Grammar News no 90 Apr 2006

grammar news Print Post PP344276/00024

Number 90 – April 2006

Grimwade House students Isabella McMahon and Georgia Everist in the new Grimwade House summer dress and hat which was introduced this year.

Grammar News is published three times a year for the Melbourne Grammar School community.

Published by Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Victoria 3004 Telephone: +61 3 9865 7555 Facsimile: +61 3 9865 7577 Email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au Editor: Kirrily Johns Desktop Publishing: Drew Gamble Graphic Design: MDM Design Printer: GT Graphics Mailing & Distribution: Data Connection Photographs: Stewart Brook, Michael Chesterman, Drew Gamble, James Grant, Kirrily Johns, Guy Scalise, David Woods Our front cover: Year 7 students James Legg, Ashley Goodwill and Tom Jessup get to know each other on their first day at Wadhurst on Monday 30 January 2006.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

In This Issue

Year 12 student Mac Camerer participates in the Red Cross Doorknock Appeal

4 From the School Council 5 From the Headmaster 6 Out & About at Grimwade House 8 Out & About at Wadhurst 9 Out & About at Senior School 12 Victorian Certificate of Education 14 Curriculum Initiatives 15 A Sense of Community 16 A Positive Sense of Self 18 Boarding 19 Grammar Community 20 The Old Melburnians 22 Branches & Reunions 24 Community News 26 Archives 27 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today 28 Friends of Grammar 30 Community Diary Dates 31 New Parents Welcome

From the Editor Welcome to the new school year and to a new design and name change for Grammar News.

There are many new things at Melbourne Grammar in 2006. This year sees the consolidation of our Personal Development program with a newly appointed Head of Personal Development, as well as the start of Leadership classes for all Year 9 and 10 students. Furthermore, a new summer dress and hat has been introduced for Grimwade House girls.

This edition of Grammar News provides some tips on how to prepare your child for Prep, along with details of Melbourne Grammar’s fast-approaching 150th anniversary celebrations.

Whether you are a future, current or past parent, an Old Melburnian or friend of the Grammar community, Grammar News has something for everyone.

Kirrily Johns

Melbourne Grammar School respects the privacy of its community members and is bound by the National Privacy Principles under the Commonwealth Privacy Act. For a copy of the School’s Privacy Policy please visit the School’s website at www.mgs.vic.edu.au or contact the School on +61 3 9865 7555.

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From the School Council School Council President Archbishop of Melbourne Chairman Sandy Clark Deputy Chairman Ian Vaughan Ross Adler, Peter Beaumont, Peter Danne, Barbara Fary, Vince FitzGerald, Stuart Gooley, Louise Jenkins, Sandy Massina, Lelde McCoy, Bruce Parncuttt Headmaster Paul Sheahan Secretary to the Council David Temple (Bursar)

Sandy Clark

Centre for Learning and Leadership Entering the Melbourne Grammar School grounds from St Kilda Road, you will have noticed the temporary buildings that have been erected at the north end of the Wadhurst Oval. These will house the school’s administration because their current offices in the Headmaster’s House, together with Old School House, are about to be demolished to make way for the exciting Centre for Learning and Leadership. The Building and Grounds Committee of Council is about to start witnessing the fruits of their exhaustive planning and review process.

Council Members In December 2005, Graeme Blackman retired from the School Council after nine years of distinguished service, including six years as Deputy Chairman. Graeme also served on various Council Committees, including ten years on Finance and Planning, nine years on Risk Management and Audit and eight years on the Nominating Committee.

If that wasn’t enough, Graeme has also chaired the James Woodcock Foundation, the Sports Policy Review Committee established in 1999 and the Education Committee Taskforce.

At a small function earlier this year, two past Chairmen of Council, John Clark and John Hasker, spoke of Graeme’s enormous contribution to Melbourne Grammar. Graeme replied with typical candour and modesty, emphasising his wife Paulene’s support. We are pleased that Paulene, a past President of Friends of Grammar Wadhurst, remains involved as a member of the current Fundraising Campaign Committee.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

I am pleased to confirm that Louise Jenkins, a member of the Risk Management and Audit Committee, has accepted our invitation to join the Council. Louise is a partner at Allens Arthur Robinson and her areas of expertise include insurance, reinsurance, litigation and dispute resolution.

New Year At the welcome to all new parents, held on the Wadhurst Deck early in February, it was pleasing to hear how well the boys and girls had coped with their first days at Grammar.

One Grimwade House parent told me her son had come home from his first day bubbling with excitement describing Melbourne Grammar School as a theme park! Now there’s a challenge for the Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd.

However the start of the year has been saddened, deeply, by the death of David Bland. The courage and love shown by Jim and Margaret and their other children James and Emma at the moving commemoration service in the Memorial Hall was inspirational, as were the moving tributes delivered by three of David’s many friends.

Finally, on behalf of the Council, I welcome all new students, staff, and parents who have joined the Melbourne Grammar community in 2006. Goal number one of Melbourne Grammar’s vision statement is to “… provide the best possible learning environment for each student and member of staff”. We remain committed, totally, to this goal.

Sandy Clark Chairman

From the Headmaster The third of these quotes is the one that needs to be accepted and understood by those involved in the education of young people. An Australian futurist of renown, Professor Peter Ellyard, uses the terms ‘probable future’ and ‘preferred future’ to indicate that we do actually have control of what will happen and we can either leave that to someone else to determine – leading to a probable future – or we can be directly involved in the process of deciding what will transpire – that is, a preferred future.

Paul Sheahan

Creative Thinking We all admire creative thinkers.

From time to time they seem to come up with the perfect solution to an intractable problem. The rest can agonise for hours or days but creative people have such a capacity to encompass all elements of a problem, so as to see instantly why certain propositions will work and others will not.

At Melbourne Grammar we are spending a good deal of this year focusing on goal one of our vision statement: “To provide the best possible learning environment for each student and member of staff”. This embraces the need to mould pedagogy to the needs and learning styles of the youth of today. In other words, we, as staff, need to be creative in the way in which we teach, incorporating the best knowledge available about how people learn and how individual learning is.

Humankind is crying out for those who will take a risk, propose what might seem like an absurd solution and have the courage to see ideas through to a conclusion.

Long live creativity! The world thrives on it.

Paul Sheahan Headmaster

Creativity is a great gift (and it has traditionally been thought of as a gift, rather than something that can be learned and developed), but there are things that can be done in teaching and learning that will facilitate and develop a greater capacity for ‘thinking outside the square’.

Perhaps the one who initiated the research and prompted thinking in the area of creativity was Professor Edward de Bono, a Rhodes Scholar who was born in Malta and the holder of four doctorates and professorships at five international universities. He is accepted by many as the leading authority in the field of creative thinking and the direct teaching of thinking as a skill.

Amongst his more memorable quotes are the following: • Perception is real even when it is not reality • If you do not design the future someone or something else will design it for you • We may need to solve problems not by removing the cause but by designing the way forward even if the cause remains in place • Traditional thinking is all about ‘what is’; future thinking will also need to be about what can be • Effectiveness without values is a tool without a purpose • ‘Nothing’ is the space for everything.

2006 student leaders, from back left: Senior School Vice Captain Mike Weston, Headmaster Paul Sheahan, School Captain Michael O’Brien and Wadhurst Captain Nick Fabbri, front: Wadhurst Vice Captain Matt Gallagher and Grimwade House Co-Captains Sibella Breidahl and Hugo Berry

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Out & About at Grimwade House Broadening Horizons The annual Leadership Conference at Grimwade House has continued to develop and some new initiatives have been introduced in 2006. For the first time our Year 5 students were invited to attend the three day conference.

The purpose of the conference was to provide a platform for students to launch into our inquiry unit which is focused on the big question, “What is essential to becoming an effective learner and leader?”

In order to develop the leadership capacity of our students six workshops were designed around the following three themes: understanding that instead of having an identity given to them, students can constantly ask themselves “Who am I?” and “Who am I becoming?”; developing the capacity to work with others and improve relationship skills; and, big picture thinking and imagining what the future may pertain.

Flora Norton (holding camera) and Laura Hallam film Angus McLennan with a digital camera

In the Movies A major goal of eLearning at Grimwade House is to find authentic reasons to integrate eLearning into our curriculum.

Late last year, our Year 2 teachers Sarah McKenzie, Polly David, Sally Cunningham and Jane Maidment, along with consultant Kath Murdoch, created an exciting inquiry into saving water.

To make an inquiry real, we encourage our children to ask pertinent questions and to collect data to answer these questions. After the data has been analysed, the students are encouraged to take action and see if they can make a difference. Several students chose to make a short movie to show their parents and the whole school at assembly what they had discovered about saving water.

To consolidate these newly learned movie making skills, these students were then involved in making a movie for an information night for our new Prep parents. They selected several locations from around the school to ask the current Preps several questions about their first year at school.

The movie was a huge success.

Rod White eLearning Consultant

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

The conference was opened by Polly Flanagan, the Director of Leadership at Melbourne Grammar School. She encouraged the students to take a broader perspective on what leadership is. We all need to be leaders of ourselves first! Two guest speakers presented over the three days.

