The King's School Gazette 2023

Gazette

January 2023

Welcome From Tony George, Headmaster

A Christian Kind of Wisdom

A King’s School education seeks to produce Global Thought Leaders through an emphasis on Academic Excellence with Character Development in the context of Christian Community. That academics and character are important for producing leaders is hardly contentious, but that it requires a Christian community is certainly a bold claim. It is a bold claim in Australia’s modern secular society in which many question the value, let alone the relevance, of Christianity to education. After all, as a multicultural secular society, Australia consists of many different kinds of communities, whether holding to a religious faith or not.

The relationship of religion to education is invariably confused, confuddled and complex. Many in our modern secular society think religion has no place in schools or education. Yet, most independent schools, around 85 per cent, have a religious affiliation because they were founded and/or owned by a church or religious organisation. Over recent decades, some have sought to distance themselves from their religious affiliations, while others have leaned into their religious traditions, history and identity.

The King’s School was founded in 1831 by the Anglican church under the royal patronage of King William IV. The purpose of establishing the School was to provide leaders of Christian character and integrity for the emerging colony of New South Wales, as reflected in its founding statement by Bishop William Grant Broughton in 1832, “The education in The King’s School is not for the exclusive benefit of those upon whom it is bestowed, but for that of the entire community.”

As we approach our bicentenary in 2031, The King’s School is reflecting on its mission and how it is relevant in our modern Australian, secular society. In particular, over the last year or so, we have been exploring and discussing among our staff and students what it means for The King’s School to be a

Christian community when there are many students, families and staff who do not profess a personal Christian faith.

It’s an important conversation because The King’s School mission statement describes our school as a, ‘Christian community that seeks to make an outstanding impact for the good of society through its students, and by the quality of its teaching and leadership in education.’ This statement is about our identity as a school community. It provides the basis of what we understand to be meaningful and significant. It answers questions about who we are and what we do. It is our understanding of what it means to be a Christian community that provides the context for the kind of education we provide.

To understand the contribution of our being a Christian community to education, it is important to understand the difference between knowledge and skills on the one hand and wisdom and judgement on the other. All schools are committed to equipping their students with the knowledge and skills necessary for living and contributing to the good of society. However, not all schools are committed to shaping the thought world of their students with the wisdom and judgement necessary to exercise leadership. It is the context of our Christian community, as evidenced in our beliefs, values and

attitudes, that seeks to imbue our students with a Christian kind of wisdom.

The Christian wisdom we seek to exemplify for our students is characterised by humility, honesty, respect, responsibility, integrity, compassion, excellence and gratitude. While other school communities share many of these values, it is humility and gratitude that are particularly important for us as The King’s School. Our staff, students and families enjoy a wonderful and well-resourced school that has the potential to produce graduates who could exemplify an attitude of pride and entitlement, rather than humility and gratitude. And so it is our identity as a Christian community that turns our attention to the humility of God in Jesus Christ, who became human to both save and set an example. This is why the Greek initials for Jesus Christ, I X, are positioned in the middle of The King’s School crest. While only some of us look to Jesus as saviour, we all benefit from looking to Jesus as an example and role model of humble and sacrificial leadership.

The kind of Christian community The King’s School seeks to foster is one that is an inclusive Anglican kind of community that contributes positively and actively to Australian secular society, with graduates who are characterised by humility and gratitude. The King’s School is not a Christian community because it consists exclusively of Christians, far from it. The School demographic reflects Australia’s broader societal demographic in which those of personal Christian faith are one of many different faiths. This is consistent with the School’s inclusivity as a Christian community, where the Christianity of the School is evidenced in its aspiration for humanity that relies on the centrality of Christ, not the centrality of Christians.

To use a metaphor, most regional towns have a community identity that aligns with its fundamental purpose, whether it be farming, mining or forestry, among others. Further, while many families may be directly

involved in farming, there are many others who support the community in other ways, such as retail or construction or mechanical services or health. Yet, all of the community is, in one way or another, positively and actively committed to the farming community of the town. So, when drought, flood or fire threaten the town and its surrounds, everyone in the community is affected and rallies to support one another as a farming community. We might think of this as a farming kind of wisdom that benefits all the community.

This is the way our school thinks of itself as a Christian community. All of us are positively and actively committed to our Christian values and traditions, as well as our aspiration for our students to exemplify Christian character and wisdom. While everyone is committed to the Christian purpose and culture of our school, not everyone is expected to have a personal Christian faith. Indeed, many families have a different personal faith, such as Hindu,

Buddhist, Muslim or atheist, among others. Yet everyone is a fully committed member of our Christian community.

This understanding of what it means to be an Anglican Christian Community requires all of us to live the values of our School, especially humility and gratitude – humility, that we each live lives of excellence for the sake of others and gratitude that we each give thanks for one another and the diversity within our School. We certainly need enough people of personal Christian faith to keep us true to our purpose, just as a farming community needs a sufficient number of farmers. But to presume a Christian community consists of only Christians is to misunderstand the nature of being an Anglican Christian community.

Tony George Headmaster

An Attitude of Gratitude Message from the Chairman

In 2022 as the country learned to “live with” the Coronavirus, it was wonderful to experience again all that The King’s School has to offer. How appropriate, then, that the School has included Gratitude in its definitive list of values this year, for we have much for which to be grateful.

Gratitude is a gift we all possess, but the key is what we do with it. Cicero, the Roman lawyer and orator, said, ‘Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.’ Magic can be found in the service of others. The Harvard Health newsletter notes gratitude connects us to something larger than ourselves as individuals. There is growing research in Positive Psychology that links an attitude of gratitude to a greater sense of happiness and wellbeing. It is an attitude, a habit, a way of looking at the world. It is appreciating the good things in our lives and not grumbling and gossiping and complaining about the things that do not suit us.

The Class of 2022 graduated in a week of world change as we mourned the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and witnessed the assentation of a new King of our Commonwealth. I know these events will help Year 12 remember their graduation from The King’s School. Still, I hope that, as

a group, they will look to find ways to be grateful for the privileged and blessed life they shared at the School – to their parents, most significantly, who made the experience possible – as well as to find ways to pay this forward. As the Headmaster reminded us at the Commemoration Service, Her Majesty’s life and example tell us that participating in life can only mean a life of service. One cannot participate in life unless one chooses to serve others.

Something for which we can all be grateful is the forward-looking Bicentennial of The King’s School in 2031. We are already into our Decade of Impact that will culminate in this amazing milestone. The Bicentenary provides an opportunity to celebrate our history, traditions and rites of passage and engage in genuine and impactful contributions to society, as our mission implores us to do. A King’s education is not for the benefit of those who receive it, but as our mission asks us as a school, as individuals, as groups of boys, as Old Boys and as staff, it is to make a meaningful impact for society. It calls us to service.

We can be grateful to have had a more normal and outgoing year this year. From a personal perspective, I am grateful to be Chairman of such a thriving school and for the number of school events I have been able to attend this year, from drama, such as our musical School of Rock, to the ANZAC ceremonies, for The King’s School Cadet Corps Passing Out Parade on White Oval, for the HSC Art, Industrial Arts and IT exhibitions and for the Back to King’s weekend. Only when these opportunities are returned to us after two years of disruption can we again appreciate our gratitude for their special meaning.

Finally, I extend my gratitude to the Governors who serve on The Council of The King’s School – volunteers all – for their dedication and commitment to the School and for the leadership of our Headmaster, whose exceptional ideas and vision have been evident in abundance this year, and to all the staff across all three campuses of the School for their commitment, and unfailing dedication to our students and their families.

As we reflect on all that was achieved in 2022 and is celebrated in this edition of The Gazette, I am sure that, like me, you will find much for which to be grateful.

With my warmest best wishes,

Rosemary Abrahams Chairman︱The Council of The King’s School

Serving Others Message from the Chaplain

The Australian researcher Dr Kerry Howells embarked on a landmark study of gratitude at her university when she noticed her students were resentful for being required to take one of her courses. Dr Howells later turned the study into the book Gratitude in Education: a radical view (Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, 2012), which is now just over a decade old. Dr Howells makes an observation in the opening pages of her first chapter that remains just as relevant and forceful now as it was when it was originally written.

“We live in a time when we are constantly exposed to the suffering of those less fortunate than ourselves, or those who have had the world at their feet snapped away by an earthquake, a wave, a bomb, a fire, or a rampant storm. As they plummet into chaos or flee for refuge, we are summoned to answer just how to respond to the millions reaching out for our regard. If we have our own fortunes intact (for the moment) just one glimpse of others’ suffering, can, if we allow it, generate a deep moral questioning of how we should react. A common refrain is that we should be grateful for what we have. But for gratitude to be an effective and moral response, we would need to embrace it as more than something that makes us feel good or reminds us of how good we have it. For if we were to meet gratitude face to face she would say ‘take action that serves others’; give back, give up, say sorry, let go, clear the air, and connect.”

At the start of 2022, The King’s School and its Governing Council decided to embrace an eighth value for the School – the value of Gratitude. A conversation several years back generated discussion about the kinds of graduates we want King’s to produce. If a student was to have the perfect confluence of all our aspirations for them during their time at King’s, how would we hope it showed itself? What kind of response would that give rise to? The answer was gratitude. However, it is not just any kind of gratitude, but the kind of gratitude Howells writes about. The gratitude that seeks to ‘take action that serves others’, that give[s] back, that give[s] up and connect[s] with others. Gratitude is a practice that takes us outside ourselves to the world around us, beyond ourselves to others who share this world with us, even above ourselves, metaphysically speaking, to a spirituality that takes us to a realm that far exceeds our finitude and human limitations. From a Christian perspective – to God, the Creator of it all and the One to whom ultimate thanks ought to be given.

At its heart, then, gratitude is a practice that is antithetical to much of what currently undergirds our education system and its end goals. Its paradigm is characterised by individualism, instrumentalism and consumerism. It has become overwhelmed by the drive to have graduates that fit immediately into an economy rather than a community. People who are job ready and also prepared to be agile enough as learners to acquire skills and social and emotional capacities to fit into the twenty-first century labour market, where many of the jobs have yet to be invented. These are consumers – preferably ethical ones – who can help grow the global economy through their consumption of goods and services. At the same time, these consumers, driven by competition, have been forced to turn to individualism, with its mantra of self-actualisation. The risk is they are defined by a number, their ATAR score, HSC bands and their School’s appearance at the right spot in newspaper HSC league tables. As such, education has become less about the love of learning and more about instrumentalism: how can this school experience be used as an instrument to get me (or my child) where I want to be in life?

The beauty of gratitude is that it reorients us. It demands we get our perspective right. It fixes our myopia and colour-blindness to life and education and pushes us to see the vividness and grandeur of life and, from a Christian perspective, of God. That is why the Christian Scriptures are infused with poems and reflections and exhortations to gratitude for all that God is and all that He has in the world and for humanity in Christ. It is what motivates the Psalmist in Psalm 100:

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Gratitude begins with looking outside ourselves. From a Christian perspective, it begins with looking up to God and His goodness. It is by His grace we are able to enjoy anything of life’s wonders and joys. It is by His goodness, His grace, in Christ to us that we can rightly, truly, deeply connect with God and with each other as a community, not merely in some sclerotic way as an economy. It is by His grace to us in the world and, especially in Christ, that He calls us, in gratitude, to give back and to ‘take action that serves others’.

Reverend Dr Jason Hobba Director of Christian Community

School Chaplain

A Continuing Commitment to Leadership

Aredith Janarth

School Captain 2023

Aredith was in Kindy when he first attended a Schools Expo with his family. At The King’s School stand, a staff member gave Aredith a King’s cricket ball as a gift. He played with that ball for years. “Cricket was my life,” he recalls and he will never forget the first time he saw the picturesque JS White Oval. Today, though cricket remains a large part of his life, our 2023 School Captain’s interests and passions have broadened as his years at King’s have progressed.

Commencing in Year 5 at the Preparatory School, Aredith was an observant and reserved student. The exception was on the cricket and football fields, where he transformed into a determined and skilful young child, eager to make the 1st XI in both sports.

Although quiet by disposition, from an early age, Aredith possessed leadership qualities his parents, peers and teachers recognised in him.

“Coming from the Prep School, I was lucky to start Year 7 at King’s with strong friendships that have continued throughout Senior School. Yet, when I received an email to apply for the Student Representative Council (SRC), I was unsure whether I could represent my whole year group.”

Despite his reservations, with gentle encouragement from family and friends, Aredith applied and became a member of the SRC. He has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the SRC and was a member for five years. In Year 11, he was appointed SRC President.

“The SRC gave me a platform to develop and exercise my leadership skills and make a positive contribution to the school. As a leader, I have encouraged a collaborative environment where we all work together to achieve our shared goals. I was determined to take action and make a difference during my time as SRC President.”

In 2022, under Aredith’s leadership, the SRC raised more than $17,000 for charity through the Push-Up Challenge, a mental health initiative. “We developed an idea to integrate the Push-Up Challenge into an inter-house and inter-departmental competition to motivate the boys and teachers to participate and raise awareness for mental health. The event was a tremendous success and achieved a record number of King’s participants, placing us second out of all schools in Australia.” As part of the SRC, Aredith was also instrumental in bringing back the ‘toasties’ at the King’s Cafe, a popular request from the student body.

Reminiscing about his early days at King’s, Aredith believes his job as a leader is to ensure all boys, from Years 7 to 12, have a chance to share their ideas.

“It is important to listen and involve the younger boys. As SRC President, my focus was on initiating a collaborative environment by creating breakaway groups during meetings that included boys from a range of year

groups. Younger boys have the confidence to speak in smaller group settings and we benefited from hearing and implementing their ideas. As the newest students at the Senior School, it is important to hear their fresh perspectives.”

Kingsmen know they cannot be good leaders without seeking guidance and support from their leaders. Robert (2022 School Captain) wisely told him: “King’s is a great school. It has been a great school for 191 years and your job is to continue The King’s School legacy during your tenure.”

Aredith undertakes the leadership journey with his Executive Monitor Team comprising Angus Wruck (Vice Captain), Chris Woo (Executive Academics), Fraser Wait (Executive Character), Fergus Fergusson (Executive Community) and Kaylen La Brooy (Chaplaincy). They will endeavour to create a spirit of inclusivity by encouraging collaboration across all year groups.

He hopes to be a hands-on leader, actively involved across all portfolios.

“As one of our first initiatives, we are implementing a Monitor’s newsletter to improve communication between the leaders and the student body. It will be a combination of providing updates on the progress we are making and sharing practical information with our younger peers, such as tips for preparing for exams.”

Aredith believes leadership qualities include being a good listener, having strong communication skills, the ability to motivate others, upholding integrity and the willingness to take on responsibility.

While leadership is a passion, Aredith remains a dedicated sportsman and represents The King’s School in the 1st XI in both Cricket and Football. Both the Masters in Charge (MIC) of Football and Cricket speak highly of Aredith and his contribution to sport at King’s.

