Grammar News no 119 Apr 2016

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Number 119 – April 2016

DR GEOFF HANDBURY AO (OM 1942)

TRANSFORMATIONAL BENEFACTOR

INTRODUCING THE GEOFF HANDBURY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HUB

New staff 2016

Above:

The MGS community welcomed 19 new staff members at the start of Term I. We wish them every success in the important roles that they will play in the life of the School.

Back Row: Laura Darroch, Learning Strategies (SS); Megan Scott, Philosophy & Religious Studies (SS); Lauren Kean, French (SS); Emma Fitz-Walter, Year 4 (G); Bronwyn Oswell, Coordinator of Strings (G); Rod Le Cudennec, Philosophy & Religious Studies (SS); Barry Norman, Science (SS); Belinda Annan, Drama (SS); Amanda Palmer, Geography (SS – starting Term II); Angela Wiseman, Learning Strategies (W – starting Term II) Front row: Christine Manolopoulos-Tzikas, Careers Advisor & Administrator (SS); Melinda Yeend, Year 1 (G); Alex Law, Admissions Manager (Lodge); Sean Holmes, Prep (G); Kimberley Goodwin-Watson, History & PE (W); Roy Kelley, Headmaster; Nick Evans, Deputy Headmaster, Head of Senior School; Lee-Anne D’Paul, Visual Arts (G); Tina Kong, Chinese (SS); Saloni Jain, Web Developer (IT); Melinda Sawers, Head of Music (W) SS = Senior School, W = Wadhurst, G = Grimwade House, IT = Information Technology

Front cover:

Geoff Handbury AO (OM 1942), together with views of the proposed Science and Technology Hub that his transformational gift will help to fund

Opposite:

A smiling Archie Dale, with his mother Nancy Mo, on his first day at Grimwade House

Grammar News is published for the Melbourne Grammar School community Published by: The Lodge, Melbourne Grammar School, 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Telephone: +61 3 9865 7555 Email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au Editor: Barbara Inglis Layout & pre-production: Drew Gamble Photographs by: Thomas Akhurst, Andrew Boyd, Stewart Brook, Adam Cawood, Drew Gamble, James Grant, Nigel Hallett, Richard Kumnick, Tom Morris, Banjo Plummer, Rachel Robertson, Amanda Webster & others Melbourne Grammar School respects the privacy of its community members and is bound by the National Privacy Principles under the Commonwealth Privacy Act. For a copy of the School’s Privacy Policy please visit the School’s website at www.mgs.vic.edu.au or contact the School on +61 3 9865 7555

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In This Issue 4 From the School Council 6 From the Headmaster 7 Vision, Mission & Values 8 News 16 Grimwade House 18 Wadhurst 20 Senior School 22 Boarding 24 Friends of Grammar 25 The Foundation 26 Annual Giving 28 The Old Melburnians 29 Obituary 30 Community News 34 From the Archives 35 APS Sporting Trifecta

About this issue As the new Director of Advancement and Admissions, I am delighted to welcome you to this edition of Grammar News and, in particular, to its theme – ‘a sense of community’.

‘A sense of community’ is central to the School’s revised Mission, Vision and Values statements, which were published at the beginning of Term I. They clearly articulate the School’s motivations, aspirations and priorities now and into the future.

In their respective columns, the Chairman of Council and the Headmaster provide some valuable insights and background to the statements. I encourage you to take particular note of their articles.

‘A sense of community’ is also reflective of the collective sense of identity that we enjoy at MGS. Whether as students, staff members or through the activities of the Friends of Grammar, The Old Melburnians and The Foundation, we are each an important part of a larger, vibrant whole. This collective sense of identity and purpose is never more apparent than when the School embarks on a major educational initiative.

Such is the case with the launch of the capital campaign to support the School’s exciting new Science & Technology Hub. Incorporating the very latest advances in education, the Hub will usher in a ‘new world of teaching and learning’ for senior science and technology students.

All these stories and more are covered in this edition of Grammar News. I hope you enjoy it.

Andrew Boyd Director of Advancement & Admissions

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From the School Council Motivated, flexible & interested The School published its revised Vision, Mission and Values Statements at the beginning of first term. They are the result of many months of research, discussion and reflection by the Headmaster, Staff and Council and I recommend them to all members of our community.

It was with great interest, therefore, that around the time of their publication, I read an article in The Australian Financial Review, which was titled ‘Top 100 Graduate Employers – Special Report’. While I know that not all our students will pursue tertiary education, what caught my attention in the article were the statements of the various qualities now sought by employers, as these have important implications for all our students. It also struck me that the qualities required for future employment are also those that are required for life.

Here are some of those sought after qualities, and I quote directly from the article: “What does matter more [than solely focussing on academic record] is the totality of who you are. Do you have leadership qualities? Are you an innovator? Have you got a broad range of interests?”

“They need to be motivated, flexible and interested.”

“Did they do volunteer work during their studies? Have they had any paid employment during their studies? We want people who are well-rounded.”

“We need those people who will be able to think differently, operate technology to a level that we have never operated at before, and to have diverse views that will make a difference for our clients.”

“There’s a perception that you need to be a technologist to apply for a technology role. That’s absolutely not the case. We want problem solvers first and then we can be technologists later.”

In future employment then, as in life, personal leadership, innovation, curiosity, motivation, flexibility, social responsibility, life experience, technological facility and problem solving are just some of the important ingredients that will be required. In light of this, I believe we can have great confidence in the School’s Vision and Mission.

Our aspiration is for our students to be architects of their own lives.

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Michael Bartlett

Vision Statement Melbourne Grammar School aims to develop fully within its students the ‘whole person’: intellectually, physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and spiritually.

Mission Statement We are committed to creating a holistic learning community.

These two statements are both ambitious and achievable, as they should be. In its pursuit of education, MGS focuses on the individual, as well as the whole School Community.

The Headmaster has always emphasised the importance and value of human relationships both at school and in life.

The development of the ‘whole person’ certainly provides the strongest foundation for the successful building of such relationships. At MGS, every student has the opportunity to develop in all these very important areas and will be encouraged to do so. Perhaps, with the increasing prevalence of computer screens in our children’s lives, the need for developing the whole person has never been greater.

Colin Aubrey Bell, ‘Dinger’ to his students, was a brilliant teacher of English under the Headmasterships of Brian Hone and Nigel Creese. He once wrote: “We are human beings first, revealing, some would believe, a touch of the divine; after that we are permitted to be scientists or humanists.”

I believe he was absolutely right. With a touch of humour, Colin Bell emphasised the importance of our humanity first and foremost. Implicitly, he also affirms the importance of the School’s Vision to educate the whole person.

The biggest challenge of all is to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to cope with the demands of an increasingly complicated and rapidly changing world.

Recently, the Headmaster and I had the privilege of attending an address by Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty, during which he discussed his most recent book, The Knowledge Wars. Interestingly, and in a similar vein to the needs of the 21st century employers mentioned above, Professor Doherty discusses in his book the valuable skills that are acquired as a result of scientific training. He also makes the point that such skills have valuable applications outside the scientific world: “Flexibility of outlook is, along with a capacity to focus, always a key predictor of success. Having learned how to ask good questions and design an investigation, acquire and analyse data, then write the results and interpretation for critical scrutiny, should never be a waste.”

Finally, Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wisest and most successful investors, once said: “Invest in as much of yourself as you can. You are your own biggest asset by far.”

I believe the School’s Vision and Mission Statements respond to all these various and contemporary demands, exhortations and challenges.

Michael Bartlett Chairman of Council

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From the Headmaster Community Chest?

LEADERSHIP

LEARNING

SPIRITUALITY A SENSE OF COMMUNITY DIVERSITY EXCELLENCE

INTEGRITY

Roy Kelley

The new Melbourne Grammar School Strategic Plan has a re-alignment of its core goal from ‘a positive sense of self’ to ‘a sense of community’. An expected question would be why has this been done and is it no longer important for young people to have a positive sense of self? The answer is that this is still very much important, but if we need to continue to make this a core part of our educational goals after more than 15 years, then something has gone awry.

In today’s world of intrusive social media, rising anxiety levels in young people, increasing personal isolation and the concept of a growing ‘me generation’, the move towards identifying the importance of belonging to a strong community makes educational sense.

“A sense of community helps to ground young people in this ever-changing world.”

The stated MGS Values include a clear view of ‘a sense of community’. This affirms that “we value, both within and without the School, the need for students to be positive and productive members of society. When members of our community are actively engaged, the result is a supportive environment where everyone feels that they belong.” It is this broader view of education, rather than focusing solely on a narrower academic view of schooling, which is crucial.

I have often commented that the socialisation process of young people is fundamental to the future of schools.

Clearly stated values provide a moral compass to help students navigate the complexities of their personal and, ultimately, professional lives, along with the flexibility and resilience necessary to meet the challenges that constantly appear on their horizon. A sense of community helps to ground young people in this ever-changing world. The American philosopher, William James, once wrote: “The community stagnates without the impulse of the individual.

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MGS Values

The impulse dies away without the sympathy of the community.” It is my hope that the juxtaposition between the individual and the community will always be in harmony at MGS. The 2015 school year finished with a sombre, yet moving memorial service for a Year 12 student who was tragically killed in a car accident, soon after his MGS graduation. More than 1000 people attended the service, held in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall, including current students, parents and many friends of the School. Behind the scenes, the MGS teaching, catering, maintenance and property staff willingly gave up large parts of their normal work life to ensure that the event was a suitable commemoration. On the first day of the 2016 school year, I attended a funeral for Mr Graham Withers (OM 1949). Highly respected and admired at MGS as a Head of House, Head of Chemistry and Deputy Headmaster, Graham served as Acting Headmaster on three occasions. For more than 38 years he positively influenced thousands of MGS students, many of whom have gone on to become highly respected scientists in many diverse fields.

Family, retired colleagues and a number of his former pupils were in attendance to remember this hugely influential and talented educator.

As I reflect on the sadness of these two deaths – one a very young man just about to make his way in the world and the other, a man in his mid-80s who had lived a long and rewarding life – the importance of community as a sustaining force has been enlightening. The real heart of the School lies beyond the boundaries of academic pursuits and deeply within the community that we have built. TS Elliot wrote in Choruses from The Rock: What life have you, if you have not life together?

There is not life that is not in community.

Roy Kelley Headmaster

Vision, Mission & Values Our Values Our Values convey the beliefs that positively influence our behaviour and the way we interact with individuals, groups and communities. They represent the deepest beliefs and sentiments to which we can aspire and they shape our School community. Here we look at two of these Values: Excellence and Spirituality, and provide reflections from some students and staff. We shall present our other Values in future editions of ‘Grammar News’.

