Grammar News no 112 Dec 2013

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Number 112 – December 2013

Above:

Elevarsi, the girls’ choir, performs at Grimwade House’s Senior Musicians’ Concert More details on page 13

Front cover:

Nigel Peck (OM 1945) unveils his gift to the School – a statue of Edwin Flack (OM 1890) See page 7 for the full story

Opposite:

Beyond the Gates saw Year 10 students rafting, hiking & cycling on their way to Mount Kosciuszko See page 18 for the full story

Grammar News is published for the Melbourne Grammar School community.

Published by: The Lodge, Melbourne Grammar School, 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Telephone: (03) 9865 7555 Facsimile: (03) 9865 7577 Email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au Editor: Peter Davies Layout & pre-production: Drew Gamble Photographs by: Marcel Aucar, Adam Cawood, Peter Davies, Sam Freedman, Drew Gamble, James Grant, Fiona Mackenzie, Fiona Stephens 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 12 Grimwade House 14 Wadhurst 16 Senior School 18 Outdoor Education 20 Boarding 21 Retired Staff Association 22 The Old Melburnians 24 Community News 26 Community Events 28 The Foundation 29 Friends of Grammar 30 Archives 31 Valete – Class of 2013

About this issue “Life is what happens to us when we’re busy making other plans.” This quote from US writer and comic artist Allen Saunders (but often attributed to John Lennon) touches on one of the ideas explored in this edition of Grammar News – the fact that, whatever the destination, there is enormous value in the journey itself.

Within this issue, you will find stories of transitions, of detours, of pathways, both planned and accidental. The stories are personal and individual – Richard Larkins, Chairman of School Council, reflects on the idea of change over time (page 4); Roy Kelley, Headmaster, shares his experiences as an educator (page 5); and David Harper (OM 1961) tells of the pathway that led him from the Bluestone to the Supreme Court (page 23).

Our Year 12 students have reached the destination at the end of a very long educational voyage. We are pleased to share some moments from their Valedictory celebrations (page 6).

Our Year 10 students, too, have completed a journey – 21 days across Victoria to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko in this year’s Beyond the Gates experience (page 18).

Elsewhere, there is a report on the Leadership Conference that prepares our Year 5 students for their important roles in their final year at Grimwade House (page 12); reflections on Wadhurst’s Community Awareness Programme (page 15); and a travel log from the recent Project Holy Name trip to Papua New Guinea (page 8).

Wishing you a restful Christmas break.

Peter Davies Editor Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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From the School Council Some things change, but some never will combines functionality in the digital era with modern design that harmonises with the old. There are several other new buildings on each of our campuses, including new boarding houses. The most significant physical change has been the acquisition and transformation of a sizeable allotment of wasteland in Port Melbourne into wonderful sporting fields. Many of the new buildings, including Flack Park, are due to the visionary work of the previous Headmaster, Mr Paul Sheahan.

Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins

In keeping with the theme of this edition of Grammar News, I would like to reflect on the changes in Melbourne Grammar School since I was a student here in the middle and late 1950s.

First, I should emphasise that many things have not altered. The Quad, the Chapel, the Witherby Tower and the original homestead at Grimwade House thankfully appear unchanged, although I am sure the School has had to spend millions of dollars over the last 50 years to maintain them and to update the surrounding classrooms. The Memorial Hall and The Lodge look much the same on the outside, but they have been transformed inside. The Bromby Building, which we knew as the latest in modern architectural design when it was built in the mid 50s, has been added to and meddled with on many occasions and has lost much of the architectural fashion statement that it was designed to have – as well as the rifle range that once sat upon its roof!

More important than any change in the fabric of the School has been the educational programme and how it is taught.

The days of “chalk and talk” are behind us. No longer is the transmission of information the purpose of education, if it ever was. Although much of our teaching in the 1950s was the didactic transmission of facts, the value of problem solving and of creativity through writing, art and music were already recognised. These skills were encouraged and developed, a sign of educational practice under Hone’s leadership that was ahead of its time.

Now, information is ubiquitous. If you want to know when King Henry IV ruled Britain or the capital of Somalia, you can google it in a few seconds on your smartphone or tablet. The emphasis of education has very much shifted to critical analysis, problem solving, communication, teamwork and creativity which focuses on the needs of individual students. These skills must be learnt in context, and the role of the inspiring teacher explaining important principles and concepts remains. Mastery of grammar, spelling and numeracy provides an underpinning skeleton.

More important than the physical structure, the School has continued its commitment to the highest quality educational experience and excellence in co-curricular activities, including sport, music and theatre. Under the outstanding direction of the Headmaster at the time, Mr Brian Hone, the School was already emphasising leadership and commitment to the wider community.

While all the advances in information and communications technology have greatly enhanced our lives and enriched education in a way that was totally unpredictable when I was at School, they have also exposed young people of today to distractions, moral risk and real danger. Ubiquitous recreational drugs and binge-drinking enhance the risk. In the 1950s, the more adventurous boys learnt dancing in Toorak, while the less adventurous stuck with the Finlaysons at Merton Hall. Of course, the moral choices were actually a bit more challenging even then, but the level of exposure to hazard at an early age was much less.

However, along with these constants there have been many changes since the 1950s. We have seen the admission of girls to Grimwade House and the formation of a middle school at Wadhurst. Wadhurst has been almost totally rebuilt. The Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership

Importantly, the School provides an environment where most of our students survive the moral and physical risks amazingly well and leave our School as incredibly rounded, well-educated young men, keen to make a difference to the world in which they live.

Brian Hone would have been proud of his legacy. Roy Kelley and his staff are creating theirs.

Richard Larkins Chairman

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

From the Headmaster The journey rather than the destination The metaphor of human life as a ”journey” is well known.

In delivering my Valedictory address to the departing Year 12 students in the Chapel of St Peter, I use the theme of life’s journey as my main message and state the following: As you now pass through MGS on your life’s journey, I ask you to reflect on the need to travel lightly. Do not carry too much “baggage”, otherwise you will not move very far in life at all. The way we travel is more important than arriving at our destination.

I commenced my teaching journey in 1979 at Hale School in Perth, a school similar in history and traditions to Melbourne Grammar School, both having originated in 1858. Employed as a History Teacher, I taught English and Geography in my first years, which made me realise that adaptability as a teacher was important. I was fortunate to be offered a number of acting roles as Head of Department and as Head of House very early in my career, before accepting a position, as a 27 year old, to lead a boarding house of 75 students and two staff. It remains a pivotal point in my life, as I learned many things in that role which guided my leadership style and educational philosophy.

After six years in that role, I accepted a teaching position at Sherborne School in Dorset, England. I took a major risk in accepting a six-month position, given that my wife and I had two small children and I had a permanent, highly soughtafter job at Hale School. Fortunately, I was soon offered a permanent teaching position and loved the sense of history that existed at the School. King Henry VIII’s only son, Edward VI, had attended the School, and the room in which he was taught had been preserved by the National Heritage Trust. Leaving Australia provided me with an opportunity to see education from a different perspective. The notion of academic excellence was deeply entrenched at Sherborne in a manner which differed from my previous experiences.

The school asked many of its staff to be ”Ox-bridge” tutors, to help students apply for these two prestigious universities, and the teachers went well beyond the norm to fully develop their students in an academic sense.

After two years overseas, I returned to Hale School in an inaugural position, as part of the senior management team, being responsible for pastoral care and professional development. It was an offer too good to refuse, even though my family was greatly enjoying the overseas experience. The opportunity to work in a more strategic role and implement new programmes into a school was exciting. I had to think hard about going back to a place in which I had previously taught, but the new Headmaster had created an environment in which significant changes were occurring. I was soon appointed to the position of Deputy

Roy Kelley

Headmaster and enjoyed a strong working relationship with an outstanding educator in Mr John Inverarity. He allowed me to see first-hand the value, as well as the challenges, of running a school. At that time, I enrolled in a Master’s Degree in Educational Management. I realised that unless I was prepared to continue my formal educational knowledge, I could stagnate as a school leader.

In 2002, I accepted the position to become Headmaster of King’s College in New Zealand. I moved my family again at a time when, given my daughters were aged 17 and 15, some would have been wary to do so. However, as one of my core beliefs is that teenagers need to be taken out of their comfort zone to really learn, I had little hesitation. My six-and-a-half years in New Zealand gave me a sense of the importance of diversity, as I worked with significant numbers of Maori and Polynesian students and families, most of whom received financial help to attend King’s College. I also realised how few Indigenous students had similar opportunities to study in prestigious schools in Australia.

My move to Melbourne Grammar School in April 2009 has seen the continuation of a journey which has taken my family overseas, interstate and on a career path which has energised and enabled me to keep growing as an educator.

