grammar news Print Post PP344276/00024
Number 98 – April 2009
Paul Sheahan departs his final Senior School Assembly at Melbourne Grammar School through a guard of honour formed by students
Grammar News is published 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: Vanessa Whatmough and Kate White. Kate recently joined Melbourne Grammar as the Communications Coordinator and has replaced Vanessa as the Editor of this magazine. Page Layout: Drew Gamble Mailing and Distribution: Data Connection Photographs: Stewart Brook, Rod McCallum, Russell D’Arcy, Ian Eilengerg, Polly Flanagan, Drew Gamble, James Grant, Bruce Hall, Michael Joyce, Damien Lyons, Tim Morris, Di O’Sullivan, Louie Wardle, Kate White
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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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
In This Issue 4 From the School Council 5 From the Headmaster 6 Handing Over the Baton 12 News 14 In Focus 16 Grimwade House 18 Wadhurst 20 Senior School 22 Sesquicentenary 24 Out & About 28 MGS Bushfire Response 30 Environmental Awareness 31 Community Involvement 32 Boarding 33 The Old Melburnians 36 Community News 38 Branches & Reunions 40 Friends of Grammar 42 Community Diary Dates 43 New Parents Welcome
About This Issue The arrival of Roy Kelley as Melbourne Grammar’s 14th Headmaster is a defining moment in the School’s 150-year history. In this edition of Grammar News we welcome Roy and his lovely wife Ann to the Grammar community. During an initial meeting with him earlier this year, I was struck by his enthusiasm for the new role and his excitement at getting to know the staff, students and community associated with our great school. Equally, we say farewell to Paul Sheahan, who has served the School as Headmaster for almost 14 years. On page 10, School Bursar David Temple pays tribute to the outstanding career of Paul Sheahan and his role as our leader. Black Saturday has touched the hearts and minds of all Victorians and many of us have been left wondering what we can do to help. Melbourne Grammar’s response to the bushfire tragedy is outlined on page 28, and describes what the community can do to ‘fulfil a need, rather than a desire to help’. I trust you enjoy the first edition of Grammar News in 2009.
Annie Hayward Director of Marketing and Communications Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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From the School Council
detail, including tight control of budgets, Ian’s contribution has been invaluable. Ian has also been an enormous help to me, as adviser, constructive critic and friend. We wish Ian and Susie a long and healthy ‘retirement’, in the knowledge that few have served the Council with such great distinction.
The Sesquicentenary Sandy Clark
As I write in early March, Australia, and more particularly Victoria, is experiencing a series of events to test the hardiest soul. As the economy moves deeper into recession, extraordinary hot and windy conditions in this State have resulted in catastrophic bushfires. At MGS, the school day was modified to cope with the heat, and we have been united in giving generously to support the fire victims. The Council is very conscious that the worsening economic circumstances will place added strain on many parents, and also that a prolonged recession is likely to impact on enrolments. We will ensure that the standards of teaching and learning, to which the Council and Headmaster have given the highest priority, are maintained, while noting that a conservative approach to future capital expenditure is both prudent and necessary. The School’s finances remain very strong and, assisted by the generosity of the Grammar community in supporting recent capital appeals, we are well placed to weather any prolonged economic downturn.
The Council
With the ‘Big 150’ in February, the Sesquicentenary finally reached its conclusion. By any measure our celebrations have been a resounding success, with joyous occasions uniting Old Melburnians, parents, students and staff in not only honouring our past, but also, particularly with the opening of The Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership, affirming our hopes and plans for the future. We thank everyone involved in the organisation of each event, and acknowledge the dedication of our teaching staff in ensuring academic standards were maintained in the face of the many distractions, particularly in 2008.
AP Sheahan – the Changing of the Guard The retirement of a Headmaster is always a big event, prompting an outpouring of emotions, including some trepidation, particularly from staff. Much has already been spoken, and written, about Paul Sheahan, and his farewells will give the Grammar community further opportunities to express their thanks for his outstanding leadership over the past 14 years. There were a number of tributes in the 2008 edition of The Melburnian.
I want to place on record the commitment, and leadership, of Ian Vaughan, the Council’s Deputy Chairman, who retires at the AGM in May.
Staff, students, parents, and indeed the whole Grammar community, have benefited greatly from the Sheahan era, and the Council is united in leading the applause for Paul Sheahan.
Ian joined the Council in 2002 and became Chairman of the Buildings & Grounds Committee in May 2003, also chairing the Sesquicentenary Committee responsible for the opening of the Centre for Learning and Leadership. His ‘cut through’, ‘get on with the job’ style has been most important in ensuring projects have been developed, constructed, and finished, on time. Coupled with his constant attention to
Roy Kelley and his wife Ann visited the School for two days in February, our new Headmaster meeting with the executive team, and the Common Rooms of the Senior School, Wadhurst and Grimwade. We are very confident Roy Kelley will both uphold, and enhance, the tradition of excellence, as the 14th Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar. Sandy Clark Chairman
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
From the Headmaster Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
2009 School leaders, from back left: Head of Wadhurst Greg Caldwell, Deputy Headmaster Peter Tooke, Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd, middle: Wadhurst Captain Bill Dix, Wadhurst Vice Captain Henry Gardiner, School Captain Alex Mattingly, School Vice Captain Duncan Thomas, Headmaster Paul Sheahan, front: Grimwade House Co-Captains Paul Nicol and Elise Ashley
From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet come the oft-quoted lines: “Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow That I shall say good night till it be morrow.” At that point the two lovers depart for their respective resting places but Romeo’s love-lorn statement has been used in many contexts for those who are about to depart a long-time association, whatever it may be. There is not quite a Romeo–Juliet relationship between Melbourne Grammar and me but the time has come to present MGS to my successor, Roy Kelley. I could not have enjoyed a more memorable period than I have in the past nearly 14 years. The other day I happened to see a photograph of the Senior School on the day of the Carnival in November of 1994 and I could not help noticing how much development there has been without disturbing the core, the essence if you like, of the School. Melbourne Grammar is a remarkable place, made even more remarkable by the quality of the people who teach and learn in it! In the final analysis, the interpersonal relationships and interactions are what distinguish the great schools from the good and, whilst it is tempting to indulge in sugary nostalgia at this point, I would say in all honesty that this is a great school. However, complacency has killed many a good thing! As I take my leave from the Headmaster’s position, I feel a sense of humble pride at what has been achieved on
my ‘watch’, pride that is born out of the highest possible regard for the people who serve Melbourne Grammar, from the School Council outwards. MGS is extraordinarily well served by all who minister to it and to the students in its classrooms, sporting fields, on its Sub-Committees, in its constituent bodies and, especially, its Council. It has been an enormous privilege for me to have carried the banner but, equally, an enormous privilege to have created an environment in which these amazingly talented people can give substance to that talent in a way that enriches the lives of the students. The focus of the School is always, and must remain, the students: all that is done and all decisions that are made must carry at their base the question: Is what we wish to do in the best interests of the students? There have been other occasions – and more expansive opportunities than this column allows – for me to thank those with whom I have worked, so I will not indulge myself here. Suffice it to say that I am deeply grateful to those who invested in me their trust to lead the School and to everyone in helping me feel fulfilled in my professional life, drawing it to a conclusion in a most satisfying way. I wish Melbourne Grammar every success for a robust and successful future under its new Headmaster, in whom I have full confidence to take the School to a new level of excellence in performance. Paul Sheahan Headmaster Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Handing Over the Baton New Headmaster Roy Kelley Arrives
Roy Kelley meets Director of Career Development Frank Thompson at morning tea in the Senior School Common Room in February
…and sets his agenda Parents and teachers share a significant task in raising children – to nurture, but also challenge children to step outside their comfort zone, to try new things.
“Schools are defined by the quality of human relationships that are created, and that’s where my focus will be,” the 51-year-old career educator told Grammar News.
Melbourne Grammar students pass through three distinct phases in their early life – from Grimwade to Wadhurst and then on to Senior School. It’s these three phases that offer so much potential for children to reach and grow, and for teachers to lead and guide.
“I like the Melbourne Grammar model with three distinct schools. Boys in particular need significant rites of passage, and if you don’t provide them, they will invent their own… and sometimes that can involve actions that are not in their best interests, nor in the interests of society at large. In a school such as Melbourne Grammar School, where some boys will be here for 13 years, the last thing you want is for them to feel as if they’ve just gone through the same continuous exercise. You need to be able to create different challenges and engaging systems, and that’s what this school does so well.”
For Roy Kelley, the newly appointed 14th Headmaster of MGS, these three ‘rites of passage’ within the School – and the challenges they offer students – are at the core of his decision to leave King’s College in Auckland, New Zealand, and take over from Paul Sheahan at Melbourne Grammar.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
From left: Will Johnson, Alex Mattingly, Duncan Thomas, Freddie Grimwade and Hugo Trotter enjoy meeting Roy Kelley
Kelley is a thinker, with a deep interest in the theory and best practice of education. He cites leading educators such as Professor John Hattie from the University of Auckland and international educationalist Professor Michael Fullan, as those who have helped shape his own career. But Kelley is also a realist who has learned by doing, always seeking to excel. His greatest influences have been his father who encouraged him to take risks, and his wife, former Mathematics teacher Ann, who has supported him throughout his 30-year career. Kelley also mentions his former Headmaster at Hale School in Perth, cricketing great John Inverarity, who has played the role of professional mentor throughout his career. Under Inverarity’s headmastership, Kelley held the role of Director of Pastoral Care and Professional Development before rising to Deputy Headmaster from 1995 to 2002, prior to his appointment as Headmaster of King’s College in Auckland in 2003.
He’s quick to ensure that he’s not painted as too philosophical in his beliefs, it’s just one aspect to his approach to education. “I love the prospect of being involved with the students at all three levels, Grimwade, Wadhurst and Senior School, as well as the Grammar community at large, that’s probably what attracted me so much to this job. “As Headmaster, I want very positive relationships with the students of this school. I don’t want to be aloof nor remote. Not so hands on to the extent that the heads of each campus feel that I am intruding on them, because that’s the last thing that I would want to do. From what I gather, Paul Sheahan has done a superb job being part of the School, but not being too intrusive.”
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Handing Over the Baton New Headmaster’s Approach
New Headmaster’s Background
The new Head reveals a secret – he has already asked for the photographs of every Year 12 to help him prepare for work. “When I come here at the start of Term II, I will be disappointed if I don’t know the name of each one of them. I may not recognise them all initially from their photographs but the last thing I want is for those Year 12s to feel they have a Headmaster for three terms who didn’t know them.
So who is the man behind such strong professional views? Roy Kelley was born in England, but is a dinki-di Australian – indeed West Australian. He attended government schools in Perth’s northern suburbs, mixing with a range of migrants from what was then new urban sprawl. He excelled in sport and as a 16-year-old had the opportunity to play soccer professionally. He didn’t pursue it – even then his mind was turning to university and the calling to be a teacher.