Excellence

Spirituality

MGS values the process of striving for excellence, recognising both relative and absolute standards of excellence, and the desire to produce one’s best at all times.

We value the Christian spiritual journey based in the Anglican tradition, acknowledging World religions and the importance of the human spirit which gives personal meaning to life.

Excellence is the cornerstone of the School’s educational philosophy. It is the standard by which MGS judges itself as an educational institution.

The Chapel of St Peter at Senior School and the Chapel of St Andrew at Grimwade House both lie at the geographical heart of the School, offering a constant spiritual presence. It reflects the importance of spirituality in the MGS community.

What does ‘excellence’ mean to you?

What does ‘spirituality’ mean to you?

“I believe a desire for excellence is part of what it means to be human. To quest and to strive is to be fully realised as a person, for it is in the struggle that we find the deepest parts of ourselves.”

Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

“The Anglican faith is at the heart of our history, but celebrating it is never at the expense of other religious traditions. I am proud that we take such an inclusive and respectful approach. Students come to appreciate the interrelation between spirituality and wellbeing.”

Senior Chaplain

“For me, excellence is an attainable goal for everyone. The common concept of excellence would be ‘the very best’; however I believe excellence is striving to be the best you can be.”

Year 12 student “Excellence means trying as hard as you can, whenever you can.”

Year 8 student “Excellence means work, courage and effort – without these essentials, you will not attain a level of excellence.”

Year 7 student

“Spirituality is a force which drives all of us, yet it is different for every person. For me, spirituality is the awareness of an inner harmony or perhaps discord, comfort in pain, a moment of awe, an inner happiness, in solitude or with others. The point is, I believe spirituality is whatever one wishes it to be, whether that be conscious or not.”

Year 12 student “Being spiritual means we are not trapped by the physical.”

Year 8 student “I think when you become more spiritual, you learn more about yourself.”

Year 6 student

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News VCE results 2015

On top of the world!

Congratulations to our students on their outstanding results.

Increasing numbers of our Year 12 students are actively pursuing opportunities for undergraduate study overseas.

Highlights •

Our median ATAR for 2015 was 89.8.

•

100 students or 49.5% of the class attained an ATAR of 90 or above, placing them in the top 10% in the nation.

•

64 students or 31.7% of the class achieved an ATAR of 95 or above, and 16 students or 7.9% of the class were in the top 1% of the nation with an ATAR of 99 or above.

•

22% of study scores were 40 or more, with 5.6% of study scores achieving 45 or more placing those students in the top 1% of their subjects.

•

7 students attained the maximum of 50 in one or more of their subjects. Three of the 50s were in English.

•

3 students – Alexander Gruen, Youzhi (Tony) Wu and John Zhu – achieved the maximum possible ATAR of 99.95.

“The VCE results are a testament to the great work of the Class of 2015 and the exemplary support that staff gave to them. I congratulate all and wish our students the very best for the future,” said the Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Nick Evans.

Pictured at the information session are, from left: Alexander Gruen (OM 2015) who has accepted a place at Oxford University, Max Mezger (OM 2015) who is going to Harvard, Hamish Nicholson (OM 2015) who is also Harvard bound, John Mainland (OM 2014) who is going to Oxford University, & Lachlan Jobling (OM 2015) who will attend Cambridge University.

Last year, no less than 27 students applied for university places in the UK and USA, with many receiving offers from the world’s most prestigious learning centres. At a recent information session about overseas tertiary opportunities, more than 40 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 came to hear first-hand about the application process from five OMs who are overseas bound in 2016.

VCE top scores: from left, Deputy Headmaster Nick Evans, Youzhi (Tony) Wu, John Zhu & Headmaster Roy Kelley.

Absent: Alexander Gruen.

In 2016 Tony begins a Commerce degree under the Chancellor’s Scholars Programme at Melbourne University. John is studying Medicine at Monash University & Alex will pursue his tertiary studies at Balliol College, Oxford, reading Philosophy & Mathematics.

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“The diversity of overseas study options is highly attractive to our students,” says Director of Career Development, Kirsten Larn. “Many overseas universities are visiting the School and talking to the senior boys, so there is increased awareness of the possibilities. Our success rate also means that we have young OMs who are role models and this is very inspiring. Undergraduate study overseas is obviously not for everyone, but it is increasingly on the radar of many of our students.”

Destinations Class of 2015 Of the 202 students who completed VCE at Melbourne Grammar School in 2015, all but two applied for a tertiary course via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) or an interstate equivalent. Of those actively seeking an offer, all were successful by the end of the offer period in early February. Two students are known to have made direct applications to their preferred institution and are now enrolled in their course. The breakdown of destinations per institution and per field of study is listed below. The information has been collated from tertiary admissions centre data and feedback from individual students, some of whom have applied overseas and are still awaiting the outcome of their application, particularly for the USA.

Ninety per cent of our students are into their top preference course.

This year we had a significant number of students apply interstate, predominantly to the Australian National University, with 13 students now enrolled in a variety of flexible double degrees. One student is studying at Bond University on the Gold Coast and another is in Adelaide taking up a place to study medicine. Two students have deferred their offer to study at the University of Sydney and University of Tasmania respectively, working full-time for their GAP year. It is known that at least 10 others have deferred study, with many of these students taking up GAP year positions at UK schools.

Interest in studying overseas is increasing with an unprecedented number of students applying to study in the UK (15), with the majority listing Oxford or Cambridge

Percent of Class

Student destinations in 2016

29.0%

University of Melbourne

22.5%

Monash University

16.5%

RMIT University

7.5%

Deakin University

6.5%

Australian National University

5.5%

#Overseas universities

3.5%

Swinburne University of Technology

3.0%

La Trobe University

2.5%

In full time employment

1.5%

‡Other interstate universities

1.0%

Australian Catholic University

0.5%

Victoria University

0.5%

Holmesglen TAFE

in their course choices. Seven students were invited for interview and four were made conditional offers. Two students are heading to Oxford and one to Cambridge later this year. Twelve students applied to study in the USA and five were made early offers to Harvard (2), Yale, Columbia State University and St Johns College. The other applicants will know the outcome of their applications in April. The process of applying for placements in the USA and UK takes a considerable amount of time, as these institutions seek student personal statements, references and predicted grades. The students who applied, whether successful or not, are to be commended for their commitment to the process.

It is interesting to note that for the first time in many years the single most popular field of tertiary study was Society and Culture, accounting for almost 30 per cent of offers. It included 46 students enrolled in Arts and 14 in Law. Society and Culture now leads Management and Commerce (28 per cent). There were fewer students this year applying for Medicine but we have six students enrolled in an undergraduate medical degree, and another five studying biomedical sciences. Three students have taken up their place as a Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of Melbourne, which provides a generous scholarship and guaranteed pathway into professional postgraduate degrees.

Percent of offers*

VTAC offers by Field of Study

29.75%

Society & Culture Includes Arts (46) & Law (14)

28.0%

Management & Commerce

17.5%

Natural & Physical Sciences

5.75%

Creative Arts

5.25%

Engineering (& related)

4.5%

Health, Medicine (& related)

I wish the Class of 2015 well in the next phase of their journey. It has been a great honour and pleasure to work with so many talented and motivated young men.

4.5%

Architecture & Building

Kirsten Larn Director of Career Development

2.25%

Agriculture, Environments (& related)

1.5%

Education

#Yale, Harvard (2), Columbia State, St Johns College, Oxford (2), Cambridge, University College London, Otago, UPNG. ‡Bond University, Adelaide University, University of Tasmania. Deferred studies for 2016 = 2

1.0%

Information Technology

*The number of fields of study is larger than number of students due to counting double degrees into two categories

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News A New World of Teaching and Learning A transformational gift from Dr Geoff Handbury AO (OM 1942) sets the stage for a revolution in Science and Technology education.

Melbourne Grammar School recently launched a philanthropic campaign for a new state-of-the-art facility to help future generations of Old Melburnians seize the exciting opportunities afforded by advances in Science and Technology. The launch was delivered in a virtual format to reach our global community of alumni, and to reflect the innovation and cutting-edge environment that the campaign will help to develop at the School.

The new facility will be named in honour of Geoff Handbury, a successful businessman and passionate philanthropist who is supporting the project with a $5 million transformational gift. “This is extraordinarily generous and the School Council wanted to recognise the positive impact that Geoff Handbury’s gift will have on providing a world-class education,” says the Chairman of the School Council, Michael Bartlett.

Now retired, Geoff first found success in the clothing import and export industries before moving into farming and radio

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network ownership. His diverse career has given him a keen appreciation of the need to keep pace with innovative ideas and advancements in technology.

Supporting future generations has always been high on Geoff’s agenda. His motivation to support this project stems from his shared belief in the School’s mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to cope with the demands of an increasingly complicated and rapidly changing world. “They’re our future citizens. We’ve got to get them up and running so they can start leading this country,” says Geoff.

At the launch, we announced the achievement of a significant milestone, having already attained 70 per cent of the ambitious goal to raise $15 million by December 2016.

The philanthropic campaign began with a gift from the President of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation, Lloyd Thomas and his wife Debbie.

Support from our dedicated members of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation Board, and Campaign Patrons, Richard Larkins and Sandy Clark – two past chairmen of School Council – is also critical to achieving our goals. “We are invigorated by the enthusiasm shared by everyone who has been involved thus far in supporting the vision for this exciting programme,” says Roy Kelley, Headmaster.

Every member of the School Council Board and the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation Board has personally backed the Campaign financially. Many gifts are from individuals who have supported MGS over the years, whilst we are also welcoming new members to our community of donors.

be informal learning areas and quiet study zones. Students will be supported to explore and develop their own ideas and projects. This inspiring space will motivate our teachers to excel and will develop our students into scientific thinkers, problem solvers and innovators.

For more information about the New World of Teaching and Learning Campaign, or to find out how you can contribute, please visit www.mgs.vic.edu.au/mg/hub

When they leave the School, our students will be entering a global economy that is driven by scientific discoveries and technological innovations. To succeed in this environment they will need to have the skills necessary to identify and harness the opportunities that await them. “We recognise that the world is changing rapidly and we need to adopt new ideas, practices and innovative solutions to complex problems. A place for Science, Technology and Innovation, The Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub will prepare our students to be lifelong learners and inspire them to make lasting contributions to society,” Roy Kelley says.

Designed by renowned architects, Denton Corker Marshall, the world-class facility will feature open learning spaces rather than rigid classrooms. Laboratories will be flexible and able to accommodate a variety of disciplines. There will also Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News Celebrating the MGS Sculpture Walk Our new Sculpture Walk ensures that contemporary art – in the form of thought-provoking public sculpture – is now front and centre in the life of the School.

