts provided for free before school for students, further encouraging a healthy lifestyle, during Health and P.E week.
Rohan Martin (Year 11)
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WELLBEING
Yoga in the ELC by Claire Clarke, ELC Specialist Teacher As part of introducing Wellbeing into BGS the ELC4 boys shared a weekly yoga session during Term 3. Through yoga the boys learned to focus on their own body, progressing through a series of balance movements. The highlight of the class was the boys storytelling circle. Each week they heard a different story which wove yoga poses into the narrative using character and location. For example, Pirate yoga! Even now, some time since the classes, I know the boys would confidently recall the mountain, cobra, downward dog, cat, boat and, of course warrior pose. Twenty two ELC4 boys practising a sun salutation in unison is a sight to behold! Because boys are strong visual learners; props are an integral part of learning and we always finished with mindfulness and quiet reflection using yoga stones. Each boy had a smooth, cool glass pebble placed gently on his forehead when he lay on his back, eyes closed. The initial challenge was to lie still without the pebble slipping off. Soon the room was still, the only sound the music playing and the boys thinking of themselves and their breathing. The boys become aware of the present moment, feeling calm, and accepting that this is a moment we are all sharing. Towards the end of Term 3 I was approached by a parent with a video of her son at home, sitting quietly on a coffee table, eyes closed in the lotus position, singing our yoga greeting “Namaste” to his family. She was amazed he had the capacity to do this. I’ve also been told 20 SUMMER 2014/15
other boys have been teaching yoga poses at home. It would appear that the Growth and Wellbeing strategy unrolling for the boys at BGS is looking very healthy in the ELC.
BGS Positive Education champions
Claire Clarke, BGS wellness champion During the September break nine staff, from across BGS, attended a Positive Psychology, Positive Education course at Geelong Grammar School. We spent four long days (6am to 9pm) immersed in an intensive educational experience to enable us to become the ‘champions’ of Positive Education at BGS. We know happy kids learn but our intent is to go beyond this. There is a wealth of global research providing clear evidence students who are flourishing demonstrate strong academic performance. We explored the impact of fixed and growth mindsets and the work of Professor Carol Dweck. We need to teach our boys brains and natural talent are simply the starting point. With a growth mindset natural abilities are not set. Talents can be developed through dedication, persistence and hard work. How we communicate with each other, and how we respond was another interesting topic. We were challenged to consider when talking to our boys • Do you show genuine interest in what he is talking about?
• Are you listening in an active and constructive way? • Are you ‘busy’ and so not giving him the attention he deserves? Is it different with your partner? Your work colleagues? ‘Gratitude’ was an explicit element of the week where time was spent thinking about what was going well in our lives. It was good to be reminded of the human tendency to give more weight to negative rather than positive experiences. We were each given a “Gratitude Journal” as a parting gift and I have since enjoyed remembering and recording the good things in each day. As the week drew to a close I found myself reflecting on what we could take from the Geelong Grammar experience and make it our own. How can we ensure that this branch of positive psychology has our DNA running through it so it is a perfect fit for BGS? If you are interested in some further reading and viewing I can recommend the following: Authentic Happiness. Martin Seligman, 2002. Flourish: A new understanding of happiness and wellbeing. Martin Seligman, 2011 Mindset: The new psychology of success. Carol Dweck, 2006. Happy: The Movie. Written, directed and co-produced by Roko Belic , 2011
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WELLBEING
Faith: laugh, especially at thyself by Stan Marks (OB 1946) Originally published Sydney Morning Herald December 1 2013
No wonder there are comedy clubs - and a faith that laughter, even honest ridicule, can move mountains, change opinions, bring peoples together and combat prejudice, hatred and racism.
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... have great faith in the hidden power of laughter
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Doesn't the world, especially Australia, need more, or even some, faith in that 11th commandment Moses inadvertently omitted from the renowned 10? It is a commandment that experts claim is one of the greatest benefits and blessings to our health. Indeed, it can help us live longer, happier and more rewarding lives. Know it? It is: Thou shalt laugh, especially at thyself. The wonderful gift of laughter and great faith it gives us allows us to confront the slings and arrows we may have to face. Let's remember, no matter who or what we are, we are all headed in the same ultimate direction and destination. My father used to urge that throughout life I should have great faith in the hidden power of laughter and humour, but especially laughter. In all its diverse and engaging forms, it is the greatest faith one could have. Pay attention to the wits, satirists and those who prick vanities, the posturing (especially by our rulers) and, above all, those who take themselves oh so over-seriously. ''Faith in the power of laughter can be one of any [of the] Almighty's blessings,'' he would stress, especially when relating the latest act of chutzpah (or effrontery and presumption plus arrogance and gall). We are seeing it more in our state and federal parliaments and on the world scene in so many ways. You have to laugh or cry, or both - but especially laugh - to safeguard one's faith in oneself, democracy and the rule of law.
Gathering material for children's books about different countries, I found humour travels the world. It can bring people closer. It always seems funnier if a laughter-inducing episode happens to someone else - as I have found when trying to ape the old banana-skin routine or very amateurishly, those laughter-making incidents of Charlie Chaplin. A key ingredient in the News and Views sessions I run for over-50s is humour in general and laughter in particular. The group, including three over-90s, recently said a laugh a day was their key to living and always had been. ''That's why I am 90,'' one insisted. In these difficult economic times remember - laughter and faith in it is free! SUMMER 2014/15 23
INNOVATION AND LEARNING
Pirates of Penzance
The Year 6 students of Firbank Grammar and BGS collaborated together brilliantly in the 2014 production Pirates of Penzance Jr. The singing, the dancing, the costumes, the energy – what a great show! 24 SUMMER 2014/15
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INNOVATION AND LEARNING
Trial Syndicate program proves a success Ray Swann, Head of Senior School, with the support of Dick Bartlett, Head of Rowing, undertook an exciting pilot program in 2014 with Year 12 boys to explore how the high performance coaching strategies adopted by high performing sports teams could be transferred into the academic environment. As the program came be known ‘The Syndicate’, Ray opened the opportunity to all Year 12 boys and about 20 boys of various academic abilities self selected to be involved. The Syndicate focused on teaching the boys a range of high performance study skills through a series of early Saturday morning lectures (after the end of the winter sports season) followed by group work where the boys worked in syndicates with other boys who were studying the same subjects. Early feedback from parents, teachers and most importantly the boys and their VCE results has led to an expansion of The Syndicate program where it is timetabled into every Year 12 boy’s week from 2015. The benefits of the program include • a structured forum for boys to exchange their expertise with peers • it encouraged ‘friendly’ competition between the boys • it made it ok to really explore the English texts discussing quotes and what they mean • it created a sense of team, a single focus, with all the boys wanting to achieve to the best of their ability 26 SUMMER 2014/15
Ray Swann, Head of Senior School
• group study on weekends and during swot vac • more swot vac study was done at school with easy access to peers and subject teachers Several boys sent feedback to Ray about the program and while details varied the overall theme was picked up in Will Simon’s comment ‘Thanks for the program; I think we’re all pretty happy we decided to take part’. An area in the re-developed Hancock Wing has been designed especially to be the home of the Syndicate program.
Artist in Residence Matthew Johnson
One of the collaborative pieces the boys created under artist in residence Matthew Johnson
We were delighted to welcome renowned Australian abstract painter Matthew Johnson as our first Artist in residence working with the Middle and Senior School boys in Terms 3 and 4. Matthew comes to us hot off his sell out exhibition that was held in Sydney during the holidays. This valued experience for the boys to work with and be mentored by a successful professional artist was made possible through the generous support of BGS parents David and Mim Hayes (parents of Charlie and Sam). On his arrival Matthew explained “For the last 25 years I have been exhibiting and working as a professional artist. My work has been exhibited both nationally and international and represented in prominent private and public collections throughout Australia.” “Apart from my main practice of painting I have over the last 15 years worked and collaborated with some of Australia’s leading architects on both public and private commissions and projects.” “As a visual artist I am excited to be part of Brighton Grammar School as artist in residence this term”.
Matthew was also one of the judges in the 2014 iDesign competition along with Christopher Ride and Adrian Finlayson.
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INNOVATION AND LEARNING
BGS Sea Change
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Cape York
A group of twelve boys and three teachers travelled to Kowanyama on Cape York for the second time this year as part of the BGS Sea Change program under the ‘community experience’. The visit was educational, eye opening and enjoyable. The boys visited the Kowanyama State School, on many occasions assisting with teaching as well as learning, camped at Topsy Creek with local leaders Viv Sinnamon and Priscilla Major, fished and learned about indigenous culture and heritage, as well as the challenges of living in a remote community like Kowanyama.
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As the French teacher to many of them, I was very impressed with their willingness to use and to apply what they had learnt in class.”
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Karine Coste
New Caledonia Nineteen Year 9 students studying French and I travelled to the French speaking island of NewCaledonia as a part of the Sea Change program. During our eight night stay we partook in a range of activities and visited many beautiful places. I think for most boys the highlight was the Segway tour. Not only was learning how to ride a Segway fun but the tour itself taught us all about the area and its history. Another highlight for many was the trip to Amédéé Island. Here we were able to snorkel in the crystal blue waters and take a short five minute walk around the island. However, New-Caledonia was not just sun and beaches. On three mornings everyone enjoyed a 90 minute French lesson. On our last night we were able to experience a cultural dance as we enjoyed our last meal together before we returned to Melbourne. This trip was a certainly a great opportunity to learn French in a different way than we would normally. James Barber, Year 9
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INNOVATION AND LEARNING
Year 8 students attend Engineers Australia Convention 2014 In November 24 Year 8 Extension Studies students attended the Engineers Australia Convention 2014 held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. Mr Stephen Durkin, BGS parent and CEO of Engineers Australia, facilitated this incredible opportunity. We had a personal chaperone for the day and prior to the first session were fortunate to be invited to meet the Keynote speaker Cadel Evans, Australia’s most successful road cyclist and winner of the 2011 Tour de France. He was fantastic with the boys and answered questions before posing for photographs. We enjoyed a discussion ‘The Sport of Business’ - exploring how business takes example from sport leadership. They discussed factors such as innovation, motivation and the organisation, and also reviewed the more recent influence that innovation and technology have had on the changing face of sport. Hosted by Steve Quartermain the panel comprised Cadel Evans, Siemens CEO Jeff Connolly and Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. We attended the Siemens Graduate Workshop and learned there has never been a more important time for engineers to understand existing technologies and how they can be employed to help companies become more efficient, reduce operating costs and become more competitive. 32 SUMMER 2014/15
I would like to thank you for a truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience that we will never forget. Scott
Thank you for allowing our class to come to the Engineers Australia Convention 2014. It was a great experience for me and has helped me to understand engineering better, and I now see it as a career option for the future. Ethan
After the Engineering Convention I feel more confident about what engineering is about and what I would like to do in the future. I appreciate your work in organising our attendance to this event. Azmain I thoroughly enjoyed the car exhibit where we had to test our reaction speeds to see who would win. This experience taught me a lot about engineering and has made me think that a career in engineering could be possible.