The notion of lifelong learning is something that will always be with me, and I hope to instill that into the students that occupy and leave the Bluestone. My experiences have helped form my educational beliefs and have given me opportunities that I have greatly enjoyed. I certainly haven’t arrived at my final destination in life, but I know that the journey has been crucial to who I am.

Roy Kelley Headmaster

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News Valedictory 2013 Earlier this month, Melbourne Grammar School said farewell to the Class of 2013. At the Valedictory Dinner, William May reflected on his time at the School. Here is an excerpt from his presentation.

Living on a farm, in a rural community in southern New South Wales, it was quite a change for me leaving the countryside and entering the structured environment of the boarding house at Melbourne Grammar. I was used to a 45-minute bus ride, morning and afternoon. Coming home from school, I would always join my dad on the farm, jumping on a motorbike to help muster some sheep.

I was used to watching the crop dusters fly overhead, the hundreds of acres of water-covered rice fields, the bright yellow canola, livestock scattered throughout.

It was the opportunities at Melbourne Grammar that inspired my parents to send me here. It was to broaden my horizons, expose me to new people, the diversity and culture at the School, to new experiences and to develop an understanding of the world beyond the rural lifestyle that I knew.

It was the ability to learn a language, to pursue your interests in whatever area you chose, to go on overseas trips to places like Vietnam and Cambodia. All of a sudden I was flying to Germany on exchange, going on my first overseas trip – these were the opportunities that were simply not possible at home.

It was the range of sports and subjects, too, that many people probably take for granted. At home it was AFL during the winter, and cricket or tennis in the summer. There was simply no other choice, and you would be lucky to be able to choose some of the subjects you learn at School.

Sometimes I wonder how my life would be if I hadn’t come to this School. Would I have finished school already? Would I be working on the farm or be pursuing a trade? Would I have the dreams and ambitions that occupy my mind today?

While entering the boarding house was a challenging experience, it has been a significant part of my time at Melbourne Grammar School. I’m sure all the boarders still remember their first night – I had only just met Michael Duff (Year 12) earlier that day, yet all of a sudden we both called the same room our own. I remember speaking well into the night as we struggled to get to sleep from the noise of the trams and traffic outside, wondering what lay ahead at Batesy’s Bootcamp, the orientation camp for new boarders.

While homesickness may have been delayed for the first few days, I think it is an inevitable part of every boarder’s journey, as they are thrown into a foreign environment, removed from their home, their parents and friends. But we must also not forget that, in some shape or form, the parents feel a sense of homesickness too. Leaving home as the youngest in the family, like many other boys, it was my parents that were now alone and, while we understand the monetary sacrifice of our parents, we may often forget that they sacrifice time with their children too.

Whilst there have been challenges throughout the year, particularly trying to cope with the stress and workload of Year 12, reflecting back on my time now I realise, as everyone seems to say, that it has passed very quickly.

It is hard to imagine not coming to school again and leaving what has truly become a home away from home. Like many of you, I am not certain what lies ahead but what I have gained here is another home, an oasis in the city, and I have realised that despite the fact that the population is greater, the sense of community that exists in a small country town called Barham, also exists in the heart of South Yarra.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Honouring Edwin Flack He was a talented man, that Edwin Flack (OM 1890).

A celebrated athlete, a successful businessman and a generous philanthropist, he remains one of our most accomplished Old Melburnians.

Graduating from Melbourne Grammar School in 1890, Flack travelled to the UK to study accounting. In 1906, he competed in the Athens Olympics, the first Games of the modern era.

It was well worth it – he won two gold medals, in the 800metre and 1500-metre events, as well as a bronze in tennis, and he also made an admirable attempt at the marathon. He is remembered as Australia’s first Olympic champion.

Two commemorative foot races were run at the unveiling

He was also a talented businessman. Upon returning to Melbourne, he partnered with his father to found Flack & Flack, Chartered Accountants, which was one of the foundations for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Flack’s other legacy is philanthropic – following his death, the Marian and EH Flack Trust was established, which funds medical research, aged care services, services for disadvantaged families and individuals, and community health projects.

Since 1939, Melbourne Grammar School has been the recipient of the Edwin Flack Scholarship, awarded to a country student of outstanding talent.

In recognition of Flack’s sporting achievements, a statue was erected at Edwin Flack Park, Melbourne Grammar School’s sporting grounds in Port Melbourne. The statue is a gift to the School from philanthropist, businessman and adventurer Nigel Peck AM (OM 1945), who has been a long-time supporter of the School.

The statue was unveiled in a special ceremony on Friday 11 October 2013, attended by prominent members of the School community, including past Chairmen of School Council, former Headmasters, two former Premiers of Victoria and a former Governor of Victoria. Guests were treated to two commemorative invitational foot races – an 800-metre event and a 1500-metre event, run by current and past student athletes from Melbourne Grammar School.

The statue was designed and constructed in bronze by acclaimed Melbourne sculptor Louis Laumen. Laumen is known for the larger-than-life bronze sculptures in the Parade of Champions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

We extend our thanks to Nigel Peck for this generous gift and for providing an opportunity to share this important story from the School’s history.

Nigel Peck (OM 1945) with sculptor Louis Laumen & Headmaster Roy Kelley

Patricia Peck awards prizes to the competitors

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News Project Holy Name “I’m not much of a camper,” says Harrison Baring (Year 11), “so I thought going to Papua New Guinea would be a good opportunity to push my boundaries a bit, to try something new. I hoped visiting a remote village would bring to light some things that we take for granted.”

Living in pairs, students become part of the local community and took the opportunity to experience the traditional way of life. “I was surprised by the friendliness of the community,” says Harrison. “I didn’t expect to be welcomed as much.

Lachie Brown and I tried to learn a bit of the language, and I think that made a difference – just to be able to say hello.

Everyone was family – it didn’t matter that we were from a different culture; they just accepted us.”

Accordingly, on 20 September 2013, Harrison set off with 15 other students from Melbourne Grammar School and Melbourne Girls Grammar School for the annual Values in Action trip to Papua New Guinea. Equipped with 600 kilograms of medical supplies and gifts (purchased with funds raised by the students), the group boarded an earlymorning flight to Port Moresby and then flew across to Masurina Lodge in Alotau. The next day, students boarded trucks for a two-hour drive to Awaiama, before taking five dinghies to the local villages that would be their homes for the next seven days.

Despite the warm welcome, the traditional diet took some getting used to, says Myles Adams (Year 11). “Given the remoteness, nearly all foods were produced in the village, meaning the majority of meals consisted of banana, coconut and different sorts of root vegetables. But as my host mother reminded me, ‘Dim Dims (white people) eat for pleasure; Papua New Guineans eat because we are hungry’,” Myles recalls.

While the students became accustomed to village life, the staff on the trip – Mr James Harrod, Geography Teacher; Ms Hayley Hubble, Senior School Nurse; and Mr Michael Shaw, Director of Boarding – travelled between the villages, running a mobile medical clinic and providing much-needed medical supplies. Sharing his local knowledge was Basil Alokaka (Year 11, pictured left), one of Melbourne Grammar School’s PNG Scholars from Holy Name Secondary School. Rather than visit his family at the mid-year break, Basil elected to travel home with his class mates on this trip and to assist the staff with the medical clinics.

As many of the villages are often far from proper medical care, small injuries are often ignored and more serious injuries can prevent people from making the journey to the nearest health centre. These conditions meant that the mobile medical clinic was a source of much excitement within the villages.

“Like Father Christmas, Hayley Hubble and the staff arrived carrying large boxes of Nurofen and bandages, much to the delight of the locals,” Myles says. “However, it was Basil who stole the show – the vast array of lollypops, bubbles and Where’s Wally? books he brought sent the kids into a frenzy!”

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Obscura: Mystery Postcard Exhibition Art fans and committed collectors gathered at the Motor Works Gallery on Wednesday 28 August for Obscura: Mystery Postcard Exhibition 2013. The postcard-sized artworks on display had been commissioned from a diverse contingent of artists – painters and illustrators, architects, actors, chefs, photographers and many enthusiastic and creative students, teachers and individuals from across the School community. The mystery element was that the artist for each piece was only revealed after it had been purchased. A team of student volunteers played the part of white-gloved attendants, delivering artworks to the collectors.

The guest speaker for the evening was Max Delany (OM 1981). Max discussed his career in the arts industry, including his recent appointment as Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, at the National Gallery of Victoria which followed his time as Director of the Monash University Museum of Art. The event was coordinated by arts@mgs, a committee of current parents dedicated to supporting the arts at Melbourne Grammar School. It was a tremendous success, with more than three hundred artworks sold and over $15,000 raised for the Sculpture Walk, a forthcoming project that will see a collection of artworks installed around the Senior School campus, plus support for the School’s Indigenous art projects. arts@mgs invites creative members of the School community to contribute to Obscura 2015. If you are interested in contributing, please register your details at www.artsmgs.com.