The official opening of the MGS Sculpture Walk and its inaugural installation, Cover Up #18, by internationally acclaimed artist Callum Morton (OM 1982) brought together many of the School’s keenest art practitioners and supporters to celebrate the boldness of the initiative and the its visually arresting first work.

As light rain started to fall at the commencement of proceedings, the assembled crowd on the Headmaster’s Lawn only had eyes for the dramatic form of Cover Up #18, the first of six sculptures that will be installed across the Wadhurst and Senior School campuses.

At the launch the Headmaster, Roy Kelley, spoke of the vision for the Sculpture Walk. “The physical environment of a school and its surroundings reflects a great deal about its values and its culture. MGS prides itself on its holistic education and the belief that learning is a process that occurs as much outside the classroom, as within it,” he said.

“My vision has been for the arts to be very noticeable as an intrinsic part of MGS.” Callum Morton was equally enthusiastic about the new Sculpture Walk. “This is a brilliant ambition, one that is certain to further enrich what is already an extraordinary campus,” he said.

During his address, the Headmaster thanked Friends of Grammar (FOG) for their generous support of Cover Up #18.

He also paid tribute to the MGS Arts Committee and, in particular, to Professor Maudie Palmer AO who played a vital role in bringing the project to fruition.

The new Sculpture Walk emphasises the importance of visual art and will encourage people to move on an artistic journey across the campus.

Introducing Cover Up #18 Callum Morton’s Cover Up #18 highlights his continued interest and exploration of veiled works. His approach is to locate an existing form that is in proximity to or bears some direct relationship with the intended site of the new work.

“I then have it 3D-scanned, bring it into the computer as a virtual model and use software to cover or drape it with fabric,” he said. “The form is then redesigned to house seating that responds directly to the context of the site.”

In response to the School’s location close to the Shrine of Remembrance, Callum chose to draw inspiration from the well-known sculpture Cobbers by Peter Corlett, which is located in the Shrine Reserve.

From left: Headmaster Roy Kelley, Professor Maudie Palmer AO & Professor Callum Morton

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“The teachers in my day, such as John Adams and Sybil Leris, instilled in us the idea that art was an important, vital and indeed magical pursuit that made a valuable contribution to our society. One of my favourite artists, the great John Brack, taught here for many years.”

Callum Morton

Callum found Cobbers interesting on a number of levels.

“I certainly liked the fact that Cobbers was two figures, a multiple not an individual, which says much about schools and their communities. I also liked the shape that it formed when draped,” he explained.

Callum’s outdoor works expand the notion of how people might interact with art in public space. “The aesthetic quality of a work can simply invoke a feeling of pleasure, but it can also activate critical thought, and thinking about this work and its evolution is another vital form of interaction, particularly in the context here of a school,” he said.

Artist Callum Morton (OM 1982) Callum Morton was born in 1965 in Montreal, Canada. He completed a BFA at Victoria College, Prahran in 1988 and an MFA in Sculpture at RMIT, Melbourne in 1999. He is currently Professor of Fine Art at MADA (Monash Art Design & Architecture) Melbourne.

Callum emphasised that while looking and thinking can be done from a distance, Cover Up #18 encourages the public to perform these interactions while sitting in and on the work. “The circular seat provides room for one person or for many, and the orange scoop that is cut out of the folds also doubles as a type of canopy, so the work operates as a mini cave or shelter and as such is a form of minor architecture,” he said.

For all these lofty ambitions, Callum expects that for some it will simply be regarded as “a pretty cool seat”!

Photo courtesy of MADA

“The idea that there is a covered form that is forever on the cusp of being revealed, whose definition is fluid and open, speaks to me about how the role of education, at whatever level, is to uncover the potential in every student.”

Professor Callum Morton, Head of Fine Art, Monash University Art Design & Architecture (MADA).

Callum’s work has been shown in numerous exhibitions nationally and internationally for over 25 years.

In 2007 he was one of three artists to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale. In 2008 he completed the work Hotel on the Eastlink freeway in Melbourne and in 2009 he realised the pavilion Grotto for the Fundament Foundation in Tilburg, the Netherlands. In 2010 he completed a major outdoor commission, Silverscreen, for the new premises of MUMA in Melbourne, and in 2011 his work was the subject of a retrospective at the Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne.

In 2013 Callum designed the set for the MTC’s production of Other Desert Cities and he designed Endgame for their 2015 season. In 2014 he completed a 2000m2 public park with integrated sculptures called Monument Park in Melbourne’s Docklands and participated in the 19th Sydney Biennale.

He is currently working on a range of projects, including a collaborative project for a public memorial to immigration in Canberra, titled Immigration Place; a design for Ranters Theatre’s new work Come Away With Me to the End of the World; a project called Reception for Anna Schwartz Gallery in March 2016; and an outdoor work in Denmark for the European Capital of Culture in 2017.

Precision landing: ‘Cover Up #18’ was created by Professor Callum Morton & delivered by the team at Monash Art Projects (MAP), particularly Andre Bonnice who worked closely on the development & design of the work. MAP is a research lab within Monash University Art Design & Architecture (MADA).

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News What makes a leader?

Leadership is one of the School’s seven Values and throughout its history many MGS alumni have become leaders in their communities. Our Values statement reads: “We value leadership and teamwork, underpinned by a strong ethical and moral dimension and put to use in serving our community. The notion of gratitude and ‘giving back’ is an essential feature of our leadership programmes.”

From left, back row: Greg Caldwell, Head of Wadhurst; Julian Hilditch, Captain of Wadhurst; Oliver King & Seve de Campo, School ViceCaptains. Middle row: Cathie Ireland, Acting Head of Grimwade House; Peshala Dissanayake, Vice-Captain of Wadhurst; Headmaster Roy Kelley; Sam Stevenson, School Captain; Nick Evans, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School. Front row: Ted Perton & Emma Chadwick, Grimwade House Captains (Semester 1); Mia Foreman & Sam Savas, Grimwade House Captains (Semester 2)

This year’s Captains and Vice-Captains were asked their views about leadership and their goals as leaders at their respective campuses. Leading through action and example was a common response, as was the wish to be approachable and to act as a strong link between staff and students.

“We must be strong role models for all students. We must help those with needs. Through this we can make school life easier, more enjoyable and beneficial for everyone,” said Peshala Dissanayake, Vice-Captain of Wadhurst.

APS sporting ‘trifecta’!

For the first time ever, MGS has won three Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS) sporting finals in one day, with the School’s First VIII rowers, First XI cricket team and First volleyball team all victorious in their respective competitions.

This year’s Head of the River final saw the MGS First VIII crew lead from start to finish over the 2000m course at the Nagambie Regatta Centre, crossing the line in 6 minutes, 16.41 seconds – almost six seconds ahead of Wesley College, with Scotch College third. The last time the School won the Head of the River was in 2009.

The final score was MGS 100 all out and 3/80; Scotch College 91 all out. First XI Captain, Ed Faulkner, was in exceptional form, taking 7/24 from 18 overs. The last time the School won the Cricket Premiership was in 2008, and before that … it was in 1976. The last Cricket/Rowing ‘double’ was in 1943!

The First VIII was not the only crew to achieve success.

The School’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th Division crews also won their events, making for a ‘navy blue’ blitz of the senior races.

The APS volleyball final was a close fought affair against Scotch College. At two sets all, the game went into an exciting fifth set decider. There were three points in it in the end. MGS took the set 15-12, the match 3 sets to 2, and the Premiership cup! The School’s last APS Volleyball crown was in 2008.

In the APS cricket final, which was played on the School’s main oval, MGS defeated Scotch College by 9 runs.

See inside back cover for a selection of photos 14

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Leading, Learning & Thinking In March, MGS was honoured to host the Leading, Learning & Thinking international conference, which was presented by Harvard University’s Project Zero in conjunction with the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education (CASIE) and Independent Schools Victoria (ISV).

Offering an exciting mix of plenary sessions, interactive courses and discussion, the two-day conference took place in multiple rooms across the Wadhurst and Senior School campuses.

More than 500 educators from around Australia and the Asia-Pacific region attended, including 80 from MGS. Twelve MGS teachers were invited to present papers as part of the conference programme.

The keynote speaker, Professor David Perkins, Research Professor of Teaching and Learning at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and founding member of Harvard’s Project Zero, ensured lively discussion among delegates with his presentation on Reimagining education for a changing world. Other plenary sessions were led by Dr Ron Ritchhart, Project Zero Senior Research Associate; Dr Daniel Wilson, Project Zero Director; and Jim Reese, Director of Studies at the Washington International School and Education Chair of Project Zero Perspectives conferences.

MGS presenters were Kris Faithfull, Leanne Forbes, Adrea Fox, Jeremy Hamilton, Ben Hanisch, Stuart Jamieson, Helen Kennedy, Danny McCoppin, Andy Near, Cat Poljski, Di Ruffles and George Tzikas.

Project Zero’s mission is to understand and enhance learning and thinking in the arts, as well as in the humanistic and scientific disciplines at both the individual and institutional levels. At the core of this pursuit are the following questions: •

What is understanding and how does it develop?

•

What do thinking and learning look like?

•

What is worth learning today and tomorrow?

•

How and where do thinking, learning and understanding thrive?

Over the past six years, MGS has had an ongoing relationship with Project Zero, in particular through the guidance of and partnership with Dr Ron Ritchhart, who has worked with staff across Senior School and Wadhurst.

The major focus of this activity has been on meta-cognition through the use of Thinking Routines and the investigation of cultural forces that encourage a Culture of Thinking within schools.

“We have developed a strongly internal component to this professional development programme, through professional action groups (PAGs), which has extensively

From left: Dr Ron Ritchhart, Professor David Perkins, Dr Daniel Wilson & Headmaster Roy Kelley at the Project Zero conference

encouraged both cross-faculty and cross-campus dialogue and interaction. The fact that a very large majority of MGS staff attended the Conference indicates an ongoing desire for more opportunities to enhance their teaching,” said Headmaster, Roy Kelley.

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Grimwade House Welcome Mr Helm!

The new Head of Grimwade House, Royce Helm, is looking forward to joining MGS in Term II. A highly experienced, strategic leader in education in his native New Zealand, he is passionate about helping students to realise their full potential.

For the past 13 years, Royce Helm has been the Headmaster of Southwell School in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Southwell School is the largest co-educational, independent primary and boarding school in New Zealand and caters for students from Prep to Year 8. Prior to that, he was the Headmaster of St George’s School in Wanganui. St George’s is an innovative, co-educational school. He was also Deputy Headmaster and Head of Middle School at the all-boys St Kentigern School in Auckland.