“Every school is directly influenced by the quality of the teaching staff. It’s important that they are supported by the Head. It is important that they are challenged by the Head. It is important they understand that assuming excellence in teaching is something they must embark upon. “There’s been some really good research by Professor John Hattie at the University of Auckland. He has done in-depth analysis of the factors affecting student learning and achievement. He researched the use of IT, the size of classes, the quality of the classrooms, the standard of the curriculum, and the one factor he emphasised – more important than anything else – is the quality of the teacher taking the class. “There are two aspects to that finding; firstly, the quality of the relationships created in the class and secondly, the quality of specific feedback from the teacher to the student. If both features are successful, student achievement will be very high. That’s what I’m passionate about… making sure that those two classroom aspects are as good as they can be.”
Roy Kelley meets Headmaster of Grimwade House, Andrew Boyd, and staff
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
“I remember being interviewed whilst at school and a Careers Guidance officer asked me, what do you want to do? I said that I would really love to be a school teacher, so it was something I wanted to do probably by the time that I was 16. I went to University knowing that I would be teaching in schools and I have never regretted a day since.” As a father of two girls, Roy Kelley knows the pleasure and pressure of parenting. “Ann and I are very proud of our girls, 23-year-old Amy working as a television journalist in Auckland and 21-year-old Sarah, a fifth-year medical student in Perth. “My aim is to create a successful and a happy school. I have seen schools that are happy and not successful and I have seen schools that are successful but not happy. When you have those two things operating together you have a school that is in a position to pursue excellence.” But life isn’t always happy, so what’s the hardest thing that the new Head has had to do? “That was always to expel a student. Why? Because of the subsequent effect on families and that’s what teenagers don’t understand. For mums and dads and for the brothers and sisters that might be staying in the school, it really does affect them as well.
Paul Sheahan and Sandy Clark introduce Roy and Ann Kelley to Senior School staff
The Biggest Issue “The biggest issue in education right now is the recruitment and retention of teaching staff. In New Zealand the average age of Physics teachers is currently 53. That raises the issue, where is the next group of quality teachers coming from and what does it take to attract people to this profession? I consider it to be the best profession of all but I can guarantee that there wouldn’t be that many MGS students who look at teaching as a first choice profession. I think that’s sad. “I think the opportunities for anyone who wants to go into teaching in the next 20 years will be enormous because you are going to see the baby boomers retire and as they move out, there’ll be a shortage of teachers. There’s no doubt that there will need to be changes in the way the profession works in order to attract people into it. “As an example, we need to make it easier, rather than harder, for people who come from other professions to get into teaching. Some of the very best teachers I have seen have been those who have done other things before entering into teaching. “I often talk about the art of teaching as opposed to the science of teaching. I worry about those who put forward the notions of the science of teaching and pedagogy, rather than the art of it because the art of teaching is all about the creativity of excellence.” So on the eve of taking over from Paul Sheahan’s 13-year tenure, how is Roy Kelley feeling?
Profile Name: Roy Kelley Previous positions King’s College Auckland Headmaster 2003—2009 Hale School Perth Deputy Headmaster (to John Inverarity) 1995—2002 Director of Pastoral Care and Professional Development 1991—1994 Sherborne School Dorset Geography teacher, Oxbridge tutor (Geography)
spiritual tutor, sports coach 1990—1991
“Excited… excited by the challenge, and obviously looking forward to coming to a school with such a fine reputation. I am very keen to further enhance that reputation.”
Hale School
Annie Hayward Director of Marketing and Communications
Roy Kelley meets Headmaster of Wadhurst, Greg Caldwell, and staff
Education
Geography teacher, acting head of department boarding housemaster & sports coach 1979—1989
BA, University of Western Australia 1977 Dip Ed (with distinction) 1978 M Ed (Educational Management), UWA 1998
Recreation Sport (football, cricket, basketball) Bridge Music Theatre Reading
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Handing Over the Baton Paul Sheahan Headmaster, MGS 1995—2009 Paul Sheahan retired at the end of Term I as the 13th Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School, having served with great distinction over the last 14 years. Paul came to MGS following the divisive debate over coeducation in the early 1990s and Tony Hill’s subsequent appointment to St Marks in America. It was certainly important at that time that whoever took over the position as Headmaster could be a force to build unity within and outside the School and, in turn, to build trust, confidence and support following what were some difficult times in the School’s history. The success that Paul Sheahan achieved as Headmaster reflected a happy, cohesive and vibrant school in all its components and there have been many fine examples, particularly last year, when we celebrated our Sesquicentenary. Paul’s achievements have been many. During his time, rigorous standards were maintained in academic, music, drama and co-curricular pursuits, and it was pleasing to see previously flagging fortunes being restored on a variety of sports fields. Based on Paul’s initiative, Melbourne Grammar was one of the early schools to adopt an ambitious, compulsory notebook program for students and staff. The program has now been developed over 10 years, with IT infrastructure support, to underpin the School’s committment to IT. Paul also led the School’s pursuit for new, exciting and excellent buildings and facilities. The importance of school buildings can vary according to the eye of the beholder but, during Paul Sheahan’s time, the development and refurbishment of our fabric was remarkable – an outcome of which he and we should be justly proud. The primary school at Grimwade House has been virtually rebuilt; Wadhurst has been completely redeveloped; and a variety of Senior School facilities, including the Lodge, the Boarding Precinct, the Student Centre, Memorial Hall, Shelmerdine Studio and finally the magnificent Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership, were all completed under Paul Sheahan’s headmastership. Much of this development transpired because of the time, effort, inspiration and persuasion that Paul Sheahan provided to our fundraising endeavours. It is pleasing to note that, from an endowment perspective, Melbourne Grammar’s assets rank highly amongst Australia’s leading schools. Paul Sheahan is also to be commended for his unfailing support for the development of a coherent leadership program at the School, and the School’s investment in this initiative is significant in staffing, revenue and capital terms. Without doubt, a crowning achievement in the late 1990s to early 2000s has been the acquisition and development of 10
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Flack Park. The naming was Paul’s inspiration, as was the drive and support for its acquisition, development, and the winning over of those on Council who held reservations on contamination, environmental and legal grounds. Paul Sheahan has always been a very strong proponent of endeavours to improve the welfare and conditions of staff. Since 1995, the full-time equivalent teaching staff has increased from 155 to 190 on virtually the same student base. In consequence, there have been improvements in student/teacher ratios and class size, and Melbourne Grammar’s teaching loads remain substantially below those of other APS schools. Paul Sheahan has always been very generous with his time for staff, parents, visitors and Old Melburnians, and he has certainly undertaken a mind-boggling array of speaking engagements both within and beyond the School. It is also clear that Paul is one of the leading spokesmen for the independent schools sector and education in general, and is certainly the go-to man for both press and radio. It is an important and positive outcome for Melbourne Grammar for its Headmaster to be a leading spokesperson on education. On behalf of the whole School community, we offer our sincere thanks to Paul Sheahan for a magnificent contribution to the affairs of MGS as an outstanding Headmaster, and every good wish for the future. David Temple Bursar
Opposite: The Grammar community farewells Paul Sheahan on the Main Oval and at his final assembly in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall Below: Year 12 student Patrick Heenan performs the Crocodile Dance in honour of Paul Sheahan
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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News An Interview with Philip Carmody Philip Carmody has succeeded Martin Rutherford as Melbourne Grammar’s Director of Music. Here he speaks with Vanessa Whatmough about his new role. Tell us about your background in music. I grew up in Warrnambool where it was decided I should learn the piano. Playing the piano, and later on the organ, also engaged me in accompanying choirs, instrumentalists, school musicals etc. My role as an Eisteddfod accompanist led to an invitation to work with the National Boys Choir of Australia. I began as accompanist in 1985 and am still there, now as one of two Artistic Directors. Over the years I was struck by the quality of musical experience the boys from Melbourne Grammar received. Their musical interests were obviously being stimulated. One day Kevin Ryan, father of Jonathan (OM 2003), told me Mark Joyner was leaving Melbourne Grammar. He suggested it might be a job that would suit me. Well it turns out he wasn’t the only one who thought so. What challenges lie ahead for you in your new role? The quest to engage and extend students in music making and music appreciation. There is always a balancing act
between meeting students where they are and taking them into unfamiliar territory. It’s our responsibility to educate our students to discover both the ‘art’ and ‘entertainment’ in music and to appreciate that these two facets need not be mutually exclusive. What do you enjoy most about teaching music at Melbourne Grammar? The depth of talent among students and staff is remarkable, as is the sophisticated expectations and appreciation of our audiences. The diversity of musical ensembles allows for wide participation in a broad range of styles and genres. Few students can fail to find an outlet for music making that appeals to them. Any favourite School music experiences? There were two distinct experiences last year. One was the heartfelt singing of the whole of Senior School in preparation for the Sesquicentenary Service, the other was the release of the Chapel Choir’s CD On Earth Peace. Can all boys sing? This is a complex question. The short answer, saving physical impairment, is yes. In recent years there have been several Senior School students who have come to me knowing they can’t sing in tune all the time but are keen to do so. Working with these students has been one of the most satisfying experiences for our singing teacher Mr Tutty. I’ve yet to come across such a student who hasn’t made great progress with genuine effort. What was the best advice you were ever given from a teacher? Firstly, music is not a universal language. Secondly, I draw upon the advice of my secondary school piano teacher who told me that the older I got the more I would come to love slow movements as well as fast ones. I guess this was one of any number of comments she made which alluded to the ever growing and changing appreciation I would have of music.
New Director of Music at Melbourne Grammar School, Philip Carmody
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
I’m always in search of the next epiphany. A few years ago VCE student Henry Hooper was late to one of my classes. When he entered he apologised, telling me he was late because his class had been watching Gallipoli. While the rest of the class had rushed off at the end of the final scene, Henry couldn’t leave until he had discovered what the two pieces of music were which had moved him so much. He had to sit by himself until the final credits. He was desperate to know if I had recordings of the Albinoni Adagio and the duet from the Pearl Fishers. I understood his epiphany straight away because I had sat alone in a cinema when I was his age, anxiously waiting for those same credits to roll by.
New Staff
From left, back ro w: Tim Inglefinger, Katie Pinder, Rev. Eleanor O’Donnell, Torben Vedelsby, Mark Drummond, Colin Doley, Robin Zeidler and Paul Sheahan (Headmaster). Front row: Caroll Flanigan, Lisa Reynolds, Zhao Wei, Heather Lacey, Nick Taylor, Cyrus Wong, Wiebke Tennagel, Laura Fitzgerald and Maryanne Lockton.
