Mentor Magazine: Autumn 2023

SAVE

THE MENTONE GRAMMAR CENTENARY IN 2023 MARKS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR OUR SCHOOL. WE HAVE MANY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ON THE HORIZON TO CELEBRATE THIS VERY SPECIAL YEAR.

1

1923 2023

CENTENARY GALA BALL

Melbourne Room at MCEC

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST 2023

Come and enjoy all the glitz and glamour of this spectacular evening, as past and present parents and staff, Mentonians, and the broader Mentone Grammar Community join together to celebrate this event of the Century!

Enjoy a three-course dinner, drinks, dancing, entertainment, great company and more! We encourage you to mark the date in your calendars and book early to avoid missing out on a fabulous night of festivities.

DATE Saturday 26 August 2023

TIME 6.30pm – 11.30pm

VENUE The Melbourne Room, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf

DRESS Cocktail

SINGLE TICKET $175 per person

TABLE OF 10 $1,600 per table

BOOKINGS www.trybooking.com/CCDOQ

So, from very humble beginnings, Mentone Grammar has developed, sometimes ‘against the odds’ into a thriving successful collection of wonderful people who embrace all aspects of the Renaissance Person. This is not mere happenstance – it is the ongoing efforts of all people involved with Mentone doing things ‘the Mentone way’. So, happy birthday to all of us.

Opening Assembly Address Peter Royston (Head Boy, Class of 1967)

1 February 2023

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

At the beginning of our Centenary year, I asked our staff and students to undertake their responsibilities with greater rigour, reflecting their pride in our School at this special time. To the credit of the overwhelming majority, they have done this in the first part of the year and, as a result, our School has, once again, moved to a higher level of overall performance.

The Centenary is a great reason to be proud –proud of where we have come from, proud of where we are at and proud of where we are going. Such pride is evident in the School on a daily basis, it is evident when students take to a stage or sporting ground, it is evident in the way people in our School interact with one another and it is evident in our classrooms. A new staff member recently reflected with me the fact that, at our School, students greet you in a pleasant manner. Such was not evident in her last School and yet, we take this for granted in our beautiful village (and so we should!).

Our Centenary calendar was designed so that all in our community, past and present, could attend at least one event. Throughout Term 1 we attracted well over 1000 people back to the School in the first series of our Centenary events. The calendar was also designed so that our current students would not be lost in the program. On Founders’ Day our special assembly was student-focused and after the gathering we all made our way to Frogmore Oval to form up to make a very impressive ‘100’. Throughout the year, there are more Centenary events that will also appeal to a diverse range of our community, including our current students. Please avail yourself of these opportunities to come together and celebrate this special moment in time.

One of the highlights of the Centenary, thus far, was the visit of our oldest alumni, John Dillon who is 96 years of age. John did us proud, cutting the birthday cake alongside the current Head Prefects and two three-year-old students, all representing, the past, the present and the future. John had a very special day with us, also attending the launch of our 100 Great Stories coffee table book later that evening. Our current students continued to define our history of the future with not only great focus in their classes but also with two sporting Premierships, Girls’ Touch Football and Boys’ Volleyball in a wonderful season of Summer Sport. Our performing arts students also launched an exciting year of performances with a stage show, Black Comedy, which was both well performed and well attended. Congratulations to all. As we reflect on our past, there are numerous traits that have always underpinned our operation. One that is evident in the current School that is a wonderful trait is that characteristic of supporting one another. We are the cheer squad champions of any sporting competition. Groups of students will gather together to cheer one another on – always done in such a sporting manner. This is a great trait because it carries over into the operation of the School on a daily basis. Let’s continue to support one another, to cheer one another on and to always be each other’s best encouragers.

Thank you to all members of our School community who have helped make the start of this Centenary year such a special one. Let’s work together to maintain momentum throughout this special year to set new benchmarks for the future of our School.

MAL CATER PRINCIPAL

FROM THE CHAIR

LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE

It is my honour to be Chair of the Mentone Grammar Board in the School’s Centenary year. Our goal is to provide outstanding governance, to lead with integrity and foresight and actively reinvest in the future of the School. This is about balancing the considerable growth we have seen over the past few years and meeting the expectations of our community, whilst not losing sight of our core purpose and what makes Mentone Grammar unique.

We are fortunate to be served by a voluntary Board of highly skilled professionals each of whom brings a unique set of skills, knowledge and experiences to govern the complexities of the School environment. All our endeavours are designed to foster the best possible learning and teaching environment for our students and staff. Most recently, the Board completed one of its most significant tasks with an extensive recruitment process leading to the appointment of new Principal Andy Müller, who will join the School in 2024. As the current Principal of Scotch Oakburn College, a coeducational ELC – Year 12 school in Launceston for over nine years, Andy brings a wealth of experience and quality leadership. We look forward to introducing Andy to our community in the new year. In July, the School will also welcome a new Director of Business, Scott Butler, following the recent departure of Nicole Bradshaw, who we thank for her incredible service over 12 years.

The School’s physical landscape also continues to change as the Bayview Precinct building program rolls out. Now an impressive structure, and despite the challenges of some inclement weather, the project is moving full steam ahead and we look forward to its completion towards the end of this year. I thank all in our community for their understanding and patience as we continue to future-proof our growing student population. It is no accident that there is strong interest from families to join our School. The hard-working staff, both in and out of the classrooms, have fostered a culture of success that perpetuates the strong educational reputation the School enjoys.

Principal Mal Cater, together with the Executive members of the School, are to be commended for their strong leadership in the most complex of times. They are at the forefront of the structures and processes that affect the daily running of School, staffing, safety, timetabling, discipline, curriculum balance and the intangibles such as culture, character and reputation. This has recently included a major review of the School’s uniform and consideration for what this looks like in a contemporary environment, providing a less ‘gendered’ approach that is more practical and flexible for all students. I thank everyone across our community who has been involved in this project and look forward to seeing the new uniform ready for the start of the 2024 academic year.

Most importantly, the team oversees the wellbeing and mental health structures of our community. We are indebted to the Wellbeing team, House Coordinators and all staff who manage and support this heightened level of care, particularly post-COVID.

The complexities of school leadership are many, but the joy and satisfaction of our students’ successes, the stability and growth of the School and a strong community means we are well on track for the next 100 years. My thanks to Principal Mal Cater for his continued leadership and commitment to the School in his final year. We look forward to celebrating his incredible legacy before he departs.

Best wishes,

MENTONE GRAMMAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ross Joblin (CHAIR)

Geoff Ryan AM JP

Rev. Kevin Pedersen

Troy Riley

Amanda Codila

Kylie Watson-Wheeler

Darren Murphy

Chris Hewison

Sally Buckley

Jeff Connolly

MENTONE GRAMMAR FOUNDATION BOARD

Simon Appel OAM (CHAIR)

Peter Royston

Troy Riley

Kylie Watson-Wheeler

Geoff Ryan AM JP

ROSS JOBLIN CHAIR

FOUNDERS’ DAY 2023

HAPPY 100 BIRTHDAY TO US!

It was on 3 March 1923 that our School opened its doors to a small number of students and, as they say, ‘the rest is history’. Our history.

In this special year, our Founders’ Day gathering was both a celebration and an important moment for the community to reflect on all that we once were and all that we have now become.

The Founders’ Day Service included wonderful traditions old and new. Riviera student, Ashleigh Hooker, read an Acknowledgment of Country and Head Prefects, Tom O'Rourke and Gemma Hollingsworth, lit the Centenary candle. We were honoured to have The Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd AM (Class of 1959) read the School’s Centenary Prayer. Dr Shepherd and his wife Joy flew from Perth to join us for our Centenary celebrations.

In its 100-year history, the School has changed in so many ways, but it is also clear that some things have stood the test of time. For 100 years, our community spirit and pride have lived strong and true in our students, staff and alumni. Today, we are proud of our diverse community that is constantly evolving, shaped by our School Values of respect, caring, resilience, service, discipline, endeavour and integrity.

The resounding message of the service was, ‘belonging’. Creating a genuine sense of belonging has always been a key part of the School’s history. We continue to work hard to embrace and celebrate what makes students, past and present, unique and we value the contributions made by all, so that our School can continue to be a place of inspiring learning, shared experiences, and friendships that last a lifetime.

The audience was also treated to a surprise video, 4-UP . Some of our Year 12s were interviewed every four years from their early days at the School. It was fascinating to see how they had grown and changed on their journey through Mentone Grammar. The School has been their ‘family’ and their home-away-from-home for as long as they can remember. It was a journal of heartwarming connection and family that is such a fundamental part of Mentone Grammar and what makes it such a special place to be.

In keeping with some of our fondest traditions, the Service concluded with The Thanksgiving, read by Head Prefect Eliza Schmidt, followed by The Lesson read by a Mentonian, ‘25 years out’. That honour went to Buzz Kuramoto (Class of 1998). The School Prayer was then read by current member of The Mentonians Association Committee, Taylah Woods (Class of 2011). Our readers represented both the past and present as they gave thanks for our School and to those who have played such an important role in creating today’s version of Mentone Grammar and reminding us that all Mentonians are an important part of our story.

Like any birthday the highlight, of course, is the cutting of the cake. This year, we were delighted to welcome John Dillon (Class of 1945), who at 96, is our oldest living Mentonian – he joined the School in 1931! John flew from Queensland with his daughter Sandy to attend a number of Centenary events and was only too happy to join current Head Prefects, Zitong Ren and Eliza Schmidt, and two of our youngest students, Zara and Jamie, who are just beginning their own journey, to cut the cake. It was a wonderful coming together of young and old and a celebration befitting such an important milestone.

The ceremonial sword used to cut the cake, once belonged to distinguished soldier Colonel Charles Weir who played a significant role in the founding of Mentone Grammar. Many years ago, his wife Marion came to Founders’ Day with the sword and cut the cake. Amazingly, she did this up until she herself turned 100.

The morning concluded with a once-in-a-100-year whole-school photo taken on the Frogmore Oval in the shape of a giant 100 and cake for everyone!

JARROD O'NEILL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

The Cat's Meow Choir.

John Dillon (Class of 1945) with daughter Sandy.

Mentonians Buzz and Taylah with TMA President, Mark Henricks.

LEADING THE WAY IN 2023

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AT MENTONE GRAMMAR

Great leadership is a long-standing tradition at Mentone Grammar and our Centenary year of celebration has been a great stage for our student leaders to shine. From the early years, our students are encouraged to explore the concept that good leaders are required to serve others, to be effective. Leadership is not a selfish pursuit, rather, it is an intangible quality that allows others to learn and grow. The School acknowledges the important role our young people will play as future leaders of industry, politics, sports, arts, commerce and society. As educators, we constantly examine what skills and traits our students need to possess to be confident, inspiring and respectful leaders.

All students are given the opportunity to learn and practise leadership. As the skills required by students of the 21st Century continue to evolve, we are continually developing leadership capabilities in our students. As middle and senior school students go through paradoxical years, stuck between adolescence and entering adulthood, this program offers support and guidance. Throughout their time in Eblana, Riviera and Bayview, our students are provided both explicit and implicit opportunities to practise their leadership skills and begin their journey of understanding how they might lead others. Integral to these programs is the belief that leadership is something that can be learnt and not something we are born with. As students progress into Years 9 and 10 they are given the opportunity to take part in our 18-month Student Leadership Diploma. The goals of student leadership at Mentone Grammar are to:

• encourage students to understand and create their own model of good leadership,

• enable greater self-awareness and understanding of themselves as leaders,

• encourage students to believe leadership can be learnt by anyone,

• have students actively seeking leadership opportunities,

• enable students to understand, learn, and practise the skills required to be an effective leader,

• inspire students to use leadership roles to serve the School and the community,

• encourage independent thinkers who see leadership as service to others,

• develop understanding why leadership is important to them, the School and society,

• foster collaborative leadership practices.

Our students are also required to immerse themselves in School life to achieve the standards required for the Leadership Diploma. This includes:

• Academic Attitude and Approach

• Cocurricular Program

• House and School events

• Social Justice / Community Service Programs

• Citizenship

• Leadership Workshops

• Mentoring Program.

Once students attain the Student Leadership Diploma, they are eligible to apply for the many leadership positions on offer such as Head Prefect, House Captain or as a Cocurricular Captain.

L to R: Head Prefects 2023 Zitong Ren, Eliza Schmidt, Principal Mal Cater, Gemma Hollingsworth, Thomas O’Rourke.

To mirror a real-life experience, students must submit a thorough online application, participate in an interview with members of staff, present to the student body (House Captains) and for some positions, go into the voting ballot.

Once selected, students continue to work with staff and peers to develop their leadership skills, to fulfil the duties outlined in their position description and ultimately, to have a positive impact on those they lead.

For our Centenary year, I am pleased to share the Citations that outline the impressive engagement, commitment and calibre of our four Head Prefects who are currently leading our School.

CITATIONS

(as read by Principal Mal Cater on the occasion of the Badging Ceremony, Term 3 2022)

ZITONG REN

It is in the Performing Arts and Public Speaking and Debating programs that you thrive and in which you are an outstanding role model and leader. You are a member of the Senior Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, the Vibe String Ensemble, the Generations of Jazz group, the Mentone Trio and the Piano Ensemble to name but a few. You have performed at a variety of concerts as both a soloist and as a member of these groups. You are the Captain of the Public Speaking and Debating team and you lead our Senior Ethics Olympiad team. You represented the School in the Lions Youth of the Year competition. You willingly volunteer to assist with ushering at a variety of gatherings here at the School. Outside of the School you are also heavily involved in a variety of music programs. You have also been involved in volunteer work for the State Library of Victoria. You have a real passion for your School, your learner profile is incredibly strong, and you exhibit the School Values to the highest level. I am delighted to appoint you as a Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar.

ELIZA SCHMIDT

Whilst your portfolio is filled with many sporting achievements, it is important on this special occasion to also mention your stage debut as Mama Bear in our Bayview production of Shrek The Musical In sport you have enthusiastically represented the School in Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country. You have progressed through the ranks of our Cadet Unit to be a Sergeant and in our classrooms, you are a well-respected student whose learner profile demonstrates your application and endeavour. Outside of School you volunteer at the Mentone and Ocean Grove Life Saving Clubs, including coaching nippers. You are a great encourager who lives our School Values and understands that leadership is not something that can be turned on and off as required. You are passionate about this School, and it is my pleasure to appoint you as a Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar.

GEMMA HOLLINGSWORTH

Since coming to the School in Year 7 you have fully embraced the broad Mentone Grammar program. You have represented the School in Cross Country, Touch Football and AFLW. In Cross Country and AFLW you have been selected for representative teams for the AGSV. Your involvement at the School goes beyond the sporting fields, however. Your engagement with our Performing Arts program, as highlighted by your most recent performance as Sophie in Mamma Mia! is extensive. You are a member of a diverse range of music groups including rock bands and our Opera cast. You have an outstanding singing voice! You have continued your membership of the Cadet Unit and are, this year, a CUO in our Unit. You not only commit in the School but outside of it engaging in your local community for AFLW, Touch Football and as a member of the Victorian Opera Youth Chorus. You have a very strong learner profile and are well respected by

your peers and teachers. You exhibit the School Values to a very high level. It is my delight to appoint you as a Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar.

THOMAS O’ROURKE

When high-level leadership was required last year following Lachlan McLaren’s death you took it upon yourself, without any prompting, to rally your peer group, to support many people and to demonstrate quiet but highly effective leadership. Your actions resulted in you being the inaugural winner of the Lachlan McLaren Memorial Award for Caring. You are an outstanding sportsman, representing the School in Athletics, AFL and Volleyball. Your leadership translates into our Cadet Unit where you are a Sergeant and into our classrooms where you have the respect of your peers and staff. Your learner profile is a delight to observe. Outside of School you coach Little Athletics and you have volunteered your time for a charity supporting women who have been forced to flee their homes because of abusive partners. You are a selfless leader who prioritises the needs of others. You exhibit the School Values to a very high level, and it is my delight to appoint you as a Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

On the occasion of the launch of the School's Centenary book and Art Exhibition, Head Prefects, Gemma and Zitong, addressed the vast audience of invited guests and alumni. I have included their wonderful words here, as a fine example of our leadership development program at work.

ZITONG REN

Goodevening,everyone,I’mZitonganditismyabsolutepleasure tobespeakingtoyoualltonightasoneofMentoneGrammar’s CentenaryHeadPrefects.Aswegatherheretoday,Mentonians andfamiliesofallagesandwalksoflife,onethingthatbringsus all here is our devotion and love towards our School. Towards the Schoolthatgaveusaneducation,theSchoolthatgaveuscountless opportunities,theSchoolthathelpedusgrowandmatureintothe peoplethatwearetoday.Thesearethecorethings,thatdespitethe vasttransformationthatMentoneGrammarhasundergoneinitsone hundredyears,thatremainthesame.