Melissa Benson spoke of the challenges of dealing with the tragic event of her world turning black at the age of twenty.

Sheer will and persistence did not let her lack of sight hold her life back. Marcus Robertson also delivered an inspiring and entertaining speech about leadership and the importance of goal-setting in order to strive and achieve. Marcus is an elite swimmer and despite training ten sessions per week in the swimming pool has managed to achieve in many other areas of his life, including completing a degree in medicine.

Grimwade House aims to provide a broad and engaging learning program where students will be challenged in all aspects of their lives. Good leadership skills are like good relationship skills. Good leaders use many social skills such as being positive, being flexible, respecting others and being supportive.

Philip Fox Head of Upper Primary

books, the concepts about print which are essential before more formal reading instruction can take place. Reading and re-reading a favourite book teaches children about the consistency of print, that the print carries the message and the illustrations support it. From the earliest age share your love of books. Talk about books and make them an integral part of your children’s world. Develop an awareness of the value of reading, show your children that you read every day, point out the supermarket aisle signs, the street names, the daily mail and emails you receive, the signs in your local environment. Involve your child in reading every day.

Writing begins when children see it as a valuable tool for communication. Leave pencils and paper around so that children can move through the early experimental stages of writing. Involve children in writing letters and cards to loved ones and value their attempts to write their own name. Writing is a physical task and little fingers need lots of exercise to develop fine motor skills. Cutting, pasting, threading, hammering etc are wonderful activities to involve children in at home.

From left, Prep students Hugo Bartels, Michelle Leung and Annabelle Wandhira get to know each other in their first weeks at school

Ready for Prep What can I do at home to help my children with literacy and numeracy?

So many parents ask this question at our Prep information evenings. To help support the three R’s perhaps we should think of the three I’s – independence, interest and involvement.

Numbers are everywhere in our environment. We see them in our kitchens, in our cars, on our phones and computers.

Rote counting and learning the number sequence is very important and can be made fun through simple number rhymes and songs. Recognising numerals that are an immediate part of your children’s world, such as house numbers, is a good starting point. Number plates are a wonderful way for children to practice number recognition.

Children develop one-to-one correspondence through simple daily tasks such as setting the table, ensuring there are plates and cups for each member of the family. These real life experiences are the foundation stones that Prep teachers build on.

Independence, interest and involvement are the keys that unlock the doors to learning that leads to understanding.

Leonie Tamblyn Head of Junior Primary

Independence develops a positive sense of self.

Independence is cultivated when children are given simple responsibilities and shown appreciation when these are completed. It is fostered in day-to-day routines such as involving children in simple household chores, collecting the mail, putting clothes in the laundry or carrying containers to the recycle bin. Encourage your children to take care of their own belongings, to carry their own bag, to dress themselves. Praise your children when they attempt to do things for themselves.

The fundamental tool required when learning to read is an interest in print. From the moment you place your children on your knee and read to them, the process has begun.

Through these interactions children learn the language of

Prep students Cayla Le Gear (left) and Lucy Porter do some writing practise

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Out & About at Wadhurst Extra Assistance For several years Wadhurst’s teachers, in addition to their timetabled classes, have offered boys a regular program of extra assistance in a number of academic subjects. At the beginning of each term the Wadhurst Bulletin contains full details of that program, which is posted also on the MGS Portal. Thus, subject teachers in English, Mathematics, Science, Chinese, French, Latin and Geography declare specific times when boys may choose to take advantage of added explanation, clarification or demonstration in a small group or an individual situation. The benefits of such opportunities are soon evident in the improved performance and increased confidence shown by these boys.

As can be seen from this brief outline, the range of extra assistance available at Wadhurst is extensive indeed and, when utilised, augments the classroom program in inviting and encouraging every boy to make the most of his learning opportunities.

Within its purpose-designed classroom in our administration building, Wadhurst’s Learning Strategies department offers early morning assistance to boys from 8.00 am on three mornings a week, as well as lunchtime support from 1.00 pm daily. For many boys the Homework Club, held after school for an hour or so on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is an extended opportunity to tackle homework assignments and specific subject tasks in an environment of skilled help and mutual support. Similarly, Wadhurst’s large and splendidlyequipped library is available at both ends of the school day for reading, research and the completion of homework in a supervised setting. And for boys who may be seeking further expansion of their mathematical prowess, there is the Maths enrichment group which meets after school on Mondays.

The Religious Education course at Wadhurst seeks to open young minds to new ways of viewing and understanding religious ideas, particularly Christian, by encouraging the boys to move beyond rigid traditional religious and secular interpretations of issues relating to matters of faith.

Finally, mention should be made of Wadhurst’s IT printing and resource room, adjacent to the Deck and always a hive of activity throughout the day as students take advantage of staff expertise and IT resources which facilitate and enhance the computer-based aspects of their learning.

Paul Wilhelm Head of Wadhurst

Religious Education

In Year 7 we begin this process with a critical examination of what shapes and influences our ideas, and consequently opinions, concerning the identity of God. In no time at all the boys have moved away from a narrow, male orientated impression of God (one astute boy thought many people’s idea of God was like Santa Claus!), to a far more sophisticated interpretation of God as loving mystery. The boys are encouraged to do this by drawing an abstract picture or image of their impression of God and this has brought forth many wonderful responses which have both delighted and at times astounded me. This process of drawing in abstract has also been successfully applied to examinations of concepts such as good and evil, and heaven and hell, helping to break down unhelpful stereotypical understandings of these concepts.

Having grasped this, the boys are asked to explore their concepts and perceptions of truth, with particular emphasis being given to linking truth to personal and communal morality and ethics. Through the mediums of story, art and film, the boys move deeper into the mystery of truth.

This more sophisticated understanding of the discovery of truth, particularly in story, is then applied to the Christian gospels, in the hope that the boys will discover the depth, sophistication and ultimately glimpse the truth that these texts point us too. This work is continuously unpacked and developed through Year 8 and is also applied to an investigation of faith traditions other than Christianity.

Timothy Fox Wadhurst Chaplain

Maths teacher Gerald Moylan runs a Maths enrichment class as part of the extra assistance program

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Out & About at Senior School Leadership Classes

Century Makers

This year all students in Years 9 and 10 will attend Leadership classes. The classes are part of the Personal Development program. In Year 9 the focus is on self awareness and in Year 10 the focus is on social awareness.

Throughout the course students will be encouraged to think of themselves as leaders and to reflect upon their leadership capabilities and capacities.

Cricket at Melbourne Grammar is going through a very successful stage at the moment.

Currently there are 11 students who have made at least one century for the School in the last three years. They are pictured below with the Headmaster Paul Sheahan with their number of centuries in brackets. There is a total of 28 centuries between them with 17 being scored so far this season. Fourteen of these centuries have been made in the 1st XI, three in the 2nd XI, six in the 10As, one in the 9As and four in the 8As. We are also in the unique situation of having four double century makers in the last 12 months. This season Bryan Vance made 204 against Xavier and Daniel Sartori 200 against Brisbane Grammar School and 201 against St Kevins, all in the 1st XI, and Xavier Ellis made 209 not out in the 2nd XI against Wesley last season.

Year 9 students from left Tom Chambers, Henry Coats and Josh Cutter undertake a Leadership class

In Year 9, students are given an opportunity to look at their preferred behavioural and learning styles and their core values. These things are central to the way students behave, think and learn. Students are introduced to the notion of emotional intelligence and, in particular, recognising and managing emotions.

Communication is an important part of the program at both Year 9 and Year 10. Students are encouraged to think about what makes effective communication and to be aware of the importance of body language as a means of communication.

In addition, this season the 1st XI has produced three double century partnerships, two involving Tom Corker and Daniel Sartori and the other involving Daniel Sartori and Bryan Vance. As well as this there was also a partnership of 316 against Xavier, involving Tom Corker and Bryan Vance. The record partnership for the school in the 1st XI is 367 set in 1923 and this is under severe threat if our current form continues.

The 11 boys have given much enjoyment to the whole School community, especially to coaches, parents and team mates and are an inspiration for others to try to join the group.

Marcus Richards Head of Cricket

In Year 10, students consider some theories of leadership and the issue of gender and leadership. Particular emphasis at Year 10 is placed on collaboration, teamwork and conflict resolution. Students also consider the moral dimension of leadership and what leadership means in a global and interdependent world.

Leadership lessons are designed to be interactive and students learn by participating in discussion and a range of collaborative activities. The Leadership course aims to increase self-awareness in students and encourage them to see themselves as leaders. It is hoped that students will understand that leadership is not related to a position or a title but rather to a way of thinking and behaving and that leadership is about everyone not just the select few.

