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The Melbourne Grammar School Community Magazine
Grimwade Club
From ballet to taekwondo, Grimwade Club enables students to participate in a huge variety of activities all in the grounds of Grimwade House. Established in 1991, Grimwade Club provides recreational activities and coaching for Grimwade House primary students after school. Activities available at Grimwade Club include:
Ballet Basketball Chess Creating a Play Cricket Dance Fencing Football French Fun N’ Fitness Golf Gymnastics Italian Sewing Soccer Speech & Drama Swimming Taekwondo Tennis If you would like to find out more about Grimwade Club please contact Bree Mayes on 0408 140 718.
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In this issue From the School Council 4 From the Headmaster 5 Out & About at Grimwade House 6 Out & About at Wadhurst 8 Out & About at Senior School 9 Innovation in Action 12 Curriculum Initiatives 14 Caring for Students 15 The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall 16 Boarding 18 The Old Melburnians 20 Branches & Reunions 22 Community News 24 Grammar Community 26 The Grammar Foundation 27 Friends of Grammar 28 Archives 30 Anzac Service 31 The Music Studio 32
Out & About at Grimwade House
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is published three times a year for the Melbourne Grammar School community
Innovation in Action
Published by
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Our front cover: Prep students Jackson Lees and Madeleine Galea have fun while learning maths.
The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall
Melbourne Grammar School fosters the pursuit of excellence by offering an educational experience ranging across intellectual, social, cultural, spiritual and physical pursuits.
Kirrily Johns
Printer GT Graphics
Mailing & Distribution Data Connection
16 Anzac Service
The beautifully renovated and equipped Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall and the new performing arts complex opened in May 2005. Our centre feature displays the amazing new facilities.
Fostering Learning and Leadership
Editor
Drew Gamble
Leadership is a core value at Melbourne Grammar School and 2005 will see the launch of some major leadership initiatives. In this edition of the Grammar Newsletter you will meet our inaugural Director of Leadership Polly Flanagan and see plans of the Centre for Learning and Leadership for which a fundraising campaign is currently underway.
Kirrily Johns
Development Office Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne 3004 Telephone: 9865 7555 Facsimile: 9865 7577 email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au
Desktop Publishing
From the Editor
Leadership can be seen around the School every day. Examples of different aspects of leadership, both small ‘l’ and big ‘L’ leadership, are highlighted throughout this publication – reconciliation week activities, cultural awareness and anti-bullying workshops, VCE awards and pastoral care programs to name a few.
Grammar Newsletter
31 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.
Photographs Marcel Aucar Paul Baxter Adrienne Beer Stewart Brook Kathleen Comery Drew Gamble John Gollings Photography & Peter Elliot Pty Ltd Architects James Grant Bruce Hall Graeme Hall Kirrily Johns Michael Joyce Julian Mutton John Nicholson Ian Riddell Helen Stewart
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From the School Council Memorial Hall It was particularly gratifying that the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria, Lady Southey AM, and Free Strickland AM OBE KStJ, were able to reopen The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall on Sunday 15 May 2005. Lady Southey’s late husband Ross Shelmerdine, together with Free Strickland, Lewis Luxton and Sir Fred Thomas, had been the prime movers of the School’s Centenary Fundraising Appeal in 1958. Sandy Clark
School Council President The Most Reverend Peter Watson Archbishop of Melbourne
Chairman Sandy Clark
Deputy Chairman Ian Vaughan Ross Adler Peter Beaumont Graeme Blackman Peter Danne Barbara Fary Vince FitzGerald Stuart Gooley Sandy Massina Lelde McCoy Bruce Parncuttt
Headmaster Paul Sheahan
Secretary to the Council
In launching the public phase of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign at the same function we were both honouring those who had gone before us, and setting the scene so that the present generation, and future generations, of boys and girls can take full advantage of the wonderful teaching and learning facilities the new Centre for Learning and Leadership will provide. Our campaign target is $10 million and, given the extraordinary generosity of a small number of major donors, we have now raised $6.3 million of that figure. Now the hard work really begins, and I ask everyone to assist us. Our Campaign Chairman, Bruce Parncutt, has put together a fundraising team on each campus, and among the OMs, so it is unlikely you will be missed! On that Sunday, in addition to an inspiring address from the Chairman of the Business Council of Australia and past Council Member, Hugh Morgan AC, we once again witnessed some of the remarkable music and acting talent the School has nurtured. I urge all parents, and others
The Council held its most recent regular meeting at Grimwade House, where we also witnessed a short performance by the clarinet quintet in the new Hall.
Council Members At the Committees’ Dinner in late March we farewelled Cathy Walter who had served on the Council for eight years. Cathy was also actively involved on a number of Council Committees including five and a half years on Building and Grounds, seven years on Nominating and nearly six years on Admissions. Cathy’s experience, and her forthright approach, will be greatly missed. Having served six years as the Council’s Deputy Chairman, Graeme Blackman relinquished this position in February and was succeeded by Ian Vaughan who also chairs the Building and Grounds Committee. Pleasingly, Graeme has agreed to stay on Council until the end of this year and to continue his involvements as Chairman of the Risk Management and Audit Committee, and as a Member of both the Nominating and Finance and Planning Committees. I am very pleased that Ross Adler AO, current Chairman of the Grammar Foundation, has agreed to join the Council. As a past Director of the Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and other companies, and also Managing Director of Santos Ltd, Ross brings a wealth of business experience to the Council.
An assembly in the renovated Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall
Photograph courtesy of John Gollings Photography and Peter Elliot Pty Ltd Architects
David Temple (Bursar)
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
connected with the School, to come and hear our music and attend the School plays while at the same time viewing our new facilities, including the Alfred Felton Hall at Grimwade House.
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In future Grammar Newsletters I plan to highlight the work of the various Council Committees and their membership. Each Council Member sits on a number of Committees but, to a large extent, the work of the Committees is carried out by Members coopted from the Grammar community. Their commitment ensures that the School can draw on a wide range of expertise in carrying out its mission. Sandy Clark, Chairman
From the Headmaster Integrity and Moral Courage Every good institution bases what it does on its core values, the driving forces of all that happens. One of the nine values on which Melbourne Grammar School is based is ‘integrity and moral courage’. The School wants every student to have at the centre of their being an understanding of what it is to be ethical, to stand for values on which communities exist and operate effectively, and the courage to stick to those values, even in the face of stern opposition, in the knowledge that what they adhere to is right and for the good of society. As far back as Ancient Greece, with the emergence of western philosophy, argument has raged about what constitutes concepts like ‘justice’, ‘beauty’, ‘rectitude’ and so on. The argument still rages, partly because there seems to be a cultural element to the definition, which leads to great problems in international diplomacy – one need look no further than the Schapelle Corby ‘drug-smuggling’ case in Indonesia to understand how difficult it is to find a universal definition! Despite the fact that these concepts are difficult to define, deep down in our core we have at least a part understanding of ethics and morality; we can feel whether an intended action is right or not. The Oxford English Dictionary defines integrity as moral uprightness, honesty, wholeness, soundness, and derives, most probably, from the Latin integrit/as, -atis, ‘completeness’. So, the English words, ‘integer’, ‘integrate’, ‘integral’ all have the same root and refer to the unity and wholeness of the entity.
Moral courage goes hand-in-hand with integrity and can be sorely tested in circumstances where the group wishes to traverse a path in which the end justifies the means. However the person with integrity sees that the ethicality of the means is more important than the achievement of the goal. Integrity means nothing without moral courage. How can one have integrity if, in the face of opposition, one bends to pressure? Through our inaugural Director of Leadership, Polly Flanagan, the School’s program of exploring leadership and self-esteem will place great store on the maintenance of integrity, ensuring that integrity and a sense of ethical correctness and moral uprightness guide our future actions.
Paul Sheahan
Integrity is that quality, as Antony said of Brutus, in which the elements are rightly mixed by nature, and we definitely know it when we see it, even if we do not quite know how to express it in words. Our leadership program, under its newlyappointed Director, will be crafted so that students will be encouraged to look within themselves to discover their capacities. But they will also be encouraged to look within themselves in a mature way to affirm that their behaviours will be moderated both by a clear sense of right and wrong and by values that are embedded in the religious and values education program and central to the core of a Melbourne Grammar School education. The future of society might well depend on it! Paul Sheahan, Headmaster
One of the nine values on which Melbourne Grammar School is based is ‘integrity and moral courage’. Year 11 students from left: Daniel Walford, James Wood, Michael Keskerides, Jono Wigg and Will Cooper
One of our much-loved former members of the English staff and a Head of House, Ross Clayton, used to love referring to boys of whom he approved as having ‘integrity’ and there is no doubt that it is a quality we much admire. There is a sense in which integrity has been lost to the business world, as companies and shareholders seek greater and greater profits at the expense of the customer, but those who take a longer term view of the world understand that there are greater goals to be pursued. To maintain one’s dignity, one’s integrity and a sense that one can be trusted is, in the long term, much more important than shortterm gain. 5
Out & About at Grimwade House Green Fingers
Do the Right Thing Compassion and a sense of community are important elements of the Melbourne Grammar vision and inform our program for the students at Grimwade House. Students are encouraged always “to do the right thing, at the right time, in the right place” – a positive and deliberately broad code of behaviour to encompass the social and behavioural challenges of the classroom, the playground and home life.
Nicholas McGinn and Hanna Adam (below) discover nature at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Grimwade House’s Prep students visited the Royal Botanic Gardens on Friday 13 May 2005 as part of an inquiry into growth and gardening. The excitement was palpable as the students entered the newly opened Children’s Garden and made their way through forests of flax, felt the coldness of bamboo next to their cheeks and explored the different smells and textures to be found in this amazing place.
Daily school routines provide many opportunities, both formal and informal, to enhance the social skills and resiliency of our students. The ‘wise choices’ acknowledgement box at assemblies is one way of encouraging students’ positive efforts to ‘make a difference’ and help build a strong, socially-responsible community. Year 6 playground leaders who support the lunch time play of the junior primary students also enhance the positive social climate of Grimwade House by modelling self-control, friend-making and the skills of cooperation.
