LET US KEEP PURSUING BETTER THINGS
BRIGHTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY JOURNAL
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EDITOR Nicci Dodanwela ndodanwela@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Ross Donnan EDITORIAL SUPPORT Kate Birrell PROOFREADING Emily Beaton PRINTER Finsbury Green PRINT REGISTRATION Registered by Australia Post: 100001167
Congratulations to the Class of 2019 Of the 142 boys in the cohort… • 10 (7%) achieved an ATAR over 99 • 50 (35%) achieved an ATAR of 90 or above • Half the BGS boys were in the top 16% of the nation!
The actions I take BGS is built on the foundations of four key values: Respect, Passion, Integrity and Accountability. Every day, we see these words around the School, serving as a constant reminder of what we embrace here. When I spoke to the Years 7 and 8 boys about our four values, almost every boy knew what they are. But when asked how to display them, the boys found it much harder to answer. As a Year 12 leadership group (2018), we have been trying to answer the very same question: How can we display the four values of Brighton Grammar? Having met on numerous occasions, it was decided by the Year 12 prefects that a creed outlining how we can demonstrate Respect, Passion, Integrity and Accountability will help to guide boys to succeed in their time at the School. This creed summarises the importance of continual improvement as an individual and as a school, as well as the importance of supporting one another in and out of the classroom. It will be learnt by the Urwin Centre (Years 7 and 8) boys, and will hopefully inspire students for many years to come. Brad Marais School Captain (2018)
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Innovation & Learning
Book Honouring During 2018, as part of our Book Honouring strategy, School Captain Brad Marais spoke about his favourite book (Tintin) with the Year 3s and shared his passion for reading. The younger boys engaged readily with Brad’s story and many were keen to talk to him about their own favourite books. This class was familiar with the process of Book Honouring because their teacher, Brendan Rahn, uses the technique at the beginning of their weekly library visit. Book Honouring can be described as anything a teacher does to make a book special. The aim is to motivate students to read by encouraging them to do it for pleasure. In a number of classrooms at BGS this year, we have explored the use of Book Honouring to develop curiosity about books through increased social interactions. The link between reading for pleasure and student achievement is well documented, as is the negative impact of poor motivation on reading development. We used Book Honouring as the focus of a research project conducted with Year 7 classes to address a perceived drop in reading rates among our adolescent boys. Our aim was to raise the profile of reading for these boys. The feedback from negatively motivated readers suggested that they struggle with a ‘wandering mind’, other pursuits taking priority over reading, and a preference for physical activities. Interestingly, reading difficulty and lack of interest were rarely mentioned. Even among our motivated
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readers, a number of external factors are competing for reading time – including young people’s busy lives beyond school, screen time, sport, leisure activities and increased academic demands. Studies show that a significant characteristic of classrooms that motivate boys to read is social interaction to develop curiosity about books. As part of our Book Honouring strategy, we encouraged students to talk regularly about what they were reading, and role-modelled positive reading behaviours. Techniques included sharing reactions and talking about favourite books with peers,
reading together with friends, sharing writing about books with others, talking with the teacher about reading, and reading books recommended by their peers. To measure the impact of Book Honouring, we tracked engagement, recorded observations and conducted interviews with the Year 7 students. We found a measureable increase in student engagement, supporting the suggestion that students were positively motivated by the changes in classroom culture resulting from the inclusion of Book Honouring strategies.
Families can use Book Honouring at home to motivate their sons to read. Informal discussions about books enable readers to learn that reading is entertaining and stimulating. Dialogue with family, teachers and friends highlights the pleasure that books inspire, sparks reader interest, helps readers to make reading selections, and encourages readers to participate in an activity that people in their social and cultural communities value. Raelene Plozza Literacy Coach
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Innovative insects and more! In 2018, BGS was recognised in The Educator’s Innovative Schools Awards, with our nomination based on the Year 8 iDesign program introduced by Jamie Watson eight years ago. iDesign provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and originality, to plan and organise a significant project over a relatively long period and to work with a mentor. It requires critical and creative thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship. No matter what their level of academic achievement, through iDesign, our boys can highlight their individuality and inspiration. This year’s projects included a sharkdetection system, edible insects (pictured), a method to minimise in-patient crossinfection, a stair-climbing kayak trolley, a tech hoodie, a cithara guitar music holder and an anti-magpie swooper. The overall winner, Jordan Secatore, produced a sensory and relaxation mindfulness pod.
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An ACO experience During 2018, the Year 5 boys had the opportunity to be part of a music and art program run in conjunction with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Each term, the boys Skyped with ACO musician Peter Clark and they responded to a wide variety of music and art works. In Term 2, rather than our usual Skype session, Peter surprised the boys by visiting BGS in person. He brought Jessica Oddie, another ACO musician, and they performed for the boys. During the program, the boys explored graphic notation through composition and built their listening analysis skills. In Term 4,
Peter set the boys the task of composing a graphic score connected to a creative story. Near the end of the year, Peter and Jessica returned to BGS to hear and workshop the boys’ compositions. The boys were in awe of both musicians’ incredible skills as they explored their ideas. In thanking Peter, the boys spoke of the strong connection they had developed with him, and of the insight he had given them into the life of a professional musician. They also spoke of their gratitude for the chance to be part of such an amazing musical experience. Hayley Blakiston Head of Junior School Music AUTUMN 2019
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Bio-Dash In 2017, Brighton Grammar signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education, a global leader in teaching and education research. The purpose of this MoU was to ensure that, through the Crowther Centre, the BGS community would continue to have access to the latest and best thinking in education, as well as the opportunity to partner with the university to enable high-quality research and staff training for the benefit of the boys.
Bio-Dash is a program that uses biofeedback to improve performance. Biofeedback enables us to gain a greater awareness of many of our physiological functions, with the goal of being able to manipulate these functions at will. Bio-Dash assists the boys to develop mindfulness and stressmanagement strategies using a game-based console. Via bio-feedback (specifically, brain activity, respiration, heart rate and skin conductance), they can see their progress 8
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‘We want to equip the boys with tools to manage life’s challenges as they arise.’
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Part of the School’s wellbeing strategy is to ‘normalise’ help-seeking behaviours. We want to equip the boys with tools to assist them in managing life’s challenges as they arise. As part of this quest, it was a great pleasure for BGS to host Professor Dianne Vella-Broderick, from the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Positive Psychology, to complete her sabbatical through the MoU. During 2018, Dianne worked with a group of 15 Year 10 boys to develop Bio-Dash.
and improvement. One boy commented: ‘I figured out what calms me down best so I can use these skills in everyday life.’ The aim of the program is to develop mind fitness (in the same way we develop other fitness). Another boy said: ‘I believe this program will be great for helping to manage my own stress and it will also be a fun experience to pass on the stressrelieving techniques to younger people. I am also looking forward to being involved in this study so that I feel I am part of something major.’
The program will be further developed in 2019 with Year 9 students. Dianne believes that this work will position BGS as a ‘lighthouse school for addressing mental health issues through bio feedback’. Dr Ray Swann Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther Centre (ELC–VCE)
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The pull of the Billycart Cup Routine. Tradition. Competition. Glory. Boys thrive on these. So it is no surprise that even after 20 years, building and racing a billycart with a couple of mates remains a highly anticipated rite of passage for the Year 6 boys. Towards the end of 2018, the excitement in the air as the Billycart Cup approached was as great as ever. The boys began the unit by focusing on the three ‘levels’ of a billycart: the centreboard, the support blocks and the axles. From there, they built a model from balsa wood, ensuring they had included all three levels. Their maximum budget of $80 provided a challenge, although some teams managed to obtain sponsorship from local businesses to help with building costs, in exchange for displaying advertising. The teams were encouraged to use recycled materials rather than simply visiting the local hardware store. Finally, in groups, the boys designed, measured up and built their billycarts. This involved a long process of research, planning, design, construction, evaluation and modification. All the while, the boys were developing their problem-solving and interpersonal skills. As they worked together on their carts, it was wonderful to see their entrepreneurial traits come to the fore. As teachers, we witnessed passion, independent thinking, vision, focus, resourcefulness and tenacity. One group in particular had to make big changes at the eleventh hour. But despite the many obstacles, they never gave up. The pull to compete in the annual Billycart Cup is unstoppable!
Laura Hall and Bill Gibney Junior School Science Teachers 10
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Connor’s Run goes deep The magician, the sage, the warrior and the caregiver – these four symbols are referenced often within the senior student community. After discussions among themselves a couple of years ago, the students chose these archetypes as representations of those patterns of behaviour required to become a ‘successful man’. Each student in the Secondary School spends time reflecting on how elements of all the archetypes are present within his own character. And B2M, an experiential learning program launched recently by the School, is also based around these archetypes. The B2M Program focuses on student leadership and wellbeing at a complex time in the students’ lives. Spanning Years 9 and 10, the Program and has been designed to support the boys as they transition from boys to young men. It runs alongside the academic, cocurricular and pastoral care programs but reaches into the day-to-day curriculum at every point. It gives
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the students a chance to explore in depth the qualities that will ensure their own wellbeing and those of their peers, before they’re plunged into the challenges of VCE. Over two years, each student chooses to take part in activities across a number of components. ‘Service’ activities include ‘living in’ for a week at the Brotherhood of St Laurence and social problem-solving through human-centred design. For their outdoor educational journey, a student might walk the Goolarabooloo’s Lurujarri Heritage Trail or visit the Martyrs Memorial School in PNG, with which BGS has a long association. The boys are challenged to disrupt old-school male stereotypes, to ‘build emotional muscle’ and to take part in no-holdsbarred conversations with their mates in Tomorrow Man workshops. (The impact of these workshops has been profound. To hear a 15-year-old boy speak with such empathy for his peers, and with such honesty about his own vulnerabilities and struggles, is rare.) Near the
Team BGS @ Connor’s Run
end of Year 10, together with their father or another male mentor, each boy takes part in the Rites of Passage experience, after which he is welcomed back into the community as a young man, ready to lead the school as a VCE student. Connor’s Run is part of the service component of B2M. All Year 9 students take part in this annual fundraising event for the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, which supports research into brain cancer. Brighton
Grammar has an intimate relationship with the RCD Foundation; Connor was a student at BGS throughout his school life. In 2011, near the end of his Year 11 year, Connor was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Although unwell, he continued to attend school during Year 12 as much as he could. He passed away early in 2013. All Year 9 students either train for and complete Connor’s Run (18.8km or 9.6km) as part of the Brighton Grammar community team, or work for the event in a support
capacity. Of the 4000 runners registered for the 2018 run, 200-plus were from the BGS community team. Peter Shepard, Deputy Head of Secondary School and coordinator of B2M, says that Connor’s Run is a vital part of the Program because it ‘connects the students to the wider community and a bigger purpose’. For most of the other components of the B2M Program, the boys are split into groups; Connor’s Run brings them together as a cohort within the wider
School community. After the event, the students’ sense of wellbeing is heightened; not only have many of them challenged themselves physically, they have supported their peers, developed their leadership skills, been part of a community team and contributed to a wider cause. Through this single event, they have connected with their internal magician, their sage, their warrior and especially their caregiver.
