Green Gold & White Summer 2022/23 No.58

FROM THE BOARD

Leadership is a critical factor in a school’s success. How we lead shapes all that follows and not only shapes the direction of our School but also how we interact with the community. More importantly, it shapes how we connect with the community, contributing to it through our skills and with our people –students, staff, graduates and allies.

As a Board of such a community-focused school, the leadership we provide influences and shapes how our teachers lead and how our students lead; this influence can last generations. We know this and take the responsibility extremely seriously.

Our leadership model is based upon respect, collaboration and feedback to inform our planning. As Board Chair, I have discovered as much about how to lead by what we may get wrong as I have by what we get right; we are constantly learning.

Some may see School leadership figures and the Board as separate from the School community, but this could not be more untrue; you are not alone. Creating that partnership – between you, our community members, the Governing Board and the Senior Leadership Team – takes time and depends on having the right people in the right places, but it makes the ‘team effort’ mantra accurate.

Much of the Board’s job is to give our School leaders the confidence and the space to lead. We believe in their ideas and provide the community with the guidance to grow and develop through oversight and frameworks. Not only is there room for creativity and innovation in this governance but also room to cultivate a community. This should be especially so in the independent sector, where distinctiveness must flourish. Beyond the day-to-day running of the School, this growth is essential to chart the future. When doing so, plan what is best for everyone and you will have helped shape the School’s future.

The Board is here for you, not the other way round. As a Board, we contribute to the community and welcome your contributions. Through collaboration, respect, a positive mind frame, planning and feedback, we are setting our plans for the future of our School. This year we saw the completion of a significant planning phase with the launch of the new Louis Williams Arts Precinct, and now we will be planning for a new future to enhance our School and community further.

We look forward to this new stage in the School’s development and wish all our students the best for the coming year and beyond.

Go, Team Firbank!

Jennine Ross Chair of the Firbank Board

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

In 2022, it has been Firbank’s Year of Respect. Choosing a yearly value is important, as it creates a chance to think deeply about what the value means to us and others. It also reminds us all, in this period of global disruption, of the essential role of teaching values in education. This strengthens all our academic endeavours and helps us contribute to a common good as a community and individuals.

While this message might sound idealistic and aspirational, it is underpinned by critical standards in a Firbank Grammar School education. With respect as one of these standards, we demonstrate to others the need for a society-wide commitment to include everyone in public discussions. It allows us to translate these big concepts into tangible change for everyone. Nothing can be learned, developed or changed for the better unless we show respect to ourselves and each other.

The journey from aspirational school vision to a visible change in classrooms and ultimately to tangible impact on learners is complex. We live in a world that is filled with conflict. Likes and dislikes, world views and opinions vary across the number of people on this planet. We have, for example, had an election this year, which resulted in a change of Federal Government. The long process of an election campaign can often reveal opinions contrary to our own, but for democracy to prevail, one must show respect – otherwise, policy to lead the country could never be finalised or implemented. The will of the people also must be respected.

The vast majority of us believe we’re open-minded toward individuals who see the world in contrast to how

we do. We know it’s essential to show respect to people around us, yet we appear lenient towards people who see things our way. It is human instinct to push back when we hear somebody express (what we believe to be) an absurd supposition. But just because you might disagree with an opinion, that does not mean you are right; it just means you see the world differently. Opinions are not facts and should not be confused and viewed as solid, unchanging constructs.

The word respect originally comes from ‘respectus’, which means attention, consideration or regard. It is an essential component of both interpersonal relationships and personal identity. Feeling respected allows young people to grow in individual character and relational connections. Feeling respected could be viewed as a fundamental common liberty. When faced with a different world view, opinion or cultural practice, respect teaches us how to view each other and gives us tools to be considerate and to not be disrespectful.

Without respect, it is hard to develop relationships. If we don’t consider others, they will not respect us, and if we don’t respect ourselves, we won’t be considered by others either.

It is essential to the growth of an individual to have a sense of security, having the option to communicate unafraid of being judged, embarrassed or oppressed. Being conscious of others and cherishing and respecting ourselves builds our confidence, self-adequacy, psychological wellbeing and prosperity.

Jenny Williams Principal

At Firbank Grammar School, we have five core values: compassion, courage, integrity, curiosity and respect. We don’t often take the opportunity in our busy lives to reflect on such significant and essential concepts. That is why each year we focus on one of these values.

VCE RESULTS 2022

We are pleased to congratulate each and every student in the class of 2022 who have continued Firbank’s tradition of academic excellence. The VCE results achieved this year were outstanding and are a testament to the hard work, resilience and personal achievement of our students and teachers.

Firbank’s VCE students have achieved highly across the board with our Dux ATAR score of 99.8 being achieved by Leticia Phillips, followed closely by our Proximus, jointly shared, of Abby McLachlan, Tiah Brown and Emily Guo with scores of 99.45. These top four results were closely followed by Lucy Taliadoros with a score of 99.35 and Dominique Kelso and Luella Hollis with 99.

Well done to the Class of 2022. These results reflect Firbank’s strong commitment to learning and we thank our dedicated staff, families and community for their care and support of the students throughout the year.

We look forward to hearing where their journey guides them next and to welcoming them back to the Firbank Community as alumni.

Congratulations to the students who received an ATAR over 99. Pictured above: Mrs Leandra Turner, Lucy Taliadoros, Tiah Brown, Abby McLachlan, Leticia Phillips, Dominique Kelso, Emily Guo and Ms Jenny Williams.

FAREWELL YEAR 12 2022

WELLBEING AT FIRBANK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Wellbeing has been at the core of Firbank Grammar School’s strategic intent for many years, being one of its four pillars alongside Student Achievement, Strong Community and Sustainability. With numerous wellbeing programs and support provided by experienced staff, the School is a leader in providing students with an environment where mental health and wellbeing is prioritised, enhancing learning outcomes. The School knows that wellbeing must be intrinsically interwoven into all it does both in the classroom and outside.