Students took this unique opportunity to ask the experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens particular questions which they had nominated about growth and gardening. It is hoped that this information will assist the Preps in planning for and planting the garden beds outside the After School Care building at Grimwade House. Not only did the Preps learn a huge amount about plants, but they also learnt that when we are investigating a particular area we can go to experts to help us gather information.
Recently, a special event was organised for Years 4 and 5 students to model, teach and reinforce pro-social values. Sticks and Stones, a lively and energetic interactive drama by Brainstorm Productions, followed the path of the protagonist, Toby, as he met the challenges of social interaction at school. The students witnessed the importance of Toby learning to control his anger by simple, practical strategies and the benefit of learning to talk about his feelings to his trusted others – his family, friends, teachers and school counsellors. The importance of self-control and the development of empathy and positive expectations about not mistreating others were key messages for the students. They could see how it was possible to “do the right thing, at the right time, in the right place”.
Sarah Mounsey, Prep Teacher
Helen Gaudin, Grimwade House Psychologist
Year 5 students from left: Kate Stone, Victoria Wetherall, Jennifer Tai, Lucy James, Elizabeth Brookes and Nicholas Cole enjoy the interactive drama Sticks and Stones
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Ready for School At Grimwade House’s recent Ready Set Go information sessions for future parents the question asked of both our guest speakers was, “How can I get my child ready for school?” Kathy Walker, an early childhood consultant, and Kay Sagar, a member of the Children’s Book Council of Victoria, both recommended we give our young children the time and experiences appropriate to their stage of development. In our hectic lives there is a tendency to hurry through childhood. It is important not to rush this important developmental stage and to let our children spend their early years full of rich, playful experiences rather than structured activities. Play teaches children about maths and science, about speaking and listening, about taking turns, about cooperating and about relationships. Play should never be undervalued. It is an essential part of childhood. Kathy Walker outlined the many factors that need to be considered in assessing a child’s readiness for school, with particular emphasis on their social and emotional development. When determining a child’s readiness, Kathy considers the ability to play happily in a group situation, to separate from parents easily and the ability to cope when the unexpected occurs in day-to-day situations. At Grimwade House we encourage parents to consult with their child’s kindergarten teacher and share this information with us at the assessment interviews. This enables us to make a really informed decision about a child’s readiness for school.
Kay Sagar shared her love of children’s literature. She emphasised the importance of immersing a child in a world full of books from the earliest days. Kay encouraged parents to read to their children every day and presented a range of books appropriate to the different stages of children’s development. Kay stressed that the best gift to prepare a child for school is an interest in print and a love of literature. Our children start school with a huge range of background experiences. Their preschool years have been full of joy and discovery. Mindful of this, our Prep teachers plan to provide a program which fosters their love of learning, celebrates their diversity and caters for the needs of all students. Leonie Tamblyn, Head of Junior Primary
Prep students Ana Maric, George Takis and Elsa Robertson undertake a writing activity
School Tours Why not join one of our regular tours to see what Melbourne Grammar School has to offer? Tours are held during the school day and are particularly designed for families to view educational facilities of each campus.
Grimwade House Small group tours of our co-educational junior campus are held on a regular basis. Further information and bookings can be made by contacting the Grimwade House Office on 9865 7800.
Wadhurst Wednesday 31 August 9.30am Thursday 10 November 2.00pm
Senior School Wednesday 10 August 9.30am Tuesday 25 October 2.00pm Bookings are essential and may be made with the Admissions Secretary on 9865 7570. These tours leave from The Lodge 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne.
Boarding Precinct Tours of the boarding precinct are organised on request. To make a booking please call the Admissions Secretary on 9865 7570.
Prep students Marni Jacobson and Fraser Smith read in their classroom
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Out & About at Wadhurst Camp Out A long stroll around the beautiful property gave all the young campers an idea of what was ahead in terms of ‘bush bashing’, getting orientated and some of the potential problems that could occur. After little sleep on Sunday night, the boys began their induction into camp survival skills. This included setting up and dismantling tents, starting a fire, camp cooking, orienteering and map reading. No doubt this was an initiation for some into the harsh realities of outdoor living.
From left: Charles Risbey, Iver Lynne and Hamish Lade tackle the challenge of the ropes course
The first two days were invaluable as the boys planned their route and prepared for their campout which they would undertake in small groups without direct adult supervision. Some groups managed this task easily, whilst others were challenged by the perceived enormity of it. During their first semester at Wadhurst all Year 7 students attend the School’s Robert Knox Camp at Woodend. In their tutor groups they participate in a program which strongly encourages and develops teamwork and cooperation. On Sunday 3 April the first Year 7 class for 2005 started its six-day adventure at the Robert Knox Camp. Some of the Year 7 Cain 2 class were ‘old hands’ at the campsite and familiar with the surroundings, having attended the camp while at Grimwade House. For others, however, it was a new and rather daunting experience. After the one hour trip to camp with the family, a light lunch to get in the mood and some emotional farewells, the real action began.
From left: Jack Clemenger, Themba Wahlstrom and Campbell Kirwan help Ed Fanning celebrate his birthday while on camp All eyes on the target as students learn archery
Sunday afternoon allowed the boys to ease into the busy program. Tim Gates, Camp Director at Woodend, talked to the group about the forthcoming events and expectations. The boys were focused and keen to listen.
By Wednesday we saw the departure of the boys out into the bush. After much preparation, they disappeared into the wilderness all geared up and with somewhere to go. Frantic radio calls were received as boys attempted to locate the correct path: “Mr Gates, Mr Gates, we can’t find the track!” “Group One, Group One. Have you looked at the map? Over.” Finally they were settled and set up at camp, where dried peas, pasta à la packet and damper seemed like nouvelle cuisine. Next day the tired troops stumbled back, full of song and with insect bite stories and war wounds to compare. It was lunch and a celebratory birthday cake for Ed Fanning made by the fabulous Mrs Gates who tirelessly provided meals and treats for all. There was to be little rest for the boys, however, as the ropes course loomed. After swinging themselves around in a variety of contortions, they spent time on the flying fox before making their way to the archery field. Here it was a time for skill and steady hands as all tried to beat Mr Gates’ score. Teachers versus students …’twas an unfair competition given the staff on hand that day. If anyone was admitting exhaustion, it was a silent confession, as the infamous ‘Candlesnatch’ was on that evening. Dark and desolate was the night as boys were mercilessly ‘shot’ with a torch. The game ended with a win to ‘The Sceptics’ which, of course, was Mr Gates’ team! All slept well; fatigue had finally set in. We were all sorry to leave Woodend. It had been an experience to remember, where each boy excelled in his own way, notably James Habla who was made Camper of the Week. We say well done to all the boys who returned as a tight-knit cohesive group of young men. Adrienne Beer and Jennifer Pratten, Tutors of 7 Cain 2
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Out & About at Senior School Aboriginal Reconciliation Week From 30 May to 3 June 2005 Melbourne Grammar School students took an active and dedicated role in the proceedings of the highly successful Aboriginal Reconciliation Week planned by members of the Student Aboriginal Reconciliation Council. Reconciliation Week, first held in 2001 in the year of federation, has been of foremost importance ever since. It hopes to achieve an Australiawide acknowledgement and understanding of the crimes that were committed towards the indigenous people of our country in the past and illustrates how we can begin the healing process for future equality. This process is beginning to operate between Melbourne Grammar and Worawa Aboriginal College, who played a major role in the activities hosted at Melbourne Grammar and created a healthy relationship that is the first step in achieving this outcome. Several events were held during the week that aimed to further our relationship with Worawa College, not the least of which included the traditional flag-raising ceremony commonly associated with Reconciliation Week. There was a primary focus on the arts, with music and dancing sessions in the new Music Studio and
painting sessions in Motor Works proving to be highly successful – as were the Botanic Gardens Aboriginal Tour and the sports program. On Tuesday, a visit to Worawa College in Healesville gave the students from Melbourne Grammar a glimpse into the cultural aspects and the lives of the Aboriginal students. Participation in a sleep-out on Thursday night was extremely sought-after by many as a chance to learn more about this fantastic College and, of course, its students. The closing ceremony on Friday morning put an end to the week’s festivities, but not an end to the feeling of connection and understanding between the two schools and the students who took part in this memorable event.
A plaque to the Wurundjeri people was laid in the Chapel Quad in early 2005 (Left) Worawa Aboriginal College and Melbourne Grammar students create art as part of Reconciliation Week activities
Jack Fisher, Year 11 Student
Children of the Black Skirt Geography from the Air On Thursday 13 May 2005 Year 10 students enjoyed a theatre performance Children of the Black Skirt by theatre-in-education group Real TV. The performance was a highly theatrical gothic fairytale accompanied by a spine-tingling soundscape – Roald Dahl meets Charles Dickens under the harsh Australian sun. Set in a mythical timeless Australian orphanage, Children of the Black Skirt explores why 500,000 children – from convict times to the stolen generation and beyond – were placed into care and the range of abuse many suffered. It is a graphic representation of findings of the 2004 Committee Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care and highlights how society’s treatment of its young people, particularly indigenous children, reflects our fears and anxieties as a nation. The Committee recommended the importance of oral history projects to ensure “the experience of care leavers is not lost to current and future generations.” Two orphans under the watchful gaze of the ‘Black Skirt’ – a cruel governess – escape their harsh reality by telling tragic and enlightened tales of other ‘lost’ children. The performance was very moving and offered students opportunities for enrichment in English, visual arts, music and drama.
Learning how to spit out “All stations Bacchus Marsh, Tango Yankee Alpha, turning downwind for a touch and go on runway 27,” in a small two seat aeroplane going two hundred km/hr whilst trying to maintain circuit altitude, remember the downwind checks, scanning your instruments and looking out for other traffic in the circuit is no mean feat, but one students learn as they take part in the elective course Geography from the Air. This course teaches boys the basic principles of flight, navigation, rules of the air as well as a little bit of geography…where better, after all, to see patterns on the ground than from the sky?
