Grammar News no 115 Dec 2014

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Number 115 – December 2014

Above:

This spectacular night-time vista was captured by Year 12 student Nic Bills. The bluestone is equally impressive by moonlight!

Front cover:

During the recent Festival of Theatre at Wadhurst, Angus Webb Ware (Year 7) brought the appropriate bluster & bravado to his role as Pyrgopolynices in The Braggart Soldier. Markus Christiansen (Year 7) played Artrotrogus, his long-suffering personal slave

Opposite:

The musical talents of Grimwade House were on show at this year’s Senior Musicians’ Concert

Grammar News is published for the Melbourne Grammar School community Published by: The Lodge, Melbourne Grammar School, 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Telephone: +61 3 9865 7555 Facsimile: +61 3 9865 7577 Email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au Editor: Peter Davies Layout & pre-production: Drew Gamble Photographs by: Nic Bills, Adam Cawood, Peter Davies, Kate Elliott, Drew Gamble, James Grant & Cat Poljski Melbourne Grammar School respects the privacy of its community members and is bound by the National Privacy Principles under the Commonwealth Privacy Act. For a copy of the School’s Privacy Policy please visit the School’s website at www.mgs.vic.edu.au or contact the School on +61 3 9865 7555

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In This Issue 4 From the School Council 5 From the Headmaster 6 News 14 Grimwade House 16 Wadhurst 18 Senior School 20 Creative Thinking 21 Outdoor Education 22 The Old Melburnians 24 Community News 26 Community Events 28 Past Staff Association 29 Friends of Grammar 30 From the Archives 31 Around the School

About this issue Whether artistic, dramatic, musical, linguistic, mathematical or even scientific, creative thinking is a useful skill across a range of disciplines.

In this issue of Grammar News, we consider the creative output of the students at Melbourne Grammar School. There are some impressive artworks from our VCE Visual Arts students (page 19) and a report on Wadhurst’s recent Festival of Theatre (page 17).

Also in this issue, we profile the new Head of Upper Primary at Grimwade House, Mrs Vickie Wheelahan (page 13), and hear from some Old Melburnians doing the School proud at Oxford (page 12). Our outgoing Year 6 students share some memories from their time at the School (page 15), and we share some images from the recent Beyond the Gates experience for Year 10 students (page 21).

We also take a moment to farewell Dr Tim Scott and Mrs Sally Scott after their long and successful careers at the School. They share some thoughts from a combined sixty-six years on campus (page 6).

I hope you enjoy this issue and wish you a restful holiday season.

Peter Davies Editor Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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From the School Council Creativity for a complex world History tells us that the combination of curiosity and creativity has led to the advances that have revolutionised our lives. Knowledge builds on the discoveries of those who have gone before. As the genius Isaac Newton, who defined the laws of gravity and the laws of motion as well as developing calculus, said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. But each step that led to the steam engine, the combustion motor, the jet engine, electricity, computers, wireless technology, antibiotics and all the other marvellous discoveries that define our modern life and resulted in startling improvements in life expectancy and quality of life, has depended on creative minds.

Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AO

It has been one of my greatest joys as Chair of the School Council to witness the wonderful creativity of the students expressed in so many ways. These have included concerts, plays, artworks and creative writing. Creativity in the arts provides the soul needed in our materialistic world, and I celebrate it and praise the School for nurturing it.

But in this article, I would like to focus on another form of creativity. It is reflected in a curious mind that does not accept dogma, but questions it. It is the capacity to find alternative explanations and solutions to those accepted by the majority or imposed on us.

One of history’s most creative minds summed it up. Einstein said, “He who joyfully marches to music rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake since, for him, the spinal cord would surely suffice.”

All of our preparatory class teachers and parents of young children recognise the natural curiosity of young children.

They are forever questioning, and their early artworks reveal their primitive but highly creative way of viewing the world. The greatest risk of the educational process is that this natural curiosity and creativity becomes submerged by information learned by rote, to be regurgitated periodically in examinations. Socrates defined education as the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.

Education at every level must maintain and extend our creativity by fuelling our curiosity. The world gets more and more complex. We will need technology to feed nine or ten billion people, to provide clean and cheap energy to lift two billion people out of poverty, methods of combating emerging and re-emergent infectious diseases, and systems of global governance that will solve the ever more threatening conflicts around the world. At the national level, we must replace our traditional manufacturing industries with new ones supplying innovative solutions in niche areas and exporting to the world. Never has creativity been so important. We need creative scientists and we need creative politicians and public servants.

The task of our schools and universities is to provide the educational environment that stimulates creativity.

The assessment process drives learning and it must test creativity rather than the accumulation of facts. Of course, creativity must have a context and a framework built on the learning of principles and basic factual knowledge, but the complex world that our students will face requires adaptability and creativity and a value system which will direct their creativity to constructive ends.

Our teachers are well aware of this need. We must not let the fixation on NAPLAN results and ATAR ranking distract us from the higher order skills that reflect a true education.

Attending the recent Valedictory Ceremony and Valedictory Dinner has convinced me that the boys leaving Year 12 have the intelligence, creativity and values to provide the leadership required in this complex world.

Richard Larkins Chairman

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From the Headmaster Creativity by design Australia, once known as the lucky country, has the challenge to become the clever and, indeed, the creative country of the future. We must move from a nation which relies heavily on extracting primary resources to one which becomes a world leader in the creation of value-added goods, services and, most importantly, innovative ideas. This provides education with a challenge to move beyond the industrial model of schooling and its reliance on pure recall, memorisation and straight-line thinking. There will always be a place for such pursuits in schools and our broader society, but there is an increasing need to develop problem-solving, design and creative thinking in classrooms. This movement may be in its first iteration in schooling, especially with respect to VCE curriculum and assessment criteria, but it is an irrepressible force nevertheless.

It may be argued that the incorporation of creativity into school curriculum is hardly new. An American report, commissioned over a decade ago to research the effect of the arts on education, stated, “The arts teach self-discipline, reinforce self-esteem and foster the thinking skills and creativity so valued in the workplace.” However, whilst it is true to suggest that creativity has always been an integral part of art, media and drama in schools, it has moved well beyond such domains to involve all curricular offerings.

Given that the Melbourne Grammar School Vision Statement declares that we “aim to develop fully within our students the ‘whole person’ – intellectually, physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially and spiritually”, we must ensure that a balanced approach exists in all curriculum themes, including the importance of creativity.

Creative thinking skills are cited as one of the key twentyfirst-century skills. Robert Marzano, an educational writer, identified a number of key dispositions necessary for a student to connect with such pursuits. Among these is the ability to engage intensely with a task, especially when answers are not immediately apparent. Marzano defines creative thinking as an ability to generate new ways of viewing a situation, outside the boundaries of standard conventions. One of the difficulties has been how to embed this in the teaching and learning dynamic, identifying how the precise interactions between teacher, student and subject content can be modified to encourage critical and creative thinking. For the last five years, staff at Wadhurst and in the Senior School have been involved in a professional development programme based on the work and presence of Dr Ron Ritchhart, from Harvard University’s Project Zero research centre.

Roy Kelley

Currently led by Mr Ben Hanisch, Director of Senior School Curriculum, this programme has been underpinned by Dr Ritchhart’s research into “thinking routines” and “creating cultures of thinking”. These investigations have been practical in nature – for example, staff have been introduced into a variety of new methods of classroom content delivery and discussion. Simple, yet effective practices, such as being prepared to wait for a student to “flesh out” an idea, as well as developing specific questions that lead to higher order / creative thinking have been initiated in the classroom.

Evidence on the effectiveness of these new ideas is then analysed for further discussion. The evidence assembled has included student work, student feedback surveys and the findings made through peer observations.

In conclusion, Melbourne Grammar School is keen to develop creativity as a key component of its educational offering. The use of information technology provides a unique learning opportunity for teachers to deliver programmes which are designed to foster creativity.

However, it is the quality of human relationships that makes learning real for students and, without this, learning can become automated, sterile and joyless. As Thomas Friedman once wrote, “You cannot download passion, imagination, zest and creativity … You have to upload it from reading, writing, travel, study, reflection and human interaction.” One of the fundamental jobs in teaching is to encourage this passion, imagination, zest and creativity in our students.