Royce is also interested in the development of personal attributes and how they can be taught. “For example, is it possible to teach concepts like persistence, accuracy, resilience, creativity or curiosity? I believe it is,” he said.

Both Southwell School and St George’s School are Anglican schools and the opportunity to work in an Anglican school in Australia was important in Royce’s decision to move to Grimwade House.

“I like working in a context where there is a strong moral and ethical framework. I am very familiar with and committed to the character education that an Anglican school provides. This grounding is what provides the basis for character development that will support a child’s learning throughout their school career.”

Royce Helm believes that primary school education – co-education in particular – has never been more important or exciting.

“It is great to work in a primary setting and I believe very strongly in the positive benefits of co-education at this level,” he said. “Boys and girls learn differently and, in a modern primary classroom, these are catered for by skilled teachers in such a way that it is beneficial for all.”

Royce is very interested in research about the inner workings of the brain and has participated in several international ‘thinking’ conferences. He has also helped develop thinking strategies in a number of New Zealand schools. “In the world of the future, the ‘capital’ of the successful adult will be his or her flexibility, interpersonal skills, ability to think and to work in a team. I believe that this starts at primary school and helps to set up a student for the rest of their lives,” he said.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

“I believe very strongly in the positive benefits of co-education at the primary level.”

A keen sportsman, Royce enjoys bike riding and has recently taken up road riding. He is a sailor and fly fisherman, and enjoys golf when time permits. In the past, he played rugby, cricket and softball competitively. He also enjoys music and plays the guitar.

Royce’s wife, Rhona, is a teacher. She is looking forward to being part of the School community. They have two daughters, Tara, 21 years old and Abigail (Abby), 18 years old. Tara is studying law and international relations at Victoria University, Wellington, while Abby is doing a GAP year, at Cheltenham College in the UK. Royce holds a Master of Education (Administration) from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Education from Massey University, New Zealand.

Double the fun in Prep There is double the fun in Grimwade’s Prep classes this year, with no less than six sets of twins – four sets of identical twins and two sets of non-identical twins! The 12 enthusiastic youngsters are spread across the three Prep classes.

Prep teacher, Maryanne Lockton, says that there is a special shared bond between twins, which needs to be cemented.

“As teachers, we need to allow twins to have their own time but also give them snippets of togetherness at playtime

too when the other twin just needs a hug or some help from their very close brother or sister. This year, I have two identical twins who have their twin siblings in another class.

They look forward to playing together at recess time,” she said.

From left, back row: Alice & Grace Hudson, Georgie & Zara Skinner, Toby & Zoe Youdale Front row: Angus & Matthew Brame, Charlie & Pippa Van der Venne, Hugo & Leo Wang

Tackling the (cyber)bullies As part of Grimwade’s ICT Digital Citizenship conference, Year 5 students got to the heart of cyberbulling and came away with a range of strategies to help them deal with any issues in the future.

The special workshop, which coincides with the deployment of personal digital devices for the students, was conducted

by Project Rockit, an organisation that is dedicated to tackling the issue of (cyber)bullying in school communities.

“Using drama, our students explored a range of in-touch, realistic strategies to deal with cyberbullying. They also discussed the communication challenges in such situations, as well as empathetic ways to support those who are targeted by cyberbullies,” said Grimwade’s eLearning Coordinator, Matthew Smith.

“We want to create a cyber-smart culture at Grimwade.

Throughout the year, as students use their digital devices, we consistently refer to the Project Rockit workshop.”

The students were enthusiastic about the session. “It was inspiring. We loved their messages,” said one. “We got to decide on what would be a perfect digital world,” said another.

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Wadhurst New Deputy Head of Wadhurst Wadhurst welcomed its new Deputy Head, Dan Newton, at the start of the school year. Dan is an energetic champion of the middle school years, which he says are the “best days” of school life.

“My educational philosophy has always been to give students as much opportunity to develop themselves both in and outside the classroom,” says Dan. “The middle school years offer students the time and space to discover more about themselves and the world around them through a range of different and exciting learning experiences. I always encourage them to get involved in as many activities as possible. It is a wonderful time of life.”

Dan comes to MGS from St Kevin’s College, Melbourne, where he was the Assistant Dean of Campus at the College’s Waterford (Year 9) campus. A teacher of mathematics, IT and physical education, he has taught in Australia, the UK and China, where he held leadership positions at the British International School of Shanghai.

At Wadhurst Dan teaches mathematics in addition to his Deputy Head responsibilities. He also has a strong interest in social justice issues and regularly volunteers his time to community causes. He believes that students have much to learn from volunteering and will seek to enrich the Wadhurst programme in this area. “It is important for boys of this age to become aware of social issues and to look at ways in which they can contribute to the community,” he says.

A keen sportsman, Dan played basketball and tennis while at school. His love of the outdoors has also led to snowboarding, rock-climbing, hiking and camping in many different countries.

Farewell to two dedicated teachers At the end of Term I, Wadhurst farewelled two long-standing and dedicated members of its teaching staff, Julian Cairns and Suzann Heinze, and wished them well in their retirement.

“Suzann Heinze has been superb in her role as the Co-ordinator of Wadhurst’s Learning Strategies Department,” said Head of Wadhurst Greg Caldwell. “Since her appointment in 2002, she has worked closely with many boys and their families, helping to provide achievable learning pathways so that students can reach their potential.

I know I speak for many boys in thanking Suzann.”

Suzann was also Head of Creswick House for nine years, overseeing the welfare of Year 7 and Year 8 boarders. “My work has always been about empowering the individual so that they can shine in their own way,” said Suzann. “It has been a privilege to support and guide each boy and see them blossom.”

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Julian Cairns joined Wadhurst as Director of Music in 1998.

Since then he has helped almost 3000 students broaden their perspective, understanding and love of music. “Over the years there have been many marvellous musical opportunities and experiences for the boys. We have also had some fine musicians. It was a real highlight to see my first Captain of Music, Stefan Cassomenos (OM 2002) and my 2011 Captain of Music, Victor Hu (OM 2015) perform the two-piano part in Camille Saint-Saens’ The Carnival of the Animals with the Senior School Orchestra last year. I was the narrator and it felt like I had come full circle and landed in a very happy place,” said Julian.

Ai Wei Wei – language through art Learning a language opens your eyes just as much as your ears. For our Year 8 students of Chinese, the recent visit to the National Gallery of Victoria brought them face-to-face with the works of two of the most significant figures of modern art and contemporary life, Ai Wei Wei and Andy Warhol.

Accompanied by Wadhurst Chinese Co-ordinator, Greg Hughes, and Chinese Language Assistant, Guodong (Frank) Wang, the boys marvelled at the scale and creativity of the works. They took a particular interest in Ai Wei Wei’s installations and ideas. Forever Bicycles was a class favourite. “The exhibition was powerful and moving, a fusion of modern and ancient art,” said Year 8 student, Bo Sergeant.

“There was a massive installation comprising hundreds of bicycles stacked and stuck together. We were able to walk under and around it. There were incredible paintings of Mao Zedong, mixing the old portrait style with modern, funky tones and vibes. Thousands of hours of footage were also being shown inside a darkened room, every major street in Beijing, as videoed from a car by Ai Wei Wei … The exhibit was a fantastic learning experience for us and will never be forgotten,” he said.

N h˘ao, Mr Wang Wadhurst’s Chinese Language Assistant, Guodong (Frank) Wang, is one of 32 Chinese language assistants, out of more than 700 applicants, to be posted to Melbourne as part of an agreement between the Victorian and Chinese governments.

Frank is part way through his post-graduate studies at Jilin University in China, where he is majoring in teaching Chinese as a second language.

He is enjoying his Melbourne experience. “I think Melbourne Grammar is perfect. The teachers are nice, the students are polite and the food is delicious! I like working here very much and I think the boys are amazing. I can sense their keen interest in Chinese,” he said.

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Senior School Cambodian connections Every year since 2008 an eager band of volunteers from Years 10 and 11 have finished their school year with a 10-day lifechanging journey of discovery to Cambodia, where they have supported the work of aid organisations, such as the Hope for Cambodian Children Foundation in Battambang and the Partnering Against Poverty Association outside Siem Reap.

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On the outskirts of Siem Reap in northern Cambodia there are some villages that hold very special memories for many MGS students. It was there that they were able to experience a rich, emotional connection to a people and culture that are vastly different to their own and, in doing so, come face-to-face with the everyday challenges of life in a third-world nation that is coming out of a dark past.

Over the past seven years, the visiting MGS groups have helped construct seven houses. “The highlight of our time near Siem Reap was the house building project in a local village,” said Pravind Easwaran (Year 11, Witherby). “Over the three days we moved the original house, lifted three frames into place, transported wood and completed the floors, walls and the staircase.”

In December 2015, fifteen students embarked on the trip to Cambodia, which is part of the School’s Values in Action service programme. They were accompanied by two staff members, Phil O’Connor, Head of Service Learning and Manager of the School’s Indigenous Programme, and Liz North, who teaches psychology. A recent OM, Declan BairdWatson (OM 2012), was also involved.

The students were assigned to families in the village, who showed them their houses and gave them lists of items that they needed. “On the final day, we went to the market and spent the entire morning showing off our haggling skills to buy these items,” said Pravind. “They all went into care packages that we gave to the 37 families at the handover of the new house.

“The boys are always deeply affected by their time in the villages near Siem Reap. Their eyes are opened to the realities and needs of the community and they are keen to help, which they do in a very practical way – by assisting with the building of a house.” said Phil O’Connor.

“The trip to Cambodia gave me insight to a country and culture that I didn’t really know existed or understood. The culture, the history, the food, the smiling Khmer people and the team’s hard work all came together to make this an incredible and remarkable trip – one that I will not be forgetting anytime soon,” he said.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Quad Play 2016 – Romeo and Juliet At the end of February, three performances of Shakespeare’s much loved tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet’ played to sold out audiences.

Despite grey skies, the rain held off, enabling the Quad balcony to be put to the use for which it was presumably intended!

For the cast, this was the culmination of an intense period of rehearsals, with some actors completing hours of sword fighting with amazing fight choreographer, Felicity Steel. The production was set in 2016 South Yarra, with many students wearing their own clothes.

More traditional costumes were seen at the Capulet’s costume ball in Act 1, which included Alice in Wonderland, a Roman Gladiator, Woody and Jessie, Princess Leia and medieval clothing for Romeo and Juliet.