Guest speaker Max Delany (OM 1981)

Book Week A busy schedule of literary activities connected students and authors during Book Week this year.

At Grimwade House, students explored all things cosmic, under the theme of “Reading across the universe”. Using paper plates, glue, textas and other decorations, students made their own flying saucers and lined up for a hotly contested competition to see whose would take flight.

Grimwade students also took part in a special assembly, learning the story of Aboriginal activist Vincent Lingiari, as told in Paul Kelly’s seminal song From Little Things Big Things Grow.

Children’s author David Miller introduced students to the delicate paper sculptures that he uses to illustrate his picture

books, while illustrator Heath McKenzie showed students in Years 5 and 6 his distinctive drawing style and some useful techniques. Comic artist Bernard Calleo visited both Wadhurst and Grimwade House, providing an introduction to comics and their bold storytelling potential.

At Wadhurst, students met with Fiona Wood, a past parent of the School and an experienced screenwriter. She spoke about her experiences writing for acclaimed television series across a range of genres and her new novel, Six Impossible Things. Media personality Eddie McGuire hosted the popular annual “Who Wants to be a Literary Quiz Legend?” and former Australian cricketer Damien Fleming discussed his recent book Bowlology – Cricket, Life and Stories from the Avenue of Apprehension.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News Teaching, learning & learning to teach As the year draws to a close, Melbourne Grammar School will say farewell to several long-standing and much-loved members of the teaching staff.

Mr Nick Bates has been teaching Accounting and Legal Studies at Melbourne Grammar School since 1990. Mr Chris Bradtke, Director of Teaching and Learning, joined the team in 1991. Mrs Florence Guthrie, Head of Languages and Head of French, commenced at the School in 1996. Mr Peter Tooke assumed the post of Deputy Head and Head of Senior School in 1999.

Here they share some of the experiences and reflections from their time as educators.

GN: Where did your careers begin? What inspired you to become teachers?

GN: What has kept you motivated during your careers as educators?

Peter Tooke: I recall hearing the Dean of Education at UWA speak about trying to overcome the “accident” of people becoming teachers. My “accident” was being a poor university student, during the Vietnam War. I was in the Army Reserve – the tax-free dollars kept me fed and clothed – and my old school rang me during my second or third year at uni to say, “We’re stuck with the cadet unit; do you want to come back and look after them?” which I did, and I just had a ball. It was a big unit, and when I graduated, a job at the same school came up in my area. So, that was my accident – and what a happy accident it was!

FG: The students! They’re fun, they’re witty, they’re enthusiastic – well, most of them – and they keep you young. Also, my love of languages – that’s what has kept me teaching.

Chris Bradtke: I always wanted to be a teacher. I was at the end of the Baby Boomer generation, and education was booming. I liked school and I was always very good at it. I think that drives a lot of people into teaching. It was the era of the Studentship, so it was an easy entry point to teaching and it meant university was paid for. I’m not sure that my parents could have afforded to put me through university. With the Studentship model, you were bound to the Education Department (as it was then known) for three years, so it was quite a good deal.

Nick Bates: The cost of tertiary education wasn’t the motivating factor for me, but my story is similar to Chris’s. I was one of the successful products of the state school system – it didn’t do me any harm and I enjoyed it tremendously. There were some good role models at my school – teachers that I wanted to be like. They certainly did influence me. I find it surprising here that we don’t have more boys moving into teaching. Perhaps it’s the pay issue.

Florence Guthrie: I wanted to be an interpreter for an international association, like NATO or something like that. My father, though, wouldn’t pay for the fees for me to go to a translating school, so I did my degree instead. I can’t remember exactly why I became a teacher, but I do love teaching. I’ve never woken up thinking “I don’t want to go to school today”.

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CB: I’ve changed my role a lot in a variety of schools. There was a freshness every five or six years. If you can do that in a school – to have different focuses – it makes quite a difference.

NB: Chris and I seem to have run parallel on a few things.

My career has been the same – I’ve been very fortunate to move into different roles, into different areas. A school like this provides you with so many opportunities as a teacher.

Not only do you have increasing responsibilities, but also opportunities to pursue the things you would like to do.

GN: How naturally do teachers acquire those pastoral skills? Is it something you have to work at?

PT: You can’t be a good teacher without loving kids. If you love kids, then you’ll find what works in a pastoral sense.

Fundamentally, you need a genuine interest in what the kids are doing. A lot of it is learnt on the job.

NB: You’ve really got to want to connect with them. It comes more naturally to some, but I had to work on it a bit.

If you don’t have that natural interest, then you’re in the wrong game.

GN: During your time at Melbourne Grammar School, you’ve each been quite involved in extra curricular activities. How much has that contributed to the longevity of your careers?

FG: It definitely contributes. Being new to Australia, it gave me opportunities to discover Australia, to visit different parts of the country that I did not know. I remember being asked to drive the four-wheel drive with the trailer along the beach at Fraser Island. It’s an experience that the School gave me and it has remained one of the highlights of my teaching career.

NB: Much of our good work, particularly from a pastoral viewpoint, is done outside the classroom. You get to learn a lot more about the kids, what they’ve been up to. I’ve had most of the rogues in my subject area, but I’ve also had them out on the footy field and that really helps to make a connection. It’s too narrow just to look at classroom interaction.

GN: How do you encourage your students to love learning, rather than just striving for results?

FG: It’s very difficult; there are all sorts of external expectations.

CB: We’ve all talked here about the importance of knowing students, knowing their needs, and providing things in schools that make students feel good about themselves.

To me, the best thing about the House System is not the pastoral care; it’s the fact that students feel a sense of belonging. When they’re at School, they feel happy, they feel known and they feel good about themselves.

NB: I think the House System is a very successful model. It works well to give them a sense of belonging in a big school where you could easily feel lost.

now seeing a lot more of that – teachers who aren’t just intuitive, but who can articulate their practice. We’re much more interested in observing each other and learning from each other. There’s much more science and much more craft in what we do, an increased understanding of the effects of what we do as educators. It’s a huge change from when I started – it was “Here’s your chalk, here’s your blackboard and we’ll see you at the end of the year. Good luck!”

FG: I think there is also much more support for beginning teachers. There’s certainly a lot that didn’t exist 18 years ago when I started. Do you agree?

CB: Absolutely. When I started I had little support.

FG: And you survived!

You can’t be a good teacher without loving kids. If you love kids, then you’ll find what works in a pastoral sense.

Peter Tooke

CB: And boys really need that – they need the security of feeling part of a group.

GN: What is your greatest accomplishment? What are you most proud of from your teaching career?

NB: I think learning to learn will become more of a focus.

We talk about our boys aspiring to be at the top, but we don’t have that “tall poppy” thing that many schools suffer.

Our boys respect achievement and you see it at assembly every week: a boy achieves something and he receives a rousing ovation.

NB: For me, the development of the Legal Studies curriculum. I was on the ground floor with that process, and the success of the subject over many years has made me very proud. It’s one thing I’ll look back on and think, “I’ve left a legacy there”.

PT: Yes, in any discipline – it could be a Maths Olympiad medal, a solo musician, a break dancer.

NB: It really heartens me when I see that – that our boys respect the achievement of an individual.

GN: What changes have you seen at the School and in the classroom?

NB: Well, I started off in Q010 and, 24 years later, I’m back there and it looks the same! There’s a data projector now and a whiteboard instead of a blackboard. I feel like I’ve done a big circle! The physical surroundings have changed a lot and we’ve certainly embraced technology. Apart from that, we’re becoming more professional in a lot of areas.

CB: I think the professionalisation of the profession. I went on strike with the Victorian Secondary Teachers Association because I wanted qualifications for teachers – in the late 60s and 70s, there were people teaching with no qualifications.

Anyone could be a teacher! I believed that we needed to be more professional about what we’re doing. I think we’re

FG: I’m very proud of the LOTE Centre. I wasn’t the person who came up with the idea – it was already on the School Masterplan. We built a LOTE Centre with a classroom for each of the languages, a fantastic kitchen, and space for all the LOTE staff to be together. I didn’t make it happen as such, but I’m very proud of it.

PT: I think I’m most proud of the boys who have left here.

I only play a small part in that but, nevertheless, there are strategic things that you do with the Senior School Executive. An important one is Chris’s work with Ron Ritchhart from Harvard University and the professional development of the staff – it has really opened up conversations that were taboo not so long ago.