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Exothermic reactions and elephant toothpaste In August, some ELC boys were lucky enough to visit Laboratory Manager Jane Nurton in the Secondary School Science Lab. I had mentioned to Jane that the boys were keen to see some real science experiments. The boys sat in awe of the ‘magic’ that unfolded. We discussed air, water, temperature, gravity, magnetic pull, chemical reactions and static electricity. Jane made ‘elephant toothpaste’ using a chemical reaction. She explained to the boys that this reaction happens very fast and creates lots and lots of bubbles. She also explained that the experiment created an exothermic
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reaction – meaning that it created not only foam, but also heat. Jane pushed pencils through a zip lock bag filled with water. To our surprise, not a drop of water spilled out! The boys understood that although it looked like real magic, the pencil was actually helping to form a temporary seal – amazing chemistry in action. Jane used scientific language as she did her demonstrations, introducing the boys to ‘molecules’, ‘atoms’ and ‘polymers’. The boys asked Jane some really interesting questions. The boys then explored gravity by creating their own paper helicopters. They had to listen very carefully and
follow Jane’s step-by-step instructions. Once they’d finished, the boys carefully stood on their chairs so that they could drop their helicopters from a high point and watch as they spun to the ground. After watching Jane’s amazing science show, we met a water dragon called Gerald. The boys watched Gerald eat his lunch (blueberries with veggie pallets hidden inside because Gerald doesn’t like to eat his greens), followed by dessert – live crickets! They even got to give Gerald a pat. These experiences were such a treat and have already stimulated great curiosity in science, which has overflowed into our classroom program. The boys also loved walking through the Secondary School and observing the school day in full swing. We are so lucky to be part of this single-campus community.
Jess Kenny ELC Teacher
‘I saw a pencil pick up a bottle of rice without using any hands.’ (Jack)
From the boys...
‘I touched the water dragon. I thought he was a lizard but he is a dragon – but not with fire.’ (Benjamin)
‘Science is fun! I liked the elephant toothpaste – it exploded out of the cup and kept flowing on to the table.’ (Oscar W)
‘Science goes pop and stuff blows out.’ (Oscar X)
‘Gerald walked around the science place, and sometimes he went fast to get the crickets. He ate them all up! l don’t think l am allowed crickets.’ (Sam C)
‘The dragon was spikey and had sharp claws. But he had a claw missing – his brother bit it off when he was cross. That is not nice.’ (Brandon) AUTUMN 2019
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Thoughtful design In Creative Design and Technology Semester 2, the Year 8 boys spent time creating wooden toys to give to charity. The boys received a brief outlining who they were making the toys for and then went through a process of researching and creating a working design to construct from wood. The boys had to consider the size, functionality and (particularly) the safety of the finished product, as well as the age groups and interests of the recipients, to ensure that their gifts would be meaningful. They chose to make a diverse selection of toys, ranging from simple jigsaw puzzles 16
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to naughts and crosses and more complex mind puzzles, marble runs and ball games. Previously, toys have been donated to the Monash Children’s Hospital and the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, and as far away as a school in Kenya. This year, they will be donated to BayCISS, a charity that provides a range of services to the community in the Bayside area. The Year 8 cohort can be congratulated on an outstanding effort and commitment to completing a range of professionally made toys. Nick Weymouth Creative Arts Teacher
Giving back in the Junior School At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back. —Denzel Washington These are the words we live by in the Junior School. Each year, as Christmas draws closer and we reflect on its true meaning, our Student Wellbeing Program focus is ‘Giving’. Kindness is one of the strengths we focus on as part of the BGS Effective Learner model. Our annual Baraka Fair raises money for the Baraka School in Kenya. This fundraising has made a significant difference to the education of children in the slums of Nairobi, and a strong relationship has developed between BGS and the Baraka School. The boys in each BGS Junior School class exercise their entrepreneurial skills to create and run activities at the Fair, while raising money for others. It is a highlight of the year for
many boys and encapsulates authentic learning. We also support the Mary Mackillop Foundation, a local charity, through our ‘Giving’ initiative. Instead of exchanging buddy gifts (as we used to do), each boy
from ELC to Year 6 is invited to donate $5, which is pooled to purchase toys for children who are less fortunate. Monica Le Couteur Coordinator of Student Growth and Wellbeing, Junior School
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A whirlwind draft In November 2018, two then Year 12 students were picked in the AFL Draft – Harry Reynolds (left) by the Sydney Swans and Joel Crocker (right) by North Melbourne. Harry’s parents dropped him at the airport less than 48 hours after the Draft began. After saying goodbye at the airport, his mum said, ‘You spend eighteen years building up strong, independent kids but no time getting ready for this moment yourself.’
Systematic wins the (maths) race James Tan (Year 7) is a talented mathematician who enjoys the opportunity to showcase his talents in competitions. In Year 6 in 2018, he was awarded a High Distinction in both the ICAS Maths and Australian Maths Trust test papers. James also achieved a perfect score in the Australasian Maths Problem Solving Olympiad, placing him in the top 0.14% of the 34,000 participants. He is systematic in his approach and loves a challenge!
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At the Youth Olympics Brothers Brad Marais (OB 2018, pictured) and Craig Marais (Year 11 in 2019) were selected to represent Australia in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in October. Craig will represent School Sports Australia in Europe in May 2019.
Talented youth on stage In January 2019, Jack Wyss (Year 12) performed in the Young Australian Broadway Chorus production of Les Misérables at the National Theatre in Melbourne. The show, which was the Chorus’s most ambitious show to date, received rave reviews.
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Around the School
Annandale for everyone The view through the Annandale Gym’s floor-to-ceiling windows across the Crowther Oval early on a spring morning is worth the early wake-up. Plovers pick at the grass. The School is still, as through resting before the onslaught. Boys have been training on this patch of ground since the original Annandale Pavilion was opened in 1956. The design was ahead of its time and a great boon for the 600 boys then at BGS. It was named in honour of Walter Annandale Jack, who attended BGS from 1885 until 1892, along with his four brothers. Walter’s father, Andrew Jack, migrated to Melbourne from Scotland in 1862. There, he had worked at the Annandale & Son Ltd Polton Paper Works – hence Walter’s middle name. When BGS Headmaster Dr Crowther died suddenly in 1918, Walter, by then a company director, joined lawyer William Frederick Weigall and Dr Crowther’s widow, Alice, to ensure that the School continued. Walter became one of the founders and benefactors of the School in 1923, joining with Canon William Hancock to guarantee BGS as an independent entity under the aegis of the Church of England. He was a member of the School’s first Council (1924–44) and then Chairman (1934–65). In 1960, he was awarded an MBE for social service to young people. He was a gentle, self-effacing man with strong values, who gave generously to the School and the local community. By the late 1970s, BGS had grown to more than 1000 boys. The original pavilion 20
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was replaced by a larger facility, also called Annandale. Completed in 1982, it served the community well until 2017. Back in the stunning ‘new’ Annandale, completed mid-2018, Ian Miller, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, is running an interval training class for the BGS community. The School is keen to share this facility and the Annandale Gym is now open to members. (If you’re reading this, you probably qualify as a community member, but you can check on the Annandale Gym website – look for the FAQs.) Unlike many other gyms, all the trainers at the Annandale Gym are universityqualified. So, whatever your fitness level and your training goals, they know exactly how to help you obtain the results you want. Classes are small and each member receives individual attention. ‘People hear the word “elite” and they
The opening of Annandale in 1956.
assume this gym is not for them,’ says Ian. ‘But it’s for everyone. Everyone’s “elite” is different. For one of the School’s PE staff, it might be training to run a marathon. A Junior School mum might want to be able to run around after her kids. For a retiree, it might be enough fitness to improve their golf game.’ BGS staff member Julie Ellwood has been attending classes regularly since the Gym opened. ‘I hadn’t been to a gym for a while before joining Annandale. I found the early-morning interval training classes great. These classes are set so you can personally challenge yourself, and the coaches are encouraging and supportive.’ Claire Clarke, who teaches in the ELC, is another regular. ‘The trainers offer an excellent range of classes to suit all abilities. The sessions are fun and varied, including both challenge
and clear guidance on technique. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to improve their overall strength and conditioning.’ Classes, which run at various times outside school hours, currently include indoor cycling, interval training, circuits, boxing and yoga – but we’re open to feedback and suggestions. We want this gym to fulfil our community’s needs and increase your wellbeing. Now, the School is beginning to shake itself awake. Boys shout to each other across the Crowther. Staff walk past the Gym, juggling coffees and laptops. In the Music School, someone is doing their saxophone practice. It will be another busy day at BGS. Walter Annandale Jack would be pleased. To find out more about the Gym, search ‘BGS Annandale Gym’ or email admin@bgsbookings.com.au. AUTUMN 2019
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BGS is a special place – we all know it. It’s not always easy to articulate why it is so special to be part of it, whether we are boys, staff, parents, alumni, board members or connected in some other way. But the word that seems to spring first to everyone’s lips is ‘community’. As a single-campus Anglican school full of staff who are passionate about teaching boys, we already stand out from the crowd. Our boys share a sense of what it means to be a BGS student or Old Boy – the ‘As One’ mantra was embraced by the student body in 2018 and has infiltrated all areas of school life. There is so much to be part of at BGS, where each boy is known and celebrated for his individual passions and talents. The Year 9/10 B2M program launched last year intensifies our commitment to developing our boys’ sense of wellbeing and their emotional toolkit as they make the tricky transition to young manhood. Our dedication to mindfulness over the last few years has had an impact, not only in the classroom but in the corridors and on the grounds – especially in the Junior School. Academically, we’ve raised the bar. The boys’ VCE results over the last few years have been some of the best in our history. Our Effective Learner model is helping staff and boys to understand how they learn best and what they can do to create the optimal mindset, environment and approach. A culture of innovation pervades life and learning at BGS. We are continually delighted to hear of the entrepreneurial ventures of our Old Boys – you only need to walk through the BGS Hall of Fame gallery to feel inspired by their achievements and creativity. The projects that emerge from the Year 8 iDesign program each year are evidence of the Design Thinking
approach that is encouraged throughout the curriculum. The School was named a winner in The Educator’s Innovative Schools awards in 2018. Over the next few months, look out for our ‘Be part of it’ campaign in print, online, on social media. We want people to know how special this school is. It’s not an exercise in growing student numbers – the School Council has resolved that numbers will increase only marginally in the foreseeable future, to ensure that we retain our distinct culture of community. But we do want families with sons who might benefit from a BGS education to have the chance to be part of it. Given the opportunity, please get behind us and share your experience of BGS with the wider community. If you’re thinking that this sounds like a marketing spiel, you’re right. But the pleasure in marketing BGS is that there’s no spin involved. What you see at this school is what you get – and we all want to be part of that.
