A PUBLICATION FOR THE DE LA SALLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY – MALVERN – ISSUE NO: 38 – MAY 2015
Dear Editor,
CONTENTS Principal’s Report
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College Investiture and Awards
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John Lourdes Shortal
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Remembering our Old Collegians
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Old Collegian gives back a million-fold
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The doyen Brother
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Grease 12 A pioneer in information/Old Collegian goes to Oxford
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Mother’s Day Breakfast
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New MAD Award
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Old Collegians’ Athletics Club Reunion
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New head for peak body
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50+ Year Reunion
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50 Year Reunion
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40 Year Reunion
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Canberra Reunion
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Old Collegians’ Silver Jubilee
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Where are they now?
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Vale 26
Thank you for your Centenary of War issue. It is a shame the College no longer has a Cadet Unit, it was a great way for its members to develop themselves in many ways. The camaraderie was terrific. I loved the bivouacs during the year, annual camps at Puckapunyal in the September holidays and the courses held during the summer holidays. I even got to attend a (then) CMF camp with 6th Field Ambulance at Jamieson in the May holidays 1963. My experiences with the Cadets led me towards working for the Department of Army (and later Defence for 38 years) after I left the College. I have enclosed two photographs related to the Cadets when I was at the College. The first is of two likely recruits; John Liston (left) and me on the first day of cadets in February 1961. It was taken in our front garden in the morning on our way to College. The second is of part of the Guard during the final parade for the year at Kinnoull at the end of 1962. I can recognise some of the members; Sgt Tony Mangan out the front and Col John Sherman on the left of the front rank. I am in the rear rank. I see the ever present Nick Quinn is there with his camera. If you want a good photo of the Guard from that year, the Golden Jubilee edition of the Blue and Gold has a good one.
FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the May issue of Roll Call magazine. Last month we marked the centenary of World War I and in this issue we remember one remarkable Old Collegian, John Lourdes Shortal, who was one of the 62,000 Australians who perished in that war. John’s family, who attended the recent re-dedication of the Shrine of Remembrance at Tiverton, shared some of their memories and photos of John. You can read these stories on pages 6 and 7 of this issue. We have news of two of our Old Collegians who were recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours, Sean Howard OA for his charitable contributions, and Peter Juliff OAM for his contributions to education. There is always news of our current students and their achievements. In this issue you will notice our bumper Where Are They Now column and thank you to all those Old Collegians who responded to the call for news. Kerry Martin Editor: Kerry Martin Production: Jonathan Hewett Cover shot: College Vice Captains Connor Rate and Liam Bisognin with College Captain Elliot Fabris and Able Seaman 2 Dorian Broomhall
Kind Regards, Lewis Rayner (1964)
Dear Editor, Congratulations on another excellent edition of Roll Call and thanks for including the piece about my book. It was a lovely and so true obituary about John Bolt. I also particularly enjoyed the theme and reading about the Centenary of War, in particular the piece on Peter Stokes who was the year behind me. Keep up your great work. Best wishes Kevin Reed (1954) (letters to the Editor continued on page 26)
From the Principal Dear Old Collegians,
As I write, the College is well and truly immersed in a period of significant change and development. I am hoping as Old Collegians you will be interested in the range of programs, initiatives and improvements already put into place in the past year and the exciting plans for the next four years.
Most of what we are doing falls under the banner of six key areas: Education in Faith, Leadership and Management, Learning and Teaching, Community, Student Wellbeing and Facilities and Resources. Limited space forbids a detailed account of all that’s in train under these six spheres but our Strategic Plan 2015–18, accessible on the College website, provides a commentary around our future direction and the key steps planned in the journey to take us there. This will inform a Master Plan as we begin a building program at Tiverton.
Perhaps of principal interest to Old Collegians will be the work done around community events. It’s covered elsewhere in the Roll Call but we had a terrific turn-out for both the 50-year reunion in February and the 50-plus reunion in March. The highlight from an observer’s view at both events was the tremendous affection the Old Boys retained not only for each other after so many years but for the College and all that it’s meant to them. This remains a hallmark of a Lasallian education here at Malvern; the boys graduate with formidable bonds of friendship and a deep and abiding sense of attachment to their school.
Our calendar now includes annual community events such as a Mother’s Day Breakfast (402 attended this year!), a similar function for Father’s Day, Year 7 Mother and Son Evenings, a Year 8 Father and Son program, social events such as a Race Day at Caulfield and welcome drinks and nibbles nights at various year levels. All of these have gone a long way to ensuring a strong partnership between staff, students and parents. When I began in this role last year one of my key messages around my vision for the College was the need to preserve and celebrate all that is great about De La Salle, but to also have the courage to create the future of our choice. Much of the emphasis and change evident has been focused on the learning and teaching sphere, but a Pastoral Care Review Team has also made a range of recommendations in relation to all aspects of student wellbeing. Many of these will come to fruition over the coming months, but the re-introduction of De La Salle’s famous House system, for the athletics, cross country and swimming carnivals is already in place and has been enthusiastically received by all.
staff professional learning, laptop roll-out for students, embedding digital learning in the curriculum, and building contemporary and innovative online systems to support all aspects of school life are defining a new landscape at the College. As Principal, I have been thrilled with the work our staff are leading as they collaborate and contribute to our commitment to ongoing improvement.
Mr Peter Houlihan Principal
Perhaps the most ambitious but critical change has been the implementation of our ICT Strategic Plan, with educational implications for all in the community. Initiatives around
Pictured right: Principal Peter Houlihan with distinguished guests at the recent ANZAC Day Service. From left: Hon Kelly O’Dwyer Federal Member for Higgins, local State Member Mr Michael O’Brien MLA, College ViceCaptain Connor Rate, College Captain Elliot Fabris, College Vice-Captain Liam Bisognin and Able Seaman Dorian Broomhall. DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL
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College Investiture and Awards In keeping with College tradition the academic year started with its Investiture of College Leaders and VCE achievers awards ceremony at Tiverton Campus. In the presence of the College community and invited guests, Principal Peter Houlihan congratulated the 2014 Top VCE Achievers and acknowledged all of the Year 12 students, especially those who worked hard to achieve the results they sought. He thanked the dedicated VCE teachers for the countless hours of preparation, instruction, marking, mentoring, meetings and encouragement.
