grammar news Print Post PP344276/00024
Number 91 – August 2006
Year 9 students (from left) John Brookes, Mac Wright, Richard McIlwraith and Will Smibert perform the autumn play of Julius Caesar for Wadhurst students on 9 May 2006.
Grammar News is published three times a year for the Melbourne Grammar School community Published by Development Office Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne Victoria 3004 Telephone: 03 9865 7555 Facsimile: 03 9865 7577 Email: newsletter@mgs.vic.edu.au Editor: Kirrily Johns Desktop Publishing: Drew Gamble Printer: GT Graphics Mailing & Distribution: Data Connection Photographs: Stewart Brook, Drew Gamble, James Grant, Bruce Hall, Ben Hanisch, Kirrily Johns, Jane Lee, David Maloney, John Nicholson, Will Smibert, John Tass-Parker and Kylie Witt Front Cover: Year 5 student Sophie Scott creates a plasticine model as part of an innovative film-making project, Claymation 2
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
In This Issue 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 Curriculum Initiatives 13 Innovation In Action 14 Professional Development 15 Boarding 16 A Positive Sense Of Self 18 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today 19 Grammar Community 20 The Old Melburnians 22 Branches & Reunions 24 Community News 26 Archives 27 The Grammar Foundation 28 Friends Of Grammar 30 Community Diary Dates 31 Anzac Service
From The Editor The world is a classroom at Melbourne Grammar School. Kayaking, hiking and scuba diving are all part of school life in Melbourne Grammar’s Outdoor Education program. Away from the classroom students can participate in a diverse range of sporting, cultural and artistic experiences. For musicians there is a variety of instrumental groups and plays are performed regularly on each campus for drama enthusiasts. To add to the richness of the co-curricular program there are cadets and active involvement in community service programs. Just some of the activities at Melbourne Grammar are highlighted in this edition of Grammar News.
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. Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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From The School Council
Sandy Clark
Grammar Community Over the past few months, when many of us have been involved with the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign, the importance of the Grammar community, both interstate and overseas, has been affirmed on a number of occasions. I have attended recently successful Grammar functions in Kuala Lumpur and Sydney, and Rowan Russell hosted an OMs Dinner in London where, at the last moment, I was unable to be present. At all functions great enthusiasm for the School was shown and there was a genuine desire to hear of recent developments, and plans for the future. The DVD on the importance of philanthropy, and highlighting the new Centre for Learning and Leadership, with current student, Lindsay Park-Howell, as narrator, was a hit. There was also time for reminiscing, some events, like old wine, improving considerably with age! Stories of Perry House featured prominently at the KL Dinner, our host Hussein Awang, in 1953, being the first student from Malaysia to come to MGS. Hussein’s brothers Mohamed (Mutt), a champion footballer, and Yahya followed him, as did, eventually, Hussein’s son Adam, along with, over the years, boys from some 40 other Malaysian families. I heard of many OMs and their families revisiting the School, one saying that, on business trips to Melbourne, when he had an hour or two to spare, he sometimes came and sat by the main Oval, watching the play, or just wandered about. I have spoken often of the dedication and commitment of members of the School community who serve on Council Sub-Committees. Each member of Council sits on at least one Sub-Committee but, to a large extent, the work of these committees is carried out by members coopted from the Grammar community. The Marketing Committee has the overall responsibility for providing direction, strategy and practical advice
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Marketing Committee from left, back: David Temple, Paul Wilhelm, Andrew Boyd, Annie Hayward, Anita Ziemer, Tim Macdougall, Peter Tooke, Paul Sheahan, front: Graeme Sanford, Kate Legge, Lelde McCoy, Kathy Howell, Kirrily Johns, absent: Chris Bradtke, Judy Rex
to the School for its marketing and communications programs, in support of Grammar’s overall goals. The Committee is chaired by Council Member, Lelde McCoy, Managing Director of a corporate communications consulting firm. A current parent, Lelde is ably supported by members of the School’s executive team, the Headmaster, the Head of Senior School and Deputy Head, the Heads of Wadhurst and Grimwade, the Bursar, and also the Directors of Teaching and Learning, Marketing and Communications and Admissions, and the Communications Manager. However the School is particularly fortunate to have also on the Committee other coopted members who each bring a particular marketing expertise, including market research, brand strategy, advertising, public relations and professional writing experience. All are present, and/or past, parents. Judy Rex, a university lecturer in marketing, helps us specifically to maintain, and improve, the marketing research and database requirements of the School. Kate Legge, a commentator on political and social affairs for a quarter of a century, brings her considerable writing skills to the table. As an aside, Kate’s first novel, The Unexpected Elements of Love, will be published in August. Both Tim Macdougall and Graeme Sanford, help us develop and implement our advertising, marketing communication, and brand strategies, the last also being of particular importance to Anita Ziemer. Late last year Anita was appointed MD of the family owned national recruitment and HR services company. The School thanks all of the above for their work in ensuring that, in marketing, we have both an excellent strategy and implementation. Sandy Clark Chairman
From The Headmaster
Paul Sheahan
Excellence is a one of Melbourne Grammar School’s nine values
Excellence There is probably not a school in the universe that does not project ‘the pursuit of excellence’ as one of its virtues! Even we, at Melbourne Grammar, declare it as one of the nine underpinning values to the education we provide to students. What does ‘the pursuit of excellence’ mean? Excellence and perfection should never be assumed to be synonyms, of course, but excellence in our context means that no stone will be left unturned in our endeavours to have students reach, and where possible, exceed expectations. There is also contained, within the notion of excellence, the assumption that second-best will not do, and the idea of ‘pursuing’ excellence implies that we require tenacity if we are to be successful in our pursuit. It is not simply following an ideal; it paints a picture that includes the idea of a competitive tussle and that there will be no satisfaction with second-best. This means that, from the School’s point of view, everything it does must stand up in the face of scrutiny, from classroom activities to coaching of sports, to production of plays, to the mounting of expeditions, both in the bush and overseas, to the level of pastoral and spiritual care offered to students and their families. Schools are much more complex businesses than they were and, as a consequence, have become more expensive as, with the demise of so many community-based organisations that used to assist in that process, they try to fill the gaps and answer the questions that emerge in young people’s developing lives.
These extra demands create stress for staff as they endeavour to meet their own perfectionist standards; nevertheless there is a relentless drive to hone what we do so that it improves. No-one yet has found the fail-safe formula for a perfect education, if indeed one exists. Nor is there a simple ‘recipe’ that has the same effect on everyone. An illustrious former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Sir Richard Livingstone, noted once: “There is in education a law of delayed reaction by which seeds sown and long forgotten only grow in later years …” He went on to say that those who look for ‘quick fixes’ are bound to be disappointed and that the fruits of the labours of the teacher are likely not to be seen for decades. None of this satisfies the ‘production line’ approach, of course. Business people tend to want to measure everything in the belief that, if an entity cannot be measured, it cannot be managed. Another eminent intellect of the twentieth century, Albert Einstein, sagely observed: “Not everything that can be measured counts, and not everything that counts can be measured.” However none of this imprecision diverts us from our desire to be excellent! Striving for excellence, underpinned by the other eight institutional values of Melbourne Grammar, will guide all that we do. How will we judge whether we have achieved excellence? That is in the hand of others to judge! Paul Sheahan Headmaster
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Out & About At Grimwade House Student Writing Various text forms are taught to students at Grimwade House to provide them with structure and guidance in their written development. Students require a balance between structure and freedom to experiment with different forms of writing. Here are some examples of student work at different year levels.
My Backyard
The Games
The Race
I see a slide With a big brown cubby hut With a blue slide And an orange tennis court
People running round and round Cheering for their team Shouting out very loud For the gymnasts on the beam
The first mixed up breed of dog and car came out as a Rottweiler/Heavy Haulage Hybrid.
I see leaves I see trees I see lemon trees And cumquat trees
Cycling hurdles and the relay All fantastic sports Everybody tries their hardest In their coloured shorts
I see squares on my tennis net I see a big white wall Shaped like a house And a cricket ball
Gold, silver and bronze Are the medals to win And when you get one You will have a grin
We have a chair as wickets With lawn as a cricket pitch We run up and down and play We love our backyard and want to stay
Everybody is very nervous For all the athletes Especially when they Have had crushing defeats
Januz Zecevic Year 1 Student
Sitting down and watching Is the hardest part Especially when you want to cheer From the bottom of your heart When you leave the stadium You’ve done your country proud You’ve done all you can By shouting out loud!