As students returned to full-time on-campus learning in 2022, the School’s strong approach to wellbeing has proven to be crucial, empowering students as they recover from two challenging years due to the global pandemic. Students at Firbank Grammar School are constantly supported by their Wellbeing Leaders, Mentors, subject teachers and senior leaders, as well as the school psychologists and counselling teams. Olympic gold medallist and world champion Michael Klim has also joined the School, bringing not only his expertise in swimming but also his wisdom in supporting students in the health and wellbeing space. The School’s new scope and sequenced Wellbeing Program and Relationship Reparation Strategy aim to provide students with the tools and life skills necessary to independently self-manage their wellbeing outcomes.

Social support is a critical element of the School’s wellbeing approach, with students given the opportunity to encourage and champion each other through year level and house activities in the Senior School. Combined days with brother school Brighton Grammar provide the students with further opportunities to support each other through joint school productions, swap days and

community projects. The award-winning Experiential Education Program allows students to build resilience and self-efficacy as they progress through each year at the School.

Firbank Grammar School frequently holds events to support and guide families through the challenges that come with adolescence. Guest speakers provide important information on a range of topical and emerging social issues, while ‘Tuning into Teens’ workshops and parent information sessions further inform parents on how to best support their teenagers. School TV and links through the weekly newsletter provide the community with more information about wellbeing.

At the centre of Firbank Grammar School’s wellbeing approach is a constant drive to continue improving. Weekly student surveys provide staff with the information necessary to improve the School’s wellbeing programming, while students will join staff in mental health first aid training from 2023 onwards. The School will also be introducing its Stand Up Project – a peer-topeer anti-bullying program for students – in 2023.

LOUIS WILLIAMS ARTS PRECINCT

Firbank Grammar School unveiled its cutting-edge new $5.5 million Arts Precinct in 2022, which aims to promote student participation in the Arts.

Bright Nights – a multisensory art and light show extravaganza open to the public – launched in May.

Principal Jenny Williams said the concept was central to ‘Making Space for Culture’, one of many ideas outlined in the School’s vision and extended Strategic Plan.

‘Creating specialist learning spaces equivalent to the best red-brick and Ivy League universities is essential,’ she said.

‘The transformation of older, traditional learning spaces and new expectations from educators and parents in the post-pandemic world has driven us to focus on all aspects of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).

‘It is required for well-rounded educational offerings with additional elements enhancing cultural life and well-being.

‘The new precinct is a breath of fresh air and bright light in the arts community that has suffered greatly during the economic crisis of the pandemic and received no additional government budget funding.’

Jenny said this situation threatened the viability of live music venues, small theatres, galleries and rehearsal spaces, and the affordability of studios, workshops and warehouses.

‘But we want Melbourne and Firbank Grammar School to be known for its world-class cultural offerings – a School that dares to lead in curiosity and experimentation and invests in big ideas and new talent,’ she said.

The centre will specifically provide a basis for students to launch or explore an arts career and, backed by the School’s Business Studies offerings, makes the pursuit of the Arts as a viable career and future for all to benefit from.

Protecting and creating cultural infrastructure such as this historic building will take innovative partnerships and financing models developed by the School, advancing such spaces to a new level.

‘We need to ensure that culture is recognised as an integral component of education.

‘Firbank Grammar School values artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers and designers, and we stand ready to ensure they can live and work here, now and into the future.’

Firbank Grammar School’s original hall (1909), named after Melbourne architect Louis Williams who redesigned the hall in 1918 and 1922, has been transformed into a significant cultural and creative arts precinct.

It is dedicated to all forms of creativity, including performance, dance, digital arts and studio arts, with the latest technology installed.

The building fund donors, MPs, mayors, councillors, art aficionados, education experts and other VIPs opened the three-level, 1555 m2 building on 27 May.

The exhibition featured curated artists’ works from significant Victorian female artists – past and present – student work and specialist pieces loaned to the School for the event from private collections.

These works include those of Moya Dyring, Lynn Miller, Seven Sisters and other Archibald nominees and valuable modern art from the collections of prominent Firbank Grammar School community members.

SENIOR SCHOOL

While we would have preferred not to start the new year under the shadow of the Omicron COVID-19 strain, we were ever optimistic with the reassurance of the government that this year would not be a year of lockdowns. And so it was that in the last weeks of the school holidays, unlike many schools who cancelled all student activities, our drama production rehearsals were in full swing, and we had a successful Rowing Camp thanks to RAT routines!

As we listened to ‘new government strategies’ being put in place with RATs twice a week, we couldn’t help but be proud of leading the way with these strategies the year before. Excited about being back on campus together, we all accepted that the year would begin with regulations for masks on indoors, keeping assemblies in year levels, strict air-ventilation protocols and knowing that RATs were going to be a key strategy in keeping our community safe.

And so, the 2022 school year began amid a theme of the importance of reconnecting, team building and acknowledging ‘we are better together.’ A ‘new style’ first day back saw School Photo Day, Mentor time, Year Level Assemblies, House Assemblies and our Commencement Service take place – with no classes, the emphasis was on settling everyone in, being together and the importance of connections.

Term 1 highlights included the Year 12 Wellbeing Retreat at Iluka Camp, the Year 7 Discovery Surf Camp, our Senior School Open Day, Year 10 Horizons Camp, International Women’s Day Breakfast with guest speaker Richelle Hunt and the Head of the School Girls Regatta. The term was a positive start to the year, with reconnecting and wellbeing as the key focus. The new initiative of our Pulse weekly student check in was proving an effective way of getting a snapshot in relation to how students are feeling – supported by Wellbeing Leader and Mentor follow up of survey feedback. There was a real sense of rhythm returning to the Senior School with all ‘on campus’ activities resumed.

Term 2 got off to a great start with our first week back including events such as our Anniversary Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, the VCE Careers Expo, ANZAC Day Assembly, the FOGA Annual Lunch and sixtyyear reunion and, to top it all off, a fabulous Year 12 Formal which was very much enjoyed by students and staff alike! The term was filled with countless fantastic events, such as our Year 8 Earth Program camps, Mother’s Day Lunch with Firbank parents Carita Farrer Spencer (MC) and Dr Margie Danchin (guest speaker), the FGS/BGS musical production of the Addams Family, NAPLAN testing, the opening of our Louis Williams Arts Precinct and the Year 10 Desert Camp.