Nicci Dodanwela Marketing & Communications Manager AUTUMN 2019
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No rubbish in Outdoor Ed Our planet is grappling with a huge waste problem. In the Outdoor Education Department, we’re passionate about sustainable waste management. In 2018, we introduced a number of systems to reduce the amount of waste going into landfill. In preparation for self-cater Outdoor Ed programs, the boys decant their food items into ziplock bags. The foods’ original packaging is then separated into comingled recycling, soft plastic recycling, compost and general waste. While in the field, the boys are encouraged to sort their waste. Once separated, the comingled recycling gets placed into the School’s recycle bin and soft plastic gets
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taken to a ‘Redcycle’ bin at Woolworths or Coles. Compost goes home with the Outdoor Ed staff for their chickens or compost bins. The small amount of general waste remaining goes into the general rubbish skip. Our efforts are already showing fantastic results. In 2019, our goal is to introduce reusable scroggin bags. These small steps are our way of educating the wider community about how we can all recycle. Because we think the fact that only 20% of household plastics are recycled is pretty rubbish! Carly West Outdoor Education Program Co-ordinator
Try rugby! In February 2018, boys from Years 7 and 8 got the chance to experience rugby either for the first time or for the first time since their final game of last season. With help from Tom Moloney and Tayler Adams from the Melbourne Rebels, the boys took part in various games to introduce them to the key skills of the game, continue to develop their ability and most importantly have fun. It was great to see many of the senior boys come down and lend a hand and get involved in the activities to continue to strengthen the connection between all levels of the Secondary School. Following the conclusion
of the activities, the boys were treated to a fantastic sausage sizzle put on by the Rugby Club, whose continued support has been outstanding over the past seasons. For me, rugby has built friendships and a community which I have had the pleasure of seeing grow exponentially over the five years I have been a part of it. Personally, I have never been part of such
a tight-knit group of boys with such a strong drive for success. The achievement of last year’s season throughout the whole program reflects how encouraging the future of BGS Rugby is. I would encourage all boys to give rugby a go and see just why it holds the great reputation it does within BGS and the wider community. Cameron Berry Year 12, 2018
‘Best lollipop man ever!’ For the last five years, Patrick Burke, the New Street crossing supervisor, has been walking 8 kilometres each day to the New Street crossing. Already a great boon to the School, he recently earned some extra publicity from Nine’s Today show, which dubbed him ‘Melbourne’s most enthusiastic lollipop man’! After a working life in the public service, Patrick tried
retiring, but found himself bored and wanting to contribute to the community. The BGS community is particularly grateful to him for the way he cares for our boys. And they appreciate and respect him: ‘He’s a great man. He always has a smile on his face.’ Patrick’s special trick is knowing exactly when to press the button to ensure minimum waiting time for
pedestrians, taking into account whether they are fast or slow walkers!
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The value of data – and Ian When Ian Tongs completed Year 12 in 2017, after 13 years at BGS, he probably didn’t expect to be back. But one day a week since February 2018, in between studying for a double degree in Commerce/Science at Monash Uni, with an extended major in Mathematics and a specialisation in Econometrics, Ian has been working with our MIS (Management Information Systems) team. Education is not exempt from the paradigm shift that ‘big data’ is bringing about. Big data refers to the large volume of data available every day to – in our case – the School. In education, big data has huge potential to help us improve our delivery of learning. BGS has been a little ahead of the trend, having collected enormous amounts of data (NAPLAN results, ATARs, attendance, Effort Grades, fitness test results and progress test results) over the last few years. However, the amount of data we collect is not the point; it’s what we do with it that matters. This is where Ian comes in. To make sense of all this data, he has been building models so that the data can be analysed. The insights we can draw from these analytics will enable us to build our learning system around practices that are the most effective, according to the evidence. Ian’s knowledge of the School and his appreciation of how things are structured at BGS has been invaluable in this process. There are now many expert modellers trained for work in the corporate sector, but not yet in the educational sector. Ian’s years as a
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student at BGS have given him some insight into the pedagogy and how this plays into the data, making him the ideal modeller for us. Many trends have become apparent via Ian’s models, enabling staff to recognise the impact of initiatives such as the Syndicate Program. For example, Ian has used five years’ worth of data to produce refined boundaries for the PE Department. These new boundaries will be used for 2019 assessments. Some of the findings have been especially interesting. For example, the models show that Effort Grades are more powerful predictors of a student’s ATAR than almost any other piece of data. For many students, surely this knowledge alone is a great source of intrinsic motivation. The ultimate aim of collecting and analysing our data is to improve student results (both academic and non-academic) by helping staff understand how student behaviour affects their achievements, and how they learn best. We’re very excited by the potential power of these models and how we can use them to help shape future programs at the School. And over time, as we collect more and more data, the models will become ever more powerful. Once complete, Ian’s work will be assessed by PwC. Ian is hoping to spend a semester studying abroad in the next couple of years. We’re currently hatching plans to prevent the corporate sector from snapping him up.
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Visit the BGS archives Brighton Grammar’s archives, located in a purpose-designed and secure facility in the basement of the Urwin Centre, contain a comprehensive collection of items that trace the history of our School from 1882 until today. This ever-expanding collection incorporates such items as official School records, handwritten publications, photographs (including those reproduced here), magazines, books, medals, trophies, badges, uniform, furniture, artworks, prizes, architectural drawings, old films and video recordings, oral histories and 28
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The School as portrayed in a 1930s prospectus recently donated to BGS
war memorabilia. When dealing with such a large collection, there is always something to do! In 2018, the focus was on responding to an increasing number of internal and external requests for information and the commissioning of some archival displays around the School, including
two large sports-focused displays for the new Annandale pavilion. Another large undertaking for 2018 was the commissioning of a set of digitised Grammarians right back to the first edition in 1911. So, our community can now search all of this valuable content. Brighton Grammar is
committed to retaining, preserving and expanding our archives. The collection is an important resource for the BGS community and general public now and will remain so into the future. Visitors are welcome to make an appointment to view our archives. We also welcome donations to the collection. And if you have a passion for history and some time to spare, we welcome the assistance of volunteers. Please call the Development Office (03 8591 2271) or email development@ brightongrammar.vic. edu.au if you would like to visit, donate an item or volunteer.
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Around the School
A facelift for Reception
As soon as the boys walked out the door at the end of 2018, Junior School Reception looked like this.
When they returned in 2019, it looked like this.
Whatever the weather Karine Coste, Head of Languages and team coordinator for Year 8 Water Polo, captured the boys in training at 7am one September morning. Brrr.
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Year 12 Chinese Group
Sad to say goodbye
‘Last October, 42 of the Year 12 international parents took me out to dinner as a thank you for the assistance over the years. I felt very moved and sad so many will be leaving.’ Maggie Lynch, International Parents Liaison
A Brightonian journey Brightonian Ned Bellmaine started at the School in Prep in 2006 and completed Year 12 in 2018. He is the fourth generation in his family to attend the School. Spot the difference! Ned Bellmaine in Prep and Year 12.
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Will you marry me? Earlier this year, ELC Teacher Jess Kenny married Jordan Collins. The pair was married by fellow ELC Teacher – and newly qualified celebrant – Kathy Pitt. At Meliora, we wanted to know more.
Meliora: Belated congratulations, Jess! How is married life, so far? Jess: Married life is lovely. Jordy and I have been together for 8 years so not a lot has changed… but it is nice to be able to finally call him my husband.
Meliora: You say your wedding was ‘rushed over the line’ so that your Dad could be there. How was that? Jess: Our wedding was a testament to how families can pull things together at the last minute. As I said, Jordy and I had been together for 8 years, and to be honest, I thought our moment had passed. But when we found out that Dad’s cancer had returned, we asked him how he would feel if we ‘finally’ got married. Dad was elated. So we set to planning our backyard wedding. Having my Dad at our wedding was very important to both Jordy and me. Dad was incredibly brave on the day and was able to walk his only daughter down the aisle. Later in the evening he delivered one of his ‘world famous’ Jim Kenny speeches. Dad passed away five weeks after our wedding, but knowing that this was the last time many of our friends and family spent time with Dad makes Jordy and me cherish our wedding day even more.
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Meliora: When did you decide to ask Kathy to marry you and Jordy? Jess: Kathy and I share a great friendship, and when she asked me and Jordy to be her ‘practice couple’ for her studies, we were both so touched by the script she had written – it was exactly how we had pictured our real wedding to be. So Kathy was hired before she was even qualified! Friends and family have since commented on how our wedding was so relaxed, fun and… ‘very us’. Kathy had everything to do with that. She was the ultimate professional and I will be forever grateful to her for doing such an amazing job.
Meliora: Kathy, this was your very first wedding – is that right?
Meliora: Jess, do you have any wedding planning advice?
Kathy: It was, and what a relaxed, beautiful way to initiate my new venture.
Jess: Have fun with it! Although two months isn’t a long time to organise a wedding, we had such great fun. We didn’t have time to overthink things. The most important thing is to make sure you have great music, so the party doesn’t stop.
Meliora: Why did you decide to become a celebrant? Kathy: I thought that the funeral celebrant at my mother’s funeral, back in 2006, was so organised and caring that I felt a desire to help others out one day down the track. I am still not quite ready for funerals, as I cry at any movie funeral, but maybe one day. And what is not to like about weddings? Joy, lots of laughs and a public showing of commitment.
Also, if you want your ceremony to be really personal and professional, then get in touch with Kathy! Kathy: Celebrancy is just like teaching, really: organisation, a flair for the creative pursuit and a little bit of crowd control. I couldn’t control the Kenny clan, though!
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BGS babies
Lauren Murphy (Librarian) and her partner Michael welcomed Kyren on 14 April 2018.