Callum Johnson and Maddy Galea (Romeo and Juliet) both performed with great professionalism and depth of feeling in their iconic roles, bringing freshness to their famous lines. Their more reflective scenes were contrasted with the violence on the streets of Verona, aptly orchestrated

by Josef Lew Fatt (Tybalt) and Tom Garratt (Mercutio). Pat Burnett brought great energy to his performance as Friar Laurence, whose convoluted plans ultimately lead to the death of the lovers.

All cast members worked hard from October last year and are to be congratulated on their polished and consistent performances. Backstage crew members were no less professional, as the play ran seamlessly (with the exception

of one unfortunate technical glitch on opening night!). The success of the play was made possible by students working difficult hours backstage, committed parent helpers and a valued team of talented Old Melburnians, without whom the Quad Play would not be possible. Particular mention should be made of Andrew (Mac) Brookes’ Quad Play debut as the reader of the prologue!

I began designing this production of Romeo and Juliet in 2012, but I saved it for this year as 2016 is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. MGS will be holding a festival early in Term II to celebrate Shakespeare’s work with a range of activities, including competitions, workshops, a quiz, and sword fight training in the Quad.

Sharon Mulready Director, Quad Play.

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Boarding From Darwin to Creswick House This year two young Indigenous students have joined MGS as Year 7 boarders. Their move into Creswick House, the School’s junior boarding house, brings the total number of Indigenous students at MGS to 12. The senior Indigenous students are strong and supportive mentors for the younger boys.

From left: Phil O’Connor, Manager of the School’s Indigenous Programme, with Jack Peris and Beau Tedcastle

Beau Tedcastle and Jack Peris are both a long way from their families in Darwin. That can sometimes be a bit hard, but they have made lots of friends since arriving at MGS and are starting to feel right ‘at home’ in Creswick House.

“The Indigenous senior kids have helped me out so much,” said Jack. “Meeting so many new friends and playing lots of sport has been great.”

When asked what surprises him most about Melbourne, Beau says it is the swimming “because we are not allowed to swim in Darwin because of the crocs.” Jack thinks Melbourne “is an amazing place to live and it’s so easy to get places fast on the tram. There is also a lot of sport, which is awesome.”

There are six Indigenous students from Victoria, five from the Northern Territory and one from Western Australia in the boarding house. The School’s Indigenous Programme places

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great emphasis on the students experiencing a wide range of activities and drawing support from each other.

“There are lots of things that we do together, such as outings and dinners,” explains Phil O’Connor who manages the programme. “We also work closely with tutors from the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, who provide weekly support sessions.”

The Head of Creswick House, Kris Faithfull, is also the Mathematics Co-ordinator at Wadhurst. “It’s great to have two enthusiastic young men join our community,” she said. “Our Creswick ‘family’ is close-knit, with just nine boarders in Years 7 and 8, so we tailor everything to their needs.”

The Creswick House Coat of Arms with motto: “Do Right and fear not”

Friendship & fun at Family Day The Boarders’ Family Day is an annual celebration of boarding at MGS. Families and friends gather with the boys and staff to celebrate a Eucharist in the Chapel of St Peter, attend the Boarder Parents’ Network meeting in the Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership, before sharing a delicious BBQ lunch in the boarding quadrangle.

This year’s Family Day took place on a perfect Sunday. Under blue, sunny skies, the boarders welcomed their parents, siblings, grandparents and guardians – several hundred visitors in total – to their MGS ‘home’.

Many parents had travelled great distances – from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Others came from Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and southern NSW. Country Victoria was also well represented. “For me, the highlights of the day were the boarders’ moving reflections in Chapel and the wonderful sense of fellowship at the lunch,” said Director of Boarding, Michael Shaw.

“There was a tremendous atmosphere. The students are proud of their boarding houses and the friendships formed there. They enjoy the opportunity to share both with their extended family and friends.”

This year the delicious lamb ribs on the BBQ received an “awesome” rating.

“Jamie Brennan and his catering staff did a wonderful job,” said Michael. “It was great to see the entire boarding community sharing a meal together on such a beautiful summer’s day.”

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Friends of Grammar A great start to the year

From left: Andrea James, Wadhurst President; Maria Pirpiris, Wadhurst Vice President; Priscilla Feaver, Senior School President; Kate Anstee, Senior School Vice President; Sue MacLennan, Grimwade President

The enthusiastic and hard-working Friends of Grammar (FOG) have three main goals: to encourage and foster the involvement of MGS parents in School activities; to promote goodwill among parents and teachers; and to raise money to support MGS initiatives. This year FOG got off to an impressive start from day one.

Grimwade House New parents’ morning teas and seven individual yearlevel parent functions ensured a warm welcome to new Grimwade families this year.

FOG also helped at sporting events, providing lots of encouragement and refreshments. “Jelly snakes and oranges were eagerly gobbled up by the children who completed their cross country and we were delighted to assist with Year 3’s sports and games event on the oval.

The children and their fathers loved competing against each other. There was a trophy for the successful class and lots of wonderful raffle prizes for the children. Everyone dressed up in class colours and enjoyed pizzas and ice creams. It was great fun,” said FOG Grimwade President, Sue MacLennan.

Upcoming events include the Mothers’ Day Stall on Thursday 5 May and a not-to-be-missed evening at the St Kilda Sea Baths on Friday 3 June. All Grimwade parents are warmly invited to this mid-year event, which will be FOG Grimwade’s major fundraiser for 2016.

Wadhurst Thanks to FOG Wadhurst, all Year 7 students enjoyed a fun sausage sizzle on their first day at school, while their parents were able to gather with new Year 8 parents for a ‘welcome’ morning tea. The year-level cocktail parties, which followed in March, provided another opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new parents.

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Term II will see the Mothers’ Day Stall where the boys can purchase small gifts for their mothers, as well as the annual Mothers’ Day Lunch, which is always a very happy event.

“The Wadhurst Family Breakfast will be on Thursday 16 June. It is a wonderful way to finish the Term and a chance for everyone to get together,” said FOG Wadhurst President, Andrea James. “It’s a huge privilege to lead such a wonderful FOG Wadhurst team this year. Without everyone’s great support, these events would not be possible.”

Senior School The FOG Senior School Committee was out of the blocks fast with the Flack Park Café open for business – and serving very welcome barista coffee – on the first ‘school’ Saturday of 2016. This was followed by the House representatives swinging into action for the year-level functions for parents.

The Values in Action team had the parent rosters for the breakfast and community programmes quickly under control, while the Catering & Events team dived into the year at MGS Live, providing intermission snacks and drinks – which are always very popular with the students!

Please save the date for the Annual Whole School Lunch on Friday 26 August and the Boys Big Breakfast on Monday 29 August.

“I would like to thank our many volunteers for all that they do,” says FOG Senior School President, Priscilla Feaver.

“It really is a team effort to enhance the MGS journey for students and parents.”

The Foundation “Education is the game changer” Shortly after his retirement as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court in June 2013, David Harper (OM 1961) received a telephone call from Ian Ward-Ambler, Chair of the School’s Indigenous Steering Committee, inviting him for ‘a cup of tea and a chat’. The subsequent encounter led to David, a long-time supporter of MGS, joining the School’s Indigenous Steering Committee and becoming a passionate advocate for the Indigenous Programme.

Members of the MGS Indigenous Programme 2016: Back row, from left: Jamarl Firebrace, Jacquin Mifsud, Josef Lew Fatt, Ben Long, Jika Lovett, Tyrone Hayes. Front row, from left: Jack Peris, Kyle Collins, Kahn Vocale, David Harper, Patrick Alexander, Toby Bedford, Beau Tedcastle

“I have always had a general interest in the area,” said David.

“Certainly as someone who has been involved in the justice system, I had been long concerned with the out-of-proportion relationship between rates of incarceration of Indigenous Australians compared with those of non-Indigenous Australians. The opportunity to join the Committee was really an invitation to become involved in a very direct way in addressing issues of inequality and disadvantage, and going to the core of the problems that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. I jumped at it,” he said.

David believes that a school like MGS has an obligation to support Indigenous education in a significant way. “It is important not just for our students, but for Australia as a whole. No school by itself can change the world, but you must do all that you can to support informed and empathetic involvement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” he said.

David also emphasised that while present generations cannot be held responsible for the sins and mistakes of the past, they must take whatever steps are reasonably open to them to remove the inequities which are the continuing legacy of those wrongs.

“The active pursuit of reconciliation is one such step.

Educational programmes encompassing both Indigenous

and non-Indigenous students, designed and delivered with meticulous care, and in which the roles of teacher and student are from time to time seamlessly and appropriately reversed, are another,” he said. “We offer just such a programme at Melbourne Grammar. Importantly, with 12 Indigenous students now attending as boarders, we have the critical mass to realise our ambitions.

“Thanks to the Programme and the respect and understanding that it promotes, our students – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – are very likely to be significant agents of change in our society. For this reason alone, the Programme – and the bursaries that underpin it – deserve the wholehearted support of all with connections to the School,” David said.

Two of the 12 students in the Programme are currently funded by private philanthropy. To help us reach our goal of assisting an additional three students to take part in the Programme, please contact: foundation@mgs.vic.gov.au The Indigenous Bursary Programme is one of the School’s four philanthropic priorities, supported by The Foundation Board. In this issue (pages 10 & 11) we also highlight the public launch of our capital campaign for a Science and Technology Hub – our current Buildings and Grounds programme.

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Annual Giving One of the greatest strengths of the School is the diversity of its community and the important and unique contribution that is made by all its members. Fees and government support cover 86 per cent of the cost of educating each student. Through the 2015 Annual Giving, we invited the MGS community to help us continue to grow the strength and breadth of our students’ experiences. The response was very encouraging, with a 28 per cent rise in the number of individuals who chose to participate in Annual Giving. Overall this resulted in a financial impact of $162,349, which is a significant vote of confidence in all our students and staff.

