Echo, Issue 17 Term 2-3 2023

TERM 2-3, 2023

Editor:

Designers:

Charlie Leong

Tin Lok Zhang

Matthew Lau

Richie Yang

Christopher Khong

Alan Wang

Thomas Clemow

Lucas Qin

Eason He

Writers:

Harry Watson

Tom Newman

JP Ma

Alan Tian

Ravin Desai

Mr. Jones

Photographers: Tin Lok Zhang

Mr Daniel

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey as we present to you the 2023 ECHO Term 2+3 Edition, packed with the highlights and heartwarming moments that have made the last two terms unforgettable. This edition primarily revolves around our beloved Houses and the incredible spirit of competition and fundraising that comes with it.

First in the lineup, we have a comprehensive collection of House event photos. Relive the adrenaline of House Multisport, the sleek strokes of House Swimming, and the endurance of House Cross-Country.

From goal-scoring sensations to jawdropping saves, the Robinson Street Soccer Tournament had it all and Harry Watson’s got all the details.

Let’s shift gears to the world of drama with an exclusive look at Oliver! – the spectacular whole-school production. Drama Captain, Tom Newman spills the beans on what it takes to put on a show of this magnitude. It’s a peek behind the scenes that you don’t want to miss!

Debating enthusiasts, we’ve got you covered too. Prefect of Public speaking, Alan Tian, provides a meticulous recount of the House Debating competition and praises the entertaining debate that saw Stef Rayden crowned “best speaker”. Schofield’s “Great Debate” continues to be the entertaining success with

compelling and hilarious points raised by both sides.

For the humanitarian hearts, we’ve captured the busy hands at work during CGS Rotary Interact Club’s FORaMEAL – where club members help pack food, providing emergency relief meals for those impacted by natural disasters.

For the diplomats and future world leaders among us, enjoy some shots from the Gladwyn Cup – our very own mock United Nations. It’s a platform where students engage in global issues, diplomacy and problem solving.

Ever wondered what our beloved Mr. Jones has to say about life? Well, we sat down with him, and his witty and insightful, deeply metaphorical answers are bound to leave you smiling and maybe even pondering some valuable life advice.

Next up, we showcase the mirthful shots from the inaugural House charity eventsClifford House’s “The Big Freeze” ice bucket charity event and Steven House’s satiated “24-hour famine”.

Finally, we roll out the red carpet with some Year 12 Formal photos, capturing the elegance and joy of the unforgettable night. So readers, whether you’re a sports fanatic, drama enthusiast, a debater, humanitarian, or curious about life’s wisdom, the ECHO Term 2+3 Edition has something for everyone – a true reflection of the Camberwell Grammar student experience!

Charlie Leong

HOUSE SWIMMING RESULTS

1. MACNEIL

2. ROBINSON

3. BRIDGLAND

4. SCHOFIELD

4. STEVEN

6. SUMMONS

7. CLIFFORD

8. DERHAM

OLIVER!

“My name is Oliver, Sir. Oliver Twist” “My name is Oliver, Sir. Oliver Twist”

“Oliver, Oliver never before has a boy wanted more,” is the infamous line which launches the young hero, Oliver Twist, into the wild and unruly world of 1830’s London. This year’s performance by the Camberwell Grammar and Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College drama cohort, fell nothing short of special. A dazzling spectacle of a musical, masterminded by director Mr Stocker alongside Ms Johnson, Ms Bennie and Mr Walsh. Featuring the efforts of over 200 cast, crew, staff and musicians, Camberwell Grammar’s ‘Oliver!’ was headed by none other than its very own 2023 drama captain, Tom Newman, who will give us a behind the curtain view of all the action.

Whatwouldyousuggesttoanyonveregardingnextyear’splay?

I’m not sure if next year’s play has been announced yet but what I can tell you is that it won’t be a musical and it will be performed in the Middleton Theatre. It is colloquially named ‘The Scottish Play’ in the theatrical profession and has been studied by year 10 Camberwell Grammar students for the last 100 years. Andtoanyonereadingthis,whoispartofCamberwellGrammardramaperformancesinfutureyears, whatisyourwiseandeverlastingadviceasnotonlyDramaCaptain,butassomeonewhohaspartaken innumerousperformancessincejoiningCGS?

Enjoy it as the time goes by very quickly. Productions at Camberwell Grammar are wonderful journeys filled with memorable moments and friendships. Don’t be afraid to take on challenging roles or try new techniques. Step out of your comfort zone, and you’ll discover hidden talents and strengths within yourself. Embrace the process and cherish the memories as before you know it, you will step off that PAC stage for the last time.