The century makers, back row from left: Daniel Sartori (4 centuries), Tom Corker (2), Edward Hughes (1), Headmaster Paul Sheahan, Xavier Ellis (2), Andrew Oaten (4) and Bryan Vance (9), front row: James Wood (1), Richard Thomas (1), William Payne (1), Charles Shaw (2) and Thomas Morris (1)

Polly Flanagan Director of Leadership Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Out & About at Senior School Orchestra Tour

Health and Wellbeing

The Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra concert tour of Malaysia and Singapore in December 2005 involved a party of 109, including 76 students in Years 6 to 12, nine staff and a cheer squad of 24 eager supporters, parents and friends of the School.

Late last year, all Year 10 students had a day out of formal study to attend the inaugural Health and Wellbeing Day. The aim of this day was to raise student awareness about taking responsibility for their own social, emotional and physical wellbeing. Whilst such a holistic aspect of self development is embedded into the curriculum, the Senior School had not previously dedicated time specifically to these broad issues of maturation.

Three days in Penang, three days in Kuala Lumpur and three in Singapore made an excellent trio of venues and provided just the right balance of travel, sightseeing, relaxation and of course rehearsal and concert giving.

The five concerts given in ten days were obviously the focal points of the tour. The concert halls were all magnificent and were a pleasure to rehearse and play in. The orchestra brought a repertoire of 15 main works rotated through the concerts, varying from Warlock to Elgar, Rossini to Tchaikovsky. The audiences were huge, 600 to 1,100 at every concert and very appreciative. The big works were stunning – William Tell Overture, Pomp and Circumstance and such like – and the audiences demanded endless encores.

Our soloists in some quieter concerto movements excelled themselves – Kenny Sim, Stuart Watson, Bobby Zhang.

An unusual experience in the second concert was sharing the stage with the entire Penang Symphony Orchestra, the resulting combined sight and sound was truly spectacular.

Everyone who took part would agree it was a memorable tour, and a tour de force. It was a unique opportunity to visit an interesting and beautiful country, to enjoy producing wonderful music in some of the finest concert halls in Asia and to experience the camaraderie of a large party of students and adults united in such a worthwhile purpose.

We thank Martin Rutherford, Director of Music, Mary Rutherford and the music staff for their impeccable planning which assured the complete success of the tour.

David Woods MGSSO – Viola Section

The Health and Wellbeing Day commenced with a plenary session in which students heard three different, yet equally inspiring, personal stories from staff members about motivation and dedication. Athletics coach Adam Basil spoke about gaining selection and representing Australia at the Athens Olympic Games, teacher Carolyn Walker spoke about her personal battle overcoming cancer to receive a clean bill of health and the Headmaster spoke about the dedication to develop his natural talent as a boy to ultimately play cricket for Australia.

During the day each Year 10 student rotated through six activities with his House group peers. The activities were: • The Yellow Ribbon program which encourages young people to acknowledge their struggles and to seek assistance. The theme was “It’s okay to ask for help” • Spiritual Wellbeing, held in the Chapel, in which students learned the skills of meditation and to be still and quiet in a spiritual place • Leadership, enabled students to explore their personal leadership potential • Physical Wellbeing, addressed the all important topic of diet, exercise and physical health • Bully Busting in which students examined bullying behaviour and ways of dealing with bullies • Collaborative Challenge, with a series of structured games and exercises requiring teams to work together to solve a problem.

Reports from the boys were extremely positive and testified the importance and personal learning from this day. I personally have an enduring memory of watching a number of young men at the conclusion of their Spiritual Wellbeing session, sitting quietly, alone in the Chapel enjoying the stillness. What an underdeveloped skill this is in today’s ‘busyness’.

Elaine Hosie Director of Educational Services

The orchestra rehearses at the Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore 10

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

New MGS Staff 2006

Back row from left: Martin Ball, Jane Gleeson, Paula Ransom, Stephanie Lewis, Catherine de Boer, Alistair Roland, James Bourne, Emma McKillop, Erin Horsley, Michele Burns, Claire Garnham, Timothy Santamaria and Headmaster Paul Sheahan.

Front row from left: Amanda Guest, Andy Near, Lynda Serry, Felicity McCutcheon, Barbara Allen, Beryl Wintrip, Dean Spalding, Scott Netzer, Iain Meyer, Peter Lewis, Claire Sexton, Melissa Lovejoy and Miles Humphrys

Movember Mo-Mentum The month of November, traditionally renowned for Spring Carnival festivities and the flurry of activity which accompanies Year 12s finishing school and the VCE exams, assumed a new importance late last year at Melbourne Grammar.

At the instigation of staff member Daniel Church, 30 male teachers grew moustaches in support of a nationwide campaign to raise funds for prostate cancer research. Thus the month of Movember was born.

Movember we had raised $3,140, a superb effort. Across Australia over $1,000,000 was raised.

By 2 December 2005, 29 of the 30 moustaches were gone, but the job was done. Some normalcy returned to our school and home lives. Thank you and congratulations to all who took part.

Tim Morris Head of Morris House

Without wishing to be unkind, it is fair to say that none of the 30 of us found that our looks improved with the new facial hair, and all of us hoped that we were man enough to get a respectable moustache going in the 30 days allowed.

Certainly our attempts proved to be a popular topic of conversation.

We gave ourselves the official title of MGS Mo-Mentum and set about drumming up sponsorship support for our cause. The Movember website was an excellent source of inspiration and information. There we found out that 2,600 Australian men die of prostate cancer each year, and that funds raised would be of great benefit in financing cutting edge research projects.

The entire MGS community, but especially the boys in the Senior School, rallied to the cause and by the end of

Movember participants, back row: Tony Keech, Greg Lochhead, Glenn Matthews, Michael Ford, Frank Thompson, David Aitken, Rob Shields, Mike Shaw, Nick Gibbons and Edwin Bryans, front row: Bob Slater, Stewart Brook, Akiji Sato, Ben Hanisch, Nick Bates, David Altus, Paul Sheahan, Ron Noone, Tim Morris, Tim Habben, Roland Jones, Michael Chesterman and Jeremy Hamilton, absent: Dan Church, Nat Coull, Ken Emselle, Jeremy Fletcher, Geoff Guggenheimer, David McCallum and Danny McCoppin Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Victorian Certificate of Education 2005 VCE Results Much attention is rightly given to VCE results. They help determine tertiary selection and, on their own, represent a measure of academic achievement. The 2005 cohort of students can be immensely proud of their results as they once again compare favourably with those enjoyed by schools of similar type in Victoria. Those familiar with the Melbourne Grammar community recognise that many MGS students also gain such results in parallel with a broad variety of other educational opportunities which are less easy to quantify or measure.

Active participation in House activities, sporting teams, debating, plays, mentoring programs, overseas tours and musical events all contribute to the development of a liberally educated graduate. The school and wider community also recognise and value the abilities and skills that students bring to and develop at the School, which may not necessarily be reflected in academic assessment procedures.

Having said this, one of the strategies in the Melbourne Grammar vision statement is to develop authentic processes for assessing student and School academic performance, using value-added concepts. Much work is being done by subject departments in this area. Departmental reviews of VCE exam and study score results augments annual reviews of teaching and learning strategies from the VCE down.

When the current Year 9 students move through to VCE the Achievement Index Monitor (AIM) data can be included along with entrance testing data as a baseline to help achieve this strategy.

Michael Phillips achieved a 99.95 VCE result

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The fine 2005 VCE results given below are a culmination of much work and sacrifice by students, families and staff: • 44.5% of our students were in the top 10% in the state/ nation with an ENTER of 90 or above • 30% of students attained an ENTER of 95 or above. This means that 57 of our students were in the top 5% of the state/nation • 21 students attained an ENTER of 99 or above. Therefore 11% of our students were in the top 1% of the state/ nation • The Melbourne Grammar School median ENTER for 2005 was 87.3 • 5 students achieved the maximum possible ENTER of 99.95. Special congratulations to James Davaris, Michael Phillips, Kim Ramchen, Nicholas Rodd and Kenneth Sim • 10 students achieved 13 Study Scores of 50 out of 50 in 8 individual studies. Congratulations to: Mark Chu – Music Performance: Solo, James Davaris – English, Tom Kearney – English and Literature, Reuben Lipohar – Music Performance: Group, Jack O’Connor – English, Michael Phillips – Physics, Sukrit Sabhlok – Legal Studies, James Shackell – English, Kenneth Sim – English, Chemistry and Specialist Mathematics, Matthew Taylor – English.

All our Year 12 students who presented for the VCE were awarded the certificate and are to be congratulated on their results and efforts during the year.

Daniel McCoppin Senior School Curriculum Coordinator

99.95 VCE result scorers James Davaris (left) and Kim Ramchen celebrate results day at Melbourne Grammar

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

99.95 VCE result scorers Kenneth Sim (left) and Nicholas Rodd were on the orchestra tour of Malaysia and Singapore at the time of VCE results, pictured here with Headmaster Paul Sheahan

Student Destinations Early in Term I, Ted Barnard, the first Captain of Deakin House (OM 1961), visited the School to address the current Deakin House and present some Deakin House memorabilia for display in the House room. Amongst the interesting historical material that Ted brought with him was a copy of Grammar Story published in December 1961.