Kate Casey (Crowther Centre Manager) and her partner John welcomed Sarah Sienna on 30 January 2019.
Katie White (Mathematics Coordinator) and her partner Andrew welcomed Harper on 1 February 2018.
Anthony Keane (Teacher/ Instructional Coach) and his partner Caterina welcomed Chloe on 14 July 2018.
Paula Fletcher (Teacher/ Librarian) and her partner Ciaron welcomed Chloe Frances on 6 February 2019.
Joyce Wang (Accounts Officer) and her partner Wei Qui welcomed Mia on 7 February 2019. 34
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Angela Waldron (VCE Administration Coordinator) and her partner Brendan welcomed Isla on 25 August 2018.
Marriages
Tim Marshall (Director of Sport) married Jessie Askew on 11 March 2018 at Glasshaus in Melbourne.
Jared Furtado (Director of Music) married Adrian Kennedy on 29 December 2018 in Melbourne.
Danielle Wolff (School Psychologist) married David Tessari on 25 November 2018 in Melbourne.
Jess Kenny (ELC Teacher) married Jordan Collins on 17 February 2018 in Melbourne.
Adrienne Mewett (Teacher of English and Drama) married Grant Paterson on 15 December 2018 at the Melbourne Aquarium.
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Vale OBGS Centenarians Our two centenarian Old Boys, David Madden and Jim Poynter, passed away early in 2018. Both commenced at BGS in Year 4 in 1930 and, in their 99th year, attended our 2017 Anzac Day Service. David celebrated his 100th birthday in March. He attended a special Secondary School Assembly during which he was presented with a gift prior to an enthusiastic rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. Following the Assembly, David and guests enjoyed morning tea together at the School.
Jim’s birthday occurred during the school holidays. To help him celebrate, the School made a video for him, including ‘Happy Birthday’ sung by the Years 7–8 Choir. Jim was thrilled with this surprise and the video was shown during his birthday festivities at Melbourne’s RACV Club.
Vale It is with sadness that we advise the names of Old Brighton Grammarians, as well as past staff, who have passed away. Our condolences to their families. John Attwood (OB 1951)
Robin Lloyd (OB 1953)
George Bartholomeusz (OB 1954)
David Madden (OB 1934)
Dennis Batiste (OB 1965)
Christopher Over (OB 1998)
Ted Bennison (OB 1953)
Jim Poynter (OB 1934)
Nick Columb (OB 1963)
David Scammell (OB 1950)
Peter Creed (OB 1947)
John Trenerry (OB 1955)
Rod Ellison (OB 1945)
Sion Turner (OB 1994)
Barry Foster (OB 1953)
David Ward (OB 1950)
Norris Goudy (OB 1954)
Douglas Wood (OB 1961)
Nick Green (OB 2011)
Hector Walker (past staff)
John Hannaford (OB 1955)
Betty West (past staff)
Paul Josephson (OB 1967)
Sue Thorpe (past staff)
James Lewis (OB 1988)
Barrie Johns (past staff)
Sequamur Society
The Sequamur Society honours and thanks those members of our community who have confirmed their intention to include Brighton Grammar School in their Will.
A source of inspiration Hector Walker, a former staff member who died in April 2018, has left a bequest of $25,000, which will be directed to supporting BGS Drama. Hector joined BGS in 1955 and retired in 1991. He was based mainly in Rosstrevor, the Middle School, primarily teaching English and History. In his earlier years at BGS, Hector was a highly regarded athletics coach, having been a fine middle distance runner in his school days. But perhaps Hector’s greatest contribution to the School was his Year 11 and 12 drama productions over a period of 25 years. These included performances such as The Royal Hunt of the Sun, for which lead actors Richard O’Byrne and John Downie were jointly awarded the 1972 School Theatre Festival’s prize for Best Actor, and the outstanding Journey’s End in 1978. A talented musician, Hector also provided much encouragement and support to the School’s music program. On retirement, Hector worked tirelessly as a volunteer at Bayley House and was a regular Sunday afternoon announcer on 3MBS. Some
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weeks after his passing, 3MBS dedicated a whole Sunday afternoon program to Hector, playing his favourite classical pieces. While Hector’s bequest will support the growth and implementation of Drama, his greatest legacy is the profound positive influence that he had on hundreds of BGS boys for whom he was a source of inspiration.
Court of Companions The Court of Companions commemorates those members of staff who, by their devotion and long-term service, have contributed significantly to the advancement of Brighton Grammar School.
This year, our traditional Court of Companions dinner was replaced by a cocktail party held in the Bourke Family Function Room in the new Annandale Pavilion. This format received universal approval from the 50+ attendees. A highlight of the celebration was the induction of three new members: Jo Ellis, Steve Emmett and Simon Kesssler, all of whom have made a significant contribution to the education of our boys over the past 15 years. Jo joined BGS as a graduate teacher in 2003 and quickly found her niche teaching English as an Additional Language. She has taught EAL from Years 7 to 12, providing an environment that offers structure, warmth and rigour, and combines academics with essential aspects of pastoral care. Jo has been instrumental in developing and implementing the EAL curriculum across the School. Beyond the classroom, she has coached tennis, soccer and touch football. Prior to joining BGS, Steve taught in Japan. Primarily an art teacher, he has also taught Commerce, Physical Education, Maths, Woodwork and Visual Communication and Design. For the past six years, he has been Head of Art. Steve’s involvement in extracurricular activities has included cadets, various school camps, white-water rafting,
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scuba diving and trips to Papua New Guinea. Steve enjoys oil painting, furniture making and martial arts – and he has a black belt in aikido! Simon attended BGS as a student from 1972 until 1977. He was a talented hockey player and received Full Colours in 1976 and 1977. After a variety of roles in the public service, including in human resources, and management training and development, Simon joined the BGS staff and has taught Business Management, Accounting and Economics. For some years, he was a Director of Resources. Simon has coached hockey, including six years as First XI coach; he also has coached tennis and, for seven seasons, was Teacher in Charge of Badminton.
Sadly, four of our Court of Companions members died during 2018: Barrie Johns, Sue Thorp, Hector Walker (see page 37) and Betty West.
Barry Johns joined BGS in 1985 and formally retired from his role at Rosstrevor in 2002. Barrie was a gifted middle school Maths and Science teacher, renowned for getting the very best out of his students no matter their ability. He loved coaching cricket and football, organising rowing and managing water polo teams. He was a keen traveller and coupled this with his role as a guide at the Melbourne Cricket Club.
Sue Thorp had an exceptional way with our youngest boys in the ELC: firm when she needed to be but always extraordinarily thoughtful, warm and attentive to every boy’s individual needs. Sue had an amazing ability to get along with everyone, whether they be parents, staff or ELC boys. Her devotion to the St Kilda Saints never wavered.
Betty West was PA to the Head of Rosstrevor for over 20 years. Her easygoing personality enabled her to carry out her role in a quiet, efficient and ‘no fuss’ way without, of course, the assistance of today’s modern office technology. Betty had a wonderfully warm and welcoming way with the boys; her generosity of spirit, her gentleness and her sincere care for every aspect of her role were appreciated by all. AUTUMN 2019
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Old Boys
NEWS
It’s easier than ever to connect In November, we inducted 12 outstanding Old Boys into the Hall of Fame and named five brilliant Young Achievers. Nominated by their peers, and selected through an arduous process, these Old Boys were then celebrated in grand style at the Gala Dinner. The whole process was an enormous undertaking by both BGS staff and OBGS volunteers. A full Hall of Fame report can be found opposite. Another significant milestone was the launch of the new OBGS website. The platform we have selected is exciting in both its business and social networking capabilities. Each Old Boy has his own profile on this ‘members only’ website, which he can update with career and personal information. The platform has a powerful search engine whereby Old Boys can search members by qualification/degree, occupation or company, to name just a few of the possible parameters, and also see who is willing to help and in what regard. Old Boys can also look up old school friends, reach out and re-connect. Those with shared interests can also group together – for example, cyclists, musicians or bushwalkers! Networking opportunities and mentoring facilities have been on the agenda for some time with the OBGS, and the new website facilitates these beautifully. In 2019, this will 40
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Kate Birrell with OBGS Vice President Tim Marshall and OBGS Treasurer Andrew Biggin at a recent Top Enders event.
be further enhanced by business networking events, so it is imperative that all Old Boys activate and update their profile. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities, as we expand the value offered to members of the OBGS. Go to https://obgsglobalconnect.com. au to update your profile today! Throughout 2018, it was also ‘business as usual’ while we welcomed over 1000 Old Boys to reunions and other events. The 2019 calendar can be found on page 80. Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth – see you in 2019! Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if there is anything we can do to help. Kate Birrell Alumni & Community Manager kbirrell@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au
GALA DINNER
Headmaster Ross Featherston with the ten inductees present on the night
On Wednesday 14 November 2018, the BGS Hall of Fame Gala Dinner went off in spectacular style. Held every three years, this is an important occasion that provides the School community with an opportunity to honour and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Old Boys and the contributions they have made to society. In 2018, eighteen Old Boys were inducted into the Hall of Fame, five as Young Achievers. To hear the stories of these remarkable
men was inspiring for all in attendance. From architects to sportsmen, and journalists to entrepreneurs, their paths are diverse, but all are truly successful. Shared sentiments of the inductees included: take every opportunity; try your hardest; question everything; do good in the world. Other highlights of the night included 2018 School Captain Brad Marais’ outstanding address about who inspires him, and Jonty Leadbeater’s memorable performance of a BGS version of ‘I vow to thee, my country’.
Soon, the Hall of Fame Gallery, located at the St Andrews Street entrance to the Secondary School, will be expanded to include our new inductees. Their stories will no doubt further inspire current and future generations of BGS boys. The night was a fine celebration of the life and traditions of the School. And wonderfully, above all accomplishments, it was friendship that rose to the fore as the most memorable and sustaining legacy of an education at Brighton Grammar. Meliora Sequamur. AUTUMN 2019
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GALA DINNER
Profiles of those who were inducted into the BGS Hall of Fame follow.
Sir Norman John Carson CMG (1877–1964) (OB 1895) Businessman, Wool Industry Leader, Philanthropist 1929
Appointed Melbourne Manager for A.M.L. & F.