As I reflect on the 2022 school year, I am grateful for our first lockdown-free year since 2019!

As the first semester ended, we were almost ‘school fit’ again, getting used to, and very much enjoying, having all events, excursions, camps, productions and more go forward, and knowing that we didn’t have the ominous threat of government lockdowns looming over us.

This year has seen the hugely successful return of performances to Firbank Grammar School, as our dance, drama and music students stunned our community time and time again. It all began with Twilight Jazz launching the music year, followed by the Music Scholars’ Recital. Term 3 proved to be the busiest term for music events, which began with the Friends of Music Mid-Winter High Tea, featuring the angelic voices of Bel Canto.

The Choral Concert and Supper Sax and Swing 3.0 further delighted the community, while Dance and Drama Week returned in the form of the Winter Arts Festival. “Dance Like No One is Watching” wowed the audience with the creativity of choreography by our students on display, whilst “All the World’s A Stage” highlighted the depth of talent amongst our budding actors. It was so good to have live performances with enthusiastic audiences back with us!

Sports at Firbank also returned in full force this year, starting with our House Athletics and Swimming carnivals. As the normal GSV competitions returned, our students showed their grit and determination, with our School enjoying much success across the carnivals and competitions throughout the year.

One of the greatest moments of the year came at the Australian Education Awards in August, as Firbank’s Experiential Education Program was awarded the 2022 Best Co-Curricular Program. We have such confidence in our Experiential Education team, led by Bernie Mills, and we were thrilled to see their hard work recognised at such a prestigious level.

As 2022 comes to a close, I have immense gratitude for the year that was. It has been a year of celebrating the little things and appreciating the events and programs we once took for granted. Heading into 2023, let us all strive to keep the spirit of gratitude in our hearts, allowing us all to make the most out of our experiences together again.

Leandra Turner Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

JUNIOR SCHOOL SANDRINGHAM

Curiosity Centre

The Curiosity Centre and garden were opened with great delight earlier in the year. The classroom spaces, which have previously been used for Prep, were converted into a new art room with storage facilities and a thoroughfare to the STEM room. The old Social Centre toilets were removed and replaced with two new instrumental rooms including provisions for audio and AV capabilities, and the Social Centre was refitted with new doors and carpet on the floor and ceilings. The students are also enjoying learning about growing vegetables and fruit in our new Curiosity Centre garden which was generously funded by SHPA (Sandringham House Parents Association).

Aerobics

Teams of girls competed at the State AeroSchools Competition on Thursday, 28 July. The girls have been very committed to their training every lunchtime to build their fitness, strength and flexibility and develop their routines.

Year 1 & 2 Café

As part of their unit of inquiry, ‘How we organise ourselves’, the Year 1 & 2 students organised and ran their own café as they inquired into the interconnectedness of organisations and the roles within the organisations. Here, some Prep students are enjoying spending time at the café.

Early Learning Centre

Our ELC team identified in our Quality Improvement Plan the need to further develop our outdoor learning space. This involved finding ways to negotiate a shared space between 5 classes (including 102 students), and ensuring our outdoor experiences were as rich and challenging as our beautifully crafted indoor programs. We decided that our community of learners should become part of the designing and planning of our garden space. Each fortnight, our ELC 4 classes gather to reflect on the program that has been and share their ideas and interests for future plans. Students are encouraged to think about the resources they will need and the appropriate placement of the various activities. This work involves two of the seven Principles of Practice, ‘Design & Plan’ and ‘Collaboration’.

JUNIOR SCHOOL BRIGHTON

Our school motto, ‘Vincit qui se vincit’ (One conquers, who conquers oneself), inspires students to conquer themselves and their challenges and to embrace possibilities. 2022 has certainly been a year of possibility, as we celebrated the first full year at school since 2019! One of the ways in which we support students to embody the School motto is through the intentional focus on skills that are transferrable across contexts – Thinking, Research, Self-Management, Social and Communication.

Social Skills

Our outdoor education program provides a wonderful opportunity for students to develop positive interpersonal relationships and collaboration skills. Early in the year, our Year 6 students explored Melbourne as part of their inquiry into democracy and leadership. The Year 5 students visited the Philip Island Adventure Camp and Year 3 and 4 spent three days at the spectacular Waratah Bay Beach Camp, while our Year 2 students enjoyed their overnight stay at Scienceworks.

Thinking Skills

The ability to generate novel ideas and to consider new perspectives is an important part of the Destination Imagination program involving students from Years 4–7. As part of this program, students meet weekly to collaboratively solve a problem, using technical, engineering and scientific knowledge and skills. Students work on a challenge for several months, with the opportunity to test theories, create, evaluate and refine. The students presented the solutions to their challenges at the inaugural Victorian Destination Imagination Tournament hosted at Firbank in November.

Communication Skills

The annual school musical, performed by our Year 5 and 6 students, provided the opportunity for students to demonstrate their capacity as effective communicators. Students rehearsed for several months as part of their inquiry into ‘How we express ourselves’.

Self-management Skills

This year, we launched the ELC–Year 6 Conquerors Program as an opportunity for students to explore passions, connect with community and take action with their learning. As part of this initiative, the students have been supported to plan short- and long-term tasks, set goals that are challenging and realistic, set time effectively and appropriately and share responsibility for decision making.

Research Skills

It is a joy to observe as our students develop their ability to ask relevant questions, devise plans for finding information and then gather, record, categorise and share data. This year, students have explored big ideas such as diversity, change, responsibility and sustainability.

PERFORMING ARTS

In 2022, Firbank Grammar School has been thrilled to have performing arts productions return in full force.