This publication focused on, “…the vast changes that have occurred in the last ten years”. One of the articles was titled, “Careers pattern has changed” and presented a comparison of student destinations from the classes of 1900, 1940 and 1960.

The article provides some interesting points of comparison with the destinations of our 2005 cohort. Perhaps most dramatically (and to my relief) I do not need to list “Killed on active service” as one of the categories. Four of the class of 1900 (which totalled 51 students) and 20 of their 1940 counterparts (168 students) appeared in that column.

The other trend which is most marked is the growth in the proportion of students continuing study beyond school, coupled with the range of options within this field. In 1900 and 1940, 25% and 28% respectively attended “The University”. By 1961, although the Headmaster in another article in Grammar Story, still refers to “The University” (the opening of Monash University in that year appears to have passed unnoticed), the definition of further study appears to have broadened. The publication reports that 72% of the previous year’s school leavers had “…entered universities or places of further education”. By comparison, 99% of the class of 2005 received offers to some form of further education (90% to universities).

This growth reflects the increasing demand from employers for post-school qualifications as the entry point to employment. It also reflets the expectation amongst young people and their parents that formal education will continue well beyond the teenage years. Of course, the range of occupations has expanded – computing and information technology do not feature amongst the earlier destinations – but even those that are common to all eras have undergone change. Students still enter careers in advertising, stock broking, insurance and on the land, but in today’s world, the expectation is that they will do so following some years of formal study rather than the on-the-job training which characterised these and many other career fields for earlier generations.

Finally, the range of locations for further study is in stark contrast to those available to our students’ fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers represented in the 1900, 1940 and 1960 groups of Old Melburnians. As can be seen from the tables, our school leavers are undertaking an enormous range of courses (many of them covering more

than one field of education) at more than 30 campuses of 20 different institutions. Whilst the range of choice is often bewildering, the opportunities available to our current students would surely make their forebears envious.

Frank Thompson Director of Career Development

2006 Offers by Type of Course Agriculture/Horticulture 6 Architecture/Building/Planning 14 Arts/Humanities 59 Aviation 1 Business/Commerce 77 Computing/Information Technology 7 Dental Science 1 Engineering 16 Hospitality/Tourism 4 Landscape Architecture 4 Law 23 Medicine 4 Pharmacy 1 Physical/Outdoor Education 1 Physiotherapy 1 Property/Construction 3 Science 25 Veterinary Science 1 Visual & Performing Arts/Design 8 Note: Many students are commencing courses that span more than one academic discipline. In the published figures, both areas of a double degree/dual award are included. Consequently, there may appear to be a discrepancy between the total numbers of offers by institution and the total numbers under areas of study.

2006 Offers by Institution Australian Catholic University 1 Deakin University 18 LaTrobe University 7 Monash University 46 RMIT University 21 Swinburne University 3 University of Melbourne 70 Victoria University 3 University of Tasmania 2 TAFE 8 Private Colleges 8 Other 5

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Curriculum Initiatives Journalism and Sport

Technology and Maths

A sporting event is often a worthy subject for study, but the 2006 Commonwealth Games being held in Melbourne signalled a rich field of study for Year 7 boys this year.

As part of the Year 4 Investigating Learning unit, all students made and tested paper planes. The design brief was that the plane was to be no bigger than five centimetres square, needed to carry a secret message and had to be able to cover a distance of at least three metres.

Curriculum planning in 2005 led to the writing of a purposebuilt booklet designed solely for the use of Year 7 students of English. The purpose of the booklet was to give students an opportunity to study the build up to the Commonwealth Games through the daily newspapers. Hence, it is also a study of newspapers and how they work. A variety of language skills would be addressed during the study and each student would produce a number of different types of writing pieces.

During first term, Year 4 students were set a range of tasks which involved different ways of learning, presenting work and participating. They were then asked to reflect on the activities and identify their favourites. It was interesting for students to realise that not everyone has the same likes and people can prefer to work in different ways from each other.

Glyn Howitt Grimwade House Assistant Head (Curriculum)

Paul Wilhelm, Head of Wadhurst, said in his foreword that: “The pages of this project booklet offer a wealth of language-based activities designed to develop in Wadhurst students a sharper focus upon how a world event such as the Commonwealth Games is presented and reported in the media.”

The use of their notebook computers played a significant part in students’ research of journalism and their preparation of language tasks. Each student received his own copy of the booklet and, at the end of the study, submitted it to his teacher for assessment.

As students studied the work of acclaimed journalists, they were inspired to use creative thinking, thoughtful planning and careful presentation to produce excellence in their own work.

An exciting adjunct to the classroom study were the visits

by Melbourne newspaper journalists Caroline Wilson and Len Johnson. In both cases, the boys were treated to a rare glimpse of the journalists’ exciting world as they reported on the people and the drama of sport.

Such great opportunities to link curriculum to high profile events do not present themselves very often. Hopefully, we have been able to enrich our boys’ understanding of language, journalism and sport through this study.

Mark Leslie Wadhurst English Coordinator

Words and Images Only by the form, the pattern Can words or music reach The stillness, as a Chinese jar still Moves perpetually in its stillness.

Burnt Norton, Four Quartets, T. S. Eliot, (1935)

Too often we separate words from images and images from words. In Words and Images, a new Year 10 elective offered in second semester this year, this division will be addressed and explored in depth. The Art and English faculties have already collaborated in Responding to Australian Art, a unit of study now firmly ensconced within Year 9 English.

Words and Images not only extends the faculty collaboration – it also offers students the opportunity to create their own works utilising language in combination with art. Why not write a love poem and accompany it with a montage of contemporary or classical images? Explore the cubist collages of Picasso, the billboards of Barbara Kruger or study Kafka’s Metamorphosis and interpret it through a series of paintings, drawings or photographs? Or work with a group of students to explore the work of contemporary visual artists through carefully crafted villanelles? Anyone for haiku? What image could express that economy of style and thought?

Students embarking upon this subject will be challenged and have the opportunity to work with the physical materials of making art as well, and their finished work will be exhibited in the Motor Works Gallery. It should be an enlightening semester for everyone involved.

Paul Baxter Head of Senior School Art and David Coales English Teacher

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A Sense of Community Community Service As I write this piece, 230 students have just returned from collecting over $7,500 from residents in Prahran, South Yarra and Toorak to go towards the 2006 Red Cross Doorknock Appeal. We also have large numbers of students participating in the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and Walk Against Want each year. In addition, we plan throughout the year to support an appeal from Sacred Heart Mission for foodstuffs.

Melbourne Grammar has a long history of involvement in service to the community and charities such as these are the more obvious and immediate benefactors of that involvement. However, the aim of our community service program is, like so much we do in the School, more long-term than that: we aim to give students a range of community service experiences which it is hoped will develop some understanding and appreciation of volunteerism and its importance in developing and maintaining a vibrant, caring community.

The aim of course is for students to see community service as an important element of their lives well after they leave school. There is an obvious relationship to the importance that we as a school place on leadership.

Natalie Charles in Deakin House has established links with St Joseph’s Emergency Housing Appeal which provides safe and affordable transitional accommodation for homeless people and disadvantaged people in ten self-contained units discreetly located off Chapel Street until suitable public housing is obtained. In the four years since its inception the units have provided a welcoming home to over 60 people including three elderly couples, ten migrant families, three aboriginal families, 15 single mothers and 21 children. For the six babies born during their parents’ tenancy, this was their first home. Year 11 Deakin boys are rostered to clean the common areas of the building regularly and to clean each unit after the departure of one family in preparation for the next. In volunteering their labour and time on behalf of society’s most vulnerable, they are thus actively engaged in the true spirit of community service.

Jacky Burton (03 9865 7547), who has taken on an extra commitment in community service this year, would appreciate hearing about other such organisations.

David McCallum Community Service Coordinator

As well as expecting participation in a number of collections, Year 9 and 10 boys have one day each year when they are allotted to one of the 70 or so organisations dotted around Melbourne which we assist. These include: kindergartens, primary schools, hospitals, charities and welfare groups. It is pleasing to receive the overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive feedback from these organisations each time boys have been out.

In Year 11, we expect boys to organise at least 12 hours of community service throughout the year while Year 12 boys often participate in the program when they can manage a break from their studies.

There are any number of other community service opportunities for the students, ranging from participation in the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal to involvement at the House level, to the community service component of a number of our camps and excursions. In addition, many of our students are involved in outside organisations, as lifesavers or coaching junior sporting teams.

We are always looking for ways to improve the program: at present in response to a request from Heads of House we are looking at ways in which individual organisations might have a closer and ongoing link with Houses. This may mean finding more organisations in our local area which may benefit from a relationship with us.

Year 12 students Sam Sargood (left) and Mac Camerer participate in the Red Cross Doorknock Appeal

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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A Positive Sense of Self Personal Development The appointment of Paula Ransom as Head of Personal Development at Senior School this year is a direct response to a major shift in education.

