the power of conversations

There is something so powerful about the conversations we have in our lives. Moments in time. Split second interactions.

I write this just after running into an Old rammarian, not at school but outside my home in a town across the bay from school, whom I’d never met. It’s quite incredible the power a place can have on you, can affect your moments in time. Our school, a unique boarding school, a second home and family to many for more than a hundred years from hundreds of places.

What I find incredible is no matter the year, the house, the suburb, country or state we have come from, at Geelong Grammar we are all one. Yes, in hindsight you are inevitably the student graduating from Clyde 2022, but in the large scheme of things you are and always will be a Geelong Grammarian or member thereof (staff, parents, students included). It is the power of these two words that I have found have significant impact on my moments in time. The two words ‘Geelong Grammarian’ bring inevitable connections, pride, belonging and joy. Of all the times I have had a (random) conversation with someone, even if they graduated many years ago, or are still graduating or just embarking on their journey at this school, it always brings me joy. It’s hard to put into words or describe this exact feeling, but it’s like talking to an old friend who you haven’t spoken to in years, or a family member who you haven’t seen in a long time; it feels familiar, it is engaging and it always feels normal.

Whilst I still have another year left of my time here, this is something that I will always take with me and hold with me in my years beyond Geelong Grammar.

written by amelia los

year 5 year 8 year 11 teacher principal HOH matron

Who is the most powerful person in the world?

Who is the most important person on campus?

What is the biggest threat to humanity today?

Most positive thing that is happening in the world currently?

Any Covid habits?

What is your favourite book?

Joe Biden Your best friend Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India Joe Biden The person who chooses love and light, not hate and darkness. You will never know, that is why they are so powerful Mothers

Annabel Eastoe because she is an amazing fun teacher. Ms Cody Ms Cody Rebecca Cody The person who places civic duty above their own needs. The next person you speak with. The students

Global Warming and Covid-19 Covid-19 The acceleration of globalisation Deception Fear. The belief that you should always be ‘happy’ Climate change

fight to stop racism Vaccines are a thing Vaccination rates are on the rise The breaking of taboos about seeking self-help. The courage and selflessness of our health professionals. Being made to stop. Awareness surrounding climate change

Online Shopping No motivation to work Journaling Cooking. Lengthier than usual walks to release me from yet another problem-solving meeting on the screen! Birthdays in a park to meet up with family! Listening to more music

David Walliams, Gangster Granny Rick Riordan, Heroes of Olympus: House of Hades Bill Browder, Red Notice Robert Crichton, The Secret of Santa Vittoria Dr Seuss, Oh The Places You’ll Go! Tom Stoppard, Arcadia Charles Dickens, Great Expectations