Light Blue - March 2018 by Geelong Grammar School

↓ ISSUE 102 MAR 2018 SECTION 01 — NAME OF SECTION GOES HERE

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT FOR SPEECH DAY - CORIO CAMPUS

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REFLECTIONS OF A PRINCIPAL

OUR SCHOOL CAPTAINS

TWO MOST REMARKABLE MEN

A CONSTANT GARDENER

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

COMMUNITY NEWS

10 YEARS OF POSITIVE EDUCATION

REMEMBERING JANET BIDDLECOMBE

20 TOORAK WELLBEING CENTRE

Editor Brendan McAloon Design Claire Robson Cover image Nic Walker (FB’95) Photography Bob Bickerton Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl’71) Roly Imhoff (Cu’95) Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly, Cl’69) Katie Rafferty (Spry, Ga’84) Drew Ryan Steve Solomonson Ann Tyers (Fairley, He’68) Nic Walker (FB’95) Website www.ggs.vic.edu.au Email lightblue@ggs.vic.edu.au CRICOS 00143G

This edition of Light Blue farewells Stephen Meek, who has guided the School through a remarkable period of renewal during his 13 ½ years as Principal whilst navigating one of the more difficult and complex phases in the School’s 163-year history. Prestigious and progressive, there is a weight of history at Geelong Grammar School, where Headmasters of the past loom large, both literally and metaphorically. As if to demonstrate the point, this edition of the magazine also features hefty biographies of two past Heads, Sir James Darling (1930-61) and Tommy Garnett (1961-73); two very different men (Michael Collins Persse references two of the greatest intellectual figures of Western history, Plato and Aristotle respectively, to illustrate their philosophical differences) whose position provided them with influence far beyond the School. In his very first Speech Day sermon in 2004, Stephen suggested that “the essence of education remains a pretty straight-forward business”: “Yes, we want our students to have knowledge, skills and qualifications, but we also want our leavers to have judgment and to have values; to have integrity, honour, tolerance, humility, compassion, respect for others; to know right from wrong and to have an understanding that their gifts and talents are not for their use alone, but are for the greater good of society and for the benefit of those around them.” Stephen reached back into the past and echoed one of Darling’s favourite biblical dictums: “To them that much is given, of them much is expected.”

John McInnes OAM (Cu’58) was a schoolboy at the tail-end of the Darling era. He was also Chair of the School Council that appointed Stephen Meek as Principal in 2004. He confessed recently that he has “been bathing in the reflected glory of Stephen’s appointment” ever since, reflecting on the strength of enrolments, facilities and learning programmes, particularly Positive Education. The School’s pioneering development of Positive Education over the past decade has been influential far beyond the School and burnished its international reputation. “The School is in a sweet spot right now,” John said. “I think the School had an aura about it during the Darling era. I think now, there is a lot more substance to the aura. Timbertop (Darling), then co-ed (Garnett), then Positive Education (Meek) – they have all been fantastic initiatives. And all of those things are not about getting good scores in Year 12 but about educating students in the true sense of the word.” Michael Collins Persse has characterised the School’s influence as “like that of a stream which… brings life and health to the land through which it flows”. Geelong Grammar School is not still water. As we thank and farewell Stephen Meek, we welcome Rebecca Cody, who will become the School’s 12th Principal, the first Australian-born Principal and the School’s very first female Principal. It is with the confidence and positivity of the past 13 ½ years that we welcome a new era – one that is already historic. Brendan McAloon Director of Community Relations LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL

It is fitting that we are celebrating 10 years of Positive Education this year as we also thank and farewell Stephen Meek for his 13 ½ years as Principal. Pos Ed has not only been hugely impactful on GGS but our Institute of Positive Education has trained over 10,000 teachers from more than 1,000 schools from around the world. Stephen has been Principal throughout that time; from gestation to its successful implementation at GGS and now to the great work by the Institute taking Pos Ed to the world. I don’t think that Stephen would ever claim to be the ‘founder’ of Pos Ed or even its instigator. However, he did have the opportunity to stop it being introduced in the first place. When Stephen commenced as Principal in Term 4, 2004, one of the first tasks Council asked him to address was the question of whether the School should embrace Positive Psychology and apply the research of Professor Martin Seligman. At that point, the School had explored how Positive Psychology could be applied to education but had not yet made a decision to embrace it fully. Stephen was asked to apply his fresh eyes and analytical mind to the question and make a recommendation to Council as to whether we should proceed with Positive Psychology and how we should implement it. This was a big question as the proposal was to train all our staff and develop a whole curriculum underpinned by the science of Positive Psychology. It would require significant investment and allocation of resources. Stephen’s recommendation to proceed was based on gaining a fast but accurate understanding of the School’s culture and its alignment with the principles of Positive Psychology, a vision as to the importance to adolescent health and wellbeing going forward, and the potential application to a wider group than just GGS. I think it is noteworthy that of all the major developments/ innovations at GGS LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

– foundation of the School, the move to Corio, establishment of Timbertop, introduction of co-education and now Pos Ed – the most outward looking and beneficial to the world outside GGS is Positive Education. I believe Stephen’s recommendation to proceed with Pos Ed is a pertinent ‘case study’ on his style of Principalship – his capacity to quickly grasp the key aspects of an issue, think clearly and objectively about the risks, appropriately weight them, have a coherent vision as to how it will work, secure the support of major stakeholders and then be able to communicate it clearly to the community. These attributes have been applied across the School during his time with the result that the School is arguably in as strong and healthy a position as it has ever been. Stephen’s focus on ensuring that the School could claim to be ‘exceptional’ across all it did and not be reliant on the ‘sum of its parts’ has been a particular hallmark of his approach. The results are clear as parents have voted with their feet. The core of our School is boarding and our enrolments are at record highs – female enrolments are 15% higher than when Stephen commenced, total boarders are 14% higher, while Australian boarders are 30% higher. The School is ‘full’ from Timbertop to Year 12 and places in Middle School, particularly for boarding, are few and far between. Apart from introducing Pos Ed, Stephen’s most enduring and impactful decision was to increase female numbers through building P Unit at Timbertop and Elisabeth Murdoch House at Corio. Although this was a significant investment by the School (circa $10 million), it has proven to be hugely successful. The enrolment strength has allowed the School to not only ‘catch up’ on significant maintenance and capital works, but also to improve facilities across the School for the benefit of current and future students. Well over $100 million of new buildings and improvements have been achieved during

Stephen’s term (in addition to regular sustaining capital) with the highlights being the total rebuild of Toorak Campus, the construction of Elisabeth Murdoch House, the complete refurbishment of five Senior School boarding houses, the Timbertop fire refuge and flexible learning space, Handbury Centre for Wellbeing, and the School for Performing Arts and Creative Education (the SPACE). I suspect though, that Stephen himself would get just as much satisfaction from the restoration of the War Memorial Cloisters in 2012/13. He believes strongly in honouring the examples and gestures of the past that have influenced us through generations and ensuring future students can see the importance of such through our own actions. As much as Stephen has been good for the School I believe the School has been good for him as well. I think he has grown in breadth during his time at the School, largely through the impact of Pos Ed itself. I also believe the School’s culture has ‘rounded him’ – as it does to all those who pass through its doors. Stephen will leave the School much, much stronger than when he arrived, but his wife Christine will leave a large hole! Christine has not only been a fabulous supporter of Stephen, always attending functions, events, etc. She has also been an ardent initiator of so much behind the scenes – welcoming new staff and their families, coordinating outings for partners of staff, organising book clubs, film clubs, garden tours, sculpture walks and so much more. Christine has made all feel welcome and been a wonderful ambassador for the School. Stephen and Christine leave GGS with our deepest thanks, gratitude and blessing. On behalf of the whole community I wish them well and look forward to seeing them from time to time as they oscillate between Melbourne, France and the UK. Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79), Chairman of Council

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FROM OUR PRINCIPAL

I have never stayed in one place anywhere, for as long as I have stayed at Geelong Grammar School. That simple statement tells you how much Christine and I have enjoyed being part of this special community and how sad we are that it is now the time to move on. We will miss it, possibly more than even we know, but we will be buoyed by the joyous memories which we have from our time here, by the associations which we have formed with so many wonderful people and by the knowledge that this great school will continue to grow and flourish, long after we have gone. From a sea of memories, let me select a few. Undertaking the three-day hike at Timbertop every year for over a decade (until I became Chair of the APS and then needed to attend the Swimming finals which clashed with the hike). I did the hike to share in something of the experience which the students at Timbertop have and to spend time with them, learning about their lives and experiences. As the person ultimately responsible for the Timbertop programme, I wanted to see how the hikes were organised and how the safety measures were implemented. I also had a fairly romantic idea about the pleasure of walking through the bush in dappled sunlight, when the reality of my first hike

up Mount Timbertop and down to Tunnel Bend was a day of pouring rain, followed the next day by a thick covering of snow. My admiration for the students (and staff) undertaking the Timbertop year is always immense. The 150th anniversary celebrations in 2005, which included a visit by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. My lasting impression was of his love for the School as evidenced by his amusing speech, written in his own hand in red pen, the pleasure he had in meeting the students as he walked amongst them and the delight he had in scoring a goal while playing air hockey with one of the students when re-visiting Cuthbertson House. The decision to open a new girls’ boarding house and the fever of speculation which existed within the student (staff and OGG) body as to what would be the name of the House (Elisabeth Murdoch) and the colour of the House blazer (purple). I chose purple because it was Dame Elisabeth’s favourite colour and because it is a dominant part of the Murdoch tartan. The cascade of fireworks pouring down the Clock Tower in 2014 as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the School’s move from Geelong to Corio. It was a remarkable and unforgettable sight.

The ability of the students to engage in easy conversations with adults, irrespective of to whom they are speaking. I had not encountered such ease before in the previous three schools in which I had worked. It is part of the wider point which struck me from day one and that was the remarkable (friendly, but respectful) relationship that exists between students and staff at each of the campuses. The use of nicknames, with Scuders and Hendo, for example, being used and received by the staff member without comment. Coming from a British School, this was an unusual practice. My own first experience was at the end of Term 2, relatively early on, when I was walking to the (now) former Bracebridge Wilson Hall and happened to walk alongside a Year 12 student from the Hermitage. She said to me, “Well Meeky, what are you doing in the holidays?” I did not know whether to be insulted or flattered, so I just answered her question! Rowing. I had never worked in a school which had rowing as a sport until I came to GGS. I had no idea of the amount of commitment the boys and the girls have to give, day in, day out, whether in the gym or on the river. Watching a rowing race, as a parent, is an emotional experience and there are many I will not forget.

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There are long gaps between races and the camaraderie of the parents on the river bank is incredibly important in supporting one another. I understand now why rowing parents, OGGs and staff are so fanatical about the sport. We are too! Beyond the memories, there have been difficult moments, such as the Royal Commission. I remain very sorry that there were times in the past when staff behaved totally inappropriately with some students, with such disastrous impact upon their lives. As a School, we continue to address the wrongs of the past and to support the survivors. In turn, I have felt very supported by the School community. Thank you. I do not want to finish with a list of developments which have taken place in my time but I am proud that our initiative with Positive Education is being replicated by so many schools across the world aided by our own Institute of Positive Education. Similarly, it is good to know that the campuses have been renewed with new buildings, such as the Handbury Centre, the SPACE, the Glamorgan Centre and the Timbertop units, or had extensive renovations, such as with the Senior School boarding houses. With strong enrolments, I do believe that the School is in a strong position to keep going forward. However, I do want to finish by acknowledging the huge amount of support which I have had throughout my 13 ½ years from the students, the staff, the OGGs across the world, the Foundation, and the School Council. I cannot name all the remarkable people with whom I have worked and who have made it such a pleasure to be at the School, but I will finish by thanking four people.

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I have worked very closely with Andrew Moore, the Commercial Director, whose capacity for hard work is impressive. I have always had the greatest confidence and trust in him and have valued his great support. The fact that the finances, the buildings, the projects and the campuses are in such good order is due to his meticulous planning and capacity to manage a large number of complex matters at the same time. Charlie Scudamore, the Vice Principal, is the passionate conscience of the School and is beloved by generations of students. He is admired for his genuine concern for all with whom he comes in contact. His passion for wellbeing and Positive Education have helped lift the School to a new level and he is a powerful and fluent advocate for it all. We have discussed innumerable issues and ideas over the years and I have always valued his opinions. I have admired the selfless way he gives to the community. Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79) has been an exceptional Chair of Council. He has been on the Council throughout my time as Principal and been the Chair for all but my first term. I have really enjoyed working with him and have felt his support with me all along the way. Our thinking has almost always been in line and I can hardly think of an issue where we have had opposite views.

It is essential that the Chair and the Principal have a very good relationship, based upon trust in each other. I have been incredibly fortunate to have had Jeremy as the Chair of Council and I do thank him very much indeed. Lastly, I thank my wife Christine for all that she has given to the Geelong Grammar School community. She has given herself, heart and soul to the community. She has attended a vast array of different events and spoken to many students, staff, parents and OGGs. She has hosted innumerable dinners, staff academic discussion evenings, book club and film club meetings at our home and organised the garden walk and the sculpture walk, to name but a few. Throughout she has been a constant goodwill ambassador for the School and of immeasurable support to me. Finally, I thank you all very much for your support for the School. It is a place which arouses great passion because it does provide such a remarkable and unique education and we are all the better for having experienced it in our own way. Stephen Meek, Principal

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REFLECTIONS of a Principal

N 2005, Stephen and I began a new journey: Stephen guiding his first pair of Senior Prefects at GGS and me as Senior Prefect. 2005 was a huge year for the School, with the 150th Anniversary being celebrated at numerous events across the year.

To this day, an anecdote I often tell to friends is about the generous support that Christine Meek provided to me at one celebration which involved me speaking in front of HRH Prince Charles. With some kind words, a vote of confidence and an authentic interest in who I was, Christine calmed my nerves. The way Stephen and his family all embraced the School was, to me, one of Stephen’s great strengths as Principal. Stephen and his family’s early and ongoing commitment to the School inspired a desire to contribute more to the communities I have become a part of since leaving GGS, whether or not it is my ‘job’ to do so. For that I am extremely grateful. Alexandra Lockie (A’05)

EING a fellow history teacher I always thought (somewhat mistakenly perhaps) that Stephen and I shared some special transcendent bond; a bond that I hoped could be leveraged into him doing some teaching of sorts in the History Department. Whilst he always seemed interested to know what was going on within the History Department, this leverage was never delivered upon, despite my best attempts. I thought I had Stephen cornered when I needed just one more teacher willing to supervise a student’s IB Extended Essay. Finding enough staff to supervise the IB Extended Essays can be a perennial challenge for an IB Coordinator and indeed, in this particular year, one more history student needed a supervisor. I had an epiphany; perhaps the Principal might like to take this on in an ideal win-win where the student gets a very well-qualified supervisor and I finally get Stephen into the History Department. After much explanation of how an IB Extended Essay is supervised and how being the Principal of a multicampus, global facing school would not be an impediment to the quality of supervision this IB student would receive, Stephen finally agreed to take this student on and supervise his Extended Essay. I finally had my man! Alas, years of planning, thought and manoeuvring of getting Stephen into the History Department was thwarted when the student in question blithely informed me that he had decided to do his Extended Essay in Economics. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with and for Stephen for seven years at GGS, even if he didn’t end up working for me in the History Department. Ross Featherston (Staff 2005-11), Headmaster, Brighton Grammar School

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T is late on a weekday afternoon. I have asked Stephen if he has a minute or two to discuss a school matter – pastoral, staff, student, parent, media, policy, curriculum – to which he always says “yes”. We sit down opposite each other, in the same two seats we have sat in every time we have met in his office, and discuss the ‘matter’. As always his sharp analytical mind – as well as his considerable understanding of the complex dynamics associated with this School, his fairness and high ethical standards – considers all ideas presented and wise counsel is given. However, the conversation continues. We cover numerous topics – campus issues, student matters, the beauty of the school grounds, the commitment of the staff, the Royal Commission, Chapel, England – before I thank him for the ‘two minutes’ and head on home. In the 13 plus years I have worked with Stephen, it has been these spontaneous, unplanned, in the moment interactions that have highlighted for me the absolute commitment, passion and love he has had for Geelong Grammar School. He will be the first to admit that the School has had an enormous impact on him, that he has – for instance – changed through his encounter with Positive Psychology and Positive Education. However, he – in turn – has had an enormous positive impact on the School. His courage, bravery, prudence, foresight and honesty have re-invigorated the community, adding so much to our educational programmes and extended Geelong Grammar School’s worldwide reputation. His remarkable energy and drive – did he ever take a day off for sickness? – saw him travel all over Australia and across the globe, promoting and highlighting his genuine belief that the School he led provided young people with an exceptional education. Stephen has been an exceptional leader. Geelong Grammar School is a complex organisation which, when engaged with an ever more complex world and the seemingly exponential growth in legislation, expectations and responsibilities, has perhaps made this era in the School’s history the most difficult to manage. Yet he has managed these complexities with great dignity. He has protected the community when times have been tough and acknowledged with enthusiasm and humour all that is good about the School. At his heart, Stephen is a teacher, an educator. His commitment to boarding, coeducation and scholarships has resulted in marvellous outcomes for many individuals and the entire community. He leaves the School knowing its foundations and reputation are strong, that it is forward thinking and progressive, while also recognising that there remains work still to be done. Stephen has given his all, supported over the years by trusted colleagues. His deeply respectful relationship with the Chairman of Council, Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79), has resulted in open, honest and harmonious governance. The specialness of his relationship with his wife, Christine, has been at the core of his very being. I will miss our late afternoon ‘two minute’ conversations very much and I thank Stephen, wholeheartedly, for his generosity, leadership, wisdom and true commitment to Geelong Grammar School.

N behalf of the Geelong Grammar Foundation, I want to pay tribute to the enormous achievements of Stephen’s time as Principal. With funding from the Foundation, Stephen adopted and enthusiastically endorsed the integration of Positive Education into the School; a move which has transformed the School and made us a model of international standing in that field. Under Stephen’s watch and with his tireless support, the Exceptional Futures Fundraising Campaign raised more than $30 million. He oversaw the building of the Handbury Centre for Wellbeing, the School of Performing Arts and Creative Education (the SPACE), the Robert William Knox Equestrian Centre and, most recently, the Toorak Wellbeing Centre. With Stephen’s encouragement and support, the Scholarship and Endowment funds have grown and grown. He leaves a legacy of not only these wonderful buildings but a thriving Scholarship programme, an invigorated Biddlecombe Society and a Foundation Corpus of over $51 million. Stephen is devoted to the School, even to the detriment of his golf handicap. The only occasion on which I can recall that he might have put self first was on a flight to Tasmania for an Equestrian Fundraising Dinner.

