Foundations of a Great School by Yarra Valley Grammar

FOUNDATIONS OF A GREAT SCHOOL

Yarra Valley Grammar’s Foundation is all about its families, who are the members sharing in our VISION for the Yarra COMMUNITY. They CONTRIBUTE in many and various ways to the School and the Foundation because they are YARRA PROUD!

Index Tradition and Vision

An idea is born

Our Founders

Founders’ history is in our buildings

Our First School Houses

Today’s School Houses

Our Principals’ projects

Sports at Yarra Valley Grammar

More history at Yarra Valley Grammar

Wootton Lodge – a gift to the School

School Awards

First days and first students

The School Grounds

Generations of families

Our Motto, Crest, Song, Prayer and Uniforms

A contemporary place of learning

Yarra continues to grow

A Timeline of Growth, Development & Vision

This is our story – This is your story

The Baldwin Circle

Our Inheritance

Leaving a Legacy

The Foundation

From the Principal The Foundation offers a great opportunity for involvement in the life of Yarra Valley Grammar. The Foundation hosts a range of events throughout the year and importantly, supports the various improvements in the School through our school building program. One of the most important roles of the Foundation is one of community building. The Foundation helps us to connect with families and the broader Yarra Valley Grammar community; both past and present. They are particularly keen on engaging with students and parents who have been so instrumental in the development of our School since those early days in 1966. The Foundations of a Great School celebrates the journey from those early days and helps to explain how things came to be. As a history teacher I see the immense value in understanding our past so that we are better able to recognise who we are today. This publication is particularly informative to those who are interested in the unique culture of our School and how it has all come about. I am delighted to recommend this to you as a very interesting read and as a reference work to recognise both time and place here at Yarra Valley Grammar. Dr Mark Merry Principal

PURPOSE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This booklet is intended to provide students and families new to the School with a brief overview of the School’s history and development, our incredible inheritance, some background on our Founders and the School’s commencement in 1966.

Yarra Valley Grammar acknowledges and thanks Richard Simpson (Yarra Foundation) and John Close (School Archivist) for the preparation of this book. 3rd Edition, 2021

Tradition and Vision

Great schools like Yarra Valley Grammar don’t just happen Back in the early 1960s a group of individuals had the vision for an Anglican school for boys in the eastern suburbs. People such as Messrs Harper, Clarke, Hughes, Annells and Plummer, names we know so well around the School today. Without our Founders the School would never have become a reality when it opened its doors in 1966 with just 135 students. Today, it’s the School’s Foundation members who carry on the tradition and vision of our School’s Founders by looking into the future – and turning dreams into reality. Back then, the Ringwood and Croydon areas were just opening up. These were post war boom times as new subdivisions and housing exploded across the landscape of what until then had been traditional farms; grazing both cattle and sheep and also orchards. The Croydon Market still traded in livestock and the Shire of Ringwood had only been declared a City in 1961. Where Eastland now stands were two sports fields and the Ringwood

Baths (Swimming Pool) which was down along the creek below the ovals where today’s Ringwood Bypass road now exists. Whereas girls in the outer east had a private school in Tintern, the boys of families wishing their sons to have a private school education had to travel an hour each way on the stopping-all-stations Red Rattlers to Glenferrie, Hawthorn or Melbourne and then take a tram to their chosen school. Someone with the Confidence to Achieve by the name of Robin Clarke brought together a number of local business men who were all dealing with this very issue and together established the School. When you take a walk around Yarra Valley Grammar today, take the time to think what an incredible inheritance our

students enjoy in the facilities and grounds alike. The School has not stood still and continues to evolve to meet the expectations of its current generation of families not only in its buildings and presentation, but in its teachers, its contemporary range of subjects on offer, its extra-curricular opportunities and its place as one of Melbourne’s leading educational learning centres of excellence. We have much to be thankful for to our Founders. It was they who saw a need and an opportunity and took that initial calculated risk. We also have to thank the generations of families since for the School we have today. It is up to all of us as current custodians of this School to maintain and continue such wisdom and foresight for generations of families yet to come.

