Grammar News no 100 Dec 2009

grammar news Print Post PP344276/00024

Number 100 – December 2009

Above: Opening scene of ‘Witches’, staged by Wadhurst: Ben Flint, left, Oscar Johnstone, centre, and Hamish Stephens Opposite: Theatre Prefect Eric Gardiner as the Pirate King in the 2009 Musical, ‘Pirates of Penzance’ Front Cover: Competitive spirit at Melbourne Grammar School was clearly evident when Senior School students from all 12 Houses

participated in the 2009 House Athletics Sports on Saturday 5 September

Grammar News is published for the Melbourne Grammar School community.

Published by: The Development Office, Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Telephone: (03) 9865 7555 Facsimile: (03) 9865 7577 Email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au Edited by: Annie Hayward, Rosanne Michie and Kate White Page Layout: Drew Gamble Mailing and Distribution: Data Connection Photographs: Stewart Brook, Polly Flanagan, Drew Gamble, Lesley Gorrell, James Grant, Lucy Hamilton, Dean Mannu-Smith, Tim Morris, Vic Ryall

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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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

In This Issue 4 From the School Council 5 From the Headmaster 6 News 7 Grimwade House 10 Wadhurst 12 Senior School 14 Out & About 18 Obituary 20 Bluestone Beach Music Festival 22 Community Involvement 26 Boarding 27 The Grammar Foundation 28 Staff 29 Old Melburnians In Focus 31 The Old Melburnians 34 Retired Staff 36 Community News 38 Branches & Reunions 40 Friends of Grammar 42 Community Diary Dates 43 Valedictory 2009

About This Issue Welcome to the 100th edition of Grammar News. The first Grammar Newsletter, published in Term I 1977, was a decidedly different offering to today’s glossy magazine, but the 6-page dispatch was nevertheless a relevant and vital part of the School’s communication network at the time.

I’d like to acknowledge the many contributors and people involved in producing Grammar News over the past 32 years.

The last six months have been a very productive time at the School. We have had fabulous productions like Witches and Pirates of Penzance, excellent sporting achievements and had many successful and happy social gatherings. We have redeveloped the Steele ground into a marvellous new allweather asset, launched Grimwade House’s Upper Primary facility, celebrated 30 years of coeducation at Grimwade and waved off another wonderful group of Year 12 students to face the ‘real world’.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this celebratory edition is seeing our alumni go on to make such a valuable contribution in the world. Read about the Old Melburnians from Page 29.

I’d like to wish you and your families a very safe and peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Annie Hayward Director of Marketing and Communications

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From the School Council

Sandy Clark

Jack Hawkins (OM 1972) joined the Council in October. He and his wife Jennifer run a mixed irrigation enterprise at Finley in Southern NSW, and Jack has also been a member of the OM Council for the past five years.

Passionate about boarding, Jack will help us retain, and encourage further, the School’s all important relationship with both the country and international students. Many Old Melburnians will remember “Jumping Jack”, the footballer who played 182 games for Geelong in the 1970s and early 1980s.

In early October the Council held a Retreat over two days, a principal aim being to examine longer term issues that will have an impact on the School’s activities in the foreseeable future. A variety of subjects were discussed including: • The School’s structure, including a possible restructuring of the school day • Outdoor education, where there was a consensus that a more robust, challenging program was required • The Teaching and Learning Master Plan which is already being implemented • Boarding, strongly supported by Roy Kelley, as an integral part of MGS • Staff salaries and conditions. The need to recruit and retain the best teachers was emphasised, as were the advantages of introducing a more flexible approach to the remuneration of teachers • The last session of the Retreat focused on the School in five years’ time, and where Council members saw changes and improvements. Excellent ideas were put forward, many building on earlier discussions.

Undoubtedly one of the major challenges Grammar faces is the continued recruitment and retention of the best staff.

Some time ago Roy Kelley asked the Council how many teachers each of us remembered who had really inspired us, making us keen to attend their class. Each of us could

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Jack Hawkins

perhaps remember one or two. While I’m certain times have changed, and this year’s leavers will remember a larger number, our Headmaster has shown already how important he believes is the quality of the teacher taking the class. He has already visited a number of classrooms to witness both the quality of the relationships created in the class, and the interaction between teacher and student.

Teachers, and indeed the teaching profession, are undervalued, given their incredibly important role and I know Roy Kelley, with the full support of Council, has a number of ideas to redress this situation. This is not surprising, coming from a man who firmly believes teaching is the best profession of all!

To all those leaving MGS this year, boys, Grimwade girls, parents and teachers, thank you so much for the important roles you have played in the conduct and running of the School. We hope you carry away with you many happy memories, and we look forward to welcoming the boys, and Grimwade girls, back here as Old Melburnians.

Sandy Clark Chairman

From the Headmaster

The location of Melbourne Grammar School is one of many advantages the school enjoys. Centrally positioned in the city of Melbourne, it sits alongside the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the Domain and Fawkner Park. Highly accessible, yet tranquil, it is a unique setting enjoyed by boarders, day-boys and staff. Similarly, Grimwade House is a very attractive inner city campus which serves its primary school citizens extremely well. We are most fortunate to have an appealing school setting. Environments have a profound effect on people and how they think, feel and behave and this has relevance to schools, as it does to other institutions.

The Australian political commentator and scientist, Hugh Stretton, understood this when he stated, “People can’t change the way they use environmental resources without changing their relation with one another.”

Schools are places in which human relationships must flourish and these relationships are intertwined with the surrounding environment. I am often taken by the depth of feeling Old Melburnians have for their school and its bluestone buildings, the Chapel and their memories of atmospheric winter morning walks around the school campus. The early planners of Melbourne Grammar School would be astonished to see the increase in student numbers at the school today and the quality of the new buildings, not to mention the underground car park. However, they would take some comfort in the enduring nature of the Witherby Tower buildings and the main central quadrangle. Maintaining a balance between our traditional, heritage structures and the creation of new ones is challenging, but vital.

The recent re-dedication of the Steele Ground on Armistice Day highlights this issue. The Steele stands as a memorial to the three Steele brothers who, as OMs, died serving their country in the First World War. The remaining brother, Cyril, was justifiably and understandably sent home from the war in Europe to his grieving parents. Members of his surviving family were able to attend the rededication of the Steele Ground, celebrating its new artificial tiger turf surface. I was delighted that they were impressed with the new ground. It is crucial that Melbourne Grammar School is always able to balance the strong links with the past with our future plans.

The conflict that arises between past, present and future needs must be carefully handled so that our environmental heritage is maintained, whilst the future is accommodated.

I hope that any OM who returns to Melbourne Grammar after a number of years will be able to clearly identify with the school of his or her (Grimwade) era, but also gain an immediate impression of how the School has changed.

One significant advantage that has come with the underground car park is a traffic-free school environment.

The difference in not having cars parked alongside and around the bluestone buildings and the Memorial Hall is

Roy Kelley

stark. Our next project is to redevelop the area on the northern side of the Hall into a softer environment, with more aesthetic surrounds. The asphalt will be removed in the upcoming school holidays, replaced with paving, a central Lone Pine established, student seating created and shade trees will be planted. I am confident that the Memorial Hall quad will become a feature of the College environment to be enjoyed by future generations of students, parents and Old Melburnians.

In conclusion, it is clear that our desire to plan for and preserve the unique Melbourne Grammar School environment is real. As new projects develop and older buildings are renovated, this task remains important for past, current and future generations of Melbourne Grammar students. As Rachael Carson once said: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the environment which surrounds them, find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”

Roy Kelley Headmaster

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News The Steele

The artificial grass surface nearing completion

The Steele – the wonderful expanse which has a special place in Melbourne Grammar’s history – has been rejuvenated, giving more recreational space to students.

The artificial grass centrepiece of the Steele redevelopment, which incorporates a 200-car underground carpark, is already a success, with the Wadhurst and Senior School boys enjoying it for a range of all-weather sport and recreational activities.

It is named after the Steele family, which sadly lost three of their four sons; Frederick, Rupert and Norman, all distinguished OMs, in the First World War. The surviving brother Cyril Steele was recalled from active service as a result of the death of his three brothers.

To honour the brothers who had fallen, their mother Mrs P J Steele and Cyril Steele arranged for the development of the site, previously known as the Wilderness, and the new playing field was officially dedicated on Armistice Day in 1928.

Rupert Steele and School Council Chairman Sandy Clark at the re-dedication ceremony for the Steele Ground.

Rupert Steele (OM 1974) and other family members, descendents of Cyril, were guests of School Chairman Sandy Clark and Headmaster Roy Kelley, on Remembrance Day this year, to re-dedicate and bless the Steele after its most recent redevelopment.

“It really is an honour,” said Rupert Steele. “I think they’ve done a fabulous job in transforming it for subsequent generations,” he said.

Roy Kelley said he had received enthusiastic feedback from students about the versatility of the new Steele.

“They’ve been telling me how much they love the new ground. It is getting used for a variety of sporting activities,” Mr Kelley said. “It is also a wonderful asset to the School to have the underground carpark.”

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

The project, by Probuild Construction, also included the installation of a several hundred thousand litre underground water tank to help maintain the School grounds and sports ovals.

Grimwade House New Upper Primary The official opening of the Upper Primary section of Grimwade House took place in a whole campus assembly, held in the Atrium on Monday 19 October 2009, and there’s no doubt the development has enhanced the learning opportunities for all Grimwade House students.

The guest list included the Headmaster, Roy Kelley and his wife, Ann; Chairman of School Council, Sandy Clark; President of the Old Melburnian’s Council, Simon Derham; former Headmaster, Paul Sheahan; members of the Buildings and Grounds Committee; Professor Peter Elliott, the Architect for this project and the School’s Master Planning Architect; Property Manager, John Phillips; Friends of Grammar Grimwade Committee; all Grimwade staff and students.

Ian Vaughan (OM 1959 and former Grimwade House student), accompanied by his wife Susie, officially opened the facilities during the assembly. Ian has played a significant part in the facility developments at Grimwade House in his role as a member and then Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee 2003–2009. The Grimwade House Campus is unrecognisable from the way that it was when he joined the Committee.

The opening of the Upper Primary Centre marks the completion of the 1999 Master Plan. During that time, the only Grimwade House building not altered is the Cordner Physical Education Centre. Every other building has had major renewal work. In the last 10 years, we have built: • new classrooms from Years 1– 6 • a new building for administration • Pastoral Care Centre • Alfred Felton Hall

The grounds have been re-landscaped to provide a wide range of play spaces, including passive recreation, playgrounds, paved areas, seating and gardens to complement the oval for games and active play.

The new Upper Primary Centre comprises eight classrooms, IT Resource Centre, IT Studio, Art Room, three music tutorial rooms, Walker Library (three times the size of the previous library), adjacent quiet work spaces, outdoor undercover work and recreation area, glass-roofed deck which also houses lockers outside classrooms.

The developments feature environmentally sustainable design, including double glazing, external blinds, underground labyrinth to temper air temperature, shaded glass, water collection (4 x 28,000 litre tanks), lanterns on roofs to extract hot air, photovoltaic cells for generating electricity and highrated insulation.

Apart from the School’s desire not to increase our carbon footprint, an added educational bonus is that students will be able to see how much electricity is being generated and to see how much water we are using and collecting.

All students, staff and parents of current students are grateful to the Headmaster, School Council, Buildings and Grounds Committee, donors, Master Planning Architect – Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design, Melbourne Grammar Property Department and all others who played a part in the enhancements at Grimwade House.

Andrew Boyd Head of Grimwade House

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Grimwade House Camps week Outdoor Education is an integral part of Grimwade House’s personal development program. Through experiences in the outdoors our students are challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually. The scope of the program ensures that students build upon their skills each year with a wide range of activities in a variety of outdoor settings. This year students and teachers embarked on adventures across rural Victoria and Tasmania.

Nick Drossos and the Australian Ballet

The camps program at Grimwade kicked off early in Term I for our Year 6 students. This year, each class went on a camping and river adventure based on the Murray River.