Year 4 student Tom Buckmaster and Year 6 student Celeste Cordner-Loff experience the joys of writing
Celeste Cordner-Loff Year 6 Student
But, we join the Greyhound/Dragster today in the present. His name is Strike and he has had a special jet engine loaded into his backside. “Mum, can I enter the Ooh Aah Super Car Challenge?” “I think you’re too young,” said his mother, who was a Weimarana/ Tray Truck. She sat down for a moment. She thought he was too young, but racing was his strength, his passion and his entertainment. “All right,” she said gingerly. Strike found himself at the Challenge the next morning. Most of the competitors looked weak, but the two he eyed were ‘bullies’. One of them was Pyrenean Mountain Dog/Porsche Turbo 2000 and the other was a Siberian Husky/One Truck. The judge was a Red Setter/Cement Mixer. “Start your engines!” Bam! “And they’re off,” he shouted. Strike had started off well but the ‘bullies’ were in front fast. “Out of my way you stupid hound,” cried one of them. Strike turned his gear into overdrive and he sped off. So the Husky followed. He was bigger and stronger than Strike and he got in front. This was it. First and second Husky and Hound. This was the last turn, but the Husky didn’t notice there was water on the last turn. He slipped. “He’s disqualified!” Just in time Strike slowed down and turned. “Strike is the winner!” Strike got $1,000 and a gold medal. His Mum was “astonished!” Tom Buckmaster Year 4 Student
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Claymation At Grimwade House Year 4 and 5 students have recently completed an innovative film-making project, Claymation. Working with artist-in-residence filmmaker and animator Joe Cowan and Grimwade House staff, the children made short films using animation techniques and plasticine figurines. “It’s fun because we can be actors but also make the movies,” said Year 5 student Ben Hallam. The project was designed to give the students a real purpose to tell their story and to build high self-esteem, cooperative learning and problem-solving skills. It also gave staff a vehicle through which they could engage students in storytelling and using information and communication technologies. The project provided a seamless integration of learning outcomes between humanities, fine arts, literacy and eLearning. In small groups, the Year 4 students were asked to think of their favourite jokes. Then, after a lot of discussion, storyboarding and construction of their props and characters they were ready to film their movie. The actual filming and editing took each group approximately four hours. It was an incredibly engaging project with all students having an equal chance to star. “I absolutely loved it. It’s spectacular. You can make anything happen,” said Year 4 student James Little. Year 5 students collaborated on a film based on this year’s key message from Grimwade House’s values statement, FIDO – Friends In Deed Organisation. Each of the four classes was responsible for one scene from the movie. Within each class there were seven smaller groups, each creating the events to make up their scene. Focused on the theme of teamwork, Year 5 students created a film about a group of dogs escaping imprisonment by evil scientists. “Claymation makes everyone take part so the group doesn’t rely on just one person. It is so much fun! There are no rules to how creative you can be when you’re making your characters and props,” said Year 5 student Sophie Scott. A real highlight for the teachers of this project has been the opportunity to explicitly teach interpersonal skills. Year 4 teacher Sarah Horton noted that, “Claymation has provided my students with a real purpose for the cooperative behaviour we so often try to encourage. Rather than fabricating projects that intend to develop teamwork, this project has situated the necessity for such interpersonal skills in a real context.” According to Grimwade House Assistant Head – Curriculum, Glyn Howitt, the project was also intrinsically linked to the curriculum, “The challenge of animating a ‘joke’ has been big enough and pitched perfectly for nine and ten year olds.
Year 5 students Annabelle Turner and David Borensztajn arrange figurines for filming as part of the Claymation project
The project linked well with our writing unit as we have been working with children to understand the structure of narrative and the planning which went into developing the joke required the students to develop ideas sequentially, with a beginning, middle and an end.” The project also involved key creative arts skills. Head of Art Sandra Morgan said, “There is something intrinsically right with students of this age manipulating plasticine to create their characters. It is a very responsive material, allowing fine detail and flexibility. The characters they make are appealing and able to take on a wide number of poises and actions. The characters relate to the sets they build and the storyboard unfolds with the students owning the character and its part in the story.” This ten week project will culminate in a film festival to showcase the talents of the students. The silent movies will be shown accompanied by music played by the School’s orchestra and created by students. Rod White eLearning Consultant Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Out & About At Wadhurst Making Music At Wadhurst there are several opportunities for students to participate in extra curricular music activities. All boys who play an instrument are encouraged to play in a Wadhurst ensemble. The Orchestra is the main group and is of greatest importance because it supports and encourages string-playing in the School. A Grade 3 AMEB standard is the minimum requirement for the Orchestra, however the String Orchestra takes all string players – whether members of the Orchestra or not. The String Quartet comprises the four best players who are selected from the strings section of the Orchestra. Other groups include the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble and Woodwind Quintet. The Choir is a popularly accepted part of life at Wadhurst with an average membership of 70 boys and some staff. We encourage participation in the Choir and desire nothing more than for each boy to enjoy himself in a musically creative environment. Such groups require a high degree of cohesion, empathy and cooperation to be successful – as in sport – and it is good for boys to be a part of a group that strives to achieve success working under this premise. The Choir is known for its ability to perform songs (mainly popular song repertoire beginning with late 1950s vocal groups) with conviction, combined with a sense of buoyancy and love of song. Over the past two years the Choir has performed to great acclaim at School events, Woodstock at Wadhurst and Grammar Idol, with accompaniment provided by legends of the Melbourne rock scene. The annual Wadhurst Art and Music Exhibition over the past two years has seen the Choir singing Beatles’ Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band albums, with performances which enhanced the art work of the boys.
Year 7 students George Dowling, Walter Myer (back left) and Sebastian Broome (back right) rehearse as part of the Wadhurst Orchestra
The Choir meets twice a week in the Lower Rehearsal Room at 7.50am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and works mainly from lyrics sheets. All newcomers are most welcome into this highly inclusive group, with no pressure to stay if other work intrudes too much. Julian Cairns Wadhurst Head of Music
Labyrinth Initiative Labyrinth is an innovative inter-disciplinary collaboration between the faculties of History, Science and Geography in Year 8 at Wadhurst. Based on the principles of The Ithaka Project, this collaboration is specifically designed to include a number of aspects of the findings of recent global research in education: • Assessment of learning (Victorian Essential Learning Standards) • Focusing curriculum design through a ‘big idea’ (the concept of ‘truth’) • Evidence-based practice • Focusing unit development through essential understandings and questions • Establishment of a specific thinking framework, Intellectual Character (Project Zero, Harvard), which provides a common language for both students and staff to discuss thinking • Connection and engagement for middle years boys through the solving of ‘real-world’ problems. A timetable initiative has enabled each Year 8 class to have one three-period block per cycle where History, Geography and Science occur consecutively. This blocking enabled the exploration of the idea of ‘truth’ in Term I; another explored the ideas behind Intellectual Character. As well as focusing on ideas of ‘truth’ throughout units in the first semester this year, Labyrinth will culminate in a Term III unit concerning the concept of the sunken city, Atlantis. Students will bring their studies in each discipline (Science – wave theory, Geography – tectonic plate theory, History – what was Plato really trying to do?) to test the most accepted hypothesis regarding Atlantis: Can Atlantis be identified with the Aegean island of Santorini (ancient Thera)? To conclude the unit, groups of three boys will be required to make a presentation to their classmates in which they will be asked to demonstrate how their work in each subject can be brought together to try and resolve the problem. Alan Bliss Wadhurst Coordinator of Teaching and Learning
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Out & About At Senior School
Year 9 students Richard Pagone (left) and Nicholas Journeaux participate in a Philosophy Forum with students from Shelford Girls Grammar
Philosophy and Religious Studies The introduction of VCE Philosophy is an important addition to senior studies at Melbourne Grammar. It provides the opportunity for students to develop greater depth in their understanding of what it means to be human, to take their place in society and make decisions about how they think the world should be and what they think their life should be. Studying the great philosophers; Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Russell and Wittgenstein, to name just a few, is an adventure in thinking that reorientates your stance towards the world. It forces you to interrogate assumptions you hold about the nature of knowledge, reality, humanity and goodness with a view to enlarging both your understanding and your world. The course is designed to give students competence in the basics of philosophical method; reasoning, analysis and argument. In Units 1 and 2, students are introduced to the major areas of philosophical inquiry; metaphysics, ethics and epistemology, whilst Units 3 and 4 require a more detailed knowledge of the major philosophical works concerning ‘the good life’ and issues in philosophy of science, mind and knowledge. The name of the Religious Education department in Senior School has been changed to Philosophy and Religious Studies to better reflect the inclusion of VCE Philosophy and to signify changes in the religion curriculum. Whilst some people find it difficult to imagine how philosophy and religion can be explored together, I believe that the interrogation of
religion by philosophy is essential if religious systems are not to become simplistic, closed and imprisoning. True mystery is not ignorance but a genuine recognition of that which lies beyond us. Philosophy can help us appreciate the nature of that mystery by showing us the limits of our understanding. Dr Felicity McCutcheon Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Philosophy Forum On 15 May Melbourne Grammar hosted a Philosophy Forum, inviting a Philosophy class from Shelford Girls’ Grammar to engage in philosophical dialogue with students from the Year 9/10 elective, Philosophy – History of Ideas. It was a bitterly cold Monday morning on which the girls from Shelford joined us in our library. Basking in the warmth of our surroundings and revelling at the joy of missing our first period we were split into small groups, given a difficult philosophical topic and a large piece of paper and sent off to construct a response. After extensive thought, we reassembled as a group to present our considerations and ask questions of others. This was then followed by food, drink and joyous banter. All in all I think it is fair to say a very enjoyable time was had by all. David Parncutt Year 10 Student
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Out & About At Senior School Business Week
Cooking Classes
Australian Business Week is a national program which was developed by business and higher education providers to create a realistic introduction to business thinking and decision making for secondary and tertiary students. As part of the Business Week program, each state in Australia invites 60 students to participate in a week of activities centred on a business simulation exercise. Victorian schools are invited to nominate one student each and the student then submits a detailed application. After a rigorous and very competitive selection process, Year 12 student John TassParker was selected to participate in the 2006 program.