Callum Drake won a signed Cadel Evans cycle top for asking one of the few questions posed to the panel of engineers. We had a session with the military highlighting career paths for engineers in the defence forces. This was an eye opener for many with the option of having their fees paid along with receiving an allowance being an attractive incentive and food for thought. The session following lunch looked at F1 in schools where the boys got to race model cars down a 30 metre track at over 80kmph. The F1 in Schools Technology Challenge is the world’s largest secondary school technology program. It involves over nine million students from 17,000 schools in 31 nations. Consequently BGS will be involved in this program in 2015. We also saw Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 world championship winning car and met a range of inspiring engineers, and heard stories from those whose lives have been touched by humanitarian engineering.
Jamie Watson, Extension Studies teacher
Finn SUMMER 2014/15 33
THREE CORNERED PARTNERSHIP
International Parent Support Group end of year reception
On the last Sunday in October a large group of parents from our international community gathered for the annual end of year party in the Nexus of the Middle School. Hosted by the IPSG committee and facilitator Maggie Lynch, it was delightful to hear the enthusiastic chatter amongst our expat community. As always, the spread of food was delicious with many guests each bringing plate of nibbles from their national cuisine.
34 SUMMER 2014/15
Year 8 Father & Son Getaway Bright sunshine greeted over 100 fathers and sons for the Getaway. Aimed at providing fathers and sons the opportunity to spend quality time together undertaking a range of activities that they might not usually embark on. The day was divided into three sessions whereby fathers and sons completed a range of physical and passive activities. An option of sea kayaking at Brighton Beach or undertaking The Amazing Race around Brighton kept groups on their feet, while a visiting African drumming quintet had all up and about throughout the afternoon. On a more passive note, acclaimed psychologist specialising in the wellbeing of young people and their families. Andrew Fuller, was on-hand to run a highly entertaining session for all, while Mr Watson strained brains with one of his signature initiative challenges. Rotating activities were followed by the ‘Boys’ Choice’ activity, in which boys could choose what it was they wanted to do with their fathers while using all facilities the School had to offer. The highlight of this session was an ‘all-in’ soccer game on the Mitchell Oval that lasted over two hours; undoubtedly there were many hamstrings being iced later that evening! The 12-hour program concluded with a hearty spit-roast dinner in the Nexus that proved vital for refuelling tired bodies.
Anthony Keane & Tim Marshall Heads of Year 8
SUMMER 2014/15 35
THREE CORNERED PARTNERSHIP
What is Sh@re Community Campus? Share Community Campus is an initiative of Firbank and BGS where our facilities are shared with external users, primarily children’s program providers, after school, on weekends or during school holidays.
Sonia with William McInnes and Jon Faine at the ABC.
We have almost 10,000 attending programs each year, and 90% of those are not from FGS or BGS!
What’s on offer?
Sh@re had almost 60 different providers offer programs during 2014. Those programs attracted children from over 150 schools. The range of programs offered by Sh@re are broad, varied and forever changing. Art, Computing, Education, Personal Development, Sporting and General or Specialised programs are available for children or adults.
What were the highlights for 2014?
• Establishing new programs including golf singing and homework/learning clubs • Offering seminars for parents on resilience and bullying with gold coin donations raising $500 for The Smith Family Winter Appeal and the Fred Hollows Foundation • Having Men’s Shed members becoming teachers of students, while contributing to their own wellbeing • Over $5,000 donated by Sh@re providers to individuals and groups in need eg scholarships to attend programs, sponsorship or fundraising for families with health or financial difficulties • Watching programs grow, for example, Salspell, which focuses on reading and spelling, growing from a small class of one hour a week two years ago, to operating 4 days a week, including all day Saturday and Sunday • Joining a panel on Jon Faine’s Conversation Hour (ABC radio) to discuss holidays and the benefits of attending programs (and being fortunate to meet William McInnes!) 36 SUMMER 2014/15
Sh@re Community Campus
Brighton Grammar School Crowther Lecture Series
It was time to talk about his time online Once again our parent community demonstrated a hunger for open, honest and expert advice about the challenges of raising their sons in the 21st century when approximately 350 attended our second Crowther Lecture which explored the online world of gaming, gambling and pornography. The audience enjoyed three expert presentations. Daniel Donahoo discussed the positives, dangers and myths around gaming. Dan is a researcher and author interested in childhood learning and development, and technology. He has published two books, Idolising Children and Adproofing Your Kids. He is a contributor to GeekDad.com and tweets @ddonahoo and can be found at danieldonahoo.com Gambling, both generally and online, was discussed by Sally Gissing. Sally is an Educator with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. She introduced 28 year old Matt Torcasio, Ambassador for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, who gave a moving account of his 9 year experience addicted to gambling and how he overcame this vice. Matt highlighted how the face of gambling has changed. Rather than something you might engage in occasionally it has become normalised as something that is easily accessible from home 24/7.
FREE PARENT FORUM
Without doubt, the most confronting and maybe most memorable address was pornography. The audience was horrified to learn 30% of internet traffic is porn related. Research shows pornography has become the most common educator of young people teaching about sex and sexual relationships. This address was given by Maree Crabbe who coordinates Brophy Family and Youth Services’ community education project Reality & Risk: Pornography, young people and sexuality. She is Co-Producer and Co-Director of the documentary film Love and Sex in an Age of Pornography, and author of In the Picture – a whole school resource to assist secondary schools to address the influence of explicit sexual imagery.
Feedback from parents included: “It is reassuring to know the school is willing to tackle the hard subjects and bring these topics out into the open and obtain excellent speakers to share their knowledge with us.” “Tonight’s Crowther lecture addressed tricky topics in an accessible and clear way that instils the confidence in me as a parent to deal with these issues knowing I have the support of the fabulous BGS staff and community” ‘“I am looking forward to the next lecture – whatever it is.” SUMMER 2014/15 37
ENABLEMENT
ROBERT SANDERSON CENTENARY HALL gets a facelift This year is 35 years since the opening of ‘The Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall’. Since then the Hall has been a venue for plays, concerts, assemblies, functions, lectures, debating, meetings, exhibitions, reunions and more. In 1977 responsibility for fundraising $400,000 to fund the hall was placed in the hands of a committee led by Chairman, Bob Hamilton. 38 SUMMER 2014/15
Prof Phillip Hamilton, son of Campaign Chairman, Bob Hamilton, revisiting ‘The Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall’ with Peter Toms
Bob’s inspirational leadership and his enthusiasm, coupled with the hard work of the committee ensured that 90% of the target was reached before a sod of earth was turned. Over the summer break the Hall has undergone a refurbishment which will enhance the ambience for the future.
Modern learning in old exterior
The second half of 2014 saw an amazing transformation of the learning spaces in the Hancock Wing of the Senior School, one of the oldest parts of the School. The first floor footprint which housed six traditional classrooms, a long dim hallway and a larger multipurpose space at the end has been opened up and reconfigured to accommodate a range of light, spacious and appealing learning spaces. In the last week of Term 4 2014, a number of the 2015 Year 11 and 12 boys explored the new spaces and were ‘blown away’. We will feature the transformed Hancock Wing in the midyear edition of the Meliora once the boys and staff have settled in. SUMMER 2014/15 39
$1.4m Our culture of philanthropy is growing
In 2014 you, our community, donated $1.4 million to BGS which is a record level of philanthropic support for our school! We are so delighted that an increasing number of people are choosing to support the School in this way because each act of generosity leaves BGS a better place to provide for our boys. It is always important to remember that 100% of donations made to the School are kept completely separate from operational funds and directed to specific projects and programs. Thank you to all those who supported the 2014 Annual Giving Appeal, Middle School Appeal, Scholarship Fund, became a member of our bequest program, made voluntary fee contributions or was a member of the School Sponsorship program. What is truly amazing is that the $1.4 million does not include any of the thousands of dollars raised by the various parent support groups and sports clubs. Thanks to these hard working parent groups too. 40 SUMMER 2014/15
Annual Giving
Each year we have an Annual Giving Appeal to provide the opportunity to everyone in the community (parents, grandparents, Old Boys, staff, suppliers, friends) to support a short term project that will have an immediate benefit to the boys. Collectively, many small donations makes a big impact! The 2014 Annual Giving Appeal sought donations to create a dedicated Junior School science space to support the very popular Science and Technology program, or to assist fund the transformation of the Hancock Wing in the Senior School. Old Boys were also offered the opportunity to support the School Scholarship Fund. In 2014 124 people chose to support our Annual Giving Appeal and it is our goal to double that to 248 donors supporting the 2015 Appeal.
m
Headmaster along with Dylan and Paul and Christine Comport.
Donors meet young man whose life was transformed due to their generosity Eyes welled and faces beamed at a meeting just before Christmas between past parents Paul and Christine Comport and Old Boy Dylan Alcott (2008). Most in our community are aware of the extraordinary success of Dylan who is an Olympic gold medal winning wheel chair basketballer and currently number 2 in the world in wheelchair tennis, among other things. This was the first time Dylan met the people who generosity allowed him to attend Brighton Grammar from Year 5. The Mark Comport Scholarship was established many years ago by Paul and Christine Comport in memory of their delightful son Mark who attended the Junior School from ELC to his passing in Year 6. It is a scholarship specifically for a disabled boy.
While Dylan was humbled to meet his benefactors, and was passionate in ensuring they realised just how grateful he was; likewise the Comports were visibly impressed and moved by all Dylan has achieved and delighted to have been able to play a part in his success. Dylan commented after the meeting, “It was great to finally meet the Comports. I have thought about them many times since leaving BGS and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without their generosity.” As Dylan points out, the power of a scholarship can be transformational. If you would like to discuss supporting our tax deductable scholarship fund to provide others with the gift of opportunity, please contact John Phillips, Director of Advancement, on 8591 2280. SUMMER 2014/15 41
ENABLEMENT
BGS establishes an Endowment for Asian Studies BGS has established the Urwin Asian Studies Endowment Fund made possible with an anonymous and very large gift from a past parent. It is planned that the Fund will support our boys developing a deeper knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the history, geography, culture,
arts and literature of the diverse countries of Asia. This will occur through teacher development and exchange, increased student study tours and exchanges
in Asia and forming alliances and connections with industry. Donations from others interested in supporting this initiative are welcomed.
Instilling a love of reading A lack of access to books through poverty while growing up in mainland China has prompted a very generous donation to the BGS Library Fund from BGS Parent Eddie X’Lingson. Eddie is passionate about supporting the School to instil a love of reading in every boy. Eddie and his wife Chenn’s generous gift also recognises the seven years their son Jerry spent in the Junior School. Eddie and Chinn X’LIngson with son Jerry in the Junior School Library
42 SUMMER 2014/15
Themi Sitzoukis Tennis Court
One of the Middle School tennis courts has been named after Themi Sitzoukis, Tennis Co – Captain 2015, in recognition of a very generous gift made to the School by his parents Paul and Sophia Sitzoukis.
Our sponsorship program continues to grow During the year we were delighted to welcome three new sponsors to BGS. Shining Knight, a cleaning company owned by BGS parents Arthur and Kim Calcatjicos, RateOne, a mortgage broking company owned by past BGS parents Claude and Trish Rotstein and BPM, property developers, owned by BGS parent Jonathan Hallinan. The support of our three new sponsors have certainly assisted to cement our position as having the largest school based sponsorship program in Australia! Thanks to all our sponsors who each year contribute more than $200,000 in cash and in kind support to BGS.