Up in the air with Ray - an aerial shot of the original land u spot o y n a C and a d n i l a K ds? a o r h t u Plymo t the ou How ab ush”? s “b School’ Croydon ld Or the o ovie M Drive-in T heatre?

An idea is born

It all started over a cup of tea. After a service at St John’s, Croydon, local businessman Robin Clarke complained to the local Vicar Rev’d Arthur de Q Robin that there were no independent schools in the outer eastern suburbs for boys - and that he was even having difficulty enrolling his son, Andrew at a school in the inner east such as Trinity as the waiting lists had grown so long. The reply “Well, why don’t you start one?” did in fact, start it all. In March 1963, Mr Clarke contacted a number of leading figures in the local community and after a meeting held in May 1963 at his home Jillingolo in Richardson Road, Croydon a Formative Committee was established to investigate the possibility of commencing a new school in the area. It was local estate agent and member of the founding committees, Mr Allan Carter, (Carter Resource Centre – Junior School) who drew the attention of other founders to the parcel of then farm land at the corner of Kalinda and Plymouth Roads. Local doctor, Ray Wootton (Wootton Lodge) wasn’t on the founding committees but was an amateur pilot and the earliest aerial photos of the School site were taken by Robin Clarke (A.R. Clarke Middle School) when being flown around the district by Ray to look at properties that might be suitable as a location for a school.

Messrs Plummer, Clarke, Annells and Harker discussing plans on the original farm site with the future Patterson Oval behind them

Only five weeks later at a second meeting at Jillingolo Messrs Clarke, Annells and Carter notified those present of a suitable site at the corner of Kalinda and Plymouth Roads on the border of Croydon and Ringwood. The Committee considered how to raise the funds to meet the expected asking price of some 50,000 pounds. At a fundraising dinner held in the city at the Athenaeum Club in August 1963 donations of around 6,300 pounds were received and with promises of more to follow to a total of around 10,000 pounds, it was decided to purchase this property of seventy one and a half acres. This Formative Committee met for the last time in October and on that same day a company was incorporated and a Provisional Committee was established with the following office bearers formally elected: Chairman JB Harper, Vice Chairman CJ White, Treasurer DG Annells,

and Secretary and Publicity Officer AR Clarke. On 30 October, 1963 a meeting was called of prospective parents and interested parties to seek registration of interest and to gauge initial student numbers. Loans were arranged from the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society and from the ANZ Bank and for the sum of 52,500 pounds, the land became ours on 9 January, 1964.

A. ROBIN CLAR KE

One of the first decisions of the Committee was to continue agistment of animal stock on the site on a monthly basis – the only form of income to the School at the time.

ARCH ITECTS MODE L

First Council Members (1964)

Our Founders On the 15 January, 1964 the first School Council (Board) met and elected office bearers. The fourteen members included the two appointments by the Archbishop, being Mr Jim Hemphill and Rev’d Arthur de Q Robin. By March of 1964 some 53 subscribers were admitted to the School company. Our Founders also had the distinct honour of naming this new Church of England School. In 1963, the very first committee had called itself The Formative Committee for a School in the Yarra Valley. Several names came up for discussion and consideration including Churchill, James Cook Memorial and of course – Yarra Valley. Yarra Valley Church of England School was officially adopted as the new School’s name in March 1965.

SCHOOL FOUNDERS Mr Donald G Annells Rev Felix R Arnott Mr H Selwyn Bates Mr Allan B Carter MBE Mr A Robin Clarke Mr Rice H Clayton Mr Alan Coffey Prof John D Crisp Mr Eric E Dunshea Mr Alan E Finlayson Mr G William Harker Mr John B Harper OBE Mr Gordon D Hattam Mr James F Hemphill Mr Robert F Hughes Mr R Vernon Hughes Dr John Q McCubbin Archdeacon Peter R Monie Mr Robert L Newman Mr Lindsay G C Nicholas Dr Bernard N Ostberg Mr G William Patterson Mr Thomas W Plummer Rev Arthur de Q Robin Mr Milton A Sells Mr A Howard Smith Mr Charles J H White Mr Donald C Wilkins

From the time the initial committee met it was to be two and a half years before their new School would open and during that time the Founders were constantly concerned with finance and despite their considerable talents and very considerable fundraising efforts, it was never certain that enough money would actually be forthcoming. Headed by Dr D Lucas, the Appeal Committee made its headquarters in the premises of C.W. Stirling and Co. in Croydon and enlisted the assistance of professional fundraisers. The fundraising wasn’t going so well when even more money had to be borrowed to meet the first payment for the services of the fundraisers. Bravely, they proceeded.