The new year at Melbourne Grammar saw a new phenomenon: a group of courageous boys from Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 donned aprons and hit the hotplates at Monday afternoon cooking classes held in The Lodge kitchen with experienced caterer and cooking teacher Laurie Chartres.
John is to be congratulated on being chosen to participate and on the outstanding results that he and his team achieved. We wish John and the Victorian team the best of luck in the National Competition in Sydney. We hope that his success will encourage other students to apply for the Australian Business Week program in future years.
The students’ enthusiasm was such that they decided to tackle making a crème brulee. Blow torch in hand, the boys proceeded to caramelise the tops of their creamy vanilla bean custards. The final class was held on a beautiful balmy evening and it was decided that outside dining was definitely ‘the go’. A trestle table and chairs were carried out the kitchen door and the boys dined amongst the shrubbery overlooking the Wadhurst Oval…all that was missing were the candelabras!
Frank Thompson Director of Career Development In March this year I was chosen as the representative of Melbourne Grammar School to participate in Australian Business Week, a program held at the Deakin Management Centre, a five star conference facility on Deakin University’s Geelong campus. Upon arrival, 60 students were divided into six teams who would compete for the Victorian title. Each team was required to run a simulated $15 million company, to take part in a mock trial at the Geelong County Court and to engage in physical team activities.
The classes were ‘hands on’ as the boys started with the basics, learning how to dice an onion, chop fresh herbs and cook perfect pasta. They quickly graduated to creating their own stir-frys and curries, the focus being on preparing fresh, delicious and healthy meals with a minimum of fuss.
At the end of the after school cooking program, each boy took away some fabulous recipes, the skills to prepare them and hopefully a new love of cooking. Laurie Chartres Cooking Teacher
I was selected to head the marketing department of our team. This involved heading the team who designed a new product, formulated a marketing and sales strategy, created a television commercial, a print ad campaign and a trade display. We were also charged with all sales and marketing decisions related to our simulated company. The week was a most intense, challenging experience which pushed my entrepreneurial, innovative and enterprise skills to the limit. At the closing ceremony, our marketing team proved to be superior in both the marketing and the business strategy game and was awarded first place in both. I was very proud of my team’s performance, particularly when it was announced that we had won the overall competition. As a result of our win, Deakin is flying us to compete in the national competition in Sydney. John Tass-Parker Year 12 Student
Year 11 student Alex Brazenor serves a stir-fry dish he created with fellow students 10
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Rural Leadership On Sunday 7 May, a Rural Leadership Conference was held at Melbourne Grammar’s Perry Boarding House. The aim of the conference was to provide our students with the opportunity to listen to, and learn from, a variety of speakers who hold leadership positions in rural and regional Australia. Jennie Hawkins, parent of Year 12 boarder Tom, was a driving force behind the conference. Jennie is concerned that perhaps many of our boys give insufficient serious thought to pursuing a career in rural and regional Australia. The conference was attended by the Year 12 boarders, the Heads of Boarding and some parents of boarders. Guest speakers included Robert Massina – District Manager of Elders Rural Bank, Gerry Lawson – Chairman of Rice Growers Australia, Geoff Slade – Chairman of Slade Consulting and Dr Stewart Gough – medical practitioner. The Headmaster Paul Sheahan, Director of Career Development Frank Thompson and Director of Leadership Polly Flanagan, also spoke at the Conference. The guest speakers shared their experiences and expertise and challenged our boys to think about the many opportunities available to them. The clear message from our guest speakers was that there is an incredible range of career options available in rural and regional Australia. This, coupled with skill shortages, means that the future is a bright one for those who wish to forge careers in rural and regional Australia. Geoff Slade stressed that the nature of work has changed and so has the concept of a career. A career can be likened to a journey that can take twists and turns and whilst opportunities are limitless, students should make informed choices. He pointed out to the students that they need to make decisions that are right for them, otherwise they can end up as many others have, quite unhappy and dissatisfied. Work, learning and life are inextricably entwined and the challenge is to find a workable balance.
Student leaders Sam Sargood (left) and Will Radford were participants in the Rural Leadership Conference
Premier’s VCE Awards At a special ceremony in April at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, nine students from Melbourne Grammar were honoured as recipients of the 2005 Premier’s VCE Awards. Seven of the nine Melbourne Grammar students were ranked in the top five in the State in a given study. Three of these nine achieved recognition as a “top all round VCE high achiever.” This award goes to students who have achieved study scores of 46 or higher in at least five VCE studies. Those who have contributed to their success at school and beyond will join with me in applauding their outstanding work which has been recognised through these awards. 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 career areas which included the arts, sciences, law and business. We congratulate the following Premier’s VCE Award winners:
The consistent message given by our guest speakers was that the workplace is characterised by change. Gerry Lawson stressed that innovation is the key to success. Employers are looking for people who can think. A qualification means that a job applicant has completed a course, but it does not necessarily mean that the applicant can work in a team, is a good communicator and problem solver or that the applicant can cope with diversity and uncertainty. The Rural Leadership Conference is a part of the wider leadership program at Melbourne Grammar. In encouraging students to think about their future and to make wise choices we are encouraging them to be responsible and exercise leadership of self.
Paul Annabell Classical Societies and Cultures Angus Blair Environmental Science Mark Chu Music Performance Tom Kearney Classical Societies and Cultures Reuben Lipohar Music Performance Michael Phillips All-round VCE High Achiever Nicholas Rodd All-round VCE High Achiever Kenneth Sim Chemistry and All-round VCE High Achiever Christopher Venus Political Studies Daniel McCoppin Senior School Curriculum Coordinator
Polly Flanagan Director of Leadership Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Curriculum Initiatives Studies of Survival The study of novels is an important part of English and is usually undertaken as a whole class text. In Year 7 boys study one of their novels in what is often referred to as a ‘reading circle’ where a sub-group of the class reads a common text and works together on a series of set tasks. We have adopted a theme of human survival and have four texts available for study. Each boy is allocated an appropriate level text from the following: The Cay, Hatchet, All Quiet on the Western Front and Holes. Boys undertake a series of chapter-based comprehension questions as individuals, before moving to discussion groups which look at key questions arising from the text. This requires boys to organise and manage their discussion groups and by way of an innovation this year, a timetable re-structure will allow them to engage with boys from other classes who are studying the same text. The final stage of the reading circles is when each of the four groups delivers a 40-minute presentation to the rest of their class. This presentation provides a full overview of the texts from plot summation to an examination of literary style. The reading of a survival text hopefully provides each student with ideas and techniques which he can use to write a piece of creative narrative. Each boy undertakes the Survival Journal in which he imagines himself being isolated in a merciless mountain setting and presented with daily challenges that he must endure. Survival is an engaging theme for our boys and provides them with great opportunities to discuss human strength and frailty, to be engaged in the reading of fiction and to delve into their creative selves as writers. Mark Leslie Wadhurst Coordinator of English
Interactive Whiteboards Interactive whiteboards (IWB) are devices that are proving to be very popular in many schools both here and overseas. Once a board is connected to a teacher’s computer, students can interact directly with digital teaching materials simply by touching the interactive whiteboard, thereby creating entirely different classroom dynamics.
Visual displays and whole-class demonstrations of specific work or of technical terms or concepts benefit greatly from being presented in such a way. Several of our teachers with the assistance of our eLearning Consultants at each campus have been trialling different types of IWBs and results so far have been very pleasing. Boys especially seem to like to engage actively with learning tasks and materials that involve a degree of manipulation, interaction, physical movement and group work. Entire lessons can be saved directly from the board onto the class Portal-site at the end of a lesson so no student misses out. Thanks to funds made available by Friends of Grammar Wadhurst, Years 7 and 8 students will soon have their Science studies enhanced by the use of an IWB. Further trialling in different areas of the curriculum is planned so that students’ experiences can be further enhanced in other areas of learning. Alberto Rizzo eLearning Consultant
Marvellous Maths “It’s your turn Sarah.” “Thank you Michael.” “You’re welcome Sarah.” Such phrases have recently been overheard in Mathematics lessons at Grimwade House, following modelled teaching sessions with renowned mathematics consultant Michael Ymer. Staff and students have enjoyed participating in sessions based around teaching key mathematical concepts through games, the use of concrete materials and conversations between students and staff. Staff at all year levels have particularly benefited from observing Michael’s effective classroom management and organisation techniques and the innovative way he is able to manipulate games and activities to suit the different ability levels in each class. Michael’s visits have confirmed for many staff the value of exploring mathematical concepts with materials such as counters, blocks, icy-pole sticks or dominoes, prior to any abstract recording. For students he has provided opportunities to explore the many different strategies that can be used to mentally calculate mathematical problems. It has certainly been an important learning experience for both the staff and the students at Grimwade House. Michael’s visits come about as a result of the Grammar Foundation Fellowship for which we are very grateful. Sarah Horton Grimwade House Mathematics Coordinator
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Innovation In Action Thinking About Thinking
Year 10 student William Scott (left) and Year 9 student Matthew Carlon at a Philosophy Forum
Prep students Lucy Comb (left) and Olivia Kudnig at work in their classroom
It would be hard to deny that Melbourne Grammar School is a very different place to what it was in previous generations. Some may lament this change and others will applaud it. The fact is, however, that the School has responded to the many pressures from outside organisations as well as parental and student expectation. Our staff members are committed to professional development and they too are responsive to these pressures.