SUMMER 2014/15 43
Abramovich, Mark & Adele
Brewster, Tony
Cooray, Ralph & Samantha
Adams, Gareth & Jo
Briggs, Scott (‘99)
Court, Peter & Tessa
Adams, Geoffrey & Amanda
Britten, Laurence & Kate
Adams, Roger & Lorraine
Brooks, George & Julie-Ann
Crawshaw, Andrew & Deanna
Agar, James (‘64)
Bryan, Dean & Jackie
Agarwal, Dinesh & Manju
Bryant, Peter (‘56)
Ahrbeck, Joanne
Brydon, Carolyn
Akinci, Ismail & Christiana
Buckingham, Wayne & Emma
Alesi, Joseph & Angela Andrews, Gary & Luisa
Burnell, Andrew & Cat Rossiter (‘78)
Annal, Darren & Maria Graetsch
Burvill, Stuart & Jacqueline
Allen, Margaret
Recognising our donors in 2014 Our current students benefit from the generosity of past generations of Old Boys, Past Parents, Staff and members of the wider School Community, as students of the future will benefit from the philanthropic support of today's BGS Community. Thank you to all the donors who wish to remain anonymous.
Apak, Stephen & Sue Ashman, David & Vanessa Atkinson, Michael (‘55) Avats, Roger & Olivia Avis, Mark & Lisa Ayers, Kenneth & Leanne Badger, Ann Baidawi, Kamal & Magda Edan Baines, Andrew & Paula Baker, Libby Balmer, Tim & Anita Banfield, Kevin & Amanda Barber, Andrew Barnes, Jeffrey & Jane Barreto, Alex & Maura Bassat, Andrew (‘83) Bates, Paul & Fiona Batterham, Robin (‘59) Baylis, Andrew Beck, Andrew & Roisin (‘78) Begg, Jim & Marian (‘58) Belcher, Dennis (‘55) Belcher, James & Tracy Bellmaine Drewe (‘72) Benton, Wayne & Georgina Berry, Duncan & Stephanie Berry, Russell & Janelle Beycher, Yakov & Oksana Beitcher Bezencon, Tim & Tania Binnie, Richard & Rachael Bird, Stephen & Christin Black, James & Megan Ryan Bortolussi, John & Catherine Bottomley, Chris & Ingrid (‘62) Bourde, Gilles & Frederique Bourke, Colin & Imelda Bowell. Geoffrey (‘48) Braddon, John & Kathy Brewer, Mark & Susan
44 SUMMER 2014/15
Burt, Roland Buscombe, Rick & Emma Bushby, Adam (‘99) Calcatjicos, Arthur & Kim Campigli, John & Monica Canham, Jeremy & Julie Carli, Damon (‘04) Carne, Ignasi & Carmen De Godo Carson, Douglas (‘60) Carter, Andrew & Kay Catalano, Shara Catt, Matthew & Vanessa Chan, Michael & Nadine Chand, Kelvin & Julia Chapman, Ian & Michelle Charlton, Jamie & Kath Marshall Chen, Ka-Yee
Crennan, Daniel & Laura Crewdson, David & Chris (‘95) Crocker, Darren & Marcia Cruse, Rob & Anita ScottMurphy Cummins, Richard & Elizabeth Burke (‘77) Curtis, Rob & Silvana Apolito Dalal, Gillad & Tara Stewart Dang, Ton & Yumeng Liu D’Assisi, Tony & Sophie Davies, Peter & Carolyn Davis, Chris & Kirsty Dawes, Nick & Jenny De Almeida, Kevin (‘04) De Worsop, Geoffrey & Karen De Worsop, James & Karen Dekker, John & Leonie Delic, Simon & Suzi Bilosh Dials, Christopher & Kathy Dick, Gaynor Dickson, Ian & Lisa Dwyer Dickson, John & Fiona Ding, Ding & Hao Wu
Chen, Michael & Tina Qui-Chen
Donald, Andrew & Madeleine
Chen, Shi Wei & Sui Sheng Lao
Draheim, Matthew & Lisa
Chen, Yan & Hao Sun Chessells, Merv & Jacquie Chilcott, Glenn & Michelle Childs, Brendan & Stacie
Downs, Jamie & Jo Drake, Martin & Julie Du Plessis, Paul & Michelle Du, John & Cindy Yu Duan, Kevin & Melody Liang
Chong, Alan
Dudfield, Robert (‘67)
Christodoulou, Chris & Julie Roberts
Duncan, Tim & Margaret Dundee, Michael (‘62)
Cinque, Tony & Lisa
Dunsby, Warren & Kirsten
Clapp, Chris & Sally
Durham, Geoffrey & Selena
Clayton, Scott & Jacinta
Durkin, Stephen & Deborah Rattray
Clements, David Colaci, Pino & Karen
Durrant, Benjamin (‘94)
Cole, Peter & Bronwyn
Dwyer, Sam
Cole, Rown & Janine Mitchell
Eden, Wells & Marjorie (‘47) Estella, Simon & Dayle
Coleman, Darren & Virginia
Evans, Arthur (‘33)
Collie, Robert & Jenny
Evans, Ben & Paula
Connell, Andrew & Melissa
Evans, Cheryl
Cook, Gina
Evans, Peter (‘48)
Cooper, Neale & Cheryl Davis
Evans, Tony (‘71)
Farrow, Ian & Annie
Haralambakis, George & Helen
Johnson, Sandy (‘63)
Lipovetsky, Max & Rho
Hare, Bill & Eugenie (‘84)
Jones, Brendan (‘86)
Liu, Leo & Catherine Yue
Jones, Gary & Jennifer (‘72)
Liu, Shelly & Shelly Yu
Jones, Neil & Laura
Lohan, Paul & Susanna
Jones, Reg (‘33)
Lombard, Reece & Jacqui
Hayes, David & Mim
Jones, Stephen & Georgina Grigoriou (‘71)
Longley, Nick & Su
Hayes, Mark & Jennifer
Jones, Tim & BB Kamsiha
Haymes, Chris (‘64)
Judah, Mark & Debora
Lorenz, Michael & Rosemary
Fisher, Michael & Tracy Fitzgerald, Andrew & Penelope
He, Carl
Kafaltis, Chris & Vicki
Lou, Songtao & Chunping Wang
Heaton, Alex & Rachael
Kantounatakis, Paul & Natalie
Loycke, Christine
Fitzgerald, Andrew & Rhona
Heffernan, Glenn (‘84)
Kastrinakis, Steven & Dora
Lu, Jianfeng & Shuhong Weng
Fleming, Peter (‘55)
Henley, Paul (‘87)
Flockart, Peter & Katie
Hennig, Ian (‘60)
Kauiers, Lee & Madeline Philip
Luangmahanaka, Teerapoj & Kamanee
Foreman, Ian (‘66)
Hepples, Ian & Emma
Keats, Steven & Leanne Raven
Luxton, Barry (‘53)
Forster, Kenneth (‘37)
Hernadi, Tim & Melissa
Keenan, Joseph & Carolina
Lynch, Adrian (‘94)
Franklyn, David & Lucy
Hick, Alastair & Caroline
Keenan, Kevin & Kym Willis
Lynch, Andrew (‘07)
Fujiwara, Akihito & Keiko
Kellaway, Peter (‘55)
Lynch, Frank & Maggie OAM
Furey, Peter & Jenny
Hickey, Chris & Mandy BirdHickey
Kelly, Tim & Lindy
Ma, Jun & Yize Man
Galinas, John & Dianne Noulikas
Hill, Adrian & Georgina
Kerr, Stephen & Odette (‘90)
MacMillan, John
Hill, Alistair & Margaret
Khan, Saleem
MacSweeney, Donal & Megan
Galindo Neumann, Sergio & Vanessa Freire Dacal
Hipwell, Greg & Trina
Kiehl, Daniel & Michelle
Madden, David (‘34)
Hirasedo, Motoi & Victoria Ding
Konidaris, Stan & Mary Kalabishis
Maher, Steve & Carly
Hodges, Rohan & Anna
Kononchuk, Andrey & Olga
Horth, Geoff & Colleen
Konstas, George & Georgia
Mannion, Michael & Louise Mitchell
Horton, Noelene
Koodak, Michael (‘58)
Marais, Robert & Sue
Houridis, Harry & Sophie
Kosenda, Ruben & Maya Santoso
Marszalek, Paula
Krok, Eugene & Melissa Kulesza, Aleksander & Anette
Maslen, Ian & Mikael Bradshaw-Maslen
Kwong, James & Kyeong
Mason, Richard & Kristine
Kyparisis, Jim & Helen Mastos
Massuger, Steven & Karen Sketchley
Kyte, Paul & Ruth
Matheou, Nicos & Connie
Lai, Jun & Chunyan Zhou
May, Jo & Jules
Lally-Jolles, Kerrie
McCalman, Geoff (‘57)
Langdon, Timothy & Margaret Duncan
McConville, Niall & Clare
Featherston. Ross & Rosie Felicetti, Peter & Anita Fernald, Rodney (‘53) Field, Adrian & Candice Field, Cameron & Amanda Field, David & Vanessa Findlay, Vance (‘61)
Gedge, Geoff & Sarah AdamGedge Gendala, Troy & Simone (‘92) Giannatos, Theo & Kym Gibney, Bill & Triecia Gill, Brendan & Jacquie Gilmour, David Glasson, Michael (‘69) Gong, George & Jennifer Xie Gong, Greg & Omega Pott Goodger, Darran & Terry Goodman, Rick (‘04) Gotze, David & Evi Gray, Jason Gray, Roger & Kerrie Haughton Gregory, Cameron & Susie Gribble, Darren (‘56) Grummitt, Neil & Mavis (‘54) Guillot, Luca & Ilaria Haddon, Matt & Rachael Haikerwal, Deepak & Anjali (‘82) Hall, Robert & Tania Hallinan, Jonathan & Fleur Hamilton, Eammon & Flora Hamilton, Ian & Margaret Hankinson, Roger & Netta (‘51) Hanna, Mil & Megan Hansen, David & Penelope
Harland, Sarah Harvey, Darren & Jacqueline Hathway, Rod & Joanne
Howe, Tony & Amanda Hu, Goben & Paula Zhuang Hua, Tao & Jan Zhou Hudghton, Max & Anya Hughes, Christopher & Louise Humadi, Ali & Sulaf Dawood Hurd, Tony & Jodi Hutchins, Wayne & Jane Hutson, Malcolm Hyett, Peter (‘50) Ianuali, Pat & Emily Ilhan, Patricia Inagaki, Toshihiro & Kyoko Inglis, Stephen & Moya Ingram, Terry Interactive Pty Ltd Isaacson, Peter & Anne (‘37) Izmaylov, Sergei & Victoria Jacob, Tom (‘72) Jeffery, Mark & Elizabeth Jennings, Brett & Heidi Jiang, Liming & Grace Guan Jiang, Lin & Hong Qian Jiang, Peter & Liya Guan Jiang, Xiaojin & Rong Dai Jing, Renfu & Amy Tang Johnson, David & Sandy (‘79)
Lawson, Guy & Janine Hannaford Lee, Seong Han & Young Kyur Lee Lee, Tony & Irene Levine, Richard & Julie Lewis, Elliott & Nicole Li, Jie & Yuan Hony Qin Li, Jinhua & Qianyi Kang Li, Peter & Jin Cai Li, Ping Ping
Longmire, David & Fiona
Mallinson, Deborah
Maru, Utpal & Harini
McCormack, David & Felicia Beilby (‘90) McDonald, Michael & Amanda McDowell, Simon & Averil McFadden, Chris & Lisa Comben McGrath, Mike & Sandy McGregor, Bruce & Brigitte McInerney, John & Nicole McIntyre, Peter & Sheree McKenzie, Allan (‘67)
Li, Yan & Lilian Ye
McKeown, Jonathan & Caoimhe
Liang, Huang & Cathy He
McKie, Kenyon & Kim
Liang, Wie & Jui Wang
McKinnon, Peter (‘59)
Liao, Huizhen & Diana Zhang
