Spectemur Issue 2 2024

Spectemur Issue 2

Editorial Committee

Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Emma McMillan

Marketing and Communications Manager, Claire Denbury Head of Community and Development, Ryan Whitehead Development Associate (Alumni), Cindy Parker

Contact us

Alumni ocga@cgs.vic.edu.au

Foundation cec@cgs.vic.edu.au

Marketing cda@cgs.vic.edu.au

55 Mont Albert Road, Canterbury VIC 3126

Spectemur is printed on FSC certified 100% recycled uncoated ‘Revive Laser’ paper. The carbon emissions associated with the Spectemur production have been offset through various sustainable practices. By adopting carbon-neutral practices, Spectemur aims to uphold the environmental values of the School.

From the Headmaster’s Desk

One of the things I have always liked about our School is the way we seem to be able to accept eccentricity and difference. We have always valued people who may not fit standard stereotypes of what a teenage male should be, or for that matter what a teacher should be. Similarly, we have not pigeonholed people into roles such as ‘sporting hero’ or ‘theatrical type.’ We have always encouraged individuals to be themselves and explore their interests without being bound by societal expectations. Students here can play football and sing in the choir. They can work hard at physics and art. They can lift weights to build their strength and fitness and study ballroom dancing. I think our acceptance of each person on their own terms is one of our strengths. When someone is a bit of a ‘character’, we value them and laugh with them, not at them.

Recently much has been discussed about the behaviour of young men, and particularly about the way that some young men continue to treat women. There is no excuse for disrespectful or demeaning comments or behaviour towards any person, male or female. However, it is particularly important for our young men to learn to respect and value women if we are to have any chance of creating a world characterised by tender and loving relationships as opposed to one in which violence against women seems to increase in frequency.

We work hard at nurturing and enforcing one of our key values here: respect. It begins at a very young age, but teenagers, in particular, can sometimes lose their sense of perspective as they seek acceptance from their peers, and behave in ways that are simply unacceptable. We need to constantly remind them to be the best version of themselves and to resist the temptation to seek

cheap popularity by judging others or making ‘shocking’ comments. For the most part, our students can do that very well, but sometimes even they fall into the trap of tearing others down.

Learning to respect others begins by learning to accept ourselves – with all our imperfections we can sometimes be our worst critics, and if we are not careful we can transfer our dissatisfaction with ourselves onto others. It is important therefore that we recognise it is OK to just be ourselves, it is OK to do the things we love doing – and it is OK for others to do that too.

Our students are fortunate in the way that there are so many opportunities for them and so many different things for them to try. We have an incredible range of already existing activities for them to try from Cadets to debating, from music to Tae Kwon Do, from art and design to science and engineering, from performance to mooting. And if students would like to try something that we do not already offer, we encourage them to start something new. We recognise that everyone is different and that everyone has different passions. We encourage them to be just who they are and indeed that it is important to be passionate about at least one activity. Young students can sometimes feel that they need to be just like everyone else their age to be ‘accepted’. Our goal is to help them understand that it is more important that they learn to be true to themselves – and to think for themselves – and that what makes life’s rich tapestry interesting are the threads that stand out, rather than the ones that blend into the background.

Dr Paul Hicks Headmaster

‘We recognise that everyone is different and that everyone has different passions. We encourage them to be just who they are and indeed that it is important to be passionate about at least one activity.’

Dr Paul Hicks Headmaster

ANZAC Day Commemorations

ANZAC Dawn Service

On Thursday 25 April, members of the School community gathered for the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service, held in the Wheelton Amphitheatre. Guests came together to honour the memory of Australian soldiers and, in particular, past Camberwell Grammar students who lost their lives in the First World War.

This service featured a moving address from guest speaker Alexander Vanstan (2005).

After graduating from Camberwell Grammar, Alexander became an officer cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business before receiving his Queens Commission. Alexander initially served at the 1st Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery as a Troop Commander. In 2012, he deployed to Afghanistan and served as part of the Artillery Training and Advisory Team. Alexander later returned to the 1st Regiment as a Forward Observer. He was medically retired from the Australian Army in 2017 and completed a Masters of Business. An excerpt from his Dawn Service address is below:

‘One free and independent soul who answered the call to arms was Private Guy Quarterman. Guy was a student at Camberwell Grammar until 1892, and before enlisting for war service in 1914, he was an insurance clerk residing in Toorak.

Guy was reported wounded and missing in action at the Dardanelles on the 26th of April, 1915. Witness statements suggest that Guy was one of 20 or 30 of a patrol formed by a Captain Clement, who went out at Gallipoli on the first day. Subsequently, nothing was heard from that patrol for several days until a burial party went out and found a number of bodies.

The bodies were lying around a hole caused by an explosion. The witness statement goes on to suggest that

among the bodies was the body of Guy, although there is no way of knowing this for certain. A Court of Inquiry held on the 3rd of November 1916 concluded that Guy had been killed in action on the 26th of April 1915 in Gallipoli. There was speculation that Guy might have been taken as a prisoner of war in Constantinople, but this was never confirmed. Guy has no known gravesite.

Among the many unknowns about Guy is why, as a 40-yearold man in a stable profession, he decided to enlist for war service. He might have been drawn by the perception of the Great War as an adventure too significant to miss. Perhaps he feared the disgrace of staying behind more than the dangers of war itself. Yet, it’s more likely that he enlisted for a simple yet profoundly significant reason: a sense of duty he owed to his country and king.

His story, like the stories of so many Camberwell Grammar Old Boys who fought and died in conflicts over the past two centuries, speaks to a broader ethos – one that transcends the battlefields of the past to resonate within our School walls in the present. It challenges us here today, the current guardians of their legacy, to embody those same values in our lives: to strive for excellence in our learning and our teaching, to respect each other always, to act with integrity, to demonstrate courage while facing adversity and to have faith and optimism in our future. All of this is not for personal glorification but for the Camberwell Grammar School Community and the greater good.’

Other ANZAC Commemorations around the School

At the Senior School Assembly, students and staff took the time to reflect and honour the sacrifice of the CGS past students who fought in the First World War. Mr Hamish Green read out the names of the fallen Grammarians. As each name was read, a member of our Cadet Unit came forward to stand in silent tribute. This ceremony is always a poignant reminder of the School community’s loss at the time.

The Middle School community had an opportunity to commemorate ANZAC Day together on Friday 26 April, where students demonstrated genuine and sincere respect.

The Junior School Executive led a moving Junior School Assembly. Guest speaker Dr David Bird – Camberwell Grammar Historian and Archivist – shared the history of our past students’ involvement in the Great World Wars.

Student Trumpeters

These trumpeters performed ‘The Last Post’ for Camberwell Grammar’s ANZAC observances.

Although their faces may not have been visible, their interpretations of this iconic military bugle call resonated through each service. The bugle call requires careful preparation, with students needing to navigate the emotions of the occasion and contend with the solitary nature of their task and environmental elements.

From left, Kieren Uffindell (Year 10, Middle School Assembly), Toby Miller (Year 10, Junior School Assembly), Ben Radelczyk (Year 12, Dawn Service Last Post) and George Trembath (Year 12, Senior School Assembly).

ANZAC Day Cadet Engagements

As part of its service commitment to the School and the wider community, the CGS Army Cadet Unit supported various ANZAC Day Commemoration activities, including the School’s ANZAC assembly on Tuesday 23 April.

The Unit also supported the 39th Battalion Association by providing a catafalque party and flag raisers at the Melbourne Schools Commemorative Service at the 1000 Steps on Tuesday 23 April, a service at The Mews Aged Care Facility on Wednesday 24 April, and the Dawn Service at CGS on Thursday 25 April. CGS cadets also carried the 39th Association Battalion and the 2/16th Battalion banners in the march to the Shrine of Remembrance on Thursday 25 April.

Brush Strokes of Inspiration

The Xipell Collection Comes to Dorset

The Official Opening event of Dorset and the Xipell Collection was held on Thursday 18 April, with Community Open Access on Saturday 27 April and Sunday 28 April. Members of the Xipell Family and special guests were present at the opening event. Dorset, now an art gallery and artist-in-residence apartment, provided the perfect canvas for this celebrated collection.

In 2021, our School was fortunate to receive a bequest of a significant Australian art collection from past student Jos Xipell (1948). An event years in the making, this collection has recently been on display for members of the Camberwell Grammar community.

The Xipell Collection features works by Indigenous artists like Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri and notable female artists such as Grace Cossington Smith. It also includes pieces from the Australian Impressionist movement, providing a comprehensive overview of Australian painting up to the 1950s.

The aim is for this collection to ignite curiosity and passion for art, particularly Australian art, among our current students. They will explore the collection to

understand the influences of the time, place, cultural, and political contexts in which the artworks were created. The collection offers a window into the past, telling stories of Australian life, identity, and belonging.

The Xipell Collection is a fascinating project that will allow us to circulate this fantastic collection and expose it to students, particularly those studying Year 12 Art. They can use it as part of their research into various projects. We are using the online database catalogue eHive for the Xipell Art Collection, which can also be accessed by the public.

Dr David Bird School Historian and Archivist

I’m helping with Dorset and the Xipell Collection one day each week. Part of the collection will be on exhibit in Dorset, while the rest is stored in Archives. Pieces will also travel to different galleries, such as the National Gallery of Victoria. It’s been exciting working with people who know so much about the history of art and to be able to handle these beautiful works.

Mr Tim Wells

Art Technician

This collection will be a nucleus for student learning in the Arts and gives our students the chance to see the work of wellknown artists on the actual canvas – not just in reproductions in books or the internet. There is something to be said for standing in front of an artwork – being able to see the brush strokes, the depth of colour, and all the technical nuances of the work.

Mr David Williamson

Head of Art

Detail from Ravine Near Glenlyon, Upper Loddon by Eugene von Guerard (1870)

Detail from Chair in the Room by Grace Cossington Smith (1960)

The Rich Tapestry of Community

Golden Threads: Pockets of our School

Throughout our School, individuals and teams diligently contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our community. These golden threads, often quietly woven, enrich every aspect of our shared experience.