Firbank began the journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland, kicking off 2022 with the production of Alice Dreaming. Firbank and Brighton Grammar Year 7–9 students shined bright, putting on an amazing show, complete with dazzling imagery and lighting.

Next, the Year 10–12 FGS and BGS students performed their wonderfully wicked show: The Addams Family Musical. After endless hours of rehearsal, the students put on a spectacular production full of laughs, mischief and mayhem.

Term 3 started on a high, with the Performing Arts Winter Festival taking place at the end of July. We were

fortunate to see an outstanding collection of student work across Dance and Drama, including a stunning range of dance routines on display, from ballet to hip hop.

The action continued with the FGS and BGS Year 7–9 musical extravaganza Seussical Jr, featuring everyone’s favourite Dr Seuss characters. It was great to see the students’ hard work pay off with a joyful performance for all.

Thank you to everyone who put in such hard work to fill 2022 with such fabulous performances.

MUSIC

It was a huge year for music at Firbank Grammar School, with the full return of live performances regularly uplifting our spirits. Twilight Jazz, the Music Scholars’ Recital, Supper Sax and Swing, Mid-Winter High Tea featuring Bel Canto and many more concerts and performances delighted our community throughout 2022.

SPORT

After two interrupted years, it was incredible to see sports go ahead as planned in 2022. Our students competed well in all GSV competitions, our snowsports students and rowers did us immensely proud, while the House Athletics and Swimming days were a huge success. We have also welcomed Olympic gold medallist and world champion swimmer Michael Klim to Firbank – Michael will be supporting our students both in the pool and in the wellbeing space.

PARENT ASSOCIATIONS

Firbank Rowing Committee

After two COVID-interrupted seasons, it was wonderful for the Firbank rowing community to be able to complete the season and embrace our new rowers and parents. It was very satisfying to have unrestricted spectators and hold not only the season opener but also squad/parent BBQs, host the Firbank Regatta, all our HOSG functions and the Rowing Presentation Evening.

The rowers delivered fantastic results over the season with not just wins and PBs, but by overcoming challenges and giving their best. Highlights are our Senior Div 3 Quad and Junior Sculler winning HOSG and sending our Senior 8 and Inter Div 1 Quad to Nationals.

Another outstanding achievement for the coaches and the program was four of our baby Senior rowers being selected in the Pathways 8 program to represent Victoria in Canberra where they won the final.

We are very excited to see what the coming season brings!

Rowena Scott Firbank Rowing Committee President

SHPA

Despite the uncertainty at the start of the year as to how 2022 would unfold, we have been so fortunate to see a return to normality again. Events such as the Welcome Picnic, Mother’s Day and the Election Day Sausage Sizzle have all gone ahead successfully and been enjoyed by many in our Sandringham House community.

We had a gorgeous sunny day for the bi-annual Firbank Sandringham House Bayside Community Twilight Fair,

and there was a great energy with so many people coming together and enjoying everything that was on offer. The event provided laughter and joy to the wider local community after what had been a very challenging couple of years. We thank the School for all their support and encouragement to persevere with the event, in what were very complex and uncertain times for event planning and where many other Bayside schools cancelled their fairs.

Another highlight this year has been the reopening of the Tuck Shop, and the children couldn’t be more excited! We have purchased a coffee machine which brightens the mornings for parents who are doing drop offs and teachers arriving at school a couple of days a week and will be a valuable asset for events such as Father’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Our Parents’ Night with a 007 James Bond theme was a huge success, held at the Brighton Baths, together with parents from Turner House.

Book Week went smoothly, along with our Book Fair in partnership with Ulysses, the local book shop in Hampton (previously in Sandringham). Father’s Day Breakfast and golf plans went ahead as planned. We were delighted to celebrate Kids Day in Term 4, a celebration for the children at Sandringham House. Finally, our production of Beauty and the Beast Jr was a standout this year – well done to all involved for putting on such a wonderful show.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help during the year; from the Mothers’ Day Breakfast to the Movie Night and everything in between. A huge thank you to all our volunteers at the fair. The fair is completely volunteer run and everyone at Sandringham House gave a little time to make the event a success. Every volunteer contribution to our community helps bring us together.

We have donated funds toward the Nature Playspace on the edge of the oval, and this has been completed over a number of phases. SHPA has also donated funds for the completion of the Curiosity Centre garden which includes fruit trees and new garden beds for growing edible plants just outside where the children will learn to cook with them.

Congratulations to everyone at Sandringham House for being shortlisted for the Primary School of the Year –Non-Government category in the Australian Education Awards for 2022. This was an incredible achievement, and we know how talented and dedicated the teachers and supporting staff are here – we are grateful to be part of such an amazing little school.

Nina Nolle SHPA President

PATH

PATH has had a wonderful year of activities and events and it has been great to see the PATH community together and back to a new normal. We began the year with welcome drinks, followed by an Easter Picnic, Mother’s Day coffee cart and Father’s Day breakfast, supported the Year 6 musical and launched our very popular dumpling evening. In October, we also celebrated and thanked our wonderful teacher community on Teacher Appreciation Day. Our endof-term pizza lunches were a welcomed treat that was enjoyed by students and staff this year as it is every year. It’s with great excitement that we finish the year with the PATH Christmas picnic, with carols, a Christmas stall, sausage sizzle and a visit by Santa.

We have thoroughly enjoyed being able to host events to bring the parents, teachers and students together and look forward to another year of creating many happy moments and opportunities to connect as a community.

As presidents, Candice and Anna would like to thank the PATH committee and PATH helpers for their tireless efforts, personal contributions and energy in supporting this wonderful community.

Anna will be stepping down as president at the end of 2022. After a decade at Turner House and two daughters, Priscilla and Chloe, passing through the School from ELC to Year 6, it is time to step down. Anna is eternally grateful to the Turner House community, staff, students and parents for a truly wonderful experience at Junior School, “these foundation years of primary school have established a firm base for our girls to continue to flourish at the Firbank Senior School, thank you Turner house”.