The standard analysis of last year’s VCE class, reveals a College Median Study Score of 30, with 6.4 percent of Study Scores above 40. Mr Houlihan said he was particularly proud that over 28 percent of the 2014 cohort received an ATAR over 80, which puts them in the top 20 percent of the state. “This is an increase of 4 per cent from 2013 and augurs well for future growth and improvement in 2015,” he said. “We are proud of all our young men. The number with ATARs in the 80–99 range is growing. This is terrific and an intrinsic element of the College’s commitment to improved academic standards.” Mr Houlihan congratulated the 2014 College Dux Thomas Brasher (pictured right) for his outstanding ATAR of 99.60, including two study scores over 45. “Thomas’ score reflects his dedication and commitment to learning throughout his years at the College; a tremendous role model for his peers and the next
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cohorts of VCE students to follow,” Mr Houlihan said. Last year was the first year the VCE (Baccalaureate) has been awarded to Victorian Year 12 students. The new certificate aims to encourage more students to include languages and higher level mathematics in their senior secondary program of study. Last year four De La Salle College Year 12 students, Richard Laurens, Paul Kony, Liam O’Callaghan and Jordan Mitropoulos qualified for the VCE (Baccalaureate). This page below left: Elliot Fabris, below: 2014 College Dux Thomas Brasher with Principal Houlihan. Below bottom: 2014 VCE Top Achievers. Opposite page top: 2015 College Leaders. Middle: Fr Martin Tanti. Below: 2015 Investiture Ceremony
2015 College Leaders “We come from afar to be as one: brothers connected by spirit.” This year’s College Leaders defined their challenge as following the example of St John Baptist De La Salle, giving time and energy to prayer, reflection and social justice. This involves celebrating diversity and acknowledging our differences; with Lasallian brotherhood underpinning all actions. The theme for the Investiture of the College Leaders for 2015 was “We come from afar to be as one: brothers connected by spirit.” A highlight of the Investiture was the presentation of a painting by Art Teacher Mr David Happ, depicting our oldest and youngest students watched over by St John Baptist de La Salle. At the conclusion of the Investiture, the College Leaders pledged their goals and prayers into action for the De La Salle community. Pictured top this page: College Leaders 2015 Ms Haylene Peipert (College Leaders Coordinator), Enzo Hamilton, Liam Chai, Jack Fogarty, Ryan Cosgrave, Daniel Byrden, Stefan Di Medio, Matthew Mottola Front: Joshua Segal, William Mackie, Elliot Fabris, Mr Peter Houlihan, Connor Rate, Liam Bisognin, Raphael Canty
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John Lourdes Shortal (1923–1944) Last year the College rededicated its much loved Memorial Shrine to our fallen Old Collegians (see opposite). Among the guests of honour were Reg Shortal and his wife, Colleen. Reg is the nephew of John Lourdes Shortal (Jacky) who was killed when his plane crashed in Belgium in 1944. His name is among those remembered on the Shrine. In this issue of Roll Call Reg has generously provided some information on his uncle for our readers. In this, the centenary year of the start of WWI, we remember all those Australians who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful to Reg for this touching story of bravery. On a hill overlooking the Meuse River in a corner of Belgium close to the German border stands an imposing stone cross. This cross marks the area where Lancaster NE135 crashed after bombing a target in Russelsheim, Germany. The Avro Lancaster left Skellingthorpe (RAF base in England) at 21:29 hours on Saturday 12 August 1944 with Flight Sergeant John Lourdes Shortal in the position of mid-upper gunner and nothing further was heard from the aircraft after take off. Lost that evening were seven airmen including John. The remains of the crew were recovered by the villagers of BasOha and buried in a collective grave in the Bas Oha Community Cemetery. “They gave Their Soul to God Their Heart to their Country Their Body to Belgium.”
This is part of the inscription on the headstone of the private memorial in the community cemetery that also incorporates a stone cross and the Royal Air Force badge. Each year the villagers conduct a remembrance ceremony at the gravesite. John, known to his family as Jacky, was born on Wednesday 29 August 1923 at Armadale, Victoria. He was the youngest of four children and the only son of Edward and Mary Margaret Shortal of Armadale. His older sisters were Joan, Margaret and Patricia. The family lived in Armadale for many years and Jacky attended De La Salle College during the 1930s. On leaving school, Jacky was employed at the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation on the clerical staff. He was keenly interested in athletics and sport, being an all-round cricketer, footballer, golfer and tennis player. After enlistment
in the RAAF in April 1943, Jacky trained in Victoria and New South Wales before embarking at Sydney in November 1943 for England. After further training in England, Jacky was appointed to 50 Squadron (an RAF Squadron based at RAF Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire) on July 14 1944. The early sorties that he participated in were on V1 rocket bases in France that were subjected to intensive Allied bombing. He was lost on his sixth sortie. Many relatives of John have visited his final resting place over the years and in 2013, the then Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Bob Carr, accompanied a cousin of John’s to Bas Oha as part of the 2013 ANZAC commemorations. (See page 23 Roll Call May 2013 for the full story.) John Shortal is commemorated in the cemetery in Bas Oha, Belgium; at a bronze panel in the Roll of Honour, Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra; at the War Memorial incorporated into the shrine of Mary near the rear gate of the Tiverton Campus, De La Salle College, Malvern and in the memories of his cousins, nieces and nephews along with their children and their grandchildren.
Photo above: John Lourdes Shortal Left: Gravestone of John Lourdes Shortal in Bas Oha, Belgium
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Remembering our Old Collegians Completing our dedication to the Centenary of War, in this issue we bring news of the rededication of the War Memorial at the Tiverton Campus. At a fitting ceremony held on Remembrance Day last year, distinguished guests and members of the College community gathered to unveil the refurbished Shrine. The Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan was joined by The Federal Member for Higgins, Ms Kelly O’Dwyer, the State Member for Malvern, Mr Michael O’Brien, RSL representative, Brigadier Geoff Christopherson, and the Mayor of Stonnington, Mr Adrian Stubbs, along with members of the College Board and the Brothers Community. Mr Houlihan highlighted the significance of the Shrine in the history of the College. “The original War Memorial was commissioned by the Old Collegians Association, then blessed and dedicated in 1948 to commemorate past students from De La Salle who made the ultimate sacrifice in World Wars 1 and 2.” “In 2013 the War Memorial was refurbished after having fallen into disrepair over the decades, and reinstated into its original position where we see it today.” An important part of the refurbishment was to erect a new plaque for Old Collegian Sgt Blaine Diddams, who was fatally wounded in Afghanistan in 2012. After graduating from De La Salle College in 1987, Sgt Diddams had an outstanding 22 year career in the
Army. The popular and highly decorated soldier and 17-year SAS veteran was on his seventh tour of Afghanistan when he lost his life in the Chora Valley, not far from the main Australian base at Tarin Kowt. Sgt Diddams was awarded the nation’s third highest gallantry medal, the Medal for Gallantry (MG) for his actions on that day. The citation says that on 2 July 2012, Sergeant Diddams displayed inspirational leadership and selfless courage in extremely hazardous circumstances. “To support his patrol and ensure mission success, he knowingly exposed himself to draw fire and lead assaults on insurgent positions,” it says. “His leadership and selfless acts of gallantry, which ultimately cost his life, were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of Australian special operations forces, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.” Sgt Diddams’ 12 awards and decorations also include a US Army Commendation Medal he was awarded for his service during Operation ANACONDA in Afghanistan in 2001.
Top right: Hon Kelly O’Dwyer Federal Member for Higgins, College Principal Mr Peter Houlihan and the State Member for Malvern, Mr Michael O’Brien. Right: Fr Hien Vu Below left: Brigadier Geoff Christopherson Below right: College Leader Raphael Canty places a poppy on the shrine.
DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL
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Old Collegian gives back a million-fold By Kerry Martin
For Sean Howard AO (1976) business success goes hand in hand with philanthropy and as the founder of OzEmail, at one time Australia’s largest Internet company, Mr Howard has donated millions of dollars to various charities. It is not surprising that he was on this year’s Australia Day Honours’ List for his charitable works. Mr Howard was named as an Officer of the Order of Australia, for “distinguished service to a range of charitable organisations, particularly youth welfare and medical research, as a major benefactor and supporter, and to business”. His charitable efforts have been particularly focused on youth welfare
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and health. Since 2001, he has helped troubled and disadvantaged teens as a supporter and fundraiser for the Youth Insearch Foundation. From 2003, he chaired the foundation for seven years and remained a board member until 2011. Mr Howard’s financial support continues to make a difference to the charity for at-risk teens. As well as cash donations he has also made his private island
in northern Queensland available for leadership retreats for the young people whom the charity works with. On a personal level, Mr Howard’s own life took a turn for the worse two years ago when he contracted encephalitis. The virus damaged his retina and he received eye-sight saving treatment from Sydney University’s Save Sight Institute. Days before Roll Call spoke to Mr Howard he had suffered a severe seizure as a consequence of the condition. Following his treatment at the Save the Sight Institute he pledged to donate $10 million to establish the Valerie Mary Howard Initiative to advance new research, patient care and teaching and learning facilities. After graduating from De La Salle College, Mr Howard told Roll Call he spent three years studying medicine. “I did three years of medicine but after realising I was not a great fan of blood I decided to leave,” Mr Howard said.
Photograph courtesy of Fairfax media
“My decision to drop out of medical school devastated my mother as she thought I would follow in my father’s footsteps and go into academia.” Not surprisingly Mr Howard was a top science student at De La Salle. “I was awarded the Science Prize in my final year and received 96 for Pure Mathematics HSC exam.” After he left medicine he started a magazine from his bedroom in Camberwell. “It went on to be the topselling computer magazine Australian Personal Computer which today is the longest running computer magazine in the English speaking world.” From that point on Mr Howard’s career soared. He sold the magazine to Kerry Packer. As part of the deal he retained the Research and Development arm of the magazine and newspaper group,
and after Packer turned it down, he bought it back from him for one dollar. Realising the potential, Mr Howard kept the intellectual property and founded OzEmail, which became, at the time, Australia’s largest internet service provider. “I asked him (Packer) if he wanted to buy OzEmail and he said he didn’t want to buy it. So I bought it from Packer for $1 and sold it for $523 million seven years later.” Since then Mr Howard has been a director of a range of companies, including Optus Telecommunications and Isys Search Software. More recently, Mr Howard refocused his business interests towards retirement and aged-care facilities, and is the founder and managing director of the Arton Group, an aged-care provider.
In Victoria the company owns and runs The Cumberland View Retirement Group. Mr Howard’s charitable nature extends to his business style. “These days I run aged care and retirement villages and I try to run them ethically and keep happy residents and staff.” “If the residents and the staff are happy then you don’t need to market,” he said. These days Mr Howard lives in Sydney with his family including his two daughters, four and six years (pictured left). “I still keep in touch with some of my old De La Salle friends,” he said As well as his aged care interests he has been developing a resort called Wailagilala on an uninhabited island in Fiji. The resort is due to open later this year. DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL
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The doyen Brother Many of our Roll Call readers had the privilege of being taught by the man they call the ‘Mighty Julian’. With a teaching profession that spans six decades, Br Julian Watson is often remembered in your letters and interviews with much affection and respect. From his first Grade 4 class in 1940 to his last French class in 1993, Br Julian has inspired thousands of young men with his wisdom and compassion. Now retired and in his 93rd year, Br Julian lives in Malvern where he continues to touch the hearts of those around him. Roll Call was fortunate to catch up with Br Julian recently for a long chat over a cup of tea about his life as a Brother and teacher. Br Julian Watson was born Keith James Watson on 8 January 1922 on the city side of Punt Rd, technically East Melbourne, however he prefers to say he was born in Richmond — naturally he is a Tigers supporter. He went to St Ignatius’ School in Richmond, where he was taught by the Brothers. One of four children, he had two sisters and a brother. His older sister Elma was 88 when she passed away a couple of years ago and his younger sister Vera still lives independently in Melbourne. His brother Raymond, who is fifteen years his junior, is described by his older brother as the brains of the family. “Raymond attended De La in the early fifties and then went to University on a Teachers Bursary and eventually completed a PhD. He taught at Seymour High School before joining the staff at the then Ballarat Teacher’s College and later worked in the Psychology Department at Ballarat University. He is now retired and lives in Geelong.” At one stage Raymond was a student in one of Br Julian’s classes without the knowledge of the other students. Norm Doherty was in the 1950 class
where Raymond was taught by his older brother. “A few of us started noticing that this kid looked just liked Br Julian so we started a rumour that they were related. However Br Julian didn’t cave in and the secret was kept,” Mr Doherty said. When he was 13 years old Br Julian left his home in Richmond to join the Brother’s Juniorate at Oakhill in Sydney. “Becoming a Brother was in some ways exciting, it meant getting away and being part of a wider community. My life in Sydney was very different. Oakhill was on a 164 acre farm and it was like being on holidays. The sheer expansiveness of Oakhill was therapeutic but I did miss my family.” He recounts in vivid detail the years his family visited after his arrival at Oakhill in 1935. “I saw my parents and Vera in 1936 and my father in 1937. I saw my parents again and my younger brother for the first time in 1941. That was the extent of his family contact until after he took his final vows in 1947. Br Julian described his time at Oakhill as like going into a monastery. There was absolutely no contact with the outside
world, especially not with girls. “We had only male teachers. It was very different.” He says he missed the company of girls and admits there were times when he did wonder what it would be like to have his own children. He received the Habit of the De La Salle Brothers in 1938, and made his final vows in 1939 and his final profession in 1947. Br Julian’s first teaching appointment was in Marrickville in 1940. Since then he has had 15 different teaching appointments at De La Salle schools around Australia and New Zealand, including five different appointments at De La Salle College Malvern. His appointments at Malvern included; 1947–1952, 1978–1986, 1989–1992 and 1993–1996. He was a pioneer of Lasallian education in New Zealand and at various stages has been the Principal of all three of the Lasallian schools there — Blenheim, Mangere East and New Plymouth. Education was very different when he arrived in New Zealand and it was not without its challenges. “I was in New Zealand for 20 years and the New Zealand system was different to the Australian system. The education system in New Zealand was more personal. For example, in Australia we called boys by their surname where as in New Zealand they called boys by their first names. I liked that.” “I came to Malvern in 1947 and in that year Leaving and Matric were combined so it was a very small cohort.” The school in those days was half the size it is today. Br Julian says that the then Immigration Minister, Aurthur Caldwell’s, post war immigration policy caused a sudden spike in enrolments and by
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He admits there are some changes which he doesn’t like. “I think mobile phones are a negative for the boys,” he said. “They fragment their concentration. Too much time on their phones means they miss out on physical exercise. More time spent on mobile phones means less personal contact and I think that’s a disadvantage on a human level. The other disadvantage is the demand for instant knowledge, instant gratification.”
With Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP on ANZAC Day
the early 1950s there were more than 1,000 students enrolled at Malvern. The migrant students were a great boost for the College. “They worked hard,” he said. “Many of them had no English at all but they quickly learned from us and from one another.” “The College, like the broader community, welcomed the migrants. I think the migrant students raised the standards of learning and hard work.” Br Julian taught Religious Education, French, English and History.” “I really liked French as I had majored in French at Melbourne University.” He remembers teaching was very different then. “In those days the main teaching aid was the strap. It was rule by fear.” It is well known by his peers, that Br Julian has an amazing intellect and grasp of issues. His memory is remarkable, for anyone, let alone a 93 year old. Many of you would have read the detailed history of the College he wrote for Roll Call in 2012 and he enjoyed his time recording interviews with many of his fellow Brothers.