1952
Awarded C.M.G for his work with the Australian Wool Realisation Commission
1960
Toorak College Library named in his honour
1961
Knighted for ‘services to Australian industry'
1940–64
On the board of management of the Alfred Hospital
Norman Carson was born in 1877 in Melbourne and educated at Brighton Grammar. He joined Dougharty & Tickell, stock and station agents, in 1893. In 1911, he married Edith Riley in Kew. After working as an auctioneer, Norman was appointed A.M.L. & F.'s wool and produce Melbourne manager in 1913. When the Australian head office moved to Sydney, Norman took over as Melbourne manager in 1929. Norman had many other interests. He was involved with the Melbourne Wool Brokers' Association and the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers. He was also a member of the Victorian State Wool Committee during World War I and of the Central Wool Committee during World War II. From 1945, he served on the Australian Wool Realisation Commission, which oversaw the disposition of the wartime stockpile; for this work, he was appointed C.M.G. in 1952. Norman was a director of Northern Assurance Co. Ltd, chairman of Carlton & United Breweries Ltd and a director of the Union Trustee Co. of Australia Ltd. He was also a board-member of G. J. Coles & Co. Ltd. Norman was knighted in 1961 for ‘services to Australian industry’. Norman was involved in the purchase of Toorak College, where his daughters went to school, in 1927. He was interested in a wide range of charitable organisations and sat on the board of management of the Alfred Hospital. Sir Norman was an active Rotarian (State President 1938–39). He died in 1964.
Graeme Disney OAM JP (OB 1955) Mayor, Lay Minister, Historian 1987
Citizen of the Year, City of Sandringham
1997
Award of Merit, Royal Historical Society of Victoria
2001
Senior Citizen of the Year, Brighton Rotary
2003
Awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal
2006
Awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia
2009
Citizen of the Year, Bayside City Council
Graeme has lived his whole life in Hampton. As an only child, he helped in the family newsagency from an early age, meeting many interesting long-term Hampton inhabitants. He attended Brighton Grammar from 1950 until 1951, before moving to Sandringham Technical School and then Caulfield Technical College to study mechanical engineering. Aged 13, Graeme became an altar server at Holy Trinity, Hampton, and has continued in this role for more than 65 years. He became a lay reader in his early twenties, and studied part-time at the Australian College of Theology, receiving his Associate in Theology (2nd Hons) a few years later. He became an Honorary Licenced Lay Minister in 1998, and is Honorary Chaplain of both Sandringham Yacht Club and Hampton RSL. In 1997, Graeme was elected to Bayside City Council and became the first mayor. He returned as mayor in 2000. Graeme also became involved with local history, arts and conservation groups, which has resulted in a long association with Sandringham City Council. As part of this he was appointed by the Minister, Marie Tehan, to the Victorian Coastal Council, representing Victorian Local Government, and served as chairman of the Council's Planning and Development sub-committee. Graeme co-authored Bayside Reflections: History and Heritage of Sandringham, Hampton, Black Rock and Beaumaris. In 2006 he received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to local government, local history, the church and yachting.
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Corbett Lyon (OB 1973) Architect, Art Patron, Academic 1981
Established Lyon + Lyon
2009
Designed and opened the Lyon Housemuseum
2017
Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Melbourne
Corbett Lyon started at Brighton Grammar in 1961 and spent his whole school career here, graduating in 1973 as Dux. Upon completing his studies in architecture at the University of Melbourne in 1979, he won an International Fellowship to study a Master of Architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon his return to Australia in 1981, Corbett established the architectural firm Lyon + Lyon (later Lyons) with brothers Cameron (OB 1974) and Carey (OB 1976). The firm has since grown to be one of Australia's leading architectural design practices renowned for its dramatic experimental style. It has been recognised through multiple national and international design awards for its university, commercial and institutional building designs, including: the Australian National University's John Curtin School of Medical Research, Melbourne Zoo’s Butterfly House and Brisbane’s Queensland Children’s Hospital. Corbett has taught architectural design at the University of Melbourne, where he has been a Visiting Professor since 1984. In 2017, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contribution to architectural education and architecture. Corbett is also a leading collector and patron of contemporary Australian art, with one of the largest collections of its type in the country. In 2009, he designed the Lyon Housemuseum in Kew and, together with his wife Yueji, opened the unique combination of private residence and private museum to the public. In 2012, he established the not-for-profit Lyon Foundation, which is currently constructing a new public art museum. Opening to the public early in 2019, this philanthropic gift will showcase national and international exhibitions of contemporary art, architecture and design.
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Les Heil AM (OB 1951) Radio Broadcaster, Leader, Innovator 1985
Received the Commercial Radio Achievement Award
1988
Made a Member of the Order of Australia
1990
Inducted into the Radio Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame
Les left BGS at the end of 1950 and, in spite of not excelling academically at School, has proven a leader and innovator within the Australian broadcasting industry. In 1985, Les received the Commercial Radio Achievement Award – the radio industry’s highest honour at that time. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988 in recognition of his service to media and to radio broadcasting in particular. In 1990, under Les, 3KZ became the first radio station in Australia's history to convert from the AM band to the FM band. Les also oversaw the development of a new radio network, Sea FM. Les was inducted into the Radio Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in 1990. In association with the Federation of Australian Broadcasters and the Asian Broadcasting Union, Les has assisted with the establishment of commercial broadcasting services in developing countries, mainly in the Pacific region. In the mid-1970s, he spent time in the Solomon Islands working with the staff of the Solomon Islands Commercial Broadcasting Service. He also contributed to the development of New Zealand's first private commercial broadcasting service, Radio Hauraki. Outside broadcasting, Les's contributions to the community have been significant via his role as President of the Kiwanis Club of Melbourne and as a member of Melbourne Rotary. In both organisations, he has served on committees related to youth welfare. He was a director of the David Kirk Foundation, a large philanthropic trust. For many years he contributed to the work of Austin Hospital - specifically the 3KZ Children’s Wing - via the Austin Hospital Community Board and he continues to volunteer at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
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The Honourable Justice Kim Hargrave (OB 1972) Judge 1995
Appointed Queen’s Counsel
2005
Appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria
2017
Appointed as a Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria
Kim Hargrave attended Brighton Grammar from 1960 to 1972. He was a member of the School's first XIII in 1971 and 1972 and played for a number of years with the Old Brighton Grammarians. Kim graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 1977, and practised as a barrister at the Victorian Bar from 1980 until 1995. As a leading member of the Bar, he was involved in many significant commercial cases. In 1995, he was appointed Queen's Counsel. In 2005, Justice Hargrave was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria. From that time until 2017, he practised continuously as a Judge of that Court, predominantly, if not exclusively, in the Court's commercial jurisdiction. For a number of years, he was the principal judge of the Commercial Court in the trial division. This reflected his status as the most senior trial judge in commercial cases in the Court. He discharged that role with the utmost distinction. Kim’s current appointment is as a Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He sits exclusively in the Court of Appeal, hearing appeals from all Victorian jurisdictions, including trial judges of the Supreme Court. Kim is universally respected by the profession for both his expertise and the courtesy he extends to practitioners and litigants.
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Ross Smith OAM (OB 1968) Physiotherapist, Lieutenant 2002
Awarded the Order of Australia Medal for honorary Physiotherapy services to Australian Athletes particularly at the Olympic level.
2005
Awarded the Australian Olympic Committee Award of Merit for outstanding service to the Australian Olympic Movement.
2006
Joined the Australian Army Reserve and graduated with the rank of Lieutenant
Ross Smith has over 40 years’ experience in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, including with the Australian Olympic Team and the Australian Army. Ross has worked with the VFL/AFL Fitzroy Football Club and the Australian Women’s Hockey Team. In 1984, he was made a Fellow of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation. In the same year, he began working with the Australian Olympic Team, he served twice as a team Physiotherapist and then four times as the Chief Physiotherapist. In 2006, Ross joined the Australian Army Reserve as a physiotherapist in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. He became a Special Services Officer and graduated with the rank of Lieutenant. In 2010, Lieutenant Smith was posted to a Special Forces Unit, where he was involved in the rehabilitation of injured 2 Company, 1 Commando Regiment members returning from Afghanistan. After observing Special Forces training courses, he identified the common problems for the soldiers undertaking these high-intensity activities and developed physical training programs for both injury prevention and rehabilitation that were of significant benefit to the company. From 1988 until 2014, Ross was a Member of the Australian Olympic Committees Medical Commission. From 2010 until the present, he has been a Member of the Academic and Clinical Standards Committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Sports Physiotherapy Australia. From 1996 until the present, he has been a Patron Member of the Victorian Epilepsy Foundation.
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David Shepherd (OB 1973) Educator, Sportsman 1976-1977
Played for St Kilda in the Victoria Football League
1983
Represented Victoria in Sheffield Shield cricket
1997
Appointed Principal of Ballarat Clarendon College
2011
Recognised as Senior Educator of the Year by the Australian College of Educators
David Shepherd’s record at Brighton Grammar School is outstanding: Captain of the School 1974; Captain of Cricket and Football 1973 and 1974; Captain of the BGS Football Team of the Century; and member of the BGS Cricket Team of the Century. In 1974, David was awarded the School’s prestigious Selwyn Noall Memorial Rhodes Prize. On leaving BGS, David obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons), a Diploma of Education and a Master of Educational Studies from Monash University. While studying, he won the St Kilda Football Club’s Under 19s Best and Fairest and played several games for the St Kilda First XVIII. He also represented the Victorian Amateur Football Association. As a cricketer, David represented Victoria on two occasions in 1983, and played 145 First XI games with the Melbourne Cricket Club from 1975-1989, captaining the team from 1984 until 1987. From 1989 to 1992, he was Captain Coach of Brighton Cricket Club. In 1997, David was appointed Principal of Ballarat Clarendon College. The school has experienced a remarkable transformation under his leadership. Student numbers have grown significantly (from 584 to in excess of 1500) and, from 2003 to 2018, the College has been ranked among Victoria’s top-performing schools in VCE. Based on NAPLAN testing, the College was the highest ranked non-selective coeducational school in Australia 2016–2017 and the highest ranked country school 2013–2017. In 2011, David was recognised as Senior Educator of the Year by the Australian College of Educators. In 2012, he received the John Laing Professional Development Award from the Principals Australia Institute. He remains motivated by his commitment ‘to support hundreds of young women and men to pursue their hearts’ desire’.