Anna Beynon and Candace Newport PATH Co-Presidents

Friends of Dance and Dramatic Arts (FODDA)

FODDA has enjoyed a busy year in 2022, which kicked off with the inaugural Year 8 and 9 production of Alice Dreaming with Brighton Grammar at the end of first term. Enormous credit goes to the cast and crew for putting on such a wonderful performance after two years of virtually no performing. Congratulations to Merryn Anstee, Naomi Fogliani, Lillian Direen for their vision and leadership in creating this opportunity for the students and all involved staging such a wonderful production.

August 2022 was an exceptionally busy time for FODDA and for all in the Drama and Dance Departments. The month began with the Performing Arts Winter Festival consisting of Dance Night and Drama Night. Both evenings involved over 100 Firbank students and were a testament to months of hard work by all students and by the drama and dance teachers: Merryn Anstee, Lillian Direen and Naomi Fogliani. Congratulations also to Charlotte Anson the 2022 Dance Captain and Daisy Paxton-White the 2022 Drama Captain for all their hard work. FODDA donated funds which were put toward dance costumes that were on display and which will be used in future performances and competitions.

Also in August, FODDA assisted with the Year 7–9 musical Seussical. FODDA arranged meals for the students during rehearsals and on the nights of the performance as well as selling drinks and food during the performances.

Suessical was a joyous and uplifting musical that showcased the talents of approximately 150 students from Firbank and BGS in the cast and crew. Congratulations to Merryn Anstee, Lillian Direen, Naomi Fogliani, Josh Direen and Jenny Vincent-Green on three magical nights.

FODDA would like to thank all the volunteers who have put in so much hard work during 2022 and to Maddison Grange and Sybil Curtis for all their support.

FODDA would also like to thank Nikki Bowers, who was Co-President of FODDA during 2021, and Joanna Stuart whose daughters completed Year 12. We thank Nikki and Jo for their many years on FODDA and for their support of Performing Arts at Firbank.

We are looking forward to another exciting year of Dance and Drama in 2023.

Danielle Williamson and Milena Ickeringill FODDA Co-President and Secretary 2022

Friends of Music

2022 has been an exciting year for Friends of Music. After the lockdowns of 2021, in Term 1 a very successful Twilight Jazz performance was staged featuring students from all ensembles in the school, both instrumental and vocal.

The attendance at Twilight Jazz was beyond expectations with students, parents and teachers relishing the opportunity to hear live music again. The CCA was full of proud parents and teachers. It was a joyful event that reminded us all of why we love music and why the students devote the hours of time developing the skills that we saw on display. Congratulations to Simon Marsden, Philippa Jones, Christine Smillie and all the vocal and instrumental teachers who contributed to such a wonderful event. Many thanks to all the volunteers on the night, to Sarah Saunders for her dedication to the Music Department and to the Firbank events and catering staff for their assistance.

FoM would like to thank Fiona Thomas who was Co-President of FoM during 2021, whose daughter completed Year 12. We thank Fiona not only for her leadership in 2021, but for her many years on the FoM Committee in different capacities. Fiona’s calm and steady leadership will always be remembered as well as her tireless commitment to the Music Department and the School. Her generosity of time and spirit are much appreciated.

We look forward to a successful and eventful 2023.

Andrea Raper and Milena Ickeringill Friends of Music Co-Presidents 2022

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Bridie Hipwell Senior School Year 12

Congratulations to Bridie Hipwell, whom this year was drafted by Hawthorn at pick 10 in the AFLW National Draft.

Some history on her pathway to this fabulous achievement:

Bridie was one of 27 girls from all states selected in the U18 National AFL Academy at the end of last year. That program culminated in Bridie playing in an All-Australian Academy Team against an Under 23 All-Star Team. In her first game back after eight weeks with a broken wrist, she was named in the Best Players for the Academy Team playing at centre half forward.

Bridie was also named in the Vic Metro AFL team and played in the National U18 AFLW Championships. Bridie was named as centre half forward in the NAB League U18 Girls Team of the Year.

Bridie debuted against Richmond in Round 3 of the AFLW season. She played six games for the Hawks and kicked two goals.

Well done Bridie and good luck for what we hope is a long and successful career!

Grace Jackson Sandringham Campus Year 3

During this year’s Federal election campaign, Grace Jackson wondered why some of the campaign advertising boards for local candidates had been covered over and others had not. Discussion around the campaign boards led her into a journey of discovery into politics. She inquired into the different candidates in her electorate of Goldstein, their

policies and what they stood for. Grace interviewed the Liberal, Labor, Greens, Independent and One Nation candidates and then learned how to create a blog in order to present her findings. This led to Grace attending a Climate Change Conference as part of the media team, where she learnt more about the candidates’ climate change views and policies. Through this independent inquiry, Grace demonstrated numerous PYP Learner Profile Attributes. She was a fantastic communicator, thinker, inquirer and was open-minded to the information she learned.

Noah Sterling Sandringham Campus Prep

Noah Sterling (Prep at Sandringham Campus) competed in the AusCycling Victorian Schools Mountain Bike Series, representing Firbank Grammar School.

In the second round of the series, Noah was placed in the top 10 out of 25 students in the under-9 age group. Noah learned some valuable life lessons through this competition including:

• Never quit if things go bad – you may succeed the next time

• Leadership in doing what you enjoy gives confidence for others to do it too

• Each race lets you learn something to do better next time

Madeleine Quail Senior School Year 11

Madeleine Quail was nominated for the Junior Life Saver of the Year Award. She has been involved in her life saving club at Black Rock for a number of years and is using it towards her Voluntary Service for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

She is involved in teaching four areas at the club, including nippers and rescue and resuscitation.

She was awarded the most amount of patrol hours in one season with 92 hours. She was the youngest person at the club to complete this many hours and was also the only junior lifesaver nominated from her club.

Hanna Graham Senior School Year 10

Hanna Graham in Year 10 has been a finalist for our Berthe Mouchette Competition in two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). The Berthe Mouchette Competition is a French poetry competition organised by the Alliance Francaise of Melbourne for all schools in Victoria. Hanna has also received the Chong Family Prize twice for her high academic achievements in French.

