grammar news Print Post PP344276/00024
Number 95 – December 2007
Grimwade House students James Spielvogel, Will Cody, Harriet Hall, James Batt and Kahlia Davis bring The Wizard of Oz back to life Opposite page: Tim Sultan showcases one of the many colourful costumes in the Wadhurst play Heaven and Earth as part of the Wadhurst Chinese Festival
Grammar News is published three times a year for the Melbourne Grammar School community. Published by: The 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 Edited by: Annie Hayward and Peter Sedunary Desktop Publishing: Drew Gamble Mailing and Distribution: Data Connection Photographs: Stewart Brook, Drew Gamble, James Grant, Suzanne Heinz Front Cover: Senior school students with Deputy Headmaster Peter Tooke aboard Leeuwin II off the coast of Western Australia
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In This Issue 4 From the School Council 5 From the Headmaster 6 News 8 In Focus 10 Grimwade House 12 Wadhurst 13 Senior School 16 Sesquicentenary 18 Boarding 19 Celebrity Cricket Match 20 The Old Melburnians 22 Branches & Reunions 24 Community News 26 Grammar Community 28 Friends of Grammar 30 Community Diary Dates 31 The Old Melburnians Annual Dinner
From The Editor As we look back over 2007 at Melbourne Grammar, we recognise a year of considerable activity and achievement. Our third edition of Grammar News for 2007 reflects much of the School’s vibrancy, with a trip on the high seas on board the tall ship Leeuwin II, a taste of Chinese culture with the Wadhurst Chinese Festival and the inaugural Year 3 sleepover in the Alfred Felton Hall at Grimwade House. A closer look inside the magazine will reveal many more activities and projects occurring across the Grammar community. In 2008 Melbourne Grammar celebrates its Sesquicentenary. This milestone in the School’s history provides a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions made by Melbourne Grammar’s staff and students over the past 150 years. A full calendar of events appears on page 17 of this edition and we urge you to make a diary note of the events you wish to attend to avoid disappointment. A full Sesquicentenary program with booking details for ticketed events will be mailed to all members of the Grammar community during the first week of Term I 2008.
Annie Hayward Melbourne Grammar School respects the privacy of its community members and is bound by the National Privacy Principles under the Commonwealth Privacy Act. For a copy of the School’s Privacy Policy please visit the School’s website at www.mgs.vic.edu.au or contact the School on +61 3 9865 7555.
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From the School Council
Sandy Clark Chairman
Sandy Massina retiring Council member
The Council A year ago, in this Newsletter, I described the groundbreaking ceremony, symbolising the start of the new Centre for Learning and Leadership. This magnificent building is now almost finished, the builder’s official handover occurring on 13 November.
Captain of Perry House in 1972, Sandy has always been a champion of boarding at Grammar, and he and his wife Shelley have hosted many School functions in the country. At a Council dinner in October, attended by many with whom he had worked, Sandy and Shelley were farewelled with our heartfelt thanks.
It was with great pride that Bruce Parncutt, Chairman of the Committee, was able to announce at a recent dinner that the “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” Campaign had raised almost $19.5 million, in both cash and pledges which exceeds the Campaign target by $4.5 million. This extraordinary result reflects not only the hard work of all those involved with the Campaign, but also the depth of commitment, both to the School and the new building, shown by the Grammar Community. I would also like to pay tribute to the Council’s Building and Grounds Committee, chaired by Ian Vaughan, and to James Burton, the School’s Property Manager, for their pivotal roles in ensuring the building’s ambitious design became a reality.
Another distinguished Old Melburnian, Professor Richard Larkins AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, has joined the Council. A brilliant scholar, Richard was Head of the School, and was also awarded the BHP Prize in 1960, his final year. From 1998 to 2003, Richard was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, and prior to that held the James Stewart Chair of Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Council Changes In November Sandy Massina retired after nearly nine years on the School Council. Sandy was also a member of the Old Melburnians Council from 1996 to 2002, and its President for three years. Living in Finley, southern NSW, Sandy is able to describe, paddock by paddock, the drive down the Hume Highway to Melbourne. He has made the trip so often. His dedication to the School has been truly amazing, given that, in addition to his Council roles, he has also served on the Grammar Foundation for over seven years, and more recently on the Council’s Risk Management and Audit Committee.
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Richard’s knowledge, and experience, both as an educator, and a university leader, will prove invaluable in Council deliberations.
2008 Next year Melbourne Grammar recognises its Sesquicentenary. There will be many opportunities for the Grammar Community, past and present, to celebrate the life of the School over the past 150 years. Paul Sheahan also retires at the end of 2008, after thirteen outstanding years as Headmaster. The Council has already started the search for his successor.
Valedictory On behalf of the Council thank you to all those leaving this year for your contribution. We hope you take away with you many happy memories, lasting friendships, and a sense of real achievement. We look forward to welcoming you back as Old Melburnians. Sandy Clark Chairman
From the Headmaster
rather than fight each other, we must learn to come to terms with each other’s differences, as long as those differences do not try to manifest themselves by one exerting dominance over the other. One of the values on which the Melbourne Grammar School experience is built is expressed as developing “A Sense of Community”. Embedded in this sentiment is the hope that we can and will learn from each other, as well as contribute to each other’s welfare.
Paul Sheahan
Sense and Sensibility
To use the example of “Sense and Sensibility”, a nice balance of passion and reason will far exceed a preponderance of either. Too much passion leads to the distinct possibility of not thinking through courses of action and their potential consequences; too much reason runs the risk of defining one as cold-hearted and detached.
A remarkable book, “Sense and Sensibility”, was written by Jane Austen at the end of the eighteenth century in the overlap between the ages of Classicism (of the old world) and Romanticism (of the imaginative, idealised world). Coincidentally it is one of the Year 12 Literature texts this year!
The Greeks revered the notion of balance, though in their world they tried for a balance between three elements: body, mind and spirit (the gut, the head and the heart, respectively). This rather complicates the balancing act but the same proposition applies; a preponderance of one over the others leads to frustration and unhappiness.
It paints a picture of two daughters who have contrasting motivating forces: one, Elinor, the older sister whose modus operandi is characterised by ‘sense’ (reason, restraint, social responsibility, and a clear-headed concern for the welfare of others), and Marianne, whose temperament, it seems, is ruled by ‘sensibility’ (emotion, spontaneity, impulsiveness, and rapturous devotion).
Sometimes, of course, in particular instances we need to unleash more of ‘sense’ than ‘sensibility’. For instance, would William Wilberforce, the champion against slavery, have achieved his aim without enduring passion? Admittedly the eventual outcome transpired after his death but, without lashings of passion, he might well have determined rationally that he was fighting overwhelming odds. So, the balance needs to be flexible in order to accommodate a need for more of one than the other at any given time, but balance there must be!
At its dénouement, Elinor marries Edward, but discovers a bit of passion, and Marianne marries John, and sees that reason and sense have their places, too. Although the women are opposites, one of the ‘messages’ of the book is that it is in the marriage of the two temperaments that perhaps the best outcome is found. The novel is often only seen as a straightforward study of contrasts but it is the middle ground that reigns supreme, as it were.
As the world shrinks, there has probably never been a better time to exhibit ‘balance’ as we try to work our way into a new relationship with our neighbours (“A Sense of Community”) that enables us to walk forward in harmony. Paul Sheahan Headmaster
Elinor and Marianne both achieve happiness but only by learning from one another: together rather than separately and individually, they discover how to feel and express their sentiments fully while also retaining their dignity and selfcontrol. This business of learning from one another is at the essence of life. Like it or lump it, we are on the planet together and,
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News MGS Live “Melbourne Grammar’s power to implement change, both in an infrastructural and habitual capacity, is such that many practical solutions are achievable. The main impediments for us as a student body have been apathy and finance. MGS Live aimed to promote SLIC’s activities in the School, encourage students to take part in our initiatives and raise funds to implement structural change” he said. Headmaster Paul Sheahan was clearly impressed, saying “The students have demonstrated real leadership in getting this project off the ground. They really care about the sustainability of the world and are finding practical and meaningful solutions to community issues.” “SLIC is determined to make MGS as environmentally friendly as it can, and should be. Over the past few years equivalent student groups have attempted to implement simple, effective strategies in order to achieve this goal, yet our attempts have been consistently constrained by financial, political or practical barriers.”