As the plane prepared for take-off I said to Stephen, who was sitting next to me, “John (my husband) always holds my hand as the plane takes off”. Stephen looked at me in horror, paled and said, “I couldn’t do that”. Penny McBain (Parent 1999-2013), Chair, Geelong Grammar Foundation

Charlie Scudamore (Staff 1990-), Vice Principal

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o much has been written about school leadership and the role of the Principal – its complexity, its ambiguity and its challenges. How much more so for a school like Geelong Grammar School. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted! What metaphors or images come to mind when describing Stephen, our Principal? To name but a few: prophet, facilitator, broker, juggler, orator, warrior, commander, priest and judge! We have certainly witnessed Stephen don the mantle of each of these at one time or another. When first meeting Stephen one encounters an energetic, forthright, intelligent, rather formal and in-charge sort of fellow. One cannot help but notice the luminescent socks, which seem slightly uncharacteristic but perhaps hint at his more quirky side, which we have come to know and love. We have observed Stephen deal with a gruelling schedule, with near to impossible expectations and relentless accountabilities. We have seen him confront complex issues and even ethical dilemmas. We have seen him grapple with confounding choices: care for oneself and duty of care for others; reflection and immediate action; respect and rigorous debate; privacy and another’s right to know; the individual and the community; the short term and the long term; justice and mercy. True, there have been decisions that have required the wisdom of Solomon and others that have demanded the sainthood of Mother Teresa. In these past 13 years, Stephen has certainly experienced a roller-coaster of emotions. There have been heartwrenching and miserable moments and others of indescribable joy. And, what about the hilarious moments? Those of us who have witnessed Stephen with an uncontrollable case of the giggles will never forget it! Through working with Stephen and seeing him in action on a personal and professional level, you come to know a man of moral purpose, of courage, clear in his views yet not afraid to seek guidance. Stephen has often said that you cannot do it alone. ‘Super-Principal’ is a figment of the imagination. He has gathered around him and empowered talented, inspiring and committed people who have become leaders in their own right. He has been generous in his support and acknowledgement of their contribution to the School. Physically, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally Stephen has committed himself to Geelong Grammar School. We have all been the beneficiaries of this commitment. It is hard to look past the obvious and outward signs of growth and development that Stephen has championed and overseen at Timbertop, Corio, Bostock and Toorak. However, we know that this is not Stephen’s most enduring legacy at GGS. Stephen has been a culture builder. He has given us all cause for pride, trust and confidence in this great School. We have heard his sermons in the Chapel where he inspires all those present through his painstakingly crafted words, to live meaningful lives, to aspire to goodness and to hold a positive vision of the future. However, much more than words, it is through his values and his example that he has shown us that ‘this is the way we do things around here’. We honour the man who leaves such a legacy.

see the position as Principal of Geelong Grammar School as one the most difficult positions imaginable. Who would ever design and build a coeducational boarding school with four campuses several hundreds of kilometres apart, including one in the bush espousing an extreme approach to boarding? To run such a diverse school for over a decade takes someone with a very specific set of skills. As the sun sets on Stephen’s exceptional career as the Principal of Geelong Grammar School and he puts away his well-worn Parker ink pen for the last time, it is worth reflecting on his achievements. Most are aware of the implementation and embedding of Positive Education into the School a decade ago and the building of the world-class School of Performing Arts and Creative Education (the SPACE) to mention a few significant and obvious accomplishments. However, my memories of Stephen go beyond this. As Head of Timbertop, and one of Stephen’s first Head of Campus appointments, I remember his regular visits to Timbertop with his well-ironed very neat shirt and tie and polished shoes ready for Parker pen work.

Over time, there was a softening; the top shirt button was undone and a more practicable pair of boots and a nice woollen jumper became the dress code. Then one day I received an email suggesting he would like to participate in the three-day hike at the end of Term 1. I was pleased but surprised. I knew then that the magic of Timbertop was seeping into his soul and Geelong Grammar School was in the hands of a special person. He continued to participate in this hike with great pride for the remainder of his time at the School. I wish him all the very best as he settles into a quieter life enjoying the offerings of urban Melbourne. Roger Herbert (Staff 2006-16), Principal, St Philip’s College

Genia Janover (Council 2009-), former Principal, Bialik College

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TEPHEN loved students and ensured that whenever the opportunity presented he spent time sharing moments with students. He hiked with students at Timbertop, supported students at sporting events, and regularly visited Houses and Units as well as classrooms to connect with students. He enjoyed dining with students, attending concerts, plays, exhibitions and was always supportive of students in all their varied endeavours. He supported students being involved in decision making, valued student initiative and fostered student leadership. For me, the most significant contribution by Stephen as Principal was the brave acceptance of ‘kindness and forgiveness’ as the fundamental approach to behaviour at Geelong Grammar School and his keen interest in forever recognising that mistake presented a critical learning moment for students. His careful and kind approach to students who faced challenge was appreciated and he carefully listened to students when concerns presented. He held fast to those things he felt underpinned quality education and quality relationships (trust, forgiveness, integrity, hope and compassion). This led to the establishment of Positive Education and other endeavours and gathered again the Christian purpose of the School. As the Director of Student Welfare, I felt encouraged and wonderfully supported by Stephen and I enjoyed working with him. John Hendry (Staff 1980-2015)

TEPHEN will always be remembered as a man of principle – fairness and doing the right thing seemed to me to always be at the forefront of his mind. A hallmark of Stephen’s time as Principal was good judgement – a pivotal skill that Stephen helped others to develop by way of discussion and example.

Stephen’s speed of thinking and ability to understand key issues have on many occasions been incredible. His capacity to remember details and communicate succinctly and accurately have been admired by all. Stephen was meek by name but not in nature and it would be fair to say many staff, including me, experienced strong feedback on our performance over the years. There were few times, if any, where Stephen’s comments were not accurate and in the end, helpful. That firm feedback also meant that you knew you could always rely on Stephen for his total support. To have the full support of the Principal in moments of difficulty can never be underestimated. On a more personal level, the guidance that Stephen and Christine offered me during my 13 years at GGS won’t ever be forgotten. There are many examples and I know that the encouragement offered by Christine to many staff and their families has possibly been underestimated. I am not alone when I say that what I learned from Stephen will continue to help guide me for the remainder of my career. Through until his last day in the office, I have no doubt Stephen will have gone about his work with the same thorough and deliberate manner that he displayed when he started. I wish for him the most happy and satisfying of retirements, knowing he has left Geelong Grammar School in a far better place than when he started. Dean Dell’Oro (Staff 2004-17), Headmaster, Hale School

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Andrew Moore (Staff 2000–), Commercial Director

TEPHEN joined GGS eight months before I started working at the School. I had my first close encounter in 2009. It was at the end of the six-day Positive Education training course. The course finished with a dinner and that night, Stephen had somehow been coerced into wearing a ‘free hugs’ sign. Although he was smiling, I could read his face like a book: ‘I don’t hug – if you must, make it quick’. I was so excited. I love hugging. I rushed up to Stephen. He saw me coming and looked aghast. I gave him a hug and said: ‘Will this be the last one I ever get?’ He laughed awkwardly. On two occasions, Stephen became the Acting Director of Community Relations and thus was my immediate boss. The first time around I was petrified. He was tough. He had high expectations. He wanted a full explanation if something didn’t go exactly to plan and wanted every problem to come to him with a solution. You had to have done your homework, and you never went to see him half-cocked or unprepared. However, if you needed a decision, he listened and made a decision. That is what I admire most about Stephen; he always delivers a carefully considered, common sense and practical decision. I like to think he learned to trust me. Our working relationship warmed. I still don’t know Stephen well personally, but I do know that I like working with him, that I trust him and that I admire him. I’ve caught glimpses in his face and in his demeanour of how stressful his job can be. I saw a lot of grey hairs move in and I learned he should not drink two cups of coffee back-to-back before lunch. The Royal Commission was not in his job description. It was not in any of our job descriptions. The shock, sadness and hurt that came from it was hard to take and those events are so far removed from the School we work at today. My second hug came late in the afternoon the day before the Royal Commission’s public hearing began. Stephen and Andrew Moore were going over some final details. There was tension in the air. I said: ‘I don’t know what to say, I’m just going to give you a hug’. And I hugged each of them. I’m saving one last hug for the man who doesn’t hug. Hopefully he doesn’t read this before I deliver the farewell version.

ld Geelong Grammarians love their school. When Stephen arrived in 2004, all eyes were on him, wondering what this new person would do for GGS. It didn’t take long for the alumni community to spread the word – this Principal would be good for Geelong Grammar. The word ‘positive’ began to roll around the school community. Stephen’s outlook was positive and he brought that to all his communications with alumni. That good first impression became a lasting one. Over the past 13 ½ years, Stephen has delivered wise and thought-provoking sermons and public addresses. His oratory skills are legendary. He has gravitas laced with levity; he can be serious and dignified and yet laugh readily. Even through the most wise and thoughtful sermons, Stephen can inject a vein of humour. His comprehensive updates, delivered at OGG events around Australia and the world, have sustained and encouraged confidence in the future of the School. Passionate about co-education, he has extended that warmth to Clyde and Hermitage old girls. This inclusiveness has led to a sense of belonging for those who did not actually attend the School. Several people have commented on Stephen’s admirable handling of crises, particularly since the Royal Commission. It has been noted that Stephen particularly likes the Timbertop hymn, which has come to reflect his time at GGS.

He was not forever in green pastures, nor by still waters; there were steep and rugged pathways. He served his time courageously, and together as a community we tread rejoicingly. On behalf of the OGG Association, thank you Stephen and Christine. Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl’71), OGG President

Katie Rafferty (Spry, Ga’84, Staff 2005-), Alumni Manager

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TEPHEN Meek’s mantra of fairness and equity (and in his words, “there are always two sides to a story”) coupled with a sharp and inquisitive mind have led the School into an unprecedented era of growth and sustainability. By any metric the School is in a far stronger place in 2018 than it was in 2004, when he arrived. He built on the foundations put in place by his predecessors; enrolments are higher, the gender balance in many areas of the School is closer to 50:50, the educational programmes continue to develop and the facilities provided to students and staff have improved significantly in the past 14 years. Whether it be Positive Education, the School for Performing Arts and Creative Education (the SPACE), Wellbeing Centres at Corio and Toorak or the accommodation for both students and staff, Stephen has provided the strategic direction and leadership necessary to deliver superior results. He has a calmness when faced with a crisis and his leadership during a wide range of crises has been exceptional. He rarely has to deal with simple issues and his ability to deal to with complex situations is one of his strengths. Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79) and I sat with Stephen during the Royal Commission hearings over 11 days in both Melbourne and Sydney during September and October 2015. At all times he was empathetic and compassionate to survivors whilst at the same time focusing on ensuring that the School’s policies and procedures were consistent with world’s best practise to provide a safe place for the current students. Stephen Meek’s legacy is a stronger school that is absolutely focused on providing an exceptional education for all of its students.

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THE CONSTANT GARDENER

“Social interaction is a significant factor in our wellbeing and that’s what I like to be able to offer to people here — an opportunity to be involved, to be part of something bigger than ourselves.” From the kitchen in the Principal’s residence at Corio, Christine Meek is able to watch sailing through one window, and cricket through the other. “It’s part of the joy of being here”, she says, “seeing the campus alive with all the ovals and facilities in use on a Saturday.” Even after 13 years, the privilege of living in such a beautiful and enriching environment is not lost on Christine, and it is this sense of gratitude that has underpinned her commitment to ensuring that community life at Corio is thriving and meaningful.

“I feel strongly that we need to engage with each other; everyone needs to feel that they belong — partners of staff members, mothers with young children — so that no-one feels lost or isolated. People need to feel that there is a heart here and that enriches us as a community.”

When the Meeks arrived at GGS in 2004, there was no expectation placed upon Christine to take on a role within the School. “The opportunity was there because I was the Principal’s wife, but it was important to me personally to bring the community together. I am very grateful for the support of the Council in this regard, and to the maintenance staff, who have been a huge support to me.” Of her own volition, she has created many and varied opportunities for Corio residents to interact with one another; it is an indication of her estimable interpersonal skills that no-one feels excluded, but equally that there is no sense of obligation to participate.

Occasions have included welcome drinks for new staff members, formal and informal dinners, the Coriolis film and book clubs, and her famous Garden Walks (and, more recently, Sculpture Walk), enabling campus residents to socialise while enjoying each other’s gardens and, in recent years, a themed progressive dinner: “At the last one we had baby carrots growing in edible dirt in flowerpots!” This dinner was enjoyed in the delightful surrounds of Christine’s own garden, which she likes to share with others in the spirit of promoting close connections within the community as well as to our shared environment. “Creating a garden that others can enjoy was a privilege”, she says. “I always believe we should leave a place better than we found it.” She especially looks for ways to highlight individual skills and accomplishments. “There is a great deal of professionalism within the School and I feel that to be able to socially share intellect is a good thing.” This was the impetus behind Cocktails and Conversation and Pinot and Pondering evenings, hosted by Christine, at which Heads of Department and members of Middle School staff, are invited to present a paper on a topic within their area of expertise, enabling intellectual discussion in a congenial and relaxed setting. “It’s a way of looking at professional skill from a different angle and encourages us to respect each other’s intellect.” As a GGS past parent herself, Christine appreciates and admires the dedication of the staff to the students and to the ethos of the School. “I am always really, really humbled by the enormous commitment of staff that I witness when at Timbertop, the programmes at Toorak and Bostock that remind us that young children are highly capable and fun to be with, and the staff here at Corio who are always ready to help – providing 24-hour support is a huge bonus in terms of encouraging people to make the best of who they are, and to be comfortable in their own skin. To me that’s what a Geelong Grammar student is – confident, able to look you in the eye and have a natural conversation.” A particular highlight for Christine has been the joy of meeting families at various events throughout the school year, especially Family Day, which she describes simply as “wonderful”. A quality that Christine especially admires, and finds exemplified at GGS, is “the willingness to help others without personal gain”. This is a characteristic that she herself has modelled in a role that she made uniquely her own. That she has executed that role with grace, good humour, efficiency and tremendous generosity of spirit is testament to her own personal qualities, her warmth and humility. Like her garden, she leaves the GGS community a better place. Vale Christine. Sophie Church

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It is with a full range of emotions that we reflect on this milestone that Geelong Grammar School has reached in pioneering the field of Positive Education for the past 10 years. Fortunately, we understand that experiencing a full range of emotions is a normal and natural part of living a rich, full and meaningful life. Here at the Institute of Positive Education, we care so deeply about our work and we are so excited and proud to be at this point in our journey, yet we continue to acknowledge the ongoing challenges that face our education system, and the difficulties and levels of ill-being still faced by many in our communities – this is why we work so hard to place wellbeing at the heart of education.

WITH DEEP GRATITUDE We are so grateful for the support and contribution of so many wonderful individuals and groups of people who have so richly contributed to the development and growth of Positive Education during the past 10 years and beyond. Specifically, we would like to acknowledge and thank: - The school leaders at GGS who have enabled, resourced and supported the implementation of Positive Education - The team of inspiring pioneers from the University of Pennsylvania, led by Professor Martin Seligman, Dr Karen Reivich and Dr James Pawelski, who introduced us to the field of Positive Psychology - The national and international leaders in the field who have visited GGS and enriched our knowledge and understanding of their field of expertise - The teachers at GGS who have designed, trialled and delivered elements of Positive Education within their teaching and within their own lives - The students at GGS who have been open to learning new skills and knowledge and have provided extensive feedback along with creative ideas for implementing Positive Education - The parents at GGS who have attended courses and warmly embraced the common language of Positive Education for their personal benefit and for the benefit of their children

- The dedicated staff within the Institute who have created resources, delivered courses, communicated messages and researched causes, all under our mission of making a positive contribution to the world - The researchers from leading universities who have helped and continue to help us understand the active ingredients and the impact of Positive Education - The leaders of our thriving national association, the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA), and our flourishing international association, the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) - The thousands of educators around the world who have passionately implemented Positive Education within their own unique setting It is such an exciting time for Positive Education and it is an ongoing privilege for our team at the Institute to continue to make an important contribution to education. We are still ‘learning to flourish’ and we look forward to the next 10 years of Positive Education with hope, purpose and excitement. Justin Robinson Director, Institute of Positive Education

- The generous philanthropic donors that have supported our ongoing relationship with leaders in the field and enabled new initiatives and cutting-edge research to be conducted

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Positive Education is more of a philosophy than a programme. It is a way of living, a way of teaching, a way of dealing with mistakes, a way of nurturing a sense of belonging and a sense of community.

Positive Education is an evidence-based, strengths-based, proactive, whole-school approach to nurturing individual and community wellbeing. It is the combination of these four elements which makes Positive Education innovative.

04 Positive Education is helping us to educate the whole child.

07 Positive Education is an ongoing journey requiring the hearts, hands and minds of one’s school community. Remember to enjoy the journey.

05 Whilst we believe flourishing is a combination of ‘feeling good and doing good’, we also believe it is helpful for us to think of flourishing more from a caring orientation, rather than a feeling orientation. Our goal isn’t to feel good, our goal is to do good – to care for others, to care for one’s self and to care for causes.

08 Doing Positive Education well is complex and challenging, yet it is really fun! Whilst the importance of our work is vital, we can and should ensure our work around wellbeing is playful and engaging.

10 THOUGHTS on Positive Education 18

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Staff wellbeing is a vital ingredient to the success of Positive Education.

06 Positive Education is sowing seeds for life. Some of these seeds will germinate straight away and some seeds may lie dormant for a period of time before germinating, and some seeds may never germinate. Our goal is to sow seeds generously.

09 The four cyclical and related processes of Learn, Live, Teach and Embed are critical to the success of implementing Positive Education.

2018 NATIONAL PESA CONFERENCE (APRIL 11-14)

PESA 2018 will bring together over 30 leading national and international presenters and educators from around the world. Join us for three days and enjoy a retreat-style conference with amazing keynotes, inspiring masterclasses, innovative workshops, mystery events, wellbeing activities, fireside conversations and more. A WELLBEING CONVERSATION WITH PROFESSOR MARTIN SELIGMAN (APRIL 16)

Come and listen to the founding father of Positive Psychology as he shares his insights from his devotion to understanding the science of humans at their best. RELATIONSHIP GOLD WORKSHOP WITH TONI POWELL (MAY 14-15)

A rare opportunity to embrace the warmth and wisdom of author Toni Powell as she shares insights into how we can create and sustain effective, close relationships with family, friends, colleagues and partners. COMPASSION IS HAPPINESS WITH DR TONY FERNANDO (OCTOBER 8)

Listen to the senior lecturer in Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland, Dr Tony Fernando, discuss the evolutionary significance and the biology and psychology of compassion. Tony’s Insight Series lecture will also share specific techniques for enhancing individual and community compassion. RESILIENCE WORKSHOP WITH DR KAREN REIVICH (DATE TBC)

10 It is important to remember that wellbeing is both taught and caught. It is critical for us to role-model behaviours in line with wellbeing and to consider the impact our school environment is having in helping or hindering the key elements of Positive Education.