For many decades, schooling in Australia was seen by most as purely academic. Independent schools such as Melbourne Grammar School observed this unwritten law but, almost unwittingly, they also followed a long tradition of pastoral care and ‘extra’ curricular activities which were thought to be useful in providing a well-rounded education. The ‘extra’ curricular activities provided students in independent schools with a leading edge.

Skills learned on the sporting field, the debating team, the theatrical stage or even through dealing with powerful personalities often opened up networks in later life. These so-called life skills which were provided by non-classroom activities were not considered to be mainstream. There were very few formal structures which linked them to the curriculum and no professional vocabulary by which we could articulate progress or success. In fact, the ‘extra’ curricular programs were thought to be almost a by-product.

Those among us who have taught through the latter part of the twentieth century have observed the quiet revolution which, little by little, has transferred new powers to schools. School sport, games, physical education and outdoor activities now provide a very legitimate pathway to successful careers in these areas and the industry that supports them. Schools are taking a much more sophisticated approach to health, diet, physical training, sports psychology, teamsmanship, psychological and emotional wellbeing.

Previously, most children developed their values through the home and through their involvement with a variety of youth organisations such as Sunday School or Scouts. Fewer and fewer students are opting for these organisations. Fewer and fewer parents are willing or able to provide instruction in this increasingly complex area. It has fallen to schools to ensure that their pupils enter the adult world with a strong sense of their personal strengths and weaknesses along with a solid moral framework by which they can benchmark their decisions and an ability to harness the collective strength of friends and colleagues.

Programs in Personal Development are currently offered at Senior School, Wadhurst and Grimwade House, pitched to the appropriate maturational levels of the students. Among the topics addressed are hygiene, nutrition, creativity, selfesteem, emotional intelligence, sexual identity, mentoring, drugs and sex.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

As a first stage, the newly-appointed Head of Personal Development will work with staff in several Senior School faculties; Health, Physical Education, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Counselling, Careers, Leadership – with a view to reviewing the current course in Personal Development and developing a cohesive curriculum that recognises the need for our students to leave Melbourne Grammar with a strong understanding of who they are, how they can operate and the capacities they have for making a positive contribution to the future.

This work is likely to result in a drawing together of the programs already offered throughout the school in varying areas; Values, Leadership, Health, Physical Education. It addresses the need for programs whereby students develop a positive self-concept and form values and attitudes which will enable them to confidently take responsibility for their actions and behaviours.

Chris Bradtke Director of Teaching and Learning

Above: Head of Physical Education Nat Coull and Year 10 student Richard Lipohar during a sex education class Left: Head of Personal Development Paula Ransom discusses the effects of smoking with Year 9 students Nick de Steiger (left) and Sam Uden Opposite page, top: Year 6 student Imogen Cowan chats with a Grimwade House staff member during recess Opposite page, bottom: Wadhurst students get to know each other over games of table tennis

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Boarding Boarding Tutors Our vision is that the Boarding House be a place of vitality, purpose and possibility. It is the tutor’s role to assist the Heads of House to provide an environment that will reflect this vision and improve the quality of school life for all boys in terms of their achievement, opportunity, status and identity. The tutors therefore play a vital role in the pastoral care system and are selected for their expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to boarding and ability to work closely with individual boys and their families. Given these qualities it is not surprising to find that most of our tutors are also members of the Senior School teaching staff.

their charges in order to monitor their general wellbeing, academic progress and level of participation in the life of the School and House. On a practical level they celebrate achievements and birthdays, check diaries, write reports, help boys with their work, attend House activities, sign boys in and out, supervise meals in the dining room, patrol the House, inspect rooms, ensure duties are completed and sort out any neighbourhood disputes. The tutors also provide a point of contact between School and home. Over the years the tutors build up a close relationship with the boys and their families.

There are four tutors allocated to each House and they are directly responsible to the Head of House. Each tutor is responsible, in turn, for the general welfare of a particular year group. All our tutors live in or around the boarding complex and often give up their own time to see and assist boys with any academic or other concerns. Our school nurses are also members of the pastoral care team and provide more informal, personal support and care to each boy across all year levels. We have also engaged an activities officer to provide opportunities for boys to socialise and participate in recreation programs over the weekend.

Perhaps what the tutors do, according to Perry House Tutor Meaghan Hillman, is to provide a sense of home so that, “the boys feel they return each day to a place that provides them with all the warmth, compassion, humour and discipline that they would expect living with their own families.” School House Tutor Danny McCoppin summed up the role of tutors with the phrase “In Locus Parentis” meaning “in place of parents.” It is in this context that one truly gains an appreciation of the enormity of the responsibility and privilege placed on all boarding staff in ministering to the many needs of boys passing through such a difficult phase in their lives. It is a credit to all our tutors that the boys’ spiritual, social, academic and physical needs are met so well and in such a supportive environment.

Each tutor is required to do a weekday duty (8.00 am to 11.00 pm) plus three or four weekend days a term. Whilst on duty they take the opportunity to make contact with

Nick Bates Head of School House Year 12 students Alistair Wischer (left) and Daniel Sartori discuss homework with tutor Danny McCoppin

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Grammar Community 150 Year Celebration It is still more than 18 months away – but Melbourne Grammar School is already two years into planning its Sesquicentenary or 150th birthday.

Melbourne Grammar School was founded on 7 April 1858 and will celebrate its Sesquicentenary throughout 2008. A committee, chaired by Council member Peter Beaumont, has planned an outstanding program of celebrations and significant events: • • • • • • • • • • •

The opening of the Centre for Learning and Leadership An international Youth Leadership Conference An exhibition honouring distinguished Old Melburnians over the past 150 years The Anzac Service with a high-profile guest speaker An Annual School Concert A whole-of-school photo The Sesquicentenary St Paul’s Cathedral Church Service The Cordner Eggleston Cup – annual MGS v Scotch football match A Sesquicentenary Celebration Ball The Old Melburnians Dinner A whole-of-school activity – family function to conclude the year.

The Sesquicentenary Committee has drawn upon leading talent and expertise from our School community. Under the leadership of Peter Beaumont as Chair, the committee comprises School Council Chairman Sandy Clark, School Councillors Lelde McCoy and Ian Vaughan, Headmaster Paul Sheahan, Head of Wadhurst Paul Wilhelm, Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd, School Bursar David Temple, President of The Old Melburnians Simon Wilson, past and current parents including Campbell Rose, Steve Wilmoth, Debbie Thomas, Genevieve Overell, Belinda Hawkins, Mark Peters, CEO of the City of Melbourne David Pitchford, 2004 School Captain James Newton, the Director of Leadership Polly Flanagan, the Director of Marketing and Communications Annie Hayward and Judith Mein from The Lodge.

A special Sesquicentenary logo has been commissioned from leading Melbourne designer Lee Selsick of Next Brand Futures. Lee has been working closely with the committee on a pro bono basis to produce a logo that strongly complements the existing School logo.

The major highlight of the year-long celebrations will be the official opening of the Melbourne Grammar School Centre for Learning and Leadership – a $21 million world-class facility.

Work commences on this building later this year and it will be the hub for the international Youth Leadership Conference in 2008, which is one of the other major headline events for the year.

Sesquicentenary Committee Chairman Peter Beaumont (right) discusses logo design concepts with leading Melbourne designer Lee Selsick of Next Brand Futures

The Sesquicentenary program is directed not only towards the Grammar community but also the School’s external audiences, such as prospective parents and the wider community, and will have a major focus on recognising and reflecting on the School’s 150 years of leadership in education, the City of Melbourne and the nation.

“MGS alumni include many notable Australians who have made significant contributions to a wide range of human endeavour: science, arts, politics, community, business and of course the sporting life of our nation,” said the Sesquicentenary Committee Chairman, Peter Beaumont.

“Therefore, one of the other major events during 2008 will be the nomination of up to 150 Old Melburnians who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour and brought respect and pride to the School,” he said.

Headmaster Paul Sheahan said the Sesquicentenary Committee had planned an outstanding program of events.

“The planned events once again showcase Melbourne Grammar School as a great Australian institution. While we are very proud to have almost reached our 150th, an equally great achievement is that we are so focused on the future of our school, our students, our community and the world at large.”

“Our Sesquicentenary year is going to be a very special year and everyone in our community – past and present – should look forward with great anticipation and expectation,” he said.

Annie Hayward Director of Marketing and Communications

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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The Old Melburnians Council From the President It is with a great sense of honour and pleasure that I greet my fellow Old Melburnians as President for the first time, having served on the OMs Council since 1996.

It is an exciting time at Melbourne Grammar and for The Old Melburnians. Many of us remember, as small boys and younger men, the centenary year of the School in 1958. It is now only two years until the sesquicentenary of Melbourne Grammar School in 2008. This reflection provides one with an immediate sense of the history of our great School and the fact that all of us who had the privilege of attending the School have been part of that history and the benefits such participation has provided.

It is critical that at a time when government policy appears antithetical to the advancement of private education that Old Melburnians, through a proper sense of esprit de corps and ensuring that the valuable traditions of our School are maintained, provide a bulwark of protection so that the benefits of an education at Melbourne Grammar can be maintained at the highest standards for our children and our children’s children.