And look, the reality is, is that for many for you here today, Mentone Grammar may appear vastly different to the School that you attended. For one, this entire building is a relatively new development. We’re now a diverse, modern, vibrant School, with modern facilities, modern learning models, and modern experiences that still seeks to enrich every student. That being said, the core beliefs and values that we hold as a School community has remained constant. Our School motto, Labore et Honore, by work and with honour, still underpins the attitude we as students and as a wider school community all take towards our education. Further underpinning our School are our values of: Caring, Respect, Integrity, Endeavour, Service, Discipline and Resilience. These are our values, which have stood the test of time, where every student who leaves this School goes out into the world holding those beliefs as a core pillar of who they are. Beyond this, our School community, students past and present, staff and families remain stronger than ever. This gathering tonight reflects that. It shows that as a school, we have so much to be proud of, so much to celebrate as we continue through our Centenary year and beyond. Earlier today, I had the opportunity of cutting the School’s one hundredth birthday cake with two of our youngest students from our Early Learning Centre. That for me was a special moment because it truly demonstrates how much we have come and grown as a school. One hundred years. One hundred years of students gaining a holistic education, one hundred years of students doing what they love, one hundred years of connections and lifelong friendships.

As such, let me conclude by saying how grateful I am to be here tonight, as a Head Prefect in our School’s Centenary year. I have nothing else to feel other than how proud I am of how Mentone Grammar has developed as a school, and for me to convey to all of you, that my love and passion for this School is a shared feeling held amongst our students. Thank you.

GEMMA HOLLINGSWORTH

My name is Gemma and, along with Zitong, I am one of the four Head Prefects for 2023. Mentone Grammar is a caring, dedicated and honourable school that strives to achieve the greatest results in anything from performing arts, sport, academia and so much more. I know I speak on behalf of the student body when I say we are proud to be Mentone Grammar students. We are incredibly thankful for the support provided around us from all directions and the numerous extraordinary opportunities on offer. The extent the School goes to and will continue to provide to make it a welcoming and encouraging environment for students and teachers is something very special and we will always wear our uniform with a sense of dignity as we are proud and very lucky to be at a school as marvellous as this.

I’msuremanypaststudents,teachersandanyoneconnectedto thisSchoolhaveexperiencedthebenevolenceandencouraging natureMentoneGrammarprovidesandIwouldliketoextendmy thankstoeachandeveryoneofyou.Itisbecauseofyouand thestrongcultureyouhavecreatedovermany,manyyearsthat allowusstudentstobeapartofittoday.Youtrulypavedtheway forgreatness.Zitong,Eliza,Tomand,IasHeadPrefectsofthe Centenaryyear,standheretodayrepresentingallpastleadersofthe Schoolandwehopetoliveuptothehighstandardsyouhaveset overthelastonehundredyears.

To the parents. No one would be attending this School if it wasn’t for you. You have nurtured us up until the point when we were too much to handle so you sent us off to a school to be disciplined. We have learnt academics, social skills and behaviour that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. You have allowed us to make friendships, experience terrific opportunities and be a part of a community where we feel cared for, appreciated and recognised. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend this School.

When our inspiring Principal Mr Cater asked me to think about, what does this School mean to you? I would say it’s one big family that I am beyond grateful to be a part of and it’s a wonderful place that provides a sense of belonging for everyone. Thank you.

OPPORTUNITIES

Spreading the depth of leadership in the senior years, opportunities across the Cocurricular program and the House system, with its wellbeing focus, many specialist leadership roles have been awarded. Complementing all of this is the unique opportunity to be a leader in the Mentone Grammar Army Cadet Unit, which in 2023 is also celebrating its 80 year anniversary. Courses and promotions of rank are coordinated in conjunction with Army protocols and provides an extraordinary platform for our students to expand their leadership skills beyond day-to-day school life. Our Cadet leaders are trained in bush and campcraft, navigation, first aid, Army protocols and drills and invaluable survival skills.

In 2023 we are delighted to support the leadership of our Senior House Captains*.

n ANDERSON – Ruby Raymond and Ben Anderle

n DEIGHTON – Thomas Federici and Skye Shipton

n DRINAN – Emily Zallmann, Megan Lewis and Declan Tibb

n FINLAY ANDERSON – Keisha Jacobs and Jett Spence

n JONES – Tess Farrow and Bella Orchard

n LIONEL LARGE – Mathieson Meakins and Zara Quin

n WERE – Alanah Becker, Declan Fogarty and George Lewis

n WHITE – Claudia Hollingsworth and Nat Petty

Our Senior Cocurricular Captains 2023 are:

n ACADEMIC – Ethan Green and Jude Scott

n APPLIED LEARNING – Ashlee Monk

n DEBATING & PUBLIC SPEAKING – Pippa Davies, Aimee Lancaster and Nimra Haseeb

n INCLUSIVITY – Willow Bailey and Sophie Frost

n INTERNATIONAL – Oliver Xiang

n PERFORMING ARTS – Fergus Rann and Avelyn Reynolds

n SCHOOL TOURS – Aaliyah Cheema and Sam Robertson

n SOCIAL SERVICE – McKenzie Hood and Reva Thaker

n SPORTS – Christian Howe and Maya Jacobs

n SUSTAINABILITY – Miranda McLean and Mady Kalogerakis

n VISUAL ARTS – Olivia Parkes and Jackson Kemelfield

n WELLBEING – Ava Gibbons and Darcy Richards

*New Houses, Clark and Johnston, will elect leaders from 2024.

Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Patrick Riley pictured with the Unit’s CUOs who all completed promotions and training courses during the school break.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

INAUGURAL HEART AND SOUL AWARDS

In 2022, we asked our staff to nominate outstanding peers who exemplify our School values of Caring, Respect, Integrity, Endeavour, Service, Discipline and Resilience – people who are the ‘heart and soul’ of Mentone Grammar. After months of secret applications, our inaugural winners were announced. They are Beck Russell, Linda Barnard, Bree Walker, Trevor Stevens and Heather Stone who each received a travel voucher of $6,000 to recognise their outstanding service to Mentone Grammar. Congratulations to these wonderful colleagues.

EBLANA CAPTAINS

Duomi Xu and Blake Galanos with Head of Eblana Jess Richards.

RIVIERA

Back Row L-R Nathan Jones, Head of Riviera Mary Craven, Caspian Becconsall, Deputy Head of Riviera Angela O’Connell Front Row L-R: Tiffany Te, Gemma Shipton, Josh McCoy, Joy Huang, Felix Jia, Cameron Turner.

BAYVIEW CAPTAINS Skye McCowan and Bimal Seneviratne with Head of Bayview Dan Newton.

JARROD O’NEILL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

CLASSROOMS –100 YEARS ON

LET’S CHAT ABOUT AI

From CC Thorold’s installing of an AWA Radiola in the 1930s to JJ Thorold purchasing a television for students to watch the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, to a flourish of language, technology and scientific ‘laboratories’ in the 70s, Mentone Grammar has proven to be an earlyadopter of new technologies, despite some community skepticism. Later, it was well known that Headmaster Keith Jones despised the growing television culture. He saw it as ‘inherently anti-intellectual’ and ‘what could have been an ally of education but has been allowed to become an enemy’. Fast forward 50 years and one can only wonder what he would have thought about the latest technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) – ally or enemy?

It’s hard not to be impressed when you first use Chat GPT, a language model chat bot developed by Open AI and launched in November last year. Type a simple prompt into the text field and watch as the model generates natural language responses that are difficult to distinguish from human writing.

‘Write a monologue from the perspective of the protagonist of Crow Country (the current Year 7 English novel).’

‘Explain lactate inflection point during exercise to a Year 9 student.’

‘Create a recipe for a gluten free pizza, including the shopping list and process.’

As teachers returned to school at the start of the year, discussions centred on the potential implications for learning and teaching in schools. When Chat GPT can generate highly accurate responses to the prompts listed above, in a matter of seconds, what would that mean for academic integrity and plagiarism? How would this change our approach to teaching and assessment? How could we harness the power of this new technology for good, rather than evil?

At Mentone Grammar, we have opted to take a cautious but open approach to the new technology.

Plagiarism is nothing new in education and there are appropriate policies to deal with this, so we are applying the same approach as we have done previously – getting to know our students and their writing through class tasks and using this alongside emerging AI (Artificial Intelligence) detection technologies to ensure that they continue to act ethically when using the work of others.

We are also continuing to grow our students’ digital literacy, encouraging them to recognise intellectual property, locate and evaluate information they find and create content that is authentic. While Chat GPT is incredibly powerful, it is not without error and is currently prone to inventing facts, demonstrating bias or guessing at what users want rather than asking clarifying questions.

Teaching students to question rather than just accept is merely an evolution of pre-Chat GPT teaching when we encouraged students to check web addresses for validity or to find the same evidence from multiple sources.

But beyond monitoring and educating about potential challenges, what of the possibilities? As a tool, Chat GPT could become a student’s personal tutor, asking it to clarify concepts learnt in class in different ways, with alternate examples or with simpler language. It could evaluate a student’s writing against a rubric, providing feedback on their work and suggestions for how to improve before submission to their teacher. It could create study plans or assist in career planning, including helping prepare resumes and covering letters. The possibilities get even broader when other AI models are considered, with the capacity to generate art, music and more.

It's still early days and as Open AI and other companies continue to develop iterations of these language models, the technology and potential will only get more substantial and its use in schools and society only become more pronounced. Teaching students to use this technology as an effective learning tool, rather than as a substitute for application and endeavour is how we intend to maximise its value at Mentone.

Head of English and VCE teacher Prue Richards, has kindly shared two essay responses from students to reassure us that our students are well taught and capable of unique, analytical thought, no assistance required.

ENGLISH TASK

The first Area of Study for VCE English requires students to study the poetry of William Wordsworth and to explore the way in which he conveyed Romantic ideas in response to the changing world he found himself in. Students were required to demonstrate an understanding of Wordsworth’s views, values and concerns as they wrote creative pieces in response to their worlds. Such views and values included the celebration of childhood for its innocence and simplicity, a reverence for Nature for its beauty and capacity to heal and restore and concern for the way modernity has complicated our lives. Miranda and Declan chose the form of vignettes to respond and to express their views.

PRUE RICHARDS

SOIL

Beneath fingernails.

Smeared across a giggling face, staining pinafore pockets.

Hands – submerged and searching for treasures. Earth worms, witchety grubs, slaters, and beetles. Each delicate life discovered is a gift clutched in a small palm. My mother’s hands guiding mine, digging the bulbs of daffodils deep into the earth. Together we plough through the dirt. We bury seeds and hold the stems of fresh thyme to our noses. Mother and child lost for hours in the fun of having life at our fingertips. Up, up above, the sky is clear. Sunshine a warm embrace upon my back. Around us lingers that familiar, rich, and earthy smell.

I was a child that came home with soiled dresses and was met with smiles instead of scowls. A free spirit with untamed hair atop the widest-branched tree. I was a child encouraged to learn from the world. What a joy it was to see life all around!

To dig my feet into the soil and feel no more or less, no different to the tiniest of beings that inhabited it. Soil- an ancient being comprised of living decay. She composes the Earth upon which I walk. A fertile entity that ripens the fruit plucked from trees and withholds secrets of ancient root systems, deep and vast. As time goes by, Child, don’t let yourself lose sight of such wonders. Do not allow yourself to forget the joy of inspecting intricate dragonfly wings or burying bundles of seeds in the garden bed. Please, Child, do not grow up and see these simplistic indulgences become nuisances in your life. Do not coat your garden in layers of concrete, banishing the bees and the beetles from a once welcoming haven. Do not abandon Nature’s fertility – soil and lichenembellished forests for the confines of four bleak walls and a desk chair. Do not fall victim to man’s sterilisation of a world made worthwhile for its imperfections. And lord, dear Child, do not ever lose your innate desire to be amongst all of Earth’s creations.

WATER

Floating upon my back.

Canopies of trees line the water’s edge. Filtered beams of subdued light through the daintiest of overhanging branches dapple my nose and lashes.

Up, up above, whip birds, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and galahs sing out a sweet cacophony that fills a girl’s heart with melody. A child harnessed in chilled water, goosebumps line my skin and strands of hair swim about my face. The laughter and splashes of children around me are muffled to a joyous background murmur.

The heat of a summer’s day brings us all to this body of water. This river where time seems to slow, and a troubled mind can be overridden by idleness. My gaze, always upward. Towards the sky. The sun casts a million bright twinkles upon the water in a galaxy of light, each blinked out and disappeared before ever truly captured. Water – cleanses, heals. She nourishes my body and mind. The flow of ancient rivers. A sublime and timeless force. The fall of rain replenishes parched earth and germinates a hidden seed.

Water, we have tarnished your purity.

Our mass-consumption, our oil that stains your clarity. Chemicals that bleach your reefs and starve your creatures. We have wrapped you in plastic and sold you as a commodity. A betrayal.

Please let me stay here, a child wrapped in the calm of your eternal flow as you rain down floods of restoration and reclaim. What we have made of this Earth can no longer be.

Water – flush away the wrongdoings of man.

BREATH

A child, drifting off in a time when sleep came easily. When the dream boat carried curious young minds to vibrant far-away lands.

An inhale extends my roots deep into the Earth below. It brings me back to a place of here and now. Breaths in and out, in and out. Always. Constant. Up, up above, dark clouds roll steadily by. A world outside roars and thunders. But in this quaint little room trimmed with cherub wallpaper and embossed pastel walls, a child is oblivious. In this wooden-framed bed, patchwork quilt pulled up to small chin, a small girl is untainted by the world.

The breath of life is inhaled and exhaled by every tree, every being. In and out, in and out. The uncurling leaf of a young fern, regenerative shoots sprouting after raging fire. Nature’s delicate fibres are held upon a fragile breath in a filigree of interdependencies. The cycle inexplicably balanced. Rebirth is met by the eventual coming of death and decay, which hold beauty of restoration. Life and death intertwined in unspoken understanding.

Children take part in Nature’s cycle of breath. They involve themselves with hearts that watch and receive. As a child the joys of life lie within simplicity. We chase butterflies, we rummage in the soil, we climb and jump and swim. Inevitably, it is, we are gradually torn from such mindless play that once consumed our every hour. Usually, it is, that we succumb to superficiality and withdrawal; to a life manufactured by man. Man – you observe Nature’s delicacies, yet you cannot adhere to her steady cycle of breath. Why must you breathe a gust of destruction that rattles a system once so perfectly aligned?

Let us once again see with the eyes of a child. Eyes that receive and admire, that aren’t ever growing with a lust for more and more. Let us give into the ebbs and flows of naturalism in a world tailored to our every need.

Let us live – just to be.

WHEN LIFE WAS SPRING

Inside the safe walls of our cardboard kingdom, we sit. Planning secret missions and dreaming the lore of our own imaginary universe. We embark on the ever-green coves that now seem so small but were once vast lands where anything was possible.

Striding towards battlefields, our charcoal feet would weave around thorns and leap over worn out bricks elevated by the strength of the roots beneath them, to avoid deadly stubbed toes and the deepest of splinters. The coiled springs beneath us screeching as we floated amongst the marshmallow, fluffy clouds where our enemy awaited us. Blasting. Kicking. Punching. Battling like the heroes we so desperately wished to be. Our souls electrified by the ability for us to simply let our imaginations run wild, in control of every word and chapter we wrote with our minds.

While we soared, the crisp air shaped itself around our tiny bodies and the viridescent palm leaves cheered us on, swaying and dancing to the tune of our laughter.

Much like Peter Pan and his lost boys, we were forever young. Euphorically adrift in our everlasting adventures. Purity beyond measure would surround our daily lives without our knowledge, the bliss of ignorance acting as the beanstalk climbing towards our dreams, while simultaneously time was sharpening its axe.

Our lives were spring, and every new adventure was another flower of experience blooming within us. Hope was an infinite verdant valley that knew no boundaries.

THE MAN I HAVE BECOME

Although still the same child deep inside, craving laughter and adventure. The freedom I once possessed to be anywhere my soul desired through the teleportation device of my open mind is now limited.

The bounty of time I once knew, now being juggled on the tightrope of the expectations and responsibilities placed upon me.

The joyless forms.

Clocks.

Calendars.

Exams.

Deadlines.

Each rapidly crashing down upon me like a treacherous tsunami, robbing me of oxygen and swallowing me whole.

Lifeless objects and soulless individuals tightly squeezing me until every drop of passion and hope exits my body.

The boundless joy of nature I once knew now seems forever fleeting, only in glimpses can I be clear of mind, feel the sunlight soak deep into my skin, and be hypnotised by the repetitive tune of the brilliantly plumped Fairywrens. Watch them sprightly chasing each other from branch to branch, their feathers displaying a thousand shades of blue, from as light as the sky to navy blue as dark as the pits of our ocean.

Filled with the blissful memories of exploration and creativity and the knowledge that time can slip through the smallest of gaps. I am aware of the importance of capturing and chasing these beautiful fleeting moments that lighten the load of the routine mundane tasks that surround me.

I let time stand still, as the vast colour of the natural world around me repaints the walls of my mind that have begun to turn grey and fade after each day spent with the thick curtains of reality blocking out the light within me that is slowly beginning to dim.

THE MAN WHO BECAME A FLANEUR

I see a man beyond the present, living the life of a flaneur. Bound not by time or calendar, event or deadline, a soul that is consistently grounded and a mind ever grateful.

I see him gliding, not hurrying, looking up at the clouds alit with a sky of fire that came with the rising sun, not down at the blinding florescence of a rectangular mind trap waiting to control his every action and thought.

Educated not by dull letters on a colourless page put together by chained individuals before him, but spending every day feeding off the boundless knowledge steeped deep within the patterns of the Hartwood of every trunk.