Dr Karen Reivich was the master trainer from the University of Pennsylvania responsible for introducing Resilience and Positive Psychology to our community during the initial nine-day training course in 2008. She returns in 2018 to help us celebrate our decade, and will offer a powerful and inspiring two-day adult workshop on Resilience. POSITIVE EDUCATION RESEARCH DISCOVERIES (DATE TBC)

With the support of independent research experts, GGS has undertaken extensive research to help understand the impact of Positive Education over the past 10 years. This event will showcase the insights we have learned with presentations from Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick, Dr Bill Hallam and others. For event information and bookings please visit www.instituteofpositiveeducation.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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TOORAK WELLBEING CENTRE The Toorak Wellbeing Centre was officially opened on Saturday 25 November by Chairman of Council, Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79).

The Wellbeing Centre at our Toorak Campus, like the Handbury Centre for Wellbeing at our Corio Campus before it, symbolises the School’s commitment to Positive Education by providing an environment that promotes and stimulates student wellbeing. Incorporating the Muir Family Nutrition Centre, this exciting new facility focuses on providing our Toorak Campus students with the necessary tools to make healthy lifestyle choices at an early age.

“Exposure to healthy choices at primary education age provides a solid platform to launch behaviours that will help our children flourish,” Head of Toorak Campus, Rachel George, said. Featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, fully-equipped kitchen classroom and flexible spaces for mindful meditation and collaborative learning, the Toorak Wellbeing Centre also provides a vital link between Positive Education and the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB). “The Toorak Wellbeing Centre will enhance our Positive Education programme and help students contribute to their world with enthusiasm and conviction,” Rachel said.

“A deeper understanding of healthy living, an awareness of self, mindfulness techniques, positive relationships and a zest for mental and physical activity generates a desire in our students to pursue a happy, meaningful life.” Almost $4 million was raised towards the overall project cost of more than $9 million. “The Toorak Wellbeing Centre has been made possible by the wonderful generosity and vision of our community,” Principal, Stephen Meek, said. “On behalf of the School, I would like to thank all who have given most generously to this impressive building with all that it represents for the future of our students.”

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YEAR 12 RESULTS

Our 2017 Year 12 students achieved excellent academic success, with 58 students (29.7%) achieving an ATAR score of 90 or above (top 10%). -

Median ATAR of 79.05

58 students achieved an ATAR score of 90 or above

52 maximum IB study scores of 7

OUR JOINT DUX

Nat Lam (Ga’17) Nat Lam (Ga’17) achieved an IB score of 44 out of a possible 45 points, which converts to an ATAR of 99.85. Nat achieved a maximum score of 7 in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, English Literature, Japanese and Mathematics. She was Captain of Badminton, Captain of Choir and Charity Captain. Nat came to Corio in Year 8 as the first Lee Hysan Scholarship recipient to attend Geelong Grammar School. “I feel very grateful for all the opportunities the scholarship has offered me,” Nat said. “It really was a life changing experience to have the opportunity to go to GGS.” Nat is studying Veterinary Science at the University of Cambridge while attending Selwyn College.

EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION

At Geelong Grammar School, our rigorous academic programmes create wonder, curiosity and a desire to learn. We provide a dynamic and flexible curriculum through offering both the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Both programmes provide an internationally recognised qualification for entry into tertiary education worldwide. The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the certificate that the majority of Victorian students receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. In the VCE, a student’s performance in each subject is measured by a study score between 0 and 50 which indicates their relative position in comparison to other students.

Harry Wyatt (A’17) Harry Wyatt (A’17) achieved an IB score of 44 out of a possible 45 points, which converts to an ATAR of 99.85. Harry achieved a maximum score of 7 in Chemistry, Geography, English Literature, Mathematics and Physics. He represented the School in Tennis and played in goal for our 1st XI Soccer team in 2017. Harry attended Geelong Grammar School from the age of three; beginning in the Early Learning Centre at Bostock House all the way back in 2003. “I enjoyed every minute of it,” Harry said. Harry is studying Science at the University of Cambridge while attending Selwyn College.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year programme that was created by the International School of Geneva. In the IB, students must complete assessment in six academic subjects which are graded on a scale of 1 to 7. A maximum of three bonus points are awarded according to the combined standard of a student’s Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay work. Tertiary places are primarily decided by the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is a percentile ranking of each student’s position determined by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) in steps of 0.05 ranging from 0.00 to 99.95.

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“The Timbertop experience not only forced me out of my comfort zone, but also proved that I have the potential to do things that I once thought to be impossible.” – Nat Lam (Ga’17)

PROXIME ACCESSERUNT

OUR TOP VCE STUDENTS

Sophie Hiscock (Cl’17)

Will Patston (A’17)

Sophie Hiscock (Cl’17) achieved an IB score of 43 out of a possible 45 points, which converts to an ATAR of 99.70. Sophie achieved a maximum score of 7 in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, English Language & Literature and Mathematics. From Hawthorn in Melbourne’s inner east, she was a Chapel Charity Captain and represented the School in Netball, Sailing and Rowing. Sophie is studying Medicine at Monash University.

Will Patston (A’17) was the School’s top VCE student in 2017, achieving an ATAR score of 97.55, which included excellent results in Studio Arts (46), Literature (45), English (44) and History (40). From Corio, he represented the School in Soccer, Swimming and Water Polo and received the William Beresford Prize for a Senior School Male student with Outstanding Artistic Talent. William is studying Film and Television at Swinburne University of Technology.

Finn Orford (A’17)

Sophie Whitton (Ga’17)

Finn Orford (A’17) also achieved an IB score of 43 out of a possible 45 points, which converts to an ATAR of 99.70, achieving a maximum score of 7 in Economics, Geography, English Language & Literature and Mathematics. From Newtown, he played for the School’s 1st XV Rugby team and also represented GGS in Debating, Athletics and Rowing. Finn is also studying Medicine at Monash University.

Sophie Whitton (Ga’17) achieved an ATAR score of 97.35, which included excellent results in Geography (48), Business Management (46), Further Mathematics (44) and English (40). From South Yarra in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, she represented the School in Netball, Rowing and Tennis, and received the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. Sophie is studying Commerce at the University of Melbourne while attending Ormond College.

Christopher Dixson (Cu’17) 92.3%

61%

29.7%

Christopher Dixson (Cu’17) achieved an ATAR score of 97.30, which included excellent results in English (44) and Mathematical Methods (39). From Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, he was involved in a number of School Productions, including The Love for Three Oranges and Clue!, and also represented the School in Rugby and Tennis. Christopher is studying Science and Advanced Studies at Sydney University.

10.8%

GGS students

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50%

25%

10%

2.1%

State average

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2018 STAFF CONFERENCE

Creative Education was the focus of this year’s annual two-day Staff Conference, which was held at our Corio Campus from January 24-25. “The School has identified creativity as a key tool students will need in the future,” Vice Principal, Charlie Scudamore, explained. “Indeed, our Purpose document’s new five-year challenge is ‘to develop creative thinking and learning to challenge the complex opportunities of a changing world’. This year’s Staff Conference is an important milestone, building upon three years of work on Creative Education at Geelong Grammar School. Research and professional development through the Creative Education Modules have offered all staff a foundation upon which to develop their practice.”

The intention of the Staff Conference was for teaching staff to develop a deeper appreciation of the importance of teaching with and teaching for creativity, with an emphasis on the application of the RISE (Results, Investigation, Student, Environment) Framework. “It is clear from the research undertaken by the School and the professional development conducted through the Creative Education Modules that creativity can be developed in all students across all subjects at all ages,” the School’s Coordinator of Creativity and Innovation, Dr Tim Patston, said. “Creativity is both age and subject specific. Creativity can be assessed. Teachers can develop skills in creative pedagogies through professional development.”

The Conference featured group discussions, video presentations, collaborative problem solving activities and TeachMeet sessions, with staff sharing their experience of everything from ‘How to engage 130 teens in STEM’ to ‘Creating a Tree House’. This year’s guest speaker was Professor Beverley Oliver, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Deakin University, where she leads Deakin’s ambitious education strategy, including the drive to cloud learning and the University’s partnership with leading international online course provider FutureLearn.

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WELCOME STEVEN CHURCH

Steven Church can vividly recall the first time that he and his wife Sophie first heard about Geelong Grammar School almost 15 years ago, when they were both at Ipswich Grammar School in Queensland. “I remember reading about the School and the philosophy of the School and I remember thinking, ‘that sounds like an amazing school, wouldn’t it be fantastic to be part of it’. But it kind of went off the radar after that.” It was only later, when he was Head of Boys’ Middle School and subsequently Head of Chemistry at Haileybury, that GGS was back on Steven’s radar. “Having worked in NSW, Queensland and the UK, our perception was that the Victorian education system was the best in the country, so we wanted to teach in Victoria. We wanted to go into a boarding school because we believed in boarding, having worked in boarding at Toowoomba Grammar School and Ipswich Grammar School (in Queensland). Having two daughters, we didn’t want to bring them up in a boys’ school. We really wanted to come to a co-ed school, so I ended up at Haileybury (in 2014), but I always had this as the pinnacle – if I could choose any school in the country, Geelong Grammar School would be the school that I would choose. It was the reputation, the ethos of Timbertop, and that the philosophy of the School was most in line with my own philosophy. I think academic results are really important, but I think education is about the development of the student in all aspects of their life; to understand who they are and how they can make the greatest contribution to society. For me, that is what the philosophy of education should be about; for students to be stretched and have the opportunity to achieve in all aspects to the best of their ability.” “I am driven somewhat about the importance of academic results because personally I felt that when I was at school I never achieved academically what I should have achieved. That drives me. I really only became curious about education and what education could be as an adult, and I think we should be able to do that with kids – create that curiosity and that sense of desire to want to be the best that they can be in all aspects of their life.”

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“I don’t think that in education generally we necessarily always give students those stretch goals and the motivation to achieve and the push to develop to the best of their ability.”

Steven grew up in Tamworth and Kingscliff in New South Wales. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Queensland, a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and a Master of Education (Educational Management) from The University of Melbourne. He was a leading teacher and boarding master at Ipswich Grammar School and Head of House at Toowoomba Grammar School. He has taught in the UK, teaching IB and A-level Chemistry and Biology at Slough Grammar School; an ethnically diverse and academically selective school near Windsor. His interest in leadership and supporting the development of others inspired him to complete a six-month executive coaching programme to better enable and empower both staff and students. Having been immersed in boarding school environments in Queensland, Steven and Sophie, along with their daughters Emilia (13) and Lucia (9), and their miniature schnauzer Gryffindor, are very much enjoying living on campus at Corio as part of a connected community. “My observation last year, after only a few weeks, was that the relationships between staff and students were incredibly supportive,” Steven said. “I don’t know if that is Positive Education or if that culture pre-existed, but those social relationships permeate every aspect of school life. I don’t think people even see that there is such an emphasis on the social and emotional relationships, but the School community is far more connected to one another than I have ever experienced before.”

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Dodds (Yr12 M) and Nina Morrison (Yr12 A) will represent our School as School Captains in 2018. Light Blue spoke to Lachlan and Nina about the year ahead. How have you settled into the role of School Captain? Nina: Coming into this year I was quite nervous, as I think anyone would be when taking on a new role of such importance. I was particularly worried about the prospect of having to deliver speeches to the entire school – something that would stretch me out of my comfort zone quite significantly. However, I have been overwhelmed with the amount of support and encouragement I have received from both students and teachers alike. Having such a widespread support base has definitely made the transition a smooth one. Lachlan: It’s certainly not been the kind of role with a set of instructions laying out what to do, how to do it, and when. Learning the ropes of it all was something I was concerned about initially, but between the staff and students, it has been surprisingly streamlined, purely because the community is always willing to help. The number of people who have offered their support is overwhelming and it is has been oddly humbling to find so many selfless individuals, always willing to dedicate their time and energy. Spread across four campuses and multiple locations, Geelong Grammar School is often referred to as a “journey”. Can you tell us a little about your journey at GGS and if there has been a particularly memorable or significant stage of the journey? Lachlan: I began with boarding in Middle School in 2013 (in Year 7), which coincidentally was the only year when me, my brother Tom (M’15) and my sister Stephanie (Ga’13) were all at Corio. Moving through the years, I found myself at Timbertop in 2015, where I was in C Unit. I think I grew the most from that year. Even with my time so far in Senior School and Manifold and the many memories I have made here, I do think Timbertop has to be given the title of most memorable purely because of the sheer diversity of experiences I had there.

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Nina: My GGS journey also began in Year 7 when I joined Otway House, however I had been intrigued about this place called Timbertop ever since my brother Fergus (A’14) had attended two years earlier. Timbertop was my first experience boarding and one that I loved almost immediately. From getting to spend so much time with some of my closest friends to the opportunity to push myself continuously on a physical level through the running and hiking programs, Timbertop has been a significant highlight of my GGS journey and one that I will cherish for years to come. Since Year 10 I have been day boarding in Allen House. Although I occasionally miss aspects of boarding life, I love the fact that being a day student allows me to be involved in all that the School has to offer whilst also giving me the ability to maintain commitments outside of school (Nina plays AFL for the Geelong Falcons and represented Vic Country at the AFL Women’s Under 18 National Championships). What is it that you like doing most at GGS? Lachlan: Having dinner in the Dining Hall has to be a favourite of mine simply because it is when the community comes together. Often people choose to have dinner with each other as a way of catching up. It’s also one of the few places where you can leave all the business of life behind and just relax and have a chat with friends over a meal. ‘Community’ consistently ranks as one of the School’s top word images in student and parent surveys. Why do you think there is such a strong sense of community at GGS? Nina: I think the sense of community embedded within life at GGS can be largely attributed to the School’s physical isolation and the sheer amount of time we spend with those around us. As a result of sharing dorms, units or even studies with those we may not otherwise chose to be around, as well as being involved in range of co-curricular activities together, it becomes almost impossible not to form long lasting and strong relationships with a wide group of people. The fact that the majority of staff live on campus and often play a much larger role than just a classroom teacher also helps to build stronger relationships between student and staff, further heightening the rich sense of community. Lachlan: Also, the way the culture of the School is built on kindness and forgiveness makes forming the relationships which underpin our community all the stronger. The way each and every individual can make mistakes, learn from their decisions and rebuild a relationship makes for a self-sustaining community which we always trust to move forward.

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We are delighted that Lachlan

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“ Not all who WANDER are LOST.”

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In November 2017, a Timbertop hike group of five students checked out of camp at 6am and headed in entirely the wrong direction, and we happily let them go. Whenever I attend an OGG’s function or we host a year group reunion or OGG Open Day here at Timbertop, I am often regaled with wonderful stories of Timbertop adventures from years gone by. Many of these stories are of hiking in the days when staffing ratios were less and mountains and valleys were somehow mysteriously higher and deeper than they are now! They are wonderful tales of adventure, experiential learning and wonder that speak to what it is to be an alumnus of Timbertop. Many of these tales, however, would send a modern day Risk Manager pale with fright. What is most evident though, is the way the faces of those telling the stories light up at the memories of their time in the High Country and often the stories turn to their most memorable event of all; the time they were lost on a hike. The palpable fear and visceral response of realising one was, terribly, irrevocably, (seemingly) irreparably lost (or momentarily, geographically indisposed) was clearly burned into the memory of countless ex-Timbertop students. They remembered every aspect of the event in vivid detail. The overwhelming message at the end of all of these stories though was one of self-efficacy being found at the same time that they found their own way out of this predicament.

Generations of Timbertop staff and students have known the power and deep learning and growth that comes from being solely responsible for your own navigational and logistical decisions on a hike. It is, however, no surprise that the guidelines that schools and outdoor education providers must adhere to in this day and age don’t allow Timbertop to run the sparsely staffed hikes it once did. We must, for example, manage students with anaphylaxis very carefully, be able to respond if there is an emergency and adhere to the Australian Activity Standards’ guidelines on supervision ratios in wilderness settings. These are all important and entirely sensible management tools that mitigate foreseeable risks and help us create a safety net in which students can operate. To this end, a constant staff presence and support has increasingly becoming the Outdoor Education industry standard. Ironically, though, increased staff supervision and regulation poses a different kind of risk; a risk that the learning that comes from feeling entirely responsible for your own navigation and the need to solve a real and immediate challenge as a hike group could be lost. In my experience, if a staff member is standing next to a student, the student immediately loses the drive to solve these problems for themselves.