CB: I think and I hope that I’ve helped to move the culture at the School such that we’ve lifted the profile of the pedagogy.

We have added that to what was already a wonderful school.

We’re now very conscious of how we go about teaching and learning.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Grimwade House Year 5 Leadership Conference Across the School, leadership activities are a critical part of the curriculum. On Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November, all Year 5 students took part in a two-day Leadership Conference, designed to get them thinking about leadership and their roles next year, whether formal or informal, as leaders of Grimwade House.

The conference brought together a diverse range of speakers, who encouraged students to explore themes such as the leader’s role in community; techniques for developing

leadership skills; moral courage and perseverance; and how to identify positive role models.

Mr Nathan Jessup, Director of Leadership (pictured left), ran sessions on how to tackle moral dilemmas, while Mr Paul Jubber, Wadhurst’s Coordinator of Leadership and Director of Sport, discussed the importance of developing your own moral code. Students also heard from Meg Price, Director of HR Inside, who developed an app called Positive Penguins with her daughter Sara (Year 5).

Leadership in the media was the subject of two key presentations – experienced journalist Jennifer Keyte talked to students about the process of making news, while media personality and businessman Eddie McGuire discussed the importance of being true to yourself.

The programme continued with presentations from Marika Fengler, Communications Coordinator at Sacred Heart Mission; Mariam Issa, an advocate for social justice, women’s issues and multicultural harmony; Andrew McKay, General Manager of Football Operations at Carlton Football Club; Abdi Aden, a Somalian refugee who specialises in youth development and appeared on the television programme Go Back To Where You Came From; and Councillor Jamie Hyams, the Mayor of Glen Eira.

Valder Hall naming Former staff, past parents and an assortment of friends and family gathered at Grimwade House on Thursday 7 November 2013 for a very special event – the naming of Valder Hall.

Though the small hall adjacent to the Chapel has served a number of purposes over the years, it had never been officially named. It is fitting, then, that it now bears the name of Mr Peter Valder, Principal (and later, Head) of Grimwade House from 1979 until 1997.

“I am very flattered that it now has a name, especially as, of all the buildings in a School which I loved dearly, the hall was the one where I spent most of my ‘non-office’ time – with concerts, parents’ functions, assemblies, visiting speakers, Harleston Drama Days and, above all, the School plays, several of which I directed, for better or worse, and with all of which I was deeply involved,” says Mr Valder.

During his time as Head, Mr Valder oversaw two important projects at the School – namely, the transition to coeducation and the transformation of the original Harleston homestead into a magnificent lower primary area.

Built in 1931, the hall is now home to a brass plaque bearing its new name.

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Senior Musicians’ Concert Soaring strings, compelling brass and skilful choral work took centre stage at this year’s Senior Musicians’ Concert, on Monday 16 September 2013. The concert is the result of a full semester’s hard work by students in Years 5 and 6.

The concert brought together a broad collection of musical groups from across Grimwade House, including the Brass Ensemble; the Percussion Ensemble; Elevarsi, the girls’ vocal group; the Years 5 and 6 Super Choir; the Years 5 and 6 Concert Band; the Years 5 and 6 Grimwade House Orchestra; the Vivaldi Ensemble, the auditioned string group; the Saxophone Ensemble; the Guitar Ensemble; and the Years 5 and 6 Recorder Consort.

The theme for the night was “This is it”, which was also the title of the opening choral item. Between acts, the Year 6 Music Captains – Ashley Evans, Richard Wylie, Charlotte Richards, Joshua Long, Michael Phillips and Euan Kant – acted as comperes, treating the audience to their unique comic stylings and witty repartee, inspired by The Muppet Show. A crew of Year 5 students helped out behind the scenes, and several Year 4 students were enlisted to join particular ensembles.

The Senior Musicians’ Concert provides a valuable opportunity for teamwork and gaining performance experience, says Ms Catherine Baillie, Director of Music: “The concert not only enables them to create music in a group situation, but also teaches them about concert/stage etiquette, stage presence, working as a team towards a common goal, commitment, patience, resilience and allows them to experience that all-important ‘buzz’ a performer feels when they’ve finished playing or singing their last note in front of a live, packed and appreciative audience.”

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Wadhurst Alix in Wadhurstland young student entering Wadhurst for the first time. The story played with the idea of transition and that particular disorientation one sometimes feels in a new place. Surrounded by characters simultaneously strange and familiar, Alix begins his own transformation into Alice.

“The experience of ‘stepping into another person’s shoes’ – true empathy – enables us to begin to understand other people, other worlds,” says Ms Mackenzie.

The whimsy of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland provided plenty of inspiration for this year’s Wadhurst production. For the first time, the production adopted a digital medium – instead of live theatre, it was presented as a film, with three screenings in the Higgins Theatrette.

Under the guidance of Ms Fiona Mackenzie, Coordinator of Drama at Wadhurst, the film told the story of Alix, a

Filming took place over 15 Monday afternoons, with an enthusiastic cast including Callum Johnson (Year 8) as Alix/Alice, Jack Wappett (Year 8) as the White Rabbit, Charlie Bidgood (Year 8) as the Dodo and Rich Bartlett (Year 8) as the Gryphon. A dedicated crew of students also worked behind the scenes to help produce the show.

“What is revealed within the story of Alice is that being willing to be part of the adventure, and yet not stand for any injustices along the way, will allow for a great journey.

It seems like a good approach and one which we might use whenever we face new situations, new people and are part of new experiences,” says Ms Mackenzie.

House Athletics

Crouched at the starting line, Wadhurst’s young athletes were poised to deliver some terrific sporting achievements on a sunny Saturday in October. And they did not disappoint.

The roars of an enthusiastic crowd of peers, parents and supporters spurred Caffin House to a resounding victory, the end to a seven-year drought.

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They were followed closely by Cain House in second place, with Cuming House just behind, in third place.

Amidst many strong performances, the overall champion was Mitchell Hooper (Year 8, Cuming House) in the Under 15 category. First places were also awarded to Fraser Ponsford (Year 8, Cain House) and Harry Ross (Year 7, Cain House) in the Under 14 category, and Ed Proper (Year 7, Cuming House) in the Under 13 category.

Mission House Gaining an understanding of the disadvantage faced by some other members of the community was one of the valuable outcomes from Wadhurst’s Community Awareness Programme this year. Throughout the year, groups of Year 8 students have been volunteering at Mission House in Fitzroy.

Run by Anglicare, Mission House provides support for lowincome families in the inner northern suburbs. Mission House supplies food, household items, emergency relief and financial aid for people in need.

Under the guidance of Mr Matt Houniet, the boys met with Ian Wallbridge, Mission House Coordinator, who introduced them to the challenges faced by homeless people and lowincome families. The boys helped out, sorting donations of canned goods, organising toys in preparation for Mission House’s Christmas distribution, undertaking maintenance tasks like changing doorknobs and paving, setting up shelves and rearranging storage spaces.

The boys also visited St Mark’s Community Centre, also in Fitzroy. St Mark’s runs a drop-in centre for homeless people, providing a comfortable, safe space to rest, eat, refresh and do laundry. The centre’s coordinator, Sam, spoke to the boys about the plight of Melbourne’s homeless people and the important role of services such as Mission House and the St Mark’s drop-in centre.

The boys finished the day with a clean-up and picnic at Cubbies, Fitzroy’s community playground alongside the Atherton Gardens housing estate.

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Senior School Service Week Respect – for yourself and for others – was the theme for Service Week in 2013. Led by Jackson Koop (Year 12), a committee comprising Howard Tang (Year 12), Nic Bills (Year 11) and John Mainland (Year 11) devised an engaging programme of activities designed to raise funds and get students thinking about what respect means.

First held in 2010, Service Week raises funds for a specific cause, charity or community organisation. In 2013, fundraising activities supported Whitelion, a Melbournebased community organisation that supports at-risk youth.

Whitelion seeks to provide opportunities, connections and support for young people to enable them to make positive changes in their lives.

Activities during the week explored the theme of respect.

There was a dodgeball game against Melbourne Girls Grammar School, a presentation by former Carlton great and Whitelion co-founder Glenn Manton, and a barbecue in the boarding precinct. The week culminated in a buzz of activity outside the student centre. The LOTE Department took part in a Masterchef challenge, preparing culinary delights from the four corners of the globe. Two brave individuals made personal sacrifices in the name of charity – Maxim Cave (Year 12, Vice Captain of School) gave up his carefully cultivated coif, while Mr Harrod was bathed in an unsavoury pink goo, like a lost prop from that 1958 classic The Blob.

“The Service Week committee’s choice to focus on ‘respect’ emerged from their belief that it is a value that underpins all functional and close-knit communities,” explains Mr Nathan Jessup, Director of Leadership.