The term metacognition is quick to arise in such discussions; the ability to analyse one’s own thinking. In fact we are keen to teach students about the way they think and even keener for them to explore a variety of ways of thinking; much keener still for them to employ varying modes of thinking. Although the so-called ‘thinking curriculum’ is far from new (many will be familiar with de Bono’s hats which have been hanging on countless office walls for quite a while) it is only recently that schools are developing formal structures to accommodate the teaching of thinking. The Victorian Essential Learning Standards have recognised the importance of such by including reasoning, processing, enquiry, creativity, reflection, evaluation and metacognition within the framework for curriculum development.
It should come as no surprise that a group has been formed to explore the immediate future and beyond, with a view to anticipating future needs and providing for them. Members of the group are particularly concerned with the educational pathways which will lead to successful adulthood in the 21st century. Arising out of the initial discussions concerning the development of the Centre for Learning and Leadership, think-tank sessions are, at the moment, keenly focused on ways in which the School can support students in becoming effective and skilful thinkers. Several members of the group, including its Chairman, past parent and businessman John Higgins, are strong proponents of the ‘thinking curriculum’. They believe that past students have been well-skilled in recall and comprehension, most frequently delivered through the traditional subject disciplines. Adulthood, however, requires creative problem solving, decision-making and conceptualising.
With the help of the futurist Peter Ellyard, the Principal of the School of Thinking Michael Hewitt-Gleeson, Council member and current parent Bruce Parncutt and John Higgins, as well as invited distinguished thinkers, MGS is exploring the future and recognising the important role that skilful thinkers will play. Chris Bradtke Director of Teaching and Learning
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Professional Development International Benchmarking
A Year 11 Legal Studies class is held around the Harkness Table, a methodology adopted from the United States
I have no doubt that the education we offer at Melbourne Grammar School ranks among the finest in this country. I am equally confident in saying that some schools do some things better. A school or organisation which fails to take note of its competition, that is inward looking and which is self-congratulatory is not a healthy organisation. Given the quicksand of change in all areas of life such a school is destined to be an anachronistic curiosity; quaint, charming but disengaged with reality. I expect that my statements will draw some comment and there may very well be those who disagree. A robust debate about the place of education and, in particular, the style of education that is most relevant as a preparation for adult life, is bound to stimulate strong opinion. In the past, those opinions have been largely based on our own experiences as students. More recently, with a mobile population, we have been more conscious of benchmarking our experiences against other major schools in this country. The concept of seeing ourselves as an international competitor is but young and still a little daunting. Is it a ridiculous arrogance to think that a Melbourne Grammar education might be compared to one from Eton, Harrow, Deerfield or Phillips-Exeter? The mythology that surrounds these names is the very essence of their exclusivity. The realities are less easy to find and frequently misrepresented. As part of our vision we have determined to benchmark our practices against local, state, national and international institutions. In line with this visionary goal, staff at Melbourne Grammar attend, visit and present at conferences and institutions as a means of moving beyond the local and indeed beyond the national. We are highly conscious of the increasing globalisation not only in education but in everything we do.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Staff members have participated in professional activities in New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, Austria, Singapore, China, Japan, Korea and South Africa. Among the various themes that have been explored are information and communications technology, mathematics education, curriculum comparisons in major schools, religious and values education, cultural backgrounds of our international students, boys’ education, teaching thinking skills, intellectual dispositions and alternative end-of-secondary school credentials. Add to this a variety of sporting visits, participation in international academic Olympiads, music tours, international exchanges and some mentoring activity at prestigious overseas universities and the picture becomes a little clearer. Among the many initiatives influenced by this international interaction are the Years 9 and 10 unitised curriculum, the development of our mobile computing program, the revision of our religious and values education, the adoption of the Harkness methodology in the Business Studies department and the introduction of a Leadership program. Many international activities have come about through the generous support that the School receives from a number of bursaries funded by Friends of Grammar, The Old Melburnians and the Grammar Foundation. Staff members who have had the opportunity to be recipients of such bursaries and therefore work in an international environment are not only grateful but far more aware of the need to look beyond the immediate environment. We are equally conscious that our students operate in a world where they too must see themselves as citizens of the world. We look forward to further developing the opportunities that these activities have provided. Chris Bradtke Director of Teaching and Learning
Boarding Community Service People often ask me about what the boarders do on the weekend. Many are surprised to learn that beyond their sporting, homework and social commitments, the boarders in Creswick, School House and Perry Houses are often out participating in some very worthwhile community service ventures. In the first half of this year alone our boys have taken part in the Red Cross Doorknock, the Red Shield Doorknock, the Amnesty Candle Day, the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life around Albert Park, the Adie Simondson Memorial Fun Run around the Tan and the Year 10 Community Service Day which took them to over 30 different organisations across the Melbourne metropolitan region. Not only have they raised thousands of dollars in the process, but they have also been ‘coerced’ into experiences which have taken them well beyond their comfort zone. Most of these ventures were organised through the School. Some of our students, however, on top of these activities also contribute to the local community back home. We have boys who are volunteers for the Country Fire Authority, local surf clubs and who coach junior sporting teams. On top of these efforts, the Creswick boarders also sell chocolates each year to raise the funds to support their foster child, Blandine, in Cameroon. Blandine was orphaned at the age of three after her parents were murdered and she has been raised by her grandmother. Many Creswick boys have exchanged letters with Blandine over the last ten years of this sponsorship. Our boarders will admit that they are privileged to be able to enjoy living in a very cosy boarding environment in the best part of Melbourne, but their generosity and willingness to get involved deserves to be recognised and applauded. Michael Shaw Head of Perry House
Relay for Life The Albert Park Relay for Life 2006 was a great success! Perry House has a long tradition of participation in the Relay for Life. However, for the last two years the relay has clashed with the school holidays. This year there were no clashes, and the boys who had participated three years ago were excited to be involved again. The Relay for Life is an Australia Cancer Council initiative in which teams of unlimited size endeavour to keep a person moving around a track with a baton for 24 hours, the aim being to raise money to conduct cancer research.
Perry House Relay for Life participants with their trophy
With 30 Perry House participants (including tutors) and teams of four to run two hour shifts, all looked to be organised. The event started at 10.30am Saturday 22 April and Mr Shaw had to be there to set up and hand in our money and details. Come 10.30am though, Mr Shaw was the only one there and had to start the Relay himself! Luckily Donald Ip showed up soon after to grab the baton. I arrived at about 11.30am and was pleased to find the same friendly, fun atmosphere I remembered from three years ago. Mr Shaw told me that there was no point trying to win the event because there was an athletics club competing for the most laps. Just enjoy the experience! It was a big disappointment as Perry had a history of winning this event. While everyone was told this it did not seem to discourage people from running. Sam Sargood (and Will Radford!) ran an amazing 22 kilometres. Luther Ellis, Angus Anderson, Harry Jalland, Dougal Anderson, Wynn Chairote, Matthew Lawrence, Rory Mitchell and Mr Shaw all ran over 10 kilometres. All together we ran an amazing 280 kilometres. It was unfortunate that 24 hours later when Perry House had completed the most kilometres, six kilometres ahead of the athletics club, that I was the only one there to receive our handsome trophy. I would like to thank all the boys who were involved and everyone around the School, particularly Perry parents, for contributing so generously to our fundraising which totalled almost $2,000. Also many thanks go to Mr Shaw and to the other tutors who supported us on the day. Good luck next year Perry! William Radford Year 12 Student
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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A Positive Sense Of Self Outdoor Education Outdoor Education is an important part of school life at Melbourne Grammar, with students from Year 4 up participating in the camps program. There are three main aims of the Outdoor Education program. Any particular camp might emphasise one aim but would be a mixture of all three:
Personal Development Students are challenged (physically, socially and emotionally) and will think of themselves as people who can rise to challenges both on camp and in their everyday life: • “I can pack up my things and get ready to go” • “I can cook a meal for 10 people” • “I can organise the others when we need to be a team” • “I can make new friends” • “I can keep going when I feel like giving up” • “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow but I’ll give it a go”.
Skill Acquisition Students acquire or develop recreation skills in the outdoors: • “I am now a fully qualified scuba diver” • “I am keen to go to the next level of rock climbing”.
Values Acquisition Students further their appreciation of the natural environment; its beauty, grandeur, power and spirituality: • “I never realised how beautiful dawn is” • “I was disappointed that the previous group left rubbish around” • “I’ve taken fantastic photos, it was a great place”.