Among Br Julian’s achievements was having responsibility for Archbishop Mannix’s Scholarship program which ran at De La Salle, Malvern from 1936–64. He was in charge of the class from 1950 until 1952. He would say that his real achievements however are largely intangible. His legacy lives on in the minds and hearts of those he taught. Being the humble man that he is, it is not easy to get Br Julian to talk about his achievements. He didn’t like the title of the “Mighty Julian” given by one of his respected peers and inlcuded in the introduction to this story. Although he does lay claim to some. “My work in New Zealand was an achievement and gaining a university degree while teaching full time was an achievement,” he said. “I would work all day then go lectures in the evening, including Saturdays. There wasn’t much time for exercise so I would sometimes walk home from the University in Carlton to Malvern.” Not surprisingly, his former students I spoke to gave Br Julian a glowing report as a dedicated, intelligent, kind, humble, caring teacher with not a single hint of ego. In spite of his years, he is still active and regularly attends College functions and helps the Parent Network whenever he can. He also believes it is important to keep the brain active. “I do something
every day to keep my mind active, reading, doing mind-games in the newspapers, something physical such as walking and gardening. I love the nine letter word quiz in The Age, especially the weekend edition which is a bit easier.” Two weeks before our chat, Br Julian lost his good friend Br Finian who passed away at Mentone. “I had known Br Finian since 1936 when we trained together so that was a very emotional time for me.” Br Julian admits he wasn’t that aware of the work of the Founder, John Baptiste de La Salle when he first became a Brother. “I have much more admiration for him now than I ever did in my younger years and I can appreciate some of the difficulties he went through. Teachers should reflect on his spirit; not so much what he did but his reasons for doing it. We are Lasallians and we should always try and be mindful of what that means.” Kerry Martin
As a principal and an administrator for more than 40 years he has acquired many skills and much knowledge about schools. Even when he was a principal he still taught, sometimes up to 8 classes a day. He said that despite the many changes in teaching methods the boys haven’t changed that much. “They still get reprimanded for having their shirts out and their ties undone,” he said. “The most important thing is that they are happy. It makes me happy to hear them laughing and larking around in the yard at lunchtime.” DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL
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The College’s sell-out season of Grease at The Alexander Theatre was an absolute knock out. The biggest College production for some years, Grease was a joint effort of a new creative partnership forged between the College and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (OLSH) in Bentleigh. The College’s Drama Coordinator, Mr Andrew Murrell, exercised his masterful direction skills once again unleashing a colourful 90minute show which got the audience tapping along to old favourites, such as ‘Greased Lighting’, ‘Grease’ and ‘You’re the One That I Want’. The 80 strong cast led by De La Salle’s Liam Gava as Danny Zuko and OLSH’s
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Gillian Lantouris as Sandy Dumbrowski have been in rehearsals for the last six months and the hard work has paid off. Audiences were dazzled by the exciting repertoire under the musical direction of Cindy Frost and the tight dance routines choreographed by OLSH’s Gina Coatzee.
Grease has always been an audience favourite. Who could forget Danny the sensitive gang leader, Sandy the girl from the other side of the tracks and Rizzo the tough, young teen. And to top it off the production featured a Greased Lighting car on stage and a ‘teen angel’ who flies.
Both principals, OLSH’s Ms Anne O’Loughlan and De La Salle’s Mr Peter Houlihan are right behind the new creative partnership and looking forward to a long line of successes like Grease. Mr Murrell said this has been our biggest effort in the school production for some years and the students appear to have had a great time. “The learning curve they go on from first rehearsal to final show is very large. They learn skills and self-discipline, make new friends and find a professional approach in an unfamiliar environment. And, in the end, they produce an entertaining piece of theatre for you to watch”, he said.
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A pioneer in information
Emeritus Professor Peter Juliff OAM (1955) received an Order of Australia this year for his pioneering work in information technology. Still busy working for the Australian Computer Society, Professor Juliff took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Roll Call. By Kerry Martin
Throughout his professional life, Professor Peter Juliff OAM was something of a trail blazer. He was the first Emeritus Professor in Information Systems at Deakin University, he was the first Professor and Head of School of Management Information Systems in the Faculty of Business and Law at Deakin University, and the first Head of Department of Computing and Quantitative Methods at the former Prahran CAE.
After graduating from De La Salle College, Professor Juliff joined the public service and quickly rose through the ranks in the office of the Government Statistician to become a Public Service Inspector. At the same time he completed his academic studies at Monash and not long after moved into academia at the then Caulfield Technical College, now Monash University, graduating with degrees in Applied Science and Accounting.
In 1999 he was appointed as Deakin University’s first Emeritus Professor of Information Systems and although as the title suggests, he is technically retired, he still works for the Australian Computer Society assessing applicants under the Australian Government’s Business Migration Scheme. So far he says he has personally processed about 50,000 applicants, not bad for someone who he is ‘retired’.
Professor Juliff was amongst the first crop of computer science graduates to complete what was then a new discipline. It was only in the 1960s that Monash and Melbourne universities first introduced courses in computer science.
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In fact, Professor Juliff remembers going to an Open Day at The University of Melbourne in 1955 and seeing the first computer ever built in Australia.
“It was designed by a team which included Mr Trevor Pearcey and was one of the first computers in the world.” “Little did I know at the time that Pearcey would one day be my boss at Caulfield Tech.” He recalls when he was in the Office of the Statistician everything was recorded by hand. All births, deaths and marriages were recorded in ‘the book’ which was the only official record kept. Hard to imagine these days when computers are at the centre of our most basic daily actions. It didn’t take Professor Juliff long to progress in academia and by 1980 he was put in charge of a newly formed department specialising in electronic data processing at Victoria College. By 1990 he was Head of Department of Software Development at Monash University.
Professor Juliff has occupied a number of senior roles in the I.T. industry including Chair of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Computer Society, where he served as a member of the executive for over 20 years. He was the Chairman of VCE Examiners for Computer Science, and the Chairman of an international Working Group on Professional and Vocational Education. It is not surprising that in 2001 he was awarded the Silver Core by the International Federation for Information Processing for service to the international IT community. These days Professor Juliff, although officially retired from academia, works as a member of a group of academics who, on behalf of the Australian Computer Society, assess overseas applicants under the Government’s Business Migration Scheme. “We work through an online system managed from the ACS office in Sydney, using the online qualification verification system managed by the National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition in Canberra. Aspiring migrants who might be working in their home country, or might be studying here in Australia, apply through the ACS to have their educational qualification assessed. “So, we’re the first hurdle they have to jump in the migration procedure.” In spite of all his academic accolades, Professor Juliff refers to himself first and foremost as an educator. “Despite appointments at professorial level, I have always regarded myself primarily as a teacher,” he said. And Professor Juliff has taught many thousands of students — some even
behind bars. In the early 1980s a colleague of his from Melbourne University launched a program to offer IT training to Pentridge Prison inmates in the hope that it might help them into the workforce upon release. “I took over the program and formalised it with the Victorian Government as a recognised training scheme for prisoners who saw the emerging IT industry as a possibility for eventual employment,” Professor Juliff said. “Information technology is essentially a practical discipline and my aim was to educate students to be able to have a rewarding career, both intellectually and financially and to achieve their fullest potential.”