Roy Kelley Headmaster

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News Farewell Dr Scott and Mrs Scott With collective service spanning sixty-six years at the School, there is little doubt that Dr Tim Scott (OM 1973) and Mrs Sally Scott have been influential figures within the Melbourne Grammar School staff. As they prepare to retire, we asked them to share some thoughts from their time at the School and their hopes for the future.

Mrs Sally Scott VCE Coordinator and Teacher of Maths

Dr Tim Scott Director of Students and Head of Literature

My fondest memories are very personal. They are of students and families with whom I have built up a close relationship and for whom either my role as a Teacher of Maths or as a Head of House have had a significant impact.

The close personal and professional relationships formed with colleagues over many years are also very significant as I reflect on my time here. I have always found that the energy of the students and of colleagues in the Common Room has made it a very stimulating environment in which to work.

My fondest memories inevitably revolve around people, both students and staff. Many of them also involve our family. I remember when we were in hospital awaiting the birth of our daughter, Becky. When I returned to School the next day, it was to discover the blackboard in my classroom covered in names. It transpired that, in my absence, my Year 12 English class had spent the whole period the day before speculating on the name (without even knowing the gender!). One of them got it right – and I still remember who that was!

I began my teaching career on a one-year replacement appointment at Melbourne Grammar School at the age of twenty-one. I had a Year 12 class in my first year (Form VI General Maths in those days) and have recently met some of the young men in that class as fathers of boys I am teaching or who are currently in the Senior School. For that class, it was a bit of an oddity having a young female teacher. For me, it was a marvellous challenge and a very steep learning curve.

When I started at Melbourne Grammar School, I was one of a small handful of female teachers. I am proud to have been one of the women who has survived the long haul and helped the School to discover what women can bring to the staff. My appointment as Head of Witherby House was significant for me personally, but also for the School. I regard my twelve years in that role as the most rewarding of my time here.

The most important thing to remember as an educator is that the students can teach us so much. I have been constantly surprised by their intellects, their talents, their refreshing sense of humour, and both their maturity and immaturity. I will miss them.

Post Melbourne Grammar I am looking forward to having time to think and to see what else might be out there for me, as well as having some time to give something back to the community. One of my Year 11 students asked me if I was planning a “pina colada” sort of retirement. Whilst the cocktails and palm trees might not be me, a few glasses of bubbles overlooking the beach at Eastern View won’t be too far from reality.

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Sally and I announced our engagement on the day School started in February 1987. One colleague cut out the notice from the newspaper, enlarged it on the photocopier in the Common Room and put it up on the noticeboard (this was long before email!).

Another colleague thought it was a joke in very poor taste and apologised to Sally on behalf of her colleagues. He clearly thought she had the worse of the deal!

I remember well my first Year 12 English class. I had not previously taught at the secondary level and was yet to complete my Dip. Ed. The class consisted of twelve students who had not thus far succeeded in passing English: that was our collective challenge. Not all achieved that milestone at the end of the year, but one of those who did told me he was the first in his family, one of several generations at Melbourne Grammar School, to pass Year 12.

He was rightly proud.

I have been involved in theatre for all of my years at the School, first in the Quad and later in the Hall. I am proud of every student who was involved in those shows, whether onstage or backstage. Equally, Melbourne Grammar School has a strong reputation for the quality of our pastoral care. I am very proud of having been part of that, first as a Head of House and for the last twelve years as Director of Students.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my thirty-one years here and all that I have been involved in. From bells and school calendars, I will happily be freed. Of the people, I will always cherish the warmest and liveliest memories.

Building Bridges Melbourne is one of the most multicultural and multi-faith cities in the world, per capita. Australia is a relatively peaceful society. However, recent incidents of racial and religious intolerance have shown us how vulnerable the trust between groups with different faith and cultural backgrounds can be.

We need to keep working at educating young leaders in cross-cultural dialogue and encouraging the building of trust between ethnic and religious groups in our society.

The great theologian Hans Kung once wrote, “There will be no peace among the people of this world without peace among the world religions”. Jonathan Sacks wrote, “The greatest single antidote to violence is conversation, speaking our fears, listening to the fears of others and, in sharing of vulnerabilities, discovering a genesis of hope”. If this is true, which I believe it is, then it is paramount that Jews, Christians and Muslims come together to seek common ground and learn from each other.

It is for this reason I have involved students in Years 10 to 12 from Melbourne Grammar School in the Building Bridges Programme. The programme brings together senior students from Jewish, Muslim and Christian schools over six evenings and one full day during the year. Ten of our Senior School students signed up to the programme and, throughout the year, they have visited an Islamic school, a Jewish school and various Christian schools, as well as hosting students from the three faiths at our School one evening.

Our students have eaten kosher vegetarian food together.

They have learnt about Jewish faith and culture. They have witnessed and taken part in a prayer service in a mosque and they have engaged in facilitated dialogue with Muslim, Jewish and Christian students from around Melbourne.

Most importantly, our students have made friends with Muslim and Jewish students living in Melbourne. Seeing sixty students of varied religions laughing together and sharing stories about their lives and their faith traditions is a wonderful image to hold onto.

“Building Bridges allowed me to share my views and to understand the views of others on issues that face our society today,” says Chris Girardi (Year 11). “As such, I was able to break down any misconceptions I had about other religions and to truly build a bridge with other people.”

I know the ten students participating in the programme this year thoroughly enjoyed it and they learned a lot from it. I am sure that the students involved in the programme not only had their own faith strengthened, but also will help to build and speak of the benefits of living in a cohesive multicultural country.

Rev’d Hans Christiansen Senior Chaplain

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News Valedictory 2014 In the United States, the period during which students are farewelled from their institution is widely known as “commencement”. Used by both schools and colleges, this term implies the commencing of a new stage of their lives.

Australian institutions tend to eschew this terminology, preferring instead “valedictory” which implies farewell, leave taking, bidding goodbye. Perhaps this alludes to the sense of regret we sometimes feel at moving from one stage of life to another, or perhaps it is an acknowledgement that commencing the next stage must wait until after Year 12 students’ final exams.

Whatever the reason, the Valedictory experience is layered with both elation and a tangible sense of farewell. For the Class of 2014, it was a wonderful week of celebration for a cohort which had distinguished themselves this year through their generosity towards one another and their leadership of the Senior School as a whole.

Period 2 on the Wednesday of that week marked the students’ final attendance at class. After a short meeting and the final House Period, the boys boarded buses bound for Flack Park, where a series of carnival attractions awaited them.

Thursday morning began with a celebratory breakfast for Year 12 students and their parents, followed by a special Chapel Service. The Headmaster shared some sage advice with the boys, and it was an address that will not be quickly forgotten by those present. At the conclusion of the Service, the Valedictorians filed out into the Quad, to be met by the rest of the Senior School, lining the way from the Chapel to the Memorial Hall. On their way to their final assembly, the Year 12 students were applauded on their last journey together as students of Melbourne Grammar School.

The Valedictory Ceremony took place on the Thursday evening. Our guest speaker was the Honourable Linda Dessau AM. She reflected on the importance of diversity in life, not just in the people with whom you surround yourself, but also in all in which you choose to invest your energies.

Finally, the week concluded with the Valedictory Dinner at the MCG on Friday night, a most enjoyable evening marked by some of the finest and most moving oratory from students I have heard. It was an extraordinary week of celebration and of reflection. I would like to thank all who made it thus, but particularly the 2014 Valedictorians.

Nick Evans Deputy Headmaster / Head of Senior School

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News A double shot of happiness For the initiated, Laser Beak Man may seem an unusual superhero. To his fans, however, he is a master of the pun, a champion of the alternate viewpoint and a wry alternative to his brawny peers. His creator is Tim Sharp, a young man who hasn’t let autism prevent him building a career as a professional artist. Tim and his mother, Judy, were the guests at last month’s Community Speaker Series event.