In total, the committee raised $2169 for Whitelion, an impressive achievement.

Sir Kingsley Norris Oration Why do we do what we do? asked James Little (Year 11), in his winning speech in this year’s Sir Kingsley Norris Oration. Each year, the oration invites students to deliver a six-minute presentation on a topic of their choice. Henry Kiellerup (Year 11) was awarded the second place, with Matt Bowes (Year 11) in third.

Below is an extract from James’s oration, “What makes us tick?”

On 11 October 2012, Felix Baumgartner of Austria set the world record for sky-diving, jumping an estimated 39 kilometres from a helium balloon and plummeting to earth at speeds of up to 1350 kilometres an hour. This made him the first free-falling human being to break the sound barrier. I am sure you are all familiar with Felix’s supersonic skydiving feat – but have you ever considered why Felix chose to do this?

What could possibly have motivated him to become a human projectile, other than some vainglorious death wish?

When I read about Felix, I found myself thinking, what motivates us as humans in general? Surely there is something which drove us to grow legs and crawl from the ocean; surely something drove us to rub two sticks together to make fire; surely something drove us to invent the wheel, to put a man on the moon. What drives us? What motivates us? What makes us tick?

This question of motivation has plagued many thinkers throughout history. JFK put a man on the moon, as he said, not because it was easy, but because it was hard.

George Mallory attempted to climb the highest mountain in the world, because it was there. Or in the words of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, “I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which o’er leaps itself.”

But I would assert today, that it is purpose that motivates us to achieve, to look for something beyond our immediate existence, to pursue some greater goals in order to lead productive and satisfied lives. The ability to think and pursue ideals of what we may be, rather than what we currently are, is what sets us apart.

Maxim Cave (Year 12) auctioned the opportunity to shave his head to raise money during Service Week 16

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It is up to each and every one of us to try and determine what our individual purpose may be. I’m not suggesting that we can have some sort of selective motivation, where we might determine that it is not our purpose to go to school today. No, purpose has a greater significance than that, we may get it wrong or it may well change over time, but we at least need to think about what it may be, if we want to lead a meaningful life. But the most important thing about purpose is … only you can decide what yours will be.

West Side Story What makes a theatre classic? It’s not just about the story or the songs; the show also needs to explore compelling themes, to offer familiar elements and the thrill of the new.

West Side Story is a good example – first performed in 1957, it has become an enduring favourite, by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.

As the subject of this year’s musical production, it brought together a talented cast from Melbourne Grammar School and Melbourne Girls Grammar School for three stunning performances in the Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall.

If you’re not familiar with the story, it is a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set in New York’s Upper West Side. It is a story of cultural conflict and rival gangs – the Jets, a group of Polish-American youths; versus the Sharks, the Puerto Rican gang. At the centre of it all is the forbidden love between Tony and Maria.

Under the direction of Dr Tim Scott, Director of Students, the students delivered some incredible performances. Complex choreography was handled confidently, including complex fight scenes and dance ensembles, and the singing was, without exception, a treat for the appreciative audience.

As Tony, Reilly Holt (Year 11) was a dashing lead opposite Emma Hill as Maria. There was simmering tension between James Singleton (Year 12) and Jack Martin (Year 12) as gang leaders Riff and Bernardo. Playing against type, the supporting cast were alarmingly convincing as street toughs and troublemakers!

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Outdoor Education Beyond the Gates The success of last year’s Beyond the Gates outdoor education experience meant that anticipation was high for this year’s programme. For our Year 10 students, the 21-day expedition across Victoria to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko offers real challenges – the need to work together closely as a group, to test their mental resolve, and to maintain focus for an extended period away from everything familiar.

Groups travel first to Mount Beauty, before hiking for four days to the Mitta Mitta River. They spend three days rafting, before a two-day mountain-biking leg. Midway through the expedition, students spend time alone in the Alpine fields, the Solo Day, an opportunity for personal reflection in the midst of a busy schedule. From here, students hike to the summit of the mountain. Along the way, groups meet with Indigenous Elders as they cross traditional borders, learning more about each area’s history and significance for local communities.

Each group was accompanied by trained group leaders from the Outdoor Education Group (OEG), plus School staff offering support. “The group leaders were a great support team. In a lot of ways, they encourage you to lead yourselves – but they’re always there to support you,” says Andrew Pan (Year 10).

“I found the whole trip really good,” says Jacob Cubis (Year 10). “I wasn’t sure what to expect and I thought I’d have a tough time being away for so long. But I enjoyed every part of it; you really don’t have a down moment. It’s quite intense but the Solo Day gives you the opportunity to rest and think.”

The rafting leg was a highlight for many students, requiring team work, careful planning and courage. “Rafting was the best bit. It gave you a break from hiking and it was a lot of fun, especially going over the waterfalls. Everyone enjoyed it, I think,” says Ben Seamer (Year 10). “You’ve got to really use your brain – to read the river, to time your run through different sets of rocks,” says James Henderson (Year 10).

“I didn’t expect it to be such a mental game – you’ve got to really concentrate. If you don’t, you end up in the water pretty quickly!”

Many students reported positive personal experiences from the trip. “The camping really encouraged you to work independently, to take responsibility,” says Trevor Kerari (Year 10). “At the first camp site, my group talked about taking responsibility and helping each other. You’re on a journey and there is some tough stuff to endure. You’ve got to help each other and show your leadership skills.”

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Year 8 Camps In the picturesque surrounds of the Gippsland Lakes, Year 8 students participated in cycling, hiking and sea kayaking in this year’s camps. The base for operations was Camp Dowd, Melbourne Grammar School’s outdoor education facility on the Banksia Peninsula.

For many students, the kayaking leg was a new experience.

“We hadn’t done kayaking before, so we learnt lots of new techniques – how to use the oars, how to steer the kayak, how to wear the kayaking skirts, how to use your life jacket,” says Rich Bartlett (Year 8).

“The hiking wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be,” says Tom Baring (Year 8). “But the ride was mostly uphill, so that was pretty hard work! The single-track bike riding was a highlight – it was a miniature downhill track about threequarters of the way through. You don’t pedal on your way through, you just go up and down with the hills.”

Time out from the busy Wadhurst schedule was also a bonus, says Angus McIndoe (Year 8): “You didn’t have to worry about timing. You have time to relax and enjoy the experience. It’s a good week to get away from the rhythm of School. You also get to see how important the environment is – you see so much variety and landscape.”

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Boarding En route For boarding students, the trip to School often takes them far away from family, friends and everything else familiar. Here, two boarders share the personal experiences that brought them to Melbourne Grammar School.

Kade Alexander entered Perry House midway through Year 9 in 2012, after growing up near Bairnsdale. Now nearing the end of Year 10, he is making the most of every opportunity at Melbourne Grammar School.

I guess it was the opportunities that made me want to come to Melbourne Grammar School. I saw my brother (Todd Alexander, OM 2010) go through here and I saw how well he did in his VCE. At home in Bairnsdale, it’s a much smaller community. My school certainly wasn’t bad, but I could see that there would be so many more options here.

It all happened quite quickly for me. My family and I spoke to Mr Ford about the possibilities. I thought we were talking about the next year, but it turned out to be the next month!

I’d seen the School before, when my brother was here, but I was still pretty nervous when I came down for my interview.

It didn’t really hit me that I’d be coming here until I was in the room with Mr Kelley and he told me I’d been accepted.

It was exciting but nerve-racking!

It takes around four-and-a-half hours to get back to Bairnsdale, so it’s not too bad. I really suffered with homesickness at the beginning. I remember going home for my first set of holidays and not wanting to come back, but Mum reminded me that if I didn’t go back that day, I’d never get this opportunity again. I think I probably needed a bit of tough love.

One of the great things about boarding it that you learn to live with people’s odd habits. You realise it’s not worth arguing with someone about the small things. You just learn to live with it; you become more accepting. You learn a lot about different cultures too – for example it’s great chatting to some of the guys from Asia and the PNG students.

The School’s made a big difference to my academic approach. At my old school, I was one of the smart kids but, when I started here, I was middle to low range! It really made me work hard to catch up. Though the work is a lot harder, it’s a lot easier to learn at Melbourne Grammar School.

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Originally from Hong Kong, Enoch Chan has been boarding at Melbourne Grammar School for three years. He was recently awarded the Contributor’s Award at the Perry House Dinner. Next year, he will enter Year 12.

Being here has really changed me a lot. First of all, the culture is very different to Hong Kong. I grew up in a Chinese culture and, even though I attended an international school, it was still predominantly Chinese students who went there. The culture here is quite different – I had expected that there might be more students like myself, but it’s a real mix. There are boys at this School from everywhere!