On behalf of The Old Melburnians, I offer our thanks to our Immediate Past President David Field (OM 1965), who has done an excellent job over the last two years and I am pleased that Simon Derham (OM 1973) and Stephen Gibbons (OM 1979) are continuing on the Council as Vice Presidents. They are joined by Cam Kennedy (OM 1994) as Secretary/Treasurer and the elected Council members John Batistich (OM 1993), Nick Batrouney (OM 1989), Jack Hawkins (OM 1972), Malcolm Kennedy (OM 1969), Nigel Thompson (OM 1969) and Ameet Bains (OM 1995).

The Old Melburnians will be continuing the successful business lunches held in the CBD this year, with Robert Morgan (OM 1968), Chairman of Clemengers Communications, speaking at the first lunch on 7 April and Paul Little, Managing Director of Toll Holdings, scheduled to speak at the lunch on 10 August 2006. I encourage all Old Melburnians, particularly those in the CBD, to attend these lunches and to book as early as possible.

Many of you will have seen material from the School about the new Centre for Learning and Leadership. It is critical that the campaign to ensure the completion of this new Centre by the sesquicentenary year is a success. I urge all Old Melburnians to get behind the campaign which will provide the School with a state-of-the-art facility including lecture theatres, library and IT facilities to be used for the benefit of all boys in the School.

The 2006 Old Melburnians Council, back row, from left: Malcolm Kennedy, David Field and Jack Hawkins, middle: Headmaster Paul Sheahan, Nick Batrouney, Campbell Kennedy and Ameet Bains, front: John Batistich, Simon Derham, Simon Wilson and Stephen Gibbons

As Old Melburnians, I encourage all of you to participate in the ongoing life of the School and The Old Melburnians and if you have any matters that you wish to raise, please contact the Alumni Manager Stewart Brook at the Lodge on 03 9865 7681.

None our ranks shall sunder.

Simon Wilson President

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

The Old Melburnians Cricket Club

Soccer Club

The Old Melburnians Cricket Club has an incredible depth of players from varying age groups. At one stage it appeared we would be likely to field two different teams but logistics did not allow this.

The Old Melburnians Soccer Club is undergoing something of a renaissance. Let it be known we are now a football club: we play the game with our feet. Handballs are no good.

Our first game was a painful loss to the MCC by a mere three runs that seemed to set the tone for much of the season.

It was a season of near misses peppered with excellent individual performances. Best performances with the bat included George Kauye with 89 versus Scotch, Jono Dick with 81 versus Trinity, John Batistich with 64 versus Xavier, David Gough had a 61 versus Scotch and there were a host of players with 50 to their name including Andrew Dixon, Jon Kettle and Patch Charlton. With the ball there were two four wicket hauls coming from George Kauye and Jon Kettle, and Eddy George managed to bowl 18 overs straight in the crucial game against Scotch which almost got us over the line.

With the increased interest in cricket it appears very likely that we will be fielding two sides next year and we encourage all cricketers to come down for a game.

Chris Walker Captain OMs Cricket

Thanks greatly to the impetus the World Cup qualification has given the game in our country, such enthusiasm has provided huge changes to our club culture. Who would have anticipated our pre-season would kick off in mid January or that a pre-season date would be set at the post season club conference in mid December. Yes, people are a little excited at the prospect of the football season ahead. With pre-season training firmly underway, there have been greater levels of participation and more pleasingly, affirmation through subscriptions than in any previous year. We are looking to the defence of our pre-season cup and with promotion to provisional division one firmly set as our goal for 2006, the club is healthy financially and in spirit.

A major coup for the upcoming season was the confirmation of Edwin Flack Park as the club’s home. Since commencing pre-season, the facility has proven more than adequate for everything coach Ghadir Razuki and trainer Brendan Foley have set for us. Great appreciation needs to be handed to Ghadir in setting a professional and challenging training structure, which has developed our style and intensity of play.

Lodge The Old Melburnians Lodge’s year is drawing to a close with our Worshipful Master’s (Ian Hunt, OM 1948) last night coming up in April. While it has not been an eventful year in terms of new members, we have had a most interesting series of participatory lectures and demonstrations on the background of freemasonry, where many of the members were involved.

These lectures are a good demonstration of the philosophy supporting the progressive development of the individual, in terms of confidence, morals and general behaviour.

Adhering to the tenets of freemasonry, our practice of charity has continued unabated. As shown by our support of the Prahran City Mission which has been a project over many years, as has been the Royal Freemasons Homes for the elderly.

The School website is now available to us to establish contact with old boys who have expressed interest in us.

Alternatively telephone the Secretary, John Plowright, on 03 9866 4059 for further information about our activities.

John Plowright Lodge Secretary

The OMSC 1sts winning the Associated Old Boys Spring Knock-out Cup

In terms of development, the club is looking forward to hosting its inaugural junior coaching clinic which is to be held at Sir Robert Menzies Reserve in Toorak Road during the winter school holidays. Run by the coaching staff and club players, we hope to attract junior players from the school and the surrounding Stonnington area. The clinics are a push to develop a junior structure at the club and continue to build our relationship with the Stonnington community.

In 2006, the OMSC is riding the bandwagon of Australian football success. If we can make our year even as marginally successful as theirs, we will go a long way to developing the club to the potential it deserves.

Matthew Pember (OM 1996) Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Branches & Reunions OMs Business Community Lunch

OMs Annual General Meeting

1 Mac Fergusson (OM 1959) and Will Sangster (OM 1996) enjoy

8 Immediate Past President of The Old Melburnians David Field

listening to guest speaker Tom Gorman

(OM 1965) congratulates newly elected President Simon Wilson (OM 1968) at The Old Melburnians Annual General Meeting

2 Guest speaker at the OMs Business Community Lunch Tom

Gorman, CEO of Ford Australia, with President of The Old Melburnians Simon Wilson (OM 1968)

3 OMs Council member Malcolm Kennedy (OM 1968) and Paul

Honorary Life Membership 9 Retiring members of staff David Mottram, Barry Barton,

Immediate Past President of The Old Melburnians David Field and Ken Emselle in the Senior School Common Room after the were presented with Honorary Life Membership of The Old Melburnians in recognition of their outstanding contribution

Elliott (OM 1967) enjoy catching up at the lunch

4 Ameet Bains (OM 1995) with Cam Kennedy (OM 1994) and Jaad

Cabbabe (OM 2001) enjoy listening to Tom Gorman at the lunch

OMs Central Victorian Community Lunch 5 Peter Richards (OM 1972), Sandy Massina (OM 1972) and David

Osment (OM 1965) enjoy the opportunity to meet again at the luncheon

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today OMs Function 10 Nick Batouney (OM 1989), Damian Robinson (OM 1989),

Laurinda Jessup and James Jessup (OM 1990) at the Team II function held in the Morrow Room at the Lodge

6 Phil Kennon (OM 1964) with his cousin David Kennon (OM 1953)

and brother and convenor Edwin Kennon (OM 1961) at the Central Victorian function held in the museum at Tahbilk Winery

7 Mike Burston (OM 1951) and Jack Hawkins (OM 1973) at the

1975 Thirty Year Reunion 11 The Reunion Committee of Richard Grutzner, Gary Richardson,

Rowan Brown and Fred Grimwade were pleased with the success of the reunion

Central Victorian function

12 Stephen Blair, Roger Harley and Fred Grimwade enjoy discussing

days in the Quad at the reunion

1 2

3 4

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5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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

Bainbridge, W R (OM 1927) Barrett, J S Q (OM 1935) Black, Y M (OM 1934) Bland, D W (Current Student) Browne, G (Past Parent) Coleman, A G W (Past Staff) Dowsett, J (OM 1951) Dunlop, I W (OM 1952) Dunn, D V (OM 1940) Gilbert, K S (OM 1940) Hart, A R (OM 1940) Hartley, I T F (OM 1952) Houston, B T (OM 1960) Howie, M (Past Parent) Morell, J S (OM 1926) Porter, J B (OM 1951) Sandner, R E (OM 1984) Schofield AM, J E (OM 1938) Sedgly, M (Past Parent) Streeter, R V (OM 1954) Watson, C J (OM 1935) Webb, M A (OM 1950) Willing, T C (OM 1952)

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A number of past members of the Melbourne Grammar teaching staff are continuing to use their skills teaching with the University of the Third Age (U3A). John Besley (1958-1997) teaches Economics; Nigel Creese (1970-1987) and Alby Twigg (1956-1979 and 1995-1996) teach Latin; and Dr Graham Withers (19541991) Ancient Greek. In fact Nigel Creese was one of Graham’s Greek students during 2004/05.

With arguably more spare times than available during their teaching careers at MGS, Nigel Creese and John Keogh (1966-2001) are heavily involved in the world of theatre. Both have been involved professionally with television commercials and amateur dramatic productions. John is about to appear in Break a Leg for the Brighton Theatre Company and will direct Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple for the same company in mid2006.