The Geography from the Air class learns about geography while flying a plane
Flying really is a lot of fun and this exposure to flying the aircraft is a privilege not many people in their lifetime get to experience. Daniel Tidd, Year 10 Student
Robyne Grundy, Head of Drama 9
Out & About at Senior School Science in the Real World
Year 12 students learn physics at Luna Park
Our growing understanding and management of the natural world rests largely upon the human pursuit we call science. In the science department, students are encouraged to recognise how scientists initially analyse complex real world situations with simplified models that are refined and modified over time. Students are encouraged to formulate their own hypotheses which are then tested and to recognise the importance of empirical measurement as a means of discriminating between competing hypotheses. For scientific explanations to be effective we believe activities should involve students as active learners and congruence is required between
We congratulate the following Premier’s VCE Award Winners: Lucas Annabell Classical Societies and Cultures
Malcolm Crang Environmental Science
Robert Gomm Classical Societies and Cultures
Ivan Kwong Top All Round Achiever
Peter McInnis Classical Societies and Cultures
James Newton Political Studies
Jason Rerksirathai Physics
Piers van Zandvliet Design and Technology
Jack Wang Top All Round Achiever
Daniel Yim Classical Societies and Cultures and Top All Round Achiever
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science courses and the real world experiences of students. Technology has enhanced the learning experiences of Melbourne Grammar students. An example of remote data collection in real world situations occurred earlier this year when the Year 12 physics students visited Luna Park. In a joint project between Luna Park and the Victorian Education Committee of the Australian Institute of Physics, the amusement park was transformed into an outdoor classroom, with over 700 students visiting on 28 February. This physics day covered some of the course material of VCE physics with special emphasis on data collection and analysis of motion in two dimensions. Activities on the day allowed physics to come alive and the students were able to apply their physics knowledge to most of the rides. Students used a Pasco® data logger with 3-D accelerometer and altimeter fitted in the pocket of a specially supplied vest. The device tracks a person’s acceleration and movements during a ride to enable students to calculate the forces on them on the rollercoaster and to understand the effect of real collisions on the dodgems. Christine Ford, Head of Science
Premier’s VCE Awards
Tertiary Scholarships
At a special ceremony at the Regent Theatre in March this year, ten students from Melbourne Grammar were honoured as recipients of 2004 Premier’s VCE Awards. Three of these ten achieved further recognition as a Top All Round Achiever; students who have achieved study scores of 46 or higher in at least five VCE studies. To say that Melbourne Grammar School was well represented in the Premier’s VCE Awards would be a considerable understatement. Few schools could boast such a strong representation in these prestigious awards. All those who have contributed to their success will join with me in applauding their outstanding work which has been recognised through these awards.
According to information received from the institutions, the students listed below have received scholarships for 2005.
In the presence of the Governor and Premier of Victoria as well as the Minister for Education and Training, the students received their awards from high profile personalities drawn from a range of professions which included the entertainment industry, business, medicine and law. The ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement, it also provided the opportunity to feel a deep sense of confidence in the talents of these young people whose future prospects appear to be so positive. Chris Bradtke, Director of Teaching and Learning
University of Melbourne Simon Walter – National Scholarship Daniel Yim – National Scholarship University of Sydney Ivan Kwong – Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Rupert Bourke and Matthew Marantz were both awarded places in the Swinburne University information technology program. There may be other recipients of whom we are not aware. We would welcome news of any other scholarship winners and ensure that the information is included in the next edition of the Grammar Newsletter. Frank Thompson, Director of Career Development
Careers Centre Melbourne Grammar School was one of the first schools in Victoria to make a significant commitment to the provision of career advice to secondary students. Since 1972, the School has devoted the personal and physical resources to provide information, advice, guidance and support to students facing the challenging decisions of life beyond school. The staff of the Careers Centre sees its role as providing a link to the world outside the bluestone walls – the exciting world of further study and employment, as well as the opportunities of exchange and overseas travel. Over the years, the role of the Careers Centre has expanded and now encompasses personal career and course advice, major events such as the annual Old Melburnians’ careers evening (now run in conjunction with Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School), work experience, computer-based career interest exploration and provision of links to a wide range of overseas exchange and other post-school options. The recent change of title to Director of Career Development reflects the fact that students are undertaking a journey and the provision of career support is a part of each student’s personal development. The fundamental role of career development is to provide students with individual counselling and assistance with decision making. At Melbourne Grammar School this covers many areas but further education options, employment planning, VCE study selection and course review, overseas exchange and GAP opportunities, assistance with part-time and holiday employment and assistance with issues of possible educational disadvantage are perhaps the most common. As part of the career development process, all Year 10 students undertake (as part of their personal development program) a computer-based career interest activity which is designed to identify possible areas of future career interest and assist in the planning of VCE studies. Computer-based programs are an adjunct to, not a substitute for, individual career planning and advice. Students are encouraged to discuss the outcomes and research the job suggestions that arise from the activity. VCE subject choices present students with their first major decisions in the academic process. The Careers Centre, in conjunction with information and advice provided by subject teachers and Heads of House, conducts a review of every Year 10 student’s choices prior to final confirmation of his VCE program. This is to ensure that proper account is taken of the student’s future goals as well as his particular interests and strengths.
Year 11 students participate in the work experience program in Term III each year. Work experience aims to provide students with an insight into the world of work in general and an opportunity to explore an area of particular vocational interest. The assistance of many members of the Grammar community in providing worthwhile and rewarding experiences in the workplace is greatly appreciated. As Year 12 students prepare to move on to the next phase of their lives, it is important that they have access to accurate and upto-date information on the post-school opportunities. To supplement the individual counselling process, the Careers Centre arranges a variety of guest speakers on a wide range of course and employment options.
Year 10 students Patrick Nestel and David Teo talk careers with Director of Career Development Frank Thompson
The annual careers expo (held this year in the refurbished Memorial Hall) brings together a smorgasbord of occupational and educational representatives to assist students in their career planning. Students are fortunate to have access to such a diverse and enthusiastic range of presenters (many of whom are Old Melburnians or Old Melbourne Girls Grammarians). The Careers Centre places a high priority on communication and sees the weekly Senior School Bulletin as a vital link with students and parents. In addition, the regular email contact with students on topics which they have identified enables us to target students and provide very specific information in a timely manner. In matters of communication, the work experience program and in so many areas of the efficient operation of the Career Centre, the role of the Careers Centre Assistant Jacky Burton is vital and greatly appreciated by students and parents alike. Frank Thompson, Director of Career Development
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Innovation in Action
Architectural concept for the Centre for Learning and Leadership
Centre for Learning and Leadership “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Melbourne Grammar School is committed to offering our students the best means to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours which will prepare them for a complex, rapidly changing world and a new economy that relies more on individual strengths and creativity than industrial structures. The Melbourne Grammar School Centre for Learning and Leadership is a bold initiative to alter the face of teaching and learning. The development of this Centre marks the final phase of Melbourne Grammar School’s capital campaign, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.
Learning The Centre for Learning and Leadership will inspire innovation in teaching and learning and encourage new pathways to discovery and knowledge.
Leadership Leadership at Melbourne Grammar means leadership at any level of activity and management of one’s own life and development. The Centre will equip students for future challenges in every area of life from balancing work and family commitments to engaging with local communities in suburbs, cities and rural areas; from involvement in national affairs to the global landscape of ideas. 12
Facilities The Centre for Learning and Leadership will become the intellectual heart of the School drawing on traditional sources of information and new ways of thinking. The complex will encompass a library, an information technology and multimedia hub, and a centre with a Director of Leadership for personal development and leadership.
Community Participation To obtain further information about the Centre for Learning and Leadership and the capital campaign; to offer your assistance as a campaign volunteer; or to make a gift in support of the Centre for Learning and Leadership please contact: Catherine Spencer Campaign Manager T: +61 3 9865 7640 F: +61 3 9865 7577 E: cmspencer@mgs.vic.edu.au or Michael Joyce Director of Fundraising T: +61 3 9865 7683 F: +61 3 9865 7577 E: mdjoyce@mgs.vic.edu.au Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004 Australia
Leading the Way Polly Flanagan, Melbourne Grammar School’s new Director of Leadership, explores the concept of leadership: Few of us would deny that society has changed dramatically and rapidly. We are living in a knowledge-based global society. It is estimated that computer technology changes every 18 months and that knowledge in general, doubles every three years. If these estimates are correct, then in a student’s time at school, available knowledge will increase more than 16 fold. Such an exponential rise in knowledge will continue throughout a student’s entire life. How can we prepare our students for this constantly changing world? We certainly can’t do it by seeing schools as primarily a place for knowledge acquisition. Schools must provide students with essential skills that will assist them to navigate the changing and unpredictable world they will live in as adults. This means encouraging all students to be leaders in the 21st century world. Of course, not everyone will be a prime minister or the head of a multinational company, however all students possess leadership capabilities and these can be identified, developed and nurtured. Melbourne Grammar School has had a long tradition of encouraging leadership through the prefect body, sport and the house system. These traditional avenues for leadership development and experience will continue. In addition to these, emphasis will be placed on the development of small ‘l’ leadership skills for all students. We believe that these are the skills our students will need to develop in order to thrive in the 21st century world. Students need to know themselves as learners and thinkers. They need to be able to collaborate, plan and work effectively as a member of a team.
leadership in both formal classroom environments and less formal activities. At all three campuses, there are some excellent programs that foster thinking about leadership. These will be extended and enhanced to ensure that learning about leadership is part of the school experience for all students.