Activities such as raft building, canoeing, hiking and camping on the river bank challenged the Year 6 students during a period of extremely hot weather. The importance of hydration, care in the outdoors and being sun smart were all highlighted.

The main period for camps at Grimwade occurred during Term IV, when over the period of a week, classes from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 headed off on adventures.

The Year 6 students visited Freycinet, Richmond, Port Arthur and wilderness areas during their five-day Tasmanian tour. The trip is the highlight of the year for Year 6 and encompasses many aspects of their curriculum including history, environment, sustainability and outdoor education.

The Year 3 students had two days at the Alpine Ash resort in the beautiful Toolangi national park. This is their first “away from home” School experience and is an opportunity for them to become acquainted with camp life. Unfortunately the weather was challenging for them but they managed to complete many activities such as flying fox, low ropes and obstacle courses out in the elements.

The Year 4 students also went to the Alpine Ash, but had a three-day outdoor experience. Their program included bushwalks, ropes, flying fox and team-building games.

We also had one Year 5 class attending Robert Knox Camp at Woodend which helps to develop the students’ independence in the outdoors. By the end of the week their skills in knot tying, bush survival, navigation, fire awareness and safety and bush cooking were all tested.

Overall, the Outdoor Education program and camps week at Grimwade were a great success and we look forward to many more outdoor adventures to come in 2010.

Cathy Ireland Deputy Head (Admin and Pastoral Care)

Nick Drossos will tell you that he is a ‘go to bed early’ kind of guy. So when he was chosen to perform in the Australian Ballet earlier this year, he had to quickly get used to late nights and early mornings as he juggled ballet and Year 6 commitments.

Nick learnt the basics of ballet with Christine Barratt in Year 1 at Grimwade Club. She identified his potential, suggested he try ballet and became his great supporter. His family enrolled him in the National Theatre Ballet School in St Kilda. These days he studies classical ballet, character dance, jazz, contemporary dance and singing, and competes around Victoria.

Nick credits Chris with igniting his passion for dance. He was asked to audition for ‘The Nutcracker’. Graeme Murphy, the acclaimed choreographer, selected Nick to be a Russian Ballet student, a Spanish peasant, and a cheeky Australian boy who stole a sailor’s hat. Nick says that being on stage at the end of the show and taking a bow with all the professional dancers was a highlight, as was looking out and seeing appreciative audiences.

Nick says that when he dances he feels the music, and the steps tell a story. He feels like he is floating to the music. If you saw him dance you would agree! Nick played the lead role of Jo Jo in the Grimwade House Year 6 production of ‘Seussical The Musical’ earlier this year. He was spectacular.

He sings, he dances and he acts with genuine passion and professionalism. Refreshingly, Nick remains level headed.

He’s humble, inclusive, thoughtful, and a wonderful role model. Watch out for him in years to come. There is no doubt we will hear more about this talented artist!

Glyn Howitt Deputy Head (Curriculum)

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

30 Years of Coeducation Melbourne Grammar’s primary school, Grimwade House, celebrated 30 years of coeducation with a special gathering in November.

More than 150 past students, parents and staff gathered at the new Upper Primary to reminisce about the milestone.

It may have ruffled a few feathers at the time, but coeducation at Grimwade House has proved to be enormously successful, said the present-day Head, Mr Andrew Boyd.

“An Olympic gold medallist, international lawyers, wine makers, teachers, full-time mums, writers, musicians, artists, doctors, accountants, journalists and just about every other profession you can think of are among the career paths chosen by girls who started their academic lives at Grimwade.

Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd with former Head of Grimwade House Peter Valder

“Coeducation at Grimwade House has helped shape the lives of thousands of girls and boys, enriched the general Melbourne Grammar community and provided a wonderful, robust education for so many girls and boys over the past 30 years,” Mr Boyd said.

Mr Peter Valder, who was Principal in 1979 when Melbourne Grammar broke with its 61-year tradition, said despite some strident opposition from a minority, the move had been overwhelmingly successful.

“It was actually a fairly seamless transition from my memory,” said Mr Valder. “A little child doesn’t think in terms of boys and girls, they are all children. It definitely enriched the experience of students of both genders.”

From left, Amity Smith (OM1996), holding her daughter Laika, with former staff member Marion Church and Miranda Kiraly (OM 2005)

Mr Boyd, an advocate for co-education in primary school, believing that it offers an excellent grounding for children, said Grimwade had been instrumental in providing an inspiring, challenging environment for its students.

“The children, the culture, the facilities and the fantastic staff all combine to create this magnificent robust, supportive environment that helps prepare our students for the future,” Mr Boyd said.

“What is also really rewarding is to see so many past students, parents and friends flourish as a result of their time here, and to see them value those friendships.”

From left: Former students Tim Freeman (OM 1995), Alexander Cooch (OM 1995), and Oliver Knuckey (OM 1995), reminisce about their days at Grimwade House Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Wadhurst New Multi-Purpose Facility for Wadhurst

Following an extensive review of the curriculum offerings at Wadhurst, I am delighted to report that Design Technology will be introduced as a subject for Year 7 and Year 8 in 2010.

Consequently, we have decided to redevelop the existing Wadhurst Sport Centre and convert it into a multi-purpose building housing a state-of-the-art Design Technology facility, Extension Studies space and a new Sports Centre.

Design Technology and Extension Studies will be based on the first floor, and the new Sport Centre will be based on the upper level. Probuild is tackling the project in which the roof will be removed from the existing structure and new upright steel columns will be added to create extra height to the building. A new roof will then be added.

The Design Technology room will provide each student with space to construct their projects. There will be an emphasis on critically reviewing and refining each project as it is being built. Students will use dremmels for drilling, shaping and polishing their work. Soldering irons will be used for special projects. The electrical power will be provided by solar panels mounted on the roof of the new centre. All students will have access to small scroll saws and sanding machines.

High-tech machinery will also be installed and students will write programs on their notebook computers that will instruct the machinery in the construction of certain projects.

Extension Studies has long needed a base from which to operate. Over the years, mechanical drawing and the investigation of common machinery has been a popular Extension Studies activity, so a close link to Design Technology will be useful. Of course, Extension Studies caters for a broad range of other interests, all of which can be catered for in the new facility.

On the upper level a new Sports Centre will be built, based on a sprung wooden floor. This facility will be used extensively by students as they use the centre before school for basketball training, throughout the day for Physical Education classes and at lunchtimes for fitness programs.

The Wadhurst Oval will remain reduced in size while this project takes place but will then revert to normal use. I’m sure the boys will not mind, as the inconvenience will be greatly outweighed by the substantial benefits they will soon enjoy with the new facility.

Greg Caldwell Head of Wadhurst

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Gladiators Fundraiser

Book-Week Festivities John Marsden’s visit to the school during our Children’s Book-Week festivities in August and his presentation to the Wadhurst Fathers and Sons at their Boys, Books and Brekky event was inspiring.

The focus of his presentation centred very much on language (his “favourite thing”) and the way we employ the written and spoken word in our everyday lives. John spoke about the profound differences in the way people use language, dependent on things like gender and age, and commented that the “awareness of status [through language use] is one of the most powerful things you can learn and that one should never abuse that knowledge”.

From left: Yr 7 boys Reilly Holt and Sebastian Buddle shake hands after their duel in the Gladiator competition

The Year 8 Cain 1 Community Service project for second semester was a Gladiator Competition to raise funds for the UNICEF Silent Emergencies Appeal.

Many boys from Year 7 and 8 signed up for a small sum of money, enthusiastic to pit their whacking ability and balance against their friends. Foam and tape bats, and helmets were organised for the fray, and various padded mats and soft equipment were gathered to form the gladiator ring in the Wadhurst Gym. Over the course of four lunch times, pairs of boys swiped and swung at one another with bats, until one of the gladiators admitted defeat by stepping or falling out of the contest area.

We made it through the first rounds before the new building work had to commence on the gym, and we called the competition to a close. The teachers who had agreed to play against the Year 7 and 8 winners breathed a sigh of relief that their round did not eventuate!

He shared his thoughts on writing in general, how he develops voice in his characters and the different types of writers – all of which are legitimate. There’s the architect who plans extensively; the oil painter who writes a lot and then edits profusely; the water colourist who puts something down and it is right first time and the bricklayer who painstakingly writes one sentence at a time.

John said he had dreamed of being a writer since his early primary school days. His story showed “dreams do come true, but that can be a little disconcerting sometimes” – meaning that once you’ve accomplished something, you need to set yourself new goals.

If we wish to accomplish and fulfil our dreams we have to act and turn our hand toward actually doing! This was how he completed his first novel So Much to Tell You. He finally realised that he’d never really finished any piece of work and so he sat down and wrote this book, basically without stopping.

John mentioned that his father and uncle were old boys of the school and that he was pleased to be making a return visit to Grammar. We certainly all enjoyed his thought provoking and insightful talk which may well have stirred the writing ambitions of many students.

Susan Robertson Deputy Director of Library Services

The Wadhurst boys graciously accepted the need to end the competition, especially when it was revealed that $622 had been raised through the event by selling chocolates and drinks.

A good (and chivalrous) time was had by all, although the irony of having a mock fight to raise money for an organisation that works for peace was noted! Year 8 Cain 1 would like to thank to Mr Jubber and Mr Coventry for their support.

Eleanor O’Donnell Wadhurst Chaplain

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Senior School French Exchange

From left: Florence Guthrie with French exchange students and Headmaster Roy Kelley

Every year, Senior School runs a successful Exchange Program to France and this year was no exception. In the June – July holiday, we welcomed 11 French secondary students, five from Grenoble and six from the capital of the Champagne Region, Reims. This year, we hosted a number of French girls, which made the experience all the more interesting for our students.

Jazz Festival

This year more than 60 students participated in the Jazz ensembles from Grimwade House, Wadhurst and Senior School. The highlight of the jazz calendar was August 27 and 28 for the 14th Annual MGS Jazz Festival. With a dedicated group of students providing backstage help, the Memorial Hall was transformed into an elegant jazz club as our ensembles entertained over 400 guests of parents, students and staff in two fantastic shows.

The French boys wore the Melbourne Grammar uniform with pride and the whole group attended their hosts’ classes, assemblies and House periods and participated in sport training after school. The aim was to provide the French students with a complete experience of our students’ daily life at Senior School.

Jazz is a demanding aural art form requiring several of years of study to become comfortable and confident to perform.

Over the last two years I have been breaking in the youngest group of jazz musicians in my 20 years teaching at MGS and am very pleased with their progress. These students tend to play in several MGS musical ensembles and can only benefit from the diversity we offer.

Once a week, they were taken to visit the sights of Melbourne and surrounding attractions like the Healesville Reserve, Sorrento and Portsea. They were a polite and delightful group of young people who thoroughly enjoyed their stay and did credit to their country.

Determined to bring improvisation back into musical studies, a few workshops were held at the Grimwade music camp this year and as a result, the Grimwade Jazz Ensemble was established. These players were the darlings of the festival and it will be really interesting to watch them develop.

In December, a group of our students will depart for Grenoble and Reims where they will stay for six weeks.

They will attend school, have the opportunity to visit Paris and other important sites and improve their French. They are very much looking forward to the experience.

The Wadhurst Jazz Ensemble played two energetic pieces with well-crafted improvised solos which stunned the audience.

The proof of their hard work was in the roar of the crowd. I am looking forward to extending the current Year 7 boys next year and watching the Year 8 musicians join the senior ranks.

Students participating in the 2009–2010 French Exchange Program: Ziggy Razuki (11 Ce), Nick Montgomery (10 Ms), Ryan Ong (11 Mr), Sam Scott (11 Dn) and Edward Perin (11 Be) are going to Reims. Benjamin Sasse (10 By), Eamon Weiner (11 Dn), Max Dowzer-Strode (11He), Nick Forrest (11 Wy) and Thomas Hurley (11 By) are going to Grenoble.