New Wadhurst Chaplain Wadhurst officially welcomed its new Chaplain Eleanor O’Donnell at a Commissioning Service on 4 February. Eleanor joined the School from across the Tasman, having been the School Chaplain at St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart. Eleanor hopes students will finish their education at Melbourne Grammar with the ability to think philosophically and ethically. “I’d like to begin to influence Years 7 and 8 students to engage with the big ideas about life, the universe and everything, by giving them some tools and language to deepen their understanding.” She says her main role, however, is to lend an ear to anyone in need of support – something that may take place outside the sphere of religion. “My most important responsibility is to be a friend to the School community – students and staff. This includes celebrating with the gathered community through our Anglican Christian foundations, and also valuing the diverse faith and non-faith world views of each individual that makes up the whole.”
Head of Wadhurst Greg Caldwell, Wadhurst Captain Bill Dix, Headmaster Paul Sheahan, Reverend Eleanor O’Donnell, Bishop Paul White, Reverend Ron Noone and Wadhurst Vice Captain Henry Gardiner
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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In Focus Outstanding 2008 VCE Results
VCE top scorers 2008 from left: Gregory Lee, Billy Hatfield, Benjamin Wong, Dean Seah
Melbourne Grammar School continues its long tradition as one of the country’s top-performing schools. The class of 2008 can be immensely proud of their VCE results as they once again compare favourably with those enjoyed by schools of similar type in Victoria. Those familiar with Melbourne Grammar also recognise that these Year 12 students gained such results while taking advantage of a broad range of complementary educational opportunities. Active participation in debating, plays, mentoring and social entrepreneurship programs, overseas tours, musical events, sporting teams and House activities all contributed to the development of a liberally educated MGS graduate. The 2008 year group also acted as role models leading the younger students with clear demonstrations of school spirit and sense of fair play. The Year 12 of 2008 stands as an excellent and highperforming academic group. All students drew on the strength of their relationships in order to do the best they could. The important role of two other groups working in harmony should not be overlooked in helping the students reach their potential: teachers have worked tirelessly, generously and expertly to guide the students through the Sesquicentenary year of the School; and families, who have supported the students through the highs and lows of the journey, are also to be congratulated. The following fine results are a culmination of much work and sacrifice by students’ families and staff:
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49 per cent of our students were in the top 10 per cent in the state/nation with an ENTER of 90 or above
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33.5 per cent of students attained an ENTER of 95 or above. This means that 69 of our students were in the top 5 per cent of the state/nation
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25 students attained an ENTER of 99 or above. Therefore, 12.1 per cent of our students were in the top 1 per cent of the state/nation
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The Melbourne Grammar School median ENTER for 2008 was 89.65
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5 students achieved the maximum possible ENTER of 99.95. Special congratulations to William Hatfield, Gregory Lee, Dean Seah, Jason Singh and Benjamin Wong
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14 students (listed below) achieved 17 maximum Study Scores in 12 individual studies. Congratulations go to the following students: Martin Bett – Physics; Hugo Cavalier – Classical Societies and English; William Cordner – English; James Freeman – English; Yuhang Guo (Year 11) – Chinese First Language; William Hatfield – Chemistry; James Lu (Year 11) – Environmental Science and Mathematical Methods; Lachlan McNamee (Year 11) – Legal Studies; Oliver Raymond (Year 11) – History – Revolutions; Blair Rolph (Year 11) – Physical Education; William Scott – English; Dean Seah – Latin; William Stephenson – Literature; Benjamin Wong – English and Literature.
The entire Grammar community can take great pride in the performance of the 2008 Year 12 group. Daniel McCoppin Senior School Curriculum Coordinator 14
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
2008 Offers by Course Arts/Humanities
48
Agriculture
1
Art and Design
6
Aviation
0
Biomedical/Health Sciences
10
Built Environment #
22
Business
65
Computing/Info Tech Education Engineering
3 1 17
Film/TV/Audio/Theatre
4
Hospitality/Event Management
2
Law
7
Medicine
4
Music
1
Occupational Therapy
1
Pharmacy Science Sport/Fitness
1 23 2
# Includes Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management and Property courses. Also includes offers to the University of Melbourne Environments course. Note: The figures above are based on the assumption that the student accepted a Second Round offer if made. Many students are commencing courses that span more than one academic discipline. In the published figures, both areas of a double degree/dual award are included. Consequently, there may appear to be a discrepancy between the total numbers of offers by institution and the total numbers under areas of study.
2008 Offers by Institution Australian Catholic University 1 Deakin University 18 LaTrobe University 6 Monash University 45 RMIT 11 Swinburne University of Technology 9 University of Melbourne 81 Victoria University 2 Interstate Universities 1
Student Destinations The students who completed VCE at Melbourne Grammar School in 2008 achieved outstanding results. The median ENTER of 89.65 reflects the fact that almost half of our students achieved results that place them in the top 10 per cent of their age cohort across the country. Our high achievers deserve all the praise they have received; however, as the Achievement brochure published by Melbourne Grammar’s Marketing Communications Department (and distributed to all current Year 11 and 12 students) illustrates, there are many facets to achievement. All of our students are embarking on exciting and fulfilling journeys of further education and/or employment and it is what they do from now on that will make the difference in their lives. As the promotional material from Victoria University says “You are more than your ENTER!” Once again, Melbourne Grammar School alumni will be represented at most Victorian universities, as well as at a significant number of interstate and overseas universities, technical and further education institutes and private colleges. Patterns of offers to our students have not changed significantly from last year with The University of Melbourne remaining the most popular destination and courses involving business (often combined with other disciplines) attracting large numbers of students. The ‘Melbourne Model’ has had some impact on the numbers of students enrolling in undergraduate courses in areas such as Architecture, Law and Medicine, as some students have decided that they would prefer to complete a more general degree before undertaking the vocationally-based course. At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of students receiving offers from Monash University (from 36 to 45). Whilst there may be many factors contributing to this change, there is probably an element that can be traced to the desire of some students to enter directly into those vocationally-based courses. A significant change from previous years is the decision of the Federal Government to remove the option of full-fee paying courses for domestic students at government-funded universities. As a consequence, only a small number of students (generally those receiving a university or TAFE offer, along with an offer from a private institution) were placed in a situation where they were required to choose between offers. Frank Thompson Director of Career Development
Overseas Universities 1 TAFE 16 Independent Tertiary Colleges 4
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Grimwade House First days in Prep
Grimwade House twins could not hide their excitement on day one, left to right: Jack and Charlie McNamara, Chloe and Harry Cooper, Jest Cetiner, Albert Joscelyne, Koray Cetiner and Annie Joscelyne; background: Kate and Georgina Burgess Tom Hunt-Smith (Year 3) accompanies his sister Penny to her first day at Grimwade House
The Prep class of 2009 will certainly remember their first week of school. Not only was it the hottest week in Victorian history, it was also the first time in MGS history we had five sets of twins among the 82 students commencing in Prep. We welcomed 39 new families to Grimwade House and were delighted to have 43 siblings of our current students join us. In order to make the first days of Prep a positive experience, teachers take into account the range of kindergarten settings the children have been involved in and plan a very flexible program for the first few weeks, until the children feel settled. Specialist teachers visit the children in their classrooms for a ‘getting to know you’ session, and recess and lunches are taken at an earlier time to give the children an opportunity to settle into new routines. Parents are also given an opportunity to become familiar with Grimwade House. After ‘drop off’ on the first day, the Friends of Grammar Grimwade organise a morning tea where parents can share their child’s ‘first day of school experiences’. In addition, an information evening and reading workshop are held in the first few weeks of Term I. Starting school is an exciting experience for all members of a family. Our aim is to ensure that we plant the seeds for a love of learning, a positive sense of self and a sense of belonging to a new community where everyone is always welcome. Leonie Tamblyn Head of Junior Primary
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Ordinary Acts of Kindness As you stand on the steps of Harleston at Grimwade House, your eye is naturally drawn to the grandeur of the oak tree that was planted not long after the building of the house in 1875. It is of interest to note that a scarlet-flowering gum was originally planted alongside the oak tree and for many years they lived happily side by side. Eventually, however, the oak tree seemed to dominate the garden and won the struggle with the gum tree. Symbolically, the tree represents many of the qualities that we promote for our students at Grimwade such as determination, perseverance, strength and courage. The oak tree is central to life at Grimwade House. Each year at Grimwade an overarching theme is introduced, which incorporates and promotes the values of the School. The theme at Grimwade for 2009 is ‘Ordinary Acts of Kindness’ (OAK). Throughout the year, our assemblies, curriculum, newsletters and prayers will highlight the value of spontaneous gestures of goodwill towards someone or something. The message is
that when we carry out an act of kindness, from one heart to another there is an unspoken “I care”. Focusing on the needs of others, rather than our own, as part of our everyday lives brings great rewards. In his book Authentic Happiness, Dr Martin Seligman says the following on the topic: When we are happy, we are less self-focused, we like others more, and we want to share our good fortune even with strangers. When we are down, though, we become distrustful, turn inward, and focus defensively on our own needs. Looking out for number one is more characteristic of sadness than of well-being. So this year, we hope that conscious efforts to undertake small acts of kindness evolve into innate behaviours and thoughts that are as firmly planted as the oak tree is in the gardens of Grimwade. Cathie Ireland Deputy Head Grimwade House (Administration & Pastoral Care)
The old oak tree Grimwade by Lewis Miller Artist-in-residence Grimwade House 2008
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Wadhurst Transition to Wadhurst The move from primary to junior secondary education can be both an exciting and daunting period. By the end of Year 6, most boys are looking forward to new challenges in Year 7, but there are some who are a little less sure of the great unknown that lies ahead. Parents, too, go through a range of emotions as their son leaves his familiar primary school surrounds and begins a new stage of his schooling. Our transition program begins with the Year 6 students spending a transition day at Wadhurst. On this occasion they meet other boys who will be joining the School, mix with teachers, tour the School grounds and participate in a range of activities. Many are surprised to see boys with whom they had previously been at school or boys whom they had met in local sporting competitions. The first day of Year 7 is the second transition day, when boys meet their classmates, their Tutor, new subject teachers, play sport and share in a friendly barbecue. Making new friends is the priority in the early weeks of Year 7. It is vital that the boys arriving from Grimwade House mix and make friends with new boys to Melbourne Grammar. Having a group of friends makes a boy’s experience at school much more enjoyable. A support network gives boys confidence as they negotiate the road ahead. Thirty-six Year 8 boys, who have undergone training to become mentors for the Year 7 students, engage the Year 7 boys in activities designed to ‘break the ice’ and help them learn more about Wadhurst. In the early weeks of the year, Year 7 students spend regular time with their Tutors as they establish a routine and learn about the many activities on offer at Wadhurst. Each Tutor works with 14 boys. Important tasks include organising timetables, setting up lockers and knowing which books to take to classes. We also support parents as their son begins his middle school journey. Parents attend two information evenings where they learn about the Wadhurst routine, the curriculum, music and drama programs, sporting opportunities, and e-Learning arrangements. The Friends of Grammar ‘Wadhurst’ committee provides a welcoming morning tea and coffee function on the second school day of the year, which gives parents the opportunity to again meet one another and tour the School. There is much to tackle in the early weeks of the year. Ahead lies many opportunities for the boys in academic programs, chess, debating, music, performance, outdoor education, extension studies, sport and much more! So begins what we hope will be a wonderful period in each boy’s life. James Giannarelli and Angus Stott share the common experience of transitioning to Wadhurst with friends 18
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Greg Caldwell Head of Wadhurst and Claire Montpetit Wadhurst Transition Coordinator
Long live the book! Some time ago, in the not too distant past, I used to teach senior English at a Melbourne boys’ school. Year after year I bore witness to the fact that the young men who were receiving the top study scores in my class, invariably had a history of being good readers. The Wadhurst Wide Reading Program is a collaborative venture between the English teachers and the teacherlibrarian, where our mutual resolve is to inspire the Years 7 and 8 boys with books, talk about books and time to enjoy books. Using the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge as the basis of the program, the students are encouraged to do the best they can to meet the challenge of reading 15 books for the year. Whether they do or not is, in a sense, inconsequential; what’s more important is that students are exposed to a variety of books of various genres and that a daily reading habit is being established and defined for life! As a whole school, the boys read every day for 15 minutes after lunch, spend 50 minutes per cycle reading silently in
the library and are asked to read at home for 30 minutes per night. To inject a bit of fun into the Challenge, we’ve started an annual ‘Reading Challenge Cup’ – a competition to see which house can read the most books and win the coveted trophy! We’re also offering a Book Club for the Years 7 and 8 students (first Monday and Tuesday of the month respectively), giving the boys the opportunity to discuss their reading with each other in an informal and comfortable setting. The five teachers involved in the program (Mark Leslie, Nick Dawe, Tim Inglefinger, Adrienne Richardson and myself) are like-minded and all believe that reading is the crux of literacy; the cornerstone upon which our future writers, poets, filmmakers, song writers, historians, orators, debaters and great thinkers are built. It most definitely still has its place in our 21st century world. Long live the book! Susan Robertson Wadhurst Teacher-Librarian
Haddon Dixon, Jack Campbell and Lachie O’Donnel enjoy quality reading time during class
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Senior School A Midsummer Night’s Dream
At the end of February, three performances of Shakespeare’s popular comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream played to full audiences in the Quad. The play was set in the 1920s for the human characters, whilst the fairies were colourfully modern. The ensemble cast was divided into four main sections – the court, the lovers, the fairies and the mechanicals. Year 12 student Nigel Langley brought an exuberance and precision to the role of Bottom, and the mechanicals, headed by Peter Lioufas (Year 11) as Quince, were very popular with audiences as they stumbled through their performance of Pyramus and Thisbe. Eric Gardiner (Year 12) performed with his customary gusto in the role of Oberon, assisted by his fairy servant Puck, Nik Bossinakis (Year 12), whose acrobatic presence on stage was accentuated by his green body paint. Year 10 Melbourne Girls Grammar student Olivia Wawryk was an authoritative Titania. School captain Alex Mattingly framed the play in his role as Theseus.