The student-run SLIC committee is dedicated to improving environmental sustainability at the School
Senior School students at Melbourne Grammar School raised over $12,000 staging the MGS Live concert on Friday 7 September. The student-run Sustainable Living Improvement Committee (SLIC) will use these funds to make environmental improvements at the School. Over fifty Year 9 to 12 Melbourne Grammar students make up the SLIC. Over the past 12 months the committee has assessed environmental sustainability around the School and is considering installing rainwater tanks and solar panels, introducing recycled paper and retrofitting compact fluorescent lights, sensors and timers. The MGS Live concert was organised totally by the students and included acts such as student bands, videos, debates, comedians, dance and the Melbourne Grammar staff band. A full house was in attendance for what was a very entertaining show. MGS Live Event Director and Year 12 student Charles Hopkins was very pleased with how the event panned out.
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“This event was a not for profit, live event which was organised at no cost. It was made possible through the resourcefulness of some very dedicated students and the generous sponsorship of various local businesses,” Charles Hopkins said. As members of SLIC, students are engaged in a real life model example of interdisciplinary learnings in thinking, leadership and environmental education, as well as in the traditional domains of mathematics, communication, geography, economics, politics and science. Teacher in Charge of SLIC and Curriculum Co-ordinator Daniel McCoppin said, “To achieve its goals SLIC members have had business-like meetings and dealings with all sections of the School including the property, finance and publications departments. They have reached out to mentor students at Grimwade House and negotiated with government and non-government organisations. In a very real sense the success of MGS Live and other SLIC initiatives demonstrates the capacity of the students to lead the School towards environmental responsibility and sustainability,”. In April, well-known environmental consultant Rob Gell launched the committee’s energy conservation campaign which aims to reduce electricity usage in the School by five per cent. Following the campaign launch students have been monitoring and analysing the School’s electricity bills to see where energy can be saved. The committee has set itself the goal of leading the School towards carbon neutrality. The MGS Live concert will contribute to subsidising a move to sourcing electricity from green power.
Wadhurst Chinese Festival The Wadhurst Deck exploded with Chinese culture on Friday 26 October 2007 at the Wadhurst Chinese Festival. The evening started with the Wadhurst Art Show, a display of beautiful paintings and sets that students created under the guidance of Artist-in-Residence Zhou Xiaoping. A mesmerising performance of the Wadhurst play Heaven and Earth followed. The play was an odyssey based on the legendary story of the first known Emperor of China.
A scene from Heaven and Earth
To complete the evening a sumptuous Chinese banquet was served in the Wadhurst Hall. Complimenting Melbourne Grammar School’s Chinese language program, the festival provided a terrific opportunity for students and parents to gain a greater appreciation of Chinese culture.
Parents enjoying the Wadhurst Art Show
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In Focus All Aboard If we were honest, the forty of us standing on the tarmac at Denham airport would have admitted to a degree of nervousness about what lay ahead. Keen to see the Leeuwin, we slowly headed east to Monkey Mia, when our first view of the ship lying six kilometres offshore, a small, distant, mysterious object, did little to allay our concerns. We boarded Leeuwin II in the dark and met the First Mate, Tania Dolinshek and Captain Colin Jones. Any sense of mystery about the ship was quickly dispelled the following morning as we were inducted into the workings of a three masted, barquentine vessel, complete with 16 sails and a perplexing myriad of ropes. The cry “two, six, heave!” entered our consciousness and we learned if the rope was not coiled right the first time it was dumped on the deck to coil again. We soon discovered our Captain was not cast in the mould of Captain Bligh; affable, approachable and patient, he was keen to get us sailing as soon as possible. It was not long before sails were lowered and the ship was underway, though whales breaching near the ship often interrupted our instruction sessions. The first day saw the start of two 24 hour rotations where we changed watches every four hours. We mastered the intricacies of the belaying pins, kept bow watch, took the helm and learnt what it meant to “steer full and by”. Progressively we went aloft, first on the foremast, then on the main mast with many of the trainees climbing to its top. When we entered the Indian Ocean the ship really came alive (and many of us wished we were dead). One of the safety features on board is a line that runs fore and aft along each side of the ship. Aptly called the vomit line, it was put to good use. Sailing through the night the trainees faced their greatest challenge when asked to go aloft to furl the top gallant sail. The tranquillity of Turtle Bay was welcomed by all, giving us the opportunity to rest and recharge before a final sojourn out into the ocean on the voyage back to Monkey Mia. For a short time we inhabited a world without shortcuts, where there was no easy way out. We thought nothing of keeping watch from midnight to 4.00am; we knew what to do when called upon to ‘belay buntlines and clews’ or if the cry went up, “don’t banana it!” We learnt how to ’spank the mizzen’ when tacking ship, became skilled at polishing brass, proficient knot tiers and strong friendships were forged between students, staff and crew. The Leeuwin II experience will be offered again in 2008 and is highly recommended. Peter Dick Director of Staff. 8
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Leadership Program The leadership program at Melbourne Grammar School is multi-faceted. It is about students identifying their strengths and reaching their potential. It is about leadership of self and of others. All students are encouraged to see themselves as leaders. There are many opportunities for students at MGS to exercise leadership and these are certainly not confined to students occupying more traditional leadership roles. In August, Melbourne Grammar School hosted its second Fred Hollows Foundation lunch. A partnership was formed between the Foundation and MGS in 2006. Earlier this year students from the School travelled to Vietnam to observe the work of the Foundation and since then the boys have been involved in many fundraising activities. This year’s lunch provided an opportunity to thank supporters and to hear from John Brumby the Premier of Victoria. Mr Brumby is an OM and a long term supporter of the Foundation. He spoke of the importance of the work of the Foundation and his commitment to it.
Chris Pennington, Ben Lane, Mrs De Kretser, William Hannemann, Governor De Kretser, George Wood, Patrick Beguely and Sam Uden
Year 10 students, Will Cannon and Chris Pennington, who travelled with the MGS group to Vietnam, spoke of their experiences and shared some photographs from Vietnam with guests at the lunch. Both Chris and William stressed how much their experience had been widened by immersion in a world they could not have imagined. Most importantly, they are keen to continue their support of the Fred Hollows Foundation well beyond their school years. The students at MGS who have worked to support the Foundation have provided an excellent example of leadership. Their efforts were recognised in September when they joined other supporters of the Foundation at a reception at Government House. At Grimwade, a group of Year 5 students worked hard to collect soccer boots for students who could not afford them. They visited Lyndale Primary School in Dandenong North to present soccer boots to the Grade 2 students at the school. Grimwade students cleaned, sized, packaged and personally labeled the boots. 46 pairs of soccer boots and shin guards were presented to the students at Lyndale. This is a great achievement and organiser, Glyn Howitt was amazed by the dedication and maturity of Grimwade students as they organised the day. Rod White, Grimwade’s eLearning consultant, has been working with a group of Grade 5 students on digital story telling. The students have visited an elderly citizens’ home and have assisted the residents to tell their life stories. The stories are reproduced for the residents in a digital format.