Theirs was an inspiring story of love and art. At age three, Tim was diagnosed with autism and Judy was advised to

“put him away and forget about him.” Undeterred, she persisted with trying to communicate with her son. In a break-through moment, she found that drawing enabled a real connection between them.

Judy shared a very intimate account of their lives so far – of the challenges of those early years, of the strong bond she shares with her son, and of the moments of triumph they have enjoyed together. At age eleven, Tim created Laser Beak Man, the star of much of his art. Now twenty-six years old, Tim completed high school and has become an internationally acclaimed artist.

He is the first person in the world with autism to have his art turned into an animated television series, which has screened on the ABC and internationally. In 2012, a film about Tim was shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His art is sold to collectors from around the world, including Australian actor and arts patron Cate Blanchett.

An appreciative audience heard Judy describe her elation at the standing ovation she and Tim received at the conclusion of their 2014 TEDx talk, in front of a capacity crowd at the Sydney Opera House.

During his visit to the School, Tim also spent time with Wadhurst Art classes, introducing them to his art and inspirations.

It was a privilege to hear Tim and Judy share their extraordinary story.

Joel Baden breaks APS high jump record This year’s APS Combined Athletic Sports yielded some extraordinary feats. But there was one in particular that had the audience on the edge of their seats.

The Open High Jump event drew together a strong pool of athletes. At 1.95 metres, Melbourne Grammar School’s Joel Baden (Year 12) took first place. At 2.13 metres, he broke the existing APS record – but still the bar rose higher.

Joel’s final jump was an incredible 2.29 metres, smashing the existing APS record by 16 centimetres and winning the event by 34 centimetres. It is the best performance for a high jumper under twenty years old this year, at just 7 centimetres off the Australian record and 16 centimetres off the world record. If Joel had competed at the Olympic Games in London in 2012, a jump like this would have earned him a bronze medal.

Originally from Drysdale on the Bellarine Peninsula, Joel is a boarder in Perry House. Earlier this year, he competed at the IAAF World Junior Athletics Championships in Eugene, 10

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Joel Baden with coach Sandro Bisetto

Oregon, in the United States. He performed strongly at the event, finishing in the top eight in high jump, which positions him well for next year’s world championships.

Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize The beauty of everyday life is the focus of the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize, a national competition celebrating contemporary Australian photography. This year, four Year 8 students were selected as finalists in this prestigious competition.

The shortlisted entries reflect diverse perspectives on the inner-urban milieu. Dean Kloufetos captured the artistry of retro-style signage on the ubiquitous corner store, while Edward Royle documented the moody atmosphere of transport hubs at night. Tom Latham’s piece is a dreamy vision of life under water, while Simon Savage created sinuous reflections of an iconic Melbourne streetscape.

“There were thousands of entries, and the standard is improving year by year,” says Mr Adam Cawood, Head of

Visual Arts at Wadhurst. “There are a thousand stories in the boys’ photographs and great memories to share with family and friends.”

The winning photographs become part of the Moran Arts Foundation Collection. An exhibition incorporating the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize is now open at Juniper Hall in Paddington, New South Wales.

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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News The MGS Oxonian Club In early July, I had a chance to visit three Old Melburnians from 2011 who recently finished their second year at Oxford University. They are Ed Penington at University College, studying PPE; Fergus Peace at Magdalen College, also studying PPE; and Charlie Vaughan at St John’s College, studying Law. (It is worth noting that, from the same year, Walter Myer gained entrance into Pembroke College at Cambridge University.) My first stop was with Charlie, currently Vice President of the Oxford Union, who provided a tour of St John’s College, including the marvellous library pictured below. Thereafter, I had lunch with Fergus and Ed, joined by their peer Cameron Venus, who is enrolled in a course in Science at the University of Melbourne.

Those of us who had an opportunity to teach or know these young men fondly recall their contribution to our classes and our school. They embodied a scholarship and commitment to excellence that was genuine, resourceful and passionate.

Stephen Dessants Head of English

Ed Penington (OM 2011), Mr Stephen Dessants & Fergus Peace (OM 2011)

Walter Myer (OM 2011) in his Pembroke College First VIII blazer

Charlie Vaughan (OM 2011) & Mr Dessants at St John’s College, Oxford

Charlie gives a tour of the College

House Cross-Country The Boarding Houses again delivered strong results in this year’s House Cross-Country. While Perry House’s Jake van Stekelenburg (Year 12) achieved the fastest time, completing the race in 11.56, it was School House who secured the overall title – for the twelfth year in a row.

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In the Year 11 race, Tom Cameron secured first place with an impressive 13.18, while Seve de Campo won the Year 10 competition in 13.10. In the Year 9 race, Wez Lovegrove took first place in 13.19. Each year, the Cross-Country is a fantastic display of House spirit. Congratulations to the 622 boys who took part.

Vickie Wheelahan At the start of this year, Year 6 teacher Mrs Vickie Wheelahan took on a new role as Head of Upper Primary at Grimwade House. As she nears the end of her first year in the role, she shares some thoughts from her time as a teacher.

“I have often wondered if one’s vocational choice has a genetic component. My first memory of wanting to be a teacher is of having my dolls and teddies lined up on my bed and playing school with them. My great-grandmother was also a teacher in the early 1900s – I still have the bell she used to ring at the end of play time,” Vickie says.

This family connection proved pivotal in Vickie’s future as an educator. It was her father, she recalls, who encouraged her to finish her schooling and pursue a career as a teacher.

Vickie’s first teaching job took her to rural Victoria, where she experienced the benefits of coeducation in junior school.

“I quickly learnt the importance of having a sense of humour and providing a nurturing environment for all students. I saw first-hand the value of a coeducational environment for young people, developing their sense of self and identity.

A gender-rich environment allows for diverse opinions and viewpoints to be expressed in classes, which is important in creating a good learning and social environment.”

Subsequent roles saw Vickie teaching at Maryvale High School in Morwell and Knoxfield College (now The Knox School) in Wantirna. These roles offered a wealth of experience that was put to good use in Vickie’s next and most important role – as mother to two boys. Now aged twenty and twenty-two, Vickie’s eldest son is heading to the University of Queensland next year to study Medicine, while her younger son is hoping to study Veterinary Science when he completes his Science degree at the University of Melbourne.

“My early teaching roles gave me greater insight into how important the role of the teacher is in nurturing self-belief in pupils and providing a safe environment for students to take risks with their learning,” Vickie says.

After thirteen years at Carrum Primary School, Vickie joined Grimwade House in 2013 as a Year 3 Teacher. At the start of this year, she stepped into the role of Head of Upper Primary, a role she is finding both challenging and stimulating. “My first year at Grimwade House was an amazing experience, with so many high-calibre staff, supportive parents and motivated students. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was,” Vickie says. “The calibre of work produced and the effort put into class and homework has been outstanding and demonstrates a culture of academic rigour amongst staff and students alike. My aim is to continue fostering this culture.”

One source of pride is seeing boys and girls develop their leadership skills as they grow from being children into young adults. “Whether students begin in Prep or join at a later date, the leadership model at Grimwade House provides opportunities to gain life-long skills and learn to lead comfortably with members of both genders.”

Of course, it’s not all about School. After hours, Vickie enjoys spending time with her family, getting away to her holiday house at Inverloch, and putting her teaching skills to use with a very different sort of pupil – her six-month-old border collie puppy.

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Grimwade House Unveiling the Echidna

Leadership Conference

Dean Bowen, our artist-in-residence for 2013, was a wonderful role model for Grimwade House students. His modest, unassuming nature belies the extraordinary breadth of his practice, the wide range of his skills, and his national and international reputation. The whimsical sense of humour and optimism apparent in much of his work reflects his view of the world as essentially a good place. He quickly showed an ability to quietly engage with both students and staff.

The initial idea for Dean’s residency was linked with the curriculum focus on Inquiry Learning and the process of following a big idea to develop a deeper understanding. With Dean as their guide, students considered what an artist does, how they spend their days, how they earn enough money to survive, how they make people aware of their work, what is involved in setting up an exhibition and, by default, what our beautiful blue planet would be like without artists.