Senior School offered two ensembles, plus a jazz choir ‘The Little Mob’ and a VCE group ‘The Three Flats’. These four groups performed admirably, sold a record number of tickets and became rock stars for a night. They had the audience on their feet dancing the whole night through.

Florence Guthrie Head of LOTE

I would like to thank all the students involved for their hard work and dedication, and look forward to watching them develop into fine young musicians.

Rob Glaesemann Head of Woodwind

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Work Experience The Year 11s sampled life in the ‘real world’ by entering a variety of workplaces for a week of work experience.

TV News I had the privilege of working with the Seven Network during my week of work experience. At first I didn’t realise how sought-after the opportunity was.

The fantastic Human Resource Manager Lisa Blood had organised a great program for the week. It involved observing the master control unit, the telephone switch room, where calm and professional staff deal with the huge number of people who call the network asking about anything and everything. I also worked in the news department with veteran reporter Norm Beaman. We witnessed an MFB fire parade and also met reporters from rival stations and saw James Jesson, another year 11 student, doing work experience with Channel 10. I sat in on post-production and watched as the story was edited.

Other highlights included meeting Peter Mitchell before watching him read the 6.00 pm news go to air live and travelling to Castlemaine with the crew from Today Tonight, to interview authors of a new book called Ad-Proofing Your Kids. Later in the week, we went to the Coventry Street studios to see the production of the popular TV game show Deal or No Deal and meet the Dealettes and the flamboyant Andrew O’Keefe.

My final day was spent with the Channel Seven graphics department producing graphics that were aired the same night during the 6.00 pm news.

It was an amazing experience which has further fuelled my interest in the media. Thanks so much to Lisa Blood, Brendan Donohue and the MGS Careers Department for making my week possible. It is an experience that I will surely remember for a long time to come.

Jake Foster

Flying High At the start of the Term III holidays, I emerged from under the covers at 6.30 am, rubbed the eyes and lazily greeted the day.

My first day at work. The journey would consist of a stop to Broady train station, and a quick bite to eat before catching the 7.40am V-Line to Seymour – the routine for the rest of the week. A horn. Sliding doors. Bright, country sunshine. I took a step into the real world.

Moorabbin Flight Training Academy is situated at Mangalore Airport, approximately 25 km north-west of Seymour. Taking a tour of the operations centre was surreal. Everyone knew their roles and were performing them with care and enthusiasm.

Without doubt, the highlight was being given the opportunity to fly in a lightweight Cessna aircraft with an instructor. Such was the exhilarating feeling of the take-off and landing that this single experience made the whole week worthwhile.

Special thanks to Mr Fabian Bannister and Mr Jon Vasey for guiding me through countless hours in the flight simulator.

I must also thank the Chief Pilot/Chief Instructor, Mr John Nealle, and the Operations Manager, Mr Ben Parker, for giving me so much time.

I have realised what great opportunities can be presented if one is willing to put the work in.

Henry Wei

The Art of Ballet Work experience was the chance to gain a better understanding and feel for a working environment, and also learn things that wouldn’t be possible in a classroom.

I was extremely fortunate to secure a placement at the Australian Ballet and attending work experience during the Sleeping Beauty season. They performed the work every day for two-and-a-half weeks. (I was lucky enough to attend one night, for free.)

Everything about the company was extraordinary – the facilities, the environment and of course, the people. I observed Australia’s finest ballerinas, and learnt by working with professional musicians.

It was the amount that I learnt from watching others that was worth my time. The techniques of the ballet dancers, the determination at each step and precisions they take, and also the fluidity they require. Their passion was inspiring.

Even though I will most likely not be a ballet dancer, the nuances required in such an art form opened my eyes wider to an artist’s career.

Daniel Le

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Out & About SLIC Sustainable Lifestyle Improvement Committee

The Australian Museum Director, Frank Howarth, said the boys costed the financial savings to the School by installing solar panels and determined it would take 40 years to pay for itself. “This generation has been galvanised into action on global warming and knows that it's science which will provide the answers. Even so, they concluded there is a moral imperative to act,” Mr Howarth said.

Geography Award In late July, I travelled to Mexico City to compete in the National Geographic World Geography Championship. I qualified for the three-person Australian team by winning the Australian Geography Championship in Sydney. The other two team members were last year’s winner Miguel VeraCruz and runner up David Giles.

Year 10 student Charlie Vaughan meets actress Cate Blanchett at the Eureka Prize Awards

Solar panels are just like real estate. It's all about location, location, location. This is according to Year 10 Melbourne Grammar School boys Tom Rogerson and Charles Vaughan, whose project, Going Solar, looked at the financial and environmental implications of installing solar panels at School. They decided the best location was the sun-bathed roof of the new Centre for Learning and Leadership.

The boys won first place in the Macquarie University Action Against Climate Change Eureka Schools Prize for a webbased video of their project. The award came with a $4000 first prize and a $1000 Abbey's bookshop voucher.

The Australian Museum Eureka prizes, or ‘the Eurekas’, as they are fondly known, are the most prestigious awards in Australian science. Every scientist knows a ‘eureka' moment comes after decades of singular dedication, deep inquiry and rich collaboration.

The boys’ presentation explained the science behind solar panels and calculated that the School's current electricity use created 1200 tonnes of CO2 emissions – ‘equivalent to half a million candles burning continuously' – for one year.

The competition was incredibly challenging, and Australia finished sixth out of fifteen teams, the top three of which went to the final, held later in the week.

The top three teams from the preliminary rounds were Canada, the United States and Poland, who went through to the final round, held in front of an audience in the Museum of Anthropology. The difficulty of the questions verged on the ridiculous. Canada won convincingly, with USA just edging out Poland on the last question to claim second place.

We stayed at the luxurious Marriot Hotel, close to the centre of Mexico City, in a surprisingly green, quite and orderly part of the sprawling city of 25 million people. Excursions included trips to the 500-year-old historic city centre and the former Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. But the tourist highlight was undoubtedly Teotihuacan, a 2000-year-old former city, once home to 100,000 people.

Mexico is a fascinating land of contrasts, from extreme wealth to extreme poverty, from peaceful countryside to packed metropolis, but with friendly people throughout.

I would like to thank the Royal Geographic Society of Queensland for paying for the team to go to Mexico, and National Geographic for our accommodation and activities.

I’ll never forget the experience of the competition, nor the amazing atmosphere as we played nine nation card games and stage inter-continental volleyball games in the pool!

Nick Montgomery

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UK Cricket Tour It was the ninth bi-annual cricket tour the school has undertaken (the first tour was in 1993). With forays into Wales and Northern Ireland, we are getting closer to ‘touring’ the complete United Kingdom.

I’ve been involved in the last seven tours, and believe the trip has become a pivotal part of the MGS cricket program.

We hear stories of boys as far removed as Grade 5 at Grimwade who are setting themselves to tour in 2015. The tour sets goals for our young players, rewards those lucky enough to tour, and their experiences stretch far beyond ‘playing the game’ on the village green.

Greg Lochhead (First XI) coach, Michael Ford (MGS Sports Manager) and Brendan Mulligan (MGS Curator) accompanied me and 18 eager and determined young men onto the plane in June. What, with an Ashes tour running concurrently, there was every chance that we could have been mistaken for the Australian Test side – I told the boys to be ready to oblige with autographs!

Our traditional last match feature game (v Royal Household Cricket Club – Windsor Castle) became our opening fixture.

The normal date didn’t suit – something about the owner requiring the date for a fundraising match. The RHCC is made up of Windsor Castle employees (or as they prefer, being ‘in the service’). In discussion with one player, whose sole role it is to set the fire places at the Castle, we asked perhaps rather naively whether he had every actually met the Queen. He replied that one of the very enjoyable aspects of his job was the lengthy discussions he had with the Queen whilst fixing the fires.

We played 11 fixtures over three weeks. Unfortunately we had a run of illness through the group in the second week (although the term swine flu was never mentioned once). I commend some of the boys for donning the whites when they looked decidedly green. Our jaunt to Northern Ireland (Belfast) to play both Bangor Grammar and Belfast Royal Academy proved fruitful in terms of victories and highly insightful in terms of the very real and confronting history of Belfast.

The Gates at Windsor Castle that leads to the ‘Long Walk’

with our generous friends at Urchfont village, also provided us with lasting memories. Monty Wilson’s singing in the Urchfont pub on the 2007 tour inspired the villagers to invest in a Karaoke machine (at which point we truly gave it a good old-fashion Australian working out). Martin Cutter’s, (father of Josh Cutter and one of a band of ‘groupie’ parents) rendition of ‘You’re So Vain’ was as if Carly Simon was in the room herself.

Our last handful of days were spent in London culminating in our traditional tour dinner on the last evening. I commend the boy’s behaviour and approach to the tour, their thoughtfulness in representing MGS and their ability to absorb and learn from everything that went on about them.

Tim Habben Tour Manager

One of the focuses of the tour in more recent times has been our participation in the Silk Cup. The Silk Cup is played between Eton College, Oundle School and Shrewsbury College (this year’s host). At Shrewsbury we were again confronted by a truly magnificent school, the facilities and grounds were outstanding. A tour of their new indoortraining centre revealed three indoor wickets all designed to play differently. The competition itself was outstanding. The relative size and power of some of the English schoolboys was far superior to our firepower. We learnt a great deal.

Other matches against Magdalen College at Oxford, on a ground surrounded by a moat, and a more gentile match

MGS tour of Lords Cricket Ground (London) Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Out & About APS Athletics After 46 track and field events, a heart-breaking 2.5 points came between MGS and the 2009 APS Boys Combined Sports Athletics Premiership. It was a titanic battle between eventual winners Xavier, MGS and Caulfield. MGS lead for most of the day but could not hold off a fast-finishing Xavier who took the lead very late in the program to claim the 104th Athletics Premiership.

The whole athletics squad can be very proud of their efforts. Throughout the season the team showed they were dedicated and determined, and many boys achieved some astonishing personal bests.

Earlier in the season MGS successfully defended the Victorian All Schools Relay Title for the fourth year in a row.

This event again showed the depth of athletic talent with over 100 boys competing from Year 7 through to Year 12.

The team collected five gold medals, eight silver and two bronze, with 22 other teams making finals.

The MGS Athletics team benefited from the expertise of some remarkable coaches that included Olympic medallists and representatives, World and Commonwealth Games representatives and several national champions. At training it was like a who’s who of track and field when greeting the coaches. The team also took full advantage of the athletics camp during the September holidays with 54 students relishing the opportunity to train and compete for a week at the Gold Coast.

At the recent Victorian All Schools Track and Field championships MGS athletes were successful. At one stage MGS won three consecutive 400m finals. It was Greg Koumouris leading in the hurdles

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Henry Li mid-air

Premier’s VCE Awards a formidable sight and the crowd was in awe of the performances.The championships concluded with MGS athletes collecting five gold, three silver and four bronze medals, with 11 other athletes making finals. Many of these boys will be representing Victoria at the National championships in December.

MGS has now finished second at the Boys Combined Athletic Sports finals four years in a row. MGS last won the Athletics finals in 1962. And if 2010 is to be the droughtbreaking year, MGS athletes will once again have to raise the bar as the competition appears to be reaching new highs each year.

Nathanael Coull TIC Athletics and Cross Country

IBSC The annual conference of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) took place in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region during July. The conference focused on best practice in working with boys. It attracted delegates from major boys’ schools in English-speaking countries and some of the world’s recognised experts in boys’ education. As part of our professional learning program, Melbourne Grammar has in the past been represented at IBSC conferences in Johannesburg, Boston and Vancouver. The increasingly international membership of the Coalition provides an opportunity for us to connect with a worldwide network of schools and educators who share a common interest in new ideas and research into boys’ education.

Given the close proximity of this year’s conference, entitled ‘Windows into Manhood’, nine staff from Senior School and Wadhurst crossed the Tasman to attend. During the four intense days, delegates heard keynote addresses from Director of Educational Leadership at Yale, Washington Jarvis; popular author and psychologist, Steve Biddulph; former prison officer turned author, Celia Lashlie; TV personality and clinical psychologist, Nigel Latta; and the inspirational double amputee, Mark Inglis. Delegates punctuated keynote addresses with workshops from a broad range of local and international presenters.