Peter Denyer says Aredith is a quiet and unassuming player who lets his performances do the talking during Football training sessions and matches. “Off the field, he is a consummate professional with his polite, calm manner and punctuality. Whether he knows it or not, Aredith has become a role model for many of our younger players to follow.”

MIC of Cricket, Rod Hokin, says the King’s Cricket community was delighted to see Aredith appointed School Captain. “The Cricket program at the school focuses on developing the character and leadership qualities of all players across our teams. It is fantastic to see Aredith and so many of our cricketers part of the Monitor team, in House leadership positions and on the Student Representative Council.” Rod acknowledges cricket is a challenging and strategic game. “We know it nurtures the character of our players both on and off the field.”

Embodying that notion, Aredith wants to ignite a spirit of inclusivity across the entire School. “For me, leadership is about putting others before yourself and leading for the benefit of others. I hope to be remembered as a School Captain who created a positive, lasting impact through acts of great kindness, resilience and service,” he says.

A Global Education

For 190 years, The King’s School has been committed to equipping young men of character with a well-rounded education so they could go on to make a positive impact for the good of society. It is through this commitment that Kingsmen become Global Thought Leaders who are positive contributors to our world.

Global Thought Leaders must be connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility for the greater good of society. To be a School that shapes such leaders involves a commitment to providing rich and unique opportunities.

For 15 years, The Preparatory School has been one of a small selection of NSW schools to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Four years ago, Tudor House followed suit, gaining its PYP accreditation which perfectly complements the learning adventure that is Tudor House.

Now all three campuses hold a position on the global education map, with the Senior School approved to commence the authorisation process to become an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) School.

The IBDP approach to learning and teaching allows students to develop transferable, lifelong skills and attributes such as critical thinking, international mindedness, creativity, agency, and resilience. The Primary Years Programme focuses on inquiry-based learning to challenge and engage students to be lifelong learners.

Global Thought Leadership at King’s is based on the values of collaboration, compassion and empathy. Becoming an International Baccalaureate (IB) registered School is another opportunity to reinforce these values within the School community.

Around the world, leading corporations are searching for prospective leaders with a keen sense of global awareness. To be globally aware is to have a deep and broad perspective on economics, the environment, human rights and political structures. The internationally minded student of today will lead the world of tomorrow.

What will the King’s education look like with the inclusion of the IBDP? The School is aware of and embraces the diversity of its cohorts, which is why offering multiple pathways for students is a strong strategic commitment by the School. Becoming an IB-accredited school gives students three pathways towards graduation. From 2025, Year 11 and Year 12 students will have the option of following one of three pathways including Industry Pathway (VET), National/State University Pathway (HSC), or Global University Pathway (IBDP). Multiple pathways will ensure all Kingsmen, regardless of interests and abilities, will leave school with relevant and valuable credentials to secure future study and career opportunities.

The IBDP has a diverse and rigorous pattern of study that provides an excellent foundation for higher education on a global scale. The HSC pathway at King’s will continue to have a broad offering of subject choices to meet vast skills and interests and provide national university opportunities for King’s graduates. The Industry Pathway allows students to graduate with industry credentials that can be achieved alongside an ATAR.

The School will continue to work collaboratively with students and families to ensure boys select suitable pathways to support every individual in achieving the best outcome.

The King’s global approach to education is about far more than just a student’s end results. It is about embedding universal values in the minds and hearts of all Kingsmen so they can contribute positively and meaningfully to the future world.

The King’s global approach to education is about far more than just a student’s end results. It is about embedding universal values in the minds and hearts of all Kingsmen so they can contribute positively and meaningfully to the future world.

Jackie Camilleri, Deputy Head of Academics, Senior School

King’s Take to the World Stage for the Prestigious Henley Regatta

A schoolboy rowing crew does not wake up one morning and decide they want to compete in a world-class rowing event. Competing on the world stage takes years of physical training and mental preparation, and a desire to be the best that is not imposed on them by coaches and trainers, but is determined by the students themselves.

In 2018, The King’s School Rowing program underwent a transformation, driven by the boy’s attitudes. In the closed environment of the iconic King’s rowing shed, the boys and their mentors set a goal to compete in the best competition they could find and to test themselves. It was a culture shift.

According to Master in Charge (MIC) of Rowing Mr Robbie Williams, nothing compares to the Henley Regatta, and for a schoolboy, it is the ultimate experience.

As an Old Boy and MIC of Rowing, he has shared his experiences and nurtured the program to allow the boys to find the right balance in both mindset and physical ability to achieve global recognition. “The biggest thing we give the boys is the notion that they control their destiny. No one tells them what they should do. Our job is to support them with goal setting and what is important to focus on,” says Robbie.

From Year 8, training is focused on driving a passion for the sport and a desire to be active and challenged. From Year 10, a mature competitive mindset is cultivated. Rowers are encouraged not to focus on the outcome, but rather on the training and preparation necessary to be a competitive crew.

Director of Rowing and Head Coach Mr Julian Huxley is also a King’s Old Boy, having rowed for the School as well as making an impact on the rugby field. Julian graduated in 1997 and celebrated a successful rugby career playing for the Wallabies and in the Super Rugby Competition for ten years. With an immense knowledge of sport, both as a competitor and coach, Julian has developed a rigorous yet achievable training program that allows the boys to balance their commitment to rowing with academic and other co-curricular responsibilities.

“The boys have five training sessions a week, three during the week and two on Saturday, with gym sessions incorporated in addition to that. We have organised our sessions so the boys can stay at the boatshed and do an afternoon session followed by a morning session, which helps them to juggle their academic commitments,” says Julian.

With a solid training schedule and positive mentorship embedded in the rowing program, King’s rowing crews began to make an impact at AAGPS competitions, winning the Major Rennie Trophy at Head of the River in 2021 and 2022. Then the announcement followed in early 2022 that the 1st VIII and a supplementary crew of four additional rowers who competed as a quad were off to the Henley Regatta.

“King’s has an incredible community and this motivates our boys in so many ways. The 1sts have been a crew since 2019, so mateship is well established both within the

crew itself and in the family and friends that surround them,” says Robbie.

While the boys’ hard work had earned them a spot in the globally elite competition, they would not have been able to travel to London without the dedication and support of their families and loved ones. In five weeks, parents raised $67, 500 through BBQs on the JS White Oval every Saturday, auctions at various sporting events at the School, raffles and more.

“At Henley 45 family members including parents, sisters, brothers and grandparents joined the Headmaster and Reverend Stephen Edwards to cheer on our boys, showing the world how passionate and proud the King’s community is. Many of the English crews had big crowds, but because of our support network we didn’t feel out of place,” says Robbie.

With many King’s students setting their sights on top International Universities, Henley provided the opportunity for The King’s School to be recognised on a global scale. Alongside the privilege of competing at Henley, the boys had the opportunity to engage in discussions with Head Rowing Coaches from world-class institutions including Harvard, Brown and Yale.

The co-curricular programs at the School are designed to develop a boy’s character, challenge him, teach goal setting and perseverance, and ultimately develop well-rounded people who will make positive contributions to the world.

Julian says, “it is a challenge to fit rowing commitments into school life, but life is about learning to juggle. When you graduate from school, you need to have

the skills and experience to balance several responsibilities at the one time.”

The delicate balancing act entrenched in the life of a King’s boy, is how they are shaped to become men who are ready to take on life’s challenges beyond the school gates, beyond their homes and even beyond the national borders. It is not just about success in the boat, on the field or in the classroom; learning to multi-task and juggle commitments is what shapes students’ success in the future.

Flood Relief

In November 2022, 60 students and staff headed west to provide assistance to those affected by the devastating floods. They travelled with a refrigerated truck carrying around 1,800 meals donated by Chartwells and King’s families.

The boys worked alongside BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia who have been affected by natural disasters.

The relief party helped to rebuild fences and other structures on the properties damaged or destroyed. In the town of Cowra, the King’s team set up a mobile cooking unit, providing freshly cooked meals daily.

During the trip the boys heard firsthand from members of the King’s community about the effects of flooding and natural disasters on rural regions.

Back home, the School community continued to provide support where possible, with many families, staff and Old Boys donating much-needed funds to support the incredible work of BlazeAid.

The initiative was a wonderful example of The King’s School commitment to educating young men of great character, integrity and compassion who make positive contributions for the good of society.

Making a Difference Through Service Learning

It can be overwhelming to know where and how to make a difference in a world where problems are far-reaching and multifaceted.

The King’s School recognises that to equip students with the tools they require to make an outstanding impact on society, education must happen through authentic and tangible service learning experiences.

A Service Learning program was developed under the leadership of Mrs Astrid Sampson to provide genuine ways to promote and instil School Values in students. Astrid has been a teacher at King’s for 12 years and has enjoyed leadership roles including Mentor, Year Coordinator and Housemaster of Wickham. In 2022 she was appointed Director of Service Learning, with the intent to create a meaningful service learning program that will expand across all three campuses of The King’s School.

“We aim to have our students learn through action and develop young people of integrity, respect, responsibility and compassion. We have established long-term relationships with trusted partners through which we provide genuine, age-appropriate learning opportunities that benefit our students and recipients,” says Astrid.

So far, the School has engaged in local service opportunities that are real and in immediate reach. Students are becoming aware of the local issues and develop a sense of accomplishment and an attitude of service.

“All of our service learning opportunities aspire to build a habit of service in our students. We want our students to understand world issues, develop empathy

and break down any misconceptions. We hope to challenge, educate and equip our students to take these habits with them to the world stage,” she adds.

The School seeks to secure long-term partnerships that enable engagement in various projects now and into the future. Current partners include Anglicare, Dignity, Rough Edge, St Vincent de Paul and The Exodus Foundation. The scope of service learning expands across stages, with experiences appropriate to each year level.

“We do not assume that we know how we can be effective. We want our involvement to be a learning experience for the students, but we also want to make valuable contributions to the organisations with which we work. With this in mind, we are led by our partners to determine how we might be of service to them,” says Astrid.

At the Senior School in 2022, the program predominately involved Year 8 and Year 10 boys, with Year 12 Service Learning Monitors appointed to support various programs.

In Year 8, the boys worked closely with St Vincent De Paul by preparing more than 400 lunch packs one Thursday afternoon every month. The lunches were distributed to underprivileged primary school students

within a 10-kilometre radius of the North Parramatta campus.

Year 10 students prepared meals for Vinnies and Dignity by cooking around 190 hearty dinners every month. Not only did they provide a valuable service to the community, but they also learned basic cooking skills. Alongside this, every month five boys in Year 10 had the opportunity to work on the Vinnies Night Patrol Van that distributes food to those in the Mt Druitt and Parramatta areas who are experiencing homelessness.

“Opening the students’ eyes to real and confronting issues is an important part of Service Learning. Later in the year, Year 10 boys also participated in a Rough Edges urban walk through the streets of Darlinghurst and King’s Cross, where they witnessed homelessness and the complications of living on the street,” Astrid says.

This experience culminated in the Boys to Men Program, where students participated in work placement with the organisations where they learned about the operational side of charities and how they can make a difference to the lives of others.

In August, the School hosted the King’s Big Sleepout with 110 students participating. This initiative gave the boys a taster of what

it’s like to live on the streets for one evening. The students built their own shelters for the night out of cardboard, with plenty of opportunity for the boys to be challenged to think deeply about the issues of homelessness, breakdown misconceptions and experience what it is physically like to sleep rough.

“After a rough night and clean-up, the boys were tired but went home mindful of others who have had to battle different challenges in life. They were grateful they could return to a home and comfy bed,” says Astrid.

The Service Learning program has also found ways to branch out into the curriculum through a long-term project with Anglicare. Students in Visual arts, Tech Club, VET Construction and Agriculture, as well as students from the Prep School are designing and creating a sensory garden for a Foster Care Centre in Sydney. The project should be completed by the end of Term 1 2023, with plans to continue the upkeep and maintenance of the garden into the future.

In 2023 the program will expand to Year 7 and Year 9. Year 7 will be supporting the work of Dignity and will commence a new partnership with Hope in a Suitcase, an organisation that supports children in foster care. These initiatives will require students to not only provide a service but also to reflect on the needs of those less fortunate.

Year 9 will serve at Karonga School, a state school that cares for students with special needs. All students at Karonga have an intellectual disability, with many having additional disabilities and health care needs. Year 9 students will serve at Koranga and will be involved in activities such as water, art and music therapy and help with literacy support.

“We have hit the ground running and are so proud of all we have achieved last year. The program would not be running without the King’s community, especially the staff who have been extraordinary in giving so much of their own time and energy,” says Astrid.

We aim to have our students learn through action and develop young men and women of integrity, respect, responsibility and compassion.

King’s Big Sleepout

Being a Gentleman is a Matter of Choice

When 2022 School Captain Robert Napoli addressed his peers at a special International Women’s Day (IWD) assembly in April, he shared a simple yet powerful quote to the auditorium of boys:

Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. Being a gentleman is a matter of choice.

Robert told his peers that each year the School can gather to talk about International Women’s Day, but actions speak louder than words.

“International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating the wonderful women in our community. It is also a time for us to reflect on our actions and whether we have truly shown respect towards women. Every day of the year we should think about how we can become a better gentleman for the benefit of others,” says Robert.

The assembly was an opportunity for the boys to come together to celebrate the women of the King’s community. Joining Robert on stage were three women who have made significant contributions through their work at the School.

When Dr Jen George joined the King’s community in 2017, she became a driving force for finding ways that the fortunate women of King’s could support the less fortunate women of the world.

“So many women around the world continue to suffer at the hands of severe inequality and discrimination. King’s Women’s Network (KWN) is about refocusing our good fortune as women of the King’s community through supporting charities like Mahboba’s Promise, which sponsor orphans and widows from Afghanistan,” says Jen.

She acknowledges that historically the School has been guilty of patriarchy. Fast-forward to 2022, and many women are working across the organisation in key executive and leadership roles, including the first female Chair of Council.

Registrar Mrs Jo Grinham spoke about her role and how she contributes to shaping a positive community bonded through celebration and respect for one another.

“King’s is not just a school, we are an extension of your family. It takes a village to raise a boy, and we are all part of your village,” says Jo.

Jo also acknowledged the wonderful way the King’s community celebrates together, which is a testament to the respect and humility shown amongst students, staff and families.

Director of People and Culture Ms Katrina Boulton recognises she plays an integral role in creating a respectful culture. Her role is to recruit and nurture like-minded staff who embody the School Values to benefit the whole community.

“I believe staff play an integral role in creating the right culture, so our students know what it means to have and show respect for others,” says Katrina.

The People and Culture team are focused on nurturing a culture of respect. Katrina believes the School is continuing to work hard to grow a respectful community, and the celebration of International Women’s Day is just one example of this commitment.

To be a Kingsman is to have Humility, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence and Gratitude. These School values are embedded in every experience through a boy’s journey at King’s. These values are not just based on a Christian way of thinking. They inspire young men to have a Christian way of living and to simply be gentlemen.

International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating the wonderful women in our community. It is also a time for us to reflect on our actions and whether we have truly shown respect towards women. Every day of the year we should think about how we can become a better gentleman for the benefit of others.