The shape of every mountain peak.

The glow of the luminous bulbs that make themselves present once the sun slips beneath the horizon, acting as mother nature's map, connecting us from past to present, each burning light capturing the memories of all that have been before us, each carrying a lesson, a story.

Declan Year 12

Tranquillity’s roots will be strengthened and spread deep within his soul, and while others try so desperately to escape the endless maze of meaningless materialism, in pursuit of a false sense of happiness waiting to expire and perish. The light of his spirit that was once beginning to tinker, and fade will be brilliantly gleaming just as it did when he was a child.

However, then he will understand its true beauty and use it as the power source to his contentment.

The flaneur existing in complete harmony. Living the perfect compromise between man and child.

Achieving a mutualistic relationship with nature, each hour of feeling stitching together the wounds created by years of fear and doubt.

The tsunami that was once in rapid pursuit of him will have dissipated, now acting as a crystal-clear wave, gently guiding him towards purpose and meaning.

I am this man, I am the flaneur.

JAMES WALTON DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & TEACHING

FROM THE CHAPLAINS

CENTENARY CHURCH SERVICE ST AUGUSTINE’S 5 MARCH 2023

The following is the text of the sermon preached by School Chaplain, Rev. Andrew Stewart, on the occasion of our Centenary Service.

Joshua 1:1 – 9, John 4: 34 – 38

1: BEGINNINGS

I would like to begin by taking you back more than 100 years to the end of the First World War (WWI). A war that has shattered our country's innocence and devastated families and communities.

As many of you well know, St Augustine’s contains memorials to those who fought in the great war and those who lost their lives. The bottom of the St Albans window records the names of those who served in the war and the Ascension window records the name of those who lost their lives. When the Ascension window was dedicated in 1919 there was a procession of returned soldiers who formed up at Mentone station and paraded down to the church. The church was said to be full to overflowing on that day.

As well as the loss of life, the injuries and the trauma, WWI had another impact that helped contribute to the founding of Mentone Grammar. The vicar of St Augustine’s at the time, E Halford Hennell, had served in the war as a chaplain on a troopship. While he had seen the devastating effects of war firsthand, he was also a firm patriot of the British Empire. When he returned to Australia, he was keen, as were a number of church families, to establish a Church of England school in the area.

Mentone, at the time, was a relatively new suburb. There was a Catholic College on the site where Kilbreda now stands. St Augustine’s parishioners had been happy to send their children there, but WWI exacerbated sectarian concerns. It is hard for us nowadays to appreciate the deep division that existed for a long time in our country between Catholics and Protestants. Some of you gathered here today will no doubt have stories in your family history of not being allowed to attend a wedding, for example, because it was being held in a Catholic church.

WWI exposed these sectarian tensions as, while both Catholics and Protestants had been committed to Australia’s war effort, they were deeply divided in the issue of conscription. The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Daniel Mannix, was an outspoken critic of conscription and this, combined with his Irish background, caused some to call into question his loyalty to the British Empire.

On 15 August 1919, Archbishop Mannix formally opened the St Patrick's Mentone parish building fund at a grand operatic concert that was held at the Mentone skating rink. Over a thousand people crowded into the auditorium. Mannix had a reputation as an outspoken and controversial speaker, and many had gathered to see if he was going to live up to his reputation. The crowd was not disappointed, as amongst his remarks the one that Protestants found most alarming was that Mannix said that Australia would be much better off if all the Freemasons were gathered up and dumped outside the Port Philip heads.

The comfortable arrangement of Church of England students attending the local Catholic College was called into question especially as Mannix was publicly thanked for his remarks by the Headmaster of the Catholic College. Pressure increased for a Protestant school to be established and so the journey to the founding of Mentone Grammar began.

2: CONNECTIONS

Today we gather to celebrate the 100-year association between Mentone Grammar and St Augustine’s. I really like the symbolism that commenced our service today as our School Centenary candle was lit from the altar candles. The light of Mentone Grammar having its origins in this church.

We note that while the relationship has changed and that there have been ups and there have been downs, the church and School have maintained a fruitful 100-year relationship that has impacted upon tens of thousands of young people and is impacting young people to this day. When this parish celebrated its Centenary in 1988, the School held a service to mark the occasion, so it is nice that the church returns the favour by hosting a service for our School Centenary.

St Augustine’s has served as the chapel for Mentone Grammar. A fact that is so deeply ingrained it is reflected in the very architecture of the church. The original church was made of red brick and as the church and the School grew in the 1950s the church needed extending and so the School and the church worked together to build these transepts. The transepts were deliberately built, not out of the church red brick, but out of the Besser brick that Mentone Grammar was using at the time. It was intentionally done to make a clear visual statement that the parish church also served as the School chapel.

The transept windows acknowledge this with the Mentone Grammar crest in this window and these two windows reflect the two great Anglican sacraments of baptism and communion. Our students still come here to get baptised and sharing communion together is a regular part of the rhythm of each school term. A number of items in the church have been donated by students of the School. Students fundraised to buy the very pews you are sitting on today. Later in our service we will use the chalice donated by the Mentone boarders of 1964 when we share communion.

A number of the legendary figures in the history of this church, such as Charles and Marion Weir, are also legendary figures in the life of Mentone Grammar and it is lovely that the Weir family have joined us today. Coming over to St Augustine’s, our students walk through the archway dedicated to the memory of Charles Weir symbolising the connection between church and School.

Church and School have a long history of sharing facilities, choirs have overlapped, church camps have been held at our Shoreham campsite, students have planted trees in the church grounds and even painted the vicarage. The connections go on to this day with large groups of students here every week of every term. The church is regularly referenced in our classroom religious education program. This church is where the School holds funerals of past students and beloved members of our wider School community. Frazzled Year 7 parents looking to pick up their child at the end of a busy school day see a vacant spot in the St Augustine’s car park and regularly cry – hallelujah praise God!

3: RELATIONSHIPS

On 3 March 1923, 56 students and two staff began Mentone Grammar. Sport was held three times a week after school and boxing was a regular feature of the timetable. With such small numbers, Mentone Grammar took a while to be competitive on the sports field, with an early cricket game against Box Hill revealing the unflattering scorecard of Box Hill 1 for 201 and Mentone Grammar all out for 23. Excursions were held to the office of the Herald in Finders Street, the Newport railways workshops, and the Richmond Tannery.

It is tempting to see the story of Mentone Grammar as a 100-year success story, but the reality is that it has had its fair share of ups and downs.

Rev. Hennel and this parish got a school going in 1920 but it would only last a couple of years before it needed to close.

By commencing in 1923, Mentone Grammar was founded off the back of a world war and was still very much finding its feet when the impact of the Great Depression started to be felt. It is conservatively estimated that unemployment in the Mentone area hit 30 per cent at the time. Staff took a 25 per cent pay cut in order to keep the School open. Our School history book is called Against All Odds for a reason, and it makes passing mention of a number of schools that simply don’t exist anymore as they had to close during this difficult time.

Why did Mentone Grammar survive when a number of other schools didn’t? I have no doubt that some of the answer is to be found in our Old Testament reading today from Joshua. Leaders of Mentone Grammar and this church weathered difficult times by showing great strength and courage, they were not frightened or dismayed, they knew that the Lord God was with them. Mentone Grammar survived, not just thanks to the connections between School and church, but because of the relationships that have enabled us to lean on each other in times of difficulty. It is also due in part to the remarkable men and women who worked tirelessly to keep church and School afloat.

One such person was Rev. Charles Clark who was the vicar in the 1930s and the honorary School Chaplain. He was clearly quite a character. In an age when cars were not common, he happily lent out his Vauxhall to parishioners wanting to take their driver’s test. People felt confident sitting the test in the vicar’s car with the Law in the back seat and God beside them. Clark apparently preached a good sermon but was such a passionate Geelong supporter that his sermons, especially to the Mentone students could at times get a little derailed by off the cuff remarks about how the Cats were travelling.

In his 1936 Speech Night report, a grateful Headmaster drew attention to the work of the School's honorary chaplain. ‘The vicar, if I may say so, acts as a recruiting sergeant. He hunts up all the boys in the district and impresses upon them two necessities, one, join the Church Choir, two, go to Mentone Grammar School’. The relationship between School and church changed when in 1957 Mentone Grammar formally became a Church of England School and employed its first Chaplain. Up to this point the School didn’t need a Chaplain as you have just heard the role was played by the vicar of St Augustine’s. It took a while to work out how this new relationship would work in practice. In the 1960s it was put under strain as the vicar had to adjust to wanting to take a service in his church only to discover that when he got there that the church was full of Mentone Grammar students.

There was also the concern from some in the parish that Mentone Grammar wasn’t paying its way and should be contributing to the costs of the church heating, lighting and cleaning. There was also concern expressed about how much communion wine the students were consuming. Things came to a head in 1968 when the vicar wrote a letter to the Headmaster raising these concerns. Well, the Headmaster took umbrage at this feeling that Mentone Grammar students were paying their way through all the donations and fundraising they were doing for the church. Such was the power of the Headmaster of Mentone Grammar in those days that he wrote to the Archbishop seeking the removal of the vicar.

The regional Bishop was dispatched to speak to the vicar and suggest the time was right for him to move on to a new parish. Such was the power of the vicar of St Augustine’s that he chose to ignore the Archbishop’s request and stayed on as parish priest. Things were patched up and soon afterwards the ABC broadcast a service from St Augustine’s featuring students from Mentone Grammar.

4: SOWING AND REAPING

There is a story often told in chaplaincy circles about something that took place at one of our Synods some years ago. Synod is the parliament of the Anglican Church and this event took place at a Synod in another state. The story goes that a parish priest rose to his feet on the floor of Synod and started to have a go at Anglican schools. He said that Anglican schools are full of young people and yet chaplains and Principals are clearly not doing a very good job as none of these young people are making their way into an Anglican church. At the conclusion of this fiery speech the Head of Anglican Schools rose to his feet and said that if parish priests were doing their job and offering as interesting and as relevant services as the Anglican schools were then young people would be flocking to Anglican churches.

I am not sure about the truth of that story, and it gets exaggerated that little bit more each time I have heard it told. There is no doubt the Anglican church faces a major challenge attracting young people, but I am not sure church and school blaming each other is a helpful way forward. Our gospel reading reminds us that the fields are ripe for harvesting. Sowing and reaping is God’s work in God’s time. All he asks of us is to be faithful workers doing our part in the place that God has called us to.

I think the relationship between St Augustine’s and Mentone Grammar offers a hopeful way forward for the Anglican church. It is not overstating the matter to suggest that St Augustine’s sees more young people in its pews every week than most Anglican parishes in Melbourne would now see in a decade. Hundreds of young people come into this place and have a positive experience of an Anglican church. Our students feel really comfortable in this place. To them it is part of School and therefore a place where they feel they belong. For a generation of young people largely unfamiliar with the church this has to be a really positive thing.

A simple fact is that the defining feature of every single Mentone Grammar student in the last 100 years is that they have sat where you are sitting this morning. There is no doubt many, many, many seeds have been sown in the hearts and minds of young people. The harvesting is ultimately up to God. It’s his church, it’s his school. We have a 100-year shared history, one built upon connections, built upon relationships and built upon a shared desire to see young people become all that God created them to be. So today, we honour the past and give thanks for all those the labours have ensured that we can celebrate today and look so positively to the future. Labore

et Honore. Amen

REV. ANDREW STEWART REV. MICHAEL PRABAHARAN SCHOOL CHAPLAINS

Rev. Andrew Stewart.

The Weir family visit the Charles Weir archway to the School grounds.

A CELEBRATION OF ART AND WORDS

The School’s Centenary coffee table book, TheChangingFace of Mentone Grammar – 100 Great Stories, was unveiled to an audience that included friends and families of those featured in the book, amidst the unveiling of stunning artworks. In a coming together of some of Mentone Grammar’s finest artists and some of the great characters who make up the School’s vibrant history, it was a night of notables.

ON THE SCHOOL’S 100TH BIRTHDAY THE CREATIVITY CENTRE HOSTED TWO SPECIAL EVENTS THAT CELEBRATED BOTH GREAT ART AND GREAT STORIES.

On arrival, the guests enjoyed the Centenary Art Exhibition, a collection of eclectic works by members of the Mentone Grammar community before they gathered in the Thorold Theatre for the official book launch. Hosted by Geoff Ryan AM JP (Class of 1965), former teacher and Chair of the Mentone Grammar Board, many memories and stories were regaled from those, past and present.

The Weir family name is synonymous with Mentone Grammar with Board member Col. Charles Weir and wife Marion being tireless contributors to the School beginning way back in the 1940s. Their story, A Life of Service, is just one of a 100 stories detailed in the book. Their son Paul Weir (Class of 1964) shared some heartfelt memories of his family and his school after being joined by sisters Janet and Caroline to officially unveil the Centenary book and cut the School’s birthday cake with their father’s military sword; a time-honoured tradition of the School.

Janet, Caroline and Paul Weir cut the birthday cake after unveiling the Centenary book.

THE CHANGING FACE OF MENTONE GRAMMAR

A Reflection by Paul Weir

It is over 70 years since I started at MG kinder, primary and secondary school, and then on to Monash aged 16. Much has changed.

I am in awe when I look at the scale of the School grounds and the fantastic facilities now.

I am in awe when I see ahead on the highway, a very large MG bus with the words ‘Happy, healthy and high achieving, outstanding coeducational opportunities’ writ large, with a delightful photo of a Prep girl student on the back.

I am in awe when I read through the latest Mentor magazine, detailing the school trips, both abroad, to outback Australia, and elsewhere, and photos of all the superb and inspired extracurricular programs executed at such a professional level by students of all ages.

I am in awe when I read of the students many achievements, academically, and in a variety of sporting events, on-stage musical performances, of course the arts, and so much more.

All of this is a long way from when my class was taken on an excursion to Seaford Beach, in essentially a hired furniture removal truck with timber bench seats down each side. So exciting!

It is a long way from listening to the soporific click clack sound of the School mower being dragged around the oval in decreasing circles, pulled by the School’s large Clydesdale horse, the scent of freshly cut grass wafting in through the classroom’s open window during those hot, dreamy afternoons. The same horse hauled a big concrete filled steel drum over the middle cricket pitch to flatten it.

As the student numbers increased, the elderly School carpenter would grumble at having to make yet more wooden benches for the boys to sit on at morning assembly, where Lionel Large the Headmaster, standing front and centre, would belt out ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ , hymn book in hand, rocking to and fro, the black robed teachers sitting in an arc behind him, glaring at us, we, trying not to attract their attention.

Becoming coeducational is far advanced, from when in our senior years, many were introduced to the female species for the first time, in the form of strictly run dancing classes, with girls from Mentone Girls’ Grammar School. The shyness, awkwardness, and painful embarrassment, evolved over many dancing sessions into unfamiliar, unspoken longings culminating in the much-anticipated end of year formal dance, where we could invite a preferred partner, with both parents’ permission of course, to accompany us onto the dance floor, the girls looking magnificent, beyond imagination, bedecked in their long white gowns.

The toughest part of any project is moving it from formulation into the momentum stage. Most of the energy and power of a passenger plane is expended just getting it off the tarmac and into the air. A relatively tiny choc under the wheels can impede any forward movement. Similarly, a large powerful locomotive can also be prevented from rolling with a small choc placed by the front wheels.

I know in the early days of the School Board there were many such chocs and impediments to realising the vision of those early men, whether it be during purchasing negotiations with adjacent property owners, the desire to usurp or divert control by certain parties, the issues around capital raising, managing dissemblers, and so on.

To gain momentum in any project in order for the endeavour to proceed of its own volition, and from the Board’s perspective, advancing the future of the School, was the primary project, it is necessary to hold fast, be resolute, be clear about the objectives, to not waver, be powerful, to reach consensus, and to stay in integrity with the plans for the desired agreed-to outcomes.

I am proud to know my father, ‘The Colonel’, was one such man, borne of experience at war, exhorting those under his command at the prelude to the second battle of El Alamein – ‘to fight until you can no longer hold a rifle’. That battle, resulted in the first defeat for General Field Marshall Rommel, ‘The Desert Fox’ and was a decisive turning point of the war.

Colonel Weir was described in ‘The History of the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion’ (P.17), as – ‘knowledgeable, alert, witty, a firstclass raconteur, and possessed of considerable joie-de-vivre. He also possessed the most pungent of tongues when required. He set a high standard of efficiency. His orders were unmistakeable in their intent. He was popular with the troops.’

Charles Weir was a man of faith, one might say blind faith, because how could he foresee that his time, dedication, plain hard work and tough decision-making would be carried on by others, and initiate all that, which we experience here today, which impacts so many families for the good, now and for generations to come.

It is a privilege to represent him today, and just some of the other incredible people, who have been part of the School’s history as presented in this 100-year anniversary edition of truly great stories. We are all beneficiaries of their vision.

Much, of course, has physically changed. What has not, indeed has strengthened, is the School Spirit, the sense of belonging, to something much greater than the individual. It is the stable school family, that holds it all together, in readiness for a challenging future, for well-prepared young men and women to step out into, boldly, inspired, already in momentum. Many of whom also, will have great stories, and some will make history.

Thank you.

