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FIRBANK GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE
| No 54 Winter 2019
ENROLLING NOW
PREP 2020
BRIGHTON GIRLS CAMPUS SANDRINGHAM CO-ED CAMPUS
CONTENTS
FIRBANK TODAY | From The Board
From The Principal Strategic Intent Sustainability: New uniform by Kit Willow Meet Leandra Turner and Carole Ward 110 Years 110 Year Sponsors Music Precinct Opening Rowing VCE 2018 Junior School: Brighton Junior School: Sandringham
2 3 4 6 7 8 10 12 14 15 16 18
FOGA Reunions
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FIRBANK ALUMNI | Where Are They Now
Congratulations Current Students Congratulations, Condolences, Welcome Giving Back To Firbank
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FIRBANK NEWS |
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FIRBANK TODAY | From The Board
What a great legacy Henry Lowther Clarke bestowed on us in 1909 when, as the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, he established Firbank Grammar as a day and boarding school for girls. Over the past 110 years, the School has continued to deliver on Archbishop Clarke’s vision of providing an exceptional education by which our students are challenged, given new opportunities and are cared for. Fast forward 110 years, and Firbank is continuing to lead the way, as recognised through our excellent VCE results for 2018, and the opening of the new Music Precinct, which provides further opportunities for exploration of our music curriculum to all students. The VCE results achieved in 2018 were outstanding and are a testament to the hard work, resilience and personal achievement of our students and teachers. Firbank’s 2018 Year 12s excelled across the board with many personal best results achieved. The Top ATAR score of 99.8, was achieved by the 2018 Dux Samantha Gillies and our joint Duces Secundus’ achieved 99.65, Hongyu (Nancy) Chen and Kexin (Kathy) Song. Along with 44% of their cohort achieving ATARs above 90, five girls achieved perfect study scores. We would like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our students and teachers to attain these heights. In February, the Board was pleased to welcome Her Excellency, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, the Governor of Victoria, to officially open the new Firbank Music Precinct. The conception and planning for the music precinct commenced in 2010 as part of the School Building Masterplan. Since then, the Building Committee led by Paul Briggs, School Leadership, Music Directors and the Music Department worked to ensure that the new music facilities met our current and future music curriculum needs. Firbank’s new Music Precinct now enables more individual lessons, instrumental groups, choral rehearsals, band and orchestral practice and performances to occur. This build integrated the historic Firbank House with a future sustainable stucture to deliver the amazing spaces and continue Firbank’s spectacular musical offerings. The Board and I thank you for your continued support of Firbank Grammar and look forward to seeing many of you during the remainder of our 110-year celebrations this year. Jennine Ross Chair of the Board
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From The Principal | FIRBANK TODAY
Each day I am inspired by the people around me: the teachers who are dedicated to knowing and valuing their students, the students whose verve and passion for learning allows them to face new challenges and the broader School community who come together to ensure that our students are supported in their endeavours. As we mark Firbank Grammar’s 110-year anniversary, I recognise the way in which the foundations and values laid so long ago have helped to create the fabric of our School. As Principal, it is my role to be present with our current cohort of students and to look to the future of Firbank Grammar. Sustainability is a key pillar of Firbank. The Board and I are working to ensure that Firbank’s enrolments are optimal, our resources are well managed, we are compliant, and we are building strong partnerships with the School and broader community. It is clear that Firbank has a robust future ahead.
We continue to grow. From small changes like our new sustainable uniform, to the construction of new facilities, our three campuses are evolving. Significantly, this year we announced Firbank Grammar’s new strategic direction. Please see page 4 for more details. The Plan centres around providing students with more than just a rigorous academic education; it looks to the broader skills and attributes that students need to learn in order to achieve success and be Life Ready. Firbank Grammar aims to encourage students to become curious and passionate thinkers and questioners, so that they may be adaptable to the world in which we live. More than ever our students need to embrace the possibilities of the world around them. The School promotes active learning through our Outdoor Education, Service and Wellbeing Programs and our dynamic Academic Curriculum. Programs are designed to build confidence and support students so that they can be more resilient and follow their passions with vigour. By ensuring that we provide students with a breadth of experience, Firbank is helping them to identify their strengths and passions and is teaching them tools to forge positive relationships and build networks both at School and beyond the crested gates. I encourage the School community to support Firbank’s upcoming Annual Giving Program which will continue to bolster the sustainability of the School. The Program focuses on two key areas. One is to provide scholarship and funding opportunities to students who may otherwise not be able to attend Firbank Grammar and the second is to support the development of new facilities across the School’s campuses. Following the launch of our Music Precinct this year, I am pleased to announce that we will be moving forward with plans to build a new Arts Precinct. More details will be announced in time, but it is through the support of our community that we can achieve such great things. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
Finally, I thank all those who have been involved in the celebration of our 110-year anniversary so far, particularly those community members who have assisted with the fundraising and friendraising for our recent Gala Ball which was a highlight of Firbank’s calendar year. Jenny Williams Principal 3
FIRBANK TODAY | Strategic Intent Following extensive consultation with parents, the Board, external consultants and staff, Firbank is pleased to share its new Strategic Intent. The Plan is a model that will shape our School’s future and focuses on the elements that Firbank feels will best prepare students to conquer challenges and be leaders. The Plan highlights the very essence of our School through Firbank Grammar’s school motto ‘Vincit qui se vincit’ one conquers, who conquers oneself. This model will allow us to work together to make Firbank Grammar an even better learning environment for students.