Sam Uden, William Hannemann, Patrick Beguely, The Premier John Brumby, Ben Lane, Chris Pennington and George Wood at the Fred Hollows Foundation Lunch
The Grade 5 community service program is an excellent example of leadership in action. Students are contributing to the well being of others in a tangible way and enriching their own lives at the same time. At MGS leadership is about doing and not waiting to be tapped on the shoulder. In the Senior School the community service program has been expanded and is now House based. Creese House for example, is working with the homeless. On a regular basis, boys from Creese provide breakfast for homeless vendors of The Big Issue. A number of important programs provide our students with opportunities to demonstrate leadership and work towards the betterment of the community. Polly Flanagan Director of Leadership
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Grimwade House
Kahlia Davis and Adam Barrington are most impressive as they deliver their self-prepared presentations
Open House The inaugural Grimwade House Open House was held on Thursday 9 August 2007 for parents who are considering sending their child to Melbourne Grammar School. The purpose of the day was to demonstrate how Grimwade House is a safe and robust environment in which students can realise their full potential. More than 200 people attended what was a highly successful event. Parents were able to converse with staff and students, experiencing first-hand what makes Grimwade House such a special place for children to learn and develop.
Year 6 students showed parents around Grimwade House
Our guests reported an immensely enjoyable day. They were particularly impressed with the level of involvement of the School’s Year 6 students who were very articulate and enthusiastic as they showed parents around the School. A special mention to School Captains Kahlia Davis and Adam Barrington. Following an address from Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd, Adam and Kahlia engaged our guests with an exceptional presentation they had prepared themselves. We look forward to hosting Grimwade House Open House next year and repeating the success of this year’s event.
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Year 3 Sleepover Up until this year the Year 4 two-day camp was the first camp offered at Grimwade House. But all that changed on Thursday 2 August. After an early dinner, a host of eager Year 3 students returned to the School in their pyjamas at 6pm for the inaugural Year 3 Sleepover.
Year 3 students and staff of 2008 can now look forward to their camp with great enthusiasm! Sally Cordner Yr 3 Co-ordinator
Armed with sleeping mats, sleeping bags and cuddly toys, students from all four classes immediately began setting up their sleeping gear in the Alfred Felton Hall. Staff members were impressed with the wide range of sleeping lilos on display – ranging from deluxe to standard in size – and marvelled at students’ determination as they huffed and puffed until their beds were inflated. Spot prizes were awarded for the best arranged ‘bedroom’, the zaniest pyjamas, as well as various other fine achievements. Once all the preparatory work was complete our campers were highly amused by the talents of Robyn Williams in his role as the absent minded professor in Flubber, before traipsing off to clean their teeth and snuggling into their sleeping bags. Believe it or not, students were asleep within half an hour, leaving staff to contemplate a night on stretcher beds close to the massive dormitory. The night went by without a hitch. As Friday 3 August dawned, so did our sleepy campers, yawning and stretching as they headed towards the Junior Music Room for breakfast (kindly provided by Friends of Grammar). Shortly afterwards, as campers packed up their gear, Mr Santa Maria impressed everyone as he helped students out by expertly shoving mountainous sleeping bags and doonas into tiny fabric holders! It was soon time to leave the School and embark on a 40 minute bus ride to Jells Park. With the rain holding off despite threatening skies, staff and students hiked for 3km around the Jells Park Lake, viewing the fantastic bird life both in the undergrowth and on the water. Miss Samuel then greeted parents who had come to join the happy campers for lunch, until it was time for parents to take their children home for a much needed afternoon’s rest and a debrief of their experiences. This hugely successful event was made possible thanks to the careful planning of Simon Cowell, Amanda Mazzarolli, Gillian Leembruggen and Sally Cordner, who make up the Year 3 teaching team. Thank you to Amanda Louey, Sally Crisp, Veronica Carolan, Tim Santa Maria, Penny Lawson, Karen Karlovsky and Catherine Samuel, who went above and beyond the call of duty by spending the night at the School and taking classes the next day! Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Wadhurst ASISTM Project
Crop a Kid Day 2007
Imagine being taught by an evil mathematician who allows you to explore mathematical patterns through the art of juggling…or reading stories through tracking which parts of the brain are being used.
On the last day of Term II this year, 45 students from Wadhurst shaved their hair in order to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation. The boys managed to raise well over $13,000 that went directly towards granting wishes to very ill children.
One hundred students representing seven schools were fortunate enough to become acquainted with these unusual methods of teaching and learning at the ASISTM Project student forum held at Wadhurst, Melbourne Grammar School on 28th August.
We had the privilege of granting a very special wish on the day to Jaiden, a six year old with a severe degenerative heart disease, who wished for a Queensland holiday with his family to visit all the theme parks.
The Australian Schools Innovation in Science, Technology and Maths Project (ASISTM) is an Australia-wide, federally funded grant for schools initiating projects which promote learning for both teachers and students, and a wider awareness of career opportunities in these disciplines.
To aid in the fun and festivities of the day we had a very special visit from AFL footy legend Nathan Buckley, who is Jaiden’s hero. Nathan brought with him a Collingwood Football jumper signed by the whole team along with some footballs and scarves.
Departmental teams in each school involved in the Project (including Melbourne Grammar, Wesley, St Catherine’s, Loreto Mandeville Hall, Geelong College, Trinity and MLC) have developed and implemented curriculum units in either Mathematics or Science, meeting as a network to undertake collegial professional learning in curriculum design and exploration of key ideas and topics in Mathematics and Science.
Nathan, Jaiden and all the boys who volunteered, had a blast helping the hairdressers crop the hair. A very special mention goes to Mr Greg Caldwell, Principal of Wadhurst, who decided that his hair ought to be cropped as well.
The student forum brought together teachers and students from each school team to explore the underpinning key ideas of “pattern” and “proof.” Student exhibitions demonstrated the kinds of ideas that arose, while mixed groups of students and teachers discussed and shared their different experiences and understandings. Some of these experiences included: “What would happen if we did the whole topic again? Now that we have heard from the other schools, and thought more; we did “pattern” within maths, but now I can see it in science, like that unit on rocks...” “As a Year 8, it’s great to see so many Year 5s and 6s...and to see what they are doing, to remember what we did. At school over the years we do so many topics – but now I can see that pattern was an idea behind many of them; we just didn’t see it.” Alan Bliss ASISTM Project Co-ordinator
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This is the fourth Crop a Kid Day Wadhurst has held with a total value of over $50,000 raised for the Make a Wish Foundation. Matthew Houniet Personal Development Co-ordinator AFL star Nathan Buckley and Head of Wadhurst Greg Caldwell share a laugh as Nathan crops Greg’s hair in the name of charity
Senior School Jazz Ensemble The Creative Improvisation program has now been extended to Wadhurst, being offered to students from Year 7 upwards. I encourage all music students who would like to know more about Creative Improvisation to contact me in early 2008. Rob Glaesemann Head of Woodwind
Business Studies
Rob Glaesemann with his talented group of young performers at the13th annual Jazz Party
In August, over 50 students performed 24 musical items to an excited audience at the 13th annual Jazz Party. The festival was held over two nights in the Memorial Hall. Each year the festival presents a unique musical learning experience. This year there was an abundance of dancing and enthusiasm as we celebrated students’ musical ability and creativity. The 2007 festival is sure to be remembered by families, friends and community members for many years. The end of 2007 signified the completion of a four year intensive Creative Improvisation program for Year 12 students. Creative Improvisation allows students to develop positive and helpful life skills such as spontaneity, innovation and responsiveness. It builds self esteem and increases one’s ability to think laterally which is beneficial in all aspects of learning. It also offers insight into the construction of music, irrespective of style or instrumentation. The Creative Improvisation program culminated in the formation of The Young Lions, a professional band featuring Jahan Meeran, Alistair Haskett and Alex Bradfield. The group now performs to packed crowds at one of Melbourne's premier jazz venues, Manchester Lane. Alistair Haskett, The Young Lions’ guitarist said “The Creative Improvisation sessions enhanced my understanding of music itself and gave me the self-awareness and personal confidence necessary for expressing ideas.” Jazz Captain Jahan Meeran (woodwinds/piano) also found the sessions to be very helpful. “I found them to be relaxed and informative. Rob helped me unlock the secrets of improvisation and now I see music in a completely new way.”