The camps program begins in Year 4 at Grimwade House, where the girls and boys go to Camp Rumbug, an adventure camp at Foster North. The activities are designed to promote team building and to develop initiative. Students in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 attend the Robert Knox Camp near Woodend, each class for one week. The Robert Knox Camp is owned by the School and run by Tim Gates with help from his wife Jane. The emphasis at the camp is skills associated with bushwalking, although personal development is the main aim. Activities include orienteering, cooking, fire-lighting, pitching tents and walking. The highlight of the camp is the overnight hike into the Wombat State Forest, with students taking responsibility for navigation, food, fires and tents. Students in Years 9 and 10 choose from a smorgasbord of offerings in two camps weeks, attending one in April and one in September. During each of the two camps weeks approximately 400 students attend 17 camps spread all over Australia and led by 45 Melbourne Grammar staff and qualified instructors. The camps program could not run without the commitment of the staff. Activities include scuba diving, bushwalking, sea-kayaking, surfing, bike riding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, sailing and fishing. Some of the water-based camps are located at Camp Dowd, the school campsite at Banksia Peninsula at the Gippsland Lakes. This is a beautiful campsite, allowing bush camping, sailing and kayaking. LGR is the name of the School’s bushwalking society. Three times a year, groups of students led by student leaders walk in the Victorian alpine country. Groups are closely monitored by staff visits and radio calls. The staff are based at the school property at Breakfast Creek, north of Licola. LGR is very popular and keen students devote many hours to leadership training. Students in Years 11 and 12 are invited to experience a four week trip with the organisation World Challenge. Students travel to a developing country where the emphasis is on community service as well as seeing the sights. Students raise their own money to attend this camp. This camp is a new initiative in 2006. George Walpole Director of Outdoor Education
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Tomorrow’s Leaders T0day No major campaign would be successful in entering its public phase without the early support of major gift donors. The Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign is no exception and the seven lead gifts that comprise more than 50 per cent of the campaign total have provided the necessary impetus to ensure the success of the public phase. In acknowledging the importance of these gifts it is equally important to acknowledge the important role all gifts play in the public phase where every gift makes a difference. To date some 300 members of the Grammar community have made gifts to the campaign. As we move into the final phase more than 7,000 Old Melburnians will be invited to support the School through the OM Annual Giving program and campaign events. This will significantly increase the number of donors to the campaign and ensure we surpass $10 million. Bruce Parncutt
Campaign approaches $10 million The Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign is reaching a very exciting stage. With gift and pledge commitments totalling over $9 million, I am confidently aiming to exceed our initial $10 million target by a healthy margin.
Breakdown of Campaign Gifts 23 gifts (14%) 12 gifts (17%)
28 gifts 230 gifts (7%) (11%)
Gift range > $ 250 K > $ 100 K
7 gifts ( 51%)
> $ 50 K > $ 25 K < $ 25 K
Never before has Melbourne Grammar School had a taskforce of volunteer fundraisers so prominent within our community. Presently, there are over 60 volunteer parents – past and present – and Old Melburnians assisting with this campaign. These volunteers have made a personal commitment to attend meetings, to learn more about the Centre for Learning and Leadership, and importantly, to take this exciting vision for the new Centre to their peers in the Grammar community to make it a reality. I thank all volunteers for the considerable contributions they are making to the School.
To those many members of our community who have already generously supported the campaign I thank you most heartily. I look forward to thanking many more contributors as we conclude the campaign in the coming months. Bruce Parncutt Campaign Chairman
Everyone’s reasons for supporting Melbourne Grammar School are different. I believe people should give to this campaign in recognition of past philanthropy to ensure Melbourne Grammar continues to be one of the best educational institutions in Australia, to position Melbourne Grammar at the leading edge of education and to make sure the School is able to provide the best education for current and future generations of students. What we need to remember is that tuition fees alone do not cover the full cost of a Melbourne Grammar education. It is only through the generous philanthropic support of its community that the School is able to develop new education facilities, provide scholarships for students and maintain and refurbish existing buildings and grounds.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
The signing of the building contracts for the Centre for Learning and Leadership, back from left: Architect John Wardle, Probuild General Manager Peter Southwell and MGS Property Manager James Burton and front from left: Probuild Managing Director Phil Mehrten and Headmaster Paul Sheahan
Grammar Community
New Visual Identity Members of the Grammar community with a keen eye for design will have noticed a new look emerging for the School’s publications, electronic newsletters and advertising materials.
Leading Melbourne brand and identity design company MDM Design Associates was commissioned to update the brand. Their final design retains key elements such as the crest, but upgrades and updates the visual identity.
The School’s historic crest and accompanying typography have been updated to strengthen the School’s brand and present a more consistent School visual identity.
“Melbourne Grammar School already had a very strong market awareness, but its branding and communication material were inconsistent and lacked a contemporary edge. So the School didn’t need to create something completely new, but simply redevelop and build on what already existed,” said John Manos, Director Strategy and Projects at MDM.
The challenge for the designer was to create an umbrella brand for the School and its seven subgroups: Senior School, Wadhurst and Grimwade House and the four School associations – Friends of Grammar, The Old Melburnians, the Grammar Foundation and the Witherby Tower Society. The brand redevelopment project was directed by the Marketing Committee following a comprehensive audit of all the School’s marketing communications materials, publications and website. “The audit showed the brand, the crest and the accompanying Melbourne Grammar School typography were inconsistent on the School’s numerous communication media. While this is no reflection on the quality of the education and student services we deliver, the brand is important in how the School presents itself to the public. Frankly, the differing designs on our stationery, forms, publications, advertising and electronic media diminished the value of the School’s brand,” said Headmaster, Paul Sheahan.
The result is a new visual identity that presents a consistent look. This includes a new logo for the School incorporating the existing crest with new typography; individual logos and colour coding for the School’s three campuses; and individual logos for the School’s four associations. “What might seem like a fairly simple outcome, is actually based on a sophisticated brand strategy to make the eight logos relate and communicate, and fit into the School’s marketing and communications materials” said John Manos. “The project will also see the School achieve cost savings in what is a substantial annual design, production and printing budget,” said Paul Sheahan. “The new logos will start appearing on the School’s stationery throughout the new financial year,” he said. Annie Hayward Director of Marketing and Communications
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The Old Melburnians Council From the President My fellow Old Melburnians, my prophecy of exciting times in the last Grammar News is being fulfilled. On 7 April 2006, Old Melburnians and members of the Grammar community were treated to an entertaining lunchtime address by Robert Morgan (OM 1968), the current Chairman of Clemengers Communications, whose humorous talk also included audiovisuals of advertising in Australia from the 1950s until the present day. Later in April 2006, I attended the opening of the amateur football season at The Old Melburnians Football Club lunch and announced the donation from The Old Melburnians Society to the Football Club of $10,000 to assist the Club in bringing its administration into order this year. On 26 April 2006, The Old Melburnians held the traditional Anzac Day service in the Memorial Hall and were treated to a provoking address from Colonel Graeme Sligo (OM 1977) and our thanks go to the Cadet unit whose members provided the Catafalque party, immaculately dressed and performing with precision. It was inspiring to see so many
Old Melburnians Annual Dinner Former test cricketer and media commentator Kerry O’Keeffe is the guest speaker at this year’s Old Melburnians Annual Dinner to be held at Albert by the Lake in Aughtie Drive, Albert Park on Friday 29 September 2006. This dinner is not to be missed and promises to be a very entertaining and enjoyable evening. Further details and a booking form are available from the OMs website at <www.oms.org.au>.
Old Melburnians AGM
In mid-May 2006, I attended a public school’s presidents and executives dinner at Carey where each of the school association presidents and their executive officers meet and discuss matters of mutual interest. This process seems to be replacing the requirement of each association to invite the presidents of all of the other school associations to their annual dinners. Speaking of annual dinners, I encourage all Old Melburnians to attend our annual dinner which this year will be held on Friday 29 September 2006 at Albert by the Lake with Kerry O’Keeffe, the former Australian test cricket spinner and current commentator, as the guest speaker. The Old Melburnians celebrated a colourful Riverina branch function at the home of OM Council member Jack Hawkins. At the beginning of June, the Chairman of School Council Sandy Clark, the Headmaster Paul Sheahan and I enjoyed catching up with approximately 100 of our Sydney-based Old Melburnians at a cocktail party at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.
Notice is hereby given that the 2006 Annual General Meeting of The Old Melburnians will be held at The Lodge, 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne on Tuesday 28 November 2006 at 6.00pm.
On Thursday 10 August 2006, we hold our next Old Melburnians lunch at Morgans on Collins Street in the CBD and I urge as many as possible to attend what promises to be a fascinating address and question time with Paul Little of Toll Holdings.
1 To receive and consider the report of the Council
Finally, can I indicate that it did not surprise me that Old Melburnians have constituted by far the greatest group of donors for the School’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign for the Centre for Learning and Leadership. It would be marvellous if all Old Melburnians, motivated by things past, would be an ongoing part of the School and through their generosity, contribute towards a structure that will continue to dominate the School and benefit students long after we are all gone the way of all flesh.
2 To receive and consider the statement of accounts and the
Auditor’s Report thereon
3 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 1 November 2006. Forms for nominations can be obtained from the registered office at the above address.