Old Collegian off to Oxford
“Some of the prisoners passed examinations set by the Australian Computer Society and went on to pursue successful IT careers and, in at least one case, a university degree.” Professor Juliff has fond memories of his days at the College, although he says he was not a ‘stand out student’; “I was pretty quiet and didn’t play sport.” But one thing that De La taught him was that anyone could succeed if they worked at it. “Achieving your full potential, I believe, was the lasting legacy of the De La Salle Brothers who taught me at both St Joseph’s and then at the College. I have Br Julian Watson to thank for helping me win a Junior Government Scholarship that got me into De La Salle College in the 1950.” “Another rewarding legacy has been the friendships with classmates which have lasted down the years and make our periodic reunions so enjoyable.” Professor Juliff was one of the 140 Old Collegians at the recent 50+ reunion.
Mitchell Robertson (2008) has accepted an offer from Oxford University to complete a Masters degree in US History. Mitchell completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Honours) at the University of Melbourne. While at university he worked part time at the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and also as a tutor at the university. He applied to both Cambridge and Oxford universities to complete a Masters of History. He was offered places at both, ultimately choosing Balliol College at Oxford. Since graduating from De La Salle College, Mitchell has also travelled to Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Cambodia. Above: Mitch dressed for his ‘matriculation’: this ceremony signifies he is officially enrolled in the university.
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Mother’s Day Breakfast More than 400 mothers and sons gathered at the College on Friday 1 May to celebrate Mother’s Day. College Captain Elliot Fabris gave a touching
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speech about a position description that each woman attending was familiar with – Director of Operations, or, ‘Mum’. The annual breakfast is becoming a highlight
of the College calendar, with more families braving the early morning start to celebrate the special bond between mothers and sons.
New MAD Award remembers the efforts of a loyal advocate For most of the College, this year’s Mission Action Day started just like every other MAD day. For one member of the De La community however it was a very special MAD day and one he will cherish for years to come. Mr Ian Oliver has been the convener of the Mission Action Day (MAD) Committee for 18 years. In that role he has overseen the collection of more than $1 million dollars for Lasallian Missions around the world. In his 40th year of teaching at De La Salle, Mr Oliver is retiring and as such this was his last MAD day. Over the years monies raised by Mission Action Day have been increasing thanks to the generosity of the College community. Last year for the first time the College raised more than $100,000 and this year the amount pledged is even higher. In recognition of Mr Oliver’s efforts as the Head of the MAD Committee, the Principal Mr Houlihan announced he was introducing the Ian Oliver Award for the boy who raises the highest amount of money for the day. “It is only fitting that the Ian Oliver Award should go to the boy who has worked the hardest for Mission Action Day. This Award will ensure that the efforts of Mr Oliver are not forgotten. Mr Oliver has already offered to return to present the first Award in his name later this year.” DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL
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Old Collegians’ Athletics Club Reunion More than 50 members of the Old Collegians Athletics Club gathered at a reunion at The Racecourse Hotel recently. Guests shared memories of their running days and told stories that became progressively taller as the evening unfolded. While many were a little thinner on top and fuller of girth than in their heyday, all energetically raised the odd glass to toast the club’s proud history (1967–2008). Club stalwart and former president Mick Hegan was the master of ceremonies with help from fellow club legends Lou Ferrari and Jack di Giantomasso. Club co-founders Maurice Gaul and Dom Tesoriero told the assembled gathering how a casual chat in 1967 sparked the club’s birth and entry into competition just months later. The club survived that first season because the dozen pioneering members valiantly
lined up in often-foreign events. After our shaky start, we quickly became a power in inter-club athletics. Two years at the triangular Poplar Road track led to two years at Box Hill and a booming membership. Soon, some were competing at state level, we were winning premierships and the club was thriving. Peter Sherman related an amusing story about my final 880-yards race in 1970. While very little was strictly accurate, Peter’s oratory brought the house down. Soon, others reached for the mike to share colourful memories, including visits to the beach for a cooling dip following inter-club events at the nearby Sandringham track. Warm tributes were paid to the late Bill Egan and Syd Gostelow, both former presidents and club legends,
New head for peak body Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos (1986) has been elected as President of the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), the peak health professional organisation for research, medical practice and education in diabetes. The ADS, is responsible for guidelines and position statements concerning the management of diabetes, liaising with Commonwealth and State and Territory government authorities on a number of initiatives that affect people with diabetes. In addition ADS is responsible for the National Association of Diabetes Centres (NADC) which ensures that the highest standards of care are being delivered by accredited diabetes centres. Associate Professor Andrikopoulos is a NHMRC
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Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Islet Biology and Metabolism Research Group at the University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine Austin Health. He is Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Endocrinology and the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, has served on numerous NHMRC Grant Review Panels and on the NHMRC Academy, was awarded the NHMRC Research Excellence Award in 2008 and the Diabetes Australia Research Trust Millennium Award in 2010. Associate Professor Andrikopoulos has published over 80 research articles in leading journals including Nature, Cell Metabolism, Diabetes and Diabetologia.
with both represented by their sons who received extended applause. Then, with formalities over, guests watched a montage of club photos and inspected ‘best performance’ lists from various eras as they basked in visions of their youthful glory. The reunion was a fitting celebration of a much-loved club that, over 41 years, gave so much joy and taught so many life lessons to hundreds of young men. Maurice Gaul (1965)
Classes of 1943–1964 Reunion On 19 March the College again hosted the annual 50+ Reunion lunch in the Performing Arts Centre, with nearly 130 De La ‘old boys’ attending. It was great to see the smiles, friendly greetings and looks of recognition, in the reacquainting of old friends. The tables had been carefully organised, mostly into year groups, by the College Alumni Officer, Trish Woodman, who had tirelessly worked to contact as many as possible. The catering was excellent with good food and fine wine. The present day Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan, provided an overviaew of the College current activities and proposed future initiatives, and introduced several of the 2015 College leaders. He noted that there are no Brothers remaining on the staff, but nevertheless, we all were assured that the De La ideals remain
and that the future of the College is in no doubt.
up again with those present, not only from our year, but from adjacent years.
We were privileged to enjoy the presence of several of our former teaching Brothers, Br Christian Moe, Br Julian Watson, Br Hillary Walsh and Br Gerard Rummery. Many Old Collegians present took the opportunity to warmly greet and spend time talking to these well-remembered and selfless men.
The oldest ‘old boy’ present was John Rawlings (1943), closely followed by Michael Kennedy, Doug O’Shannessy and Bill Soding, all of alumni year 1944. The assembly included those from nearly every year from later alumni years up to 1964. The College photographer Jonathan Hewett, took more than 120 photographs, later made available online to those present with much appreciation. Most will look forward in anticipation to meeting up again next year, albeit, a little older. Our thanks are extended to Trish and the College staff.