McKinnon, Rob (‘61)
Liddle, David & Kim
Meik, David (‘59)
SUMMER 2014/15 45
Merry, John (‘55)
Palmer, James & Stacey
Roberts, Susie
Stewart, Robert & Nat
Mews, Colin (‘50)
Paraskevas, Steve & Nefeli
Robins, Kevin
Stow, Luke & Tamsin
Micari, Gerry & Jodi
Paraskiv, Chris & Nicole
Strahan, Clarke & Cathie
Middendorp, Nicholas & Joanne (‘79)
Parlane, Gerard & Priscilla Pettengell
Rochanakij, Michael & Jenny McCoy Romeo, Tony & Mandy
Middlemiss, Susan
Paroissien, Ian & Barbara (‘69)
Ross. Paul & Jennine (‘88)
Strintzos, Keith & Morf
Mifsud, Jason & Teena
Parsons Andrew & Lana
Rozentoul, Boris & Hsin Pan
Miller, Gyles & Cath Palreyman
Parsons, Stuart & Jodie
Runacres, Colin & Lee
Miller, Pia
Pascoe, Brian & Ruth
Russell, Leigh & Kathy
Minihan, Gary (‘79)
Paterson, Ian
Sakeson, Andrew & Tane
Mirmilstein, Vadim & Elena
Paterson, Rick & Dayna (‘88)
Sakimoto, Masao & Kyoko
Mitchell, Dwayne & Kim
Patterson, Mark & Caitlin
Salis, Scott & Sonia
Mitchell, Mark (‘83)
Payne, Phil & Sonia Wagner
Sandiford, Craig & Carolyn
Mitnovetski, Sergei & Oksana
Pearl, Laurence (‘50)
Sarris, Nick & Amie
Mitrevski, Peter & Belinda
Pearse, Ken & Elizabeth
Sata, Yusuke & Mika
Moffat, Andrew & Carole
Peers, Harry (‘43)
Saunders, Steve & Tam
Takahashi, Allan & Maria Elvijanti
Moir, Andrew & Rebecca
Penca, Andrew & Laurie
Scott-Murphy, Anita
Tang, Cherie
Moncrieff, John & Traci
Peng, James & Lynette
Scriven, Colin & Gail
Tang, Zong Jian & Yu Hua Chen
Montanaro, Anthony & Tanja Boxelaar
Perry, John & Heather
Segar, Kylie Semenov, George & Valentina
Tavassoli, Masih & Michaela Fellner
Moore, Chris & Jennifer
Peters, Stanl & Lorraine Petersen, Kristian & Kerry O’Brien
Semmens, Gavin & Lisa
Phillips, Graeme & Sarah
Shen, Dong Jun & Elma Ma
Morgan, David & Margie Danchin (‘87) Morgan, Ewan (‘64) Morley, Kim Mottram, Philip & Cathy Leembruggen Moulton, Roger (‘64) Murphy, Mark & Sarah Murphy, Paul Murphy, Richard & Jacqueline Murphy, Shaun & Debbie Murphy, Stephen & Larissa Nankervis, Priscilla Neville, Roderick Ni, Jimmy & Fiona Zhang Niboshi, Hideaki & Mika
Phillips, John Phung, John & Lucy Hong Pitcher, Michael (‘72) Platt, Stephen & Carolyn Post, Andrew & Sue Quill Poulter, Andrew & Julie-Anne Poynter, Jim (‘34) Priestley, John (‘75) Priestley, Robert (78) Prosser, Phillip & Sheelagh Wood Provis, Huw & Jacqui Pryor, Barry (‘57)
Nicholas, James & Ines
Pucovski, Jan & Jules DennettPucovski
Nicholson, Max (‘47)
Purcell, Ray & Cathrin
Norris, Pat
Putland, Darren & Lecia
O’Connor, Matt & Anthea
Qin, Xiaodong & Weijuan Chen
O’Hare, Matthew & Kellee
Quill, Mike & Basia
O’Kane, John
Raphael, Joe & Jacqueline
Old Brighton Grammarian Society
Rathmayr, Erik & Belinda
O’Leary, Steve & Sue
Reeve, Peter & Anne
Oliver, Ken & Tracey Olivier, Corne & Janine Osborne, Michael (‘85) Oswald, Shayne & Jayne Ou, Ruchong & Hua Sun Oxlade, John & Liz Palai, Ashish & Jo Chauhan Palillo, Vincenzo & Bianca Buccheri
46 SUMMER 2014/15
Rearick, Mark & Christina Reid, Chris & Isobel Reilly, Dean & Sonja Reith, Simon & Kate (‘92) Richardson, Jon & Emma Riddell, Mark & Janet Riordan, Tim & Michelle Roberts, Blair & Lisa Roberts, Campbell & Bronwyn Roberts, Digby & Penny (‘86)
Sheldrick, Nick & Heather Shen, Roger & Amy Shen, Tim & Wendy Jia Sherborne, Tom & Louise Shu, Shiho & Sachiko Shulin, Oleg & Nataliya Shulina Simon, Richard & Pamela (‘79) Simpson, John & Brenda (‘53) Sims, Nick & Georgina Sitzoukis, Paul & Sophia Skene, Stuart & Sharnie Skocic, Mark & Christalia Smith, Geoffrey & Carolyn Smith, John & Kim Smith, Micah (‘94) Sorensen, Erling & Kim Speirs, David & Melita Spence, Cameron (‘90) Spencer, Simone Stankovich, Thomas & Shannon Start, Rowan & Amanda Stavrakis, Bill & Carli Stavrellis, Harry & Helen Stedman, Colin (‘44) Stent, Adam (‘82)
Stretch, Nick & Felicity Stroud, Guyan & Marlo Su, Xiong & Guanghua Yao Sum, Mike & Alison Summerfield, Tony & Stephanie Summers, Merrick (‘41) Sun, Yingnan Svensen, Gary & Alissa Roberts Symon, Graham (‘49) Tadgell, Clive (‘50)
Taylor, Bonnie Taylor, Priscilla Tellefson, Fiona & Peter Tempest, Harley (‘94) Terry, Gavin & Jeannette Stone (‘85) Thomas, Andrew & Tania Thomas, Rick (‘64) Thomson, George (‘51) Thomson, Lachie (‘51) Thomson, Paul & Petra (‘86) Tian, Rui & ChenJing Yin Toms, Peter Tomsic, Mark & Tania Tongs, Paul & Jane Tonkin, Neil (‘62) Tracey, Owen & Kerree Kerr Travers, Sam & Nicole Tremlett, Doug & Alana Scanlan Trevillian, Paul & Robyn Healy Tsindos, Harry & Veneta Tucker, Geoff & Sarah Turner, Steven & Wendy Wild Twycross, Mark & Lisa Tyler, Rob & Finola Ugrinovski, Robert & Maria Umeda, Hironobu & Rika
Stephens, Monty
Urwin, Michael
Stevens, Anthony & Tiffany Overend- Stevens
Wade, John (‘64)
van Wetering, Natalie
Stewart, Ewen & Danielle Mansfield
Walch, Greg & Nola
Stewart, Graeme & Melissa
Walsh, Sam OA (‘67)
Stewart, Paul & Jean
Walton, Jeffrey & Kathryn
Stewart, Rob & Hope
Wang, Qi & Jie Xiang
Wallace, Gregory & Deb
Wang, Zhi Ming & Hong Yan Guo
Zerial, Simone
Burt, David (‘47)^
Renouf, Timothy (‘74)
Warlond, Jason & Meilin Tse
Zhang, Jian & Ping Wang
Burt, Diana
Robertson, Ian (‘74)
Zhang, Jian & Yan Yang
Cameron, Don (‘51)
Robertson, Ken (‘68)
Zhang, Yong & Wang Cuixian
Cameron, Jill
Robertson, Maggie
Zhang, Zhen Biao & Xiao Hua
Chapman, Bruce (‘53)
Robinson, Keith (‘45)
Warman, Paul & Belinda Warner, Todd & Christine Warren, Andrew & Suzie MacLeod Warrington, Matthew & Janene Davis Wartman, Nick & Kendal (‘90) Watling, Peter (‘63) Watson, Jim & Melissa Weaver, Melinda Webster, George & Janice Webster, Michael (‘89) Webster, Simon & Liz Welsh, Michael & Lorelei
Zhao, Hanwen & Yue Ming Xuan Darby, Peter (‘51)
Sanderson, Robert (‘35) ^
Zheng, Jeffrey
De Salis, Mary
Stephens, Monty
Zhou, Li & YiJing Xu
Devine, John (‘63)
Stretton, Nancy
Zhou, Liquan & Ping Liu
Devine, Julie
Talbot, Michael (‘65)
Zhu, Adam & Helen Sun
Eden, Wells (‘47)
Talbot, Trudy
Zhu, Geng & Li Qiang
Ellerton, John (‘61)
Tapp, Peter (‘69)
Zhu, Jie & Xia JI
Fairweather, Mabel ^
Templeton, Graeme (‘61)
Zhu, Jinling
Farman, Jeffrey
Zindler, Max (‘46)
Forbes, Cameron (‘93)
Thomson, George and Family (‘51)
Zissis, Angelo & Penelope
Ford, Rodney
West, Sam (‘04)
Bequests
Wheatley, Sarah
Sobee George & Linda (‘28) ^
Wheeler, Greg & Josie Samers Whillas, Mark & Helen Whitney, Dallas (‘40) Whitson, Graham & Petra Willcock, Gregory & Phoebe Williams, Barton & Joanna Williams, Brett & Barbora Williamson, Kevin Wilson, Alan (‘47) Wilson, Gregory & Christine Wilson, Matt & Joy Wilson, Peter AM (‘68) Wilson, Roger OAM (‘61) Wood, Mathew & Kristen Woodman, Brad & Carolyn Wright-Smith, John & Simone Boileau Wu, Huaying Wyss, Andrew & Julie Xafis, Michael & Mary Xiao, Bill and Xiaoling Xu X’Lingson, Eddie & Chinn Feng Xu, Yi Fei & Xiao Hong Xue, Charles & Penny Chen Yang, Jian Chun & Ying Zheng Yang, Kenneth & Ava Shen Yang, Yonggui & Xun Zeng Yelland, John (‘57) Yorgey, Brett & Leanne Young, Tim & Melissa Yu, Bruce & Kathy Cui Yu, Eric & Wenping Liu Yu, Long & Donya Zegir, James & Angela Zeng, Lipu & Ling Zhao Zeng, Sunny & Janice Tsang
Hope, Roger (‘69) ^ Darby, Peter (‘51) ^
Glover, Alan Goddard, Colin Gray, John (‘64) ^ Grigoriou, Georgina Grummitt, Mavis Grummitt, Neil (‘54)
Sponsors
Hare, Bill AO ^
All Graduates
Hart, Christopher
Atlantic Group (V) Berman Homes Billboard Media BPM Brighton Toyota Clarke Hopkins & Clarke Hodges Real Estate Interactive Pty Ltd Karstens Lexus of Brighton Mattioli Bros Monjon (Australia) Pty Ltd Noone Imagewear Nuline Charter Ondigital Quest Brighton on the Bay RateOne Financial Shining Knight
Sequamur Society Members Arendsen, Gregory Arrowsmith, John Backholer, Arthur (‘36) ^ Balfe, Tony (‘66) Baylis, Andrew Begg, Jim (‘58) Biggin, Andrew (‘69) Bunning, Rodney (‘50)
Harkness, Peter Hay, John (‘78) Hay, Kim Hay, Pamela ^ Hay, Peter (‘76) Haymes, Chris (‘64) Hope, Roger (‘69)^ Ickeringill, Peter Jarvis, Barry (‘58) Jones, Gary (‘72) Jones, Jennifer Jones, Stephen (‘71) Lasry, Nancy
Thomson , Lachie AM (‘51) Thorne, John Toms, Peter Urwin, Michael van Wetering, Natalie Watkin, Trevor Wehsack, Jack (‘31) ^ Wehsack, Joyce ^ Weiner, Ronald White, Fred & Margaret White, Graham OBE (‘49) White, Judith Willcock, Gregory Willcock, Phoebe Wilson, Roger OAM (‘61) Yann, Max ^ Denotes deceased We have made every reasonible effort to ensure the accuracy of the above information. We apologise for any errors.