My parents thought coming to Melbourne Grammar School would be a good opportunity for me to develop and to get away from home. They have this theory – if you get out of your comfort zone, you’ll learn a lot more and you’ll enhance yourself as well.

I go back home twice per year; once each semester. I’m lucky to I have an uncle who lives locally and my sister is studying at the University of Melbourne. It makes a difference having that family support. I don’t see them very often, but they’re a good back-up.

I love it here, but I’ve had some tough times. It’s sort of like a mini society – you grow up from being a kid into an adult. I think the boarding house really enhances that experience too – there’s a sense of community. When you don’t have your parents here, you really must develop your independence, your mental strength, and your ability to soldier on. The main thing is just to be yourself – just be who you are and be somebody that you’re proud of.

There are a lot of students here who are very talented. There are people who are amazing at sport, at music, and a lot of boys who are very smart. It’s exciting to meet these people who you know will go far. It creates an environment where you really strive for excellence.

Making such a good group of friends has really been one of the highlights for me. These are people who will hopefully end up being lifelong friends. Living in the boarding house, you really get to know people. They really become your second family.

Retired Staff Association Eternal summer Call him not old, whose visionary brain Holds o’er the past its undivided reign, For him in vain the envious seasons roll Who bears eternal summer in his soul.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894) Untroubled by the rolling seasons, the relentless procession of school terms, the bells, the marking and reports, the members of the Retired Staff Association have thrown themselves energetically into a round of activities to enlarge their visionary brains and enjoy their unending summer.

Universally known as “the Dinosaurs”, retired staff and their partners from all campuses have indulged themselves in a plenitude of mind-bending and leg-stretching activities.

A visit on a beautiful autumn day to the McLelland Sculpture Park opened up hitherto unknown vistas. As we ambled through the tree-clad parkland, fascinating forms and towering shapes rose out of the bush. Seldom assisted by a title, we were left to interpret for ourselves what the tortuous assemblies of scrap iron, rope, car tyres, wood and plastics might mean. A trip by train to Castlemaine provided the perfect opportunity for collegiality, followed by a tour of the Castlemaine Art Gallery, famous for its collection of Australian art. We were warmly welcomed and greatly enlightened by Peter Perry, only the third Curator there in one hundred years.

Another lavish lunch at Leonda accompanied our AGM, at which David Woods succeeded Kathy Howell as President and Barry Barton joined the committee as Vice President.

Dr Tim Scott, as Acting Deputy Headmaster, gave us some intriguing insights into changes at the School that even those recently retired might hardly have foreseen. Reilly Holt (Year 11) helped reduce the average age of the assembled company and serenaded us with some songs from his forthcoming leading role in West Side Story. We were delighted to welcome Michael Gronow (OM 1983), husband of English Teacher Sharon Mulready and father of Christian (Year 9), as our guest speaker. A distinguished barrister, he held us spellbound as he described the experience of acting for the underdogs in highly publicised cases involving powerful corporations.

For our winter lecture, Peter Newbury, former Head of History at Melbourne Grammar School, was in his element as he fascinated and bemused us with the many mysteries still remaining which surround the assassination of President Kennedy 50 years ago. Conspiracy theories, loss and manipulation of evidence, prejudice and Cold War politics have all continued to shroud the true events in uncertainty.

The year concluded with a tour of the newly refurbished Hamer Hall and the annual Spring Picnic in the idyllic grounds of Werribee Park.

It is not usually given to retired teachers in their 80s to receive further accolades, but two of our number have done just that. Peter Valder, Head of Grimwade House from 1979 to 1997 and the Editor of the Dino News, has had his name immortalised in the Valder Hall, in well-earned recognition of the universal admiration in which he is held. Des Norman, Art Teacher from 1964 to1990, and the Dinosaurs’ honorary artist, won the prestigious Melbourne City Council Award in 2012 which sponsored his Dorrit Street Carlton 1939 –1946 exhibition in October. This series of oil paintings evokes the wartime character of Carlton and continues his life’s work of revealing and interpreting the social history of Melbourne.

We are greatly indebted to the members of our hardworking committee – Kathleen Comery (our indefatigable secretary), Barry Barton, Leslie Gorrel, Anne Wilhelm, Rick Rosenhain and Peter Valder – and to Melbourne Grammar School and the Headmaster for their indispensable support of the association.

David Woods President

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The Old Melburnians Council A new generation of OMs

Ameet Bains

It is apt that this edition of Grammar News reflects on the topic of journeys as the School year ends and another group of Valedictorians emerge from the Bluestone after 13 years of schooling.

The corollary of this is that the Old Melburnians are delighted to welcome into their ranks another 199 leavers. As President, I was fortunate to represent the Old Melburnians Council at both the Valedictory Ceremony in the Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall and the Valedictory Dinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

What became apparent is that the School continues to produce wonderful young people. To hear some of the leavers speak so eloquently and thoughtfully as they reflected on their journey through the School was a pleasure.

The Old Melburnians Council wishes all Year 12 leavers the very best for what their respective futures hold. We sincerely hope each of them builds on the terrific base Melbourne Grammar School has provided them.

Another successful Old Melburnians Annual Dinner was held on 23 August 2013 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. Days ahead of the federal election, those present were fortunate to hear from noted political analyst Michael Kroger who, in his inimitable style, gave us his insight into how he felt the election would unfold.

Attention now turns to next year’s Annual Dinner, which has already been locked in for 1 August 2014. I recommend that OMs save the date in their diaries now for what should be an entertaining evening with the “Coodabeen Champions” at Leonda.

At this year’s Annual Dinner, the 2013 Old Melburnians Fellowship was also awarded to James Ingram (OM 2010). It was fantastic that the 2012 Fellowship recipient Nick Fabbri (OM 2010) was there to help announce James’s success. As many may know, the Fellowship awards a bursary to a young OM to undertake travel, study and/or a project that provides for both self-development and community benefit.

As a medical student at Monash University, James will be undertaking a 12-week placement in Kenya, working in hospitals and on outreach programmes in both urban and rural areas. The Old Melburnians Council is pleased to help facilitate James’s honourable pursuit.

With the recent AGM in November, my time at the Old Melburnians also reaches its conclusion. It has been both an honour and pleasure to serve on the Council for the best part of a decade, and to be President over the last two years.

The Old Melburnians Council continues to be served by a group of men and women who volunteer their own time to help the Council continue to serve the broader Old Melburnians network and support the School.

I wish my successor, Nigel Thompson (OM 1969), all the best in his term as President and am sure his enthusiasm and passion for the role will hold him in good stead.

Welcome also to Georgie Freeman (OM 2001) and John Michelmore (OM 1979) who recently joined the Council at the AGM. I wish them all the best for their time on Council.

On behalf of the OMs Council, I wish you and your extended families a happy and safe festive season and all the best for 2014.

Ameet Bains President

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The Old Melburnians David Harper AM (OM 1961) The barrister in popular media is a figure of unwavering conviction, a skilled orator, a silver-tongued negotiator. It is refreshing, then, to hear that the reality of performing in the courtroom is often quite different.

“I found it very daunting,” says David Harper AM (OM 1961), former Barrister and Judge of the Supreme Court. “The first time you go into a court, even if you have something that isn’t particularly important – say, a minor matter like a traffic infringement or something like that – suddenly you’re in this room that is quite obviously a courtroom, and you have to perform in front of everyone and not make a fool of yourself.

It was tough.”

This self-professed unease did not impede David’s judicial career. After graduating from Melbourne Grammar School in 1961, he completed his articles at his father’s firm, Arthur Robinson (now Allens Linklaters), before going to the Bar in September 1970. In his early days, he completed his training under the tutelage of two senior barristers – first Peter Brusey and later James Gobbo (who would later become Governor of Victoria). “I was very lucky to have two very fine mentors,” David says.

During this time, David had the opportunity to work on a number of seminal cases, including two high-profile cases of literary impropriety. “Peter Brusey acted for Penguin Books when it was sued for publishing Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which, in those days in the early 70s, was thought by some to be a disgracefully obscene book,” David recalls. “It was a case of great interest, and then Peter did it again with Portnoy’s Complaint, which was considered outlandishly offensive, if not obscene. These days, it wouldn’t turn a hair!”

David spent 22 years as a barrister, taking silk in 1986. He spent time as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Victorian Bar. In 1992, David was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court. In this role, David came to be known for his calm, courteous and circumspect approach, according to Fiona McLeod, Chair of the Victorian Bar. He has been a formidable defender of the independence of the judiciary. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, for service to law reform, to the judiciary, and in the area of international humanitarian law, and to the community through support services for the care and resettlement of offenders and their families.

