Adolescence Understanding

‘What is the use of children?’

This was the topic explored by paediatric pioneer, Dr John Court AM (Cu’47), when he gave the Vernon Collins Oration in 1990. Few people were better qualified to speak on the subject, and few people who were present forgot John’s carefully reasoned speech. He explained that usefulness is a fundamental need of children, a need often neglected by modern society, but essential for pre-adolescents to develop a strong internal belief in themselves. And adolescents, explained John, need to be respected. These factors were fundamental to John’s ground-breaking work in adolescent health, which eventually resulted in the first adolescent medical ward in Australia and the formation of the Centre for Adolescent Health.

Between 1996 and 2010, John lent his expertise to Geelong Grammar School as the first senior medical officer. He took on the role with great enthusiasm, travelling regularly to Corio and Timbertop, and developing innovative health pathways that included a radical drug program focusing on education and rehabilitation rather than expulsion. Many students reported their lives were changed for the better as a result of this compassionate approach. “I had always promoted the principle that we should unite, as far as possible, management of student health and illness with promotion of positive health, including healthy eating and physical activity, and other emotional and mental strategies.”

The Handbury Centre for Wellbeing, home to the John Court Café, was in large part conceived in response to John’s theories.

Fittingly, John’s association with Geelong Grammar School bookended his illustrious medical career. When he came to the School as a 12-year-old boarder in 1941, he had already decided he wanted to become a doctor, having been impressed by his older cousin Jim who was then a medical student. More than 50 years later, John eagerly accepted the invitation to establish a liaison between the School and the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he was then director of adolescent health. Though not an active old boy, by his own admission, he enjoyed reconnecting with the School and in 2015 –by then enjoying a well-earned retirement –he became a member of the Biddlecombe Society when he pledged a gift to the school in his Will. John died in 2021, having entered his tenth decade, leaving a $5,000 bequest to the Michael Collins Persse Scholarship.

It seems only appropriate that John Court’s name is linked with that of Michael Collins Persse, who also cared deeply for the wellbeing of students at Geelong Grammar School. Five years before he died in 2018, Michael and a number of his friends, family and colleagues established the Michael Collins Persse Scholarship in order to commemorate in perpetuity the values of humanism and scholarship that Michael held so dear. The collective efforts of many donors, who, like John, have contributed mostly modest gifts (along with a few more substantial donations), has resulted in a fund for the Michael Collins Persse Scholarship now valued at over $2.5million and able to support multiple students each year with the gift of a Geelong Grammar School education.

The first three Michael Collins Persse scholars, Emily Headon (Cl’20), Harriet Furphy (Cl’20) and Mia McEachern (Cl’20), all commenced during Michael’s lifetime. Sadly, current and future scholars will never experience Michael’s gentle manner and inspiring personality for themselves, but there is no doubt they are cognisant of the honour that has been bestowed upon them. There are plenty of people around who keep Michael’s memory alive. “My dad [Nick Bradley, (M’93)] told me he was just the most genuine, gentle and kind person, and that he played an important role in keeping the OGG community together”, said current scholar, Henrietta Bradley (Yr11 Cl). “My great-grandparents [Jean and Morris Chomley, (M’26)] were good friends with him, and Mum [Sarah Bradley (Chomley, Cl’93)] said if her grandma was alive, she would be over-the-moon to know I had received the scholarship.”

If he was here, John would be gratified to know that Henrietta is making the most of her opportunity to attend Geelong Grammar School. “It’s completely changed the trajectory of my life. It’s really special being here and it means a lot to me. Having the scholarship really motivates me to do well because I know how lucky I am to receive it. It was such a nice thing for him to do, to donate his money.” Elise Pemberton (Yr12 EM) and William Simpson (Yr12 P), also current scholars, agree. “It’s an amazing thing to do”, said Elise. “Clearly, he felt such a strong connection to the School in coming back to work here and then donating that money in his Will. That says a lot about him as an individual. It’s not an easy task to be able to come to this school financially, so I feel incredibly grateful I’ve been given the opportunity to come here.” Coming from Hay, William is really appreciating the opportunity to broaden his horizons and make new connections in the same school that his father [Tim Simpson, (P’86)] and sister [Kate Simpson, (Ga’19)] attended. “Michael was my dad’s history teacher. I felt honoured to be selected for the scholarship and I want to make the most of my schooling, and make as many lifelong friendships as I can.”

The notion of philanthropic giving is fundamental to the foundation of the Biddlecombe Society. John Court exemplified the altruistic concept of giving in life through acts, and financially after death. His profoundly gifted ability to understand adolescents and positively affect their lives had an enduring impact in the medical world as well as at Geelong Grammar School. Michael Collins Persse, it may be surmised, would have been honoured by John’s generous contribution to the scholarship established in his name.

Find out more about the Biddlecombe Society at https:// www.ggs.vic.edu.au/biddlecombe