Libby Eng Brighton Junior Campus Year 6

Congratulations to our Year 6 Sustainability Leader, Libby, for her well informed and passionate plea to the Bayside Council. Libby contacted the Council in an attempt to help Turner House more effectively manage food waste. As a result of Libby’s actions, Turner House will now have access to the food and green waste service provided by the Council. Libby has been instrumental in educating and inspiring our community.

Isabelle Thornborrow Brighton Junior Campus Year 4

Despite the wild weather conditions impacting the 2022 Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships, Year 4 student Isabelle T of Turner House successfully qualified to compete at Nationals held at Perisher. Congratulations Isabelle!

Martha Ickeringill Senior School Year 9

The Berthe Mouchette Poetry and Oral Competition

Martha Ickeringill has been awarded first place in the Berthe Mouchette French Poetry Competition organised by the Alliance Française de Melbourne. She was one of 118 finalists (receiving 20/20) from a cohort of 1424 students from across Victoria. This is a remarkable achievement and we are so proud!

Sienna Cushen Senior School Year 10

Congratulations Sienna C, who has been representing Team Vic and Firbank at the School Sports Australia Diving competition. Sienna was captain of the Victorian team and came 2nd in all events, taking home 3 silver medals.

FOGA PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2022

The year 2022 began with a sense of optimism and anticipation. After a challenging couple of years, we have been looking forward to reconnecting and building relationships with our community of past students. Through FOGA (Firbank Old Grammarians’ Association), our past students can retain friendships, be part of our established network and keep up to date with the latest events and developments at Firbank.

In November, we welcomed our newest members to FOGA from the Class of 2022 at the Valedictory service at St Andrew’s followed by the dinner, held under a marquee on the oval. It was a wonderful night of celebration where the students were able to reflect on their journey at Firbank and celebrate with their parents and staff. These students achieved wonderful results and worked so hard through the challenging two years of COVID lockdowns, and they are to be congratulated on so many levels, including their resilience, positivity and making the most of all opportunities that came their way. We look forward to hearing of their journeys over the coming years and seeing them back at their reunions.

Our Archive Collection has continued to grow and has settled into its new home in Middle Crescent. We have received some wonderful donations over the year of past uniforms, letters, diaries and photographs. Melissa McLean has led a small team of volunteers who managed to meet in between lockdowns. If you have anything you could add to our collection or could possibly help as a volunteer, please let us know.

At the end of 2021, FOGA received a generous bequest from one of our committee members, Merrin James (1970), who sadly passed away in June 2021. The committee made the decision to use this bequest to establish the Merrin James FOGA Fellowship, an annual program to support the professional development of past students. Merrin was instrumental in the development of this program along with the current committee. The Fellowship provides the successful applicant with up to $5,000 to assist them in undertaking either professional development, research or a specific project of further study in their chosen field. FOGA received many outstanding applicants from a wide range of careers, and the selection committee had a very difficult job in choosing just one recipient. Following an interview process, the Fellowship for 2023 has been awarded to Tayla Fay from 2011. Tayla is a doctor working for Peninsula Health, her work and research are in Paediatric urology, in particular incontinence in children. Tayla volunteers one day a week at Monash Children’s Hospital to research and work in this ground-breaking area of children’s health. Tayla speaks with such passion about the outcomes of this potentially life changing work.

Last year, we were able to hold a handful of reunions in between all the lockdowns, but this year we are back in full swing and are catching up with all those who have missed out over the past two years. It is wonderful to see the joy in the room as groups of women catch up, exchange stories and reminisce about their school days. We are looking forward to seeing many more past

students at their reunions next year. We also held the FOGA annual lunch in the Recital Hall at the end of April and once again it was a joyful occasion, complete with a fantastic fashion parade of the new school uniform, giving us a close look at all aspects of the uniform.

Firbank offers all past students a waiver of the $200 application fee upon enrolment of their son or daughter at Firbank. Currently, we have 12 per cent of students whose mothers, grandmothers or fathers attended Firbank. We also offer past students (mothers or grandmothers) complimentary attendance at our weekly Stay and Play sessions at both our Brighton and Sandringham ELC campuses. To find out more about Stay and Play, please check the Firbank website.

I encourage all our past students to keep in touch with the School, share stories and experiences with us and let us know of any celebrations in your families. Early in 2023 FOGA is launching our own website, where all past students will be able to update details, connect with other past students, book for events and keep connected with the school.

Finally, I would like to thank the FOGA committee for their support and all their ongoing commitment throughout the year, Melissa McLean (1970), Marg Desmyth (1956) Kate Dema (1988) Diana Cudmore (1983) Natalie Susic (2011) Belinda Evans (1977) Vanessa Davie (1986) and Fiona Longmire (1989). We warmly welcome new members to our FOGA committee, please contact me if you are interested.

Amanda Webster President

FOGA REUNIONS 2023

2013 10 Year Reunion

Friday 24 February – 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Drinks and Finger Food (Tour of school at 5.30pm )

1983 40 Year Reunion

Friday 17 March – 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Drinks and Finger Food (Tour of school at 5.30pm)

Firbank Anniversary Service at St Andrew’s

Wednesday 26th April – 7.00pm

FOGA Annual Lunch including 1953 70 Year Reunion

and 1963 60 Year Reunion

Friday 12 May – 12.00pm

1993 30 Year Reunion

Friday 11 August – 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Drinks and Finger Food (Tour of school at 5.30pm)

1973 50 Year Reunion Lunch

Tuesday 27 June – 12.00pm

2003 20 Year Reunion

Friday 31 March – 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Drinks and Finger Food (Tour of school at 5.30pm)

2018 5 Year Reunion

Friday 1 September (Venue to be confirmed)

FUNDRAISING

Noelle SchollenbergerA very special Bequest

Noelle Schollenberger (1947) attended the Junior school at Firbank, before moving to MLC as the family relocated to Balwyn. However, Noelle remained connected to Firbank and kept in contact with the school and a number of her special friends including Betty Game (1946). She came back for visits, and always said how much she loved her time at Firbank. Noelle moved to the Gold Coast and enjoyed the warmth and lifestyle of living in Queensland. Noelle had many interests and was passionate about education and left bequests to a number of diverse organisations.