Lynch, Frank Lynch, Maggie OAM Marget, Tino (‘68) Marshall, Tim (‘00) McKenzie, Allan (‘67) McCalman, Geoff (‘57) Moylan, Fred AM (‘38) ^ Nicholson, Max (‘47) Norris, Pat O’Sullivan, David OAM (‘43) ^ Paroissien, Barbara Paroissien, Ian (‘69) Parsons, Richard (‘54) ^ Pearse, Elizabeth Pearse, Ken Phillips, John Philpott, Ted (‘39) ^ Redhead, John (‘62)
SUMMER 2014/15 47
COMMUNITY
Making our mark on the new Monash Childrens’ Hospital Because BGS has been a generous supporter of Monash Health (through the Blue and Pink Dinners) we were invited to paint a mural on the hoarding surrounding the building site for the new children’s hospital. Drawing inspiration from the oeuvre of artist Keith Haring, the boys collaborated on the design and executed it with aplomb on the hoarding surrounding the new construction site. The work was completed by Lucas Cheesman, Erik Purcell, Christian Carnovale, Jack Summers, Lachie Collie, Sam Murray, Ash Hoar, Oli Platt and William Feng and their teachers Steve Emmett and Simone Mills who worked non-stop from 9:30am until 2:30pm to create this masterpiece! The mural will be on display on the hoarding for the next three years while the hospital is being built. 48 SUMMER 2014/15
Bonnie Taylor Walks BGS Careers Counsellor Bonnie Taylor walked in the pouring rain in December with a few hundred medical workers and members of the public, (including a big group from Sierra Leone) to support workers fighting Ebola.
Tablets in PNG
Some of the Android tablets the BGS boys used over the last three years were taken to the Martyrs’ Memorial School during the BGS Sea Change community experience to PNG. A group of boys spent half a day showing students and teachers how to perform the basics on the tablets. The Martyrs’ students quickly learned how to access the vast array of tools on the tablets, including the camera, calculator, apps and games. With a shortage of up to date resources at the Martyrs’ School, it is great to see the tablets going to such valuable use.
Ice Bucket Challenge
120 Year 5 and 6 boys joined Mr Tellefson and Headmaster in the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ on Red Square, at the same time raising $3,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Australia
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On our selection AROUND THE SCHOOL
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The Year 9 & 10 BGS/FGS students brought to life the Steele Rudd characters of the classic stories of “Dad and Dave On Our Selection”. The principal cast of 15 students supported by the 12 members of the Ensemble presented an entertaining evening of dramatic comedic theatre to the school community as the characters of the Rudd family and friends were brought alive by our talented cast.
Japan 2014 17 excited boys joined teachers Hyoko Hunt, Kathryn Counahan and Cam Taylor in September for a two week language and cultural tour in Japan. The boys were a little tentative about their week-long homestay with the families from our brother school, Rikkyo located in the outskirts of Tokyo. But we knew the boys would be stuffed with Japanese food, fussed over by doting host mothers and treated like household celebrities. The broad smiles displayed on Monday morning proved us right! An overzealous host mother who kept insisting on their newly acquired sons eating more, and newly acquired sons , not knowing the Japanese to refuse politely, may have had to over eat… and just maybe there was the slight error of judgement about soaping up the bath water… as you would – only to discover that you are actually meant to wash yourself before you bathe, as the bath water is used by
all. While sharing bath water might seem gross to western sensibilities, it is an age honoured practice in Japan. At the school the boys participated in traditional activities such as calligraphy, Judo, Kendo and even learned how to serve delicious Japanese tea. Alarm may have flickered across the faces of our students when they were invited to join the senior boys in some kendo and judo training. Completely understandable given that they were watching the locals belt each other with massive wooden sticks… but our boys are brave and they fearlessly donned combat gear and in they went to fight. The boys were able to share these experiences with their parents back home via the Japan Tour blog created by Cameron.
Hiroko Hunt & Cam Taylor SUMMER 2014/15 51
Victorian School Music Festival Performances The Senior Big Band & Senior Concert Band performed for the first time at the Victorian School Music Festival at Deakin Edge, Federation Square. Both groups played extremely well and presented entertaining and musically polished performances, receiving a Silver Award for their efforts. It was evident that the time and effort put in over several months at rehearsals has improved the standard of
Chief Adjudicator John Morrison works with the Senior Big Band at the Victorian School Music Festival
performance and the understanding of the various styles of music played. The boys also had the opportunity to listen to other ensembles perform. This allowed them to use their analytical listening skills, reflect on their own performance and consider how they can improve and implement these observations in their own playing. Congratulations to all boys and staff involved.
Jazz The BGS Senior Big Band played at the St. Andrew’s Jazz Sunday, an annual event held at the church where Big Bands from schools around the area perform. Each group performs a half an hour set.
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STAFF NEWS & PAST STAFF
Congratulations to Ben White and his wife Bree on the safe arrival of Sadie Clementine on the 21 November: a sister for Finn and Lola.
Director of Music Jamie and Jane Ransome welcomed the arrival of their son, Beau Francis on 25th May 2014 weighing 6lb 6oz.
BGS IT Senior Systems Administrator Andrew Zhou and his wife Eileen welcomed their first child, a daughter, Yuchen on 10 October.
Per Forsberg, our Tuba and Euphonium teacher is currently touring with Delta Goodrem and Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Hayes (Senior School English Teacher) is also a professional writer and Senior Author at Cambridge University Press. She has had five English textbooks published in 2014; Cambridge Checkpoints VCE English/ EAL and English Toolkit 1 – 4 series. Within these texts Andrea has published four BGS teachers’ works; Jo Ellis, Hayley Bunting, Alex Sylvan and Amy Atchison. She also organised for nine Year 11 BGS students’ creative work to be published:
• Harrison McIntyre interview of BGS AFL Draftee Josh Kelly • Javin Sun’s poem • Timothy Semmens film review • Lucas Cheesman’s cover design from Y10 BGS’ inaugural zine called, ‘Avesta’ • Anthony Capp’s fun biography • Colin Chen’s creative extract • Gus Jahn’s creative extract • and Creative extracts from Y10 students Jack Coleman and Frazer Gregson SUMMER 2014/15 53
David Turner
Junior School Teacher 2000 ongoing
The Court of Companions commemorates staff who have worked at BGS for 15 years or more. At the end of 2014, seven new members were inducted into the Court of Companions and briefly reflect on their time at BGS.
Kathryn Counihan
Middle School Teacher of Japanese 1993-ongoing
I have worked mainly as a Japanese teacher with amazing colleagues Midori Cranston, Yoko Sainsbury and Hiroko Hunt. Over 20 years I have had the opportunity to see how many of those teenage boys I taught in my early years have turned out and I have the privilege of working with two of them now, Tim Marshall and Anthony Coghlan. They leave me in no doubt about the ‘company product’ when I see these two men living the values of the School as they pass them on to what will become the young, and eventually old, men of the future.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching and coaching sporting teams. Particular highlights were the Year 6 Cricket Trips to The Hutchins School in Tasmania. Being a member of a community such as BGS is a life-long journey; the friends you make will be with you for life. It has been a privilege to work with many outstanding educators whose passion and commitment to both teaching and BGS knows no bounds.
Sally Sher
School Secretary 1991 - ongoing
I began working in the Junior School as secretary to Peter Toms in 1991. Over the years I have been fortunate to have worked in most sections of the School, recently as Secretary in the Middle School. Brighton Grammar School is a wonderful place - a real community where boys, parents and staff are all truly valued. I have been very lucky to have made many firm friendships over my time.
Julie George
Senior School Office Manager/ Reception 2000-2014
I have always felt a special connection with BGS, being a past parent of the School. Managing the front office has been a delight working with parents, students and Staff. To see the students move on, leave and occasionally call in to the office brings back happy memories. I will be retiring at the end of this year but I will always carry with me a great affection for Brighton Grammar School.
Mary Conigrave
Junior School Librarian 1981-96
The job of librarian in the Junior School was perfect for me. I had always loved children’s literature and I appreciated the company of the Staff. Finding books to engage the interest of small boys and reading to them was a very happy experience. I very much enjoyed my time at the Junior School.
Peter Burke
Physical. Education, Classroom and Sports Teacher 1997-
A striking feature of BGS is Staff collegiality. Teachers such as Peter Skelton, Lloyd Triffett, Gary McPhee, Mary de Salis, Mick McCarthy, Barrie Johns, John Devine and Francis Jackson to mention just a few, were always friendly and most helpful particularly in my early years at BGS. Being a relatively small school, one of our key strengths is that our boys know one another well. Success in sport is often due to team-spirit engendered by the closeness of the boys.
Fiona Kerr
Payroll & Financial Accounts Co-ordinator 1999 - ongoing
In October, 1999, I joined BGS as the Payroll Clerk, working out of the Senior School Office. I really enjoy my job as it is always busy and my role is very diverse. I have formed some great friendships too, another aspect of why I love being here so much! SUMMER 2014/15 55
The Sequamur Society honours and thanks those members of our BGS Community who have confirmed their intention to include Brighton Grammar School in their Will.
Why I am leaving a bequest…..