One of Melbourne Grammar’s great strengths is its generous commitment to providing a first-rate professional learning program for staff – a program that allows for local, national and international professional interaction. Those who attended ‘Windows into Manhood’ were richly rewarded.

At a special awards ceremony in July at the new Melbourne Convention Centre, 15 students from Melbourne Grammar were honoured as recipients of the 2009 Premier’s Awards for VCE studies completed in 2008.

The MGS students were ranked in the top five in the State in 2008. Two students received exceptional awards: William Hatfield was recognised as a Top All Round VCE High Achiever for achieving study scores of 46 or higher in at least five VCE studies, and Gregory Lee as being a Top Three International Student. Five of the MGS students were awarded for their performance in a VCE study completed while in Year 11, 2008*. The staff and parents who have contributed to their success at school and beyond applaud the MGS students for their outstanding work which has been recognised through these awards.

In the presence of the Governor, Professor David de Kretser, the Premier Mr John Brumby and the Minister for Education Ms Bronwyn Pike, the students received their awards from high-profile personalities from the arts, sciences, government and media. The role of principals, teachers and parents is invaluable to students during their final years at school, and this ceremony pays tribute to them as well.

Congratulations to the following Premier’s VCE Award winners on their outstanding academic achievement in the 2008 Victorian Certificate of Education: Martin Bett Physics Stephen Blakeney*

Environmental Science

Douglas Caillard Philosophy Hugo Cavalier Luther Ellis Yuhang Guo*

Classical Societies and Cultures Environmental Science Languages Other Than English – Chinese First Language

William Hatfield Chemistry

Top All Round VCE High Achiever Gregory Lee

Top Three International Student

Hanbo Li

Classical Societies and Cultures

James Lu* Lachlan McNamee* William Payne

Environmental Science Legal Studies Classical Society and Cultures

Oliver Raymond* History Hugh Vickers-Willis

Environmental Science

Benjamin Wong English Daniel McCoppin Senior School Curriculum Coordinator

Chris Bradtke Director of Teaching and Learning Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Obituary Donald Pruen Cordner 21·01·1922 – 13·05·2009 Donald Cordner, Melbourne footballer, general practitioner at Diamond Creek for nearly 50 years, and a great contributor to the community in many arenas, died at home on 13 May this year, aged 87. He was a pupil at Melbourne Grammar School for 10 years, a boarder at Grimwade House from 1930 to 1934, and a day boy at the Senior School until 1939. Donald’s father and uncle also attended the School, as did his sons and two of his grandsons.

Donald was one of four brothers who played for the Melbourne Demons in the 1940s and ‘50s, after his father and uncle before them. His nephew David also played for Melbourne. Donald played in two Melbourne premiership sides: the first of those, in only his second game, as a 19-year-old in 1941. He captained the 1948 premiership team, which won the replay against Essendon, after the League’s first drawn Grand Final.

Donald was the first winner of the Truscott Cup, the Demons Best and Fairest award, in 1943.

He was selected in Melbourne’s Team of the Century, captained the Victorian Team, and was one of only four Demons awarded Legend status in the Club. In 1946 he won the Brownlow Medal, and he remains the only amateur ever to have done so.

While appreciating the accolades bestowed on him for his football, Donald was also a little uncomfortable with them. He always thought of football as a pastime and not a career. He remained a great supporter of the University Blacks, his first senior

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team, and he felt honoured to be Patron of the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

Donald’s range of activities was extraordinary. He was a member of the Melbourne Grammar School Council for 15 years until 1989, and Chairman from 1984 to 1989. Among many other things, he helped streamline the Council so it could better identify and respond to the School’s needs, and he oversaw the restructuring of Wadhurst and Grimwade House, many building projects, and the appointment of a new Headmaster. Donald was one of the two inaugural Patrons, along with Free Strickland, of the Witherby Tower Society. The PE Centre at Grimwade was named after him; and the Melbourne Grammar and Scotch First XVIII football teams compete each year for the Cordner-Egglestone Cup. Donald served on the Melbourne Cricket Club Committee for 28 years until 1992, and was President for the last seven.

Among many initiatives, he drove the debate that led to women being admitted to the Club as members; and his key role in mending relations between the then VFL and the MCC in the 1980s led both to the securing of a long-term agreement for the Grand Final to be played at the MCG and to the building of the Great Southern Stand. The Cordner Entrance to the Members Stand commemorates his and his brothers’ service to the Club.

Donald was active in many other forums in Victoria too, but also beyond it – as when he spent three months in Vietnam with a civilian medical team in 1969. In all these forums his gritty wisdom, his openness to others, and his great ability both to energise people and to get them to work together, bore rich fruit.

As a General Practitioner in Diamond Creek, where Donald was born, he made an enormous contribution. Unless actually out of town, he was on duty 24 hours a day, weekin week-out for 30 years, often responding to calls after midnight from as far afield as Panton Hill, Whittlesea or Arthur’s Creek. After Donald and his wife Moyle moved closer to Melbourne in 1975 as his other responsibilities grew, Donald continued to practise at Diamond Creek until 1992, when they retired to Point Lonsdale.

same time he was forthright in his opinions, and sometimes plain blunt. As one of his female patients put it: “Doctor Don is a bit brusque and short at times, particularly if there isn’t much wrong, but he’s so nice when you’re dying!”

Donald was respected, admired and loved in the Diamond Creek community, in which he was both a cohesive and a galvanising force.

Donald was named Victorian of the Year in 1993.

Donald was handsome, tall, robust, big-hearted, articulate, cheerful, self-possessed, fair-minded, free of all rancour and resentment, exuberant, endowed with what William Hazlitt called gusto, a vital, confident responsiveness to life and to other people, a lover of conversation and of laughter, precise in thought, decisive, forthright, a doer. But he was also a contemplative, sensitive and gentle man. Perhaps his heart bypass at the age of 69 brought these latter qualities closer to the surface.

Donald and Moyle had been married for 61 years. They were utterly devoted to one another. Moyle looked after Donald at home right through his final illness, with the close support, in the last few months, of their children, Jenny, Christopher and Stephen.

The bond between Donald and his brothers was extremely strong, as are the ties across his extended family. Of Donald’s three brothers, Ted, Denis and John, only the youngest, John, survives him.

Donald Cordner had a long, full, rich, happy life, which gave warmth and light to a great many people.

We mourn the passing of one of the School’s greatest old boys.

Ian Cordner

Donald’s involvement with Melbourne Grammar School and the Melbourne Cricket Club had its trials, but also its obvious public recognition. His practical and pastoral care of his patients vastly exceeded any duty of competent medical care. There was compassion and gentleness in his wise and decisive practical help, and often the only people who knew what he’d done were those for whom he had done it. At the

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Bluestone Beach Music Festival With the weather gods against us, the Friends of Grammar summer music festival, Bluestone Beach, still went ahead on Friday 20 November, though the high summer beach theme had to be somewhat modified on the night!

Hawaiian shirts, surf life savers, colourful leis, barbeques, colourful cup cakes, a beach bar, stalls, volley ball, a lucky dip and a spinningwheel, all added to the evening’s line-up of entertainment. Senior School Head of Woodwind, Rob Glaesemann, and Wadhurst Director of Music, Julian Cairns, made sure the crowd were entertained well into the night with terrific student and parent performances.

A highlight of the evening was the draw of the Bluestone Beach raffle, with thanks to media personality Red Symons for accepting our invitation to announce the raffle winners. The raffle contributed towards a fantastic profit of some $20,000 for the event.

The Bluestone Beach organising committee, headed by Friends of Grammar President Annie Cleaver and Vice President Katie

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Dewhurst put in an enormous amount of work and effort to make sure this event encouraged all members of the Grammar community to come together for a fun night of laughter and friendship. A thank you is also given to the School’s Finance and Property Services Departments for their wonderful support on the night.

Congratulations for this event go to many on the FOG Committees who wore two hats above and beyond, and to Anne Cerche, Louise Crosby, John Mannu, Elinor Graham, Glenda Ralph, Sue Perry and MGS staff Annie Hayward, Michael Joyce and John Jesson who added their expertise.

Special thanks to the sponsors for the event, Palm Cove Private Residents Club, Marshall White, Oakley, Ripcurl, Lindenderry at Red Hill – The Lancemore Group, Renault City Automobiles, Zoe Elizabeth, Mornington Peninsula Surf School, Waverley Woollen Mills, Rays Outdoors, Pacific Dining Room Beach Hotel Byron Bay and Data Connection.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Community Involvement

Local children jumping off the pier at Wedau

Ron Noone (MGS Chaplain), Renee Booth (MGS Nurse) & Sue Clifford (MGGS) on board Ora et Labora with four MGGS girls

Project Holy Name Project Holy Name is dedicated to providing medical and other aid to Papua New Guinean villages in Milne Bay Province and to donating necessary items to Holy Name Secondary School, the school that Bailey Iyanaua (11Py) comes from. To get to Holy Name from Melbourne took three plane journeys, two hours on the back of a truck and then two hours along the coast in a dinghy. Bailey’s village is another two hours on the dinghy, then a walk inland for three days.

Ora et Labora en route to a medical aid clinic

There is no access to the school except by dinghy, there is no running water, and there is only electricity for two hours a day – that’s all the generator can handle. And yet, Holy Name is attempting to provide a similar education to the one MGS offers, and most of its students are hoping to go on to further study when they leave school.

In the recent holidays we took eight MGS boys and eight Girls Grammar girls with us to Holy Name. Prior to the trip they had done a wonderful job in fundraising, including financing the purchase of a dinghy named Ora et Labora.

This dinghy is not only an essential mode of transport along the coast, it also saves lives. Without it, students must walk along the coastline, and a number of them have drowned while crossing rivers in recent years.

The chief experience of our boys and girls in PNG was the chance to stay in a village and experience life as a local. They were very well received and beautifully looked after, even though their hosts, by our standards, have very little. During our stay the students helped with medical clinics and took part in the daily life of their hosts: fishing, working in the garden, cooking and cleaning. It was a wonderful experience for all 20 staff and students who took part.

Tim Morris Acting Head of Perry House 22

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Ed Pascoe (11Wy) with local villagers

Cambodian Orphanage During Term III school holidays, used furniture from eight classrooms at Grimwade were loaded into containers and shipped to an orphanage in Cambodia. Melbourne Grammar School parent, Paul Little, Managing Director of Toll Holdings, supplied and shipped the containers.

The furniture has been sent to the Hope for Children Centre (HFCC) in Battambang. The centre has a close connection with Melbourne Grammar School. In July, four boys from the Year 12 class of 2008 visited and many young men who graduated from MGS in 2004 make regular trips to the centre and assist with various programs. In December, 15 boys from Year 11 will help to construct a fence around a small lake, help staff with computer programs and plant fruit trees as well as playing a variety of sporting games with the children. The boys from Year 11 have been busy fundraising to support their projects.

David McAuley (OM 2004) has worked at HFCC for almost two years and it was his mother, Jenny McAuley, who played a significant role in setting up the centre.

Over 100 children are cared for in family groups. Most of the children lost their parents to AIDS and come from impoverished and tragic circumstances. At the centre the children thrive in a stable, loving and supportive environment.

Education is a priority and all children are encouraged to pursue studies and to learn English.

There is much excitement about the impending arrival of the furniture from Grimwade. Our sincere thanks go to Mr Paul Little and his team from Toll Holdings who have so generously supported this project.

A young girl and her brother at the Hope for Children Centre

Polly Flanagan Director of Leadership

David McAuley plays with the children from the Hope for Children Centre Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Community Involvement MGS Victorian Bushfire Response Supporting the Bushfire Recovery

MGS Care Coordinator Program

When the horror bushfires struck Victorian communities in February, the Melbourne Grammar community, like many others, was quick to respond by fundraising and donating goods to those families who had lost everything.