Year 5 students took part in teamwork activities as part of the Leadership Conference

“It is a mistake to think that leadership is owned by the most easily seen individuals – leadership is a function of the group, a play of social relations, rather than a quality of individuals.” This quote from Michael Harvey, Associate Professor in the Department of Business Management at Washington College, set the scene for this year’s Year 5 Leadership Conference. Each year, as Year 5 students prepare for their important roles as the leaders of Grimwade House, they participate in an interactive two-day leadership course focusing on what leadership means, the qualities of good leaders and the influence that leadership has on today’s society.

Maureen O’Keefe-Anders, Jan McLellan Rizzo, Dean Bowen & Georgina Porter at the unveiling of the Echidna

During the second part of his residency, Dean mentored us, in preparation for the Grimwade House Art Show called Journey. After the exhibition, we were overwhelmed and very excited to find that Friends of Grammar Grimwade, led by 2013 President Maureen O’Keefe-Anders and her Committee, were so impressed by Dean Bowen and his engagement with the students that they raised funds for the acquisition of one of Dean’s sculptures. They chose an echidna after realising how endearingly the students responded to echidnas in Dean’s artwork.

The marvellous bronze echidna now sits near the entrance to Harleston, looking towards the school buildings and being greeted by students each morning. We are extremely grateful to the FOGG Committee and, especially, Mrs O’Keefe-Anders and 2014 President Georgina Porter for their commitment to the installation of this beautiful artwork in the grounds of Grimwade House, to be enjoyed by current and future generations of families.

Jan McLellan Rizzo Head of Visual Arts, Grimwade House 14

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Once again, students were fortunate to hear from an array of distinguished leaders from all walks of life. During the first day, the School welcomed Karina Okotel from Glen Eira Council. She spoke about the importance of leadership in the context of local council and its role in balancing the opinions and needs of diverse constituents. Abraham Nouk, Creative Rebellion Youth, a spoken-word poet and hip-hop enthusiast, explored issues of freedom of speech and the importance of literacy. Paralympian Ahmed Kelly spoke to students about overcoming physical disability, his childhood in Baghdad and his experiences swimming for Australia.

Closer to home, School staff led a series of sessions on key leadership topics. Mr Jack Miers, Grimwade House Psychologist, explored mindfulness, while Mr Nathan Jessup, Director of Leadership, led sessions on the ethics of leadership. Mr Matt Houniet, Coordinator of Leadership and Service Learning at Wadhurst, was joined by a group of Year 8 students who worked with the Year 5 boys and girls to understand team dynamics.

The Year 5 group can be commended on their insightful comments, considered responses and enthusiastic engagement with these sometimes complex topics.

Preparing for the next step As the year draws to a close for our current Year 6 students, we asked them to reflect on their favourite memories from their time at Grimwade House.

Being at Grimwade House as a student will transform you – gradually, over many years, you will change. I think I have finally found a way to describe the growth of students in this School. You begin here as an oyster – not because they are a slimy sea creature, but because they are essentially an unfilled shell; an unignited fire. Slowly, an oyster grows a pearl, but what students gain is much more important: it’s an eager mind, ready to learn.

Tom Mackay I have enjoyed all of the opportunities that Grimwade House has to offer. Personally, I have been in an array of roles, from House Captain to my involvement in choirs, musical instruments, APS and the School musical. It has something for everyone and offered me the opportunity to be involved in something I wouldn’t normally choose.

Tom Bartlett I moved to Australia this year and I settled in quickly at Grimwade House. Nothing new – I had already done the same thing in three other countries. But I soon realised that Grimwade had lots to offer. I felt that our whole class was one big family, all very close to each other. The different camps we have been to taught us something new. The teachers are all wonderful at helping everyone grow academically, physically and personally. There are many different subjects including the regular English and Mathematics, but there are also specialists like Chinese and Music. For secondary school, I am going to Lauriston, my first pick. I can’t wait for next year but I wish I didn’t have to leave Melbourne Grammar School.

Grace Chan I have enjoyed my fulfilling time at Grimwade tremendously.

Over my two years here, I have made many new and kind friends. My teachers have also enriched me with new knowledge. Overall, my favourite subjects were Chinese and Enrichment. Since I needed a challenge in my English and Mathematics, Enrichment provided just the right opportunity to stretch my growing mind. Even though I have learnt quite a high standard of Chinese before, in Singapore, I have always enjoyed this subject. In secondary school, I am looking forward to the many new friends I am going to make.

Zacch Seah I have enjoyed a lot at Grimwade, including all the friends I have made and opportunities we have on offer. My favourite subject has been PE, as I enjoy playing a variety of sports. What I will miss a lot about Grimwade will be all the friends I have made. What I am looking forward to most about secondary school are all the opportunities and the friends that I will make. Grimwade has prepared me for secondary school by giving me mental and social strength.

Chloe Green

This year has been fabulous, enjoying all the opportunities and things I can do at this School. Two of the things that I have really enjoyed are English and PE. I’ve found them both fun and I have learnt a lot in each subject. In Year 7, I’m looking forward to new classes, new people and making new friends.

Nicole Anders Over the past seven years, I have had many different experiences. It was great fun and I have come a long way in my friendships, creativity and academics. My favourite was Mathematics in Junior Primary, Science in Middle Primary and now, in Upper Primary, I like using my creativity in Art. My long-standing favourite is Library because I have always loved to read. I can’t wait to go to Wadhurst and Senior School and the opportunities I will have there. I will miss all my teachers and friends that have led to the person I am today.

Jonathan Lew I have enjoyed everything I have done at Grimwade – my friends, my teachers, my classes, everything. My favourite subjects have been Art and Science, because I like doing hands-on activities and both of these subjects allow for this.

I am looking forward to everything that I am going to do at Melbourne Girls Grammar School, including making new friends. I believe I have learnt everything I need to know for secondary school here at Grimwade, and I will miss it when I leave.

Holly Mollard

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Wadhurst A new approach to geometry Wadhurst’s budding engineers have been busily trialling new models for iconic bridges. Under the guidance of Ms Kris Faithfull, Mathematics Coordinator, students have been applying their knowledge of geometry in the design and construction of some impressive structures.

In the first part of the assignment, students applied geometric elements to the construction of paper planes.

Once they had tested each craft’s suitability for flight, students set about analysing the effectiveness of the geometric elements used.

In the second stage, students researched bridge-building techniques and then set about designing their own using basic geometric principles. At their disposal was a range of materials, from cardboard and paddle-pop sticks to Lego, matchsticks and even uncooked spaghetti. Unconventional, yes, but apparently effective!

“We are encouraging students to make connections between what is happening in the classroom and how the maths is applied in life-like situations,” says Ms Faithfull.

“Studies show that students who have an authentic engagement with a task are more likely to have a greater understanding of the concepts being taught.”

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Festival of Theatre Gods from ancient times, benevolent sea creatures, blustery centurions, and spirited young women subverting seventeenth-century gender politics – the Festival of Theatre at Wadhurst drew together a disparate but spirited cast of characters in four one-act plays.

The selected plays reflected the four languages taught at Years 7 and 8 – Latin, Chinese, Japanese and French. If the idea of four individual plays doesn’t sound challenging enough, there was an extra layer – each play was performed on a different stage, dotted around the Wadhurst campus.

The performance began in the amphitheatre, under the watchful eye of an elevated Cupid and Bacchae, with Plautus’s The Braggart Solider, a witty short play rich in wordplay and deception. Next, the audience moved to the Wadhurst deck, for The Dragon and the Pearl, an ancient Chinese tale in which our hero, Tchang, embarks on a quest to save his village from famine. A swift swivel at the end of this play brought audiences to the next performance, Urashima Taro. This strange and mystical legend tells of a fisherman who, as a reward for rescuing a turtle, is granted a trip to an undersea kingdom, the home of the sea goddess Benten. The final destination was the Wadhurst Hall, for Molière’s The School for Husbands, a whimsical character comedy set in pre-Enlightenment Paris.