Much time was spent telling stories, exchanging life’s experiences, achievements, disappointments, work and home life, family, children, marriage, sometimes divorce, and telling and swapping stories of the good times and the bad, since leaving the College. Memories of long ago were recalled and mulled over while enjoying the odd glass of wine. We remembered those no longer with us, and appreciated meeting
John Davies (1960)
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Class of 1965 Reunion Br Gerard Rummery opened up proceedings by saying grace and as usual his words were gracious and thoughtful. He reminded us that fifty years ago we were looking forward to a new and exciting life ahead, and tonight we were looking back. Observing my peers around the room it was obvious that many were examining the last half century. We were grateful to see a frail but very ‘with it’ Br Cal, who enjoyed the evening. Br Paul Smith informed us the absence of John Liston was because he had fallen ill prior to leaving for Malvern. He assured us that John was expected to make a full recovery. The current Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan gave us an overview of De La Salle College now and where he hoped the
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school was headed in the future. We were very well catered for, and the tireless and marvellous Trish Woodman orchestrated a wonderful evening. Old friends were reacquainted and thank goodness for name tags. One of our well known number Barry Breen was singled out. Initially embarrassed, he was gracious in responding. A general feeling of good will was prevalent and old memories were recalled and no doubt fibs were told in good faith. Of course many stories
were told of tragedies and successes of the last 50 years, but some things never change. Ed Lorkin still has a keen intellect, Chris Brickhill is still a rascal and Terry Farrell is still Terry Farrell. What was very evident was the De La Salle spirit of social justice and goodwill being practised in our daily lives. Many thanks to all those who helped towards the night. Tom Buick (1965)
Class of 1975 Reunion A gathering of ‘men of substance’ met recently in Malvern beneath the branches of the old peppercorn tree — the siren call of our climbing youth!
and Br Ken, have settled in Queensland, returning especially for this reunion.
It was to celebrate the 40 years that had elapsed since we had passed the halls of De La Salle. The years had sailed past (along with most of the hair of a few of us!) and it was great to renew friendships and share war stories from all those years ago.
The food was good, the wine very good, but the conversation was excellent. It ranged far and wide but invariably returned to the most important of things — our family and our friends. We were unanimous acknowledging how fortunate we were to have received a Lasallian education prior to embarking on the next stage of lives.
During the intervening years some of us had stayed close, some had travelled far and returned, and two, my old mate Phil
We extend our warm thanks to Trish Woodman for organising the night on our behalf and to Jonathan Hewett for
his photographs. There may be a golf game, a BBQ or a quiet drink or three prior to our next meeting under the peppercorn in 2025. I know I’m looking forward to it. Bill Thomas (1975)
A bit of pain relief In his role as the Director of Health Care Practice at Elite Osteopathy, Anthony Murphy (1997) knows a bit about aches and pains. Before starting his own practice in nearby Armadale he worked as an osteopath in Canada and the United Kingdom in private practice and in large teaching hospitals. Prior to that, Anthony completed a Bachelor of Human Biology, Bachelor of Health Science/Osteopathy and a Masters of Osteopathy. His said that while his experience working in London was very interesting, it was often confronting. “I was working under a number of surgeons whose patients were often suffering from lifethreatening or terminal illnesses,” he said. “I enjoyed the job, but there was certainly a great deal of stress that came with it. Despite this stress, I believe the experience helped me a lot in my work as an osteopath in communicating difficult diagnoses and processes to patients.” Anthony told Roll Call his career path came from a desire to help others,
especially those in pain. “I always found it very rewarding helping others and that has lead me into a career in health care.” “As an osteopath, my major beliefs are that the body’s structure and function are very closely related. By conducting a thorough patient history, physical examination, and plan for treatment, the patient can feel comfortable they are on the right track to return to health.” He believes our bodies are very effective at healing themselves once treatment process has begun. During his days at De La Salle College, then teacher and current Principal, Mr Peter Houlihan, was always someone Anthony looked up to. “Mr Houlihan was always someone I could relate to during those days and even at functions after leaving school. He was very easy to approach with any issues and he had a great balance of teacher, mentor and friend,” Anthony said. Anthony was involved in the DLS Old Collegians’ Football Club as a player
and plans to volunteer this year to help players with injury prevention, treatment and management. He remembers his days at De La Salle College fondly. “I always felt such a great camaraderie and spirit from my days at De La. Everyone always seemed so proud to say they went to De La Salle, and I was certainly no exception to that.” “De La Salle prepared me very well for success in the real world and instilled some important life values that I still live by today.”
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Canberra Reunion Canberra has long brought together a diverse range of the nation’s public servants, educators, defence personnel, journalists and politicians. Many of the families who have come to call the national capital home include Lasallian Old Collegians from schools in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and the regions. Each year, a committed group of former students and Brothers come together for a mass of celebration in honour of St John Baptist de La Salle, followed by dinner at Parliament House. The 2014 reunion event took place on 30 October, with mass celebrated at the Parish of the Holy Trinity in Curtin by Lasallian old collegian bishops Terry Brady and Gerard Hanna. More than 40 people attended the event, meticulously organised by De La Salle College Malvern Old Collegian John Hogan. The gathering has become an opportunity to get together, celebrate, catch up and give thanks with family and friends. A list of distinguished old collegians and friends sent their apologies and best wishes. During the mass of St John Baptist de La Salle, attendees gave prayers of thanks for
the work and vocation of the Brothers, the Lasallian Institute worldwide and for the significant gifts each person has received from their education. De La Salle Revesby graduate and Fowler MP Chris Hayes hosted the group in Parliament’s Members’ Dining Room and attendees warmly welcomed Brs Peter Gilfedder, Gabriel Watson, Peter Smyth and Frank Brophy. Mr Hayes, the Parliament’s chief Opposition Whip, reflected on his good fortune of receiving a Lasallian education in Sydney. “It’s great that we come back here each year,” he told guests. “It’s good to be here, not just because this is what we do every year to be together, but quite frankly it’s good to have a bit of tradition and celebration of the De La Salle spirit in Canberra.
“I can look back at the series of markers the Brothers gave me. A series of markers in my life that I think I have been able to act upon. Laying down those markers about what it is to be yourself and how to look after the community.” More than 50 years after graduating from De La Salle Malvern, Mr Hogan said the Lasallian community was strong in Canberra, despite the Brothers never having had a community or school in the capital. “It doesn’t matter what De La Salle association you have because you are welcome with your own Lasallian charism,” he said. “As I have grown older and travelled and seen Lasallian operations right around the world, I have come to know it is the thing that binds us, the thing that brings us back. “In the years since I left Malvern the attachment has remained with me. It is that attachment we are celebrating tonight. It is important we keep celebrating year after year.” Former Malvern staff member Br John Mitchell fsc was remembered fondly by many guests on the night. Planning for the 2015 mass and dinner is under way. Tom McIlroy (2003) Contact John Hogan for more information on 0408 224 492.