Donor Honour Roll Mr J P (John) Acton Mr D A (David) Adams Mr J R (Jonathan) Adler Mr N R (Ross) Adler AC & Mrs F C (Fiona) Adler Mrs A E (Annabelle) Ahearn & Mr G J (Grant) Ahearn Mrs J H (Jane) Akhurst & Mr B J (Bruce) Akhurst Mr G C (Geoff) Allen Mr P T (Paul) Andrews Mr M L (Maxwell) Archer Mr D M (David) Arden RFD Mr M J O (Martin) Armstrong Mr G R (Gordon) Arnold Mr G W (Graeme) Arnold Mr J B M (John) Arrowsmith Mr C J (Christopher) Arup His Hon K J A (Austin) Asche Mr R W (Robert) Ashton Mr E H C (Edward) Bailey & Mrs Y K (Yasuko) Bailey Mr J S (John) Baillie & Mrs S E P (Sue) Baillie Mrs M G (Moya) Barclay Dr I H (Ian) Barnett Mr C R (Chris) Barrett Mr D N (David) Barter Mr D J (David) Batt The Hon J M (John) Batt AM & Mrs M (Margaret) Batt Mr J L E (John) Beavis Mrs V R A (Vanessa) Bede & Mr N L G (Nick) Bede Mr C G (Chris) Begg Dr A M E (Andrew) Bennett Mr D C (David) Berman Dr J B (John) Best AO & Mrs J (Janine) Sargeant Mr T D (Timothy) Best Mr J S C (Stuart) Bett Mr D A J (David) Biggs Mrs J (Jocelyn) Birrell in memory of Mr J L (John) Birrell Dr R G (Bob) Birrell Mr T E (Ted) Blamey Mr G L (Graham) Blashki Mr J B (James) Blythe Mr L R (Russell) Bodinnar JP Dr M M (Michael) Borten Mr A K (Andrew) Bostock Dr F J (Francis) Bromilow Mr J D L (John) Brookes Mr A D (Andrew) Brookes Mr R C H (Roger) Brookes 26

Prof G V (Graham) Brown AM Dr J G E (John) Brown Dr P W E (Peter) Brown Prof A T (Andrew) Bucknill & Mrs E A (Liz) Shackleton Mrs M (Morena) Buffon & Mr S L (Santo) Cilauro Mr A J (John) Burn Mrs E (Eileen) Burnett-Kant & Mr A (Amar) Kant Mr N F (Neal) Byrne Mr M A R (Angus) Cameron & Mrs D D (Darcy) Cameron Mr Wesley James Campbell Mr W R (Ross) Campbell Dr R P (Ross) Carne & Dr B K (Belinda) Carne Mr W J K (Bill) Carr Dr J W (John) Carre-Riddell Mr K K C (Kim) Chan Dr K K (Ken) Cheng & Dr K Y (Keat) Low Dr P W (Peter) Cheung & Ms L (Li-Ling) Ng Mr C G (Charles) Clark Dr D K (David) Clarke Mr D A (David) Clements Mr E R (Ewan) Colson Mr J S M (John) Cooper Mr J P (John) Cordner Mr P (Peter) Couzens Mr F C (Frank) Covill RFD ED Simon, Michael, Andrew & David Crawshay Mr S W (Bill) Cumpston Mr J R R D (Jonathan) Cutler & Mrs L K (Lucy) Cutler Mr J M (John) Dale & Mrs A (Anne) Court Dr B P (Brian) Davie Mr G I (George) Davis Mr G R (Robert) Davis Dr C R B (Charles) Day & Ms E (Elise) Everest Major B J W (Benjamin) Day & Mrs A L (Amanda) Day Mr I L (Ian) De Winter Mr T K (Tim) Dixon Mr J M (Michael) Dowling Mr P H (Peter) Drozdowicz & Mrs S K (Sara) Drozdowicz Mr G W (Graham) Duncan Mr S D (Sanjay) Dutta Mr P (Puvan) Easwaran & Mrs S (Shanti) Easwaran Mr S (Simon) Eckersley

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Prof P H (Peter) Eddey Bishop P J (Peter) Elliott Dr R W (Rohan) Essex The Late Mr J R S (Julian) Fader & Mrs H (Halina) Fader Mr J G (Jim) Fairchild Mr R L (Rob) Feeney & Mrs E (Erin) Feeney Mr X (Chris) Feng & Ms A (Amy) Zhou Mr P L (Peter) Field & Mrs H (Heather-Anne) Field Mr C M (Chester) Finlay Mr D G D (Dan) Fitts Mr J H (James) Flood Mr S J (Stephen) Fogarty & Mrs P (Patricia) Fogarty Mr M J (Matt) Foley Mr G W (Bill) Forster Mr J R (John) Franklin Mr A J S (Andrew) Fraser Mr D E (Ted) Gallagher & Mrs V (Vicki) Gallagher Mrs N (Nadika) Garber & Mr A (Alex) Garber Mr A A A (Andrea) Genovesi Mr T H (Tom) Giles The Hon Justice E W (Bill) Gillard QC Mr G O (Graeme) Gillard Mr E V (Ted) Gleeson & Mrs A M (Althea) Gleeson Mr B H (Brian) Goddard Mr J A (Jon) Goodsall Mr S F (Stuart) Gooley Mr J A W (Jono) Gourlay Mr W J H (William) Gourlay Mr J W (James) Grant & Mrs S M (Sophie) Grant Mrs J M (Jen) Gray & Mr D J (Damien) Gray Mr J W (Jamie) Gray & Mrs R M (Rebecca) Gray Mr C J (John) Greenwood Mr K C (Kelvin) Griffith Mr F S (Fred) Grimwade & Mrs A J (Alexandra) Grimwade Mr J W (Wes) Hall Assoc Prof C J (Chris) Hamer Mr G N (Geoff) Handbury AO The Hon H R (Hartley) Hansen Mr P (Peter) Hansen Mr R J (Richard) Hansen Mr G A (George) Harris Mrs E L (Emma) Harrison & Mr M G (Michael) Harrison Dr R F (Roger) Haskett

Mr K E (Keith) Hastie Mr E J (Jack) Hawkins Mr G F (Geoffrey) Hayes Mr R D (Richard) Hayward & Dr S M (Sook Meng) Lee Mr N M (Nick) Heath Mr J J (John) Heffill & Mrs B (Bonita) Heffill Mr J P (John) Henderson Mr H G (Geoff) Henshall Mr P D (Perry) Herzfeld Mr E M H (Michael) Hilditch Mr T A (Tom) Hodgson Mr J P H (Julian) Holdsworth Mr G W (Geoff) Hone & Mrs A A (Anthea) Hone Mr P J (Philip) Hopkins Mr F M (Mac) Horne Mr M J (Max) Horne Mr G J (Gavin) Hosking Ms L J (Leanne) Howard & Mr J G (Jack) Mordes Mr T R (Tom) Hudson Mr F I (Frazer) Hughes & Ms F R (Fiona) Hughes Dr B A (Bruce) Hutson Dr N M (Noel) Hyslop Mr R L (Ross) Irwin Mr M (Malcolm) Jack Dr L C (Lloyd) Jago Dr P J (Peter) Jenkins Mr I M (Ian) Johnson Mr I T (Ian) Johnson Dr M G (Mark) Johnson Mr M I (Mark) Johnson Mr V M (Val) Johnson & Mrs J (Jenny) Johnson Mr J R (John) Journeaux Dr E (Emmanouele) Karpathakis & Mrs C (Chrissy) Karpathakis Mr J P (John) Kellaway Dr A J (Andrew) Kenny Mr G H (Geoffrey) Kimpton Dr R B (Barry) King Dr R W F (Richard) King AM Mr A J (Andrew) Kirkham AM, RFD, QC Mr D A (David) Klempfner & Mrs D P (Daniela) Klempfner Mrs P (Paula) Kritharides & Dr P S (Paris) Kritharides Mr F T (Bruce) Lai & Ms H W (Winnie) So Mr G L (Geoffrey) Langford

Donors chose to give to the following

44 % Buildings & Grounds

15 % Indigenous Bursary Programme

(by number of gifts)

33 %

8 %

Scholarships & Bursaries Programme

Area of greatest need

Annual Giving is an opportunity for all members of the community to make an investment in the School.

Prof Emeritus R G (Richard) Larkins AO & Mrs C (Caroline) Larkins Col D R (David) Lawrence AM Mr A P (Andrew) Leslie Mr J B C (John) Leviny Mr R A (Rodd) Levy Mr R R (Robert) Lewis Dr W P (William) Lewis Ms T (Tiantian) Li Mr R W (Rob) Liddle Mr J (Jeffrey) Lin & Mrs S W (Shu Wen) Liu Mr B J (Brian) Llewelyn Mr J C (John) Lloyd JP Mr P G (Peter) Lovett Mr K G (Kim) Lowman Dr A H (Alistair) Macindoe Mr F G S (Frank) Macindoe (Senior) Mr F G S (Frank) Macindoe Prof I R (Ian) Mackay AM Dr S D (Sean) Mackay & Dr J L (Josie) Smith-Mackay Mr I J (Ian) Maskiell Mr A R (Sandy) Massina The Late Mr B S (Bruce) Matear AM & Mrs Judith Matear Mr I M (Ian) McAlister Mr I (Ian) McCall & Mrs P P (Paula) McCall Mr A P G (Andrew) McGregor & Mrs C (Caroline) McGregor Mr R M (Richard) McNeill & Ms L E (Lauren) Millay Prof W H (Bill) Melbourne Mr D W (David) Mercer Mr J D (James) Merralls AM Dr Y (Yuelong) Miao & Ms S (Susan) Xu Dr I L (Ian) Millar Mr A R (Tony) Millear Mr G E (Geoff) Millear Mr A D (Alex) Milledge & Mrs S V (Sue) Milledge Mr E J (Edward) Miller Mr G F (George) Miller Dr J A (James) Mitchell Mr P G (Pip) Molyneux Mr P G (Peter) Monk & Mrs K L (Kim) Monk Mr A W (Alan) Moore Mr R G (Bob) Moran OAM Mr J (John) Morrison & Mrs K (Karen) Morrison Mr P S (Philip) Moss Mr I A (Ian) Murray Mr G J (Geoff) Mustow

Mrs K L (Kerrie) Nasser & Mr J (Jamie) Nasser Mr T J (Theo) Nelson JP Mr L J B (Laurence) Ogilvie Mr G E (Ewan) Ogilvy Mr R (Richard) Ozga Mr J B (Bruce) Parncutt & Ms R J (Robin) Campbell Mr D W (Darryn) Paspa Mr R J (Richard) Pethebridge Prof G N (Neil) Phillips Ms J (Josée) Pinsonneault Mrs M (Maria) Pirpiris & Dr M (Marinis) Pirpiris Mr J E R (James) Pitts Mr R J M (John) Plowright Dr L K L (Lother) Poon & Dr D K H (Daisy) Mak Mr R T (Dick) Potter & Mrs C (Caroline) Potter Dr A J R (Andrew) Prentice & Mrs V (Victoria) Prentice Mr R J (Rick) Prince & The Late Mrs A M (Toni) Prince Mr S P (Sam) Ramsden Dr S (Suba) Rasaratnam & Dr B (Brindi) Rasaratnam Mr J T (Jehan) Ratnatunga Dr E M (Erin) Redmond Mr R E (Ron) Reid Mr W J (Walter) Reid Mr A G (Alan) Richards & Mrs S M (Sylvia) Richards Mr P W (Peter) Richards Mr R G (Roger) Richards Mr L R (Lex) Richardson Mr S (Sam) Riggall Mrs A L (Amanda) Roach & Mr S J (Stephen) Roach Mr M J (Mark) Roberts Mrs H (Helen) Roberts Mr S J (Stewart) Rogers Mrs P J (Pamela) Rogers Prof J P (John) Royle OAM Ms J L (Jennifer) Ruiz The Late Bardie Russell Mr I M (Ian) Rutherford Mr P S (Paul) Ryan Mr P G H (Paul) Santoro Scanlon Foundation Mr M W (Mark) Schwarz Mrs M A (Maree) Shelmerdine & Mr D E (David) Shelmerdine