Ironically, something that for years has been key to the Timbertop programme (the possibility of becoming lost) was itself in danger of being lost. In 2016, former Head of Campus Roger Herbert, and former Head of Outdoors, Brad Bolden, first investigated the possibility that putting one satellite tracker in each hike group might give staff a bird’s eye view of where all hike groups are at any one moment. In 2017, our current Head of Outdoors, Dennis Bainger, and I progressed this plan and, with the support of an incredibly generous benefactor, we were able to trial a system that was intended to give staff the confidence to again allow students to navigate unsupported by staff and make the mistakes that are so essential for learning not only navigation, but about oneself. These trackers do not have a way of communicating to staff or the outside world. They are packaged within the lid of one student’s pack per group. They simply enable us to see which gully students may have dropped into or which spur they may have taken and make an informed decision about whether we are comfortable to let students find their own way out. This decision is made on a number of factors, but ultimately it means that we don’t need to tie up multiple staff in a search party and can maintain our traditional way of hiking and allow those wonderful lessons about self, others and the natural world to continue. What I love about these trackers most however, is that they are a very rare example of how technology enables us to maintain our traditional Timbertop way of doing things. Tom Hall, Head of Timbertop

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HOUSE MUSIC

The SPACE was rocking on Wednesday 28 February with the annual Senior School House Music competition taking centre stage. The musical talent of our students was on full display as each House ran through their repertoire of Choir, Ensemble and Solo performances. The Hermitage took home the overall prize, as well as winning the ensemble and house choir categories. Francis Brown won prizes for their original composition and solo performance, while Elisabeth Murdoch collected the gong in the conductor section. Clockwise from Top Left: Nimma Sutardjo (Yr12 He); Elisabeth Murdoch choir; Manifold choir; Manifold choir; Lola Smith (Yr10 EM) Main image: James Durose-Westcott (Yr12 Fr)

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AWESOME FOURSOME

Geelong Grammar School’s sport scholarship programme produced four of the top 27 picks in the 2017 AFL draft last November. Swan Hill’s Paddy Dow (M’17) was drafted by Carlton with pick number three and will be joined at the Blues by Mildura’s Lochie O’Brien (P’17), who was selected with pick 10. Jarrod Brander (M’17), also from Mildura, was drafted by West Coast with pick 13, while Swan Hill’s Brent Daniels (P’17) was drafted by Greater Western Sydney with pick 27, rounding out a wonderful night for the School. “It was a pretty remarkable result,” Director of Sport, Paul La Cava, said. “The opportunity to be drafted by an AFL club is significant for these kids, but from the School’s perspective, it’s about how they’ve developed into quality people who will make a positive contribution to their club and their community.” The 2017 draft was also the 10-year anniversary (to the day) of when the School’s very first sport scholarship student, Easton Wood (Cu’07), was drafted by the Western Bulldogs on 24 November 2007. From Gnotuk near Camperdown, Wood captained the Bulldogs to the 2016 AFL premiership and headlines an impressive list of past GGS scholarship students, including Australian Diamonds netballer Emily Mannix (Fr’12), AFL footballers Devon Smith (A’11) and Paddy McCartin (Fr’14), Olympic rower Charlotte Sutherland (Cl’09) and Australian junior 400m and 800m champion Christian Davis (Fr’17). “The most enjoyable part is to see them grow and make the most of their opportunities to become better, more rounded people,” Paul said. “Most of them are country kids, so a school like Geelong Grammar provides a broader perspective of everything that life has to offer beyond their chosen sport. I also think that boarding is a powerful experience – learning to live with other people and become more independent.” Boarding school was a steep learning curve for Jarrod Brander, who attended the tiny, 20-pupil Pomona Primary School, north of Wentworth on the banks of the Darling River. “Before I went away, I was definitely a lot shyer,” Jarrod admitted. “School has helped a lot. You just learn to be more confident and be yourself. I’m well equipped to move to Perth (to join the West Coast Eagles). It will be a big challenge to get a spot in the senior side, but I can’t wait to start training with superstars like Jeremy McGovern and Josh Kennedy.” Top Left: The 1st XVIII celebrating their fourth-consecutive Derby Day victory against The Geelong College in 2017. Left: Jarrod Brander (M’17), selected with Pick 13 by the West Coast Eagles.

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ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM In sport, being the next administrator after a long and successful era can be a poison chalice. Think David Moyes taking over at Manchester United after 25 years of Sir Alex Ferguson or Matthew Knights coaching Essendon in the shadows of the Sheedy era. In the case of Toby Lister following in the footsteps of Geoff Hunter, it feels more like Chris Scott following Mark Thompson at Geelong; taking the top job in the midst of an era of sustained success.

Toby comes to the School with an impressive pedigree, having competed at the London Olympics as the cox for the Men’s VIII and has led Adelaide’s Scotch College back to its former glory as Director of Rowing. While Toby hopes to maintain the School’s success on the water of past decade, his approach is more holistic. “No student or crew is more or less important than another,” Toby said with a passion that immediately shines through. “Whether they’re in the 1st crew or the 5th crew, they need the same amount of coaching, the same amount of attention.” Having joined the School in late 2016, it has been a bit of a slow burn for Toby. His first term involved a job-share with Geoff, allowing Toby to take a backseat and observe the way the programme operated. “I didn’t want to do too much, in terms of structural changes, at the start of 2017,” Toby said. “I observed the programme in operation and, with the role being Head Coach as well as Director of Rowing, I spent a lot of time on the water helping to coach the coaches.” Coupled with recommendations from an independent review conducted in 2015, Toby set about making his mark on Rowing at GGS in the 2017-18 season. The appointment of former Head of Middle School, Tony Inkster, as a rowing administrator has assisted in freeing-up more time to help Toby and the programme realise his vision.

“There is more of a team focus - boys and girls, 1st crews through to Middle School - we want to build that team atmosphere,” Toby explained. “My desire is to instill a genuine love of rowing in all our boys and girls, and to allow all those involved to experience the incredible camaraderie that comes from being a part of something bigger than just oneself.” Improving the technical proficiency of the entire programme has been another focus. “We now have all the coaches on a similar page, in terms of their training philosophies and their technical approach,” Toby said. This season has also seen the implementation of a boat turnover plan, with the support of the Pincott Club, which will see the fleet updated more regularly. “(New boats) help with morale as well as the obvious benefits of having students competing in lighter, faster boats.” The desire to turnover/ update the fleet of boats harks back to Toby’s past experience with Scotch College in Adelaide, where he was Director of Rowing prior to joining GGS. In the lead-up to the 2014-15 season, Scotch purchased 26 new boats to add to their fleet. At the end of that season, the College’s Boys’ and Girls’ 1st VIII each stood atop the podium at the South Australian Head of the River Regatta, ending 20 and 14-year droughts respectively. While the new fleet wasn’t the sole factor for success, the improved technology of the boats and the morale boost that comes with it certainly contributed. Establishing a love for Rowing at an early age, before students reach Senior School, is one challenge that faces the programme. The Timbertop year presents unique challenges for some sports at the School, perhaps none more so than Rowing. “The Timbertop experience provides a fantastic opportunity for personal growth, but it makes it tricky that you have that whole year where the kids don’t row,” Toby said. “I’m really big on working from the bottom up- Middle School and Year 10 is the breeding ground for our rowers. We need to establish that enjoyment of rowing and technical proficiency in Middle School so that we’re not having to teach them the basics when they return from Timbertop.” While there has been a considerable shift in focus in the space of twelve months, Toby is just getting started. “I believe there is still a lot of positive growth that can happen in this programme.” Nick Sculley

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FOUNDATION CHAIR “Great landscapers have long vision, knowing they will not be around when their trees reach maturity.” – Tommy Garnett (Headmaster 1961-73) The Geelong Grammar Foundation was thrilled to launch the Tommy Garnett Scholarship at the School of Performing Arts and Creative Education (the SPACE) on Friday 2 March. Hosted by Tim Murray AM (P’52) and incorporating the Corio launch of Andrew Lemon’s (FB’67) biography, The Master Gardener: T R Garnett of Marlborough College, Geelong Grammar School, The Age and The Garden of St Erth (Hardie Grant 2018), it was a wonderful night that honoured the memory of a wonderful man. It was particularly warming to have members of the Garnett family in attendance, including his sons Malcolm (FB’69) and Stephen (FB’72), Malcolm’s wife Jan Schlunke and Tommy’s granddaughter Sarah Lendon (Ga’92) and her family. Tommy was himself the beneficiary of a scholarship to both Charterhouse School and Cambridge University, which led to his remarkable career and life. He was a man of natural modesty and an astonishing range of interests and accomplishments – from classics scholar to gardener, cricketer and transformational Headmaster. Tommy left an indelible impression on Geelong Grammar School through sowing the seeds of co-education. The Tommy Garnett Scholarship honours his legacy by providing a life-changing opportunity to girls and boys who could not otherwise afford a Geelong Grammar School education. From 2019 onwards there will always be a Tommy Garnett Scholar at the School. I do believe that Tommy would be as delighted as we are and I am immensely grateful to all those who have supported this Scholarship. I am also very appreciative of the commitment of the School to match donations dollar for dollar for the first $125,000. I encourage all those who can, to help us to help others. It would be wonderful to grow the fund so that the Tommy Garnett Scholarship could provide more opportunities for more students.

The provision of scholarships is central to the role of the Foundation. Scholarships are essential for diversity at the School and to address the growing advantage gap in Australia. One of the Foundation’s main priorities is to increase the Scholarship Fund so that we can continue to provide scholarships to a wide range of children who not only benefit from a Geelong Grammar School education but contribute immeasurably to the School community. The Foundation’s aim is to increase the size of the Scholarship Fund to $100 million in order to achieve these goals. Two wonderful ways to contribute to scholarships is through the Biddlecombe Society and our Annual Giving programme. The Biddlecombe Society honours all those people (there are 178 members) who have decided to provide a Bequest in their Will to the Geelong Grammar Foundation. Bequests play a major role in supporting the School. Annual Giving is another marvellous opportunity for every member of our community to support the School. Every gift to Annual Giving makes a difference, no matter how small. It is something everyone can participate in and support to the best of their ability. The Foundation is grateful for all donations, gifts and pledges. Each and every gift is making a positive difference for future generations of Geelong Grammar School students. Penny McBain Chair, Geelong Grammar Foundation

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REMEMBERING JANET BIDDLECOMBE As I approach my eighth decade I am one of a diminishing group who can report a direct encounter with Janet Biddlecombe, albeit as she was approaching the end of her life and I was beginning mine. While Mrs Biddlecombe was a powerful background presence in my early life, personal interaction with her was rare and, as she died in February 1954 aged 87 (when I was just 5 and a quarter), I have only a single clear memory of meeting this remarkable pioneer who was, as an obituarist noted, “perhaps the last who could bridge the gulf between (modern) Victorians and their beginnings”. Janet Biddlecombe was the last survivor of pastoralist George and Euphemia Russell’s eight offspring. She was known in the Brown household simply as Mrs Biddlecombe – a name uttered in hushed and semi-reverential tones around the kitchen table. Mrs Biddlecombe commissioned my father, Dr Philip Brown (one of Dr Francis Brown’s two surviving sons), to edit George Russell’s memoirs. They were published in 1935 as the forerunner to the Clyde Company Papers, a landmark seven-volume series of papers produced by the Russell family company, published between 1941 and 1971. My father’s work on the Clyde Company Papers entailed relatively frequent trips to the Russell family estate at Golf Hill, a magnificent French Second Empire mansion built at Shelford, about 30 kilometres north-west of Geelong. Usually my father made these trips alone, but on one occasion, when I was four or five, I was privileged to accompany him.

I have a clear memory of chugging along what is now the Hamilton Highway in our 1948 Bedford truck before turning on to the long drive that took us up to the house. The black-clad châtelaine of Golf Hill appeared on the verandah and greeted my father warmly as I stood nervously in his shadow.

BIDDLECOMBE SOCIETY IN NUMBERS

178 MEMBERS 25 – YOUNGEST MEMBER 100 – OLDEST MEMBER 65% INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP SINCE 2016 LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

I recall Mrs Biddlecombe saying to my father: “Perhaps the boy would like to see the birds.” The housemaid was summoned and she escorted me to an aviary of (to me) enormous size, filled with large native parrots of every hue. This was my first experience of an aviary and I thought it was magical. My excitement increased as the maid suggested that, as the aviary was so large, I could enter it. My most vivid memory is that one of the colourful birds, probably a macaw, proceeded to whistle Schumann’s ‘The Merry Peasant’. A few months later, my father came into my bedroom to say that he had just learned of Mrs Biddlecombe’s death. I recall that he looked sad, as he had lost not only a generous sponsor but a kind and perceptive friend. As he stated in a paper delivered to the Tasmanian Historical Research Association in 1957: “No editor could over-estimate the worth of (Mrs Biddlecombe’s) energy, humour, knowledge and sense of fitness.” Until the final volume of the Clyde Company Papers appeared in print in 1971, the spirit of Mrs Biddlecombe continued to encourage my father as he worked to bring to life a truly remarkable work of historical scholarship. Janet Biddlecombe maintained a tradition of anonymous philanthropy throughout most of her adult life. She and her husband, Commander John Biddlecombe, not only financed the construction of six masters’ houses at Corio (and co-funded the Music School), but supported the Red Cross, Royal Flying Doctor Service and a number of children’s charities. Her will established a Golf Hill bequest for charities as diverse as the Bethany Babies’ Home in Geelong and the Victorian Association of Braille Writers. The Biddlecombe Society*, of which I am proud to be a member, administers a bequest programme that recognises the eponymous Janet as a benefactor par excellence. I am confident that she and John would have thoroughly approved of the Society’s aims and objectives, which are aligned so closely with the Biddlecombe practice of unobtrusive charitable giving for the benefit of later generations. Ian Brown (M’66)

Note: This is an edited extract of an article that appeared in the Biddlecombe Society newsletter *The Biddlecombe Society honours and recognises, during their lifetime, those who have decided to provide a Bequest in their Will to the Geelong Grammar Foundation as an enduring way of supporting the future of the School. For further information please contact Garry Pierson, Associate Director, on: +61 3 52739136 or garryp@ggs.vic.edu.au

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ANNUAL GIVING

John McInnes OAM (Cu’58) has participated in Annual Giving every year since the programme was first established in 1997. For John, it is the participation rather than the amount donated that is important. “I think it’s a terrific way to stay involved and keep a connection with the School,” he explained.

“My father said: ‘He’s got a younger

It is almost 60 years since John McInnes left Corio. It would have been almost 61 years had it not been for the intervention of Sir James Darling (Headmaster 1930-61). “Back when I was at school it was quite normal to do two years of matriculation,” John said. “More than half of the cohort of the year went back and did a second year of matric. I did my first year of matric and I didn’t do very well. I suppose I was a bit immature. My father (a bank manager Mortlake) told the School that I would be leaving at the end of the year. Sir James Darling asked to see my father and he said: ‘I really think the boy should have another year. He needs another year at the School. It would be very good for him. He’s a good boy (John was a School Sub-Prefect) but he needs another year.’

Council has given me an amount of

brother (David McInnes, Cu’64) and I’m going to send him to the School. I can’t do both.’ Darling said: ‘The money that I can apply to instances that I think are worthwhile.’ So I attended the School for my last year at no cost. It helped me enormously, so I think I owe the School a lot and I’m happy to make a contribution.”

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Unsurprisingly, John is particularly passionate DONOR TYPE Annual Giving about the power of scholarships. BREAKDOWN CHART provides an opportunity support an array Pastto Students = 40% Past Parents = 36.4%Giving of scholarships, including the Annual Current Parents = 9.7% Scholarship, Clyde Scholarship, Other = 6.3% James R Past Staff = 5.2% Darling Memorial Scholarship, Hartley Mitchell Current Staff = 2.4% Scholarship, The Hermitage Scholarship, Indigenous Scholarship, Michael Collins Persse Scholarship and Tommy Garnett Scholarship. “I think it’s important that we keep the base of the School, in terms of students, as broad as we can,” John said. “In my view, it’s vitally important to assist children to come to the School who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, particularly kids from the bush, to enable them to board if they don’t live near the School or in a big city. Some schools are more interested in what the student can do for the school. I think Geelong Grammar is more interested in what the School can do for the student. It is open entry, so it takes all kids, and I think it gives them all the best opportunity that they can have to do something with their lives.”

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John has been making a contribution to the School for many years, serving on the School Council from 1992-2003 and as Chair of Council from 1998-2003. John and his wife Sally’s children, Hamish (Cu’93), Dougal (Cu’96), Georgie (Cl’96) and Charlotte (Cl’02), attended the School. John has also made a financial contribution as a donor and Biddlecombe Society member. “I can remember appeals for building funds going back to the 1960s. The School was going out asking people to contribute larger sums of money, but not everyone can afford to give 10, 50, 100,000 dollars. For people who didn’t have that capacity, there was no other way to contribute and there was no connection and no way to support the School in that regard. Annual Giving was a terrific way for the broader school community to be able to make an annual contribution, which over the years, made a real difference (Annual Giving has raised more than $3.5 million to support the School over the past 21 years). More importantly, it maintained their connection with the School and gave them an opportunity to participate in what the School was doing.”

ANNUAL GIVING 2017

Annual Giving 2017 has raised $197,880 (up 13% on 2016) from 292 donors (up 24%), including 46 new donors. The Geelong Grammar Foundation thanks all those supporters of Annual Giving whose generosity has made a positive difference for future generations of students.

SMALLEST GIFT =

$5 LARGEST GIFT =

$10,000 AVERAGE GIFT =

$582

BREAKDOWN CHART

BUILDINGS

LIBRARIES

SCHOLARSHIPS

11.8% 16.7% 71.5%

SCHOLARSHIP BREAKDOWN CHART

Indigenous = 31.4% Tommy Garnett = 31.3% Michael Collins Persse = 15.8% James R Darling = 12.3% Hartley Mitchell = 3.9% Annual Giving = 3.5% Other = 1.8%

WHY PARTICIPATION MATTERS

Whether it is big or small, all gifts to Annual Giving make a difference. All members of the Geelong Grammar School community DONOR TYPE have CHART the opportunity to contributeBREAKDOWN to Annual Giving Past Students = 40% Pastbest Parentsof = 36.4% and support the School to the their Current Parents = 9.7% ability. Annual Giving has an immediate Other = 6.3% and Staff = 5.2% profound impact on the life ofPast the School, Current Staff = 2.4% providing financial assistance to students in need in the form of scholarships and bursaries, enhancing library resources and refurbishing Timbertop units.

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DONOR TYPE BREAKDOWN CHART

Past Students = 40% Past Parents = 36.4% Current Parents = 9.7% Other = 6.3% Past Staff = 5.2% Current Staff = 2.4%

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TWO MOST REMARKABLE MEN T

wo very full and very fine biographies of distinguished Headmasters of Geelong Grammar School whose regimes spanned the years 1930 to 1973 have recently been published by Hardie Grant Books, happily in the order in which their subjects held office – Just as I am: A life of J. R. Darling by Peter Gronn, an eminent “outsider” who started work on the project in 1983 before holding professorial chairs in Education at Monash and Cambridge Universities, and who thus had 12 years in which to know Sir James Darling before his death in 1995; and The Master Gardener: T R Garnett of Marlborough College, Geelong Grammar School, The Age and The Garden of St Erth by Andrew Lemon (FB’67), a distinguished historian whose years as a boy at GGS (1954-67), spanned the two eras (Tommy Garnett’s having begun in September 1961), and who knew his subject well in later years (Garnett died in 2006).

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Despite their scholarly thoroughness and the quality of their writing, the approaches of the two authors are as different as their associations with GGS – and indeed as the personalities and achievements of the two Headmasters, despite many superficial similarities between their backgrounds in England (where Darling was born in 1899, Garnett in 1915), particularly in the influences upon them in the comparatively small world of the great (so-called public) schools, especially at Charterhouse where Darling as a master and Garnett as a boy experienced as mentor one of the great educators of the age, Sir Frank Fletcher, who was Headmaster there from 1911-35 after eight years as Master (or head) of Marlborough, a post later held by Garnett from 1952-61 (and by a subsequent Principal of GGS, Nicholas Sampson, from 2004-12).