Art judge and former art teacher, Allen Hicks and Mentonians President Mark Henricks, present the Alumni Art Prize to Greg Cater (Class of 1978) for his photographic entry – Shaft of Light.

Board Chair Ross Joblin and Allen Hicks present current art teacher, Ilona Kiss, with the Community Art Prize for her artwork – Crocodile Country

FROM THE HEAD OF FROGMORE A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

On 21 February this year, we gathered to celebrate the 2022 academic year and to acknowledge the achievements of these students. This also included those students who successfully completed Units 3 and 4 subjects in Year 11. All students worked with extraordinary diligence to achieve impressive results in academics as well as many cocurricular sporting, creative and leadership highlights.

In a year that was all about re-establishing routines, connections and daily life on campus, I congratulate all Mentone Grammar award recipients on these outstanding achievements and, in particular, I thank their parents and teachers for their enduring support in helping students achieve their goals in their senior years. While we acknowledge these achievements and the top achievers, the outstanding results last year can be attributed to all students who graduated in 2022.

Together, the Mentone Grammar Class of 2022 achieved the following exceptional results:

Median Study Score 34

21% Study Scores of 40+

8 Study Scores of 50

Median ATAR 83.30

Dux (99.80)

56% ATARs over 80

18% ATARs over 95

6% ATARs over 99 100% VCAL Completion

Our Year 12 students have also enjoyed many other achievements… Involvement in drama, dance, music, art, public speaking, debating and social service programs.

Cadet leadership and promotions.

4 x AGSV Premierships: Touch Football, Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming.

A Bond Vice Chancellor Scholarship.

A University of Maine Scholarship.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards: James Commerford, Ulyana Kondratova, Alannah Marriott, Olivia Lea, Enrico Turta and Ella Heidecker.

Two shortlisted Top Acts students: Peri Dart and Phoebe Palmer.

A Top Acts 2022 Performer: Dominique Doig.

Three shortlisted Top Arts students: Jevons Wang, Priya Gill and Lizzie Muller. … and many, many more personal achievements across a wide range of areas.

Current Year 12 students celebrate their Units 3 & 4 success, achieved in 2022.

Year 12 2022 high achievers celebrate their impressive results at a special gathering in February.

Mentone Grammar has provided me with many opportunities that have allowed me to explore myself outside of just academia, and thus allowing me to become better within academics as well. To my teachers, I would like to say a massive thank you for all the support. They were always there for me, especially outside of hours when I had extra questions.

I am now studying Medicine at Monash University.

STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVED A STUDY SCORE OF 50

Riley Barker: Visual Communication Design

Oscar Constantinou: Economics

Kerui Huang: Mathematical Methods

Zenas Nimorakiotakis: Software Development

Jiahao Qian: Further Mathematics

Zitong Ren: Business Management

Byron Shim: Further Mathematics

Jevons Wang: Visual Communication Design

Mentone Grammar helped in so many ways. There are really good teachers –I had four amazing teachers in 2022 who just knew what they were talking about and were so passionate about passing on this information. They also provided a lot of resources for studying, especially practice exams which helps a lot during VCE. Additionally, in the younger year levels, I was part of the Dare2Dream! Program which meant that I competed in a lot of academic competitions such as the DaVinci Decathlon and Tournament of Minds. These really set me up for VCE, as I expanded my thinking and learned how to work to the best of my ability.

I am now studying a Bachelor of Science Advanced – Research (Honours) at Monash.

These results are a great testament to this talented, supportive and courageous cohort who have achieved very pleasing outcomes both in their academic performance and in all that they have brought to the School over the years.

I commend our brilliant staff for the dedication, expertise and level of support they have provided our students throughout their journey here at Mentone Grammar.

We are proud of the fine young people who were members of the Class of 2022.

Congratulations to Mentone Grammar Dux 2022 Ulyana Kondratova (99.80) and Dux Secunda 2022 Annalisa Calvi (99.75), who both achieved extraordinary academic success throughout their school years.

A WORD FROM ULYANA KONDRATOVA (DUX) …

A WORD FROM ANNALISA CALVI (DUX SECUNDA) …

WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MANY AWARD WINNERS IN 2022

Awarded to the Year 12 student who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to vocational training, academic endeavour and personal growth within the VCAL program.

Awarded to the Year 12 student who demonstrates ‘the spirit’ of what our School stands for.

Awarded to the best all-round sportsman & sportswoman

In honour of Mr Simon Appel’s service as Chair of the Mentone Grammar Board, this award acknowledges leadership, scholarship and the broad engagement a student has had within the School. It also acknowledges the positive influence the student has had on our School community.

Acknowledgement of the 2022 Head Prefects

Evie Stansby and Charles Daddo

Performing Arts Award

Priya Gill

Excellence in Applied Learning

Grace Huxtable

The Gibson-Roberts Memorial Prize

in Frogmore for 2022.

Evie Stansby and Thomas Byrne

The Good Samaritan Prize

Gabrielle O’Sullivan and Georgia Stewart

Visual Arts Award

Jevons Wang

The Spirit of Mentone Grammar Award

Zoe Leaver

The Simon Appel OAM Medal

Jake Newman

SPECIAL AWARDS

Tonkin Prize (English) Jevons Wang

Ekanayake Prize (Mathematics) Kerui Huang

Beruldsen Prize (Physics) Liam Davis

Dunk Family Prize (LOTE) Kerui Huang

Toovey Family Award for Resilience Avery King

ACADEMIC HONOURS 2022

Max Athanas, Riley Barker, Cameron Berry, Josephine Bohlken, Paris Burlock, Annalisa

Calvi, Mason Cartwright, Mia Collins, Sarah

Connell, Oscar Constantinou, Charles

Daddo, Peri Dart, Liam Davis, Dominique

Doig, Pia Gade, Priya Gill, Christopher

Hirst, Ashleigh Horton, Kerui Huang, Ulyana

Kondratova, Jazmine Kruss, Jordan Kurta, Grace Laidlaw, Matthew Langenfelds, Olivia

Lea, Zoe Leaver, Amelia Luca, Tom Madden, Matthew Mairs, Angus Marcombe, Alannah

Marriott, Eliza Matthews, Charlie McFarlane, Sasha McLennan, Henry Mentiplay, Lulu

Moore, Maddison Moore, Jake Newman, Clemence Neylan, Phong Phan, Sascha

Pribil, Mali Romanis, Jared Ruberu, Ashika

Sarma, Byron Shim, Sophie Sibbald, Georgia

Stewart, Scarlett Tibb, Enrico Tirta, Emilie

Toby, Jevons Wang, Amy Watkins, Mikayla

Watson, Jed Zammit, Shudong Zhang and Kevin Zhong

ADF LONG TAN AWARDS

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Awards recognise students in Years 10 and 12 who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the School and wider community and who display strong values such as ‘doing one’s best’, ‘respect for others’ and ‘mateship’, that are integral to Australian society.

Award winners for 2022:

Year 10 Ella Michell

Year 12 Maddison Moore

ADF FUTURE INNOVATORS AWARDS

Year 10 Justin Li

Year 12 Annalisa Calvi

CADET AWARDS

The Ken Smith Perpetual Trophy is an annual award made to the Year 12 member of the Mentone Grammar Army Cadet Unit who is judged by the Officer Commanding to be the highest performing cadet and who demonstrates the following qualities:

• Exceptional leadership of peers, including the ability to maintain an appropriate and professional distance when exerting authority.

• Diligence, conscientiousness and flexibility while managing responsibilities.

• Superb performance under the pressure of multiple demands during Unit activities.

• A caring and patient manner in all interactions with younger cadets and respectful, cooperative interactions with Officers of the Unit.

2022 Recipient Emily Fitt

Company A Award, Amiens Medal Sophie Sibbald Company B Award, Beersheeba Medal

Amelia Johnson Company C Award, Cape Gloucester Medal

Jayden Paine

I congratulate all of the award winners and the graduating class of 2022 on their contribution to the School, their high results and the opportunities they now have beyond Mentone. Well done.

JASON MANN HEAD OF FROGMORE

GREENWAYS

YEAR 9 CAMPUS

When our Greenways Campus opened in February 2013, the aim of the program was to facilitate a standalone learning centre to cater for the complex social and emotional needs of Year 9 students. Through this facility, the School looked to provide students with a safe environment where individual growth could be nurtured through diverse learning experiences both in and outside of the classroom.

To provide students with enriching and rewarding classroom experiences, an open-plan layout, designed to encourage collaborative and independent learning, was constructed with the intention that such skills would empower students as they undertook a range of experiential learning opportunities beyond Mentone.

Fast forward several years, as we re-engage with traditional schooling in a post-COVID environment, we are discovering, more than ever, the complex range of influences facing adolescents today. Our role in Greenways is to continue supporting students and families as they navigate the ever-changing landscape through adolescence, and to highlight the importance of a consistent and understanding approach for all students in the Campus.

Now, our task as educators is to ensure we equip our young people in Greenways with a ‘toolkit’ to provide them with sufficient knowledge and skills to be well-placed when entering the world outside the grounds of Mentone Grammar. Underpinning this, however, is the need to remain mindful of balancing such challenges with student wellbeing and the impact this can have on one’s capacity for growth and learning.

Today’s Greenways Program allows students numerous opportunities to engage in community-based activities, seeking to expand their understanding and develop core values such as resilience, respect and leadership. Simultaneously, diversity is celebrated throughout, with students recognising and celebrating the unique achievements of individuals within the broad range of Learning Journeys offered throughout the year. Another unique aspect of the Greenways program is the student-operated Greenways Café, an industry-based learning opportunity that equips students with skills and qualifications that furthers opportunities for external employment.

By offering this broad facet of experiences across the Program, our intention is that students will discover at least one aspect of their year that will ‘spark joy’ for them; leading them down a new and undiscovered path of learning, self-awareness and formation of identity. It is through such avenues that students are able to build on their connection and sense of belonging to the Mentone Grammar community, leaving behind their own legacy at the end of their time in Greenways.

Grammar AUTUMN 2023

JULIE JAMES HEAD OF GREENWAYS

BEYOND MENTONE

Greenways students are but one year level to benefit from the School’s sequential Learning Journeys Program. A well-considered plan sees all students from Year 3 to Year 10 explore the learning possibilities, Indigenous connections and social extension that underpins the timeline of experiences.

The Learning Journeys Program offers a powerful form of learning that takes place in unique, natural or outdoor settings. The Program focuses on experiential learning through activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, paddling, surfing, snorkelling and more. Through outdoor education students learn team building, problem-solving, risk management, and leadership skills, and develop physical fitness, resilience, and confidence. With a focus on environmental conservation and sustainability, students also gain a deeper appreciation for nature and connection to Country.

Often referred to as their home-away-from-home, the students’ much-loved bush camp, the School’s three-hectare R. M. Sykes beachfront property at Shoreham is the perfect location and base for recreational camps and off-campus programs. Even our ELC students spend time at our Shoreham camp, well before they begin the School’s official Program in Year 3.

EBLANA

In Years 3 and 4, students sleep over at Shoreham where they are introduced to basic outdoor education concepts. They learn about bushcraft, basic navigation, and teamwork through beach activities and shelter building.

RIVIERA

In Year 5, students travel to Ballarat and visit Sovereign Hill, where they explore Australia's gold rush history. They also attend Shoreham and continue their outdoor education journey, participating in activities such as beach walks and bushcraft as they learn about the local coastal environment.

Year 6 students travel to Canberra and visit Parliament House, where they learn about Australia's government and political system. They also attend Shoreham extending their outdoor education journey, focusing on activities such as hiking, surfing, varied beach activities and visiting Willum Warrain for an Indigenous culture immersion experience.

BAYVIEW

In Term 1, Year 7 students attend Shoreham again and engage in a range of more advanced outdoor activities on the Mornington Peninsula including snorkelling, surfing, hiking and tree surfing. A highlight is heading out on Port Phillip Bay aboard Moonraker and swimming with the dolphins and seals. These activities help students adjust and transition into middle school and to develop new friendships.

Later in the year, students also have the incredible opportunity to travel to Central Australia to learn about Indigenous culture, including traditional art, music, and storytelling. They camp at two locations: Uluru and a remote Indigenous community at Lilla.

In Year 8, students attend Lakewood Park to learn about the Gippsland Lakes region, focusing on activities such as bushwalking, stand-up paddling, sailing and camping. In addition, Year 8 students travel to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to learn more about Indigenous culture and engage in activities such as rock climbing and abseiling, surfing, and other beach-based activities.

GREENWAYS

In Year 9, students visit Far North Queensland to learn about the marine environment, including snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, camping, hiking as well as exploring local Indigenous culture. Later in the year, they paddle down the Murray River and explore freshwater ecosystems and camp each night on the banks of the river.

FROGMORE

In Year 10, students travel to the Bellarine Peninsula and engage in more advanced outdoor activities such as snorkelling, surfing, stand up paddling, community service and more. The focus of the camp is to help students transition into their Frogmore House Mentor groups.

Mentone Grammar School's Learning Journeys Program provides a meaningful way to help students step away from the online environment and immerse themselves in the natural world. It offers students a diverse range of activities and experiences that promote personal growth, teamwork, leadership, and a deeper understanding of Australia's unique history and culture.

JOE MONRO HEAD OF LEARNING JOURNEYS

BAYVIEW

YEARS 7 & 8

Like many of our new Year 7 students I, along with Carolyn our dedicated Bayview PA, and several new Bayview Mentors, started the year with some trepidation about what new beginnings would bring. Though initially nervous about what the future held, we were eager to immerse ourselves in the vibrant Mentone Grammar community. The excitement of joining Bayview in this significant year was met with a sincere and generous welcome from all the current staff and students. I was particularly impressed by the sense of camaraderie and kindness extended to us, which made us feel valued and instantly connected to the community. Our students were immediately aware that they were a part of something very special when we opened the year with a distinct Centenary assembly. There was certainly a buzz around the School and a sense of hope that 2023 would be filled with all the activities that we are accustomed to within a school. Similarly, our Year 7 families, new to the School, enjoyed a wonderful day at the School’s Shoreham Camp. Our thanks to The Mentonians Association for hosting the day and making us all feel very welcome and part of the wider community.

The Bayview Student Leadership team is an integral part of providing a structure for improvement and role-models for all members of Bayview. Skye McCowan and Bimal Seneviratne were appointed our Bayview Captains for 2023, while Madeline Lansdell-Clarke and Sam Valoppi are our Wellbeing Captains. Term 1 also saw the expansion of appointed leaders with further roles as, Social Service, Sustainability, Sport and Arts Captains. Students went through a written application process followed by formal interviews. We wish our Captains well as they develop their leadership skills and serve as positive role models for their peers. With our students being in the middle school, it provides a unique opportunity to be mentored by older students as well as mentoring our younger students. Although these are important appointed leadership roles, our emphasis in Bayview is ‘leadership for all’ recognising that everyone has the potential to be a leader in their own way.

In Year 8 this theme of ‘leadership for all’ was explored further with our Mentor Groups through sessions delivered by The Stride Education Group. These also focused on building resilience and the importance of wellbeing, while teaching students about selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Our Year 7s were very quick to assimilate into the culture of Mentone Grammar venturing to Shoreham with their Mentor for their first Year 7 Learning Journey. This was not only a chance to explore the beautiful natural environment of the Peninsula but a way to connect socially with the other members of the Mentor group. Many students reported highlights such as surfing, swimming with dolphins and seals as well as tree surfing and just getting to know everyone through these activities.

The Bayview Swimming Carnival marked our first full campus House event for 2023, and it was a stunning day graced with sunny skies and enthusiastic students who adorned themselves in their House colours. The event was truly captivating, with some impressive swimming performances and exciting races like the Noodle Relay race. Witnessing everyone's involvement and enthusiasm to score points for their respective Houses was a true spectacle. The competition was intense, and in the end, it was Jones House that emerged victorious with an impressive 215 points, followed by Lionel Large with 193 points, and Deighton with 189 points.

The new Bayview Precinct is a dynamic environment that never fails to astound with its daily transformations. Currently, the main building is undergoing impressive strides, with its AC and electrical installations nearing completion. Furthermore, there has also been significant progress in plumbing works, while wall sheeting for both wet and dry areas is almost finished, painting a picture of the grandeur that lies ahead. Meanwhile, the pouring of concrete for the lower Bayview building and the installation of pre-cast panels have breathed life into the skeletal structure, providing glimpses of its future form. To add to this, the much-needed underground car park has also started to take shape, with a remarkable 1000m2 concrete pour marking a significant milestone in the development.

DAN NEWTON HEAD OF BAYVIEW

RIVIERA

YEARS 5 & 6

Coming back for our first day of 2023, there was a buzz of excitement and a sense that this was going to be a special year. Over this past century, our School has grown and developed into an institution with an outstanding reputation for placing students first. Last year, Riviera was fortunate to join as the newly formed campus exclusively for Years 5 and 6 students. As we learn how far Mentone Grammar has come over the past 100 years, we cannot help but wonder what Riviera’s journey will be like as the School continues to evolve and progress.