Nestled backstage in the set building area or the maze of prop rooms in the Performing Arts Centre, you’ll find Mr Mark Wager, Production Designer and Ms Erica Moffat, Assistant Designer.

Mark has been at Camberwell Grammar for 25 years. The School had just built a new performing arts centre and needed a professional designer. ‘I had taught design, drawing, and drafting, and set up a course at RMIT Fashion for making creative, non-traditional jewellery from odds and ends.’

His day-to-day involves meticulous planning and organisation, from sourcing props to collaborating with the creative team on productions – a highlight of the role. ‘We learn from each other, have fun and bounce ideas aroundwhich often leads to creative problem-solving.’ Yet, there’s no typical day or just one thing going on.

Sustainability is a priority, with the team reusing materials whenever possible and sourcing props from hard rubbish and op shops. Mark enjoys mentoring students, recognising the invaluable life skills they gain through participation in productions.

Mark’s passion for creativity, coupled with his practical, safety-first approach, ensures the smooth running of Camberwell Grammar’s theatrical endeavours. ‘In a way, my work and interests have always overlapped. I love gardening which is a creative process in itself. Creativity keeps

my mind active and young – as does working with people like Erica and the students, who provide a generational perspective and different viewpoints. How lucky am I to be able to do what I love for work?’

Erica joined CGS in January 2023, drawn by her passion for theatre and productions. Erica’s first backstage experience during high school ignited her love for behindthe-scenes work. With a background in costume, stage management and props, Erica’s diverse skills contribute to the vibrant creative environment at the School. ‘I trained in theatre arts and live production, which developed a huge range of skills from set building and lighting, to camera work, producing, reviewing and more.’

Erica finds fulfilment in facilitating art and fostering creativity, both among staff and students. ‘I love it here. It’s just a fantastic place to work. My coworkers are friends and creative collaborators. We’re passionate about coming to work, and inspiring the students and each other.’

From brainstorming ideas to tackling the technical aspects of productions, Erica’s role requires a blend of creativity, analytical thinking and physical effort. ‘Things don’t just ‘happen’. Everything is very involved and thought out - and takes time.’ Erica’s journey is a testament to the many pathways and skills cultivated in the theatre arts.

You might glimpse Art Technicians Mr Tim Wells and Ms Emma Turner as they dart busily between various Art Studios, Ceramics, VCD classrooms and Junior School, prepping materials or mounting student artwork.

Emma worked in food styling and merchandising and had her own painting practice before starting as an art technician. Years of volunteering in art rooms provided a solid foundation for her current role. ‘Every day is different but there’s always paperwork, ordering and work with the kilns - loading and unloading. Clay takes a lot of work.’

She describes the qualities needed to work as an art technician – a role that requires organisation and creativity. ‘You have to be able to be hands-on and get dirty. You also have to be quite fluid in terms of organisation. Art is fluid - you might start in one direction before pivoting into another.’ As for how the pair works, ‘Tim and I balance each other out. We both have different strengths, and we work well together because of that.’

Emma particularly enjoys the creative aspects of her job. ‘I love arranging a hang and making it aesthetically pleasing, and making art in the Junior School. The Art Department has some lovely ideas we get to work on and have input into.’ Outside of work, Emma finds joy in gardening and painting, particularly watercolours, with a focus on botanical art.

Tim began his career as a prop and puppet maker before becoming an art technician at Camberwell Grammar.

After seven years on staff, he detoured for a stint making dinosaurs with Creature Technology Company before returning to work alongside Emma ‘whose styling sensibilities are amazing’. Tim finds the Art Department’s dynamism invigorating, with a constant flow of varied tasks.

OHS compliance forms a significant aspect of Tim’s responsibilities, alongside maintaining equipment and ensuring smooth operations across the department. And cleaning – a lot of cleaning. ‘Sustainability is a focus, particularly in ceramics. We recycle as much of the materials as we possibly can, which involves rehydrating dry clay so that it can be used again.’

Recently, the pair has been involved in hanging the Xipell Collection. Tim also now spends a day each week on the collection. ‘It’s really exciting working with these people who know so much about the history and to be able to handle these amazing paintings.’

Tim values the satisfaction derived from connecting with and helping senior students, particularly during the final stages of their folio preparations. Outside work, gardening is a favourite pastime. ‘If you’ve been busy, talking and frantic all day, it’s beautiful to go home and look after plants - they give me so much joy.’

The Facilities and Operations Department keeps things ticking all across the School. Mr Jason Sayers can be found on maintenance duty in the pool plant room each morning, while Mr Ivan Spoljaric can be frequently spotted in the grounds, diligently maintaining the School’s exterior.

Jason held various roles in his career before joining his wife, Mrs Liz Sayers at Camberwell Grammar School. Jason started in the grounds, then moved to maintenance, and finally to facilities, which he loves.

A typical day for Jason starts with the maintenance of the pool and plant room. He also handles various setups for school functions, assists Mr Stuart Feldt in the Performing Arts Centre, and helps teachers and staff with various requests. ‘Time flies, and there’s not enough hours in the day. You always find yourself in conversation here, there and everywhere. But you try and keep it brief because you’ve got to move on.’

Jason enjoys his job, but the people at Camberwell Grammar make it special. ‘It’s just a good community. Once I moved into facilities, I got to know everyone.’ In his role, he needs to stay focused and use his time wisely. ‘I sit and have a coffee in the morning before I leave home and plan my day. You’ve got to be time savvy, meet targets and be well organised.’

Beyond work, Jason and Liz have three young children, aged nearly 6, nearly 4, and nearly 2. ‘It’s a busy life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.’ Despite initial doubts, Jason enjoys working with his wife. ‘I always thought I could never work with a partner. But we barely see each other, maybe once a day. And she’s my boss at home and work now, so it’s worked out well.’

Ivan serves as the Facilities Maintenance Officer at Camberwell Grammar, overseeing deliveries, waste collection and maintaining the School. Pressure washing during term breaks is a favourite task for Ivan, a meditative exercise that offers visible results.

Before this job appeared, Ivan studied counselling and psychology. This role initially began as an experiment, but Ivan soon came to love outdoor work and values the regular interactions with the School community. ‘I feel I’m contributing to the School, which is fulfilling in itself. I feel connected to the community, supported by leadership and enjoy my chats with the students.’

Every day brings a sense of satisfaction for Ivan despite the repetitive nature of the work. He keeps his mind engaged by ‘listening to discussions on psychology, philosophy, sociology, theology and economics - there’s always more to learn.’ Walking between 10 and 15 kilometres daily, Ivan finds his job physically rewarding. ‘The role requires conscientiousness, enthusiasm and good organisational skills. Time management is so important - if I’m walking, I need to be working.’

Wander down to the very bottom of the stairs in the Wheelton building to an area initially intended for water tanks. There you’ll find the Archives Department and School Historian and Archivist, Dr David Bird.

David has a diverse work background spanning multiple locations worldwide. ‘I grew up in Tasmania, before spending time in Adelaide, Sydney, London, Zimbabwe, Cape Town, Sweden and, eventually, Melbourne.’ His role at Camberwell Grammar involves gathering, preserving, and processing archival material, alongside historical research and writing. David now also curates the School’s art collection.

David’s passion for research dates back to his early career. ‘I started working at the age of 17 at newspaper archives for News Limited in Adelaide and Sydney. Research is the sort of job that you’ve got the personality for, or you haven’t, because it’s a very solitary sort of thing. You have to enjoy working by yourself as I do.’

Central to David’s mission is the meticulous management of the School’s rich history, enabling the community to understand its past and navigate its present. He engages students through tours, talks and publications, fostering a deeper connection to the School’s heritage. David’s efforts extend to digitalisation initiatives, ensuring accessibility and preservation of archival material for future generations.

David’s highlight from the Archives? ‘In 1921, Alfred Hall commissioned a first-class dinner set from a well-known firm in England, for the boarders with a School crest. I’ve got pretty much a complete set – teapots, cups, sauces, gravy boats. That’s typical of Alfred Hall’s approach to the boarders - only the best would do.’

Teaching andInnovation

Beyond the Classroom: Nurturing Innovation Through STEM Engagement

The impact of studying STEM subjects cannot be overstated, and the skills learned through doing so can significantly impact wider society. Mr Luke van Maanen, Head of Science, explores two fantastic and innovative programs that inspire and educate Camberwell Grammar students in STEM.

Australian Science Olympiads

The Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) is a staged science enrichment program where student abilities are tested against the national cohort. This provides opportunities for teachers to challenge and extend their very best students and allows students to build their skills, experience, knowledge and connections.

The ASO covers the four disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics. The program consists of three stages:

• A school-based competition

• The top 24 students in the country attend Summer School in Canberra. An intensive learning program covers a year’s content in two weeks.

• The top four Summer School students represent Australia at an International Science Olympiad competition.

Two Camberwell Grammar students made the national team to represent Australia this year. Jerry Jin (Year 12) will travel to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Chemistry Olympiad, while Joel Cheok (Year 12) will head to Kazakhstan to compete in the Biology Olympiad.

F1 in Schools

F1 in Schools introduces students to the world of engineering in a highly engaging way endorsed by F1 engineers – through the creation of miniature F1 cars. This challenge has recently surged in popularity here at Camberwell Grammar.

F1 in Schools is the only global multi-disciplinary challenge in which student teams deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test and then race miniature compressed air-powered cars made from a model block. Teams must also raise sponsorship and manage budgets to fund research, travel and accommodation.

Camberwell Grammar has many teams working toward qualifying for the state finals held in October this year, which is the first stage of the competition. Our professional teams of Hail Mary, Excelsis, Nyoom and Falcon Racing along with the development teams of Velocita Estrema, Aerospace Racing, LightSpeed Racing, Hypercharge Speed and Speed Limit Racing are developing CAD models of their cars and feverishly working on their engineering and enterprise portfolios. Teams will be pitted against each other at an internal competition to decide the three teams who will represent the School. The top two teams from each category in the state finals will then compete in the national competition in March 2025.

Student Voices Who We Are

Our students have a wide variety of interests and passions. Here, two students share what inspires them –within and beyond the classroom – and their hopes for the future.