ROBERT NAPOLI, SCHOOL CAPTAIN 2022

Tudor House 2022 Highlights

Learning is an adventure, life is an adventure, and Tudor is the ultimate school adventure. Since its inception, Tudor House has proudly built its educational philosophy on the development of character through challenge and adventure. Now, 125 years on, we are still beating the same drum.

In 2022, Tudor House had a record enrolment of 262 students, including more than 100 girls. Yet despite its transition to a co-educational school just six years ago, the School remains resolute in its approach to primary education. Caring for the whole child and providing experiences that help them to develop physically, emotionally, spiritually, academically and socially remains foundational. With a growing school comes new opportunities, new staff and new ideas. This year the Tudor 12-Hour Mountain Bike Challenge, Basketball, Netball, Biathlon (laser shooting and cross-country skiing) and a plethora of new co-curricular activities were all added to the Tudor House menu.

‘Good Learners and Good People’ and ‘Lend a Helping Hand’ were two of our termly mantras this year, and we hold fast to an approach that allows children to develop as learners in various domains, while simultaneously living out the School Values and those of the IB Learner Profile. It has taken 125 years of iteration, refining and reflection, but this approach produces happy, whole and well-adjusted children who are ready for the world.

The articles that follow bear witness to our uniquely Tudor approach and the adventure our students call ‘school’.

Mr Adam Larby

Head of The King’s School, Tudor House

The first Tudor House PYP Exhibition Humanity’s greatest challenge

The PYP Exhibition is a culminating event in the journey through the PYP curriculum and this year Tudor House experienced the very first PYP Exhibition. In 2020, Tudor House became the only authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) School in the Southern Highlands. The exhibition is one of the final experiences of the IB Primary Years Programme, done in the final semester of Year 6. As part of the exhibition, students are encouraged to explore and document their understanding of important topics and learn from each other.

The exhibition supports students to engage in a collaborative form of learning and inquiry, show autonomy and agency with regards to their learning, and demonstrate they have learned, and can enact the key qualities of, the IB Learner Profile.

Year 6 students embarked on an inquiry into, ‘Sharing the Planet’. Their central idea was ‘Peace and Conflict Shapes Society’. Through a conceptual lens, students focused on responsibility, perspective and connection across their inquiries to build their knowledge and understanding. The students formed their own lines of inquiry, according to their area of interest. It was student-initiated, designed and collaborative.

The students produced a magazine containing their written expression pieces, outlining their reason for their inquiry. They created audio guides to explain their processes behind their Art For Impact and they put on display their final product –a creative and informative piece of art.

Racism, human rights, corrupt governments, animal poaching, the Olympics, equality and slavery were just some of the global issues the students investigated. Their research culminated in outstanding responses to their learning. The Art for Impact displays were just that – moving, provocative and engaging. Students demonstrated their preparedness to contemplate complex topics, analyse information, make connections and decide on an area for which they can take action. The boys and girls employed their voice, choice and ownership and showed their community they are ready for the next chapter and to make a positive contribution to their society as lifelong learners.

Thrills and spills at Billy Cart Derby Day

The 2022 Billy Cart Derby tested the concentration and determination of the students, and the persistence and patience of the parents and spectators, in the wet, windy and bitterly cold conditions of Saturday 3 September.

Thrills and spills were the themes of the day, with some spectacular hay bale bumpers and sensational skids off the track in the downhill event. The children (and parents) really stepped up, with some beautifully engineered Formula One-inspired carts built to break records in speed.

A local Highway Patrol Police Officer helped clock the downhill speeds this year. Fortunately, no children exceeded the speed limit, and no arrests were made.

Year 6 Challenging Change Day

As Year 6 students entered their final few months in primary school, Tudor House played host to Year 6 students from The King’s School, Preparatory School and Tara Anglican School for Girls. The day comprised many opportunities for students to engage in challenging situations. These included forging new friendships, as well as learning to work together collaboratively, solve problems, be empathetic and trust others. Not even the wind and rain could dampen the spirits of the students who were also reminded of the importance of having fun together with their mates (both new and old) – in the mud!

French Immersion Day

Each year, the staff and students at Tudor House dress up for a very special day celebrating French history, language and culture.

The day began with the raising of the French flag and salutations in French and was followed by a day full of French-themed activities. Parents with French heritage spoke to the students about their childhood and life in France and migration to Australia. The boys and girls participated in the Tour De Tudor traditional French games and activities and were treated to a smorgasbord of French cuisine throughout the day.

Billy Cart Derby Day

One hundred girls at Tudor House

After 120 years of educating boys, the shift to co-education at Tudor House in 2017 was a significant milestone for the School. In May 2022, five years after the first female student enrolled, Tudor House celebrated another momentous milestone with the 100th current girl enrolment.

The Tudor community celebrated this special occasion by sharing a custom cake in the shape of the iconic red bobby hat worn by Tudor girls. Having boys and girls learning alongside each other has been beneficial for all students, making the School community a more diverse and interesting place to be.

Sport at Tudor

Sport is an important part of the co-curricular program at Tudor House. The variety of sports on offer allows the students to explore different skills

The Tudor House Snowsports team competed in the 2022 Subaru Northern NSW & QLD Interschools Snowsports Championships. The students achieved some great results, with the first-ever Tudor House girl, Pip Flitcroft, placing 1st in Division 4 Ski Cross.

One hundred girls at Tudor House

2022 Subaru Northern NSW & QLD Interschools Snowsports Championships

Five-star review for Aladdin Jr

In August, Year 6 students performed three show-stopping performances of Aladdin Jr for the annual Tudor House musical.

The shows were full of colour, energy, laughs and happy children. They produced a show worthy of a five-star review and the hours of hard work and dedication were evident to everyone who came along to support the boys and girls.

It takes a village

It has been said it takes a village to raise a child. At Tudor House, we believe there is immense value in partnering with families to develop young people of great character. In September 2022, Tudor hosted two Grandparents’ Day events for students to connect, share and celebrate with their grandparents.

Classes and choirs performed musical items in the War Memorial Hall before students showed their special visitors around the various learning spaces.

After a shared morning tea, many grandparents accompanied their grandchildren to the book fair in the library and enjoyed reading a story together. The School received more than 100 book donations for the Library, which were generously gifted by the children’s grandparents.

It has been said it takes a village to raise a child. At Tudor House, we believe there is immense value in partnering with families to develop young people of great character.

Aladdin Jr

125 Years of Tudor House

In October 1897, Headmaster Wilfred Inman established a school with just six students in the Erowol estate in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. It is believed Eric Lloyd was the first student enrolled at the School. After a short stint at Bellevue Hill, Inman moved the School to Carrara, now Strickland House, in Vaucluse. He set out moulding his students’ character on the beautiful shores of Hermit Bay.

On 2 December 1901, Mr Inman took possession of Hamilton, Moss Vale. The School was moved by horse and carriage, opening its gates on 29 January 1902 under the name Tudor House.

In 1924, Tudor House was under threat of closing after recently appointed Headmaster AJ Mann decided to return to England. The Diocese of Sydney acquired the property, the School Council took control and a new era began.

Around this time, a generous donation was made by Ernest Watt. This was a turning point for Tudor House. A few years later, Mr Watt came to the rescue again, establishing an appeal to keep the School afloat. It was during this era Tudor House enjoyed upgrades, including a fenced-in cricket oval with sheds and a scoreboard and domestic staff quarters. In 1926, the School bought its first motor vehicle. Awards for colours in sports were instituted, with the striped blazer becoming the honour blazer. To this day, versions of these blazers are used on special occasions.

By 1929, the School began to feel the effects of the economic depression. Fees were reduced, but numbers continued to drop. Many of the council members returned to Sydney believing they would be winding up the School’s affairs. Instead, an appeal was established and the Rector of Mittagong, Reverend Brown, helped in an acting Headmaster capacity until Mr JDG Medley was appointed Headmaster, sacrificing a paid salary for the first six months.

Numbers improved significantly during Medley’s time and by 1934, the School was at capacity. Mrs Medley also contributed to the School in many ways, from housekeeping to secretarial work and running the canteen.

The years from 1932 to 1935 were exciting times. During this era, the boys participated in archery, yabbying, golfing, riding and carpentry. Students still enjoy many of these activities. At the same time, the Scout Troop and Cub Pack were established, Tudor House Stage Productions was set up, a school workshop for woodwork and leatherwork was created and the boarding house was extended.

In January 1942, The King’s School Headmaster Denys Hake led a successful acquisition of Tudor House. Walter Jerry Meyer, a former King’s teacher, was appointed Headmaster of Tudor House when The King’s School became custodians and he faithfully served through the challenges of World War II until his death in 1950.

In Tudor House legend, no one stands taller than Edward Lincoln Dixon. Over 35 years, 20 of those as Headmaster (1950-1970), the School was his labour of love. Dixon was an outstanding educator, firm but compassionate and highly regarded by his colleagues and students.

To commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Tudorians planted 40 gum trees around the Fairfax Oval, participated in bicycle sports (in true Tudor House style) and enjoyed a high tea. When the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited Canberra on 16 February 1954, the entire School along with thousands of other school children from all over southern New South Wales, gathered to cheer the royal couple. The carpet used by the Queen during this visit is laid in the Chapel.

In 1970, the torch was passed from Dixon to Robert ‘Bob’ Darke and, much like his predecessor, Darke was a passionate sportsman and respected Headmaster who fostered a secure and orderly community. Throughout the history of Tudor House, many teachers contributed positively to the boys’ Tudor experience, both inside and outside the classroom. Amid change, adversity and challenges, Tudor House never lost its identity.

In 1977, through a building appeal established three years earlier, Tudor House underwent major building upgrades, including a new library, music room, tuckshop and linen store.

Bob Darke’s son-in-law Phillip Richards was appointed as his successor in 1986 and left a tangible legacy known as the Warren Anderson classroom block. Against all odds, including a stock market crash, Richards delivered an impassioned speech that appealed to a generous donor, Warren Anderson. According to Richards, the building works were pretty minor. The project was completed in mid-1988 and provided ten new classrooms, which are still in use. Richards was most proud of the fact the Senior Masters who worked under him all went on to be Heads of their own Schools. It was also under his leadership the Society of Tudorians began, as did the quarterly newsletter known as The Rose.

By the 1980s, roads were sealed and school bus services were operating. The education landscape was changing with improved regional state schools and rural families had more options for primary-aged children. By the early 1990s, Tudor House was facing a crisis. The attitude toward primary school boarding had shifted across the country and enrolments suffered. A management advisory committee was established to get the numbers right, and the focus turned to day boy enrolments.

Since the Tudor House centenary in 1997, Headmasters Alan Russell, John Stewart and David Musgrove worked tirelessly to keep the Tudor spirit alive, fan the flame for primary boarding and capture the hearts and minds of young boys. Alan Russell was Headmaster of Tudor House from 1995 to 2008. While Russell was Headmaster, major works took place at the School. In 1999 the Medley extension commenced and was

finished in 2000, followed by the Richards Music and Drama extension. In 2003, the Lower School classrooms were built. This project added four additional classrooms and several storage and office facilities.

John Stewart became Headmaster in 2008 and served the School until 2013. The most significant change during those years was the relocation of Meyer, the second boarding house to the north of the tennis courts. This became a welcome option for boarding families to stay onsite if they wished to visit their sons. The Learning Centre was built to replace Meyer. The building included a larger, purpose-built library, lecture room, staffroom and office space. David Musgrove became Headmaster in 2014 and in 2016, the first female Head of School, Anni Sandwell, was appointed.

It can be argued the most significant time in the history of The King’s School, Tudor House was six years ago when Tudor House became a co-educational primary boarding school. Co-education at Tudor House had been floated in the early 1990s by Phillip Richards. But it was not until 2017, under the leadership of Headmaster Tony George and Head of Tudor House Anni Sandwell, that the change to co-education eventuated.

In its 125th year, Tudor House has 262 students, including 102 girls. Medley House has 50 boarders including 15 girls and some international boarders. To celebrate this significant milestone, the School hosted a celebratory weekend in October for Old Tudorians, previous Headmasters and teachers and the School community.

The weekend kicked off with an Old Tudorian dinner in the iconic Dining Hall on Friday evening. It was a night of sharing memories, celebrating the survival of the School and discussing future plans. On Saturday evening, the current School community gathered for an unforgettable night that concluded with a fireworks display in front of Inman House. On Sunday, every corner of the 169acre campus came alive for a special Fête Day, from the Archery Range to the Low Ropes Course and canoeing on the lake. There were outstanding musical performances by the students and the long history of the School was honoured with a Tudor History Trail and Archive Photo exhibition.

While many things have changed in 125 years, the emphasis on community, co-curricular activities and exploring the great outdoors remains the foundation of the Tudor House experience. At every crossroad, there was a member of the Tudor House community who was willing to fight for its survival. Heads of School, educators, Tudorians and families have believed in Tudor House as a unique place of education – a captivating experience where outdoor education is its heart and soul, young students blossom and memories of a lifetime are made.

The King’s School, Tudor House – where learning has been an adventure for 125 years.

The Preparatory School 2022 Highlights

Learning at the Preparatory School is not a passive exercise. Boys learn best when they are actively involved in exploration. Immersive opportunities crafted within active learning experiences allow them to question, explore, collaborate, test ideas, find solutions, experience failure, learn persistence and make their own connections.

We believe our boys respond well to authentic learning experiences that are connected to their world. Often, they do not realise that through their experiences, they are demonstrating practical implementation of Mathematics, Science and other learning disciplines. Experiential learning can also be important for allowing children to encounter failure or learn how to overcome setbacks and challenges. They feel personally rewarded when they succeed through their own experimentation and persistence.

Importantly, experiential learning is collaborative and enables children to discuss strategies, listen to other ideas and work through problems rather than following a set formula to arrive at an answer. Often experiential learning spawns more questions and wonderings. These become the seeds for further personal inquiry.

Most importantly, learning at Prep is holistic, centred on real-world experiences and fun, as the following snippets from life at the Prep School will attest.

Mr Peter Allison Head of the Preparatory School

Year 6 boys take action for a positive change

The inaugural Global Issues Symposium was hosted by Year 6 students at the Preparatory School. As part of the PYP Exhibition, Year 6 students discussed and offered solutions to real-world problems. This student-led symposium allowed the boys to present both knowledge and hope to the School community.

Year 6 identified 27 issues of global significance. The boys’ interests ranged from endangered species to food security, from sustainable farming to artificial intelligence. They worked in groups to conduct in-depth research, interview primary sources, and take action for positive change.

At the symposium, each group presented findings and fielded questions from the audience. During the closing ceremony, Year 6 joined as one group to perform This is our Home, a rousing choral work composed by the students in collaboration with Sam Weiss, a professional composer.

Following the event, the symposium reached a global audience. A website was shared with IB schools around the world. Students from multiple countries viewed the boys’ presentations and left constructive feedback.

Year 6 students have shown themselves to be inquisitive, passionate young men. They understand global issues and are determined to make a positive impact on the world.

Year 6 choir

Year 6 choir performs at International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference in Singapore

A 2022 highlight for the Prep School was the Year 6 performance at the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference in Singapore. The boys delivered a choral performance showcased by video for hundreds of teachers and educational leaders from IB World Schools across the globe. The boys sang Ngailu: The boys in the stars, composed by Dan Walker, a song that was embedded in the ‘How the world works’ inquiry into the solar system.

High tea at Kingsbridge

Pre-Kindergarten students welcomed their parents to Kingsbridge for the annual Biggest Morning Tea. Dressed for a high tea and looking incredibly dapper, the boys performed a rendition of ‘I’m a Little Teapot’ amongst other songs, before serving an array of treats and tea to their loved ones, all while raising awareness of Cancer Council NSW.

The first class of Kingsbridge graduates from the Prep School

When Kingsbridge opened its gates in 2015, it gave 18 boys the opportunity to begin their King’s experience from the earlier age of 4, immersing themselves in the School’s culture and embracing all of the Pre-Kindergarten experiences that nurture little minds and bodies in preparation for the primary years.

“For the past eight years, Pre-Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Anna-Claire Coore, has been at the Kingsbridge gates welcoming the boys each morning with a smiling face as they said goodbye to mum and dad before starting their busy day of learning and play. Anna-Claire has been an integral part of Kingsbridge from the very first day,” says Belinda Baxter, Deputy Head – Students & Community.

In 2022 the first class of Pre-K boys and Anna-Claire said their farewells to The King’s School, Preparatory School, with the boys setting their sights on Senior School and Anna-Claire retiring.

The boys, along with Anna-Claire, and Pre-Kindergarten Teacher’s Assistant Mrs Erin Strawbridge, recreated the photo taken with the first Pre-Kindergarten class in 2015. While the boys are much taller, wiser and ready for their next challenge, we can still see the same happy faces and the mateship is as strong as it was seven years ago.

Pre-Kindergarten 2015

The first class of Kingsbridge graduates from the Prep School

Adventure is the key to a King’s education

In 2022, there was a greater focus on aligning the Outdoor Education program with the learning outcomes from the boys’ PYP Units of Inquiry.

Outdoor Education gets more exciting every week at Prep. From learning to build shelters in the bush to cooking damper over the fire pit, the boys are learning life skills as well as participating in a range of physical activities, including the introduction of canoeing to develop their gross motor skills.

Year 3 students created an Indigenous garden filled with bush tucker and native plants as they undertook a geography inquiry. Meanwhile, Year 4 and Year 5 boys learned about the benefits of exercise, balance, coordination and road safety through an outdoor educational bike riding unit. As part of a ‘Who we are’ inquiry into wellbeing, the boys developed sensory awareness, spatial reasoning and visual attention, as well as practising mathematical skills of mapping and measuring time, speed and distance.

For the first time at the Prep School, Year 6 boys participated in a Cadet experience involving a range of Cadet lessons including camouflage and concealment, how to march, physical training and how to prepare and pack. The experience culminated in a camping event on campus where the boys set up camp for the night on the Massie Fields, before heading off on the Lake Parramatta bush walk with their hiking packs.

On Tour with sport

Prep School footballers headed to Central West NSW at the end of Term 3 for a football tour. Practice games against the Senior School 13 As gave the boys a chance to practice playing games with 11 a-side. The tour was extremely successful, with the boys winning three of the four futsal games against Macquarie Anglican Grammar School and convincing wins against Orange Anglican Grammar School (10-2) and Scots All Saints Bathurst (14-1). The tour was well supported by approximately 24 parents and siblings, many of whom had never been to Dubbo. The group enjoyed some time off the field as well, visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the Royal Flying Doctors Base during their stay.

Rugby teams travelled to Armidale to participate in the 16th Annual TAS Rugby Carnival at The Armidale School. The competition included more than 43 schools and club teams from NSW and Queensland, with more than 900 competitors, team coaches and supporters. The boys put in a great effort and displayed fantastic sportsmanship over the five games. The boys and their coaches said the tour was an opportunity to celebrate their strengths and identify areas of focus for the season ahead.

Art for peace

In a Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum, students learn about global contexts to become open to the experiences and perspectives of others. When news unfolded of conflict in Europe the boys realised war impacts human rights.

Year 1 students decided to take action to create a more peaceful world. As Global Thought Leaders, they used artistic skills to communicate compassion. They looked at pictures of children leaving their homes in Ukraine and walking to safety. They realised it would be difficult for these children to play, attend school, have a home and stay warm. They referred to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to understand all children have a right to safety, protection and shelter.

In consultation with teachers at Pechersk International School (PSI - Kyiv), the boys were advised to send messages and stay connected to their global peers. Year 1 created artworks depicting love, care, peace, and safety. The messages were delivered to PSI and shared with primary-aged children in Ukraine.

This inquiry did not explore politics and was not distressing. Rather, the Year 1 boys developed understanding and compassion for children other than themselves.

Prep camp

Prep musicians take to the stage

Music at the Prep School continues to attract a large number of boys. Last year there were more than a dozen Prep ensembles, with almost 300 boys having instrumental lessons each week.

“The Prep School has a strong and longstanding appreciation for music and its influence on both the students’ education and the social environment of the School. From Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6, boys regularly perform for one another,” says Greg Blackman, Deputy Head - Co-Curricular.

Friday Soirees in Horrocks Hall welcome an appreciative audience of parents, staff and boys, and performances are a chance to celebrate the boys’ progress. These concerts include the Prep School Intermediate Band, Concert Band, String Orchestra, Chamber Strings, String Chamber Group, Guitar Group and Chamber Choir, as well as solo performances.

Performances also extend past the School gates, with musicians visiting the ARCARE Nursing Home for short concerts warmly received by the residents.

Thanking our loved ones

Year 1 celebrated their mothers and the special women in their lives with a Mother’s Day chapel service and lunch. This event is a long-standing tradition at the Preparatory School and is a special day that is cherished by boys and their mothers, past and present. It is a time for the School to celebrate the bond between mothers and sons and to teach the boys to show gratitude for all their mothers do. In the lead-up to the day, Year 1 boys worked tirelessly to make thoughtful gifts and create the most stunning art pieces for their mothers. They also sang with angelic voices, not leaving a dry eye in the Trophy Room.

Kindergarten was thrilled to have their dads visit for the annual Father & Son Breakfast. The morning started with a Chapel service, followed by breakfast in the Trophy Room. The boys sang ‘I’m a Kingsman’, composed and conducted by Alexander Young in Year 6, ‘Nursery Rhyme Rap’, and ‘I love my Dad’. The traditional gift exchange, led by Mrs Baxter, provided an opportunity for fathers to give their sons a handmade item or a family heirloom to treasure for life. This day will live long in the memories of boys and dads.

Grandparents are treasured at The King’s School. To acknowledge and show appreciation for the ways in which grandparents enrich the boys’ lives, Pre-K to Year 2 brought in their special relatives or friends for a day of connection and celebration. The boys performed a series of their favourite songs before opening the classrooms to share their work with their special guests.

Immersive Indigenous education

Indigenous perspectives are embedded in the Preparatory School curriculum, within every grade and every subject area. They are woven intentionally through Units of Inquiry to give the boys deeper understandings and stronger connections to the oldest living culture on earth.

Throughout the year, a variety of learning experiences unfolded at Prep:

• Year 6 students visited the Tent Embassy in Canberra. They also studied the film Rabbit-proof Fence to consider the struggle for rights by Aboriginal people throughout Australian history.

• Year 5 students learned about the role of the night sky and constellations in Indigenous cultures as part of their inquiry into the Solar System.

• Year 3 students learned to dance from the Gumaraa mob. They learned about kinship, lore and ceremonies that have been passed down via oral storytelling.

• Kindergarten students learned about the deep connection the Dharug people have with the land and water around Parramatta.

• All students regularly sing in Indigenous languages. In Buruwan Elegy by Luke Byrne, they mourn the lives lost at the Appin Massacre. The boys performed this song at the Global IB Conference in Singapore. They shared Torres Strait Islander culture with educators from more than 47 different countries.

“We expect through regular and rich learning experiences, we are teaching our boys the appreciation, respect, integrity and courage they need to be a leader in Australia’s reconciliation journey,” says Shannon O’Dwyer, Deputy Head Academics.

Reconciliation matters to me because it fosters our relationships and grows stronger bonds in society. – Jaiden, 6S

Reconciliation matters to me because we need to remember what has happened in history and make sure we become friends who can forgive each other. – James, 6M

Senior School

2022 Highlights

It is difficult to describe the ‘typical’ King’s Boy.

Our boys reflect the community in which we live, with students coming from many cultural backgrounds. A Kingsman might be a boarder from the country, overseas or the city. He could be a day boy from the local area or busing in from every direction of Sydney. He could try his hand at Rugby, Rowing, Debating, Mooting, Swimming or Cross Country. He can perform on the stage in a theatre production or be part of a band. He can join the Equestrian team, play in the Chess competition, become a member of the Robotics Club or lead his platoon in the parade. The opportunities are boundless.

In every area of the School, one thing we know is our boys have a strong desire to excel and there is always a cast of thousands who rally around to support them. From the teaching staff who continue to show their commitment and support for our boys, to the students who appreciate their mates’ talents and hard work, and never fail to spur on one another.

In 2022, we have been working hard on developing multiple academic pathways to cater for the diverse interests and skills of our students. Our boys may follow the traditional HSC or choose to complete a Vocational and Educational Training (VET) course. In 2022, we became a registered SAT exam centre and by 2025, boys interested in pursuing international studies can opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

One thing we must honour is the way our boys superbly re-established the School spirit which was in hibernation over the previous two years due to COVID. This was especially evident at the Back to King’s event, the final debating night and the memorable AAGPS Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.

The only thing typical about King’s students is they possess a healthy risk appetite to embrace the challenge and adventure that awaits them at School.

Reverend Stephen Edwards Head of Senior School and Deputy Headmaster

Outstanding results for debaters

In 2022, GPS Debating returned to its standard format and the boys were happy to be back in a live debating environment, competing against GPS Schools on a Friday evening. Debating provides an opportunity for the boys to challenge themselves academically, while developing confidence in public speaking. The School celebrated some outstanding results in the 2022 Debating season, with a special mention to the 8A team consisting of Alexander Ball, Tony Jang, Alex Zhuang and Finn McDonald, who were undefeated under the guidance of their coach Old Boy Richard Mills (Class of 2020).

VET courses proving a popular choice

VET courses continue to be a popular choice for students, with subjects such as Construction and Primary Industries growing dramatically in the last few years. With plans for a dedicated Construction learning space at the Senior Campus, the School continues to forge its commitment to preparing young men to take their place in the workforce or go on to further studies.

“Every student learns differently and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning. VET courses not only appeal to the interests and aptitudes of young people, they also reflect the realities of the job market and its shifting demands for skills and training,” says Jackie Camilleri, Deputy Head of Academics at the Senior School.

The School recognises for some students, learning takes place through practical experiences at school or in the workplace. Jackie says, “King’s is starting to be recognised as a leader in Vocational Educational and Training, with course options expanding every year.” 2022 Graduate Sean Graham was recognised for his outstanding achievements in Primary Industries in the 2022 Rotary Youth Vocational Education Awards.

VET courses are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and can count towards a Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC).

King’s becomes an SAT host school

SAT is a standardised test administered by the College Board, mainly taken by students seeking admission to colleges in the United States.

As many more students set their sights on top international universities, the School recognises the importance of the SAT exam for boys looking to study overseas.

In the past, students have had to travel long distances, sometimes interstate, to sit for an SAT exam. They can now do this on-site, with various exam dates available throughout the year.

Swimmers make a splash

King’s is certainly making a splash in the pool, walking away with countless trophies and medals in both the 2022 AAGPS Swimming Championship and the National School Sport Australia Swimming Championships.

At the AAGPS, the boys secured first place in the Intermediate Division (for the third

consecutive year) and the Senior Premiership for only the second time (the first win was 2009). King’s competitors also won the GPS Open Relay Trophy for the second consecutive year, breaking two records this season.

In August, Samson Barisic (Year 12), James Gauci (Year 10), James Napoli (Year 9), Robert Napoli (Year 12) and Christian Toia (Year 11) competed at the National School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Brisbane, adding to the impressive tally of medals. James Gauci won an incredible six gold medals (four individual and two relay), one silver medal and two bronze medals.

Equestrians in Coonabarabran

The King’s School had nine riders compete in the 2022 North West Equestrian Expo in Coonabarabran. As Australia’s largest high school interschool equestrian event, the Northwest Equestrian Expo is also the oldest continually running event of its kind.

Run across five days, more than 100 schools are represented, with up to 600 horses in several disciplines such as dressage, jumping, eventing, team penning and more. The boys

did extremely well, with 43 ribbons, three medals and a trophy won by King’s boys across many disciplines.

Charlie Richardson (Year 11) won the One Day Event and was the Champion Dressage rider and Astronomical Show Jumping Champion. He was awarded the Champion 16-year-old boy rider prize, receiving the highest point score over the five days. Ned Kennedy (Year 9) was Reserve Champion Sporting rider, Champion 15-year-old boy rider of the Expo and won the Horsemanship Perpetual Trophy for the most agile rider in a variety of disciplines. Digby Munro (Year 11) was Reserve Champion Open showjumper and Reserve Champion 16-year-old boy ride.

Our boys reflect the community in which we live, with students coming from many cultural backgrounds.

A Kingsman might be a boarder from the country, overseas or the city.

National School Sport Australia Swimming Championships

Rugby Match for Reconciliation Week

Old Boys Dylan Pietsch (2016) and Jordan Williams (2019) designed the 2022 Indigenous jersey for the 1st XV match with Newington College for the Reconciliation Round on the JS White Oval.

To provide some context for the day, Headmaster Tony George presented the jerseys to the boys before the players and spectators were honoured with a special Welcome to Country delivered by Jordan’s Grandfather, David Williams.

The School has a framed 2022 Indigenous jersey displayed in the CLL, accompanied by a description from the designers about the significance of the design and how it represents the land on which the boys play. A framed jersey was auctioned by the School, with proceeds going towards an Indigenous Scholarship currently being established.

The boys were privileged to wear the jerseys.

First XV Rugby Match for Reconciliation Week

To the beat of the drum

The famous King’s drummers made regular appearances at every major sporting event in 2022. They never fail to elevate the crowds, ensuring the King’s community are the loudest supporters in any grandstand. At the homecoming event, Back to King’s, the drummers led war cries among the entire King’s community including the Old Boy’s Union, Family and Friends Association and current students, staff and families. It was a moment to remember for all in attendance.

Celebrating a return to the stage

After emerging from the pandemic, which restricted performance capabilities in so many ways, The King’s School Music department is back and thriving.

Early in the year, the boys participated in a Concerto Competition. Over the course of four heats, more than 30 boys from the Prep and Senior School competed, performing on violin, piano, cello, flute, clarinet, flugelhorn, French horn, euphonium and tuba. The final concert took place with ten students selected to perform. It was an incredible evening, with each boy performing to an extremely high standard, with a repertoire of music spanning from the 18th century to the present day.

Later in the year, more than 700 people attended the Spring Concert, which showcased the incredible talents and abilities of The King’s School musicians. In total, 220 boys performed in 17 different ensembles. The community was just as excited as the musicians to be back in Futter Hall enjoying live performances.

Old traditions remain strong at The King’s School

In the lead-up to the School’s Bicentennial in 2031, it is important to reflect on the fact King’s holds fast to many inherent traditions that make the School what it is.

The King’s School Cadet Corps is the oldest cadet unit in Australia. In 2022, the School celebrated the 156th Annual Cadet Corps Regimental Passing Out Parade on the JS White Oval. It was a moment of great pride and joy for Year 12 Cadets and their loved ones, signifying the end of their service, while passing on the leadership of the Cadet Corps to the next generation. As one of the School’s longest-standing and most significant traditions, the Passing Out Parade highlights the School’s values of honour, character development and strong leadership in the service of others.

The 2022 Cadet Corps camp, like previous years, was an opportunity for the boys to develop important life skills such as initiative, leadership, resilience and teamwork in a challenging but safe environment. Across the Singleton Military Area and the adjoining Pokolbin State Forest, the boys participated in a range of activities including trekking, abseiling, low-ropes courses, militaryinspired initiatives, survival, problem-solving, leadership and confidence-building activities.

Each year, The King’s School gathers at dawn on 25 April to commemorate the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Led by the School’s Cadet Corps, the community took the opportunity to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the 101 Old Boys.

Back to King’s

The Show Must Go On

The King’s School is celebrated for its rich history as a place of education that offers diverse and specialised experiences for its students. The King’s Theatre is one of the places where these experiences happen. Students are encouraged to extend themselves beyond their imagination to realise their potential.

The past three years have been extraordinary. Although restrictions were easing, and the School had the go-ahead for a 2022 musical production, the saying ‘the show must go on’ had never echoed louder in the corridors at King’s. Mr Michael Terzo has been directing school theatre productions since 1991 and has over ten years’ experience as The King’s School Director of Theatre. Michael says he feels privileged to witness the comradery and sheer resilience of the King’s community.

“A week before opening night, nearly half the cast were forced into COVID isolation. To keep rehearsals going, we had students from King’s and Tara, staff and Old Boys stepping in or playing multiple roles. The pressure everyone was feeling was unbelievable, but we always had someone waiting to step in, which is a true testament to this incredible place,” says Michael.

The final dress rehearsal, where traditionally the boarding community are the first audience to see the production, was the first time there was a full cast and crew, but it was not the final cast to perform School of Rock. Over nine shows there was a total of five different casts, many of whom had only a day to step into their new role. The domino effect of COVID continued to impact integral members of the musical, including the sound engineer, who was replaced on opening night by his apprentice. School of Rock is a musical that relies on the on-stage musicians as much as the performers. So, the stress intensified when the lead guitarist and drummer tested positive for COVID,. “We had a student step in and learn the drumming part in one day. It was at this point it was reaffirmed to me just how brave and resilient our boys are,” says Michael.

“We had Year 11 boys stepping into lead roles, while Year 12 boys championed them, letting them know they had their back. We had staff who were working backstage come down with COVID, and cast members continued to fall ill. When we began to run out of current students who could step into roles, we turned to Old Boys and Tara Old Girls.”

Jack Parsons, a 2021 graduate, was working the front of house when partway through musical week he stepped into a role on stage. Costume designers resized costumes hours before performances, only to amend them again once the original cast members came out of isolation. Year 12 student George Hanmer, who played the lead role, moved into his grandparent’s house to avoid contracting COVID from his parents and siblings.

Performing Arts at The King’s School help students to build confidence, learn to collaborate and communicate effectively and express themselves creatively. There is always an element of pressure and students need to work as a team to overcome problems, but the result gives all involved a great deal of satisfaction.

School of Rock will go down in King’s history as one of those moments when community resilience and perseverance truly came together.

Celebrating the Class of 2022

The class comprises 243 future Global Thought Leaders, proud to be Kingsmen, and ready to make a positive contribution to the world.

Following two years of interrupted learning due to the pandemic, the School acknowledges that this cohort required additional support on top of classroom learning, to compensate for the lost time in face-to-face learning. Additional resources were invested, including around-theclock tutoring accessible to boys during school hours and beyond, holiday workshops and supplementary learning materials.

The boys showed the same vitality as the teaching staff, committing themselves to their studies and using the additional resources made available to them.

Each year, practical HSC works are marked in September, giving the community a chance to enjoy a taster of the talent across Drama, Music, Industrial Arts and Visual Arts. In 2022, the Drama department received a record 23 OnStage nominations, and Industrial Technology also hit a new record with 21 InTech nominations. Three Musicians received Encore nominations and Visual Arts recieved eight ARTEXPRESS nominations.

Graduation Day was an opportunity for families and staff to gather and celebrate the achievements of Year 12. Deserving award recipients received praise for their accomplishments, and the boys performed a war cry together for the final time before confetti rained over them and guests gave a standing ovation for the Class of 2022.

There is much to celebrate about The King’s School 2022 graduates. A group of boys with a diverse mix of talents and an extensive list of accolades spreading across the entire scope of the School.

Boarding 2022 Highlights

The past 12 months have been focused on reconnecting as a community and reigniting the boarding houses at the Senior School and Tudor House. We have welcomed back many of our favourite events, while re-establishing boarding life as we know and love it.

It has been wonderful to be back on the road with our Registrar Jo Grinham, reconnecting with our boarding community on our annual Regional Tour. In 2022, we visited Dubbo, Gunnedah, Moree, Mount Isa, Mudgee, Orange, Tamworth, Toowoomba and Wagga Wagga. These trips are an opportunity to meet new, current and old friends at various boarding expos and our King’s Meet & Greet events. We are incredibly grateful to our boarding community who supported us on these tours. It was fantastic to reconnect after two years of lockdowns.

In 2022, Jo and I were invited to be panellists at the first Australian Boarding Schools Summit. This was an opportunity to share our experiences as one of the country’s leading boarding schools. We spoke about how we engage our boarding community, particularly through our vertical boarding program and the community functions we host for our boarding families.

Our Year 12 boarders from the Class of 2022 were among some of our top students, with 58 graduation prizes awarded to boarders. From academic awards to Onstage and InTech nominations and sporting achievements, boarders were rewarded for their hard work and dedication spanning every corner of the School. The support network within the boarding houses, from the Boarding Housemasters to the matrons, has provided an environment that nurtures and supports our boys to achieve their best. It is wonderful to see everyone’s hard work paying off. Over at Tudor House, Medley House is thriving. As part of our transition program for boys moving from Tudor House to Gowan Brae, we invite Tudor House boys to have a sleepover experience at the Parramatta campus. This is an excellent opportunity for the boys to begin preparing for life at Gowan Brae, as well as connecting with current boarders at the Senior School who willingly share their stories and advice.

As you will see from the highlights below, boarding is the heart and soul of our School. We pride ourselves on the unique way we provide a home away from home for every boarder at the Senior School and Tudor House.

Mr Ben Chadwick Director of Boarding

Mentoring through the Vertical Boarding and Patron Programs

The Vertical Boarding Mentor Program has had a positive impact on students’ welfare, right across the boarding community. The idea of vertical boarding is to mix younger boys with older boys and, through staff training and supervision, the older boys develop leadership skills while the younger students learn practical community living skills and how to relate to one another as they share their space.

In September, Director of Boarding, Mr Ben Chadwick and Macarthur Waddy Boarding Housemaster, Mr James Peters had the opportunity to talk about their positive experience with vertical boarding at an ABSA webinar. They spoke about how vertical boarding creates a wonderful mixing pot of personalities as the boys are at different stages of development emotionally, physically and cognitively. This brings some challenges, but it provides opportunities for rewarding and enriching pastoral care experiences, conversations and learning by watching and doing.

“There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding in a boarding house than watching an older boarder help a younger boarder with his responsibilities and house jobs. Be it cleaning a BBQ, stacking and unstacking a dishwasher or even cleaning school shoes. Setting the right example with positive role modelling is priceless,” says Ben.

The Patron Program started in Bishop Barker Harris in 2014 with just one patron, Uday Soni (2013). After graduating, Uday was keen to return to King’s and support the boys in the boarding house. For Uday, it was a way of giving back to the School, but the boarding staff quickly realised the potential of hiring Old Boys within the boarding houses, especially from a pastoral care perspective.

The Patron Program slowly expanded to other boarding houses and by 2016, Old Boys worked in every King’s School boarding house. Last year, the School employed more than 20 hand-picked Old Boys, who worked across two supervision times, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, each session providing different support for the boys.

After school, from 3.00pm to 6.00pm qualified patrons provide supervision and an ear if the boys need to chat to someone. They play pool, provide advice and ensure the boys have support when needed.

From 6.30pm to 9.30pm, the patrons support the boys with any aspect of school life. This includes academic tutoring, advice around co-curricular activities or help with completing submissions like the Duke of Edinburgh application or Cadet Corp leadership proposals. Because the patrons have been through it before, they can give the boys practical and individual advice.

The 2022 Year 12 boarders were the first cohort to be part of the Patron Program from the beginning of their boarding experience in Year 7, right through to graduation.

“The Patron Program has been instrumental in driving success for our boarders. This is evident in the results of our 2022 graduating boarders. We are incredibly proud of the program and how it has developed over the years,” says Ben.

Celebrating National Boarding Week by giving back

At King’s, National Boarding Week is much more than a celebration of the students who live on campus. Boarders see this week as an opportunity to give back and show gratitude for the community that makes their boarding experience positive and memorable. The boys prepared and served lunch for the whole School as well as Chartwells’ staff. In the evening, the boys hosted a Gratitude Dinner for laundry staff, maintenance, bus drivers, gardeners and house managers as a way to say thank you for all they do.

The Blomfield Cup

There is one weekend in the year when boarders from Years 8 to 12 must remain on campus to participate in a day of fierce competition between boarding houses known as The Blomfield Cup. Boarders can pick their event, with a broad range of options on offer including Touch Rugby, Football, Basketball, Chess, as well as an all-age relay and games of tug of war, Connect 4, Vortex and ping pong. Baker Hake secured the win

in the narrowest of margins from Bishop Barker Harris, making them the two-time reigning champions of The JR Blomfield Cup.

Boarders out and about

Boarders enjoy getting out and about together to spend quality time outside the boarding houses with their mates. The Boarder Activity Coordinator plans three outings a term, driven by the students’ interests and requests. Trips include rock climbing, the driving range, food safaris and excursions to Eastwood and Frensham for a sports day and lunch. The annual trip to Raging Waters and beach days with Kambala are always a hit. Mentors also take their groups to paintball and cable park for water skiing and there have been many pizza parties for the boys in their houses.

The boys especially enjoy hitting the grandstands at Rugby League and Rugby Union matches. This year, they had the opportunity to cheer on Old Boy Joseph Suaalli who plays first grade for the Sydney Roosters. Many of the boys shared a boarding house with him, so it was very special to watch him live.

Welcoming parents for the annual Boarder Parent Dinner

The Boarder Parent Dinner was the perfect way to kickstart the Back to King’s weekend. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the boys were thrilled to have their parents and loved ones join them in the boarding houses to share their experiences and celebrate their achievements as boarders.

Parents gathered in the Trophy Room for a wonderful meal and conversation. It was great to see parents, staff and students reconnecting as a community.

The fun did not stop there, as many boarding families stayed on for the Back to King’s celebrations. The boarding parents cheered on their boys during Saturday sport, concluding with the 1sts Rugby match, where King’s defeated Scots College in a remarkable game on the JS White Oval.

The Blomfield Cup

Medley House 2022 Highlights

Boarders’ Community Service Project

Captain of Boarding Freddy Paradice led this year’s Boarder Community Service Project to raise money for a remote rural school in Thailand. It was all hands on deck at the Billy Cart Derby Day, where the boarding community hosted a BBQ stand. The boarders also did extra jobs at home and donated their pocket money to the cause. The project raised nearly $3,000 to buy textbooks for the Thailand school. It was a great effort by all the students and boarding staff.

Weekend excursions

Weekend excursions are one of the highlights for Medley House boarders. This year, the boarders enjoyed surfing lessons at The Farm beach, a trip to Jamberoo Action Park, fishing at Kiama, a day at Luna Park, go-karting and regular visits to Bowral Cinemas, including a behind-the-scenes tour

of the cinema for the Minion movie. They challenged themselves at Nowra Tree Top Adventures, played tenpin bowling, tried indoor rock climbing and had a sleepover experience at The King’s School and Tara.

“The weekend excursions provide an opportunity for the boarders to develop friendships and enjoy some downtime away from the campus,” says Head of School, Adam Larby.

Bledisloe Cup series

This year’s Bledisloe Cup series saw Medley House take on Fisher House in a nail-biting event. The 2022 Bledisloe Cup series lived up to its reputation as being a tough and highly competitive event. The series was decided in game three, with Fisher House winning the Cup.

Kite Flying and Bonfire Night

In August, more than 250 people gathered for the annual Tudor House Kite Flying and Bonfire Night. Guests were treated to perfect kite flying conditions on top of Foxy Paddock.

The sky filled with kites of all shapes and sizes, with pilots ranging from three to seventy-three years old. The big bonfire kept everyone warm as the evening temperatures dropped to just above freezing, while the marshmallow chefs entertained as they prepared their s’mores.

Glowsticks provided some evening entertainment for the kids as they played and laughed in the paddock once the sun went down.

Boarding Parents’ Luncheon

Every year, boarding parents get together for the annual Boarding Parents Luncheon. This year, parents of Medley House Captain of Boarding, Mr and Mrs Sam and Amanda Paradice, organised the event at the Longueville Bowling Club. Many families were in attendance, soaking up the opportunity to be face-to-face with other boarding parents to share stories and experiences.

Kite Flying and Bonfire Night

A Community Revitalised

Back to King’s

Back to King’s

It has been heart-warming to see so many events happening around the three campuses of The King’s School. From the Kickstart in Colour events at Parramatta and Moss Vale to the Art Show Dinner and Billy-Cart Derby, we welcomed back the families of our community with open arms.

The Dunedoo Cricket and Art Weekend was rural warmth at its best. The inaugural Long Lunch at Futter Park was an incredibly special event and one that will linger in the hearts and minds of all who attended.

The Back to King’s weekend was ever-popular. The JS White Oval and Wanderers Ground were a cacophony of sounds and resplendent with colour as Old Boys and their families surrounded the sidelines. There were more reunions than ever before.

Thanks must go to the volunteer parent groups across our three campuses: the Prep Fathers Association, the Tudor Rose Auxiliary and the Family and Friends Association. Thanks must also go to the extraordinary volunteers who help with the many supporter groups around the school from the parents who sweated it out helping build the Mountain Biking Track at Tudor House to the sporting and co-curricular associations of the Senior School. It is not an easy task and we thank you for your service to the boys and girls of the school and the families in our community.

There are countless other house functions, year functions, impromptu gatherings and offsite catch-ups we know occur during the year. We love bringing you those stories on KingsNet and our King’s Community social media pages with the handle @tkscommunity_official.

To find out more about how you can make the most of your journey as a parent during your child’s time here at The King’s School, please visit the Parents and Community tab on KingsNet or email me at mps@kings.edu.au. There is truly something for everyone.

We look forward to a raft of new opportunities for our community to come together in 2023, both onsite and offsite and we will share the details of these events in due course.

Mr Mike Symons Director of Community Engagement

If there is one thing we can agree was a positive by-product of the recent pandemic, it is that human connectivity gives us something vital to our wellbeing. It’s true we gained new skills and ways of working. But at our core, we rely on each other to laugh, grow and thrive.

It has been heart-warming to see so many events happening around the three campuses of The King’s School. From the Kickstart in Colour events at Parramatta and Moss Vale to the Art Show Dinner and Billy-Cart Derby, we welcomed back the families of our community with open arms.

Tudor House Mother’s Day

Tudor House Grandparent’s Day

Futter Park Long Lunch

Kickstart in Colour

Tudor House Father’s

KWN Mother’s Day Fun Run

Dunedoo Cricket Weekend

Catering at King’s

The King’s School is one of more than 200 schools across Australia that serve three meals a day to boarding students. Most schools operate a canteen that provides lunch service for students who do not bring lunch from home.

Dining is at the heart of community building at King’s. The School is one of only a few in the country that serves lunch to day students and staff, in addition to boarding meals. In fact, Chartwells serves 2800 to 3000 meals daily, and around 15,500 meals a week.

At the Senior School, boarders are served breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner in the Dining Hall, followed by supper in the boarding houses. Day boys and staff are invited into the Dining Hall for lunch, which provides a unique opportunity for the School community to sit and eat together.

Tudor House runs a similar operation. Its Dining Hall comes alive at lunchtime, when day students and boarders sit together to eat, taking turns to be servers.

According to Chartwells Catering Manager Jono Coatley, meals are designed to fuel growing bodies and provide an opportunity to educate the students about nutritious

eating while expanding their palette through culinary experiences.

“A big component of this complex operation is ensuring the food served is enjoyed by the students. We have set the bar high and the students’ satisfaction is key. This is why we communicate regularly with staff at the School and use a feedback book, in which students provide suggestions and feedback about the meals served,” says Jono.

Chartwells is far more than just a contractor. The team sees their role as working in partnership with King’s to ensure the food service is to an acceptable standard.

Part of this initiative is instating experienced, qualified chefs and kitchen staff, who can deliver enjoyable food, while catering to the many needs of the versatile community. This includes the service of around 200 to 250 meals per day at the Senior School for students who require an allergen management plan.

Executive Chef at the Parramatta campus, Michael James, is a Michelin Star chef, who has worked for top restaurants around the world and in Australia. Chartwell sends a menu plan for the School and it is Michael’s job to modify this to ensure it meets the needs of our boys.

“We ensure there are options to suit all the boys, with specialised meal plans implemented for boys with allergies and special food requirements. We work with the various sports coaches across the Senior School to ensure our competitive sportsmen are being fuelled with high protein and carbohydrate meals to nurture their active bodies,” says Michael.

The residential meals are hearty and nutritious, much like a home-cooked meal, while the lunch menu takes the boys around the world with various cuisines and flavours to expand their palette.

iGEM Team earn a Gold Medal in Paris

In October 2022, students from The Future Project travelled to Paris to compete at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGem) competition alongside 400-plus multi-disciplinary teams from universities and high schools from more than 40 countries.

The teams presented projects on how to solve local problems across the world using synthetic biology. Teams competed for medals and awards that recognised the quality of their research in designing, building and testing projects using cutting-edge synthetic biology. Competitors were required to document their work through deliverables like wikis, videos and presentations, which were evaluated by expert judges.

Participation in the competition was the culmination of the year-long research project to address the serious issue of bio-waste production undertaken by 21 Future Project Interns under the guidance of their industry collaboration partner Hydgene. The Future Project iGEM Research Team comprised 11 King’s students, who were joined by representatives from Asquith Girls, Baulkham Hills, Cherrybrook, Cumberland, James Ruse, Loreto Normanhurst, Sydney Girls High School and Tara.

The King’s interns on the project were Aditya Arora, Oliver Bucknell, Kobe Goodridge, Max Ippolito, Varun Khurana, Gavin Li, Pravan Nagaratnam, James O’Neil, Vedant Vaghela, Daniel Wei and Chris Yoo.

In total, 17 interns travelled to Paris to represent the team. The King’s contingent comprised Aditya, Oliver, Kobe, Gavin, Pravan, Vedant, Daniel and Chris. They were accompanied by Head of Science, Ms Renay Mennah and TFP Curriculum Coordinator, Mrs Shaz McAllister.

In Paris, the team made a series of presentations and answered judges’ questions on their research. They were awarded a gold medal in recognition of the assessed standard of excellence in engineering, collaboration and human practices in their research project.

iGem in Paris

Tudor House Paddock to Plate

OLD BOYS’ UNION

President’s Report

A key objective of the OBU is to host events for Old Boys. Having been unable to hold any events in the second half of 2021 due to COVID, the easing of public health restrictions at the beginning of 2022 once again brought new hope. The OBU Committee began the year with an ambitious program of events for our Old Boys, with the aim of hosting as many events as possible in the first half of 2022 while the window for doing so was clearly open.

Our first event for 2022 was Commemoration Day, held at the School in February. Old Boys competed against the School in Basketball, Cricket, Football, Tennis and Touch Rugby. For the first time in more than 25 years, this year Shooting was added to the list of competing sports. The Old Boys sadly lost the Kurrle Cup this year to the School in a number of often-close contests. Old Boys also attended a Commemoration Day Service at The King’s School Memorial Chapel, led by the Head of the Senior School, and former School Chaplain, Rev Stephen Edwards. The day concluded with lunch in the Thomas Pavilion, which was a great way to finish the day.

In March, the OBU hosted a Young Old Boys Night at Hotel CBD in the city. This is an event established for those under 30 (along with those still young at heart). Old Boys enjoyed a night of catching up with their school mates, while enjoying canapés and drinks, playing pool or watching sport. We have not been able to host this event for a number of years due to COVID, and it was great to see so many join us on the night.

In April, the OBU joined the School in a Golden Jubilee Service to celebrate the

50th anniversary of The King’s School Chapel’s reconstruction and rededication near Gowen Brae. The Chapel was built in 1889 and was extended in 1922 as a war memorial for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWI. It was relocated from the Old School site over a number of years, before being rededicated in 1972 by the Most Reverend Marcus Loane. At the service, the OBU gave preaching scarves to Reverend Dr Edward Loane (1996), who presided over the service, along with Community Chaplain Reverend Geoff Everett.

In April, the OBU held its Annual Dinner in the Strangers Dining Room at NSW Parliament House. The event was well attended, and we reached the 160-person capacity for it. Our guest speaker for the night was Mick Colliss, who had all in tears of laughter as he told the story of the time he wore the green and gold to represent Australia. An enjoyable evening was had by all, and it was great to be able to resume what is regarded as a flagship event on our calendar.

The OBU held its Annual Golf Day at Castle Hill Country Golf Club in May. The event was due to take place in March but was rescheduled to May due to bad weather. For the first time, the invitation was extended to fathers and brothers of Old Boys. Players of all ability were welcome. As a result, numbers were up significantly on prior years. The day received excellent feedback and we anticipate this event will continue to grow over future years.

In June, we held our Current Old Boy Parent event. This continues to be a very popular

It has been an honour to serve as the President of the Old Boys’ Union this year. The Committee hopes it has met your expectations and that many of you were able to benefit directly from your membership this year.

event, with drinks and canapés served in the Drama Theatre following the conclusion of Saturday sport for Old Boys who currently have a boy at the School, along with their families.

Back to King’s Day (formerly Homecoming) was held in August, with King’s playing Scots that weekend. For many, this was the standout event on the OBU calendar. The OBU had its tent on top of the White Oval, serving food and drinks to our members and their families. This year our tent was surrounded by a picket fence, forming an enclosure, which gave it that sense of exclusivity. In excess of 1,000 people joined

us in our enclosure for the day, catching up with mates they may not have seen for a number of years. Such was the popularity of the enclosure, many from the wider School Community joined us.

Due to public health restrictions being imposed for the past few years, this year was possibly a record for the number of reunions taking place, as three years of reunions effectively happened in 2022. In total, we held 20 reunions, many around Back to King’s Day. The OBU was pleased to provide administrative support for these reunions and, as President, it was an honour to attend a number of these.

The OBU held two Recognition Dinners at The Australian Club in May and September this year, celebrating the successes of students at the School. Our guest speakers were Dr Robert Paver (1970) and James Lloyd (1964). Both dinners were very well attended, as we recognised Athletics Senior Premiers 2022, Cricket 2nd XI Undefeated Premiers 2022, Cross Country Premiers 2021, Rowing 1st VIII Head of the River Winners 2022, Swimming Premiers 2022 and Tennis 2nd Undefeated Premiers 2022. Attendees also included Honour Colour Recipients for Academics, Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Rugby, Mooting, Music, Performing Arts and Tennis.

In 2022, the OBU continued its annual support of the Old Boys’ Football and Rugby Clubs. These clubs provide an important avenue for past students to reconnect with old friends and continue their sporting pursuits in a seamless manner once they leave school. Our thanks go to the various Old Boys who administer these clubs. The OBU cannot operate without the support of many. I express my sincere thanks to Jacqui Forsyth, the OBU Administrator, who played a key role in assisting with an abnormally high number of reunions in 2022, among other demands.

I would like to thank our Patron, the Headmaster Mr Tony George, for his continued support of the OBU, as well as the support of the School, including the Deputy Headmaster Reverend Stephen Edwards, School Chaplain Reverend Jason Hobba, Community Chaplain Reverend Geoffrey Everett, Director of Sport Peter Phipps, and Britten Housemaster Ms Susan MacDonald.

Finally, I would like to thank the Committee members for all their efforts and support. I’m particularly grateful to our Honorary Secretary James Holtsbaum, Honorary Treasurer Gary Honan and Past Presidents Michael Thomas, Peter Whittington and Peter Harvey for their valuable counsel and hard work.

My term as President of the Old Boys’ Union draws to a close at this year’s Annual General Meeting. I have enjoyed the past two years as President and I want to thank the members of the Old Boys’ Union for giving me this opportunity. I wish my successor all the -best in his new role, and I look forward to continuing to serve on the Committee.

Tim Martel (‘97) President, Old Boys’ Union

Back to King’s Day (formerly Homecoming) was held in August, with King’s playing Scots that weekend. For many, this was the standout event on the OBU calendar.

Back to King’s

The 2022 Back to King’s weekend attracted one of the biggest crowds in the history of the homecoming event. It was a weekend to remember, with celebrations kicking off on Friday evening with the Parent Boarder Dinner. Families travelled from far and wide to join their sons in the boarding houses to share dinner and celebrate the wonderful achievements of the boarding community. Saturday was all about sport, from Volleyball to Badminton, Mountain Bike Riding to Football, with drummers making the rounds at each event, encouraging the crowds to cheer loud and proud.

Off the field, the Old Boys’ Union (OBU) hosted the largest series of school reunions in King’s history. With a backlog of reunions due to two years of COVID lockdowns, the OBU and their families were pleased to reconnect and enjoy the festivities.

In the Thomas Memorial Pavilion, the Harrisford Group enjoyed reuniting over lunch, while the Family and Friends Association (FAFA) set up their marquee overlooking the JS White Oval, attracting a large crowd of King’s families who enjoyed lunch before the big event of the day kicked off.

The much-anticipated homecoming Rugby match saw King’s take on Scots on home soil in front of an energetic crowd that spanned the entire perimeter of the JS White Oval. The boys put on a show, securing the win to complete a memorable day for the community.

On Sunday, an Old Boys service was hosted at The King’s School Memorial Chapel, with special performances from The Prep School Choir. Overall, the weekend was a huge success, with so many of the King’s community, both past and present, coming together to reminisce and show their support for our current Kingsmen.

OLD BOYS’ UNION

Sunstone Shi 2021 Graduate

Shang, known as Sunstone, Shi (Class of 2021) is an exceptionally bright young man who made a tremendous contribution to the School through his academic achievements and leadership roles, including Year 12 Executive School Monitor.

As a day boy for six years, Sunstone also found success in many co-curricular activities, finishing Year 12 as Cadet Under Officer of Band 1 in the Cadet Corps and playing for the 7th Basketball and 3rd XI Football teams. Sunstone shares his experience when first encountering organised team sport when he started on the football development squad in Year 7, finding immense pride in his growth within the sport.

“My journey in climbing through the teams, and learning the power and importance of teamwork and camaraderie with my teammates, will forever be a memorable experience for me.”

This mentality and diligence was also recognised in his commitment to the Music program, where he was appointed Vice-Captain of Music and Captain of Bands. His participation in the Symphonic Band, Wind Orchestra, Intermediate Stage Band, Symphony Orchestra, Clarinet Quartet and Senior Choir is a testament to his musical abilities.

His contributions to the greater community through the Outreach Orchestra, The Future Project and the National Youth Science Forum further showcased Sunstone’s rich diversity of talents and ability to share his success with others.

Sunstone’s journey at King’s is an outstanding story and this Kingsman has continued to make an impact merely 12 months after graduating. During his HSC, Sunstone set his sights on top international universities, committing a large amount of study time on top of his HSC to ensure he had global opportunities. His strategy was to apply everywhere he could, with the intention of studying biology and chemical engineering.

“Achieving a solid SAT testing score is essential when applying for international schools, but the application process is far more than this. A student must have an impressive portfolio of extra-curricular activities and a history of community engagement, which is all part of a King’s education.”

Sunstone explains the application process requires candidates to submit personal essays. “In total, I wrote around 50 to 60 essays of around 300 words each for various university applications. This is the most rigorous part of the process and it coincides with the HSC exam timetable.”

When national university offers were announced, Sunstone was overjoyed to receive an offer for his top choice and started a Bachelor of Medical Studies/ Doctorate Medicine at the University of New South Wales in early 2022. He thoroughly enjoyed the degree. Alongside his studies, King’s employed Sunstone as an academic tutor, and he worked with academic staff to develop a study program for students looking to sit the SAT exam.

While life was more than good for Sunstone, in the back of his mind, he was eager to hear the results of his international offers.

Sunstone had a tough decision to make in April when the results finally arrived. He received six international university offers and was on the waitlist for three others. He secured nine study opportunities, on top of the exceptional degree he was already pursuing in Sydney.