Late in Term I, the Grammar community was approached to seek interest from people prepared to provide one-onone support to families devastated by the bushfires. Our response was typically positive and a committee of 12 was set up. We are currently supporting seven families from the Steels Creek and Kinglake areas and are most grateful to those members of our community who have volunteered, as the length of commitment is considerable and may extend for up to two years while the families rebuild their lives.

Moving beyond the initial emergency relief effort, the School established a partnership with Dixons Creek Primary School and a Care Coordinator program to provide one-on-one support to families who have lost their homes.

Dixons Creek Primary School Dixons Creek Primary School is a small primary school with 46 students from Prep to Year 6 who live primarily in the Steels Creek area. During the year Dixon Creek students visited Grimwade House for the Year 6 Leadership Conference, and the whole school spent a day at Grimwade to see the Year 6 musical ‘Seussical’, to participate in a swimming lesson and enjoy a sausage sizzle organised by Friends of Grammar Grimwade.

During Term II, students from Deakin House in the Senior School spent a day at Dixons Creek Primary School reading to the students and running a sports activity program of football, basketball and skipping. Ross House students also spent a day at the primary school running an art workshop for the students. Both Houses have donated the proceeds from their individual House Eucharist totalling $1500 which will be used to purchase much-needed sporting equipment and curriculum resources for the tiny regional school.

The team of Care Coordinators includes: Julie Freeman, Jane Lechte, Meredith Bunn, Alison Monotti, Su-lin Loh, Jane Hosking, Madeline O’Connor, Kerrie Holdsworth, Helen Quan, Karen Mitchell, Annie Hayward and Elaine Hosie.

The role of each Care Coordinator varies depending on the needs of each family; however, the help we provide is complementary to the role of relief services provided by government, local council and other aid agencies.

Being able to listen to the needs of each family and assist them to prioritise these needs is an essential part of the Care Coordinator’s role. This may range from helping families complete routine daily tasks such as ironing or providing an occasional home-cooked meal, to more complex issues such as dealing with applications for insurance claims and other compensation claims.

‘Mooleric’, Maryjane Crabtree’s garden near Colac, part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme

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Community Support During the June/July school holidays a group of past and present MGS students joined staff member Annie Hayward and Care Coordinators Julie Freeman and Alison Monotti on a working bee to clean up a bushfire-affected garden in the Yarra Valley. We were assisted by a qualified gardener, Eric Lemoussu, who volunteered his services on the day. For five hours Eric directed a hard-working group of boys, including James Freeman (OM 2008), Tom Monotti (OM 2008), Richard Kelly (OM 2008), Nick Voyage (Year 12), Matthew Jarman (Year 11) and Tom Clark (Year 11).

Bushfire Relief Fundraising Activities The Care Coordinators and members of the School community have embarked on a number of fundraising activities over the past three terms to raise money to buy items for the families we are supporting. There were sausage sizzles at Wadhurst and Grimwade House, a casual clothes day at Wadhurst and money was raised by feeding more than 600 Senior School staff and students at the House Sports competition on Celebration Day at Flack Park.

From left: staff member Kerry Holdsworth, Care Coordinators, Jane Hosking, Su-lin Loh and Kerrie Holdsworth on Celebration Day

In October, Senior School parent Fiona Mitchell organised a private screening of the highly-acclaimed film, Mao’s Last Dancer. Guests were treated to a glass of wine before the screening. Current parent and Father of the Year, Li Cunxin, on whose life story and book the film is based, introduced the film. Fiona is to be congratulated on organising this sellout event.

Late October, Wadhurst parent Maryjane Crabtree opened her beautiful garden at ‘Mooleric’, her property near Colac, as part of Australia’s Open Garden scheme. Owners of gardens featured in the scheme donate part of the proceeds from gate sales to a charity of their choice. Maryjane chose the bushfire families. Over the weekend, Maryjane and her family were assisted by Care Coordinators Jane Lechte, Alison Monotti and Annie Hayward to raise additional funds through the sale of refreshments, cakes and slices, and more sausages!

From left, staff member Ian Riddell with Di O’Sullivan, President of Friends of Grammar Grimwade, Li Cunxin, current parent and author of Mao’s Last Dancer, current parent Fiona Mitchell and Care Coordinators Alison Monotti and Julie Freeman

It’s about their need, not our desire to help Through these fundraising activities and the generosity of the Grammar community, we have raised $9800 to assist the seven bushfire-affected families. With the festive season approaching, each family will receive a cash cheque and a Christmas hamper. Some money has gone towards a shed, as well as the purchasing of plants and fruit trees.

Symbolically, by rebuilding their gardens, the families are excited because it begins the process of rebuilding their homes and rebuilding their lives.

If you would like to assist the Bushfire Response recovery effort, email: bushfireresponse@mgs.vic.edu.au

Maryjane Crabtree (left) with Care Coordinator Alison Monotti at ‘Mooleric’

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Boarding The Boarding Experience

From left: Students Josh Benson, Erik O’Loughlin, Jack Cookson, Zac Stephenson, Nutthadech Banditakkarakul, Lachlan Laidlaw receiving some advice and instruction from Head of House Nick Bates

I often think about the impact of the boarding experience on our young men. The motives for selecting boarding are many and varied but, irrespective of what the motives are for choosing boarding, the question will always remain: “Would our young man have turned out any differently had he stayed at home?” The only way we could answer this definitively would be to send the same boy on two simultaneous journeys and then observe the end product.

Clearly this is not possible, but anecdotal evidence would suggest that as a result of their boarding experience at Melbourne Grammar, boys are a little more enlightened – academically and spiritually; a little more independent and socially adept; a little more resilient; a little more understanding, caring and tolerant; and a lot better organised. In the end, it is probably a question that only they themselves or their parents can answer.

One thing we have learnt is that nothing replaces home.

Home is home and I do not believe we should try and replicate it at Melbourne Grammar School. Instead, boarding should be regarded as a different kind of experience – one in which individuals learn to handle the pressures and pleasures of communal living and the skills of interrelating with both peers and authority figures.

Boarding opens up to the individual a vast array of personalities, styles, coping strategies and attitudes.

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This ought to complement the family experience, broaden social understanding and enhance the important social ability to deal with all types of people. When boys enter the Boarding Houses we say that they are not losing any of their current peer group but gaining a whole new group of friends and connections.

Given that we play such an important role in the development of our boys, what do we hope to achieve? I would hope that we are doing all we can to produce gentle men. A gentle man is one who is sensitive and attentive to the little wants of those who surround him. The great Lord Chatham defined it as “the preference of others to ourselves in the little daily, hourly occurrences in the commerce of life”. Essentially, it is about making a contribution and serving something larger than ourselves. The ability to empathise – to imagine yourself in another’s shoes – is an important quality we should all try to develop, particularly in our small, close-knit community. More empathy about the place must help to reduce tensions, racism, inequality and intolerance.

It is said that there are three essentials to happiness in this life; something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Our hope is that all our boys are fortunate enough to find all three.

Nicholas Bates Head of School House

The Grammar Foundation Scholarship – Malcolm Chestney Life was very different when Malcolm Chestney attended Melbourne Grammar in the 1940s. The Second World War had drawn Australia into a global conflict which saw many Australians place the needs of their nation before themselves and in many cases their families.

Like most children, Malcolm (OM 1949) says he didn’t appreciate the opportunity at the time – and you don’t doubt him when he says boarding at Grimwade and School House was no breeze in the 1940s. But the benefits Malcolm gained from his MGS education stay with him today.

Malcolm has developed an agency business J A Davey which today represents the Mitsubishi Pencil Company, the Copal company of Japan and Omron that manufactures medical equipment.

He suggests that his Grammar education coupled with the support of his uncle, Jim Davey, gave him the confidence to build a business that enabled him to put his four sons through Melbourne Grammar School.

Malcolm, now a happy semi-retired grandfather of nine, says he’s honoured to be able to give something back to the School community. This led him to make a substantial donation to establish a scholarship to ensure another boy has the opportunities that his parents provided for him all those years ago.

It is a display of extraordinary generosity that will undoubtedly change the life of one promising young man.

The GJ Chestney Scholarship, which will cover full tuition for one student from Year 7–12 will be introduced in 2010.

The boy chosen will fulfil criteria which includes coming from a challenged financial circumstance, displays academic aptitude and a family background that can emotionally support his academic endeavours.

“I wanted the scholarship to be for a child who would have no hope of coming here but who is bright enough to do well when he got here.”

Malcolm Chestney (OM 1949)

“Grammar gave me values I could retain, a sense of camaraderie. The sport gives you a sense of achievement. I wasn’t a particularly good sportsman, but all you have to do is get in a couple of teams and you feel part of that.

“I also appreciate the history of the place. I would never skite about it but, if asked, I was always proud to say I went to Melbourne Grammar.”

Malcolm believes the School will also ultimately benefit from more cultural diversity as a result of children coming from different circumstances.

“It was a real struggle for my parents to send me here as a 12-year-old boarder at Grimwade. They certainly both made significant sacrifices,” said Malcolm.

For information about supporting Scholarships please contact the Development Office on (03) 9865 7555 Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Staff Donald Britton Melbourne Grammar’s first Director of Music, 1954 –1973 Donald Britton turned 90 on 2 November 2009 Donald was a key player in the cultural revolution embarked on by Brian Hone after his arrival as Headmaster, appointing Donald Britton as the first Director of Music in 1954.

Donald’s first responsibility was as Choirmaster and Organist of the Chapel Choir, to which he added the new School Choir, piano and organ teaching, arranging lessons for many visiting music teachers, founding and conducting a School Orchestra and Concert Band, encouraging chamber music and organising concerts. At first Donald had no Music School or Music Secretary and most music had to take place either in the basement of the Bromby Building or at the back of the Memorial Hall. But he was an inspiring pianist, organist, choir master and conductor, and all kinds of music flourished under his care. Hitherto music had been a minor activity pursued by relatively few boys, but in keeping with Brian Hone’s philosophy of ‘coercion into experience’ Donald started the House Music Competition which ensured every boy in the school took part in something musical, however minimal. Its survival to this day says something of the firmness of the foundations he laid.

Among his many strengths Donald was an absolute master of administration. He had also been a highly accomplished soldier in the Second World War as a ‘Chindit’ in Burma.

His appointment by Brian Hone as the Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps was a master stroke in the days when it contained over 400 boys and was, after sport, the most prestigious co-curricular activity. With his commanding

Chapel Choir 1960s, with Ian Harrison, Donald Britton & Hume McGrath

Donald and Pearl today

presence and meticulous administration no one could any longer regard musicians as only members of an artistic fringe.

Donald’s success was rewarded by the building of the Myer Music School in 1960 and the acquisition of 3 Bromby Street as the home for the Director of Music, where Donald and Pearl were generous hosts to many colleagues, boys and parents. Among many wonderful concerts, operettas and chapel services over 20 years, one of his most memorable achievements was the School Centenary Service in St Paul’s Cathedral in 1958. For this magnificent occasion he taught the entire school the choral setting of the Te Deum

by Stanford which they sang with enormous energy and musicality, clearly evident in the historic recording.

Donald put music firmly on the map at Melbourne Grammar, set an example followed by many schools, and founded a musical tradition on which his equally outstanding successors have continued to build, bringing the enjoyment of music to generations of students whose lives have been enormously enriched by the experience.

From 1974 Donald was the Coordinator of Instrumental Music for the Queensland Department of Education for 28 years, and his award of the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1995 was a richly deserved reward for a lifetime of service to the cause of music for young people and for the wider community.

We congratulate Donald on reaching his 90th birthday in excellent health, still regularly playing the piano and organ with great skill and performing for his friends and colleagues.

David Woods MGS Staff, 1965–8, 1973–2007

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Old Melburnians In Focus Junior World Champs Rowing Campaign After finishing a successful season for the Melbourne Grammar Boat Club, I was faced with the tough decision of whether I would even continue rowing.