Geoffrey Chen (Year 8)

I came to Australia from Hong Kong last year and started at Camberwell Grammar School. I have enjoyed my time here so far, and I find the teachers and students friendly and supportive. The teachers are passionate about teaching and are willing to help us improve.

My favourite subjects include Maths and Music Technology. I enjoy playing with sound effects and composing my own music. Cycling is my favourite sport. The cycling squad is very supportive during training and competitions, and we love chatting while riding together. When I am stressed, playing the piano and violin helps me relax. I am learning to play the violin at school and am also part of a String Orchestra playing the violin.

I am a huge fan of cars and have liked them for a long time. I collect car toys made in Japan called ‘Tomica’. I enjoy

watching car review videos, races, and off-road challenges (mainly from a YouTube channel called Carwow).

During last summer break, I went to the Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama to see some classic, modern and concept cars, and it was one of the best places I’ve been to in my life.

I have taken a great number of opportunities at School. Because of my interest in cars, I am participating in F1 in Schools to design an F1 car using online software. The car will be raced against those created by students from other schools. Last year, I joined Maths Games, a competition where you work with a team to solve maths problems.

In the future, I am looking forward to accepting new challenges and opportunities, especially leadership roles. I wish to continue to develop into the best version of myself.

Tom Klebanowski (Year 10)

I truly love the hustle and bustle of everyday life at Camberwell Grammar and endeavour to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Although I often end up with a busy schedule, I have a lot of fun taking part in many CGS activities and have made great friends.

My favourite subject is English, and I love participating in activities like debating, the Towards2050 sustainability group, the school plays/musicals and delivering school tours. While I’m not overly sporty, I find the sports program great as it allows me to immerse myself in games that I may not have tried otherwise, such as my summer sport of Lawn Bowls.

My greatest passion, however, lies in music. I am a vocalist and also play piano, guitar and saxophone. Outside of school, I am a member of the National Boys Choir of Australia and have had amazing opportunities to tour, record and perform with them. I have also started performing solo under the name ‘Tom Kleb’ at local venues and have been writing, recording and releasing original music online. This is an exciting opportunity to do what I love and share my creations with others. It has also helped me connect with other like-minded musicians across Australia. I am very grateful for how Camberwell Grammar has helped me develop my musical skills through the variety of private music lessons offered, the ensembles (such as Chorale and Symphonic Winds) and the ongoing support and encouragement from all my amazing teachers.

Since I was in Year 8, I have participated in the Drama program at CGS and had the privilege to perform the lead role of George in The Time Machine. Recently, I took part in the tech crew for the Senior production of Macbeth, which gave me a unique experience of being offstage and learning about the responsibilities and importance of the crew on a show. While I love the on-stage side of drama, my favourite part is all the fun we have rehearsing the show and getting to know each other backstage.

This year, I have been fortunate enough to attend many school excursions and incursions, including the Order of Australia Inspiring Australians Oration, an architecture tour of the Melbourne CBD, a talk with award-winning screenwriter Gabriel Bergmoser and a Didgeridoo lesson with Wurrundjeri elder Murrundindi. These activities have been fun and have helped develop my connection to and understanding of the wider community and world outside the classroom.

In the next few years, I am particularly looking forward to beginning work experience, commencing my VCE subjects, taking part in the next School Musical and further developing my leadership skills within the School.

Staff Profiles

Mr James Carbines

Year 5 Teacher

James Carbines (1997) returns to Camberwell Grammar School as a Year 5 teacher, enthusiastic about joining the Norge village and helping create the ‘happy days at school’ that students will remember for a lifetime. Starting the year with a new job and a new baby, James has been humbled by the joy, excitement and kindness he has experienced from the CGS community.

My students were intrigued when I shared that I would be in the next Spectemur. As a teacher, it is my privilege to guide them in their learning each day and listen to their curious questions… this time, the questions were directed at me. Yes, I was in Derham and my favourite colour really is red. No, my favourite food is not ice cream, even though I always make every spelling word into a sentence about ice cream. Yes, there was a cafeteria, but we called it the tuckshop, and we had to use this old-fashioned stuff called ‘coins’. No, we are not watching the CommBox all lunchtime – go out and enjoy the sunshine!

When I graduated from Camberwell Grammar, I had no idea that one day I would be returning to teach in the Junior School. During my undergraduate years at Deakin University, I studied a broad range of subjects, including philosophy and politics, finally majoring in literature, finance and economics. I started my professional career in finance, working in private wealth management for almost ten years, before returning to university and receiving my Master of Teaching from Melbourne University. During my time at Melbourne University, I sought diverse educational experiences, which led me to teach at a small rural school, visit charter schools in New York, engage in research and obtain a specialisation in mathematics as part of my degree.

My wife Alison and I welcomed Elizabeth in Week 3 of Term 1. While our two-year-old son Benjamin is still adjusting to life no longer as an only child, it has been beautiful to see him being a caring and considerate big brother. Life at home with Ben and Beth, or B1 and B2 as they are often known, is a non-stop adventure ride of meal times, bath and bedtimes, creative games and activities, and endless cleaning! We love to see the joy in everyday moments, even something as simple as a story or song at bedtime. We relish time spent together and take delight in sharing our home with our wonderful family and friends. In our younger and simpler child-free days, Alison and I enjoyed running together, exploring the many running paths around Melbourne, and rewarding ourselves with coffee and brunch.

A great teacher once encouraged me saying, ‘Teaching is a wonderful way to spend your days.’

While there are days this phrase does not easily spring to mind, those days are vastly outnumbered by the stories of how students have learnt and grown over the years. Each day, I am inspired by the students showing curiosity and imagination, demonstrating kindness, and striving to live out the Camberwell Grammar values. I look forward to continuing the work of the wonderful staff and parents in our community as we inspire our students, helping them to grow and make a positive impact in our world.

Mrs Rose Schneider Head of Summons House

Rose Schneider embarked on an exciting new professional challenge this year as Head of Summons House. Rose shares a snapshot of her journey at CGS, where she has found a nurturing community and countless opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

From the moment I stepped into Camberwell Grammar, I felt welcomed into a closeknit community. I am in my second year here, where the staff culture is the most caring I have encountered. The support, kindness and understanding from my colleagues have been unparalleled. Transitioning from single-sex girls’ education to teaching boys has been a refreshing change. Their enthusiasm, positivity, and zest for life bring vibrant energy to my workday.

My Head of House role allows me to interact with a wide range of students beyond my classroom, providing a unique opportunity to support their social and emotional wellbeing, not just academic progress. Connecting with students’ families and fostering a supportive network has been deeply rewarding, enriching the community spirit within the School.

My teaching journey began in 2012 after completing a Biomedical Science degree. Teaching wasn’t initially on my radar, but it soon felt like a natural fit. Reflecting on my childhood, I realised I often pretended to be a teacher—so perhaps it was always meant to be! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching in various schools and positions, and I currently teach Maths, Biology, and Chemistry— subjects I consider the best in the School (each to their own!). As an alumna of MLC, I feel I haven’t strayed too far from my roots.

Outside of my professional life, I have a deep love for music and play the viola. I am eager to join the Senior Orchestra at Camberwell and make music alongside the students. During the lockdown, I picked up the unique hobby of cold process soap making, a creative outlet I thoroughly enjoy. Another recent passion of mine is Lego. What started as a fun activity with my daughters has evolved into a personal hobby, and I now eagerly collect adult Lego sets—although the price often has my jaw on the floor.

At home, I am supported by my wonderful husband, Cedrik, and together we have two beautiful daughters, Lily and Poppy. My girls bring immense joy to my life with their vibrant personalities and boundless enthusiasm. Our family cherishes our time together, particularly our annual trip to Port Douglas, where the pool time and sunshine rejuvenate our spirits.

When it comes to innovation and the future, my greatest passion is helping students build resilience, pursue their passions, and become kind, respectful individuals. While we live in an incredibly connected world with endless opportunities to develop skills in technology, science, maths, and the arts, I believe the most crucial skill is how we treat one another. Learning to be part of a community, to be generous in spirit, and to care for the people and things around us are essential skills that will serve our students well in any path they choose to follow in life.

I look forward to continuing my CGS journey and contributing to the vibrant life of the School.

Green Pages

Green Week

As Term 1 neared its end, the Camberwell Grammar community was gearing up to celebrate one of the School’s most beloved annual events: Green Week. This year, Towards2050 and the Sustainability Team delivered a week of entertainment and education with the theme of Recycling.

In the lead-up to Green Week, the Endangered Animal Nomination Poll was launched to decide which endangered animal we would help through donations. Hundreds of students and staff voted for their favourites out of 16 species of local endangered wildlife. Over three weeks, the Orange-bellied Parrot, a critically endangered bird with fewer than 50 individuals left in the wild, won our hearts and received all funds raised across the week – a whopping $5,085.20!

On the Friday before Green Week, the Waste Quiz started, where students and staff were asked a series of waste-related questions. The stakes were high – the prize was a $50 e-voucher – and at the end of the week, Haydn Hammerton (Year 12) claimed the prize with a total score of 146/150.

That Friday was also National Ride2School Day. To commemorate this, students who used active modes of transport such as scooters, bikes or public transport enjoyed a free egg and bacon roll breakfast from the cafeteria. This initiative saw students from every section of the School use active transport. We hope to see the program grow in the years to come.

On Tuesday, students were treated to free pumpkin soup in the PAC Foyer. The soup was served in reusable mugs during recess and provided much-needed warmth on a cold and windy day. Fun fact: the pumpkins used were propagated, planted, and harvested from our School garden by the Sustainability Gardening Group.

On Wednesday, Senior School students participated in the inaugural Prefect’s Rubbish Relay, where prefects raced each other with rubbish bins instead of batons. After disqualifying houses due to contaminated bins, Bridgland was determined victorious.

Meanwhile, we also held a honey jar design competition in anticipation of our honey harvest. The judging panel (consisting of the Art Department and Ms Massey) awarded the prize to Year 8 students Joel Hu and Tom Robertson Brown for their stylish and minimalist design.