New Director of Leadership Polly Flanagan with Year 11 students Will Cooper and Michael Keskerides
“Education and learning are the most important processes we have to prepare for the future. Our future health will be determined by how well we prepare for emerging 21st century society. Our well being in the years ahead will be determined by how well our young learn to get to the future first and to continuously transform themselves to deal with change, and emerging threats and opportunities.”1 1 Enabling our Young to Create 21st Century Success,
Dr Peter Ellyard, 2005
Polly Flanagan, Director of Leadership
Wadhurst’s Leadership Discussion Group meets for the first time
In 2030, students who are currently in Year 7 will be 38 years old. To thrive in the changing world of work, they will need to be critical and creative thinkers who are able to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances. They will need to be self aware with an understanding of their behaviour and socially aware with an understanding of the behaviour of others. They will need to be skilled communicators who are comfortable with uncertainty and diversity. Above all, they will need to be committed lifelong learners who understand that learning is a continuous process. It is our aim at Melbourne Grammar School to provide all students with a variety of opportunities to see themselves as leaders and to explore their leadership capabilities. We hope that this will lead to increased self confidence and a greater sense of self. Students will be exposed to thinking about 13
Curriculum Initiatives Aerobics Grimwade Style Karen Chandler joined Grimwade House’s Physical Education staff this year and has already made a major impact. A serious runner herself, Karen recognised the benefits of aerobics for all students at Grimwade House and organised an aerobics lunch time club for students in Years 4 to 6. A Grimwade House aerobics team from left: back Georgia Brown and Victoria Wetherall, centre Sophie Gray, front Imogen Cowan and Mary Grimwade
Over a period of weeks the students were taught a routine known as ‘Car Wash’ and on Saturday 4 June 30 students travelled to Ringwood to compete in their first aerobics competition. The atmosphere was electric and the students were enthusiastic and committed. The enjoyment on each of their faces as they performed their routines and then in the change rooms afterwards was wonderful to see. Each of the students gained different things from the experience. For some it was having the courage to perform in front of an audience, for others it was operating as a co-operative member of a team, and for others it was seeing a challenge through to the end. The support staff of Sarah Coffey and Andrew Parkes are to be thanked and congratulated for their work on the day and the support they gave to Karen in this wonderful, new initiative at Grimwade House. We cannot wait for the next competition. Glyn Howitt, Grimwade House Assistant Head (Curriculum)
Psychological Testing Year 11 students studying psychology were given the opportunity to become real psychologists in Term II and collected data ‘from the field’. The students used the Prep and Year 5 classes from Grimwade House as their participants in a study to ascertain if Piaget was correct in his theory of the four stages of cognitive development. The psychologists had a series of tasks to complete before they could take to the field and wrote their hypotheses regarding the outcome of the experiment prior to the day of the study. The
general consensus was to support Piaget in our predictions of the outcome of the study, so most students believed that only the Preps would possess egocentrism and that only the Year 5 students would be capable of abstract thought. The Year 11 students worked in pairs in their endeavour to discover if the findings supported the hypotheses. To our disbelief, none of the Preps displayed egocentrism and 38% of them were capable of abstract thought! After scratching their heads about the genius minds currently residing in the Prep classes at Grimwade House, the Year 11s continued their investigation with the Year 5 students. Like the Preps, the Year 5 students were advanced in their cognition. Instead of only a small percentage to have established the ability to think in an abstract manner, 90% of the assembled students demonstrated that they in fact had this capability. The Year 11s took their professional psychologist caps off when deliberating about their findings, stating that they too must be advanced in their cognition, as they had been members of the illustrious Grimwade House themselves not so long ago! All in all, it was a very valuable exercise, as getting out into the field is frequently more effective than sitting in the classroom. The students were able to take on the role of real psychologists and all were enthusiastic about the excursion. Sally Johnson, Psychology Teacher
Academic Endeavour At a special assembly on Tuesday 14 June 2005 the Headmaster Paul Sheahan presented Certificates of Academic Endeavour to over 100 Wadhurst boys. These certificates reward members of the ‘silent majority’, the boys who come into class, do what needs to be done in an appropriate manner and to the best of their ability and leave at the end of the year often without receiving any formal acknowledgement of their efforts. Criteria for awarding these certificates include an improvement in attitude, showing a keen interest in the subject, being a good role model in the subject and presenting work which indicates a significant improvement. Those at the top end of the academic spectrum receive acknowledgement in the form of subject prizes and Certificates of Distinction at the annual prize giving ceremony. Roger Peake, Wadhurst Curriculum Co-ordinator
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Caring for Students Restorative Justice Restorative justice, as a way of managing community conflict, has its origins in Australia in 1991. With inspiration from reforms in New Zealand, a process called family group conferencing was adopted in the juvenile justice system in NSW. The pilot program attracted national and international attention and its successes were quickly extended to other sectors, including education. The first pilot of community conferencing in schools began in Queensland in 1994. Victorian schools have been slower than other states to adopt restorative practices as part of their behavioural management regime and Melbourne Grammar School is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative in Victoria. These practices enable organisations to address wrongdoing and conflict in a constructive manner, to build community and to empower young people to make decisions about issues that affect them. Restorative justice theory holds that a person who behaves harmfully affects the person(s) they hurt, the community and themselves. A restorative approach to conflict helps all the people affected to understand what has happened, to discover how others have been affected and then to find a way forward by repairing the damage (physical and emotional) and by minimising the likelihood of a recurrence. Restorative practices promote active problem solving and reconciliation, with a cumulative effect of building resilient and connected communities. Restorative principles inform a range of processes beyond the formal community conference. These processes include ‘reflective circle time’, mini-conferencing and assisted negotiation. Restorative justice principles were presented to Melbourne Grammar School at a seminar involving the whole school executive early in 2004. The executive has since endorsed the practice of restorative justice as the preferred method of dealing with conflict between people in the Melbourne Grammar School community. Sixteen key pastoral staff, representative of Grimwade House, Wadhurst and Senior School, undertook a two-day training program early in February 2005 with Dr David Moore. David works as an alliance partner with several communications consultancies and has provided management and training services in restorative justice to organisations in Australia, Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand and Scandinavia. David is an Old Melburnian and continues to consult with the pastoral staff at Melbourne Grammar School to establish the practice of restorative justice in the School.
At the time of writing, staff trained in using restorative justice processes have successfully intervened in response to a number of conflicts as they have arisen in each of the three parts of the School. We are committed to training staff and establishing restorative principles as preferred behavioural management practice, ranging from simple dialogues to formal conferencing if and when appropriate. The role of punishment in education is a vexed issue and the use of restorative practices does not necessarily exclude traditional disciplinary actions like detention, suspension and probation if and when appropriate. Restorative processes are additional tools rather than simply a replacement of traditional practices.
Year 11 students who are peer supporters from left: Gaston Gianfreda, Ben Allnutt, Andrew Wright, Richard Israel, Angus Anderson, Jack Fisher and Tom Denehy with Director of Counselling Elaine Hoise
From left: Year 11 students Richard Israel and Jack Fisher
Dr David Moore introduced the principles and practice of restorative justice to the entire academic staff as a professional development activity on the first day of Semester II in the new Alfred Felton Hall at Grimwade House. Elaine Hoise, Director of Counselling
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Re-opening of The Old Melbur
Opening of the M
Launch of Campaign Tomo From left: School Captain Kenny Velos, Free Stickland, School Council Chairman Sandy Clark, Old Melburnians President David Field, Lady Southey, Hugh Morgan, Headmaster Paul Sheahan and Acting Chaplain Brian Porter at the opening of the performing arts complex
Melbourne Grammar School’s new state of the art $9 million performing arts complex was opened by Lieutenant Governor of Victoria Lady Southey AM and former Melbourne Grammar student and well known businessman Free Strickland AM OBE KStJ on Sunday 15 May 2005, following an address by Hugh Morgan, Chairman of the Business Council of Australia. The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall, originally opened on 11 November 1928 to mark the members of the School community who gave their lives and service in World War I, has been renovated and new performing arts facilities created. According to Melbourne Grammar Headmaster Paul Sheahan: “Music and drama are important at Melbourne Grammar and provide marvellous opportunities to build our students’ skills, confidence and self-esteem. The refurbished Memorial Hall, including a much needed music rehearsal space, is providing significantly improved learning and performing spaces for our students and staff.” Highlights of the opening were the spectacular first performances in the complex by sting trio of students Jon Ji Lim, Kenneth Sim and Stuart Watson, a drama performance from Macbeth by Year 12 student Jay Bittelmann and a cello solo of a Bach suite by Year 10 student Stuart Watson.
to align with the Witherby Tower and the South Quadrangle to provide a far more attractive entrance to the School with an improved vista.
Designed by architect Adjunct Professor Peter Elliott AM, a western ‘bookend’ pavilion has been added to the Hall, significantly expanding the basement and under stage areas and providing a music studio and improved stage size and drama performance facilities.
In conjunction with the reopening of the Memorial Hall the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today capital campaign for the Centre of Learning and Leadership was also launched.
The balcony at the rear of the Memorial Hall has been restored and, together with a fly tower, forestage elevator, state of the art sound equipment and tiered seating, the renovated Hall is providing students, staff and audiences with enhanced production and viewing facilities.
Our New Facilities
The development of the new western extension also provided a wonderful opportunity to relocate the Bromby Street driveway
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Kirrily Johns, Editor
“The newly opened performing arts complex has amazed me; from the underground Music Studio to the historical Hall I am astonished by how much effort, let alone money, has been put into the new facilities.” Alexander Dukas, Year 8 Student
rnians War Memorial Hall
Music Studio
orrow’s Leaders Today Year 12 student Jay Bittelmann entertains the audience at the opening with a drama performance from Macbeth
“New stage machinery, high-tech communications capacity to all areas of the building, generous dressing-room accommodation, a scenery/props workshop, significant extension to the stage wingspace to facilitate movement of bodies and scenery, plus a forestage elevator which can extend the stage apron at one level or become an orchestra pit at another: all these significantly enhance the theatrical experience of all who work in the refurbished Memorial Hall and provide an outstanding opportunity for Melbourne Grammar students to learn about the workings of a fully equipped modern theatre.” Tim Scott, Director of Students
“To say that the new Memorial Hall is brilliant is a huge understatement. The new facilities are state of the art and make staging a production much easier than it has been for quite some time.” Jason Hicks, Year 12 Student
Music Studio The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall “The renovated Memorial Hall provides performers with much better facilities to aid them in their craft. I believe that the final outcome will be performances that are better and more spectacular than ever.” Andrew Wright, Year 11 Student
“What a difference it makes to the assemblies. Everyone seems to be more engaged. Even the speakers feel a greater sense of contact. It’s really quite remarkable to see how the communication has become so much better just by improving the seating arrangements.” Chris Bradtke, Director of Teaching and Learning
“At last the Symphony Orchestra has a home it can call its own. It is a superb facility and we are so grateful to the School for including the musicians in its ongoing building development. We are also relieved that the original requests from the staff and students have been dealt with positively, not least the vital question of size, where we were anxious that the venue would accommodate an orchestra of 100 players. This group is more than happy to be sharing it with the Concert Band and the String Orchestra and, from time to time, the Chapel Choir, who will take advantage of the airconditioning on Thursday evenings during the summer months. The musicians are now able to see the conductor from any position in the room, read the music easily with excellent lighting and hear themselves play when everyone else is playing. The Music Studio has become the venue for a number of weekly instrumental lessons (especially percussion), VCE Music Performance classes and the newly established weekly Music Recital, held at lunch time on Fridays, and attended by students, staff and parents.” Martin Rutherford, Director of Music
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Boarding Meet our Heads of Boarding Melbourne Grammar’s boarding facilities are divided into three sections. Year 7 and 8 students live in an extended family environment with the Head of House in Creswick, a renovated Victorian house.