Having set rowing aside for a couple of months to focus on exams, I joined the Melbourne University Boat Club and it was here my opportunities really started.

I was selected in the Youth Olympic crew where we were fortunate enough to pick up a bronze medal behind Great Britain and New Zealand. Next was the Australian National Championships. To qualify for Australian team trials, I was required to compete in the U19 men’s coxless pair with Daniel Brighthope, a 2008 Brighton Grammar leaver. We were up against our future crew mates from WA, who were too strong for us on the day and we finished with a bronze medal.

Our next success together came in the interstate regatta representing Victoria in the Youth Eight, in which we won gold – a nice reward and incentive to the Australian selectors. After being invited to trial for the Australian Team, Danny and I trained with the VIS. I ended up being selected in the Australian Junior Men’s coxless four (same type of boat as the famous ‘Oarsome Foursome’). Now the anxiety of the whole selection ordeal was over I could concentrate on the serious training that lay ahead. We trained in Melbourne, and once a month for 10 days visited the AIS in Canberra for training camp where we would row on the water four times a day.

In Melbourne we would train 16 times a week, which consisted of ‘on water’ sessions, gym, ergometre’s (indoor rowing machines) and cross training. This meant I had to defer my course at university, much to my disappointment, as I just didn’t have the time to do both.

Before I knew it, I was on a plane to France to compete at the Junior World Championships in August. This was daunting as I had never been in a country that didn’t speak English, drove on the other side of the road and had a very different culture.

We arrived a week before most other nations to ensure jet lag had completely worn off and we were acclimatised. We enjoyed the sights and sounds France had to offer, as well as our last-minute preparations for the upcoming racing.

Soon enough the other nations arrived and we could finally have a look at what we were up against, some not so good, others we knew would be tough.

Racing began and we found ourselves in a dominant position, qualifying for the semi-final and avoiding the repecharge. At this point we were confident, as we had qualified second fastest, second to Great Britain.

Bronze medallists in the Junior Men’s Coxless Four World Championships, Australia – from left, Tom Gatti (WA)(Stroke seat), Tom Chapman (Tas)(#3 seat), Michael Poulter (MGS - Vic)(#2 seat), Daniel Brighthope (BGS - Vic)(Bow seat), with silver medallists Romania (on left of podium) and gold medallists Great Britain, middle of podium.

On semi-final day we found out that we would actually be facing the British with first two places going through to the A (medal) final. However, the British were too strong and ended up winning by a boat length. Nonetheless, we were still happy to have made the A final at a world championship event and were looking forward to the challenge that lay ahead. The morning of the A final was probably one of the worst of my life. Pacing around, not being able to eat and nerves really started getting to me. The idea that in three hours I would be racing against the best in the world was scary.

When we finally arrived at the course, did our warm up and finally ventured on the water, my nerves settled. As for the race itself, much like every other race, I really can’t recall much. The moment after the race when we had come third I was filled with different emotions – the greatest being joy at the achievement.

Winning a bronze medal at an Australian event is a big deal, but to then win a bronze medal and be the third best crew in the world, as clichéd as it sounds, is like no other feeling!

Standing on the podium draped in the Australian flag, wearing the Australian rowing suit and being presented my medal was probably the greatest moment of my life so far.

It was just such a fantastic reward for all the hard work and sacrifice over the past eight months. I had huge support from family and friends, and without this probably wouldn’t be in this situation. I am currently back training full-time and on the road to hopefully achieve a similar feat either next year or the year after, with an ultimate goal the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Michael Poulter (OM 2008) Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Old Melburnians In Focus It’s Magic

Tanzania

Master illusionist Simon Coronel (OM 1998) performing at The Big 150 in February

Collage of photos from Luther Ellis in Tanzania

Meet Simon Coronel – mild-mannered business consultant by day, award-winning illusionist by night.

If there was ever any doubt that the OMs Fellowship grants are put to good use, take a moment to ponder the achievements of Luther Ellis (OM 2008).

The OM (1998) has just returned from the International Federation of Magic Societies convention in China which attracted more than 2000 magicians and illusionists from around the world. Simon, the only Australian competing and the first since 2000, came third in his section in what is regarded as the magician’s world champs.

Despite some grounding in drama at MGS Simon says he stumbled over the joys of magic by chance at university.

“A bunch of students had formed a magic club on campus, which I joined along with about 15 or so other societies. I’d never had any interest in the area – it just sounded like a vaguely interesting thing to have a look at.

“Also, they had very cool membership cards made from playing cards. To be honest, it was the membership cards that sold me as much as anything else.”

In between swotting for a combined arts and engineering degree, Simon kept up with the club, refining his bag of tricks.

Finding a balance between business consulting and magic presents its challenges, but Simon believes that when performing is not his primary source of income, it’s easier to avoid burn out. He also teaches a course in illusion at the CAE. One of Simon’s fondest MGS memories is the Maths Department. “It was a spectacularly impressive faculty of amazingly talented teachers who each managed to take a dry subject and make it more palatable. There were a remarkable array of personalities amongst those Maths teachers, and it only really occurred to me in hindsight just how good they were.”

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Luther, who deferred his studies for a year to do some extraordinary volunteer work in a Tanzanian orphanage, has settled on four main projects in his campaign to help them work towards self-sufficiency.

As a result of the OM’s contributions, Luther is building a chicken coup, a fish farm, a cow house and establishing a methane gas system.

The chicken coup will house 50 local egg-laying chickens and supply a newly constructed orphanage with eggs. The excess will be sold to surrounding villagers. “This project will essentially pay for itself in eggs in less than 12 months.

The chickens feed themselves and thus reduce costs significantly,” said Luther.

The fish farm, which will house the hardy African Tilapia, is built under the elevated chicken coup and receives a constant food supply of food scraps and droppings. “Fish is considered a luxury to the local inland people. These kids will have access to meals of fresh tilapia at no cost.”

The cow house will hold at least four dairy cows which will produce milk for the children each day, offspring for sale, and ample waste for the biogas system.

The methane system will supply up to 100 children and staff with endless gas. Currently they burn wood to cook, but this doesn’t gel with the orphanage’s vision to be eco-friendly.

The grants have also stretched to buy the children new shoes and other small items such first aid kits. “I would like thank the OMs again. Their contribution will make a significant long-term impact on this Tanzanian orphanage and the children that it cares for.”

The Old Melburnians Council

Simon Derham

From the President Upon reflection, The Old Melburnians Council has had a very successful year. There has been a prodigious effort put in by all Council Members.

‘Ambitious’ is the word that comes to mind when one describes our program for 2009. We might not have achieved everything, but in all my years on the Council it truly was a remarkable year. The Council has met at different locations: The OMFC: Junction Oval, OM Lodge, Grimwade and Wadhurst, and in doing so, we have done our best to engage with all levels of the School – Friends of Grammar, the Grammar Foundation and affiliates.

It has been a significant year starting with the finale of the Sesquicentenary celebrations with The Big 150 event on the Main Oval, followed by the farewell to the former Headmaster, Paul Sheahan in Term 1. Paul has made a significant contribution to the School over 14 years and it was a great honour to welcome him as an Honorary Life Member of the OMs at his farewell dinner.

The next highlight was the arrival of the new Headmaster, Roy Kelley, in Term II. Roy has made an immediate and positive impact on staff, students and the wider School community.

During the year there were 11 reunions in total and an excellent Anzac Day service with Dr Ross McMullin (OM1969) as speaker. There were also two MGS Community Lunches, one with Alan Oster in March and one with Sir Rod Eddington in September. In addition, branch functions have been held in Bellarine, Mornington Peninsula, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and London. The OMs Annual Dinner was a highlight of the year, with an excellent address from the new Headmaster Roy Kelley.

The inaugural OM Fellowship has been awarded to Luther Ellis, a worthy recipient (see article on page 30) and thanks go to past President Stephen Gibbons for initiating the concept and Vice President Phil Solomon for making it happen.

The OM sporting clubs and affiliates continue to provide recreation and comradeship with particular highlights being the OM Football Club winning four premierships – an outstanding result, giving special recognition and thanks to OMFC President Andrew Ristrom and long-standing Club supporter and sponsor Gary Austin. Also the OM Cricket Club fielded two teams which reflects the overall interest in the variety of the affiliate clubs.

A number of Council Members have retired and we wish to thank all Council members for their commitment to the advancement of the Society. I would like to thank Nigel Thompson (Vice President), Cameron Smith (Honorary Treasurer), and John Whittington (Honorary Secretary) for their efforts. In particular, I would like to acknowledge all the work done by John Whittington (the five year plan) and the significant work undertaken by Phil Solomon in preparing the new OM Constitution.

I would also like to thank the Lodge staff, Michael Joyce, Stewart Brook and Judith Mein, for all their efforts and support and look forward to working closely with them next year.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge and thank the Chairman of the School Council, Sandy Clark, the President of Friends of Grammar, Annie Cleaver and the President of The Grammar Foundation, Lloyd Thomas for their support.

Simon Derham President Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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The Old Melburnians Council First for Old Melburnians Council “It’s fabulous to have someone of Fiona’s calibre on board.

When we became aware of Fiona’s interest we were all very excited as we had been trying for some time to include the girls who had been to Grimwade,” Simon said.

Fiona was chuffed when asked to be responsible for co-ordinating the OM sporting activity.

“Yes, it does show that times have changed. I’m hoping that my perspective can add something to the OMs. I also hope that I’ll be able to contribute to the sports area, and add to the diverse representation on the OM’s Council,” she said.

OMs President Simon Derham with Fiona Turner

The Old Melburnians has its first woman on Council in the association’s 114-year history. Fiona Turner (OM 1999) a property lawyer at Deacons and elite triathlete was delighted to accept the official invitation in time for the November AGM meeting.

Fiona’s OM sporting connections also extend to rowing. Her boyfriend of seven years is Karsten Forsterling (OM 1997).

Karsten is an Australian rowing representative and this year had a boat named after him at Melbourne Grammar.

In rowing tradition, it was Fiona who christened the boat.

Karsten was Captain of Boats in 1997 and part of the Head of the River winning crew.

“I do feel very attached to the School. I hope that I can make a contribution, and will encourage other Grimwade girls to take part,” Fiona said

Ironically Fiona, whose brother Hamish (OM 1997) is captain of The Old Melburnians Football Club, says she has an enduring attachment to Grimwade House through her ongoing links to the school – even more so than to her all-girl secondary school.

“They were among my happiest times. Probably because my brother also went to Melbourne Grammar, I always felt fondly toward it. I think it’s a great school.

“And I think boys’ schools are generally a lot stronger at preserving a sense of community and loyalty with their former students.”

Fiona, 28, a former national distance runner and currently an elite triathlete, was the first female to compete in an OM’s cross-country squad when she joined the team last year.

Next year she intends to bring some of her female friends to join the club.

It’s certainly a break with tradition but a move heartily welcomed by the rest of the OM’s Council, said OMs President Simon Derham.

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Fi Turner christens the boat named after Karsten Forsterling (OM 1997)

The Old Melburnians Football

Soccer After the inaugural season of our U21s in 2008 – a first for an Old Boys club in Victoria – season 2009 started with an unlikely scenario. A separate group of recent leavers turned up at the OM Soccer Club doorstep asking to start another team…and so began our fifth team.

After 10 games the U21s Malvern side had lost nine, conceding 48 goals in the process. One match, when the opposition goalkeeper dribbled beyond the halfway line, laughing at our ineptness, we began to question if football was, indeed, the right sport for us.

Above left – Presentation of the cup – From left: Coach Michael Lovejoy, Captain Hamish Turner (OM) – injured for the Grand Final, and Captain on the day James Beaumont (OM) Right – The entire First XVIII celebrating shortly after being presented with their premiership medallions

The OMFC created history in 2009 by winning four VAFA premierships in one season. The Seniors, Reserves, Third XVIII and Under 19s all were victorious. To put this into perspective, the club over its 90-year history had previously won a total of 18 premiership flags.

There is nothing more rewarding than to observe 90 players wearing premiership medallions.