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•
domains
‘VINCIT Q one conquers, w
Firbank stude conquering themselves, their
Firbank provides more than exceptional educ experiences, knowledge and skills that equip them
Our skills and
Relationships
Consideration
Firbank students develop strong relationships in any environment. They are taught the skills to build networks that will support them, open doors to new possibilities and provide them with a sense of belonging.
Kindness and consideration are woven into the fabric of life at Firbank. Students are made aware of the world around them. They are encouraged to think beyond themselves and to promote positive change.
Resilience
Challenge is ingrained in Fir curricular and co-curricular ac Resilience is developed and cu Firbank students are taug be capable, mentally stron independent.
The 6-5-4 Strategic Intent highlights the 6 domains
Compassion CRICOS Provider No 00140K
Student Achievement Firbank provides an inspiring, balanced and progressive learning experience which enables students to meet their potential. 4
Courage Wellbeing
We know, value and care for our students; wellbe at the heart of everything we do.
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values
FIRBANK TODAY
4
pillars
QUI SE VINCIT’ who conquers oneself
Vision: ents embody our motto – r challenges and embracing possibilities.
Purpose: cation. We care about our students and offer a breadth of m to be continuous ‘conquerors of learning’ and ready for life.
d attributes in 6 domains:
e
rbank’s ctivities. ultivated. ght to ng and
Confidence
Passion
Adaptability
At Firbank, promoting a sense of self-worth and inner strength creates confidence in our students: confidence in themselves and their abilities and confidence to develop and express their point of view.
Firbank students are supported to find and follow their passion. They are encouraged to have determination and purpose in their actions and to celebrate their accomplishments.
Firbank students are encouraged to embrace and adapt to new and challenging situations. This enables them to be successful and at the forefront in a rapidly changing world.
s that are underpinned by our 5 values and our 4 strategic pillars.
Curiosity
Respect
Strong Community
Sustainability
The Firbank family is a highly engaged community with a culture of inclusion, empathy and action.
We manage our school in a responsible manner to ensure a sustainable future.
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eing is
Integrity
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FIRBANK TODAY | Sustainability
Right: Kit Willow and School Co-Captains Mia Shepherd and Annabel Cox Use your smartphone to scan the QR code to view Jenny Williams’ interview with Kit.
Firbank Grammar has engaged Designer, Kit Willow to redesign the Firbank school uniform. Kit was recently named by Vogue as Australia’s leading sustainable fashion designer. Her company, KITX uses sustainable methods to reduce the impact of the textile industry on the environment. The uniform will be the world’s first fully sustainable school uniform and is just another way in which we at Firbank, are committed to being leaders. We live our values and teach our students to be forward thinkers and mindful of their impact on the environment. The very clothes that we wear have a great impact on our environment, with the textile industry named as the second largest polluter in the world, second only to oil.
The Firbank uniforms will be made from 100% positive impact materials, from organic cotton, upcycled polyester, fine wool, and even degradable corozo nut buttons, originally used in the 1930’s before plastic took over. In addition, the packaging will be compostable, and students will be encouraged to return all uniforms once used in order to repurpose the textiles for future usage.
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Firbank’s current uniform was designed in 1996 and is predominately made of cotton and the blazer has not changed considerably since its design in 1927. This is the perfect opportunity for us to reinvigorate our School’s attire whilst ensuring that we respect our history and maintain the integrity of Firbank’s rich heritage. All uniform pieces will be manufactured and retailed by Dobsons. Once made, there will be a transition period between the old and the new uniform to allow for this important change. It is expected that the uniform will be available in late 2020.
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Meet | FIRBANK TODAY LEANDRA TURNER Firbank was delighted to welcome Leandra Turner as our new Deputy Principal/ Head of Senior School this year. We celebrated her Commissioning Service held in St Andrew’s Church, Brighton in January 2019. Leandra’s passion for education has been enhanced and developed through her thirty years of experience. She is a highly respected and credentialled leader whose values align strongly with Firbank’s dedication to high achievement, wellbeing and a strong community. Leandra is a firm believer in upholding the values and integrity of the School and expects students to do the same. She is working collaboratively with Firbank’s outstanding teaching staff to ensure that students achieve to the very best of their abilities and that they reflect on their strengths and set aspirational learning goals. Throughout her career Mrs Turner has been heavily involved in mentoring groups and has implemented exceptional curriculum and development programs. She has led Pastoral Care Programs and continually worked with the School communities to create a positive learning environment.
A keen supporter of the Creative Arts, Leandra has an Arts/Law Degree and holds a Diploma in Education and Diploma in Dance. She looks forward to continuing Firbank’s strong commitment to its Arts and Performance Programs.
Leandra is a hands-on educator who is actively involved
in the community. She is committed to working as an integrated and dynamic team to achieve exceptional results. Her outstanding mediation skills, future thinking and leadership capabilities are key as together she joins Firbank Grammar’s Principal, Jenny Williams to lead Firbank in its 110th year and beyond.
Use your smartphone to scan the QR code to hear more from Leandra.
This year Firbank welcomed Mrs Carole Ward as our new Head of Boarding. Carole brings 21 years of experience in Boarding Houses across Europe and in rural Queensland. As a skilled Boarding House operator, she is committed to providing a safe and caring space for Firbank’s Boarders. Carole says “We at Firbank, have so much to offer our Boarders with exceptional facilities and programs designed to bring out the very best in these independent young women. More than that though, our Firbank Boarding House is a ‘home away from home’ and I am committed to making students feel a strong sense of belonging.
I, along with our Boarding House staff, teachers and Principal believe in knowing, caring and valuing each of our students. This attention helps them to achieve and gives our Boarders the confidence to face challenges knowing that they are supported in their actions. We work hard to see our Boarders become all that they can be: confident, welleducated young women who can and will make a difference in the world.”
CAROLE WARD
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Firbank’s Boarding House is committed to living the School’s values of compassion, courage, curiosity, integrity and respect. Firbank Boarders achieve excellent academic results and enjoy our state-of-the-art sport and music programs and facilities. The Boarding House is fully integrated in School life and provides students with a positive and fun experience that they will cherish throughout their lives.
FIRBANK TODAY | 110 Years
Whole School Circa 1911
On Monday, 26 April 1909 Firbank opened its crested gates to students. Since then thousands of boys and girls have received an exceptional education. On 3 April 2019, almost 110 years to the day it all began, our three campuses came together to celebrate. Our students and staff shared a picnic lunch, had a visit from the Easter Bunny and sang Happy Birthday to Firbank before helping Ms Williams cut a giant cake. It was wonderful to see the older and younger students together. The day ended with the students and staff standing together to form the numbers 110 on the Senior School oval. What a milestone!
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110 Years | FIRBANK TODAY
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FIRBANK TODAY | 110 Year Sponsors Thank you to our 110-year sponsors for their generous donations during our celebratory year. All funds raised by the community will go towards enhancing the Firbank learning program across all our campuses.
ROSE GOLD SPONSORS
Mr Chen Jianfeng & Ms Fu Jie WHITE GOLD SPONSORS ANZ Moray & Agnew
Ben Zhu
Travel Associates
JP Dixon Urbis
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YELLOW GOLD SPONSORS Cox Architecture
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Fisher Leadership
Bluegum Retreat
Yutong Australian Cultural Centre
FIRBANK TODAY
FRIENDS OF FIRBANK SPONSORS • • • • • •
AON Risk Solutions Bluff Road Medical Dobsons Mclures Stationery Mermaid Property Services Peddle Thorp Architects
MAJOR SILENT AUCTION DONORS • Auswalk • Elina Reddy • Jackalope Mornington Peninsula • Jacqui Cooper • James Tomkins • Kate Nolan • Peppers The Sands Torquay • Piccoli Portraits • South Hampton Luxury Retreat • The Landy Family • Tilnak • Velissaris Photography • Verve Portraits • Bizworks • Travel Associates • Klovia • Brighton Cycles • The Aesthetic Lounge MAJOR LIVE AUCTION DONORS
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Alex Tempany Jewelry All Fired Up Amos Hair The Arabatzis Family Avoca Catering Bark & Co Bayplay Bayside Smiles Black Rock Cellars Bless This Mess Bosistos Boxes and Bows Brandy Fit Brighton Baths Gym Brighton Foot Clinic Brighton Life Saving Club Cadelle Leather Campion Education Clocksicle Contagious Enthusiasm Wellness Centre Dendy Park Tennis Academy D.K Productions Dinner Sorted Dry & Tea Endota Spa Brighton English Ed Flawless Rejuvenation Fresco House & Flowers Future Football Gravity Zone Hairhouse Warehouse Brighton Handworks Nouveau Paperie Hawker Bar & Typhoon Hellenic Gift Hewitt’s Tennis HOSS Hotel Brighton House of Nicholetta Interaxcity It’sy Bitsy Chef Jac + Mooki Kite Republic Kula Yoga
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Lee Mathews Little Devils Circus Luna Park McKimms Tennis Melbourne Museum Melissa Jeffcott Muka Portraits My Little Tribe Photography Olie & Ari Palace Cinemas Puffing Billy Purity Body Mind Soul Red Moose Smoothies and Wraps Runway Room Salon Coiffure Passion Salts of the Earth Hampton Sandringham Yacht Club Serendipity Wellbeing SG People & Culture Shine Oven Cleaning Side-tracked Sovereign Hill Spencer & Robert St Albans Stewart Insurance Group Studio Elwood Teepee Dreams The Burnell Family The Comic’s Lounge The Evans Family The Hamptons Bakery The Harby-Williams Family The Ickeringill Family The Lu Family The Moss Family The Osteo Clinic The Puzsar Family Thesaurus Books This Artful Life True South Vere Skincare White Rabbit World Series Paintball Your Secret Closet
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• Travel Associates • Klovia • Mercedes Benz
SILENT AUCTION DONORS
FIRBANK TODAY | Music Precinct Opening
The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, opened Firbank Grammar’s new Music Precinct at a ceremony on Thursday, 28 February 2019. The Governor spoke about opportunities for women today, the ethos of the School, and the role that students will play in bringing the building to life.
Above from L - R: Mia Shepherd, School Co-Captain, the Honorable Linda Dessau AC, Mr Anthony Howard AM QC and Annabel Cox, School Co-Captain.
Above from L - R: Jenny Williams, School Principal (wearing a KitX dress by Kit Willow) and the Honorable Linda Dessau AC.
Tim Wilson MP, Cr Michael Heffernan, Mayor of Bayside, as well as students, staff, donors, Board Members and Music Program alumni, also attended the event, which showcased the purpose-built facility. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
Guests toured the new Music Precinct which is home to more than 400 classes each week including Junior and Senior Instrumental tuition and rehearsals for Firbank’s orchestra and choral programs.
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The state-of-the-art Precinct provides new rehearsal and teaching spaces and further demonstrates Firbank’s commitment to and appreciation for the Arts. We thank all our supporters and those who so generously donated to the development of this exceptional building. We are pleased that it is now officially open for all to enjoy.
FIRBANK TODAY
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FIRBANK TODAY | Rowing
The 2018-19 Rowing Season saw the biggest rowing squad at Firbank to date. With eight Junior quads, eight Intermediate quads and two Senior eights, Firbank certainly had a strong presence on the banks. Within a supportive and fun culture, the Firbank rowers achieved many fantastic results with wins at the Melbourne Head, Junior and Senior State Championship Titles and were 10 A finalists at the Head of the School Girls Regatta. Our supporters were unrivalled. The Firbank Rowing Club (FRC) again hosted the best regatta on the calendar, the Firbank Regatta on the Barwon River. In addition, the FRC gala fundraising night, ‘A Touch of Henley’ was held in February with Pimms and canapés (in true Henley style). It was a great success. Combined with the generous support of the sponsors in the FRC Associate Program (Allied Pickfords, Elwood Bathers, ANZ, Mercedes-Benz Brighton and PFD Foods) as well the rowing parents and families, the Firbank rowers had a great 2018/19 season with a very strong community around them.
Mercedes-Benz Brighton CRICOS Provider No 00140K
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VCE 2018 | FIRBANK TODAY
VCE RESULTS Prominent achievements by the VCE class of 2018 We congratulate each and every student in the class of 2018 who continued our tradition of academic excellence. The VCE results achieved last year were outstanding and a testament to the hard work, resilience and personal achievement of our students and teachers. These results demonstrate how each of our girls worked to be a conqueror of learning. They excelled, and we are so incredibly proud of them. With the Top ATAR score of 99.8, the 2018 Dux was Samantha Gillies and joint Duces Secundus achieving 99.65 were Hongyu (Nancy) Chen and Kexin (Kathy) Song. Congratulations to our distingished achievers who excelled in their chosen subjects and were awarded notable scores: Lauren Bond 99.25 ATAR Chloe Fildes 50 Legal Studies Madison Kayes 50 Health and Human Development Johanna Rusden 50 Health and Human Development Sophie Stewart 50 Health and Human Development Holly Van Heemstede Obelt 50 Psychology
Class of 2018 VCE Results Highlights • 44% ATARs over 90 – Top 10% in Australia • 24.4% ATARs over 95 – Top 5% in Australia • Median ATAR 87.9 • DUX 99.8 • 5 ‘Perfect’ Study Scores • 49.3% Grades A or A+ • 22.6% Study Scores over 40 • 4 students attained ATARs over 99
FIRBANK DUX OF 2018 Congratulations to Samantha Gillies Firbank Grammar’s Dux of 2018. Samantha received an ATAR score of 99.8 This ranking was achieved following stellar results.
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She excelled throughout her Firbank learning journey and received the Year 12 Award of Academic Excellence, The Doctor Elizabeth Tudball Prize for History and prizes for both German and French at our 2018 Presentation Night. Samantha’s contribution to Firbank has been nothing short of outstanding. In addition to her academic achievements, in 2018 she was awarded her Rowing Colours and Athletics Pocket. We wish her and all our students the very best of luck in their future endeavours as they continue to conquer learning throughout their lives. Above: Samantha Gillies
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FIRBANK TODAY | Junior School: Brighton
Welcome Picnic Early Learning Centre
Welcome Picnic
A warm and welcoming tone was set for the year at the Welcome Back Picnic in February. Run by the Parents Association of Turner House (PATH), the event brought our School families together and was a great way to show the strength of our community.
Early Learning Centre
Firbank Brighton Junior Campus has refurbished its Early Learning Centre spaces to offer greater opportunities for creativity, imagination and innovation. The environment is custom-built to cater for the needs of our capable young people and the program has been enhanced to offer a flexible Long Day Care option for families.
Destination Imagination
Destination Imagination
Students in Years 5 and 6 are a testament to our STEM focus through their participation in the Destination Imagination Program. The Program centres on a project-based STEM competition that inspires collaboration, imagination and creativity. For the third year in a row, Firbank Brighton Junior Campus teams have qualified for the Global Finals, to be held in the United States.
Area Leaders
In the spirit of Distributive Leadership, Firbank has instigated Year 6 leaders responsible for specific curriculum domains across the campus: Visual Arts, Library, Language, Performing Arts - Choral and Performing Arts Instrumental. The girls have been working tirelessly to develop enthusiasm and engagement for these learning areas. Some of the initiatives to date include a student Book Club, Art Club and the creation of an Assembly Voices Group.
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FIRBANK TODAY
Harmony Day
Turner House celebrated Harmony Day with the theme “We all smile in the same language”. Students learnt about the languages that our community speaks, and the word ‘smile’ was translated into these languages. In addition, funds were raised by our community for Operation Smile, a charity that enables children with cleft lip and cleft palate to have the surgery they need to be able to ‘smile’.
Harmony Day
Year 6 Canberra Tour
The Year 6 Canberra Tour was a great success and the girls’ curiosity and interest was keenly noted by the guides and members of the public. Students participated in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. A number of science-based experiences were also organised as a provocation for the Term 2 Year 6 PYP Exhibition, around the theme ‘How the world works’. A highlight for the girls was personally meeting the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd).
Indigenous Immersion Program
Turner House welcomed visitors from Pormpuraaw State School early in Term 2. This visit is part of our collaborative indigenous program with Brighton Grammar. Pormpuraaw is on the west coast of Cape York, about 500 kms from the tip of Australia. It is the home of the Thaayore, Wik, Bakanh and Yir Yoront People. This experience encouraged a closer understanding and awareness of Aboriginal culture and supports the subsequent exchange to Milikapiti (Tiwi Islands) for four of our Year 6 students later in the Term.
Canberra Tour
Kim Wheeler Head of Campus
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Area Leaders
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FIRBANK TODAY | Junior School: Sandringham
Year 5 & Year 6 Camp Year 5 & 6 Camp
Year 5 & 6 travelled to Phillip Island in Term 1. The boys and girls camped in tents and participated in a range of educational activities including beachcombing and wildlife activities. The Camp provided the opportunity for the students to engage in activities across two year levels and allowed the Year 6 students to demonstrate their leadership skills.
Student Leadership
The Student Leadership Program is quite unique at Sandringham Campus. In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Year 6 students participate in ‘EarlyAct Club’. Students were divided into three Teams, School Service, Community and International to identify and carry out projects throughout the year that are relevant to their particular Team. The purpose of the Program is to teach students that part of leadership is about giving service to others. The Year 6 students were presented with their Leadership caps at a special Leadership Assembly early in Term 1.
ELC Bush Kinder
Bush Kinder is a feature of our ELC Sandringham Campus. Using the adjacent Bayside Council land, our boys and girls explore nature and make real connections with their surroundings. By engaging with the Bush Kinder Program, the students become strong, capable, healthy, competent learners and develop an awareness and love of the environment. The Program fosters a wide variety of skills such as creativity, thinking and learning, social skills and allows students to develop a greater sense of community beyond the school.
Student Leadership
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Year 3 JIP Concert
Year 3 Junior Instrumental Program (JIP) Concert
Students begin the JIP in Year 3 and at the end of Term 1, all Year 3 students performed in a mini-concert with their parents to show what they had learned in just a few short weeks. Parents had the opportunity to hear from the music staff and learn more about JIP and how students progress in the coming years.
Year 5 & 6 Sailing
Year 5 & 6 Sailing
As part of their After School Sport Program in Semester 1, the Year 5 & 6 students take part in a Sailing Program held at the Sandringham Yacht Club. This unique program at a primary school level, enables the students to undertake a sport that many of them have never tried before.
Camp Out
One of the highlights in the Campus calendar is the bi-annual Camp Out, organised and run by SHPA (Sandringham House Parents Association). Despite the inclement weather, the parents and students pitched their tents on the School oval and had a wonderful evening and morning together. This event always emphasizes the wonderful community spirit that we have at Firbank’s Sandringham Campus.
Camp Out
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
One of the other 2019 highlights so far has been Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. Our guests enjoyed a wonderful concert from our three choir groups, Year 6 rock band and African Drumming Ensemble, before spending time with the students in the classrooms. Brad Nelsen Head of Campus
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Grandparents and Special Friends Day
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FIRBANK ALUMNI | Where Are They Now FRANCESCA GELAI Following her time at Firbank Grammar, Francesca Gelai (Class of 2009) completed an apprenticeship in Ocular Prosthetics in England. She, along with her business partner, has been working in underprivileged countries including Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, where she makes prosthetic eyes for those in need.
Above: Francesca Gelai, left with her business partner Below: Francesca with one of her patients, Meldina in Kenya
Working in a mix of public hospitals, private clinics, and even backyards, Francesca has used her skills to improve the lives of others. She makes and fits the prosthetic eyes herself using machinery, similar to that used to make artificial teeth. The eyes are uniquely fitted and hand-painted to match the pigments of the patient. Each eye takes 2-3 days to complete. In many countries a stigma surrounds those who do not have the use of their eyes. “I met a woman who had not taken her microphthalmic child (born with under-formed eyes) out of the house for the first four years of his life because she was worried about what her community would think of her. She did not know that a prosthetic eye was even an option for her child. It is often believed that if a child is born with a disability it is because the mother has done something wrong or the family is cursed and it is best to avoid them for fear of catching the curse,” said Francesca.
For more information on Francesca’s ocular Prosthetics projects or to see how you can support her in her endeavour to set up a clinic in Nairobi, Kenya please use your smartphone to scan the QR code
Francesca has seen first-hand how ocular prosthesis can help patients and their families navigate through the already difficult decision to undergo treatment and to offer rehabilitation to those who have or have suffered from trauma.
Francesca says that she was inspired by her International Studies class at Firbank and the School’s focus on service and Wellbeing. She is following her passion to help others and looks forward to returning to Africa to continue her important work.
Jacqui Cooper (Class of 1990) represented Australia in the sport of aerial skiing for more than 20 years. In a long and decorated career, Jacqui competed in 139 World Cup Events, nine World Championships and was selected in five Winter Olympic teams, the first Australian woman in history (Summer or Winter Games) to have enjoyed this honour. Jacqui achieved a record five world titles, 39 World Cup medals, 25 World Cup wins and three major World Championship medals. In 2010, Jacqui competed in Vancouver after a year of intense hip and knee rehabilitation, shocking doctors and spectators with her brave attempt to be competitive, despite the odds. She spent most of the months leading into the competition in a wheelchair, learning to walk again. She stunned the world when she placed fifth, the best Olympic result of her career. In addition to sport, Jacqui’s passion is educating young people on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, being role models, pursuing your dreams, being active, and goal setting. Jacqui speaks to all levels of students and recently spoke to our VCE students about determination, hard work and preparing for the future.
JACQUI COOPER
Since retiring from sport, Jacqui has pursued a business career. In 2011 Jacqui founded her own company Champion Events and is the author of two books with a focus on IVF called “FROZEN HOPE” and “IT TOOK 3 TO MAKE ME”. Following her daughter’s diagnosis with Coeliac disease in 2015, Jacqui created her own range of gluten free frozen dough products called FOOD FOR ME.
Jacqui has three children who attend the Firbank Sandringham Co-ed Campus and will be joining the School’s Snowsports Program as a Mentor in 2019. We look forward to Jacqui offering her world-class expertise to our students.
FIRBANK ALUMNI
ALEXANDRA HALL
Alexandra Hall (Class of 2004) was on a flight during her school holidays when she was overcome with the desire to try flying. She just knew that it was for her and from that moment on she was focused on her path. Upon completion of her studies at Firbank, Alex undertook a Bachelor of Aviation at Swinburne University and is now a pilot for QantasLink. Alex says, “I vividly remember my first walk-around of my new plane, a Bombardier Dash 8. At 74 seats, it was a huge step up from the four-seat aircraft I had been instructing in for the previous four years. As I walked around the rear of the aircraft, I looked up at the iconic red and white kangaroo on the tail and I felt a huge swell of pride.” Alex is now a Captain on the Dash 8. She is the Pilot In Command of the aircraft and its customers, a First Officer (co-pilot) and two cabin crew. The flying is regional, connecting people from small Queensland towns to larger cities, and she says that it has been some of the most challenging and rewarding work of her career. Later this year Alex will progress onto the larger ‘widebody’ aircraft for Qantas International.
Alex encourages more female students to consider a career in aviation. “Next time you catch yourself staring wistfully at that blue sky, picture what it might be like looking down at your school from kilometres above.”
In addition to STEM subjects, pilots need problem-solving skills, teamwork and the ability to conduct themselves with grace under pressure. They are required to think logically and make critical decisions, while simultaneously working within defined rules and procedures. Firbank offers students a raft of opportunities in all these areas and teaches students to, like Alex, follow their passions with determination.
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Female pilot numbers currently sit around three percent at major airlines worldwide, but this number is increasing rapidly. It is an extremely promising time to be a fledging female pilot, with airlines addressing this gender imbalance, such as Qantas and the Nancy Bird Walton Initiative.
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FIRBANK ALUMNI | FOGA In 2018 FOGA celebrated its 100 year anniversary. This was a huge milestone for the Association and the year was filled with a number of events as part of the celebratory year.
Highlights included a High Tea, a Centenary Musical Concert showcasing the musical talents of FOGA members and present students, and a ‘Back to School Day’ that provided FOGA members with the opportunity to visit the school and view some of the items we currently hold in Archives. All the events provided our members with a wonderful opportunity to catch up with women from their peer level and also to meet and network with women from other peer levels. This year we have had three long standing committee members retire from the committee: Sally Cooper, Jan Warnecke and Victoria Breidahl. On behalf of the committee and our members, I would like to say thank you for all the time and effort that they have dedicated to FOGA. It is greatly appreciated.
IMPORTANT DATES FOGA 2019 Friday, 15 August FOGA Networking Breakfast Saturday, 21 September South Australia FOGA Annual Lunch October Film Night November FOGA Ramble
Our committee for 2019 comprises eight women, including five returning committee members Melissa McLean (Secretary), Margaret Arblaster (Treasurer), Marg Desmyth (General Committee), Pam Hammond (General Committee) and myself, and three new committee members, Merrin James (Vice President), Sarah Wilkinson (Vice President) and Georgia Hobart (Foreign Correspondent). If you are interested in joining our committee we still have positions open and we would love to hear from you. Please contact foga@firbank.vic.edu.au to express your interest. The key focus of the FOGA committee for 2019 is increasing our engagement with our members. This process requires our database to be up to date. As such, I ask all our members to visit the FOGA webpage via the School website and update their contact details. I also encourage our members to follow Firbank on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Through these channels, we aim to keep our members up to date on FOGA news and events. I look forward to seeing you at a FOGA event in 2019. Anna Borthwick President - FOGA
ANNOUNCEMENTS We are always pleased to welcome new additions to the Firbank family. Please let us know your happy news by contacting Amanda Webster on 9591 5148 or email awebster@firbank.vic.edu.au so we can send your new baby a welcome gift. CRICOS Provider No 00140K
At Firbank we are always delighted to enrol children of alumni to Firbank. Due to increasing demand, we recommend you register your application for enrolment as early as possible. As valued members of our community, the application fee for children of FOGA members is waived. Applications can be completed online by visiting www.firbank.edu.au Firbank alumni and their pre-schoolers are also invited to join in Stay and Play at either the Sandringham or Brighton Campuses during term time (Free of charge for FOGA members). 22
Reunions | FIRBANK ALUMNI
50 Year | Class of 1969
2019 REUNIONS 40 Years | Class of 1979 Friday, 14 June 30 Years | Class of 1989 Friday, 13 September
25 Year | Class of 1994
STAY IN TOUCH If your details have changed update them at firbank.vic.edu.au or contact events@firbank.vic.edu.au or telephone 9591 5148
10 Years | Class of 2009 Friday, 11 October 5 Years | Class of 2014 Friday, 6 September
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20 Years | Class of 1999 Friday, 26 July
FIRBANK NEWS | Congratulations Current Students
Abbey Parsons, Ella Smith, Ollie Bream and Sarah Cooper
Congratulations to Sarah Cooper who won a bronze medal in the girls 15 years 100m freestyle at the State Swimming Championships. Her time was a Personal Best as well as a national qualifying time. Firbank Aquastars had 41 swimmers qualify for and compete at the State Sprint championships with numerous medals won. Of the 17 Firbank girls competing, 8 made it into the finals with the following winning medals: Silver - Ella Smith, girls 16 years 50m breaststroke and the girls 16 and under freestyle relay consisting of Abbey Parsons, Ella Smith, Ollie Bream and Sarah Cooper. Bronze: Maddy Doyle, girls 12 years 50m backstroke.
Maddy Doyle
Orla McCarthy
Stephanie Wallace
Congratulations to Orla McCarthy who recently competed at the Australia Athletics Nationals in Sydney. Orla won Bronze in Discus. Stephanie Wallace (Class of 2018) was selected to have her work exhibited in the 2019 Top Design annual exhibition at Melbourne Museum. Stephanie was 1 of 27 media students in the state to be selected. She was 1 of 4 students in the state to be selected under the medium of photography. Congratulations to Charli Bowers, Year 10 who wrote, directed, produced, edited and starred in a short film called ‘Life in Pieces”. Her film was selected as a finalist in the TropFest Film Festival which took place in March. Now in its 27th year, the Festival showcases the best of Australia’s emerging film-making talent. Well done Charli on this recognition of your work. Chelsea Blissett (Class of 2018) has been selected to play for the Young Matildas Australian Football Team. Chelsea was the recipient of a Scholarship to Firbank Grammar and has also played for the South Melbourne Football Club. Congratulations to Firbank Senior School student, Romi Brown who represented Australia at the Gymnastics World Cup as well as other International Competitions as part of the Australian Gynamstics Team.
Chelsea Blissett
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FIRBANK NEWS
Congratulations to Firbank’s Brighton Junior School swimmers who performed very well at the State Swimming Championships in April. The team included Alea Ord - 3rd in 50m breastroke, Kaitlin Ord - 1st in 50m freestyle, Clodagh McCarthy - 2nd in 50m backstroke, Year 6 Medley Relay - 1st in record time and the Year 4 50m Freestyle Relay - 1st.
Year 4 50m Freestyle Relay State Champions
Congratulations to Year 9 Student Cara Moulang who won the Creativity category at the Bayside Youth Awards. Cara used scientific principles to capture beautiful photographs of everyday objects such as water, oil, Smarties and colourful paper. Bella Sangster, Year 12, was awarded the Julian Gurrieri Memorial Award at the Bayside Youth Awards for her volunteer work with the Bayside FReeZA committee. FReeZA supports young Victorians to plan and run drug, smoke and alcohol free music and cultural events. Well done to Eva de Boar, Year 7, who won the Kingston Artz Blitz Creative Writing (U13) Competition for the second time. The competition involves writers responding to a given theme, such as ‘Monsters and Beasts’, and submitting their work within 24 hours of being notified of the theme.
Cara Moulang
Bella Sangster
Congratulations to Brighton Junior Campus student, Nikki Jian. In March 2019, Nikki was awarded the Associate Diploma in Music, Australia (AMusA) during the AMEB Conferring of Diplomas Ceremony at the Melbourne Recital Centre by Professor Ian Holtham. Nikki (aged 9) is known as the youngest AMusA Diplomate in Australia. Congratulations to Year 10 Senior School student Amy Kenny on receiving a 2018 Pride of Australia National Editor’s Choice Award for an act of instinctive bravery. Amy and fellow volunteer lifesaver Hanna Keane saved two tourists from the surf at Lorne. Then only 15, they helped the men to shore and assisted them until Paramedics arrived. Well done Amy, on this outstanding act of kindness and courage.
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Congratulations to Year 9 Senior School art student Celeste Hang whose art work entitled ‘Grandma’ has been selected as a finalist in the 2019 Young Archie Competiton. There were over 2100 entries in the competition of which 74% were from girls. The ten finalists from each age category are displayed at the Art Gallery of NSW. Winners will be announced on 10 August 2019.
Nikki Jian
Amy Kenny
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FIRBANK NEWS | Congratulations, Condolences, Welcome CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Firbank Alumna Felicity Frederico (Class of 1984), past Bayside Councillor and Bayside Mayor who received an OAM in the 2019 Australia Day honours that were announced 26 January.