4 To elect office bearers 5 Subscriptions 6 Any other business
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Old Melburnian ex-servicemen attending the service in honour of their comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Best wishes to you all. Simon Wilson QC President
The Old Melburnians Football Club Following a mass exodus of players last year, the OM Football Club is winless after the opening six rounds of the season. Retirements and interstate career opportunities resulting in the loss of 12 senior players has created the opportunity for others to step up. A very encouraging aspect of the OM Football Club has been the performance of the Under 19 team. After six rounds undefeated and sitting on top of the ladder, a great credit to themselves and to coach Christian (Doc) Neeson. At least six of these boys have gained valuable experience in the senior side as part of a rotation policy currently in place. The Club is placing a high level of importance on developing and maintaining a good Under 19 side and with in excess of 30 players, this will provide many good recruits for the future. The Club congratulates Captain Campbell Kennedy on playing his 150th game and also our Vice Captain James Beaumont and Deputy Vice Hugh Lacey on their selection for the Victorian Representative Team. The spirit of the Club is high, despite some setbacks we remain positive about our rebuilding and future. Andrew Ristrom President OMs Football
Bowls Club The Old Melburnians Bowls Club celebrated the end of its 25th season with a luncheon on 1 May at the Naval and Military Club. At the luncheon the Alen Eilenberg Trophy was presented to Ken McKaige (OM 1948). The Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual award, which honours the memory of Alen Eilenberg (OM 1934), one of the founders of our club, recognises attendance and performance on the green through the season.
Old Melburnian bowlers at the Public Schools Old Boys Bowls Tournament 2006
The Old Melburnians Bowls Club draws members from most areas in and around Melbourne and has players of all levels of experience and ability. Games are played mid week against other Public School past student associations and some bowling clubs. New members are always welcome. Old Melburnians, who are lawn bowlers, are invited to contact Secretary Bruce Hall (OM 1949) on 03 9836 3196 or <hall@melbpc.org.au>. Bruce Hall Secretary OMs Bowls
During the season the Club played nine of the ten games scheduled. Unfortunately it was necessary to cancel one game due to rain. Of the nine games played we won four and lost five. Although the results were not as good as in previous years all games were very competitive and we had a lot of fun! This year The Old Melburnians hosted the annual Public Schools Old Boys Bowls Tournament for the first time. The Club had a successful tournament, finishing in second place out of the eight participants. We hope for an even better result in 2007. The Club is at present in winter recess and members are looking forward to the new season which commences on 26 October 2006 with a game against Old Scotch. Ten matches have been scheduled for the 2006/2007 season.
OM Bowls Chairman Mark Aarons (right) presents the Alen Eilenberg trophy to Ken McKaige
Melbourne Grammar School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grammar News
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Branches & Reunions Riverina Community Function
1956 Fifty Year Reunion
1 President of The Old Grammarians Julia Hare, Vice President
7 Brian Smith and Lloyd Bryant enjoy the opportunity to discuss
of The Old Melburnians Stephen Gibbons (OM 1979), hosts Jennie and Jack Hawkins (OM 1972), Principal of Melbourne Girls Grammar Christine Briggs and Melbourne Grammar Headmaster Paul Sheahan at the community function held at the home of the Hawkins family in Finley.
2 Robb Hawkins (OM 1975) and his wife Jane enjoy the Riverina
function.
days in the quad at the 1956 reunion.
8 David Johnson, Vic Teasdale and Dick Sutcliffe who are all
medicos reflect on their days at school at the 1956 reunion.
Old Melburnians Community Business Lunch 9 The President of The Old Melburnians Simon Wilson QC (OM
1968) with guest speaker Rob Morgan (OM 1968), Chairman of School Council Sandy Clark (OM 1962) and Professor Dick Cotton AM (OM 1958) at the business lunch.
3 Bonnie Clapham, Louise Burge, Baz Harper (OM 1940) and
Andrew Burge (OM 1972) enjoy catching up at Finley.
Old Melburnians Bowls Club Luncheon
10 Nigel Peck AM (OM 1945) with David Field (OM 1965) and Phil
Opas QC (OM 1931) at the OMs business lunch.
4 President of The Old Melburnians Bowls Club Mark Aarons (OM
1946) presents Ken McKaige (OM 1948) with the Allen Eilenberg Trophy at the end of season luncheon organised by Club Secretary Bruce Hall (OM 1949).
Grammar Foundation Annual General Meeting 11 The Chairman of School Council Sandy Clark with Michael and
Elizabeth Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien at the Grammar Foundation AGM.
2001 Five Year Reunion
12 The Headmaster Paul Sheahan and Chairman of School Council
5 2001 School Vice Captain Alex Kozeniauskas enjoys catching
up with Luke Hurst at the reunion held in the Handbury Family Cafeteria.
6 Martin Burns and Gautam Dhar reflect on what they have been
doing since they left school.
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Melbourne Grammar School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grammar News
Sandy Clark with the guest speaker at the Grammar Foundation AGM, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria Gerard Vaughan (centre).
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
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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. Abrahams, C (Past Parent) Ashton, I D W (OM 1934) Ashton, M W (OM 1923) Beer, P H (OM 1950) Benjamin, B A (Current Parent) Bick, P C (Past Parent) Bignell, J L (OM 1934) Bromby, C (OM 1922) Bromilow, J T (OM 1936) Bult, T G (OM 1947) Chinn, S A (Community Member) Clapp, H W (OM 1934) Clark, B M (OM 1937) De Boos, W W M (OM 1934) Deacon, G P (OM 1971) Dickinson, W R (Past Staff) Eaves, J (Current Parent) Else, K M (Current Parent) Ewart, C R (OM 1944) Floyd, D A (OM 1943) Gardner, D W (OM 1929) Gray, I W (OM 1951) Hadley, J C G (OM 1926) Marks, K H (OM 1940) McArthur, G S (OM 1951) McCracken, A M (OM 1931) Mezger, N (OM 1950) Morton, C S (OM 1933) Murdoch, W D (OM 1943) Osborn, F H (OM 1949) Page, R W (OM 1932) Patrick, J F (OM 1932) Randle, M (Past Parent) Rose, M S (Past Parent) Thomas, W B (OM 1948) Thwaites, M R (OM 1923) Valder, R (Community Member)
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The tennis racquet that Sir Norman Brookes (OM 1895) used to win Wimbledon in 1907 is currently on view to the public as part of a sporting display at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. The racquet will be on display until 10 June 2007 as part of the sports module in the Nation exhibition. Amongst the thousands of volunteers for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March were current staff member Robert Shields and past staff member Vic Ryall (MGS Staff 1990-2001). Robert was on duty for the Rugby Sevens at Telstra Dome, whilst Vic was driving VIPs and met an interesting array of athletes and officials from around the world. Also volunteering was Helen Besley [past parent and wife of past staff member John (MGS Staff 1958-97)] who looked after VIPs attending events at the State Lawn Bowls Centre, Thornbury. Past staff members often indulge their passion for overseas travel in their retirement. During last year Bett Arnold (MGS Staff 194862) travelled through Tuscany with Muriel Cathcart (widow of John, former staff member and School Registrar) visiting Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pienza and Monteriggioni, amongst other places. Both these women are inveterate travellers and Bett went on to Turkey, whilst Muriel journeyed to Spain, Portugal and Morocco! Amongst other passions in his retirement, John Sedgley (MGS Staff 1961-78) enjoys gardening and garden history. During 2005 he went to the Garden History Conference in Perth, and this year will be attending the Conference in Adelaide. His visit to Perth enabled him to spend time
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
with Bill Dickinson (MGS Staff 1962-72), who sadly died earlier this year. John’s former students will not be surprised to learn that John is still a keen sailor from his property on the Gippsland Lakes at Metung. Tony Morton (MGS Staff 1969-96) and his wife Jenny live on a property at Vaughan in central Victoria (when they are not visiting their cottage in France!). They have worked tirelessly to transform a rocky wilderness into a wonderful garden with planting of indigenous species to withstand the dry conditions. Their garden was featured on Peter Cundall’s ABC program Gardening Australia during March. Tony could be seen cavorting in the background of the interviews with Jenny, ostensibly catching butterflies! Peter Willan (OM 1937) writes that he is 85 years of age and increasingly aware of it! He has recently moved to St Louis Estate Retirement Village. Peter wanted to say a long overdue “thank you” for his four years at Grammar (1934-1937). Michael Dowsett AM (OM 1955) had a distinguished career in the Royal Australian Navy. Michael entered the navy in 1961 and retired in 1999 with the rank of Commodore. John Pyke (OM 1955) has Parkinson’s disease but is making the best of this challenge through disability sailing at Blairgowrie Yacht Club each week. He occupies himself by making paintings and object d’art using perspex and couta boat wood. John has two grandchildren. Alwynne Rowlands AO (OM 1955) has retired after 22 years as a judge, both state and federal. This
included service as the Judge Advocate-General of the Australian Defence Force. Alwynne lives in Sydney but spends a great deal time in the family holiday home at Blairgowrie. Michael Berry (OM 1956) has been married to Sue Clark for 43 years and has three sons and five grandchildren. He is still working for a privately owned packaging company as part of the executive management team and hopes to retire next year. He and Sue both enjoy golf as much as the can and try and make it to their holiday house at Port Fairy as often as time allows. Geoffrey Dreher (OM 1956) graduated in medicine in 1962 and held clinical positions at the then Footscray, Prince Henry’s and Royal Children’s Hospitals and after gaining an MBA held executive medical positions at the Royal Children’s and Dandenong Hospitals before becoming Director of Medical Services at Royal Melbourne Hospital. In 1988 Geoffrey became Executive Director of Royal Melbourne Hospital. Four years later Geoff joined the private sector and administered a number of hospitals and heath insurance funds. Geoff joined the Deakin University Council in 1992, was elected Deputy Chancellor in 1996 and was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in 2002. Tony Nicholas (OM 1956) writes that his most passionate interest apart from his family is environmental conservation. At his Arabian horse breeding and training centre on the Mornington Peninsula he has established a total wetland system to encourage wildlife to return to the 175 acre property which includes four kilometres of walking and riding trails.