Navigating the complex world of business is by no means easy. That’s why students at Melbourne Grammar School start learning about business from an early age. Middle school students can elect to study Business Studies while students at VCE level can elect to study Economics, Accounting and Legal Studies. Commerce is an integral part of the MGS curriculum. Economic, legal and accounting principles prepare students well to deal with issues they may face in broader society and give them a taste for specific skills that are essential to thriving in the business world. Students studying business at MGS participate in the ASX Sharemarket game – a game that allows students to invest simulated money in the sharemarket and monitor the progress of their investments. This certainly gives our students some very valuable experience – though given the unusually high returns in recent years they may have a false sense of success! Students also have the chance to consider the operation of a business, including the construction of an individual business plan. In 2008 we will be offering a second elective, Business Management, which looks at different theories of business leadership and some basic accounting principles. In 2007, we have enjoyed having a number of speakers come to our Business Breakfasts, including Andrew Buxton (MAB), Simon Cooper QC and Chip Goodyear (BHP). We have also participated in the Australian Economics Competition and were pleased to have Victorian State winners in 2006 and again in 2007. In fact MGS has produced prize winners each year and many students have received High Distinction awards. The Business Studies department enjoys teaching what ends up being a very important foundation for our students as they leave school and enter the real world with all its economic and legal structures. Rob Shields Head of Business Studies
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Senior School Reconceptualising Science The Goodrum report (2001) suggests that “The capacity to use scientific knowledge and to draw evidence-based conclusions in order to understand the natural world” is a key goal in terms of science education in the 21st Century. Melbourne Grammar School will be fostering this culture of scientific literacy to prepare students for a future where they will most likely engage in science-based debates on issues such as cloning, viruses, global cycles, nanotechnology, energy and desalination.
The MGS Science Faculty remains committed to offering a fresh and innovative curriculum
The MGS Science Faculty also revitalised the science curriculum at a retreat on Thursday 15 November at the Melbourne Zoo Conference Centre. The rapid rise of the student-run Sustainable Living Improvement Committee (SLIC) in the Senior School is testament to the shift in student thinking to more holistic issues such as sustainability and global warming. There has also been a resurgence in students selecting traditional sciences such as Chemistry and Physics, in conjunction with a steady rise of student numbers in more contemporary studies including Psychology, Design and Technology and Environmental Science. Employers are now seeking graduates with a broad range of multidisciplinary skills focusing on divergent knowledge and thinking. A working knowledge of Science is crucial in this broader context. The Senior School celebrated National Science Week from 18 to 26 August. The theme for 2007 was Antarctic Science. Antarctica’s unique ecosystem, biodiversity and climate combine to make the study of this frozen continent fascinating. Year 9 observed a performance of Hot Ice conducted by Perform Educational Musicals. Hot Ice investigated the main issues regarding Antarctica to educate and stimulate further interest and inquiry. In addition, Years 9 and 10 Science students completed a 45-minute Science Communication Writing Task on the frozen continent. Alexander Baker (Year 9) commented on the Science Week activities: “For Science Week we explored the Antarctic South Pole. We studied many different aspects of the Antarctic. We saw a comical themed play which showed all the interesting Antarctic explorers and had a writing competition to see who could best describe the lives led by scientists at Halley’s ice station. We explored a corner of the world not usually seen by many.” Melbourne Grammar School’s Science program provides opportunities for boys to become involved in a wide range of activities. Student learning is enriched by events such as the Rio Tinto Science Competition, the Australasian Schools Science Competition and the Australian Science Olympiads. The Science and Technology Faculty is now forging ahead with new and innovative teaching programs in fields such as robotics and genetics. With the redevelopment of the Science and Technology building in the pipeline and three interactive white-boards coming online in 2008 for Years 9 and 10, the future of Science at MGS looks promising. Guy Evans Head of Science
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Crime Scene DNA Testing The basic chemical structure of everyone's DNA is the same. The difference between people is the order of the base pairs. There are many millions of base pairs and every person has a different sequence, so people can be identified by small differences in the number and sequence of their base pairs. These sequences make it possible to determine whether two DNA samples are from different people, the same person, related people, or non-related people. Scientists use a small number of sequences of DNA that are known to vary a great deal between individuals and analyse those to get a certain probability of a match.
in length, it gets harder and harder for you to fit through the spaces. In this race the smaller molecules win. If a suspect’s DNA travels the same distance in the gel in a given time as the DNA from the crime scene cell we have our culprit. In this experiment the students are testing five suspects to determine the guilty one. I’m not saying which student did the dastardly deed. We all thank Friends of Grammar for making this possible by providing funding through its wonderful Wish List program. Dr David Altus Head of Biology
In this Unit 4 VCE Biology practical session the students are simulating the scenario where a section of DNA is extracted from a cell found at a crime scene using restriction enzymes (pictured below) and reproduced many times by polymerase chain reaction. The similar section of DNA from a cell from various suspects can also be extracted and reproduced. In this Lab students separated molecules of DNA that they got from digestion by restriction enzymes. They used gel electrophoresis (pictured) that results in the separation of charged molecules. DNA is a negatively charged molecule, and is moved by the electric field through a matrix of gel. Imagine you are a DNA molecule. If you were inside a gel, your environment would resemble a very dense series of spider webs. If you are a small fragment, you could more easily crawl through the spaces in between the webs (they are too tough for you to just pull out of the way). If you were to increase Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Sesquicentenary
150 Years Young … Join in the Celebration! Happy 150th Birthday to Melbourne Grammar School When Dr Bromby officially opened what was then known as the Melbourne Church Of England Grammar School on 7 April 1858, could he possibly have foreseen the impact the School’s students would make on the city of Melbourne, the State and the country? From the bluestone classrooms of Melbourne Grammar have come three Prime Ministers, a Governor-General, State Premiers, Antarctic explorers, over one hundred Anglican clergy, the first Australian artist to be admitted to the Royal Academy, distinguished servicemen, academics, businessmen, industrialists, musicians, actors, politicians, farmers, and many other Australians who have all made their contribution to this country’s development. 2008 marks Melbourne Grammar School’s Sesquicentenary (150 years), presenting the perfect opportunity to recognise the significant contributions that Melbourne Grammar students have made over the last 150 years and the contribution that they will continue to make into the future. To celebrate this milestone Melbourne Grammar School will stage a number of events for all members of the community, past and present. “We would love the Grammar community to join in our celebrations of this historic occasion and help make our Sesquicentenary year truly memorable.” Paul Sheahan, Headmaster. 16
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Sesquicentenary Event Calendar Date – 2008
Event
29 February
Centre for Learning and Leadership: Parent Open Day
11 March
Whole School Photo
13 March
St Paul’s Cathedral Sesquicentenary Service
April – May
Talents Committed Exhibition – 150 Old Melburnians that made a difference
7 April
MGS Sesquicentenary Foundation Day and Official Opening of Centre for Learning and Leadership
12 April
Centre for Learning and Leadership: Local Community Open Day
29 April
Sesquicentenary ANZAC Day Service
10 May
Sesquicentenary Celebration Ball
13 June
Old Melburnians Sesquicentenary Dinner
6 – 12 July
Sesquicentenary Rugby Tournament
28 – 30 July
Youth Leadership Conference: Framing the Future (Year 10 students)
7 August
Sesquicentenary of Football Dinner
8 August
Cordner Eggleston Cup Match
8 August
Cordner Eggleston Cup Lunch
2 September
School Concert
22 November
The Big 150
KEY: An event especially for staff, students and special guests Whole Grammar Community Event – an open invitation to all members of the Grammar Community Invitation only event Look out for your Sesquicentenary Program and fridge magnet in the first week of Term I 2008.
Sponsorship The Sesquicentenary presents a unique opportunity to promote your business to the Grammar community. For more information or to request a sponsorship prospectus, please contact Kat Brennand at the Development office on (03) 9865 7555, or email: klbrennand@mgs.vic.edu.au.