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Old Collegians’ Silver Jubilee 2015 sees the De La Salle Old Collegian Football club celebrate its 60th anniversary with a huge amount of buzz around Waverley Park. The off-season started with some great success by securing former AFL player and Old Collegian Tom Murphy to the Club for 2015. Tom recently retired from the Gold Coast Suns having played 112 AFL games over a 10 year career, most of those as part of some very strong Hawthorn teams. Tom is still just 28 years old and will be a huge asset to the club. Only a few weeks later, Tom’s younger brother Xavier committed to the Club to join both his brothers, Tom and Ned. Xavier recently completed his studies and landed a job placement in Melbourne. Xavier was a member of the undefeated 2010 U19 premiership team and was a regular senior player as an 18 year old before heading off to VFL club Box Hill for four very good years, being named as one of the best players in their 2013 premiership team. We are also pleased to welcome a host of quality players back to the club for this season. That list includes Sam Nethersole, Tyson Hunt, Ben Humphrey,
Become a Member of the DLSOCAFC We are encouraging the whole De La Salle community to unite to help the club deliver our 2020 objectives of: two Premier A grade premierships and more than a thousand active members. Keep up to date with DLSOCAFC via
Sam Brooks, Brendan Close, Brad Wilson, Hugh Nicholson, Dave Convery and Sam Haslem. The club has also secured Fabian Carelli to join the coaching team under head coach Paul Satterley. Fabian is a former Collingwood U/19 (Captain) and Reserves grade player who has played over 300 Senior games across a number of different competitions. In 1997, Fab won the William Leitch medal as the Best and Fairest player in the Tasmanian Football League. An initiative of the Club’s new Strategic Plan (titled “Roadmap to 2020”) is also to strengthen its ties and engagement with the College. To that end the Club is thrilled to have current Year 11 Coordinator Michael Petrie coaching the Under 19 Blues this season. The Head of Kinnoull Campus Luke Kenealy has also joined the Club’s Committee in the role of School Liaison. It’s going to be a huge year for the club!
www.delasalleocfc.com.au www.facebook.com/dlsocafc Twitter @dlsocafc Instagram @dlsocafc
Positions Vacant Reserves Club Umpire Statisticians Canteen staff ($20.00) per hour Get involved and become a ‘game changer’ (enquiries to club President Richard Williams) rwilliams@woodards.com.au
Joel Phillips (2006)
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Where are they now? Simon Janes (1992) is Global Head of Mining and Metals – Research and Analysis for ANZ Institutional Bank. Simon and his wife Ellen and sons Max (aged four) and William (18 months) recently returned to Australia after living in Europe and other parts of Australia. They live in Canterbury. He and his family are planning to spend Christmas in the Netherlands with Ellen’s family. David Sadler (1977) has worked for the Australian Customs Service for more than 25 years in various roles. He was Head of Customs in Tonga at one stage and recently accepted a contract to work as an Advisor to Customs in the Solomon Islands. Andrew McLeish (2000) and his wife Susan are the proud parents of Oliver Stephen McLeish born 13 February 2015 at St John of God Hospital in Geelong. Oliver is a brother to 20 month old Jack. Chris Nayna (2008) is a cardiology nurse at Box Hill Hospital. Ben Stafford (2014) has been awarded the ADFA Education Award and the Battle of Long Tan Award for his work in the wider community. Lorenzo Montesini (1964) presented a series of lectures at the NSW State Library entitled The Fall of the last Royal House of Egypt and the First Revolution, July 1952. Lorenzo was the first chairman and is now the co-chair of the International Friends of the Bibliotheca who meet every year in Alexandria (see below). Lorenzo’s maternal family were
closely connected with the Mohamed Ali royal family and he has still close ties with most members of the family scattered around the world.
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Ben Evans (1998) married Jamie Campbell on 21 June 2014 at the Morna Run Country Club in San Diego Cameron Handley (2000) and his wife Kate welcomed their first son, Hudson Mark into the world on 11 February this year, a brother to their three year old daughter, Milla. Paul Cleaves (1961) is a retired secondary teacher. Paul completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne and his post graduate studies at Monash. He has taught at Springvale Secondary and more recently St Leonard’s College. Richard Clancy (2001) married Rebecca Spencer in October last year at the Soply Mill in Bournemouth U.K. The couple met at a work function in New York. Iain Clancy (2003) was the Best Man. Fellow Old Collegians Damien Smythe, Nick Aitken and Trent Lyons were also guests at the wedding. Greg Jennings (1995) is the Head of Creative for 1116 SEN radio. Prior to that Greg worked for 15 years as a voice artist and copywriter at a number of commercial broadcast outlets around Australia, including Nova 100 and 3AW. He and his brother Dave, (1988), still enjoy the thrills of horse racing and have formed a Band of Brothers syndicate with ex De La students Andrew (1988) and Jonothon Brabner (1991) and Pete Manning (1988). Gerald William Cogley (1947) and his wife Patricia celebrated their 60th diamond wedding anniversary in February. Gerald’s sons Michael (1973), Peter (1975) and Gerard (1980), and grandson Cameron Mason (2011), all attended the College. Christopher Dunn (2008) lives in Hanoi, Vietnam where he is an English editor for a Vietnamese newspaper.
Nicholas Dunn (2004) is a specialist dietician currently working in Melbourne. He focuses on paediatrics and gastrointestinal disorders. Dick Reardon (1948) retired from the former PMG where he was at one stage in charge of the Shepparton PMG. His grandsons Paul (1996) and Aaron (1997) attended the College. Jason la Greca (2004) and his wife Lianne are proud to announce the birth of their son Luca who was born on 5 December 2014 at Francis Perry House in Melbourne. Frank Perrone (1987) has worked in youth services for more than 20 years and is currently a Team Leader of Youth Services at the Whitehorse City Council. He and his wife Heidi live in Ivanhoe with their two boys, Jarrod (aged 13) and Luke (aged 11). Frank lives in Ivanhoe and is a keen cyclist.
Anthony Hillier (2002) (pictured above) married Jamieson Gaylard in the Victoria Gardens in Prahran on 23 November 2013. Anthony and Jamie relocated to London in July 2014 where he is now a process engineer with Worley Parsons. Bill Ziogos (1988) and his wife Vasiliki are proud to announce the arrival of Kosta, born at the Mater Mother’s Hospital, Brisbane. A brother to two year old Panayiota. Andrew Dunkerley (2001) is the Group Content Director for Capitol
Radio Australia. Previously, Andrew has worked with the Australian Radio Network and Austereo. He is currently responsible for Snow FM, 2XL, 2GN, Eagle FM, 3GG & X Digital. Michael Edgley (2008) and his wife Lauren are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Eleanor Cecily, on 11 March at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. Michael lectures in Chiropractics at the Central Queensland University. Tony McManus (1972) after more than 37 years in radio, Tony is working with Save the Children Australia as their Business Development Manager. He also keeps a hand in as the host of a Saturday night magazine style program on Radio 6PR Perth. Dale Hyland (1995) and his wife Janine are proud to announce the birth of Hugh Thomas born in Cabrini on 21 December last year. Hugh is a brother to Derby, nine years, and Nina four years. John Davies (1960) is a Project Manager. One of John’s projects was the Old Collegians Building on the Kinnoull Campus in 2003. John’s two sons Marcus (2000) and Gareth (2003) also attended the College. Michael Coughlan (1960) retired from the Bureau of Meteorology in 2010 after 50 years of service. Michael completed his studies at Redding University in the UK and his PhD at Monash. Brian Foley (1958) is a retired civil engineer who worked for the Victorian State Rivers and Water Commission. He is very active in the Mordialloc Branch of Rotary and was at one stage the District Governor. Brian completed his studies at the University of Melbourne, where he met his wife Helen. They have four children. David Mahady (1955) is a retired Chartered Accountant. David’s father Christopher Gerald Mahady graduated from De La Salle in 1921.