This final point relates to David’s work as a patron of the Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (VACRO). “The rehabilitation of people who have committed criminal offences is enormously important for society, but it’s very difficult,” he says. “Once you go into prison, you come out with a record and freeing yourself from

that record and at the same time making something of your life isn’t easy.” In his retirement, David looks forward to continuing this work.

David speaks fondly of his time at Melbourne Grammar School. He entered Wadhurst in 1954. “I was always interested in learning – much more with the Humanities than the Sciences. I wasn’t very good at Maths,” David recalls.

In his final year, David was appointed School Captain, a role he relished. In this position, he worked closely with Mr Brian Hone, Headmaster at the time, and gained a sense of what leadership really means. He became a weekly boarder, spending Sunday nights at Perry House and the rest of the week in School House, before heading home for the weekend. “I found boarding, in that somewhat restricted sense, an absolutely marvellous experience. That, combined with weekly contact with Brian Hone, was for me extraordinarily significant. Even now, I’m enormously grateful for that experience.”

David’s son, William, attended the School in the 80s, and David has retained a connection to the School through a close network of friends from his peer year. In particular, he is interested in the School’s Indigenous Programme. “There is such a marked difference between the general standards of living for the general populace and our Indigenous communities. We should do whatever we can properly do, sensitively do, without being paternalistic and without imposing our ideas on others,” David says. “I think the Indigenous Programme at the School has the possibility of making a real difference.”

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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:

5 October 2013 Tom Jarman (OM 2005) & Jemima Dowell

19 October 2013 Edward Townsing (OM 2000) & Lisa Johns

30 November 2013 Simon Officer (OM 2002) & Amanda Cumbrae-Stewart

Earlier this year, Hugh O’Neill (OM 1950) was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, for distinguished service to architecture, through contributions to tertiary education and the fostering of relations with Asia, particularly Indonesia.

Hugh is an Honorary Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1956 and has been a practising architect since 1957. He founded the Architecture of Asian Societies course at the University of Melbourne in 1962. Our apologies to Hugh that his award was omitted from the Australia Day Honours List in the April edition of Grammar News.

The Centenary of the House System One hundred years ago, the first six Houses were founded at the School. In 2014, we will be celebrating this important milestone with a series of commemorative events.

Thursday 27 February 2014 Rusden House Centenary Wednesday 12 March 2014 Morris House Centenary

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A LIT

Tuesday 6 May 2014 Ross House Centenary

CCESSU SU

SPE M •

Friday 28 March 2014 School House Centenary

Wednesday 14 May 2014 Witherby House Centenary Thursday 22 May 2014 Bromby House Centenary

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te in Unita Vires

The Blamey family has become something of a Melbourne Grammar School dynasty – brothers Charles Blamey (OM 1926) and Thomas R Blamey (OM 1932) both attended the School, followed by Thomas’s sons, Thomas E (Ted) (OM 1963) and R Terry (OM 1968). Terry’s son, Thomas C Blamey (OM 2000), represented the next generation at the School. The patriarch of the family was Sir Thomas Blamey (1884–1951). He served as a Major in World War I and, during his military career, a number of his top subordinates were Old Melburnians, including Lieutenant-Generals Sir Vernon Sturdee (OM 1905), Edward Smart (OM 1908) and Sir Edmund Herring (OM 1910), and Major-General Basil Morris (OM 1907). Sir Thomas was the only Australian ever to reach five-star rank in the armed forces and was recently honoured at the Pakistan Army Command and Staff College in Quetta, on the Afghan border.

Mike Lenné PhD (OM 1988) was recently promoted to Professor at the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

In addition to being an Associate Director of the Centre, he leads a team of 15 scientists devoted to improving safety in transport and workplace settings. His latest research is improving the design and safety of rail level crossings – research that is urgently needed as noted in the Coroner’s report in to the Kerang rail crash released in October 2013.

Marc van den Berg (OM 1991) has been appointed Group Operations Director at M&C Saatchi. Marc has worked in a number of highprofile advertising agencies, including Ogilvy & Mather UK, OgilvyOne and RAPP UK. He has lived in the UK for the last 14 years.

Charles Sedgley (OM 1996) is enjoying success as a restaurateur and entrepreneur. After working at a local butcher’s shop, managing a pub in Barcelona and DJ’ing on the side, Charles opened his Armadale restaurant Barça in 2007. Since then he has also opened a bar, Lona, and started a business selling warning bells for prams, scooters and bikes.

He has also written a children’s book and started Sedgley & Sons Wines with his father Michael (OM 1960) and brother Edward (OM 1995).

A number of OMs made the headlines in the recent AFL draft. Jackson Paine (OM 2011) joins the Brisbane Lions for 2013, while Tom Langdon (OM 2012) was selected by Collingwood. Essendon picked up two Melbourne Grammar students – Shaun Edwards (OM 2011), who played his 2012 season with Greater Western Sydney, and current student Zach Merrett (Year 12), who was selected at pick 26.

Obituaries

Geoffrey Gordon McCrae (OM 1906) a career in architecture. It was his artistic talent that secured his place in Australian military folklore.

Geoffrey Gordon McCrae was born in 1890 and entered Melbourne Grammar School in 1904, aged 14. Despite describing himself as lacking in confidence, he finished top of his class at the end of his first year. He had a very keen interest in rowing as his main school sport, following his father’s interest in maritime events. He also had a creative streak – he was awarded a ‘special drawing prize’ in 1905, presented to him by then Prime Minister and distinguished Old Melburnian Alfred Deakin.

On leaving Melbourne Grammar in 1906, McCrae’s love of drawing led him towards

When war broke out, he enlisted as a Captain in the 7th Battalion, putting his military training and proven leadership qualities to good use. He was promoted to Major in April 1915 at the age of 25. At Gallipoli, McCrae put his drawing ability and strategic mind to good use. When the Australian Military leaders had made the decision to evacuate, Geoffrey McCrae realised that a self-firing gun, invented by his friend Bill Scurray, would be the perfect way to enable the safe withdrawal of the Australian force. McCrae prepared a sketch of the gun and presented it to his superiors. They immediately saw its potential and, with the self-firing guns keeping the opposing force at bay, the Australians safely evacuated. McCrae was proud to be amongst the last to leave Anzac Cove.

McCrae suffered two injuries during active duty, but returned to the Western Front, joining the 60th Battalion. In June 1916, he received orders to lead his battalion across a wide expanse of no-man’s-land, near Fromelles. McCrae knew that the expanse they would have to cross was so wide, he wrote down that his death was certain.

Despite this, McCrae devised a detailed strategy for his troops and proceeded with calm bravery. Major Geoffrey McCrae was killed in action on 20 July 1916.

The School has learnt of the following deaths in our community. We extend our sympathy and understanding to their family and friends.

Amor, RJ (OM 1945) Allen, EC (OM 1936) Angell, LPG (OM 1947) Beswick, DP (Past Staff) Birnie, NC (OM 1942) Clarke, NG (OM 1948) Connell, HB (OM 1946) Cooper, HP (OM 1946) Cowper, PRH (OM 1941) Dawson, DK (OM 1947) Danne, NJ (OM 1945) Dawkins, R (OM1948) Derham, GA (OM 1943) Dunstan, J (OM 1938) Gillespie, IL (OM 1956) Henderson, H (OM 1954) Hunt, AJ (OM 1945) Lansdell, BJ (OM 1965)

Commemorating World War I

Lovell, SR (Current Staff)

The year 2014 marks the centenary of the commencement of World War I, and Melbourne Grammar School will be commemorating this important event in the School’s history. To help us honour the members of our community who served in the war, we need your assistance.

McDonald, GC (OM 1940)

How you can help We are seeking descendants of the 1353 Melbourne Grammar students who served during World War I, who are willing to share the fascinating personal stories of their ancestors and any memorabilia or documents they may have treasured over the years.

Collected stories and materials will be used for commemorative activities recognising the bravery of the young men who were prepared to give their lives for their country.

Masel, L (OM 1941)

McLean, DJ (OM 1950) Newmarch, JL (OM 1952) Ramsden, AP (OM 1952) Scott, WR (OM 1947) Siminton, HR (OM 1940)

More information

Smibert, PR (OM 1963)

To find out more or to share information about Old Melburnians who served in the war, please go to the Archives section of the School’s website.

Stephens, FD (OM 1930) Streeton, OC (OM 1959)

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Community Events

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Guests at the naming of Valder Hall at Grimwade House on Thursday 7 November

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Guests enjoying the Melbourne Grammar Springtime Lunch with Ita Buttrose in the Myer Mural Hall on Wednesday 14 November

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The Foundation Valuing education As Chairman of the Witherby Tower Society, Andrew hopes to build the School’s endowment fund through bequests, providing long-term sustainable funding for the School.