Last year, we noted the sense of pride our students show in being part of the new Riviera Campus. This year, the trend has continued, and our students have been eager to learn more about our School’s origins. The first day of Term 1 set the tone, with our Riviera students joining the rest of the School for the Centenary Assembly. Students were fascinated to see how our School started from humble beginnings and has continued to grow to be the successful school we know today. To help celebrate this momentous occasion, students across the School were given commemorative Centenary badges. Our Riviera students continually wear these badges with pride. It is clear that our students understand the great privilege they have in being able to be part of celebrating their School’s 100 years.

Over its 100 years, Mentone Grammar has been a school that provides its students with extraordinary opportunities. Riviera strives to continue this tradition, and in Term 1, we have witnessed our students eager to take on the opportunities presented before them. Whenever we ask our students to volunteer for a task, whether it be guiding families at Open Days or School Tours, becoming an ELC ‘Buddy’, or speaking at Assembly and Chapel, we are always overwhelmed with the number of students who are keen to give everything a go. It is testament to their School pride and contributes so positively to the community spirit within Riviera.

As we look ahead, we are excited to see what this momentous school year will hold for our Riviera students and the wider community. We have many exciting events and activities planned, including our Year 6 Learning Journey, interschool and school sporting opportunities, performing arts, as well as engaging learning. In this Centenary year, we are committed to continuing to provide our students with experiences that help shape them into responsible, resilient community-minded students, ready for the challenges of our ever-changing world.

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2023

MARY CRAVEN ANGELA O’CONNELL HEAD OF RIVIERA DEPUTY HEAD OF RIVIERA

WE ASKED SOME RIVIERA STUDENTS THEIR THOUGHTS ON WHAT THEIR SCHOOL MAY HAVE BEEN LIKE, IF THEY WERE A STUDENT IN THE PHOTO TAKEN IN 1923 AND WHAT THEY LIKE ABOUT SCHOOL 100 YEARS LATER...

I think the subjects would have been easier back then, using chalk boards instead of typing on a computer. There would be less crowds. I would miss the way teachers support you in your learning, and I would miss sport, learning Chinese, swimming, Public Speaking and Debating and Concert Band. I would like to be a School Prefect for Mentone Grammar and swim for the School, so I am happy it’s 2023, not 1923.

Will – Year 5

In 1923 the students would have been very well behaved because of the strict punishments. What is special about being a Centenary student today is bringing your own computer to school, Learning Journeys and the buildings are very nice. I enjoy piano lessons, aerobics and lunch orders. I don’t think they had them back then. We are very lucky and shouldn’t take new things for granted.

Ivy – Year 6

One hundred years ago I would have missed YouTube, comfortable uniforms, my laptop, lunch orders, children’s rights and celebrating the Centenary.

Emily – Year 6

Students would have been better behaved in the olden days because of corporal punishment and very strict teachers. I would have missed the canteen, the Centenary, being in the orchestra, technology and transport.

George – Year 6

I love the big school because there is more than one canteen. In 1923 there would not have been as many. Also, if I went to school back then I would miss PE, Running Club, Drama, my laptop, and my mum.

Lachie – Year 5

I would have missed having cocurricular opportunities, camps, home-packed sandwiches, and my BYOD technology back then. Cars, the canteen, Learning Journeys and being gender-neutral are all new things. The School’s name, uniform and values are still the same though.

Felix – Year 5

I am happy that I am a Mentone Grammar student today because we now have girls and very nice learning spaces. I like all the opportunities and that I could one day be a School Captain. I don’t think the School was big enough to have captains back then.

Gemma – Year 6

I like all the opportunities of the 21st Century that this School has like cocurricular subjects, piano, viola, AGSV athletics and School sport.

In 1923 you probably wouldn’t need to learn another language and there would be less students and chaos... and probably no Houses. I would miss my teachers, being part of the Centenary, excursions and carpet.

Levi – Year 6

I think in 1923 all the students would have felt very lucky to be at such a special, new school. They would have had the best teachers, opportunities and education like us except we have extra subjects, technology and elevators.

Isla – Year 6

I would miss Riviera, my mentor, Running Club and the canteen if I was in Year 5 100 years ago.

Bruce – Year 5

EBLANA FOUNDATION

- YEAR 4

LOOKING BACK…

There has been a lot of change since I first began teaching. Change is inevitable and good teachers are always looking to improve on what they are delivering in the classroom. In teaching there is always so much to be learnt, and change is to be embraced. Over the years I have seen a number of initiatives introduced, disappear and then resurface again.

I did work at one school where an open plan building was built as was the case in many schools at the time, combining four classes into one space. This was a very new experience, and one I learnt much from with some real benefits in this set up. After this experience however, I firmly believe Eblana has the perfect model with only two classes at each year level able to work closely together in a space designed to be shared, yet able to have their own space when needed. Our purpose-built campus houses us all together and limits the need for excessive movement, keeping our community close and connected.

Current teaching embraces diversity, differentiating learning for all students. Gone are the days where everyone had to read the same book at the same time, regardless of ability. Children now move through reading levels at their own pace and students have the luxury of choosing which book they take home each night. This choice can mean all the difference to a student’s ability to connect with a book and foster a love of reading.

Today, students work in groups, sometimes working together for a common goal, sometimes in ability groups to cater for their point-of-need and at other times, working together in mixed ability groups to learn both new content while creating an opportunity for them to learn from each other.

At Mentone Grammar, students are afforded opportunities that complement our academic program, from a vibrant arts program to weekly swimming lessons, our students truly have the opportunity to find their passion.

Teaching is a rewarding career, yet one where successful teachers must be willing to continue to upskill and be open to new ideas to ensure they are delivering what our 2023 students need. I very much look forward to seeing what teaching of the future has in store for us.

JESS RICHARDS

HARMONY DAY

Harmony Day in Eblana celebrates cultural diversity, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all, from the traditional custodians of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world.

HEAD OF EBLANA

MRS SEWELL LOOKS BACK…

Deb Sewell has been an Eblana teacher for more than 25 years. She looks back at some of the joyous Eblana moments that have not changed in her time. Shoreham camp and happy children are just two things.

Throughout time, the importance of ‘three Rs’ (reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic) has remained, however, English now comprises Reading and Viewing, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The teaching of Phonics had disappeared and returned a few times. Mathematics is structured using the topics of Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Science, History, Geography, Music, Art and P.E remain. In my time, chalk blackboards have been replaced with large interactive screens and students reach for their iPads and laptops before pencils and paper. We no longer have handwritten reports, nor do we sit in rows. Today, we all work together to share each other’s knowledge, curiosity and ideas and to encourage one another. A greater awareness of the diversity of learners now means that classrooms are full of creative activities and support for individual learning styles, so all can reach their potential.

ARE WE THERE YET?

The excitement is everywhere when Eblana students venture down to Shoreham camp. Little has changed over the years; the program and family memories created last forever. Exploring the beach, building sandcastles, running through seaweed piles while screeching with delight, night walks, tentatively searching the rock pools hoping to find a crab or two, jumping over the surf, building cubbies, and playing table tennis.

Back on Campus, many other traditions have remained too, such as excitedly borrowing books from the library, walking to Chapel at St Augustine’s, Buddy sessions with younger classes, handson science experiments, welcoming parents to classes to share their children’s work, concerts and assemblies to name just a few. Changes are inevitable though. The world has changed. The new century saw structural changes: the building of the first canteen in what was known as the Junior School, an indoor swimming pool replacing the two smaller outdoor pools and we no longer had classroom pets. The handheld bell once rung in between classes has long gone. Air conditioners were installed in classrooms. Prep became Foundation and the Years 1 and 2 classrooms, that used to be where the ELC is today, moved up the hill to where the soon-to-be new Year 7 building is being built and, of course, in 2006 we became a coeducational school after 83 years of boysonly classes. In 2011, our new Eblana Campus was opened, to accommodate the growth.

Today we have new Learning Areas in Eblana that include:

• Critical and Creative Thinking

• Design and Technologies

• Digital technologies

• Ethical Capability

• Personal, Social and Community Health

• Intercultural Capability

• Personal and Social Capability

• Visual Arts and Media Arts

• History – Personal and Community Histories (Foundation to Year 2)

• History – Community and First Contacts (Years 3 and 4)

• Studies of Society and Environment, including Geography

• Civics and Citizenship.

As Mentone Grammar continues to evolve, our traditions and values continue to work together providing a foundation for the Mentone Grammar Magic. The buildings, the resources, the curriculum, our awareness of the diversity of learners and teaching practices may have changed. However, beneath this design and practice, our mission of motivating, caring for and providing our students with an opportunity to be confident, curious students remains. We have always had outstanding teachers. Values of respect, effort, caring, resilience, self-control, and assistance are still modelled and encouraged every day, to shape our staff and students’ futures.

Deb Sewell (left) enjoying a recent reunion with other long time, beloved Eblana teachers, Margaret Hewett and Leonie Binge.

Care for the environment and sustainability are a part of everyday life in Eblana. Year 12 Sustainability Captains Mady Kalogerakis and Miranda McLean assist Eblana students with autumn planting.

DEB SEWELL EBLANA TEACHER

MARY JONES EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

MRS CHISLETT LOOKS BACK …

What a special moment in time it has been for our ELC children in 2023, celebrating our 100th birthday! Amongst all the excitement, it has also been a reminder to celebrate and to appreciate the importance of early education. We are so blessed to have an Early Learning Centre that belongs to a much greater story and history.

So much has changed since I entered the profession as a ‘preschool’ teacher. Kindergartens were generally run by a committee of management (parents of the children attending your service) and the buildings were owned by the council. The kindergarten was a central part of the community, often maternal health centres were built as part of the service, so we connected strongly with families from the time their child was born until we waved them off to the local school once they turned five.

In those days, kindergartens were run by parents who ‘volunteered’ at our annual general meetings. Sometimes we had to close the doors and say, ‘If we don’t get a committee tonight, we cannot open next year’. This ensured by the end of the night we had our committee. The committee handled the collection of fees, paying the staff, organising the cleaning, running fundraising projects, working bees etc.

There were no computers. In fact, when I started out, we had to learn to use a ‘roneo’ machine, something that always left you covered in purple ink as you turned the handles to produce your newsletters. Technology has changed so much over the last 40 years. It is just accepted that our children all know how to navigate their devices for learning and entertainment.

Children attended kindergarten four mornings a week for 2.5 hours with two groups attending for 8 sessions in total, and the teacher having two afternoons off to plan, clean, or conduct a home visit to each and every child in their group. My centre was so busy that we ran 11 sessions per week, even offering a longer Saturday morning session for families.

Back then, part of my role included visits to every family’s home. The children loved the idea of their teacher coming to visit, but I am sure most parents dreaded this experience, thinking we were coming to inspect the cleanliness of their homes. I would often be shown inside cupboards and throughout the house with pride, to then be sat down at the dining table to be given afternoon tea. Being young and working in very culturally diverse areas meant that I cautiously experienced some very exotic foods from many distant places, not all to my liking, but my love of gozlemes, bureks and Vietnamese rice paper rolls continues today. We are truly blessed to live in such a culturally diverse country and, like me back then, we all grow and learn from shared cultures.

When I was growing up, we learnt about other countries by looking at a globe. We now access the world online but better still, we have families who come in and share their culture with us and celebrate significant cultural events with our children such as Diwali, or Lunar New Year. Our children see themselves as global citizens and to travel outside of Australia is no longer rare, but something many families do with their children. Speaking a second or even a third language is also quite common and the children in our care are very versatile at changing from one language to another. We are fortunate to have Chinese language classes included in our curriculum in the ELC and we are constantly amazed what our children are learning each week in their classes with Ms SuSu. Only recently, kindergartens began to change their name to Early Learning Centres, often being attached to schools with longer hours offered and with a more formal educational program, developed in conjunction with the School’s greater ethos, culture and resources. Our ELC is one such place, a small family-friendly community within a larger one. I feel blessed that I can walk down the street and have parents or children from years gone by who want to stop and have a chat, to reconnect. Our bonds with our former students never break. It just keeps stretching, like a piece of elastic, and we remember each and every child we taught and love knowing that we helped in some small way for them to succeed in life, ready to make a positive contribution to the wider world.

One day when I retire, I know I will recount a life well served, and feel proud that I chose to become a ‘preschool’ teacher. It has been so fulfilling and my heart is full.

LIBBY CHISLETT HEAD OF MARY JONES EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

It is exciting to have the creative arts back in full production. The Technologies are in the all-important design phase of their creations, that will be showcased later in the year, and the Food Technologies kitchen is buzzing with healthy food production.

FROM THE CREATIVITY CENTRE

VISUAL ARTS

For the Visual Arts team, 2023 began with three Year 12 Art students shortlisted for Top Arts. Jevons Wang, Lizzy Muller and Priya Gill. Top Arts showcases extraordinary works that achieved outstanding results in VCE Art and VCE Studio Arts. We are very proud that Jevons Wang’s artwork, Where your Faith Lies, was selected and is currently exhibited in the Top Arts exhibition at the NGV. We encourage you to visit this exciting exhibition which is on until 9 July 2023.

It has also been an eventful Term 1 with the opening of our Centenary Art Exhibition.

In our Centenary year, we wanted to celebrate and acknowledge the immense role art has played and will continue to play in the lifeblood of our School and to showcase the artistic talents of those from across our community. The Exhibition represented a coming together of the new and the old, as we reflect on our past and embrace our future.

The exhibition showcased the diverse talents of those in our community as well as our own teaching staff. It has also been a wonderful learning opportunity for the students to observe the curation and hanging of an exhibition as well as viewing the artworks as inspiration for their own work and/or analysis.

We were very proud when one of our own art teachers, Ilona Kiss, was awarded the Mentone Grammar Community Art Prize for her striking painting, Crocodile Country

Ilona Kiss (centre) celebrates her winning art piece with Visual Arts colleagues.

Jevons Wang and his award-winning art at the NGV.

MICHELE GILL HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

Our Centenary year has been a wonderful platform to bring together the old and the new. Our singers and musicians have enjoyed performing at our special Centenary gatherings, which has brought back many happy memories for generations of Mentonians who have returned to the School to celebrate and reminisce. It is wonderful to see that the bonds of performance and friendship are so intertwined.

As part of the celebrations, our performers are busy rehearsing for a grand Centenary Showcase extravaganza at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda on 14 June 2023. This will be a musical and artistic journey through the ages with a program packed full of surprises. It is always a pleasure to have our performing arts alumni return for these special events.

Most recently, our senior cast delighted audiences with a performance of Black Comedy, a 1960s comedic farce written by Peter Shaffer. Mentone Grammar’s version included eight senior performers: Year 12 actors Ruben McSwan, Willow Bailey, James Armit and Benjamin Anderle and Year 11 actors Max Ainley, Rebekah Philipson, Remus Nimorakiotakis and George Harrison Markovic. They all enthusiastically embraced their exaggerated, farcical inner comic and wowed their audiences.

Congratulations to all on successfully staging this memorable piece of standalone theatre.

BLACK COMEDY

This play was the first of many exceptional performances for the year and I encourage all to join us for many more in our Centenary year.

Rock Band Experience Performance

Thursday 11 May

Singers’ Concert

Monday 15 May

Cre8tive Dance

Thursday 1 June & Friday 2 June

Centenary Showcase

Wednesday 14 June

TERM 3

Junior Play

Friday 21 July & Saturday 22 July

Jazz Cabaret

Thursday 27 July

Strictly Ballroom

Wednesday 16, Thursday 17,

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 August

Woodwind Concert

Thursday 31 August

TERM 4

Ensembles Concert

Thursday 12 October

Eblana Instrumental Concert

Friday 3 November

Junior Musical

Friday 24 & Saturday 25 November

GAVIN CORNISH HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

SUMMER SPORT

I am pleased to provide a summary of our successful Summer Sport season at Mentone Grammar. Our students have demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, dedication, and passion for their chosen sports.

CRICKET

The Boys’ Cricket season got off to a challenging start with several fixtures against Peninsula Grammar School, Ivanhoe Grammar School, and Marcellin College being abandoned due to rain. Although we only lost one game all season, unfortunately it was the semi-final against Camberwell Grammar School when we were outplayed.

Overall, we had hoped to challenge for AGSV honours, but it was not meant to be this season. We congratulate Jesse van Rooyen, Lachie McNamara and Christian Howe for making the AGSV Representative team. We thank Christian Howe for being an exceptional Captain, and Coach, Peter Buchanan, for ensuring our cricketers were well prepared for each contest.

MVP: Jesse Van Rooyen

Our Girls’ Cricket Team also showed a great desire to win, and their ability to play the game in good spirits and enjoy one another’s company was great to see. The girls had a very successful season which is a reflection of all of their hard work and commitment. They should be very proud in knowing that they have played an integral role in promoting Girls’ Cricket at Mentone Grammar and have cemented a culture of compassion and excitement that will be carried on in the years to come. Former student Evie Stansby (Class of 2022) has provided a great platform for these students to flourish, and we will continue to invest in this fast-growing girls’ sport. MVP: Lois Batty

TENNIS

Our Tennis players have also made us proud, with the Open A Girls having a great season. Under the tutelage of Tennis Coordinator and Head Coach, Brad Crosher, each player improved drastically over time. They always listened to the coaches and participated enthusiastically in training sessions. They have worked hard on their techniques and strategies, and their commitment to the sport has paid off in their impressive performances.