Cast and crew transformed the Quad into a mystical 1920s setting in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed here by Melbourne Grammar and Melbourne Girls Grammar students 20
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
The lovers, Demetrius (Nick Elliott, Year 11), Helena (Emily Thomson, Year 11 at MGGS), Lysander (Nick Langford, Year 10) and Hermia (Ruby Wall, Year 11 at MGGS) all brought strong individual performances to their confusing evening in the enchanted woods. Highlights of the play included the evocative lighting to create the woods, the ensemble work of the fairies, led by choreographer Charlotte Tooke (Year 12, MGGS), the excellent fairy make-up including designs by Nik Bossinakis, the fight between Helena and Hermia and the not-so-subtle deaths of Pyramus and Thisbe. The play ended in growing darkness as the human characters left the stage and the fairies blessed them with a song, lit only by fairy lights and glow sticks. The cast has been a pleasure to work with, as the separate groups developed their own style, and then enjoyed seeing what other groups were doing. The highlight of rehearsals for me was when the court characters and lovers first watched the mechanical’s play, which is performed for them, and responded just as an audience should! All cast members have worked hard since October and are to be congratulated on their polished and consistent performances. Backstage was no less professional, as the play ran seamlessly and looked fantastic. This was made possible by supporting members of staff (notably Tim and Sally Scott), students working difficult hours backstage, including stage manager John Brookes (Year 12), committed parent helpers and a valued team of talented old-boys, without whom the Quad Play would not be possible. Audiences enjoyed this comic contrast to the tragedies of recent years and it was great to see the Quad looking so magical. Sharon Mulready Director, Quad Play
The Melgrammarian – Student Newspaper
Current parent and award-winning journalist Kate Legge provides members of the Melgrammarian team helpful advice and suggestions for their newspaper contributions
The Melgrammarian – an entirely student-run newspaper in tabloid format – provides an avenue for students to creatively voice their opinion on school matters, current events, and social issues. Essentially, it serves as an opportunity for students to develop their writing skills outside the English classroom in a largely non-restricted arena.
point, all potential articles are read out and boys voluntarily assign themselves to ones that interest them. Following this is a writing period of about two weeks where, between already copious amounts of schoolwork and sporting commitments, the writers manage to squeeze in a 500-to1000 word article.
Inaugurated in 2006 by entrepreneurial thinker Herb Moore (OM 2008), with the support of Mr Dessants and the School’s Marketing Communications department, The Melgrammarian has since picked up considerable momentum as an institution at MGS. In Herb’s final year at school, he turned the reins of the paper over to Vincent Chiang and I, since we had been involved in writing for the paper during our earlier years of Senior School and Wadhurst. After our first edition as publishers and editors, it quickly became apparent that our technological design prowess was rather limited, and that we needed a third pillar of support. He came in the form of Alex Tworowsky, the man who revolutionised the layout of the paper.
Once all articles have been submitted, they are checked for style, punctuation and spelling by Vincent. When he has given the all clear, they are then passed on to Mr Dessants in an exclusively confidential envelope, subsequently delivered to Annie Hayward, Melbourne Grammar’s Marketing Communications Director, who screens them further. After this rigorous period of filtration and editing, the design of the paper can then be drafted by Alex and me. This often drags on late into the night, and several more drafts are refined and checked by Annie Hayward before the final publication is ready for print.
Early every term, a cohort of roughly 30 students from all year levels gathers around the large table in Q104 to discuss the next edition of The Melgrammarian and throw around ideas for articles. Obviously, the aim for the articles is to be relevant to the bulk of the boys at the School, and to stir up a certain amount of conversation and controversy. Ideas are filtered until the best 20 or so are settled upon. After this
The day of distribution is one of great relief, and each boy who contributed to the paper relishes taking home a copy of The Melgrammarian. Roughly 15 copies per house are handed out, with 10 placed in the Lodge Reception and 40 in The Peck Centre. The Melgrammarian, a groundbreaking production here at MGS, has been a worthwhile experience for all involved and an opportunity for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in journalism or writing later in life. Nick Fabbri Co-editor in chief Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Sesquicentenary
The Big 150 Melbourne Grammar’s final Sesquicentenary event, The Big 150, was simply sensational on Friday 20 February. It was ‘take two’ for the bookend event of the School’s 150th Anniversary, and this time, the weather could not have been better. Three-and-a-half thousand revellers from the Grammar community poured through the gates at 5pm. As the warm sun beamed above, children scampered to the jumping castle, giant slide and tornado ride, while parents threw down a rug and enjoyed mouth-watering food from The Big Group Catering Company. Eddie McGuire was engaging as MC. He introduced the mammoth entertainment line-up, which included Senior School and Wadhurst jazz ensembles, Wadhurst Choir, OM rock band Water Fly, and close-up master illusionist Simon Coronel. Comedian Michael Veitch paid a surprise visit, performing an impersonation of Headmaster Paul Sheahan that had the crowd in stitches. As the sun went to bed and the night drew to a close, revellers agreed that The Big 150 was the only way to conclude ‘the year that was’ – with the entire community sharing a laugh together.
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Out & About Summer Sport What a start to the year! Forty-plus temperatures, a cancelled APS round of sport and grounds that resemble a desert environment: conditions that made the start to the 2009 Summer Sport season difficult, but we are now fully underway in what has become a very complex sporting program. The introduction of Futsal (indoor soccer) has been a huge success with 56 boys competing in a weekly APS fixture. Our Year 9 rowers have been seen on the Yarra with six VIIIs crews. MGS has the biggest Year 9 VIIIs program among APS schools and the challenge is to maintain this interest into Year 10 and above. Our 1st VIII is on fire and was a clear leader going into the National Championships in Tasmania. Our 1st XI cricket team is progressing nicely in their defence of the 2008 premiership, but they face a big challenge against Xavier in their next round. I have been impressed by the standard of sport being played by all teams and I encourage all our boys to give their best at training and in games each week. It is hard to believe that we are already preparing for the 1sts’ winter season that commences in April while everyone needs to maintain their focus on summer sport. The reality is that we need to do this to be competitive in what has become a very high standard of schoolboy sport. Nick Gibbons Director of Sport
2009 Australian Rowing Championships MGS 1st VIII wins the National Schoolboy Eight Title MGS 10A VIII wins the Bronze Medal in National Schoolboy U17 Eight Over the Labour Day long weekend, the MGS 1st and 10A VIIIs competed at the Australian Rowing Championships Regatta, held on the beautiful Lake Barrington in Tasmania. The heats were held late on Friday afternoon. The 10A VIII came fourth in its heat of the U17 Eight behind Scotch, Scots (Sydney) and Newington (Sydney), and so would be required to qualify for the final via the repechage. The 1st VIII won its heat of the Open Schoolboy Eight comfortably from Scotch, St Peters (Adelaide), Geelong Grammar and Xavier, giving it automatic progression to the semi-finals. On Saturday morning the 10A VIII produced a much improved row to win its repechage from Newington, Hutchins (Hobart), Caulfield and Brighton and thus qualify for the final. On Sunday, the 1st VIII won its semi-final comfortably from Scots, Kings, Carey, St Peters and Geelong Grammar to give it a centre lane in the final against the undefeated and much heralded crew from Shore. In the final of the School U17 Eight event the 10A VIII rowed a superb race to win the bronze medal behind Scotch and Newington, but ahead of Hutchins, Carey and Caulfield. In the final of the Schoolboy Eight race, the MGS 1st VIII produced a blistering first 500m, clocking 1:21.5, but still only one third of a length up on Shore. From that point a dog fight ensued between MGS and Shore as the two crews progressively separated themselves from the rest of the field. At the 1,000m mark the margin was unchanged but coxswain Lachie Carter could feel Shore starting to make its move. Some very well-timed calls from him kept Shore at bay but by the 1,500m mark the gap had closed to one quarter of a length. With 400m to go Shore made a final concerted effort to drive through MGS but the crew held its own to record a most impressive 0.8 second victory in a Championship record time of 5:49. This was MGS’s first National title since 1980, going one place better than the silver medal achieved by the ground-breaking 2008 MGS crew. The bronze medal went to Scots, with Scotch, Kings and Wesley fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. Nick Lloyd Coach 1st VIII All MGS Rowing teams performed extremely well at the State Championships in Nagambie in February.