Firbank is very grateful to Noelle and her estate for this generous bequest and as per her wishes the School has created the Noelle Schollenberger Scholarship which is to be means tested and available to a rural student.

Graemian Scholarship

Graeme Marchment approached Firbank in 2020 with a proposal of donating funds to support a means tested scholarship in honour of his mother who was a past student in the 1930s.

Nancy Odlum Morley (1936) was born in 1921 and attended Firbank in the 1930s but due to ill health was unable to finish at Firbank, instead she self-educated at home until she attended Emily McPherson. During the war she worked in the office at St Kilda Road barracks. She was married in 1944 and raising her two sons and living in East Brighton for over 60 Years. Nancy passed away in 2016.

In donating the scholarship for his mother Graeme felt that as children we take so much for granted and don’t often realise how much our parents sacrifice for the well being of their families.

Firbank is very grateful to Graeme for the gift of this scholarship. This will open the doors of Firbank to girls who otherwise would not be able to attend the school.

DONOR LISTING 2021 – 2022

Thank you to the community members below who so generously donated to Firbank during the last year

A and L Adams W and S Akram J and R Alexander N and M Anderson H Arabatzis R and C Atwill G and D Bakker

S Balfe and C A and V Barlow H and C Barras S and D Barwood M and C Bastos

S Bennett and A A Bennett and C Y Bennett and J J Bennett and M V and V Bogoevski E Bordier and L R and A Bowen

B Brown and A J Burgess and D V Butterss

J and M Cairns

F Cao and Y A Castan

T and V Chapman

B Chen and S Z Chen and S X Chen Y Chen and E B Chen and Z

K Chen and J J Chew and E J and K Christopoulos A and J Chong R and H Clayfield M Coleman and K S and L Connolly B Copley and N B Corcoran and K D and C Crewdson A David and C B Dikes and D S and J Ding A and J Donaldson J Dromey and K J Du and Y R Duncan C Ekberg-Weiss and M N Elston and F X Fan and L Y Fan and H P Farrelly and G S and E Farrow S Feehan

B Feng and Z A and P FitzGerald Firbank Old Grammarians S and J Fletcher M Flockart

A and S Giles I Goddard G Goring M McLean E and O Gulener J Guo and H Z Guo and W N and L Harridge E and M Harte A and N Hill G and T Hipwell J and T Hogan L Hogan and R M Hook and F A and V Hope L Hou and S C Howison and K W Hu and L S and W Huang Z Huang and X S Huang and X G and G Hunter T Janoshalmi and N C and M Jansz H Ji and Y X Jiang and Y A and L Jones N Katinakis and M S and K Kent D Kong

A and A Kulesza J and N Lalh D Lambe and E A Lantsev and E P Lazar and H C and K Leonard P Lewinsky C Lewis and J C Li and J Y Li and Q X Li and C J Liang and T B Liu and X C and J Lopez M Lu and N M Lu and A A and J Magnus J Maloni G Marchment L and J Marget P and A Martin C Mavi and K M and L McGorian M McMaster and K J and S Moller G and J Muller J and K Moss N and C Murray M and A Naughton J and M Negri Y Wu and Y

B Nolan Parents Association of Turner House Parents Association of Sandringham House J Orr and P R and H Owen C Pablo and I B Paroissien and C R and J Patrick T Patterson and P M and J Pafumi E and K Pearse J Peters S and M Pordage A and L Potter M Pylyp and K X Qi and J R and F Quail M and B Quill J and K Raby A and A Raper E Rawal S Reisinger and M S and J Roberts P and L Robinson P and S Robinson C Rodda and E I Roe and J P and J Ross A and M Ross

D Russell and E A Samasoni and D F Santamaria and B M and S Sasindran M and M Scantamburio M Schnetzler-Jane and T M and L Sharpe R Shen and M C and T Shepard S Shirley C and L Silbery J Simpson and K A Sinchaisri and P O Smith and E K Sorataworn and C N and S Sparks P and E St Clair R and E Stevenson J Stewart E Stockdale M Suddes and E S Tan and H J Telders and S C and C Telford D and H Tran J and A Tranter C and C Tsang W and S Vautin G and N Walch

D Waller S Walter and M H Wang and J H Wang and Y D Wang and Y T and L Waters A Webster M West and S R Wilkinson R and S Williams P Woff Nie and Y Wu G Wu and B Y Wu and L J Wyly and D Y and X Xu Y Xu and S Y Xue and Y Y Yang and R N and S Yannopoulos Z Ye J Yi and J F You and W W Zhang and S S Zhang and T F Zhang and Y Y Zhang and Y L Zhao and B J Zheng and S B Zhu and L

ALUMNI UPDATES WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Susie Rumbold (Tucker) (1977)

Susie lives in London with her family and has established an incredibly successful career in interior design.

Susie is the founder and creative director of Tessuto, a successful, multidisciplinary design studio based in London. Established in 1993, Tessuto is an award-winning, full-service architectural interior design studio. Susie has worked on a variety of projects ranging from luxury homes, high-end multi-residential developments and hospitality and commercial projects.

Susie has a special interest in residential design for ageing in place and qualified as a specialist practitioner in this field with the US-based National Association of Home Builders in 2020.

Susie is regularly approached for expert commentary on interior design issues and appears frequently in the national and trade media. She is also in demand as a speaker on interior design, hosting a monthly podcast on interior design industry issues.

She is a judge for the British Homes Awards, the Northern Design Awards, the CEDIA Technology Awards and the BIID Interior Design Awards and she is the industry representative for the National Design Academy. She is still active within the Institute of Interior Design.

Sarah Shirley (1991)

Sarah attended Firbank as an exchange student and loved being at the School. She feels that her time at Firbank and living in Australia was one of the most influential experiences of her life.