Senior School boarders (Year 9-12) are in either Perry House or School House and are accommodated in single or double study rooms grouped around shared kitchenette/lounge facilities.
Nick Bates Nick Bates joined Melbourne Grammar in 1990 and has been Head of School House since June 2001. He also teaches Year 12 Accounting.
house there is absolutely nothing that would surprise me!
What does being Head of School House entail?
My family and I live next door to the boarding house. This means that there is very little that goes unnoticed (from both points of view!). There is always a steady stream of telephone calls to home and visitors to our back door – often without much reverence to the hour of day or night! My family shows great patience and will do their best to help the boys if I am not available. They often complain I spend more time with my ‘other’ family than with them.
I see my role as one of ensuring that School House is a place of vitality, purpose and possibility. My vision is to provide a warm, supportive, secure and happy environment in which all boys can: • discover more fully the possibilities for the person they are; develop and test these possibilities and learn what they stand for and how best to articulate that stance; • participate fully in the life of the House and School; and • achieve to the best of their ability in all aspects of academic and school life. What do you like about the job?
Head of School House Nick Bates helps Year 12 student Douglas Doyle with his homework
I enjoy the energy that flows from interacting with young people and watching them grow and mature. At the end of the journey I would be happy if I managed to exercise a positive influence on the majority of boys under my care in one way or another – small or large. I recognise the need for boys to have a positive self esteem and I want them to be able to look in the mirror each morning and like what they see! What is special about School House? What makes School House special is our House charter. The charter sets out our vision, our commitment and mission. In particular, we value the commitment to recognise and respect each member for what he is and acknowledge that each boy will contribute to the life of the House in different ways – encouraging kindness and tolerance is paramount. Our mission is always to be the best we can be in all that we do and to make our House the best it can be. What unusual moments have you had in this role? Having been a teacher for many years there is little I would find surprising or unusual. After four years in the boarding
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What are your living arrangements?
Michael Shaw Michael Shaw teaches Chinese and has been Head of Perry House since the start of 2004. He has been at Melbourne Grammar for 16 years. What does being Head of Perry House entail? This is almost impossible to answer in a few lines. The longer I am in the role, the more I discover there is to do. I act as guardian for the 52 boys in my care. With the assistance of a great team of tutors, I sign legal documents and weekend leave passes, pay bills and fines, distribute pocket money, represent them when they are in trouble, listen and guide them, communicate the good and bad news to their parents and back the other way, entertain them both in and beyond the boarding house with suppers, excursions, socials, overnight camps, etc. I also coordinate the Papua New Guinea scholars’ program, arrange their flights home and liaise with their families in PNG. What do you like about the job? The variety of the work is incredible. Getting to know the students and their families so well happens as a consequence of such regular contact and the longer hours together. Despite the distances – interstate and overseas – I probably have more regular contact than I ever did with most day boy families because of the differing nature of my role in the boarding house. I hear from some families almost daily via email, phone or fax. Parents are generally most supportive of
what we, as a pastoral team, are trying to achieve on behalf of their sons. What is special about Perry House? I am still discovering this myself! You should ask the boys and staff who have been here longer than I have. Over the years, looking from the outside in, I was always impressed by the Perry lads’ passion for House events and the way they supported each other. Now that I am part of the mix, I still see evidence of this, but I know we can do even better, especially when the senior boys set the right tone. What unusual moments have you had in this role? • sitting at a boy’s bedside in hospital after a sporting injury or accident until a parent or guardian arrives; • having to pass on tragic news of the death of a family member or friend; • searching for boys late at night when they have failed to return back on time by phoning around the known party venues; • investigating noises or late night visitors; and • handing over the burnt toast when the fire brigade arrives...again! What are your living arrangements? Mary and I and our five children live in a cosy four bedroom school residence adjacent to the boarding house. We are close enough to hear the ‘bumps’ in the night, but far enough away to enjoy our own space.
Gerald Moylan Gerald Moylan has worked at Melbourne Grammar for 14 years and has been Head of Creswick for seven years and a Creswick tutor for five years previously. He is also the Wadhurst Maths Coordinator. What does being Head of Creswick entail? Being Head of Creswick involves fully overseeing the care, guidance, counselling and disciplining of Year 7 and 8 boarders in all aspects of their life, education and development. I also organise their travel to sport on Saturdays, weekend outings, birthday parties, health requirements, cleanliness (smelly feet) and camp gear.
grow and develop into confident, capable and mature young lads. It is particularly pleasing when former boarders return to visit us at Creswick both as senior boarders and as past students and have them speak most positively of their time at Creswick. What is special about Creswick? Creswick is a small family style environment for boys in Year 7 and 8 attending Wadhurst. There is a maximum of 14 boys living in Creswick and facilities are contained in a Victorian terrace house with bunk style beds and shared rooms. At the heart of Creswick is the five staff management team, comprising myself as Head of House, two members of Wadhurst staff and two GAP students. At Melbourne Grammar we believe it is important to try to replicate the home environment as much as possible. For this reason birthdays are celebrated, videos are hired and occasionally as a treat takeaway food is consumed. What unusual moments have you had in this role?
Head of Perry House Michael Shaw relaxes in the boarding quad with Year 11 students Sam Sargood and Yannick Harris
Head of Creswick House Gerald Moylan on the way home from School with (from left) Charles Everist, Wynn Chairote and Creswick Captain Will Johnson
I have seen and dealt with many usual incidents in boarding, most of them not for publication. I remember being amazed when I was preparing a boarder for his week at Woodend camp and he asked, “Do I take an umbrella and are there any bears there?” What are your living arrangements? The boarders, GAP students and I all live in a large Victorian house together.
What do you like about the job? I like being a foster father to the young boys from various backgrounds and cultures and seeing them
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The Old Melburnians Council From the President Several of the highlight events for The Old Melburnians this year are featuring the School’s redeveloped Memorial Hall. The Anzac Day Service returned to its ‘spiritual home’ in the Hall, and it was a fine sight to see Senior School students and staff joining with OM ex-servicemen in what was again a stirring tribute to the deeds and sacrifices of those OMs who gave their lives in the first and second world wars. David Field
The Memorial Hall was originally presented to the School as a gift from The Old Melburnians, and in May the OMs played a part in the ceremonial re-opening of the redeveloped Hall, with its fine new adjoining Music Studio and performing arts complex. In addition, this focus was recently continued with the holding of this year’s OM Annual Dinner in the Hall, for the first time in several years. This was a fine and successful evening, with the Federal Treasurer Peter Costello as guest speaker, and enabled many OMs to revisit the School and gain a sense of the many exciting developments taking place on the main campus. As reported regularly in this Newsletter, The Old Melburnians are represented by a large number of sporting clubs, and we acknowledged the 75th anniversary of the Hockey Club at this recent Annual Dinner. All of these clubs have in common a majority representation of OMs, and they provide an excellent option for OMs to continue to pursue their sporting interests,
Old Melburnians AGM Notice is hereby given that the 2005 Annual General Meeting of The Old Melburnians will be held at The Lodge 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne on Tuesday 29 November 2005 at 6pm.
OMs Online Catch up with friends and former classmates at OMs Online.
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To receive and consider the report of the Council
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To receive and consider the statement of accounts and Auditor’s Report thereon
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Special Resolutions: To consider a clarifying amendment to the Articles of Association, to make explicit that the Society is not carried on for the purposes of profit or gain to its individual members, and that it will not make distributions of money or property to its members
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To elect Directors: Nominations for election to the Council are invited, No nomination is valid without the consent of the nominee. A nominee must be a Life Member. The date fixed for the close of nominations is noon on 2 November 2005. Forms for nominations can be obtained from the registered office at the above address
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To elect Office Bearers
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Any other business
www.mgs.vic.edu.au Over 1,000 OMs now online – it must be time to visit! For further information contact Stewart Brook in the Development Office on 03 9865 7681.