The success of a club depends on so many people pulling together in the same direction. This result will stand us in good stead as we head back into A grade in 2010.

We now look ahead to successfully meeting the challenges of A grade in 2010. The elevation to the top flight of VAFA competition also means some old rivalries will be rekindled, with OMs once more set to take on Old Xavs, Old Brighton, and, of course, Old Scotch.

The team was created to give friends a chance to enjoy their football, er soccer, and stay in touch. During the times of regular 6–0 thumpings it was the company and the laughs that kept us going.

Something unexpected happened with six games to go, though – we won a game. Skipper Oscar Daniell and coach Andy Stanford had assured the boys all year that we were capable of doing this.

After the final whistle, not used to this notion of being better than another team, the boys leapt into each others’ arms with jubilation. The next match we also won. And again, for three more weeks.

Some of the other OMs teams are genuinely impressive and successful. The Reserves, Thirds and the other Under 21s team all came third in their leagues, while the Firsts came eighth in Provisional Division 1. All the boys from those teams were happy to help us out with some tips and tricks in our dark days too.

Michael Bernard Frawley

Well done and thank you to all our players, coaches, medical and support staff, supporters, sponsors and committee. The success this year was reward for all members of the club community.

We look forward to welcoming all boys, regardless of ability, from the School football program to join us next year. Stay in touch and enjoy playing with your mates!

For those interested in the club or in becoming a member in 2010, please visit our website www.omfc.com.au Andrew Ristrom President

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Retired Staff Retired Staff Association At the time of writing the Retired Staff Association has over 180 members who have collectively contributed at least three thousand working years of service to Melbourne Grammar School. Our membership ranges from retired Headmasters and Principals to Academic staff, Non-Teaching staff, spouses and partners of members. The major role of the Association is social but there is an important function of maintaining communication and being aware of special needs of members.

Each year a variety of activities are presented to members for their participation and enjoyment. In 2009 the programme included a lecture and tour of the Werribee Sewerage Treatment Plant. This site is a working farm and an internationally significant wetland which is listed under the Ramsar Convention. Former Deputy Head Graeme Withers gave a scholarly presentation.

Regular Concerts utilising the musical talents of our members have been held. In 2009 the stunning home of

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Neil and Dale Trezise at Queenscliff was the venue for the considerable talents of Donald Britton, Neil Trezise, Tony Morton, Alan and Helen Hardy, Lyn Dernelley and Reg Walsh to be displayed.

In June the Annual General Meeting and Luncheon was held at Leonda where President Geoff Smith retired after two years of outstanding service and was replaced by Tim Sullivan. Kathy Howell was elected as Vice President and has already made an important contribution to the operation of the Association. Guest Speaker was John Thwaites OM and former Deputy Premier of Victoria. In an eloquent and entertaining speech John spoke of his new roles as advisor to the Government of East Timor as well as his role as Associate Professor at Monash University. He also reflected on some interesting elements of his life as a politician and Minister of the Crown. The Association was extremely pleased that the Headmaster Mr Roy Kelley was able be present and he addressed us on his vision for Melbourne Grammar School.

Members of the Retired Staff Association enjoying lunch at Newlyn Farm, property of Michael Wilkins (Senior School English teacher 1972–1997, Head of English Department, Rusden Housemaster)

Dr Graham Withers (OM, Staff 1954 – 1991, Deputy Headmaster) giving a lecture in Morrow Room on “The History of the Yarra River: How ‘Smellbourne’ became Melbourne.”

This event was followed by a tour and luncheon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground which was very well received.

Former Wahurst Principal Paul Wilhelm was one of our guides and presented some interesting insights into the history and architecture of the MCG. Our next activity was a three-day Art and Craft Show which was held in October at the Motorworks Gallery. This was a major undertaking and much is owed to the success of this venture to the fine organisational and planning skills of Lesley Gorrell and Sally Wallis. Former parent Louise Robinson was a major contributor to the presentation design of the Art and Craft Show. A diverse range of members Art and Craft was displayed including paintings, needlework, patchwork quilting, photography and doll making. The Show was launched by contributor and former Head of the Art Department John Adam who presented some interesting insights into the status of the Arts in his time as a student at the school and his personal tutelage by John Brack.

Helen and Alan Hardy (flutes) accompanied by Lyn Dernelley. Alan taught at Wadhurst from 1981 to 1992, Lyn was Director of Music and Wadhurst from 1977 to 1986. Helen and Alan formed a regular entertainment duo at the Windsor Hotel Restaurant, Melbourne

Our last activity was the Spring Picnic at the beautiful property of member Michael Wilkins at Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula. The weather treated the sixty attendees kindly, the afternoon was relaxed and ex- head of Music Donald Britton was congratulated by all on reaching his ninetieth year. Weston Bate thoughtfully composed a poem of celebration for Donald.

Sadly we farewelled three members of the Association in 2009; Dick Hallo OM, ex-Head of Politics, First Eighteen Football Coach and Associated Public Schools Sports Delegate; Keith Harris, Bookroom Manager and Maintenance Supervisor; and Perry House Matron Nan Ballinger passed away and will be missed by all. Our sympathies are extended to each of their families and friends.

Tim Sullivan President

Retired Staff Association Committee members from left: Dr Geoff Smith (1966–2000), Sally Wallis (1989–2003), Tim Sullivan, President (1974–2004), Kathleen Comery (1973–1995), Kathy Howell (1996– 2007), Brian McKittrick (1966–1993), Lesley Gorrell (1988–2004)

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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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:

31 October 2009 Lih Ming Wong (OM 1995) & Olivia Suk Yee Wong

1 November 2009 Matthew Hill (OM 1990) & Jodie Preece

7 November 2009 Peter Ghijben (OM 2001) & Petronela Roman

21 November 2009 James Collinan (OM 1995) & Penelope Lawson (Staff)

Geoff Handbury (OM 1942) was awarded a Doctorate of Social Science (Honoris Causa) by RMIT University Melbourne on 8 May 2009.

Joseph Bates (OM 1969) writes that he is back in the United States after a year in Tasmania. He is working part-time in a small engineering firm doing failure analysis. The rest of his time is spent keeping bees, turning wood, dancing competitively and working on his cabin in the Shawnee National Forest. He reports that life is good.

Gary Scott (OM 1964) writes that he completed his Year 12 on the Gold Coast and was the Queensland Retail Manager for Woolworths. Gary was called up for National Service and served in Vietnam as a member of the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment in 1968. Gary has been employed in a number of roles since leaving school, these include serving on the Butter Marketing Board in Central Queensland, based in Maryborough; as a newsagent, supermarket proprietor and real estate agent. Gary was the Business Manager for John Sands Greetings for South West Queensland for 23 years. Gary has since retired and is now a volunteer for Endeavour and Toowoomba Tourist Information Centre.

Ian McKerracher (OM 1975) Having spent 25 years in the United Kingdom, Ian decided it was time to return to Melbourne to be nearer his aged parents and give his English wife and sons a taste of Australian life. Ian is currently dabbling in some consultancy work, developing some

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information technology around service excellence and enjoying messing about with classic boats and cars.

Alistair Davies (OM 1977) writes that he completed his HSC in 1977 and went on to complete a degree in Social Work with this year marking 25 years in the field. Alistair’s interest in social work was inspired by his involvement in community service in 1975 and 1976 where he participated in projects involving underprivileged people. It opened up a new world to him and he has always worked with this group of people. Currently Alistair is overseeing disabled people and others facing significant employment barriers and access to appropriate employment assistance. It is challenging but fulfilling work. Alistair also reports that he is happily married to Irene and they both very much enjoy travel together.

Yavar Khan (OM 1977) has been living in New York for the past five years, working with the United Nations as Head of their Corporate and Information Technology Procurement. Yavar and his wife have two children, who live with their mother in Melbourne, with one son attending Wadhurst.

Yavar invites those who are visiting New York to contact him via OMs Online.

Paul Cooke (OM 1980) writes “What was I thinking? So I had the midlife crisis, bought the toy (1975 Lamborghini Jarama S) and then spend every bloody waking hour (and dollar) trying to put it back together!”

Rupert Jones (OM 1991) writes that he is currently employed as a Software Designer for ANZ Bank Global Currency Markets in Melbourne.

Michael McLean (OM 1993) moved to Torquay in October and is delivering training to students undergoing VCAL. Still painting and exhibiting. www.seen.com.au.

Alexander Tan (OM 1993) reports that he has finally finished all his training and now works as a Radiation Oncologist in Townsville, Queensland, after a fellowship year at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London.

Alexander is glad to be finished all his training, he writes that “it’s been a bloody long road!”

Emanuel Datt (2001) was married in April 2008, and is now living in Brunswick.

Emanuel works for his family group of companies, and has been thoroughly enjoying it over the past six years! He finished a B.Com (International Business and Trade) from Deakin University in 2006, and is this year starting a Master of Applied Finance, specialising in Corporate Finance, at Macquarie University.

Remembering C.A. Bell

Remembering

mmar School 973

Remembering C.A.Bell

C. A. Bell

– A Twentieth Century Schoolmaster

Remembering C.A. Bell – A Twentieth Century Schoolmaster by Malcolm Dan, David Castle and Ian Rutherford was inspired by the influence Mr Bell had over boys and staff, first at Cranbrook School (1932–56) and then at Melbourne Grammar (1957–73). His influence is reflected most obviously in the fascinating recollections of many eminent former students and staff. While the book covers Mr Bell’s life from his birth and early education in the Upper Hunter Valley to his death in 1988, its focus is on his relationship with the great headmaster of both schools, Sir Brian Hone, his work as a housemaster, teacher of English and his coaching of rugby, a game he established at MGS. This is the story of an archetypal schoolmaster which has a relevance well beyond the confines of the schools and century he worked in.

Colin Aubrey Bell, M.A. (Syd.) was one of the most outstanding teachers of English in Australia in the twentieth century. He was also a great coach of Rugby Union football.

At Cranbrook School from 1932 to 1956 he was officially the third ranking schoolmaster after the Headmaster and the Senior Master. In practice he was the most important and influential Cranbrook schoolmaster after the Headmaster during the entire period from 1940 until 1956. His greatest years were between 1940 and 1950 when Brian W. Hone was Headmaster. They formed a formidable team.

He followed Sir Brian Hone to Melbourne Grammar School in 1957, and he and Hone again became a powerful team. In his final five years at MGS he was the Senior Master, effectively the Deputy Headmaster, although he never used that title. He retired in 1973 and died in 1988.

The justification for rekindling interest in Colin Bell is to celebrate the life of a schoolmaster whose influence upon those who benefited from it was profound. Like many great assistant schoolmasters in Australian independent schools in the last century, there is no record of his work other than in the consciousness of those who came under his spell. A small group of Old Cranbrookians who were taught by Mr Bell in the nineteen fifties decided to rectify this omission before the chance was lost forever. They were joined by a former Deputy Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School.

Remembering C.A.Bell is the result.

Front cover photo

MALCOLM DAN

IAN RUTHERFORD DAVID CASTLE

…Bell was a highly intelligent, well read man who was loyal and inspired loyalty in others.

For his students and colleagues, this book is mostly for them. The rest of us, however, can draw many lessons from the stories of his teaching and coaching; of a life devoted to education; of schooling at Cranbrook School and Melbourne Grammar under the great headmaster Brian Hone and of the extraordinary synergy both men exerted at both places.

Extract from a book review

by Helen Penrose.

Colin Bell and Brian Hone (l. to r.) in characteristic pose in front of the Cranbrook Rotunda about 1947. Bell worked for Hone for twenty-five of Hone’s thirty-one years as Headmaster of Cranbrook and Melbourne Grammar. They formed such a formidable team it is hard to think of one without the other.

From left: four of Colin Bell’s grandchildren Michael Bell, Alekna Nichola, Mandy Bell and Sally Bell with Ian Rutherford, Peter Hone and Bill Bell

The book is $50 plus $10 postage and handling.