The boys acquitted themselves brilliantly, delivering their lines with character and meaning. These were by no means easy scripts, either – they are infused with social mores of different eras, delivered in rich and sometimes complex language. In total, fifty-six students performed on stage, showing outstanding teamwork.

The technical crew are also deserving of praise. Twentyfour students worked behind the scenes to make each play a success. Their precision and commitment ensured each show unfolded smoothly to an appreciative audience.

As Director of the four plays, Ms Fiona Mackenzie, Head of Drama at Wadhurst, created something very special, preparing an ambitious programme that showcased the talents of many Wadhurst students. A special mention should also be made of the beautifully painted sets, courtesy of Ms Mackenzie’s daughter Sorcha, who acted as Artistic Director.

Congratulations to all students and staff who were involved in this challenging but rewarding production.

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Senior School Australian history

Home-grown cinema

Too often we overlook the history that’s closest to home. For Ms Adrea Fox’s VCE Australian History class, our nation’s history is a source of endless fascination. With this in mind, the class was excited to welcome eminent historian Professor Richard Broome earlier this year.

If the buzz of amateur film reviews taking place at interval was any indication, this year’s Seventh Annual Media Screening Night had produced some true cinematic gems.

The screening in the Higgins Theatrette drew a near-capacity crowd, and the diversity of the films on show had the appreciative audience enthralled.

The first half comprised edgy experimental films, light and sound displays, suspense and documentaries, concluding with Will Paine’s Fellick the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

Professor Broome spoke to the class in detail on the settlement of the Port Philip District and the Colony of Victoria, the impact of the Gold Rush on the European settlers, as well as the impact of these settlers on the local Aboriginal people. However, whilst Professor Broome provided immense insight into these particular aspects of the VCE course and helped greatly with exam revision, one of his most profound statements arose when discussing the study of Australian History in general.

He questioned: “If we don’t study Australian History, then who’s it left to?” He explained his belief that having knowledge of the land around us, and the origins of that land, has the ability to prepare us to face the future. In this sense, he believes that we can best move forward when we are armed with knowledge from the successes and, possibly more importantly, the mistakes of the past.

Professor Broome lectures at La Trobe University and is the author of numerous books such as Aboriginal Australians: A History Since 1788. He is also the author of The Colonial Experience, a textbook utilised by the Australian History class. His visit was incredibly insightful for all involved and has most definitely inspired us all with our studies.

Alex Ekkel’s enchanting and esoteric piece opened the second half, followed by some more serious explorations of cybercrime, the Melbourne Opera and an asylum seeker rap artist. Pat Shields’s Black and White Paint (which took third place in the voting) brought the crowd to silence, while Ed Langdon’s poetic Blue Canvas painted an idyllic picture of a surfer’s day. Great Grass by Hugh Goddard (which secured second place) charmed the audience with a heart-warming documentary about Hugh’s grandfather’s lawn bowls club.

Christopher Girardi Year 11

Will Paine (Year 12) starred in & directed the winning short film, Fellick

Writing a script, storyboarding, directing, shooting, editing, producing, acting, and parent- and peer-wrangling are all in a day’s work for Media students. In total, twenty-one of the thirty-two Year 12 Media students made films this year.

Once again, I was amazed by the vastness of our boys’ gaze at life – the intimacy, intricacy and adventure.

An online catalogue of Media productions is now available on Vimeo.

Go to vimeo.com/album/3117350

Ms Jess Rottura Head of Media

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VCE Art and Exhibition A sophisticated collection of paintings, photography, drawings and sculpture were on show as part of this year’s VCE Exhibition at the Motorworks Gallery. Presenting the outstanding work of students studying VCE Art, Studio Arts, Visual Communication Design, Media and Design Technology, the exhibition ably demonstrated the ingenuity of our current students across a range of creative pursuits.

We are also pleased to announce Woodrow Shmith (Year 11) as the recipient of the inaugural Will Ballantyne Scholarship for Visual Arts. The Scholarship is awarded to a student demonstrating outstanding talent, accomplishment, promise in Visual Arts and a desire to pursue a career in a related field. “Art is more than a material thing; it sends a message and it is meaningful because of the way you can interpret what you are looking at,” says Woodrow. “The influence of politics, religion, climate change and globalisation are all very topical at the moment, and artists have the power to really make a difference.”

The Scholarship has been made possible thanks to the philanthropic generosity of current parents Samantha and Andrew Ballantyne who created this scholarship in honour of their son, Will (OM 2010), who passed away in an accident whilst overseas in 2013.

We congratulate Woodrow on this achievement and look forward to seeing his creative output in next year’s VCE Exhibition.

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Creative Thinking Creativity in the classroom While we might usually associate creative thinking with art, writing and the humanities, this important skill has a role to play across the curriculum. We talked to three teachers in varied disciplines about the role of creativity in their classrooms.

Mark Coleman in a Wadhurst Science class

Ms Rebecca Hickman

Mr Mark Coleman

Mr Sam Greenland

Languages have traditionally been taught in a very structured, rote manner, but I think there are many opportunities to be creative with language learning, to think about the natural links between language and culture. One of the first things I do is consider what else is happening in the School. I’ll look at what Inquiry Units the students are undertaking in their other classes. This approach allows students to engage more closely, using what they’ve learnt in Chinese in their other classes, and vice versa. When I’m considering creative projects, I always think about the end goal. Students benefit enormously from creating something that shows what they can achieve. For example, they might start off with a very limited understanding – just a few words – but this quickly builds into sentences and then they can build it into a short book. At the end of it, they have something tangible that demonstrates what they’ve learnt in a creative way. I’ve always found it easy to link in the language and culture. One way we do this is Chinese calligraphy – it brings an important historical aspect that is closely linked to the language.

You’re actively learning the language as you learn about the culture.

In Science, I encourage the boys to realise that it’s not about remembering what we know; Science is about pursuing the unknown. Perceiving it as a fixed box of knowledge, well, that’s not really Science, that’s Google. You’ve got to be imaginative, to come with new ideas about how things might work. My Year 7 classes are currently working on a creative project. In the first stage, they are given a context – for example, a silty deep-sea area off the Philippines – and they draw an organism that might live in that area. In the next stage, they make a model that matches their drawing, before preparing a short report about their fictional organism. These reports are shared across the classes, and students then construct a food web, working out what their organism might eat and be eaten by. It’s all creative; they just need to understand how energy travels through a web and how an organism’s particular adaptations affect its behaviours. This exercise touches on a range of skills that make a good junior scientist – being able to draw, being able to make things with your hands, being able to talk to people, and being able to discipline yourself to do it on your own.

The process of thinking is what’s really important in Maths, and there is certainly a creative aspect that underpins these skills. In part, we’re trying to teach students an analytical approach, to help them recognise that they have a range of tools at their disposal and they can choose the best one for any particular problem. Our Year 9 students did a unit on problem-solving this year, which is geared toward explaining to students that there isn’t a single right way of approaching a problem and, in particular, that whatever tools you choose, you need to show evidence of clear thinking. It’s about encouraging students to make visible in their working whatever creative thinking they may do. Across the class, a number of different approaches are taken – for example, students who are quite visual and draw up tables and diagrams. Later on, we’ll do a lot of real-world financial applications, looking at credit card repayments and which ones will enable you to pay the least interest. In trigonometry, we’ll look at bearings, map-reading and architecture.

In essence, we’re trying to teach students some basic techniques that have a wide range of applications.

Head of Chinese at Grimwade House

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Head of Science and Coordinator of Teaching and Learning at Wadhurst

Teacher of Maths at Senior School

Outdoor Education Beyond the Gates Throughout November, intrepid Year 10 students have been braving the wilds of Victoria and southern New South Wales as part of Beyond the Gates. Now in its third year, Beyond the Gates is a twenty-one-day outdoor education experience that sees small groups of students cycling, rafting and hiking from the Bluestone to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko. It is no easy feat, testing students’ resolve, encouraging them to work together as teams, and developing their confidence and independence. This selection of photos provides a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable experience.