Tino Marget
Contemplating a bequest? As a friend and supporter of Brighton Grammar School, your bequest, be it large or small, will help secure the future of our School. For a confidential discussion on how you can assist BGS in this way, contact Peter Toms on (03) 8591 2274
Although I completed my schooling in 1968 I have been proud to participate in many OBGS activities and functions ever since. My two sons, Tim and Luke, also attended BGS as did my brother, Andrew. BGS provided us all with a well-balanced, rounded education, preparing us for adult life. It is this long and positive association with the School that spurred me to include BGS in my Will. It has been so encouraging to see the School’s development in recent years especially the infrastructure and amenities which provide the best possible facilities for our boys. The generous financial support by current and past parents, Old Boys and others, has provided much of the funds to allow for this development. I know similar support will always be needed to further enhance the educational experience of our boys. Brighton Grammar School will continue to prosper into the future through your support. I urge you to consider also including BGS in your will.
Tino Marget (OB 1968)
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Benefactor Peter Darby (OB’51)
Peter’s thoughtfulness will benefit BGS boys for years to come The School was most grateful to receive a $50,000 bequest from the late Peter Edward Darby (OB 51): $25,000 to the OBGS Scholarship Fund and $25,000 to the BGS Building Fund. This is a most generous bequest and we thank Peter for his forethought and generosity. Peter grew up in Brighton and joined BGS from Hampton High in Year 9
in 1948, matriculating in 1951. At BGS, Peter actively pursued his interests in drama, music, debating and the Cadet Corps and was appointed a Probationer in his final year. After a professional life in book publishing and buying, Peter retired in 1989 and engaged in his passion for travel with many trips to England, Italy, France and more recently, China. Peter also appreciated fine food and good wine, among
his favoured Melbourne restaurants, ‘The Latin’ and ‘The Society’. Sadly Peter suffered from a heart condition and fell ill on his final trip to China and was forced to return to Melbourne prematurely. He died in hospital three weeks later. Peter will be remembered as a loyal friend, a lover of the arts, good wine and travel, and a magnanimous benefactor to his old school.
Wanted: Miss Fairweather’s boys! Former students of Miss Fairweather, 1939-62, are invited to lunch in March to share your stories of life in the Junior School under her leadership. There will be no charge for the lunch and the time and place will be made known to respondents by the first week of March, 2014. The gathering has three purposes: • to celebrate Mabel Fairweather’s 24 years as Headmistress when Junior School enrolment grew from 30 to over 300 boys;
• to acknowledge her splendid generosity in bequeathing $70,000 to BGS for a scholarship • to meet our new archivist who will capture your anecdotes of this remarkable era for our archives. Late last year I spent an afternoon with Dennis Belcher (OB 1955), who enjoyed four years with Miss Fairweather. Dennis’s anecdotes certainly enlivened my perspective of Miss Fairweather, and it was this that inspired the idea to have the lunch.
Dennis Belcher
If you are interested in attending please contact Peter Toms: ptoms@ brightongrammar.vic.edu.au or phone 8591 2274 or mobile 0413 607 088. SUMMER 2014/15 57
BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL OLD BOYS
A word from the President In late 2014 we commissioned an online survey of our Alumni, the first since 1993. We were delighted to receive responses from over 400 Old Boys. Thank you for giving your time to complete this vital piece of research which will aid us in formulating our future strategy for the OBGS. Roger B Wilson OAM MAICD (OB’61)
Watch out younger Old Boys! Our younger Old Boys will be pleased to hear that Tim Marshall (OB 2000) will be spending a day per week in the Development Office coordinating and expanding the opportunities we offer our younger alumni. This newly created role is in addition to Tim’s main role as Head of Year Seven and is in response to the feedback received from our recent alumni survey which highlighted the need for us to be better resourced in this area. No doubt Tim will in touch with our younger alumni very soon!
Join the Conversation facebook.com/BrightonGrammarSchool - Official twitter.com/BrightonGrammar Search: Brighton Grammar School 58 SUMMER 2014/15
twitter.com/OBGS1908
Jack White (OB‘05) played the lead in the film
Director Julian Lucas (OB‘05)
Old Boy wins TropFest Congratulations to Old Boy Julian Lucas (2005) who this week won Tropfest 2014, the worlds largest short film festival. He won a Toyota Corolla, a Nikon camera and $10,000 cash prize. His film, Granny Smith is a dark comedy about a dead grandmother. Do yourself a favour and watch it on youtube! So funny.
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Chopper’s wheels go public Timothy Handley (1996), ‘Chopper’ to his mates, has been working for the past six years in the area of Mergers and Acquisitions in Latin America. In December 2014, Tim and his co-founder floated their company ‘LatAm Autos’, a dedicated auto online classifieds business for Latin America. It trades under the ASX code ‘LAA’. Tim is Executive Chairman of the company and has attracted to his Board of Directors such luminaries as AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, Freelancer.com founding investor Simon Clausen and the BHP Billiton Community Trust chairman Colin Galbraith. The Initial Public Offering raised $18m and it’s all systems go for this company
Tim about to ring the bell at the listing ceremony of LatAm Autos.
which operates the most popular online auto classifieds sites in Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Bolivia and Argentina. Covering a population in excess of 200 million people, the sky is the limit for Tim and his team and we will watch with interest the progress of LatAm Autos as they aim to become the carsales.com of Latin America.
Take a look at their website http://www.latamautos.com
OBGS Golf The Annual John Baker Memorial Golf Day was again played at the Mornington Golf Club. The winner of the John Baker Perpetual Trophy was Howard Hoskins (OB’64). OBGS Golf Club Vice President Geoff Hosie (OB’59) presents Howard with the trophy.
NOTICE OF OBGS AGM
60 SUMMER 2014/15
Notice is hereby given of the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society Inc. Annual General Meeting to be held in the S J Priestley Meeting Room at BGS Middle School, Allee Street Brighton at 6.30pm on Tuesday, 21 April, 2015. Refreshments will be served.
Dylan Alcott OAM (2008) achieves yet another milestone Ray and Terry (above), snapped in Torquay in January
Ironman blast from the past Do you recognise these two men? Ray Brewin (OB’66), on the left, was the winner of the Surf Coast Times Jim Wall Ironman in 1974 and 1975. Brewin was well known for his stamina in competitions, and was crowned an Australian champion among a long list of accolades over his career. Terry Wall (OB’60) was the first winner of the Jim Wall Ironman in 1964, backing it up with another win in 1965. He is the son of the late Jim Wall, who the event honours. Terry had a very successful career and still returns to Torquay each year to present the original Jim Wall Ironman Trophy. These days Terry has become Prof. Terry Wall AM, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on coal and coal combustion. He is one of 10 Old Boys who will be inducted into the BGS Hall of Fame in April.
The swimming team of 1960 with Terry Wall in the back row 3rd from the left and Ray Brewin, centre row far right.
As if winning Olympic Gold and Silver in Wheelchair basketball at the Beijing and London Olympics respectively wasn’t enough, Dylan has now gone back to his original sport of wheelchair tennis and achieved a ranking of Number 2 in the world after competing in the US Open in September 2014. When he was much younger and facing some serious health issues, The Starlight Foundation and Variety - the Children's Charity, supported him greatly. Dylan decided he wanted to give back by raising $100,000 for them. He came up with the idea of playing 24 hours of continuous tennis which people and companies could sponsor. People could also pay to have a hit with him during the 24 hour marathon. People who took up the offer included pro tennis players Sam Stosur, Sam Groth and AFL footballers Chris Dawes, Jack Watts and Tom Hawkins. The target of $100,000 was raised.
With compliments of The Surf Coast Times
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Great Old Mates 70+ years on Colin Stedman and Keith Robinson were schoolmates at BGS during the 2nd World War and have remained very close friends ever since despite being geographically separated by thousands of kilometres. Colin and his wife Margaret live at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast and Keith and his wife of 63 years, June, live in Highett.
Like father like son; the Toms Education dynasty continues!
Stedman is one of those names with strong links to BGS. Colin’s father, also called Colin, was Secretary to the School Council for 34 years. Colin Snr attended BGS from 1905 to 1910 as a boarder.
Chris Toms (1993) was last year appointed Head of the Junior School at Lauriston Girls’ School in Armadale.
Colin (left) and Keith catch up while Colin was in Melbourne for the Spring Racing Carnival 2014.
Colin’s grandfather (James Cuthbert Stedman) married Lesbia Allee, daughter of John Allee who subdivided much of Brighton and after whom Allee Street is named. Colin Snr died in 1993, just short of his 100th birthday. Ivan Stedman (1908), Colin Snr’s brother, was an Olympic swimmer competing in the 1920 Antwerp Summer Olympics winning a silver medal in the 4 X 200 yard relay. Ivan was the first Old Grammarian to win an Olympic medal. 62 SUMMER 2014/15
Chris’ father Peter Toms was Head of the BGS Junior School from 1988 until his retirement in 2008. When Chris graduated from BGS in 1993, he had no interest in pursuing a teaching career and graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce. He gained a cadetship with the NAB which provided him work during his holidays but on graduating from university, Chris decided he wanted to become a teacher after all. Two more years at University (Latrobe) and Chris had a Bachelor of Education. His first teaching position was at Kilvington Grammar where he taught for five years, then on to Lauriston where he has served with distinction for the past 10 years culminating in his appointment to Head of Junior School in October 2014.
Emerging designer! RMIT Fashion student and Alexander Kelvy (OB 2007) was one of a handful of designers featured in the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Emerging Student Designer runway parade. Alex, who was a renowned cellist while at school, makes everything from garments to accessories including shoes. On the MSFW website Alex explained “my collection draws on my deep interest in the human body and its physical experience and relationship with the material world.” But comfort is important in his designs too. “I want the wearer to be able to run for the tram or jump on a bike if they want to… or dance, because these are all important things.” SUMMER 2014/15 63
Nick Jacobs playing college football for the Memphis Tigers It's not that unusual these days to find established stars of Australian Rules football making it big in the NFL as specialised kickers. Our own Old Boy Mat McBriar (1997) has had great success as a Punter for almost a decade, as have AFL greats Darren Bennett and Ben Graham. Not so many soccer players have gone down the US route: there are so many other avenues open to them in almost every country of the world. But when injury destroyed a young soccer player's dreams and curtailed his mobility just when he was starting out on what he hoped would be a long career, it took a lot of mental strength to even contemplate switching codes and trying to establish himself in what is an alien sport. Old Boy Nick Jacobs (2012), a former player with National Premier League Victoria side South Melbourne has done just that and, according to officials at his former club, is on the verge of making the breakthrough in the competitive world of American gridiron as a specialist punter and kicker. It's a stark change to the future that seemed to be all behind him two-anda-half years ago when he sustained a career-ending injury in a school sports competition. It came just a week after the then 17-year-old, the younger brother of former Port Adelaide and current North Melbourne AFL player Ben Jacobs, had played his seventh and last game for South in a match against Southern Stars in the Victorian Premier League.