The girls were back in the AGSV Firsts team competition this season for the first time since 2018/19. Our School’s depth and talent allowed us to be very competitive throughout the season. The team’s overall finish was 6th out of 11 teams, which is a fantastic result for such a young group. Our season’s win/loss record was 4 wins, 5 losses with 1 wash out. The team’s victories came against Ivanhoe Grammar, Geelong Grammar, Carey Grammar and Yarra Valley Grammar.

Sophie Christie and Pippa Bethune have now finished their tennis journey with the School. Sophie was a standout Captain all season and has been recognised by earning an AGSV Representative place. Sarah Daniell also made the AGSV Representative team, showcasing our depth of talent at Mentone Grammar.

MVP: Sophie Christie

The Boys’ Firsts Tennis team finished 6th, a solid result for a young team pushing to make the top four next season. The team ended up with 3 wins, 4 losses and 1 wash out. The best victory of the season was against Yarra Valley. In previous seasons Yarra Valley has beaten us convincingly, but not this time. The boys dominated from start to finish to win 15 sets, 124 games to 1 set, 53 games. The entire team was on fire: Alex Boeve and Diesel Reid were standouts for the team on that day.

Next season we are looking to cement our team in the top 4. Our list of young players such as Alex Boeve, Diesel Reid, Hudson Close, Harrison Tzounos and Steven Dakic have been in the Firsts team for the past few seasons and will now be looking to carry the team into a higher position on the competition ladder.

MVP: Alex Boeve

SWIMMING

The Swimming program has always been a strength of the Mentone Grammar Summer Sports Program, and this year was no exception. The energy and spirit of the AGSV Carnival was electric, and the dedication and hard work of each and every student were truly inspiring.

We saw some incredible performances, with swimmers pushing themselves to new heights, with many breaking personal bests. This year the competition was fierce, and each race was a testament to the determination of our remarkable students.

I am proud to announce that our School performed exceptionally well during the carnival, with our swimmers achieving a number of outstanding results. We secured multiple first-place finishes, and many of our students placed in the top three in their respective events. But it's not just about the individual achievements. What really stood out to me was the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. Our swimmers supported and encouraged each other every step of the way, and their collective efforts were what led to our overall success. The program is led by Coaches Josh Beaver and Andrew Lauterstein, who do an incredible job in preparing our students for these competitions.

AWARD RECIPIENTS:

BOYS

Captain of Swimming Shield Luke Tucker

Best Boys’ Individual Swim – Open 100m Freestyle

Alexander Barrett

Best Boys’ Relay Swim – Open 4x50m Freestyle Relay

Ned Wilson, Alexander Barrett, Noah Eley, Luke Tucker

Leadership, Sportsmanship, Endeavour Lochie Grant

GIRLS

Leadership in Girls’ Swimming Meg Lewis

Best Girls’ Individual Swim – Open 50m Freestyle

Alanah Becker

Best Girls’ Relay Swim – U14 4x50m Freestyle Relay

Gemma Sullivan, Emily Murray, Abigail Leydin, Angie Hooker

Leadership, Sportsmanship, Endeavour Kiara Fernando

BASKETBALL

The Boys’ team was extremely competitive all season. Throughout the year training was well attended which created an atmosphere of great competition for weekly selection and with the numbers to work on all types of game scenarios in our sessions. The enthusiasm the players brought to every training session and game was a great credit to everyone and motivated hard work and team spirit.

Each player represented the School in a positive manner every time we went out to compete and this was mentioned by all opposing coaches after the games. We represented ourselves well regardless of the win or loss. Our standout players this season included Will McGlone, Luca Cavarra and Captain, Blake Gamble. The team was led by Coaches Darren Petty and Paul Khazaal who did a great job in preparing and developing our students. MVP: Will McGlone

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

Coached by Annie Counsel, this year's Firsts Girls’ Volleyball squad has been one to remember; not only has it been our largest squad to date, but the energy and enthusiasm have also been unmatched. With a large portion of our team stepping into the role with minimal volleyball experience, we knew it would be a climb from the beginning. But these girls showed up, week in and week out, during their holidays and early mornings, without question or hesitation.

Our girls didn’t quite have the dream run they had been hoping for. With our first half of the draw looking promising, finding our feet as a team took a second or two. We had some close calls but stepped away from the first half of the season without a win. This would be hard to swallow for some teams, heads would drop, and spirits would hit an all-time low, but not these girls. They stepped onto the court swinging after a week of summer holiday training. The ground became sturdier, and the team started to gel. Unfortunately, we might have returned a bigger and better team, but for the second half of the season, our competitors just happened to be the top-performing schools in our division.

MVP: Amelie Harper

PREMIERS BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL

Boys’ Volleyball in the 2022-23 season was a battle between two teams. Mentone Grammar and Marcellin College. We knew from the start that we had great athletic ability, but they had more experienced volleyballers. So, to a point, we were quietly playing catch up by teaching volleyball to footballers and other athletic young men.

We started by attending an open-age tournament, the Mornington Open, with the squad split into two teams. While we didn’t get a win there, we did get exposure to far higher level volleyball than what we would experience during the AGSV season. The experience was all about aspiration.

Our season progressed through easy wins, until we hit Marcellin in the rounds. We dominated the first set and then lost our way and eventually lost, 1-3. Not a bad outcome as it forced a regroup, refocus and some rotational changes to make our team more attacking. By the final round we sat in third place with Trinity, our opposition sitting second. We won well, 3-0, with clean and efficient volleyball. That meant we would play Trinity again in the Semi-Final the very next week. Again 3-0, exactly what we expected and needed to earn the right to have another crack at Marcellin in the Grand Final.

Going into a Grand Final undefeated, as Marcellin did, is difficult. We have done that a number of times. It comes with pressure, but we were up to it.

This time, we were the underdogs, but we had a strategy and buy-in. We knew we could compete and make the game hard. We needed to be physical, disciplined, united, confident and hard working – exactly what we expected from this group of young men every training session.

Of course, having a Mentone Grammar supporter bus turn up with current students, staff and past students helped create an imposing and exciting atmosphere for our boys to feed off and thrive on. And thrive they did.

We were dominant and showed that we could score from all positions on the court when needed but, more importantly, make the right choice when it wasn’t possible to score.

The 3-1 score line is a credit to the boys. They won a dominant first set, lost a close second, re-grouped and pushed hard for the win on emotion and athletic ability.

Massive credit to the whole squad of 14 young men and our Future Firsts for making training what it was all season. Four players were recognised with AGSV Representative selection including: Captain Tom O’Rourke, Sean Lai, Phoenix Hall and Finn Vorrath.

MVP: Tom O’Rourke

Congratulations Mentone!

LUKE CAMPBELL COACH

PREMIERS TOUCH FOOTBALL

Despite our success over the past years in Touch Football, we went into this season as an outside chance of taking out another premiership. Pre-season competition winners Ivanhoe and highly fancied Caulfield would start the season as favourites.

The team started its campaign in July with an externally organised Touch Football camp on the Gold Coast. The girls came back with an understanding of how much work was required to be competitive this year. There would be 6:30am training sessions, external competitions entered as well as a number of girls competing at state level that, collectively, would help our girls develop into genuine contenders for the title.

By the end of the season, it came down to the much-anticipated Mentone vs Caulfield battle. The title holders vs the favourites. It was a see-saw battle which saw the lead change a number of times and Mentone come back from a two-try deficit to win the game at the death 9-8, which gave us our 7th straight Premiership and 8th in nine seasons.

Our success didn’t just happen because it was expected to happen, it took a lot of hard work, dedication, trust and belief. It also took a team of people outside of our squad to help us win this premiership. I would like to thank Stuart Bainbridge who has had a huge impact on our program over the past few years and has been very influential in our success as well as being a big supporter of our team and program. To the parents, I thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement and for helping the girls commit to our program as best they could. Thank you to our new Sports Department of Monica, James and Brenton who came in and made the transition super easy and supported us all from day one.

A special mention to our amazing coaching staff. Led by the inspirational Leah Percy as well as a number of former Mentone Grammar players, we are extremely thankful. I truly believe we have the best Touch Football coaching staff in the game. Our former players continue to support our program, even years after graduating. Whether it is through coaching our girls or talking about what it meant to them to play for Mentone Firsts or rallying a group together to play practice games against our team, they’re always there. To see a group of them supporting the girls against Caulfield as we won the title was a very proud moment. To them we are very grateful.

By the end of the season our team, that was extremely raw in July of 2022, would finish with the following representative players:

Victoria Girls 20s: Tess Farrow and Tara van Straaten

Victoria Girls 18s: Mia Castello, Arabelle Jeffery, Trinity Madden, Holly Nish

Victoria Girls 14s: Sophie McMinn

AGSV Team: Lucy Page, Jessica Smith, Tara van Straaten, Arabelle Jeffery, Mia Castello and Tess Farrow.

A big thank you and good luck to our Year 12s who have all given so much to our Touch program over the last few years. They have ensured the strong culture and high standards of our group have been kept. Lucy Page, Gemma Hollingsworth, Tess Farrow, Bella Orchard and Tara van Straaten, you have been great role models for our team and for the entire program and it has been a pleasure coaching you all.

Finally, a special mention to our team captain, our MVP, our leading try scorer and inspirational leader, Lucy Page. You have joined a rare group of four-time premiership players and this year you stood up and led this group proudly. Well done on your efforts. Let the 2023/24 preparations begin!

ELIES EL CHAAR COACH

Overall, the summer sport season has been a great success, and we are incredibly proud of our students' achievements. We look forward to seeing them continue to excel in their chosen sports in the future.

BRENTON SANDERSON DIRECTOR OF SPORT

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPORTS TEAM

BRENTON SANDERSON Director of Sport

Brenton is a high-performance sports coach with over 30 years of experience on and off the field. He has held positions as the Assistant Coach of Collingwood Football Club, Head of the AFL National Academy, Senior Coach at Adelaide Football Club, Assistant Coach at Geelong Football Club, and from 1992 – 2005 was a successful professional AFL player at Geelong, Collingwood and Adelaide Football Clubs.

Brenton holds a Master of Sports Administration, Executive Certificate in AFL Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University. He is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling and is a qualified pilot. With his extensive experience in strategic development, operational management, and leadership he, along with Monica and James, will bring a lot to the Sports program of the School.

MONICA CLARKE Head of Girls Sport

Specialising in girls’ sport, Monica is an accomplished athlete and experienced educator. She has represented Victoria in track and field (400m hurdles and 800 m) and played, coached, and umpired in the Victorian Netball League (VNL). In addition to her athletics career, Monica has taught Health, Physical Education and Mathematics, where she developed a passion for developing student athletes.

Monica currently plays local Australian football, where she continues to see the value the sport can provide for all ages, especially young people. With an array of experience across many sports at all levels, Monica will be a great mentor for the girls of Mentone Grammar.

JAMES HOUGHTON Head of Boys Sport

James is excited to be our new Head of Boys Sport. He arrives at Mentone Grammar with over 10 years of experience, having previously been Director of Sport at Siena College and at Toorak College prior to taking on his new role at Mentone Grammar.

James grew up in England and it was at boarding school where a passion for sport was truly embedded. He was fortunate to have been taught and coached by several talented educators, so it is no surprise that his career has followed a journey into education. He enjoys all sports, but it was in Rugby Union where he experienced the most success, achieving schoolboy international honours. James is also an avid kite surfer and a keen follower of the English Premier League. He brings a love of all sports to Mentone Grammar where he will, no doubt, continue to inspire and motivate our young athletes to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Mentone Grammar’s Centenary year will be remembered in our history as a year of commemoration and celebration of the many individuals who collectively shaped the School, with which we are all connected via our lifelong association as Mentonians. From the many events showcased in this edition of the Mentor and from reading the School’s commemorative Centenary book: The Changing Face of Mentone Grammar – 100 Great Stories, we find ourselves both reminiscing and creating new shared memories at the Centenary events.

Indeed, we will celebrate our own Centenary in 2027 and preliminary work has commenced to record interviews and write The Mentonians Association (and associated Clubs) history, which was originally known as The Old Mentonians Society and then OMA – Old Mentonians Association, until it was decided to remove the word ‘Old’ and become more contemporary. If you would like to share your story, donate items to Archives or send in a photo and some details for our ‘Where Are They Now’ which we will include on our website, please send to: thementonians@mentonegrammar.net

THANK YOU!

Sadly, we have farewelled our Alumni Manager, Suzanne Ashley, who has made a significant contribution to the success and growth of The Mentonians Association community, our reunions and events over the last 6.5 years. Suzanne has been a valued member of our team, developing strong relationships with former students and displaying great care for them and our committee members. We have, indeed, been most fortunate to have her in the employ of the School and without doubt this role has certainly been more than a job for her. Suzanne is leaving to further her career in Schools, and will no doubt remain connected to the many friends that she has made at Mentone Grammar, The Mentonians Association and our Mentonians Clubs.

TMA COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT

Mark Henricks (1977)

VICE PRESIDENT

Jon Ponnusamy (2010)

TREASURER

Vic Stroumos (1978)

SECRETARY

Georgia Ahern (2011)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Josh Burt (1989)

Cameron Dunkerley (1986)

Mike Durack (1967)

Ivan Eaves (1966)

Jono Ling (2008)

Jeremy Longstaff (1989)

Peter Newton (1966)

Rob Sinclair (1976)

Taylah Woods (2011)

Postscript: It is with a heavy heart that I report the sudden passing of our long-term Treasurer, Vic Stroumos. A tribute is included overleaf. We are most grateful that Vic was able to join us at our recent Centenary Shoreham Picnic, to cook up a storm, as always. Vic is pictured below (far right) with his fellow committee members.

WELCOME TO OUR LATEST MENTONIANS

At the 2022 Valedictory Dinner we continued the tradition of inviting as our special guest, a member of the year level that most of the students were born. We welcomed Andrew Donegan (Class of 2004) to share this special occasion with us and present the Class of 2022 with their alumni graduation gifts. Andrew is the Head of Supply, Operations & Logistics ANZ for The Kraft Heinz Company and was joined by The Mentonians Association Vice President, Jono Ponnusamy (Class of 2010) who happens to be a Talent Acquisition partner at Kraft Heinz!

CLASS OF 2021 – ONE-YEAR REUNION

On Friday 9 December 2022, members of the Class of 2021 gathered at The Bay Hotel in Mordialloc to celebrate their oneyear reunion, hosted by The Mentonians Association.

We were delighted to have our biggest group of ‘one-year out’ students join us. The group enjoyed the night, catchingup on all that has happened in their lives since finishing school. Moving on ‘postlockdowns’ there were stories of overseas travel, work, study, careers and, without doubt, speculation on where the next four years will take them before they return to Mentone Grammar for their five-year reunion in 2026.

A LIVELY REUNION OF PAST STAFF

Monday 21 November 2022 saw generations of past staff come together for lunch on campus.

The group enjoyed a three-course meal and listened to some amusing, fond memories shared by long term past staff member, Rob Patterson. For some, it had been many years since their return to the School and Principal, Mal Cater, took a group of those willing to brave the wet, windy weather for a tour of the School to view the current, impressive rebuild of the Bayview Precinct.

With many past staff taking time to share our Centenary Reunion Lunch, our next Past Staff gathering will take place late in 2024. Many thanks to Judy Beazley for keeping this group connected.

On behalf of the Committee, I wish Suzanne Ashley all the best for the next chapter, she will be missed.

MARK HENRICKS (1977) PRESIDENT

SHANE WARNE OVAL - A DEDICATION

Shane Warne AO (Class of 1987) is a hero of the game of cricket and to the Mentone Grammar community and is fondly remembered by all. On a rainswept morning in February, it was an honour to name our main match oval at Keysborough in memory of this true legend. The unseasonable weather certainly did not dampen the spirit of the heartfelt occasion and the club rooms were packed to the rafters.

Principal Mal Cater welcomed Shane's family, father Keith, two of his children, Brooke and Jackson and his brother Jason (Class of 1989). They joined School cricket teammates, coaches, friends, and members of Mentone Grammar and Camberwell Grammar's First XIs to share stories and morning tea before Brooke and Jackson Warne officially unveiled the new Shane Warne Oval sign.

We were treated to beautiful tributes from Shane's father Keith, close friends and School teammates Wayne Fuller (1988) and Ravi Krishnan (1985), School cricket coach Barrie Irons, and Principal Mal Cater whose speeches all shared a common theme: Shane was generous, well-mannered, he had time for everybody, and he just wanted to win!

We extend our sincere thanks to the Warne family and all who attended for making this such a memorable day and we are proud to report that our First XI was triumphant in their tight battle against Camberwell (Mentone 6/220 defeated Camberwell 9/203) to cap off a wonderful tribute.

SUZANNE ASHLEY ALUMNI MANAGER

Shane Warne Oval.

Team mates Ravi Krishnan (1985) and Dean Jamieson (1986) share stories from the 80s.

The Warne family with Barry Irons.

Shane's father Keith Warne shares some family stories.

The First XI meet Brooke and Jackson.

Teammate Wayne Fuller (1988) opened the bowling with Shane.

MENTONIANS FOUNDATION AWARD

THE MENTONE GRAMMAR COMMUNITY PROUDLY SUPPORTS

OUR ALUMNI UNDERTAKING DOCTORAL STUDIES AND TO CONTINUE TO ‘DREAM BIG’ LONG AFTER THEY GRADUATE!