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MGS First VIII – back, from left: Nick Lloyd (Coach), Stephen Blakeney, Matt Ridgeway, Lachlan Carter, Ben Coombes and Sam Hookway. Front: Tim Masters, Charles Risbey, Will Hanneman, Jordan Hooper
Students reflecting on their day
Year 6 Camp During the first four weeks of Term I, each of the Year 6 classes participated in a one-week orientation camp based at the Murray River Hideaway Caravan Park. During the camp students built rafts and floated down the river, swam, participated in initiative activities, and completed a number of day and night walks. A highlight was the twoday canoeing trip where students were required to pack their clothes and bedding into dry bags, load their canoe, and paddle to Ulupna Island. Once there, students set up camp, slept under the stars and canoed back to home base the following day.
Francesca Breidahl enjoys a swim after a day canoeing
It was a terrific adventure and staff and students enjoyed the experience immensely. Damien Lyons Year 6 Teacher
Overnight campsite on the banks of the Murray River for Year 6L
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Out & About 2008 Graduates Leave Legacy for Peck Centre Graduates from the Year 12 Class of 2008 have generously given a symbolic sculpture to the School, which will feature in The Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership. The painted cast bronze piece comes from local artist Jock Clutterbuck’s Hermeneutics collection, and was carefully chosen by the students late last year. After much discussion, the students decided they did not want the ideas of any one group represented by the sculpture, instead choosing to leave a legacy that represented diversity across 150 years of rich MGS history. “Our goal was to choose something that didn’t represent just one aspect of MGS, but a piece that had broader meaning and could be open to interpretation by future generations” said 2008 School Captain Charles Shaw. “We wanted to mark this point in history with something that could potentially last another 150 years.” Charles and his classmates wish to thank the artist, Mr Jock Clutterbuck, and Australian Galleries in Collingwood, from where the sculpture was purchased, for their generosity and support.
Oliver Crome and Hugh Boyd prove that their talent at film making is no illusion
Young Filmmakers Two budding filmmakers at Grimwade House received high acclaim when their film was shortlisted to feature at the world’s largest short film festival for kids, Trop Jr, on 22 February. Year 2 students Hugh Boyd and Oliver Crome worked hard during the Christmas holidays to write and produce a film about magic. While the film did not make the festival’s final selection, both boys were praised as the youngest filmmakers to reach the shortlist. Hugh and Oliver became inspired to create the film after their teacher Polly David encouraged them to perform magic tricks for their classmates last year. Oliver said he enjoyed playing the part of the magician, while Hugh most enjoyed filming. The boys have enthusiastically begun work on their next film, with dreams of gracing the red carpet at Trop Jr 2010. 26
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Boat Club Christening
International Students Visit Government House On 3 March the 12 international students new to Melbourne Grammar this year visited Government House as part of International Education Week. The function began with welcomes from Governor David de Kretser and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, followed by a short but moving address and musical piece from two of the traditional owners of the land on which Government House now stands, including a Welcome to Country performed by Indigenous elder Ian Hunter. Once the formal proceedings were completed, the boys had a chance to look at the magnificent ground-floor rooms, including the dining room which can seat 54! All marvelled at it’s splendour, testament to the post gold rush prosperity of Melbourne when the building was completed in the 1870s. Before returning to School for lunch, the boys were fortunate enough to have a brief talk with the Governor, who himself was a migrant to Australia at the age of nine.
Partner of Karsten Forsterling, Fiona, christens the Year 10A 1st VIII new racing shell — Karsten Fosterling
On 13 February friends and families of the MGS Boat Club joined together to christen the new Year 10A 1st VIII. The Wintec International VIII is a state-of-the-art racing shell, kindly provided by the School, and a very welcome addition to the MGS fleet.
Each of the boys, 11 from Senior School and one from Wadhurst, enjoyed the occasion and were pleased to have had the opportunity to visit such an important and prominent Melbourne building. Tim Morris Acting Head of Perry House
As is tradition, the boat was christened and on this occasion we were delighted that Karsten Forsterling (OM 1997) and his partner Fiona were on hand to do the honours. Karsten is well-known within the state, national and international rowing circles and, most fittingly for us, a past winner of the HOR in 1997 with teammate and 2009 Olympic gold medallist David Crawshay (OM 1997). Karsten also went on to become assistant coach of the winning 2002 HOR crew. He has represented Victoria in numerous winning Kings Cup crews, represented Australia at World Championships and World Cup events, and was men’s reserve for this year’s Olympic team in Beijing. Karsten’s partner Fiona did a sterling job christening the new VIII, requiring just a single blow! In an MGS first, there was also a bike christening, thanks to the kind donation of new coaching bikes by the Boat Club support group. The honours on this occasion were done by Cate Robinson, wife of Boat Club President Tony Robinson. Thanks to all involved on a lovely evening on the banks of the Yarra.
International students at Melbourne Grammar were treated to a traditional welcome from Governor David de Kretser followed by a tour of Government House
Dan Church Director of Rowing Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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MGS Bushfire Response Supporting the Bushfire Recovery “These have been dreadful days in Victoria – days of unimaginable horror, of overwhelming terror and painful waiting. They have been days when Victoria’s beautiful natural environment, usually the object of our affection and of our gratitude, has instead become the source of our fear and of our suffering… The response to these dreadful events reminds us that in this diverse, multicultural society that is Victoria, we are all united by our common humanity, our solidarity with those in need, our compassion for those who suffer. For those who wish they could do more – and you are many, we know – your solidarity and compassion are, for now, enough. Your time will come in the weeks, months and years ahead, when this first shock has passed but the great needs continue: the need for friendship, for generosity and for hope.” Professor David de Kretser, A.C., Governor of Victoria An excerpt from ‘A Message to the People of Victoria’ 11 February 2009
Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by the bushfires and this is most certainly the case at Melbourne Grammar. Like many others, our School community has been left wondering how we can best help those in need. The School’s immediate response was to fundraise and donate goods such as clothing and toiletries to those people who have lost everything, and blankets to warm the injured wildlife. Already, the students and staff have
Students from Dixon’s Creek Primary School use a creative activity to share their experiences from the recent bushfires
donated more than $30,000 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, money raised from casual clothes days, individual campus fundraising activities and proceeds from the School’s community event, The Big 150, in February. Moving beyond emergency relief, there is a drive within the Grammar community to do more. In response, Headmaster Paul Sheahan established the Melbourne Grammar School Bushfire Response Committee, chaired by Melbourne Grammar’s Director of Leadership Polly Flanagan. The Committee is comprised of representatives from the three campuses and includes staff, parents and Old Melburnians. The purpose of the Committee is to determine ways the School can help the many communities affected by the bushfires by providing both complimentary and integrated support to the community-based recovery program being led by the Red Cross and State Government. In early March 12 members of the Melbourne Grammar School’s Bushfire Response Committee visited some of the bushfire affected areas, including the close knit communities of Dixon’s Creek and Steels Creek in the Yarra Valley. The trip was facilitated by Grimwade parent Karen Mitchell and Allan Giffard, a member of the Steels Creek Community Committee, who wanted the School to understand first hand the scale and impact of the bushfires on the community of Steels Creek where there had been 50 fatalities and many family homes lost. Nothing could have prepared us for the blackened landscape. Year 11 student Louis Wardle, who accompanied the group on the day trip, described the King Lake National Park as “...now no more than a landscape of charred remains. The trees were as black as the scorched earth, standing with no leaves as if all life had been sucked out of them. Everything was black, with the only colour coming from the bright yellow police forms pinned up on the seared tree trunks. It is inconceivable that anything at all survived this fire’s fury.” At Dixon’s Creek Primary School we discovered a very small and close knit community of 46 students, two classrooms and two teachers. It was clear that many families and children were suffering from their recent experience of the bushfires. We were immediately struck by the disarming quietness of the classrooms, where seven of the 46 students lost their homes and others lost relatives, neighbours, friends and animals. Principal of Dixon’s Creek Primary School Sharon Walker, told us the primary school is the epicentre of the community and that the 28 families attached to the school need our support. “I suppose it is now about finding ways to give these children a little bit of joy and a little bit of hope,” she said.
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It’s about their need and not our desire to help Polly Flanagan says the Grammar community can make a significant contribution to the community based-recovery effort by supporting the teachers, students and parents of Dixon’s Creek Primary School. “When we visited Dixon’s Creek Primary School, we took a few desktop computers, a laptop and a backpack containing stationery items for each child. Through Headmaster Paul Sheahan, we have offered the services of our counsellors and we are currently deciding how we can provide some curriculum support and special activities.
How you can help There are numerous ways that Grammar community members can contribute to the MGS Bushfire Response. If you would like to become involved or offer suggestions and feedback simply visit the Bushfire Response link on the MGS website: www.mgs.vic.edu.au
Fire completely devastated this home, with only a solid stone chimney left standing
“As we work with other relief agencies to help these communities recover from the trauma and rebuild their lives, it is very important to recognise that the assistance we provide is about their need and not our desire to help,” explained Polly. “The Melbourne Grammar bushfire recovery effort provides us with an opportunity to forge an ongoing relationship with a community that has been and will continue to be, significantly affected by the recent fires,” she said. “The Bushfire Relief Coordinator from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Geoff Sperring, has assured us that the Department is fully supportive of our plans to support the Dixon’s Creek Primary School community,” said Polly. Over the weeks and months ahead The Bushfire Response Committee will establish a small number of Care Teams made up of members of the Grammar who have the resources, skills and experience to provide support to families in need. These families have lost their homes, been relocated to temporary housing and are battling to deal with the complexities of everyday life. “Our community is coming together to provide relief to families dealing with the most tragic circumstances. Our community-based recovery effort will begin with Dixon’s Creek Primary School and the surrounding Steel’s Creek community. It may be expanded to include more communities in the future, but is important to start with small steps and get it right,” Polly Flanagan said. Annie Hayward Director of Marketing and Communications
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Environmental Awareness Every Drop Counts Melbourne Grammar School has joined South East Water’s ‘Water Map Program’ and implemented numerous water saving measures in order to help reduce the water consumption of all three campuses.