Mr J (John) Shen & Ms A (Angela) Wang Mr J F (Jono) Sherren & Mrs B E (Bree) Sherren Dr M P K (Michael) Shoobridge Mr P R (Peter) Siminton Mr A I (Ian) Sinclair Mr C J (Clive) Smith & Mrs C (Caroline) Smith Mr C M C (Cameron) Smith Prof J A (Julian) Smith & Mrs S A (Sally) Smith Mr A A (Adrian) Smithers Mr R L (Rohan) Stanton Mr H D (Henry) Stephens Mr D J (Duncan) Stewart Mr P J (Peter) Stirling & Ms K F (Kim) Kane The Hon A A (Tony) Street Mr R M (Ross) Stuart Mr J W (John) Stuckey Mrs W K (Bonnie) Tan & Mr X M (Mark) He Mrs M L (Megan) Tarrant & Mr M A (Mark) Tarrant Dr V E (Vic) Teasdale & Mrs G (Godie) Teasdale Mr P (Paul) Temay Mr P W (Peter) Thomas & Mrs J J (Julia) Thomas Mr R B (Robert) Thomas AM & Mrs K (Kyrenia) Thomas Mr J F (John) Thomson Mr A L (Adam) Thrussell Mr E (Eugene) Tong Mr S T P (Simon) Trumble Mr J G (John) Tucker Mr E R (Rick) Tudor OAM & Mrs E (Liz) Tudor Mr G A (Graeme) Tulloch Mr K R (Keith) Tully Mr C C (Chris) Turnbull

Prof A S (Simon) Turner Dr J C (John) Vance Dr I W T (Ingmar) Wahlqvist & Ms L K (Laura) Shirven Mr J H (John) Wall Ms C X (Tracey) Wang & Mr Y (Yong) Zhang Mr C (Brooke) Wang & Mrs S (Shan) Lu Ms Y (Carol) Wang Mr G R (Ron) Watson & Mrs P J (Jill) Watson Mr R N (Richard) Webb Mr C C H (Cavan) Wee Ms J (Jessica) Wei Mr M F (Michael) Wheelahan & Mrs C L (Cathryn) Wheelahan Mr J P (John) Wickham Mr E W J (Edward) Wilson Mr J W (John) Wilson Mr R J C (Rob) Wilson Mr G C (Geoff) Wing Mr J H (John) Wion Mr A A S (Alf) Withers Mr G D Z (Gavan) Woinarski Assoc Prof C (Chiew) Wong & Mrs M (Meron) Wong Mr B L (Byron) Woods & Mrs V C (Verene) Woods Mr I M (Ian) Woodward Mr G R (Geoffrey) Wootton & Mrs Val Wootton Mrs Y (Yana) Wu & Dr J (Jie) Hu Mr Y (Peter) Xue & Mrs L (Lily) Zhang Mr J J (Jason) Yang & Mrs C W (Cindy) Xu Mr G H C (Greg) Yu & Mrs M Y P (Margaret) Yu Mrs X (Cynthia) Yu & Mr X (Shaun) Wang Mrs Y (Yan) Zhang & Mr F (Fuyuan) Yan 30 Anonymous donors

Thank you to all our donors The theme of our 2016 Annual Giving will take its inspiration from our New World of Teaching and Learning Campaign. You will hear more about ways that you can become involved in this forward-thinking campaign in coming months, or contact us in the Development Office: foundation@mgs.vic.edu.au.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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The Old Melburnians Council

Andrew Brookes

One of the most enjoyable ‘tasks’ of the President of The Old Melburnians is writing to those members of the Society, and indeed of the wider School community, who have been awarded honours in either the Australia Day or Queen’s Birthday Honours lists. Earlier this year I wrote to five Old Melburnians who were recognised in the Australia Day Honours. As always, I was struck by the varied ways in which they have contributed to society, as have countless Old Melburnians over the years. Indeed, from the founding of the School in 1858 right up to our current students who participate in some wonderful opportunities for community engagement through the Values in Action programme, the MGS community has contributed greatly to the betterment of the Australian community through philanthropy and volunteering.

Old Melburnians also give enormously to the life of the School. Their support and generosity can be witnessed through the facilities that are offered to our students and through the endowment of scholarships. Old Melburnians perform vital roles on School Council and its various subcommittees, as sports coaches and as volunteers. You can come across volunteers helping out backstage at School plays and at many other events. Old Melburnians also support other Old Melburnians through the mentoring programme, as well as helping current students through the careers breakfast programme.

The Old Melburnians Council organises a wide range of social gatherings for the Society’s members with the goal of building and maintaining friendships, and to provide guidance and support. The Council has a well-established reunion programme, both by year group and through community functions, which are held at branches across Victoria, interstate and overseas. The Annual Dinner is a flagship event and it draws together approximately 300 Old

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Melburnians for an evening of fellowship and enjoyment.

Our affiliated sporting clubs and the Masonic Lodge also contribute to our strong sense of community.

While all these activities are well supported, The Old Melburnians Council is aware, however, that there are many Old Melburnians who are not actively engaged and we would like to reach out to them, particularly those who may not have maintained close contact with either their former classmates or the School.

We welcome the participation of Old Melburnians in new initiatives, such as the cocktail party that we shall hold early in fourth term; also as mentors for other Old Melburnians and as participants in our careers events at the School. Of course, we always welcome suggestions for (and assistance in arranging) new events or activities in which our members can participate. Old Melburnians with suggestions are asked to contact a member of The Old Melburnians Council or its President, Andrew Brookes at president@oms.org.au.

Andrew Brookes President

The Old Melburnians Theatrical Production Following the success of the inaugural Old Melburnians theatrical production of The Affair last year, we have plans underway for our next production, which will be performed in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall in September 2016. The director will be Richard Burman, who guided us last year, and rehearsals will start in June. Old Melburnians who would like to be involved – whether on stage or backstage, whether seasoned performer or first timer – are encouraged to contact Andrew Brookes by email at andrew.brookes@oms. org.au or by phone on 0418 335 651. Last year’s show was a lot of fun for all involved (and, we hope, for the audience, too), so do give consideration to joining our theatrical team.

Obituary Dr Graham R A Withers (OM 1949) 27.9.31 – 19.1.16 Graham Withers, who died on 19 January after a long illness, was one of the most distinguished and scholarly men ever to teach at Melbourne Grammar School. Hundreds of those taught Chemistry by him, now in academic institutions and the professions throughout the world, will bear this out.

‘GRAW’ came straight back to MGS from Melbourne University and spent two years at Wadhurst. On his move to the Senior School in 1955, The Melburnian referred even then to the work he had done with budding scientists at Wadhurst. That work continued throughout his career, no more so than in his final year (1991) when apart from his Chemistry classes, he rewrote a Biology course for Year 10 Science and also wrote a Health Education course.

The centre of his world at MGS was always the Chemistry Department. While he taught Middle School Science, Religious Education and other subjects, upper school Chemistry was his life-blood. His reputation as a Chemistry teacher was well known throughout the State, and the results of his classes over the years were incomparable.

He was given leave in the mid-sixties to work with a group of distinguished academics and teachers on a text book, Chemistry: A Structural View, which became the bible of Chemistry teaching. He won at that time the Australian Industries Development Association award for the top science teacher in Victoria.

Graham had the marvellous gift of the supremely able, to simplify the complex. This gift was reinforced by monumental preparation and meticulous attention to detail. All his teaching notes were revised and rewritten every two years so that they were never out of date. The boys in his classes knew that they must be on time, because he would be on time, that the work must be done properly or it would be done again, that “good enough” was not really good enough.

His routines were relentless and remorseless, because the demands he made of his students, he made on himself.

Graham ran the School’s scholarship programme for 20 years.

The reputation and standing of the School as an academic institution is based in no small measure on the success of the scholars whom Graham’s programme produced, to say nothing of the results of the Chemistry Department.

Graham’s intellectual armoury was formidable. Apart from Chemistry, at Melbourne University he was a three-times Exhibitioner in Botany, and he had more than a passing knowledge of Biology (especially the works of Charles Darwin), Maths and Physics, and was well read in Philosophy, Theology, History and Literature.

When his year’s long-service leave came up in 1977, Graham, like his predecessor Cabby Bell, preferred a mental voyage to the normal overseas study trip, and it was then that he completed his doctoral thesis on micro tubulars. His second

doctorate, in Classical Greek, came after the untimely death of his beloved wife, Jill, less than a year after his retirement from MGS. Probably the most important thing I did at Grammar – it was certainly the most important for me – was to persuade him to take on the Deputy Headmastership. His impeccable loyalty, his great strength and calm efficiency, ensured that day-today concerns were taken care of and potential problems headed off. Good administration – which included at the time his conquest of the newly appeared computer – was for him like good umpiring – unnoticeable. In my absence, he was Acting Headmaster for three separate terms.

Graham’s home in East Malvern – he was a “homo suburbaniensis” – and his family were the “rock” of his life: Jill, four children (three of whom are Ministers of the Uniting Church of Australia); 10 grandchildren; two dogs and a garden full of Australian native flora.

His son, David (OM 1980), said in his admirable eulogy at his father’s funeral that Graham was an extraordinary ordinary man. Graham Withers was certainly not ordinary.

Nigel Creese Former Headmaster (1970 –1987) [In the preparation of this article I owe a great deal to Ian Rutherford & the speech he gave at Graham’s retirement dinner, 1991.]

This is an edited text. The full text is available on the MGS website.