The First Council was formed 15 January 1964 and reached its final composition in accordance with the Memorandum of Articles on 8 April, 1964. By May 1964 architects Bates, Smart and McCutcheon were appointed and they presented the Master Plan to the School Council in July 1964. On 21 December, 1964 the site was turned over to the contractor and earthworks began – including the massive excavation for the ovals and sports fields. The Founders were now earnestly building a school with no teachers, no Headmaster and only a handful of enrolments. In April, 1965 builders DRD Constructions Pty Ltd commenced construction of the first classrooms and administration area. Mr George Harker (Harker Oval), although himself suffering from a disabling illness, appeared frequently to supervise the site works and building construction and his considerable experience as an engineer was invaluable at this time.

On 15 April, 1965 our new Headmaster, Mr John R Pascoe formerly Deputy Headmaster at Trinity Grammar, Sydney was appointed. He officially commenced work in September in a small office in Croydon with the first student interviews conducted there in December – just two months before the first school bell rang out. The School’s builders handed possession of the site to the Council in December 1965 in time for first classes to commence on 8 February, 1966. Those first classes were to be from Grades 1 to 7 with the initial scale of fees ranging from 45 pounds per term at Grade 1, up to 65 pounds per term at Grade 7.

By February 1966 when the School was opened the fundraising appeal had raised £104,000 of the £150,000 they had aimed for. Whilst the commencement student numbers of 135 were not quite the 150 they had planned for (the School opened without a Grade 2) the School Council did take heart from the fact that enrolments for future years were already quite strong.

Left to right G.W. Patterson, Rev.A.de Q. Robin, T.W. Plummer, E.E. Dunshea, A.R. Clarke (Hon. Sec.), J.B. Harper (Pres.), A.H. Smith (Ass.Hon.Sec.), R.F. Hughes, A.B. Carter, D.C. Wilkins. Members not present: Rt Rev. F. Arnott, J.F. Hemphill, M.A. Sells, G.W. Harker, D.G. Annells (Hon.Treas.).

Donald C. Wilkins D.C. WILKINS MUSIC SCHOOL Donald (Don) was a chartered accountant and a Partner in Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (later KPMG) and also in Messrs Smith, Johnson & Co.

Yarra Valley Grammar honours many of its Founders by naming buildings and places after them in recognition of the enormous contribution they gave to the very creation of the School in its formative years. These families not only recognised a need for a boys school in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, they made it happen and gave much of their time as volunteers and drivers behind the cause. Not only that, they also became the first fee paying parents for their sons who otherwise had to continue to travel an hour each way into inner Melbourne to have a contemporary modern private educational experience.

A member of the First Council he took up membership together with Mr Dunshea, Mr Hemphill and Rev. Robin on 8 April, 1964. He served as a member of the Finance Committee and as Public Relations Chairman and was a member of the 1964 Building Fund Appeal committee. Don continued to serve on the School Council until 1975.

Founders’ history is in our buildings A. Robin Clarke A.R. CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Robin was a Director of Clarke & Co, Sharebrokers, and the initiator of the Formative Committee. Robin served as Secretary of the 1963 Provisional Committee and its Finance Committee. In 1964 he became Secretary of the First Council, Chairman of its Finance Committee and Secretary of the 1964 Building Fund Appeal. It was Robin who had first conceived the idea of establishing an independent school for boys in the area and together with A B Carter and D G Annells was deputed to locate suitable land for a school. From 1975-1981 he was President of the School Council.

Allan B. Carter

J.F. HEMPHILL SENIOR SCHOOL

ALLAN B. CARTER (JUNIOR SCHOOL) RESOURCE CENTRE

John B. Harper

James (Jim) was the Chief Administrative Officer for the ANZ Bank Ltd.