What we’ve already done •
Installed data loggers on all water meters to monitor and detect leaks or abnormal water usage
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Installed water efficient shower heads in the boarding houses and all tog rooms
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Planted low water-use grasses on sports grounds – to date, the two Edwin Flack Park ovals, the Grimwade House oval and 50 per cent of the Main Oval at South Yarra have been completed
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Installed 120,000 litre water tanks at Grimwade House to allow for irrigation of grounds
Future works
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Installed two 8,000 litre water tanks at the rear of the Bromby Building with SLIC funds
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Installed 150,000 litre water tank at Edwin Flack Park.
Grimwade House – a bore licence has been granted to extract four megalitres of water to supplement the rainwater tanks recently installed. This will help with irrigating the oval and grounds.
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South Yarra campus – we have entered negotiation with the Royal Botanic Gardens to join their syndicate with Government House, Melbourne City Council, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Arts Centre to implement a major sewer-mining project that would give the School a large secure water supply, guaranteeing the future of turf ovals. This project is dependent on the approval of State Government funding. If approval is granted, the plant is expected to be operational in 2011.
What we’ll be doing in 2009
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150,000 litre water tank installed at Edwin Flack Park
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Planting low water-use grasses on remaining half of the Main Oval and refurbishing the Wadhurst Oval, post car park construction
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Installing a synthetic surface on the Steele Oval as part of the car park construction, providing an irrigation-free allweather surface
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Completing the State Government’s School Water Efficiency Program with a further 170 flow-control valves to be installed on taps at South Yarra and Grimwade House, which will save a further 1,445 kilolitres per year
John Phillips Property Manager
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Installing a 300,000 litre water tank underneath the Steele Oval, alongside the underground car park
Low water-use grass at Edwin Flack Park
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Plumbing the water tanks at Grimwade House into the toilets in the PE Centre for the winter months, when irrigation is not required
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Pumping the water from the Bromby Building water tanks up to the header tanks that feed the toilets in the Bromby basement. We can also utilise this water on the centre wicket if required
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Using the 150,000 litre water tank at Edwin Flack Park to capture rain water from buildings and runoff from the oval via the existing underground detention tank. We are also in discussion with our neighbours on capturing their roof runoff.
Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
Community Involvement Social Entrepreneurship This year we have started a new Social Entrepreneurship Program for students in Year 11. Thirty-five students have volunteered to participate in this program. Social entrepreneurs are people who have innovative solutions to the world’s urgent social problems. They don’t sit back and wait for governments or large organisations to sponsor change, rather they seek to engage widespread support and take action to solve a problem and bring about sustainable change. They apply business ideas to social questions. Our students are increasingly exposed to, and genuinely interested in and concerned about, many of the world’s social problems and global concerns such as climate change, child labour, AIDS and world poverty, and many of them have the capacity and desire to contribute to the wellbeing of the world.
Local children enjoy a visit from Melbourne Grammar School representatives
The Social Entrepreneurship Program is a logical extension of the work already being done in many areas and at all campuses at MGS. It will, for example, build upon the success of the partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation and the successful student trips to Vietnam. The ideas behind the Program are consistent with all of the stated values of MGS: leadership, creative thinking, integrity and moral courage, a sense of community, diversity, learning leading to understand, compassion, excellence, and an appreciation of the world. Students participating in the Program will meet once a week to explore key concepts and examples of social entrepreneurship. They will engage with a range of guest speakers and research and develop their own action-based research project relating to a very poor rural school and an orphanage in Cambodia. Students will have an opportunity to visit Cambodia at the end of the year and implement their projects. We are fortunate to be able to work closely with David McCauley (OM 2004) and his mother Jenny, who have played a central role in the establishment of The Hope for Children Orphanage in Cambodia. Many OMs from David’s year have visited and worked in the orphanage and a wonderful link with Melbourne Grammar School has been established. Polly Flanagan Director of Leadership
Melbourne Grammar’s Polly Flanagan and Year 4 teacher Rita Handley enjoy the vast temples and cultural sites at Angkor Wat, Cambodia Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Boarding New Head of Perry House
Year 9 boarders Mitchell Hawkins, Akbar Whillock and Colin Tso talk with new Head of Perry House, Tim Morris.
The opportunity to run Perry House for a year arose when my friend and colleague Mike Shaw decided to take long service leave in 2009 – just reward for 20 years of excellent service to the School, and especially the last five in Perry. Mike was very generous in giving me plenty of advice about what the job would entail, but to be honest, there is nothing that anyone could have said that would have had me fully prepared. These first few weeks have been a wonderful ride. The boys have been very supportive, I am blessed with four friendly and professional tutors, and the parents have been patient with me as I have attempted to make the transition from day Head of House to boarding Head of House. My family and I have settled quickly and easily into life in the Gables, or ‘Domain on Domain’ as we like to call it. The year began with the traditional barbecue welcome to new boarders and their parents in the boarding quad. Unbeknownst to most parents at the time, I was quietly fretting about the whereabouts of the three Papua New Guinea boys who had not arrived the previous night as scheduled. It turns out they were stuck in Brisbane with no money, no food, no way of getting to Melbourne, and
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very little credit or battery in their phone. After two days of regular contact with Brisbane airport, one hotel and two airlines, they finally arrived safely, only 63 hours late! Apparently that meant I had done very well, but it didn’t feel much like it at the time. While this saga unfolded, the other 16 new boys and four House leaders were enjoying a relaxing time down at Blairgowrie – the traditional venue for the Perry Orientation Weekend. By the time of our return to Melbourne, everyone was much more relaxed about the prospect of starting the new academic year, and the two vans were brimming with enthusiasm and chatter as we headed home. Every day in boarding is new and different and interesting and, being new to the job, I have found some of the role quite challenging. The House thrives on the enthusiasm of the 52 boys who live here, and it is chiefly due to them that I have found everything about Perry so rewarding. Mike Shaw says it’s the best job in the School, and I’m beginning to think he may be right! Tim Morris Acting Head of Perry House
The Old Melburnians Council
Simon Derham
From the President With the Sesquicentennial celebrations having concluded, the Old Melburnians Council look forward to another exciting year, as we farewell Paul Sheahan and welcome the new Headmaster, Roy Kelley and his wife Ann to the School. The Old Melburnians have had an excellent relationship with Paul Sheahan throughout his years as Headmaster and all on the Council have benefitted from his insight, advice, reports and attendance at our various meetings and functions. Many a President has a story about a car trip to a branch function, an issue discussed over a beer, or one of Paul’s quotes to carry a story or emphasise a point. We have enjoyed his company, his convivial nature and wish him the best for the future. There were several retirements from Council at our November Annual General and we would like to thank: Simon Wilson (OM 1968) and Campbell Kennedy (OM 1994) for their tireless efforts and contributions over the last several years. We would like also to thank Stephen Gibbons who has retired as President. Under his term he has initiated a number of truly worthwhile projects. Fortunately Stephen is not completely lost to us, as he has joined the School Council and we look forward to working closely with him over the next several years.
At the November meeting we welcomed to the Council: Clive Fanning (OM 1979), Gregor Dixon (OM 1987), Stewart Gough (OM 1978) and Cam Smith (OM 1993) who bring a diverse range of skills that will assist the Council to implement our Five Year Plan, which is under the stewardship of our Honorary Secretary, John Whittington. In the year ahead, the Council looks forward to the Anzac Day Service, the usual Branch and Year reunions, business luncheons and Annual Dinner, at which the new Headmaster Roy Kelley has agreed to give the main address. The Annual Dinner will be the perfect opportunity for many Old Melburnians to meet Roy and hear him speak. Further to these activities the OMs Council has set in place a program of engaging with Friends of Grammar, Grammar Foundation, teaching staff at the three campuses and the various Old Melburnians sporting bodies and affiliates. The Council will meet with and visit these various bodies to help raise the awareness, implement our Five Year Plan and work towards a greater coordination of effort that will benefit both the School and the various groups. No easy task, but we are on the trail, and having already held several meetings this is leading to a greater clarity of purpose. All that remains to be said is that we look forward to catching up with you at one of our functions or meetings and: “Go OMs!” Simon Derham President
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The Old Melburnians Football Club
Lodge
Welcome to the start of what promises to be a very exciting new VAFA season for OMFC. Your Committee has been very active across a number of fronts, and we are expecting a big year in 2009, with our ‘on field ‘and ‘off field’ preparations both well ahead of this time last year.
Football Update Simon Theodore and his Football Operations team have been very active over summer in the crucial area of recruiting. Importantly, we retained almost all key players from 2008, while adding quality recruits led by Steven Greene; Simon, Jeremy and James Beaumont; Michael Davis (former Magarey Medal runner up); Will Harvey (ex Northern Bullants); Tom Paule (returns to us from Port Melbourne); and Adam Littlechild (from Mt Eliza). There are many more exciting recruits and details will be communicated over the next few weeks in regular pre-season updates. The development of the U19s will further add to the playing group depth. Coach Mike Lovejoy reports very good numbers at training under the new fitness regime of Russell Greene.
Sponsorship The Sponsorship Committee is again headed by Ian Paterson, supported by Gregor Dixon, and now aided by quality recruits Peter McCoy and Don McLardy. Despite the economic downturn, we are optimistic about retaining and adding to our list of very generous sponsors and supporters. I take this opportunity to again thank our 2008 sponsors, particularly Garry Austin from GAZ MAN, and urge every member of the OMFC family to support those businesses that support us.
Membership & Coterie In 2009 a Supporter Membership will be priced at only $100. Two levels of Coterie Membership are available at $500 or $1000. Thanks to all supporters from last year, big and small, your support really matters!
Season Launch Event Round 1 Old Camberwell 18 April – Junction Oval. One of the great successes of last year was the cocktail party held at Powerhouse to launch the season. This year, our season launch function will be held just prior to Round 1 and I ask all parents and supporters to attend and help ‘kick off’ the season in a positive manner. Details for the event will be confirmed in the coming weeks. We have consolidated for the past two seasons. All is now in place for a big upward lift in 2009. Please feel free to contact me anytime on 0417 361 996 or visit our website at: www.omfc.com.au. Go OMs! Andrew Ristrom President, OMs Football Club
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Lodge Members enjoy a meal together
This has been a very busy year under our Masters, W. Bro Colin Pyman (2007-2008) and currently with W. Bro. Brian Rollason with three new candidates completing their third degree. Attendances have been maintained by our members, but we do always extend a warm welcome to any OMs, who are members of other Lodges, to visit us at Prahran on the first Tuesday of the month, except January. Last year the Lodge held a Gilbert & Sullivan Night and raised $2000 for the Gawler Institute that was matched by Grand Lodge. A Christmas dinner was held at the Beaumaris RSL with approximately 60 members, partners and friends attending. In 2009 the Lodge held a Chinese dinner. This year the Master is working on behalf of Breast Cancer and hopes to raise a similar amount of money as in 2008. The Lodge also contributed $250 to the Grand Lodge Bushfire Appeal. We appreciate and will respond to all enquiries regarding freemasonry, either through access to the Lodge’s link on the MGS website, the Lodge Web site at www.omslodge. com.au or by e-mail to our Secretary, Ian Eilenberg, at omslodge@optusnet.com.au or by phone on (03) 9532 8753. Ian Eilenberg Secretary, OMs Lodge
Bowls Club Our season commenced at the end of October with a solid win over Old Scotch and the enthusiasm amongst players has continued with a win at all games to the time of writing. Attendances at games have been much higher than in previous years and we are looking forward to a very successful remainder of the season.