“People shouldn’t think that they need to give a huge amount of money to make a difference. The truth is every gift is valued, respected and wanted. You are helping secure the future of a great school,” Andrew says.

Like Andrew, Dr John Stuckey (OM 1962, pictured below) cites his experience as a student at Melbourne Grammar School as the inspiration for continuing to donate to the School and its endeavours.

Josée Pinsonneault with Lloyd Thomas, President of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation

When I took up my role in the middle of this year, I was immediately struck by the passion that energises the School – whether of the teachers, the students or the wider School community who have maintained such strong connections to the Bluestone.

I noticed that same passion and commitment in my first conversation with Lloyd Thomas, President of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation. “Education is critical – if you don’t have those building blocks, it’s difficult to realise your potential,” he says. Lloyd has witnessed the real benefit of a Melbourne Grammar School education. His three sons – Mark (OM 1995), Peter (OM 1998) and Andrew (OM 2006) – attended the School, and he is looking forward to the commencement of four grandchildren over the next few years.

“The Foundation’s role is to promote and encourage the generosity of the School community through philanthropy,” Lloyd says. Each and every volunteer and donor plays a role in helping the School guide boys and girls to become productive, responsible and caring citizens of the future. By giving time and advice, donors can help to leverage financial support, which has a domino effect – it offers support and encouragement through bursaries and scholarships, it creates exciting learning experiences through outstanding facilities, and it ensures that the School can remain nimble and at the forefront of education.

A belief in the importance of education also drove Andrew Guy (OM 1965) to become involved in the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation. “My father went to the School, my brothers and I went to the School, my son went to the School, and I now have grandchildren at the School,” says Andrew. “I think we’ve all benefited from a Melbourne Grammar School education and I want to make sure that experience is available for future generations.”

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In the 51 years since he left Melbourne Grammar School, John has forged a successful career as one of Melbourne’s leading radiologists. He studied at the University of Melbourne, residing at Trinity College and graduating as Dux in his final year. He is currently the Clinic Director at Moorabbin Radiology and spent ten years as Clinic Director at MIA Moorabbin Hospital. “That was an extremely intellectually rewarding time,” John says. “The thing about radiology is that it has changed so much over the years, perhaps more than any other specialist area.”

For the last 30 years, John has been a generous supporter of the School, through the Annual Appeal and other campaigns.

In 2013, he became a member of the Witherby Tower Society. “I have fond memories from my time at Melbourne Grammar School. It might sound a bit corny, but I’m now at a point in my career where I can give back. Why not chip in for a School that was very good to me?” he says.

John and his wife, Sue, are proud to support a number of causes.

“The question we ask ourselves is: Do we believe in this institution?”

John says. They have a particular interest in the scholarship programme at Melbourne Grammar School and its potential to provide opportunities for a wide range of students.

“The connection I feel to the School is partly through the friends that I’ve kept and the camaraderie that brings. It’s also about the fact that the School gave me a valuable opportunity to study medicine, which is a career I’ve found very satisfying.”

A gift today or a bequest helps students achieve their dreams. Thank you to each and every donor who is helping shape this opportunity.

Josée Pinsonneault Director of Development

Friends of Grammar A year of success As the year draws to a close, it is the ideal opportunity to reflect on the hard work and achievements of the many members of our School community who participate in Friends of Grammar activities. Throughout 2013, FOG has coordinated many very successful events, enjoyed by both parents and students.

Grimwade House Year level cocktail parties, the annual Tennis Day Lunch, and the inaugural Dads of Grimwade (DOGs) lunch were just some of the events on the busy schedule organised by FOG Grimwade House. The dedicated team also prepared catering for grandparent and child morning teas, school sports days, school musical concerts, the Holy Communion ceremony, information evenings and the highly acclaimed Art Show.

FOG Grimwade House has also committed to several longer term projects this year, including support for the Indigenous Programme at Melbourne Grammar School and funding for art projects by Lewis Miller and Dean Bowen.

“Over the course of this year, I have been fortunate to meet and work alongside so many different people: our 70 class representatives, who have organised over 160 events during the year, the Grimwade parent community, the FOG committees at Wadhurst and Senior School, the Headmaster’s Presidents Committee, staff at The Lodge and, most of all, the children themselves,” says Maureen O’Keefe-Anders, FOG Grimwade House President 2013.

Wadhurst During the second half of the year, the FOG Wadhurst team has been hard at work on a number of very successful events. In September, the laughter and cheers from the annual Father and Son Trivia Night echoed from the Wadhurst Hall and the boys and their fathers were treated to a delicious selection of wood-fired pizzas on the Wadhurst deck. There was also the annual Wadhurst Music Concert in the Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall, where the FOG Wadhurst team provided drinks and catering during the interval. FOG Wadhurst also provided a magnificent supper for the Wadhurst Art and Music Exhibition at Motor Works.

The event drew an impressive crowd who enjoyed the creative talents of the students.

“So many people have generously gifted their time to support me and the endeavours of FOG Wadhurst,” says Danielle Podolak, FOG Wadhurst President 2013. “I’m filled with happiness to see so many ask for nothing but receive friendship, appreciation and satisfaction to know how our activities support our boys and the wider School community.”

Senior School Once again, the Boys’ Big Breakfast was a highlight of the FOG Senior School calendar. Over 200 guests attended, with guest speaker Gillon McLachlan, Deputy CEO of the Australian Football League, delivering a fascinating address.

More recently, FOG Senior School hosted a morning to mark the beginning of the Year 12 examination period. As their sons pored over the English exam paper, parents gathered in the Morrow Room at The Lodge to celebrate this final stage of their sons’ schooling.

One of the most highly anticipated events was the Springtime Lunch with guest speaker Ita Buttrose. More than 360 guests gathered at the Myer Mural Hall to hear about Ms Buttrose’s career as a pioneering editor who has had a lasting impact on the Australian media landscape.

Feedback from the event has been very positive – a truly memorable occasion.

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Archives Revisiting the classics The interwar period was a golden age for archaeology and Classical Studies. Howard Carter was prying open Tutankhamen’s Tomb, excavation was underway at Knossos, and German archaeologists were uncovering the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.

It was in the midst of this period that a talented young scholar, John Hugh Sutton (OM 1922), lost his life, but, in doing so, made a lasting contribution to the field of Classical Studies.

Born in 1906, Sutton was the son of George Henry Sutton and Jessie Campbell Sutton.

He commenced his secondary studies at Camberwell Grammar School before transferring to Melbourne Church of England Grammar School in 1920. He was a formidable student, highly attuned to language and literature. He was awarded the Foundation Scholarship in 1921 and the Marian Flack Scholarship in 1922. He secured first-class honours in Latin, French and English. In his final year at the School, 1922, he was Head Boy. Upon leaving the School, Sutton continued his studies at the University of Melbourne. Though he came from a wealthy family, he resided at Trinity College, securing the AM White Scholarship and achieving honours in Latin in 1923 and Ancient Greek in 1924, at ages 17 and 18.

In 1925, Sutton was involved in a motorcycle accident in the driveway at Trinity College and he died suddenly at age 19. Devastated at their loss, Sutton’s parents donated a gift of £500 (around $200,000 in contemporary terms) to the University of Melbourne to establish a collection of antiquities in Sutton’s honour.

Upon acceptance of the bequest, Cecil Scutt, Professor of Classics, enlisted Charles Theodore Seltman, a Cambridge classicist and numismatist, to begin building the John Hugh Sutton Collection. Together, they sailed to Greece and England, visiting auction houses, antiquities shops and excavation sites to build a collection of coins, vases, figurines, metal objects, plaster casts, reproductions and terracotta artefacts. Every object in the collection relates to Ancient Greece, with some dating back to 1250 BC.

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The John Hugh Sutton Collection became the foundation of the University of Melbourne’s Classics and Archaeology Collection. To this day, the collection remains an important teaching tool and aid to research, giving students access to primary sources from Ancient Greece. In recognition of the collection’s significance to Classical Studies, key pieces from the John Hugh Sutton Collection were on show during 2013 in an exhibition at the Ian Potter Museum of Art. A bust of Sutton from the Melbourne Grammar School Archive was included in the exhibition.

“Sutton had been widely regarded by those who taught him at Melbourne Grammar School and here as one of the brightest minds of his generation. There is even a small body of written work which gives some hints of that – peppered with classical allusions, but focused on modern themes,” says Professor Andrew McGowan, Warden of Trinity College.

“Sutton was the embodiment of that classical scholar of the time, who read the works in the original languages but was ready to apply their insights in contemporary terms.”

Valete – Class of 2013

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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 CRICOS No. 00977J ABN 61 004 453 829