J.B. HARPER JUNIOR SCHOOL

He was a member of the First School Council (Board). His nomination required the Archbishop’s approval and he joined the Council on 8 April, 1964. He was on the Finance Committee and the 1964 Building Fund Appeal Committee.

John was a partner in Arthur Robinson & Co (now Allens Arthur Robinson) Solicitors, and held directorships at Dunlop Rubber (Aust) Ltd and North Broken Hill Ltd, amongst other companies. John Harper was President of the 1963 Provisional Committee, Chairman of the 1964 Building Fund Appeal, Chairman of the Founders’ Gift division (1964 brochure) as well as President of the First Council (Board). He continued to serve as President 1964– 1971, and chaired the Education Sub-Committee and was on the committee for appointing the first Headmaster.

James F. Hemphill

He was instrumental in obtaining initial bank finance and together with R F Hughes he also negotiated the capital loans from insurance companies to construct the first buildings. Jim assumed the role of Chairman of the School Council, 1972-1974.

Allan Carter was a director of the well-known local estate agency Carter’s Real Estate in Ringwood. He served on the 1963 Provisional Committee and the 1964 First Council, and was Chairman of the Fund Raising and Public Relations Committees. Allan took a prominent role in locating a site and the obtaining of a loan from the ANZ Bank. The early location of suitable land hastened the decision to go ahead with the establishment of a school. Allan was Deputy Campaign Chairman of the first Building Fund and Chairman of the Benefactors’ Division. He organised the fundraising campaign with its first dinner held in the newly completed Channel 0 building on Springvale Road, Nunawading.

Today’s School Houses

School Houses

DONALD G. ANNELLS

Annells House

Our First School Houses When Yarra Valley Church of England Boys School commenced in 1966 with its initial 135 founding students only two Houses were needed to cater for sports and tutorials.

use o H g n i l r Da

These first two Houses were called Kalinda and Plymouth (the names of the two roads the School fronts). With only 135 students spread from Grade 1 to Form 1 (Year 7) it wasn’t always easy to field teams to play at sports but as the School began to grow the House system became an important part of the organisation of activities.

In 1968, when the Senior School became a separate entity, it created its own two Houses Darling and Woods. The first was named after Sir James Darling who had spoken at the early fundraising dinners and the second after Sir Frank Woods, the then Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. And in 1969 two more Senior School Houses were added in Carter and Hemphill – both

named in honour of two of the School’s founders who were still members of the School Council. In 1968 Junior School abandoned the Kalinda and Plymouth names and introduced the names, Annells, Hughes and Plummer. In 1972 a fourth House was added, Arnott – and in 1975 these four names were adopted throughout the entire School.

Don was a member of the 1963 Formative Committee and became Honorary Treasurer of the Provisional Committee, as well as Honorary Treasurer of the First School Council. Don was also Treasurer of the 1964 Building Fund Appeal and right up until 1970, in an honorary capacity, he did the tasks normally done by a School Bursar.

BISHOP FELIX R. ARNOTT CO-ADJUTOR BISHOP OF MELBOURNE.

Arnott House Bishop Felix was nominated to the 1964 council by the Archbishop and became a member of the First School Council. With Messrs Harper, Dunshea and Plummer he was part of the committee designated in August 1964 to appoint a Headmaster. His time at Yarra Valley Grammar ended in 1970 when he left to take up an appointment as Archbishop of Brisbane.

ROBERT F. HUGHES

Hughes House Bob Hughes was a chartered accountant and partner in Buckley & Hughes (later Coopers & Lybrand and later still Price-Waterhouse-Coopers). In 1963 he was a member of the Provisional Committee and Chairman of its Finance sub-committee. He was a founding Member of the First Council (School Board) and was Chairman of its Finance Committee and of the 1964 Building Fund Committee.

Woods House

The first independent meeting of the Provisional Committee was held in his offices, 360 Collins St. Melbourne in October 1963 and he was instrumental in negotiating the capital loan from Colonial Mutual Life society in 1963.