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If, as a survivor still on the School staff from 1955, and thus from both eras covered by the books, I may sum up something of the essential differences between the two men, each of whom had an influence far beyond the School (Darling in many aspects of the public life of Australia, Garnett in the knowledge and care of its natural world), I would say that, in the same chronological order as the great Greek philosophers with whom I compare them, the older man was essentially a Platonist and the younger (albeit not a disciple) an Aristotelian. Andrew Lemon – my friend and former pupil – differs from me in my view of the School’s evolution through the halfcentury 1930-80 (Charles Fisher having been the third Headmaster within it, and the one who led GGS into a completing of Garnett’s great initiative of coeducation) whereby I see (not least in Timbertop, one of Darling’s great initiatives) the burgeoning of a growing family (from the 19th century on).

Andrew argues that the School of 1973 was radically different from that of 1961, whereas I see that of 1973, for all its more obvious differences, as marking a further stage towards the fulfilment of a continuing ideal. Readers of these two fascinating and wonderful books – which do Geelong Grammar School great credit – will form their own conclusions. Those who read them as thoroughly as they deserve will also be given valuable insights into the wider worlds which helped form their subjects, and which in so many important but very different ways were influenced by two most remarkable men. Michael Collins Persse

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JUST AS I AM A life of

J.R. Darling

t the time that I commenced my research into the life and work of Sir James Darling my interest in biography arose out of a professional need. I was a youngish academic at Monash University with responsibilities in the area of educational administration or, as it has more recently become known, educational leadership. My postgraduate students were mostly teachers, employed in both the government and nongovernment sectors, who were aspiring to career advancement as heads of department, campus heads, deputy-principals or principals. Pedagogically, I wanted a way of enlivening their understanding of what they might encounter in these roles. Biographies of educationalists of an earlier generation of leaders seemed to me to be a sensible way of acquainting my students, albeit vicariously, with the demands and experiences of such responsibilities. With the best of intentions, then, I combed through the available literature in search of useful biographies of educational leaders, only to discover that there were remarkably few of respectable academic quality. That being the case, I determined to write one myself. Darling’s name came up in conversation with a colleague, who then introduced me to him. Sir James was willing for me to write up his life and so the journey that ended in the publication of Just as I Am commenced. As part of my research preparation, I read Darling’s memoir Richly Rewarding. This book was published in 1978, which was just shy of 50 years after he had arrived in Australia as the young Headmaster of GGS. A couple of things struck me about what he recounted in that memoir: first, there was the duration of his participation in the public life of Australia – as I say, at that point in time nearly five decades; second, there was the range of activities and ventures that he had been involved in or had initiated, both in and beyond education. Apart from this area, there was broadcasting, immigration, road safety, the performing arts and ecumenical outreach among the Christian churches. At the publication date of Richly Rewarding, Darling was in his late 70s and had not even begun writing his reflections for The Age newspaper – yet he was to do that for about 14 years. So, at his age he was still very active as a public figure of note and, as I was to discover, this engagement continued almost until the year of his death. My fascination with these two features of his life deepened as I commenced my archival research, when it became clear that I was writing the life of a person who had influenced numerous people and who had made a significant contribution to the shaping of twentieth century Australia. There were many things that surprised me. Two in particular are worth mentioning: his restlessness and his eventual identification with his adopted country. On the first point, I don’t think he was ever quite clear in his mind when he arrived here about how long he expected to commit himself to GGS and Australia. That said, everything was pretty much fine and dandy until 1939, when he was on his second period of leave in England, at which point,

Peter Gronn

thanks to the outbreak of war, the divided loyalties that he was experiencing between the country of his birth and his adopted country began to play on his mind. As we know, he returned to Corio in early 1940, from which point until later in that decade the possibility of securing an English appointment continued to weigh on him. The second matter that I hadn’t anticipated would figure so prominently is closely related to this first one. Sir James began life as an Englishman abroad, or an Anglo-Australian, but there is a strong case for saying (as I argue in my book) that, to all intents and purposes, when his life ended he was very much an Australian. That is, Australia had become home. In between times, during the 65 or so years after his arrival here, he experienced the push and pull of his dual ties to both England and Australia. I should point out that this kind of tension between loyalty to country of origin and adoption was not unique to him, but is experienced by most people who, for a time, become expatriates, and move back and forth between two countries. I regard Timbertop as his most lasting legacy for Geelong Grammar School and it is the innovation for which he is probably best known and remembered by those Australians who are familiar with his name. This assertion does not in any way devalue his numerous other contributions to GGS and Australia. Although it wasn’t the first venture into the Australian bush by a school, the sheer scale and ambition of Timbertop was unique for its time. It was a bold venture. Fortuitously, shortly after I relocated to the University of Cambridge in 2008 I had responsibility (as Head of Faculty) for overseeing the planning of the University’s venture into schooling: the University of Cambridge Primary School.

Having previously immersed myself in the archival records that documented the origin and development of Timbertop, I went into the Cambridge challenge with a good idea of what drove Darling, the financial challenges that he faced, his battle to win the hearts and minds of the GGS community, and the trials and tribulations in getting the Timbertop site up and running.

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For Darling, the formation of the College was the outcome of a long campaign that he waged in a number of public forums and in his many speeches to create an organisation to represent all educators (particularly teachers), regardless of the sector of education in which they were employed. The College founders’ conference was held at Corio in May 1959, although Darling was not the sole architect of the College as it began to take shape. He did succeed in bringing the various sectors together except that as the College developed he felt subsequently that it did not quite meet his expectations for it. On the other hand, it has to be remembered that its establishment was a collective effort and that his was only one voice.

The other activity to mention concerns his period as Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (1961-67). This was an especially difficult role for him to fulfil, for a number of reasons, but particularly because of the way the legislation was drafted that governed the Commission’s role and its relations with the Post Master General. The pressures faced by the Chairman were even thought to have contributed to the death of Darling’s predecessor. The nub of the challenge confronting the Commission and chairman was to maintain the independence of the broadcaster. On this matter, Darling really stuck his neck out: he fought hard (and with some success) to maintain that independence during a decade of far-reaching cultural change and shifts in values, and in which the ABC was expanding rapidly in size following the introduction of television in 1956. Darling’s staunch defence of the ABC’s independence put him at odds with the government of the day and for that he paid a price, because that same government refused to renew his contract for a third term. Peter Gronn

Australian Thoroughbred Racing, described by Les a Carlyon as ‘a tour de force, remarkable piece of research and passion’.

MASTER GARDENER The Master Gardener

), reforming headmaster Tommy Garnett (1915–2006 of the renowned Garden of two famous schools, creator gardening and writing of St Erth, came late to his article on his career. He penned his first newspaper Davie, editor of The Age sixty-fifth birthday. Michael Garnett in the top rank and The Observer, soon placed of English nature of essayists, in the best traditions saw him as one of writers. Professor George Seddon and provocative writers Australia’s most stimulating ble, a truly – honest, witty, profoundly knowledgea enquiring mind. the garden and the What was the life that shaped and beautifully writing? This closely researched the worlds that created the crafted biography explores The Garden of St Erth. remarkable man who created

Andrew Lemon

Educated at Geelong Grammar and at the University of Melbourne, Andrew won the 1979 Dennis-Wettenhall Prize for his Master of Arts thesis, published as The Young Man From Home. For his body of work, the University awarded him the degree of Doctor of Letters in 2005. He is a past president of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

T R Garnett

Andrew Lemon has written many books on diverse aspects of Australian history, winning several national literary awards. He is best known for his three-volume History of

The Master Gardener

About the author

spent Thomas Ronald Garnett (1915–2006) half as an half his life as an Englishman, his family in 1961. Australian, migrating with was the In his professional career he of, in turn, successful reforming headmaster schools two renowned and deeply traditional and – England’s Marlborough College Australia’s Geelong Grammar.

his book, like all good biographies, had a long gestation. More than 55 years have passed since Tommy came to GGS, 45 since he left. His prior career helps explain so much of what he did at Geelong. He left it transformed in many ways; and, of course, it has continued to change. Yet some of his vision clearly endures. The primary purpose of this book is to remind people of the timeless quality both of Garnett’s writing (in The Age) and of his mode of thinking as I explore the trajectory of his life. As I say in my introduction, “TR Garnett worried for the world he was leaving. A decade later the world needs more than ever a passionate, rational, classically intelligent viewpoint such as his.”

retirement for During what would have been began a new others, Tommy Garnett then creating with his career lasting into old age, Garden of St Erth. wife Penelope the enduring abandoned an of survivor cottage, A stone the centre point gold town in the bush, became open private of one of the country’s first Garnett became gardens. At the same time the Melbourne garden editor and writer for secretary of the Age, a prolific book reviewer, Australia, and a ornithologists’ union Birds conservation. strategic campaigner for nature

The Master Gardener T R Garnett

of Marlborough College, Geelong Grammar School, The Age and The Garden of St Erth

People who Garnett was not one to boast. life rarely knew him in one part of his achievements understood the power of his tells the elsewhere. This engaging biography with formidable whole story of a man blessed always on the physical and mental talents, status quo, move, always questioning the and labels’. ‘very mistrustful of slogans to be close to him ‘To be paradoxical, you have of you,’ wrote to realise how far he is ahead test cricketer and Sir Robert Southey. England ‘I would colleague Dennis Silk said simply, Tommy.’ have gone under a train for principles Tommy Garnett’s educational as his natural sprang from the same root articles philosophy. He offered his Age open minds, ‘to all gardeners who have not set hard.’ to all whose prejudices have

Leader Front cover photo: Squadron TR Garnett, RAF Regiment 1944, foothills. on brief leave in the Himalaya

Andrew Lemon

Photograph by Humphrey Tyndale (Garnett Papers).

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The book makes also a kind of reparation. It responds to frustration felt by many who truly appreciated his work and his strong independent thinking and yet feel that he was never accorded his full due. Those who admired his contribution to GGS intuited that he was somehow always being dismissed with faint praise, after a genuflection to his innovation of coeducation, but pushed out of the limelight because of endless attention bestowed on his predecessor, Sir James Darling. In those respects, the two key chapters in the book are one near the start, Recognition, and one near the end, Reputation. Recognition. At the end of his life TRG certainly had recognition – he had gained a strong public profile as garden editor and writer in The Age, as the man who made the Garden of St Erth, as a LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

successful campaigner for the restoration of municipal botanic gardens; he helped put voluntary groups onto a professional footing, especially Birds Australia and Conservation Volunteers. Behind all this was his influential career an educator. That’s just the Australian half of his life. I point out that his OAM, awarded in his old age, was for services to horticulture. He characteristically enjoyed that fact, and he put little store on strings of postnominals, but it was parsimonious acknowledgement from the country he had served so well, in so many ways. Reputation. There has been a self-repeating narrative at GGS that Garnett made early mistakes before coming to appreciate the inherent quality of the School and building on that. I make in this book a revisionist thesis. Garnett did not come here as some kind of blundering newcomer but rather as the successful and extraordinarily distinguished Headmaster of one of the most famous schools in Britain (Marlborough) with a repair job to do. Everyone makes mistakes, but Garnett was never rudderless at GGS and as the book shows, he found himself having to deal with exceptional circumstances that threatened the very continuation of GGS on the site at Corio. He also was determined to create a more humane, less authoritarian atmosphere in keeping with his own values. Coeducation was a natural outflow, but it was not the whole story.

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What I am saying is that my awareness of what Sir James had done in respect of the mountain school stood me in good stead with regard to the demands of my project. Two other Darling achievements are especially worthy of note. The first was the Australian College of Education (now known as the Australian College of Educators).

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Some of his contemporaries as heads of other schools tried being King Canute and found themselves dealing with defiance, student protest, school strikes, disaffected communities, collapse of academic standards and declining enrolments. Here are some of his comments to parents and staff. From 1970: “All over the world the young will not accept the hypocrisy of two different standards, one for adults and one for those younger.” On hair: “Some of you will hold up your hands in horror at the length of your son’s hair, or the bizarre nature of his clothes. My advice is that you do not worry too much.”

On training and obedience, TRG was often misconstrued as an advocate of lax parenting. Surely the positions he took are incontestable: “An efficient outwardly well-disciplined group,” he said, thinking of his RAF Regiment days, “does not necessarily mean that all is well; but if all is well, there will be efficiency and discipline.” “Mistakes are not the same as crimes.” “Routine is a means to an end, not an end in itself.” On corporal punishment, still widely used at the School on his arrival: “There is a place for the cane,” he told his staff in 1963, “and that is in the cupboard.” On coeducation:

“I cannot pin-point the moment when I first came to realise that, if boarding schools were meant to be preparing pupils for life in a community, it was absurd if half the community was missing.” One of the pleasures of releasing this book is knowing that people reading it, who thought they knew Tommy Garnett, will find much that is new. It is quite an adventure story of an exceptionally resourceful man. “I owe my life to birds”, he once said, and you will learn here why. His wife Penny, his five children, have all told me that they learned things from this book they never knew about Tommy. And curiously there are things in this book that Tommy himself never knew. He knew he got through his secondary schooling at famous Charterhouse and then through Cambridge on the strength of scholarships and some generosity in kind from uncles and aunts – but he never knew the full extent of his support. His parents, quite wealthy when he was born (the fifth of eight children) spectacularly lost their money ahead of the depression and decamped to Canada, leaving him behind on his newly won scholarship just as he was entering Charterhouse aged 13 from his prep school St Edmunds. He did not see them again until he was nearly 18. He was a talented boy who made the most of his opportunities and so was singled out for special attention: a brilliant cricketer in the David Warner style, all round sportsman, intellectual, spiritually curious, good looking, friendly, a natural leader, and a top scholar. Not quite perfect, I’m glad to say.

Darling in his era felt he was training boys for leadership: many took him as their model, some even to the point of reverence. By Garnett’s more egalitarian time that was an anachronistic conceit. He took an interest always, but he wanted the boys and girls to grow up, to leave school, to find their own way. No one has put it better than Harriet Lester, widow of the much-loved GGS master Bill Lester (P’43). I twice quote her in the book for her off-the-cuff wisdom: “JRD,” she said, “wanted to be a stone in the pond creating a lot of ripples. Tommy wanted to create a lot of stones.” The book has many words. Some of the best are Tommy’s – on birds, schools, gardens. Read them slowly. Savour them. Always original, often poetic. Enjoy the names and places. The author’s exhortation is to buy the book, to read the book and, if you like it, to recommend it to friends. Dr Andrew Lemon (FB’67)

But to win a scholarship to Cambridge in the 1930s was not enough because just to survive required significant extra funds even for the most frugal. Archival files, which he never saw, but which I was able to read at Magdalene College, allowed me to confirm how broke his parents were at that time. The files also revealed the private generosity of masters and headmasters and the trustees of the Charterhouse Tercentenary Fund, that got him into Cambridge. Without that discreet additional support, he could never have gone there. Consequently, he never would have been eligible to be Master of Marlborough in 1951, as that exalted headmastership was strictly in the control of the Church of England and was open only to graduates of Oxford and Cambridge. So, without knowing the full details, Tommy never forgot his career depended on the scholarships he won. Both at Marlborough and at GGS he worked tirelessly to extend the reach of scholarships and bursaries, formal and informal. He knew from his own experience that a bit of help at the right time – financially, psychologically – can have a life changing effect on a student and their family. Unlike many headmasters, Garnett had no interest in fostering emotional dependency among his pupils. He was the exact opposite of famous heads such as Lawrence Adamson, who wanted his Wesley boys to stay just that; boys, dyed in purple, for the rest of their lives.

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PAST PARENTS’ NETWORK Geelong Grammar School’s Past Parents’ Network (PPN) is going from strength to strength. November 2017 saw a most successful Spring Event being held in Kyneton, combining the tour of the Old Rectory of St Paul’s Anglican Church, now a recently-renovated, welcoming luxury accommodation – hosted by Will Jones (Cu’72); and a smorgasbord lunch with a relaxed gathering at the home of Julie-Anne (Ross, Cl’82) and David Gibney (parents of James (P’08), Emily (Cl’10) and Joseph (P’14)).

1. Cathie Kemp (outgoing PPN Co-Chair), with David Gibney, Emily Gibney (Cl’10), Markela Sargent-Peck (PPN Co-Chair), Joseph Gibney (P’14), James Gibney (P’08) and Julie-Anne Gibney (Ross, Cl’82). 2. Alan Liddle, Simon Williamson, Vanessa Wallace and Tom James (P’83). 3. Kyu Wan Choy, Nic James and Will Jones (Cu’73). 4. Chris and Martina Sherwin, with Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly, Clyde’69) and Belinda Bicknell. 5. Will Jones (Cu’73) explaining the history of the Old Rectory.

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The next PPN event – the annual Autumn Cocktail Party – will be held on Friday 20 April 2018 at Maryemeade in Hawthorn. All Past Parents of the School are most welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information and to book online go to: www.ggs.vic.edu.au/events.

6. Peter O’Neil Donnellon with Gae O’Neil Donnellon and Richard Bouvier (Cu’71). 7. Simon Peck with Anthony Bellofiore, Mima Piccolo, Ryan MarsdenSmith and Sophia Marsden-Smith (MacQuillan, Fr’09). 8. Antony Gunn (P’78) with Lyn Bouvier and Eve Gunn. 9. Jeanette Commins with Liz Redfern, Sarah Commins (He’14) and Sarah Watts. 10. Guests reacquainting themselves at the Kyneton function – a lovely sight!

COMMUNITY NEWS 1941

Reverend Brian Thewlis (Ge’41), who was born on 17 July 1924 and died on 30 September 2017, was the second son of Ethel and Milton Thewlis (Bursar 1929-53), and younger brother of Neale (Ge’40), who died on active service in World War 2. Brian began his schooling at Bostock House before progressing to Corio, where he was active in sport, most notably as a member of the 1st VIII Rowing crew. After GGS he worked briefly for BHP before enlisting in the Air Force alongside Neale at the outbreak of World War 2. Both served on active duty in PNG, where Neale’s plane went missing in January 1945 and wasn’t discovered until 50 years later. He was 22 years old.