Records update Have your contact details changed? Please inform us about any amendments via the Change of Address form included with this magazine, or email: records@mgs.vic.edu.au. Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Boarding Creswick Boarders Creswick House, the boarding house for Melbourne Grammar’s Middle School, has had thirteen Boarders in 2007. The nine Year 8 boys and four Year 7 boys are from rural Australia, Asia and sons of expatriate families. Antony James has been our Captain of Creswick. It has been impressive to observe the manner in which all boys have matured and supported each other throughout the year. In July we said goodbye to two English Gap students, Elliot Brown and James Longstreet and welcomed Tim Cooper and David Wright, their replacements. A highlight of this year was the vigorously fought Soccer match against the 8A Soccer team which was won in glorious style by a really solid Creswick Team 3-0. Again Trish Langton and Father Tim Fox have made up our tutor team who supervise boarders on a regular basis. The school community transports Boarders to Saturday morning sport, provides weekly homemade cakes for supper and this year has been amazingly generous in sharing midterm breaks with overseas students who do not have family in Australia. Thank you to the whole Melbourne Grammar School community who have supported us all so wonderfully during the year. Suzanne Heinz Head of Creswick
Will Hargreaves dribbles the ball down field as the Creswick boarders play against the 8A Soccer team
Some boarder comments: “I have been in Creswick House for two years during which time I have gained a lot of different experiences. There have been many highlights during these two years. The Creswick Soccer Match against the 8A team was the best soccer match I have ever played in. The gym visits where we play indoor soccer, volleyball or go to the pool are good fun. The other boys have helped me out of trouble, patiently teaching me how to play cricket, rugby and kick a footy.” Vincent Chong, Year 8 “Boarding for the first time in a place like this is quite different. Everyone is normally quite helpful and friendly. Weekdays have a system here with games after school, outside time before dinner, homework after dinner and gym time after homework. Weekends are like normal ones with outings on Sunday which includes going to the cinema or city. Occasionally there are times when we go out for special dinners. So, these are elements from home and elements from boarding. Basically it is the ‘best of both worlds’.” Ben Liu, Year 7
Akbar Whillock, Lee Hong Pang, Ben Liu, Lamuel Cheung, Mich Lawrence enjoying Peking Duck in China town 18
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
“I have been out to the homes of other students during mid-term breaks. It was wonderful to go the countryside of Australia. I saw a lot of things I haven’t seen before such as kangaroos and wombats. Visiting with other families I did things I had not ever done before; waterskiing in a lake, playing on a trampoline, erecting a tank to catch rain water, going to an AFL match and even into the Melbourne changing rooms. Things that may sound familiar to you but to me were brand new experiences that I will put in my memory stash forever and ever.” Andy Chiu, Year 8
Celebrity Cricket Match What a game! Held on Friday 19 October 2007 at Melbourne Grammar’s main oval, the Reclink Fifteen15 celebrity cricket game was one for the ages. The Celebrity team – consisting of names such as James Brayshaw, Tony Dodemaide, Brigette Duclos, Graham Yallop and our own resident celebrity Paul Sheahan – defeated the gallant All-Star School team by the narrowest of margins in what was a breathtaking finish. Remarkably, Tony Dodemaide and Brigitte Duclos scored 27 runs in the final over to win the match by one solitary run. Dodemaide produced some of his old magic by smashing three sixes and two fours to leave Brigitte on strike, needing one run to win off the last ball. Brigitte handled the pressure with aplomb as she secured a one run victory for the Celebrity team to win 165 runs to the All-Star School team 164 runs.
The characteristic high-arm bowling action of former Australian test cricketer Tony Dodemaide
Paul Sheahan accepted the winners’ trophy while other awards went to Sarah Edwards (Captain of the Victorian Spirit cricket team) for her wickets and runs, Alex Keith for scoring more than 40 and Will Pike for displaying great tenacity. Not only was the event a celebration of school cricket, it helped raise awareness for Reclink, a charity that provides sporting opportunities to the disadvantaged. More than $3,500 was raised to help Reclink develop its indigenous football league in the Northern Territory. A big thank you to current parent Sue Michelmore, (mother of Harry in Year 8) who bought the cricket match as an auction item at the FOG major fundraiser An Audience with the Queen in June this year.
Brigitte Duclos maintains her composure as she hits the winning run for the Celebrity team
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The Old Melburnians Council
Stephen Gibbons
From the President It is now four months since I commenced my term as President of our esteemed society, The Old Melburnians, taken over from past President Simon Wilson. I would like to congratulate Simon on his term as President over the previous eighteen months and thank him on your behalf for his enthusiasm and dedication. Simon’s presidency was highlighted for his colourful and sometimes controversial speeches, and for his well researched and educational address at this year’s Anzac Day Service in the Memorial Hall. Our Annual Dinner held in the Olympic room at the MCC on 31 August was the best attended dinner for some years with almost 400 Old Melburnians celebrating the night. Our entertainment was provided largely by Ian Cover and Greg Champion from the Coodabeen Champions, whose good humour was able to engage our sometimes rowdy audience. The School Captain gave an outstanding address as did the Headmaster Paul Sheahan who updated us on current issues involving the School in his customary way. Our attention is now turned to the OM Dinner celebrating the Sesquicentenary Year to be held in June next year in the Great Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria. The planning of this night is now well underway and will be a spectacular event with a special entertainment schedule hand picked for your enjoyment. I urge the Old Melburnians to register their interest early for this occasion.
The reunion and branch programs have again been successful this year with a number of recent events involving a wide range of our members. In particular, I would like to thank Nigel and Patricia Peck for hosting the recent Mornington Peninsula Branch Lunch at their spectacular Mt Eliza home for what proved to be a special event, with outstanding catering provided by the Kids in the Kitchen from Berry Street Victoria. Finally, on behalf of the Old Melburnians I attended the inaugural Grammar Foundation President’s Dinner celebrating the closure of the Centre for Leadership and Learning Campaign. We are patrons of the Grammar Foundation and should be proud of our contribution to this extremely successful campaign. It is also important to note the significant contributions of individual Old Melburnians, whose generosity contributed largely to the success of the Campaign. I am sure you will continue to be a major factor in successful campaigns of the future. We have also donated $20,000 to the purchase of the Steinway Grand Piano, soon to be added to the music centre. Our contribution was ‘instrumental’ in this Fundraising Campaign and shows our support in the musical endeavours of our current and future students. I wish you all the very best for the Festive Season and for the New Year and I look forward to our Sesquicentenary year and keeping you updated as to events as they occur. Stephen Gibbons President of The Old Melburnians
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
The Old Melburnians Hockey Club It was a great way to finish the season and the club looks forward to Summer competition and being competitive again in 2008. Nick Hinneberg President, OMs Hockey Club
Golf Day Unfortunately I was unable to play in the Old Melburnians Golf Day as it clashed with the funeral of my very dear friend, Eric Anderson. Eric was known and loved by many Old Melburnians – he played football briefly for the OMs in the 1960s and started an OMs tennis team, which fought its way up the grades to winning an A Grade Pennant.
The Metro 2 West Premiership team
The OMs Hockey Club enjoyed another successful year both on and off the field. The club's membership swelled to reach over 60 members for the first time and gave plenty of depth to our four teams in the Winter competition. Many of the club's new players came from recent MGS school leavers, as the link with the School continues to be strong and productive through the OMs School Council, Year 12 BBQ and other social events throughout the season. The club enjoys a wide age range and will also be looking to add a Veterans team to the competition in the near future. On the field, two of the four Winter Pennant teams reached the finals, including State League 5 captained by Mike Shipham and Metro 2 West captained by Matt Hopley (OM 1990). While the State league side bowed out in their Preliminary Final match, the highlight of the season was an epic Grand Final played out by our Metro 2 West side at our home ground at MGS' Edwin Flack Sports Complex.