THOMAS W. PLUMMER

Plummer House Previously Principal of Wadhurst, Melbourne Grammar, Tom became a member of our Formative Committee and then the Provisional Committee in 1963. His advice on educational matters was important and he served as Chairman of the Educational Committee on the first School Council in which role he advised on administrative procedures, school uniform and the selection of a Headmaster. He also assisted Don Annells with advice on the role of a Bursar and personally did the enrolling of students until the new Headmaster, J R Pascoe undertook that role in September 1965.

Our Principals’ projects… Pascoe Resource Centre – Senior School

Emmett Hall – Junior School

JOHN PASCOE – FOUNDING HEADMASTER (PRINCIPAL)

George Wood Performing Arts Centre

KELVIN EMMETT – HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Neville J. Lyngcoln Senior School Centre

GEORGE WOOD – HEADMASTER

NEVILLE LYNGCOLN – PRINCIPAL

1965–1970

1968–1992

1976–1993

1996–2009

John was founding Headmaster of the then Yarra Valley Church of England School. He had taught at Scotch College and came to Yarra Valley Grammar after having been Deputy Principal at Trinity Grammar in Sydney. He was our Headmaster from 1965 to 1970 and later went on to become Principal at Westbourne Grammar. At Yarra Valley Grammar he impressed on Council the importance of employing the best possible staff and of paying them accordingly. The staff soon came to regard him as an inspirational leader and admired his intellectual abilities and his energy. John maintained an abiding interest in our School and was an honoured guest at many School functions.

Kelvin had a strong connection with Trinity Grammar School, Kew, where he had been first a student and then a teacher. Appointed to our Foundation staff as the Grade 6 teacher he was then appointed as our first Head of Junior School in 1968. He also made a substantial contribution to the Association of Junior School Heads in Australia serving as both its secretary and president. The many Yarra Valley Grammar students who came under his care have vivid memories of his passion for cricket and the enthusiasm that he injected into daily life at the School.

George came to us from Trinity Grammar School, Kew, where he had been successively a student, a Maths and Science teacher and the Senior Master (equivalent to Deputy Headmaster in other schools). During the 1980’s George oversaw a significant construction program including the Graphics Centre, the swimming pool, the Science Laboratory and the magnificent Performing Arts Centre, later to be named after him. He is best remembered for his calm efficiency, for his love of cultural life and, of course, for his blue suits.

Appointed to the School’s Science staff in 1973, Neville also coached the First XVIII football team for many years. During his long stay at our School he took on many roles including those of Head of Middle School, Deputy Principal and Principal.

His passion for Yarra Valley Grammar and his strenuous efforts steered the School through times that were difficult for private schools and enabled us to improve our grounds, sports facilities and buildings greatly during his time as Principal. These included the P.E and Sports Complex, the synthetic hockey pitch, the tennis courts and the Year 12 Senior School building which is named in his honour.

G.W. (BILL) PATTERSON – FOUNDER

Patterson Oval – Senior/Middle School

Sports at Yarra Valley Grammar Right from the out-set sport has always been an integral part of Yarra Valley Grammar’s curriculum and purpose. The two Principal contracts when construction of the School commenced included the substantial earthworks which created the level platform to accommodate the School’s sports and playing fields. By September 1965 the earthworks were completed and the previously stripped clay-based topsoils re-spread across the surface – there was no money in the budget to import sandy loam or other soils used in sports fields, or any drainage. By December the seeding of the oval was completed, but years of the famous Yarra mud awaited attendees at Saturday morning sport.

William Patterson was the managing director of Bill Patterson Motors the General Motors-Holden dealership on Maroondah Highway, Ringwood. Bill was a member of the First Council – serving on the Finance Committee and Fund Raising and Public Relations Committee. Several of the earliest full council meetings were held in his Ringwood offices. For the 1964 Building Fund Appeal Bill was Registrar and Chairman and he also promoted the corporate gifts division.

G.WILLIAM (BILL) HARKER – FOUNDER

Harker Oval – Junior School

ALLEN CRAWLEY – OLYMPIAN AND STAFF MEMBER 1968–2008

Bill Harker was a Civil engineer and a Director of John Holland Holdings Ltd.