1943

James (Peter) Ball (P’43), who was born on 24 February 1926 and died on 2 August 2017, was an esteemed electrical engineer and consummate family man. The oldest child of Reverend S T Ball of Omeo, Peter was in Perry House from 1940, where he received House Colours for Athletics and Rowing. He also won the Divinity Prize, which pleased his father. He recalled topping his Physics class yet his report suggested: “could do better”. Peter won a scholarship to Trinity College at Melbourne University, where he studied Engineering. He met his wife Barbara in the Engineering School Library, where she was a librarian. Peter spent two years working for English Electric in the UK before he was recruited by the fledgling Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority, based predominantly in Cooma, NSW. Peter rose to be head of the Controls Section and was responsible for the design of the control room that operated the power station. He spent periods in Colorado and Japan studying hydro power before moving to Adelaide in 1969, working as a consulting engineer on major building projects. He joined the Department of Engineering and Water Supply in 1980 and worked as a consultant in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan from 1985 until his retirement. Peter had a fine collection of wine, extensively catalogued, and enjoyed time spent with family at their beach shack at Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula. After Barbara’s death in 2014, Peter’s own health began to wane, but his legendary dry wit remained intact. A service commemorating his life was held in St Peter’s Cathedral in Adelaide. He is survived by his four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

1946

Brian returned to study at Melbourne University and was ordained an Anglican minister, becoming a chaplain at a school in New Zealand. He returned to Geelong for holidays, where he met his wife, Elsbeth, daughter of Canon Norman Fettel of All Saints Newtown, where they subsequently were married. His first parish was St George’s Reservoir and one of his great legacies is the beautiful church he built there. Designed by architects Mockridge, Stahle and Mitchell, it was described by the then Archbishop as “social monochromatic” for its cubic form and structural expressionism. In 1968, Brian moved to St Paul’s Malvern, where he became a leading figure within the renewal movement in the church and was responsible for many innovations and much change. In 1981, he became the vicar of St Michael and All Angels Beaumaris. He was very excited to learn that Royal Melbourne Golf Club was within his parish. He had been a very enthusiastic golfer since his school days and continued to play golf a few mornings a week at Royal Melbourne until only a few years ago. Brian’s final parish was St Paul’s Frankston, but he never stopped serving – continuing as a locum until quite recently. He quietly changed countless people’s lives. Brian is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elsbeth, and their sons Jeremy, Simon and Adrian.

Bill Panckridge (FB’46), who was born on 30 August 1928 and died on 24 June 2017, was remembered with fond pride and gratitude for his more than 35 years (1952-87) of devoted service on our teaching staff. Bill attended the School as a boy (1934-46) and his association with GGS dates back to his grandfather, John Lockwood, who was the official school photographer for many years, while his uncle, also John Lockwood (Ge’38), was killed in an early RAAF action against the Japanese in 1942. Bill progressed from Bostock House through Junior School to become a School Prefect and Captain of Francis Brown House, winning School Colours for Cricket, Football, and Athletics. After a short spell in business and work at Ballarat College (training as a teacher) and the Dragon School in Oxford, he joined the staff of our Junior School at Corio during 1952 to teach what became a wide range of subjects – English, History, Geography, Latin, German, Divinity – but mainly English, in due course at all levels up to Year 12: always with firmness and scholarly precision, devotion to his pupils, and a dry wit that showed both gentlemanly reticence yet warm human understanding. From 1963 to 1971 he was Housemaster of Barrabool, his own former House in Junior (now renamed Middle) School. As a coach in several sports, especially cricket, he inspired love of the game as he worked on the development of skills. He produced some memorable plays (productions like Toad of Toad Hall in 1959, Treasure Island in 1961, and The Imperial Nightingale in 1962), presided over the Literary Society, and shared his love of philately through the Stamp Club, which flourished for many years. As Hawker Librarian from 1975-78 and Fisher Librarian from 1979-83, he had a permanent LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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1955

Anna Middleton ( Jensen, Cl’55) has written a memoir, Anna: My life from a coffee plantation in Papua New Guinea to the shores of Byron Bay (self-published 2017), which charts her whirlwind romance with her husband Jim. “He was living in a bush house with no electricity, no telephones, no running water, no sanitation, a few handmade roads and certainly no shops,” Anna recalled. “I joined a tiny band of brave and adventurous young brides who had to cope with every kind of adversity, appalling conditions and all of us virtually impecunious. We had no contact with the outside world. Nothing was easy but everything being an extreme adventure, with numerous wild escapades but through it all we had lots of laughs and the greatest fun. We could mix cement, change tires, treat the lepers, give birth and overcome being seriously ill with malaria, whilst making our own clothes and all the while, trying to look pretty.” The couple eventually returned to Australia and settled in Byron Bay, where Anna opened a successful fashion boutique.

1958

Thorold (known as Thorry) Gunnersen AM (FB’58), who was born on 29 November 1940 and died on 4 February 2018, was the elder son of Gunner Gunnersen (P’32), and his wife Joy Wittman, and was followed at GGS by his brother, Peter (FB’60), who died in 2012. Starting as a boarder at Bostock House in 1948, he went on in 1951 to Barrabool House – where in 1954 he was awarded the Lempriere Cup for outstanding character and contribution to Junior School – and in 1955 to Francis Brown House, spending the next year away at Timbertop (as was customary from its foundation in 1953 until 1961) and returning to FB for two years, during which he became Secretary of Football, a Petty Officer in the Sea Cadets, and a School Sub-Prefect. A graduate in Social Sciences from the University of Melbourne (and later also from Southampton University), he taught at Ballarat Grammar School and in the Economics Faculty at La Trobe University in the 1960s before a long and distinguished career as managing director of his family’s timber and plywood group, Marbut-Gunnersen Pty Ltd, during which he attained eminence in the industry worldwide. In 2002 he was made a Member of

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the Order of Australia for service to sustainable timber resource management and to the welfare of communities dependent on the timber industry. His devotion to GGS remained strong and he was a member of the School Council from 1973-83 and a pioneer, and from 1989-96 President, of the Geelong Grammar Foundation. Engagingly cheerful and enthusiastic, with a childlike faith, Thorry enlivened any group he was in. A breeder of bloodstock horses and a keen yachtsman who wrote vivid accounts of his adventures on the oceans of the world, he was widely liked and admired. He and his first wife, Sue Stokes, had four children – Sarah (Cl’80), Jenny (Cl’81), Nils (Cu’85) and Lissa (Cl’87) – with twelve grandchildren, of whom four have attended GGS. Father of Sverre by his second wife, in 1992 he married Joanne, sister of Dominic Moon (Fr’81), with whom he achieved a Silver Wedding anniversary during a long final illness through which he showed exemplary courage.

1960

Peter Carey AO (FB’60) made a rare return visit to Geelong to open the Word for Word Literary Festival at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre in November. The two-time Booker Prize winning author was in Australia to promote his new novel, A Long Way From Home (Penguin, 2017). Peter’s 14th novel uses a joyous car race across 1950s Australia (the Redex Trial) to examine Australia’s crimes against its Indigenous people. Described by Alex Preston in The Guardian as “his best novel in years, maybe decades”, A Long Way From Home is Peter’s first attempt at tackling the living legacies of colonialism in Australia. “It’s no good not engaging with something that you’ve been intrinsically involved in,” Peter told The Guardian. “You wake up in the morning and you are the beneficiary of a genocide. I’m an Australian writer and I haven’t written about this? Well, that just seems pathetic to me.” Peter won his first Booker Prize in 1988 for Oscar and Lucinda and won for the second time in 2001 with True History of the Kelly Gang, but A Long Way From Home revisits the landscapes of an earlier novel, Illywhacker (1985), and Peter’s own childhood – he grew up in Bacchus Marsh, where his parents ran a car dealership. The Moorabool Shire recently proposed renaming the Bacchus Marsh library (which also houses the Moorabool Shire Council offices) the Peter Carey Library. Peter attended Bacchus Marsh State School from 1948-53 before joining GGS in 1954. He is the Executive Director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing programme at Hunter College, part of the City University of New York.

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influence on both policy and practice. “He brought to his teaching, to Barrabool when he ran it, to his coaching on Biddlecombe, and to several libraries for which he was responsible, qualities of thoughtfulness and thoroughness which marked him out as a proper schoolmaster of the old and best school, though the judgement is a slightly odd one to be making of somebody who remained so obviously young at heart,” John Lewis (Headmaster 1980-94) said upon Bill’s retirement at the end of 1987. The Middle School Library was aptly renamed the Panckridge Library to mark the outstanding and lengthy contribution to the library services of the School. In a memoir of his early life, Young Faces Young Lives, published in 1991 and dedicated to the memory of his uncle John Lockwood, he sensitively evoked the era. Bill and his wife Marie (Rushbrooke, He’49), a pharmacist, retired to Point Lonsdale, where Bill played golf and passed on his knowledge of German as an instructor in the University of the Third Age. Marie passed away shortly after Bill, on 4 August, and their children Sue (FB’75), John (FB’76), Michael (FB’79) and Hilary (Cl’82) held a celebratory Afternoon Tea in the Panckridge Library in memory of their parents.

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OGG PRESIDENT 1

Alumni associations rely on the commitment and passion of individual members to inspire a sense of unity, purpose and hope about the future, as well as foster the educational opportunities that their old school can provide. Old Geelong Grammarians and GGS staff who have provided superlative service to the School or the OGG Association can be nominated for an OGG Fellowship, which is the highest honour that can be awarded by the OGG Association. In 2017, three OGG Fellowships were awarded; to James (Bim) Affleck OAM (Cu’67), Peter Lemon (FB’64) and John Landy AC CV MBE (M’48). The individual contributions of these OGG Fellows is impressive, but there is another dimension to their outstanding service; one which enhances the identity, culture, morale and welfare of the School and the OGGs – helping to create a community we not only enjoy belonging to, but something we love to own and care about. They join previous OGG Fellows; Jo (Jonathan) Breadmore (FB’55), Michael Collins Persse MVO OAM, John Court AM (C’47), Frank Covill, John B Fairfax AO (M’60), Garth Manton (P’48), John McInnes OAM (Cu’58), the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE (Greene, Cl’26), and Boz (Cecil) Parsons DFC (M’36). The new OGG Fellows were announced at the 18th Annual Tower Luncheon on Saturday 4 November. The Tower Luncheon is for past students who left school 50 or more years ago. It is always a popular event on the OGG calendar. Time evaporates. The years melt away. This year, representatives from Clyde School and The Hermitage outnumbered those from Perry, Manifold, Cuthbertson, Francis Brown and the former Geelong House. Some guests, like 102-year-old Margaret Ganly (Burn, He’31) and Bill Charles (Ge’37), had left school over 80 years ago.

Nonagenarians, including Christian Macdonald (Hamilton, He’43), Pauline Rushbrooke (He’45) and Bill Armstrong (M’42), and those celebrating birthdays, Susan Calvert (Cl’60) and Ivan Saxton (Cu’57), were given a bottle of champagne and flowers by Alumni Relations manager Katie Rafferty (Spry, Ga’84). The day’s programme started with a Chapel Service led by the School’s Senior Chaplain, Reverend Gordon Lingard. The fulsome notes of the organ, played by Director of Music Jodie Townsend, were complemented with incidental music by Lucinda Phillipson (Yr11 Cl). The Readings were clear and meaningful, thanks to Jenny Happell (Shaw, Cl’55) and Paddy White (Munro, He’60), with the Intercessions read by Bill Charles (Ge’37) and the OGG Prayer led by David Manton (P’67). Stephen Meek delivered a thoughtful sermon reflecting on the qualities of calmness, understanding, wisdom, perspective and judgment which develop in friendships formed while boarding at GGS. James Affleck OAM (Cu’67) was this year’s guest speaker. After thirty years of farming the historic Affleck property at Minjah in Hawkesdale with wife Anna Affleck (Durham, Cl’71) and raising four daughters, Celia Tucker (Affleck, Cl’95), Pin (Cl’97), Edwina (Cl’98) and Sophie Weeding (Affleck, Cl’02), James pursued his passion for military history, compiling Geelong Grammarians at the Great War in 1999, followed by Geelong Grammarians at World War Two in 2002. A Vietnam veteran whose father fought in World War I, James has now researched and compiled seven books of military history, including volumes about the involvement of The Geelong College, Ballarat and Clarendon College and several Western District towns in various wars.

These invaluable resources detail the war service of thousands of men from local schools and communities across Victoria. He was awarded the OAM for “service to the veterans’ community” in 2011. More recently he helped to organise a College Grammar reunion held in Albert, northern France, marking 100 years since a group of young OGGs and Old Geelong Collegians met for dinner on 7 July 1917 on the eve of the outbreak of the Third Battle of Ypres. After lunch guests were able to view vintage and eclectic vehicles displayed at the OGG Motoring Event which concluded a day’s regional touring with afternoon tea under the Centenary Oak. Thanks to the excellent planning and organising by OGG co-Vice President David Henry (FB’70) this has become a successful annual event. As Principal for the last 13 years, Stephen Meek has ensured that GGS continues to meet the highest standards in providing a holistic education, leading the School through remarkable developments in education and infrastructure. His passion for co-education has extended to the alumni, with past students of Clyde and The Hermitage warmly included in the GGS community. As an Honorary OGG, we hope that Stephen will wear his OGG tie with pride, reminding him of the countless friendships and memories he and Christine have shared, and the respect and admiration they have earned. Thank you to Stephen and Christine for holding aloft the GGS beacon through a challenging era. Their outstanding leadership of the GGS community means that new OGGs, recent school leavers, have much to look forward to and are well prepared to lead meaningful lives. Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl’71) OGG President

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1. OGG President Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl’71) with newly appointed OGG Fellows James Affleck (Cu’67), Peter Lemon (FB’64) and Principal Stephen Meek 2. Organist Lucinda Phillipson (Yr11 Cl) 3. Honorary OGGs Glen Bechly and David Endean with David Forster (P’67) and David Hawker (M’67) 4. Margie Gillett presenting Peter Lemon with his OGG Fellow pin 5. Robert Beggs (FB’53) speaking with Elizabeth Landy (Manifold, Clyde ‘59) 6. Guest speaker James Affleck (Cu’67)

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Top Right: Walking to the Chapel Service Above: John Landy (M’48) with his wife Lynne, showing his OGG Fellow pin

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AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS David Ames (FB’71) was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to psychiatry, particularly in the area of dementia and the mental health of older persons; as an academic, author and practitioner, as well as an adviser to professional bodies. One of the world’s leading Alzheimer’s disease and dementia experts, David was director of the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) at The University of Melbourne and Professor of Ageing and Health from 2007-16. He has been a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Royal Melbourne, Royal Park, Broadmeadows and St George’s Hospitals, and has been a member of, chaired or advised multiple boards relating to dementia, Alzheimer’s and other medical organisations, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Alzheimer’s Disease International and the International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA). He is the author of over 340 peer reviewed papers, 56 book chapters and 47 book reviews, and is the editor of 22 books, including five editions of the standard text, Dementia (CRC Press). Since 2006, David has been the Principal Investigator of the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL), a global research project that assesses people over a long period of time to determine which biomarkers, cognitive characteristics, and health and lifestyle factors determine subsequent development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Anthony David Holmes (Cu’63) was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to medicine, particularly to reconstructive and craniofacial surgery, as a leader, clinician and educator, and to professional medical associations. Tony is a senior plastic surgeon at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital and Clinical Professor (Paediatrics) at The University of Melbourne. He developed a passion for reconstructive surgery while working as a medical registrar in Papua New Guinea, where he was confronted with infants with facial deformities. He studied plastic surgery at Harvard University Medical School and established the Melbourne Craniofacial Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1979 (which he led until 2009). Tony was also Director of the Department of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery from 1990-2003 and set up the Children’s Craniofacial Foundation of Australia (re-named The Jigsaw Foundation) in 1990. Tony is perhaps best-known for leading a team of experts to separate conjoined Bangladeshi twins Krishna and Trishna in 2009. “Early in my career the favourite part of my job was achieving a good surgical outcome for a challenging deformity,” he said. “However, as each individual matured, I was able to follow their development and almost become part of their family. Watching a deformed child develop from a baby to an adult and see them become socially competent and successful probably gives me the most satisfaction of all.”

Ian Darling (P’79) was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to documentary film production, to the performing arts, education and community engagement, and to social welfare organisations through philanthropic endeavours. Ian received the Leading Philanthropist Award at the annual Australian Philanthropy Awards in 2017.

Ian’s creative vision and leadership has been instrumental in encouraging and developing philanthropy in documentary, social impact and the arts through his work as Chair of Good Pitch Australia, Executive Director of Shark Island Productions and founder of the Documentary Australia Foundation. Ian’s credits include Alone Across Australia (2004), In The Company of Actors (2007) and The Oasis (2008), which won Best Direction in a Documentary at the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards and was listed as one of the Top 50 Philanthropic Gifts of All Time by Pro Bono Australia. More recently, Ian directed Paul Kelly - Stories of Me (2012) and Suzy & The Simple Man (2016). He was Chair of the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) and STC Foundation from 2006-10. He is a member of the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army, a Director of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and Chair of The Caledonia Foundation (since 2001), which focuses on the education, training and welfare of disadvantaged young Australians.

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Adjunct Professor John William Kelly (Glamorgan ’57) was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine through the management and treatment of melanoma, as a clinician and administrator, and to education. John is a dermatologist and Adjunct Professor (Medicine) at Monash University. He is head of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred in Melbourne, which he founded in 1994. John headed the Dermatology Unit at The Alfred from 1987-2005 and is co-author of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma in Australia and New Zealand. Andrew Vallejo Myer (Glamorgan ’67) was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through support for a range of cultural and environmental conservation organisations, and to the film industry. Andrew is Chair of the AV Myer Group of Companies. In 2002, he established the Andyinc Foundation, which has made more than 160 grants to social justice, environmental and artistic/cultural initiatives. Andrew is also a Trustee of the Sidney Myer Fund, a Member of The Myer Foundation and Vice President of Bush Heritage Australia. His wife, Kerry Lee Gardner, also received an AM under the same criteria. John Mitchell (P’73) received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community as a philanthropist. John is a successful farmer and investor with a passion for economics and reducing income inequality. In 2016, John established the John Mitchell Research Fellowship with a significant gift to the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE) Research School of Economics. John says “researching income wealth disparity, its cause and effects together with public policy towards its mitigation, is a passion of mine”. John is also committed to developing farming practices that are better environmentally as well as financially. In 2016, he funded a sustainable farming pilot project. John studied Economics and Arts at ANU, graduating in 1982, before going on to run the family sheep and cattle station, Towong Hill Station on the upper Murray River near Corryong. “I have been successful because of education and it is very important to give the next generation a chance,” he said. “Education is the key to closing the gap between poverty and wealth and increasing living standards.” LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

A number of parents (past and present) were also recognised on this year’s Australia Day honours list. Andrew Gordon Michelmore, father of Lucy Michelmore (Ga’01), was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the mining industry through leadership roles in establishing trade and investment links, and in resource sector standards of practice on environmental and safety issues. Andrew was the founding chief executive of MMG (Minerals and Metals Group) Limited from 2009-17, having previously worked as an executive for Western Mining Corporation and BHP Billiton. Kerry Lee Gardner, mother of Louis Myer (Glamorgan’06) and Lilli Myer (Cl’11), was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through support for a range of cultural, social justice and environmental conservation organisations. Kerry is a documentary filmmaker, a Trustee of the Andyinc Foundation, an Ambassador for The Global Fund for Women, Deputy Chair of The Australian Institute of Art History and Board Member of The Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Bill Guest, father of Jake Guest (Yr3 Tk), was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to community health, particularly to people living with cancer, through fundraising support for charitable organisations, and to sport. Bill is Director of Australian Prostate Cancer Research and co-ordinated significant philanthropy to establish the Prostate Cancer Centre in North Melbourne. He has been on the board of CARE Australia since 2000 and is the Chair of the CARE Australia Fundraising and Communications Committee. Nerina Susan Harley, mother of Olivia Wilson (Glamorgan ’02) and Ali Wilson (Glamorgan ‘03), was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine in the fields of intensive care and nephrology, as an administrator, and to medical research and education. Nerina is Director of the Intensive Care Council at Epworth HealthCare and the Deputy Chair of the DHHS Victorian Clinical Critical Care Network, having spent nine years as Director of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Mark Randall Stirling, father of Matt Stirling (FB’04) and Thandi Stirling (He’05), was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to international relations through humanitarian and emergency response programs in developing countries. Mark led UNICEF’s HIV Unit in New York and served as United Nations’ HIV/ AIDS (UNAIDS) country coordinator for China (2009-12). His work with the UN has seen him serve in Angola, Greece, Mozambique, Somalia, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia.