Eric played in our Golf Day on several occasions. He was a unique man with a dynamic personality who enjoyed making people laugh. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Golf Day Results Weigall Cup – Four Ball, Best Ball Tim Bennison (13) and Jonathan Roberts (18) +7 Jack Campbell Cup – Single Murray Peden (20) +2 Reid Cup – Single Scratch Peter Barraclough -8 (count back from Peter Roberson) Murray Peden Trophy – Nearest The Pin Ian Vaughan Tartakover Cup – Longest Drive Rick Pisarski All Old Melburnians are reminded that should they wish to play in the Old Melburnians Golf Day and/or the Public Schools Golf Day, they should contact Harvey Tartakover. Harvey Tartakover Chairman, OMs Golf Club
At half time we had converted a penalty stroke with Tim Mustow (the team’s top striker) scoring the other goal as the boys jumped out to a commanding 2-0 lead. The second half saw just about everything. Altona missed a penalty stroke only to score another a minute later. With the score at 2-1, Tim Mustow blasted in his second (which was goal of the season), with a full blooded back stick volley into the top corner of the net. Even the opposition fans had to applaud that effort. But Altona started a comeback and soon after it went 3-2, they had drawn level at 3-3. With just one minute left on the clock, Jono Peace notched up his first goal of the season, clinching the one and only Premiership flag for the club for season 2007.
Winners of the Weigall Cup Jonathan Roberts and Tim Bennison with Chairman of the Old Melburnians Golf Club, Harvey Tartakover Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Branches & Reunions Colin Bell Club Dinner 1
Australian Wallabies Manager Phil Thomson, ABC Commentator Jim Maxwell, President of the Colin Bell Club, Jonathan Ramsden (OM 1962) and Wallabies Fullback Chris Latham at the Colin Bell Club Dinner
75 Years of Rugby Luncheon 2
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Coach of the New South Wales Waratahs, Ewen McKenzie, with Dr Andrew Fraser (OM 1933) who played in the inaugural rugby match between MGS and Scotch College in 1932, with the Principal of Scotch College Dr Gordon Donaldson and the Headmaster Paul Sheahan Former Headmaster Nigel Cresse with the Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party Ted Baillieu (OM 1970) and Gavan Woinarski (OM 1970)
Central Victorian Function 4
Peter Newton (OM 1973) with President of the Old Melburnians Stephen Gibbons (OM 1979) and Louise Verge
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Edward Stribling (OM 1953) and Jenny Kennon catch up at the luncheon at Mitchelton Winery
Mornington Peninsula Function 6
Host Nigel Peck (OM 1945) with the Chairman of the School Council Sandy Clark (OM 1962), Geoff Hone (OM 1962), Alex McNaughton (OM 1962) and Rick Ladbury (OM 1963)
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The Chairman of School Council Sandy Clark (OM 1962) with Keith Tibb (OM 1949) and Frank Macindoe (OM 1943)
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Gregor Howie (OM 1962) and Mornington Branch Convenor Wilson Brown (OM 1959) enjoy the opportunity to catch up
1997 10 Year Reunion 9
10 James Couche, Chris Halliwell and David Tarascio enjoy the reunion
1987 20 Year Reunion 11 Conrad Brown and Chris Haydon discuss days in the quad at their 20 year reunion 12 Andrew King and Kris Migios enjoy catching up at their reunion
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Ben Haig-Smith with Tejash Patel who travelled from Fiji to attend the reunion with Jono Lee
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Community News Bob Smithwick (OM 1931) Weddings at Talmalmo Communityhas farmed News
Congratulations The Grammar community is pleased to congratulate the following couples who recently celebrated their marriage in the Chapel of St Peter:
5 May 2007 Michael Chang (OM 1990) and Soo Jung Hong Ben Stephenson (OM 1994) and Jordan Parkes Anthony Hotchin and Suzannah Wilson (Grimwade 1987)
5 August 2007 Martin Hiscock (OM 1982) and Silvana Marasco
8 September 2007 Marc Carney (OM 1989) and Fiona Douglas Song Lim and Arie Takahashi
15 September 2007 Charles Burton and Roslyn Rapke (Grimwade staff)
6 October 2007 Ross Keene (OM 1992) and Karen Tye
20 October 2007 Jeremy Thomas (OM 1991) and Yalda Riazi
26 October 2007 James Ferguson (OM 1989) and Katherine Arendsen
27 October 2007 Stuart Armitage (OM 1989) and Melanie Ivey Mark Tsui (OM 1995) and Yu-Yin (Jennifer) Kuo David McCreadie (1982) and Felicity Pierce
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since he left School in 1931. He has raised five children and ran a successful cattle breeding and grass seed production enterprise which is now run by his son Vyner. Bob’s health dipped somewhat in April and the 92 year old has reluctantly had to retire from hands on farming. Jim Johnstone (OM 1948) writes that he sold his farm in Boggabri in New South Wales in 2003 after spending 40 years on the property. He says that nearby in Gunnedah Tom Lyle (OM 1950) and brother John Lyle (OM 1962) are still farming and grazing. Jim says that he has been in touch with Bob Grieve (OM 1948) who still lives in Roma in Queensland and still firmly believes that Queensland is still the best place to live. Irwin Saunders (OM 1945) is living in Yamba, a northern New South Wales fishing village and plays the organ at the local Presbyterian Church. He recently had the opportunity to read the autobiography of a contemporary of his at School, Sir Edward Woodward’s (OM 1945) One Brief Interval and found it a very rewarding experience. Peter Nelson (OM 1955) writes that he is still riding his bike a great deal and has passed the 10,000 km mark again this year, a feat he has accomplished every year since 1979. Peter reports that he is slowing down and has to be wary of hot weather but is capable of riding over 100 miles per day in suitable temperatures.
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Peter estimates that to date he has pedalled some 602,000kms in 41 years! The Venerable Kenneth Letts (OM 1960) has been appointed Archdeacon of France. Kenneth was Chaplain of Grimwade House from 1974 to 1981. Ted Blamey (OM 1962) continues to consult to the world cruise shipping industry on strategy and as a result is spending some time in Florida, the United Kingdom and Monaco. In Australia Ted Chairs the Harvard Club of Australia’s non-profit fellowship program sending two CEOs to Harvard University annually. Ted is also President of the American Club. Ted gets to the family beach house at Mornington as often as he can and is in the process of a two year renovation of a Harry Seidler designed house on Middle Harbour, his new Sydney home. Peter McMullin (OM 1969) recently completed his term as Mayor of Geelong. He is currently the Chair of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Deputy President of the Museums Board of Victoria. He is also the Deputy President of VECCI (Victorian Employees Chamber of Commerce and Industry). Peter is married to Ruth and they have two sons. David Wilks (OM 1970) is currently in Melbourne having lived in London and Los Angeles since 1984 working as a TV producer and writer. Mark Scammell (OM 1981) has completed his Certificate III in investigations and
has reopened MWS Investigations and Security Geronimo and Commercial Investigations. Milton Wee (OM 1983) is currently in Singapore and has been since graduation from university in Australia. Milton and his wife had their first son Benjamin on 14 June 2005. Milton moved from fountains and swimming pool construction to office furniture, and is now marketing telematic black boxes for vehicles. Milton and his wife had their second son Edward who was born on 14 June 2007. Amazing that both Benjamin and Edward share the same birthday! Grevis Beard (OM 1985) has commenced a new business together with two former colleagues from the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria. Workplace Consulting specialises in resolving issues involving employee disputes, bullying and discrimination. Bret Hastings (OM 1985) went on vacation to England in 1996 and is still there. He worked for British American Tobacco for five years before taking an opportunity to redevelop a farmhouse in Normandy, France for two years. Brett moved back to Ipswich in England in 2004 working at British Telecom headquarters in technical architecture. He married Eliana in June 2006. Johnny Barnes (OM 1987) has been a resident of the United Kingdom for the last 10 years and is living just south of Guilford in England with his Scottish wife and 16 month old daughter. Johnny writes that he was recently married in