Allen Crawley Sports Fields

He was Vice Chairman of the First School Council and chaired the Building Committee during the construction of the original building. Despite his suffering from motor neurone disease, Bill’s diligent and constant supervision of the original earthworks and building was invaluable to the School.

Allen represented Australia at the 1968 Olympics at Mexico City in the long jump. Appointed to the Yarra Valley Grammar staff in 1969 he was to remain with us until he retired in 2008. During that long time Allen taught Science, served as Head of Sport and in later years served the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria as their Executive Secretary. His organisational skills and dedication to duties were much admired.

LYN DAVIES – SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN 1999–2006

Lyn Davies Hockey Pitch Lyn’s association with the School commenced with the arrival of his son, Mark, at the School in 1983. A second son, Ross, followed a year later. During the following twenty four years Lyn and his wife Louise were involved in almost every aspect of the School’s life. Before becoming a member of the School Board Lyn was greatly involved in the Appeal to raise money for the George Wood PAC and with the Foundation and the annual Fete. He and Louise also took an active interest in the Past Parents and the Past Students associations. As Chairman of the Board he was involved in School affairs on almost a daily basis.

JOHN KING – SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN 1991–1998

John King Sports Complex John was the managing director of P.J.King Pty Ltd a successful engineering firm in Bayswater supplying components to both Australian and overseas manufacturers and employing some 150 people. A prominent member of Apex and Rotary clubs and of the Vernier Society he was a man of intellect, wit, good-humour and charm. John’s tireless contribution to the construction of the George Wood Performing Arts Centre was very important to our School. His three sons all attended the School.

...more history at Yarra Valley Grammar A vast array of people with their talents and insight go into creating what makes a great school and this includes the contributions of parents, teaching staff and even our grounds men and women.

FOUNDING STUDENTS: NICHOLAS BROOKE – SCHOOL BOARD 1994–2014 AND RICHARD NICHOLAS – SCHOOL BOARD 1995–2014

The Brooke-Nicholas Pavilion Both Nick Brooke and Richard Nicholas were foundation students – commencing on that first day in February, 1966. They have Yarra in their blood and both have been long-serving members of the School Board and the Past Student’s Association, and have both had children who were students at the School.

NEWTON AND ERICA SANBROOK – PARENTS 1967–1974

Sanbrook Laboratory In 1969 funds to construct a proposed new Science Block were hard to find. Newton and Erica Sanbrook (parents of Peter, then a student and a future 1974 School Captain) donated a significant sum of money from the estate of Newton’s father Dr E A Sanbrook to the School which provided sufficient funding for the School to apply to borrow the rest. A plaque in Room 217, the Biology Room, recorded that the room was named in honour of the family’s generous donation. This room was unfortunately destroyed in the Science wing fire of early 2012. Peter himself was President of the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation (2002-2007) and both his children, Xander (2012) and Jessica (2010) are past students of the School. Thus four generations of Sanbrooks have been associated with Yarra Valley Grammar.

HUGH MACKINNON – SCHOOL COUNCIL (BOARD) CHAIRMAN 1981–1990

Hugh Mackinnon Year 7 Building Because of his work on the Grounds and Premises Committee the School looked quite a different place in 1990 to what it had been when Hugh joined the School Council in 1973. He considered the planning and construction of the George Wood Performing Arts Centre to be the highlight of his long career here and he retired one month after it was opened in 1993.

NANCY JOHN

Nancy John Hearing Unit In 1970, Mrs John as Chairman of the newly formed Advisory Council for Children with Impaired Hearing approached the Headmaster, Mr John Pascoe and the School Council President, Mr John Harper with a bold proposition. The ACCIH, in cooperation with the School, wished to establish a demonstration unit for the integrated oral education of hearing impaired children within the context of an independent school in metropolitan Melbourne. Prospective new parents Mr and Mrs Calvert-Jones took the initiative in this matter. James Calvert-Jones, Gavan Dorrington, Robert Jones, Robert Lee and Andrew Martin were to be the first students in a scheme which required a huge financial commitment from their families when they commenced in Term 3 1971. The Unit was officially opened in July 1972 with Mr Bill Robinson as the Teacher-In-Charge. Nancy John maintained an active and direct involvement in Hearing Unit policy development and was a member of our Hearing Unit Steering Committee until her retirement in 1993.