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Arthur Pendrill Charles (M’59) was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the primary industry sector through roles with agricultural societies, as a children’s author, and to the community. Arthur, along with illustrator Kate Anderson, is responsible for the Poucher & Big Guy series of children’s books. Arthur served on the Geelong Grammar School Council between 1978-82 and is the brother of the Honourable Stephen Charles (M’54), who was awarded an AO in 2017.

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The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association OLD GIRLS’ DAY

Vicki Hambling (He’68) was guest speaker at the HOGA Annual General Meeting and Old Girls’ Day luncheon in the Darling Hall at Corio on September 2. Vicki is a co-ordinator of the Northern Adult Migrant English Program (NAMEP) at Melbourne Polytechnic, which assists newly-arrived residents learn English and settle in Australia. She was previously a teacher and director of International School, Mozambique, and has a wide range of experience researching and teaching English to mixed-ability classrooms. She gave a wonderful talk on her experiences dealing with newly arrived refugees and migrants, most who had very little education or a highly disrupted education.

2018 HOGA AUTUMN LUNCHEON date Friday

27 April 2018

venue Royal South Yarra Lawn

Tennis Club, 310 Williams Rd North, Toorak VIC 3142 time 12:00 noon dress Smart Casual cost $85 per person includes a drink on arrival, two courses and a glass of wine with lunch rsvp Friday 20 April 2018

ayment by direct payment to: p The Hermitage Old Girls’ Association Inc. bsb 063 551 account number 1041 0644 description Your name enquiries

Susie Donald (He’75) m 0407 798 999 e foodstyle@bigpond.com

At the 2017 HOGA AGM and Luncheon were: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Ann Tyers (Farley, He’68) with Belinda Willis (Blake, He’68); Katherine Richardson (Annois, He’73) and Helen Szaday (He’70); Deb Cole ( Je’76) and Pip Thompson (Noble, Je’76) Jill Hambling (He’68), Caroline Brockman (Crawford, He’68) and Karen Bowler (O’Neill, He’68);

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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Clyde Old Girls’ Association

ANNUAL JUMBLE SALE

COGA GOLF

2018 AGM

COGA’s 66th Annual Clyde Jumble Sale will be held on Thursday 28 June, 10.00am-12.00pm at the Toorak Uniting Church Hall, 603 Toorak Road, Toorak. This is our best and brightest fundraiser and all proceeds are donated to the Isabel Henderson Kindergarten in North Fitzroy to assist disadvantaged children. Helpers are welcome from the Clyde and GGS community. Donations of good quality second-hand clothing, collectibles, household goods, linen, jewellery and accessories can be delivered to the nominated Clyde jumble sale depot. There will also be a donation box placed at each GGS boarding house, while the Church Hall will be open for delivery of goods 4.00pm-8.00pm on Wednesday 27 June. For all enquiries please contact Jumble Sale Co-ordinator Jane Loughnan (Weatherly Cl’70) on 0417 535 862 or email: ejloughnan@gmail.com

Clyde will be represented by Eda Ritchie (Beggs, Cl’59), Susie Sutherland (Finlay Cl’59), Prue Plowman (Manifold, Cl’63) and Janet Coombes (Dalrymple Cl’67) at the 89th Women’s Interschool Golf Challenge Cup at Kew Golf Club on 16 April 2018. There are thirty schools competing, including GGS and Clyde School. Congratulations to Anna Tucker (Kimpton Cl’71) who will be taking over as President of the Interschool Golf Committee in September 2018. For enquiries about COGA Golf, please contact Anna: annatucker8@outlcook.com

COGA’s 2018 Annual General Meeting and Old Girls’ Day lunch will be held at Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club on Sunday 14 October. This year’s guest speaker will be Sue Schudmak (Sproat Cl’64), who has toured the world with husband Philip displaying vintage cars, including a 1924 Bentley and a 1931 Delage D8S de Villars Roadster. Sue will talk of the eccentric and extraordinary adventures they have shared while travelling abroad in these rare vehicles, whether in remote country regions or through historic famous cities.

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

1. Philip Schudmak’s 1931 Delage D8S de Villars Roadster At the 2017 COGA AGM and Old Girls’ Day Lunch were: 2. 3. 4. 5.

Cas Bennetto (Cl‘74), Kammy Hunt (Cordner, Cl’76), Elizabeth Balharrie (Cl‘74) and Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl‘71) Dallas Kinnear (Heath, Cl‘53), Judith Emerson (Shaw, Cl‘57) and Gillespie (Street, Cl‘46) Current and former COGA Presidents Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl‘71) and Joan Mackenzie (Bloomfield, Cl‘52) BACK: Deb Calvert (Moore, Cl‘65), Jackie Mackinnon (Kelly, Cl‘69), Amanda Elliott (Bayles, Cl‘69), Pru Hunter (Cl‘69), Anne Stoney (Peardon, Cl‘62), Christine Nicolas (Blackwell, Cl‘61) and Deirdre Gowan (Leviny, Cl‘54) FRONT: Edwina Machado (Drummond Moray, Cl’97),

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1977 40-YEAR TIMBERTOP REUNION 1

Last September, members of the 1977 Timbertop cohort travelled from as far away as the UK and from all over Australia to reunite at their 40th reunion. 1. The wattle was flowering at the 40th Timbertop Reunion 2. Jeremy Dixson (Cu’80), Iain Bradley (M’80) and David Breadmore (FB’80) 3. Miles Prince (A’80), Peter Yencken (P’80) and Merrick Howes (P’80) 4. Karen Barr (Priest, Cl’80), Trish Doble (Smith, Je’80) and Shirley Willis (Cl’80) 5. Mandy Lunney (Urquhart, Cl’80), Cameron Lloyd-Cocks (M’78) and Ruth Clarke (Baulch, Fr’79) 6. Robert Joyce (FB’80), Jen Ames (Smith, Je’80) and Alex Warner (FB’80) 7. Ned Kelly (M’80) and David Ritchie (P’80) 8. Aidan Bell (Fr’80), Clive Landale (M’80) and David Morton (P’80) 9. Dominic Osborne (M’80), Penny Richards ( Je’80) and Richard Billson (P’78) 10. Jane Macdonald (Milledge, Je’80) and Lisa Orlov (Ferguson, Je’80) 11. Members of the 1977 Timbertop group who attended the reunion

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People travelled from every State in Australia as well as from the UK to be at the 1977 40th reunion on Saturday 11 November 2017.

1. Simone Arnott (Fr’77), Ian Coltman (A’77) and Kristen Lewis (Adamson, Je’77) 2. Marcus Fazio (A’77), Susan Jones ( Je’77) and John Adams (P’77) 3. Jan Talako (Cu’77) and Gwen Allen (Hood, Cl’77) 4. Michael Stansen (P’77), John Hanna (Cu’77) and Mark Walton (FB’77) 5. Tor Roxburgh (Cl’77), Roz Devilee (Cl’77) and Matthew Bowden (M’77) 6. Jenny Turnbull (Power, Cl’77) and Hugh Robertson (FB’77) 7. Lucienne Kelly (Collins, A’77), Fran Sillcock (Green, Je’77) and Georgie Barnum (McMillan, Cl’77) 8. Sally Barter ( Je’77), Thea Guest ( Je’77) and Grant Custance (FB’77) 9. Alastair Cameron (P’77) and Sally Voss (Rudolph, A’77) 10. Stuart Wing (Cu’77) and Hamish MacDonald (P’77) 11. Scott Moffat (FB’76), James Tonkin (Cu’77) and David Rouse (FB’77) 12. Anna Hiam (Kinnear, Cl’77), Marion Adeney-Steel ( Je’77), Alison Dart (Li’77) and Elizabeth Macgugan (Herd, Cl’77)

C “R (M co a b S

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1977 40-YEAR REUNION

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1978

Pilita Clark (Je’78) was recently appointed business columnist and associate editor of the Financial Times in London. Pilita writes a weekly column on modern corporate life, as well as features and other articles. She has worked for the Financial Times since 2003, as aerospace correspondent, deputy news editor and deputy editor of FT Magazine. She was appointed environment correspondent in 2011 and covered a wide range of environmental issues, from climate change to wildlife and renewable energy, with a particular focus on the impact of low carbon policies on businesses and investors. Pilita won the Environment Story of the Year award at the Foreign Press Association’s (FPA) Media Awards in 2014, was named Specialist Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2015 and Environment Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2016 and 2017. She was also part of a team which earned the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) award for Energy/Natural Resources and received the award for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment from the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) for her investigative piece on Indonesia’s rainforests, The Great Land Rush. Prior to joining the Financial Times, Pilita was a senior writer for the Sydney Morning Herald where she was a political reporter in Washington DC and Canberra. She was also managing editor of The Eye news magazine in Sydney and a Nieman fellow at Harvard University (the first Australian woman to receive this fellowship).

1980

Andrew Dodd (Timbertop’80) was recently appointed Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism at The University of Melbourne. Andrew has worked across radio, television, print and online platforms for more than 30 years. He began his career in community radio before moving to ABC Radio National, ABC TV, The Australian newspaper and Crikey. He has worked as a reporter on programmes such as 7.30 Report, The Media Report and Background Briefing. He was also a contributing author for Geelong Grammar School’s 100 Exceptional Stories (Hardie Grant, 2014). Andrew was most recently Programme Director of Journalism at Swinburne University of Technology, where he received an Award for Teaching Excellence in the Australian Awards for University Teaching last year. “I’m excited by the (new) position and by the opportunities it provides,” Andrew said. “The Centre for Advancing Journalism is doing really important work in preparing students for complex careers in a changing media environment.” Andrew is investigating the changing nature of journalism, restructures and renewal as part of the New Beats project, funded by two Australian Research Council Linkage and Discovery grants. “The Centre plays an important role in fostering public conversations about the future of journalism, including the challenges, difficulties and dilemmas.”

1985

Josephine Hook (Rattray, Ga’85) was also honoured at the 2017 Australian Awards for University Teaching. Jo is a Research and Learning Coordinator at the Monash University Library. Jo and

her team were recognised with the Award for Programmes that Enhance Learning for Monash University’s Mastering Academic and Research Skills (MARS) programme. MARS is a model for the development of academic and research skills of Master’s students to support their learning and maximise success in their studies. The model was designed by a partnership of academics, library and educational design staff to give students multiple entry points to resources across a variety of platforms.

1986

Campbell Maffett (P’86) won the 40+ age group of the 2017 Melbourne Half Marathon in October, stopping the clock for 21.5 kilometres in a time of one hour, fifteen minutes and 53 seconds. Campbell started doing triathlons after running and playing Tennis (and Football) at GGS. He competed in his first triathlon while still at school and went on to complete the Hawaii Ironman in 2005 and 2006. He has finished in the top 10 of the Great Ocean Road Marathon a remarkable five times and boasts a marathon PB of two hours and 32 minutes. He coaches Melbourne’s Love the Run running group and is an Athletics Australia Level 2 Advanced Middle & Long Distance, IAAF Level 3 Middle & Long Distance and Triathlon Australia Level 2 Performance Coach.

1989

Tom Thawley (FB’89) has been appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia. Tom completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at the Australian National University in 1995 and a Master of Laws at the University of Sydney in 2015. He began practising as a lawyer in 1996, was admitted as a barrister in New South Wales in 1998 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2012. His principal areas of practice included banking and financial services, bankruptcy and insolvency, commercial law, taxation and revenue, equity, trusts, administrative law and corporations law. “He will make a significant contribution to the important work of the Federal Court in the administration of justice,” President of the NSW Bar Association, Arthur Moses SC, said.

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A large group of the 1987 leavers travelled from all over Australia and even from the USA to be at their 30th reunion in October last year, including:

1. Fraser Thom (Fr’87), Hamish Robinson (Cu’87), Charles Tetaz (A’87) and Adam Heath (Cu’87) 2. Toshi Ota (Timbertop Assistant), Eric Chow (Cu’87) and Chris Ward (Cu’87) 3. Drew Berry (M’87) and Edward Buckingham (P’88) 4. Justin Jones (M’87), Justine Gilroy (Ga’87) and Liz O’Rourke (Scott, Fr’86) 5. Nadja Mott (Ga’87), Elska Sandor (Ga’87), Jo McDonald (Ga’87), Liz Matheson (Ga’86) and Alicia Villella (Hilton-Wood, Ga’85) 6. Loretta Beattie (Wordsworth, Ga’87) and Nicole Funston (Cl’87) 7. Henry Lee (M’85) and Simon Rich (FB’87) 8. David Oliphant (A’87) and Tim Horgan (M’87) 9. Richard Simpson (M’87), Emma Pierson (Bayles, Cl’87) and Hamish Robinson (Cu’87) 10. Nerissa Read (Rutledge, Je’87), Sam Furphy (M’87) and Emily Caleo (Herbert, A’87) 11. Fleur Spriggs (Ga’87), Bronwyn Walker (Fr’87) and Sandra Warwick (Pistoni, Ga’87) 12. Alicia Villella (Hilton-Wood, Ga’85), Kate Neville-Smith (Rattray, Ga’86) and Lissa Gunnersen (Cl’87)

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1987 30-YEAR REUNION

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1991

2000

Sam a’Beckett (M’91) was appointed Head of Manifold House and started in the role at the beginning of 2018. Sam was House Captain of Manifold House in 1991. He has worked in four schools and has 20 years’ experience as a teacher. Sam was previously Head of House at Girton Grammar School in Bendigo and was previously the Head of House at Scotch College for seven years. He has also taught senior English for many years.

Catherine Krause (Parkinson, Fr’00) was appointed Head of The Hermitage House and started in that role at the beginning of 2018. For the ten years prior, Catherine was a teacher of History and Religious Studies at Lancing College in the UK and had also been the Head of a girls’ Boarding House at Lancing for the last six of those years.

1994

Chris Povey (P’94) was appointed CEO of Justice Connect in January. Chris returns to Justice Connect from the Victorian Human Rights Commission where he led the Commission’s ground-breaking policy development and research work as Head of Policy and Research, including overseeing an independent review into Fire Services and ongoing work with Victoria Police. He also worked with Victoria Legal Aid as Manager of Mental Health and Disability. Prior to his time with Victoria Legal Aid, Chris led Justice Connect’s pioneering Homeless Law team. “His record at the Victorian Human Rights Commission and Victoria Legal Aid was exemplary, and to bring someone of his energy and calibre who shares our vision of a fairer and more just world is a marvellous opportunity,” Justice Connect Chair, Gillian Triggs, said.

2001

1996

Tim Bain (A’96) won an Australian Writers Guild Award (AWGIE) in August 2017 for Best Animation for an episode of Disney XD series Counterfeit Cat. Tim dedicated the award to his newborn twins, Madeleine and Sebastian. Tim is a television writer and playwright, specialising in comedy, action-adventure, animation and children’s entertainment: “anything with a funny bone, adrenalin pulse or beating heart”. Based between London and Australia, writing for both adults and kids on UK and Australian television, his credits include series on Disney XD, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, CBBC, CBeebies, Sky, Teletoon and Netflix. Tim has written for several popular TV shows, children’s series, comedy festival shows and stage shows, and material and jokes for personalities such as Rebel Wilson, Ben Elton and his childhood hero MC Hammer. Tim has also written high school musicals and plays which have been performed across Australia (including at GGS), New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada and South Africa.

Missy Higgins (Cl’01) made her stage musical debut when a new production of Nick Enright and Max Lambert’s celebrated Australian musical Miracle City opened at the Sydney Opera House in October last year. Set in the early 1990s, at the height of televangelism, Miracle City tells the story of the Truswells, a family with a dream to build a religious theme park, and the extreme lengths the patriarch, Ricky Truswell, will go to in order to make their dream a reality. Missy played fragile, recovering addict Bonnie Mae and, according to reviews, she stole the show. “She brings gritty, heartfelt emotion to the musical’s hit song I’ll Hold On,” according to Angus McPherson in Limelight. “The folky nuance and tremulous desperation Higgins brings to the song make it one of the climaxes of the evening.” She is the “soul of the show” according to Cassie Tongue in The Guardian. “Her voice provides a crucial, beautiful lifeline to the colours of folk and soul that inform the show’s gospel-driven score.” More recently, Missy supported Ed Sheeran on his Australian tour from March 2-21.