traditional Scottish style in the Scottish Lowlands, which was attended by a number of Old Melburnians. As a British Airways 747 pilot Johnny is fortunate enough to escape the long UK winters and manages to return to Australia at least twice a year. Despite being a British citizen, Johnny says that his heart is very much in Australia and when it comes to sport he is one hundred per cent behind the green and gold. Julian Harvey (OM 1987) is a Property Manager with Kingston City Council and writes that he successfully competed in the sailing classics, the Sydney to Hobart in 2004 and then the Melbourne to Hobart in 2006, both on Icefire. David Edis (OM 1987) has recently moved to Launceston in Tasmania with his wife Jenny and his two sons Charlie and Austin. David has just finished nearly 20 years of training to be an orthopaedic and spine surgeon. David has commenced private practice and is now a consultant surgeon at the Launceston General Hospital. David and Jenny are looking forward to the birth of their third child. Nicholas Mountford (OM 1987) writes that he and his wife have two kids, Felix and Amelia, who keep him busy and away from the golf course. Nicholas is a Principal of Griffith Hack, an intellectual property firm, where he has worked as a patent attorney in the firm’s Electrical, IT and Physics group. Nicholas has been with the firm since 1996. Chris Scholten-Smith (OM 1987) has been married to
Amy since 2000 and they are the proud parents of Molly who is three years of age. Chris and his wife spent the first 18 months of their married life living and working in China. Since then he has moved to Haileybury College and has started up an exciting new Classics, Latin and Ancient Greek Program in Years 8 to 12. Chris completed a Master of Arts in Chinese Literature in 1999. He plays tournament Scrabble and is ranked 85 in Victoria. Jason West (OM 1989) married Yvette Farrell at his parish church, St Georges Hanover Square, Mayfair on 10 February this year. Jason has been based in London for the last five years and is the Trading Commercial Analyst working for Shell Trading Division in London. Robert Feeney (OM 1994) is currently based in the United Kingdom and is working for McKinsey and Company. Robert married Erin Wiggins on 7 August 2004 and their son Henry Loring Feeney was born on 17 February 2006, followed by brother Thomas William Feeney who was born on 8 September 2007. Robert Kemp (OM 1995) reports that after completing a Bachelor of Arts with a Psychology major he is now a driver with Yarra Trams, passing MGS at least six times a day and Grimwade House at least twice. Adrian Chan (OM 2000) writes that he is currently a Research Analyst covering the Asian Small Caps stocks for Credit Suisse in Hong Kong. Adrian started in the position a few months ago and was amazed at the number of Australian
university graduates at the company. Any friends and former classmates can contact Adrian via OMs Online. Andrew Rogers (OM 2001) writes that he completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne before completing post graduate studies in journalism at La Trobe University in 2006. Now based in Kerang in north western Victoria, Andrew works for the Northern Newspaper Group as a journalist and is involved in writing for three newspapers, The Northern Times, The Cohuna Farmers Weekly and The Lodden Times.
Obituaries The School has learnt of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy and understanding is extended to their family and friends.
Allen, P S (1957) Anderson, E B (1955) Besley, R C (1925) Cowling, J M (1938) Davidson, W J (FOTS) Druce, P F (1960) Froomes, M A (1956) Guest , J M (1970)
Patrick Mottram (2005) is undertaking a Bachelor of Information Systems and in his spare time is the Treasurer of the Old Melburnians Basketball Club.
Holmes, J G (1933)
Konrad Spies (OM 2005) is currently studying a Bachelors Degree in Business and Commerce including Communications at Monash University. Konrad was an integral member of the Old Melburnians Football Club Under Nineteen side last season. He has made several overseas trips and is working for a promotions company called Street Scene and Truth and working at Riva, a bar/ restaurant in St Kilda.
Mitchell, K A (1950)
Luke Travers (OM 2005) is currently finishing an Associate Degree in Environmental Horticulture at the University of Melbourne with a focus on Landscape Construction and Garden Design.
Jowett, E A S (1943) Macleod, D (1944) Marks, P B M (1960)
Niall, G M (1932) Park, R J (Current Parent) Perkins, R M (1931) Peters, K W (1940) Phillips, H A (1936) Pope, D H (1961) Rowe, C G (1939) Sangster, A C (Past Parent) Solomon, I (1945) Stephenson, A P (1938) Taylor, P A (1956) Walbran, J (FOTS) Willing, R T (1953)
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Grammar Community Neil Audsley 1921 – 2007 Melbourne Grammar School lost one of its unsung heroes when Neil Audsley died in mid-August after a short illness. Neil served the School with great devotion and great distinction serving as Curator at Grimwade House and South Yarra throughout his 40 year tenure (1947-1987) following his discharge from the Australian Army at the end of World War II. It says much of Neil Audsley that he enlisted to serve his country although he did not meet the minimum age requirement. He served with distinction in the 7th Division of the Australian Army; his service included stints in Borneo, New Guinea and the Middle East. Neil was also one of those special men renowned for their selflessness and courage – the group known as the Rats of Tobruk. The standards of wicket preparation and ground maintenance achieved by Neil Audsley were second to none. He consistently and cheerfully produced (through fair and foul weather) outstanding playing conditions which countless boys, fathers, staff and opposing teams were fortunate to enjoy for over 40 years. He displayed qualities of modesty, dedication, helpfulness, self discipline and a genuine pride in his work. Following his retirement he moved to Indented Head on the Bellarine Peninsula from where he returned each year for the Anzac Day march to the Shrine. In addition to renewing friendships forged during the War, Neil would also visit Grammar to see his many friends there. Neil was particularly proud when his two grandsons were enrolled and subsequently educated at Grammar given his lifetime involvement with the School. Throughout Melbourne Grammar's history its reputation has been enhanced by the commitment, contribution and dedication of staff with various roles and responsibilities. Neil Audsley will be fondly remembered for his wonderful contribution to Melbourne Grammar in this context. David Temple Bursar
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
MGS Symphony Orchestra Reunion Over 150 past members of the MGS Symphony Orchestra attended the first ever reunion for members from 1954 to 2006 on 26 July 2007 in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall. Visitors toured the new Ross T Shelmerdine Studio and renovated Memorial Hall and enjoyed a preview of this year’s orchestral concert including Rimsky Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnole and Elgar’s Cello Concerto. A light supper in the Student Centre followed soon after.
Below: Former MGS Symphony Orchestra members enjoy catching up on old times Bottom: Director of Music Martin Rutherford presents the current MGS Symphony Orchestra to past members
Old Melburnian Captain Allan Hamley shares his experiences with students on the oval
Black Hawks The sky rumbled, the ground shook and all eyes were drawn skyward. “The Black Hawks are coming” students and teachers shrieked as they rushed to the School’s main oval. The noise and vibration was followed by the Black Hawks’ sudden appearance overhead. On precision schedule at 1 pm Thursday 25 July, two Special Operations Black Hawk helicopters and crew landed on the School oval. The Black Hawks were in town for SAS familiarisation exercises over the inner city air space of Melbourne. The head of Melbourne Grammar’s cadets unit Steven Bailes and Old Melburnian Allan Hamley (OM 1994), now a Captain in the Australian Army, had organised for the Black Hawks to visit Melbourne Grammar. The Black Hawks landing at Melbourne Grammar provided the perfect opportunity for the School’s cadets, and in fact all Senior School students, to inspect the helicopters and ask the pilot and crew questions about working in the army, navy and air force. Students had a chance to sit in the pilot’s seat and closely examine the helicopters inside and out, while learning more about the vehicle and the Australian Defence Force from the crew and pilot. According to Steven Bailes it was “the highlight of the day for the whole school”. The last time an Army helicopter landed on the oval was when Allan Hamley, then a Year 12 student, was awarded an Australian Defence Force Scholarship in 1994 from a crew that landed in an Iriquois helicopter.