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Old Melburnians President David Field with Malcolm Carre Riddell (OM 1978) and John Carre Riddell (OM 1944) following the Anzac service
and to maintain and foster the links they have established during their School days. Direct links to information on all these clubs can be found on the opening screen of the OM website: www.oms.org.au. Our branch and year group convenors have again been working hard on behalf of the OM community. A very successful reunion was held in May for the 2000 year group, and functions are planned in the coming months for the Albury, Perth and London branches. Dates and contact details for these functions can likewise be found on the OM website. I am delighted to report that this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list included six Old Melburnians: Eric Haan (OM 1965) – AO, for service to clinical genetics, education and the community; Geoff Handbury OAM (OM 1942) – AO, for service to the community as a benefactor, and to international humanitarian relief; Dick Cotton (OM 1958) – AM, for service to science, through genetic research; John Hasker (OM 1956) – AM, for service to the energy industry, and the community; John Perry (OM 1951) – OAM, for service to community through musical, church and disability support organisations; and Robert Maclellan (OM 1952) – AM, for service to the Victorian parliament, and the community. We congratulate these distinguished OMs on their achievements. As reported elsewhere in this Newsletter, the public phase of the School’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign has now been launched. Whilst many have already given generously to this appeal, I do encourage all OMs to consider responding to this opportunity to support the School’s current and future development plans, and to help ensure that it remains capable of providing an educational experience that is unparalleled in Australia and the world. David Field, President
The Old Melburnians Bowls Club
OM bowlers at the 2005 Public Schools Old Boys tournament
From left: John Franklin, Clive Morris and Ken McKaige enjoy the tournament
The 2004/2005 bowls season which concluded in April was another successful one for The Old Melburnians Social Bowls Club.
in the tournament. Finishing in second place, we improved on our third placing in 2004. In 2006, The Old Melburnians will host the tournament for the first time.
We played eight of the ten games scheduled for the season. Unfortunately it was necessary to cancel two games due to rain. Of the eight games played we won six, drew one and lost one for a total of 89 shots up. During the season games were played against teams from Old Scotch Collegians, Caulfield Grammarians, Old Wesley Collegians, Old Xaverians, St Kevin’s Old Collegians, Melbourne High School Old Boys, MCC and the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Our effort in the Annual Public Schools Old Boys Bowls Tournament was the Club’s best ever result
Another varied and interesting fixture has already been arranged for the 2005/2006 season. It will be the Club’s 25th season since formation. Games are played on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons. The first game will be against Old Scotch on Thursday 27 October 2005.
OM Sporting Clubs Interested in joining an Old Melburnian Sporting Club? Visit the Grammar community section of the School’s website: www.mgs.vic.edu.au to contact the various clubs.
All Old Melburnians who are lawn bowlers are warmly invited to join us. Contact Secretary Bruce Hall on 9836 3196. Bruce Hall, Secretary OM Bowls
Football Club The Old Melburnians Football Club (OMFC) started summer training in November at Edwin Flack Park in Port Melbourne and the players enjoyed a high level of fitness at the start of the season. The Club appointed four new coaches in 2005. The senior’s new coach is Dean Rice, who is a former AFL player with St Kilda and a Carlton premiership player. The reserve’s coach is Fab Gatti, Club XVIII is Tom Parker and U19s is Ben Dunn. Our summer training at Port Melbourne highlighted the fact that Melbourne Grammar Year 12 players are most welcome at the OMFC in their first year out of school and it’s important that a seamless flow of MGS players to the OMs is maintained. To facilitate this objective, Dean Rice will attend MGS training towards the end of
the football season and MGS players will attend OMFC training at Junction Oval. These occasions will be followed up with the Year 12 OMs Sporting Clubs barbeque in October. We have four teams in 2005 – seniors and reserves in A Grade, U19s and a Club XVIII, who are also known as the All Stars. The All Stars won the premiership in 2004 and all teams are training hard to win another flag in 2005. The Old Melburnians Football Club has an active social committee and the various events during the year enable those who have just left school to get to know other members and supporters of the Club. Our annual Dinner Auction will be held at Crown Casino on Wednesday 10 August and bookings can be made by calling Annie Holme on 9882 4958. Gavin Henderson, General Manager OM Football
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Branches & Reunions 1
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MGS Community Business Lunch 1 Gary Morgan (OM 1959) with Robert Cole (OM 1958) and OM Council member Malcolm Kennedy (OM 1968) at Morgans at 401 Collins Street 2 Old Melburnians Vice President Simon Derham (OM 1973) with Ian Mandie (OM 1966) at the Community Business Lunch
1955 Fifty Year Reunion
7 Bette Ritchie with Dr John Tucker (OM 1936) and Noel Ritchie (OM 1941)
1965 Forty Year Reunion
OM Bowls End of Season Luncheon 11. Incoming Bowls President Mark Aarons (OM 1946) with outgoing President George Kemter (OM 1939), Alan Eilenberg Trophy winner Graeme Anderson and Secretary Bruce Hall (OM 1949)
2000 Five Year Reunion 12. Nathan Kent, 2000 Captain of School David Batten and James Carruthers enjoy their five year reunion
3 Norman Carlyon, Frederick Davey and Tony Graham enjoy discussing their School days
8 Andrew Smith, Christopher Drake and Rodney Blackburn enjoy catching up at their reunion
13. Alexander Lew with Charles Doube at the five year reunion
4 Gary Johnson with 1955 Captain of School John Cameron and John Tymms
9 Peter Birrell, former Deputy Headmaster Ian Rutherford (OM 1950) and Andrew Guy enjoy discussing days gone by
14. James Westh with Ben Faulkner and Hugo Powell in the Handbury Family Cafeteria for their reunion
5 Lloyd Bryant with Alan Ralph and John Osborne in the Luxton Dining Hall
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Bellarine Community Function 6 Graham Egleton (OM 1963), Tom Hudson (OM 1964), John Clark (OM 1963) and John Crisp (OM 1962) enjoy the hospitality at Carlyle, the home of Brian (OM 1952) and Val Davie
10 Simon Trinca, Peter Durham and Rex Monahan enjoy their reunion at the Royce Hotel
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Community News Richard Collett (OM 1979) is a Senior Engineer at Robotron P/L & WiNRADiO Communications. With his father, he won First in Class in the 2001 Grand Prix Rally, in a 1957 MGA Coupe. Charles Bligh (OM 1985) is currently living in Japan working with IBM and is married to Angella and they have a baby daughter, Ashton.
Obituaries The School has learnt of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy and understanding is extended to their family and friends. Acford, R F (Past Staff) Airey, J D E (OM 2001) Bate, W C (OM 1934) Blashki, A J (OM 1931) Bower, H (Past Parent) Bromby, C (OM 1922) Brookes, A D (OM 1937)
Pictured above Old Melburnians Denys Bottomley (OM 1945), Gerald Lavender (OM 1943), Keith Hallam (OM 1945), Bruce Coulter (OM 1945), Headmaster Paul Sheahan and Ted Gleeson (OM 1942) at the new 50 year members of the Melbourne Cricket Club luncheon on Friday 25 February 2005. Ian McKenzie (OM 1955) recently retired as Director of the Austin Research Institute.
Cliff, W J (OM 1946) Cook, W S (OM 1936) Dane AM, W M (OM 1941) Deschamps, N St C (OM 1926) Grimwade, P N (OM 1940) Howat, G (OM 1930) Hudson, J M (Friend of the School)
George Bruce (OM 1966) owns and manages the largest privately owned sports complex in country Victoria. The complex has 32 acres of national standard soccer and hockey grounds which include extensive hospitality facilities.
Jones, L (OM 1956) Langford, J E (OM 1931) Linton, R G (OM 1931) Marshall, J H R (OM 1957) Martin, M J N (OM 1990) Morgan, G L (OM 1957) Murray, J S (OM 1962) Palmer, I R (OM 1955) Payne, D W B (OM 1941) Plarre, R O (OM 1930) Raymond, H R (OM 1934) Reid, J D (OM 1942) Satchell, A M (OM 1937) Sinclair, N C (OM 1940) Stannard, A M (OM 1946) Stubbings, P C (OM 1945) Thomson, G B (OM 1928) Traill, J D (OM 1976) Westely, T A (OM 1926) Whiteside, E (Past Staff)
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David McCarthy (OM 1965) retired from the Commonwealth Public Service in 2001 and then travelled for four and a half months in 2002, including attendance at the Bayreuth Festival. He began a new career in 2003 with the National Food Industry Strategy Inc as a Project Officer. Rob Pemberton (OM 1965) took early retirement from ABC Television in 2002 as Executive Producer/Director after 37 years service with the corporation.
Dixon, B F (OM 1948)
Parish, R J (OM 1934)
Malcolm Cleland (OM 1964) after 30 years residence in Tasmania as a corporate farm manager and principal of his own 1,400 hectare farm, moved with his wife Jo to Melbourne in 1999. They have two daughters Victoria 31 who is married and Amy 29.
Leyland Ridings (OM 1955) visited the School recently from his home in the United Kingdom. Pictured above Leyland is the Cabinet Member for School Organisation and Early Years in the Kent County Council which roughly equates to a ministerial position in state government here in Australia. Leyland has a special interest in education and very much enjoyed the opportunity to discuss education matters with the Headmaster Paul Sheahan.
Charles Gunter (OM 1972) left Cathay Pacific in February 2005 where he was a Boeing 747 Captain. Charles is now involved with Shortstop Jet Charter at Essendon airport – a business aircraft charter company which operates a Learjet, Citation jet, and a 28 passenger DC-3. He is certainly away a lot less these days! Stephen Bolton (OM 1979) has been in the audiovisual industry since 1979. After 14 years of production and staging/touring, he moved focus to AV systems integration and has been there ever since. Stephen now specialises in all facets of AV systems integration including video conferencing, AMX control systems to create web-based AV system control, sound systems, lighting systems and data/video projection systems.