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The Old Melburnians Council

Nigel Thompson

Forging a path ahead As another year draws to a close, it has certainly been a busy one for The Old Melburnians Society. This year, we have focused on engaging with Old Melburnians through a range of events and activities at the School. We have renewed our emphasis on social media as a way of communicating with our alumni. We have focused on strengthening our financial future, in order to better assist our affiliated and non-affiliated clubs and stakeholders, to continue offering Old Melburnian life membership and The Old Melburnians Fellowship. We have ensured that we continue to make a valuable contribution to our members and to the School.

In September, we were pleased to have the opportunity to address the School Council and outline OM activities and the ways in which we can work more closely together. I’m sure that this initiative, together with a number of other outcomes from our discussions with the Council, will have long-term benefits for all our stakeholders.

In November, I attended the Year 12 Valedictory Ceremony and the Valedictory Dinner the following evening. Both were wonderful celebrations, recognising the achievements of the Year 12 boys, together with staff and parents. I was particularly moved by the awarding of prizes and certificates to an outstanding cohort of fine young men. During an impressive address by the School Captain, Ed Vickers-Willis, I could not help but think about the challenges that lie ahead for these boys.

The accolades the students received are evidence of their accomplishments to date; yet it is their efforts in the future that will do so much to define their careers and personal lives. From now on their lives will be characterised by their words and actions. Many will take things in their

stride; some will falter from time to time. Many will lead, and others will follow. Whatever path they choose, their ongoing development will no doubt be underpinned by their experiences at this School. Such an education is impossible to value; however, as I look back forty-five years, I can say unequivocally that my education at Melbourne Grammar School was the most valuable experience of my life.

The Class of 2014 is now faced by numerous possibilities for work and study. Career development is something that many of us take for granted. Few of us plan our careers, and even fewer review their progress in a structured way. Planning – including critical and creative thinking about the future – can be incredibly rewarding and can help to determine what lies ahead. Evaluation of our personal and career paths and planning our “personal branding” propositions will become even more important as this century progresses.

I take this opportunity to wish the Class of 2014 well in their endeavours and to welcome them to The Old Melburnians Society. I hope they are aware that we are here for them, to assist, support, mentor and coach them on their journey.

As I step down from my role as President of The Old Melburnians, I would like to thank the members of The Old Melburnians Council and the Executive for their contributions and support; Andrew Brookes (OM 1974), Vice President (and new President of The Old Melburnians), for his tireless work; Roy Kelley, our Headmaster, and Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins (OM 1960), Chairman of School Council, for their sage advice throughout the year; and Judith Mein, Stewart Brook and Peter Day from The Lodge for their huge contributions.

I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Nigel Thompson President

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The Old Melburnians Michael Read (OM 1999) To the layperson, it sounds a somewhat daunting task – piloting a three-hundred-seat jet airliner while it refuels fighter aircrafts in mid-air. But it’s all in a day’s work for Michael Read (OM 1999), a Captain on the KC-30A (a modified Airbus A330), in the Royal Australian Air Force.

After graduating from Melbourne Grammar School in 1999, Michael embarked upon a degree in Engineering and Technology at Monash University, before deciding to pursue his lifelong passion: “I have wanted to be a pilot since I was four years old.” He commenced his pilot training in 2002.

Michael’s work in the Air Force has taken him all around Australia. “I completed my officer training in Melbourne, my pilot’s course in Tamworth and Perth, then up to Newcastle, on to Brisbane and then Townsville. Sometimes, it feels like there isn’t anywhere in Australia that I’m not familiar with!”

In his current role, Michael works alongside two other Old Melburnians. “Chet Takalkar (OM 1991) is my immediate boss – he is the Executive Officer and he’s also a Captain on the KC-30A. He flew the P-3 Orion and then did a test pilots’ course. I’ve also worked with another Old Melburnian, Taffie Smith (OM 1994), who was a couple of years ahead of me at School. He is the Executive Officer of the No. 75 Squadron in Tindal, flying the Hornet.”

Michael joined Wadhurst in 1994. “I probably needed a little bit of taming at that point. The School certainly straightened me right out!” As he entered Senior School, he discovered a love of academia and grew to appreciate the dedication of his teachers, something that he still recognises to this day. “It was really brought home to me in Year 11, when I was studying Maths Methods 3/4. My teacher, Dr Marcus Richards, gave up so many lunchtimes to help me study when I was struggling with concepts. It really reiterated how lucky I was to be at a school that was so supportive – it gave me a sense of responsibility, to make the most of the good start that I had had.”

He also speaks fondly of his involvement in Outdoor Education under the guidance of Mr David Learmonth. “He made a real impact on me. I look back at those experiences, and what I took away from it was the ability to think clearly in potentially fearful situations and gaining a good understanding of risk appreciation. Those skills certainly stood me in good stead for flying military aircraft,” he says.

“I’ve been flying now for thirteen years and, in that time, there have only been a few days where it has actually felt like work. It’s just as much fun now as it was when I started. The thing I find most satisfying is the responsibility to be in charge of an incredibly valuable asset and to deliver outcomes for the Australian Government.”

This month, Michael sets off on a new mission. “I’m about to be deployed to the Middle East as part of an Air Task Group supporting operations in Iraq. When I return from that, I will have completed my flying tour as a Captain on this aircraft, so I’m assessing my next career step.”

While Michael’s professional responsibilities no doubt keep him busy, his home life receives plenty of attention too. He and his wife, Elisa, welcomed their first child, a son named Pax, eighteen months ago, and their second arrival is due in April. He spends the rest of his spare time surfing, sailing, kayaking and waterskiing.

Michael recently volunteered his services for The Old Melburnians Fellowship Programme. “I’ve loved my time in the Air Force, and I’d love to be able to pay it forward to other young enthusiastic men,” he says. “I feel so lucky to have enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve had – delivering aid in Papua New Guinea, training in air combat manoeuvres or flying three hundred people across the Pacific. So few people get exposed to all of that; I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”

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

2 August Richard Tinker & Claire Bromby

23 August Henry Edward Scott & Jade Renee Harris

Richard Gardner (OM 1945) writes that the seventieth anniversary of the Battle of the Surigao Strait, near Surigao, the Philippines, took place on the 25 October 2014. At this year’s commemoration, the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines was represented by Colonel Bruce Murray AM, Defence Attaché. Colonel Murray played a key role in negotiations with Philippine officials leading to an intergovernmental agreement for the establishment of a general Australian Second World War Memorial in the Philippines to honour the ninety-two Australian service personnel who made the supreme sacrifice.

Among those who were killed in action at the Battle of Surigao Strait were Old Melburnians Ian Debenham (OM 1942) and Keith Levy (OM 1941).

Regular readers of this publication will remember the report in Grammar News 112 (December 2013) about the magnificent statue of Edwin Flack (OM 1890) given to the School by Nigel Peck (OM 1945) and his wife, Patricia. In recognition of the Pecks’ generosity, the School arranged for the scale maquette of the statue to be bronzed by

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sculptor Louis Laumen and presented to Nigel and Patricia at a special lunch during August. Shortly afterwards, the maquette was installed in Nigel and Patricia’s garden. It is a fitting reminder of their many contributions to the School over many years.

Alastair Stewart (OM 1956) writes that he attended Melbourne Grammar School from 1945 until 1956, before commencing a science degree with the University of Melbourne.

After completing his degree, Alastair joined the Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources (now Geoscience Australia) in early 1962. After three seasons of geological mapping in central Australia, Alastair undertook a PhD at Yale University in the United States and graduated in 1970. He returned to

Australia and rejoined the Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources and worked with them until November 1999. In June this year, he published on the many fascinating, sometimes dangerous and occasionally tragic incidents that happened during his twenty-nine field seasons (including one in Idaho). Published by Halstead Press, the book is titled Somersaults in the Sand: Adventures in the Geological Mapping of Australia.

The Commemoration of the Departure of the WWI First Convoy 1914 was held at Port Melbourne on 19 October 2014. The event was well attended despite the threatening weather. The former Premier of Victoria, Ted Baillieu (OM 1970), Chair of the Victorian Anzac Centenary Commemoration Committee, shared his own connections with those who left in that first convoy. By the end October 1914, seventeen troopships had left Victorian shores carrying troops, nurses, technicians, horses supplies and weaponry. This was Victoria’s first convoy.