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Nick spent 18 months on the sidelines and had numerous surgical procedures before being forced into retirement, deciding to concentrate on his studies and forge a career outside sport. "The scope of the injuries I had sustained over the two seasons meant that I had undergone five surgeries on the same ankle and foot. I found that I was unable to train or compete at the level that I desired, so I decided to retire from football But after six months the competitive juices still burned, and Nick decided to take a route that many from other sports had followed earlier: he opted to see if he could make it as a punter in the American college system and get a free education. Nick explained "I had heard about some
‘Fantastic news. A great kid who I’ve never heard complain in the couple of years since the injury. He deserves all the success he gets’. Luke Stewart, BGS Director of Sport
boys going to the USA to play college football, so I contacted and attended a session with Prokick Australia run by Nathan Chapman [former Brisbane and Hawthorn AFL player] and John Smith. They had previously placed a steady stream of Australians into top-line division-one colleges all over the US, so I thought I would have a chance." "After a six-month training period with Prokick, I received a four-year scholarship
offer from the University of Memphis, which covered all costs and every detail of my day-to-day life." "It has been an amazing experience so far. Twelve months ago it would have been hard to believe that I would be playing against the famous UCLA at the iconic Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and Ole Miss where the crowds were both 75,000. My short-term aim is to complete my degree here in the USA and travel around as much as possible. In terms of playing American football in the future, I will keep trying my best and see where that takes me, however so far it has been like a dream." Reference: Michael Lynch, Senior Sports Writer with The Age (15 Dec 2014)
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Born to be a Doctor Justin Lade (1987) always knew his career would be in medicine. At four years of age, the girl next door told him she wanted to marry him when they grew up. Justin replied “I have no time for girls, I am going to be a doctor! Justin practices under the title ‘Mr’ Justin Lade rather than Doctor. This tradition took rise in Britain when the practice of surgery was in its infancy and the task often fell to barbers whose razors and hair cutting implements were the only blades sharp enough. Doctors of the day refused to let them use the prefix ‘Dr’ because they had very little training in medicine. Today the title Mr is considered a badge of honour within the medical profession. After graduating from The University of Melbourne, he became an intern at St Vincent’s Hospital where, in his 3rd year residency, he became an Assistant Orthopaedic Surgical Resident. After a stint in South America he became the only Surgical Registrar at Footscray & Sunshine Hospital where he was “thrown in the deep end” to deal with whatever came his way.
In 2002, Justin graduated as an Orthopaedic Surgeon having worked in the public health system at many hospitals including the Royal Children’s, Austin, Box Hill, Monash, Ballarat, and Maroondah. He completed a fellowship in Toronto, Canada (where he also played AFL Football), and Edinburgh, Scotland in the Royal Infirmary and appeared on the BBC version of RPA. Recently Justin left the hospital system to start his own business, Orthopaedic Health Group where he specialises in knee and hip surgery, foot and ankle, upper limbs and spinal work. Justin has two boys Fynn and Milo who will commence at BGS in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
OBFC unfurl Premiership Pennant OBGFC won the VAFA B Grade Premiership in 2013 and at one of the famous home game lunches in 2014 the Premiership pennant was unfurled. 66 SUMMER 2014/15
Rob Jakobi (OBGFC President 2013), Nick Walsh (OB 1931 and OBGFC Founding President), Tup Mullett (mother of Andrew OB1967 and Ian OB 1969 – club stalwarts) and Rosie Jakobi unfurl the coveted pennant.
BGS Old Boy wins US Amateur Golf Championship
Congratulations to Gunn Yang (2012) who has won the biggest amateur golf championship in the world guaranteeing him a place in the Masters, the US Open and the British Open. He was the underdog ranked 579 in the world! Gunn, 20, attended BGS between 2009 and 2011 before skipping off to the US for his final year of high school followed by attending San Diego State University.
Near & Far George Yoeman (2013) stayed with BGS Nick Decamp (2013) who was at BGS all the way through until Year 11 when his family returned home to the USA. Nick has recently started at Penn State University after having George around to enjoy some of the ‘O week’ activity. George enjoyed a great Gap year which included working for three months teaching
English in an orphanage in Cambodia and working in an American Summer camp just outside Boston. Andrew Maglio (2013) has begun his USA college rowing career in a great way by winning the Northeastern University Men’s Club VIII at the Head of the Charles regatta in Boston on the 18 October 2014.
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Lewis Karanicolas (2005) was recently assigned a UK posting with NAB’s Debt Markets & Specialised Finance business. Adam Bushby (1999) is a lawyer. He studied commerce, law and art history at the University of Melbourne, and has worked for several years as a Parliamentary Counsel for the Victorian Government. Adam is currently on leave from work to study a master’s degree in art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. His area of interest is the representation of Ottoman Turks in Italian Renaissance painting. David Urwin (2006) has completed his Masters of Education and joins the staff of St Kevin’s College in 2015 teaching English and Media. Tim Bate (1994) was married to Beatrice on the 9th of September 2014 in Mauritius at St Paul’s Church and the reception was at La Falaise Rouge. Tim currently works with Victoria Police in the Forensic Services Department dealing with such issues as laboratory analysis of evidence collected at or around crime scenes. Researching new methods of testing evidence is also a major part of Tim’s 68 SUMMER 2014/15
work. He says it’s not nearly as exciting as it is made out to be the TV show CSI. Anthony (Ant) White (2002), in his own words is now a ‘hot shot’, living in New York City! Ant is the Creative Director for (again in his words) a ‘huge’ advertising agency. He has won many awards for his work which can be seen on his website antwhite.com Brent May (1996) is a specialist anaesthetist and is currently Chief Medical Officer for Motorcycling Australia, Karting Australia, the 2015 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the 2015 World Superbikes and the 2015 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Shingo Date (1987) has an impressive academic record having graduated with a Bachelor of (Chemical) Engineering in 1992, a Master of (Chemical Energy) Engineering in 1994 and a Doctor of Engineering in 1998 – all from the University of Tokyo. Shingo joined the National Defence Academy in Japan as Research Associate in 1998 then had a sabbatical at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (Socorro, NM, USA) from July 2004 to September 2005. He was promoted to Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in April 2006 and became Associate Professor in October 2010. Shingo attended the OBGS Japan reunion in Tokyo in October 2010 and said “It was great to meet Mr. Toms, Mrs. Lynch, the Old Boys and families during the Reunion.” Shingo married Yuka in July 2006. The earthquake in March 2011 was in the Tohoku region, which is 300 km from where they live in Yokosuka. This is more than 300 km from damaged nuclear power plants in Fukushima, fortunately resulting in virtually no radiation issues for Shingo and Yuka. Sean O’Boyle (1981) BGS Hall of Fame Inductee was awarded an AM in the Australia Day Honours for significant service to music
as a composer, conductor, musician, performer and musical director. Sean is working in the USA in a place called Bethlehem 90 minutes from New York City. He is Artist-in-Residence at the USA’s 6th oldest University Moravian College in the study of composition, jazz clarinet and recording media. Kris Bayne (1977) wrote in response to a broadcast email in July inviting Old Boys to attend the game against Xavier which secured us the Adamson Cup sharing that he is living in Tokyo and has been playing AFL football over there for the last 30 years retiring at age 49. He retired on a high with a snapped goal in the dying minutes of the game to win the Grand Final for his team.
Chris Dawes (2006) and Paige Rawlinson tied the knot in a glittering ceremony at Campbell Point House, Leopold (near Geelong). Paige is an Old Firbank Girl and her two brothers, Brock (2008) and Kieran (2011) are Old Boys. Chris is currently playing with the Melbourne Demons in the AFL and is one of only three Old Brighton Grammarians to have played in a winning VFL/AFL Premiership Team - the other two being Albert Thurgood (1891) for Essendon
and William “Doc” McClelland (1893) for Melbourne. Sam Walsh AO (1967), who now resides in London in his role as CEO of Rio Tinto, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Royal Opera House and Ballet (Covent Garden). Sam was very actively involved with the Arts in Western Australia prior to departing for London (Chair of State Theatre, Chair of Chamber of the Arts, Chair of the Australian Business Arts Foundation and Patron of the State Library Foundation). Sam epitomises the old saying “It takes a busy man to do a busy job”
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News from Thomas McQueen (2010) has just completed his Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at Monash University. He has had a part time job at Ray’s Out-Doors during his student years. Stuart Lasker (2009) was recently appointed the President of the Deakin University Student Association. He is there studying a double degree Bachelor of International Studies and Bachelor of Commerce. With his International Studies degree, he focused on Middle East Studies and Modern Standard Arabic. He is now focusing on completing the Commerce side of his double degree in which he is majoring in Quantitative Business Analysis. As part of his degree Stewart travelled to Oman and studied at an intensive Arabic language school. Shichao Zheng (2008) has been busy studying since leaving school having completed Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) at RMIT, and a Master of Environmental Engineering/Sustainable Energy from the University of Melbourne. In May last year he started as a 70 SUMMER 2014/15
Project Manager at Cabrini Linen Services.
Rights Law at The Hague University, Netherlands and finally his Master of Laws at ANU. Since leaving BGS Thomas Dobbs (2004) has achieved a Bachelor of Arts from UNSW, Diploma of Military Leadership from Royal Military College, Duntroon, a Masters of Business and a Diploma of Financial Markets. He is now an Army Officer living in the Perth area.
Simon Atkinson (2001) is a London based Barrister at Wilberforce Chambers. Simon’s practice includes both advisory and contentious work. He appears regularly in both the High Court and the County Court. His instructions include a mixture of led and un-led work. Elliot Yeatman (2007) is currently working in In Investigation and Analysis – Environmental Security Sub-Directorate for INTERPOL and is based in Lyon, France. Elliot began his studies at Victoria University with a Bachelor of Laws followed by International and Human
Edward McCowan (2000) is the Assistant Director – Pacific Sports Partnership at the Australian Sports Commission. Edward completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Master of Business Administration where he was able to integrate his passion for sports development through the electives of Sports Management and Sports Marketing. The bulk of his professional work experience has been in the international arena, with eight years’ experience working overseas or on international projects, mostly in the Pacific. Edward is quite the outdoors man who loves surfing, fishing, diving, camping and open ocean sailing.
Phil Silverstone (1996) has had a range of roles with GE Capital since 2005. He is currently the Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance in New York City.
Miles Stephenson (1993) lives and works in Frankfurt, Germany. Miles founded Garigal, a fully integrated retail real estate company concentrating on the investment, active management and development of European retail property. Since its inception Garigal has acquired and now manages on behalf of institutional investors in excess of 800,000 sqm of net lettable area that is occupied by over 600 tenants in over 100 properties. After leaving school Miles completed a Bachelor of Engineering and then changed direction into Business and Finance. David Webb (2000) is the Global Brand Assistant – Lindeman’s Treasury Wine Estates. He has had a diverse and successful career in Marketing since completing his Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin. Some
of his interests outside work include cinema, cooking, languages, music, travel, fitness and sports. Nick Blatt (2001) completed a Bachelor of Business, Ecommerce and an Advanced Diploma in EBusiness at Swinburne University of Technology. He has worked at Bupa since 2005 and is currently the Digital Sales Manager responsible for all the digital activity, a role he has held for six years. Kevin O’Reilly (2000) is a First Officer with Emirates Airline. Cameron Stewart 1997 – is currently a Senior Sleep and Respiratory Scientist at St. Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne where he has worked since 2001. Scott Weber (1997) is the owner and operator of The Regal Aspen in Colorado. He married Carly two years ago.