David Saunders (OM 1985) has been a journalist in Hong Kong for the past seven years, working first for the South China Morning Post newspaper and since 2000 for financial wire service Bloomberg News. David will return in September to Melbourne and commence a two year law degree at the University of Melbourne. In March 2003 he married Liz and they had a baby boy, Thomas Hugh, in September 2004. Julian Harvey (OM 1987) is the Property Co-ordinator at Maribyrnong City Council. Julian completed the Sydney to Hobart on ICEFIRE. Daniel Bland (OM 1992) joined the Royal Australian Navy after leaving school and has served on HMAS Moresby, HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Stuart and is currently serving on HMAS Success where he saw service in Timor. His wife Sarah and son Thomas are based in Sydney. When Daniel is ashore he and his family live on the Mornington Peninsula and he instructs at HMAS Cerberus. Michael McLean (OM 1993) is currently living in Brighton in the United Kingdom, working with teenagers with behavioural problems. Michael says that while it is a big challenge, it offers great experience. Michael is still painting and exhibiting and his current works can be viewed at www.seen.com.au. Christopher Thorburn (OM 1993) is currently living and working for a Swiss private bank in Geneva and in between work commitments manages to go skiing each weekend. Ryan Woodger (OM 1994) has relocated to Melbourne from Shanghai, China where he has been based for the past five years in the role of Business Manager for Electra Polymers, responsible for the sale of polymer based chemicals to the printed circuit board industry in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Prior to this role, Ryan held a variety of management, sales and import roles in both China
and Australia. Ryan holds a Commerce/Arts Degree with Majors in Marketing and Chinese, from Deakin University and speaks fluent Chinese after completing intensive studies at Liaoning University in North East China. Ryan is a keen surfer and golfer and was a member and player of the Shanghai Tigers AFL Club. Ryan has been appointed by GE Plastics as Victorian Accounts Manager. Matthew Edwards (OM 1995) is living in Perth and studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Matthew is in the second year of a three year course and he says that he is absolutely exhausted by it right now, but certainly would not want be anywhere else. Jonathan Faulkner (OM 1996) is with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has been posted as First Secretary to the Australian mission in Kuwait. Edward Payne (OM 1999) completed a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Computer Science (Mechatronics) at The University of Melbourne. He has started a PhD in Engineering at The University of Melbourne, studying nonlinear bubble dynamics in conjunction with the CSIRO.
Sally McNamara (OM 2001) is currently in the third year of a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) degree at RMIT University. At the moment Sally is completing a year long full-time work experience placement at Siemens Limited. Jau Zeng (OM 2001) is now working in Kuala Lumpur, having finished his university degree. Jau has just started managing a vacation timeshare company and also some administrative work for the parent company. Adam Bonney (OM 2000), pictured above, is currently a pro mechanic with Team G-Cross Honda and attributes his success to the five years of Japanese that he studied at Melbourne Grammar. Adam received his break when he sent his resume to the manager of the Honda global racing team who was looking for someone that could speak Japanese to assist communication with riders and sponsors. Adam has a very busy schedule during the racing season and looks forward to his time back in Melbourne to recover.
Thomas Mellor (OM 2002) moved to Perth in 2000. He was only meant to be in the west for two years but enjoyed Perth so much he decided to stay. Thomas attended Scotch College and graduated in 2002. He then attended Edith Cowan University before starting a job at a marketing firm, doing promotions and sales for sporting groups. He has recently started a new job at an event management organisation as a Sales Executive.
Weddings
James Righetti (OM 2004) is currently in England on a GAP year at Bradfield College.
Michael Brian Ford (Staff) & Amy Wright
Compiled by Stewart Brook, Alumni and Archives Manager
Honours 2005 On behalf of the Grammar community we extend our congratulations to the following people who were awarded an honour in the Australia Day or Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Australia Day Stephen Cordner AM (OM 1970) – forensic medicine
Congratulations The Grammar community is pleased to congratulate the following couples who recently celebrated their marriage in the Chapel of St Peter:
11 March Nicholas John Robert Langdon (OM 1986) & Sally Jane O’Connor
13 March
19 March Christopher John Gillon (OM 1992) & Amy Louise Griffin
8 April Michael Chong (OM 1991) & Choy-ling Sim
30 April Campbell Adam Thompson (OM 1989) & Ernestine Serafine van Herwerden
6 May Stephen James Nelson (OM 1993) & Martine Jill St Leon
John Gall OAM (OM 1963) – Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
7 May
Kenneth Marks AM (OM 1940) – judiciary and law
Tom Bekiaris (OM 1991) & Rhonda Helene Spagnol
Rupert Myer AM (OM 1975) – arts and philanthropic and service organisations
Queen’s Birthday Richard Cotton AM (OM 1958) – science Eric Haan AO (OM 1964) – genetics Geoff Handbury AO (OM 1942) – community affairs Helen Handbury AO (past parent) (deceased) – humanitarian John Hasker AM (OM 1956) – Red Cross Robert Maclellan AM (OM 1952) – parliamentary services John Perry OAM (OM 1951) – community, particularly musical, church and disability support organisations Robert Clive Tadgell AO (Anglican church) – judiciary, law, higher education and Anglican church
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Grammar Community Lessons from Rome Rome is the only city in the world, I think, where the layers of history are quite so visible and cover such a long period. It is a genuine palimpsest of human activity where the past is palpably in the present. It was this idea that prompted me to go to Rome, helped by a Friends of Grammar/Old Melburnians bursary. This coupled with the knowledge that Year 9 boys, to whom I teach art history, have very little understanding of the overall sweep of the development of western culture.
Paul Baxter with Emperor Constantine’s head and bicep at the Campidoglio in Rome
So, my art history project was to use one place as my focus and see how every different period impacted on that place. Well, Rome just had to be that place. The presence of Egypt can be felt by the numerous obelisks and sculptures, and Greece’s influence is obvious. Then there is the
Roman Empire itself, Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, even a little Gothic, copious amounts of Renaissance and Baroque and we could go on. Here was an opportunity to make the multilayered aspect of history become more alive through contact with one place. And what a place! If Goethe could say of Rome: “In this place, whoever looks seriously about him and has eyes to see is bound to become a stronger character: he acquires a strength hitherto unknown to him...I am not here simply to have a good time, but to devote myself to the noble objects about me, to educate myself before I reach forty.” And if Henry James confirmed this by adding, “I’ve seen Rome, and I shall go to bed a wiser man than I last rose,” then surely I could use the raw material of Rome to enliven my students’ sense of history. Paul Baxter, Head of Art, Senior School
Matinée Dinosauresque
From left: Donald Britton, Tony Morton and Jim Lawry perform in the new Music Studio
Past Parents Fresh Flower Stall at the Merry Grammar Fest Saturday 19 November 2005
One of the popular and successful events forming part of the opening of the refurbished and expanded Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall and performing arts complex was a Sunday afternoon concert held in the Music Studio on 29 May 2005. This was sponsored by, and featured, members of the MGS Retired Staff Association. Director, pianist and accompanist was Donald Britton – Director of Music from 1954 to 1974. In his 86th year, Donald has lost none of his musicianship, and played and accompanied with sensitivity and amazing skill.
The ‘younger’ performers were Tony Morton (baritone): 1969 – 1997 teacher of French, German and English, and Morris Housemaster; and Jim Lawry (tenor): 1956 – 1973 teacher of mathematics and Witherby Housemaster. In the program of song, impression and reminiscence, Tony sang songs in German and French; Donald played four expressive pieces ranging from Rachmaninov to Billy Mayerl; and Jim sang songs from the repertoire of House singing competitions during the Hone era. Throughout, entertaining and insightful commentary enhanced appreciation of the music. The ‘epilogue’ was the Gendarmes Duet, with additional verses recalling the days of all three performers associated with the School Cadet Corps. Admiration and enjoyment were palpable in the audience of 100 – friends, relatives, past students and colleagues. Vic Ryall, President Retired Staff Association
Can you help? We require: • people for a posy-making working bee on Friday 18 November; • people for serving on the stall Saturday 19 November; and • flowers, herbs, greenery, wrapping ideas etc. Please contact: Winonah Cunningham on 9818 6101 or Pru Woodruff on 9822 6013.
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Past Parents All past parents are warmly invited to a preChristmas gathering in the Morrow Room at The Lodge on Thursday 8 December 2005 from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. For those interested in viewing the refurbished Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall, Music Studio and performing arts complex, a tour will be
conducted by the Property Manager James Burton at 5.45pm prior to the commencement of the cocktail party. For bookings or further information regarding the Past Parents chapter please contact Community Relations Manager Jane Lee on 9865 7688.
The Grammar Foundation Foundation AGM
Witherby Tower Society
The Grammar Foundation has been an extraordinarily productive entity as far as development of the School is concerned and we are grateful for all that it does. On 16 May 2005 the Foundation had its Annual General Meeting in the Morrow Room at The Lodge.
The most notable and important development for Witherby Tower Society members in 2005 has been the appointment of Bob Slater to the newly created role of Endowment and Bequests Manager. In this role Bob will support the School’s significant efforts to engage the support of the Grammar community through endowment and bequests. Importantly, he will also act as the Executive Secretary of Witherby Tower Society. In my few meetings with Bob since his appointment I am heartened by his enthusiasm and commitment towards the Society, as I am certain you will be when you meet him.
Each year a guest speaker addresses the gathering on the general subject of the School and philanthropy. This year we enjoyed listening to a very distinguished Old Melburnian, Professor Richard Larkins AO (OM 1960). Richard is the current Vice-Chancellor of Monash University and former Dean of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at The University of Melbourne. Some of the points he made in his address should be repeated. Having just returned from a visit to South Korea to join with Korea University in celebrating their centenary, he was struck by the strength of the emphasis that Korea places on education as the foundation for the development of the country. The whole nation recognises the importance of education, to the point where major corporations and individuals compete to sponsor major infrastructure developments in the education world. In contrast, Australia’s “lethargy” and lack of investment with respect to the promotion of research and development, particularly in technology, leaves us with the real prospect of being left behind even by countries with “small” economies, like Sweden, Ireland, Israel, Finland, Malaysia and Singapore. At the same time, however, he reminded us that the survival of the planet and of the human race depends on schools like ours and universities like his having a commitment to teaching young people the sense of values that will be needed to tackle issues like the unsustainable difference between rich and poor countries, global warming, clean energy and water, re-emergent infectious diseases, justice, international governance, and so the list goes on.