After leaving the MGS Music Department and his position as Organist and Choirmaster, John Kirkham (1963-1965 and 1988-1995) has been teaching English as a Second Language.

He taught for some years in Thailand and has now returned to Melbourne to work with overseas students at the Swinburne Institute of Technology. His musical skills remain well honed as Deputy Organist at the Christian Science Church in St Kilda Road.

Since leaving the staff and his position of Deputy Headmaster at the end of 1991 after a 38 year teaching career at MGS, Dr Graham Withers leads other former members of staff in continuing education.

Already having completed

Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

a PhD in Chemistry while at MGS, he has since completed a Post Graduate Diploma, an MA and a PhD in Classics. He is currently embarking on another Master’s degree.

Former students and colleagues of Tony Morton (1969-1996) will not be surprised to learn that he has continued his interests in cooking, singing and butterfly collecting. He rehearses from time to time with former Director of Music Donald Britton (1954-1974). Tony tells us that he has recently discovered a colony of the endangered Eltham Copper butterfly.

Dr Geoffrey Smith (19662000) completed his PhD during his latter teaching years at MGS, but has since published a book on his research: The Cavaliers in Exile: 1640-1660. This book and Geoff’s special interest in 17th century English history led to an invitation to present a paper at a conference at Clare College, Cambridge University in 2004. This year he returns to UK and Europe to present at three conferences concluding with a presentation at Oxford University in July. No doubt between conferences he and Margaret will be spending time with children and grandchildren in England. Geoff continues to research his specialist field and has another book well underway.

Professor Andrew Coats (OM 1975) after leaving Melbourne Grammar School went to Oxford and then Cambridge to study medicine. Andrew then worked in Oxford and then the Imperial College London as a professor of cardiology. Andrew returned to Australia to become

Dean of Medicine at Sydney University in 2003.

Wing Commander David Millar (OM 1975) is currently on the Defence staff at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. He and his wife Kirstyn and their three year old son Andrew reside in Northern Virginia. David and his family have spent the last three years travelling throughout the United States and plan to return to Sydney in March.

Peter Lloyd (OM 1985) has held senior positions in sales and marketing at Cadbury Schweppes where he is now Procurement Manager for Australia and New Zealand. Peter and his wife Ceri have two children Grace and Mitchell, both of whom were christened in the Chapel of St Peter.

Peter was one of the organisers of the very successful 1985 reunion which was held at the Royce Hotel.

Nicholas Power (OM 1988) writes from London “I am still working as an in-house lawyer in the London Headquarters of IBM and have recently been promoted to the role of Senior Attorney. My main focus is negotiating global IT services deals (SO and BTO), with a particular focus on industrial, telecommunication and financial services in the EMEA region. I have also purchased a property in Westminster near Buckingham Palace and although it is small, it does have a back yard – which permits me to enjoy barbecues over the typical two week long English summers!

Recreationally, less time is now spent playing footy and rugby, however I do

play as much cricket as possible. I recently caught up with a couple of other London-based old boys, Joe Woodward (OM 1988) and Raffy Epstein (OM 1988), for a mini Miller House reunion. I will be back in Australia this coming summer to enjoy both my wedding at the Swedish Church, Toorak and the Boxing Day Test!�

Patrick Porter (OM 1994) was married to Andrea Mardon of Manhattan in New York in December by his father Dr Brian Porter, MGS Senior Chaplain 19982004. While a Tutor in Modern History at Oxford University as a holder of the James Fairfax Oxford Scholarship at Magdalen College, he has been awarded a DPhil for a study of British and German military chaplains in the First World War. He has been a Doctoral Fellow of the Institute of Historical Research.

Andrew Elliott (OM 1998), after completing an Advanced Diploma of Photography at Photography Studies College in Melbourne, Andrew completed a Bachelor of Arts at RMIT and is now studying for a Master of Fine Arts in Photography at Parsons School of Design in New York.

Charles Tandy (OM 1998) is currently working on a 50 metre yacht. He will be sailing up the eastern seaboard of the United States through Washington, New York and then up to Canada. Charles has worked overseas for about two years and travelled extensively in Europe and Thailand. He spent one ski season working in a bowling alley and skiing in Chamonix, French Alps.

James Brooks (OM 2000), Charles Doube (OM 2000), and Jehan Ratnatunga (OM 2000) have all concluded their

Australia Day Honours On behalf of the Grammar community we extend our congratulations to the following people who were awarded an honour in the Australia Day Honours.

Officer (AO) in the General Division Mr Stuart Keith Hicks (OM 1966) For service to the road transport industry through the development and implementation of reform policies and legislative frameworks, to the public sector in Western Australia, and to the community.

Member (AM) in the Military Division Air Commodore Andrew John Kirkham RFD QC (OM 1959) For exceptional service in the field of military law, particularly as the Deputy Judge Advocate General (Air Force).

We would be happy to hear from anyone else who received an honour.

final year of Mechatronics Engineering (BE/BCS) at the University of Melbourne by winning two awards in the inaugural Meridian 05 Exhibition (www.mame. mu.oz.au/meridian05), an exhibition of Engineering final year projects. They were awarded the Hawker de Haviland Best Design and Implementation and the Vision Systems Best External Solution. Next year James, Charles and Jehan will take up positions at Ernst and Young, Esso Australia and Boston Consulting Group respectively.

Andrew Burton (OM 2002) is the recipient of the AS Turner Veterinary Science Scholarship which was established by A. Simon Turner (OM 1967) B.V.Sc., M.S., Dipl. ACVS Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University. Andrew was at CSU for six weeks over Christmas and spent time working beside the CSU veterinary students on a wide variety of clinical rotations. These rotations included anaesthesia, oncology, small animal medicine and critical care.

Compiled by Stewart Brook Alumni and Archives Manager

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

5 November Philip Anthony Jessop (OM 1993) & Georgia Marcelle Beaumont

19 November Thor Bloomfield & Emily Jane Nelson Giles Taylor Baldwin (OM 1990) & Sarah Marie Moir Christopher John Guest (OM 1996) & Amy Kathleen Wilson

20 November Adrian Wah Ying Mar (OM 1984) & Jun Yang

26 November Richard James Benson Vines (OM 1991) & Sophie Elizabeth Conquest

10 December William Simon Bell (OM 1991) & Vanessa Jane Keleher

7 January David Peter Sharman (OM 1989) & Amber Jane Haywood Simon James Ogilvie (OM 1989) & Catherine Anne Whitley

11 February Peter Gordon Saw (OM 1990) & Carli Michelle Jacobs

12 February Christopher Bruce Williamson (OM 1991) & Pamela Jane Spark

25 February Peter Constantinou (OM 1995) & Anne Georgina Gooley

12 March Cameron Bryan Smith & Sally Johnson (Staff) Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

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Archives A Drive Through Time

2. The west front of the School (circa 1865) showing the garden and the gravel drive. Note the young Norfolk Pine that was planted in 1858 by the school porter Thomas ‘Guyts’ Thompson to mark the arrival of Dr Bromby.

Apart from a minor realignment when the Barrett Gates were installed in 1932, the driveway that winds its way from St Kilda Road to Senior School is the same path that existed in the 1860s. The same cannot be said of its surrounds.

The following series of photographs illustrate some of the changes that have taken place either side of the drive.

3. The west front of the School (circa 1880) showing a maturing Norfolk Pine and the circular driveway to enable an easy and safe turning circle for horse and buggy. Note the horse and buggy at the right of the photograph.

4. The School just after the Witherby Tower was built in 1873 showing the path through the Wilderness. The Wilderness remained until 1928 when it became the Steele Memorial Oval.

5. This photograph taken from a postcard shows a “handsome cab” (as noted in the postcard) making its way down the driveway in 1905.

1. Melbourne Grammar’s first Headmaster Dr Bromby had a garden that included a vineyard and duckpond on what is today the Wadhurst Oval. The area also contained a paddock where cows were kept. This photograph (circa 1865) looking towards Senior School shows the vineyard and the path from the paddock. The driveway can be seen on the right of the photograph.

6. A very well established Norfolk Pine stands in the centre of a well maintained garden. This undated photograph also shows the extent of the Virginia Creeper over the front of Senior School.

Stewart Brook Alumni and Archives Manager

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

“The final phase of the Capital Campaign has commenced and we are well on the way to the target of $10,000,000.

Having already raised more than $8,000,000 we must conclude the campaign in 2006 to ensure the Centre for Learning and Leadership is completed in time for 2008, our sesquicentenary year.

Your commitement will make a real difference to students of today and future generations.”

Bruce Parncutt Campaign Chairman

Bruce Parncutt

Melbourne Grammar School’s tradition of philanthropy and support has enabled us to remain at the forefront of education in Australia. Recent developments such as the Alfred Felton Hall at Grimwade House and Music Studio at Senior School, made possible through the support of the Grammar community, are already unlocking the potential of both students and teachers and enabling them to achieve the unimaginable.

In 2006 we are inviting every member of the Grammar community to consider making a gift or pledge to the campaign at the very best level they can.