Among the Old Melburnians who attended the event was noted military historian and author Hugh Dolan (OM 1980), who wrote an insightful book on air reconnaissance of the Gallipoli Peninsula prior to the landing on 25 April 1915.

What a breakthrough year for The Old Melburnians Hockey Club! For the first time in the club’s eightyfour-year history, it managed to secure two premiership flags in the one winter season. With most of the club’s sixty members watching at the State Hockey Centre, our two top teams, Vic League 3 and Vic League 3 Reserves, both battled out nail-biter wins to claim memorable Grand Final premierships, downing St Bede’s in both games. Newly elected Club President Nick Hinneberg (OM 1990), put the finals success down to a number of factors: “We had a busy off-season to recruit several recent OM leavers to bolster our younger talent, as well as an earlier start to pre-season training.

It proved to be a winning combination that will translate to fielding a team in the higher Vic League 2 competition next year.” For all hockey inquiries, please contact Peter Kaleta (OM 1998), Club Secretary, on 0413 363 128 or visit the OMs website.

Justin Holt (OM 1984) was unable to attend his thirty-year reunion but was pleased to update us on what he has been up to since leaving School.

Justin was commissioned in the Royal Navy in 1988 and transferred to the Royal Marines in 1989.

He completed training in November 1990, joined 40 Commando Royal Marines as a Rifle Troop Commander and was subsequently deployed to Northern Iraq.

He was later deployed to Northern Ireland on a maritime counter-terrorist

operation, for which he was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service. He completed an MA degree in Defence Studies, before later deployments took him to the Balkans, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq. Justin served as the UK Liaison Officer to the US State Department and was joint leader on the US Interagency COIN Guide. Returning from the States, he was assigned to the Defence Inquest Unit to clear the backlog of Coroner’s Inquests following offensive operations in Afghanistan in 2009. During this period, Justin also completed a part-time MSc in War and Psychiatry at King’s College, London, followed by an MPhil in International Relations at Cambridge University. He moved on to IPP as the Desk Officer for North Africa and was deployed as Chief of Staff, Defence Advisory & Training Team, based in Libya. A keen athlete, Justin trialled for the University Lightweight Rowing Club and still competes competitively for his college as an Honorary Fellow. He has three daughters at school in Edinburgh and travels home to Perthshire as often as possible.

Marcus Moloney (OM 1994) writes that he has recently signed a book contract with Palgrave Macmillan UK to publish a sociological study of film and television narratives, coming out in 2015. The working title is the Search for Meaning in Film and Television.

Patrick Porter (OM 1994) has been appointed Professor of International Strategic Studies at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Patrick finished at School in 1994 and went on to study Arts/ Law at the University of Melbourne, before continuing at Magdalen College in Oxford, where he completed a DPhil in Military History.

After a long 44 year wait, The Old Melburnians have secured the Sir Arthur Robinson Cup for the winners of the Teams Event at the APS Past Students Golf Day at Royal Melbourne Golf Club recently. In a great day the OMs won first in the Schools Team, first in the Four Ball, first in the Scratch and Nearest The Pin. Harvey Tartakover (OM 1958), Chairman of OMs Golf, is pictured here with the Sir Arthur Robinson Cup which we last won in 1970. Congratulations to all, particularly Harvey Tartakover and Bruce Cumbrae-Stewart (OM 1972).

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

Acton OAM, AP (OM 1931) Allchin, PC (OM 1937) Allen, KA (OM 1933) Armit, MW (OM 1947) Bardsley, AJ (OM 1950) Barker, M (OM 1944) Bennett, LW (OM 1945) Boreham, AFR (OM 1957) Bowen Pain AM, P (OM 1953) Broome, CR (OM 1956) Brown, AR (OM 1973) Burder, LJ (OM 1937) Elliot, KL (Past Staff) Gahan, PA (OM 1941) Gough, PS (OM 1949) Gray, KM (OM 1935) Guest, B (OM 1934) Hardy, JR (OM 2011) Harper, IT (OM 1940) Healey, RL (Current Parent) Hewison, JTC (OM 1948) Hilford, AG (OM 1945) Hiscock, AG (OM 1954) James, KR (OM 1948) Johnson, DEF (OM 1952) List, BPD (OM 1950) Kelso, AJP (Past Staff) Knight, CA (OM 1937) Macdougall AM, PK (OM 1943) McMullin, KA (OM 1973) Nicolades, IA (OM 1943) Parish, AA (OM 1956) Ritchie, NA (OM 1941) Robertson, J (OM 1948) Rooke, GJC (OM 1951) Russell, WHC (OM 1945) Saw, BJ (OM 1947) Sheen, ITD (OM 1951) Staughton, RB (OM 1951) Summerfield, RJ (OM 1956) Williams, APW (OM 1955) Williams, PH (OM 1955) Wriedt, JH (OM 1942)

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Community Events 1984 Thirty-Year Reunion 1

James Northrup & Marcus Elsum

2

Howard Cole, Jim Allen & Paul Wood

Old Melburnians AGM 6

OMs Council Member Georgie Freeman (OM 2001) with new member Nick Musgrove (OM 2002)

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Chris Bradtke (MGS 1991– 2013) receives his Honorary Life Membership from incoming OM President Andrew Brookes (OM 1974)

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Outgoing President Nigel Thompson (OM 1969) congratulates incoming President Andrew Brookes (OM 1974)

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Long-serving staff member Peter Dick (MGS 1971– 2013) receives his Honorary Life Membership from incoming OM President Andrew Brookes (OM 1974)

Bluestone Luncheon 3

Allan Rose (OM 1948) & Theo Nelson (OM 1953)

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Author Roland Perry with Ken Christian (OM 1945)

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Joan Weber, Peter Richards (OM 1951) & Elizabeth Richards

1994 Twenty-Year Reunion 10 Blue shirts were the go for the boarders at the 1994 Reunion

Perth Community Function 11 The Headmaster Roy Kelley & host John Bell (OM 1968) with OM President Nigel Thompson (OM 1969) 12 The Headmaster Roy Kelley, Jenny & Paul Orchard (OM 1965) & Julia Allen

1 2

3 4

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5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

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Past Staff Association Dinosaurs on the trail Belonging to the Dinosaurs (the School’s Past Staff Association) is an excellent way of keeping in touch with colleagues and friends from Melbourne Grammar School and, to add to our already elevated status, we now have stylish new pewter Brontosaurus badges which we can wear to our meetings. We welcome all retired teaching and nonteaching staff of the three campuses and their partners, so we are a truly eclectic mix.

The destination for our first meeting this year was The Briars, an historic homestead dating from 1851 and set in beautiful countryside on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s hard to imagine a more unlikely place to find a collection of Napoleonic memorabilia. But through its association with the Balcombe family, who befriended Napoleon on St Helena, and Dame Mabel Brookes, the house contains a fascinating variety of letters, papers, pictures, prints and assorted artefacts, even a lock of Napoleon’s hair, associated with this brilliant but tragic epoch. Dame Mabel was the wife of Sir Norman Brookes, Old Melburnian and first Australian Wimbledon champion. We were horrified to hear soon after our visit that the homestead had been burgled and much of the collection stolen.

the fifty-foot dining table, made by James McEwan and Son of Bourke Street in 1876 for the dining room, looked an ideal setting for our next Annual Luncheon. A stroll past the old kitchens, the courtyard and the mews and down to the lakeside cafe in the Botanic Gardens completed an enlightening outing.

Although not held at Government House after all, our Annual Luncheon at Leonda was a convivial occasion attended by ninety members. We were entertained by Willard Zhong (Year 12) on the violin, who was seconded from School for the occasion, and enthralled by our speaker, Old Melburnian Warren Joel, as he recounted his experience in the antiques trade and unravelled the mysteries of objects old and new brought by members for his perusal.