Congratulations to Kelsey Cotton (Class of 2012), Lottie Morison (Class of 2013), Adam Nelson (Class of 2013), Alex Shermon (Class of 2015) and Bihai Sun (Class of 2014) on being awarded a grant of $15,000 each from The Mentone Grammar Foundation to assist with the pursuit of their Doctoral studies.

This year’s applicants and their diverse range of studies were both impressive and inspiring. Each applicant presented to a panel including the Mentone Grammar Foundation Board Chair, Simon Appel OAM, Principal, Mal Cater and Alumni Manager, Suzanne Ashley. The presentations were all outstanding and, as such, each of the recipients was awarded a $15,000 grant to further assist with their PhD research.

To commemorate their awards, Bihai, Adam and Lottie were in Melbourne and were able to attend the School’s Academic Honours Award Evening (Alex and Kelsey in absentia - Kelsey now lives in Sweden), so their post-School achievements could be acknowledged by our current students, parents and wider community. No doubt they are an inspiration to all.

Bihai, Adam and Lottie receive their awards from Principal Mal Cater.

DOCTORIAL PRESENTATIONS

KELSEY COTTON (CLASS OF 2012)

My research engages with feminist and care-centric perspectives of human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically within the context of interactive music. The creative appropriation of AI tools – especially within musical settings – offers exciting innovation and knowledge creation possibilities. It further brings forth deeper issues pertaining to the evolution of creative and artistic practices, copyright, ethics, and aesthetics. Through thoughtful and critical evaluation – combined with autobiographical and autoethnographic methods from my artistic practice – I seek to probe how artistic practitioners and communities utilise and engage with these tools, and ultimately formulate new frameworks to inform the design, development, and usage of AI within artistic practice, with applications to more general instances of AI within broader society.

LOTTIE MORISON (CLASS OF 2013)

I am researching communication skills in children with genetic conditions who have severe communication impairments. Speech and language disorder is the most common neurodevelopmental condition of childhood. We are understanding more about the genetic causes of speech and language disorder. In fact, the lab that I work in recently identified that 1 in 3 children with severe speech disorder have a genetic cause for their speech disorder. Speech and language disorder is common in genetic conditions but is poorly researched with clinical implications of critically delayed and inefficient speech therapy, with valuable time lost during childhood. As treatments and therapies for individuals with genetic conditions emerge, more information about speech and language is needed to measure response to treatment. My research will help answer frequently asked questions by families, “When and how will speech and language develop, what supports will a child need and for how long?”, alongside improving our understanding of three rare genetic conditions; Kleefstra Syndrome, Batten Disease and Angelman Syndrome.

ADAM NELSON (CLASS OF 2013)

My research is focused on understanding the immune response to cancer. Accumulation of mutations within healthy cells leads to the formation of cancerous cells. Certain mutations in cancerous cells change intracellular metabolism, resulting in uncontrolled growth and metastasis. Products of this change in metabolism are recognised by a subset of unconventional T cells called MR1 T cells. My research is about understanding both cancerous cells and MR1T cells to determine what factors are important in the MR1T cell-mediated killing of cancer. Specifically, I will be utilising CRISPR-cas9 gene modulating technology to determine which genes are switched on and off in cancerous cells and what metabolic pathways are recognised by MR1T cells. I will also develop a platform to investigate the functional phenotype of MR1T cells, determining what sets these cells apart from other T cells, and allows them to kill cancerous cells while not harming healthy cells. My hope is that this research will ultimately lead to the development of T cell-based immunotherapies which, in combination with existing therapies, will produce an effective and universal treatment for cancer.

ALEX

SHERMON (CLASS OF 2015)

My work examines the dynamics of contemporary conspiracy theories in Australia. Conspiracy theories have been a hot topic in academic research since the 1960s, but there has been a minimal amount of research done in the Australian context, instead focusing on Europe and the United States. My research looks at online conspiracy communities, as well as conspiratorial media sources, and aims to assess what types of conspiracy theories are present in Australian public life, where they are coming from, and how they are communicated. My research helps bring a national understanding to an urgent research priority and hopes to establish a broader research program into Australian conspiracy theories as an outcome. This is the first exploratory step in understanding a complex and deeply important phenomenon for our modern lives.

BIHAI SUN (CLASS OF 2014)

My research is about more effective methods for reducing drag induced by turbulent flow. Coherent structures are flow phenomena that are believed to have a strong association with drag and other turbulent physical processes. Our research group uses both experimental and simulation methodology to study the effect of coherent structures in drag, turbulent mixing, flow separation and bushfire propagation. The aim of my research is to use state-of-art flow measurement techniques to study the evolution of coherent structures in turbulent flows and how they affect the exerted drag. Such techniques provide higher-dimensional, high-fidelity, and higher-resolution data for analysis, e.g., energy cascade, modal decomposition etc. I develop high-resolution time-resolved three-dimensional velocity field measurement techniques based on digital holography and apply them to a turbulent channel flow. My research will be the basis of drag-reduction devices for industry and defence, and ultimately leads to more efficient cars, trucks, planes, ships, and pipelines.

The Mentonians Association wishes to thank and acknowledge the support of the Mentone Grammar Foundation for the provision of this award to our alumni.

SUZANNE

ASHLEY ALUMNI MANAGER

CENTENARY GOLF DAY

ON FRIDAY 31 MARCH, AN ENTHUSIASTIC FIELD OF 128 PLAYERS TOOK PART IN OUR CENTENARY

GOLF DAY AT WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB, A RENOWNED SAND BELT COURSE, WELL KNOWN FOR ITS HIGH LEVEL OF COURSE PRESENTATION, RAISED GREENS AND STRATEGIC BUNKERING.

We were well supported by all our sponsors on the day and our players were treated to fun activities and delicious food as they moved around the course. With such a large field, it was a staggered return to the clubhouse; however, timing didn’t appear to matter as our golfers enjoyed a generous lunch in the company of new and old friends. Many new parents to the School enjoyed the connection and, as always, our Mentonians certainly enjoyed coming together, enjoying their sporting pursuits and plenty of banter along the way.

Congratulations to all the winners on the day and thank you to Principal Mal Cater for presenting the trophies to the winners and acknowledging the support provided by all in attendance at this event. Mal also acknowledged our most senior Mentonian on the day, Mike Flavell (Class of 1960), playing in a team with his son, Troy Flavell (Class of 2018). It was a pleasure to see Mentonians, young and old, together again.

WINNERS ON THE DAY INCLUDED…

MENTONE GRAMMAR PARENTS & FRIENDS

GOLF TROPHY

Awarded to the overall champion team on the day. (54.375) Matthew Gude (16), Stephen White (10), Andrew Batty (18) and Troy McGlone (17).

RB JOHNSTONE CUP

The RB Johnstone Cup, named to recognise the 20-year contribution to golf at the School by former teacher Bruce Johnstone. Awarded to the best performing team of Mentonians. (54.5) Mark Roach (18), Ryan Alexander (9) and Chad Twentyman (6).

SPORTING CLUB COMMUNITY CUP

Awarded to the best performing team representing a TMA (The Mentonians Association) Sports Collective – Basketball, Cricket, AFL, Hockey, Soccer: (57) Old Mentonians Cricket Club – Tim Litchfield (18), Anthony Holmes (18), Sven Samild (18) and Leigh Baker (18).

AT A GLANCE

• A total of 128 players took part in the event.

• A total of 32 groups played in the event.

• Nine Eagles were scored across the field.

• Hole #2 was eagled the most with five groups securing an Eagle (Par 5).

• Hole #3 (Par 4), 4 (Par 4), 15 (Par 5) and 18 (Par 5) were also eagled.

• No ‘Holes in One’, but many of the Nearest to the Pin markers were within 1ft.

• Best Team Score: 54.375.

• Worst Team Score: 98.25.

• In all, 27 of 32 groups finished lower than the card after handicap, so the standard was high.

A thank you to our Parents & Friends members for their ongoing support of our Annual Golf Day, and thanks again to our generous sponsors for providing the amazing raffle prizes! All contributed to a wonderful and successful day of fun and connection.

INDIVIDUAL HOLE AWARDS

NTP 5th Hole (M) George Osianlis

NTP 5th Hole (W) Mel Raymond

NTP 11th Hole (M) Tim Litchfield

NTP 11th Hole (W) Jenny Fisher

NTP 13th Hole 2nd Shot (M) Liam O’Donnell

NTP 13th Hole 2nd Shot (W) Jenny Fisher

LD 6th Hole (M) Scott Bull

LD 6th Hole (W) Andrea Wilson

LD 15th Hole (M) Matt Petering

LD 15th Hole (W) Jenny Fisher

THIS EVENT WAS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THE MENTONIANS ASSOCIATION AND THE PARENTS & FRIENDS GROUP.

ORDER OF MERIT

First Place: (54.375) Matthew Gude (16), Stephen White (10), Andrew Batty (18) and Troy McGlone (17).

Second Place: (54.5) Mark Roach (18), Ryan Alexander (9) and Chad Twentyman (6).

Third Place: (54.875) George Osianlis (17), Bruce Watkins (24), Andrea Miriklis (36) and Gary Katakouzinos (36).

Fourth Place: (56.625) Christopher Rann (22), Marcus Lowe (18), Tom Johnson (25), and Brad Hawkins (18).

Fifth Place: (57) Tim Litchfield (18), Anthony Holmes (18), Sven Samild (18) and Leigh Baker (18).

THANK YOU TO OUR BIRDIE SPONSORS

JOSH BURT GOLF CONVENOR THE MENTONIANS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

CENTENARY EXHIBITION SPORTS DAY

SPORT HAS ALWAYS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE AT MENTONE GRAMMAR. SOME WOULD SAY IT EVEN DEFINED THE STUDENT, EVEN SOME DECADES. SO, IN CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF GREAT SPORTING CAMARADERIE, SPORTS LOVERS OLD AND NEW ENJOYED A RETURN TO ‘KEYSEY’ FOR OUR CENTENARY EXHIBITION SPORTS DAY ON SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2023.

With over 300 players and spectators in attendance, there was a tangible feeling of excitement as the coins were tossed and play got under way. There was a bit to prove. Legends of old versus today’s young guns. The Mentonians teams, largely fit and only recently ‘retired’, took on the School’s top performing Firsts teams in cricket, hockey, soccer, tennis, and touch football matches.

The Mentonians players were provided with a special Centenary gift of a Mentonians top to wear, whilst the Firsts teams wore their school sports gear with pride. We were delighted to have past staff member and legendary cricket coach, John Mason, toss the coin for the cricket match. With family members, fellow Mentonians and staff all cheering on, every player showed great determination, teamwork, and Mentone spirit. We even saw Deputy Principal, Jarrod O’Neill and teaching staff out on the Shane Warne Oval and proving wily in the field. Thank you to OMCC stalwarts Darryl Stevens, Tim Litchfield and Mark Phillips for their fine efforts, however, the current Firsts team went on to win by two runs. The good news is that all hamstrings remained intact.

Although touch football is a relatively new sport in the context of Mentone Grammar sporting history, our girls have made it their own, winning seven premierships in seven years. There was no doubt that this ‘exhibition’ match was played at the highest level, packed with elite premiership champions. Thanks to Julie James – Head of Greenways campus for tossing the coin. Our Mentonians champs won out in the end, 8–4 in a fantastic exhibition of the sport.

Josh Burt, icon of the Mentone Hockey Club, tossed the coin given to him at the Tokyo Olympics, for the mixed Hockey match, which saw the Mentonians retain their fierce reputation, winning 3–1 on the day.

The tennis courts were buzzing with mixed doubles matches played at a very enthusiastic, high level. It was a battle of youth versus experience, and it was the Mentonians who eventually prevailed, winning 35 games to 28. Thanks to Heads of Campus for tossing the coin and supporting the teams.

During morning tea in the clubhouse, Brenton Sanderson, Director of Sport, and Georgia Ahern (Class of 2011) Secretary of The Mentonians Association (and Communications Lead at the AFL) announced the final scores and awarded the Most Valuable Player for each sport, along with Centenary Medallions as a memento of the day. Principal, Mal Cater acknowledged the generations of Mentonians and community members who joined us to share in this occasion, including John Kerr from the Class of 1958, who had the honour of being our most ‘senior’ Mentonian in attendance.

Soccer is a passionate game and both the Mentonians and the Firsts brought it to the pitch. If the match is anything to go by, this year’s season will be a big one for our Firsts, they won convincingly, 5-1, in a hard-fought battle, played with great spirit. There was plenty of complimentary hot food and coffee on hand with Mentonian Greg Holledge (Class of 1976) on the BBQ and a dedicated team of S.M.A.R.T. catering students, led by Mentonian Lachlan Howard (Class of 2020). The egg and bacon rolls were a favourite!

We are grateful to everyone who organised, supported and officiated at this fun event, including James Commerford (Class of 2022), the School’s Advancement Team and the Sports Department of Brenton Sanderson, Monica Clarke and James Houghton. We are indebted to team coaches including Elies El Chaar, Brad Crosher, Peter Buchanan, Lou Kastner and Rod Tansey for helping to organise teams as well as dedicated staff at Keysborough, Tom Donnell, Wayne Fuller and the team who skillfully prepared the grounds and cricket wicket in readiness for the day (but not quite to the advantage of the Mentonians bowlers). Congratulations to all players who provided a heartwarming spectacle and memories to share.

It is clear to see that sport is still an indelible part of our School's DNA, and we look forward to another 100 years of sporting highlights.

Pictured L-R: Roly Wettenhall (1969), Brian Barwick (1969), Principal, Mal Cater (1981) and John Kerr (1958).

CENTENARY REUNION LUNCH

THE MENTONE GRAMMAR CENTENARY IN 2023 MARKS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR OUR SCHOOL.

Chair of the School Board Ross Joblin and Principal Mal Cater are delighted to welcome you to the ‘biggest reunion lunch ever’, bringing together our community of Mentonians, staff and parents, both past and present. For 100 years, each decade brought with it its own unique highlights and memories, but the one thing that remains throughout is the Mentone spirit. Each of you here today, together with all those who cannot be with us, have contributed so much to the bold journey of our School and we thank you for being part of our story. Through these many wonderful stories past, present and future, the history of Mentone Grammar will remain alive and continue to captivate and inspire generations of Mentonians.

JAMIE MCCARNEY MASTER OF CEREMONIES

On Sunday 2 April, the School hosted a magnificent long lunch with 100s of the Mentonians, friends and families WHO enjoyed a day when Mentone Grammar ‘brought out the good silver’.

Guests were greeted with sunshine and a jazz trio and embraced long lost friends before MC, Head of Drama, Jamie McCarney, welcomed everyone, particularly those from overseas including the USA, Hong Kong and Singapore. Among the many special guests, Jamie also made mention of our most ‘senior statesmen’ Keith Mitchell from the Class of 1949 and Roy Page from the Class of 1946. The day was off to a great start. What followed was a beautiful three-course meal, an endless bar and generations of entertaining memories and reflections from our very eloquent Mentonians.

We first heard from Bob Box (Class of 1969) who represented the large gathering of ‘baby boomers’ in the room. He evoked wonderful memories of gratitude, camaraderie and good times.

Fast forward to a new century, the extraordinary journey of the School was no more evident when Millennial, Lottie Morison from the Class of 2013 spoke about her ‘tech generation’ and being part of the first generation of Mentone Grammar girls.

In an affirming example of coeducation at work, Meghan Witherow, Head Prefect of the Class of 2014 represented the Gen Zers and spoke of being able to join the MG Cadet Unit, like her father, uncle and brother before her, and the positive impact Cadet leadership had on her, leading to her joining the ADF following school.

Four very different stories, but the resounding theme was appreciation, lifelong friendships and great memories.

Other formalities included the presentation of the School’s compelling Centenary Video that showcases some fascinating long-lost footage of the school life through the ages.

CLICK HERE to view our Centenary Video.

Current Board member and Mentone Grammar parent, Troy Riley (Class of 1990) represented the ‘Gen Xers’ of the 80s with an amusing recollection of what seemed like a fun generation!

Other highlights included the announcement of the Tony Drinan Medal 2023 – John Peers (see overleaf) followed by personal tours of the School, including a viewing of the Centenary Art Exhibition. For others, the afternoon concluded in deck chairs with an outdoor bar and dessert truck on a sunny Frogmore oval. For each generation, it was a fantastic journey back through time, in the company of great friends in a setting that was both familiar and fun.

Thank you to all who supported and contributed to this unforgettable once-in-a-hundred-year event!

Current teacher Cameron Riley with his 1998 classmates.

Bob Box Class of 1969.

Lottie Morison Class of 2013

Troy Riley Class of 1990.

Meghan Witherow Class of 2014

TMA Committee group. Back: Taylah Woods, Jeremy Longstaff, Suzanne Ashley, President, Mark Henricks, Peter Newton, Rob Sinclair. Front Row: Jono Ponnusamy, Cameron Dunkerley and Georgia Ahern.

Some great Mothers’ Association stalwarts L to R Patricia Fox, Janet Buswell, Betty Espie, Anne Vallata, Swee Chuan Kimberley, Suzy Toovey, Jan Williamson, Robyn Harrington, Kay Anderson and Barbara Mogg enjoying the day.

Back: Peter Long, Alan Clayton, Nick Toovey. Seated: Roly Wettenhall, Tony Lawler, Chris Schrape, Bruce Price, Bob Box and Clive Sondheim.

The Class of 1984 boys L to R Archie Giannakis, Craig Clark, Greg Bull, David Wilson, Ward Simondson, Simon Peeke and David Varlamos.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN PEERS (CLASS OF 2006)

TONY DRINAN MEDAL WINNER 2023

AS A PERPETUAL MEMORIAL TO AN EXCEPTIONAL MENTONIAN, AND TO RECOGNISE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF FORMER MENTONE GRAMMAR STUDENTS, THE TONY DRINAN MEDAL IS AWARDED EACH YEAR TO A PAST STUDENT WHO HAS ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING SUCCESS, BRINGING HONOUR TO THE SCHOOL AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

John Peers attended Mentone Grammar from 2001 to 2006 and is the consummate professional, as he says, ‘living the dream’. John's talent was quickly recognised at School, and he was immediately selected for the Firsts Tennis Team in 2001, and a member of the ensuing AGSV Premiership Team at 11 years of age. John’s cousin, Troy Little, was the captain of that team. John continued to play in the Firsts team until Year 12. A strong competitive tennis squad with depth and knowledge, led by astute coach Michael Wilton, saw five out of a possible six AGSV Tennis Premierships during that time. John was rewarded in his last year as Co-Captain of the AGSV combined side that played the combined Ballarat schools.

Following his graduation from Mentone Grammar, John had an opportunity to play tennis and study Finance at Middle Tennessee State University in the USA, where he stayed for three years, before transferring to Baylor University for his final year. John progressed to the ATP Tour both in singles and doubles until 2013, when he decided to solely focus on doubles. He experienced many tournament successes as he toured through Asia, Europe, and the USA as part of the ATP World Tour, winning a total of 26 doubles titles, as well as four at Masters 1000 level on his way to a careerhigh ATP doubles ranking of world number two in 2017.

John has held a successful regular place in the doubles rubbers for the Australian Davis Cup teams since 2016, pairing with the likes of Lleyton Hewitt. He won his first Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open, where he and Henri Kontinen from Finland won the men's doubles event. His second Grand Slam triumph occurred in 2022 when he partnered with Storm Sanders to become the first all-Australian mixed doubles champions at the US Open since 2001. John has also finished runner-up in the men's doubles at the Wimbledon Championships and US Open in 2015 with partner Jamie Murray, and at the 2019 Australian Open, again with Henri Kontinen.

In 2021 at his second Olympics, John won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the mixed doubles partnering with Ash Barty, at the time the number one ranked women’s tennis player in the world and two-time Grand Slam winner. Their bronze medal was Australia's first-ever medal in an Olympic mixed doubles competition. John's outstanding results during this time saw him announced as the first-ever Victorian Player of the Year at the 2022 Victorian Tennis Awards.

The Mentonians Association and Mentone Grammar community congratulate this proud Mentonian for his dedication and commitment to a sport he loves. John, you’ve aced it!

Click here to view John Peers interview. Click here to visit the Mentonians Association website where nominations are now open for the 2024 Drinan Medal awardee!

Due to international tennis commitments, John could not be with us at the Centenary Reunion Lunch to accept the Tony Drinan Medal. He was represented by his family, proud parents – Elizabeth and Bill Peers who accepted the medal on his behalf, as well as sister Sally Peers, and uncle, Trevor Little.

However, John was interviewed online by our talented Mentonian Stephen ‘Chook’ Grey (Class of 1974) and the video was enjoyed by all in attendance on the day.

SUZANNE ASHLEY ALUMNI MANAGER

Celebrating a worthy winner. L-R Principal Mal Cater, John's sister Sally and parents Elizabeth and Bill, Jan Drinan and TMA President, Mark Henricks enjoying the moment on John's behalf.

2006 Tennis Captain John Peers with coaches Leigh Rowlands and Mike Wilton.

John Peers – a great role model for younger students.

Curiosities of the Century

As part of our Centenary celebrations, our Archives team has created a noteworthy collection of iconic artifacts from the last 100 years.

Located in the covered walkway leading from the main reception, the curiosities and their fascinating stories have prompted some great memories. Here are just some of the items that have been chosen for their meaningful connection to the School and the stories behind them.

First School Bell

Throughout history, the bell has symbolised beginnings, endings, joy and freedom or possibly an instruction or warning.

The School bell elicits an assortment of feelings from the students as can be seen in this excerpt from a poem written by a schoolboy, published in the 1929 Mentonian:

“Therearebellsthatringinpleasure,therearebellsthatringoutpain, Therearesomethatcalltoleisure,othershaveawearystrain Butthere'sonethatmixesallofthis,pleasure,leisure,initsclanging; Grateful,hateful,isthecallofitsperiodicbrassybanging.

Butit’squiteanotherstorywhentheluncheonbellringsfree Andithasanoteofglorywhenitringsathalf-pastthree. WhenSchoolisnearlyover,whentheafternoonisgone. When the ‘boss’ fails to discover all we should, but have not done Whenthelengthyday,laboriousinitsstride,seemseverhanging, Then,howabsolutelygloriousIsitsfinalgoldenbanging!”

CC Thorold was known to have rung this handheld bell to beckon the students to morning break and assembly in the 1930s. By the mid 1940s a mounted bell was installed on the edge of the oval, taking the place of the hand bell.

JJ Thorold’s Telephone

Mentone Grammar has always been on the forefront of technology, with teachers and Principals embracing new technological advances throughout its history.

Karl Duldig’s Bronze Sculpture

After fleeing from war-torn Europe, distinguished artist Karl Duldig, was appointed Art Master at Mentone Grammar in 1945, while also establishing a small ceramics business with his artist-inventor wife, Slawa. His work was prolific across several mediums, and he went on to become one of Australia’s leading sculptors. His reputation spread around the world as he undertook work in many different countries.

The School Archives holds a large collection of sketches, as well as several bronze busts created by Karl, depicting life, students, and staff during his 23 years at the School.

His bronze bust sculpture of Principal JJ Thorold is one such remarkable piece.

Karl Duldig’s contributions to the School and powerful creative influence over two decades would generate a love of art at Mentone Grammar that continues today.

1Prudent accountant, Principal Jeffrey ‘JJ’ Thorold continually endeavoured to save time and money during his tenure at the School. In 1933, it occurred to him that much time could be saved on daily meetings with staff if a telephone were to be installed in each classroom and linked to a central switchboard.

All went well for a week, with the teachers remaining in their classrooms and the Headmaster in his study while conducting the conferences. That is, until one of the employees at the Cheltenham telephone exchange notice erratic behaviour of the entire system whenever calls were made from Mentone Grammar. An official was sent out to inspect the School’s connection. When he saw what had been done, he gave a stern warning and 48 hours to dismantle the system!

One of the original telephones used during this time can be seen bearing the Mentone Grammar insignia on its dial.

Lone Pine Memorial Cone

This memorial cone from the original 'Lone Pine' at Gallipoli, was given to Headmaster Neville Clark by B Company, Mentone Grammar Cadet Unit in memory of those who served. It was presented at the unveiling of the War Memorial Plaque installed at the School on 15 August 1995. The Battle of Lone Pine was fought between Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) and Ottoman Empire forces during the Gallipoli Campaign of WWI, from 6 to 10 August 1915. The battle was part of a diversionary attack to draw Ottoman attention away from the main assaults being conducted by British, Indian and New Zealand troops around Sari Bair, Chunuk Bair and Hill 971, which became known as the August Offensive.

War has impacted Mentone Grammar in many ways over the last century but most of all, the devastating losses have always been deeply felt across School.

The Colonel’s Sword

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) recipient, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Gladstone Weir, together with his wife, Eugenie Marion Weir, had a long association with Mentone Grammar as they dedicated their lives to family and community service. ‘The Colonel’ as he was affectionately known, became a member of the School Board of Management in 1957, and Honorary Colonel of the Cadet Unit, while Marion became a stalwart of both the School and the local community. Following The Colonel’s death in 1979, Marion donated his intricately decorated, ceremonial sword to the School, and for the years that followed it would be presented back to her on Founders’ Day for what has become the traditional cutting of the School’s birthday cake.

The School continues this tradition to remember Charles and Marion, and all those champions of the School upon whose shoulders we stand.

Established in 1943, the Mentone Grammar Army Cadet Unit has a long and proud tradition.

Quartermaster’s Award for Inefficiency

Leadership, camaraderie and skills training remains at the heart of the program, with cadets developing skills in fieldcraft, first aid, navigation

1992 and 2005. This boot trophy was light-heartedly awarded as an entertaining way of remembering the mischiefs and misadventures that occurred during cadet camps. As the story goes, recipients of this award were accused of, amongst other mishaps, knocking the side mirror off the Cadet Unit vehicle and failing to switch the four-wheel drive vehicle over from two-wheel drive, before becoming immovably lodged in the mud.

As the Unit celebrates 80 years of service to the School and the community in 2023, it now represents the largest school-based unit in Victoria and continues to teach students leadership, collaboration and of course fun!

Headmaster Keith Jones’ Briefcase and Number Plate

1961 saw the appointment of forwardthinking and educational visionary, Keith William Jones (KWJ) as Headmaster.

KWJ, was a lover of the finer things in life. Always smartly dressed and taking great pride in his possessions, which includes his briefcase and personalised numberplate. The stylish briefcase, one of two owned by KWJ, was inscribed with his initials and adorned with travel labels. This bears testament to his documented study leave between March and October 1967. The label on the briefcase, dated 2 July 1967 and bound for Montreal, is evidence of his tour to master educational frontiers in North America and Europe. He continued to share insights from this tour over subsequent years and used the learnings to develop and grow the School in all areas.

Keith Jones remains the longest serving Headmaster of the School and many of the changes he instituted in his 26 years of leadership can still be seen or felt today.

Vintage Football Jersey

‘Aussie rules’ football has been a fundamental part of Mentone Grammar since the School’s inception.

The School’s original football team first achieved premiership glory as early as 1926. Football has continued to flourish, and the School has enjoyed many further successes over the century. The uniform has been restyled a few times over the years with this vintage ‘footy’ jersey being one of the originals of its style. The jumper shows off the Mentone Grammar colours in a middle split across the chest – half navy and half white – with the School’s crest on the upper lefthand side. This style of football jumper was worn from around 1969 to the early 2000s.

Mentone Grammar is now proud to field both boys’ and girls’ football teams and continues to grow from strength to strength.

VALE

The Mentonians Association records with sadness the passing of the following Mentonians. Our thoughts are with their families and friends.

VICTOR CON STROUMOS

Victor ‘Vic’ Stroumos was most definitely a Mentonian for life. His lifelong relationship with Mentone Grammar began in 1973 when he entered the School has an enthusiastic Year 7 student. He was a born leader and excelled as a Cadet Under Officer and completed his final year in 1978 as a School Prefect.

Having completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at The University of Melbourne in 1981 and pursuing what would become a very successful career in this field, there was no better person to take on the role of Treasurer of The Mentonians Association – a role Vic fulfilled with excellence and dedication for over 30 years.

In 2018, The Mentonians Association Committee unanimously voted to create a very special ‘Community Service Award’ to recognise Vic’s outstanding contribution to the alumni community and the Association over so many years.

Vic was always the first to volunteer to support community events and was a master of the BBQ at the Shoreham family picnic! He was a donor of the School and an active member of the Committee providing strong fiscal management and ensuring the long-term survival of the Association.

Vic’s sudden passing on 23 April 2023 has been an incredible shock to the whole School community and especially his fellow Committee members. We are indebted to him for the loyalty and support he has shown to the School he loved for over 45 years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Vic’s family and friends at this very sad time. He will be truly missed.

KAYE LONGSTAFF (STAFF MEMBER)

We are sad to advise that Mrs Kaye Longstaff passed away on 25 January 2023.

Kaye commenced her career at Mentone Grammar, initially as a Science laboratory assistant in 1974. In the early 1980s Kaye returned to study, earning a Science degree and Diploma of Education whilst working. She then commenced teaching science in the early 1990s. Kaye is fondly remembered by generations of Mentonians for introducing them to astronomy while on camps at Shoreham. In addition, Kaye took on coaching of the Year 7B soccer team in the early 2000s and was Assistant Housemaster of Drinan House. Kaye loved to travel and enjoyed many overseas adventures with her friend and colleague, Claire Hirst. Kaye was also a talented artist and produced many beautiful watercolour paintings, which Kaye’s proud family members continue to enjoy in their homes.

Upon her retirement in 2004, as a long serving staff member, Kaye was awarded Master Emeritus status at Mentone Grammar. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kaye’s sons Njal (1987), Jeremy (1989) and their families.

ROBERT LORD (1955)

We extend our sympathies to the family of Robert Lord (1955) who passed away on 1 April 2023. Robert was a close friend of the Weir family. A keen cricketer, he is pictured here with the 1953 First XI team.

Labore et Honore

Postscript: At the time of writing we have been informed of the passing of former staff member Jim Doyle, English teacher and Master Emeritus of the School. Click here to visit the Mentonians website for further details.

Back Row: D. Thompson, R. Hardaker, N. McCallum, R. Lord, R. Mann, R. Mathieson. Front Row: G. Howard, N. Brown, N. Hughes (Capt.), Mr L. Hall, K. Atkinson, I. Mitchener, D. Ingram (V. Capt.).

Vic as a proud Prefect in 1978.

Vic humbly accepting the inaugural 2018 Community Service Award created in his honour.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

SCHOOL TOURS & OPEN DAYS 2023

Open Day Saturday 12 August 2023:

9.00am – 12 noon

• Registrations open at 8.30am

• Enter via Gate 1 – Venice Street

School Tour Thursday 19 October:

9.30am – 11am

• Registrations open at 9.00am

• Creativity Centre – enter via Lucerne St

Click here to register online

PRIVATE TOUR

We also offer Private Tours of the School. Please contact the Enrolments Team directly to arrange a Private Tour.

+ 61 3 9584 4211 or email: enrol@mentonegrammar.net

FACILITIES

R. M. Sykes Shoreham Camp

Marine Parade, Shoreham

Keysborough Playing Fields

756-768 Springvale Road, Keysborough

THE MENTOR

MCnr Como Parade West & Lucerne St, Mentone

Our swimming programs are designed by Olympians Toby Haenen & Andrew Lauterstein who share a love and passion for swimming focused on fairness, consistency and progression.

Ph: (03) 9581 3288

Email: info@mentoneaquatic.com

Mentone Aquatic

@mentoneaquatic

Parent & Friends Association

The Parents and Friends (P&F) is a group of volunteers who play an active and productive role in supporting, serving, and caring for the members of the Mentone Grammar Community.

Being involved in P&F activities is a great way to connect with Mentone Grammar students and families. We also have two special interest groups – Mon Ami especially for new families to Mentone/ Australia, and our Dads@MG group. Click here for further details.

Archives Centre

For all historic Mentonian donations please contact Records and Archives Manager Kerryn Van Der Merwe at: kerrynv@mentonegrammar.net

CENTENARY SPECIAL EVENT

Don’t forget to save the date for our Centenary Gala Ball in your calendar.

GALA BALL

Saturday 26 August 2023

Melbourne Room at MCEC www.trybooking.com/CCDOQ

MTHE MENTONIANS ASSOCIATION (TMA)

Our purpose is to serve our members and support the School. We aim to excel at meeting our members’ needs and to achieve this we create an events calendar to maximise contact with as many past students as possible through our reunions, our clubs, special TMA activities and, for 2023, combined Centenary celebrations. For all the latest news and events, click here to visit The Mentonians Association website.

Click here to view our marvellous 3D digital historical walk through time: Mentone Grammar Through the Decades.

Nominations are now open for the Tony Drinan Medal 2024. Click here to visit online.

CENTENARY MERCHANDISE

In our Centenary year, we are delighted to offer our community limited edition mementos, including our special Centenary book The Changing Face of Mentone Grammar – 100 Great Stories, to commemorate this memorable year. Click here to view and order items online.

PUBLISHED BY MENTONE GRAMMAR

63 Venice Street, Mentone 3194

T +61 3 9584 4211

W www.mentonegrammar.net

E enquiry@mentonegrammar.net

ABN 87 616 069 977 CRICOS 00323C

EST. 1923

Editor Jen Blackburn Design Mark Hudson, Mosaic Studios

Print Eastern Press

CONTRIBUTORS

With special thanks to: Ross Joblin Chair Mal Cater Principal Suzanne Ashley TMA Editor

Peter Bratuskins, Josh Burt, Libby Chislett, Monica Clarke, Gavin Cornish, Mary Craven, Kelli Dawes, Katya Dunham, Mike Durack, Pernilla Eklund Allan, Stephanie Fielding, Michele Gill, Hunter Griffin, Bekky Halls, James Houghton, Mark Henricks, Julie James, Steph Kinnear, Garrett Kinchington, Jason Mann, Joe Monro, Shelley Muir, National Photography, Dan Newton, Peter Newton, Angela O’Connell, Jarrod O’Neill, Michael Prabaharan, Jess Richards, Peter Royston, Brenton Sanderson, Deb Sewell, Andrew Stewart, Keryn Van Der Merwe, James Walton, Peter Weir, Ben Wolstencroft, Danny Yardis.