2002

Chris Gatenby (M’02) was recently appointed a Senior Adviser working for the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud. Originally from Tasmania, Chris has been active in both the ACT Branch and the UK Branch of the Old Geelong Grammarians where his past roles have been located including Adviser to Ministers for Health and Sport, National Manager, Government and Stakeholder Relations for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in Canberra. Prior to that Chris was based in the UK as Head of Membership Relations for Australian Business UK and earlier, Development Manager for Policy Exchange. LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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2007 10-YEAR REUNION A huge group of the 2007 cohort gathered on Saturday 7 October 2017 at their 10th reunion, having travelled from as far away as Malaysia, Thailand and from all around Australia to be there. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Edward Stevens (M’07), Olivia Fleetwood (He’07) and Eliza Rogers (Cl’07) Georgie Cameron (Cl’07), Charlotte Harris-Nave (Cl’07) and Duncan Austin (M’07) Sophie Burge (Cl’07), Tish Tambakau (He’07) and Tselyn Lim (He’07) Ben Long (Fr’07), Geordie Edwards (M’07) and Sammy Veall (Cl’07) Alice Hardie-Grant (He’07) and Tristan Alexander (FB’08) David Spottiswood (Cu’06), Jack Talbot (Cu’07), Bryce Lawrence (Cu’07) and Anna Hawkins (He’07) 7. Penny Hale (Cl’07), Patrick Redman (Cu’07) and Marcus Chernov (Cu’07) 8. Gordon Peardon (FB’07) and Eliza Rogers(Cl’07) 9. Organisers Laura Burchell (Fr’07), Andrew Swan (Fr’07) and Anna Hawkins (He’07) 10. Tarn Chitprasertsuk (He’07), Kate McArthur (Cl’07), Alyshea Houng-Lee (Cl’07) and Kimiko Wilson (Ga’07) 11. Ritu Thomas (Cl’07) and Alexandra Hill (A’07) 12. Stuart Andrews (P’07), Ollie Belmont (Cu’07), Ben Long (Fr’07) and James Holt (A’07)

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CALENDAR OGG Informal Drinks, Melbourne Wednesday 11 April 2018 OGG Business Lunch, Melbourne Thursday 19 April 2018 HOGA Autumn Lunch, Melbourne Friday 27 April 2018 OGG NSW Branch Cocktail Party, Sydney Wednesday 9 May 2018 OGG Annual General Meeting, GGS Corio Tuesday 22 May 2018 OGG London Dinner, Australia House Wednesday 27 June 2018 OGG Western District Drinks, Hamilton Monday 6 August 2018 HOGA AGM & Old Girls’ Day, GGS Corio Saturday 1 September 2018 OGG Timbertop Morning Saturday 22 September 2018 1978 40th Timbertop Reunion Saturday 22 September 2018 COGA Fun Cup Golf, Sorrento Friday 5 October 2018 2008 10 Year Reunion Saturday 6 October 2018 1978 40 Year Reunion Saturday 13 October 2018 1988 30 Year Reunion Saturday 20 October 2018 The Hermitage 1968 50 Year Reunion Saturday 20 October 2018 APS Past Students’ Golf Day, Melbourne Friday 26 October 2018 OGG Golf Day, Barwon Heads Friday 9 November 2018 Tower Lunch Saturday 10 November 2018 OGG Motoring Event Saturday 10 November 2018 1998 20 Year Reunion Friday/Saturday/Sunday 14/15/16 December 2018 For enquiries about any of the above events please contact Katie Rafferty, Alumni Manager on tel: 03 5273 9338 or email: oggs@ggs.vic.edu.au

OGG GOLF DAY

75 players took part in the 2017 OGG Golf Day which was held in beautiful conditions at Barwon Heads Golf Club on Friday 10 November. Jan Embling (Bell, He’71) won the Tommy Garnett Trophy for the overall female winner on countback and, for the third year running, Matt Suvoltos (A’93) won the Boz Parsons Trophy for the overall male winner. Congratulations to all our prize winners, including our female runner-up Pip Thomson (Noble, Je’76), male runner-up Hugh Macdonald (FB’77), female pairs winners Jan Embling and Penny Hawker, and male pairs winners James Legoe (M’97) and Mark Lewis (FB’76). Thanks go to Jon Malpas (Fr’97) for organising another wonderful event and Zara Brookes (Morrison, Cl’82) for encouraging more women to participate – 2017 saw the largest number of women ever participate in the OGG Golf Day. OGG MOTORING EVENT

25 most interesting cars came from far and wide to enjoy the 2017 OGG Motoring event on Saturday 4 November. Leaving from Corio, the picturesque route included a morning tea stop at the farm of Annabel and Christopher Koren (M’70), south of Winchelsea, before heading to to the coast, travelling through Bells Beach and Torquay for lunch at the Mount Duneed farm of Suzie Batten and Ian Coltman (A’77), and returning to Corio for afternoon tea. The event was won by regular entrants Christine and Nicholas Heath (Cu’82) in their 1972 Jensen Interceptor, with first time entrants Michael Rowe (P’68) and Libby Kingdon in second place, while third place was shared between Sue (Smith, A’76) and John Davis (A’76) from Tasmania, Tony Ward and David Langley (FB’82) in the Bristol 401, and Michael and June Stafford with Jo Mitchell and Christine Stevenson in the Mk 9 Jaguar. The OGG Motoring Event is open to all members of the wider GGS community and all types of cars are welcome. The 2018 Event is scheduled for Saturday 10 November. For more information please contact David Henry (FB’69): dhenry55@optusnet.com.au FOOTBALL

Old Geelong Women’s Football continues to grow. After creating its first women’s team in 2017, Old Geelong has entered two teams in the VAFA Women’s competition for season 2018. More than 130 players have attended pre-season training, which included a camp at Barwon Heads in February and practice matches against Old Scotch and Redan. The men’s team has also been training strongly after just missing out on a finals appearance in the Premier C Division last year. The club has recruited strongly and played a practice match against Old Scotch at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds on Sunday 4 March. The season will begin in earnest with a round one blockbuster at home at Como Park against Marcellin on Saturday 7 April. The opening game will also coincide with the first Pivot Club luncheon of the season. The Pivot Club is the major coterie group of the Old Geelong Football Club, comprising past players, friends and family. A feature of this year’s social calendar is the ‘Back to School’ game at Corio against PEGS on May 19, which will include a luncheon in the Dining Hall. For more information about the Pivot Club or any of the luncheons please contact James Cole: james.cole@obdservices.com OGG SKI LODGE

The Old Geelong Grammarians Ski (OGGS) Lodge on Mt Buller is a cosy member-owned ski lodge run by OGGs that welcomes all guests who have an association with the School. For more information visit the website at www.oggslodge.com.au or contact the President, Nicholas Heath (Cu’82) on 0418 109 292 or email: prez@oggslodge.com.au

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OGG SPORT

CRICKET

Old Geelong Cricket Club did not play finals for the first time in a number of years, finishing fifth in Division 1 and sixth in Division 2. However, the club was very encouraged with the number of OGGs that played this season, particularly in the 2nd XI, which won four out of six games after Christmas, guided by Ben (A’11) and Jono Thomson (A’14) as captain and vice-captain respectively. Jono also made the MCC Club XI Division 2 team of the year with 247 runs at 41.2 (top score of 96 not out) and 12 wickets at 18, with best bowling figures of 3 for 44. He narrowly missed out on claiming the Champion Player Award for Division 2, finishing third, only 0.1 point behind the joint winners. 1. The OGG Motoring Event was held on Saturday 4 November 2017 2. Key supporter of OGG women’s golf, Zara Brookes (Morrison, Cl’82) with Jan Embling (Bell, He’71), winner of the Tommy Garnett Trophy for overall female winner at the 2017 OGG Golf Day and organiser Jon Malpas (Fr’97) 3. A wide variety of cars at the OGG Motoring event drew great interest 4. OGG Cricket 2nd XI Vice Captain Jono Thompson (A’14) 5. Matt Suvoltos (A’93) took out the Boz Parsons Trophy for overall male winner at the 2017 OGG Golf Day

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OGFC 2018 LUNCHEONS PIVOT LUNCH #1

BACK TO SCHOOL

OG Vs Marcellin

OG Vs PEGS

Round 1 | 7th April 2018 Como Park, South Yarra

Round 7 | 19th May 2018 Geelong Grammar School

LADIES LUNCHEON

SYDNEY LUNCHEON

OG Vs Old Camberwell

Date and Venue TBC

Round 4 | 28th April 2018 Como Park, South Yarra

PIVOT LUNCH #2

OG Vs Mentonians Round 7 | 19th May 2018 Geelong Grammar School

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EXHIBITIONS

BIRTHS Jane née Beaven (Je’91) and Stewart Boag, a son, Max Paton, on 22 January 2007, a daughter, Matilda Jasmine, on 22 July 2011, and a son, Carter John, on 25 April 2013 Edwina née Affleck (Cl’98) and Timothy Clatworthy, a son, Albert Frederick, on 27 September 2017 Susan and Hamish Cole (M’94), a daughter, Winifred Hawthorne Hobill, on 5 December 2017 Samantha and Christopher Darling (A’93), a daughter, Tabitha, on 11 July 2012 and a son, Alexander George, on 29 April 2014 Leah McLauchlan (Ga’00) and Peter Doherty, a daughter, Zara, on 18 March 2013 and a son, Oliver, on 25 October 2015 Tanya née Laycock (Cl’93) and James Galwey, a daughter, Eliza, on 30 August 2014 and a son, Christopher, on 29 April 2016 Sarah née Cahill (A’01) and Jolyon George, a daughter, Annabelle Charlotte, on 18 October 2017 Marion née Mackinnon (Cl’01) and Daniel Goss, a son, George Winston, on 3 July 2016

Two time Archibald Prize finalist Zoe Young (Ga’95) is preparing for a solo show at the Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery in London (established by fellow OGG, Rebecca Sturgis (Hossack, Li’73) in 1988) following the success of exhibitions at the Olsen Annex, Piermarq Gallery and Orange Regional Gallery in 2017. Zoe was also a finalist in the 2017 Portia Geach Memorial Art Prize and 2017 Mosman Art Prize, building on her growing reputation as one of Australian art’s rising stars. Zoe trained at the National Art School in Sydney and featured in the School’s Creativity @ Corio Exhibition in 2014, hung alongside her grandfather, the late A.E. Young (Cu’26). Libbet Loughnan (Fr’99) and Camilla Walford (Cl’05) exhibited their paintings in a combined show hosted by Judy Chirnside Flowers at The Coach House Gallery in Geelong last October/November. Libbet’s paintings and sculptures have received numerous awards, including the 2016 President’s Award at the National Arts Club in New York. She was shortlisted for the 2017 Graeme Hildebrand Art Prize for young contemporary artists and has an upcoming solo show at the Ceres Gallery in New York. Camilla lives and works in Melbourne. Having studied art, design and photography, she has found her niche painting watercolours of aerial images. Camilla also exhibited her paintings in a gallery show with Julia Reed (Peardon, Cl’05) at Gallery 550 in Richmond last November. Julia graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Visual Arts/Business in 2011. She is currently the Gallery Manager at the Australian Print Workshop in Fitzroy. Creating unique images on paper with watercolour, Julia’s work makes reference to the interrelationships between nature, people and the urban landscape. She was also shortlisted for the 2017 Graeme Hildebrand Art Prize. A number of Old Geelong Grammarian artists participated in the Gold Plains Arts Trail through March, including Victoria Birrell (Fr’08), Libbet Loughnan (Fr’99), Lucy McEachern (Ga’99), Harley Manifold (M’00) and Serena Zlatnik (Cl’83). The Arts Trail includes open studios, group shows in community facilities and exhibitions in local pubs throughout the Golden Plains Shire, from Geelong to Ballarat, and west to Inverleigh, Rokewood and Cressy. Award-winning sculptor Lucy McEachern opened her Wingeel studio as part of the annual event. ABOVE: ‘Washing basket’ from Zoe Young’s (Ga’95) Space Between Hours exhibition at Piermarq Gallery in Sydney

Keanya and Cameron Griffiths (A’96), a son, Cavendish Austin, on 5 August 2017 Melody and Samuel Hryckow (P’92), a son, Ziggy Robbie, on 18 October 2017 Hannah née Ward (Cl’03) and Sebastian Jeremiah, a daughter, Charlotte Ann, on 17 June 2016 Christina née Handbury (Fr’04) and Jack Lloyd (Cu’06), a daughter, Alexa Helen, on 25 January 2018 Charlotte née Rogers (Cl’05) and David Maconochie, a son, Archie, on 26 November 2015 Megan and Charles Mackinnon (P’97), a daughter, Josie Elizabeth, on 4 October 2017 Jemma and Roly Mackinnon (P‘04), a son, Thomas, on 18 February 2017 Paula and Aaron McInnes (M’95), a son, Jack Heath, on 17 March 2017 Georgie née Povey (Fr’99) and Sam O’Dwyer, a son, Johnathon George, on 25 August 2017 Giorgina and Tom Stewart (Cu’98), two sons, Jack David and Angus Beau, on 11 April 2017 Tess Harris and Charles Turnbull (Cu’06), a son, George Samuel, on 2 December 2016 Amanda née Sprague (Fr’91) and Hiroshi Yamamoto, a daughter, Amy, on 25 May 2015 Arabella née Ramsay (He’96) and Chris Wilson, two daughters, Marlowe, on 17 April 2010 and Lottie, on 24 October 2011

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

↓

Edward Bayles (FB’01) married Lizzie McNaught on 21 October 2017 Sally Commins (Ga’04) married Ryan Millar on 17 December 2016 Samuel Hall (A’04) married Savvy Nandal on 11 November 2017 Robert Ivory (P’99) married Melanie Barnes on 23 September 2017 Leah McLauchlan (Ga’00) married Peter Doherty on 2 March 2012 Julia Peardon (Cl’05) married William Reed (P’05) on 8 October 2016 Rudolf Schmidt (A’00) married Mira Kerizesti on 10 January 2017 Annabel Southey (Cl’02) [Staff 2010-12, 2017-current] married Dennis Bainger [Staff 2010-current] on 13 January 2018 Andrew Swan (Fr’07) married Sophie Lang on 2 September 2017 Jono Vickers-Willis (FB’06) married Jess Margetts on 11 November 2017

DEATHS Janet Anne Adams née McDonald (Hermitage 1946-48) on 12 October 2017 Nola Adams née Kininmonth (Hermitage 1942-51) on 2 October 2017 Judith Jocelyn Allen née Meakin (Hermitage 1933-42) on 14 August 2017 Peter Abbott Amor (1961-64) on 21 January 2018 Ian Hugh Anderson (1946-49) on 28 September 2017 Malcolm Mitchell Anderson (1937-44) on 10 July 2017 Barbara Atkins née Jolley (Matron, Barwon House, 1947-48) James Peter Atkinson Ball (1940-43) on 2 August 2017 Elizabeth Jane Barnard née Chirnside (Clyde 1944-51) on 20 July 2017 William Robert (Bill) Beischer (1943-46) on 27 August 2017 Andrew Jonathan Bowman (1964-68) on 17 November 2017 Vivian Harold Charles Campbell (1940-43) on 9 November 2017 Graham Edward Carroll (1938-48) on 18 March 2017 Josephine Amanda Cavill (Clyde 1971-73) on 8 September 2017 John William Douglas Cayley (1947-56) on 26 June 2017 Margaret June Linton Champness née Dempsey (Hermitage Staff 1969-75, GGS Staff 1976) on 16 July 2017

LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Athol Clapham née Adams (Clyde 194047) on 19 February 2018

Alec Herbert Purves OAM (1942-47) on 22 November 2017

Ryan Andrew Cooke (Staff 2014-15) on 24 April 2016

Ronald James (Ron) Rees (Staff 19551992) on 26 February 2018

Clemens Henry (Clem) Epstein (1947-53) on 2 February 2018

Cherie Linley Robertson née Brown (Hermitage 1930-41) on 9 November 2017

Sir Ewen Alastair John Fergusson GCMG, GCVO (1941-45) on 20 April 2017

Judith Elizabeth Roberts-Wray née Cook (Hermitage 1932-43) on 25 November 2017

David Jellicoe Findlay (1952-55) on 5 March 2017 Ruth Elaine Griffiths née Austin (Clyde 1943-47) on 10 November 2016 Thorold Harvey (Thorry) Gunnersen AM (1948-58; Council 1973-83) on 4 February 2018

June Alice Rogers née Chirnside (Clyde 1934-39) on 16 September 2017 Charles Colin Rosenthal (1946-48) on 1 May 2017 Sally Lois Seng Hpa née Donaldson (Clyde 1974-75, GGS 1976) in July 2017

Sybil Rosemary Hamilton née Costin (Hermitage 1953-56) on 6 December 2017

Katherine Pepita Skues née Shaw (Clyde 1927-34) on 12 September 2015

Julian James Horman (1974-78) on 4 September 2017

Thomas Watson Smith (1969-74) on 13 September 2017

William Robert Mitchel (Bill) Irvine AM (1939-46) on 20 September 2017

Charles Edward Stewart (1940-46) on 4 October 2017

Jonathan Herbert Irving-Bell (1948-51) on 12 January 2018

Jennifer Taplin (Hermitage 1941-46) on 21 October 2016

Margaret Ruth Ladd née Allen (Hermitage 1962-65) on 19 August 2017

Siew Tin (Ruth) Teh (Clyde 1970) on 24 October 2017

Margaret Joan Lambert née Thomson (Hermitage 1965-67) on 13 June 2017

The Reverend Brian Jacob Thewlis (192941) on 30 September 2017

Lance Vane Lansell (1934-40) on 8 September 2017

Lindy Patricia Tomes née Sellars (Hermitage 1960-66) on 26 August 2017

Richard Keith Leatham Lawson (1954-58) on 7 March 2018

Eric Hale Waller (1940-41) on 14 September 2017

Beverly Ann Lee née Morrish (Hermitage 1942-44) on 28 July 2017

Diane Dorothy (Blondie) Webster (Hermitage 1961-64) on 22 August 2017

Donald James Mackinnon (1946) on 1 October 2017

Ian Charles Wheatley (1957-60) on 4 October 2017

Joan Mildred Macrae née McIntosh (Clyde 1934-35) on 18 September 2017

Christine (Chris) Ellen Wilson née Ainsworth (Hermitage 1960-65) on 23 January 2018

Margaret Hamilton Makeham née Coutts (Clyde 1945-46) on 4 June 2017 Peter James (Jim) Manifold (1946-58) on 1 December 2017 Alexander Colin (Allie) Martin (1961-71) on 18 October 2017

William John Agnew Wills AM (1932-39) on 24 November 2017 Samuel Gervaise Creswick Wood (195060) on 20 February 2018

Beverly Mason (Clyde 1951-54) on 12 August 2017 Barbara Cameron Matthews née MacVean (Hermitage 1948-52) on 16 November 2017 Angus Gibson (Gus) McKernan (1959-60) on 23 February 2018 Dr Andrew Robert Nelson (Hermitage 1960-61, GGS 1962-73) on 16 October 2017 Patricia Fay Nelson née Brownbill (Hermitage 1937-47) on 14 September 2017 Dr Colin Blackwood Officer OAM (193546) on 31 December 2017 Heather June Olden née Sieffert (Hermitage 1942-50) on 11 November 2017 Gary Wayne Peters (Staff 1976-82) on 20 July 2015

SECTION 04 — THE MAIL ROOM

MARRIAGES

↓ SECTION 01 — NAME OF SECTION GOES HERE www.ggs.vic.edu.au PRINCIPAL'S REPORT FOR SPEECH DAY - CORIO CAMPUS