If you wish to purchase a copy please contact: Joanne Hawksworth on 03 9865 7533 or via email: jlhawksworth@mgs.vic.edu.au

Queen’s Birthday Honours On behalf of the Grammar community we extend our congratulations to Lionel Simon Sharpe (OM 1949) who was awarded Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community, particularly through social welfare and Jewish organisations.

Apology In the December 2008 Edition of Grammar News, Stuckey, J W (OM 1958) was regretfully listed in the Obituary List. Sincere apologies are extended to family and friends for the error.

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

Anderson, B P (OM 1952) Barrett, P M (OM 1937) Brasch, G W (OM 1948) Brown, A (OM 1930) Brown, K P (OM 1955) Browne, G M (OM 1929) Campbell, E W (OM 1959) Cloke, G M (OM 1966) Coate, R J (OM 1951) Colenso, W R (OM 1951) Corrie-Smith, R (OM 1945) Crellin, B D (OM 1947) Cross, R G (OM 1932) Culross, B E (OM 1951) Cuming, J (OM 1947) Dodge, A C E (OM 1933) Drake, B C (OM 1932) Fenton, L A (OM 1945) Francis AM RFD QC, C (OM 1940) Grimwade, M N (OM 1967) Hallo, R E (OM 1958) Hawes, M (OM 1947) Husband, P L (OM 1946) Johnstone, S C (OM 1991) King, J C C (OM 1948) Knott, R J (OM 1959) Leighton, G D (OM 1940) Littleton, G F (OM 1928) Lockwood, A B L (OM 1951) Lugg, J R (OM 2004) Martakis, S (OM 1955) Melke, F C (OM 1936) McMahon, J K (OM 1966) Minson, J (Past Parent) Nash, P M (OM 1934) Oakley, M J (Current Staff) Pitt, S R (OM 1944) Race, P (OM 1949) Robertson, A S (OM 1997) Robertson DFC, N V (OM 1935) Salamy, S G (OM 1943) Scott, R W (Current Parent) Shatin, M R (Current Parent) Sizer, T R (Past Staff) Ward, H D F (OM 1949) Wharton, W M L (OM 2001) Wolff, W B (OM 1943)

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Branches & Reunions Bluestone Lunch 9

Wendy Spry with the President of The Old Melburnians Simon Derham (OM 1973)

1

The Leader of the Victorian Opposition Ted Baillieu (OM 1970) with Former Acting Headmaster Ian Rutherford (OM 1950) and the Headmaster Roy Kelley

2

George Kneebush (OM 1952)

3

Keith Tibb (OM 1949) and Les King (OM 1949)

2004 Five Year Reunion

4

John Upjohn (OM 1947) with his wife Brenda and Charles Clarke (OM 1940)

11 Jamie Stuart, Charles Cooper, Nick Drake, George Hangar and James Righetti

5

Leo Lazarus QC (OM 1938) with his wife Deidre

12 David Gillespie and Douglas Tsoi

6

Barry King (OM 1952) and his wife Lesley with William Lewis (OM 1949) with his wife Elizabeth

7

Bruce and Lesley McMullin (OM 1938)

8

Ben Jones (OM 1945) with Joy and Keith Tibb (OM 1949)

10 Wendy Spry with Patricia and Doug Hocking (OM 1937)

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Friends of Grammar Senior School The year began with thousands of our extended school community celebrating the finale of the Sesquicentenary celebrations. Friends of Grammar (parents, past and present, students and staff) farewelled Headmaster Paul Sheahan, and Roy and Ann Kelley were welcomed.

The generosity and sharing has continually amazed me.

The culture of volunteering and giving at this school is very healthy. Together with our 99 class representatives, we have hosted an event each term in addition to cocktail parties, brunches, coffee mornings and lunches.

Without wanting to label our efforts as just mothers supplying food, we are pleased to observe our children’s performance at the many extra-curricula activities. We’ve seen how thousands of platters can be consumed with passion and appreciation at drama and music events, how hunger is satisfied during sport on Saturdays at the Flack Park kiosk and at the athletics and Celebration day sausage sizzles. Proceeds of $1000 from this year’s Celebration day went to the Bushfire appeal. Many thanks to Kerry Holdsworth.

We celebrated a Long Lunch in a lovely private garden in March, a bus tour of the McClelland Gallery and lunch at Cruden Farm in May, our ‘Come Together’ dinner dance in Memorial Hall in August and the Bluestone Beach Summer Music Festival in November.

We are grateful to all those who contributed to our silent auction and raffle. Coming together to enjoy each other’s company at these events has been delightful. Fun and friendliness has always been our focus.

The swap shop has continued to provide excellent and affordable service and has also coordinated donations to third world countries.

We have been able to support the Senior School ‘wish list’ for $17,500, modest this year following the Sesquicentenary year, comprising: music stand lights for the orchestra; lion, gibbon and tarsier skulls for Biology; a cricket pitch cover; reusable parts for designing vehicles for the Solar Car Challenge; and 15 pieces of comfortable furniture for the Nigel Peck Centre reading area (the latter two shared with Wadhurst FOG).

FOG Executive has also contributed $10,000 in bursaries to support professional development.

The Motor Works Gear box has shown 10 exhibitions this year including Gear Box Gallery Prize winner for 2008, Fred Mora. FOG has sponsored two arts prizes.

A personal highlight was the presentation of MGS cufflinks and shaking the hands of our extraordinary Year 12 Valedictorians.

I wholeheartedly thank the SS FOG team for their exemplary effort and the camaraderie of Margaret Blakeney, Tania Brougham, Lynda Condon, Cherhyll Cottee, Mandy de Steiger, Katie Dewhurst, Pauline Dukas, Gail Gauci-Seddon, Anne Hargreaves, Amanda Hurley, Lisa Johnson, Deb Knight-Mattingly, Kirsty Russell, Lucinda Scott, Angela Sims, Melissa Smith and Jane Thomas. It has been a superb team.

I also applaud event committee members Anne Cerche, Louise Crosby, Elinor Graham, John Mannu, Sue Perry, Glenda Ralph and Mandy Mandie for their inspiration. The other FOG presidents, Susie Immurs and Di O’Sullivan, and their committee members have also done a superlative job.

Annie Hayward, Michael Joyce and Judith Mein from The Lodge and John Jesson from Finance have been stalwarts we have depended on.

Best wishes to Katie Dewhurst, Caroline Robinson and Amy Jasper and new members of FOG for 2010 and much joy to everyone watching your children grow.

Annie Cleaver President FOG Senior School and Executive

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Wadhurst

Grimwade House

Term III was busy and enjoyable with events for both boys and parents. The Father/Son Trivia Night was a highlight in September, with the Wadhurst Hall packed to capacity. The boys and dads met on the Wadhurst Deck for refreshments, and then moved up to the hall for some hysterical trivia rivalry.

The Fathers’ Day stalls were also well received, with the boys enjoying the opportunity to choose their own special gifts.

We also provided Interval refreshments for the Wadhurst Music Concert, once again with the kind help of Class Reps and music parents.

Along the way there were also parent coffee mornings, lunches and House get-togethers.

Wadhurst Athletics Day was also a highlight, and our thanks go to the many parents who contributed to our cake stall and supported FOGW activities on the day.

Although our major focus is not fundraising, the generosity of Wadhurst families enabled us to contribute to additional furniture for the Nigel Peck Centre, flip cameras and staff bursaries.

Our sincere thanks for the tireless efforts of Class Reps in organising events and contributing in so many ways. It has been a huge team effort.

At the time of writing this report, we look forward to this term’s events, including our collective involvement in the Wadhurst Play and Art/Music exhibition and the second-hand book sale.

Susie Immurs President FOG Wadhurst

From left: Di O’Sullivan with Amy Jasper

Friends of Grammar Grimwade have had a busy year with all the social functions that have been such a wonderful and integral part of our school community.

When looking back over the year, I see that we have helped to host over 30 events. Term IV was a delight with cake and hot chocolate stalls and the activities that always mark the end of the year.

I would especially like to thank all the year level coordinators and class representatives for their hard work and commitment. All the year level functions were well attended and there have been a phenomenal number of social activities. It has been a great honour to work with this group of dedicated parents who so obviously want to be involved with their children’s school.

I would like to take this time to thank all of the administrative, teaching and ground staff at Grimwade.

Their support and assistance has made my job as President so much easier. My very sincere thanks must go to Mr Andrew Boyd, Head of House. His unwavering support, encouragement and good cheer has made it my pleasure and privilege to work so closely with him.

I would like to recognise and thank my wonderful 2009 committee. It has been an honour to work alongside this group of devoted, enthusiastic and committed ladies. We have worked hard all year, but have always enjoyed each other’s company and camaraderie. Every event has run smoothly and I thank them for this.

Finally, I would especially like to thank Amy Jasper for her amazing support, generosity and friendship all year as my Vice President. I wish her and the FOGG committee of 2010 every success and hope that they will look back on their year with as much joy as I do now.

Di O’Sullivan FOGG President 2009.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Community Diary Dates School Tours

Scholarships

Why not join one of our regular tours to see what Melbourne Grammar School has to offer? Tours are held during the school day and are particularly designed for families to view the educational facilities of each campus.

Year 7 and 9 – 2011 Entry

Grimwade House Small group tours of our coeducational junior campus are held on a regular basis. Further information and bookings can be made by contacting the Grimwade House Office on (03) 9865 7800.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and are also available for boys of outstanding musical ability.

The scholarship examination will be held on Saturday 27 February 2010.

For scholarship information and to make an application please visit our website www.mgs.vic.edu.au.

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Thursday 18 February 2010.

Enquiries to the Admissions office on (03) 9865 7570 or via email: enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au.

February – Wednesday 17 at 9.15 am

Discover Wadhurst Day

March – Tuesday 23 at 1.45 pm to 3.00 pm (Discover Wadhurst Day)

Discover Wadhurst, Melbourne Grammar’s learning community for boys in Years 7 and 8.

April – Friday 23 at 9.15 am

Tour Wadhurst in action, and experience the energy of a school purpose-built for the 21st-century teenager.

Wadhurst

May – Tuesday 25 at 9.15 am June – Wednesday 16 at 9.15 am

Tuesday 23 March 2010, 1.45 pm to 3.00 pm (briefing at 2.00 pm, visit classrooms and view activities from 2.30 pm).

Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Assistant on (03) 9865 7570.

Wadhurst, 1 Domain Road, Melbourne VIC 3004.

Enquiries (03) 9865 7700 or via email enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au

Senior School February – Wednesday 24 at 9.15 am March – Tuesday 16 at 9.15 am April – Friday 30 at 9.15 am May – Thursday 20 at 9.15 am June – Wednesday 9 at 9.15 am Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Assistant on (03) 9865 7570.

Boarding Precinct Friday 30 April 2010 from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm (Boarding Information Day) Tours of the boarding precinct are organised on request. To make a booking please call the Admissions Assistant on (03) 9865 7570.

Worth Leaving Home For Boarding is an outstanding formative experience and there is no better place to enjoy it than at Melbourne Grammar School.

Visit our outstanding boarding facilities from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm on Friday 30 April 2010. This is a special opportunity for parents and students to tour the boarding facilities and meet our staff.

For bookings or more information about boarding please contact the Director of Admissions on: 03 9865 7570 or via email: enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au

2010 OMs Annual Dinner Friday 20 August 2010 7.00 pm – 12.00 am at the RACV Club Cost $130 per person For further information please contact the Development Coordinator on (03) 9865 7555

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Valedictory 2009 This year’s Valedictory Day saw 198 Valedictorians and their parents enjoying breakfast in the Quad, followed by a Chapel Service in the morning and then a Valedictory Ceremony in the evening. The next evening there was a Valedictory Dinner in the Olympic Room at the MCG, with special guest speaker Li Cunxin – current parent, Father of the Year and author of Mao’s Last Dancer.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

43

Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria 3004 Australia T +61 3 9865 7555 F +61 3 9865 7577 mgs@mgs.vic.edu.au www.mgs.vic.edu.au ABN 61 004 453 829