Peter Reinbach (OM 1956) left school in 1956 and flew straight to London where he took an Engineering Degree at Imperial College London University. Peter worked for 16 years in Europe and returned home to Australia to be married. He has three children and both his sons attended Melbourne Grammar. He has partially retired from his consulting engineering company. Peter spends most of his time on the surf coast seeking the best surfing waves and the occasional scuba dive. He occasionally sees friends from school. Baden Boan (OM 1965) is working in a large general practice in Brighton and has been a member of the medical group for the last 16 years. Baden is married with four young adult children. Rowan Story AM RFD (OM 1966) has been leading a volunteer cleft palate surgical team to the National Hospital of Ordontostomatology in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam since 1999 and returned from his ninth mission in March this year. Rowan serves on the Council of the Royal Australasia College of Dental Surgeons and also the Australian Dental Council. Rowan completed a Bachelor of Laws at La Trobe University in 2003 and is currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Australian National University. Rowan is also a Group Captain in the Royal Australian Specialist Reserve and is Director of Air Force Health Reserves in Victoria. Andrew Thomas (OM 1966) is currently in his 22nd year at Budget Packaging Supplies Pty Ltd and in his fourth year as President of Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club. During the winter months Andrew spends his time playing golf at Woodlands. Andrew is
married to Mary and their two sons attend Monash University. Tom Harley (OM 1973) was the speaker at the annual luncheon of the MGS Retired Staff Association in June. He is a graduate of RMIT and Oxford Universities, and is a regular contributor of articles and book reviews on Australia’s history, business and politics. Apart from his executive position with BHP Billiton, Tom is extensively involved with the Australian Heritage Council, the federal government’s National Environment Education Council, UNICEF and the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at ANU. Ben Toner (OM 1997) has almost completed his doctorate at Caltech in Pasadena California and is planning to move to Amsterdam University from September this year for postdoctoral studies. Tim Toner (OM 1999) completed his Masters in Commerce in 2004 and works as an investment banker for Macquarie Bank. He is based in Sydney, but has also spent a lengthy time in London.
Tom Budge (OM 2000) recently appeared in the critically acclaimed film Kokoda. Tom played the character Johnno who is a member of the 39th Battalion who fought the Japanese along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea in World War II. Tom had a successful start to his acting career appearing on television in Round the Twist, Shock Jock, the obligatory stint on Neighbours and mainly in comic roles in the films Take Away and The Honourable Wally Norman. Lucas Manduru (OM 2000) Lucas’ father tells us that Lucas has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Papua New Guinea. In the course of his studies Lucas achieved a number of Academic Excellence Awards and was awarded the Summer Institute Scholarship to the Australian National University to conduct his Honours thesis research. Lucas is currently working as a tutor in International Relations and Politics at UPNG and is looking to further his post-graduate studies overseas.
Weddings Congratulations The Grammar community is pleased to congratulate the following couples who recently celebrated their marriage in the Chapel of St Peter:
11 March 2006 Andrew Hall (OM 1993) & Cushla Mckenzie
8 April 2006 Luke Martin (OM 1996) & Natalie Van Arts
20 May 2006 Andrew Schwarz (OM 1987) & Josephine Rogan
11 June 2006 David Clarke (OM 1985) & Alis Gordon Jon Caroe (OM 1994) & Karen Montgomery
17 June 2006 Timothy Maughan & Georgia Emselle (Staff)
Compiled by Stewart Brook Alumni and Archives Manager
Queen’s Birthday Honours On behalf of the Grammar community we extend our congratulations to the following people who were awarded an honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Officer of the Order of Australia Ormiston, William Frederick (OM 1953) For service to the judiciary and to the law, particularly in the fields of equity and contract law, and through contributions to expanding and maintaining the collection of the Supreme Court Library, and to the Supreme Court Rules Committee. Vaughan, Geoffrey Norman (Former member of School Council) For service to scientific research and development, particularly through contributions to the development of government policy initiatives, to the growth of innovative technology-based Australian companies, and to education as a mentor and supporter of young scientists. Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Archives Treasures Received The Melbourne Grammar School Archives is very fortunate to receive items from time to time that shed light on former students, not only from their time at School but also their lives after leaving the Bluestone. The Archives contain a wealth of material on Melbourne Grammar School, ranging from Dr Bromby’s diary to photographs, newspaper articles, books, magazines, as well as uniforms, trophies and other related ephemera. The School is very grateful to Mrs Francis Nicholls, Mr Allan Russell (OM 1941) and the Russell family for the kind gift of the following items that belonged to their relative Charles Arthur Campbell Russell (OM 1903).
Charles Arthur Campbell Russell
Charles Russell was born in 1892 and entered Wadhurst in 1899, moving to the Senior School in 1903. At the end of 1903 he left for the United Kingdom where he enrolled at Osborne College which was an educational institution attached to the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. Charles subsequently entered the Royal Naval College where he was promoted to Senior Cadet Captain and was awarded the King’s Gold Medal, the first Australian to receive this honour. Whilst at the naval college Charles excelled at two sports, rugby and boxing. With the outbreak of the First World War he was posted on HMS Hazard before being promoted to Lieutenant and given command of a submarine HMS G7. In October 1918 HMS G7 set sail for a patrol in the North Sea. Communications stopped on 23 October and she was declared lost a week later. Stewart Brook Alumni and Archives Manager
The rugby caps that Charles Russell was awarded at the Royal Naval College including the cap for playing in the Royal Navy Rugby Team in 1913
The trophy that Charles Russell was awarded for boxing at the Royal Naval College
The sword that Charles Russell was awarded as the Chief Captain’s Prize at the Royal Naval College in 1909 26
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
The Grammar Foundation Scholarships make a difference In 2006 the scholarship endowment will assist more than 120 students to the extent of nearly $600,000. Melbourne Grammar School has been fortunate to be endowed with funds for scholarships, bursaries, exhibitions and trusts. At the end of 2005, scholarship and related funds vested in the School as trustee amounted to 85 in total with a market value approaching $17 million. In addition to these scholarships there are also scholarship funds awarded to Grammar students subject to an external trustee such as the Edwin Flack Scholarship and the bequest by long serving staff member Alan Finlayson. We have scholarship funds which honour our VC winner – Donovan Joynt, distinguished scholar, soldier and lawyer – Sir Edmund Herring and well known Melbourne Grammar families such as Austin, Millear and Shelmerdine. The award provisions for scholarships vary immensely from simple to more complex arrangements but with a strong bias towards financial need, academic merit and for sons or daughters of Old Melburnians. There are also scholarships which give credence to all round ability and on certain occasions with preference for science, classics or humanities and a number of scholarships to assist boarders, particularly from country areas. Scholarships have been the life blood of our great School and will continue to promote diversity and excellence in Grammar students today and into the future. David Temple Bursar
Trevor Lamb – Grammar Entrance Scholarship (1962-1965) The award of a full scholarship to Melbourne Grammar opened up great avenues for me, and in the fullness of time it provided the School with a Fellow of the Royal Society amongst its alumni. Growing up as one of five boys in a family of meagre means in a northern suburb of Melbourne in the 1950s, I would normally have had no chance of an education at Melbourne Grammar. But my mother was keen for me to sit the entrance scholarship examination and the outcome of this was that I was offered a full scholarship by the Head, B W Hone. My four years at Grammar (sub-intermediate 1962 to matriculation 1965) were relatively undistinguished, apart from academic achievement. After completing a degree in electronics at the University of Melbourne, I undertook a transfer course into physiology, rather naively thinking that an electrical engineer would be able to ‘solve the brain’.