Melburnia Club One of the great contributors in the Old Melburnians Bowls Club is Clive Morris (OM 1948). Clive, a semi-retired radiologist, had always been an accomplished lawn bowler; however, persistent joint problems with both sides of his hips and both knees made it difficult and painful for him to continue to bowl at the level to which he was accustomed. Corrective surgery improved his movement but he was still restricted in bending to deliver a bowl. It was then that Clive adopted the Bowling Arm, a device which now allows him to deliver a bowl correctly from an upright stance. A lot of practice with the Bowling Arm and strong determination has made Clive one of our Club’s top bowlers. Clive, a Division One Pennant player with MCC Bowls Club recently won the MCC Bowls Club Singles Championship. Clive’s grandson, Tom, is captain of the School’s 1st XI. 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 other bowling clubs. Old Melburnians who are lawn bowlers are warmly invited to join us. Contact OM Bowls Secretary Bruce Hall on (03) 9836 3196 or email hall@melbpc.org.au. Bruce Hall Secretary, OMs Bowls Club
Soccer Club The 2008 season for the Old Melburnians Football Club was yet another successful one, with the club taking more leaps and bounds forward. The year began with the appointment of a new senior manager, Danilo Espinoza, whose pedigree includes coaching the likes of Socceroo Scott McDonald and Victory’s Steve Pantiledes. Danilo has brought a great tactical nous to the club, which helped attract more players, which spawned the U21s team adding to the OMSC’s Senior, Reserves and Thirds squads. Last year, we had four teams in action each week representing Melbourne Grammar Old Boys with a likely fifth team in 2009. In the 2008 season, our Seniors finished in the top half of the table, whilst our Reserves and U21 teams just missed out on winning their respective leagues. This year is shaping up to be another good one. Pre-season has begun and numbers are high and the atmosphere bullish. The School has again kindly facilitated our needs by opening Flack Park for our Tuesday and Thursday training sessions. We encourage all new-comers to pop down from 7.00pm to 8.45pm on these days. With possibly five teams, there is always a place for those who want to play, whether at a serious level with the Seniors, or a more casual run out with our thirds or U21s. For more information, please email info@omsc.org.au.
MGS First VIII compete at the Victorian Championship Regatta in Nagambie
The Melburnia Club was established in 1981 with two objectives: to help preserve associations after members leave the School; and to support the School Boat Club. Membership is open to all who believe that Melbourne Grammar rowing is a good thing. Twenty-seven years later, in October 2008, the Old Melburnian Rowing Club was registered with Rowing Victoria and in late November of the same year an VIII of young OMs competed for the first time in the Head of the Yarra Regatta and achieved third place in their division. In 2005 a parents’ rowing support group was formed whose members were specific to their sons’ involvement with the MGS rowing program. Their most recent function was on 13 February when a new Wintec eight was christened: Karsten Forsterling (see page 27). The racing season for the boys of the Boat Club has started very well. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd VIIIs all won at their first regatta on the Barwon on 31 January. The next weekend, the 1st and 2nd VIIIs travelled to Sydney for the NSW State Championships. The 1st VIII came third in the Schoolboy Eights event, behind Shore and Kings. The following weekend the 1st, 2nd and 3rd VIII repeated their Barwon performance at the Victorian Championship Regatta held at Nagambie – a 30 medal haul and a pretty good day at the office. Tony Smith Secretary, Melburnia Club
Gerry Cleary Committee Member, OMs Soccer Club Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
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Community News Weddings Congratulations The Grammar community is pleased to congratulate the following couples who recently celebrated their marriages in the Chapel of St Peter:
15 November 2008 Marika Rose (OM 1997) & Endrit Karabina
15 February 2009 Scott Williams (OM 1992) & Christie-Ann Wolfli
20 March 2009 Andrew Hasker (OM 1992) & Jennifer Bell
Geoffrey Hayes (OM 1959) retired from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1995, has been a member of the UK Sibelius Society since 1988 and is an occasional contributor to their newsletter. Having attended several Sibelius Festivals in Finland, London and Australia, Geoffrey had the good fortune to meet a niece and granddaughter of the composer. Geoffrey has been volunteer at 3MBSFM since 1986 including producer of Nordic Sounds (1986–2002) and producer of Cigar and Spring Water (2007), a 13 part series devoted to the music of
Australia Day Honours On behalf of the Grammar Community we extend our congratulations to the following people who were awarded an honour in the Australia Day Honours.
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Julian William Kennedy Burnside (OM 1966) For service as a human rights advocate, particularly for refugees and asylum seekers, to the arts as a patron and fundraiser, and to the law.
Brian Michael Crommelin (Past Parent) For service to the law and to legal education, particularly as a tertiary educator and through the development of mining and petroleum law in Australia.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Ross William King For service to dentistry as a clinician, educator and administrator, particularly in the area of standards and accreditation, and to the community. (Awarded January 2008)
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) David William Crawshay For service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
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Sibelius. He is also an occasional contributor to the 3MBS-FM Programme Guide Liberetto. Geoffrey is a member of Bicycle Victoria and has been an office volunteer (2000–04) and been a participant in many of their cycling events including Around the Bay in a Day. He recently joined the Whitehorse Cycling Club and is a social playing member of the Glenburn Tennis Club, joining the club in 1995. He has been a member of the MCC since 1960. Charles Hewitt (OM 1959) writes that his picture framing business is now 45 years old, and he believes probably the oldest picture framing business in Australia still being operated by its founder. He expanded into cabinet making in 1979 and then opened his gallery in 1990. During this time his company did the bulk of the important framing for the National Gallery of Australia Opening in 1982 including Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles. In the 1980’s the company restored the painting Chloe from Young and Jackson’s and regilded the frame. Charles is looking forward to becoming a grandfather. John Matthews (OM 1959) was one of the three from the Class of 1959 who went into dentistry; the other two being the Captain of School Bill Wood (OM 1959) who sadly passed away many years ago, and the Vice Captain Wilson Brown (OM 1959) who recently retired from the profession. John has been the National President of the Australian Dental Association (2006–08) which saw him as president during an election year when the issue of public access to dental care
was a major issue and still remains as such today. John wrote a teaching program on dental health with past staff member Alan Patterson (MGS 1964–77). It integrated into the ‘social biology’ program developed at the School, which received a government grant and was used in over 200 schools. David G Nicoll (1965) writes that he has been retired for eight years, and now spends most of his time at his residence in The Bahamas, with infrequent visits to his houses in the United Kingdom and Morocco. This year, he intends to spend more time in Marrakech, as well as at Farafenni in The Gambia, where he has been retained as an advisor on a project there. Lawrence Ip (OM 1992) writes that he is a graduate student in the EECS department at the University of California, Berkeley. Since August 2000 he has been working with Umesh Vazirani in theoretical computer science, primarily in quantum computation. Before that he worked with David Tse in multi-user information theory and wireless communications. His undergraduate degrees were from the University of Melbourne where he gained a BSc(Hons) in mathematics (thesis in combinatorics/ statistical mechanics) and a BE(Hons) in electrical engineering (thesis in digital signal processing) Julian Sallabank (OM 1993) reports that he is married with children and working in South Melbourne and spending lots of time interstate and overseas. Julian still loves to ski, as do his boys.
Anthony Hadj (OM 1998) caught up with some friends from 1998 at a restaurant recently. It was nice to have Ben Rubenstein and his wife present, who now live in the US where Ben is completing his PhD. From left: Carter Chang, Anthony Hadj, Anthony Goh, Nelson Chan, Ben Rubenstein, Juliet Rubenstein, Albert Yu (standing).
Lucas Manduru (OM 2000) writes that since completing his honours year in 2006, has been a parttime tutor at the University of Paua New Guinea (UPNG) in the Political Science Department. Lucas received a three year Unites States of America State Department funded scholarship to study at the University of Hawaii for his Masters in Political Science. The scholarship covers his accommodation, tuition, book allowance and provides a monthly stipend, so he is very fortunate to be a recipient of such an award. The scholarship program also allows for a summer internship in Washington D.C. Lucas has been encouraged to return to UPNG after studies to take up a permanent lectureship post. However, he is not ready to be an academic just yet. Lucas still has dreams of entering the foreign service in PNG, maybe as a diplomat. His short stint as a tutor has taught him great lessons that he hopes will come in handy in the foreign service.
Manu Sharma (OM 2000) is studying for his PhD in Aerospace Engineering on a fully-funded scholarship at The University of Illinois. He commenced his Masters and PhD scholarship in 2005 and completed his Masters ahead of schedule in May 2007. Recently his research at the University of Illinois was recognised in a worldwide Aerospace competition run by Boeing, which is open to all undergraduates, graduates and professionals anywhere in the world. In the last edition of Grammar News it was reported that Don Grant (OM 1951), a very proud Old Melburnian, wrote to the Headmaster early in 2008 about finding a friend and former classmate Junichi Amano (OM 1951) in Japan. Don and Junichi were in the same class at Grimwade House and played at each others
Obituaries The School has learnt of the following deaths in our community. Our sympathy and understanding is extended to their family and friends.
houses and in the sandpit at Grimwade House in 1940–41. Don reported that after some very complicated research he managed to track down Junichi in Japan and they both correspond regularly, catching up on the past, both aged 76. This story had a very pleasant outcome recently when Junichi and his wife visited Melbourne for the first time in 68 years and took the opportunity to not only catch up with Don but to visit the Senior School, and of course Grimwade House where they played together in the sandpit all those years ago.
Allen, R K (OM 1977) Armstrong, A H G (OM 1967) Avery, E A N (OM 1967) Bolton, S E (OM 1933) Campbell, E W (1959) Carroll, E D (OM 1948) Davies, P C (OM 1962) de Steiger, P J (OM 1935) Down OAM, H R (OM 1944) Elliott, M C (OM1957) England, E F P (OM 1931) Gabriel, B W (OM 1960) Hoyling, R W E (OM 1936)
Retired Staff Association
Huppert, G (OM 1954)
The MGS Retired Staff association has a current membership of 182 full members. The purpose of our association is to provide opportunities for social contact, fellowship and support between former members of the MGS staff, to maintain the links established during the years at the School. To help us achieve this purpose we provide a full calendar of events during the year. One of our longest serving members is Donald Britton, who celebrates his 90th birthday in November of this year. A concert is being organised, to take place on 3 May, where the program will be under Donald’s musical direction and will feature performances by Tony Morton, Alan and Helen Hardy, Reg Walsh and Lyn Dernelley. The guest speaker at this year’s Annual Lunch and AGM at Leonda on 4 June will be Mr Julian Burnside AO QC (OM 1966).
