The King's School Gazette 2024 by thekingsschool_official

January 2024

Gazette January 2024

Contents

A Decade of Impact – From Tony George, Headmaster

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility to Create a Lasting Impact – Message from the Chairman

The Impact of an Anglican Christian Community – Message from the Chaplain

Recognising a King’s Pioneer

Caring Can Change the World – Ethan Zhu School Captain 2024

Growing Minds and Harvests

Expanding Global Horizons Through Languages

Character, Leadership, Legacy

It’s Not Just Cricket

Striking the Right Chord

Boarding is at Our Heart

Tudor House – 2023 Highlights

The Preparatory School – 2023 Highlights

Senior School – 2023 Highlights

Making an Impact Through Service Learning

Celebrating the Class of 2023

A Year of Togetherness

Celebrating the Impact of Every Gift

Bill Atkinson – Harrisford Group Event

King’s, a Springboard to Go Global

President’s Report

A Century-Long Legacy

Commemorating Remembrance Day

Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla

A Century Since the Passing of Sir James Burns

In Memoriam

Births, Marriages and Deaths

Gazette January 2024

Welcome From Tony George, Headmaster

A Decade of Impact Throughout educational history, few institutions carry the weight of tradition and purpose, such as The King’s School, established by King William IV in 1831. As the School approaches its bicentennial in 2031, it stands on the cusp of a transformative decade marked by initiatives aimed at realising its foundational purpose, impacting the global society for the greater good. At the heart of The King’s School’s mission lies a commitment to make an outstanding impact for the betterment of others. The School’s mission statement succinctly captures this ethos: “The King’s School is 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.” The desired outcome is a positive influence on a global scale, economically, socially, and environmentally. This impact is not confined to academic achievements alone. The King’s School envisions nurturing graduates into exceptional leaders, dedicated to serving others. The School’s values, especially those of humility and gratitude, serve as guiding principles in shaping well-rounded individuals who are willing, ready and able to make a difference.

The King’s School was conceived as a place for leadership development in the emerging colony of New South Wales. At its heart, leadership is the art of effecting collective decision making. In a rapidly changing world, where societies are becoming increasingly secular, the need for influential and effective communities, guided by wisdom, is paramount. Having been founded as an expression of Christian wisdom, The King’s School sees itself as an Anglican Christian community actively seeking the welfare of the city, echoing the teachings of Jeremiah. It champions the causes of the marginalised, of the widow and fatherless, as advocated by James. As the bicentennial approaches, the School is committed to re-evaluating its role as an Anglican Christian community, which aspires to make a profound impact for the good of our global society, embracing diversity and inclusivity.

The kind of impact The King’s School envisions goes beyond the academic realm. It extends across educational, social and environmental dimensions. In embracing its Anglican Christian identity, the School champions inclusivity, celebrating the diversity of its student body while remaining deeply rooted in the wisdom of the Christian gospel. Humility, a core value, compels The King’s School to be inclusive and celebratory of all people, shunning hubris and entitlement. Gratitude, another core value, underlines a responsive and appreciative approach to the opportunities presented by diversity. Remarkably, The King’s School stands as one of Australia’s most diverse educational institutions, a testament to its commitment to fostering an environment where students from all walks of life thrive. McCrindle Research observed some years ago that the racial and religious demographics of the School mirror that of multicultural Australia, with students from across metropolitan

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Sydney, as well as regional and rural Australia and the world. The School understands true impact transcends academic excellence. It involves shaping individuals who appreciate the value of diversity and are equipped to contribute positively to a multicultural and interconnected world. As The King’s School looks towards its bicentennial, the global vision for impact takes centre stage. The School envisions producing graduates with a strong academic foundation and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the broader global community. The challenges facing the world – be they economic, social, or environmental – require leaders who understand the interconnectedness of our global society. The King’s School, through its commitment to impact, seeks to address these challenges by fostering a sense of global citizenship among its students. The School believes that its graduates should not only be well-equipped professionals, but also compassionate

individuals, who positively and actively contribute to being excellent for the sake of others. Embarking on a decade of impact comes with its challenges and opportunities. The King’s School recognises the need for continuous reflection and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of society. The changing landscape of education, the pressing issues of environmental sustainability and the demands for social justice all present hurdles the School aims to address head-on. Within these challenges, however, lies the potential for innovation, collaboration and growth. The King’s School sees the coming decade as a chance to pioneer new educational approaches, contribute to sustainable practices and champion social initiatives that align with its core values as an Anglican Christian community.

The next decade promises not just educational excellence, but a holistic impact that resonates globally. The School’s journey towards its bicentennial is not merely a celebration of the past, but a pledge to shape a future in which its graduates, characterised by wisdom, humility and gratitude, play pivotal roles in contributing to a better world. The legacy of impact, initiated by King William IV and reiterated by generations of staff, students, families and Old Boys, continues to guide The King’s School into a future filled with promise and purpose. I trust that you will enjoy and be enthused by the stories and articles of this edition of The King’s School Gazette.

Tony George Headmaster

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Balancing Freedom and Responsibility to Create a Lasting Impact Message from the Chairman

In August 2023, I was privileged to be appointed Chairman of The Council of The King’s School. I want to acknowledge and honour my predecessor, Mrs Rosemary Abrahams, and thank her for her model of gracious leadership, wise counsel, unstinting commitment and selfless service to our School, students and staff. I also want to thank my fellow Governors, who voluntarily gave countless hours of their time throughout 2023 and expended tremendous effort to benefit the School.

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In my speech to the graduating class of 2023, I took the opportunity to explore the interplay between freedom and honour and how the foundations of a King’s education positions a Kingsman to make a lasting impact in our community. Freedom and honour may initially appear as contradictory forces. Freedom often conjures images of boundless selfexpression, while honour implies restraint and responsibility. However, beneath the surface, they are intricately connected. My proposition is that true freedom cannot exist without constraint, and constraint is rooted in responsibility, which is at the core of honour. The freedom to express our thoughts relies on others tolerating our words. In essence, freedom is only meaningful when practised within a framework of honourable constraints.

When students venture into the world beyond school, they encounter a society where the delicate balance between freedom and honour isn’t always upheld. Modern culture often elevates the idea of unrestricted freedom while downplaying the importance of honour and self-constraint. This is where our Kingsmen can make a significant difference. Their experiences and education instil an understanding that true freedom requires responsibility. They have honed the ability to choose between exercising freedom wisely or recklessly. Thanks to the commitment and generosity of their parents, graduates are privileged to receive an exceptional education from an esteemed institution in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. With this privilege comes a great responsibility. To whom much has been given, much is expected. Or, to quote US President Calvin Coolidge, “No person was ever honoured for what he received, but for what he gave.” This points us to the path for a meaningful life. We have the freedom to choose this path. This echoes another familiar saying:

Honour is more than just a moral concept; it is the bridge between freedom and responsibility. Acting with honour is not a natural or easy thing to do. One way to do that is with faith that is simultaneously “Greater love has no man than that he courageous. This reflects our School’s motto, lay down his life for his friends.” Fortiter et Fideliter, bravely and faithfully. All (John 15:13) through life, our students will face a decision to exercise a freedom and apply a degree Our supreme model in this is the Lord Jesus, of constraint by acting honourably. The who, though God gave up or constrained King’s School is one of the training grounds all his privileges, took on our likeness and for this skill. Exercising and applying this laid down his life for you and for me. Jesus, ability to life gives our students a much through his death and resurrection, gave to greater possibility of having a fulfilled life and us the greatest gift that can ever be given, confirming the School’s own purpose, which forgiveness, reconciliation with God the is to develop each student into a person Father and eternal life, not to mention peace who makes an outstanding impact for the and true freedom in this life. It is no wonder good of society. Jesus is worthy to receive all honour and in whose service we find perfect freedom.

The ability to exercise purposeful freedom through honourable actions sets a Kingsman apart in a society where this balance is often overlooked. Their time at The King’s School prepares them to make choices that benefit themselves and their community by navigating the delicate interplay between freedom and honour. Freedom, guided by honour, has the power to create lasting and meaningful change in the community. Leading any School, let alone one with the size and complexity of King’s, is an enormous responsibility. As we look back on the year’s activities and achievements featured in this edition of The Gazette and the impact our School has had on the community, I want to thank the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster for their outstanding leadership of the School over the past year. I also extend my thanks to Dr Jen George and Mrs Victoria Edwards for their significant contribution, much of it unseen and unrecognised, to the School’s executive leadership team, our gifted teaching faculty and dedicated administration and operations staff for their commitment, positivity and professionalism over the past year and to all of our parents who volunteer their time and energy and make such a valuable contribution to the life and well-being of the School and students. With my warmest best wishes,

Mr Ken Chapman (’77) Chairman ︱ Council of The King’s School

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The Impact of an Anglican Christian Community Message from the Chaplain

The King’s School is the oldest Anglican School in Australia. In 2031, King’s will celebrate two hundred years since its foundation. As a School, we often refer to the vision of Bishop William Broughton in founding King’s to remind ourselves of our ongoing purpose in our society. Bishop Broughton established King’s as an Anglican School because he believed the Anglican Christian Community could be a force for good due to the kind of values, character and wisdom we seek for our students.

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Researchers tell us the values we hold and the culture we set are shaped by the stories we tell. For King’s, the Christian narrative sits at our heart because we are Anglican. So appreciating the story of Christ is essential to understanding why we hold the particular view of values, character and wisdom we do.

Bishop Broughton’s vision to see in King’s graduates an Anglican Christian style of leadership informed by its values, character and wisdom drives our current aims and activities to produce Global Thought Leaders, who will make an outstanding impact. It is in the nature of the Anglican Christian Community to produce men and women of exemplary values, character and wisdom who had a global impact. The Anglican layperson and anti-slavery campaigner, William Wilberforce, asks in Real Christianity (1797), “Is it not the great end of religion, and, in particular, the glory of Christianity, to extinguish the malignant passions; to curb the violence, to control the appetites, and to smooth the asperities of man; to make us compassionate and kind, and forgiving one to another; to make us good husbands, good fathers, good friends; and to render us active and useful in the discharge of the relative social and civil duties?” Much more recently, the blessing pronounced on the congregation at the conclusion of the Anglican Church’s Confirmation Service exhibits the same outward focus, especially for the vulnerable:

Go forth into the world in peace; Be of good courage; Hold fast to that which is good; Render to no one evil for evil; Strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak; Help the afflicted; give honour to all; Love and serve the Lord, Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; And the blessing of God almighty, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Be among you and remain with you always. Amen. (A Prayer Book for Australia, p.93) Whether it is in the classroom, in the co-curricular space or sporting field, or in Chapel, the questions of what kind of humanity, that is, what kind of values, character, and wisdom, we wish for our students occupies our minds precisely because of our Anglican heritage. We hope Kingsmen and Tudorians internalise Anglican Christian values, character and wisdom, even if they may not embrace the Anglican faith, precisely because these call us to look beyond ourselves to the needs and experiences of others. Researchers tell us the values we hold and the culture we set are shaped by the stories we tell. For King’s, the Christian narrative sits at our heart because we are Anglican. So appreciating the story of Christ is essential to understanding why we hold the particular view of values, character and wisdom we do.

Our values begin with humility. It is a value shaped by Jesus, who said he came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). These words are more than a great example of a putting oneself out for others. There is something more profound about the narrative of Jesus—about the God, who in the person of his eternal Son, crossed Heaven to Earth to take on our humanity to serve us, his flawed and failing creatures. We, who have fallen so far from God and the dignity that God bestowed on us. And, yet, God gives the gift of himself in his Son to those who deserve the very opposite. It is a gift of forgiveness instead of righteous indignation at the mess we have made of his world; a gift of restoration instead of condemnation; a gift of life in the place of death, a gift sealed by life through death. Jesus proclaims that he came to give life and to give it to the full (John 10:10). The central aspect of the story of Christ is that he gives life to us by giving his life for us in service of us. His resurrection from death to life that first Easter is proof he accomplished his task. That narrative of Christ, so central to all that the Anglican faith celebrates, imprints on our souls as an Anglican Christian Community because of the eternal impact Jesus has had on the world. In light of Jesus’ outstanding impact on us and the whole created order, we are drawn into him to follow in his footsteps to make an outstanding impact in service of others. If our values begin with humility founded in the humility of Jesus, making an outstanding impact for the good of society requires being excellent for the sake of others, an excellence capped by gratitude for all that God is and has done for us. It is a gratitude that gives because of what we have been given. The narrative of Christ is a compelling message that shapes our values, character and wisdom because it is inclusive of all, no matter what faith background or none. Whether we accept it personally or not, we can each see its logic and power to bring positive change. For it is a narrative of possibility over futility. It is a narrative of love over hate, forgiveness in a world gripped by retribution. So it is a narrative of hope over despair. As an Anglican School, King’s has always existed to forge Anglican Christian values, character, and wisdom. Our context is not just our community, but also the unique beauty and challenge of our North Parramatta and Moss Vale environments. There is something very Anglican about the way beauty and challenge has the capacity to contribute to the shaping of our values, character and wisdom. For they cause us to set our hearts in reliance on God and to lift our eyes in wonder to the One who created, redeems and calls us into the world to be excellent for others.

Reverend Dr Jason Hobba Director of Christian Community ︱ School Chaplain

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Recognising a King’s Pioneer This year, The King’s School celebrates nine years of Mrs Rosemary Ann Abrahams’ outstanding service.

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Rosemary is a true leader. In 2019, she became the first woman appointed as Chairman of Council after becoming Acting Chairman of Council in 2018.

Returning to Australia, Rosemary became Deputy Head of School and Head of Senior School at Abbotsleigh, a fulfilling and happy time in her career.

Born and educated in Melbourne, Rosemary initially studied at Monash University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, before going on to Melbourne State Teachers College.

The late Rev Canon Dr David Claydon persuaded Rosemary to join the Council of The King’s School as a Governor. As Chairman, Rosemary has been a catalyst for the advancement of women within the School community, supporting the King’s Women’s Network (KWN) and the promotion of women into leadership roles. Rosemary’s calm and measured leadership style was clearly at the fore as she led the Council and worked closely with the Headmaster through the pandemic.

After her studies, she taught in Technical High Schools and moved to Canberra to work for the ACT Schools Authority. Canberra is also where she married her husband, Michael. Rosemary ‘honeymooned’ in Lagos, Nigeria, where Michael was posted as a diplomat. As a former politics student, it was a character-building experience. When Michael and Rosemary returned to Canberra they started a family, before once again heading overseas on postings to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Rosemary earned a Master of Liberal Arts at the University of Southern California and expanded her family further, welcoming her son Mark (’98). After teaching at the Parents Cooperative School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the family again returning to Canberra, Rosemary took up the role as Head of History at St Clare’s Girls’ School. Rosemary’s first taste of school administration came with roles as the first Dean of Students and Assistant Principal of the Senior School at Frankfurt International School in Germany. Senior positions at the New International School of Thailand and the Jakarta International School in Indonesia followed. In Bangkok, Rosemary enrolled in a Master of Education program from the University of Bath.

A true global citizen, Rosemary’s active and positive support for the International Baccalaureate led the School to become an IB Diploma candidate school in May 2022. As a past parent, Rosemary understands the significance of community and actively engages in myriad events across all campuses. The King’s School community is grateful for her guidance, wisdom and unwavering commitment. Her tireless work and dedication have left a mark on the School, a testament to her remarkable journey of service, leadership and lasting impact.

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Caring Can Change the World Ethan Zhu School Captain 2024

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2024 School Captain Ethan Zhu has embarked on a noble mission to foster an atmosphere of care and unity within the diverse School community. With a dedicated team of Monitors by his side, Ethan aspires to lead King’s towards a collective spirit of empathy, ensuring the School continues to thrive with a shared sense of purpose. Ethan’s journey at King’s began in 2017 as a Year 5 student at the Preparatory School. Reflecting on his journey, Ethan expressed, “When I first arrived at King’s, I was overwhelmed by the wealth of opportunities available to us. The choices are abundant, and the support of our staff and friends is a blessing.” Over the years, Ethan has assumed various leadership roles, including Gowan Brae Monitor, Cadet Corps leader and a member of the Student Representative Council. He emphasises the unifying power of being a Kingsman. “The role of School Captain is a greater responsibility, but the core principles of leadership remain unchanged. Fundamentally, leaders need to care and understand the people they lead. As a Gowan Brae monitor, having interacted with Year 7 students from diverse backgrounds, has only reinforced to me that being a Kingsman is what unites us all.” Ethan believes effective communication is crucial in leadership and he credits King’s as a place where he has been given opportunities to develop these skills. “In Year 5, I was invited to trial for the debating team. I was told that when I spoke, others would listen, so I saw debating as a place to be heard. When I first started, I was incredibly nervous, but over the years with the support of my teachers and peers, my confidence grew,” says Ethan. In 2023, Ethan achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second student in the history of The King’s School to receive the prestigious Lawrence Campbell Oratory Prize. This annual impromptu public speaking competition brings together representatives from renowned public and associative schools in New South Wales. The first King’s student to win this prize was the Honourable Justice Lloyd Waddy AM, RFD, KC, in 1957. Ethan is also a keen athlete, having represented the School in Athletics and Rowing. In 2022, he was part of the 1st Junior VIII Rowing Crew, which achieved victory at the Head of the River and the U17 Australian Rowing Championships. “I was never really interested in sports before King’s. The sports programs are a perfect example of how the care shown by the staff directly contributes to our success,” says Ethan. According to Ethan, his most cherished achievement is not a trophy or award, but the privilege of being a part of the King’s community. He is motivated by the School Values and the lifelong friendships he has forged, recognising their profound influence on shaping his character. He hopes his kind and compassionate nature will be evident throughout his leadership and that of his team of Monitors.

Ethan acknowledges his experiences at King’s have prepared him well for his role as School Captain. “I am ready and willing to serve the community and lend a helping hand. I want my peers and teachers to know I care, I am here to listen and ready to take action.” The 2024 Monitors are focused on promoting care and empathy within the community and are exploring ways to recognise those who exemplify these values. On World Teachers’ Day, they initiated a gesture of appreciation by creating cards of thanks for every King’s teacher to recognise the positive influence they have on their lives. “It’s about showing care for one another and acknowledging its profound impact on our collective sense of belonging,” says Ethan. Looking ahead, Ethan and his team of Monitors are excited to introduce a student magazine called the ‘Sky Blue and White Insight’. This initiative aims to provide students with opportunities to write, read and engage in discussions about pressing global concerns. “Our world provides new challenges which King’s is equipping us to solve and I want to highlight that to the students. We want the boys to engage with the world by using what we are learning to make a difference.” Ethan believes it is his job to ensure the spirit of King’s remains alive and resilient in a changing world. “Leadership is not a sprint it is a marathon. It is my responsibility to lead not only from the frontline, but also from the middle. I intend to work collaboratively with Vice Captain Charlie Maple-Brown and our team of Monitors for the benefit of the School community,” says Ethan. Ethan Zhu’s vision for The King’s School in 2024 is a testament to the enduring values of compassion, leadership and unity that have defined the School for generations. With his dedicated team, he is poised to leave an indelible mark, inspiring the community to care, unite and make an impact.

Leadership is not a sprint it is a marathon. It is my responsibility to lead not only from the frontline, but also from the middle. I intend to work collaboratively with Vice Captain Charlie Maple-Brown and our team of Monitors for the benefit of the School community.

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Growing Minds and Harvests As King’s continues to define ways in which it can have a positive impact for the good of society, educating students about the global significance of agriculture, in particular food security, is a strategic objective for the School. The King’s School has a rich history in Agriculture. Archive records suggest the study of agriculture began around 1907 and was known as Land Class. Sheep and Wool classes began in 1924, with The Vacy Prize for Sheep and Wool instated that year. The same prize is now given to the Year 12 boy who contributes most to practical Agriculture at the School. The culture of Agriculture and emphasis on food security has grown in the past

five years. Agriculture is embedded in cross-curricular subjects such as Science, Economics, Business Studies and Geography. It is also part of The Future Project via agriculturally-related research and as a focus of the School’s Global Engagement Academic Cluster. “As the world population increases, demand for food and resources will also rise. We want our students to be aware of the global requirements related to food security and be educated to make a difference in the future,” says Mr Tony Turner, Head of Agriculture. The School has experienced a surge in the number of students electing Agriculture and VET Primary Industries over the past five years. In total, 260 students were enrolled in these courses in 2023, doubling the number of enrolments in half a decade. Notably, there are more day boys studying Agriculture than the School has ever experienced.

Over the last four years, the School has had a 60 per cent increase in the average number of students sitting the Agriculture HSC exam. From 2019 to 2022, an average of 22 per cent of Agriculture HSC students achieved a Band 6 result. This is two and a half times the state average and has resulted in King’s consistently ranking within the top five schools in the state for Agriculture. In 2022, King’s was ranked third, behind two selective high schools, James Ruse and Hurlstone Agricultural High Schools. Agriculture is also studied in the primary years, with programs well embedded at both the Preparatory School and Tudor House. “Our land at the Southern Highlands and Parramatta campuses and through our commercial farm, Futter Park, provides rich and authentic learning experiences in Agriculture and Primary Industries. As a boarding community, we have many opportunities to explore the industry through our regional families,” says Turner.

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The School’s regional property, Futter Park, operates a commercial farming business offering students first-hand experience in the farming industry. Next year will see the return of the Futter Park Jackaroo program and two graduates from the Class of 2023, Gus and Lachie Smith have been placed there for the year. “The co-curricular Ag Club is popular with Preparatory and Senior School students. The boys enjoy interacting with animals and growing crops and the program gives students the opportunity to participate in industry competitions,” says Turner. The club aligns with show seasons in Senior School, with the Cattle Ag Club running Terms 4 and 1, and the Sheep Ag Club in Terms 2 and 3. Students learn about animal husbandry, live-stock judging, ring craft, livestock grooming and animal behaviour. At the 2023 Castle Hill Show, King’s won Champion School Steer and Champion Open Steer. In one heavyweight steer class, The King’s School won every ribbon. The School’s success at the Castle Hill Show led to students qualifying for the Sydney Royal Easter Show, an Australianwide agricultural competition where schools compete against professionals. The King’s School farm was established in 1908 so the School could produce its own milk and vegetables. Over the years, the agricultural plot has grown and now incorporates a free-range piggery, Indigenous and introduced orchards, aquaponics, hydroponics, poultry, show cattle, and a Dorset sheep stud. “With the agricultural plot close to the Gowan Brae boarding house, many regional boarders find comfort in the sights and sounds of our farm animals. It feels like home,” says Turner. The Prep School’s Agricultural program is a unique sequence of hands-on learning experiences. From Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6, students investigate ecosystems, habitats, life cycles, paddock-to-plate processes, bush tucker and medicines and sustainable agriculture. The program begins with nature play and progresses to scientific experimentation, culminating in a drone survey project. At the 169-acre Tudor House campus, the agricultural plot incudes fruit trees, poultry, vegetable gardens, alpacas, sheep and cattle. This environment allows students to experience a genuine paddock-to-plate program and engage in inquiry-led learning projects.

Competing at this level gives students the chance to develop skills in time management, teamwork, personal presentation, and public speaking. “They work long days, fostering a strong work ethic and job satisfaction,” says Turner. One of the School’s strategic objectives is to develop an Agribusiness program which links Agriculture, Economics and Business Studies so students can analyse farm operations from an Agribusiness perspective. Junior years will develop business proposals to market and develop the production of honey and eggs. Senior students will use a combination of real and virtual farms to develop agribusiness skills. “We want our students to consider ways they can impact the agricultural landscape and have a positive influence on food security. They could become researchers and develop the next food and fibre products. Or they could play a role securing the country’s economic future through the production and export of commodities. They could find ways for farms to remain productive in a changing climate or create change at a political level. The opportunities are endless and exciting,” says Turner.

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Expanding Global Horizons Through Languages

At The King’s School, languages are not just a subject, they are a lifelong skill that connects our students to the global community. As the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) edges closer, the emphasis on languages has never been more pronounced.

“More students are choosing languages as an elective because it broadens students’ cultural understanding and communication skills and provides global experiences as they prepare for life after school,” says Suzanne Hill, Head of Languages. The commitment to languages at The King’s School begins early. They are included in the curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten at the Preparatory School and Tudor House. “Learning a language exercises and trains areas of the brain that would otherwise be stagnant,” says Hill. Students, who can study French, German or Mandarin from Year 7, take their linguistic skills beyond the School gates and apply them to future study and career opportunities, with language opening doors culturally, professionally and intellectually.

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More students are choosing languages as an elective because it broadens students’ cultural understanding and communication skills and provides global experiences as they prepare for life after school. SUZANNE HILL, HEAD OF LANGUAGES

A survey by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) found nine out of ten US employers value college graduates with skills in languages other than English. With more Kingsmen pursuing global opportunities, it is wonderful to see students recognising the value of studying a language. Experiences stretch beyond the classroom when it comes to learning a language. King’s students who elect to study a language have the opportunity to experience the importance of a global connection through the School’s Exchange Program. The program has been revived as COVID restrictions ease and boys are travelling to cities such as Paris, Versailles, Toulouse, Cologne and Bonn to immerse themselves in the culture and language. Year 8 and 9 French students also recently took part in a study tour to New Caledonia.

In late 2023, Year 10 French student Oscar Hill travelled to Paris on exchange. “I believe the School’s Language Exchange program is the best way to learn a language. I loved living like a Parisian, experiencing all the city has to offer, including a new school system. There will not be many times in my life where I can say that I ate a pain au chocolat for breakfast before riding my bike through the streets of Paris to get to school,” says Oscar. With the IBDP starting in 2025, there is a fresh buzz around the Languages Department, with Spanish being introduced for students choosing the IB Pathway as a beginners’ language. Students will be able to choose a Language B of French, German or Chinese, plus Spanish in an ab initio capacity.

“We are focused on students electing a language from Years 8 to 10 in preparation for the IB pathway and recruiting language teachers with IBDP and HSC experience,” says Suzanne. King’s students and their families contribute to a rich tapestry of languages and cultures and the School supports students who wish to study a language other than those offered on-site via NESA-accredited colleges. In 2022, Ajeshwar Virk (’22) achieved 1st in State for Punjabi, a course he studied through the Secondary College of Languages. The commitment to languages at The King’s School is an academic endeavour and investment in a future where global connections matter more than ever. As the School anticipates the exciting academic changes 2025 will bring, languages are more than just subjects, they are bridges to the world.

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The King’s School’s Cadet Corps program stands as a testament to tradition, discipline and character development. As the oldest Cadet Unit in Australia, the program has supported boys on their journey to manhood since 1866, first at St Mark’s Collegiate School at Macquarie Fields, before later amalgamating with The King’s School.

Character, Leadership, Legacy

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While customs and traditions remain, the Cadet Corps experience at King’s is evolving under the leadership of Commanding Officer LTCOL (AAC) Brendan Stewart. Many new initiatives have been implemented, with more on the horizon. “Cadet Corps plays an integral part in the School’s ambition to produce Global Thought Leaders with a healthy risk appetite. We had more than 860 cadets in 2023, and a retention rate of more than 70 per cent of Year 11 and 12 students, where participation is voluntary. This shows Kingsmen are aware of, and embrace, Cadet Corps for the character and leadership opportunities the program offers,” says Lieutenant Colonel Stewart. Cadets are assessed through a promotions course phase and on their field performance to receive a rank and position of leadership within a Platoon and Company. There are many leadership opportunities for cadets in the Corps for those who demonstrate high performance and reflect the Australian Army Cadets’ core values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence. Corps staff mentor cadets and support them in their practice of leadership, while participating in various aspects of the program. “At King’s, we place a bond of trust in our cadets, while providing them with a safe, yet challenging environment. The Annual Field Exercise, held during Camps Week, is the ultimate test of our cadets’ mind, body and soul as they trek up to 14 kilometres with their platoon. The expeditions result in physical and mental fatigue, but ultimately develops and exposes the character in cadets,” says Stewart.

The School has travelled to Singleton Military Training Area for the Annual Field Exercise for over 40 years and staff know the location well. This gives the cadets autonomy within a known environment. To support their safety on trek, Cadet Platoon Commanders are equipped with GPS devices and radios. Each platoon has a medic and trained signaller who can alert staff of an emergency or arrange a medevac. Because the location is so well known to the School, staff are able to position themselves to provide support when it is required. An operation the Cadet Corps size can only be managed safely if the right protocols are in place and being followed. “We train and develop our cadets well, and commanders are expected to lead the platoon within a safe framework. Consequences are in place for cadets who make poor judgements or decisions and leadership responsibilities can be revoked from cadets who do not conduct themselves to the high standards our Unit expects.”

The Annual Field Exercise has traditionally been part of the King’s experience from Year 9. But from 2025, the School will introduce a recruit program which integrates Year 7 students into the program from the beginning of their Senior School journey. In addition, Year 7 will participate in weekly training sessions to develop their basic cadet skills. “We will equip them with basic cadet skills and knowledge to prepare for a more exciting and adventurous experience. They will learn fundamentals such as rank structure, drill, our history and traditions and field craft skills,” says Stewart. In 2023, the Preparatory School broadened its Outdoor Education program with the introduction of a Year 6 cadets experience in preparation for Senior School. This included an overnight camp on the King’s grounds, after a trek around Lake Parramatta.

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Nurturing a healthy risk appetite is a really important part of the program. The younger we encourage this, the more likely our students will be willing to challenge themselves physically and mentally in life.

“Nurturing a healthy risk appetite is a really important part of the program. The younger we encourage this, the more likely our students will be willing to challenge themselves physically and mentally in life. School is a safe place for students to try things outside their comfort zone. When they fail, which they sometimes do, they are learning. This is how King’s prepares boys for life after school,” says Stewart. In 2024, the Senior School will consider the introduction of the Cadet Corps Bootcamp. This is a new initiative to develop cadets’ fitness and mindset in preparation for the physical demands of trekking. The program will introduce an advanced leadership training program for senior cadet leaders to refine the way those who hold senior rank prepare for the rigours of leadership in the Cadet Corps. The School Values provide cadets with opportunities to be globally engaged. In April 2023, eight cadets travelled to Singapore to honour ANZAC Day. They attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore, and toured the cemetery to locate the graves of Old Boys who were buried there, along with the five other Old Boys inscribed on the Wall of Remembrance. The Cadet Corps plans to expand the schedule of international trips from next year. “International trips to places of historical significance enrich our cadets’ knowledge of real-life scenarios and the sacrifices of Australian soldiers who have fallen for their country,” says Stewart. While there are many benefits for students involved in Cadet Corps, there is also much to be gained for King’s staff who are a part of the program. In 2023, the School saw the highest number of staff ever participate in the Cadet Corps, with a significant increase in the variety of specialty platoons introduced in recent years.

“We have a number of speciality Platoons implemented to cater for our broad and diverse student cohort and staff members. We have established an Environmental Section attached to our Training Platoon to keep cadets aware about the environment including interactions with flora and fauna. The Section will also track and report on weather forecasts. Our Food Security Platoon ensures the cadets have fresh rations, which extends far beyond the standard once experienced at camp. Our talented Media Platoon captures all the memorable experiences, and our Medics and SES Platoons are trained to keep cadets safe and respond in an emergency.” The Cadet Corps is an all-inclusive youth development program that models the Australian Army Cadets Development Continuum. Many Kingsmen have followed this pathway after graduating. Although the Cadet Corps is an excellent foundation, pursuing a pathway with the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is in high demand and students must begin preparing their application from Year 11. The School has begun engaging with Old Boys who serve in the Australian Defence Force to provide mentorship for students looking to pursue a career in defence. “Our boys can stand out and thrive at ADFA because they have the foundations in place. We want them to be prepared and well informed about the variety of ADFA study options available, so they might find an avenue to serve their country while studying a degree that can be useful in civilian life,” says Stewart. Being a King’s cadet opens students’ minds to potential career opportunities. But for many, the Cadet Corps is the ultimate experience and highlight of their King’s journey. Central to the Cadet Corps is character development, nurturing leadership, and preparing cadets for the world beyond the School gates. Through its blend of age-old traditions and innovative initiatives, the program continues to provide a path to success for countless young men, preparing them to become future leaders and nation builders.

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It’s Not Just Cricket Records suggest Cricket started at The King’s School in 1832, one year after the School’s inception. For close to two centuries, generations of boys have enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of Cricket. In recent years, King’s has enjoyed unparalleled success, attributed to its training and development program that shapes exceptional cricketers and moulds them into outstanding Kingsmen This unique blend of athletic excellence and character development has led to a strong connection between Cricket and leadership within the School, with many cricketers holding leadership positions, including the 2023 School Captains at both the Senior School and Preparatory School. Under the mentorship of the Director of Cricket, Rod Hokin, the School has elevated its Cricket program to one of the country’s best. The ‘King’s Way of Cricket’ is to strive for excellence, with a focus on instilling the School Values through experiences on and off the pitch.

years, four Old Boys have gone on to represent Australia and countless others are part of Cricket Australia Pathway Programs. “Our approach is about creating talented cricketers and nurturing well-rounded individuals who can lead on and off the field,” says Hokin. Rod and his coaching team expect a standard of excellence in the way the boys conduct themselves on the field, in the grandstand, and during training.

“Integrity and respect for umpires, commitment to excellence through fitness and punctuality Hokin has an extensive background in cricket. standards, and humility are some principles He played professionally for ten years in players learn through cricket,” says Hokin. England and Ireland. He is now a Cricket The program encourages individual success Australia High Performance (Level 3) Coach, regardless of skill level, promoting the the highest level coaching qualification in idea of constant self-improvement. With the world. He also has extensive overseas this attitude, the School has seen success coaching experience in India, Sri Lanka, across many levels of the game. In the 2023 the West Indies, England, and Ireland and season, King’s won both the 1st and 2nd XI has worked with many players who have AAGPS premiership as well as the 15A team represented their country. In the last five

remaining undefeated in their season. The School’s 2nd XI has won an incredible six consecutive AAGPS Premierships, which shows the depth of quality players in the program. “We are seeing a pattern of cricketers growing into leaders because its challenging nature fosters mental toughness, teamwork and sportsmanship. This teaches players to overcome adversity and contribute positively to their team, even in the face of personal setbacks,” says Hokin. Cricket has achieved success at Senior School and Preparatory School levels, with young cricketers stepping up as leaders and becoming involved in interschool competitions. For instance, 2023 Preparatory School Captain, Ethan Natkunamanickam, is a natural leader and high-performance cricketer. He was Captain of King’s Preparatory Cricket 1st XI and Co-Captain of the 1st XI Preparatory Football, as well as New South

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Wales Combined Independent Schools (NSWCIS) Primary School Captain, where his team won the championship. Ethan was also NSW Primary Schoolboys Captain for the U12 School Sport Australia National Championships. He was awarded the D.A. Wiburd Award for the 2022/2023 season for the most outstanding NSWCIS primary sportsman. Alongside 2023 Senior School Captain Aredith Janarth, many players in the 2023 Senior School 1st XI held leadership positions within the School. Captain of Cricket Fergus Fergusson was the Executive Monitor for Community, Sidhant Singh was the School’s War Cry Captain, and the School Vice-Captain, Angus Wruck was a leading wicketkeeper. In the 2024 School Monitors’ team, School Vice-Captain Charlie Maple-Brown, Executive Monitor (Chaplaincy) Samuel Scott, and Executive Monitor (Character) Isamu Naito are all key players in the Cricket program. Rod has created a culture whereby Cricket is one program across the Preparatory School and Senior School. This creates consistency in attitude and conduct from the youngest players in Year 3 to the Senior School 1st XI team. “Consistent training across the Prep and Senior School has contributed to our success. The collaboration between the Prep and Senior 1st XI teams promotes unity and skill development.” says Hokin. The King’s School Cricket Tour to the United Kingdom and France was a highlight of the 2023 cricket calendar. The boys faced schools across the country and relished the cricketing history, particularly during their visit to Lords for the Ashes test match. This tour was an opportunity for skill development and promoted leadership and mentorship among players from different year groups. “The UK Cricket Tour is a testament to our commitment to fostering leadership and camaraderie. It’s about creating an environment where young Kingsmen can learn from each other and grow, both as cricketers and leaders.” Throughout the School’s history, Kingsmen have enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of Cricket. With 251 boys in the Senior School program and 81 boys in the Preparatory program, the numbers reflect the program’s depth. The distinctive feature of the King’s Cricket program is its ability to produce leaders. “This culture is cultivated through mentorship between older and younger players, and outstanding role models like Wayne Edwards, who has coached the Senior School 2nd XI to six consecutive AAGPS Premierships.” says Hokin. Through character-building values, world-class facilities and a supportive community, King’s continues to shape the cricketing stars of tomorrow, who embody the School’s motto of seeking excellence for the excellence of others.

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Striking the Right Chord Music is woven through the experience of every student at The King’s School. From the youngest students in Pre-Kindergarten at the Preparatory School and Tudor House, to accomplished Year 12 musicians, music is a part of every student’s journey.

In 2023, the School celebrated the revival of live music performances, spanning diverse genres and captivating audiences from lunchtime concerts to the grandeur of the King’s in Concert performance at the esteemed Sydney Town Hall. The community was reminded of the quality and depth of musical talent across the three campuses of the School. Mrs Sarah Feltham, Director of Music, shared the distinctive King’s approach to music education. “At King’s we take a unique approach to Music by treating the curriculum and co-curricular programs holistically. The ensembles are an extension of the classroom, affording students additional practice hours beyond NESA requirements. The collaborative ethos among teachers benefits students and fosters high morale among the expert staff.” This approach has yielded significant growth in the elective stream, with 24 students electing Year 11 Music across Music 2 and Music 1 for 2024, marking a record number of HSC Music students. The School has two composers in residence, Dr Holly Harrison and Ms Emma Greenhill, who mentor students in the composition component of the HSC, leading to record numbers in Encore nominations. By treating senior students as musicians, King’s offers real-world experiences and industry-standard partnerships, providing a tertiary pathway for those aspiring to pursue a career in music. Many Old Boys have successfully transitioned into the industry.

From the outset of their King’s journey, students are immersed in the world of music. The Lower School Strings program, introduced at Tudor House in 2021, ensures every student from Kindergarten to Year 2 receives weekly violin lessons. Feltham highlights the cognitive benefits, explaining, “Learning to play the violin stimulates brain cells, improves memory functioning, and enhances abstract reasoning skills.” At the Preparatory School, the Music program starts in Pre-Kindergarten, offering every boy the opportunity to learn an instrument, participate in ensembles and choirs, and benefit from mentorship by Senior School musicians. Collaborations across campuses prepare them for the transition to Year 7. The 2023 King’s in Concert event showcased the high-quality music at the School. The Symphony Orchestra, Prep and Senior School Choirs, and a Massed Choir comprising Years 5, 6, and 7 students captivated a sold-out audience at the Town Hall. King’s continued its musical ventures with a return to the Merimbula Jazz Concert and the hosting of “A Night at Versailles,” an evening of informed music enjoyed over a meal. “We are focused on broadening musical genres offered to students. The School is expanding the contemporary band stream, allowing students to participate in jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras, strings and choirs. A diverse range of showcases throughout the year provides students with performance opportunities,” says Feltham.

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The 2023 King’s in Concert event showcased the high-quality music at the School. The Symphony Orchestra, Prep and Senior School Choirs, and a Massed Choir comprising Years 5, 6, and 7 students captivated a sold-out audience at the Town Hall. Looking ahead to the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in 2025, the School plans to expand into electronic music and computerised composition. A Production Club, to be introduced in 2024, will offer students considering the IBDP pathway opportunities to record music and develop podcasts or radio stations in collaboration with the Media Club. In December 2024, 43 boys from the orchestra and choir will embark on a European tour, performing predominantly sacred music at venues such as the Salzburg Cathedral.

As the School approaches its Bicentenary, the Music Department envisions King’s becoming a professional music hub, benefiting the School and positively impacting the broader community. In line with this vision, the School hosted a series of public Masterclasses with music experts, including Associate Professor Goetz Richter, an acclaimed violinist and string pedagogue, and Australian classical pianist and teacher, Gerard Willems AM.

Feltham says, “We continue to find new ways for our students to have a real-world music experience. Students are constantly immersed in real music making, aiming for the next concert, an upcoming tour or a composition workshop where their own works are performed by professionals.”

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Boarding is at Our Heart Boarding is at the heart of The King’s School. For boarders, the School is their second home. It’s a place where they live, learn and grow alongside their mates, where they are supported by a highly-qualified team of boarding professionals.

Our boarders come from all corners of Australia and the world and are immersed in a community that operates 24 hoursa-day, seven days-a-week. “All students, regardless of whether they are a boarder or day student, can benefit from our residential community,” says Mr Ben Chadwick, Director of Boarding. King’s students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the residential community. Lunchtime food service for all students and staff, access to school facilities outside school hours, and after-hours tutoring services are just some ways the boarding community positively impacts the King’s experience for day students. The boarding adventure at King’s is designed to shape the minds, bodies and souls of every boarder from Years 3 to 12. There are many advantages to being a boarder, and the impact of a King’s and Tudor House boarding adventure is significant.

Living on campus affords students access to the School’s facilities whenever they need. Academically, this means accessing the School library outside of hours and one-on-one tutoring during evening study time and on weekends. Students living on campus can access facilities for additional co-curricular and sports training or to simply hang out and bond with fellow boarders. One measurable impact of the boarding experience is the Patron Program, which has operated in the Senior School boarding houses for nine years. Patrons are Old Boys of the School, who return to provide mentorship to boarders. There are two patron shifts in the boarding houses. The afternoon shift is where patrons provide supervision, mateship and mentor the boys. After dinner, academic patrons work with the boys to provide tutoring and support with their schoolwork.

Chadwick explains the Patron Program has shifted the culture and attitude towards study within the boarding houses. “Boys feel encouraged and motivated to take advantage of the additional academic tutoring available. The Old Boys provide mentorship and encourage positive study habits.” The program began with Old Boy Mr Uday Soni (’13), who approached Chadwick about an idea to give back to the School. Together, they saw an opportunity to foster a more positive attitude towards studying within the boarding houses and improve the boarders’ academic results. “When I was at school, I loved the energy and culture of the boarding community. I observed that many of the boys were from rural or international backgrounds and tended to feel overwhelmed with the comprehensive academic curriculum. The potential to do well was certainly there in the boys, but they just needed a good role model to help them overcome these barriers,” says Soni.

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“While patrons are in a position of seniority and authority, the boys do not think of them as a member of the teaching staff. Students see patrons as mentors or older siblings, which makes it easier for the boys to speak their minds and ask for advice on non-academic issues. Their presence has improved the house culture and student performance across all aspects of school life,” he says.

your best mates. There are many tutors and senior students in the house who share their wisdom,” says Matthew.

“We observed a small nudge in the right direction, realising that Old Boys could have a really positive impact on the students in the house,” says Soni.

The impact of the Patron Program has been evident in the HSC results of boarders. In 2023, 41 graduation prizes were awarded to boarders, a result achieved through the boys’ hard work and willingness to take advantage of the additional support offered through the Patron Program.

The Patron Program has expanded significantly. Dr Matt Bojanic (’15) was employed as a patron in Bishop Barker Harris. Bojanic says the relationship between a student and a boarding patron is unique.

International student, Matthew Nunthakunatip (Year 10) began boarding at Tudor House in Year 6. He sees the relationship between boarders and patrons as one of the greatest advantages of being a boarder. “Boarding is like having a sleepover every night with

While the patrons play a significant role in supporting students’ wellbeing and success, a team within each house ensures every student has a positive boarding adventure. This includes the Housemaster, House Matron and boarding staff. Bishop Barker Harris boarder, Peter MacCallum (Year 11) explains his support network in the house. “I am supported by the caring staff in Bishop Barker Harris, the excellent counselling services, the academic help available from tutors and Old Boys and my close friends in the house. I also get plenty of support from my Housemaster, Mr Ruddock.”

Initially, the intention was to assist boarders with schoolwork on weeknights. When the boarders reacted positively to having Old Boys in the house, the role of a patron very quickly evolved. Their responsibilities became that of academic and pastoral care mentors, which included working with the teaching staff to improve outcomes for individual students, assisting the boys with HSC subject selection and university applications and encouraging them to make the most of the incredible opportunities at King’s.

Baker Hake patron, Joshua Han (’19) says it’s the students that make the job fulfilling. “I’ve heard the words so many times now, ‘I went well in the exam, thank you for your help.’ It is heart-warming to be an active and continuing part of the boys’ learning journey.”

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In Gowan Brae, Year 7 students are supported academically by an external tuition service twice a week. The program helps boarders with Mathematics and English. For boarders from regional and remote locations, this additional academic support builds their confidence and prepares them for Year 8 and beyond. At Tudor House, residential teaching staff provide academic assistance to boarders during prep time each evening for an hour before dinner. While this is a set time for oneon-one tuition, boarding students can engage with residential teaching staff any time after school or at the weekend to seek academic or pastoral care. Living in a community has an unquestionable impact on boarders’ socialisation. Students learn to live with their peers, staff and the broader residential community at the Parramatta and Southern Highlands Campuses.

“I enjoy the boarding community. There is an interconnected fabric binding the Bishop Barker Harris Boys together, creating an amazing support system,” says Robert Gordon (Year 10). The Vertical Boarding Mentor Program at the Senior School, which sees boys from Year 8 to 12 sharing a boarding house, has positively impacted students’ welfare. Mentorship and leadership are encouraged, with younger students mixing with older students. “Vertical boarding creates a wonderful mixing pot of personalities as the boys are at different stages emotionally, physically and cognitively. This brings some challenges, but provides opportunities for rewarding and enriching pastoral care experiences, conversations and learning by watching and doing,” says Chadwick.

Each boarding house has a buddy system with Year 12 and Year 8 boarders. Some Year 10 students are assigned as Gowan Brae Monitors, which sees them living and providing mentorship in the Year 7 boarding house. Year 8 boarder, Willoughby O’Brien believes the best thing about boarding is the life-long relationships formed with boys across different year groups. “Boarders have great relationships formed through shared experiences. We have a strong understanding of the School’s culture and core values,” says Willoughby. At Tudor House, the boarding community focuses on creating a nurturing, family environment for young boarders. The residential staff and their families play an integral role. In 2023, Mr Anthony Philips was appointed Head of Boarding at Tudor House. For the past 12 months, he and his family have been settling into life at Tudor House and providing invaluable support to the School’s youngest boarders and their families.

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“One of the greatest advantages of boarding at Tudor House is the connection that boarders have with the School’s residential community. Weekend outings and activities allow boarders to socialise with their friends and the children who live onsite. It feels like one big family,” says Philips. Tudor House boarders have access to the 169-acre campus. On weekends and after school, they can practice their Kahiba skills, ride on the mountain bike track or camp on the grounds. Charlie Morgan (Year 10) began his boarding journey in Term 4 of Year 5 at Tudor House. “It was a great introduction to boarding as it was a very supportive boarding community with plenty of fun things to do,” says Charlie. Students learn independence, resilience, social and emotional skills and empathy through the primary boarding adventure. By acquiring these skills at a young age, students are prepared for school and develop their character for life.

In Medley House, the Captain of Boarding is a role model to every boarder and communicates boarding news to the rest of the Tudor House community. The Captain of Boarding’s parents also play a vital role in the boarding community by playing a lead role at boarding family events. Philips explains while the Captain of Boarding holds an official leadership position, all Year 6 boarders are empowered to be leaders. “They set the tone and lead by example.” While many boarders come from far and wide, others live locally. Sydney-based Year 11 boarder, Charlie Baker participates in a range of co-curricular activities at the School, including Athletics, Rowing, Rugby, Music, 12 Club and Ethics Olympiad. “Being a boarder has helped me in my athletic endeavours. Being close to the School facilities 24/7 allows me to get to training sessions easily,” says Charlie.

The King’s boarding adventure extends beyond academic development. Living on campus unlocks a plethora of benefits. A boarder’s experience is about personal growth in a supportive community that places Christian values at its core. It teaches positive leadership for the benefit of others. A King’s boarding adventure leaves a lasting impact. “We provide a vibrant and educative boarding journey that produces young people who will venture out into society, adding value to their communities and making a positive difference to the lives of others,” says Chadwick.

Tudor House 2023 Highlights

The Measure of an Educational Impact The way impact is measured depends on what is being measured. The impact of an earthquake might simply be the Richter scale or Mercalli Scale number. The impact of hot chilli on an unsuspecting person might be tears, sweating and a request for a glass of milk. Measuring the impact of a school is another question. As The King’s School heads towards its bicentenary in 2031, it is worth considering the impact the Tudor House campus has had in its 126-year history. One way of measuring impact is the famous alumni the School has produced. Malcolm Fraser, the 22nd Prime Minister of Australia, spent four years at Tudor House before an illustrious political career that spanned almost 30 years. Sir William Owen was an Australian judge who served as a Justice of the High Court of Australia from 1961 until his death in 1972. Sir William spent four years at Tudor House and was Dux of the School in his final two years.

These esteemed graduates were nurtured by the holistic approach to education Tudor House embodies. Today the development of character, wisdom and a heart for others is still forged through a nature-based education filled with adventure, challenge and risk. This year’s Tudor House highlights emphasise the ways we shape our students for academic success, developing their characters and nurturing a Christian way of living. I am confident the current cohort of Tudor House students will also make a lasting impact on the world.

Mr Adam Larby Head of The King’s School, Tudor House

Patrick White was one of Australia’s great writers and remains Australia’s only Nobel Laureate for Literature, an award he won in 1973. He also attended Tudor House. The list goes on, with notable alumni leaving a lasting impact in sports, politics, armed services, business, media and the arts.

This year’s Tudor House highlights emphasise the ways we shape our students for academic success, developing their characters and nurturing a Christian way of living.

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Caught You Doing Right 2023 saw the introduction of Caught You Doing Right, which celebrates members of our community who demonstrate the School Values. Weekly assemblies provided a platform to publicly recognise nominees and celebrate their contributions. Caught you Doing Right helps us to exemplify the character and behaviour we expect within the School. It’s also a way for students to develop a sense of gratitude for the many great moments that happen day-to-day.

Bike Riding at Tudor The Tudor House Mountain Bike Club continues to grow in numbers and strength as members enjoy the new and improved mountain bike track (MBT) in the heart of the School’s 169 acres. This new track has a seamless green run, a technical blue run and an exhilarating, jumps-sequenced black run for students to test their nerves. Mountain bikers can also work on their technical skills at the new MTB Skills Park in the MTB Precinct. In 2023, bike riding on campus was extended to Lower School students during regular lunchtime play. This has brought great joy to the younger Tudorians as they refine their riding skills in a safe environment. The students have experimented with riding using no hands and flying off low-lying jumps. Laughs, smiles and the exhilaration of freedom resonate around Hamilton Lawn at lunch breaks.

Adventures at Little Wildee Tudor House’s renowned Kahiba program continues to evolve, with significant works completed in the Mini Kahiba precinct, Little Wildee. The outdoor experiences enjoyed by students in the Little Wildee forest have included learning about mini beasts and creative building. Climbing towers, wobbly bridges and swings have been part of the Stage 1 development. Tree houses, a bike track, livestock area and zip lines are planned as part of Stage 2 to make the space a fun and engaging spot for Lower School students.

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The camps program nurtures a love of the outdoors and a healthy risk appetite that goes beyond the outdoor education experiences offered in the Kahiba program.

Outdoor Adventures at Camps Week Camps Week 2023 saw the introduction of a Year 2 camp experience along with some new challenges for Upper School students. The camps program nurtures a love of the outdoors and a healthy risk appetite that goes beyond the outdoor education experiences offered in the Kahiba program. Year 6 students visited Coolendel, west of Nowra on the Shoalhaven River, for an expedition where the phrase ‘roughing it’ was no joke. In the spirit of character building, students hiked six kilometres with their belongings on their backs and endured a full day of canoeing to navigate to their next campsite. Showering in the river and cooking their own meals on open fires were all part of the experience. Year 4 accompanied Year 6 down to Coolendel, where they participated in a more traditional outdoor education camp experience. Students tested their nerves on the high ropes, abseiling and giant swing, improving their physical and cognitive skills while learning to work as a team. Year 5 had a new adventure on the pristine waters of Bristol Point, Jervis Bay. Snorkelling, surfing, sea kayaking and a beach corrobboree were some of the activities enjoyed by students. Year 3 took part in a field trip to Cables Water Park in Penrith and enjoyed an overnight stay at school in swags and tents. They packed plenty of excitement into two days, with games such as ‘spotto’ at night and toasting s’mores on the fire for dessert. Year 2 were the youngest campers, who packed their bags for an overnight stay in a tent with mum or dad on the grounds of Tudor House. This initiative supports students in preparing for future camping experiences. A morning coffee and a bacon and egg roll were welcome sustenance for parents after a very long night.

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Tudor House Shark Tank ““As a society, we still rely on kids learning business stewardship through trial and error. It is hardly surprising that so many promising new businesses fail.” Professor Mark Watson-Gandy, Founder KidsMBA Year 5 students participated in the KidsMBA under the guidance of the Head of School, Mr Adam Larby. Tudor House is the first Australian school to offer the program. Crafted by a panel of entrepreneurs and experts in law, education, banking and accounting, the course gave students a taste of the mindset, skills and know-how required for their own enterprises. As an International Baccalaureate School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Tudor House believes in the benefits of enterprise. Lessons were delivered by Mr Larby, Year 5 teachers and entrepreneurs from the Tudor House community, who shared their expertise and experiences in business. There were opportunities for panel discussions, games, role-play and inquiries into known businesses. The catalyst for the unit of inquiry was a five-dollar challenge. Students were given five dollars to develop their own business idea and turn over as much profit as possible. Students’ profits were donated to charity. Students worked together to pitch a business idea that met a need within society. The presentation covered costings, price points, copyright, business name and logo, marketing, target audience, projected growth and unique selling point. The four winning bids were given funding to pursue their business ideas outside the classroom. KidsMBA provided real-world, contextual, student-driven, inquiry-based learning in action.

Cinderella and Rockerfella, The Musical

Ten-Minute Tudor

Cinderella and Rockerfella was testament to students and staff’s hard work, creativity and talent, an example of teamwork and the transformative magic of the performing arts.

In June 2023, Tudor House presented enchanting and lively performances of Cinderella and Rockerfella, showcasing the immense talent of students from Years 4 to 6.

A Christian Kind of Community

The production was an enormous success and students put their heart and soul into the show, with countless hours spent on rehearsals, costume selection and set design. Their commitment highlighted their passion for the project.

As Tudor House is a Christian community, Chapel is an important part of the students’ week. During services, students spend time singing, hearing God’s word, considering the application of the lessons in our lives and coming before God in prayer.

Humour and audience participation set the show apart, with a pantomime style adapted for a modern audience, infusing the classic fairy tale with humour and catchy music.

During first semester, Tudorians used Chapel sessions to investigate the eight School Values. Through a weekly mystery video series involving Secret Agent Deck and Mr Larby, students considered how each School Value acts like a road map to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Year 5 students showcased their media skills with the launch of the Ten-Minute Tudor podcast, a fortnightly show that captures positive moments that happen at school. Each episode, students, staff, Old Tudorians or parents have shared good-news moments, including favourite memories, jokes, Bible verses, interviews and quizzes. The first five episodes were downloaded more than 500 times and shared by families to loved ones around the world. Plans are in place to evolve Ten-Minute Tudor to capture more incredible experiences and memories at Tudor House.

Three performances played to packed houses, with families, friends and fellow students flocking to witness the magic of Cinderella’s transformation and Rockerfella’s quest for love.

In Term 3, students studied the lessons from the New Testament book of James and were

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challenged by the importance of acting in response to faith. To wrap up the year, students looked at how symbols of the Christmas tree, candy cane, fairy lights and presents take us to the heart of the Christmas story in a series called Christ the King of Christmas.

Celebrating Grandparents Grandparents’ Day at Tudor House is a reminder of the importance of family and the wisdom passed down from one generation to the next. The day began with a special assembly in the War Memorial Hall, where the School choir serenaded the special guests and each class shared treasured and, at times, humorous memories. After assembly, everyone enjoyed morning tea before heading to the Library to peruse the many fabulous books on offer at the Book Fair. The School buzzed with excitement as Tudorians eagerly welcomed grandparents into their classrooms. Many students enjoyed hearing stories about their grandparents’ days at school, transporting them back in time to a world before smartphones and the internet.

100 Days of Kindergarten Students embraced 100 days of Kindergarten by dressing up as they imagine they might look at 100. The day was filled with challenges, activities, cupcakes and giggles. Students worked together, considering different perspectives and changes over time.

Kite Flying and Bonfire Night A hotly-anticipated event was the Kite Flying and Bonfire evening, with more than 300 Tudor House community members taking part. Under clear blue skies, Tudorians attempted to fly their kites across Foxy Paddock. Though the breeze was low, spirits were high, as families enjoyed the fun of helping each other and working together. A huge bonfire was lit once the sun sunk below the horizon, providing the perfect place for guests to get to know each other better. Smaller cooking fires dotted the bonfire’s edge, where children and adults cooked delicious desserts.

PYP Exhibition The PYP Exhibition (PYPX) is a grand celebration of Year 6 students and is the culmination of their development as scholars, learners and thinkers in primary school. In 2023, the PYPX was based on the transdisciplinary theme: How the World Works (an exploration of the physical and material world and the impact of technology). Students’ work focused on the idea that our world is shaped by innovative thinking. Themes and areas of investigation included: •

Artificial intelligence

•

Ethics around AI

• Impacts of technology on wellbeing and performance •

Product development

Each project showed clear evidence of these themes and students developed many skills, such as: • Collaboration and learning to work effectively with others •

Following a scaffolded design process

• Developing interview skills – questioning, listening, notetaking • Oral and written communication skills – email, group work, podcasting Each project’s final product was different, incorporating three components: 1. Art 4 Impact piece 2. Design folio 3. Podcast

Hitting the Slopes The snow conditions for the 2023 Tudor House Ski Week and State Championships were not conducive to great skiing. Although the sun and warmth meant excellent visibility and weather on the slopes. With more than 90 students and their families attending, the Tudor House community had fun shredding the mountain and getting to know one another. Beginner riders and skiers learnt from the experts, while top performers took on other schools in the State Championships. Despite the poor snow quality, Snow Week was still one of the best community events on the Tudor House calendar.

The IPSHA Travelling Art Show Each year, the IPSHA Travelling Art Show visits a variety of Independent Schools in the Sydney Region. It is a showcase of student artwork selected from schools across New South Wales. Many Tudor House students participated in the showcase in 2023. The works were exhibited in the War Memorial Hall, and also digitally via the Virtual Travelling Art Show. The showcase saw a colourful, creative and impressive collection of pieces by students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.

Gazette January 2024

The Preparatory School 2023 Highlights

Small Steps, Big Impact It is difficult to fathom a clear picture of the future in today’s rapidly changing world. So it is heartening to witness Prep School students building a broad character. These are young minds, eager to embrace and understand the complex global world in which they are growing and how they can contribute to a brighter tomorrow. At the core of their success will lie a resilient, well-rounded character and a positive mindset that is open to challenge and change.

The broad range of learning experiences offered within the Prep School provides a fertile ground for character growth. A weekly outdoor education program on King’s expansive property and the neighbouring Lake Parramatta Reserve has provided an ideal vehicle for character development. Activities like rock wall climbing, canoeing, orienteering, bush craft and survival skills encourage the boys to collaborate, make choices and build confidence. Problem-solving skills, teamwork, self-discipline, persistence and executive functioning skills are acquired, and strong interpersonal relationships are developed through these practices. Balancing robust character traits are those nurtured in the arts. Music is an area of excellence at the Prep School and the program offered is rich in performance and collaboration opportunities. String and band concerts provide a clear purpose for home practice, skills shared servicing the community in places like Arcare Nursing Home. This year the boys have played alongside musicians from Tara Anglican School for Girls for many workshops, assemblies and concerts. There have been other collaborations with Burnside Public School, St Andrews College, Danebank and other schools. ‘Madagascar A Musical Adventure Junior’ developed stage craft, voice projection, choral, dancing and choreographic skills.

In the academic sphere, the development of the Preponomics program in Year 4 encouraged an entrepreneurial spirit, giving the boys a real-life experience setting up a small business. They wrote a professional business plan and gained hands-on experience in market research, budgeting, pricing, marketing, customer service and teamwork. Parents also informed and helped steer the program. Global Thought Leadership is a goal for King’s graduates and learning needs to occur within global contexts to develop global mindedness. The student-led Year 6 Global Issues Symposium was an opportunity for the boys to share their knowledge of global issues. Their inquiries ranged from sustainable agriculture to the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, artificial intelligence, indigenous rights and racism. Age is no barrier to positively impact the world. Through character education and a growth mindset, Prep boys are developing into responsible, empathetic and resilient individuals. These initiatives prepare them for success in an ever-changing world and inspire hope for a brighter, more compassionate, future.

Mr Peter Allison Head of the Preparatory School

Gazette January 2024

Collaborative Learning The King’s School and Tara recognise the value of collaborative learning. By peeking ‘over the hedge’, the two schools have developed a comprehensive program of combined learning experiences, which enrich thinking skills, social skills and connection for students.

• Year 3 students enjoyed a NIDA workshop on dramatic performance, and a STEM Challenge Day, focused on messy experiments. • Year 4 formed a combined Prep/Tara Choir, rehearsing for many weeks before performing at both King’s and Tara Assemblies.

In 2023, Prep/Tara collaborations included:

• Year 5 combined with Tara and Tudor House for Leadership Day, exploring their personal values as servant leaders.

• An Indigenous Dance Performance for Pre-Kindergarten, where students used movement to emulate emus, kangaroos and birds.

• Year 6 students visited each PYP Exhibition, participated in a Transition to Senior School Day, and danced the night away at the Prep/Tara Dance.

• Year 2 students enjoyed the King’s Infants Active program, developing fundamental movement skills and cardiovascular fitness.

• Beyond the classroom, our musicians enjoyed the Prep/Tara String and Band Festivals.

• Year 2 worked on Maths problems in teams, using critical thinking to solve geometric puzzles.

Preponomics In 2023, a business strand was added to the Prep School curriculum. The ‘Preponomics’ program develops students’ financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit. It includes ten elements: student-run businesses, business planning protocols, market research, agricultural processes, on-campus production, investment from school and community members, risk and ethics protocols, embedded Mathematics, sales platforms and evaluation metrics. This unique curriculum was developed in partnership with a King’s Research Fellow, who added depth and rigour through alignment with the National Consumer and Financial Literacy Framework. Advice was provided on concepts such as ethics, social responsibility, market research methodologies and success metrics. Students ran 10 businesses and each entrepreneurial team conducted market research, secured seed capital from the School, produced a polished product and donated their profits to Rural Aid. The products they developed ranged from organic pesto to King’s-crested chopping boards, timber tic-tac-toe games, House spirit capes and agricultural calendars. Timber off-cuts were donated by the construction industry and each team embraced sustainable, ethical business practices. An online sales platform provides a permanent mechanism by which the King’s community can engage with student business ventures in the future.

Age is no barrier to positively impact the world. Through character education and a growth mindset, Prep boys are developing into responsible, empathetic and resilient individuals.

Gazette January 2024

Outdoor Education

Camping Experiences

Art Prize 2023

In 2023, the Preparatory School enjoyed a variety of activities in the Outdoor Education program, including rock climbing, canoeing, fire building, mountain bike riding, orienteering, and a Year 6 Cadet Experience.

All boys in Years 2 to 6 attend an overnight Camp throughout the year.

The King’s School Art Prize is a prestigious, annual event in which a collection of professional works is exhibited for adjudication. The 2023 Art Prize was judged by Barry Keldoulis and awarded to Robyn Stacey for her photographic work.

Rock climbing is held in the Senior School gym, where qualified climbing instructors coach boys. Canoeing lessons were conducted at Lake Parramatta and thoroughly enjoyed by students. Fire building lessons were expanded across multiple year levels, with Year 3 investigating changes of state and Year 5 challenging different ways to create fire. The Year 6 Cadet Experience was a highlight of the Outdoor Education program, where Year 6 boys had a taster of the Cadet Corps program through a hiking experience around Lake Parramatta and an overnight camp on the Massie Fields.

We start the program in Year 2 with Dads and Lads, where the dads or another significant male and their son pitch a tent and camp on the oval, sharing activities over the afternoon and evening. The Year 3, 4 and 6 camps are all outdoor. Like our weekly Outdoor Education program, these camps offer adventurous experiences and allow the boys to test and extend their comfort zone. Boys fail and learn from that failure and then grow with that knowledge, while being part of a team. While all the camps offer a residential experience where the boys learn to live in a community, the Year 5 Boarding experience gives the boys an opportunity to live the life of a Boarder for a few days.

The prize was opened to student artists in 2023. In the nine months leading up to the event, Mrs Ann Wilkins, Preparatory School Art Teacher, selected 12 works by students from Kindergarten to Year 6. The finalists’ work included stunning examples of paint, charcoal, crayon, portraiture and mixed media collage. The finalists and their parents were invited to the Art Prize and Gala Dinner, where the works were exhibited. The Fathers’ Association sponsored a Student Art Prize. The students spent time speaking with judge Barry Keldoulis, who asked about their artistic processes, media choices and tonal preferences. The boys spoke with confidence and delight about artmaking. The 2023 Inaugural Student Art Prize was awarded to Sammy Ierardo (Year 1) in the Kindergarten to Year 2 Division and Ekam Singh (Year 6) in the Years 3 to 6 Division.

Gazette January 2024

Nurturing an Attitude of Service An attitude of service is embedded in students from a young age at King’s. The Service Learning program is one of many ways the School fosters an attitude of service. In May 2023, members of the State Emergency Service (SES) visited the School to give students a deeper understanding of their commitment to service. In response, Prep students made 750 ration packs for volunteers who need sustenance during times of crisis. A collaboration with Anglicare saw boys turning their deep thinking into handson action, by accepting a truck load of grocery donations from local churches. With the help of Dr Jen George, Mrs Leanne West and Mrs Libby Cooper, the boys unpacked the goods, sorted the groceries into categories and repacked bags of groceries to be given to local families. During an investigation into native animal populations, some students recognised rubbish in the local area posed danger to local fauna. So they climbed down from the Year 4 deck into the overgrown area adjacent to the dam and collected more than 10 bags of rubbish. As they worked, extra boys from Years 3, 4, and 5 joined the campaign, a wonderful example of how the boys prioritise service.

STEM at Prep STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at the Prep School is a rich, rigorous program of hands-on inquiry, scientific experimentation and cutting-edge technology. STEM lessons inspire curiosity, wonder and analytical thinking in young scientists. One project was the Kindergarten StopMotion Animation, through which students turned fairy tales into short films, complete with characterisation, animation and puppetry. Year 3 students mastered the scientific method, conducting a series of experiments focused on matter, heat and energy. They designed solar-powered ovens and created fire using multiple methods. In Year 5, boys enjoyed using drone technology to survey the School and explore sustainable agriculture. Year 6 boys developed coding skills and algorithmic thinking by creating earthquake detectors from Microbits. The Prep School celebrated Science Week with Year 9 and 10 mentors. Kindy and Year 1 investigated bubbles, aeroplanes and rockets with their Year 9 buddies, while Year 5 visited the Senior Science Labs to conduct heart dissections and build electric circuits with their Year 10 mentors.

Celebrating Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day Year 1 mothers were pampered with gifts, presentations and a sumptuous high tea to honour Mother’s Day. The day started with a special Mother’s Day Chapel Service led by Rev Geoff Everett. After a photoshoot outside the Chapel, focus shifted to the Trophy Room, which was decorated with Prep students’ artwork. The boys shared musical performances, songs and danced with their mums. Kindergarten boys had the opportunity to celebrate their dads with a special Father’s Day Breakfast. The morning began with a Chapel Service, where the Headmaster Tony George shared a message of reflection, before the boys delivered musical and poetic performances over a delicious breakfast. Fathers and sons exchanged gifts, with dads giving the boys a special family memento as a keepsake of the occasion and to signify the bond between them. Grandparents are treasured at The King’s School, so it was a delight to open the Prep School to over more than 200 grandparents and grand-friends. Kindergarten to Year 2 boys brought in their special relatives and friends for a day of connection and celebration. Led by Mr Kooper, the boys performed their favourite songs and music pieces. After the concert, students proudly shared their work and their favourite places around the campus.

Gazette January 2024

Reconciliation Week Reconciliation Week 2023 was a time to gather and share stories about Indigenous and European Australians and educate students about the importance of reconciliation. The Prep School hosted a variety of activities and welcomed special guests, including Indigenous performers who led students through a corroboree. Students learned about the importance of language in culture, discovered that, according to Aboriginal Dreaming stories, the dolphin and the snake were the first animals born. Importantly, they learned about treating all Australians with respect.

Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Junior Excitement was in abundance as boys in Years 5 and 6 came together to produce a musical version of the popular Disney story, ‘Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Junior’. The journey began with auditions at the end of Term 2 and from there, the young stars worked tirelessly to bring the musical to life. From learning the songs and choreography, to mastering their lines and stage positions, every week the show steadily improved. It was a collaborative effort with parent helpers, volunteers and staff pitching in to do makeup and create costumes that truly shone. The highlight was the lively opening number. As the curtains rose, the audience was transported to the world of Madagascar, filled with laughter, music, and uplifting performances. The performances showcased the talent and dedication of the Preparatory School.

Gratitude Day Cicero, the ancient Roman philosopher, wrote, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” The boys reflected on gratitude in their own lives to commemorate Gratitude Day 2023. They wrote about something or someone they are grateful for on gratitude cards, which were displayed in the Lower Dalleywater Centre. Students, staff, parents and guests said reading the cards evoked a sense of gratitude.

Gazette January 2024

Global Issues Symposium Year 6 hosted a student-led Global Issues Symposium for more than 350 adult delegates. The boys spent nine weeks grappling with globally-significant issues such as energy production, food security and artificial intelligence. They worked in teams conducting in-depth research, consulting with community experts and taking action for positive change. The boys reached out to academics, industry professionals and aid organisations, who worked alongside them to explore real-world issues. Boys shared their understanding of causation, impact and responsibility in relation to each issue. They answered questions from the audience about the research process, their own perspectives and suggested solutions. The “Scar Tree” was unveiled as a collaborative art installation, created in partnership with First Nations artist, Brett Groves. The 4.5 metre painted structure told a powerful story of sustainability, human impact and community. At the Closing Ceremony, Year 6 performed a choral piece composed by the boys, in partnership with songwriter Andrew Howes. The boys wrote the lyrics and melodies, which included phrases such as, ‘innovation, dedication, we will lead with motivation, changing for the next generation’. The boys’ work in video and written form was published for a global audience via a website to invite feedback and enhance The King’s School’s reach and reputation.

The Senior School 2023 Highlights

Excellence is a State of Mind Our boys have worked hard this year and made an impact across many areas. The 1st XV Rugby were undefeated, the 1st and 2nd XI Cricket won their AAGPS Premierships, as did the 2nd Shooting and the Intermediate Cross Country and Intermediate Athletics. Sport is just one area in which King’s students succeeded in 2023. The 2023 Monitor Team encouraged the boys through the theme, “excellence is a state of mind”. In each of the School pillars, the boys were challenged to excel. In the academic space, the mental side of excellence was encouraged as an ongoing culmination of a habit of persistent effort and growth mindset. This was exhibited in several areas including around 80 HSC nominations for Art, Drama, Music and Industrial Technology. Ethan Zhu’s success in the Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition and a Gold Medal for the Future Project students in the iGem Competition were other highlights.

Finally, excellence was shown in the community space through a Christian servant leadership ethos where the boys were encouraged to be excellent for others and place others’ needs before their own. Our Service Learning program was an opportunity for the boys to serve and care, as we continued to partner with Dignity (Year 7), St Vincent de Paul (Year 8), Karonga School (Year 9), Vinnie’s Night Patrol Van and Big Winter Sleep Out (Year 10), Rough Edges Café (Years 11 and 12) and through helping develop the Sensory Garden at the Anglicare Foster Care Centre in Telopea.

The physical elements of excellence was seen in the character space where boys were encouraged to be disciplined in the small things. This was seen on the sporting field and in the Passing Out Parade, King’s in Concert at Sydney Town Hall, Shrek the Musical and the numerous successes in Robotic VEX tournaments.

Life is more than sport. We thank our Monitor Team for encouraging the boys to be excellent across all aspects of school life and we pray this excellence will remain with them throughout all their lives.

Reverend Stephen Edwards Head of Senior School

Gazette January 2024

The Australian Education Awards 2023 The Australian Education Awards recognise, celebrate and showcase the outstanding achievements and transformative work of the country’s top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers. This year, The King’s School was shortlisted as a finalist under the Curriculum Awards group category through the ‘Innovation in Learning Environment Design’ for the School-wide Literacy Enhancement Project in 2022. This category recognises excellence in the design of a student learning environment, taking into consideration the consultation process and stakeholder engagement to design and implement an effective learning environment. Following outstanding academic results in the 2022 HSC, particularly in English, this was a remarkable accomplishment.

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award In July 2023, 25 boys completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award participated in a sailing exploration of New Caledonia. The students undertook an exploration rather than an expedition, with a focus on the impacts of French colonisation on New Caledonia. This involved interviewing local police, speaking to local business owners and visiting landmarks and infrastructure such as old gaols built by convicts, lighthouses and water storage. Most boys were completely new to sailing and nautical navigation, with the first two days on the boats being training days, while the next two days were practice for future adventures. The following month, 22 Year 10 students and four staff members set out on the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Adventurous Journey, participating in a cross-country skiing expedition from Perisher to Guthega in the Kosciusko National Park. Divided into two groups, it was a difficult trip which included a nine-kilometre walk, before finding skiable snow. The boys camped in snow tents and learned how to cross-country ski, navigate in the alpine terrain and build emergency shelters. Both trips were a great success and the boys developed skills and made memories that will last a lifetime.

The Future Project In Term 2, 2023 Year 9 Junior Interns from The Future Project participated in a sevenweek pilot program with senior researchers from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR). 17 students investigated and performed a diagnostic clinical test to determine the risk of heart disease. They presented their research findings to members of The King’s School Executive, WIMR representatives and their families. The Pilot Program launched a new partnership between The King’s School and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. By collaborating on programs, initiatives, and experiences that bring real-world medical research and scientific discovery to students through The Future Project, the partnership aims to instil life-long learning

through building future skills, inquiry and critical capabilities in medical innovation and discovery. The Future Project Senior Interns with HydGene Renewables, including students from The King’s School, Tara Anglican School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst, competed in the 2023 iGem competition. Their project, “Solutions for our Soil – Engineering Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria with Oxygen Sensing Capabilities,” received the gold award. This is the second consecutive year The Future Project Interns have received first place at the iGEM competition. The contest includes participants from more than 66 countries, with The Future Project the only Australian high school team. This remarkable accomplishment is shared with the School’s dedicated research collaborator, HydGene Renewables.

Gazette January 2024

Shrek the Musical The 2023 Senior School stage production, Shrek the Musical, was a showstopper. The incredible cast, musicians and production crew from The King’s School and Tara Anglican School for Girls delivered a fantastic performance that was animated, hilarious and nothing short of spectacular. Students learned to perform in costumes and makeup, designed to bring the characters to life on stage with the lead actor enduring four hours in the makeup chair each night to bring Shrek to life.

Supporter Saturdays A Day of Gratitude Bringing the Community Gratitude Day 2023 kicked off with a Together breakfast to celebrate members of the King’s The 2023 Supporter Saturday events were a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy King’s sporting matches on home soil. The community spirit of the many families and friends who turned out to watch on the hills and in the stands was felt in abundance. Students from the Preparatory and Senior School campuses, along with families, Old Boys and staff, enjoyed participating in war cries and cheered on the King’s teams who put on their best performances for the enthusiastic crowds. The 2023 Back to King’s event attracted an impressive crowd, with guests pouring out of the Old Boys’ Union and Family and Friends Association tents to watch the 1st XV play St Joseph’s College to secure the Premiership.

community who have given so generously to the School as volunteers. The students showed their gratitude to the Chartwells staff who carefully prepare their meals, by writing handwritten notes of thanks which were displayed in the dining hall. Gratitude was introduced as a School Value in 2022, and the School continues to find ways to inspire students to navigate life’s challenges and express thankfulness despite hardships. Gratitude Day was just one of many opportunities throughout the year where students were called upon to show gratitude.

Gazette January 2024

Success in Vocational Education and Training The VET study option gives boys a nationally-recognised qualification, industry specific skills and an alternative avenue for academic success and recognition. Many VET subjects can also contribute to a student’s ATAR. In 2023, three students represented The King’s School on the New South Wales WorldSkills team at the National Competition in Melbourne. The WorldSkills competition is a significant event, designed by industry and skills experts who assess an individual’s knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against a strict criteria. James Flack (‘23) was selected for Construction, Jack Martin (’23) for Primary Industries and Thomas Kleijn (’23) for Business Services, all three of whom were highly competitive on the national stage.

2023 Concerto Competition In total 24 boys entered the 2023 Concerto Competition, a highly-competitive music prize where students perform in knock-out heats before eight boys are selected to perform their concerto at the Finale. Guest adjudicators, Mr Max Holzner and Mr Andrew Chubb, officiated the competition. With each boy performing

to an extremely high standard, it was an incredible evening with an impressive repertoire. Harry Wang (’23) was the 2023 Concerto Competition winner for his talented violin performance, which impressed the judging panel and audience.

Four King’s students were recognised for their outstanding work within their chosen VET course at the Rotary Youth Vocational Awards. Charlie Gubbins (’23) was awarded a certificate for Automotive, Isaiah GaffneyVieira (’23) for Business Services, Tom Bell (’23) for Engineering Pathways and John Robinson (’23) for Primary Industries. It was a proud moment for the boys’ parents, teachers and the School to see them recognised for their hard work and dedication to study.

Gazette January 2024

Britten Turns 60 Britten House celebrated its 60th birthday in July 2023, at the new residence for the Britten ‘Mustard’ boys, which opened in 2019. Mr Bryan Downey was appointed the first Housemaster and Roger Hudson (’63) was the House Captain. Minutes from the Sports Committee meeting in August of that year determined the House Colour to be mustard, and with that, a new Day House opened. The House was named after Herbert Edward Britten, an Old Boy (1879-1885) with a distinguished school career as a leader, academic and sportsman. He attended Sydney University and played for the Waratahs against New Zealand and Queensland. He taught at All Saints Bathurst and became Headmaster, before coming to The King’s School in 1911. Britten was Senior Master from 1921-1933, Housemaster of Macarthur House 1911-1933, Editor of the School Magazine 1911-1921 and Coach of the 1st and 2nd XV 1913-1919. He passed away in 1957 and is remembered as an exemplary former student and dedicated servant of the School.

Britten House established an identity early in its history when the publication ‘This Week in Britten’ came out on 13 July 1967. By 1970, the name of the House Magazine changed to ‘The Trident’, to reflect the design of the House badge and crest. There were many special guests in attendance, including former Britten Housemaster Rob Rowland Smith (1984-1990), who spoke with passion and delivered a strong and encouraging message to the Year 11 and 12 boys who were present. Britten Old Boys from the various decades attended the 60-year celebration, all keen to see the House and to catch up with their peers and former staff.

2023 Rugby Premiership 2023 was an incredibly successful season for the Rugby program, with The King’s School 1st XV winning the AAGPS Premiership. The team won every game of the season except one, where they drew against The Scots College. Adding to the success of the season, four Kingsmen were selected to play in the Under 18 Australian Rugby Squad. Boston Fakafanua (‘23), Austin Durbidge (‘23), Nate Tiitii (‘23) and Hadley Tonga (‘23) were joined by the 1st XV Rugby coach Jimmy Hilgendorf, a coach for the team that played against Tonga Schools and New Zealand U18. Hadley was also selected as part of the Men’s Australia 7s team that will compete on the world stage in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournament.

The boys and staff of Britten House today, under the leadership of Susan MacDonald (Housemaster since 1998), remember Herbert Edward Britten (1879-1885) as an exemplary former student and servant of The King’s School. Sixty years on, the fabric of the House is in wonderful shape, ready for the next decade.

Football Tours Japan Twenty-two boys and three staff flew to Japan in April 2023, to take part in a Football tour of Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo.King’s played four matches against local high schools, in addition to taking classes at two high schools and visiting temples, shrines and memorials. It was an incredible week of Football and a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the Japanese culture.

Gazette January 2024

RoboCup Junior NSW State Competition Year 8 students Sean Mei and Sky Fan represented The King’s School in the 2023 RoboCup Junior NSW State Competition in the Standard League Soccer event division. In this division, students are required to design, build and program two robots to compete in a dynamic game of robot soccer against an opposing pair of robots. Soccer robots must be fully autonomous, so they need to employ a variety of sensors to find the ball, point in the right direction and stay inside the playing area. The boys invested many hours outside of school time to design, build and program their robot. Their ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot under pressure, earned them first place.

CyberTaipan 2023 National Champions Year 9 to 12 students represented the School in the 2023 CSIRO’s Australian cyber security competition, CyberTaipan, which is a competition modelled on the US Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program. CyberTaipan puts teams of high schoolaged students in the position of newly hired IT professionals, tasked with managing a company’s computer network. They had to secure computer networks and solve forensic

challenges, while defending computer hackers and maintaining critical network services. Students competed in a gruelling eight-hour contest over two weekends, receiving first and second place in the initial round among 120 teams and 600 competitors across Australia. In the finals, The King’s School ‘Kernel Krushers’ team, including Chris Yoo (’23), and Max Burykin (Year 11). Kushaagra Kesarwani (23’), and Aaditya Shankar (’23) were awarded the CyberTaipan 2023 National Champions title. The King’s School ‘Forgor’ team includes Year 11 students Leo Han, Ethan Low, Adrian Zhuang, Joshua Ching, and Joshua Wallach and placed second in the nation.

UNSW ProgComp Event Three Kingsmen competed in the 2023 University of New South Wales ProgComp, a prestigious high school programming competition. Chris Yoo (‘23), Elijah Bradford (‘23) and Max Burykin (Year 11) competed against 176 teams from 42 schools. The boys finished tenth, qualifying for the finals where they finished in fourth place. This remarkable achievement marks the first time in more than six years a King’s team has qualified for the finals.

King’s becomes an Open Test Centre for College Board Examinations In recent years, King’s has seen growth in the number of students interested in pursuing international tertiary pathways, particularly in the US. To support students on a global pathway, the School has established itself as an open test centre for a range of College Board examinations, including AP exams, SATs and PSAT exams. The School also facilitates Oxford and Cambridge examinations held annually in October. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), is a standardised test that is widely used for college admissions in the US and is considered an essential component of any application. It consists of one reading section (comprehension and grammar) and one maths section. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. AP exams are a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their academic capabilities and time management skills. By performing well in the AP exams, students can gain admission to their preferred colleges and potentially bypass introductory college courses.

Equestrian Champions in Coonabarabran Six students travelled to the 2023 Coonabarabran Equestrian Expo. The event is Australia’s largest high school interschool equestrian competition, with 500 students from 100 schools competing. King’s riders took part in a wide range of disciplines, including Show Jumping, Polo Cross, Pentathlon, Free Style, Team Penning and Cross Country. Leslie Rouse (Year 11) received seven ribbons and was titled Reserve Champion 16 years boy. Ned Kennedy (Year 10) was the Under 16 Champion in Sporting, Under 16 Reserve Champion and Under 16 Combined Training Reserve Champion.

Gazette January 2024

Making an Impact Through Service Learning Service Learning encourages students to consider the world beyond the School gates. By engaging with the broader community, students learn in action, discovering the value of being a servant-hearted leader.

Service Learning is for the mutual benefit of the School and its partners. It benefits those in the community the students serve and equips students with skills and knowledge, while nurturing empathy, humility and compassion. In 2021, King’s established a partnership with Anglicare to give students the opportunity to engage in Service Learning initiatives that would make a positive impact on the local community. The Anglicare Foster Care and Adoptions Centre in Telopea is located close to The King’s School, where children meet their foster parents for the first time. Anglicare sought to upgrade the outdoor space to create a calm, positive and secure environment for the children and families who meet there regularly. Under the guidance of Mrs Astrid Sampson, Director of Service Learning, King’s extended an offer to facilitate the project as part of the School’s Service Learning program. The Anglicare partnership

is an opportunity for students to engage with the local community and make a positive impact on families and children in need. The School was supported by local landscaping company, SureGreen, who guided students to design and build a sensory garden for the centre. For 18 months, staff and students from Visual Arts, Industrial Technology, VET construction and the Preparatory School worked to create different elements of the sensory garden. While the project started as a Service Learning initiative, many students gave additional hours during lunchtime and after school to achieve the best results for Anglicare and the many families they support in the local community. “It is a privilege to see our students becoming aware of local issues and develop a sense of accomplishment and a desire to serve others in their community through the program. We know 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,” says Sampson. To celebrate the success of the project, Anglicare hosted an official launch of the sensory garden in July 2023 with Executives of The King’s School and Anglicare, along with staff and students. Students shared stories about their role in the project, and Headmaster Mr Tony George spoke about providing students with opportunities outside the classroom that inspire them to act for the good of society. “The students and dedicated staff have created a gift for the community that will benefit vulnerable children and families for many years. This lasting impact is just one example of how the Service Learning program represents our School at its best. Through Service Learning, we aim to empower our students to make a positive difference as we engage with parts of our community that are most vulnerable,” says Sampson.

Gazette January 2024

The School plans to expand its reach and enable more students across the three campuses to engage in other Service Learning initiatives. Sampson and her team of teaching and support staff volunteers are also looking to reach beyond the local area and hope to partner with organisations in remote and isolated communities across Australia and the globe. The School does not assume how it can be most effective, nor does it want any contribution to be tokenistic. Instead, Sampson and her team ask partners to determine how the School can best support their mission. “We hope to build a habit of service in our students and help them develop an understanding of complex issues. We want them to have empathy and bring hope, not judgment,” says Sampson. Service Learning at King’s is positive action for the good of others, bringing staff and students together in a meaningful and joyful way.

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Celebrating the Class of 2023 The Class of 2023 comprises 251 young men, proud to be Kingsmen and ready to enter the world as Global Thought Leaders who will make positive contributions to society. This cohort displayed incredible dedication not only to achieving academic excellence, but through the many co-curricular endeavours and opportunities to engage with their community. 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. Guests gave a standing ovation for the Class of 2023.

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A Year of Togetherness

The importance of community has never been more apparent in a world where connections often transcend geographical boundaries. At The King’s School, we take pride in fostering a strong sense of togetherness and this year, we have had numerous reasons to celebrate our vibrant community. From lively Kickstart in Colour Cocktail Parties to heart-warming reunions during the Back to King’s Weekend, 2023 has been a year of coming together like never before.

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The year started in high spirits, with the Kickstart in Colour Cocktail Parties held in February. These lively gatherings took place at North Parramatta and Tudor House, bringing together parents and staff in a kaleidoscope of colours and positive energy. It was a testament to the unwavering spirit of The King’s School community, setting the tone for what lay ahead. In June, the FAFA Newcastle Parent Weekend provided an opportunity for parents to connect and share their journey as part of The King’s School family. The bonds formed during this weekend go beyond the School’s confines. They create a network of support and friendship that lasts a lifetime. While the Pacific Ocean was a little chilly on our Sunday morning splash, the vibe was warm and welcoming. In August, the Year 11 Orange Parent Weekend strengthened the sense of belonging among our extended King’s family. The picturesque Orange region served as the backdrop for parents to engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories. The Back to King’s Weekend in August saw record numbers of alumni returning to their alma mater. It was a homecoming filled with nostalgia, as former students rekindled old friendships and forged new connections with the current generation. This event serves as a testament to the enduring bonds that tie Kingsmen and their families together, transcending time and distance. Watching the premiership-winning 1st XV sing 100 Years at the top of their voice to the adoring Old Boys made the hairs of many a neck stand up. October brought with it the FAFA Mudgee Long Lunch, an event that showcased the dedication of our community in supporting the School’s mission to bring together people through our community of communities. The rolling hills of Mudgee provided the perfect setting for parents and friends to come together. Held at Goree Park, the Long Lunch was an event to truly remember, with premium food and wine, brilliant music and smiles aplenty. Throughout the year, our dedicated FAFA Executive House Representatives have organised numerous House events to bring students, parents and staff together. These events, including sports competitions, charity drives, theatre nights and cultural celebrations, nurture a sense of belonging and unity. In a world that can feel divided, these events remind us of the importance of community and coming together. The collective spirit makes our School a second home for students, a support network for parents and a cherished memory for our Old Boys and their families. The bonds we form today will shape the legacy of The King’s School towards our 200th birthday and for generations to come. Let’s continue to celebrate our community, for it is through our shared experiences and values that we truly grow.

Mr Mike Symons Director of Community Engagement

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The King’s School Art Prize

Tudor House Father’s Day Breakfast

Prep Grandparents’ Day

In a world that can feel divided, these events remind us of the importance of community and coming together. The collective spirit makes our School a second home for students, a support network for parents and a cherished memory for our Old Boys and their families.

Kickstart in Colour

King’s Women’s Network Fun Run

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Tudor House Upper School Grandparents’ Day

Back to King’s

Kickstart in Colour

Back to King’s

Kickstart in Colour

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F O U N DAT I O N

Celebrating the Impact of Every Gift

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2023 has been a year of significant progress for The King’s School Foundation, as it focuses on prioritising means-tested scholarships (People) and the enhancement of facilities and buildings (Places). At the heart of the Foundation’s mission lies the cultivation of a culture of generosity and goodwill. This spirit of giving enables every student to have a wide range of opportunities to learn and flourish.

Philanthropy is more than just financial support, it is a vital component that helps drive the School to be a leader in Australian educational excellence. It also instils in our students a profound sense of gratitude toward those who have provided opportunities, whether it be their parents, families, friends, or alumni. Recognising and appreciating the generosity of others helps to nurture a lifelong commitment to give back, serve and contribute to the betterment of society. In June 2023, we came together as a community to celebrate Annual Giving Day. While Giving Day is a crucial part of our annual philanthropic giving program, it is also an opportunity for us to reflect on what we are grateful for and to make a positive impact. The 2023 Giving Day was a resounding success, with total donations reaching $295,730 from 132 contributors. These donations will be directed towards the Chapel Pavilion project. Preparatory School parents led the charge, and the highest one-off donation amounted to an impressive $100,000. These results exemplify the unwavering dedication and generosity of the King’s community. Every single contribution, whether large or small, through major gifts or termly giving has made a difference. Each donation has opened doors across a wide spectrum of programs and passions within our School. These opportunities extend not only to boarding, clubs and sports, but also encompass co-curricular activities, leadership programs, performing arts, music, debating, science, agriculture, Christian ministry and international exchanges.

As The King’s School advances towards its bicentenary celebration in 2031, we invite you to become a member of The King’s School Foundation. This provides an opportunity for you to join a special group of people inspired to maintain the good health of our great School. It provides members with access to unique experiences, events, recognition and connections. More importantly, it’s a place to build lifelong friendships and community. There is real meaning in connecting people to their passions and being well-connected within and across The King’s School community. Foundation membership can provide opportunities for this connection. Each contribution, regardless of its size, serves as a way to future-proof our School’s culture and independence. By investing in young people, we are investing in the quality of our future. There is no greater gift than the gift of education and its power for positive change. We thank the King’s community for your support. The generosity of past generations helps provide one of the most exceptional educational experiences in Australia. This next chapter of the Foundation’s development will become a cornerstone of the School’s success for the next one hundred years. We invite you to join us.

Mr Will Halliday Head of Foundation, The King’s School

We thank those whose gifts enable King’s to provide an excellent, well-rounded education to its most important asset – the boys and their futures.

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O L D B OYS ’ U N I O N

A Harrisford Group Reflection

In 1954, I was a 10-year-old boy living in the country town of Laidley (west of Brisbane) and was asked by my “parents” to sit down for an important chat. This is what I was told…

The first surprise was that Angus Meikle was not my father – my father, Wing Commander Richard Atkinson DSO, DFC and bar was killed during World War II. The second piece of news was that next year (1955), I would be going to a boarding school in Sydney. Years later, I discovered that my grandfather had offered to pay all my schooling expenses, as there was no way my stepfather, who owned a drapery store in a small town, could have ever dreamt of sending me there. Both of my grandfather’s sons had been boarders at The King’s School. The final piece of news from our chat that day was that my name was not Billy Meikle, it was William Atkinson. It was overwhelming news for me. I was a country boy who attended Laidley North State School barefoot and had never worn lace-up shoes. So, over the next few months, as the smart King’s uniforms started arriving, I learned to tie my shoelaces and tie. In February 1955, I was left at Gowan Brae with Chum Price, the Master in Charge. We had to make our beds with the School crest centred exactly in the middle of the

pillow, along with perfect hospital corners. My English Master Tom Baddiley and I often caught the same flight home to Brisbane, and I was never comfortable when my stepfather insisted on giving him a ride to the city. Over the following years until 1962, I boarded at Old Government House with Housemaster Penny Parker, before moving to Broughton House. From both houses it was a long walk to school and back each day. I have always lived in Queensland and, until April 2023, had only returned to the School once. I remember my friends from long ago and wished I had kept in contact. There was no fanfare the day I left school. I just got on the plane and returned to Queensland. Immediately I had a full life working in an advertising agency for two years and then hitchhiking around the world for two years after that. Returning home, I formed a safari company organising trips all over Australia and overland to London. School was a distant thought. I dithered about accepting the invitation for the over-70s Harrisford Group Event, but I am so glad I did. Full marks to Bruce Hayman and what must have been a large team, who put on a marvellous experience.

The day began with 87 of us ushered into the Chapel, which now stands majestically on its new site, after being moved stone by stone from my Old School. I felt proud to see the names of my father and his brother on a World War 2 memorial section in the Chapel. In full gusto, we all sang “Lord behold us with thy blessing” with the line “once again assembled here”, and it felt like returning to school after holidays 60-odd years ago. After a cup of tea, we boarded the buses, some sprightlier than others. As we entered the Old School gates, memories came flooding back as I wandered around, courtesy of the staff of Bayanami Public School which now occupies the site. Looking up high to the music room, I thought of old schoolmates Cedric Ashton, Keith Asboe and I belting out verses such as: Fare thee well, for I must leave thee, Do not let this parting grieve thee, And remember that the best of friends Must Fart, must Fart. Maybe they realised what we were singing? Charles M was a good friend in my early years. He was the sort of guy that excelled at everything, and he went on to great

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heights at school, while I was middle of the road. My next very good friend was a rather wild character, Nick Georgetti from the Solomon Islands. About 30 years ago I tried to find him without success. However, about 20 years ago, I was walking through the Block arcade in Melbourne. On a vacant shop window was the name of the real estate agent, Nick Georgetti. I rang the number and was told he only had a few weeks left, so sad. I remember some of my teachers, like “Axe” Dorsh who taught me geometry. No disrespect intended, as I cannot remember his name, but “Muddy Guts” did his best to teach us English in a strange room down some steep steps. I recall that the armoury was stored under that room, my .303 rifle on the rack there – number 147 I think? I cannot forget a pack drill on Friday afternoon if it was not spotless. I did a few pack drills on the oval, which were pretty severe, but I tried to imagine it as tough rowing training. Harry Read, who led the Cadet Corps, also taught me geography in the top airy room. School food was acceptable, but nothing like home cooking. So I made good use of the one public phone to ring my only relative in Sydney, my aunt Nancy in Mosman, who

always said I could come out when I was allowed to. Maybe it was six times every three months, I cannot remember. On the side of the phone box was “Bill Posters will be prosecuted”, which always intrigued me, and I wondered why until I got older. The cold swimming pool has gone, but I remembered my first tentative dive from the second level, although I only ever jumped from the top. My head was swimming as we wandered about. So many memories, many good ones and some not so happy. The tour finished by gathering under the clock for a group photo to treasure. Back on the bus, we returned to the ‘New School’, where we were treated to music and singing by the Prep School students, along with a delicious lunch. Wow, has school food improved! These are just some of the memories that came flooding back that day. Thank you again to all the organisers of the 2023 Harrisford Group Event.

Bill Atkinson (Spud) TKS 1955 to 1962

I felt proud to see the names of my father and his brother on a World War 2 memorial section in the Chapel. In full gusto, we all sang “Lord behold us with thy blessing” with the line “once again assembled here”, and it felt like returning to school after holidays 60-odd years ago.

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O L D B OYS ’ U N I O N

King’s, a Springboard to Go Global Jack Taylor 2018 Graduate

Hearing about his older brother Will’s (‘13) experience at Columbia University was a catalyst for Jack Taylor (’18) to pursue a liberal arts education at Harvard, his first major achievement after finishing school. Jack, who was a boarder at Gowan Brae and Bishop Barker Harris House, really made a mark at King’s as Captain of Boats and School Monitor. A gifted student, in 2015 Jack received the O.B. Elliott scholarship. He also won the Vicary Cardinal Prize for French, earned Academic Full Colours in 2017 and 2018, won the drama prize in 2017 and received an Onstage nomination. Then, in 2020 he received the Stanley Wilson Oxford Scholarship, which helped support his Harvard studies. Jack says winning the scholarship was an honour. “Stanley Wilson had an enormous amount of courage and achieved a great deal. He received a doctorate in law from Oxford and was a barrister in London. He was sadly killed in action in World War Two while commanding a mine sweeper in the Atlantic. So receiving the scholarship meant a lot because Stanley Wilson exemplifies great moral fibre. I hope to contribute to that tradition in some way,” he says.

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Aside from completing his studies in history and literature, Jack was part of Harvard’s heavyweight rowing team for two years, which made life busy. He was also elected co-president of the Harvard Undergraduate Law Review and wrote articles for the Harvard Political Review, which allowed him to interview the President of the International Criminal Court and political prisoners. During his time at Harvard, he commenced part-time work for a Boston federal judge, Mark Wolf, who is leading a movement to create an international anti-corruption court. Jack is still involved in this work. Jack’s senior thesis, A Tale of Two Portraits: Uncovering the Artifice of the Lavoisiers (1774-1805) told the story of a portrait by Jacques-Louis David that was only recently discovered to be concealing another painting behind it. Completing this work involved collaborating with curators at the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and conducting research in archives in the United

States and Paris. His time at Harvard was bookended by a great achievement when he won the Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize, which is awarded for excellent undergraduate work, for this thesis. Many of his classes at Harvard were small seminars of between five to ten students, which was an incredible way to learn. He was taught by renowned academics and professionals including Drew Faust, Carol Steiker, Samantha Powers, and Cass Sunstein. Jack is currently studying at Sciences Po in Paris to sit the prestigious French civil service exams. “I think I might be the only Australian to have done this degree, so it’s a unique experience, which has been fantastic. I really want to broaden my worldview and I’m starting to appreciate a European perspective,” he says. Longer-term, Jack would like to return to the US to study law. He hopes to

eventually have a career in geopolitics and foreign policy. Reflecting on his time at the School, he is grateful for the friends who he worked with all to achieve their goals and the teachers and staff who wholeheartedly supported him, including David Woodgate, Simone Ostini, Michael Terzo, and Benjamin Chadwick. Jack says King’s instilled in him the qualities of leadership, resilience and teamwork. He believes that having to manage the extreme demands of rowing with his academic goals taught him a great deal. “Being a Kingsman goes back to Stanley Wilson’s example and the notion of having great moral fibre and courage. It’s an incredible opportunity to make the most of a great education and commit to a life of service and achievement.”

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O L D B OYS ’ U N I O N

President’s Report It was an honour and a privilege to be elected as President at the 2022 AGM and I am grateful for the trust the members have placed in me. It is a rewarding and enjoyable experience leading the Old Boys’ Union, with the close support of a diverse and talented Committee, which brings with it experience and a proactive approach in sharing ideas and initiatives. As volunteers, I wish to thank all members of the Committee for their time, efforts and contributions they have made this year. In 2023, the Old Boys’ Union built on its return to the program of events from 2022, following the disruptions caused by COVID-19 throughout the previous two years. In 2023, the Old Boys’ Union continued its regular annual events, whilst initiating new events both near and far, to give Old Boys a greater opportunity to stay connected with the School, its Community and the Old Boys’ Union network. Please keep an eye out for our events calendar for 2024, which will be distributed prior to the end of the year and maintained on the Old Boys’ Union website (www.tksobu.com.au). The majority of our events welcome family members, and I encourage all Old Boys to save the dates and attend these enjoyable occasions. Commemoration Day, the first event of the year held in February, celebrates the anniversary of the School’s foundation in 1832. This year the day started with a Commemoration Day Service at The King’s School Memorial Chapel, where we heard from current staff-member Old Boys talking about their experiences in education and life at the School. The Old Boys then competed against the School in Cricket, Shooting, Tennis, Basketball, Football and Touch Rugby. There was a wonderful sense of history, tradition and celebration around the School on the day. Old Boy numbers were well supported this year, which saw us win back the Kurrle Cup for just the second time since 1984. After the fixtures in the morning, all players from the Old Boys’ Union and the School, along with their families, were invited to lunch in the Thomas Memorial Pavilion, which was a fabulous way to finish the day.

March was a busy month of events, with the Annual Golf Day at Castle Hill Country Club and the Young Old Boys’ evening at Hotel CBD in the city. Following last year’s success of widening the invitation to the Golf Day to Old Boys’ fathers and brothers, this year we extended the invitation to staff members past and present, as well as all family members of Old Boys. Players of all ability are most welcome and numbers of players who participate reflect the enjoyment everyone has in this event. Next year, the Annual Golf Day will be hosted in November at Castle Hill Country Club. The Young Old Boys’ Night is an event established for those under 30. This is an opportunity for recent School leavers to gain an understanding of some of the things the Old Boys’ Union does for its members. Old Boys are able to enjoy a night catching up with school mates in a relaxed environment while enjoying food, drinks, playing pool and watching footy. The Old Boys’ Union held two Recognition Dinners in May and September, celebrating the successes of students at the School. This is an event the Old Boys have hosted for 30 years and feedback from staff and coaches indicates it’s an occasion students treasure. We were extremely grateful to have two wonderful Old Boy guest speakers this year with Angus Mitchell (‘87) and Dean Mumm (‘01). Both dinners were well attended, as we recognised the 1st XI Cricket AAGPS Premiers, 2nd XI Undefeated AAGPS Premiers, Rowing 2nd IV Head of the River winners, Rugby 1st XV AAGPS Premiers 2023, Shooting B-Team AAGPS Premiers 2023, as well as Honour Colours recipients for Academics, Basketball, Music, Performing Arts. Swimming,

Cross-Country, Debating, Football, Mooting, Music, Shooting, School Representative Council (SRC) and Snowsports. In 2023, the Old Boys’ Union initiated a new country event at the Scone ‘Dark Jewel’ Races in May. We had been unable to host a country event for the past few years due to COVID-19 and we knew it was important to re-establish an event in a regional centre to enable our country network to re-connect. All Old Boys and their family members, along with past and present staff of the School were invited to attend. Feedback from those who attended was extremely positive. We were grateful to so many of those who travelled from the country and from the city to make it along for this new initiative. The Old Boys’ Union will build on this new event with another country race day in 2024. We encourage as many Old Boys to come along and support the event to ensure it can become a permanent fixture in our events calendar. The Old Boys’ Union held its annual Business Networking Night in June, which continues to be a resounding success. The night, organised by Peter Whittington (’97) produced another great turnout to enable Old Boys to catchup and network and listen to our guest speaker, Cameron Mitchell (’96). One of the key principles the Old Boys’ Union firmly supports is the significance of generational families. This helps ensure the nature and unique culture of the School continues. Each year, the Old Boys’ Union in conjunction with the School celebrates the generational families at the School with the Current Old Boy Parent event in June. It has grown to be a very popular annual

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One of the key principles the Old Boys’ Union firmly supports is the significance of generational families. This helps ensure the nature and unique culture of the School continues. Each year, the Old Boys’ Union in conjunction with the School celebrates the generational families at the School with the Current Old Boy Parent event in June.

event, with drinks and canapés served in the Drama Theatre, following the conclusion of Saturday sport for the Old Boys who currently have a boy at the School, along with their families. The Old Boys’ Union is potentially looking to host a second event based on a similar theme for 2024. In 2022, there was a large backlog of 13 reunions that were hosted by the Old Boys’ Union on the White Oval for the Back to King’s Day, an event that saw around 800 people walk through the School gates. This year, the numbers of reunions being held was almost half that of 2022 and the number of reunion goers were expected to reflect this drop. However, through word of mouth and positive feedback received by those who have attended Back to King’s Day in recent years, the popularity and attendance among the Old Boys and School community continues to grow. This takes a huge effort by staff and the Old Boys’ Union Committee, who give up their time to ensure a successful day. It was a stirring moment when the 1st XV came over to the Old Boys’ Union tent after the game and the Old Boys chanted a School war-cry to the players. In October, the Annual Dinner was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Everyone arrived in the Member’s Lounge grandstand where drinks and canapes were served, before heading to the Steven Waugh banquet room for the formal part of the evening. The event was well-supported and all those in attendance were thoroughly entertained by our guest speaker, Greg Ritchie, who shared stories from the famous era of the 1980s in Australian cricket. Congratulations to Susan MacDonald who was presented with her Honorary Life Membership of the Old Boys’ Union on the night. A fabulous evening was had by all, and this was a wonderful way to wrap-up the Old Boys’ Union events calendar for 2023. The Old Boys’ Union plays a role in the governance of the School through facilitating the election of a rolling five Governors of The Council of The King’s School. This

year, a General Election was held for the appointment of three of the five Old Boys’ Union-elected Governors. I would like to record our thanks and appreciation for the efforts of our Old Boys’ Union elected Governors in 2023, including Roland Long (’88), Grant Bonner (’78), Peter Whittington (’97), Edward Lloyd (’95), and Charlie Taylor (‘80). Being a Governor of the School Council is a considerable commitment and as volunteers, these Governors have contributed a significant amount of time and energy to their roles as representatives on Council. In September, the Old Boys’ Union held an election for three new Old Boys’ Unionelected Governors of the School Council. Congratulations to Emma Maple-Brown, Charlie Taylor (‘80) and Peter Whittington (‘97) on their election and appointment as Old Boys’ Union elected Governors of the School Council for a five-year term. Harrisford House, at 182 George Street, Parramatta, is a key asset for the Old Boys’ Union, delivering a sound financial return, which allows the Old Boys’ Union to do more for its members. This year, the old air-conditioning system was replaced at Harrisford. The construction of residential towers on the Western boundary of Harrisford is now complete, with a development site on the Eastern boundary earmarked for a similar type of residential development in the future. The Committee has been considering opportunities to maximise our return on this asset, while maintaining the heritage conservation and significance of Harrisford House. Thank you to the Harrisford Sub-Committee for all their hard work and efforts. The Committee was saddened but also excited for Ms Jacqui Forsyth’s future as she retired from her duties at the School and as the Old Boys’ Union Administrator, since stepping into the role in 2019. Jacqui was instrumental in keeping the Old Boys’ Union humming along. We wish her all the very best and thank her for everything she has done for the Old Boys’ Union.

We also welcome Nikki Duke as Jacqui’s replacement and look forward to working closely with Nikki. I would like to record my thanks to the additional support provided by the wider team at the School, in particular Ms Jean Khoudair, Head of Marketing Mrs Michelle Petrovic, Director of Sport Peter Phipps, Head of Community Engagement Mike Symons and Britten Housemaster Susan MacDonald. I am grateful to our Patron, the Headmaster, Mr Tony George, for his ongoing support of the Old Boys’ Union and School Executive, including Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Reverend Stephen Edwards. I acknowledge the continued service and support of the members of the Old Boys’ Union Committee and the contributions of our past Presidents. As a volunteer organisation, their efforts are very much appreciated. All members of the Old Boys’ Union are eligible to stand for a position on the Committee and I encourage interested Old Boys to get involved. Finally, I wish to thank the Old Boys’ Union Executive for their efforts and support this year. I am particularly grateful to Honorary Secretary Justin Patey, Honorary Treasurer Gary Honan and Past Presidents Tim Martel, Michael Thomas, Peter Whittington and Grant Martin for their valuable counsel and hard work.

Mr James Holtsbaum (’99) President, Old Boys’ Union

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H I S T O RY A N D H E R I TAG E

A Century-Long Legacy The King’s School counts many intergenerational families across its history. Today, there are several boys enrolled who are the third or fourth generation of their family to don King’s distinct uniform. Oliver Bucknell, a 2023 graduate, is a fourth-generation Kingsman who joined the School as a primary boarder at Tudor House in 2016. Oliver graduates one hundred years after his great-grandfather Douglas Wentworth Bucknell who graduated in 1923. Oliver’s grandfather, William, graduated in 1951, and his father, Douglas, is a member of the Class of 1987.

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Douglas Wentworth Bucknell joined the Preparatory School in 1914 at the age of nine. He followed his older brother, William Wentworth Bucknell, who attended the School from 1904 to 1908. William passed away during World War I and the School awards a scholarship in his name. In his senior years at the School, Douglas was a member of Macarthur House, named in honour of the former Headmaster George Fairfowl Macarthur. The building, previously known as Moreton House and located in Melville Street, Parramatta, was bought by Headmaster Rev P. S. Waddy in 1910 to accommodate the growing number of boarders. Unlike today’s boarders who have a short stroll from their boarding house to the Senior School campus, the boys who boarded in Macarthur House in the early 20th century faced a two-kilometre walk each way to school and back. “In 1923 King’s accommodated 301 boarders and 66 day boys. A century later, the School has 2100 students enrolled across three campuses, including 400 boarders. We continue to offer boarding for primary school students at Tudor House,” says Mrs Jenny Pearce, The King’s School Archivist. Like his great-grandfather, Oliver began his boarding school journey at an early age when he joined Tudor House in Year 5 in 2016. He boarded in Bishop Barker Harris at the Senior School before being appointed House Captain of Gowan Brae for his final year. “Boarders today enjoy a range of flexibilities within the boarding houses, including the option to return home on weekends or enjoy boarder weekend excursions. One hundred

years ago, the boarding houses operated very differently, with visits home only permitted at mid-term and end of term. It could take many days to travel home back then,” says Pearce. Oliver says boarding at King’s has been an amazing experience. “The memories and friendships will last a lifetime. My final year as Gowan Brae House Captain was particularly special. Living alongside the Year 7 boarders, entrusted as their leader, encourages you to do a good job,” says Oliver. Education at King’s has evolved significantly in the past century. The subjects offered in 1923 included English, Latin, French, Mathematics, Mechanics, History, Physics, Chemistry and Greek. Boys who stayed until Year 12 graduated with a Leaving Certificate and were required to undergo a matriculation examination if they were applying to university. In Douglas’ case, this led to a degree from Cambridge. In 2023, Oliver and his classmates could choose from 44 HSC courses, a Vocational Educational Training Pathway and had the option to study subjects offered off campus at a NESA-accredited college. The School has an ever-expanding selection of co-curricular opportunities to challenge, encourage risk-taking and develop young men of character. Sport is integral for every boy and the options are much broader than those of their forebears. A century ago, Douglas Bucknell and his classmates could play football, rugby, rowing, cricket, tennis, athletics and shooting. While these sports remain a vital part of the co-curricular program, today, basketball, swimming, water polo, cross country, table tennis and volleyball are also in high demand.