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Stanley Marks OAM (OB 1946) Journalist, Humanitarian 1929
Born London (moved to Australia aged 2 years)
1958
Appointed Public Relations and Publicity Supervisor for the Australian Broadcasting Commission
1966
Published first book (a novel), God Gave You One Face
2003
Australia Day Citizen Award
2007
Received a Medal of the Order of Australia
After graduating from Brighton Grammar in 1946, Stan studied journalism at the University of Melbourne. A reporting role with The Herald marked the beginning of a lifetime career in journalism and public relations, including fostering the rights of minority groups, international understanding and the ability to laugh at life’s machinations and one’s self. Stan worked for Australian journals in London, Canada and America prior to taking up the role of Public Relations and Publicity Supervisor for the ABC. Later, he became Public Relations and Publicity Manager for the Australian Tourist Commission. Much of Stan’s writing aimed to encourage an in-depth understanding of, and respect between, races, cultures and religions. Aged 30, he wrote in The New York Times about a special worldwide United Nations Youth Council to foster greater global cooperation and understanding, especially between the adult and young people’s worlds. In London’s The Stage journal, Stan originated the idea of a British Commonwealth Arts Festival. For 17 years, Stan edited the Jewish Holocaust Centre’s magazine, Centre News. Alongside his wife Eva, Stan has worked tirelessly at the Centre as a guide. Stan has written 14 books that have been published in Australia and overseas. He originated and worked with renowned cartoonist Aubrey Collete on MS, a popular cartoon strip, and a play, Viva la Difference, both of which looked at male–female relations. Stan has spoken on the radio for the BBC, CBC (Canada) and ABC (Australia) and Radio Australia on a variety of topics, including the importance of humour. Stan was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia and Glen Eira Citizen of the Year for his work for various community activities and contributions to writing.
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Rickman Ralph (OB 1973) Environmentalist, Waste Management Leader 1983
Initiated Australia’s first kerbside recycling programs
1984
Elected Chairman of Keep Australia Beautiful
2007
Founded the Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland
2017
Elected Chairman of Mates4Mates
Rickman Ralph has been the architect of numerous community-based recycling systems across Australia and has influenced how we manage waste disposal and recycling. As a result of Rick’s leadership, Australians now embrace recycling as an essential means of protecting our natural environment. Rick finished Year 12 at Brighton Grammar in 1973. By 1981, he was responsible for the implementation, development and management of the iconic Comalco ‘Cash for Cans’ scheme both in Australia and internationally. More than 35% of all Australian schools participated in the scheme, which sowed the seeds for various school-based recycling programs. Rick initiated Australia’s first kerbside recycling collections and, with Victoria Police, introduced the ban on glass bottles at football grounds. In 1992, he was responsible for introducing recycling programs in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Swaziland. Rick has been the Chairman, Past President and General Manager of Keep Australia Beautiful. With Dame Phyllis Frost, he established Clean Up and other anti-litter schemes. In 2007, he founded the Waste Recycling Industry Association of Queensland, representing more than 90 organisations. Rick has sat on many government ministerial committees responsible for waste and recycling policy initiatives. After the widespread devastation caused by the 2011 floods and the 2013 cyclone in Queensland, he coordinated the industry-led clean-up. Rick’s other great passion is Mates4Mates, a not-for-profit that supports current and exserving Australian Defence Force personnel who are wounded, injured or ill as a result of their service, and their families. Rick was elected Chairman in 2017. He has received the Chief of Army Medallion in recognition for services by his industry to past and current service members.
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Professor Stephen Hall (OB 1970) Rheumatologist, Professor of Medicine 1993
Established Emeritus Research
1996–2003
Directed the training of rheumatologists nationwide
2017
Awarded a Professor of Medicine at Monash University
Stephen began at Brighton Grammar on a scholarship in Year 6 in 1964. A keen reader, especially in history, geography and politics, he was Dux of the School in 1970. Stephen chose to study medicine at Monash University, completing his degree in 1977. He decided to specialise in rheumatology and undertook further training at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, which only fed the ‘fire in his belly’ that was his love of medicine. Stephen practised as a clinician but also undertook research and established Emeritus Research, an independent clinical trial centre in Melbourne. For eight years, Stephen directed the training of rheumatologists throughout Australia via the Royal Australian College of Physicians Specialist Accreditation Committee. He also served as the chair of the Australian Rheumatology Association Education and Training Committee. Currently, he is Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, which oversees the annual scientific meeting of the Australian Rheumatology Association. In 2015, Stephen was the visiting speaker at the Infectious Diseases Institute within Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. Here, he conducted speciality clinics in one of the world’s largest HIV hospitals. He has also been a consultant in rheumatology to hospitals in Cambodia. Stephen retains his passion for medicine and loves to go to work each day to look after his patients – of whom he has seen more than 60,000 over the past 30 years. A Professor of Medicine at Monash University, Stephen is renowned the world over by his rheumatological peers – but there is much more to Steve. He has developed a great love of art, music, travelling, and good food and wine. He values family above all else.
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David Russell (OB 1987) Entrepreneur, Private Equity Professional 1998-2010
Senior Managing Director, Head of Asian Private Equity and Head of Greater China, Macquarie
2010
Founding partner of Equis Energy and Equis Funds Group
David Russell attended Brighton Grammar from 1982 to 1987, and was the Captain of Rugby in his final year. He studied Law/Economics at Monash University and worked as an energy and utilities lawyer with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Washington and with Minter Ellison in Melbourne. In 1998, David joined Macquarie Group, where he spent 12 years. In 2004–2005, he was Head of Macquarie’s Principal Transactions Group before becoming a Senior Managing Director, Head of Asian Private Equity and Head of Greater China. As CEO, David has raised and invested seven infrastructure private equity funds comprising over US$5 billion of equity for some of Asia-Pacific’s largest independent and institutional infrastructure funds. In 2005-2010, based in Seoul and Hong Kong, David established three infrastructure private equity funds, including one of the first and largest South Korean private funds. In 2010, David founded Equis Funds Group, Asia-Pacific’s largest independent infrastructure private equity manager. In 2011, David established Equis Energy. As the CEO and Chairman, David grew Equis Energy to become Asia-Pacific’s largest renewable energy generator. In October 2017, Equis sold Equis Energy to a Global Infrastructure Partners led consortium for US$5 billion, the largest renewable energy transaction in history at the time. Equis Energy had a clear strategy of developing and constructing renewable energy generation assets in Asian rural areas, and David mandated that each investment support the health, education and infrastructure of the communities in which each asset was located, changing the lives of thousands of vulnerable parents and children. David is Chairman of the Che Sara Sara Foundation, a not-for-profit that supports vulnerable parents and children in crisis in Russia, Uzbekistan and the Philippines. David currently resides in Singapore and was on Singapore Tatler’s list of Most Influential People in 2016 and 2018. 52
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Julien Wiener (OB 1972) Sportsman, Coach, Sports Administrator 1979/80
Played seven Australian One Day International matches
1979/80
Played six Test matches for Australia
2006–2010
State Selector for Cricket Victoria
2001
Inducted as a legend in Prahran’s Cricket Hall of Fame
Julien joined BGS in Year 1 in 1961 and his sporting prowess was quickly evident. His talent as a batsman and as a clever Aussie Rules full forward culminated in First XI and First XVIII selection in 1971–72. By the time he was completing his Business Studies at RMIT, he was playing for Prahran’s First XI. Julien’s first-class debut for Victoria took place against Queensland in 1977–1978; he scored a maiden century. Further centuries followed and, in December 1979, Julien was selected in the Australian One Day International series against England and the West Indies. In 1980, he toured Pakistan, playing two Tests. His personal highlight was scoring 93 in the Third Test in Lahore; this was the last time he would wear the ‘baggy green’. Julien’s cricketing skills continued to inspire at home. Playing for Victoria against Western Australia in 1982, Julien and fellow BGS Old Boy Jeff Moss (1964) amassed an Australian record partnership of 390 runs for the third wicket, with Julien on 221 not out. This record partnership still stands. Julien retired from first-class cricket in 1985, having played six Tests and seven ODIs, and represented Victoria in 88 matches. He continued with District cricket as Captain Coach of Northcote District Cricket Club, winning premierships in 1986/87 and 1987/88. From 2006–2010, Julien was a Victorian State Selector. His dedication to cricket is evident in his willingness to take on numerous coaching roles, including Victorian and Australian Indigenous teams. He has been Head Coach of the Australian Government-sponsored junior coaching programs in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. Julien’s individual achievements, and his commitment and contribution to cricket at all levels, have been recognised by his Life Membership of the Prahran Cricket Club and his induction as a Legend in Prahran’s Cricket Hall of Fame. AUTUMN 2019
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Young Achievers
Richard Hyden (OB 2006)
Andew McGrath (OB 2016) Sportsman Born in Ontario, Andrew McGrath moved to Melbourne in 2003, aged five. He commenced his journey at Brighton Grammar and, eight years later, was elected School Captain. Andy was a talented Australian Rules footballer as well as track and field athlete, winning multiple national titles. Playing for Aussie Rules for Vic Metro, he was named All Australian and Co-Captain of the 2016 AFL Under 18 Championships. He was recruited by the Essendon Football Club in 2016 as the number one draft pick and made his debut in 2017. After an outstanding first season, he won the AFL Rising Star award and the AFL Players Association Best First Year Player award. He was also named in the 22under22 team, an honorary representative team that seeks to recognise the best young talent in the AFL competition that year.
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Media & Technology Entrepreneur Richie left Brighton Grammar after Year 10 to return to the US with his family, finishing school at Greenwich High School in Connecticut. While at BGS, Richie played on the water polo 1st team, earning the team’s best and fairest three times. After finishing school, Richie went to Bucknell University, where he played water polo and pursued a degree in International Relations and Economics. Following college, he played professional water polo in Spain for CW Sevilla. Richie returned to Australia in 2011, where he was a member of the Australian Water Polo Squad, before moving to Los Angeles to start IRIS.TV. Since then, IRIS.TV has become a market-leading video personalisation platform globally. Richie was listed in the Enterprise Technology category of the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30. He lives in New York City with his wife Meghan. He serves on the Board of the Ronald McDonald House NYC, helping to support children’s cancer treatment.
Scott Jackson
Matthew Lloyd
(OB 2001)
(OB 2001)
Business Executive
Cyclist
School Vice Captain during his time at Brighton Grammar, Scott Jackson has risen quickly in the business world through his ability to make strategic capital decisions and build high-performance teams.
Matthew Lloyd is an Australian professional road bicycle racer. After finishing his education at Brighton Grammar, he received an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship.
Scott holds an Executive MBA (TRIUM – London School of Economics, HEC Paris, New York University). He was the Director of Strategy for Amcor Ltd before moving into his current role as Chief Financial Officer for Amcor ANZ.
Matthew turned professional in 2007 with the Predictor-Lotto team. He represented Australia at the 2008 Olympics and is the first Australian cyclist to win a King of the Mountains competition in a grand tour – the Giro d'Italia in 2010. He has competed in three Tour de France, four Giro d'Italia and two Vuelta Espana events. He currently rides for the Jelly Belly–Maxxis team.