ALISON FRENCH – HEAD OF MUSIC

Alison French Studio Alison French was Head of Music at Yarra Valley Grammar between 1986 and 1990, and then again from 1998 to 2009. In all, she gave nearly 20 years of service to the School. A pianist and choral conductor, Alison set out about revitalising music in our School through her enthusiasm and strength of personality. Alison implemented an instrumental program that saw every student in Year 7 learning an instrument and this laid the foundations for a program that has thrived.

JACK RUSSELL – MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR 1965–1990

Jack Russell Drive Appointed in November 1965, Jack was our first Maintenance Supervisor. He arrived on a site where there were no hard surfaced roads or footpaths and an over-supply of mud. It was six months before he had even a shed in which to store his tools. For more than 25 years Jack Russell was to be our jack-of-all-trades and he did everything with skill, patience and good humour.

Alison built a strong team of staff around her and established a culture of excellence and achievement in the music program encompassing strings, bands and choirs, and the School is well known for its respected program in all three of these areas to this day. Alison continued as a music teacher after stepping down as Head of Music and retired from teaching in 2012.

School Awards – a part of our history ALLEN CRAWLEY SENIOR ATHLETICS TROPHY Awarded to a Senior Boy and Senior Girl for being outstanding athletes for the School.

Wootton Lodge – a gift to the School

MARGARET DENNISTON CLARKE AWARD

PETTET AWARD FOR YEAR 9

Awarded to the Year 12 student who best fulfils the conditions of the Rhodes Scholarship including civic mindedness, leadership and strength of character.

Awarded to a student in Year 9 who embodies the philosophy of the School. The Pettet family, Bill, Cher, Robert and Sharni lost their lives tragically in a car accident on Australia Day in 2001. Cher and Bill were actively involved in the Park Orchards community and Sharni and Robert were students at Yarra Valley Grammar and were vibrant, enthusiastic contributors to School life.

This award was established in memory of his wife by G R Clarke, the father of School Founder, A Robin Clarke.

OSSY GREULICH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR LOTE These awards are presented at Year 12 and at Year 9 to a student who has demonstrated excellence in oral and written skills in a language other than English. The late Ossy Greulich was Head of LOTE at Yarra Valley Grammar from 1970 to 1990. The award is made in recognition of his long service to the School.

ADAM STRACHAN MEMORIAL AWARD

Dr Ray Wootton was a dentist in the 1960’s with a Lilydale Dental practice and became one of the original guarantors of the loans to the new School.

Awarded to a Senior Boy and Senior Girl for outstanding contribution to Sport.

JOHN AND MEREDITH BALDWIN MUSIC AWARD (YEAR 9)

In 1967, Dr Wootton offered Yarra Valley Grammar the choice of a Glenmaggie property to use for expanding the activities of the School’s Adventure Movement (outdoor activities). A small committee went to Glenmaggie and chose the land consisting of 25 acres of timbered country overlooking Glenmaggie Weir. The first building was built by a Heyfield builder, Charlie Steels. It was destroyed by fire in August 1974. Subsequently it was rebuilt using a house-kit by Yarra Valley Grammar staff (Norman Maggs and Les Christie were important in that project) and by parents and students during weekends and at the beloved slave camps during holidays. In 1969, Dr Wootton’s younger son, Howard commenced at the School in Grade 1 but left after Term 1 in his Grade 2 year (1970) because Dr Wootton had decided to move to a property at Glenmaggie. Dr Wootton then practised as a dentist in Sale. Dr & Mrs Wootton continue to live on their Glenmaggie property (with an airstrip) just over a kilometre from Wootton Lodge and to demonstrate an interest in the activities of students on camp. Honorary Life membership of the Foundation was bestowed upon the Woottons in 2013.