Brendan Mahady (1956) is an engineer. John Mahady (1960) works in warehouse distribution.
Sam Merriel (2003) (pictured above) married Abi at Clifton College, Bristol in 2013. The couple met at a Medical leadership conference in Singapore. Sam and Abi are both doctors. Daniel Charles (2002) after working in the corporate sector for four years, is now teaching VCE Economics at the College. Daniel completed his studies at Monash University and the University of Melbourne. James Hamblin (2000) and his wife Sarah are proud to announce the birth of their son William James Hamblin born on 19 February 2015 at the Epworth Freemasons Hospital, East Melbourne. Vincent Cerra (2000) and his wife Leah are proud to announce the arrival of their daughter Francesca, big sister to their two year old twins Amelia and Maximus. Troy Kloszynski (1993) recently celebrated his tenth wedding anniversary. He and his wife Tanya, who live in Rye, have two children, daughter Shanti seven years and their son Sonny, three years.
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If you would like us to feature a photograph of your recent marriage or birth of your child, please forward to Trish Woodman at:
Ross Calia (1995) and his wife recently welcomed a new baby daughter, Hazel, (pictured above) who was born on 8 October 2014. Hazel is a sister to Joel eight, Alex seven, and Toby two. Denis Scott (1957) is a retired Project Manager, married with four children and eight grand children. One of Denis’ grandsons, Jonathan Scott is currently in Year 8 at the College. Andrew Scott (1991) is managing director of Highbury Plumbing and is married with two children. Andrew, who was the Dux of his Physical Education class in Year 12, played with the Old Collegians Football Club for a number of years and is still involved in the administration of the club.
Brayden Maynard (2014) signed by the Magpies Sandringham Dragons Mid fielder Brayden Maynard (2014) has been named in the 2015 AFL Draft and has been signed up to the Collingwood Football Club. Described as a robust midfielder who loves to tackle, Brayden graduated from De La Salle last year and was part of the ACC Senior Football Team.
twoodman@delasalle.vic.edu.au DE LA SALLE COLLEGE LASALLIAN ROLL CALL
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Vale Vale Br Finian Allman
After spending almost 60 of his 93 years at Saint Bede’s College, Br Finian was something of a legend around Mentone. His life pilgrimage started on 4 April 1921 in Coogee NSW. His father was a tailor and, to find work, had to travel around a good deal especially during the depression years. However, when he spoke of his childhood years, it was usually about Orange, where he attended the Brothers’ De La Salle College. He joined the Brothers training program in January 1936. On the completion of his training, he was sent, in 1941, to Ashfield, where he taught for two years, after which he was transferred to Mentone until he came to Malvern in 1959. In June the following year he went to Rome for his Second Novitiate year. On his return to Australia he helped out with the trainees at Castle Hill until he was appointed Director of Kingsgrove for two years, before being appointed Director of novices from 1964 until 1968. The following year he was back in Mentone. In 1970 he came again to Malvern. In January 1972 he was again sent to Saint Bede’s, where he remained until he died on 5 February this year. Br Finian earned the respect of others by respecting their own human dignity whether they were adults or children, staff members or domestics, tradesmen or students. He believed in the value of a cheery greeting. There was never any doubt about the basis for this: a firm faith in God’s respect for all people as well as for all creation. He took his professional duties seriously, and carved out for himself a reputation as a teacher of humanities, especially French, Latin and English. There was never any doubt about his love for the Catholic Church, his loyalty to the Pope and his devotion to Our Lady and Saint John Baptist de La Salle. In summary, he was a man of faith and zeal. May he rest in peace and intercede for us.
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Br Eric Pigott
Br Eric Pigott carried his convictions lightly. He was convinced that a De La Salle Brother’s calling was to educate young people, especially the poor. He spent his life helping the disadvantaged. Another of his convictions was that the poor deserve the best; hence, he prepared thoroughly to teach various trades by attending Sydney Technical College, Ultimo, as a part-time evening student for seven years. He studied all aspects: drawing and design, woodwork, metalwork, welding (at which he was very proficient) etc. On being selected to do counselling, he prepared by studying for two years in London specialising in Childhood Studies. On his return to Australia he dispensed wise advice to students, staff and parents. No effort was spared for those who sought his help. Eric never took himself too seriously. Though a lifelong student, he carried his learning without boasting; even in his old age he followed courses in U3A. He was a good sportsman. To earn pocket money as a boy, he caddied for golfers and became a proficient golfer himself. He played other sports well and coached effectively with an emphasis on skills, sportsmanship and integrity. Br Eric was born on 9 February 1922 and baptised John James Joseph. He was the eldest of three sons. He attended the Sacred Heart Primary School, Oakleigh, before enrolling at De La Salle College, Malvern, for secondary studies in the mid-thirties. He became a Brother on 18 March 1939. From January 1989 till September 1991 he worked as a counsellor at Malvern. It was always a pleasure to be with Brother Eric. He considered his call to be a DLS Brother as a privilege to be lived up to. If he had a fault, it was that he could not see all the good he did and tended to regret not doing more with the life God gave him. May God grant him eternal rest. Br Julian Watson
Letters continued Dear Editor,
Thank you for your coverage of Military Service in the last Roll Call. I have recovered from an illness and am looking forward to the next reunion of us old guys when it happens. Regards Pat Hopkins (1966) Dear Editor, September issue of Roll Call arrived and the list of deaths since the last issue included several men I used to know and a couple of FSCs whom I could claim to know rather better. I especially noted the piece about John Bolt whom you had mentioned on occasions as did others also now deceased. The issue of Roll Call was very nice; especially the section on WW2 memories and the pictures were all well chosen. Hilary J Hayes (1941) Yackandandah
Rest In Peace Br Finian
Teaching Brother
Anthony Argentaro
1992
Bernard Blight
1959
Paul Blair John Carden Leo Cash
Bryan Clothier Anthony Conway Steven Czerkaski Harold Delany
Lester Hanson Jim Jennings Henry Leporati
John Lloyd Brian McCusker Noel McCusker Peter McGlade
Ray Morgan Phil O'Byrne
Br Eric Pigott Bryan Raftis
Christopher Robson John Strickland Kevin Tantrum Basil Taranto
John Ulbrick
1958 1946 1947 1956 1973 1978 1950 1960 1953 1957 1953 1950 1983 1978 1943 1972 1939 1950 1986 1945 1956 1975 1969
OLD COLLEGIANS EVENT CALENDAR 30 Yr Reunion 22 May 7.30pm, Racecourse Hotel 20 Yr Reunion 29 May 7.30pm, Mt Erica Hotel 10 Yr Reunion 19 June 7.30pm, Racecourse Hotel 5 Yr Reunion 17 July 7.30pm, Racecourse Hotel 1 Yr Reunion 21 August 5-7pm, Kinnoull Campus, Peppercorn CafĂŠ MOFS Dinner 3 September 7pm, TBC
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De La Salle College 1318 High Street Malvern 3144 Victoria Australia T: +613 9508 2100 www.delasalle.vic.edu.au
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