William Pucovski (OB 2015) Sportsman Will made his List A debut for Cricket Australia XI against the Pakistanis during their tour of Australia in 2017. He received a contract with the Victorian Bushrangers for the 2016–2017 domestic season and made his first-class debut for Victoria on 1 February 2017. In October 2018, he became only the 9th Australian cricketer to score 200 at age 20, following the likes of Ricky Ponting and Don Bradman. In January 2019, Will scored 23 and 33 not out for Cricket Australia XI v Sri Lanka in Hobart. AUTUMN 2019
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Pester power uncovers a star In 2017, Marcus Morelli (OB 2012) was promoted to soloist with the Australian Ballet, which he joined in 2014. In September 2018, he performed in Spartacus, the company’s biggest production of the year. He is now a Senior Artist with the company. Marcus took up ballet at the age of 10 because both his sisters were doing it. Along with their friends and the ballet teacher, they kept pestering Marcus to try it. ‘I mainly did it so everyone would stop asking me to give it a go!’ After a few years of ballet classes, Marcus began to realise how much he loved it. ‘Ballet as an art form is a highly refined mix of physicality and expression, technique and emotion. The way ballet spoke to both the athlete and the artist in me was an indicator that this was the pathway I wanted to take.’ At this stage, Marcus was forced to make some choices. He was a good sportsman, playing APS sport for BGS every week and basketball for the Beaumaris Sharks. But training sessions began to conflict and Marcus found himself choosing ballet. It was an unusual choice for a boy but he says that all of his BGS teachers supported him, especially his Year 6 teacher, David Hutchins. (‘All the boys looked up to Mr Hutchins so much.’) And although he was occasionally teased by other students for being a dancer, Marcus had a couple of friends who always had his back. He danced only once at BGS – during the 2008 combined production of the musical Empty Garden with Firbank Grammar, when he was in Year 8. 56
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Marcus as Crixus in the arena fight scene in Lucas Jervies’ Spartacus (2018).
In Spartacus, Marcus danced Crixus (Spartacus’ right-hand man) as well as performing some shows as Spartacus himself. His preparation involved hours at the gym because the choreographer, Lucas Jervies, wanted the dancers to look like real gladiators. He also spent time with a fight director, learning how to make the fight scenes in the story look authentic. Aside from the physicality of the production, Marcus found that each performance took a huge emotional toll. In one scene, Spartacus is forced to kill his best friend in the gladiator arena. ‘By the end of the fight, every show without fail, I was always distraught, having imagined myself doing it for real. Can you imagine what it would be like to be forced
to kill your best friend with your bare hands or you both die?’ Jervies, the choreographer, maintains that the storytelling comes first in a ballet such as Spartacus. The audience has to understand the story. For Marcus, this means, for example, that in the nine-minute pas de deux between Spartacus and his wife Flavia, he needs to ‘convey unconditional love, fear, anxiety, hope, desperation, and serenity’ – all while executing a number of overhead lifts! Despite the huge effort required, Marcus says that he’d love to perform Spartacus again someday – so far, it’s the favourite role of his career. And clearly, this career will be one worth watching.
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Do something meaningful Julian Ou finished Year 12 at BGS in 2017 and appeared on the Wall of Scholars as a high achiever. Now studying a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne, he has started a tutoring service, Bayside Academics. We asked Julian how the business started and whether he has any advice for the Class of 2018. ‘During my years at BGS, there were times when I felt I could do with some additional academic support outside of the classroom, whether it be because there was a concept I was struggling to grasp or because I wanted to stay ahead of the curve. Some of the best help I received was from the older boys. ‘With these experiences in mind, after completing VCE, I got in touch with a number of past students from BGS and Firbank, all of whom excelled in their studies. From this, the Bayside Academics Tutoring Centre was born. These past 12 months have been extremely rewarding. In this short period, we’ve endeavoured to make learning more enjoyable, and have had the pleasure of helping students of all 58
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ages and abilities achieve marked improvement in their academic pursuits. ‘From a personal standpoint, I’ve been able to learn a lot from experiencing the ups and downs of running a business. I’m truly grateful to BGS – firstly, for instilling in me the values and mindset that have allowed me to realise this vision, and secondly, for the support we’ve received from students, parents and teachers in the community.
‘Finally, a message to the Class of 2018 – now that you’ve finished VCE, you’ll find that you have a lot of time on your hands. Do something meaningful that you’re passionate about. And to future students – if the incentive your parents have offered you for doing well in VCE isn’t enough, Bayside Academics is looking to build on our team with future BGS graduates!’
East Brighton United Football Club on the lookout for new players EBUFC was founded by BGS Old Boys almost 20 years ago and has continued to preserve its close relationship with the School. The players and staff are energetic and offer a wealth of experience at the highest level of soccer in Victoria. The Head Coach, Brandon Galgano, took over in 2017 and steered the Seniors (and Reserves) towards promotion that season. In 2018, the Tonners played in SL4 and narrowly missed out on consecutive promotion by only a couple of points. The Senior team features an array of talent, with many players coming down from the NPL, NPL2 and State League 1 level to contribute to the continued promotion effort. In addition to this, we have both a Reserves and a Thirds team, and cater to all levels of ability. In 2018, we introduced our Junior Tonners Program, which we will seek to build on next season.
As an Old Boy myself, I have found EBUFC to be a refreshing mix of social and professional. I have played for both NPL and State League clubs and none of them have been able to successfully strike that balance. EBUFC creates a pathway for Old Boys to both continue their connection with Brighton Grammar and meet a variety of new people. The club hosts dinners on Thursday nights after training at Dendy Park, and we also hold various social events throughout the year. The 2019 pre-season has begun and will continue until
our season begins in early March. We are looking for any interested BGS boys (past and present) to come down to our pre-season training sessions. Players can trial for our Seniors, Reserves or Thirds team, and there is no requirement to be over 18. Make sure to like us on Facebook (East Brighton United FC) – all dates of trials and sessions will be announced there. To get in touch with the club, feel free to use social media or send us an email at ebufc1999@ gmail.com. Michael Afanassiev (OB 2013)
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The journey continues at Old Brighton Football Club It was another stellar season for the Old Brighton Football Club. Under the on-field leadership of coach Greg Hutchison, the Seniors won eight straight in our first season in A-grade for some time. This performance helped drive us to 3rd position at the end of the season, and a play-off in the first semi-final in A-grade. Our Reserves had a tough year, with many players from the successful 2017 team taking a ‘gap’ year. We are looking forward to a number of those players returning in 2019. The Women’s team continued to demonstrate growing skills and success under coach Peter Grant (see page 64), securing a berth in the first semi-final in only their second year in the competition. The Under 19s finished on top of the ladder to bring home the Premiership Cup. Congratulations to a terrific team lead by first-year coach Brian ‘Barrell’ Randall and captained with great maturity by Tom Wallace.
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At Old Brighton, we are committed to creating a sustainable future. Eight years ago, the football department made a decision to promote talented youth and 2018 has been a testament to our commitment to this policy. Specifically, a number of Years 11 and 12 BGS players and Under 19s were promoted to the Seniors and Reserves in 2018. The players’ and parents’ support for this approach enabled our Seniors to be competitive and our Under 19s (pictured) to win the flag.
Congratulations to all who played for Old Brighton this season. The behaviour and attitude of our players, on and off the field, is recognised and commended. OBGFC has a strong history in the community. I would particularly like to thank all our sponsors, the Committee, volunteers and parents for their support as we look forward to a successful 2019 season. Please make yourself known upstairs after our home games. Everyone is welcome. Shane Young President OBGFC
‘Life keeps on getting better’
NEAR AND FAR
Since leaving BGS, Livingston Lloyd Armytage (OB 1968) has had his share of adventure. After practising law for 10 years, he became interested in the challenge of educating judges. For the past 30 years, he’s been flying round the world living and working in some very ‘interesting’ places (Afghanistan, Haiti, Nepal and Palestine), building fairer societies by helping the courts to deliver better justice. He says that he surprised himself by writing several books over these years. He is currently publishing his first book in Tokyo of photographs of people who live beyond the protection of law – refugees, outcasts, the poor (usually women). He portrays the striking beauty of their dignity and resilience. Now, Livingston is living on Sydney Harbour at Balmain and teaching in the postgraduate program at Sydney Law School. ‘In my experience, life keeps on getting better; and I believe the best is yet to come. How I will adjust to retirement is a challenge yet to be explored. But hopefully it will include a lot more adventures involving French wine, Italian cheese and Czech beer.’
Top A photographic portrait of a displaced Afghan nomad whom Livingston met in the (then) North-West Frontier of Pakistan shortly after 9/11. Bottom Livingston and his ‘university sweetheart’ Miyako, who was a student at Firbank while Livingston was at BGS, although they didn’t meet until later!
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Oliver Barden, 2017 School Vice Captain, has been selected in the Junior Wallabies squad for 2019. He is currently attending various training camps, including at the Australian Institute of Sport, in the hope of being selected for the final squad to compete at the Under 20s Rugby World Cup in Argentina in 2019. Oli has also been selected for the Melbourne Rebels Emerging Player Program, an elite talent-development pathway.
In October 2018, Coco-Cola acquired 45 per cent of Made Group, the business started by Old Boys Luke Marget, Matt Dennis and Brad Wilson (all OB 1995). When they left their corporate jobs to launch NutrientWater, the former schoolmates clearly had their thumbs on the consumer pulse. Made has grown fast and, with the power of Coco-Cola behind it, is likely to grow even faster in future. Luke and Matt (pictured above with Vamsi Mohan, President of Coca-Cola Australia and Alison Watkins, Coca-Cola Amatil Group Managing Director) will remain in charge of the business, which will operate independently.
Professor Philip Goad (OB 1978) has been appointed the Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Chair in Australian Studies at Harvard University. The Chair was established through a gift of the Australian Government to Harvard, in recognition of the American Bicentennial, to further understanding of Australia in the US. Over the past 35 years, the Chair has been occupied by some of Australia’s most outstanding intellectuals. Philip is the first architectural historian and researcher to hold the position. He will fill the role for one academic year.
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Philip said, ‘This appointment represents a unique opportunity for me to present the complex and sometimes contested histories of Australian architecture to an international audience and engage with some of the world’s leading art historians.’