HOUSE DEBATING

The 2023 House Debating competition concluded with Derham once again showing their dominance and taking out first place for the second year in a row. Debaters from each house spoke on a variety of topics, utilising everything from strong, logical arguments to emotional appeals to try and argue their point. Debaters who tried to open with a catchy, nonsensical introduction to their debate were less successful in this regard, however.

By far the most intriguing debate of the competition was the round 2 year 12 debate between Derham and Schofield. Coming up against a team of seasoned debaters, Schofield’s team comprising of Will Lombardi, Stef Rayden and Will Stamper came out with a barrage of quips and arguments. Though Derham ended up winning the debate, best speaker was award to Stef Rayden for his composed, awe-inspiring speech that filled the room with thunderous applause, a true embodiment of the passion that the best debaters will bring to the table. Overall, the competition was a great opportunity for debaters across all year levels to prepare themselves for the DAV competition, as we look forwards to next year’s rendition of the event.

Alan Tian (Prefect of Public Speaking)

THE GREAT DEBATE Schofield House Charity Event

To the Year 12 leavers, what is your greatest piece of advice for them to carry with themselves into University?

Instant noodles and grow a beard. Every university has a mature age lounge for over 21s. There’s free coffee, free snacks and a clean kitchen in there. Tuck your elbows in, don’t make eye contact and look like you’re meant to be there. If you are asked who you are– use the Stef Rayden and Will Lombardi defence – look around bewildered and then give a huge conspiratorial grin.

What’s your favourite movie?

Snowpiercer, Unstoppable and Murder of the Orient Express are a tie for second place.

“Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid” with Steve Martin, directed by Carl Reiner. The story follows a private detective named Rigby Reardon (played by Martin) who is hired to investigate a complex case involving a series of mysterious deaths. I haven’t seen it in 20 years and I hope that it holds up to the march of time.

Why did you become a teacher?

Early on, I was on track to be a research scientist. Really enjoyed the discussion, conferences, literature reviews, writing papers and statistics. Not so enthused with repetitive lab work, pipettes and test tubes. I also tend to talk out loud to myself and hum like a demented bumble bee when I’m engrossed in a task. Teaching pays a wage and openly rewards this, let’s say, “eccentricity”.

What do you think the “Camberwell Experience” is?

A rollercoaster of music, sport, art, talent, academic progression. An amazing voyage of opportunities, learning, camaraderie, experiences that don’t end at the school gate nor ever really come to an end. One thing for sure is that you know when you started the Camberwell experience - the first day of Pre-Prep, Year 7 or whenever your first day was.

What’s your favourite subject: Bio or Gen Maths?

I am somewhat hardwired to an empirical train of thought. Both have an “x” to find (or A,T,C,G). I enjoy discussing confounding, lurking variables, and dispelling misleading statistics, particularly in current day issues. So, both!

We know you love the radio playing in your office: what’s your favourite station?

As mentioned and widely known – I hum. I became disillusioned with repetitive current day music and turned to classical music. Realising that there are over 250 years of tunes I could learn to hum to was a revelation and a joy! Dr Smith often mentions that he can hear my blue whale humming through the wall of our adjoining offices. Staff also call out to me around a corner as my humming announces my presence in the halls.

If

you wanted to “fix” the common room, where would you start?

For the alcove warriors – Daniel, Stef, Will, Jack, Liam and Max - a sloping floor to collect all the things they leave behind at the end of the day. All items, whether stationery, textbook or rubbish are collected and packaged then couriered to their home address.

For all the pre 8am/post 4pm residents of the common room – hammocks. Stacked like on a pirate ship for a 15-minute power nap. Tiger, Charles, Abhinav, Tom.

A speakers corner, like Hyde Park London, for Charlie, Ravin, Tom and many other Year 12s to broadcast their thoughts into the ether, rant about the travesty of VCAA and modern society and spark a worldwide movement.

Have you ever rode the Shinkansen?

Yes, a few times. A wonderful, amazing and frighteningly quick experience. The metaphor is apt Year 12. For a more surreal experience – drifting on a river through a NZ cave, in a tyre-tube, looking up at the glow worms above. This was followed by rapids and then floating on the river through calming forests. Perhaps that’s the post Year 12 metaphor.

Is our year level better than last year?

Ah – the great “gotcha” question.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of International Olympic committee 1980-2001. He was known for praising each host city and commenting on the quality of Olympic Games. At the end of every Olympic closing ceremony he would declare that those Olympics just past were the best Olympics ever.

I now play my Juan Antonio Samaranch card.

In addition, and because it is true, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed navigating the 2023 VCE year with you. Year 7 to 10 teachers spoke highly of you as a collective. Like a freight train coming, the VCE teachers heard you coming down the track. All the accolades have been accurate. A fine, upstanding group of empathetic and good natured young men. I would now like to declare - “2023 was the best Year 12 ever”.

CAMBERWELL GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE 2023

ISSUE #17