Innes, R R (Past Parent) Joel, J (Past Parent) Joske, R A (OM 1942) Lewis-Mathias, J (OM 1965) Lewis-Mathias, T (OM 2002) Limb, G E (OM 1953) Lindstrum, B J (Past Parent) Peck, N H (OM 1972) Pitt, J M (OM 1927) Whitelaw, A M (OM 1921) Williams AO, P F (OM 1940)
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Branches & Reunions Witherby Tower Luncheon
1959 Fifty Year Reunion
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Jim Cousins (OM 1961) and Michael Bartlett at the Witherby Tower Luncheon
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Paul Prentice with Andrew Orr and President of The Old Melburnians Simon Derham
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Harry Prince (OM 1947) with past staff members Ian Rutherford (OM 1950) and Betty Elliot
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David Howells with Geoffrey Hayes and Andrew Dunn
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Robert Fitzgerald with MC for the evening Rob Liddle
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Jeremy Gaylard, Richard Park and Tony Buzzard
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Rob Clements and David Ashley
Honorary Life Membership Presentation 3
Long-serving staff member Reg Walsh is awarded Honorary Life Membership of The Old Melburnians by the President of The Old Melburnians Simon Derham (OM1973)
Community Business Lunch 9
The President of The Grammar Foundation Lloyd Thomas with guest speaker Alan Oster with the President of The Old Melburnians Simon Derham
10 Enjoying the opportunity to catch up are Peter Wu (OM 1991), Jensen Ma (OM 1991) and Gordon Ku (OM 1991) 11 Christopher Faulkner (OM 1981) Vice President of The Old Melburnians Nigel Thompson (OM 1969) with David Stephen (OM 1981 and Fred Grimwade (OM 1975) 12 Li Cunxin and Len David enjoyed the opportunity to hear Guest Speaker Alan Oster from NAB
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Friends of Grammar Senior School The expression ‘summer doesn’t start until school goes back’ once again proved to be true with an extraordinarily hot start to the 2009 school year. The concession of casual clothes due to the heat was welcomed by students and then became a fundraiser to provide much needed donations for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Friends of Grammar is on the committee that is coordinating the School’s activities to provide further assistance to fire victims. Amid these tragic and tumultuous events, the school year commenced by welcoming new parents and organising key communication links through the appointment of new annual committees, supporting Music, Drama, Art, Swap Shop, boarders and catering. The Friends of Grammar charter is to encourage and foster the involvement of parents in school activities, and promote goodwill among parents and teachers. We make contact with as many parents as possible through our house/class representatives, enhance the sentiment of the community, and organise a range of functions throughout the year. We also raise funds for additional items and projects that benefit the school and our children. This year sees the end of the Sesquicentenary. The Big 150 brought together some 3,500 past and present students, parents and teachers onto the Main Oval for the final celebration of this significant anniversary. Paul Sheahan was also farewelled after 14 years as Headmaster with the FOG choir ‘singing his praises’. Already there have been many coffee get-togethers and convivial Years 9 and 12 cocktail parties, and a very special long lunch in a private garden was much enjoyed. Our appreciation and thanks go to those families who opened their homes so generously for these functions. Suppers were provided for the Quad Play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Year 9 autumn production Kes, and the Term I music concert. We are delighted to have contributed to sconces so performers can read their music and entertain as brilliantly as they do. The Gear Box Gallery at Motor Works exhibited Michael Doolan’s If Pluto is a Dog, among the staff art exhibition. Edwin Flack Park kiosk continues to do a marvellous job of providing healthy tucker to hungry, sporty boys. The swap shop for second hand uniforms is flourishing and assisting communities as far away as Papua New Guinea, Cambodia and, shortly, Tanzania. Term II heralds in a new Headmaster and we look forward to welcoming Roy and Ann Kelley to the School. Other upcoming events to put in your diary include an exciting Art and Garden Show with lunch in May, a dinner dance in August – stay tuned as tickets sell fast, and on Friday 20 November is our all-school event. MGS talent will rock and roll us into summer with Grammar Daze/Beach Boys.
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The vast array the School offers its students is also extended to parents, and we hope you will find many occasions to mingle and enjoy. The contribution and participation of all those who voluntarily and generously give of their time and expertise is enormously appreciated. If you care to lend a hand or have suggestions, please contact me on 0408 510 961 or Judith Mein, Development Coordinator, at The Lodge on (03) 9865 7682. Annie Cleaver President FOG Senior School and Executive
Wadhurst It’s been a great start to the year. The Committee who carried over from 2008, Anna Permezel, Jane Lechte, Annabel McFarlane, Sophie Gardiner and myself welcomed new members, Caroline Robinson, Kate Alstergren, Tracey Mitchell, Libby Jones, Daria McGauran, Kerrie Schoeffel, Mary Carter and Lisa Hall. We were also pleased to welcome an overwhelming number of parents who offered to be Class Reps this year. Thank you! On day one we were up and running with a fine tradition – the Year 7 lunchtime sausage sizzle. It’s wonderful to see the boys on their first day at Wadhurst and to be involved in something that brings them all together. We then hosted a coffee morning for Year 7 and new Year 8 parents, which was very well attended. It was also great to see so many parents and teachers at both the Years 7 and 8 cocktail parties in March and many thanks to Tracey and Chris Lucas for kindly hosting the Year 8 party. Thanks also to Fiona Mackenzie for enlisting the talents of Megan Kenny and Michael Johnson who provided beautiful background music, on flute and harp respectively.
Class Reps organised coffee morning get-togethers in March, with thanks to Mayra Figgins and Pan Prendergast for opening their homes to us for these events. We are currently organising the Mothers Day Stalls for May 7 and 8 and working with Head of Creswick, Suzann Heinze, to help our boarders meet more Wadhurst families. Thanks also to Headmaster, Greg Caldwell, for his kind support and to Annie Hayward, Judith Mein, Lynda Bray, Gabrielle Fanning, John Jessen and Sarah Agnew for helping to get us organised and settled. A final note is that the FOG Executive Committee held their last meeting with outgoing Headmaster, Paul Sheahan in February. Thanks Paul, for your support and understanding. We wish you the best. Susie Immurs President FOG Wadhurst
Friends of Grammar 2009 Presidents from left: Di O’Sullivan (Grimwade House), Annie Cleaver (Senior School) and Susie Immurs (Wadhurst)
Grimwade House The 2009 FOG team at Grimwade House has certainly hit the ground running. We see our role as a vital link in the community chain at Grimwade. It is important to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness which is so special at a school such as ours. Our emphasis for this year is ‘community’. We aim to make all parents feel welcome and also to feel they are part of the network that makes Grimwade such a wonderful place. FOGG hosted two Welcome Morning Teas: one for new Prep parents to the School and the other for new parents in Years 1 to 6. These also included the Class Representatives of each year level. They were both very well attended despite the heat and the parents seemed to have a pleasurable time.
The Annual Friends of Grammar Grimwade Tennis Day was well attended and enjoyed by new and existing parents alike
The first Class Representatives meeting was held in the Alfred Felton Hall in week two. This year we have a record number of Class Representatives – 89 very eager and committed parents who are busy organising functions for their classes. I thank them all for their commitment.
We have also introduced a FOGG Newsletter to keep the parents informed of what we are doing around the School. It is a new initiative and we are very enthusiastic about how well it has been received.
Our first major function for the year, the Annual Friends of Grammar Grimwade Tennis Day, was held on March 2. We hosted the event at Edwin Flack Park. It was a wonderful day and I am sure that all guests enjoyed themselves immensely. It was great to see so many new parents to the School participating in the day. I would especially like to thank the FOGG team for their hard work and enthusiasm, which helped to make the day such an incredible success.
I would especially like to thank Head of Grimwade House Andrew Boyd for his constant support and encouragement. No words of thanks are enough for the great team of ladies that make up FOGG 2009. It is a pleasure to work with such wonderfully insightful people who endeavour to make everyone’s experience at Grimwade pleasurable. Di O’Sullivan President FOG Grimwade House. 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.
Wadhurst April – Friday 24 at 9.15am May – Tuesday 26 at 9.15am June – Tuesday 16 at 9.15am July – Thursday 23 at 9.15am August – Tuesday 18 at 9.15am October – Tuesday 13 at 9.15am November – Tuesday 10 at 9.15am Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Secretary on (03) 9865 7570.
Senior School May – Friday 1 at 9.15am June – Friday 12 at 9.15am July – Wednesday 29 at 9.15am August – Wednesday 26 at 9.15am October – Thursday 8 at 9.15am November – Tuesday 17 at 9.15am Bookings are essential and can be made with the Admissions Secretary on (03) 9865 7570.
Boarding Precinct Friday 1 May 2009 at 2pm to 4pm (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 from 2pm to 4pm on Friday 1 May 2009. 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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Old Melburnians Club Contacts Old Melburnians Athletics Club Secretary: Dr Geza Benke Phone: (03) 9903 0583 Email: geza.benke@med.monash.edu.au Old Melburnians Basketball Club Chairman: Simon Arden (OM 1998) Email: simon@arden.id.au Old Melburnians Cricket Club Chairman: Jonathon Charlton (OM 1994) Phone: (03) 9571 9720 Email: jcharlton@networkten.com.au Old Melburnians Golf Club Chairman: Harvey Tartakover (OM 1958) Phone: (03) 9690 8100 Email: insure@tartakover.com.au Old Melburnians Soccer Club General Manager: John Batstich (OM 1993) Email: john@ptly.com Old Melburnians Football Club Chairman: Andrew Ristrom (OM1966) Email: ristrom@bigpond.com Old Melburnians Hockey Club Chairman: Nick Hinneberg (OM 1990) Email: nhinneberg@tennisvic.com.au Old Melburnians Bowls Club Secretary: Bruce Hall (OM 1949) Phone: (03) 9836 3196 Email: hall@melbpc.org.au Old Melburnians Lodge Secretary: Dr Ian Eilenberg (OM 1964) Phone: (03) 9532 8753 Email: omlodge@optusnet.com.au The Melburnia Club Chairman: Rowan Galbraith Email: rgalbraith@higgins.com.au
Farewell Dinner for Paul Sheahan Melbourne Cricket Club Tuesday 31 March 2009
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Melbourne Grammar School 355 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria 3004 Australia T +61 3 9865 7555 F +61 3 9865 7577 mgs@mgs.vic.edu.au www.mgs.vic.edu.au ABN 61 004 453 829