As a keen sportsman, Oliver embraced the range of co-curricular offerings, playing rugby and water polo, to name but two. He was appointed Captain of Water Polo for 2023 and was awarded Half Colours for Water Polo. In addition to sport, Oliver travelled to Paris in 2022 as part of The Future Project and chose cross country skiing to complete his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Bucknell’s story is a reminder that the history of King’s is remembered and lived generation after generation. While many things have evolved over the past century at The King’s School and in education, there are similarities between Oliver’s journey and his great-grandfather’s 100 years ago. “Both Douglas and Oliver Bucknell, as well as his grandfather’s and father’s generations, have experienced The King’s School Cadet Corps. This is a unique and historic program that has shaped our young men for nearly two centuries. The School uniform worn by Douglas Bucknell in the 1920s, and by those half a century before his time, remains the same. Oliver, who served as a CSM in the Corps this year, has worn his uniform as proudly as his great-grandfather did a century ago,” says Pearce While the ratio of boarders to day boys has shifted, the boarding culture at King’s continues to thrive in 2023. The resonance of the Bucknell story echoed across a century is a powerful testament to the continuity and evolution of tradition at The King’s School.

Gazette January 2024

H I S T O RY A N D H E R I TAG E

Commemorating Remembrance Day

To commemorate 50 years since the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, the School hosted a Remembrance Day Service and lunch for Vietnam Veterans and Old Boys of the School. Guests travelled from all over Australia to be honoured by the King’s community for the sacrifices they made. They were joined by The King’s School Senior Cadet Corps leaders and staff for a service in The King’s School Memorial Chapel, followed by lunch in the Thomas Memorial Pavilion.

Gazette January 2024

H I S T O RY A N D H E R I TAG E

Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla On 8 May 2023, students, staff and parents from all three campuses of The King’s School gathered on the JS White Oval to celebrate the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, almost 70 years following the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953. In 1953, the School celebrated Coronation Day for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a day of festivities. The day began with a chapel service using a service format prepared for all Anglican Churches throughout the Commonwealth by Her Majesty. This was followed by a Ceremonial Parade, where a former member of the School Council, Lieutenant General CGN Miles CMG, DSO was the Reviewing Officer. An evening BBQ was preceded by Rugby trials and the celebrations concluded with a bang with a bonfire and fireworks. The King’s Coronation is a significant reminder we are to serve and not be served. God Save the King.

Gazette January 2024

H I S T O RY A N D H E R I TAG E

A Century Since the Passing of Sir James Burns A century has slipped by since the passing of Sir James Burns, yet the legacy of his generosity and commitment lives within the walls and expansive grounds of Gowan Brae. The building stands as a testament to a spirit of benevolence and vision by two iconic benefactors, whose shared fate forever shaped the course of The King’s School.

Gazette January 2024

A walk down the corridors of Gowan Brae transports visitors through its grand architecture and history. Sir James Burns and Violet Macansh stand tall in these stories, their contributions pivotal in intertwining the fortunes of Gowan Brae with The King’s School.

and Gowan Brae became the nucleus for local shooting activities. The King’s School Rifle team and others enjoyed the shooting range at Gowan Brae thanks to Burns’ magnanimity.

School Archivist Jenny Pearce notes Sir James Burns, the owner of Gowan Brae, was more than a shrewd businessman. His involvement in the community life of Parramatta, highlighted by his philanthropic deeds and volunteerism, placed him at the crossroads of local development.

On Sir James’ passing in 1923, his eldest son, also James, became Chairman of Burns & Company and was granted a life interest in Gowan Brae. It was intended that after James’ death, the estate was to be willed to the Burnside Homes Trust via the Presbyterian Church. However as James had established himself in another location, Gowan Brae passed to the Trust in 1925.

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate frequently captured snapshots of Gowan Brae’s social events, from garden parties to fundraisers. Burns’ association with the Parramatta Squadron of the NSW Lancers showed his commitment to community service. Burns’ rapid ascent in the Lancers’ ranks from Trooper to Lieutenant-Colonel reflected his dedication

There were numerous proposals put forward for the property, including as a home for retired ladies’ or as a grammar school. For seven years it was the home for older Burnside boys training for life on the land. But its physical detachment from the other Burnside homes and the cost of maintaining the grounds was a burden that could not be sustained.

A lifeline for Gowan Brae came in 1940 when the Australian Army requested the use of the property for the 2nd Australian Division. From then until 1946, the site was occupied and maintained by the army. The plaque unveiled in the Billiard Room by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester on 18 September 1946 bears testament to this period of Gowan Brae’s history. Over time, The King’s School was again linked to Gowan Brae. Then in 1954, a gift from another benefactor, Mrs Violet Macansh, allowed the School to buy Gowan Brae from the Presbyterian Church. The transformation of Gowan Brae is a tale of the impact of two benefactors. Sir James Burns’ communitydriven vision led him to generously offer his property for the betterment of local institutions. Violet Macansh’s financial benefaction turned the page to a new chapter for The King’s School. Today, as the boys roam Gowan Brae’s grounds, they tread on the legacy left behind by these visionaries.

Gazette January 2024

In Memoriam

Christopher Ashton (1941-2021)

Christopher Philip Mackenzie Ashton was an acclaimed Australian journalist, foreign correspondent and travel writer. His death on 5 May 2021 in Buenos Aires aged 79, marked the end of over five decades of thoughtful and adventuresome journalism. Christopher was the son of Philip and Morna Ashton (née Mackenzie). He was born on 2 June 1941 and grew up on his parents’ 4,000-acre sheep property, “Coreena” on the South West Slopes of New South Wales. A boarder at Tudor House from age eight, Christopher developed an ability to make long and lasting friendships. His time at Tudor House had a lifetime impact as he authored Tudor House The First Hundred Years for the centenary in 1997. Chris travelled the world. While studying at Oxford, he scored the winning goal in the annual Oxbridge Polo match, marking the 19-year-old Charles, Prince of Wales. This was a royal event, and Queen Elizabeth had agreed to present the trophy to the winning team. Chris scored the winning goal and was justly proud of a photograph of himself being greeted by Her Majesty. On returning to Australia he became a journalist, initially with The Sydney Daily Telegraph. He wrote for major publications over his career, including The Sydney Morning Herald and the Bulletin. In 1995 he met his future wife, Ana Pisano, a career diplomat, who was at the time recently appointed Argentine Deputy Consul General to Sydney. Ana was recalled to Buenos Aires in 2004 and Chris followed her. They were married in Buenos Aires in 2005. Subsequent diplomatic posts for Ana followed, including six years at the Argentine Embassy in Ireland. All the while, Chris continued to write. Ill health in the past three years took its toll, including contracting COVID-19. This put paid to his plans to return to Sydney with Ana to resettle here. Christopher died in Buenos Aires on 5 May 2021, just shy of his 80th birthday. He was survived by his beloved Ana, brother John, sisters Katherine, Alison and Susie and their families, and many dear friends. This is an abbreviated version of an obituary written by Chris’ long-term friend, Tom Breen.

Gazette January 2024

Ian McLeod

Mac Gudgeon

Ian McLeod was educated at Fort Street Boys’ High and graduated from Sydney University in Classics.

Mac Gudgeon, the television, film and screenplay scriptwriter of numerous Australian productions such as Waterfront, The Petrov Affair (co-writer), Ground Zero (co-writer) and The Delinquents, has died following a 40-year noteworthy career.

(1937-2023)

Ian taught in schools in Wollongong and at Sydney Boys’ High before becoming the first Headmaster at All Saint’s Secondary School in Lambasa, Fiji, in 1971. Arriving at The King’s School in 1974, Ian had a wealth of experience. As Head of Classics and Housemaster of Baker House, he was immersed in the academic and community life of the School. He remained Head of Classics until 1979, when he also took on the position of Second Master. He resigned from Baker House in 1983 and in 1986 he became Housemaster of Dalmas House, a position he held until 1995. He mostly taught Classics, although he did teach Ancient History and Biblical Studies and enjoyed junior history excursions to local historical sites. The boys had to remain focused on these outings, as the post-excursion quiz was not something to take lightly. Ian was Master in Charge of the Scipionic Club from 1974 to 1998, fostering a love of classical history, languages and culture for the boys who attended. Ian ran the Beekeeping Club for 25 years and played the organ for services in the Chapel. He coached both Rugby and Basketball. During his retirement, Ian was instrumental in former staff remaining connected to the School as a regular organiser of the Domini Lunches. His commitment to serving others was manifest in his deep personal faith.

(1949-2023)

As a 12-year-old, he entered The King’s School in January 1962, one of the first cohorts in the Wyndham Scheme and amongst the first group of boys to move into the new School at Gowan Brae. Intelligent and talented at sport, his build made him an ideal rugby half-back. He played in the Junior A teams, before playing in the 1st and 2nd XV in 1966, then in the 1st XV in 1967. Mac joined the Cadet Corps Band, initially as a bugler, before becoming their CUO and Drum Major in 1967. Mac was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship at the HSC, and in 1968, he started an arts-law degree at Sydney University. With his strong anti-war views, which were supported by his parents, he never finished this degree and spent the next three years avoiding the Australian Federal Police (AFP). His father’s pharmacy in Wollongong received boycotts when the family’s anti-war views became known, however, the Painters and Dockers Union asked their members to use the pharmacy, which kept the business alive. Through his experiences and friendship with these wharfies, Mac was just the person to pen the story of Waterfront. Mac first married in the early 1970’s, from which came a daughter (Shanti). He and actor Kerry Armstrong were married for two and a half years in the 1990s, from which came a son (Sam). Over the last 32 years, Mac and noted artist Deborah Russell shared wonderful times, during which they married.

Gazette January 2024

Henry Francis Walkerden (‘13) to Lily Scarlett Vidler

Harrison Bryant (Harry) and Matilda Baxter, a son Frederick Bromley Baxter, 29 July 2023

Patrick Hilgendorf and Jodie Hilgendorf, twin daughters, (Left) Gracie Anne and (Right) Olivia Lauren, 31 August 2023

Gazette January 2024

Births, Marriages and Deaths Births

Deaths

Baxter (’11) Harrison Bryant (Harry) and Matilda Baxter, a son Frederick Bromley, 29 July 2023

Abram (‘51) Gilbert Kenneth 9 January 2023 Anderson (’62) Robert Hartley (Rob) 7 January 2023 Anschau (’46) Warwick John (John) 13 June 2023 Anschau (’74) John Carlyle 22 November 2022 Arnheim (‘73) Richard Throsby 16 September 2023 Arnott (’45) John Braddon Date Unknown Barton (‘76) Anthony John Hampton 18 May 2023 Barton (’42) Hugh Bertram Date unknown Beck (‘62) Damon 13 October 2023 Bell Hugh (former staff member 74-81, 1984) April 2023 Boyden (’51) John Arthur Prideaux (Rex) 30 May 2023 Bragg (’55) Ian Neil Lees 7 October 2022 Bridge (’72) Timothy William Date Unknown Broughton (’64) Archer 7 March 2022 Busby (’51) Alexander 17 February 2023 Byron-Baker (’47) Jim 4 February 2023 Charters (’46) Donald Richard 24 January 2022 Chasling (’63) Grant Alexander Charles 18 October 2022 Coffey (‘42) William Macfarlan (Bill) 4 November 2021 Coleman (’44) Robert Fitzroy 10 June 2023 Crace (’56) William Everard 12 May 2021 Croxon (’55) Harold Livingstone (Hal) 02 December 2023 Denison (‘75) Andrew John 18 April 2023 Dight (’53) Peter Yetman 18 May 2022 Druce (’65) Philip Ronald 10 April 2023 Friend (’74) Murray Charles 19 April 2023 Gibson (’49) Ross Langford 29 May 2023 Glennie (’64) Douglas Stephen (Doug) 05 March 2023 Goldsmith (’56) Malcolm George Pirie 5 June 2022 Golsby (‘52) Robert John 13 December 2022 Griffiths (‘43) Kendall Bonham 16 January 2019 Gudgeon (’67) Mac Irwin 25 May 2023 Hackett (‘48) Ronald Gordon William 8 September 2023 Hall (’45) Donald 31 March 2023 Heard (’48) Denis William 19 April 2023 Herrman (‘46) David Benzion Date unknown James (’62) Lyndon John Dean December 2022 Jennings Keith (former staff member 62-64) 26 April 2023 Joyce (’74) Mark 13 February 2023 Joyes (’63) David Murray 24 December 2021 Kearney (’73) Michael Scott 31 May 2020

Hilgendorf (’04) Patrick and Jodie Hilgendorf, twins Gracie Anne and Olivia Lauren, 31 August 2023 Ruddock (’06) Thomas Scott (Tom) and Fiona Ruddock, a daughter Ava Antonia Kit, 8 November 2022 Temple (’07) Matthew Ian and Bella Sufferini, a son Cooper, 24 April 2023

Marriages Capel (’09) Harry Adams to Emma Marino on 17 March 2023 Kilby (’13) Marcus Roland to Emily Rose McGeorge on 6 November 2022 Pearce (‘08) Edwin Matthew Hamilton Milne to Kara Bellamy 24 September 2023 Templeman (’07) Matthew Ian to Bella Sufferini on 28 May 2022 Templeman (’09) Scott Thomas to Kimberley Davies on 09 September 2023, England Walkerden (’13) Henry Francis to Lily Scarlett Vidler on 5 November 2022 Ware (’09) Alexander David Andrew (Alex) to Bronte Maddison Maher on 24 September 2022

Keene (’65) William Wray (Bill) 27 April 2023 Kohler (‘63) Roger Norman Date unknown Lawrence (‘55) David Emrys 1 September 2023 Lefebvre (’54) Paul Maurice 21 June 2023 Loder (’42) John Christopher (Lord JC Wakehurst) 27 July 2022 Logan (‘59) Alastair Ronald Young 24 July 2023 Lukins (’51) John Rodney 01 July 2023 Magee (’51) William Stuart Adair 24 February 2022 Manchee (’52) Lionel John Cameron 30 March 2023 McIntyre (’54) Malcolm Daniel 27 April 2023 McLeod Ian Frederick (TKS Master 74-98) 29 June 2023 Mitchell (’59) Geoffrey Henery (Geoff) 20 January 2023 Mitchell (’64) Brian David 9 February 2023 Moses (’68) Rupert James (Jim) 1 January 2023 Park (’49) John Robert 19 July 2023 Parker (’48) John Lindsay 19 June 2023 Pearce (‘64) Jeremy Douglas 1 July 2023 Perrott (’68) Michael John Lankester 3 August 2019 Pullen (‘74) Stuart John 12 October 2023 Raynolds (‘43) Pringle George 12 January 2022 Robertson (’53) Bruce Malcolm 4 May 2023 Rouse (’52) Richard Francis Leslie 7 May 2023 Rouse (’56) Henry James Date unknown Rudder (’57) Gawen Stephens 22 February 2023 Scott (’44) Andrew Murray 02 July 2023 Simpson (’47) Neville Rupert Roy 18 February 2023 Small (‘87) William Cameron Beaumont 28 November 2023 Smith (’88) Christopher William 25 August 2022 Spooner (’47) James Edward (Jim) 20 November 2022 Stephens (‘52) Samuel 21 August 2023 Stephenson (’85) Matthew John 23 September 2022 Symes (‘63) Craig Russell Symes 15 August 2023 Thompson (’76) Ross Malcolm Lindsay Date unknown Thompson (’79) Alastair Lindsay 18 May 2023 Upton (’79) Jeremy John 16 January 2023 Walker (‘53) John Morrison 6 September 2023 Wimbush (’55) Adam Pierrepoint (Pierre) 3 February 2023 Young (’00) Peter William Walsingham 18 November 2022

Gazette January 2024

Back Cover

www.kings.edu.au P: +612 9683 8555 E: tks @ kings.edu.au A: PO Box 1 Parramatta 2124, NSW Australia

Cricos No: 02326F The Council of The King’s School, ABN: 24 481 364 152 Incorporated by The King’s School Council Act 1893