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Community News Weddings Congratulations The Grammar community is pleased to congratulate the following couples who recently celebrated their marriages in the Chapel of St Peter:

2 January 2016 Andrew Ray (OM 2003) & Christa Block

6 February 2016 Anthony Voyage (OM 2001) & Louise Byron

4 March 2016 James Carruthers (OM 2000) & Sarah Gordon

Former Acting Headmaster and long-serving staff member Ian Rutherford (OM 1950) and his wife Margaret have made the move to the Bellarine Peninsula. They both enjoy the change in lifestyle very much, particularly the access to the wonderful beaches close by. The only part of the move that is not to their liking is the increasingly arduous and time consuming trips to and from Melbourne!

On the back wall, just inside the main body of The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall, is a memorial to the members of the Melbourne Grammar School community

Australia Day Honours

who served in the AngloBoer War 1899-1902 and to the 11 Old Melburnians who made the supreme sacrifice. One of those was a young Second Lieutenant Herbert Creswell Walter (OM 1889) who was killed in action in Pietersburg on 9 April 1901. The irony was that he did not lose his life at the hands of a seasoned Boer commando, but at the hands of a Boer school teacher who popped up from some long grass after the town was cleared. While the School has its own memorial to those who served and fell during the South African conflict, one obvious place for a memorial as

yet does not have one.

The place is along Anzac Parade in Canberra leading up to the Australian War Memorial. Old Melburnian Peter Maffey (OM 1953) and other members of the National Boer War Memorial Association are working tirelessly to raise funds for the project and are not far from reaching their goal. The memorial itself is by well-known sculptor Louis Laumen who was responsible for the statue of Edwin Flack (OM 1890), which was so graciously gifted to the School by benefactor Nigel Peck (OM 1945). The brief on the statue is detailed opposite (page 31).

Fruitful service

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia The Hon John Michael Batt (OM 1952) For significant service to the law and to the judiciary in Victoria, to legal scholarship, and to the Anglican Church of Australia.

Mr Richard Peter Champion de Crespigny (OM 1974) For significant service to the aviation industry both nationally and internationally, particularly to flight safety, and to the community.

The Hon David Mylor Evans (OM 1951) For significant service to the Parliament and to the community of Victoria, to local government, and to aged care, education, and to land conservation groups.

Medal (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia Dr John Brodribb Tucker (OM 1936) For service to medicine, particularly anaesthetics, to the blueberry industry, and to the community.

Dr Peter Bert Greenberg (OM 1960) For service to medicine, and to population health.

A sprightly 97 years old, John Tucker (OM 1936) says he is “very, very pleased” to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day honours.

A Medical Officer in World War II, John went on to become a well-known Melbourne anaesthetist. Over many years he regularly volunteered his time and medical skills in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South East Asia, teaming up with a number of Australian eye surgeons, as well as with the ‘father’ of plastic surgery in Australia, Sir Benjamin Rank.

In the 1970s, while still working in medicine, John became one of the very first commercial growers of blueberries in Australia, establishing Tuckerberry Hill blueberry farm on the Bellarine Peninsula, with his late wife Margaret. It continues to this day. They were also instrumental in forming the Australian Blueberry Growers Association.

Photo courtesy of The Geelong Advertiser

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Obituaries The School has learned of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy and understanding is extended to their family and friends.

Louis Laumen’s statuary pays tribute to both the men and the horses that suffered the privations of war: burning sun and frosty cold, rain and sticking mud, hard dry wind and dust, the roughness of the veldt, barely survival rations, suspect water, lice. Both soldiers and their horses are susceptible to fatal diseases and accidents, as well as the occupational hazard of all soldiers, disfiguring wounds and agonising death.

Peter Maffey is very keen to be in contact with any members of the School community with relatives who served in the Boer War. Peter can be contacted via the Development Office.

A selection of the finest cricketers Melbourne Grammar School has produced gathered in the Handbury Family Cafeteria recently for the launch of Old Sydney Grammarian Jim Cattlin’s major work, A Continuing Tradition MGS v SGS Cricket since 1876. The outstanding history is a testament to the incredible devotion and foresight of Jim Cattlin who spent countless hours researching the history of the matches in the archives of both schools. The book was launched by former Headmaster and Test Cricket, Paul Sheahan AM, and among the many former cricketing greats were Tony Street (OM 1944), Angus Mackay (OM 1952) and Bruce Thomas (OM1961).

Nepean Scout Troop 1965

Barry, J (OM 1954)

Ted Blamey (OM 1963) and Andy Speirs (OM 1963) are keen to hear from as many students as possible from the 1950s to the 1980s who were privileged to be members of the School Scout Group, 8th Prahran. They are planning the first ever 8th Prahran Group Reunion, which will be a dinner at the Royce Hotel, next to the School in Bromby Street, on Friday 2 September 2016. If you were in Nepean or Lonsdale Troops, if you survived Wilson’s Prom, Tassie, Hoadley Hide, Stradbroke Cup, Jamborees at Lansdowne or Dandenong, canoeing the Goulburn, the Murray, the Snowy or the MittaMitta; if you remember long camps; at Anglesea, Woolami, Marysville, Lake Fyans; if you recall what’s meant by a widegame; attendance at this event is a must. To register your interest, please contact Andy Speirs at aspeirs0@gmail.com or 0418 345 209. Andy and Ted are also seeking some good photos or memorabilia

Birrell, B O (OM 1970) Casey, A (FOTS) Clarkson AO, P (OM 1954) Damman, P P (OM 1945) Darbyshire, J W (OM 1948) Dunstan, W (OM 1938) Eaton, B L L (OM 1959) Fader, J R S (OM 1952) Feiner, A (FOTS) Fouvy, C L (OM 1946) Johansen, P M (OM 1946) Lane, G D (Current Parent) Langford, G L (OM 1949) Lazarus QC, L S (OM 1938) Middleton, R W (OM 1999) Moroney, J B (OM 1935) Murphy, G (Past Parent) Ogilvie, L J B (OM 1955) Reid, J M (OM 1946) Rodda, S (OM 1945) Rogers, G (OM 1948) Rooney, P B (OM 1952) Russell, M A (FOTS) Sawyers, P (Past Parent) Strachan, J E (OM 1945) Templeton, W J M (OM 1949) Tibb, K E (OM 1949)

Congratulations to the victorious Victorian Eight who won the King’s Cup at the 2016 National Rowing Championships. Six of the crew were Old Melburnians: Josh Hooper (OM 2007), Ben Coombs (OM 2009), Charlie Risbey (OM 2010), Sam Hookway (OM 2009), Tim Masters (OM 2009) and David Webster (OM 2005).

It rounded out an outstanding weekend for rowing with the MGS First VIII winning the Head of the River at Nagambie!

Tutton, W N E (OM 1946) Tymms, A M (OM 1956) Williams, R C W (OM 1947) Withers G R A (OM 1949) Yuncken OAM, J F (OM 1948)

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Community Events Bellarine Community Function 1

Graham Egleton (OM 1963) & John Thwaites (OM 1943)

2

Deb Bird & Mike Tucker (OM 1970)

3

David Bird (OM 1963) & Peter Boyle (OM 1964)

4

Jim Cousins (OM 1961) & his wife Libby with Andrew (Gus) Gardiner (OM 1963)

7

Jim Cattlin with former Foreign Affairs Minister Tony Street (OM 1944)

8

Former Headmaster & Test Cricketer Paul Sheahan with Jim Cattlin

1995 Twenty Year Reunion 9

Jamie Rigg & Ming Wong

10 William Cleland & Sam Joseph

Book Launch – A Continuing Tradition MGS v SGS Cricket Since 1876 5

Angus Mackay (OM 1952) with author Jim Cattlin (OS 1961)

6

Peter Couzens (OM 1963) with Bruce Thomas (OM 1961)

11 Grimwade House Old Girls Isabella Patterson & Sarah Beaumont 12 Ameet Bains & Charles Bryant

1 2

3 4

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

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33

From the Archives A tragic stroke A cry of “I have got you now” were the last words spoken by decorated soldier, businessman and MGS First VIII Rowing Coach Eric William Tulloch (OM 1899). Tulloch had retired to bed early on 7 May 1926 after an impromptu dinner dance at Lauriston Hall boarding house in East Melbourne to celebrate the School’s emphatic win in its heat of the Head of the River on the Yarra. In the early hours of the following morning, Tulloch had disturbed a burglar and had characteristically sought to disarm and capture him. In the struggle that followed, Eric Tulloch was shot through the heart and died at the scene.

Eric William Tulloch spent three years as a student in the Senior School from 1897-1899. He was a prefect, a member of the football team and had the honour of rowing in the first Public School’s eight-oared race on Albert Park Lake. After completing his schooling, Eric Tulloch maintained his links with the sport, rowing twice in the Victorian Interstate Eight.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Eric Tulloch enlisted in the AIF and was promoted to the rank of Captain in the 11th Battalion and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. During

subsequent action at Gallipoli, he was severely wounded and was repatriated to Australia. Upon recovery, he was re-posted to the Western Front and took part in a number of operations where he showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty and was awarded a Military Cross. He was subsequently awarded a bar to the Military Cross for attacking two entrenched machine guns with a revolver, capturing the guns and six prisoners.

After the Armistice, he coached the AIF crew that won the inter-Allied rowing regatta at Henley and returned to Australia with the trophy that was presented by King George V, now known as the ‘King’s Cup’ for interstate competition.

Tulloch found time to coach the School crew from 1920 until the time of his death, even though he was heavily involved in his father’s local and interstate brewery business. He had a win with the Grammar crew in 1923 and a very close second the following year.

Understandably, in the wake of the news of their coach’s murder, the distraught 1926 crew had some decisions to make. In the end the decision was a simple one, as they believed that Eric Tulloch’s wishes would have been for them to compete in the final as planned. A brilliant race ensued with Scotch College being the ultimate winners by a canvas length from Geelong Grammar School, with Melbourne Grammar two feet away in third place.

Tulloch was buried with full military honours at Brighton Cemetery after a service in the Chapel of St Peter, attended by the crews and representatives of all those who had competed at the Head of the River. Among the many mourners was the Prime Minister of Australia Stanley Melbourne Bruce (OM 1901). The service, both in the Chapel and at Brighton Cemetery, was conducted by the School Chaplain, The Reverend Leonard Arnold. Thousands lined St Kilda Road to see the funeral procession and the gun carriage carrying Tulloch’s casket pass, including the entire school population of Wesley College. Some 2500 people, mostly returned soldiers, attended the service at the cemetery.

As a mark of respect, the Old Melburnians Society donated a sterling silver cup named The Tulloch Memorial Cup for competition between Houses.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

© Photo Play 2016

APS Sporting Trifecta

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria 3004 Australia T +61 3 9865 7555 mgs@mgs.vic.edu.au www.mgs.vic.edu.au CRICOS No. 00977J ABN 61 004 453 829