Sam Farrands (1982) is a ‘leading lawyer’ in Energy and Resources specialising in advising on major infrastructure projects especially in the oil and gas and LNG sectors, and is the Managing Partner at Minter Ellison Hong Kong. David Cochran (1980) lives in Sandringham and owns his own accounting firm.
Join the conversation with the 679 people in the Brighton Grammar LinkedIn group today Search: Brighton Grammar School SUMMER 2014/15 71
15 Year Reunion Class of 1999
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01 All attendees 02 (L to R) Tom Mattessi, Sam Vincent, Lucas Coombe and Andrew Mcgillivray 03 (L to R) Adam Mason-Jeffries, Ross Featherston, Scott Briggs and Peter Scott (OBGS Past President) 02
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20 Year Reunion Class of 1994
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01 All attendees 01 Harley Tempest, Adrian Lynch, Adam Brown, Sae Cho, Cameron Templeton and Mark Jenkin. 03 Field Carr, Mark Peterson, Barney Hoare, Dash Peris and Charlie Pickering 02
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02
Perth Reunion On Friday August 8 we held an OBGS Reunion at Scotch College Perth. The Headmaster, Ross Featherston and Senior Chaplain, Fr Tony Poole were able to attend being in Perth for an Anglican Schools conference. John Phillips, Andrew Biggin and Peter Toms from the Development Office were also in attendance.
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01 All attendees 02 (L-R) Graeme Finlayson (1968), Jim Biss (1967) and Peter Wagner (1968)
25 Year reunion Class of 1989
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01 Travis Smith, Angus Williams (who came all the way from the USA especially to attend the reunion), Matthew Mylecharane, Adam Delbridge, Monty Stephens and Michael Webster. 02 (L-R) Halli Moore, Peter Toms, Alex Rickarby and Glenn Kell 03 All in attendance
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40 Year Reunion Class of 1974
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01 The Class of 1974 02 (L-R) Richard Buxton, Tony Lloyd, Robert Campbell and Mac Lemon 03 (L-R) Chris French, Richard Buxton, Andrew Petley, Mark Daly, David Wymond (wearing his old cap) Jacob Fronistas OAM and Chris Francis (wearing his son Dan’s Year 12 2014, blazer) 04 The bricks donated by the Lemon family entrance porch of the Junior School. Mac Lemon proposed the School Toast at the reunion which is most appropriate as the “Lemon” family have been associated with BGS since Mac’s Granfather commenced at BGS in 1903. Mac’s father Ian and his son Andrew also attended BGS making them one of only two families to have four consecutive generations attend BGS. The other family is the Hay family.
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50 Years on Reunion 2014
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01 The class of 1964 (L-R) Richard Fookes, John Hubbard, Chris Haymes, Colin Heseltine, Rick Thomas, John Wade at rear, Roger Moulton, Mark Millis, Peter Marshall, John Ferrier, Ewan Morgan, Ken Jellis, Les Walker, Rick Trewavis, Rob Dean, Simon Potter, Ian Baxter, David Jenkins, Graham Wells, David Gibson, Marty Rubenstein, Robert Heatley and Lyndon Arnold. 02 (L-R) John Grant, Stephen Tanner, Peter Bryant (front), Jim Cozens, Michael Blackett, Chris Wilson, John Knight, Neil Stoneman and Geoff McCalman 03 (L-R) Lynton McLeod, Graham Symon, Laurence Pearl, Don Cameron, Dennis Belcher, George Thomson, Roger Hankinson and Colin Mews.
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Robert Lancelot Rofe AM
(10 January 1926 – 19 December 2014) Headmaster Brighton Grammar School 1967 - 1995
Vale It is with sadness that we advise the names of Old Brighton Grammarians and their year of leaving who have passed away. Our condolences to their families. Philip Allchin (OB 39) Russell Flack Snr (OB 42) John Flatman(OB 66) Alan Hooley (OB 1939) Robert Ince (OB 66) Michael Jennings (OB 71) Ivan Kirpichnikov (OB 76) Graeme Kitney (OB 54) Andrew Ogdin (OB 2000) Ray Olsen (OB 1937) Bruce Parry (OB 57) Neville Wright (OB 39) Robert L Rofe AM – Headmaster 1967 to 1995, OBGS Honorary Life Member Graeme Simon (Master of Rosstrevor 1970 – 1994)
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Robert Rofe, the sixth Headmaster, is remembered by our community re-invigorating the spirit of the School and for his uncompromising demand that ‘every boy must do his best with what he’s got’. The School Robert Rofe came to in 1967 was at a low ebb – especially when it came to sport. After being a top dog in the AGS competition, the school experienced habitual defeat in APS sport. The School was academically sound but with an ageing staff. In many people’s eyes, the strength of BGS was the Chapel program. BGS was Robert Rofe’s first Headmastership having come from Sydney Grammar School where he was the Senior Master. From day one Robert Rofe demonstrated a firm hand in his quest to lift standards. Staff were required to wear suits and academic gowns, everything had to be documented in writing and Mr Rofe ensured the business side of running the school was significantly tightened. The boys too were in no doubt that there was a clear expectation for better academic results. As mentioned there was a defeatist attitude amongst the boys regarding sport and Mr Rofe challenged this head on. He no longer accepted the ‘but we’re just a small school’ excuse; he attended multiple sports matches in far flung venues every weekend, and was always ready to offer encouragement. While he had little knowledge of the technical aspects of sports, he firmly understood the importance of success and this came to be greatly appreciated by the boys. Ultimately this led to success with multiple premierships across many sports being won in the seventies and eighties including winning the Head of the River in 1983. Success in sport lifted morale across every aspect of the School. The academic performance of the school also rose steadily, as did the enrolments growing from 750 to 1050.
Mr Robert Rofe and his wife Joan at home with their beloved dog
The physical appearance of the School also changed under Robert Rofe. The Gas and Fuel building was converted into Borwick House, Rosstrevor gained the Science/ Library wing, the Tower Wing was completed, the Swimming pool was built and a kindergarten was established in 1973. Other works included the two storey Clive Crosby Building in Rosstrevor which at the time housed Art and the Middle School staffroom, the Robert Sanderson Centenary Hall, The Robert Rofe Creative Arts Centre, Annandale Pavilion, the gym, the Tom Baddiley Building and Rosstrevor Hall. Under Mr Rofe’s leadership the instrumental music and choral program expanded enormously, evolving to become a strength of the School. Another major achievement was turning around the relations between the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society and the School. Mr Rofe attended most functions and worked hard to know and value the contribution of the Old Boys. Many staff remember fondly the social afternoons held from time to time at the Headmaster’s House (now the Peter Toms ELC and Development Office) and the generous hospitality of Joan Rofe, the Headmaster’s wife. The School’s condolences and prayers are with Robert’s wife, Joan, daughter Helen, son-in-law Rowan and grandchildren Emma and Will.
Memorial Service Members of the wider Brighton Grammar School community are warmly invited to attend a Memorial Service for Robert Rofe AM to be held at St Andrew’s Church Brighton on Monday 23 February at 11 am followed by morning tea. For planning purposes only, please register your intention to attend by phoning the Headmaster’s Executive Assistant Mrs Michele Fisher on 8591 2205, or by emailing mfisher@ brightongrammar.vic.edu.au.
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Graeme Robert Simon (2 November 1933 – 3 December 2014) Head of Rosstrevor, 1978 - 1994)
It was with much sadness that the School community learnt of the passing of former Head of Rosstrevor, Graeme Simon. Graeme, a Maths and Geography teacher, joined the Rosstrevor Staff in 1970 and was a much admired member of Staff. In Term 3 1978, Graeme was appointed Head of Rosstrevor and served this role with distinction until his retirement in 1994. Several years later Graeme and his wife , Isobel, retired to Buln Buln in West Gippsland. A large group of mourners attended Graeme’s Memorial Service at the Buln Buln Recreation Reserve Clubrooms on Thursday, 11 December. Many former and present members of Staff and Old Boys were present, along with parents of former Rosstrevor boys. The Old Boys were represented by OBGS President,
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Graeme and Isobel with sons David, Andrew and Richard.
Roger Wilson OAM, and Peter Toms spoke on behalf of the School. Peter emphasised Graeme’s wisdom in managing and motivating boys; his adept mentoring of his young Staff; and his great love and success in coaching sport. The Simon Family span 45 years of BGS history: Graeme’s sons Peter, David, Andrew and Richard commenced at BGS with Graeme in 1970; grandsons Henry, Jeremy and Will also attended BGS, Will completing VCE last year. Isobel joined the Junior School staff in 1972 and was appointed our first Early Learning Centre Directress. On Graeme’s retirement, the Rosstrevor Hall’s ‘Graeme Simon Gallery’ was named to acknowledge Graeme’s outstanding contribution to the boys, staff and parents of Brighton Grammar School.
OBGS Reunion Calendar 2015 Please mark your diary for your Class Reunion to be held in 2015. Invitations will be mailed approximately six weeks prior. Each Reunion held at the School will be preceded with a school tour commencing at the Oak Tree, one hour prior to the event commencement. REUNION
FUNCTION
VENUE
DATE
TIME
60 Years On Reunion
Morning tea & Light lunch
Senior School Library
13 Feburary
10.30am
Class of 2014 Welcome
Drinks & Nibbles
Marine Hotel
27 February
6.30pm
Class of 1985 – 30 Years
Dinner
RS Centenary Hall
13 March
7.00pm
Japanese Reunion
Afternoon Tea
Hyatt Regency, Tokyo
15 March
2.00pm
Meliora Club
Dinner
RS Centenary Hall
17 March
7.00pm
Hong Kong Reunion
Drinks and Nibbles
Langham Hotel, Hong Kong
23 March
TBC
Top Enders
Lunch
Marine Hotel
23 April
12.30pm
Class of 2005 – 10 Years
Cocktail Party
RS Centenary Hall
22 May
6.30 – 8.30pm
Class of 2010 – 5 Years
TBA
29 May
6.30 – 8.30pm
Top Enders
Lunch
Marine Hotel
25 June
12.30pm
Class of 2000 – 15 Years
Dinner
RS Centenary Hall
24 July
7.00pm
Class of 1995 – 20 Years
Dinner
RS Centenary Hall
31 July
7.00pm
Class of 1990 – 25 Years
Dinner
RS Centenary Hall
21 August
7.00pm
Top Enders
Lunch
Marine Hotel
27 August
12.30pm
Sydney Reunion
Cocktail Party
TBA
11 September
6.30pm
Brisbane Reunion
Lunch
TBA
12 September
12.30pm
Class of 1975 – 40 Years
Dinner
RS Centenary Hall
9 October
7.00pm
Top Enders
Lunch
Marine Hotel
29 October
12.30pm
50 Years On
Lunch
RS Centenary Hall
27 November
12.30pm
Top Enders Christmas
Lunch
Marine Hotel
10 December
12.30pm
“Pendennis Chapter”
WE TEACH BOYS TO BE SUCCESSFUL MEN Brighton Grammar School 90 Outer Crescent Brighton VIC 3186 Australia t 03 8591 2200 w www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au CRICOS Provider No. 00132K ABN 61 004 117 668