Trevor Lamb is a Fellow of the Royal Society, an Old Melburnian and a recipient of a Melbourne Grammar scholarship
To that end, in 1971 I headed to Cambridge, where I had the immense good fortune to be able to undertake my PhD in the laboratory of Professor Sir Alan Hodgkin, who had jointly received the Nobel Prize for his research on nerve conduction. Alan, and my second mentor, Denis Baylor, were by then studying the mechanisms by which light is detected in the rod and cone photoreceptors of the eye – and it is in this broad field that I have undertaken research ever since. My research on the visual system was very successful, as acknowledged by my election to a Fellowship of the Royal Society in 1993 and by my appointment to a tenured Chair of Neuroscience at Cambridge the following year. It wasn’t until 2003 that I was able to extract myself from Cambridge and return to Australia as an ARC Federation Fellow at the John Curtin School of Medical Research in the Australian National University, Canberra, where I am now the Research Director of the newly-established ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science. Had it not been for the benevolence of the School in awarding me a full scholarship, all this might not have happened. I am extremely grateful for the education that I was privileged to receive and for the flying start that this provided. For the future, there are many more youngsters out there with immense potential, who could not only benefit enormously from scholarship support, but who could also in due course bring great credit to the School through their achievements. For more information on endowments and scholarships contact the Development Office on 03 9865 7682. Trevor Lamb (OM 1965) Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Friends Of Grammar Grimwade House The commencement of Term II saw Melbourne still buzzing after the excitement of hosting the 2006 Commonwealth Games. The enthusiasm flowed into the Grimwade House community with cocktail parties, coffee mornings, lunches and dinners all being successfully attended and thoroughly enjoyed. In keeping with this year’s Committee goal to “get back to basics”, very successful, traditional cake stalls were held by the class representatives at both the Middle and Upper Primary Swim Sports in early Term II. The next highlight on the calendar was the Year 3 Father and Child Games Evening. This evening was well attended and a huge success due to the great planning of a healthier menu and all the old fashioned, fun and games played on the night. The Mothers’ Day stall was yet another great success with both the wrapping working bee and the actual stall being overwhelmingly well supported by parents. The helping mums were under very tight secrecy as to what they had seen (and wrapped)! Prep Grandparents’ Day was a delightful morning – lots of proud grannies and grandpas spending time in the Prep classrooms, preceded by a sumptuous morning tea that was supplied by the Prep class representatives. Our special event for parents, “Surviving the tweens – Everything you need to know about parenting through early adolescence”, was held in the Alfred Felton Hall on Thursday 27 July. The format of the evening was an interactive question and answer session, with a panel including Dr John Toumbourou, Michael Carr-Greg, Dr Kathy Rowe and Dr Elizabeth Redman. Invitations were extended to the Grimwade and Wadhurst communities. Finally, I would like to thank all the class representatives and the FOGG Committee for their time and hard work that goes into making each event organised under the Friends of Grammar Grimwade House umbrella a very enjoyable experience. Sally Russel President FOG Grimwade House
Wadhurst Second term at Wadhurst had a slightly quieter schedule, allowing time for the Committee to plan for third term and store up energy for what will prove a big finale to 2006.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Our Mothers’ Day stall was really successful with a great range of gifts sold at down to earth prices to the boys. We raised around $980 and sold all our stock – a very pleasing result for the Committee. One of the joys of Mothers’ Day at Friends of Grammar is the gift wrapping exercise. A large number of class representatives and helpers were on hand and over coffee and a chat the job was finished almost as soon as it began. Many thanks to everyone who assisted. The Wadhurst Breakfast is a highlight of our calendar. A wintry dark morning never deters hundreds of mums, dads and students from sharing a wonderful sense of community spirit over croissants and coffees in the Wadhurst Hall. Thanks to all for your attendance and to the Committee for such a streamlined event. As this article is prepared we are in the process of organising our Wadhurst Fashion Show at No. 9 Darling Street, where spring season fashions will sashay around tables with expert commentary from Susie Crittenden. Door prizes and a great lunch menu will ensure the event provides a light hearted afternoon of socialising whilst enjoying a favourite topic – fashion. 2006 has bought with it the need for support for some of our Wadhurst families. On a personal note, I have to say I have been in awe of the speed and generosity of care and time that our Committee and community as a whole have given in providing practical and emotional support. It has been a strong reminder of what FOG is truly about. Term IV will be very busy as we work towards an event over which we have mixed feelings. With Paul Wilhelm announcing his departure we’re planning a quiet (shush that’s what we’re telling him!) farewell. It is indeed a very brave committee who takes on responsibility for this
always do with more help in this area. Swap Shop is open on a Monday and Friday from 11am – 2pm and this is another area where we support the School with your assistance. At present we are focusing on the production of a CD/DVD under the guidance of Julian Cairns and with the approval of Martin Rutherford. It is anticipated that approximately 200 boys from all levels of the School will be involved in singing and performing. The CD/DVD will be launched at a dinner on Saturday 9 September 2006. The dinner will involve parents from the School and it is expected that this night will be a sell out. Julian Cairns and his band have been booked to play on the night.
Friends of Grammar Wadhurst held a Mother’s Day stall for Wadhurst students
particular event for the community, but rest assured we will all have the opportunity to say farewell to this truly remarkable gentleman. We’ll be providing plenty of timely information for you to join in.
As the Senior School boys only have house photos taken, we are in the process of organising a photographer to take individual photos of the boys, which will be another fundraiser for the School. The art show that I referred to in the last Grammar News has been held over until next year. The art auxiliary have come up with some fantastic ideas and are working closely with Paul Baxter for the event to be held at Motor Works in April 2007.
Thanks to all of you for your support of FOG Wadhurst so far this year.
Finally, I would encourage all families at the School to go online to view the weekly Senior School News as it is no longer distributed as hard copy to the boys.
Elinor Graham President FOG Wadhurst
Thank you for your continued support.
Senior School
Joan Cumbrae-Stewart President FOG Senior School
In keeping with our role to work as a friend-raiser as well as a fundraising committee, our Committee continues to support the Grammar community in a variety of ways. This year we have reverted to a cocktail party format for the Year level get togethers and in Term II, these were very well supported for Years 12, 11 and 10. Thank you to those families that have hosted these nights. There have also been other Year level and House functions that have been organised by our class representatives. In particular, I would like to make note of the boarders’ parents morning teas that were held in Term I, inviting day parents to attend and have a tour of the boarding house. At our class reps meeting in Term II Steven Dessant, Head of English at Melbourne Grammar School, spoke with incredible enthusiasm about the Senior School English program. The music and drama auxiliaries have been very busy supporting various activities throughout the School. The kiosk at Edwin Flack Park is as busy as ever. Thank you to all those who have helped out and a reminder that we can
Grammar parents Jenny Ridgeway, Wani Wall, Kirsty Russell and Sally Hodge at the Friends of Grammar cocktail party at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in April
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Community Diary Dates Community Tie
School Tours
A community tie is now available for the Melbourne Grammar community. All members of the community can wear the tie to symbolise their connection with the Melbourne Grammar community. Silk fabric and made in Italy, the ties were launched last year at the Merry Grammar Fest. Ties can be purchased at the Melbourne Grammar School Uniform Shop, 33-35 Arnold St South Yarra, 03 9865 7690.
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.
Past Parents Cocktail Party All past parents are invited to a cocktail party to be held in the Morrow Room on Thursday 7 September 2006 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is an opportunity for past parents to catch up with old friends and for those who have not returned to the School in recent times to view the School’s current building program. The Property Manager James Burton will be conducting a tour of the School at 5.45pm, prior to the commencement of the cocktail party. Please place this date in your diary and if you are keen to attend this function contact Jane Lee, Community Relations Manager on 03 9865 7688 or email: <jzlee@mgs.vic.edu.au>.
Grammar Mothers and FOG Members of the Grammar Mothers and Friends of Grammar Committees between 1959 and 1980 are invited to the School on Monday 9 October 2006 to renew acquaintances and take a tour to see how the School is progressing.
Grimwade House Small group tours of our coeducational junior campus are held on a regular basis. Further information and bookings can be made by contacting the Grimwade House Office on 03 9865 7800.
Wadhurst Thursday 24 August 9.30am Wednesday 15 November 9.30am
Senior School Tuesday 24 October 9.30am Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Secretary on 03 9865 7570.
Boarding Precinct Tours of the boarding precinct are organised on request. To make a booking please call the Admissions Secretary on 03 9865 7570.
Thanksgiving Choral Service There will be a special Choral Eucharist in the Chapel of St Peter on Tuesday 14 November 2006 commencing at 2.30pm 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. If you would like to attend the service please contact Community Relations Manager Jane Lee on 03 9865 7688.
Meet at The Lodge at 12pm and bring a sandwich lunch – beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by Monday 2 October 2006 to Margaret Spring, former President of Grammar Mothers on 03 9822 2211. Committee members of other years who are interested in a similar get-together, please telephone Lesley Bryden on 03 9600 2731.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Mornington Peninsula Luncheon The Mornington Peninsula Community Luncheon will be held at the magnificent Cape Schanck Resort on Sunday 19 November 2006. Invitations will be sent closer to the event but if you would like further details then please contact the Mornington Branch Convenor, Wilson Brown (OM 1959), on 03 5988 4634.
Anzac Service An Anzac service of commemoration was held in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall on 26 April 2006 with guest speaker Colonel Graeme Sligo (OM 1977) and attended by Year 10, 11 and 12 students and Old Melburnians who have seen service.
“Anzac stood and still stands, for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never own defeat.” C E W Bean Australian Official Historian Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Top Arts Year 12 student John Tass-Parker’s folio for his VCE subject of Studio Arts was chosen to be part of Top Arts, an exhibition celebrating the student achievement of VCE Art and Studio Arts in 2005 with works by 62 students at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square from 27 April to 16 July 2006.
Gold, Frankincense and Blur 2005 “What links all my works is the beauty of everyday things found in the urban jungle. Whether it is an image captured in a split second on camera or a collage of introduced physical textures on a photographic image, I wanted to show how we pass unnoticed beauty every day. This unmanipulated print of an elevator lobby in the Tribeca Grand Hotel, New York, is both odd and intricate. I shot to include a door closing and a figure rushing. The image is rich in texture and colour. I wanted to capture the transitory nature of an elevator lobby – no one stays for long, everyone is rushing to come or go.” John Tass-Parker Year 12 Student
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