In May 2018, Andrew Priestley (OB 2001) completed the South Head Roughwater, swimming 10 kilometres from Bondi Beach through the Sydney heads to Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour. In the process, and with the help of the BGS community, he raised more than $3000 for the Cancer Council to support his aunt, Sue, who passed away in December. Andrew is deeply grateful to all who have supported him and his family.
Congratulations to Michael Osborne (OB 1985), who married Alex Kaplan on 2 November 2018 at ALTO Event Space, Melbourne GPO.
Andrew Bassat (OB 1983), passionate Saints supporter, and co-founder and CEO of SEEK, has been unanimously elected President of the St Kilda Football Club. When Andrew took over the reins in December 2018, he succeeded Peter Summers in one of the most challenging roles on the AFL landscape – delivering success to premiershipstarved Saints supporters. The AFL is hardly foreign territory for the Bassats, with Andrew’s brother Paul Bassat (OB 1985) being appointed an AFL Commissioner in 2011. The Saints’ one-and-only premiership occurred in 1966, the year of Andrew’s birth – perhaps a sign! AUTUMN 2019
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NEAR AND FAR He’s won five consecutive Australian Open titles, released an autobiography, launched a foundation and made it big on TV and radio – all truly amazing achievements in their own right. But the achievement of which Dylan Alcott (OB 2008) is perhaps most proud is his ability to raise disability awareness and help others gain confidence, fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams. Through Dylan’s high profile in so many areas, as well as the Dylan Alcott Foundation, he is fulfilling his dream of being able to
Dylan Alcott at a recent BGS reunion
see people with disabilities succeed in whatever they set their minds to. What’s next for Dylan? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
But one thing’s for sure – he will continue to make a big difference in the lives of others. Well done Dylan, we are proud of you!
Game day in the Grant household can be a bit hectic, with seven members of the family being part of the Old Brighton Grammarians women’s football team. Peter Grant (OB 1977) coaches a side that includes his daughters, Madeleine (captain), Emily and Sophie. His brother and assistant coach Andrew (OB 1982) is father to players Katie and Annie. In their playing days, Peter, Andrew and their brother Tony Grant (OB 1980) played more than 550 games for the club. This season, look out for Andrew’s youngest daughter Lucy, who is also hoping to join the team. 64
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In September 2018, the Right Eminent Charles Wheeler (OB 1952) was presented with a 50-year Royal Arch jewel by the Sandringham Holy Royal Arch Chapter of the Masonic Lodge. Present at the ceremony were three generations of Wheelers, including Charles’ grandson Jack Wheeler (OB 2014), who was School Captain in 2014.
For the last two winters, Oliver Gunning (OB 2014) has been playing cricket in Ireland. This season, he made his professional Inter-Provincial Twenty20 debut for the Munster Reds, opening the batting and making 53 off 31 balls in just his third game. This was followed by selection for Ireland’s Academy team to play a touring side in a four-day game in Belfast and a tour to Copenhagen to play the Denmark national side. With Irish relations, Oliver is eligible to play Test cricket for Ireland, which he has always dreamt of. Back home, he plays Victorian Premier First XI for the Camberwell Magpies and is currently the specialist batting coach at BGS. AUTUMN 2019
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Together with his wife Eni, Tony Hare (OB 1982) runs a stationery business in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Although the city is less than a quarter the size of Melbourne in area, its population is approximately the same. Tony says that it’s very beautiful, once you leave the town, and extremely safe – a great place for a holiday. He has offered to show around any Old Boys visiting the region, with one proviso: ‘that you bring a small block of Swiss cheese or Jarlsberg’, as good cheese is impossible to come by! Tony Hare at the 2018 Singapore Reunion with wife Eni and John Kortum (OB 1981)
It’s extra special when Old Boys visit from overseas. Recently, past student Rob Mulcahy (OB 2003) visited the School from the US. Rob (pictured right) is now a Flight Surgeon/Physician at NASA. Yep – doctor to the astronauts!
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The BGS community was privileged to hear from the Hunter family, including Old Boys James (1999), Luke (2002) and Tim (2003), at a BGS Business Breakfast in August 2018. Their honesty, insights and good humour made for an inspiring start to the day. And the fact that their family business, Hunter Products, which was launched in their lounge room, can compete against multinationals with thousands of employees shows just what hard work, family support and the courage to ‘bite off more than you can chew – then chew like crazy’ can do!
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01
‘50 Years On’ Luncheon - 14 September 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Andrew Kerr, Dr Ray Swann (Deputy Headmaster, Head of Crowther Centre), Clifford Hayes, Graeme Disney OAM 03 L-R Ian Hellings, Lyndon Arnold
02 03
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Class of 1978 40 Year Reunion - 10 August 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Peter Tellefson (Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School), Yoichi Kinoshita, Simon Waring, Andrew Geils 03 L-R Fred Funnell, Roger Gray, Brett Hayton, Campbell Cooney, John Barry
02
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01
Class of 1983 35 Year Reunion - 4 May 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Nick Hales, Simon Jones, Russel Gouy, James Sheppard 03 L-R Gary Flaherty, Jason Farrell, Anthony Marchesani, John Davies, Michael Hendrie 04 L-R Gary Shepard, Cameron Yates, Paul Woff, Peter Torbet
03
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02
04
01
Class of 1988 30 Year Reunion - 20 April 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Peter Swanell, Cameron Knight, Joseph Buccheri 03 L-R Cameron Alderson, Chad Lemming, Rick Paterson, Marco Di Pietrantonio
02
03
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01
Class of 1993 25 Year Reunion
01 The group 02 L-R Luke Richards and Ben Morrison-Jack 03 L-R Ben Talbot, Monty Stephens, Simon Kovac
- 3 August 2018 -
02
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Class of 1998 20 Year Reunion - 20 July 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Rob Takle, Travis Brooks OAM, Bradley Marks 03 L-R Chris Roberts, Marcus Ward, Richard Veale
02
03
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Class of 2008 10 Year Reunion - 12 October 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Jonathan Pham, Kush Gupta, Daymon Ness 03 L-R Dennis McCallum, Tim Biggin, Midori Cranston, Brad Price, Richard Ryan
02
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Class of 2013 5 Year Reunion - 25 May 2018 -
01 L-R Matthew Miles, Liam Van Essen, Sam Fairchild, Joel Le Couteur, Oliver Gilbert, Lachlan Scott 02 L-R Tom Gregory, James Emery, Alex Hardgrave, Henri Marks 03 L-R Tom Fisher, Martin Ho, Navin Cooray 04 L-R Sam Fairchild, Sebastian Savage, Lachlan Scott 05 L-R Ollie Parsons, Luke Fourniotis, Jayden Hunt
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02
04
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Class of 2017 1 Year Reunion - 8 March 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Liam Farrell, Ben Cochran, James Aquila, Daniel Aquila, Bryson Konoroth, Hugo Butler 03 L-R Paddy Inglis, Declan Adams, Matt Speirs, Harry Hynes, Jack Summerfield, Jackson Collins
02
03
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Class of 1968 50 Year Reunion - 18 May 2018 -
01 The group 02 L-R Barry Gibson, Ian Greenhalf, Andrew Kerr, Ken Robertson 03 L-R David Bowers (right) returning to Angus McBriar his Form V Mechanical Drawing Book Prize after having it for 50 years – better late than never!
02
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Class of 1973 45 Year Reunion - 24 August 2018 -
01 L-R Peter Middenway, Peter Toms, John Austin, James Cash, Peter Henrys, Chris Wood, Mike Powell, Simon Fitzpatrick, William Hannam, Rod Jacobs, Arthur Abrahams, Andrew Corns, Peter Giulieri, Rick Ralph, Peter McCulloch, Peter De Garis, Ross Featherston (Headmaster)
Class of 2003 15 Year Reunion - 15 June 2018 -
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01 L-R Ryan Doherty, Robert Davey, Tom Gale, Brendan Moon, Tristan Larter, Ryan Knight, Xavier Pomeroy, Tim Howell.
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Did you know?
In 2018, the OBGS hosted numerous international reunions, including London, Singapore, Jakarta and Shanghai. Look out for more international gatherings in 2019 – make sure the OBGS has your email address! Email kbirrell@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday 30 May 2019 at 12 noon
77th BGS Past Mothers’ Celebration
High Tea All BGS Past Mothers welcome. Book now: www.trybooking.com/BBRWC
OBGS 2019 Reunion Calendar We look forward to welcoming you to your reunion. Invitations will be mailed approximately six weeks prior to the class reunions. Every reunion held at the School is preceded by a full tour of the School, commencing under The Oak one hour before the start of the function. For all enquiries, email Alumni & Community Manager Kate Birrell (kbirrell@brightongrammar. vic.edu.au). For more information on upcoming events, go to obgsglobalconnect.com.au.
REUNION
Date
13 February 2019
Pendennis Chapter ‘60 Years On’ Reunion
19 February 2019
Generations Photo
3 March 2019
Hong Kong Reunion
4 March 2019
Shanghai Reunion
6 March 2019
Hangzhou Reunion
7 March 2019
Class of 2018 1 Year Reunion
19 March 2019
Meliora Club Dinner
15 March 2019
Top Enders Harry Zachariah Cricket Lunch
22 March 2019
Class of 1974 45 Year Reunion
24 April 2019
Anzac Day Service
27 April 2019
Mornington Peninsula Event
10 May 2019
Class of 1984 35 Year Reunion
17 May 2019
Class of 1969 50 Year Reunion
20 May 2019
OBGS AGM
24 May 2019
Top Enders’ Lunch
31 May 2019
Adelaide Reunion
1 June 2019
Perth Reunion
7 June 2019
Class of 2004 15 Year Reunion
14 June 2019
Class of 1979 40 Year Reunion
19 July 2019
Class of 1989 30 Year Reunion
26 July 2019
Class of 2014 5 Year Reunion
9 August 2019
Class of 1994 25 Year Reunion
23 August 2019
Top Enders’ Lunch*
30 August 2019
Sydney Reunion
31 August 2019
Queensland Reunion
13 September 2019
Class of 1999 20 Year Reunion
18 October 2019
Class of 2009 10 Year Reunion
25 October 2019
50 Years On Luncheon
29 November 2019
Top Enders’ Lunch
* Originally listed as 30 August but changed to 23 August.
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Old Brighton Grammarians’ Society You are invited to attend the
111 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOR THE OLD BRIGHTON GRAMMARIANS SOCIETY To be held on Monday 27 May 2019 in the SJ Priestley Meeting Room of the Urwin Centre for Learning, Brighton Grammar School, Allee Street, Brighton. The Agenda, nomination form and proxy form can be viewed on obgsglobalconnect.com.au.
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