“I deliberated for over two months and spent a lot of time discussing my options with family and friends. Stanford was a standout because of its renowned prestigious research opportunities. I spoke with current students and alumni, including King’s Old Boy Jin Young (2020). Because we both came from King’s, I valued his honesty, and in the end, he was the one who persuaded me [to study at Stanford].”

Sunstone says a relationship between younger and older peers is something he valued deeply during his time at King’s and feels privileged to have imparted leadership in his senior years and as a tutor. “Academic and pastoral care support equals leadership. It is intuitive – a Kingsman is not asked to do it, it’s a natural relationship that develops.”

The School’s vision for employing Old Boys as tutors is to engrain another level of leadership and mentorship for the current boys. “Having lived through the experience of the HSC only recently, Old Boys provide a different perspective to teachers. The boys feel comfortable asking them questions, be it about academics, co-curricular activities or simply how to juggle it all,” says Jackie Camilleri, Deputy Head of Academics at the Senior School.

Tutors are available for drop-in appointments in the CLL during school hours, with an additional roster for afterschool tutoring. The tutors also provide support in the classroom by assisting teachers and helping students with notetaking.

“There is something incredibly satisfying about hiring our Old Boys to impart their wisdom and knowledge to our current students. Sunstone has played an imperative role in preparing our SAT study plan, which will support current students looking to sit the exam in the hope of studying abroad. At the end of the day, the Old Boys who have lived through the demands of applying to international universities are the people best equipped for advising future cohorts,” says Jackie.

Sunstone pays homage to the King’s holistic education. “The School has a unique dynamic, and there are many opportunities available. You have to take them while you are there.”

There is something incredibly satisfying about hiring our Old Boys to impart their wisdom and knowledge to our current students. Sunstone has played an imperative role in preparing our SAT study plan, which will support current students looking to sit the exam in the hope of studying abroad. At the end of the day, the Old Boys who have lived through the demands of applying to international universities are the people best equipped for advising future cohorts.

JACKIE CAMILLERI, DEPUTY HEAD OF ACADEMICS AT THE SENIOR SCHOOL

Celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II

The community gathered on the JS White Oval on Tuesday 20 September 2022 to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. This was one of two services hosted by the School during the two-week morning period across all three campuses of The King’s School.

Over the years, the School has had several opportunities to participate in Royal Tours. In 1970, the Queen’s visited Old Government House to mark the restoration and reopening of the building as a museum by the National Trust. While the Preparatory School had vacated the site in 1955, and the whole School had relocated all students to its Gowan Brae campus by 1968, King’s was given the opportunity to be involved in the reopening ceremony and Queen’s visit. The King’s School Cadet Corps was on parade for the day’s celebrations and inspected very favourably by the Queen and accompanying royal party.

In April 2022, during The Princess Royal visit to Sydney as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, Her Royal Highness hosted a dinner at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron to honour many of the organisations of which she is Patron. The King’s School and The King’s School, Tudor House were asked by the visit hosts to assist with the visit and provided a large contingent of students to welcome Her Royal Highness to Kirribilli, to entertain guests and to provide music during the dinner.

Queen Elizabeth II and1970 School Captain Phillip Thomas

150 Years of Athletics

The King’s School Athletics Club was founded in 1873 and was one of the very earliest athletics clubs in Australia. The Foundation Committee consisted of Rev G F Macarthur, W R Burkitt and William Dalmas.

The club’s survival depended on direct donations from interested Old Boys and friends of the School as the club was not supported by School funds, and competitor entry fees were insufficient to make ends meet. All prizes were donated and the early carnivals were more like social occasions with afternoon tea, the band playing and bike riding accompanying the 15 events that took place from the early afternoon.

Until 1911, boys chose their own colours in which to compete. E A Roberts, the first recipient of the St John Gray Cup (1888), raced in ‘war paint’ while in the following year, PM Lane could be seen in ‘smashed beetle and white’.

Unlike present times, there was little or no instruction in technique, style or training, so the boys interested in participating in Athletics relied on natural ability and strength. Even J S White, who won the Australian and GPS record for the hurdles in 1930, did so without the help of a coach and often wondered what he might have achieved with the instruction the boys have access to today. The boys rarely trained in the company of their peers, as Athletics was squeezed in between the end of Rugby and the beginning of Cricket. The School carnival was mostly held on the last Saturday of Term 2, in late August or early September.

KO Dearlove, 1999

By the late 1940s, students acknowledged the attitude towards athletics changed and students such as J C Kennett (1950) and B E Primrose (1956) enhanced their natural ability with incredible application to the hard work of conditioning. Berry Primrose recalls he and fellow student Robert Philpott joined a local athletics club and were labelled fanatics when they turned up to training in a tracksuit. Their lead was followed the next year when the School introduced a sky-blue tracksuit for the team. The 1970s saw significant changes in the Athletics program, which included the introduction of coaching clinics. In 1976, the Standards Program encouraged individuals to set and reach specific goals. Another highlight was the donation of an electronic timing system by Nathaniel Barton (1913), which improved the timing of records.

Over the years, the program of events has changed and techniques have improved.

‘Putting the shot’ was first introduced in 1913 and the high jumpers campaigned successfully for the introduction of a pit in 1956. Some events such as pole vaulting, javelin and triple jump are no longer part of the competition. Another tradition began in 1916 at the Annual Athletics Carnival when, for the first time, Mrs A G Friend, the mother of School Captain Walter Friend, presented the trophies at the end of the carnival. More

recently, that responsibility has gone to the mother of the Captain of Athletics.

The School supported the introduction of an All Schools competition in 1877, when it was decided each grammar school would conduct one All Schools race during its annual carnival. A draw was held each year to decide which school held which event. The first official AAGPS Carnival was held in 1895 and was won by The King’s School. Since then, The King’s School has been victorious each time a new AAGPS trophy has been introduced, including 1912 for the Junior Trophy and 2012 for the Intermediate. The format of the day has not always been the same, but all agree it is a great day both for competitors and spectators. In 1909, the AAGPS carnival was held over two days. Each school could enter as many competitors as they liked for the heats on Friday and the finals were run the following day. Competitors from the 1930s remember the gasps from the crowd when someone cleared the high jump, or the cheering for the 100 yards as only one event was held at a time.

Since the turn of the century, the Athletics program has gone from strength to strength and has experienced its most successful period in the School’s history. The last 22 years has seen thirteen Senior

Premiership victories and countless Junior National and State Champions. Athletes such as Greg Jeloudev, Michael Todd, Nick Hough, Josh Clarke, Jack Stapleton, Harrison Andrews, Chamath Herath, Nic Bills, Elliott Lang, Nick Andrews, Jackson Kang, Jack Irving, Nick Dang, John Gikas, Jordan Idaire, Will Freyer, Tom Gammie, Tom Goode, Jordan Williams, Jye Perrott, Connor Bond and Charlie Jeffreson have all excelled at various representative championships and have elevated the reputation of the King’s Athletics program in the wider community. Nick Hough, the 2011 Captain of Athletics, became the School’s first ever track and field Olympian in 2021, reaching the semi finals of the 110 metre hurdles.

In 2006, Mr Ben Gavan took over as the Master in Charge (MIC) of Athletics and in 2009, King’s won the Junior and Senior premierships for the first time since 1931. At the time, Ben took the Captain of Athletics Brent Taylor to see Clive Hall who was the Captain in 1931. This special moment solidifies the wonderful connection of the King’s Athletics community, both old and new. In fact, many of the current coaches are Old Boys who have returned to impart their knowledge and experience to the future generation. The program has been wonderfully served by some exceptional coaches, led by Nancy Atterton

The first official AAGPS Carnival was held in 1895 and was won by The King’s School. Since then, The King’s School has been victorious each time a new AAGPS trophy has been introduced, including 1912 for the Junior Trophy and 2012 for the Intermediate.

JS White, 1930. Breaking the AAGPS hurdles record.

and her late husband John, who had such a positive impact on so many generations of athletes. The School also remembers Rocky Wijesinghe fondly who, before his passing in 2015, mentored many GPS shot put champions.

According to Ben, special moments are watching underdogs battle to make the team and then go on to have wonderful experiences at the AAGPS Championships. He can recount with such affection and accuracy the feats of so many boys who, while not necessarily exceptional athletes, have been so committed to the Athletics team, thoroughly immersing themselves in the exeperince. He is resolute in his belief the most important element of the program is developing strong connections with the boys and creating a sense of community with the athletes and their families. With this attitude, the Senior School has earned the title of AAGPS Athletics Premiers in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and in 2022, on the 150th anniversary of The King’s School Athletics. While the program is currently run under Ben’s wisdom and positivity, he says in his mind, the success of Athletics at King’s will always be as a result of the the boys’ hard work, dedication and passion for their School. All credit and adulation should always belong to the young men who wear the sky blue and white with so much pride.

While Athletics has come a long way from the days when keen students ran or jumped unaided by the training techniques of today, all past athletes paid tribute to the interested staff and friends of the School who have made the program a highlight of their King’s experience.

Kokoda

Such a famous name, Kokoda. Legendary. Imbued with, sacrifice, mateship, courage, and endurance.

In September 2022, a group of 20 hardy souls with strong King’s connections dared to discover what it would mean to visit Kokoda and walk the trail.

Prior to their Kokoda trek, the group led by Cameron Poolman (Foundation President), contacted the School Archivist Jenny Pearce to see whether there were any Old Boys directly involved in the Kokoda battles. The answer was difficult to determine, however Jenny did find six Old Boys who gave their lives during the broader New Guinea campaign of the Pacific War, and whose remains lie honoured in the Bomana Cemetery in Port Moresby.

During their trek, the group paid tribute to these Old Boys: Lieutenant William Rowland Wheatcroft Howell 33 years old, Private Norman Capel 35 years old, Lieutenant John Allen Grant 26 years old, Lieutenant William Harrington Barker Boydell 24 years old. Trooper Henry Osborne Norton-Knight 22 years old and Flight Lieutenant Herbert James Bullmore 27 years old were both Old Tudorians and King’s Old Boys.

Kokoda is not like any other trek, and there is nothing quite like it anywhere in the world.

There are harder treks; longer, steeper, higher and more dangerous. But there is something so elemental about Kokoda. Something that, 80 years after the guns fell silent, still speaks to the heart of us all.

Edward Simpson (1986) shared some words about the groups’ experience: “The extraordinary terrain, the immense and intense jungle, the relentless and beautiful mountains, the humidity, the raging rivers. It is like you are stripped bare and taken right back to basics, and you need to respond, because – well – you will not make it unless you do.

We all trained hard, for months (and as they say, you cannot overtrain for Kokoda). Linear distance means absolutely nothing here, such is the topographical complexity. One kilometre can take you an hour. To go up, it seems, you first need to go down. And vice versa. One hill had seven false peaks on it, and despite knowing this in advance, it still managed to break our hearts seven times. You have good days and bad – good hours and bad. You ride the strong physical challenge, only to bump into the mental one, which then intersects with the emotional one.

Despite all of this, we got there. All of us. Ten days in the jungle. All the way. Our group camaraderie was just terrific, supportive and fun (we had a bunch of amazing teenagers and a few dads). Despite the slips and falls, the tummy bugs and grazes, the scratches and blisters and moments of doubt, there is absolutely no doubt it was one of the very best things any of us has ever done. Lest We Forget.”

Edward Simpson (1986)

The group comprised: Cameron Poolman (1986), Ross Thompson (1986), Sam Paradice (1986), Edward Simpson (1986), Toby Lawson (1984), Sid White (2019), Matt Toll (current parent), James Watson, Hamish White (past parent), Mark Ritchard, Simon Edwards and Tim Palmer. The teens who accompanied them were Reggie Toll (Current student, Year 10 Britten), Ollie Thompson, Millie Thompson, Sarah Poolman, Mollie Paradice, Clem Paradice, Clancy Ritchard and Poppy Ritchard.

The group plans to complete the trek again in 2025 and welcome community members to join them.

200 objects for 200 years

The School will share 20 significant objects each year during the Decade of Impact leading to the Bicentenary in 2031. The project provides the opportunity to digitally unveil the rich collection of objects held in the School’s Robert Robertson Museum, while telling significant stories from the School’s history.

This project is an opportunity to showcase objects of ephemeral nature that rarely go on display for fear of permanent damage. One such object is the letter written by Colonial Secretary Viscount Godrich dated 22 March 1831 permitting the establishment of The King’s School. This six-page letter is now scanned and available with a transcript on KingsNet and describes the conditions surrounding the formation of the School.

Other objects include Bishop Broughton’s prieu dieu (prayer chair) donated by the Boydell family, while the penmanship of 12-year-old John Blackman from his 1836 copybook is to be envied. This digital display will evolve slowly over time, giving everyone the opportunity to keep in touch with The King’s School’s rich history.

Bomana Cemetery in Port Moresby

1831 Viscount Godrich letter.

Nurturing People, Places and Programs

A culture of philanthropy has been part of The King’s School since its establishment in 1831. The School’s facilities, scholarships, bursaries, prizes and programs are largely the result of the generosity of previous generations who have invested in the students and their School.

For the past two years, The King’s School Foundation, under the guidance of the Head of Foundation Mr Will Halliday (1986), has been focused on revitalising a culture of giving across all three campuses. The Foundation has adopted the philosophy that through nurturing people, places and programs, the King’s legacy of developing young people into Global Thought Leaders can continue now and into the future.

“Giving ensures the vitality and uniqueness of school life at King’s and supports the ongoing development of our campus and programs, adding new chapters to our unique story,” says Will.

To create new chapters, the Foundation, in partnership with the School, is focused on driving philanthropic activity as it counts down the next decade in the lead-up to its bicentenary in 2031.

The Foundation provides opportunities for people through the Scholarship and Bursaries program. This funding offers a platform for students who are deserving of a King’s education through a variety of awards that stipulate different qualities and abilities within worthy recipients. These are qualities and abilities that align with the School Values and what it means to be a Kingsman.

There is a long and impressive list of scholarship and bursary recipients who, through philanthropic support, have attended The King’s School and are now making positive contributions to society. One such recipient is rugby union player Archer Holz (2018) who received the Violet Macansh Scholarship in Year 7.

Archer plays for the NSW Waratahs and Australia A, alongside studying at University of Sydney. He pays testament to his time at King’s and the opportunities he experienced as a result of the generous philanthropic contributions of its devoted community.

“It’s so important to do as much as you can while you are at King’s. You have nothing to lose. No one would be there without the help and support of the people around them. I learned it is more important we are good people before anything else. That is what I loved about King’s,” says Archer.

Venthan Brabaakaran (2014) was a Foundation Scholarship recipient. Throughout his time at King’s, Venthan grew as a leader both academically and personally. “The gift of a scholarship at King’s didn’t just give me an education, it gave me the freedom to be myself. The School took a chance on me and allowed me to take risks. I never felt I needed to be someone else; I felt motivated and supported to push the limits,” says Vethnan.

The second focus for the Foundation is developing places that support the educational and co-curricular opportunities that make King’s a world-class school. To create valuable experiences for students within those places, the Foundation hopes to initiate partnerships and projects that foster the third philanthropic focus, programs.