Centre for Learning and Leadership In mid 2006 the site of Headmaster’s House and Old School House at the South Yarra campus will be vacated and razed to make way for the Centre for Learning and Leadership.

• • • • • • •

• • • •

A lecture theatre and seminar rooms An information technology hub A multi-media centre A gallery and exhibition space.

Every gift will make a difference To make a gift or pledge in support of the campaign, offer volunteer support to our campaign committees or for further information about the campaign please contact: Michael Joyce Director of Development T +613 9865 7683 mdjoyce@mgs.vic.edu.au Catherine Spencer Campaign Manager T +613 9865 7640 cmspencer@mgs.vic.edu.au

February 2006 – Completion of design documentation March 2006 – Building tenders issued May 2006 – Builder selected and appointed June 2006 – Demolition of Old School House July 2006 – Commencement of construction Mid 2008 – Completion of construction September 2008 – Opening of the Centre for Learning and Leadership

The Centre for Learning and Leadership will become a hub for the South Yarra campus linking, Wadhurst and Senior School. This state-of-the-art facility will include: • •

A centralised library and resource centre for Wadhurst and Senior School A centre for leadership

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Friends of Grammar

Friends of Grammar 2006 Presidents from left: Sally Russel (Grimwade House) Joan Cumbrae-Stewart (Senior School) and Elinor Graham (Wadhurst)

Grimwade House Grimwade House certainly hit the ground running at the beginning of Term I. The new parents coffee mornings on day one (for Prep to Year 2 parents) and day two (for Year 3 to Year 6 parents) were well attended by new parents and the new FOG Grimwade class representatives.

Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd warmly welcomed the new members of the School community and the FOG Grimwade Committee enthusiastically served refreshments.

It was a great opportunity to meet some new parents.

Due to the Commonwealth Games and a very brief first term, only one cocktail party has occurred so far. The Prep cocktail party was well attended and again all credit must go to the team of class reps who organised this exciting event.

I would like to thank the FOG Grimwade Committee, class representatives and year level coordinators for very generously volunteering their time and talents. We are all looking forward to a busy and enjoyable year together.

Sally Russel FOG Grimwade House President

The information evenings were the next events on the School calendar. All parents were briefed on the requirements of the forthcoming School year, and were given the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher. The class representatives cheerfully supplied refreshments and must be thanked for their energy and the time that went into making these evenings such a success.

The first class representatives meeting was held in the Alfred Felton Hall on Friday 10 February, with approximately 80 people in attendance. The class reps have already started to organise coffee mornings and class or year level functions. These are always a great success and help to create a welcoming environment.

The FOG Grimwade Tennis Day 2006 luncheon was held in the Alfred Felton Hall on Monday 6 March. This annual event is a highlight on the calendar of the FOG Grimwade Committee, who all worked extremely hard to make this day a huge success.

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

Wadhurst 2006 is certainly no exception in terms of a busy start to the FOG Wadhurst year (the term “shot out of a cannon” springs to mind!).

Blessed with a wonderfully cohesive, committed and friendly team we have enjoyed a number of community gatherings and events.

First term was off to a flying start with a sausage sizzle for Year 7 boys on day one. After many days of soaring heat, the unbelievable happened – sleeting rain and cold winds testing the boys’ resilience. Suffice to say the sausages and radiant heat from the barbecue were enough to attract them.

A new parents early morning coffee session saw some 100 mums and dads in the Wadhurst Hall and both year level parent information evenings were very well attended.

Our Year 7 and 8 cocktail parties provided great food, great company and plenty of opportunity to meet new friends and old. We were delighted with the numbers in attendance and the lovely relaxed atmosphere that the community created.

The committee has worked very hard at securing wonderful support from class representatives across both years. We are focusing on ensuring great communication throughout the network and community.

We are still planning specific Wadhurst events and will support the whole of school music evening as it progresses.

With Mothers’ Day stalls and the famous Wadhurst family breakfast clearly in our sights we have plenty to concentrate on.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our start to 2006, we hope you have too and wish parents, staff and students alike an exciting and healthy year.

Elinor Graham FOG Wadhurst President

Friends of Grammar held a barbeque for new Year 7 students on their first day at Wadhurst

Senior School Welcome to the School community for 2006. The role of the Friends of Grammar Committee is to encourage and foster the involvement of parents of students in activities at the school, to promote goodwill amongst parents and teachers and to raise money for the school.

To achieve this we are aiming to engage more parents through an auxiliary system, with the head of the auxiliary represented on the Senior School Committee. At this stage we have auxiliary’s supporting Music, Drama, Art, Swap Shop, Edwin Flack Park, Boarders and Catering. We need more support in all areas and hope that as many parents as possible will become involved. Please contact me if you are interested in joining any of these auxiliaries.

At our first meeting we endeavoured to plan our events for the 2006 year. With first term being so short, due to the Commonwealth Games, we decided to focus on the remainder of the year. Our first major event for the year was held on Wednesday 5 April. It was a magnificent cocktail party which coincided with the opening of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show at the Exhibition Buildings. The night included a tour of the major exhibits in

the event prior to the cocktail party. Thank you once again to the O’Brien family for so generously supporting this function.

Other events planned for the year include an art show in third term and a tennis day in fourth term. From the whole school perspective we are looking at a music evening involving Julian Cairns and his merry band of supporters. We hope that you will support us in these exciting events.

In keeping with the purposes of our committee we have had a very busy start to the year, in sourcing volunteers for the Swap Shop, the canteen at Edwin Flack Park, supporting the suppers for the drama productions and organising class reps from all levels and Houses throughout Senior School.

We hope that your busy schedule this year will provide you sufficient time for renewing old acquaintances and making new friends in the context of the activities we have on offer.

Wishing you all the best for a happy, healthy and productive year.

Joan Cumbrae-Stewart FOG Senior School President

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Community Diary Dates 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 the educational facilities of each campus.

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

Wadhurst Thursday 20 April 2.00-4.00pm – Discover Wadhurst Open Day

Senior School Tuesday 30 May 2.00pm Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Secretary on 9865 7570.

Boarding Precinct Friday 28 April 2.00pm – Boarding Information Day

The Reverend Adrienne Simondson Memorial Fun Run/Walk Sunday 21 May 2006 Staff, boys, parents, friends and particularly OMs are invited to gather in memory of Adie and to take a jog or walk around the Tan. Afterwards a barbecue lunch will be held in the Boarding Quad (BYO drinks) and we would welcome all Fun Run/Walk participants and their families to stay on.

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10.00am Chapel service in the Chapel of St Peter 11.00am Run/walk registration at the Boarding House, 140 Domain St., South Yarra 11.30am Run/walk commences

Entrance donation:

Adults $15.00 Students $7.00

Cheques payable to:

Melbourne Grammar School

Proceeds from the day will go to the Adie Simondson Memorial Fund. This fund maintains the student scholarship with the Diocesan School for Girls, Grahamstown, South Africa, and has contributed to the annual Ethics Prize in Adie’s memory.

Tours of the boarding precinct are also organised on request.

To make a booking please call the Admissions Secretary on 03 9865 7570.

For further information contact: Michael Shaw 03 9865 7508 or mgshaw@mgs.vic.edu.au.

Thanksgiving Choral Service

Motor Works Gallery

There will be a special Choral Eucharist in the Chapel of St Peter on the afternoon of Thursday 11 May 2006 to celebrate the life of those members of the Melbourne Grammar community who have sadly passed away. The special commemoration service will give thanks for their lives and recognise the contribution they made to their family, the school and the wider community. The service is open to all members of the community and will be followed by afternoon tea.

Exhibition Calendar 2006

If you would like further information please contact Bob Slater or Stewart Brook in the Development Office on 03 9865 7555.

David Pincus Watercolours, 13 February – 3 March Jackson Ellis Photographs: Korea and Australia, 27 March – 13 April Year 9 and 10 Exhibition 19 July – 4 August Leslie Muirden Paintings: Lake Mungo, 15 August – 1 September Julia Sant-Mire Mixed Media Assemblages, 4 September – 15 September VCE Art, Studio Arts and Visual Communication and Design Exhibition 31 October – 17 November Motor Works Gallery 39-41 Arnold Street, South Yarra Victoria 3161

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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News

New Parents Welcome

New parents at Melbourne Grammar were welcomed into the Grammar community with a cocktail party on the Wadhurst Deck on 2 February 2006. Over 240 parents had the opportunity to meet each other and School staff, School Captains and Friends of Grammar representatives at the event.

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

The Long Walk More than 1,000 school students walked their own Long Walk on Thursday 24 November 2005 around Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens’ Tan, in support of Aboriginal AFL legend, Michael Long’s community Long Walk (Sunday 4 December, at Princes Park, Carlton).

Michael Long, together with other sports champions, joined over 1,000 students from Melbourne Grammar and other public and non-public schools, including Carey, Lauriston, Melbourne Boys High School, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Scotch College, St Kevin’s, Wesley College and Worowa College, as they supported the vision for unity amongst all Australians.

The student walk was initiated by Melbourne Grammar as part of the School’s indigenous learning program.