The week finished with a green splash on Thursday. Students were invited to wear casual clothes with a touch of green and turn up to the Senior School Amphitheatre for zero landfill vegetarian paella while the Green Week concert rocked the yard.

A special thanks to Ms Massey, Mr Feldt, Ms Menzies and Mr Hone for making all this possible.

Tony Zhang Environment and Sustainability Prefect

Climate Change Education Forum

The Climate Change Education Forum was run by Sustainability Victoria, in conjunction with the State Government and Deakin University.

The event offered a fun and unique opportunity to hear a range of different voices on the climate crisis while developing ideas for a sustainable future. The forum was also a great opportunity to learn about emerging

technologies and philosophies that are already being implemented.

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the day was the Global Café activity, where we got to discuss our environmental hopes, fears and goals for 2050 with a selection of industry professionals, teachers and students. We didn’t just explore the issues we are facing, but also sought creative solutions to combat these challenges and discussed how they could impact future generations. It was inspiring to hear diverse perspectives working towards a common goal.

This event gave us more than ideas and information though; it was a great opportunity to meet students from around the state and talk to those in the position to make serious change. It was a fun day with a positive outlook on the progress that is being made and what we, as the next generation, can do to make a change in the years to come.

Thomas Klebanowski (Year 10)

Celebrating Earth Day

The 2023 Earth Day theme was Planet vs. Plastics. Year 7 students celebrated with a Precious Plastic incursion.

Students learned about plastic types, recycling and closed-loop economies. They enjoyed grinding, melting and moulding recycled plastics into new pen holders and carabiners in this hands-on activity. This is in line with the school’s Net Zero by 2030 goal to engage in resource recovery.

Year 10 Friday �ctivities

Micro-credentials and New Skills for Students

This year, the Year 10 Friday activities program underwent an exciting transformation, emphasising microcredentials and skill-building. Students now have the chance to select four different activities throughout the year, each spanning five weeks.

Many students seized the opportunity to earn a First Aid Certificate, a valuable qualification valid for three years. Other popular courses included a Strength and Conditioning Certificate and an Introduction to Hospitality, where students mastered essential food handling, cooking and barista skills.

A highlight of the program was a cybersecurity course presented by Monash University students. This engaging course heightened students’ awareness of cybersecurity, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and web exploitation, and was met with enthusiastic reception.

Our School’s sustainability team offered impactful courses to boost environmental awareness. The Repair, Reuse and Recycle (RRR) activity taught practical skills such as bike maintenance, basic clothes mending, and food preservation through drying and pickling. Later this term, the Future Foods activity will commence, allowing students to set up and run aquaponics and hydroponics systems while learning about sustainable agriculture and future farming methods.

The Art Department provided creative opportunities with a figure drawing course, where students learned techniques for drawing clothed life models. Additionally, a ceramics course offered the chance to learn pottery using a ceramic wheel. Future business leaders thrived in ‘The Entrepreneurs’ Club,’ identifying problems and developing innovative ideas to present to their peers.

Another group, under the guidance of Mr Van Maanen and Mr Barry, participated in the F1 in Schools competition, an international contest where students use CAD and 3D printers to design, manufacture, test and race miniature cars. Meanwhile, a dedicated group of students collaborated with Ms Voumard to apply their STEM skills and creativity in designing and building robots for the VEX Schools Challenge.

Building on this year’s success, we plan to introduce more short courses focusing on sporting coaching qualifications and hospitality credentials in 2025.

Mr Matthew Christopher Teacher in Charge of Friday Activities

The Entrepreneurs Club has undoubtedly made me more confident and proficient with my public speaking skills but has also broadened my worldview, giving me an insight into new topics. Each week, we were given interesting tasks and challenges to build on our skills, which included team building, public speaking and communication.

Carlo Bottos (Entrepreneurs Club)

I found the Strength and Conditioning Friday Activity very interesting and useful, as it provides a great introduction and guide to using the School Gym space. The teachers (Mr Paul Sartori and Mr Josh Holding) were very engaging, and allowed me to try using a range of equipment, while also completing a variety of exercises.

James Le Get (Strength and Conditioning)

In Robotics, there is a team work aspect in building and designing a robot, and communicating with different team members in order to achieve the team’s goals. Researching as well as building the robot including team meetings to discuss the design process are part of the fun of Robotics.

Christian Pham (Robotics)

News from�round the School

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Congratulations to Justin Kwan (Year 11), Ashwin Lagana (Year 11), Timothy Lee (Year 11) and Rory Westcott (Year 10), who all attained a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for 2023. The ‘Duke of Ed’ offers students an opportunity to achieve an internationally recognised certificate by doing the things they love.

Gladwyn Cup Model UN

Congratulations to those students from Years 9-12 who participated in this highly anticipated intra-school competition. Students adopt the roles of delegates from various countries and debate over resolutions on pressing international matters.

Chess Success

On Tuesday 26 March 2024, two teams representing Camberwell Grammar School competed in the Victorian Inter-School Chess Competition at Brighton Grammar School. Congratulations to Camberwell’s First Chess Team on coming second in the competition and Lachlan Lee (Year 10), Captain of Chess, for receiving overall third place.

The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad Competition (OzCLO)

In March, a number of our students participated in the regional round of the Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO). Several teams from our School achieved Gold awards, and one of our Year 9 teams placed equal second in the state in the Junior Division.

As a result, they were invited to participate in the National OzCLO competition at the end of last term. Students from all secondary year levels competed against each other in this incredibly tough competition.

This Year 9 team held their own against seasoned competitors and ended up clinching the title as the first Junior team in Australia. Congratulations to Alexander Robb, Alistair van de Velde, George So and Ricky Li

This year marks the 18th anniversary of Camberwell Grammar hosting the event, which is always a highlight of the Enrichment calendar. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with robust debate, lively negotiation and artful diplomacy. The following past students were involved in the event judging: Alan Tian (2023), Cooper Carbone (2023), Patrick Homes (2023), Alex Harris (2023), Tom Sun (2021), and Jack Hu (2021).

The Senior Division winners were the United Kingdom: William Lardner (Prefect of Debating) and Tommy Auwardt (School Captain).

The winners of the Junior Division were Maxwell Korganow (Year 10) and Dylan Hodges (Year 10), who also represented the United Kingdom.

Author Visit – Gabriel Bergmoser

Gabriel Bergmoser is an accomplished author, playwright and screenwriter who has been recognised both nationally and internationally for the work he has produced. However, his journey to success has not been without its setbacks.

Gabriel visited our School on Tuesday 30 April. He facilitated an interactive writer’s workshop for budding Middle School writers and a seminar for Senior School students. He shared candid stories of his challenges in the publishing industry, reminding students of the importance of hope and resilience. It was an inspiring and memorable morning for all involved.

VEX Interschool Robotics Competition

On Monday 29 April, CGS hosted for the first time an inter-school VEX Robotics Competition with five different schools competing. CGS had nine teams from Senior School competing in the VRC Competition and one team from Middle School competing in the IQ Competition. The Middle School team placed 3rd in the matches and, in Senior School, Camberwell had the top four teams who then competed in finals with a team of their choice. Well done to all teams!

The Debussy Project

Radio Performance

Congratulations to accomplished cellist Gabriel Liu (Year 8), who performed on The Talent radio program on 3MBS on the evening of Tuesday 14 May.

On Tuesday 30 April, the pianists of the Music Academy gave a special performance of the entire First Book of Preludes – 12 pieces in all – by Debussy.

Claude Debussy is most famous for Clair de Lune, but his piano preludes, while just as beautiful, were very heavily influenced by the impressionist painters and the symbolist poets of the day. The pianists worked hard to prepare for this event, learning the notes and understanding this unique musical language.

Mentor Reading Program

On Mondays and Wednesdays, Year 11 and Year 12 students have been visiting the Junior School to enjoy some reading time with the Prep to Year 2 students. The Mentor Reading Program is a valuable opportunity for Senior School students to assist their younger counterparts with their reading development while nurturing the relationship between our School campuses.

South Yarra District Cross Country

On Monday 6 May, a team of 33 students from Years 4, 5 and 6 travelled to Fawkner Park to compete in the annual South Yarra District Schools Cross Country Championships. Camberwell Grammar competed well across all age groups, showing great stamina and

Welcome to Nick Holland

Hawthorn Football Club legend Nick Holland recently joined the coaching ranks at Camberwell Grammar School. He will be assisting our Senior School students across various teams. Nick’s experience, insights and knowledge will hugely benefit the School’s Football program.

Kids’ Lit Quiz

A small group of Middle School students from Years 6 and 7 participated in the Victorian heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz Australia.

This annual literature quiz is a trivia-style competition aimed at students with a passion for books and reading. In teams of four, the students engaged in 10 rounds of challenging questions, ranging from umbrellas to superheroes!

The Year 6 team comprised Alexander, Max, Kevin and Alexander, and the Year 7 team comprised Jenson, Samuel, Nicholas and Eamon

determination, and finished 3rd overall. We had some outstanding runners on the day who finished in the top 10 and progressed to the next round: George Wu (Year 4), Dion Trevlopoulos (Year 6) and Kevin Ma (Year 6).

AGSV Junior Schools Swimming Championship

On Monday 22 March, 26 Junior and Middle School students competed in the 2024 AGSV Swimming Championship at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC). The team performed strongly on the day achieving 25 top 3 finishes.

Big congratulations to Josh Ko, Tony Lu, Evan Wang and Aiden Ding, who broke the AGSV 11 Years 4 x 50M Freestyle Relay Record with a time of 2.23.23. This beat the previous time of 2.23.60 set back in 1986!

Miss Lexie Joyce Junior School Head of Sport

Junior School House Cross Country

On Wednesday 24 April, Year 3, 4 and 5 students competed in the Junior School House Cross Country event. All students participated with great enthusiasm and determination. The Year 3 and 4 students ran a distance of 2 km, whilst the Year 5 students ran 3 km around Belmont Park, then onto the Keith Anderson Oval and finished on the Junior School Green.

Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to Kayden Loh (Year 7), who participated in the 2024 Australian Taekwondo Victoria (ATV) Autumn Sparring Festival, winning the Bronze Medal in the category of Cadet 12-14 Years, Black Belt Male Light Weight.