Sarah is a fashion industry creative director and one of New York’s most sought-after stylists. She has cultivated an exceptional client list of global fashion and media brands. As a television personality, Sarah is relied upon by top news and entertainment outlets to provide insight into style and trends, including NBC’s ‘The Today Show’, ‘The Daily Buzz’ and ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’. She is a trusted fashion advisor to many celebrities and works with elite personal shopping clients.

A creative and innovative design, e-commerce and press strategist, Sarah successfully engineers revenue-generating

brand identity campaigns, special events and media opportunities for national retailers, haute couture and readyto-wear lines. She is a veteran fashion shoot stylist and is also an instructor at New York’s LIM College and the School for the Business of Fashion.

After returning to the USA from her time at Firbank, she graduated from the Syracuse University School of Architecture. Sarah also attended Fuji Studios in Florence, Italy and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Having lived in various cities across the globe including Melbourne, Florence, Italy and New York City, she cites these as her biggest influence. Sarah has recently launched her own clothing line, Mersur.

Sarah hopes to return to Australia and to visit Firbank in the nottoo-distant future.

Yuki Koyama (2006)

Yuki returned to Japan over 10 years ago but has never forgotten her experiences of living in Melbourne and especially her friends and teachers at Firbank. She feels that it was one of the most meaningful times, to learn not only the English language but also the different cultures of the world through studying various subjects at Firbank. These experiences have broadened her views of the world and she will always be grateful to Firbank for those opportunities.

In Japan, she has kept up with her English at school and university. She has been able to utilise her English skills as she works as the executive assistant to a CEO from America and for the COO from the United Kingdom.

She was recently married and hopes to return to Australia soon and come back to Firbank.

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Congratulations

Firbank Grammar School would like to congratulate two members of our community who received the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

• Mrs Judith Louise DAVEY OAM (1954) – For service to the museums and galleries sector.

• Mrs Sandra DAVIES OAM, former Sandringham House teacher – For service to the performing arts and to music education.

Obituaries

Yvonne Dann (nee Newnham) 1945

Yvonne was awarded a half scholarship to attend Firbank from Year 7. She recalled the war years generated many precautions: the buildings at Firbank were protected by sandbags piled high and the grounds were cut open with zig-zag trenches for the students to practise air raid drills, routinely grabbing a cushion, a mouthguard and a block of chocolate as they prepared for the possibility of bombing raids.

An excellent student with a love of music, Yvonne recalls in her autobiography that family circumstances necessitated that she leave school after Intermediate (Year 10). She joined the workforce and completed an apprenticeship in tailoring, later joining her sister Elaine in running a successful ladies’ clothing business in Collins St.

A keen member of St Peter’s Brighton Beach fellowship, she was just twenty when she met and married newly ordained Anglican clergyman Bob Dann and had her first child just before her twenty-first birthday. Bob was fifteen years her senior.

Despite the demands of having three children, using her dressmaking skills to supplement the stipend, moving the family numerous times to new parishes and supporting Bob in his ever more responsible church roles, she trained with the Church of England Marriage Guidance Council (now known as Relationship Matters), first in a voluntary capacity and then as that agency’s first paid counsellor, a role she continued for twenty years before setting up in private practice. She visited Firbank several times to address the senior students about her work.

Yvonne moved to the official residence Bishopscourt when Bob was ordained Archbishop, but she continued to conduct counselling sessions from there, while at the same time participating in and juggling official duties and functions, organising and hosting garden parties, attending government dinners and visiting royalty.

Yvonne continued her counselling practice from their private residence after Bob’s retirement and retired herself aged seventy.

In her later years, and after Bob’s death, she involved herself in Probus, singing and her lifelong love of music and played Mahjong. She died on 11 August 2022, aged 93.

She was friend and wise counsel to many.

Condolences

We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of:

• Cynthia Swales (1967) –on 20 January 2021

• Jenny Restarick (1959) –on 26 February 2021

• Judith Durham (1952) –on 14 March 2021

• Beverley McGufficke (1953) – on 24 March 2021

• Dorothy Stenniken (1943) – on 1 April 2021

• Emma Cohen (1998) –on 8 April 2021

• Kathleen Godfrey (1949) – on 27 April 2021

• Carleen Burness (1945) –on 5 May 2021

• Janet Wright (1954) –on 15 May 2021

• Patsie Fox (1961) –on 9 June 2021

• Heather Phiddian (1950) – on 11 June 2021

• Judith Hood (1952) –on 3 July 2021

• Verna Drummond (1946) – on 10 July 2021

• Winsome Hunt (1946) –on 12 July 2021

• Margaret MacGregor (1951) – on 15 July 2021

• Shirley Lewis (1952) –on 15 July 2021

• Merrin James (1970) –on 21 July 2021

• Rosemary Nelson (1949) – on 28 July 2021

• Roslyn Clifford (1951) –on 21 October 2021

• Beverley Dunn (1950) –on 27 November 2021

• Pauline Fock (1953) –on 1 December 2021

• Patricia Humphris (1948) – on 20 December 2021

• Nola Cuthbertson (1947) – on 21 December 2021

• Julie Huggard (1948) –on 10 January 2022

• Judith Smith (1945) –on 21 January 2022

• Trish Roberts (1969) –on 1 February 2022

• Ann Roberts (1966) –on 23 February 2022

• Jenny Moran (1959) –on 9 March 2022

• Denise Dawson (1948) –on 22 April 2022

• Pamela Martin (1941) –on 7 May 2022

• Peg Campbell (1941) –on 5 August 2022

• Yvonne Dann (1945) –on 11 August 2022

• Judy Blackett-Smith (1945) – on 6 September 2022

• Janys Lloyd (1950) –on 24 September 2022

• Susan Moxham (1963) –on 26 October 2022

SPONSORSHIPS

A big thank you to Gibson’s Auctions for supporting us with a generous donation of $5,000 for art supplies for our students in our new Arts Precinct.

Bayside Community Fair Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS