Light Blue - December 2016 by Geelong Grammar School

ISSUE 99 DECEMBER 2016

↓ SECTION 01 — INTRODUCTION

This issue of Light Blue has a focus on the School’s vision for creative thinking and learning. I hope you will sense our creative spirit on each page. It is something that is already part of our heritage and present reality – but to develop creative thinking and learning is also our challenge for the coming five years. We are intentionally focussed on discovering how to help our students develop their innate creativity and overall capacity. It looks like an exciting future. The School for Performing Arts and Creative Education (the SPACE) gives us a physical manifestation for our focus on creativity. It is already inspiring students and staff to think creatively and unleash new skills; stimulating collaboration and nurturing innovation. The SPACE was a key project of our fiveyear Exceptional Futures comprehensive fundraising campaign, which concludes at the end of 2016. We have raised almost $32 million and you will find a report on its impact in the centre of this issue. It’s been an adventure and it’s been exceptional. I’m concluding my time as Director of Community Relations and Executive Director of the Geelong Grammar Foundation at the end of 2016 and my warm thanks to all who have helped me along the way. I wish you well as you continue to explore and provide our students with an exceptional education. Tony Bretherton Director of Community Relations

Editor Brendan McAloon Design Chloe Flemming Photography Tony Bretherton Sheila Colwell Antonia Hempel Richard Kumnick (M’68) Katie Rafferty (Spry, Ga’84) Drew Ryan Anna Tucker (Kimpton, Cl’71) Ann Tyers (Fairley, He’68) Andrew Walsh (TGC’07) Website www.ggs.vic.edu.au Email lightblue@ggs.vic.edu.au CRICOS 00143G

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 01 — INTRODUCTION

CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL

6 FROM OUR PRINCIPAL 8 WHAT IS CREATIVE EDUCATION? 10 EXPLORING THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

12 TO CODE OR NOT TO CODE

POSTCARDS FROM TIMBERTOP

Timbertop is an unforgettable learning experience which, for many students, is a challenging rite of passage to a rewarding adult life.

13 DIGITAL LEARNERS 14 YEAR 10 STEM INCURSION 16 RUBE GOLDBERG CHALLENGE 17 GIVING FOR A BETTER WORLD 18 CREATIVE WORKSHOPS 19 NEWTOWN GAMES SPIRIT IN MOTION 20 VAN JOY 22 POSTCARDS FROM TIMBERTOP 24 2017 SCHOOL CAPTAINS 26 STUDENT AGENCY THE LEARNERS' VOICE 27 TOORAK WELLBEING CENTRE 28 GOLDEN ERA OF ATHS 30 FOUNDATION CHAIR 31 MECHAI CENTRE OPENS 32 THE MAIL ROOM

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Year 10 students spent three days immersed in a broad range of creative activities under the tutelage of more than 30 visiting artists, artisans and experts.

TOORAK WELLBEING CENTRE

Construction of this exciting new facility has commenced and is on schedule for completion by Term 4, 2017.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 01 — INTRODUCTION

CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL

On Wednesday 23 November, together with my wife Sarah and children Ally (Cl’14) and Matt (Yr12 FB), I hosted a cocktail party to thank many of the volunteers at the School who assist in a variety of ways. There were over 130 there, another 40 or so who sent their apologies, and others who we could not invite due to numbers but were represented by the Chair or President of their committee. There were people from every campus, support committees from every House and almost every sport, year group reps from Toorak Campus and Bostock House, Middle School Play, Great Victoria Bike Ride, fundraising projects, Old Geelong Grammarians Committee, Foundation Board and School Council. It is incredible how many people give their time, expertise, passion and energy for the benefit of the School and I expressed my gratitude on behalf of the School to them all. We are indeed fortunate to have this support for even a school with our resources finds it hard to do all we would like to do to enable our students to flourish. The participation by parents, guardians and others in the life of the School provides a richness and diversity of experience that would not otherwise be possible and builds the relationships between students, staff, parents and guardians that are the backbone of our School. Term 4 is a busy one for the School with Speech Day, valedictory dinners, end-of-year plays, graduation ceremonies, camps, runs, bike rides, hikes, exams and report writing. Council also has its annual strategic retreat and meeting over two days up near Timbertop. This year we affirmed our strategic emphasis on both Pos Ed and Creative Education, with excellent presentations by

Justin Robinson, Director of the Institute for Positive Education, and Dr Tim Patston, Coordinator of Creativity and Innovation. Although we have travelled far down the Pos Ed road, there is still significant progress to be made and the results of longitudinal research are now emerging, giving us confidence in what we are doing while also identifying areas to concentrate on. Council also viewed the almost complete new J and K units at Timbertop. It was this year that we celebrated 40 years of coeducation at Timbertop and that was when the original J and K units were built. The two new units, located in a new area (for units) between the John Lewis Centre and the “street” of staff housing (affectionately referred to as “Nappy Valley” due to the high number of young parents located there) will significantly improve accommodation for those girls. They will also increase the number of girl beds by five, further improving the girl/ boy ratio at the campus. In regard to other capital works happening at the School, there is significant activity at Toorak Campus as the Wellbeing Centre there starts to “come out of the ground”. At Corio, there will be major works over the summer with the North (Year 12) wing of Clyde House being refurbished as the first phase of the redevelopment of the whole house. Two staff houses are also being refurbished, while roofing is being replaced on C wing of Garnett House, the Cook quadrangle and part of the old boiler shed. Although these latter works are not particularly exciting, they are necessary and at a cost of over $3 million represent the significant ongoing capital that is required to keep our School in good condition. LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 01 — INTRODUCTION

The School’s strategy is embodied in our Purpose Statement (an alternative to the ubiquitous Vision and Mission statements) and our updated challenge (the five-year strategic focus of the School) is “to develop creative thinking and learning to engage with the complex opportunities of a changing world”. At Speech Day, I had the opportunity to share some views on how the world is about to go through significant change based on technological advances according to research from universities such as Oxford, and discuss the challenges and opportunities this presents our students. However, I was also able to remind students how well the School prepares them for this challenging future by equipping them with resilience, adaptability and strong social and communication skills. Geelong Grammar School strives to educate the whole child for life, not just to maximize an ATAR. This approach is even more necessary given our changing world, as it is these skills and attributes that will endure and help our students flourish no matter the environment they are in. As this issue of Light Blue will come out after our Year 12 students will have received their results, I wish them well in future adventures and encourage them to be strong and proud ambassadors of the School. I hope that all our community has a safe, relaxing and happy summer break and come back in 2017 invigorated and energetic. Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79) Chairman of Council

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 01 — INTRODUCTION

FROM OUR PRINCIPAL Preparing their students for the world in which they will live and work has always been the focus of schools. Over the years, Geelong Grammar School has been very good at doing this, both with the traditional aspects of a school education – academic preparation, independent thinking, public speaking, development of team work through sport, drama and music, and learning to live with other people through living in units and boarding houses – as well as with innovative and leading ideas such as the building of resilience at Timbertop and the focus on wellbeing through Positive Education. Imitation, as the saying goes, is the sincerest form of flattery and the fact that so many other schools have now taken on board these ideas is indicative of how necessary they have been seen to be in preparing students to make their way in the world. And yet it is no longer enough.

As we are constantly being told, the world is changing faster than it has done in history. We are routinely astounded by statistics such as, in 1930 the average life span of a S&P 500 listed company was 90 years. In 2013, it was 18 years and it could be 10 years by 2020. Another example of our changing world is the report that there is a computer programme which helps doctors diagnose cancer four times more accurately than human nurses. By 2030, computers are expected to be more intelligent than humans. We are also told that the pace of change in the job market will start to accelerate by 2020, that 70-80% of today’s jobs will disappear in the next 20 years and that 65% of children entering primary schools today will likely work in roles that do not currently exist. Moreover, they will be doing these jobs for longer, as five months is being added to life expectancy every year, and soon life expectancy of 120 may well be the norm. And we need to prepare our students for all of this! As a number of people have put it, “the future is coming, ready or not”, and we need to make sure that the School and our students are ready. All the evidence is that our students need to have creative thinking, flexibility in their approach

and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of other skill sets if they are to manoeuvre their way through the changing world that will be before them. That is why, as the School’s next five-year challenge, we have set out “to develop creative thinking and learning to engage with the complex opportunities of a changing world”. Work on creativity is not in itself new. There has always been emphasis on the creative arts, but our aim is to stimulate creativity in all of our students, within all areas of the curriculum. This is an area where we have already been working for the last couple of years, since the appointment of Dr Tim Patston as the Coordinator of Creativity and Innovation in 2015. Tim’s article on pages 8 and 9, gives an indication of the work he has been doing and the forward path our students and staff are taking. His initial work has been to scan the field of endeavour by other schools and the universities, across the world, to see what is being currently undertaken and what has become increasingly clear is that there is very little practical work being done on this area in schools. Tim has been working with Professor James Kaufman from the University of Connecticut and Professor David Cropley

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 01 — INTRODUCTION

from the University of South Australia to develop surveys for schools to undertake on creativity. Tim has also developed some creativity modules which some of our staff have trialled this year and which many more staff will use next year as a precursor to ideas being developed with the students. University students have begun to write theses upon what we are doing with creativity and a PhD student has just been awarded a grant to research the developments of creativity at the School as part of her doctorate. This means that, like with Positive Education, not only will the School be taking a leading role in the development of creativity within schools, we will be basing it upon scientific analysis undertaken at university level. This is all very exciting! Naturally, all of this does not come from a standing start and there are many innovative and creative ideas being used by our teachers on a daily basis at each campus. Some of these are explained in further pages within this issue.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

As a School we are also continuing to work on strengthening our teaching and learning across the School. To give this greater emphasis, I have appointed Kay Long as the Director of Learning and Michael Nelson as the Head of Teaching, so that we can develop and extend our best learning practices. Last term we were fortunate to have some of the leading thinkers in the world of current research into teaching and learning visit the School, speaking to students, staff and the wider public. Thus we had visits by Alfie Kohn from Boston, Dr Helen Street from the University of Western Australia and Professor Stephen Heppell from the UK. Alfie Kohn’s public lecture in The David Darling Play House was attended by over 700 people. Professor Heppell spoke about Student Agency, whereby students are active in guiding and stimulating their own learning. You can read more about his work on page 26, as Student Agency is to be the main thrust of our Professional Development for 2017.

The end of the year means that we have new School Captains for 2017 and they are interviewed on page 24. Every year, I am impressed by the way the Year 11 students and staff vote for the students from Year 11 whom they think will best represent the School the following year. I then interview the top candidates, with the Vice Principal and the Head of Campus to choose the School Captains for the following year. When their names are announced to a combined assembly of Senior School and Middle School students, the outpouring of support for the School Captains is incredibly impressive and moving. It is a pleasure to welcome Ellie Mackey (Yr11 Fr) and Daniel White (Yr11 P) as our School Captains for 2017. Stephen Meek Principal

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

WHAT IS CREATIVE EDUCATION?

Creative Education is discovering and trialling new ideas in teaching and learning which are relevant and useful in a school environment. The goal of Creative Education is to give students and teachers the skills to adapt in a rapidly changing world. I have been the Coordinator of Creativity and Innovation at GGS for two years. This time has been spent in three areas: •

Developing an understanding of the field of creativity and how it might be best applied in a school setting

•

Forming research partnerships with some of the world’s leading academics and authors, and conducting research into creativity in teachers and students

•

Developing resources for Geelong Grammar School in the area of Creative Education

The next phase of this journey is the roll out of Creative Education resources across all campuses of the School; initially to staff and then to students. In many ways the field of Creative Education is like that of Positive Education, both being launched conceptually at the American Psychological Association. Both have their origins in the field of psychology, and have evolved into new fields of endeavour and study. In the way that Positive Psychology has developed into Positive Education, so the field of the psychology of creativity will evolve into Creative Education. However, in the case of creativity, the journey has not been straightforward. In September 1950, the American psychologist J.P. Guilford gave his presidential address to the American Psychological Association. He argued that “the subject of creativity has been neglected by psychologists”. “The immediate problem has two aspects. (1) How can we discover creative promise in

our children and our youth? (2) How can we promote the development of creative personalities… to improve educational methods and further their utilization?” Nearly seventy years later, these problems have still, largely, not been addressed by the school system. Despite several attempts in the 1960s and 1970s, the idea of creativity in education did not gain popular traction, with the exception of the ‘gifted and talented’ programmes. This is not true however in other disciplines. The fields of creativity in psychology, engineering, business and the arts have been explored by academic researchers for many years. Research into creativity in education has been at the fringes of academic research. Certainly no predominant model has emerged in education. Fast forward to 2016. Creativity and its partner, innovation, are now the catch cry of governments and education systems around the world. Why this sudden change? Economics, and the shift from blue collar to white collar to what? Government and industry have realised that a new economic paradigm is underway and that a nineteenth century education model will not provide the human capital necessary for a flourishing society in the future. Creativity is seen as a key component in a successful transition to the new economic order. Geelong Grammar School is one of the first schools in the world to not only recognise this challenge, but to plan a strategic, evidence-based response. The challenge to create the shift in culture required to effectively implement Creative Education at Geelong Grammar School is significant. The two critical skills needed in the future are, without question, the ability to work collaboratively and the ability to solve problems across a range of domains. It is therefore imperative that teachers are

upskilled to teach to these future needs and that students are made aware that the purpose of school education has changed. It is no longer what you know, but what you can do with what you know that counts. Research and collaboration with Professor James C. Kaufman from the University of Connecticut, the world’s most published academic in the field of creativity, and Professor David Cropley from the University of South Australia, a specialist in creativity and innovation in engineering and education, led to the development of a definition of Creative Education and a framework for Creative Education which, when implemented, will place GGS at the forefront of global education. Both build on research from the past, and acknowledges the challenges of the future.

“Creative Education at Geelong Grammar School involves the identification of evidencebased pedagogies which are new, relevant, and useful within a specific subject, year group, or other educational context. Innovation Education is the implementation of these pedagogies and the measurement of their effectiveness.” This definition clearly articulates that creativity develops over time, in different ways, in different subjects, is both teachable and measurable, and requires evidence. Creative Education is not “just making stuff up”. The definition also led to the development of a Creative Education framework, called RISE, which will underpin Creative Education at the School. Once again, other models have been developed which describe the creative process, but the RISE framework is the first developed specifically for education.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

Results are the eventual products or outcomes that are desired. Results could take the shape of student learning, student work, teacher lesson plans or classroom experiences.

Investigation is the way

STUDENT

that people create. People may investigate in many different ways, with individual preferences, styles or strengths. Creative thinking skills (such as idea generation, evaluation and iteration) are an important part of the investigation process.

RESULT

Student is anyone who benefits from a learning environment – teachers can be students, too! Each student has his or her particular strengths that can be used to enhance the learning experience.

ENVIRONMENT

Environment represents the different systems that may influence creativity (e.g. whole school, family, social, classroom, etc.). Important concepts include creating and maintaining a supportive environment, nurturing creativity within prevailing constraints and having each student feel that they are safe to be creative.

The definition and the RISE framework are the underpinnings of the new era of Creative Education at GGS. Creative Education will be introduced firstly to staff, and then, through their teaching, to students. If teachers are to prepare students for a new economic reality, then it will be necessary to make some changes in teaching practice. Many teachers teach creatively in their classes, but the framework will give a common language and structure to Creative Education across the disciplines and campuses. In 2017, all teaching staff across all campuses will be completing the Creative Education modules. These modules cover the theory behind Creative Education and offer teachers practical advice in how to teach with creativity in their teaching and for creativity in their students. There are three modules, each consisting of six lessons, which will be completed in the first three terms of next year. Teachers will be expected to trial new strategies they have discovered in the modules through Pop Up Pedagogy, a form of experimental trial developed at the School in 2015.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

INVESTIGATION

The new language of Creative Education will be used with students at all levels, encouraging them to work collaboratively and think creatively, both inside and outside the classroom. Project-based, transdisciplinary learning – already in place at Toorak Campus, Bostock House and Middle School – will be encouraged at Timbertop and in Year 10 at Corio. Teachers will talk about the learning which occurs between subjects, not just within. Students will develop an understanding that they have many skills which they can apply to their learning, not just memorise facts to be forgotten the week after an exam. Students will also take greater responsibility for their own learning and their own learning environment. Senior School students will be able to develop a digital e-portfolio, which will contain evidence not only of their academic achievements, but of their skills and values. This will give them a significant competitive advantage when applying for courses or employment after school. Students will also be offered a series of online modules to assist them in developing their own RISE framework for students – how to make a creative

environment for study and social life, how to be a more creative student, how to develop creative processes to make studying and learning more efficient and effective, and how creativity can maximise potential and improve results. We are living in uncertain but exciting times. Geelong Grammar School has developed a world-leading reputation in Positive Education. Thanks to advice from the leading thinkers in the field, drawing on the existing knowledge and strengths of our staff and students, and the understanding that a new endeavour requires both evidence and strategic thinking before implementation, Creative Education will enable our staff and students to learn and apply new skills in order to flourish in a changing world. Dr Tim Patston Coordinator of Creativity and Innovation

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

EXPLORING THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

This year’s Toorak Campus ELC Celebration of Learning created an Amazon rainforest, alive with a riot of colourful animals. Children were inspired by a visit from the Polygot Theatre Company’s spectacular Paper Planet. Amidst a forest of cardboard trees, children used cardboard, paper and masking tape to create flowers, vines, creatures and costumes. The visit linked to the ELC’s Unit of Inquiry, Just Investigate, where the children inquired into the changes that occur in an environment. The children thought that they could represent their knowledge and inquiries by creating a rainforest that reflected their understanding of the changes that occur between day and night. They decided they would create the rainforest using paper and cardboard boxes, just like Polygot’s Paper Planet. “All the boxes can be in the environment. They can be used to make the animals and the jungle stuff, like the trees and the grass. We can make the whole space with paper.” – Alice Freeman (ELC 4) “Yeah, we could make the (rainforest) with boxes and paper. Then they (mums and dads) would have to go through a tunnel to go from the day to the night. The tunnel could be made with paper and cardboard too.” – Charlie Griffiths (ELC 4) After discussing their big idea in more depth, ELC educators gave the children an opportunity to choose an area that they had an interest in to explore further. “We had a daytime group, night-time group, tunnel group and forest group,” ELC teachers Ainslie Burling and Victoria Manifold explained. “In small groups the children discussed with each other what they thought each of these areas felt, sounded and looked like.”

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

“The children collaborated together and shared their thoughts, as well as illustrating them pictorially. From these thoughts, it was evident that the children did not have an accurate understanding of a forest or what that looked like. They had differing thoughts on the types of animals that could be found in a forest.” So the children embarked upon a library research programme to help build their understanding of rainforests. They used books and the internet to research the Amazon rainforest. They then each chose an animal to research and documented their newfound knowledge. “The toucan is very colourful. The boy and girl toucans have colour patches on their body and their tail is long and black. The toucan puts its tail over the body when it sleeps. That helps the toucan hide. The toucan has a sharp beak. It looks like a big sword (with) black on the end.” – William Lindskog (ELC 4)

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

ml id="home-layout"> head><meta http-equiv="content type" content= text/html; charset=UTF-8">

itle> TO CODE, OR NOT TO CODE?</title> <meta name="keywords" content="skills, mputers, collaboration, change"> That was the question posed during the “I also felt there was a great opportunity </head><body> coding symposia hosted by the School to use programming or coding as a new in collaboration with Deloitte’s Centre for the Edge in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Geelong from October 5-19. The role of coding and digital literacy in education was explored by representatives from the School, Deloitte’s global research network (Centre for the Edge), various State government education departments, universities, schools and employers during vigorous and stimulating discussions at each of the five events. The School’s Coordinator of Creativity and Innovation, Dr Tim Patston, said the symposia set out to understand how best to equip the next generation of students with the skills they need to thrive in a changing world. “Computers are at the heart of the digital economy and coding is at the heart of computers,” Tim said. “But does this mean that we need to teach everyone how to code? What exactly is digital literacy? These questions have caused great debate among the education, employment and government sectors represented at our symposia. All sectors acknowledge that change is here, but are not quite sure as how best to meet the challenge.” Lachie Stevens (M’96) from Geelongbased agribusiness Lachstock Consulting said that digital literacy and coding had an ever increasing presence in business research and analytics. “I left the day encouraged that GGS is seriously exploring ways to integrate this type of technology, language, communication and skill into the curriculum,” Lachie said.

and appealing way for kids to engage in team building projects, problem-solving and reasoning. These types of skills have a place in most subjects so integrating it more as a way of learning rather than just through the learning of the (coding) language itself has valuable benefits in my mind.” Dr Peter Chomley (Ge’63), from RMIT University, agreed that problem solving, analysis and critical reasoning were the key skills identified during the symposia. “While coding was raised a number of times, I think the act of coding was not the key issue (and thus teaching coding) but the thought processes underlying coding,” Peter said. “I will be very interested in the consolidated results from all the workshops and look forward to the next stage of (the School’s) efforts.” Geelong Grammar School will be publishing a joint discussion paper in collaboration with Deloitte’s Centre for the Edge in early 2017, which will then be used to shape the School’s approach to digital literacy, computer programming and coding.

</body> </html>

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

DIGITAL LEARNERS Middle School students have started to explore aspects of the new Australian Digital Technologies Curriculum, which engages students with traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies. The curriculum is designed to develop computational and design thinking skills and to consider how solutions that are created now will be used in the future. In Term 4, our Year 7 students undertook a self-directed learning challenge in Maths. “Students were required to create a math-based computer game using Scratch blockbased coding,” eLearning Coordinator, Fiona Fitzgerald, explained. “The project required students to call on a range of skills that have been identified as essential within the 21st Century learning and work environments.” “Students had to work in a team to design a game concept that would address specific requirements contained within a design brief. They had to decompose their concept into small ‘codeable’ sections and construct algorithms to capture decisionmaking pathways involved in their games. The students then had to carefully manage their collaborative time to deliver the completed project on time.”

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

“Students were only given a single introductory session using Scratch and then challenged to work independently to find inspiration and support online to help them write the code required for their project. There was a great deal of problem solving when things did not work as planned, and students very quickly honed their skills in asking ‘Google-able’ questions.” Fiona said that in a technology-enriched age, we still tend to see our devices as a means of consumption rather than as tools for creation. She said that by applying their knowledge and practical skills to create innovative solutions using technologies, students can expand their understanding and respond creatively to current and future needs. “In the end, the finished games were very impressive and students developed a great appreciation for how much code is behind each aspect of things like Mathletics and the time it takes to construct complex computer games.”

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

YEAR 10 STEM INCURSION

Year 10 students explored creative problem-solving during a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) incursion at the end of Term 3. Following an introduction from Professor David Cropley from the University of South Australia’s Engineering Design and Innovation programme, students worked in small groups to tackle a series of “challenges”, including building a spaghetti bridge, creating a land yacht, constructing a tennis ball tower and exploring different ways to drop an egg from height and carry a brick with cotton wool. “It was a chance for them to experiment, test and explore,” Head of Design, Steve Griffiths, explained. “It was about succeeding through failure – not necessarily about the end result but the process. It was also about trying to mimic industry. James Dyson didn’t create the bagless vacuum cleaner in his first attempt – he failed 434 times. That’s what we wanted the students to experience; the opportunity to learn from their failures and to keep experimenting and exploring, and not be afraid to fail.” There was no formal assessment, but students were provided with observations on process, with a focus on how effective the solution was, how elegant the solution was, how creative, different or new the idea was, and if it was “paradigm-breaking” or introduced a new perspective. Assistant Head of Science, Rod Steer, said it highlighted students’ ability to develop new and

novel ideas, and how environmental conditions can encourage divergent thinking. “One student created a spaghetti bridge that supported itself through tension,” Rod said. “It wasn’t a truss structure or box girder bridge that you might think of, but used the tension of the spaghetti and was the strongest by far. A lot of kids are scared to try new ideas. They are scared to get things wrong. This day was the opposite. They weren’t funnelled towards the right answer because there was no right answer – there were multiple ways to solve the problem. You had to get things wrong and you had to learn from each failure.” The activities fostered creative problem-solving, teamwork and innovate thinking, whilst introducing students to an interdisciplinary way of learning. “Students needed to use elements of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to help them solve the problems,” Rod said. They also needed to collaborate, with students building upon each other’s ideas. “They were trying to carry bricks with cotton wool,” Steve said. “One of the girls decided to plait the cotton wool like you do with hair and all of a sudden this plaited cotton wool could carry a brick. Another girl decided to wet the plaited cotton wool and that could carry four bricks. They were like: ‘OH MY GOD’. It was brilliant. Hopefully they will now be more willing to try new and different ideas and accept failure to ultimately find the best solution.”

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

RUBE GOLDBERG CHALLENGE The Rube Goldberg challenge was presented to our Year 7 Science students in Term 4. “In Science this term the Year 7s have been learning about machines; we have covered simple machines such as levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wheels and gears,” teacher Carli Hinck explained. “The Rube Goldberg challenge required the students to build on their existing knowledge of machines, think outside the square and use their creativity.” Rube Goldberg was a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, sculptor, and author. His cartoons often depicted zany inventions, which became known as Rube Goldberg machines. The premise of a Rube Goldberg machine is to take a simple task and create an overly-elaborate method to complete it. Type ‘Rube Goldberg machine’ into YouTube and it will return more than half-a-million videos, some with over one million views. Inspired by what they had seen online, the students created and executed their own Rube Goldberg machines across four sessions in Term 4.

“You could use anything you liked from what was provided; balloons, bells, marbles, cups and cardboard ramps were all popular,” Skylar Waring (Yr7 Hi) said. Beyond the tools Skylar mentioned, groups incorporated matchbox cars and dominoes to complete their project. The challenge involves a number of stages:

•

the planning stage: the ideas flow and the mind runs wild. “This stage was really fun,” Fleur Stephen (Yr7 Ot) said.

•

the testing stage: plans change through trial-and error. Some outlandish designs are scaled back. “We couldn’t get anything to work,” Skylar said. “It was so frustrating,” Fleur added.

•

Completion day: each group filmed their Rube Goldberg machine in action. Some machines achieved their task on the first try, while others took a little longer. “Our machine worked on the third try,” Skylar said. “Which, by comparison to some of the machines we’d watched (on YouTube), was pretty good.” LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

GIVING FOR A BETTER WORLD How philanthropy has enabled GGS students to show they care Our Institute of Positive Education has taken part in university-led research projects since its inception. This year, a new research project tested the hypothesis that doing something to make the world better would also promote students’ wellbeing and encourage them to flourish. A researcher from Deakin University, Dr Bill Hallam, led the inquiry into how our students act when they are given the chance – and encouragement – to think and to take action to make their world a better place. Past parent and grandparent, Geoff Handbury, generously donated $245,000 to support this endeavour. “My dad and mum chose to be philanthropic because they wanted to help make the world a better place, particularly for adolescents everywhere,” Paddy Handbury (M’72) said. “So this project matches their wishes and hopes perfectly.” All the students involved put up their hands to participate. Twenty Year 8 volunteers were paired with Year 10 counterparts – the older student mentoring and encouraging the younger student. At a dinner in the SPACE on November 9, the student pairs presented their ‘Giving for a Better World’ project to parents, staff and fellow students. Showing their true GGS colours, the students expressed gratitude generously – to their mentors, for the positive energy of their mentees, for the chance to bridge the Middle School/Senior School gap, for the inspiration of Bill Hallam and the abundant practical assistance provided by Mary-Anne Lewis, GGS Careers Practitioner. Melisa Guoga (Yr8 Cn) worked with Matilda von Bibra (Yr10 He) to create ‘Cups of Happiness’, which encouraged Melisa’s Connewarre housemates to share gratitude, appreciation and words of encouragement through the simple gesture of slipping a note into a decorated paper cup. “Reflecting on it afterwards, it was a really good project because you can actually see how it has worked and it’s not something you can do only once,” Matilda said. “In life, later on, these ideas will come around again and you can do it in a different format.” Leo Chen (Yr7 Hi) and Eddie Jackson (Yr10 EM) started with

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

the ambitious goal of bringing Middle School and Senior School students closer together. As it turned out, through working together as equals, they did bridge that gap. They collected old towels from all the Corio houses and donated them to Geelong Animal Rescue for the bathing and comfort of newly rescued dogs. Leo is no stranger to helping furry friends; he and his family rescued an abused puppy while traveling in Nepal and ensured that the lucky dog went to a good home. Recycling was also at the heart of ‘Re-loved, pre-loved’, which was the brain child of Ella McGrath (Yr8 Hi) and Sammy Sutherland (Yr10 He), who collected old phones and recycled them – earning funds to donate to Geelong Red Cross. Tess Colquhoun (Yr10 EM) and Charlie Traynor (Yr8 Ot) noticed how much food was binned at Corio Campus and so created their own research survey to find out why students wasted food. They met with the School’s catering team (Alliance) to give them the results. While they shared student comments and wishes, Alliance showed them just how much care and planning went into providing nutritious meals for students. Charlie revealed he had learned a lot from Alliance staff and so finished his presentation by thanking “the people behind the scenes” for “making this delicious dinner we’ve just enjoyed”. Henry Attwell (Yr10 P), Cici Nie (Yr10 Cl) and Jaius Rhyon (Yr10 P) teamed with Jasper Ellery (Yr7 Ot) to promote the mental health not-for-profit Headspace: “in the hope that more young Australians would have a better understanding of mental illness”. They have arranged for Headspace to visit the campus next year. “It was a good opportunity to discover the world around you and the people around you,” Jasper explained. Tanee Meekhanthong (Yr8 Cn) worked with Georgie Manifold (Yr10 Cl) to promote the homeless charity Orange Sky Laundry. Tanee said her experience was transformative. “I think this project also made me a person who is always ready to care for other people,” she said. Sheila Colwell Associate Director, Community Relations

â&#x2020;&#x201C; SECTION 02 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; SCHOOL

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Year 10 students spent three days immersed in a broad range of creative activities under the tutelage of more than 30 visiting artists, artisans and experts as part of the annual Year 10 Creative Arts Workshops. Students had the choice of an incredibly diverse range of workshop activities, including blacksmithing, songwriting, face painting, photography, jewellery making, juggling, air-brushing, African drumming, magazine design, screen-printing, didgeridoo making/playing, breakdancing and paper weaving. Students participated in between three and nine workshops over the three days, with artists travelling from Melbourne, regional Victoria, interstate and overseas, with some also providing evening entertainment.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

NEWTOWN GAMES SPIRIT IN MOTION

Community service collided with the Paralympics when Bostock House Year 4 students were inspired by the Rio Games to create their own unique event for local disability provider, Scope (previously known as the Spastic Society of Victoria). Class discussion about community service prompted Bella Haigh (Yr4 BV) to wonder if Year 4 students could do something with an Olympics or Paralympics theme, which led to discussion about Scope’s nearby Shannon Park facility, which the campus has developed a strong relationship with in recent years. Fast forward a few weeks, several emails, countless phone calls and planning lessons and the inaugural Newtown Games were born. Guided by class teacher, Andrew Groves, Year 4 students began planning activities. They researched different countries and learned about their Paralympians, like Chinese swimmer Xu Qing and New Zealand “blade runner” Liam Malone. They created a Newtown Games logo and a tagline - “Superhumans inside and out”. They created games, like balloon netball, land kayak and hoop shotput, developing rules and scoring systems. They organised an opening ceremony and medal presentation, designed to celebrate their “friends around the corner” and determined to “see the person, not the disability”. “I don’t think I had ever really appreciated, at that deep level (before our Newtown Games), that I can actually move my body the way I want to,” Finlay Maltby (Yr4 BM) explained. “I could not believe how hard the clients were working to control their bodies. Their determination was extraordinary. Their disability was a challenge, but it did not change who they are and it did not mean that they can’t achieve great things.” “When we first arrived in the kitchen area, everyone from Scope was screaming because they were excited,” Charlotte Mackenzie (Yr4 BA) said. “It was a bit confronting but after a while I got used to it. It made me so proud that I could make a difference to them. Tom from Scope did terrifically and I could just tell how proud he was inside.” “When I first walked in I felt sad because the people looked sad and it made me feel sad as well,” Jingyang Huang (Yr4 BV) admitted. “Then Peter (who has cerebral palsy) knocked over ten bowling pins and I could see he was so happy. I can’t even knock over more than four! Ted (Nelson, Yr4 BA) held his hand to push harder and I think Ted kicked the last pin over for Peter.” “I noticed that with some help, all the clients would be able to play every single sport that we planned,” Kailen Waddick (Yr4 BH) said. “I felt very happy and warm when I gave my gold medal to one of the clients at the end in the closing ceremony. It was an amazing day.” “The day made me want to try hard in life and never give up,” Bella said.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

VAN JOY This year’s Lorne 160 raised a remarkable $67,000, which enabled local charity Geelong Food Relief to purchase a much-needed refrigerated van. It also encouraged Year 11 students to engage with the complex opportunities of a changing world, nurturing skills like curiosity, creativity, initiative and empathy.

They completed the annual 160-kilometre relay despite wild weather lashing Victoria in the days preceding the run, which caused flash flooding, landslides and the closure of a 50kmstretch of the Great Ocean Road, forcing them to take an alternative route. But they persevered to complete the relay and raise a whopping $67,000 for Geelong Food Relief.

Brandon Lau (Yr11 P) likened it to the butterfly effect – when a single, small occurrence resulted in a significant, unexpected outcome. Brandon was researching local charities for this year’s Lorne 160; a unique community service event which began in 1991 when a group of sixteen Year 11 students set off on an epic 160-kilometre relay run to Lorne and back again to raise money for the Spastic Society’s local Shannon Park Centre in Geelong. Every year since, at the end of Term 3, a small group of Year 11 students retrace their steps, raising awareness and muchneeded funds for a local charity of their choosing.

Crossing the finish line was a distant memory for Brandon and the other 19 students when Ross and Geelong Food Relief CEO, Collin Peebles, returned to Corio at the beginning of Term 4, driving down Biddlecombe Avenue in a brand new, refrigerated Renault van. “When I saw the van drive in, it was kind of unbelievable,” Brandon admitted. “Knowing we generated the money to buy this van, which benefits other people in the local community, we all felt so proud of ourselves and proud of each other. It felt really good to finish the run, but seeing the van was so much more rewarding.”

Brandon’s fluttering of wings occurred while searching the internet for local food banks. “We wanted to make sure our charity targeted a large demographic,” he explained. “Everyone needs food, so we looked at different food banks and we thought Geelong Food Relief wasn’t so well known, it didn’t receive any government funding and relied on private donations, so it was (a charity) that the money raised by the Lorne 160 could make a big impact on.”

It was equally rewarding for Geelong Food Relief staff and volunteers. “Without the Lorne 160’s kind donation (the van) simply wouldn’t be on the road,” Colin said. “It was put into service within the hour, which is an indication of how busy we are and how desperate we were. Clients attending our mini marts will now have access to a much wider variety of perishable nutritious food, which is a wonderful outcome.”

Unbeknownst to Brandon, Geelong Food Relief was in desperate need of a refrigerated van to rescue and transport perishable food throughout the region. “It's something that we've wanted to purchase for several years but we didn’t have the money and it would've taken us a long, long time to raise it,” Geelong Food Relief chairman, Ross Stephens, said. The Lorne 160 team set about raising the money; selling sushi, hosting a hypnotist, selling chocolates, organising casual clothes days and sporting activities, as well as through the generous sponsorship of family, friends and the broader School community.

Lorne 160 Coordinator, Tom White, said that he was impressed with what the students were able to achieve through creativity, initiative, determination, team work and empathy. “The greatest thing is that they have been able to give back to those in need who live in our local community,” Tom said.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

2017 SCHOOL CAPTAINS We are delighted that Ellie Mackey (Yr11 Fr) and Dan White (Yr11 P) will represent our School as School Captains in 2017. Light Blue spoke to Ellie and Dan about the year ahead. How are you settling into the role of School Captain? Ellie: Initially, I felt overwhelmed and worried that I wouldn’t be able to compare to the standards set by captains from previous years. However, the immense amount of encouragement and support I received, not only from friends and staff at the School, but also from friends and family outside it, has allowed me to feel confident and excited about my new role. Already, Dan and I have had the opportunity to meet and be connected with a wide range of people. Although it felt weird at first, I think we are gradually becoming more familiar with the rolling ‘skipper’ jokes and sitting at the front of assembly. Dan: The most important thing I considered before stepping into the role was not to change myself as a person. I had to believe that I was elected for the person that I am, not the person whom others thought to be the ‘ideal’ School Captain. This has made the adjustment as smooth as I could have hoped. The students and staff have been incredibly accepting and supportive and settling into the role has been made an enjoyable experience for both Ellie and I. Ellie – with our 2016 School Captains, Eliza Chomley (Fr’16) and Lewis Nicolson (Fr’16), both in your House, did they give you any tips or did you learn anything from observing them? Ellie: It was really comforting and reassuring to hear that they had experienced similar nerves and doubts at the beginning. Following on from Eliza and Lewis, the main advice that resonated with me was to be honest, brave and genuine. This advice was extremely powerful because it helped me know that, although I should try my best to set a good example, people don’t expect me to be perfect. What do you think makes the School unique? Ellie: I started at Grammar in Year 7 in Highton House. It didn’t take me long to realise that GGS is not like other schools. Due to the number of boarders and teachers who live on campus, we are able to form our own little bubble. The way that our School lives and the way that routines are constructed, involving much time together in Houses and activities, also guarantees that the friendships that we make are long lasting.

Dan: Being boarding and co-educational, Geelong Grammar is destined to be unlike any of the other APS schools, however this is not what makes the School ‘unique’. Being a student at Knox Grammar School in Sydney for nine years before transitioning to Timbertop and onto Corio, there is something here that you don’t experience at other schools. The community life and different aspects of education you receive make school life a place where people enjoy to learn rather than being forced. With the extraction of parents, students are forced to take motivation into their own hands, which in turn creates a positive and enthusiastic community unlike any other school. What is it that you like doing most at GGS? Ellie: When I explain to people outside school that I leave school at 8.30pm most nights, their reaction is almost always the same – a horrified and astonished expression! However, what I love about GGS is that there is still so much free time, but the structure of our week at school helps us to be productive. My favourite afternoons are when I can roam around the School, whether it be walking a teacher’s cat, spending time in the Music School, playing tennis with friends or just spending some downtime in house. There’s always something to do and there’s always someone to do it with. You recently visited Timbertop with the other 2017 School Prefects. What did you learn from that trip? And do you have any particular goal or vision for 2017? Dan: The trip to Timbertop was one of incredible value. All the School Prefects, together for the first time, in a place which we all have been through so much. Having the opportunity to speak to the Timbertop students was also a privilege and allowed us to form an idea of what we want to achieve in the coming year. Each prefect had a minute to talk about a certain area of the School, which allowed the Year 9s to get an idea of what they might like to join and achieve next year at Corio. However, our key message was that no matter what activity you do at the School, we just want everyone to be involved in as much as they can and to do it to the best of their ability because, especially at this school, a busy student is a happy student.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

STUDENT AGENCY THE LEARNERS’ VOICE The Performance and Development Programme (PDP) is a two-year programme undertaken by all teaching staff on all campuses. The aim of the PDP is to grow the professional capacity of each teacher through a cycle of goal setting, personal reflection and collaboration with colleagues. The School’s goal for the second cycle of the PDP, commencing in 2017, is “to improve student outcomes through an increased emphasis on student agency in the classroom”. Student agency refers to empowering students to take purposeful initiative in their learning. Current research suggests that students who take agency and ownership of their learning will acquire deeper understanding and skills and become more competent learners. Students will be better prepared to challenge the complex opportunities of a changing world. To help staff and students better understand the concept of student agency, Professor Stephen Heppell from the UK spent Wednesday 16th November at Corio. Stephen is one of the world’s leading experts on contemporary learning and, in particular, learner-led initiatives in education. He is Chair of New Learning Environments at Anglia Ruskin University, Chair of the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice at Bournemouth University and Chair of Learning Innovation at Universidad Camilo José Cela in Madrid. “You can't build better learning FOR children,” Stephen explained. “But you can certainly build it WITH them. Children are fascinated by learning, and their reflective practice – trying out ideas from all over, observing and critiquing the teaching and learning in their own school, swapping ideas and innovation – always and everywhere produces engaged, smart, articulate learners. Trying to improve learning without listening carefully to the learners’ voice is like trying to drive with your eyes shut. Of course, they can be daft as brushes sometimes, but I have learned to trust them and to value their voices and views always. As they say in China these days: we should teach less so that we might learn more.”

The day began with a Whole School assembly led by our 2017 School Captains Ellie Mackey (Yr11 Fr) and Dan White (Yr11 P). Ellie and Dan set Stephen’s visit in context and encouraged the students to become more involved in their own learning. Stephen then spoke to the students encouraging them to “make their learning better”. He gave examples of how students around the world had redesigned their own learning spaces by conducting relevant and purposeful research and then finding innovative and creative solutions. The compelling evidence showed that in most cases the students had significantly improved their learning outcomes as a result of their desire to improve their learning. Throughout the day Stephen ran masterclasses for staff, challenging them to “let go a bit” so that students have the opportunity to show agency in their learning. The day ended with Stephen visiting various learning spaces in both Middle and Senior School and advising curriculum leaders on suggested improvements, before leaving for a staff presentation at the Toorak Campus. Stephen will stay connected to the School as the staff continue to explore and implement strategies that encourage students to develop agency in their learning over the next two years. The topic of student agency, how students can actively exercise voice in the classroom through instructional decision-making (as appropriate), will be explored in more detail by all teaching staff at the 2017 Staff Conference in January. Kay Long Director of Learning

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SECTION 02 — SCHOOL

TOORAK WELLBEING CENTRE

Good progress has been made on the construction of the Toorak Wellbeing Centre. Demolition of the Butler Centre and 25 Jackson Street was completed at the end of October, enabling excavation, shoring, steel fixing and concreting to progress into December. This exciting new facility is scheduled for completion by Term 4, 2017, and will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and fully equipped kitchen and nutrition centre, as well as flexible spaces for mindful meditation, Positive Education and inquiry-based learning. More than $4 million has been raised towards the total project cost of just over $9 million. “I am very grateful to those families who have supported this project and made it possible for the Toorak Wellbeing Centre to be constructed,” Stephen Meek, Principal, said. “It will enable our Toorak students to develop their wellbeing, with a particular focus on nutrition and exercise.”

↓ SECTION 03 02 — FOUNDATION SCHOOL

Christian Davis had a fantastic 2016 on the track, but he left his best till last at the Australian All-Schools Championships in Canberra in early December. Fresh off a personal best in the Under 18 400m event, Christian’s confidence was shaken on the morning of his pet event - the 800m - due to a spasm in his right knee. Christian and his team laboured over the decision before deciding to run, and what a decision it proved to be! “I was really close to not racing,” Christian said of his race morning injury scare. Under advice from his team, Christian decided to take the “see how it goes” approach; given the significance of the race and how far they had come. A win in a meet record/ school record/ personal best time of 1:49.04 was the result as Christian improved on his previous PB by almost one-and-a-half seconds. Christian will be playing the long game next year, with the 2018 Under 20 World Championships in Finland the next international event he’s eligible for. Complacency could be an issue - given he only needs to maintain his current level to qualify for the Championships in Tampere - but Christian is driven to improve once again in 2017. “I’m just hoping to continue to lower my time (in 2017),” Christian said. “I want to be going to Worlds with a fast time knowing I have a chance.” As a guide, the eighth-placed finisher in the 800m event at the 2016 Under 20 World Championships ran the final in a time of 1:48.40, while the winner ran the 800m in 1:44.95. On his current trajectory, it’s not a stretch to see Christian competing in the final in 2018. A local lad from Corio, Christian joined the School in Year 10 on a sports scholarship (for athletics and soccer). “When I arrived I was a soccer player who ran a bit (for fitness), but as time progressed I improved to the point that my focus turned to the track.”

GOLDEN ERA OF ATHS

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 03 02 — FOUNDATION SCHOOL

Christian is quick to point to the quality of coaching at the School as one of the main reasons behind his success. “Having a team of the quality of (my coach) Anula Costa and Bruce Scriven - who work so closely together - there for me when I need it is fantastic.” Anula - a sprinter and long jumper in her youth - migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1998 to study, before taking up a role with Athletics Victoria and, later, with Athletics Australia as an educator, coach and assessor. Bruce has worked with athletes at the School for the best part of a decade. The past four years have been particularly special, with Deluca Lawson-Matthew (400m in 2013), Sam Reiser (400m in 2014) and Christian all winning at the Australian AllSchools Championships, in addition to Lauren Ryan representing Australia at two international events in 2016. Bruce has worked with a number of Australian record-holders, including Craig Mottram (A’98), Georgie Clarke and Sarah Jamieson. His impact on athletics at Geelong Grammar School, and in Geelong in general, has been immense. With more than 15 years of top-level coaching experience, Bruce is able to pinpoint the qualities necessary for a runner to progress. “The ability to peak in a final and run a fast time when it’s needed takes great mental strength,” he said. “And Christian exhibited that in Canberra.” From Craig to Lauren; Georgie to Sam; a strong work ethic is a constant for successful middle and long-distance runners, and Bruce says Christian has it in spades. “His work ethic is unbelievable and, all going well, he’ll be the third (GGS student) in recent years to compete at the World Junior Championships.” Nick Sculley

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 03 — FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION CHAIR

Thank you for making exceptional futures possible The Exceptional Futures comprehensive fundraising campaign began on the first of January 2012 and will finish at the end of 2016. Almost $32 million of philanthropic gifts have been made to the School during that five years and my warm thanks go to all who have made contributions along the way. It is a wonderful testament to the spirit of philanthropy that runs through the heart of the School. There have been many gifts – both large and small – and each and every one has mattered. Each person matters. We are a very generous community and over the course of the campaign 1,290 people have participated in making gifts; to the SPACE, scholarships, Toorak Wellbeing Centre, Positive Education, Visiting Fellows, the Mechai Viravaidya Centre, Annual Giving – the list goes on. I hope you will enjoy reading more about the campaign in the Impact Report attached in the centre of this issue of Light Blue. A special mention must go to bequests and the Biddlecombe Society. We had 60 members at the beginning of the campaign, 108 at the beginning of this year, and now have 142 – or so I believe, because it seems to grow by the day. Associate Director, Garry Pierson, has been focussed on developing bequests this year and with more than 100 people attending the annual Biddlecombe Society Melbourne Lunch, the number of bequests to the School continues to increase.

With the Campaign at an end, Tony Bretherton has decided to end his time as Director of Community Relations and Executive Director of the Geelong Grammar Foundation. Now in his seventh year with the School, Tony has led the campaign with outstanding results and we thank him and all the members of the Community Relations team for their efforts and commitment during these important five years. Now we look to an exciting future, and towards building on the work already done. The coming year will see reviews of our work with scholarships and Positive Education, and continued fundraising in support of the Toorak Wellbeing Centre and the new Sailing Facility. Increasingly it is being seen as natural and normal to make provision for the School in our Wills, and both Tony and I, as well as several new Foundation Board members, have been pleased to join the Biddlecombe Society during the year. Annual Giving will give everyone the opportunity to support the new Units being built at Timbertop, the new Tommy Garnett Scholarship (your gifts to this scholarship will be matched dollar for dollar by the School) and other scholarships – and of course, our libraries. Philanthropy is never something we can put down or leave aside. It is as much a part of our exciting future as it is a part of our exceptional past. The Geelong Grammar Foundation and the staff of the Community Relations team are looking forward to working with you next year and beyond as we continue to strengthen our School for its exceptional future. Penny McBain Chair, Geelong Grammar Foundation LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

Sujima Viravaidya (He’95) recalls the moment on the train her heart sunk each term as the Geelong Grammar School students returned from exeat. “You’d see the dreaded sign ‘Little River’,” Sujima recalls with some trepidation. “And you know that Corio (and a return to school) was just one stop away.” Of course, this feeling is nothing new for any student. Now, as it did then, those feelings tend to wash away as soon as students see their classmates again. For some students with learning difficulties, apprehension greets them at the school gate each morning as they grow anxious for what the day might bring. The leading gift given by the Viravaidya family to refurbish the existing academic support area at the School is a step to ensure that all students feel comfortable in their learning environment. What is now known as the Mechai Viravaidya Centre also received major financial support from Mark and Louise Calvert-Jones and an anonymous donor. The Viravaidya family was on-hand for the opening of the Centre and Sujima - the driving force behind her family’s support for the project - spoke of a desire to honour her father with something tangible at the School. "He did a lot for us and he doesn't really have a lot of time (for himself), so it's just a small thing that we can do for him," Sujima said. "Geelong Grammar School has been wonderful for him; he learned to be who he is now, because of who he was then."

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The opportunity to refurbish the academic support area presented itself when the neighbouring archives area shifted into the Fisher Library, leaving a large space for academic support to work with. The area was re-carpeted and now consists of a large space for group learning, as well as two offices and three smaller, sound-proof rooms to allow for one-on-one or smaller group support. “Since the refurbishment students have been here knocking on the door at 7.30am to get in. That’s the greatest testimony you can have,” Principal Stephen Meek said at the opening. Academic support at Geelong Grammar School is multifaceted. "It gives support to those who are thinking in class that they didn't get the total story (and) those that feel they haven't been stretched enough and want to be pushed a bit further," Stephen explained. Mechai’s (P’59) name is synonymous with HIV/ AIDS awareness in Thailand; his family planning strategies have saved millions of lives since the 1970’s. He also established the Mechai Pattana Bamboo School in Thailand. “We call it Geelong Grammar for the poor,” Mechai said at the opening. The students pay their yearly tuition by planting 400 trees and completing 400 hours of community service. In 2014, Mechai was the inaugural recipient of the Geelong Grammar School Medal for Service to Society.

SECTION 03 — FOUNDATION

MECHAI CENTRE OPENS

â&#x2020;&#x201C; SECTION 04 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;THE MAIL ROOM

Welcome to The Mail Room, a place for our wider School community to share news, notes and pictures of life beyond school. The Mail Room builds on the strong sense of community that we share and the foundation work of our Curator, Michael Collins Persse, who remains our invaluable oracle of information and the source of much of the content within. As a thriving boarding school, our mail rooms at Corio and Timbertop are central to the life of the School and the flow of information, from parent to student and beyond. Long may this continue.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

Michael Collins Persse celebrated his 85th birthday on Thursday 10 November, just three days after celebrating 61 years at Geelong Grammar School. We joined Michael for a cup of tea (accompanied by the obligatory tim tams, tic tocs and ginger nut biscuits) and relayed some frequently asked questions from OGGs. What do you do at the School? It’s actually not very easy to say what I do is it because it’s keeping in touch – I try to keep in touch with as many people that belong to the School as possible, which means thousands really. I write to every boy and girl for their birthday so at least they know I exist. I get to know quite a lot of them and I’ve had a lot of visitors recently with Year 12 people leaving. I write 10 or 12 letters a day on average. I keep all the biographical records and that means probably 40,000. I try to keep myself abreast of what’s going on in the world and the way the world is drifting. You official title is Curator… Curator of the School. Some people think it is Curator of the Archives but it is Curator of the School. What does that involve? Just whatever I want to make it involve really. When I was asked what I would like to be called when they asked me stay on after I turned 62 in 1993 (in those days of course people were retired at the end of the year that they turned 62, now illegal), off the top of my head I said ‘Curator’ because it comes from the Latin for ‘care’. A Curator is someone who takes care of, it can be anything from particular people to particular things, or to the continuing of a spirit or ethos. How is your health? I’ve got a few conditions. For instance, if my chronic myeloid leukaemia became acute, that would be that. But it’s been held at bay and that could be for many years. I hope it will be. There are things like

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

that and one is a bit in slight jeopardy but nothing has happened. I’ve got an ulcer on my leg and I have a daily visit from the district nurse because she’s a bit worried about that, but that’s minor in comparison. So my health is holding, I think that is the word, and cheerfully endured.

You are still so involved in the life of the School. What do you enjoy most about seeing the students? Their freshness. Their intelligence. Their openness.

Where do you live? I live in The Dovecote, 76 Biddlecombe Avenue. It’s now really my only home, apart from my clubs in three different cities. I passed on the house in Queensland to my nephew and sold my town-house in Melbourne. How long have you been here at number 76? Three and a quarter years. It’s gone quickly. It’s amazing really to think that I’ve been here since the middle of 2013 – thanks to the great generosity of friends. Do you get out and about much? I’ve just been up to Queensland for a week. I’m back in my stride. I can drive myself to Melbourne perhaps once a week and certainly at least once a fortnight. I have got three engagements in Melbourne for the rest of this month already. I do, if that’s what they mean by out and about, and every day I’m over at the School, even if it’s just delivering or collecting mail. You still contribute to Light Blue. What do you love most about that? Well, I’ve always loved writing, but it’s sharing some of the treasures of the School community, both people and events, as well as continuing trends or traditions. It’s just sharing them because sometimes I’m the person who knows and one has a responsibility to do it.

You are the Honorary President of the Biddlecombe Society (whose members have provided a bequest in their Will in support of the School). What are your aspirations for the Biddlecombe Society and for how it will benefit GGS? Above all I think it will increasingly provide the means to give scholarships. I think the future of the School, in quantity and certainly in quality, depends largely upon the openness of entry. I think the continuing flow of traditional Geelong Grammar families is also important and a golden thread that binds a huge amount together. But you need fresh blood and it’s terribly important that we are open to the world and scholarships are largely the answer. What do you hope for the future of GGS? That it will go on serving the world as a lighthouse school. I think it is, in a number of ways, probably the great school to which many other schools look. I think that’s borne out by the reaction to our Positive Education policies and practices, but also Timbertop and co-education. I do believe in institutions as well as individuals. I think it’s a tremendously important institution. It’s an exotic bloom in many ways on the Australian landscape, and we need it.

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

MICHAEL TURNS 85

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

GENESIS OF A PORTRAIT

Three of the ten portraits of past Headmasters and Principals that hang in the Dining Hall at Corio were painted by the seven-times Archibald Prize winner William Beckwith McInnes (1889-1939): those of John Bracebridge Wilson (1828-1895; Headmaster 18631895; painted posthumously from photographs), Leonard Harford Lindon (1859-1954; Headmaster 1896-1911), and the Reverend Dr Francis Brown (1869-1939; Headmaster 1912-1929). A letter written by Dr Brown between sittings for his portrait in London in 1933 and sent to his wife, Ada, at Preston Bagot in Warwickshire, where he was rector for five years after their return to England, has been generously given to the School Archives by their grandchildren Ian Brown (M’66) and his sister Sarah (He’69), who had found it among the papers of their late mother, Jean, inherited from her husband, Dr Philip Brown (M’22), a distinguished historian of Australia, particularly the Western District of Victoria, in the colonial era. In 1927, McInnes had been commissioned by the Federal government to depict the opening of the first parliament in Canberra by the Duke of York, second son of King George V. In 1933, McInnes went to England to paint the Duke’s portrait, and the School Council took advantage of that visit to commission one of Dr Brown. The letter – which touchingly reveals the loving husband and gentle sense of humour that lay behind the austere figure remembered by many boys – shows also his modesty. Neither he nor the Duke – also a truly humble man, destined to be a great and much-loved King as George VI – could have dreamt in 1933 that a third of a century on, in 1966, two of their grandsons, Ian Brown and Prince Charles, would meet as boys at GGS. Michael Collins Persse

“This afternoon I spent 3 hours with him (McInnes) & he seems to think he has made a good beginning, having put in the background & general outline. At present it seems a dreadful daub but he is confident (more than I am) that it will come out all right. At his suggestion I am being painted standing with mortar board in my hands & nearly full face. The standing is tiring but I rest from time to time & he gives me afternoon tea.”

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ “Ah, schooldays,” Lorie Lie (FB’44) sighed. “We had a thing in the Junior School that if you were lazy in class you would go on report and if you got a bad report you’d get the cane. There was one noted miscreant who had accumulated 48 cuts toward the end of his final year in Junior School and naturally was keen to achieve his half century by committing one last misdemeanor. Unfortunately for him, Jenno (Junior School head Reginald Gellibrand Jennings) got wind of this and awarded him a hundred lines instead and Henry was forced to settle for 48 not out. It was strict but it had a big impression upon me. I was a lazy little so and so, and I do think that those four years in the Junior School smartened me up a lot.” Lorie and older brother Harvey (FB’42) had arrived at Geelong Grammar School from Scotch College in 1937, with younger brother Rolf (FB’52) following in 1943. “We used to walk to school (at Scotch). Then my parents went away to Europe.” Lorie’s father was Norwegian. His mother was born in South Africa. His father was working in Australia for a Norwegian paper company when they met and he stayed on to start his own business as an indent agent, importing paper from manufacturers in Norway, Sweden, Germany and Czechoslovakia. “My parents spent half their lives tipping head waiters and railway porters around Europe, which for my mother was the ultimate delight. They went away in February and came back at the end of the year. In those days, the boarders were pretty wild at Scotch; coming down to the prep school and raiding the lockers. I clearly remember my father taking me and Harvey down to Geelong for interviews with J.R. Darling and the Reverend Frank Rolland, his opposite number at the College. He decided on Grammar and I spent the next eight years at Corio.” Lorie looks back on it as a fortuitous moment – the first of many. “While I think the School has had some minor faults, I think on the whole it’s a great institution and the wider community would be worse off without institutions like Geelong Grammar. In today’s world it is rather nice to see something that’s got a bit of substance to it and I do really have a sense of pride (of having attended GGS).” Lorie’s time at Corio coincided with World War II. “There were extremely solemn moments at the end of Evensong when Darling would slowly approach the front of the nave, pause, and then begin reading out the names of those killed in action, missing believed killed, wounded, etc. That generation was decimated. Only six or seven members of the 1st Football team from 1939 survived the war. I well remember watching them playing on Main Oval as I stood on the grass in front of the Junior School.”

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

By the time Lorie graduated from Corio, the last major German offensive on the Western Front (Battle of the Bulge) was faltering and the war was nearing its end. “Although I enlisted in the Navy before the Japanese surrended, I was very fortunate to miss seeing action. Next, I had the good fortune to fall into my father’s paper business, which was quite successful, and I made a lot of friends all over the world.” Lorie ran the business in Sydney for 15 years. By the time he returned to Victoria, he had a wife (Ailsa, since deceased) and four children. They settled in Mount Macedon, where his elder daughter, Catherine Beegling (Lie, Cl’70), attended Clyde School at nearby Woodend, while sons Michael (FB’71) and Richard (FB’76) attended GGS, followed by younger daughter Petrina (Cl’80), post-amalgamation. Lorie was OGG President from 1976-78 and a committee member until 1985. At the Tower Lunch in 2002, he was approached by then Principal, Nicholas Sampson, to become the inaugural President of the School’s bequest society, named in honour of two of the School’s great benefactors, Janet Biddlecombe, of Golf Hill, and her husband John, who provided six Masters’ residences at Corio between 1920 and 1925. Thus the Biddlecombe Society was born. Lorie and current wife Ann (Hawkes, Cl’54), widow of Michael Irvine (Cu'48), believe in the power of philanthropy. They support various charities, including the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. “I think we’re all becoming much more aware of the need for philanthropy,” Lorie said. “When you look around the world and the community, I think it’s becoming more and more obvious that we should give something back to society. JRD was very strong on this.” Lorie also believes strongly in GGS, having made a bequest to the School in his Will so that its tradition and leadership will continue into the future. “On visits to the School, I invariably visit the beautiful War Memorial Cloisters, remembering once more the familiar names enshrined there in that peaceful atmosphere. Those at GGS now might see much of this as ancient history. On the other hand it might encourage them to reflect on the continuing nature of the School as they are now treading the same pathways at Corio as so many others have done. As the School song (Carmen Coriense) tells us: floreat ut floruit, ut floret florebit. Yes, it has flourished as indeed it will continue to flourish. In fact, when I read about the School and what is happening now, I’m more enthusiastic than I’ve ever been in the past.”

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

1944

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

1946

Peter Graham Faithfull Henderson AC, KStJ (Cu’46) died on 25 September 2016. In a distinguished career as a member of the Commonwealth Public Service, he rose to be Secretary (or head) of the Department of Foreign Affairs for five years. Though he headed only one foreign Mission, his influence within the national public service was strong, not least towards a recognition of the importance of women. Born on 1 October 1928, he was the eldest son of Graham Henderson, a grazier in the Goulburn district, and Valerie, whose paternal grandfather, William Pitt Faithfull, had been a pioneering merino breeder and New South Wales politician. He outlived his two brothers, Geoffrey (Cu’48) and Tony (Cu’58).

rigorous), he was Second, then First, Secretary in Geneva (196063), Counsellor in London (1967-70), Assistant Secretary of DFA's South Asia branch (1971-73), Ambassador to the Philippines (197374), First Assistant Secretary (1975) and then Deputy Secretary (1976-78) until “seconded to private enterprise” (CRA) for six months’ valuable experience of national and international business (living with Heather in Melbourne with her mother, Dame Pattie Menzies; Sir Robert died that year), and finally Secretary (197984). He rated the last ten years of his public service as the most taxing but also the most rewarding “despite a rapid acceleration of the ageing process, including the loss of a great deal of hair and the greying of what remained”.

From the family property, Trentham, he went as a boarder in 1939 to the Moss Vale preparatory school, Tudor House, which had recently been rejuvenated by the scholarly and witty Jack (later Sir John) Medley (who from 1938 was vicechancellor of Melbourne University), and in 1942 to GGS, which had already experienced its own renaissance under another brilliant head, Jim (later Sir James) Darling (Headmaster 193061), but which in Peter’s time was experiencing wartime rigours and deprivations (not least of young staff). Darling was relying to an unusual degree on his senior boys for leadership and help, including that given in the Geelong district after the 1944 bushfires when GGS boys helped rebuild local woolsheds and St Wilfred’s Church at Mount Duneed. Peter, who in 1946 became a School Prefect and Captain of Cuthbertson House, was one of many boys influenced towards a life of public service, including a large proportion of Australia’s pioneer diplomats.

Peter privately enjoyed greatly his life in the Menzies family (so well recorded by Heather in two books about her father) but suffered to some extent professionally because Labor politicians liked to see him as a beneficiary of nepotism while Liberals, in their anxiety to avoid giving credence to such a view, ran a risk of underrating his ability. Real suffering came during his time as Secretary when an ALP Senator for Victoria, Cyril Primmer, speaking under parliamentary privilege, made repeated attempts, with cruel assertions but no evidence at all, to have him convicted of various bizarre crimes. Primmer had in 1986 to admit that he was completely mistaken and apologised unreservedly, but some of the mud so wildly thrown stuck to Peter’s reputation among those who did not know the man and his integrity.

Having rowed in the first eight and matriculated over two years with first-class honours in Latin and French and seconds in English, English Literature, and two Histories, Ancient and British, he went on in 1947 to Oxford for three years at Merton College, reading PPE at first but switching to History, rowing for the college, and enduring postwar austerity and the fierce winter of 1947-48. He remained grateful for the learning and friendships gained in England while also regretting the diminution of contacts with life and contemporaries in Australia. Two paths of duty beckoned: schoolmastering, favoured by Darling, and the family tradition of farming. Both, however, presented difficulties: the one, an inability to accept easily “the standard requirements of religious observance”; the other, “unavoidable aspects of life on the land – animals and their complaints, and machinery and its uncertainties”. The Australian Foreign Service proved more enticing, and on 25 January 1951 he became a member of the Commonwealth Public Service, entering it as a Diplomatic Cadet.

A further unfairness, as it is widely judged, came in 1984 when he was replaced as Secretary by Bill Hayden, Foreign Minister in the Hawke government, on the grounds that Hayden was not being sufficiently informed by the Department on all its multifarious fronts. Peter was offered two overseas postings that he declined, one as inappropriate, the other to avoid displacing a valued incumbent. He was then, on the 33rd anniversary of his first appointment, “involuntarily retired” from the CPS. Some saw his appointment (by coincidence the next day in the Australia Day honours) as a Companion in the Order of Australia (he declined an Imperial knighthood, regarding it as anachronistic), as a “golden handshake”. In fact, such honours are non-political and the result of objective research by a committee under the aegis of the Governor-General. It should be added that during Primmer’s attacks Peter had received touching support from several Labor politicians, including Hayden himself and Gareth Evans. He then wrote a memoir, Privilege and Pleasure, whose title echoes W. S. Gilbert in The Gondoliers: “the privilege and pleasure/ that we treasure beyond measure/ is to run on little errands for the Ministers of State”. Its tone and contents reflect his charm, humour, and self-deprecation. It is at once an answer and an antidote to the injustices with which he had come to be treated by politicians.

As Third Secretary he was posted from 1952-54 to Washington, under the Ambassador Sir Percy Spender, and from 1955-56 to Jakarta, returning briefly to Canberra in May 1955 to marry Heather Menzies, only daughter of the Prime Minister. Four daughters followed: Edwina in 1959, Penelope in 1959, Catriona in 1961, and Elizabeth, known as Sibby (Je’80), in 1963. Penelope is the mother of Mollie (T’09) and Oscar (T’14) Borschmann, as is Catriona of Jack Faulkner (T’10).

In the three decades that followed, Peter and Heather lived in Melbourne and then Canberra. He continued to serve Australia in various ways, including directorships and as Chancellor (19952000) of St John Ambulance Australia. To his family and many friends he was a wise, perceptive, quietly witty, modest exemplar of the traditional virtues of an understated gentleman while remaining responsive to the young and the young-at-heart – and remarkably alert to the way the world was going. He is survived by Heather, their four daughters, eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Peter remained in the Department of Foreign Affairs, with a series of postings punctuated by the usual periods of service and preparation in Canberra. After Jakarta (domestically the most

Michael Collins Persse

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

50 YEAR TIMBERTOP REUNION For Jonny Southey, organising the Timbertop 1966 Reunion was a two-year labour of love resulting in a warm and happy gathering at Timbertop on Saturday 17 September. Past staff members Glen Bechly and John Bedggood (Cu’52) joined former students for a relaxed morning and lunch, followed by a hike up Mt Timbertop for some and dinner that night in the dining hall.

1. I Unit – Charles Blake (P’70), Tony Elder (FB’68), Tim Harrison (FB’68), Sandy Maconochie (M’68) and Richard Wills (Cu’68) 2. Jim Nelms (P’69) and Simon Arms (Cu’68) 3. Clyde Batty (Ge’67), Robert Delalande (Timbertop ’66) and Campbell Rankin (Ge’67) 4. C Unit Bruce Erskine (Ge’67), Chas Armytage (M’68), Philip Davies (Ge’68), Tony Legoe (M’69), Geoff Johnson (M’69), Bill Mackay Sim (M’69) and Ron Sewell (P’67) 5. John Clemens (FB’68), Jonathan Gibson (M’69) and Tim Harrison (FB’68) 6. Andrew Ramsay (Cu’69) and Jonny Southey (Timbertop ’66) 7. David Fisken (FB’69), Jim Kilpatrick (Cu’69), Jon Chambers (P’69), Andrew Kemp (P’68) and Geoff Johnson (M’69) 8. The 1966 Timbertop Reunion Group. Photo below: Richard Kumnick (M’68)

8 LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

1947

Harrison Ormsby Higgins (M’47), who died on 7 June 2016, was a school principal in British Columbia, Canada. Born at The Hague, Netherlands, in 1929 to an American mother and an Australian father, Harry spent his early years near oil fields in Venezuela, New Guinea, California and Borneo, where his father was a petroleum engineer. He went to GGS from 1939-40 and 1944-47, finishing as a School Prefect and House Captain of Manifold with Colours for Football. He attended Jesus College, Cambridge, and worked for the Shell Oil Company in Melbourne and Manila, where he met his American wife, Lois, before moving to British Columbia, Canada. Harry attended the University of British Columbia, graduating M.A. in Education, and began his teaching career in Squamish, a scenic village an hour north of Vancouver. He eventually settled in Salmon Arm on the shores of Sushwap Lake in BC’s southern interior and held a variety of teaching and administrative roles in School District 83 North Okanagan-Shuswap, including 13 years as Principal of J.L. Jackson Jr. Secondary School. Harry and Lois had three children, Robin, David and Bill, and were active members of the Salmon Arm community. A keen naturalist, after retiring in 1987, Harry spent six years on the British Columbia Environmental Appeal Board. He loved canoeing, hiking and skiing, and had a particular interest in studying reptiles, working on several wildlife preservation projects with the University of Victoria, BC. He is remembered for his kindness and good humour.

1951

Adrian Monger (FB’51; Staff 1964-74), who died on 9 July 2016, was a distinguished schoolmaster, oarsman and rowing coach who, as boy and man, oscillated between Scotch College, Perth, and GGS, the two schools to which his maternal grandfather, Peter Corsar Anderson CBE (Staff 1896-1900), had given notable service. Anderson emigrated to Australia from Scotland, where he had won the title of Britain’s top golfer at St Andrew’s in 1893. He tutored young Macartneys at Delatite and ran the GGS Junior School, before a long and influential 42-year tenure (1904-45) as Headmaster of Scotch College in Western Australia, where he also designed golf-courses. Anderson married Agnes Henrietta Macartney, a granddaughter of the first Dean of Melbourne, Hussey Burgh Macartney (a Founder of GGS), and through their nine children, Adrian was one of a large cousinage. Born on 6 December 1932, son of Catherine and Rupert Monger (descendant of pioneering businessmen and pastoralists in the West, commemorated in Lake Monger), Adrian grew up between Peppermint Grove and Derby, where his father had a live-export business. After five years at Scotch, he went to GGS in 1947 – followed the next year by his brother, Peter (FB’52) – finishing as a School Prefect and Captain of Athletics (starring in the high jump), with Colours also for Football and prowess in many sports, including boxing – but not yet on the river. At Melbourne University, from which he graduated in Commerce, he developed the passion for rowing that, like those for camping and rural life, claimed him for life. A King’s Cup oarsman for Victoria (victorious

in 1954 and 1956), he rowed at 7 in the crew that won the Bronze medal at the 16th Olympiad, held in Melbourne in 1956, among ten OGGs representing Australia in those Games, including Garth Manton (P’48), also in the crew. After jackarooing and stockbroking, he decided to follow his grandfather (and his GGS headmaster, JRD, always an inspiration to him) and teach. A Diploma of Education was followed by 11 years on the GGS staff, teaching Commerce, coaching football, the high jump, and rowing (Under 16 crews and first eights), and playing a key part in the development of the W.H. Pincott Club (founded in 1963). On leave for the Northern Hemisphere academic year of 1969-70, he taught at Eton (loving its heritage and traditions) and, while in England, met Susan Crooke (Cl’66), from The Holey Plain near Rosedale in Victoria, who became his bride at Rosedale in August 1970. Through Sue’s father, Edward (Cu’31), and four OGG brothers, Adrian acquired even more GGS associations. Two sons followed, Alec in 1972 and the late Eddie, after Adrian had returned to Perth, where a long career on the staff of Scotch College confirmed him as a very successful rowing coach, housemaster, commanding officer of the Cadet Corps, and patron of the Pipe Band. After a short time at Christ Church Grammar School, also in Perth, he returned to Scotch as Development Officer, helping to establish the Scotch College Foundation. Retirement brought travel with Sue, more rowing, camping with his brother on the Canning Stock route, and everywhere the loyal cherishing of old friendships, not least among OGGs. Challenged latterly in health, he showed great stoicism and dignity. Adrian, whose tall (and always elegant, whatever he wore) presence was notably calming and reassuring, was greatly admired. He is fondly remembered for his deliberate ways and the quiet constancy and sincerity of his character.

1961

Former President of the OGG Riverina and North East Branch, John William (Bill) Dobson (P’61), has continued his active community service in Benalla as a board member of the Tomorrow Today Foundation, whose major project is the Education Benalla Program, which addresses disadvantage by improving educational outcomes for the town’s young people. Bill’s roots run deep in the Benalla district. His father John (P’25) bought the family property 12 kilometres from Benalla in 1934. Bill was a partner in the Benalla legal firm Harrison Dobson and Cottrill for 35 years, served on the Benalla and District Memorial Hospital Board for 18 years, including six years as President, and chaired the local Tourism Committee.

1971

Simon Noble (Cu’71) and wife Philippa returned in February 2016 from a two-year voluntary project with Australian Volunteers for International Development in Ethiopia. From Brimin, north of Wangaratta on the Murray River, Simon and Philippa were farm management mentors in a remote highland region of Ethiopia, 150km west of Addis Ababa. Their job as mentors was to make a small dairy farm owned by an orphanage productive. It was a far cry from the Nobles’ home, Brimin Lodge, a former sheep, cattle and cropping farm now used for Murray cod aquaculture and tourist accommodation, which was overseen by the couple’s eldest son Richard (Cu’02) in their absence. LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

After a shaky start, with changes of date and venue, the 40th reunion went ahead on Friday 30 September with a terrific assembly of people, many of whom had travelled long distances to be there. Several members of the year group took the opportunity to visit the Corio Campus prior (some had not been back for many years) then joined everyone else for dinner in Melbourne. Congratulations to the reunion committee for a wonderful evening. Photos from the reunion can be viewed at the online gallery www.ggs.vic.edu.au/alumni

6 1. Fiona Hamer (Je’76), Max Cameron (P’76) and Sushmitam Rouse (Je’76) 2. Michael Wilbur-Ham (P’76) and Kammy Cordner Hunt (Cl’76) 3. Andrew Bickerdike (Cu’76), Laurence Eu (Cu’76) and David “Ernie” Turnbull (Cu’76), Richard Ross-Edwards (Cu’76) and Peter Cotton (Cu’76) 4. Hamish Wallace (P’76), Nick Noall (FB’75) and Simon Reed (P’76) 5. Robyn Cassidy (McKendrick, Je’76), Susie Sutherland (Hopkins, Fr’76) and Deb Chirnside (Philip, Je’76) 6. Richard Sleigh (M’76) and Nick Rule (FB’76) 7. Kate Larsson (Helen Moss, Je’76) and Catherine Millikan (Je’76) 8. Kimberley Prince (A’76) and Sam Hayward (FB’76) 9. Virginia Mansell (Je’76), Gill Moxham (Penman, Cl’76) and Deborah Cole (Je’76) LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

40 YEAR REUNION

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

1. Tim Gough (FB’86), Cath Mather (Holmes a Court, Je’86) and Georgie Imhoff (O’Shea, A’86) 2. Leanne Zeinstra (Albergo, Highton ‘82), Tony Cram (Fr’86) and Cindy Holzer (Fr’86) 3. Helen Breguet (Fr’86), Maree Planner (Simpson, Fr’86) and Heidi Sutherland (Asimus, Ga’86) 4. Simon Bromell (P’86) and Bobbie Mann (P’86) 5. Olivia Stiles (Plumbridge, Cl’86), Liz Kelly (Ga’86) and Saraid Banahan (Cl’86) 6. Resplendent in school uniforms were Jane Macdougall (Cl’86), Charlie Sutherland (P’86) and Belinda Jamieson (Cl’86) 7.Stu Brien (FB’86) and Wayne Durran (A’86) 8. Henrie Stride (Je’86) and Tom Vincent (M’86)) 9. Emma Zipper (Niall, Ga’86), Charles Vorrath (A’86) and Harriet Robin (Je’86) 10. Heidi Sutherland (Asimus, Ga’86), Fiona Koch (Ga’86) and James Robertson (Cu’86) 11. Tim Spiden (M’86), Bridget Boehm (Joyce, Ga’86) and Sarah Laidlaw (Seymour, Ga’86)

30 YEAR REUNION 8

With a strong group of House representatives in place contacting members of their various Houses, the 30th reunion committee did a brilliant job gathering 111 members of the 1986 year group for a spectacular evening. Many House groups met prior, then enjoyed a big night beside the banks of the Yarra catching up with everyone else from the year group in what was one of the biggest 30th reunions held. A slideshow of photos and a fireworks display over the Yarra capped off a wonderful evening!

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ Georgie Crozier MLC (Je’81) was guest of honour at Speech Day on October 16, which celebrated the many achievements of the Class of 2016. Georgie is a member of the Victorian Legislative Council, representing Southern Metropolitan Region. A former nurse and midwife, she completed her general nurse training at the Alfred Hospital, followed by midwifery training at the Royal Women’s Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education from Deakin University and a Certificate in Management and Leadership from Swinburne University. Georgie spent 15 years working and developing comprehensive management guidelines in the area of acute care and chronic disease. She was co-author of Diabetes and Pregnancy, which has been published and distributed internationally. Georgie was elected as a Liberal member for Southern Metropolitan Region at the 2010 Victorian State election. In the previous Coalition government, Georgie was the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Chair of the Legislative Council Standing Committee for Legal and Social Issues for the Victorian Coalition. She was also Chair of the Family and Community Development Committee which undertook the major Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations. Georgie tabled the report, Betrayal of Trust, in the Victorian Parliament in November 2013. She is Shadow Minister for Families and Children, Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Shadow Minister for Women and Shadow Cabinet Secretary.

2002

It’s been a monster year for Monte Morgan (P’02) and Harvey Miller (Cu’04); the duo known as Client Liaison. Their debut album - Diplomatic Immunity - was released in November and received great reviews across the board from the likes of Rolling Stone and The Guardian. The pair also launched their own designer fashion line - think pastels, legionnaires hats and bum bags - which incorporates both an online store and pop-up stores in Sydney and Melbourne. World of our Love the first single from the album - has over 1.5 million plays on Spotify, while A Foreign Affair features guest vocals from none other than Tina Arena. The duo will ring-in the new year at the annual Falls Festival, playing each of the four venues across Australia. New Year’s Eve will be spent sharing a stage with the likes of Grandmaster Flash, Broods, and headliner Childish Gambino in Byron Bay.

2007

OGG Easton Wood (Cu'07) led the Western Bulldogs to just the second VFL/AFL premiership in the club's 92-year history on Saturday 1 October in front of 99,981 fans at the MCG. The Bulldogs 22-point win over the Sydney Swans saw Easton join Charlie Sutton, who captained Footscray to their first premiership in 1952, as the only premiership captains in Western Bulldogs/ Footscray history. The club's rollercoaster season ended on a high note in the decider as the Dogs kicked four of the last five goals to defeat this season's minor premiers. Easton played his role to a tee, taking seven marks to go with six one-percenters (an assortment of spoils and smothers)

in a back-six forced to work overtime to curtail the influence of Buddy Franklin and Kurt Tippett. Easton came to GGS from Camperdown College at the commencement of Year 11 on a Cricket Scholarship. A gifted all-round athlete, Easton was Captain of Athletics and Vice-Captain of Cricket in Year 12, as well as being Cuthbertson House Captain in 2007. He received an ATAR (then ENTER) score of 97.75 along with a VCE Distinguished Achiever award for Geography after achieving a study score of 40 or more. Easton accepted a first-round offer to study Physiotherapy, before later transferring to complete an Exercise Science degree part-time.

Easton took time away from the celebrations to catch up with fellow OGGs Ben Long (Fr'07), Jack McPherson (FB'07), Andrew Swan (Fr'07) and Ed Stevens (M'07). Photo: Andrew Walsh (TGC'07)

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

1981

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

CALENDAR

OGG GATHERINGS

OGG v Old Geelong Collegians Golf Day, Barwon Heads Friday 10 March 2017

Several gatherings of Old Geelong Grammarians have taken place recently. OGGs and members of the wider Geelong Grammar School community gathered at Restaurant Two in Brisbane for the OGG Qld Branch Cocktail Party on Friday 26 August. Branch President Douglas Campbell (P’76) welcomed guests and introduced Stephen Meek, Principal who spoke about current happenings at GGS. Many thanks to Douglas Campbell for his work organising the evening.

OGG Business Lunch Thursday 30 March 2017 OGG Timbertop Morning Saturday 1 April 2017 1967 50th Timbertop Reunion, Timbertop Saturday 1 April 2017 88th Women's Inter-School Golf Challenge Cup, Kew Golf Club Monday 3 April 2017 OGG Riverina and NE Victoria Branch Function, Avenel Saturday 22 April 2017 OGG NSW Branch Cocktail Party, Sydney Wednesday 26 April 2017 1997 20 Year Reunion, Geelong Saturday 29 April 2017 OGG Annual General Meeting Tuesday 2 May 2017

Members of the wider School community also gathered in Adelaide for the biennial OGG South Australia Branch Dinner on Friday 25 November. Bill Seppelt (M'64), President of the OGG SA Branch and Ruth Vagnarelli (Hickinbotham, Cl'82) Branch Secretary, welcomed guests to the Adelaide Club where they enjoyed a beautiful meal. Stephen Meek spoke about news of the School and said farewell to the Adelaide community as this was his last official dinner in Adelaide as Principal before he leaves GGS at the end of 2017. Many thanks to Bill and Ruth for all the work they put in to organising a lovely evening. Stephen and Christine Meek visited the USA this year. David and Sarah Harden (Vickers-Willis, A’89) generously hosted a gathering of members of the GGS community at their home in Los Angeles on Tuesday 27 September. LA has a small but warm and welcoming group of OGGs as well as current and past parents and the event had a lovely community feel to it. A huge thank you to David and Sarah for hosting the event and making everyone feel so welcome. Two days later in New York around 40 people gathered at the Cornell Club to meet Stephen, Christine and each other - another warm gathering of our community. Included among the guests was Beth Mencel (Rail, ’73) who arrived at GGS from Canada in September 1971, officially the first girl ever at GGS. Beth had travelled from Canada to be at the New York function. Many thanks to Richard Southby (FB’56) the hosting member of the Cornell Club.

OGG WA Branch Cocktail Party, Perth Thursday 11 May 2017 OGG Tasmanian Branch Cocktail Party, Cressy Friday 8 September 2017 1977 40th Timbertop Reunion, Timbertop Saturday 23 September 2017 1987 30 Year Reunion, Melbourne Saturday 14 October 2017 OGG Golf Day, Barwon Heads Friday 10 November 2017

Tower Luncheon Saturday 4 November 2017 OGG Motoring Event Saturday 4 November 2017

For enquiries about anything above, please contact Katie Rafferty, Alumni Manager on tel: 03 5273 9338 or email: oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au

2 LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

2017

SURVE Y

The OGG Association Executive has commissioned an in-depth survey of OGG, COGA and HOGA members to obtain feedback and information about its current and potential future services to assist with future planning and strategies. If the OGG office doesn't have your up to date email address please email it to oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au if you wish to participate. On Friday 3 February 2017, MMG Education will invite you by email to complete an online survey that seeks your feedback and opinions.

Should you not wish to be contacted by MMG Education with the invitation to participate, please contact the OGG Office on telephone +61 3 5273 9338 or by email to oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au by no later than Monday 30 January 2017 requesting that your details be removed from the survey email database.

TIMBERTOP OPEN MORNING 6

1. In Adelaide were George Taylor (P’15), Christine Meek and Matthew Taylor 2. Brooke Yates (MacLachlan, Cl’86), OGG SA Branch President, Bill Seppelt (M’64), Sandy Edwards, OGG SA Branch Secretary, Ruth Vagnarelli (Hickinbotham, Cl’82) 3. Orso Osti and Stephen Meek in Adelaide 4. At the Queensland gathering were Nick Jones (M’15) and Nik Searby (He’99) 5. Tina Llewellyn, Peter Llewellyn (FB’62), Jacqui Seppelt, Robert Hesketh (Cu’54) and Shirley Hesketh in Adelaide 6. Nik Searby (He’99), Edwina Badgery (Ga’15), Louisa Jones and Nick Jones (M’15) in Brisbane 7. Former staff member The Reverend Dr Ron Noone with his wife Ro Noone (Norton, Je’76) in New York 8. Pictured at the New York gathering were Stephen Meek and Beth Mencel (Rail, Li’73), the very first girl who came to GGS from Canada in September 1971. LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Old Geelong Grammarians have an opportunity to re-visit Timbertop on the morning of Saturday 1 April 2017. The Head of Timbertop, Tom Hall, will host morning tea in the Dining Hall at 9.00am, followed by guided tours of the campus until 12 noon. There is no cost but bookings are essential via the website www.ggs.vic.edu.au/oggevents Given the very nature of the programme at Timbertop, the School is unable to welcome visitors during term time and unable to hold more than two Timbertop reunions per year (the 40th and the 50th), so the first Saturday morning of the Term 1 Victorian school holidays has been set aside for OGGs to visit the campus. Please note, this is not a morning for prospective and current students to visit. Prospective families need to book a Tour Day through the Admissions Department at GGS tel: 03 5273 9307 or email: admissions@ggs.vic.edu.au For enquiries about anything above, please contact Katie Rafferty, Alumni Manager on tel: 03 5273 9338 or email: oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

OGG FEB

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

OGG PRESIDENT The OGG Association (OGGA) has over 15,000 members worldwide. There are lifelong benefits associated with belonging to such a network of old, new and potential friends, business contacts, career mentors, leaders, volunteers and professionals in countless different fields of endeavour. In a fast-changing world these benefits are not only personal, they serve to strengthen positive relationships within communities and society in general. OGGA's constitutional objectives include uniting this diverse alumni group. Accordingly, the OGGA Executive has commissioned a survey of OGG, COGA and HOGA members to obtain research-informed feedback about its current services and to seek views of members about new services the OGGA should consider for the future. For this purpose, we have engaged MMG Education, an organisation highly experienced in school research. On Friday 3 February 2017 you will receive an email from MMG Education inviting you to complete the online survey, which will provide information to assist the OGGA Executive with its planning and strategies. This is an important project for the OGG Association and we would greatly appreciate your support in responding to the survey. We thank you in advance and look forward to sharing feedback with you in early 2017. Please see page 43 for more information about this survey and how you can participate. A highlight of the OGG calendar, the annual Tower Luncheon welcomes back those who left school 50 or more years ago. Held on Saturday 5 November, 180 guests enjoyed morning tea and a Chapel Service, followed by lunch in the Dining Hall. During the Chapel Service, readings were given by Prue Plowman (Manifold, Cl’63), Carolyn Menzies (Dennis, He’65), Steve Cheney (P’66) and Bill Charles (Ge’37). In his sermon, Stephen Meek referred to the skills of artists who capture the human spirit and character in portraits. Guest speaker Richard Weatherly OAM (M’66) is a farmer, environmentalist and artist renowned for his ability to capture the spirit of animals, birds and landscapes in his art and sculpture. Richard spoke of his work as the founding president of Watershed 2000, a project dedicated to restoring 800,000 hectares of habitat between the Otways and Grampians. Among other insights, Richard shared his memories of OGG Fellows Boz Parsons (M’36) and Frank Covill, who taught him at GGS, and advised that better community education, a more cohesive social system and research is needed for the preservation of ecosystems. During the lunch, nonagenarians were celebrated,

with special applause for centenarian Margaret Ganly (Burn, He’31), aged 101, whose birthday (7 July) coincides with the College Grammar Reunion Dinner to be held on 7 July 2017 at Albert in France. Another poignant coincidence is that Margaret’s father, Norman Burns, was killed near Albert in 1917, only days after arriving to fight in France. After the Tower Luncheon, guests also wandered outside to view the OGG Motoring Event, which had left from the Equestrian Centre earlier that day and finished under the oak tree for afternoon tea. Many thanks to David Henry (FB’70), who organised the event, ably assisted by his wife Belinda. Thanks also to Ian Coltman (A’77) and Suzie Batten, who hosted morning tea. It was wonderful to see victories in 2016 for the Old Geelong Sporting Club, including the senior football team celebrating its sixth premiership in the Club’s 63-year history and OGS Blue Netball team winning the Division 2 Grand Final in the Prahran Netball Association. Thanks to all those volunteers who have made the OGSC such a vibrant and successful organisation again in 2016, bringing together hundreds of people in a mutual enjoyment of sport. I must mention this year’s momentous AFL Grand Final match, which saw many a feline OGG draw in their Cats’ claws and purr support for the Bulldogs as acting Captain, OGG Easton Wood (Cu’07), led them to a mighty victory over the Swans, breaking a 62-year premiership drought. Unforgettable. On Sunday 16 October GGS Speech Day was celebrated in the traditional way as a special milestone for the Class of 2016. Over 200 students were on the brink of starting VCE or IB exams, completing their years at school, and officially becoming Old Geelong Grammarians and future ambassadors of the School. School Council chairman Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79) and guest speaker, Victorian MP Georgie Crozier (Je’81), spoke eloquently of the opportunities for students to build worthwhile lives, to look after each other and, in Georgie’s words: “You’ve got such an exciting life ahead of you, you will continue to create your own selves and your own success”. We wish all our new OGG members the best for their future endeavours and look forward to welcoming them at OGG events in the years to come. Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl’71) OGG President LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

12 LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

1. Russ Grosvenor (P'66), Steve Cheney (P'66) and Principal, Stephen Meek 2. Steve Cheney (P'66), Foundation Chair, Penny McBain and John Menzies 3. Carleen Thoernberg with her mother Margaret Ganly (Burn, He’31) 4. John Court (Cu’47) and Joan Mackenzie (Bloomfield, Cl’52) 5. Hugh Ross (FB’53) and Robert Beggs (FB’53) 6. Guest Speaker Richard Weatherly OAM (M’66) 7. Derek Dyer (Cu’66) and Jill Falkiner 8. The Tower Luncheon 9. Jenny Jordan (Gray, He’51) and Kay Coltman (FB’46) 10. Biddlecombe Society Chairman, Neil Robertson (FB’72) and Hilary Blakiston (Heath, Cl’44) 11. Principal, Stephen Meek with Pauline Walker (Ilett, He’58), Robyn Webster (Wilkinson, He’59) and Richard Webster. 12. Richard Molesworth (M’66), Bill Weatherly (M’66) and John Menzies

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

HOGA NEWS Hermitage Old Girls' Golf Day Following on from a good turnout of Old Girls at the AGM, about 80 girls also came to the Hermitage Golf Day and luncheon at Barwon Heads. The weather for the 39 golfers was certainly not the best with a very strong wind blowing. Prue Webb (Spittle, Hermitage ’70), who now organises this event, needs to be congratulated on the amazing effort she put in to make this day such a success. It was wonderful to see some new golfers come this year and also a number of Old Girls come for lunch who had not been before. From the level of chatter over lunch, it would appear that everyone had a very enjoyable day with a beautiful meal served. It is always such a lovely day to catch up with many old girls who do not come to other functions.

1. Susie McIntyre (He’69) and Janny Molesworth (McIntyre, He’70) 2. Jen Stewart (Speirs, He’68), Naida Hutton (Glen, He’68) and Georgie Sanders (Strachan, He’69) 3. Jill Hambling (He’68), Anne Hambling (Cole, He’42) and Vicki Hambling (He’68) 4. Jo Ritchie (He’65), Julie Bingley (West, He’65), Evelyn Collins (He’64) and Helen Rymill (Jackson, He’65) 5. Andrea Hogan (Donald, He’73), Susie Donald (He’75), Aldene Glenister (Splatt, He’52) and Trudi Toyne (Splatt, The Hermitage then FB’73)

COGA NEWS AGM & Old Girls’ Lunch Janet McCulloch OAM (Low, Cl’51) was guest speaker at the COGA Annual General Meeting and Clyde Old Girls’ Lunch on Sunday 16 October at the South Melbourne Community Centre. Janet gave a lively account of her years as a police officer in Carlton and Fitzroy during the 1960s, before serving for 20 years in Ballarat, where her extensive community service earned her the city’s Senior of the Year award in 2015. Her voluntary work with aged care, disability services and child protection agencies has been served alongside her leading roles in Ballarat’s arts community, including as president of the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Women’s Association. Fun Cup Golf Clyde finished ahead of St Catherine’s and Toorak College to win the Women’s Fun Cup Golf event at Sorrento Golf Club on October 7. The winning team was Fi Chirnside (Macfarlan, Cl’54), Vicki d'Antoine (Hughes, Cl’69), Di Goetz (McKay, Cl’57) and Janet Coombes (Dalrymple, Cl’67), while Di topped the individual stableford points tally (41), with Janet in equal third place (33) and Vicki in equal fourth (32). Clyde golfers, Back (L to R): Janet Coombes (Dalrymple, Cl’67), Julie Cole (Baird, Cl’68), Fi Chirnside (Macfarlan, Cl’54), Caroline Russell (Cl’73), Di Goetz (McKay, Cl’57), Mandy Snaddon (White, Cl’67), Roo Rawlins (Hornabrook, Cl’59), Deb Calvert (Moore, Cl’65), Jo Armytage (Barr Smith, Cl’69) and Anna Tucker (Kimpton, Cl’71). Front: Deb Middleton (Noall, Cl’71 ), Kate Robinson (Richardson, Cl’75) and Vicki d'Antoine (Hughes, Cl’69)

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

Garden Tour COGA vice-president Fern Henderson (Welsh, Cl’59), Dizzy Carlyon (Clapham, Cl’58) and Sue Home (Maberly Smith, Cl’56) organised a fabulous three-day garden tour on the Mornington Peninsula, from October 18-20. 44 relaxed passengers criss-crossed the peninsula, where gardens ranged from romantic French style retreats (Picardy) to tranquil parklands and spectacular terraces with stunning vistas over the Tarago Reservoir (Janalli and Broughton Hall). Highlights included visits to Thurulgoona in Merricks, created by Tamie Fraser (Beggs, He’54) as a happy place for family, grandchildren and labradors, and the timeless Mulberry Hill in Langwarrin, which is exactly as Joan Lindsay (Weigall, Cl’14) left it when she died in 1984, including the tiny table and typewriter where she wrote Picnic at Hanging Rock. Proceeds from the garden tour were donated to local charities, with the balance of $3,000 donated to the Clyde Scholarship Fund.

1 1. Tamie Fraser (Beggs, He’54) pictured with her late husband Malcolm Fraser (Glamorgan '37) in the garden at Thurulgoona. 2. The garden at Thurulgoona 3. Mulberry Hill in Langwarrin LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

OGG SPORT Football After breaking the Preliminary Final hoodoo and securing a promotion to VAFA Premier C with a convincing victory over PEGS, the Seniors faced Old Mentonians for the fourth time of the season in the Grand Final. As expected, the two best teams in the competition delivered a thrilling contest and treated the big crowd at Coburg City Oval to a great spectacle of amateur football. The Panthers hopped to an early lead as they adapted to the conditions quicker than Old Geelong, before Cal Wood (TGC’08) and Jock Grimshaw (FB’13) began to impose themselves on the game, getting the OGs back on even terms in the second quarter. The momentum swung again in the third as Old Mentonians jumped out of the blocks, but only managed three goals from 10 shots. With a slender three-point margin at three-quarter time, it was anyone’s game. Despite a number of entries inside 50 to the Panthers, the OGs rebounded from half-back, resulting in goals to ex-Geelong Cat George Burbury and Rupert de Crespigny (Cu’10). When the final siren sounded, Old Geelong was in front by eight points, 14.10.94 to 12.14.86, sparking scenes of wild jubilation, with a large throng of OGs supporters rushing onto the ground to celebrate the sixth Senior premiership in the Club’s 63 years. Premiership players included Rupert de Crespigny, Jock Grimshaw, Josh Hutley (Fr’13), Hugh McKay (M’11), Harry Morrison (Yr12 A), Will Sloss (M’12), Charles Youngman (Cu’13) and Sam Youngman (Cu’13). The Seniors’ history-making victory followed in the footsteps of the Club XVIII team, who came from behind to win the Club XVIII premiership in a classic encounter against West Brunswick at Sportscover Arena on August 21. Although West Brunswick jumped out to an early lead, Old Geelong displayed some of its most desperate and skilful football when it was needed most, kicking four goals to none in the last quarter to register a fantastic 13-point win, 11.4.70 to 9.3.57. Premiership players included Zach Carroll (Fr’12), James Imhoff (Cu’97), Joe Kemp (M’13), Rob Officer (M’08) and Cameron Sherwin (Fr’09). For more information about Old Geelong Football visit the website (www.oldgeelong.com.au) or the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oldgeelong). You can also watch both victorious Grand Finals online at www.bit.do/ogspremiership Women’s Football Old Geelong will compete in the inaugural VAFA Women’s Football League next year. The launch of the VAFA women’s league comes off the back of the AFL’s announcement of their national women’s league involving eight AFL clubs that will begin next year. To join the OGs women’s team next year, register your interest at www.bit.do/ogswomensfooty Netball OGS Blue played in the Division 2 Grand Final of Prahran Netball Association against the Dimes, which ended in draw at the end of regulation time. Two three-minute halves of extra time were played, with wing defence Lucy Codyre (Cl’14) forcing a turnover in the dying seconds, securing a nail-biting 42-40 win. The team consisted of Lucy Codyre, Emily Fyffe (A’14), Ally Kirkwood (Cl’14), Madde McCartney (A’14), Nicola McLennan, Annabel Rafferty (A’14) and Emma Szepe (Cl’14), with Jess Sleigh (Cl’14) and Phoebe Chirnside (Ga’14) unable to play on the night. The OGS Netball Club is looking for new players for the beginning of the next season, starting in February in Melbourne. Please register your interest before January 31 to secure your spot on a team. Visit the Old Geelong Sporting Club website (www.oldgeelong.com.au) or the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/oldgeelong) or contact Ally Kirkwood allykirkwood@bigpond.com or Annabel Rafferty annabelraff@gmail.com Tennis The Old Geelong Tennis Club has commenced its second season and will host several events over the summer at Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. All are welcome at these fantastic social events, where both single and doubles tennis is played in a very relaxed environment, and food and drinks are had in the wonderful surrounds of Royal South Yarra. For more information visit www.facebook.com/ogstennis

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

OGG Golfers celebrated 30 years of the OGG Golf Day on Friday 18 November at Barwon Heads Golf Club. Jon Malpas (Fr’97) put together the draw and around 70 golfers took part in the event. It was lovely that Boz (M’36) and Barbara Parsons were able to join golfers in the clubhouse at the end of the day and Boz presented trophies to the cup winners. Georgie Sanders (Strachan, He’69) won the Tommy Garnett Cup for the Individual Par Handicap for Women and Matt Suvoltos (A’93) won the Boz Parsons Cup for the Individual Par Handicap for Men. There were a number of other category winners, including Nearest the Pin 4, Casey Macleod (Whitehead, He’64) and Michael Richmond (FB’62); Nearest the Pin 17, Hugh Brodie (Fr’77); Nearest the Pin shot 2 Hole 1 Winner, John Embling (Cu’63); Longest Drive 18, Stuart Timms (A’01) and Jan Embling (Bell, He’71); Parents Event Winners, Brian O'Shea and Ted Matson (+6); 4 Ball Best Ball Par Winners, Jan Embling and Penny Hawker (+5) and Mark Denniston (FB’62) and Al Gleeson (Cu’63) (+11); 4 Ball Best Ball Par Runners Up, Zara Brookes (Morrison, Cl’82) and Sally McKillop (Capper, Cl’82) (+4) and Tim Morgan (FB’96) and Matt Suvoltos (A’93) (+8); Best Dressed, Judy Chirnside (Sanders, He’67) and Tim Farley; Tommy Garnett Trophy Winner, Georgie Sanders (Square) and Runner Up, Jan Embling (-2); Boz Parsons Cup Winner, Matt Suvoltos (+4) and Runner Up, Mark Denniston (+3). Many thanks to Jon Malpas who did a great job putting the event together and also to Alex Suvoltos (FB’97), who assisted with the scoring at the end of the day. Thanks also to Dan Redman (Cu’99), from Redman Wines, who supplied some of the prizes.

1. Dan Redman (Cu’99), Stuart Timms (A’01), Simon O’Brien (A’94), Tim Bayles (FB’99) and Jimmy Legoe (M’97) 2. Winner of the Tommy Garnett Cup, Georgie Sanders (Strachan, He’69) with Boz Parsons (M’36) 3. Winner of the Boz Parsons Cup, Matt Suvoltos (A’93) with Boz Parsons (M’36) 4. Janet Coombes (Dalrymple, Cl’67), Caroline Russell (Cl’73), Zara Brookes (Morrison, Cl’82) and Sally McKillop (Capper, Cl’82) 5. Tony Carty (Cu’60) and Sam Carty (Cu’65)

OGG Motoring Event 35 people and 18 cars took place in this year’s OGG Motoring Event, held on Saturday 5 November. The event started at the David William Robert Knox Equestrian Centre at Corio and then took drivers on a scenic drive criss-crossing the Moorabool and Barwon valleys to the morning tea destination, Woolbrae Farm, the home of Suzie Batten and Ian Coltman (A’77). From there, drivers travelled through Barwon Heads and all around the Bellarine for lunch at Queenscliff ’s Foreshore Park, next to the famous Harry’s Restaurant. Answering questions along the way, from Queenscliff drivers journeyed back to GGS to park under the Centenary Oak to be greeted by guests at the Tower Luncheon. Belinda Jamieson (Cl’86) and Jane Macdougall (Cl’86) in the beautiful 1958 BN6 100/6 Austin Healey won the event this year – the second time for both but the first as a duo. A full report from David Henry (FB’70), Event Director, with photos and all the results can be found online at www.ggs.vic.edu.au/alumni

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

30th Annual OGG Golf Day

↓ SECTION 04 —THE MAIL ROOM

10 YEAR REUNION A huge number attended the 10th reunion of the 2006 Year group in October. Members of the year group flew in from the UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand and travelled from all over Australia to be there. The dedicated committee did a brilliant job organizing the reunion. Headed by Charlie Reed (P’06), the organizing committee included Harriet Kempton (He’06), Eb Kidd (Ga’06), Rosie McBain (Ga’06) and Annie Salter (He’06). From all accounts a great night was had by all.

1. Elizabeth Mackison (Robinson, Timbertop ‘03), Lizzie Garrard (He’06) and Sara McMicking (Cl’06) 2. Christian Frost (Fr’06), Charlie Reed (P’06) and Sean Kriegler (P’06) 3. Myra Azlan (Ga’06), Jubbin Grewal (Cu’06), Henry Wallis (P’06) and Dominic Teoh (P’06) 4. The reunion organising committee: Eb Kidd (Ga’06), Rosie McBain (Ga’06), Charlie Reed (P’06), Annie Salter (He’06) and Harriet Kempton (He’06) 5. Freya Julian (A’06) and Francesca Garnett (Ga’06) 6. Amanda Tsiang (He’06) and Lindy Lo (Cl’06) 7. Jonathan Dillon (Fr’,06) Rosie McBain (Ga’06) and Tiffany Sayers (Fr’06) 8. Kate Mellier (Fr’06), Lach Tantau (Fr’06) and Bianca Curtis (Fr’06) 9. Louise Brugman (Ga’06) and Rupert Blunden (FB’06) 10. Back – Nick Hardie-Grant (M’06), Jono VickersWillis (FB’06) and Nickle Gubbins (M’06). Front – Ash Breen (Cl’06) and Annie Salter (He’06) 11. Liz de Fégely (He’06), Atsuko Hirota (He’04) and Chiharu Mima 12. Chandra Satar (FB’06), Justin Yap (FB’06) and Bryan Sudjati (FB’06)

12 LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓ MARRIAGES

Anika O’Connell and Nicholas Ashton (P’99), two sons, Myles Joseph on 24 November 2009 and Lachlan Montgomery on 5 December 2011

Joanne Ashton (Cl’97) married Jamie Weir on 5 July 2012

Lucy Lehmann and Andrew Baylor (FB’71), a son, William Ross Freeman, on 17 May 2013, and a daughter, Hilda Helen Freeman, on 28 August 2015

Dianne Boddy (Elford, P’51) married Lionel Blood on 5 November 2016

Carly neé Mills (A’01) and Luke Blunden, a son, William Michael, on 9 October 2016 Potjane neé Lumjun and James Bowden (Cu’76), two sons, William Oliver on 27 February 2002 and Oliver Martin on 14 March 2007 Caroline neé Burke (Ga’98) and Nick Carr, a son, Hamish William Hardie, on 4 May 2016

Nicholas Ashton (P’99) married Anika O’Connell on 16 March 2013

James Cutler (FB’04) married Samantha Margetts on 28 November 2015 Sophie McQuillan (Fr’09) married Ryan Marsden-Smith on 10 September 2016 Portia Morgan (He’00) married Christian Sirianni on 24 October 2015 William Morshead (A’99) married Charlotte Heldreich on 8 July 2016 Emily Oman (Fr’00) married Michael Vincent Magnier on 22 October 2016

Annie neé Legoe (Cl’03) and Rob Costin, a son, William Freddie, on 27 July 2016

John Pascall (P’98) married Kate Underhill on 9 August 2015

Samantha and James Cutler (FB’04), a son, Harry Russell, on 17 October 2016

DEATHS

Rebecca neé Waldron (He’98) and David Faris, a daughter, Amelia Kate, on 13 November 2015 Amy Silver and Rory Fitzwilliams Hyde (P’99), a daughter, Sunday Aino, on 23 June 2015 Georgie neé Nevile (Ga’94) and Sam Foster (M’93), a son, Timothy Merlin, on 14 June 2016

Jane Aubrey Austin (McFarland; Clyde 1941-44), 22 August 2016 Janet Mary Thomson Austin (Laidlaw; Hermitage 1943-44), 25 August 2016 Helen Margaret Barclay (McIntyre; Hermitage 1942-46), 22 March 2015 Thomas Murray Bassett (1936-41), 16 March 2012

Eliza neé Heathcote (Ga’01) and Johan Gantin, a daughter, Tilda, on 4 May 2016

Lois Ann Beaney (Umhauer; Hermitage 1950-51), 2 October 2012

Heidi and Christopher Gaussen (M’93), a son, Magnus, on 21 December 2015

Jennifer Margaret Mary Borton (Hermitage 1952-54), 18 December 2015

Charlotte and Bryan Grills (A’96), two sons, Henry John Hurburgh (Harry) on 11 July 2010 and Angus James Hurburgh on 4 January 2013, and a daughter, Clementine Arabella Hurburgh, on 7 May 2015

Peter Dixon Bowe (1974-76), 20 April 2016

Phoebe neé Gleeson (He’99) and Nick Jefferson, a daughter, Cecilia Caroline, on 2 December 2016 Catherine neé Parkinson (Fr’00) and Michael Krause, a son, Henry George Shore, on 26 October 2016 Alice neé Finlay (Cl’02) and Andrew Landale (P’01), a daughter, Arabella Susan, on 27 October 2015 Sarah and Jimmy Legoe (M’97), a daughter, Millicent Fairlie, on 26 July 2016 Elizabeth Bennett and Rod Matthews (Fr’00), a son, William Robert Frederick, on 25 October 2016

David Andrew Hooper (1981-95), 9 September 2016 Ian Marquis Hopkins (1949-52), 23 August 2012 Charles Parmenter Hornabrook (1938-39), 25 June 1998 Peter Greville Zoffany Horne (1957-63), 8 April 2016 Noel Florence Johnson (Evans; Hermitage 1945-56), 26 August 2002 The Reverend Canon Donald Walter Johnston (1940-46), 20 November 2016 Ronald Malcolm Clive Little (1943-51), 25 November 2016 Malcolm Mackay Sim (1935-38), 2 September 2016 Alexander James Mactier (1972-77), 22 November 2016 Laurence Arthur Thomas Maggs (194849), 15 June 2016 Captain David Walter Massy-Greene (1959-61), 21 August 2016 Doreen Freda McBean (Miller; Clyde Staff 1944-45), 30 August 2016 Arthur Francis Parker (1937-39), 6 August 2011 Peter Lewis de Teissier Prevost (195355), 9 April 2016

Anne Florence Bryant (Morrison; Hermitage 1937-39), 20 August 2016

Anna Louise Reid (Hudson; 1989-90), 1 October 2016

June Rose Calvert (Taylor; Clyde 194750), 29 July 2016

Blyth Ritchie (1950-58), 12 October 2016

Jean Campbell (Dalrymple, formerly Kemp; Clyde 1930-31), 4 August 2016 Dagmar Carbonaro (Ukshe; Hermitage 1956), 4 September 2016 Kenneth Livingstone Carr AM (1942-47), 17 March 2016 Philip Humphrey Hunter Champion de Crespigny (1959-66), 17 October 2016 Alex Khuat Teik Choong (1970-72), 30 June 2015 Elizabeth Mary (Susie) Darling (Yencken; Clyde 1942), 20 May 2016

Josephine Wilson (He’03) and Alistair McKendrick, a son, William David, on 7 October 2016

Ralph Reginald Hamilton (1932-33), March 1996

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Daniel Ayrton Hollis QC (1938-42), 4 September 2016

Elizabeth Cameron Winter RahlesRahbula (Morse; Hermitage 1957-60), 8 November 2016

Jannette Maxine Grove (Hatwell; Hermitage 1948-56)

Jo neé Ashton (Cl’97) and Jamie Weir, a daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth, on 9 August 2016

Harrison Ormsby (Harry) Higgins (1939-40, 1944-47), 7 June 2016

Susan Duane Brill (Powell; Clyde 194855), 1 October 2016

Sharma and Andrew McElhinney (A’92), a daughter, Grace, on 28 August 2012.

Kate and John Pascall (P’98), a son, Angus Walter, on 29 September 2016

Peter Graham Faithfull Henderson AC (1942-46), 25 September 2016

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

BIRTHS

Helen Margaret Happell (Macdougall; Clyde 1947-53), 9 August 2013 Elizabeth Caroline Hardy (Hermitage 1949-53)

Rosemary Isabel Senyard (Hopkins; Hermitage 1947-56), 28 January 2000 Isabel Colleen Shellshear (Doyle; Hermitage 1951-56), 16 October 2016 William Harold Spriggins (Staff 2016), 19 November 2016 Hilary Alexandra (Holly) Thredgold (Slatter; 1987-91), 28 August 2016 Terence Rhys Tolhurst (1944-45), 8 December 2016 James Ernest Powne Trebilcock (193031), 26 November 1996 Catherine Hope Turner (Hermitage 1952-54) David Ian Beaumont Welsh AM (194050), 30 January 2014 Brian William Whitten (1948-55), 6 November 2016 Pamela Wotherspoon neé Knipe (Hermitage 1947-50), 15 July 2016

Andrew Osborne Hay OBE (1955-62), 9 November 2016