In 2022, the Foundation invited community members to become a Foundation

Member and help plant the seeds for a better future for King’s. A Foundation Membership entitles access to unique experiences, exclusive events, recognition and connections. There is a suite of benefits including access to boutique dinners, garden parties and networking events, moneycan’t-buy experiences, honorary recognition and personalised merchandise. Above all, membership provides the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with members of the King’s School community.

“There is an exciting momentum building towards the School’s 200th anniversary celebration in 2031, and the Foundation is at the heart of the development of King’s. We invite you to help us write this next historic chapter, to connect the past, present and future of the School,” says Cameron Poolman, President of The King’s School Foundation.

Membership opportunities are reserved for current community members, Old Boys and past families who want to play their part in making a positive contribution for the benefit of the students and the School. To find out more about the Foundation Membership you can visit www.kings.edu.au/joining/ supporting-the-kings-school/#the-kingsschool-foundation

The ones who plant trees knowing that they will never sit in their shade have understood the real meaning of life.

R TAGORE

Members of the Foundation Board

Jonathan Persse

(1934-2022)

Jonathan’s Persse’s association with The King’s School began in 1949 as a boarder in Baker House. He assumed leadership roles as a Cadet Lieutenant in the Cadet Corps and was a School Monitor. In 1952 he was awarded the Broughton Scholarship, the King’s School Club Prize for 1st in Sixth Form English and received the Alan Mitchell Prize for the best all-round boy at the School. During his final two years at the School, Persse was a member of the Faraday Club and a Debater in the School’s 1st Team.

Persse’s contribution to the School’s co-curricular program was varied. He was MIC of Debating and Coach of the 1st Debating team (1964-1968, 1972-1974). He founded the Cartesian Club in 1966, which went into abeyance the following year before he revived it in 1972. He was the Club Patron until 1997. For 20 years, Persse prepared teams for the JA Thomson History Debating Competition and edited more than 60 editions of The King’s School Magazine. He coached Rugby and Cricket and enjoyed the outdoors, organising hikes for Form 2 boys, a precursor of the current Year 8 Camp. He organised work parties to lay sandstone walls around the gardens, most of which remain.

Headmaster Kurrle asked Persse to direct the School’s Sesquicentenary Celebrations. In the lead up, he complied an eight-part history of the School that was published in the magazine between 1978 and 1981. He produced or assisted

with a large number of both School and House plays. He introduced the farewell to Sixth Form Dinner, which we now know as the Valete Dinner.

Within the wider School community, Persse and Peter Spencer introduced Extension courses in 1979, open to students and parents. In excess of 150 people joined one of the many courses offered each term. During the 1970s he was Secretary and then Chairman of the Common Room and from 1964 to 1979 he was the School’s representative for the Old Boys’ Union. Following his retirement from teaching in 1998, Persse was elected as a Governor on the School Council, a position he held from 1999 to 2005.

Together with Ben Saul (1994), Persse co-edited five editions of Youth Writes, a bi-annual anthology of student writing from around Australia. He published Fact, Faith and Fantasy, an anthology of poems by Eric Sowerby Drake and two works on the poet and Old Boy David Campbell.

Persse’s interests were varied and he served his School community bravely and faithfully until he passed away on 19 September 2022.

Jonathan Persse was the quintessential King’s Master. Many of his initiatives are written into the fabric of today’s school and stand as a worthy and enduring testimony to his faith in, and commitment to, The King’s School.

He is survived by his wife Georgina and extended family and by the many hundreds of boys who were privileged to count him as a teacher and mentor.

Jonathan Persse was the quintessential King’s Master. Many of his initiatives are written into the fabric of today’s school and stand as a worthy and enduring testimony to his faith in, and commitment to, The King’s School.

Jonathan Persse

In Memoriam

In 1987, he embarked on a building project for eight new classrooms. Richards skilfully navigated the philanthropic campaign to secure significant support for a building that is still used by Tudorians. The Warren Anderson building may be his most tangible legacy.

Then, in 1993, in response to falling enrolments, Richards drafted a revolutionary blueprint for a new Tudor House that proposed co-education and weekly boarding only. The proposal was rejected because it tried to alter the balance of a community which had evolved over nearly a century. Almost 25 years later, Richards’ vision for co-education was realised with the introduction of girls to Tudor House in 2017.

Phillip Richards is remembered as a great servant of the School, having given 20 years of his life to Tudor, including ten as Headmaster. His heart for the students, his understanding of the Tudor DNA and his passion for boarding are memories that will be fondly associated with Richards and his legacy. He will be missed by our community and all who knew him.

Phillip Richards

(1948-2022)

The community was deeply saddened by the passing of Phillip Richards, the 11th Headmaster of The King’s School, Tudor House.

Richards began his first stint at Tudor House as a young teacher in 1971, working under Headmaster RB Darke (Richards would go on to marry Darke’s daughter, Louise). The apprenticeship under Darke strengthened his understanding of the Tudor House ethos and provided opportunities to work as Meyer and Medley Housemaster. In 1977, he was appointed as Senior Master.

In 1981, Richards moved to Melbourne to take up a position at Caufield Grammar School. This experience away from Tudor House proved invaluable when the School was looking for RB Darke’s successor at the end of 1985. His intelligence, innovative approach to education and academic qualifications allowed him to secure the appointment as Headmaster in 1986. His sense of humour and willingness to swim against the tide was aptly summarised by Ashton’s comments in the Tudor history book: “PGR was the merry prankster forged by the 1960s counter-culture, cocking a snook at his elders, a suburban Che Guevara challenging the bourgeois hegemony, marching to a different drum.”

Phillip Richards

Brian Larking

Brian was a student at The King’s School from 1952 to 1956. He was also a member of Macquarie House, splitting his final year between Broughton and Macquarie. He represented the School in Cricket, Rugby and Tennis and was a member of the Cadet Corps.

After joining The King’s School Old Boy’s Union in 1957, Brian worked tirelessly and was a frequent attendee at many events. He was a Committee member from 1966, holding various positions. In 1981 he became Assistant Secretary and then Secretary from 1982 to 1998, when he became President and served in this role until 1990.

Brian served twice as an elected Governor of The King’s School. He was Governor in 1996 (OBU representative on Council) and was elected again from 1999 to 2014 serving as Honorary Treasurer /Chairman of the Finance Committee, member of the Executive Committee and member of the Risk/Audit and Compliance Committee.

From 1990, Brian was The King’s School representative at the Great Public Schools Association (GPS). He held this position for 30 years.

Outside his commitments to the School, Brian was a Chartered Accountant at BDO Nelson Parkhill and past director of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust. In 2015, he was awarded the Order Australia Medal for a range of social welfare, cultural and educational bodies.

A sports enthusiast, Brian enjoyed returning to the JS White Oval to barrack for King’s. The King’s School Archivist, Jenny Pearce, recalls spending many hours watching Rugby home games with Brian, solving the problems of the world. Brian loved Rowing and the School named a racing four in his honour. Alongside his love of sport, Brian was passionate about the theatre. He was appointed Secretary of Braeside Music and Drama in 1981, subsequently holding the position of Director from 1992 until at least 1996.

Brian’s achievements were in line with his principles. Family came first and he always showed compassion for others, helping those in need and supporting various charities. Everyone who was blessed to know him speaks of how he maintained the highest moral stands in his private and public life.

Brian was a treasured member of The King’s School and his dedication and loyalty to the community will be remembered by all who knew him.

Roy Horrocks

(1928-2022)

On 22 November 2022, the School lost one of its most faithful servants. Roy Horrocks was the much-loved husband of Gwenda (deceased) and father of Michael (1978), Jennifer, Megan and their families. Roy was a former student of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where he was Head Chorister, and Shore. He taught at Tudor House and Knox before being appointed to The King’s School, Preparatory School in 1956. Roy combined teaching with studying and graduated BA (USyd), later completing a Dip Ed (UNE).

Roy encouraged intellectual growth as Head of the Prep School from 1967 to 1985. He loved art, singing and literature and was a much-loved coach of Rugby and Cricket. In 1980, the Annual Art Show had its genesis under Roy’s watchful eye. He established The Stables as the Prep Art Centre and oversaw the Prep building program which opened in 1984.

Roy’s impact on the Prep School continues today, as many of his initiatives are still very much part of the School. His passion for teaching and student engagement was chronicled in Moonibah, the magazine he published from 1962 to 1975, in which the boys wrote about their excursions, sport, literature and everyday events.

Although he retired in 1985, Roy never left the School and generations of Prep students have very fond memories of him. He always had a twinkle in his eye as he encouraged play at the annual Old Buffers Cricket match.

Roy’s impact on the Prep School continues today, as many of his initiatives are still very much part of the School.

Roy Horrocks

Roger Peiyang Kong (’11) to Leanne Fong

Alexander David Andrew Ware (’09) to Bronte Maddison Maher, on 24 September 2022

Michael Penn (Mike) and Kate Symons, a son Max John Jacka, 2 April 2022

Harrison Bryant (Harry) and Matilda Baxter, a son Reginald Bryant, 26 February 2022

Births, Engagements, Marriages and Deaths

Births

Archibald (’10)

Sam David and Venetia Archibald, a son Henry Dougal, 17 May 2022

Baxter (’11)

Harrison Bryant (Harry) and Matilda Baxter, a son Reginald Bryant, 26 February 2022

Davis (’08)

Brendan James and Claudia Davis, a daughter Adelaide Sophia, 26 January 2022

Gerard (’91)

Christopher David & Kiran Gerard, a son Hazen Sarih Sanghera, 3 May 2022

Grassi (’08)

Stuart Joseph and Elyse Grassi, a son Luca Jeremiah, 9 February 2022

Hilgendorf (’04)

Patrick Joseph and Jodie Hilgendorf, a son Archie Joseph, 22 March 2022

Kougellis (’88)

Jason and Elizabeth Rose Braithwaite, a daughter Zani Marie, 5 March 2022

Mansfield (’10)

Alastair Thomas and Shelby Pryor, a son Theodore Thomas, 25 July 2022

Monroe (’10)

Brodie Jack and Ellie Monroe, a son Jonathan Forbes, 28 July 2022

Polkinghorne (’00)

Nicholas Ross Hylton and Rachel Polkinghorne, a son Tommy, 18 July 2022

Polkinghorne (’02)

Henry James Ross and Bronte Polkinghorne, a daughter Hazel, 9 June 2022

Ruddock (’06)

Thomas Scott (Tom) and Fiona Ruddock, a daughter Ava Antonia Kit, 8 November 2022

Symons (’98)

Michael Penn (Mike) and Kate Symons, a son Max John Jacka, 2 April 2022

Wallace (’08)

James Robert Michael and Sarah Wallace, a son Benjamin Michael John, 24 June 2022

Engagements

Capel (’09) Harry Adams to Emma Marino on 26 February 2022

Gall (’09) Cameron Russell to Annabelle Marie Walsh on 13 June 2021

Honey (’08) Nicholas Terence (Nick) to Krystle McWilliams on 24 June 2022

Thompson (’08) Nicholas Ross Lindsay (Nick) to Madelaine Simpson on December 2021

Marriages

Gall (’09) Cameron Russell to Annabelle Marie Walsh on 24 April 2022

Gerard (’91) Christopher David to Kiran Sanghera on 24 August 2019 (Sri Lanka)

Headford (’08) Daniel James to Michaela Upton on 21 December 2021

Jamieson (’97) Brett John to Benjamin Simpkins on 19 February 2022

Kong (’11) Roger Peiyang to Leanne Fong

McDougall (’08) Michael James (Mike) to Sarah Yardley on 16 September 2022

Thomas (’13) Matthew Ross Eric (Matt) to Kahli De Angelis on 27 August 2022

Ware (’09) Alexander David Andrew (Alex) to Bronte Maddison Maher, on 24 September 2022

Deaths

Anderson (’53) Neil McCheyne 7 May 2022

Anschau (’74) John Carlyle 22 November 2022

Bath (’67) David Rhodes 15 December 2021

Benton (’62) Joseph Lawrence (Jo) 5 January 2022

Bigg (’42) Edward Keith (Keith) 13 June 2022

Blakemore (’58) William Howell (Bill) 30 April 2022

Body (’50) Edmund (Sedley) Campbell 3 July 2022

Bragg (’55) Ian Neil Lees 7 October 2022

Brazier (’53) Robert Michael (Bob) 25 August 2022

Breden (’54) Ian Richard Squire 19 March 2022

Coles (’43) AM Kenneth George 19 January 2022

Collins (’39) Ian Stuart 13 August 2022

Collins (’84) David 14 December 2021

Crossing (’59) Phillip Barclay Murray 29 April 2022

Crouch (’49) Henry Wolseley 3 April 2022

Cullenward (’73) Andrew Mackay (Mick) 13 October 2022

Fairfax (’51) Graham Alfred 4 October 2022

Hanna (’57) OAM Charles Alfred Stuart 26 December 2021

Heily (’70) John Geoffrey (Geoff) 1 February 2022

Holden (’56) George Kenyon (Ken) 14 August 2022

Horrocks HLM OBU Royden Edward (Roy) 24 November 2022

Howe (46) Geoffrey David (David) 30 September 2021

Hunter (’55) Michael John Vernon Forster 25 May 2022

Jones (’06) Patrick Matthew Henry (no date)

Joyes (’63) David Murray 24 December 2021

Kennard (’48) OAM Desmond Noel 10 February 2022

Kerrigan (’52) John Rodney 27 July 2022

Keys (’54) Richard Hudson 8 July 2022

Kidd (’61) Graeme Ross Murray 12 May 2022

Lane-Brown (’52) Malcolm Macquarie 3 March 2022

Larking (’56) OAM Brian Richard 2 November 2022

Love (’44) Robert Bruce 27 July 2022

Love (’65) Evan John 26 October 2008

MacIntosh (’52) Neil Keith 26 October 2022

Macpherson (’55) Ian Stuart 3 July 2022

Marsden (’67) Andrew Sam Hudson (Sam)

16 August 2022

Marshall (’51) Geoffrey Campbell (Geoff) 8 February 2022

Martin (’63) Michael Edward 31 December 2010

Persse (’51) Jonathan William de Burgh

19 September 2022

Prell (’46) Charles William Anthony (Tony)

25 September 2022

Prell (’48) Harold Jeffreys (Jeff) 5 May 2022

Rouse (’55) Leslie Maxwell 9 April 2022

Shayler (’63) Ian David 23 January 2022

Shilson-Josling (’53) Peter Leslie 10 July 2022

Spooner (’47) James Edward (Jim) 20 November 2022

Stephenson (’85) Matthew John 23 September 2022

Taylor (’54) Peter Charles 25 April 2022

Vickers (’43) Peter Cobb 26 August 2022

Welsh (’50) Edwin Joseph 18 June 2022

Wickham (’94) Timothy Robert (Tim) 9 October 2022

Wieland (’89) Peter Richard 6 October 2022

Wood (’70) Paul Winston John 20 August 2022

Young (’00) Peter William Walsingham 18 November 2022