CONDOLENCES
Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the following Old Grammarians: Brenda Marshall (Denton 1938) On 20 January 2018 Peer Year 1954 Marrilyn Lawford On 24 February 2018 Peer Year 1948 Cherille Moir (Robbins 1939) On 8 March 2018 Peer Year 1956
Dr Melissa Keith (2006) married Dr Daniel deWit in the Hunter Valley on 10 November 2018. The newlyweds honeymooned in Patagonia, Chile.
Colleen Bisset (Belt) On 13 April 2018 Peer Year 1948 Margaret Shilton (Germon) On 23 April 2018 Peer Year 1954 Patricia Marsh (Trewin) On 1 June 2018 Peer Year 1943 Patricia Wood (Innes 1925) On 26 July 2018 Peer Year 1944 Jane Chislett (Stephenson 1952) On 5 August 2018 Peer Year 1969 Susan Hodgson (Wolfe 1952) On 9 October 2018 Peer Year 1969
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Suzanne Weiman (Solomon 2008) married Nigel Weiman on 22 December 2018 at Vue on Halcyon. She was accompanied by her sister Lisa Sherwin nee Solomon (2004) and close friend Fiona Dulfer (2008).
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Margaret Forbes (Nave 1947) On 18 October 2018 Peer Year 1964 Margaret attended Firbank Brighton for her entire schooling - 1952 to 1965
FIRBANK NEWS WELCOME Helen Mitchell (Mustar 1931) On 11 November 2018 Peer Year 1948 Joyce Walker (Powell 1938) On 26 November 2018 Peer Year 1956 Patricia Meinhardt (1933) On 27 November 2018 Peer Year 1951 Sue Priestly (Farrow 1958) On 4 December 2018 Peer Year 1976 Meryl Doery (Hutley 1927) On 10 December 2018 Peer Year 1942
Lisa Sherwin (Solomon 2004) and husband Chris Sherwin welcomed Harper Iris Millicent on 22 July 2018, born at Sandringham Hospital and named after her grandmothers.
Joan Williams (1926) On 7 January 2019 Peer Year 1943 Patricia Lawrence (Maycock 1949) On 22 February 2019 Peer Year 1967 Janice Baker (Rowe 1935) On 1 March 2019 Peer Year 1952 Jan Moir (Harris 1942) On 8 March 2019 Peer Year 1960
Ettie Pullman (Davis 1925) On 12 April 2019 Peer Year 1942
Leo Thresher was born on April 30 2018 to Catalina Grey (2015) and her fiancé Nicholas Thresher in Sandringham.
We love sharing our community’s news, achievements and notable events. Please forward your news and an accompanying photo to communications@firbank.vic.edu.au We look forward to hearing from you. 27
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Dorothea Merle Edwards (Blair 1920) On Friday 8 March 2019 Peer Year 1939 Dorethea’s name appears on one of Firbank’s rolls of honour as she served in the Army during WW2.
FIRBANK NEWS | Giving Back to Firbank
FIRBANK GIVING 2019 The gift of a Firbank Education
So much at Firbank is a result of the generosity of the Firbank Community.
As a proud Old Grammarian, enriched by my education at Firbank, I now have a daughter here and am privileged to Chair the current School Board.
Please join me in making a difference at Firbank in our 110th Year and beyond. No matter the amount, everything counts and the impact of giving will help us reach our goals.
I encourage all members of the Firbank community to support this year’s Annual Giving Program. Every donation, whatever the size will go towards either supporting the Year 12 girls in establishing a new scholarship for a girl who in normal circumstances would not be able to attend, or help us establish an exciting new Arts Precinct.
A contribution is a meaningful way to honour your family and their name. At Firbank, we welcome a pledge donation over 2 or 3 years or a single gift. All donations are tax deductable. Jenny Williams Principal
Jennine Ross Chair of the Board (Class of 1987)
Art Precinct Redevelopment Firbank Grammar is a not-for-profit school, so we rely on the support of parents and alumni to help fund new developments. We are seeking to develop a new Arts Precinct at our Senior School. The new studios and learning spaces will further enhance students’ opportunities to challenge themselves and explore a variety of creative pursuits, underpinned by a rich and long tradition of Art and Design at Firbank. The new precinct has been designed to respect and maintain the heritage of the Louis Williams Building. The participation in Arts Programs motivates students to explore their creativity and allows them to express themselves in diverse forms. It opens their minds to greater possibilities and provides them with the tools to examine life through the medium of Art.
FIRBANK NEWS The Pay It Forward Scholarship* is the brainchild of our current VCE Class led by Annabel Cox and Mia Shepherd, our Senior School Co-Captains. This will become the legacy of the Class of 2019 as they go beyond the Firbank gates. Our Year 12 students have already commenced a fundraising program towards this Scholarship. We would love you to join the students. Make an impact, change a life - the Scholarship will provide an education for a girl whose family does not have the resources to send their daughter to Firbank. *This is a means tested scholarship
110 Year Pay It Forward Scholarship The gift of a Firbank education has changed my life Firbank Grammar simply shaped who I am today. All of the Outdoor Education Programs, extra-curricular activities and academic work helped me to find a new confidence in myself and my abilities. The School encouraged me to discover what I am capable of inside and outside the classroom. It inspired me to become a hard worker, an adventurer and a well-rounded young woman. Without the Scholarship I would not have had these opportunities. I will always be grateful to Firbank. Katja Hesse Class of 2018
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