The overall winner was Bridgland – for the first time since 2014 – closely followed by Summons. A special mention to Aarik Kumar (Year 4), an individual winner for the second year in a row!

Miss Lexie Joyce Junior School Head of Sport

Harper Davidson (Year 11) represented Victoria A at the Under 18 National Lacrosse Championships over Easter. He scored his first representative goal in a match won against a New Zealand representative team. Harper had a great tournament, and his team finished a respectable 4th.

Congratulations to the First Squash team who won the pennant and medals for Division 3 on Saturday March 16.

Jenson Huynh (Year 7) competed in the Victorian Youth Sailing Championships at Sorrento on the 6-7th April and won first place in the Optimist Intermediate Class. Well done!

Congratulations to Charles Webb (Year 11), Ryder Cheesman (Year 12) and Henry Sewell (Year 11), who won gold at the Under 18 Australian Junior Basketball Championships in Brisbane last school holidays.

Ryder and Henry recently earned selection in the Australian Under 17 Basketball team. This team will play in the World Cup in Turkey later this year.

Henry was also named Basketball Victoria’s 2023 Male Junior Player of the Year.

Congratulations to Chauncey Yu (Year 11), who recently won two gold medals at the Victoria State Badminton Titles in the U19 Boys Single and Boys Doubles competitions in Bendigo. We wish Chauncey the best of luck as he prepares for the National U19 competition in July.

The following students competed in the National Athletics Championships over the Term 1 break. Lachlan Baxter (Year 7) ran a personal best in the U14 1500m, Josh Carlin (Year 11) ran in the U18 3000m, and Lachlan McGowan (Year 12) came 4th in the U18 Hammer Throw. Well done to all students.

Camberwell Grammar School enjoyed success in the All Schools Cross Country Relays on Saturday May 4. The U18 team of Josh Carlin (Year 11), Kaan Ong (Year 10), James Alex (Year 10) and Harvey Williams (Year 10) came 3rd in this challenging event.

School Tours

China Tour 2024

During the Term 1 holidays, 35 Camberwell Grammar School students and five staff embarked on a cultural study tour to China.

We departed on the evening of March 29 and arrived in Beijing the next day. In Beijing, we visited the Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Olympic Stadium, and climbed the Great Wall of China. We enjoyed the famous Peking duck and other local delicacies.

From Beijing, we travelled to the ancient capital of Xi’an by high-speed train and were welcomed by students and teachers from our sister school, Xi’an Tieyi High School. Students participated in a homestay for five days and enjoyed various cultural activities, including Chinese painting, dumpling and noodle making, tai chi and martial arts. Students also participated in a music

rehearsal and a basketball match with a group of visiting students from the US.

We visited the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi’an and rode bicycles on the ancient city wall. We also tasted local cuisines, including the famous Biang Biang noodles and Chinese hamburgers. From Xi’an, we travelled to Chengdu, another ancient city and visited giant pandas and other well-known attractions.

Throughout the tour, students had an amazing first-hand experience of China, made new friends and improved their Chinese language skills.

Mr Wei Ha Head of Chinese

Senior School Production Macbeth

Review of Macbeth

Where the place? Upon the heath. There to meet with…Macbeth!

And, on the ‘blasted heath’ of the stage in the Middleton Theatre, audiences did indeed meet the Scottish warrior, initially motivated by ambition to murder his way to a kingly crown, before subsequently sinking down into the murky depths of hell!

Productions of William Shakespeare’s infamous tragedy have famously been beset by curses portending doom and disaster for the cast and crew. Not so for 2024’s Senior School Production, which defiantly unleashed a vivid and enthralling vision of Scotland, at once faithfully evoking a distant, medieval setting, yet at the same time

anachronistically injecting modern, technical effects. Such a blending of styles, as well as a paring-back of the text, succeeded in delivering this classic play with the strangeness of a nightmare, the suspense of a horror and the urgency of a thriller.

Stretching diagonally across the stage was set designer Mr Mark Wager’s decaying and skeletal structure, topped with a battlement and accessed by a doorway beneath a towering archway. Beyond the structure were projected moody, panoramic images, to suggest further the exterior of moorland or the interiors of various castles. Captions clarified locations and events, mist swirled eerily about, flames flickered for a cauldron, video clips glimpsed apparitions, and blood revealed itself in murders. At the outset of the production, the set was draped in an enormous piece of fabric, through which a trio of witches emerged as if from the bowels of the earth; then, all of a sudden, the material was whisked away and the violent tale began, rather ominously beneath an arsenal of swords hanging threateningly from above!

This seemingly faithful, yet often stylised version of the play was enhanced further by other theatrical elements. The action of scenes was sometimes impelled by the rhythm of martial drums and harsh bagpipes, while at other times the mood was underscored by haunting, unsettling soundscapes. The characters’ colourful attire of gowns, surcoats, breeches, cloaks and boots was co-ordinated by costume designer Mrs Jennifer Bennie with historically apt fabrics such as velvet, leather and fur. Arresting battle sequences, convivial banquet dancing and edgy swordfighting were choreographed with detail and style, and conveyed conflict, celebration, and climax with movement and measure. As a final, ghoulish flourish, the beheading of the tyrant was achieved with a cast of the actor’s head being held aloft triumphantly.

In a society of lords, squires, wives and thanes, the lads from Camberwell Grammar School and the lassies from Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College negotiated and expressed Elizabethan English with resolve and passion. Tommy’s Auwardt’s Duncan tempered his regality with joviality; Nathan Bosman’s Banquo was honourable in life and accusatory in death; Jonty Neil’s Macduff proved a paragon of worthiness and a conduit of grief; Charlie Weickhardt’s Malcolm stayed steady and princely; Jade Bishop’s Porter lightened the dark proceedings with innuendo about drunkenness; and as the weird and sisterly witches, Amelia Tobias, Theodora Chiam and Nikki Aidonopoulos danced and chanted hypnotically, and, like sirens in classical mythology, pointed to and beckoned Macbeth to his unavoidable fate.

At the heart of the story is a childless marriage; a couple devoted to each other; pushed over the edge of a precipice by the prophecy of the witches – that Macbeth will be the next king…but that, after him, his own sons will not; spurring each other on and overtaking each other in ambition; until the deed of murder is committed once, twice, thrice; until nature goes wild and the dead walk again, and hands cannot be entirely cleansed of

blood. In their portrayal of a husband and wife, driven to succeed but doomed to fail, Fraser Rowe and Emmanuelle D’Adamo were riveting and spell-binding. In their faces, bodies and voices, they charted the gradual and full mental, physical, emotional and psychological disintegration of a man and woman – spiralling downwards, one in despair, the other in desperation.

And yet, for all of its darkness, bleakness and spookiness, Macbeth is a play that, after more than four hundred years, remains intriguing to read, to study, to stage and, most of all, to experience – as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ‘vaulting’ ambition. In our School’s latest rendition of ‘the Scottish play’, perhaps its most singular achievement is (if one will excuse the pun) the full-blooded realisation on stage of a world whose force is startling, moving, devastating, primal and utterly experiential. In interpreting one of theatre’s darkest and bloodiest dramas, director Mrs Penelope Wood has inspired her design team, marshalled her actors and conjured up an experience so compelling and disturbing that the audiences who witnessed it – like the Macbeths themselves – may never sleep again! Bravo!

Mr Samuel Gough Teacher of Latin

Sound Waves: A Celebration of Student Musical Talent

Mid-Year Concert

This epic three-hour evening in the PAC is undoubtedly the ultimate showcase of the Camberwell Grammar spirit and community camaraderie.

The endless rehearsals lead up to just a few short moments on stage. An extensively diverse and spectacular repertoire was selected from lyrical masters such as Tchaikovsky and Rossini, all the way to Hollywood superstars Elton John and The Beatles.

Each ensemble performance highlighted the sheer talent and effort each student put into making the night. Whether at the beginning of their school musical journey or reaching their end, each was proud to be a part of this momentous event. As a community that proudly sings together, we concluded the night with the sheer power of the School Choir singing Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Congratulations and thanks to all the students and staff who worked tirelessly to make the night possible. As we mark the mid-way point of the school year with this concert, we prepare to embark on an even more thrilling journey as we begin preparations for the highly anticipated Biennial Concert.

Lachlan Wong Captain of Music

‘Each ensemble performance highlighted the sheer talent and effort each student put into making the night.’

Jazz Night

The annual Camberwell Grammar Jazz Night is always a highlight on the musical calendar. This year was no exception. A rich array of ensembles, including the likes of the three Stage Bands and vocal students, delivered a laid-back atmosphere unique to this event.

Camberwell’s profound musical prowess was evident in the exuberant performance of The Brass Bandit’s I Feel Like Funkin’ It Up and Senior School Stage Band’s classic Jazz repertoire, finishing with The Chicken. The night mimicked a professionally performed set, injected with passion and skill. The audience engagement, support and monumental applause only enhanced the enjoyment of the evening.

I encourage enthusiasts and newcomers to attend a Camberwell Grammar Jazz night for an evening to remember – full of excitement, refreshments, conversation, and a few classic tunes. It’s always a night to remember.

Ben Radelczyk (Year 12)

Junior School Soirée

Junior School Soirées are an opportunity for our youngest musicians to showcase their learning in a small performance space. Originally, soirées were a small evening gathering (from the French ‘soir’ meaning evening) where composers, artists and writers would share their compositions amongst a small group of friends. We were treated to some wonderful performances from all members of the orchestral family. There were two percussion performances from Year 5 students,

Vincent Chong and Oscar Zhang. There was music by Bach, Schumann, Beethoven and Gounod. Twisted Brass led by Ms Melanie Simpson, finished our concert before we sang a canon of Good, Better, Best to send us on our way. Congratulations to all the students who worked diligently to prepare their repertoire and perform so confidently and musically.

Mr Alex St Vincent Welch Head of Junior School Music

Winter Sport Update

After another successful Summer Season, with Basketball and Table Tennis each winning the Premiership and impressive results across all sports, the Winter Season has begun. It has been great to see all new students taking part in Winter sports for the first time and to witness the success and development of all athletes. The sportsmanship and camaraderie have also been on full display, and I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone work together as a team and support their mates.

The Football program is constantly evolving and progressing under the guidance and expertise of Mr Nathan Bower and Mr Rayden Tallis. Despite several key injuries to the squad, the First XVIII have had some tight matches, picking up a win against Peninsula in the opening round and playing well against tough opponents. Some highlights so far include the Inter B’s undefeated record and a thrilling 1-point win by 3rds Blue against Mentone in Round 3.

Badminton has continued its dominance over the AGSV this season, with eight teams undefeated at the end of Round 3, including the First IV. Well done to all players, coaches and staff involved for this terrific achievement.

Our large Soccer program has seen a strong start to the season. The First XI has improved significantly from last year, winning comfortably against Peninsula 3-1 and losing narrowly to Ivanhoe and Marcellin in close contests. Some notable achievements from other teams are the Inter D Mitre’s 9-1 win in Round 3 and the two 8C teams being undefeated, including a 15-0 win from 8C Gold and a 12-0 win from 8C Blue in the same week.

The Hockey program has had great success over the last few years and is having another excellent season. Leading from the top, the First XI is sitting in 2nd after two comfortable wins and a narrow loss to PEGS. The 2nds Blue and 7/8A teams are undefeated, and there have been many solid results from all other teams.

The Cross-Country squad are currently sitting 2nd on the AGSV ladder, 1 point behind Marcellin. All the students have been running superbly. At the recent School State Relays, the Under 18s age group won the bronze medal. We look forward to continuing the season into Term 3. Go Wellers!

Hugh Fukumura Captain of Games

‘The sportsmanship and camaraderie have also been on full display, and I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone work together as a team and support their mates.’

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programs are fast becoming mainstream necessities within the secondary sector. Head of Strength and Conditioning, Mr Paul Sartori, unpacks the Camberwell program.

Our S&C program has evolved to service not just sport performance and premiership success but is also integrated into student wellbeing systems, and academic and co-curricular enhancement. It’s built on the principle of participation-first, aiming to foster a love of physical activity, sport and movement. Coaches focus on building positive relationships with students to create a space of connectedness, inclusion and safety.

The S&C Team

Each team member also has an important role within the wider CGS Sport program.

• Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Josh Holding is also the Assistant Coach of the First Football Team.

• Jeff Dalman looks after student injury support as a Strength and Rehabilitation Coach but also programs and implements all dry-land training for Camberwell Grammar Aquatic (CGA).

• S&C Coach Joel Coxon is also the Head of Cycling.

• S&S Coach Will Watson is a coach of the CGS Cross Country Team.

New Injury Support Provision

We have recently expanded our services to include injury support, providing injured students with industry-leading support around injury rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols. This support is built on an initial assessment, including performance testing and screening, then extended into rehabilitation programming and modified training scheduling. Our coaches also communicate with students’ external medical providers to ensure best practice and care.

Our Program

We are incredibly lucky to have a fully resourced Weights Room, where students can access weight-lifting platforms, squat racks, cable machines and cardio options. Middle and Senior School students have multiple access times throughout the week to suit their schedules.

Camberwell Grammar S&C Sport Performance offerings encompass First Sport squads, Emerging Athlete Pathway athletes, strength testing and additional education programs. S&C training is promoted as the constant piece during changing sport seasons to help athletes mitigate the risk of injury and boost athletic success.

S&C is for everyone

Breaking down participation barriers and stigmas associated with strength training is a core focus of our program. Our S&C program caters for all abilities, providing athletes with appropriate programming – no matter their fitness level.

Our program is one of the most popular of its kind amongst Victorian schools, with an average of 700 athletes participating in S&C programs each week. Athletes include First team athletes, general student users, Physical Education classes, and community-facing athletes via CGA.

The most rewarding aspect of the Camberwell Grammar S&C program is the level of student engagement with a non-compulsory program. We commend our students for their drive and inquisitive approach to seeking positive holistic development and enrichment.

Mr Paul Sartori Head of

Strength and Conditioning

Spotlight on Sport with Nathan Bower

Camberwell Grammar Golf – Generational Growth

Mr Nathan Bower, Senior Head of Sport – Strategy and Programs, explores the steady growth of the Camberwell Grammar Golf Program and the broad-reaching benefits of golf for interested students.

A school golf program can benefit students’ physical and emotional development while fostering patience, teamwork and strategic thinking. Students who play golf develop responsibility, etiquette and confidence, and most importantly, it encourages a lifelong engagement in physical activity that promotes health and wellbeing throughout students’ lives.

The Camberwell Grammar School Golf Program has steadily grown in profile and participation since its inception in 2012. Initially built on the passion of former staff member Mr Manfred Pietralla, the Golf Program started with limited students participating and consisted of one weekly coaching session at the Yarra Bend Driving Range.

Current staff member Mr Teri Miriklis has been the Teacher in Charge of the Program since 2018. A keen golfer and a former CGS student, Teri has grown the program to include two weekly coaching sessions at the Kew Golf Club with the resident Professional and weekend competition commitments, with numbers reaching a 20-participant maximum. Senior School students are encouraged to obtain an official handicap for the chance to play competition golf on highly rated courses in a nurturing, school-based environment.

Current student Callum Yates (Year 12) has benefitted from the opportunity to pursue golf as a legitimate Summer sport option to complement the training and competition he receives through his involvement with the Riversdale Junior and Senior Pennant teams. Callum won the combined AGSV-APS-BAS Tournament in 2023 with a competition record 66 ‘off the stick’. His ambition is to play high-performance golf through the US College system and the Australian Professional Tour in years to come.

The School has also created a specific space and invested in a golf simulator for the growing number of students interested in golf from Junior School onwards.

Professional golfer and former CGS student Blake Collyer (2014) was the inaugural Golf Captain and held the position for three years from 2012 – 2014. Blake is one of the many talented coaches students can now access through Sport Lessons within the Sport Academy program. A talented junior golfer, Blake also won the AGSV title in the combined AGSV-APS-BAS Tournament in 2013 and earned a placement with the Victorian Institute of Sport from 2015 to 2021. This placement provided structured strength and skill development training three times per week and regular travel to the UK and USA to compete in amateur tournaments throughout Australia’s Winter months. Blake turned professional in October 2019 and has completed four seasons on the Australian Tour.

Any students interested in the Summer Sport Golf Program are encouraged to speak with Mr Teri Miriklis (tmm@cgs.vic.edu.au) or lessons through the Sports Academy to Mr Jamie Watson (jw@cgs.vic.edu.au).

When structured programming and resources meet passionate participation and coaching, the longevity and success of a sport program flourishes. From Mr Pietralla’s initial commitment to Mr Miriklis’ determination to grow the program, our students will continue to carry the program forward in a sport that offers not only AGSV standard competition now but also a sporting and social skillset that will serve them well in their sporting, professional and social lives throughout each stage.

Community Connections

At the beginning of Term 2, we held our annual Street Soccer Tournament, raising funds for Kids Under Cover. This year saw 12 teams enter the competition, consisting of 94 players from Years 9 to 12.

The tournament began with a group stage, where three teams fought it out to escape elimination and progress to the quarterfinals. There were many close matches, and some eliminations came down to goal difference. Finals brought a new atmosphere to the pitch. With immediate elimination for the losing side, all teams fought hard until the final whistle blew. The grand final drew the biggest crowd of the tournament, creating an electric atmosphere. After battling it out for 20 minutes, ‘The Gobblers’ came out victorious, winning the match 1-0.

Run the Tan

Camberwell Grammar students participated in Run the Tan on Sunday April 21. This event raises funds and awareness for local mental health charities. All students had fun and pushed themselves, with James Alex (Year 10) and Harrison Car (Year 12) finishing in the top 10 in their respective categories.

Feast for Freedom – Friday 22 March

Camberwell Grammar hosted a Feast for Freedom, ‘a meal that makes a difference’, and raised nearly $900 for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. These funds will help provide essential food, housing and health services to refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.

What a wonderful buzz there was in the room as colleagues from several parts of the School lunched together over delicious food made by some of our resident culinary geniuses.

Janine de Paiva Chaplain

This year’s tournament also hosted the inaugural ‘Prefects vs Teachers’ exhibition match. This new rivalry saw an intense game with a star-studded staff line-up including the likes of Dr Khor, Mr Jeacocke and Mr Jones. This game came down to the wire, with a last second own goal seeing the Prefects take the game 1-0.

The tournament was a great success. A total of $1094 was raised for Kids Under Cover, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to tackle youth homelessness. These funds will go towards providing resources to disadvantaged young Australians. It was great to see so many students playing and supporting a meaningful cause.

Matthew Treagus Robinson House Captain

Robinson Street Soccer

‘The Wellers’ at the Mother’s Day Classic

The spirit of giving shone brightly at the Mother’s Day Classic, where a team from Camberwell Grammar School laced up their shoes to support a wonderful cause. Every stride they took contributed to crucial research for breast and ovarian cancer. This research plays a vital role in unlocking scientific breakthroughs, developing innovative treatments, and ultimately bringing hope to those facing these challenges.

Despite a crisp start at 7am, the runners’ determination quickly melted away the morning chill. Soon, the sun peeked through the trees, casting a warm glow on their path. The event village buzzed with energy, creating a welcoming space for everyone to celebrate the spirit of Mother’s Day, togetherness and the fight against cancer.

Mrs Jac Manison Digital Learning Leader

National Volunteer Week

Many of our students supported National Volunteer Week in May by finding ways to give back to the local community, including volunteering for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal by either door-knocking or collecting donations at Bunnings.

Mustard Inter-school Breakfast

This year’s Mustard Inter-school Prayer Breakfast was such a powerful morning with students, chaplains, parents and staff attending from many schools. It was such a blessing to hear from students how they are living out their faith, pray with students for their schools and enjoy fellowship with like-minded believers over breakfast.

Mrs Janine de Paiva Chaplain

IDAHOBIT Day

On 17 May, our School community supported International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which celebrates LGBTQIA+ people worldwide and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination. Students and staff purchased pride merchandise from Minus18, allowing students and staff to stand in solidarity against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.

Staff Farewell

Thank You and Farewell to Mr Chris Lloyd

The Camberwell Grammar community farewells Chris Lloyd, Business Manager, after eight years of dedicated service to the School.

Business Managers sometimes have the reputation of being the ‘blockers’ in schools. They guard the purse strings and obsessively focus on the bottom line. It is important work; schools have a fixed income and need to ensure their spending does not exceed their means. It is also sometimes the case that Business Managers are rarely seen outside their offices and remain in mystery as they dole out their allowances to all in the school.

None of that is true of Chris Lloyd. Chris came to our School at the end of 2015 for three months to help us locate a new Business Manager for the School. Chris had officially retired from a career in corporate management at that stage and had contemplated a life spent travelling the country in his beloved caravan. Within a short time, however, he had fallen in love with the School, and the three-month stay lasted eight years.

Chris soon established that he was an enabler, not a blocker, and worked with the Senior Executive team to develop and fund significant projects and to help us streamline our services to make them more efficient. He oversaw the later stages of the construction of the Sports Centre and ensured our teaching staff had all the resources they required.

Chris has managed the School finances with great skill and has built a team around him of extraordinary calibre. He has nurtured his team, too, and given them wonderful opportunities for growth. Chris uses many catchphrases that will linger long after he has gone: ‘We will be enjoying the benefits long after we have forgotten the cost’, ‘Hand on heart’ and ‘Half joking, whole serious’ to quote just a few. His wry humour has been greatly appreciated.

Chris has loved being involved in all dimensions of the School, getting to know and encouraging the students. He attended every production and musical event he could and loved seeing our boys perform. Chris took great pride in the achievements of the School and took every opportunity to tell people what an amazing place it is.

Dr Paul Hicks Headmaster

New PrincipalAppointment for 2025

Congratulations Mr Ben Jeacocke

During Term 2, the School Council was delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Jeacocke as the next Principal of Camberwell Grammar School, commencing in January 2025.

Following the announcement last November that Dr Paul Hicks wished to retire at the end of 2024, the School Council was engaged in finding a worthy successor following Paul’s 20 years of exemplary leadership at our School. I am pleased to say that the position attracted a most impressive field from around the country.

After a rigorous and extensive process, Ben Jeacocke

B.Ed., M.Ed. (Education Management), MACEL was

announced as the 10th Principal of Camberwell Grammar School, effective from the beginning of 2025. Ben emerged as the standout candidate, conscious of and committed to our community and values. He is excited to lead our School into the future.

Ben has been Deputy Head and Head of Senior School at Camberwell Grammar School since 2022 and has worked closely with students, parents, and staff members during that time. He was also Acting Headmaster for a term last year when Paul was on Sabbatical leave.

Before joining Camberwell, Ben worked at St Michael’s Grammar School for 10 years, where he held various roles, including Director of Years 10-12. He has also held leadership roles at several other schools, including Overnewton Anglican Community College.

Throughout his career, Ben has demonstrated sound leadership skills, genuine care for all his students, and a collaborative approach to working with teachers, staff, parents, and the wider community. He understands the culture, rich history, and community of our School and is committed to developing each of them. We are confident that his leadership will contribute significantly to the continued growth and development of our School.

He and his partner, Efthamia, have two children, Alec and Evie, and they too are excited about this new stage in their relationship with our School.

Ben is very much looking forward to the prospect of stepping into the role of Principal at the beginning of next year. He will continue to work closely with Paul for the rest of this year to ensure a smooth transition.

As a school community, we congratulate Ben on his appointment.

Mr Gavin Powell

Chair of Camberwell Grammar School Council

Alumni News

An Overseas Visitor

Alex Wheeler recently visited Camberwell Grammar while on his honeymoon in Australia. Alex attended the School for Years 4-7 from 20002003. Originally from the United States, his family returned to Michigan in 2003.

Alex attended the University of Michigan, completing a double major in Economics and Political Science. He interned at a non-profit, hedge fund and then in retail before ending up at US Target. Alex now leads the Strategy for Target’s Food & Beverage Supply Chain.

Alex has moved for work three times and now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He married his wife Kelli in Nashville in November 2023. The couple enjoyed their visit to Alex’s childhood school campus and look forward to returning.

1974 Starters Lunch –a 50-year celebration

Alumni from the Class of 1979 gathered earlier in the year for lunch with past staff member John Allen to celebrate 50 years since they started Year 7 in 1974.

Never Say Never – OXFAM Trail Walker

More than 4,000 people embarked on the final Oxfam Trailwalker event in Melbourne on March 2, including Camberwell Grammar alumni Matthew (Matt) Parker (1987). Matt, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, undertook the 57 km trail using ‘Monty’, a frame to balance, supported by his teammates at the front and back.

His friend and teammate, Andre Sardone, reflects: Matt only walked at age seven due to the tenacity and determination of his parents, who refused to accept the doctor’s prognosis. Matt has always displayed the same tenacious determination. Matt was integrated into the regular schooling system in 1980 at Camberwell Grammar, which was very rare for anyone living with disability at that time.

I have known Matt for 35 years – his passion for life, quick wit and wicked sense of humour. These were all on display

as our team, ‘Hard in the Slush’, tackled the final Melbourne Oxfam Trailwalker.

We created Monty, an innovative, unique aluminium framework to help us get through the Trailwalkers in 2016 and 2017. Carlo, the companion to Monty, was conceived and built for the 2024 event. Made from a metal chair and a child’s BMX bike, it was welded into a dystopian wheelchair, onto which Monty could be bolted to turn it into a chariotlike contraption.

We rolled, wobbled and pushed uphill and down as we managed the course and the obstacles it threw in our way. We enjoyed banter with the other teams and loved spending time with our mates on this odyssey. I am very proud to call Matt Parker a great friend of mine. He is a constant inspiration to me.

Andre Sardone

Alumni Profile

Anthony Garnham (1983)

I fondly remember school break times playing down-ball, up-ball, cricket, and table tennis with hard nets. My friends and I spent a lot of time chatting about footy, particularly during a great era for the Hawks. Memorable school camps to Bambara, Central Australia and Indonesia were highlights, although I did dislocate my kneecap on the Indonesia trip. A standout memory of my time at CGS is my Year 12 English teacher expressing uncertainty about helping me pass—perhaps evident in my writing today! Revisiting school reports, I was struck by how teachers consistently encouraged me to focus more and chat less.

On reflection, I realise I didn’t learn much about the local community, ethics, decision-making, or the breadth of career options. Interaction with girls was limited to dance classes. I appreciate the current Headmaster’s focus on these important areas, which may have been present but didn’t resonate with me at the time.

From school, I went straight to university without much consideration and found it quite boring. Despite this, I persisted and spent 15 years in business, leveraging my accounting qualification and affinity for numbers. Over time, I realised I needed something more engaging.

Through a process of trial, error and exploration, I discovered my passion for community engagement. This spark was partly ignited by my involvement with Lord Somers Camp, linked to Camberwell Grammar, where I found I loved working with people more than numbers.

My first community role was with the Beacon Foundation, connecting schools and businesses to help students learn about job opportunities and pathways. I spent over a decade there. More recently, I’ve been involved with The Men’s Table, which provides a safe space for men to share their feelings beyond typical banter about footy etc. Men often struggle to seek help, leading to various problems.

In both roles, I’ve travelled across Australia, working with local communities to determine if our programs would be beneficial additions. If there’s duplication, poor timing, or no local “champion”, we typically don’t proceed. This work has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to meet diverse people and collaborate towards meaningful goals.

Going forward, I hope Australia takes bold actions to address inequality and improve access and inclusion for all. I also wish for more Independent voices in Parliament to better represent the people’s views. Personally, I hope to continue making a positive contribution in some capacity.

Some advice for current students:

1. Explore various activities during school and the holidays. Most professionals are willing to chat or give a tour if you show interest. Be bold—take advantage of the access your youth provides.

2. Incorporate community involvement into your life. I recently joined my local surf club and found the community spirit wonderful. Explore different community organisations until you find one that resonates with you.

3. Find a way to meet people from different backgrounds, interests and ages to gain diverse perspectives on life. Once you meet them, work on improving your listening skills – it’s an ongoing work in progress for me.

From the �rchives

A fine Senior School production of Macbeth took place in May in conjunction with Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College, only the second-ever CGS production of ‘the Scottish play’. The first production of this Shakespearean gem occurred in April 1989 in the Memorial Hall.

Following Tony Brown’s decision to withdraw from dramatic productions in 1989, John Brock (staff: 1967-98) ‘stepped casually into the spotlight to direct this year’s play’, as the Grammarian described it. Brock admitted that he was ‘acutely conscious of what a hard act it is to follow’. He was also conscious that taking up drama productions was a temporary procedure until the new headmaster, Colin Black, was ready to take on this role. Macbeth was a Year 11 English prescribed text, and Brock had previously produced the play at the Power House and ‘knew it backwards’. As the shortest of the Bard’s tragedies, the play was both accessible and required a relatively large cast approaching 40 (chiefly Years 11/12 boys) supplemented with girls from Fintona – that inexhaustible source of talent for the Camberwell dramatists of that period (and later). These Fintona imports impressed the director in both their quantity and quality, to the joy of their headmistress, Miss Butt. The well-known play was an interesting choice from the Shakespearean opus, a comprehensive work with blood, guts, political machination and witchcraft. The official program promised a superb piece of memorable theatre, ‘a traditional production, free of gimmicks’. Auditions began in February in readiness for the performances on 20, 21 and 22 April.

Yen Liow (1989) was cast as the tortured Macbeth, and he played the role of the risen Thane and fallen King with great vigour and panache, clad, like many of the other players, in plain black. Unlike the 2024 production, there was no tartan in sight, as Brock believed that the play, being a universal work, need not be particularly ‘Scottish’, an innovation that marked this production. The murdered King Duncan – Venn King (1989) – was similarly clad in black. Both Liow and King would go on to fruitful careers in commerce and law in New York and London, some indication of the Headmaster’s conviction that the arts helped build character and foster what today would be called ‘life skills’.

The centrepiece of any production of this play is always the role of Lady Macbeth – the damned, sometimes championed, ever-controversial power-behind-the-throne, galvanising her sometimes reluctant husband towards kingship and ultimate destruction. No production of this play can hope to succeed without a dominant Lady Macbeth. John Brock found one at Fintona in a ‘rising young star’, Vanessa Knott. She skilfully navigated the transition from a ‘conniving and ambitious wife to a conscience-stricken, ghost-like figure on the edge of madness’; notable among her appearances was a very convincing sleepwalking scene, perhaps one of Shakespeare’s most memorable moments. The director was ‘gobsmacked’ at Knott’s ‘magic five minutes’ on the opening night: ‘It was a revelation!’ Fintona also provided a striking trio of witches mandatory for any Macbeth performance, alternatively dressed in white, red and black. Another memorable performance came from the drunken porter ( Wesley Black, 1989) whose ‘lurid lines’ provided a contrast to the general gloom and murderous atmosphere.

Other Grammarian players contributed to the amelioration of gloom by adding ad lib humour during some of the murder scenes, notably that of Macbeth’s rival Banquo (Sebastian Hughes, 1989). Banquo’s ghost later returned on film in a back-projection, whilst the character himself would return on-stage through a trapdoor, partly enveloped in a cloud of dry ice, remaining one of the audience’s more lasting memories. The murdered young son of Macduff ( Andrew Gibbs, 1990) was played by Year 7 student Greg Brock (1994), a ‘born actor’ according to his father, the director. Shakespearean tragedy always means violence. The carefully choreographed fights (thanks to fencing teacher John Fethers) in those ‘exciting sword sequences’ were another welcome contrast to Scottish melancholia, the players attacking one another with the schoolboy gusto that seemed to threaten personal safety. Overall, the innovative 1989 Macbeth was a great success, and observers thought that the tradition of dramatic excellence established by Tony Brown at Camberwell Grammar had survived a period of unexpected transition. The continued stage management of Ian Mason (‘an excellent sounding board’) and the design skills of Ron Wootton (‘he worked his magic’) – a theatrical duo now of thirty years’ duration – played an important part in the professional smoothness of a work often hampered by a certain level of theatrical superstition. Appropriately, Colin Black had also helped with the Scottish accents. Camberwell Grammar, John Brock and his cast had survived the traditional curse of Macbeth without any need to ‘break-a-leg’ thanks to good management and dramatic expertise refined over recent decades, if not longer. The April 1989 Macbeth, like that of May 2024, played a fitting part in what the School’s first drama producer Miss Winnie Hall had called in 1925 ‘the realisation of dreams’. It avoided the critical vulnerability of a focused kind that accompanies a Shakespearean school production, often either praised to the heavens or damned as unworthy of Shakespeare’s name. Long may the tradition of Shakespeare and such exciting productions continue on the stages of Camberwell Grammar.

Dr David Bird

School Historian and Archivist

The Macbeths contemplate murder.

Lady Macbeth sleepwalking.

The ubiquitous witches.

Community Events

Parent Events

YEAR 7 MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST – WEDNESDAY 10 MAY 2024

The Year 7 students enjoyed a delicious breakfast with their mothers at the annual Mother’s Day Breakfast. The morning was led by Year 8 students Ashton Bedoya, Evan Lin and Zakariya Huq with special guest speaker School Captain Tommy Auwardt. The event was well attended, and many attendees commented on the heartfelt student speeches and warm atmosphere.

JUNIOR SCHOOL MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST – FRIDAY 12 MAY 2024

A fantastic annual Mother’s Day Breakfast was held on the Junior School Green. All Junior School mums and carers felt loved and celebrated on the day, with a delicious breakfast served, music performances and a special song from the students. Students had also worked hard in Ms Tsolakis’ Art class to prepare beautiful portrait cards for their special grown up.

A big thank you to the parent volunteers and Friends of Norge who helped arrange this event. Our wonderful parent community is especially evident on days like this.

OCGA Events

GOLF CHALLENGE AT KEW GOLF CLUB – FRIDAY 19 APRIL 2024

Congratulations to Clinton Daley (2013) and his team from Neo Eastern Print with Jonathan Gan (1985) for their victory in the Ambrose competition. Kudos to past parent Susanna Karlson for her win in the Ladies Longest Drive.

It’s always wonderful to see alumni, parents, past parents, suppliers and guests come together. A big thank you to all the suppliers for their support in making the day possible!

50 YEAR LUNCH – SUNDAY 5 MAY 2024

The class of 1974 turned out in force for their first 50 Year Reunion. The Camberwell Room was vibrant with alumni (classes of 1948 to 1974), guests and past staff chatting about their time at Camberwell Grammar School.

Paul Hicks, Headmaster welcomed the attendees, Christopher Kirwan (1974) said grace and Lindsay Mullins (1974) gave a toast to the School. David Rimington (School Captain 1974 and Captain of Football), presented Paul Hicks with a bottle of champagne that had been purchased by Ron Wootton to celebrate an undefeated 1974 Football season. The team went down to Assumption in the last game and the bottle was never opened.

5 YEAR REUNION

(2004) – THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2024

The Class of 2019 gathered in the Camberwell Room for their 5 Year Reunion. It’s great to hear they are all progressing in their lives, whether through further study, starting their careers or even getting married.

20 YEAR REUNION

(2004) – FRIDAY 10 MAY 2024

The 20 Year Reunion was held in the Camberwell Room. Past Headmaster Colin Black attended to catch up with the cohort, who were in Year 12 for his final year at CGS. It’s heartening to hear that many of the alumni have chosen to enrol their own sons to start at the School in the future.

CAREERS NIGHT – THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024

Year 10 students explored different career paths and gained valuable insights from alumni across various industries at this year’s Careers Night.

Alumni in Architecture, Arts, Business, Construction, Engineering, Law, Marketing, Media, Medicine, Science and Technology shared the studies they undertook after school, the most/least satisfying aspect of their job and important attributes for working in their field.

Alumni gathered in Kingussie after the sessions for drinks and networking. Thank you to the alumni who gave back to the School to inspire current students.

Alum and Staff Innovators Create New Board Game

Past student (1969) and past staff member (1982-2019) Glen Foster and current staff member Simon Barry have been keen board game developers since 2005. Their games have helped to raise money for worthy charities supported by the School and Houses.

The pair is pleased to announce that their most recent board game, Toodle-oo, is now available to the Camberwell Grammar School community and the general public. Toodle-oo is a strategic dice and card game for 2-4 players aged 8 and up.

Find out more at www.toodleooboardgame.com.au or via the email address toodleoogames@gmail.com.

Obituaries

ANDREW CORNISH (1968)

3 October 1950 – 5 April 2024

Father of James (1998) and Nicholas (2000)

DONALD DUNKERLEY (1947)

20 April 1930 – 14 April 2024

Brother to Alan (1949 dec.) and Garry (1952). Uncle to Stephen (1974).

After attending Camberwell Grammar, Donald (Don) Dunkerley studied refrigeration engineering at Swinburne Technical College. He then worked in the cold storage industry. Don moved to Sydney in 1968 and enjoyed attending the Sydney OCGA get-togethers until a few years ago. Don sailed until the late 1970s, then got a private pilot licence, and logged over 1300 hours in his own single-engine plane. He and his wife went on several long flying expeditions, including island hopping up the Great Barrier Reef and a round Australia trip in the 1980s. Don was still driving and living at home, with daughter Gillian’s care, until he died.

NICHOLAS JOHN MCCANN (1985)

23 December 1967 – 30 March 2024

Brother of James (1990)

CHRISTOPHER DONALD DUNBAR SCOWN (1969)

28 December 1950 – 1 April 2024

Brother of Stephen (1970) and Nicholas (1974)

AUDREY STEVEN

*The Spectemur publication team wishes to correct and amend this obituary, as published in Spectemur Issue 1, 2024. We apologise for the omission. The amended information is as follows:

31 October 1929 – 13 March 2024

Wife of John (dec.). Mother of Jo-Anne Fraser (past parent), David (1972 dec.), John (1973) and Peter (1976). Grandmother of Michael Fraser (2005), Ben Fraser (2010) and Jonathan Steven (2011).

GEORGE GERALD MACCALLUM SWINBURNE (1961)

25 June 1944 – 3 December 2023

Brother of Thomas (1961)

JOHN STAFFORD

14 September 1929 – 2 MAY 2024

The Camberwell Grammar School Community was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of John ‘Staff’ Stafford, a long-serving staff member between 1965 and 1986.

A great friend and colleague to many, ‘Staff’ held various leadership positions over his 20 years at the School, including Commerce teacher, Commanding Officer of Cadets, and Registrar. He contributed outstanding service across many areas, including commerce, legal studies, cadets, football, athletics and arts/drama. However, there are two clear highlights from his role as an educator.

Staff was instrumental in creating Legal Studies as a subject in Victoria, which inspired many to take up law (or teach it) as a career. A recently retired federal court judge was one of his first students. Staff was also a passionate advocate of the jury system and wrote many articles and letters defending it from its perennial critics.

But his highest accolade, according to his long-time colleague, Ian Mason, was ‘being the ‘saviour’ of the cadet unit, seeing it as a character-leadership building exercise, not an opportunity for wargames and parade drills.’ Cadets was unpopular in the 1970s in the shadow of the Vietnam War. ‘Staff’ was no militarist. He was dragooned into national service in the 1950s and saw his parents’ generation go to war. Yet he saw cadets as a unique opportunity for students who might not excel academically or on the sporting field to have their skills valued. And former bullies and their targets became begrudging comrades there.

Staff had a particular affection for the naughty students, recognising himself, perhaps. His teaching philosophy was to do no harm. ‘I wanted to lead the students to the door of knowledge. But it was their door, and hopefully, if I did my job correctly, they would think they had got there themselves.’

THE STAFFORD FAMILY

Staff’s memory will live on through his sons (many of whom became teachers in many different fields). We extend our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to John, Peter (dec), James (1976), Tom (1978), Tony (1982), Sam (1985) and Michael (1985), and his extended family at this very sad time. Spectemur Agendo

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