No one is more experienced in the outback nor knowledgeable about its history than Barry Barton, who gave our winter lecture at The Lodge on the exploration and socialisation of Central Australia, focusing on Charles Sturt’s contribution both to actual exploration and to preparing the way for significant future explorers. After lunch, Barry led a “Bluestone Tour” around some older parts of the School, unknown to most people, drawing on his rare knowledge of life as a House Tutor in old School House in the 1960s. He amused us with some little-known anecdotes from the era, such as the boys’ secret smoking hideaways.

However many times you’ve been to the National Gallery of Victoria, there’s still an abundance of treasures of which you will be unaware. To this end, Jenny Simpson, one of our members and a Gallery Guide, and Julia Armour took us on a tour of the NGV entitled “Well-kept secrets of the National Gallery”, concentrating on their particular interest in “faces, features and furbelows”. Our eyes were opened as they revealed the significance of details in works of art we might never have noticed and compared seemingly similar works which contained subtle contrasts. We are much indebted to our excellent guides for the tour.

The Dinosaurs visit Government House

In contrast to the small homestead, our next destination was Government House, the largest and most spectacular mansion in Australia. Completed in 1876 and set in twentyseven acres of manicured gardens, it is the finest example of Victorian Italianate architecture in the country. Its massive and highly decorated ballroom would comfortably hold a tennis court and, while no longer used for balls, is host to a large number of community functions and award ceremonies at which the Governor presides. The drawing room overlooking Fountain Court is a most beautiful venue for “small” gatherings of fifty to two hundred people, and

Our last meeting for the year was the Spring Picnic at Lyn and Rob Dernelley’s beautiful property, set in idyllic countryside near Daylesford. We are very grateful to Lyn for being our host, although very sadly Rob is no longer with us.

It was a memorable end to an enjoyable year’s activities.

We are very grateful for the continued practical support of the association given by the Headmaster and Melbourne Grammar School, and we are greatly indebted to our cheerful committee and the remarkable work of our secretary, Kathleen Comery, who ensure the Association and all our events run like clockwork.

David Woods President

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Friends of Grammar

Talent, creativity & enthusiasm As another year draws to a close, we take a moment to thank the dedicated Friends of Grammar Committees, Presidents and Class Representatives who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds, run events and continue supporting the School. Here’s an update on recent activities at each campus.

Grimwade House The final term is a time for saying goodbye to old friends and welcoming some new ones. To welcome new families commencing at the School in 2015, the FOG Grimwade team hosted an orientation morning, while they also helped to farewell the current Year 6 students with a special Leavers’ Breakfast. Grimwade fathers – aka DOGs (Dads of Grimwade) – have also been catching up. The annual DOGs Lunch was held at Encore in St Kilda and was a great opportunity for a relaxed lunch with old friends.

“Family, in the widest sense, is central to all that FOG Grimwade does. This year, we have brought parents, grandparents and children together at morning teas, concerts, sports days and many other social events to celebrate all that we love about Grimwade House,” says Georgina Porter, FOG Grimwade President for 2014. “I give my thanks to the fabulous FOG Grimwade 2014 Committee. I have been humbled by their talent, creativity and enthusiasm.”

Wadhurst Following the Father’s Day Gift Stall and Father–Son Trivia Night during Term III, Wadhurst dads had a chance to lend a hand at the final Tuckerbox Lunch for the year (pictured above). Other recent events have included the Library

Sleepover Dinner, with the FOG Wadhurst team acting as cooks and servers, the Wadhurst Art and Music Exhibition, and the annual Athletics Day cake stall and barbecue.

Through their fundraising activities during the year, FOG Wadhurst is proud to have helped upgrade the audiovisual equipment in the Wadhurst Hall, provide new equipment for the Maths and Art classrooms, and fund new cassocks for the Chapel Choir.

Rachael Keeble, FOG Wadhurst President for 2014, praises the team and Class Representatives for their commitment.

“It has been my aim to give each person an opportunity to participate in their own way, to stamp it with their own individuality, to collaborate, learn and contribute what and when they can. Each person has given me amazing support and encouragement through my presidency,” she says.

Senior School The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall was filled with laughter at the Boys Big Breakfast Comedy Debate, organised by FOG Senior School. There were 220 boys and fathers in attendance, to hear a panel of comedians, media personalities and School students debate the relative challenges of being a father and a son. The debate was chaired by comedian Brian Nankervis.

The same week held the much-anticipated Springtime Ball, which saw over five hundred guests gather at the Plaza Ballroom under the Princess Theatre for an evening of good company, great music and much fun. With the support of generous sponsors and community members, the event raised just under $45,000.

“My close involvement with the School this year has reinforced tenfold what a wonderful School and community we belong to. My sincere thanks to my fellow FOG colleagues across all campuses, Class Representatives and staff at the School, in particular, The Lodge and the Property and Catering Departments – your support has been invaluable,” says Anna Cave, FOG Senior School President for 2014.

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From the Archives The Luxtons The Luxton Dining Hall is a focal point for both staff and boarding students each and every day. The Hall, aside from the daily provision of meals to boarders and staff, hosts myriad events, including reunions, House dinners and special events.

The Luxton Dining Hall was dedicated by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Sir Frank Woods, on 22 September 1978 and was officially opened by Lewis Luxton (OM 1929) in recognition of the outstanding contribution made to Melbourne Grammar School by the Luxton family, after whom the Hall was later named.

Thomas James Luxton (OM 1903) Tom Luxton was a long-serving member of the Melbourne Grammar School Council and was President of The Old Melburnians Council in 1938. He was a prominent businessman and a Director of the hardware business James McEwan and Company, along with his brother Harold (OM 1906). He was also a grazier at Balnarring.

Sir Harold Luxton (OM 1906) Sir Harold Luxton was an influential businessman and Lord Mayor of Melbourne. In the First World War, he served in France as a Lieutenant in the Artillery. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and flew on reconnaissance and bombing missions. In 1917, his plane was shot down and he suffered serious injuries. After the war Luxton was elected to the Melbourne City Council where, at age forty, he became Melbourne’s youngest Lord Mayor. He later received a knighthood for his contribution. Harold, like his brother Tom before him, was President of The Old Melburnians Council in 1930.

Lewis Luxton CBE (OM 1929) Lewis Luxton was the son of Sir Harold Luxton (OM 1906) and he made a significant contribution to the Olympic movement through his organisation of Melbourne’s 1956 Olympic Games. At the University of Cambridge, Luxton excelled in rowing and swimming. In 1932, he was stroke of the Cambridge VIII which rowed to victory against the University of Oxford. In 1932, he was selected to row for Great Britain at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. He graduated from Cambridge the following year, having read Economics and Law. During the Second World War, Lewis served in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and New Guinea, achieving the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was Mentioned in Despatches whilst on active service.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Harold Luxton

Lewis Luxton

After the Second World War, Lewis became a member of the International Olympic Committee. He served on the Olympic Games Organising Committee from 1951 and was appointed Deputy Chairman in 1955. He received the honour Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution towards the staging of the XVIth Olympiad in Melbourne.

Thomas Luxton DSO MBE (OM 1930) Thomas Luxton was also the son of Sir Harold Luxton and was a highly respected officer in the Australian Army during the Second World War. He served in the Middle East, Greece and Crete. With the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, he served in the 9 Division HQ and was responsible in part for the simple but meticulously prepared battle plan for the vital El Alamein campaign in the North Africa theatre of war. For his actions he was made a Member of the British Empire and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. He was twice Mentioned in Despatches. Thomas Luxton excelled at rowing and was Captain of Boats in his final year. He was stroke of the Victorian VIII in 1935 and was a member of the Mercantile Crew, which won the Victorian State Championship in 1936. He served on The Old Melburnians Council from 1931 to 1932.

The School was fortunate to receive the commemorative oars that belonged to Lewis Luxton from his son, Lewis Varley Luxton (OM 1959), some years ago. These oars reflect Lewis Luxton’s rowing career whilst at Cambridge.

These oars were initially on display at the School’s rowing shed, however, given their significance, they were moved to the School Archives. Two of the oars have recently been placed on prominent display in the Luxton Dining Hall.

Around the School

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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