In late April the three patrons of our Society, Free Strickland, Don Cordner and I met with Paul Sheahan, David Temple and Bob Slater to discuss future directions for the Witherby Tower Society. The outcome of this meeting was very positive, affirming that the Society must be actively developed and supported by the School, with a continuing strong focus on growth of membership toward a long-term goal of achieving an endowment corpus of $100 million. A Witherby Tower Society Members Newsletter will follow shortly after this issue of the Grammar Newsletter. The annual luncheon is planned for November and we will be considering other opportunities for those who wish to get together at the School a little more frequently. The School has played a significant role for all of us in our formative years and beyond, and the ongoing legacy we as a society bestow on the School will be a key to its future success benefiting generations to come. Nigel Peck AM, President Witherby Tower Society
From left: Witherby Tower Society patrons Nigel Peck, Donald Cordner, Free Strickland and Endowment and Bequests Manager Bob Slater
The teaching of values looms large, too: a sense of community, lack of discrimination, fairness, and qualities that are directed above and beyond the self need to be blended with intellectual skill if mankind is to progress. It was a memorable address and we were fortunate to have had such a distinguished Old Melburnian, who in his current role will help foster the lives of many MGS leavers, deliver it. Paul Sheahan, Headmaster
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Friends of Grammar Grimwade House Term II has been less frenetic for Friends of Grammar Grimwade House and the class representatives. We have continued to organise year level functions that have been well attended. Thank you to those families who opened their homes to the community. The class representatives and coordinators meeting held early in the term was very well attended. The meeting was dedicated to organising the main fundraising event scheduled for November. The Grimwade House community will be contributing in a variety of ways by organising stalls, games and providing food on the day. The much anticipated Alfred Felton Hall has created enormous excitement on the Grimwade campus. The landscape gardens and new, dominant building have changed the campus considerably. The children and parents are already enjoying the wonderful facilities. The class representative meeting held early in Term III was held in the new Hall and the FOGG committee is very grateful that we can use this facility. The Year 3 father and child games night was held in April. The pizzas and games are always enjoyed by the children. Our sincere thanks to the Year 3 class representatives and Year 3 mother’s for their assistance and patience on the night.
The Prep children really enjoyed grandparents day. After the tour of school facilities, many grandparents stayed for a delicious morning tea provided by the prep class representatives and FOGG. The annual cross country event was run on a pleasant, mild autumn day. Weary runners enjoyed cool water and lollies provided by FOGG. The traditional mother’s day FOGG stall was a resounding success. The children enjoyed choosing that special gift for mum. The class reps helped the FOGG committee wrap over 1,500 gifts for purchase. The FOGG committee organised a barbeque after the Year 5 and 6 football matches that were held at Edwin Flack Park in late June. The players certainly enjoyed the food on offer after all that exercise. On behalf of the FOGG committee I would like to thank all the Grimwade House families for their continued support. We are looking forward to consolidating our friendships at Grimwade House in the remaining half of 2005. Glenda Ralph, FOG Grimwade House President
Wadhurst
Wadhurst boys and their families enjoy the Wadhurst Breakfast
Activities at Wadhurst have continued apace during Terms I and II. A most successful happening was the Discover Wadhurst open afternoon for incoming and prospective parents and their sons. Paul Wilhelm, Kirrily Johns and
Kathy Howell combined to ensure that all present were familiar with the environs of our middle school campus. FOG Wadhurst invited the Director of the Woodend Camp, Tim Gates, to submit a wishlist to the committee at their March meeting. To date, the site has received 30 new mattresses, a barbeque, new kitchen equipment and archery sets. Other gifts to Wadhurst include table tennis tables and balls, texts for the Year 8 personal development program and a data show projector for the French department. Final payments have been made for the honour boards and the data show projector which were approved by the 2004 committee. I was privileged to represent the Wadhurst family at the annual Anzac day service and the reopening of The Old Melburnians’ War Memorial Hall and the launch of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign. The Wadhurst canteen is up and running on Saturday mornings and has been most warmly received by parents and boys of both Wadhurst and opposing teams alike.
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Early Term II brought the enthusiasm of the boys to the fore; the mothers’ day stall was held on the two consecutive school days before this special Sunday. Their eagerness to purchase the beautifully wrapped gifts was a delight to see. Long may we retain such a major place in their hearts! Friday 3 June heralded one of the most enjoyable and successful events on the Wadhurst calendar. The Soiree brought together a full hall, erudite conversation, for the most part, a three-course repast and showcased the sensational talent of the Wadhurst music staff. It culminated in an impromptu singalong around the piano by all present. Sincere thanks go to the committee, Margaret Blakeney, Lisa Perkins Catering, (for creating magic out of our tiny kitchen), the performers and last but certainly not least, the indomitable Julian Cairns. The legendary Wadhurst Breakfast for boys and their families was yet another highlight of the
calendar. It was inspiring to see so many cheery faces at such an early time of the day. Thanks go again to the FOG girls and the class reps who verified the adage, many hands make light work! It has been a most happy, productive and enjoyable period at Wadhurst and we look forward to more of the same in the latter half of the year. Sally Dane, FOG Wadhurst President
A magical event for all MGS families and friends will be held at Wadhurst on Saturday 19 November 2005 11.00am – 5.00pm. Please put this date in your diaries.
Senior School The Melbourne Grammar 2005 school calendar year has flown by so far, and I hope by now many of you have been able to enjoy and participate in at least one of the many varied activities offered by Friends of Grammar. Term II has seen our enthusiastic committee and class reps kept busy, whilst planning and assisting in fun, entertaining and often informative functions. Year level coffee mornings, the occasional lunch and year level dinners have been organised to enable parents to renew old friendships and make new ones. The class reps meeting provided an excellent opportunity for a short presentation about a study tour to Italy taken by Paul Baxter from the art department as a result of a Friends of Grammar/Old Melburnians bursary. Edwin Flack Park has proved to be enormously popular on Saturdays and the canteen continues to be patronised by the School community and visitors alike. As the cooler weather places more demand on the supply of hot food and drinks, the atmosphere around the facility buzzes. Generous volunteer parents play tag team serving behind the counter, their teamwork enabling them to watch their children play sport at varying intervals. We have continued to operate Swap Shop and support the auxiliaries within the School. In May, the drama auxiliary provided refreshments for the autumn play Antigone. The music auxiliary
saw the mid-year concert and the House music competition enhanced by the provision of drinks and snacks assisted by FOG. For our Term II planned activity, we held a botanical drawing workshop, titled ‘Draw in Awe’ at The Lodge, and to follow in Term III a date for an evening film preview is currently under review. The main events sub-committee would like to report on the whole school event, the Merry Grammar Fest and the Merry Grammar Raffle, to be held at Wadhurst on Saturday 19 November 2005, an event not to be missed!
Heather Rankin teaches a botanical drawing workshop
I would like to thank all Friends of Grammar for their commitment, enthusiasm and generosity, without this input the School community would not be as great as it is. Karen Skillington, FOG Senior School President
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Archives In the Spirit of Anzac “Anzac stood and still stands, for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never own defeat.” Charles Bean, Australian Official Historian Lt Col Richard Edmond Courtney
At the going down of the sun on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, four sons of the School had lost their lives in the perilous landing at Anzac Cove. During the next eight months of the ill-fated campaign the School would lose a further 27 OMs, including staff member William Ross Hoggart. Some 60,000 Australians fought on Gallipoli, with a total of 8,709 recorded killed in action or died of wounds. Some 1,151 members of the School served during World War I, including the Headmaster Richard Penrose Franklin and the School Matron Mary Finlay Watson. Two hundred and ten OMs made the supreme sacrifice during the conflict.
Captain William Ross Hoggart
Old Melburnians were involved in the Gallipoli campaign from beginning to end, including all of the major engagements such as Lone Pine and the fatal charge of the Light Horse at The Nek. Even the critical military positions in the heights above Anzac Cove were linked to Melbourne Grammar with Courtney’s Post named after Lt Col Richard Edmond Courtney (OM 1888).
Courtney’s Post was the centre post of three Quinn’s, Courtney’s and Steele’s - that occupied precarious, but crucial, positions along the lip of Monash Valley, in the heights above Anzac Cove. Lt Col Courtney commanded the 14th Battalion which had been adopted by Melbourne Grammar School as many of the officers and men were Old Melburnians. One of the School’s benefactions to the battalion was the provision of a Regimental Pocket Book. Courtney’s Post was originally captured by men of the 11th Battalion on the morning of the 25 April and was then occupied by the 14th Battalion two days later. It was on this same day that the Officer Commanding Bravo Company Captain William Ross Hoggart was killed in action. Lt Col Courtney wrote of him: “He was one of my most capable leaders and one of my most reliable. His experience as a master had afforded him many qualifications which few other officers possessed.” Courtney’s Post was the scene of particularly ferocious fighting during the Turkish attack of 19 May and it was for his actions to oust the enemy from part of the post that Private Albert Jacka was awarded Australia’s first World War I Victoria Cross. From May to August 1915 the battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the Anzac front line. In August, the 14th Battalion, as part of the 4th Brigade, attacked Hill 971. The hill was taken at great cost, although Turkish reinforcements forced the Australians to withdraw. At the end of the month, the 14th Battalion suffered further heavy casualties when it was committed to the unsuccessful attack on Hill 60. The battalion served at Anzac until the evacuation in December 1915. Lt Col Courtney was invalided to England in November 1915 after his health was seriously affected by the rigours of campaigning. He died in February 1919 as a result of the strains and hardships of the Gallipoli campaign. Stewart Brook, Alumni and Archives Manager
The Regimental Pocket Book
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Anzac Service
“Anzac Day is a day of remembrance and it is decreed that this service be held each year in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall. So we do owe it to ourselves to reflect on what memories we are honouring today. In taking this hour to meet together to honour Old Melburnians who have served in past wars, we have the opportunity to revisit the sense of commitment, sense of patriotism, and sense of contribution to School and society which they demonstrated so well. Let us be proud of our heritage, proud of our country, and proud of our very fine School. Let us continue to honour such fine role models, and to draw from them, each in our own way, as we shape our lives in the years ahead.�
Extract from the address by President of The Old Melburnians David Field (OM 1965) at the Melbourne Grammar Anzac Service on 26 April 2005 in the renovated Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall.
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The Music Studio A regular lunch time music series called The Music Recital now occurs in the new Music Studio every Friday from 1.20 – 1.40pm. From jazz to chamber music and piano recitals to lectures, students and/or staff entertain an audience of colleagues for 20 minutes. The performances are decided by an executive of Year 12 students and during Term III students undertaking the VCE subject, Music Performance: Solo, will perform each week.