Materiel Organisation, responsible for upgrading the Australian Light Armed Vehicle (ASLAV). In January Captain Hamley will commence a 12 month position representing the Australian Army as a United Nations Military Observer in Israel. At Melbourne Grammar Captain Hamley was the senior Cadet Under Officer. He says that being a member of the cadets, led by teacher Nick Bates, “sowed the seed” for his career choice. “I was always keen to join the army and leadership opportunities at Melbourne Grammar through cadets, the outdoor education program and as Captain of Miller House gave me the opportunity to progress easily into the army,” he said. Captain Hamley went on to the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon, completing a Bachelor of Arts through the University of NSW with a major in management and politics. He has since completed two masters degrees in human resource management and project management at the University of NSW in Canberra. Captain Hamley stays in touch with the School and has been the assistant coach of the 1st XV rugby team for the past year while he has been posted in Melbourne. We look forward to maintaining close links with Captain Hamley in the future.
Now a Captain in the Australian Army, Captain Allan Hamley is a Project Manager in the procurement area of the Defence
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Friends of Grammar Senior School It’s hard to believe that the 2007 school year has come to an end. It’s been an extraordinary year of friendship, fun and hard work. But most of all, it’s been a year that will be memorable for its great spirit and camaraderie. Between the Art Show, ‘The Queen’ and all the other get-togethers, we’ve had a ball – literally and figuratively! Thanks to the ongoing generous support of the Grammar Community, we have been able to support the Senior School ‘Wish List’, comprising over $40,000 worth of equipment: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Data show projector for the Harkness Room (Business Studies) High Jump uprights (Physical Education) Cricket bowling machine (Sport) 2 rowing sculls (Sport) Training slides – Ergos (Sport) Radar speed gun (Science) Ripple tank system and projection accessory (Science) Complete wave motion demonstrator (Science) Digital SLR Camera and Accessories (Art) Digital Recording Studio (Library) Keyboard (Music) 2 Clarinets (Music)
FOG Executive has also contributed a $6,000 staff bursary to support professional development and a $10,000 contribution to the Music Piano Appeal. All year level cocktail parties were a great success and we wish to sincerely thank those parents who generously
Kerry Holdswoth addresses guests at the 2007 Valedictory Dinner
opened their homes as hosts. It has been wonderful to see more of our Boarder parents at these functions and we hope that this is a trend for the future! With Term 4 and the Year 12 Valedictory behind us, we look forward with great excitement to the Sesquicentenary year ahead. My personal and heartfelt thanks go to a wonderful FOG Committee who have worked tirelessly and graciously to make 2007 such a successful year. I would also like to thank all the staff at The Lodge and particularly, Jamie Brennan and his catering staff for their willing assistance and advice. It’s now time to pass the baton and I wish 2008 FOG President, Wani Wall and the incoming Committee every success. Kerry Holdsworth President FOG Senior School
Grimwade House As my term as president of FOG Grimwade House draws to a close I look back on a year filled with much merriment and hard work. We hit the ground running with our tennis day lunch in Term I which was held on a glorious Melbourne morning. Special thanks again to the Little family for their support. The opening of the new swap shop at Grimwade House was the focus of Term II. Thank you to the FOG, swap shop girls and parent volunteers who have made the shop such a success. One of the joys of being on FOG is the contact we have with the children. In August we served breakfast to sleepy Year 3 28
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students (and teachers) who had a sleepover in the Alfred Felton Hall. It was just a delight and enjoyed by all.
was also held in the gardens of a private home for the Year 8 parents to farewell Wadhurst.
The Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, Father and Child Night, Hot Chocolate Day, the staff lunch and the Christmas party are all etched into my memory as happy, family-focused events that will remain with me for many years.
Thank you to the tireless helpers from Wadhurst this year, both the Class Representatives for their wonderful events and especially my outstanding committee, without whom none of these events that make our community so special would have been possible.
As I step down and prepare to enjoy my son’s final year next year at Grimwade House, I would like to thank all Year Level Co-ordinators and Class Representatives for their hard work. To Andrew Boyd and the staff of Grimwade House, a big thank you for all your support – without which we would not function as well as we do. To the girls of FOG, who have made my job so easy with their enthusiasm and support, you have been simply amazing and gone above and beyond what was expected. I wish Su Lin Loh and her 2008 team every success and hope they have a year as happy as mine has been. Samantha Douros President FOG Grimwade House
Wadhurst Term IV at Wadhurst always begins with a bang… and this year was no exception.
Members of the Committee have devoted their year completely to making Wadhurst families feel welcome and it is greatly appreciated. I believe this is one of the things that makes our school so special. So extra special thanks to Penny Fowler, Lucinda Udovenya, Jill Sultan, Katrina Cooke, Deb Middleton, Wayne Lam, Michele Paine, Natasha Norton, Alison Monotti, Sarah Jessup, Sophie Trotter, Julie Donohue, and Lynore Cody. I wish Penny Fowler and her team the very best for 2008 – our Sesquicentenary year is shaping up to be one that is very special! Finally, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and I hope you enjoy the New Year break – it’s very well deserved! Jane Hiscock President FOG Wadhurst
The Wadhurst Friends of Grammar cake stall
In the second week we held our annual Family Athletics Day which is always one of the best events of the year. A wonderful sunny morning was spent watching boys compete and set new records, as we sipped lattes and ate egg and bacon muffins and sausages from the BBQ (thanks to some tireless FOG fathers). Many thanks to all the people who brought cakes for the cake stall. It was wonderful to be able to go home with a beautiful home baked cake for afternoon tea. The following week brought the Wadhurst Chinese Festival – a terrific evening with dragons and dancers – beginning with viewing our talented young artists, followed by the Wadhurst Play and the finalé of a Chinese Banquet in the Wadhurst Hall. We also had the pleasure of listening to our fine musicians play at the Wadhurst Music Concert in Week 4. This year we enjoyed some terrific end-of-year get‑togethers, including a lovely thank you lunch for the Class Representatives. A magnificent evening of cocktails Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Community Diary Dates
School Tours Why not join one of our regular tours to see what Melbourne Grammar School has to offer? Tours are held during the school day and are particularly designed for families to view the educational facilities of each campus.
Grimwade House Small group tours of our coeducational junior campus are held on a regular basis. Further information and bookings can be made by contacting the Grimwade House Office on (03) 9865 7800.
Discover Wadhurst Day Discover Wadhurst, Melbourne Grammar’s learning community for boys in Years 7 and 8. Tour Wadhurst in action and experience the energy of a school purposebuilt for the 21st century teenager. Tuesday 18 March 2008 1.45-3.30 pm Wadhurst, 1 Domain Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 Enquiries: 03 9865 7700 or enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au
Wadhurst Thursday 21 February 2008 at 9.15am Tuesday 18 March 2008, 1.45 to 3.30pm (Discover Wadhurst) Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 9.15am Thursday 29 May 2008 at 9.15am
Scholarships Year 7 and 9 – 2009 Entry
Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Secretary on (03) 9865 7570.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and are also available for boys of outstanding musical ability.
Senior School
The scholarship examination will be held on Saturday 1 March 2008.
Thursday 6 March 2008 at 9.30am Friday 2 May 2008 at 9.30am Tuesday 3 June 2008 at 9.30am
For scholarship information and to make an application, including fee payments, please visit our website: www.mgs.vic.edu.au.
Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Secretary on (03) 9865 7570.
The closing date for applications is 21 February 2008 at 5pm. If you have any enquiries please phone 03 9865 7570 or email: enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au.
Boarding Precinct Friday 2 May 2008 at 2pm – Boarding Information Day Tours of the boarding precinct are organised on request. To make a booking please call the Admissions Secretary on (03) 9865 7570.
Worth Leaving Home For Boarding is an outstanding formative experience and there is no better place to enjoy it than at Melbourne Grammar School. Come and visit our outstanding boarding facilities at 2pm on Friday 2 May 2008. This is a special opportunity for parents and students to tour the boarding facilities and meet our staff. For bookings or more information about boarding please contact the Director of Admissions on 03 9865 7570 or enrol@mgs.vic.edu.au.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
The Old Melburnians Annual Dinner Over 375 Old Melburnians attended the 129th Old Melburnians Dinner on Friday 31 August in the Olympic Room at the MCG and were entertained by the Coodabeen Champions Ian Cover and Greg Champion.
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