25 ACRES OF TIMBERED COUNTRY OVERLOOKING GLENMAGGIE WEIR

This award is given to a Year 9 student who has demonstrated exceptional musical ability, is assessed as having exceptional potential, shows enthusiasm for music and for music tuition and has demonstrated a strong commitment to the music program and ensembles within the School. John and Meredith Baldwin are long standing friends and benefactors of the School. John was the inaugural President of the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation, 1988–2002 and Meredith served as a Board member, 1992–1996.

GEORGE BOSHNAKOFF AWARD (YEAR 8) George came to us in 1985 as a Year 5 student and was a student in Year 8 in 1988 which was the year of his death. George did not get to School very much in 1988 as he was very ill but those who knew him greatly admired the courageous way in which he faced his illness. He was interested in writing and hence this award is made to the Year 8 student who the English staff consider produces the best piece of personal writing during the year. His parents’ generous gift to the School has made this award possible.

Adam was a student at our School from 1975 when he entered Grade 5 until his death in October 1982. Good at games and at school work and in his final year a Prefect, Adam is best remembered for the courage he showed in coping with his illness in his final year. He was an inspiration to all who knew him both at School and in the wider community.

Allen represented Australia at the 1968 Olympics at Mexico City, placing sixth in the long jump. Appointed to the Yarra Valley Grammar staff in 1969, he was to remain with us until he retired in 2008. During that long time Allen taught Science and served as Head of Sport.

A. R. CLARKE AWARD Yarra’s Middle School is named A. R. Clarke Middle School after Mr Robin Clarke who first conceived of the idea of establishing an independent school in our area. From 1975-1981 Robin served the School as president of the School Council. The Middle School Community Award is presented by the Clarke family in honour of A. R. Clarke to a student who has made a significant contribution in the area of Community Links.

JAMES AND JEAN HEMPHILL AWARD (DRAMA) – FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DRAMA JAMES AND JEAN HEMPHILL AWARD (MUSIC) – FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC. These awards are named in honour of the parents of James Firebrace Hemphill who was the Chief Administrative Officer of the ANZ Bank in the early 1960s and a member of our School Council 1964–1974. He chaired that Council 1972–1974 and our Senior College is named after him.

As 1965 drew to a close, Founding Headmaster Mr Pascoe and his secretary Mrs Myrl Hoskin moved into the new building on 6 December, even though the builders themselves did not finally move out until 20 December, a fortnight later. They occupied what had been the builders’ site office and was soon to become the Year 7B classroom. Staff had now been appointed, uniform details finalised, tuck-shop arrangements completed, some thirty cricket matches scheduled for Term One 1966 – twenty of them on our own new oval – and two temporary Houses, to be named Kalinda and Plymouth, planned. We were ready, or hoped we were ready, for 1966 and our Foundation students. As it eventuated, the School opened without its Grade 2. Enrolments were scarce for Grade 3 as well. However, by December the number enrolled for 1966 was 135 altogether and it was decided to proceed

with a Grade 3 class although the number of students it would have was only ten, or possibly twelve. Miss Frances McLernon was engaged as teacher of this grade. In April 1966, two months into the School year, total enrolments had grown to 140, ten short of the original goal of 150. Classes commenced on 8 February 1966 with 135 boys attending the first assembly at which a symbolic Torch of Learning was passed from the President of the School Council, Mr John Harper, to the new Headmaster, Mr John Pascoe, and from him to the oldest student, David Williamson, and from him to the youngest student, Douglas Haig.

The local knowledge is that Ross Emslie rose early, dressed in his brand new uniform and arrived at the School one hour early so as to claim the honour of being our very first student (and we have a photo of him resplendent in that brand new uniform). However, the Ringwood Mail published an article giving that honour to Roger MacRury of Patterson St, East Ringwood saying that the next two students to arrive were brothers Dietlef and Dieter Jansen of Warwick St, Montrose. For members of the early committees and council the most satisfying functions must have been those held in late February 1966. Despite all the previous concerns over finance, hard work had now seen the new School successfully brought to reality.

More than three hundred persons attended a dinner on the evening prior to the School’s official opening. This was held at Union House, University of Melbourne and speeches were made by Mr J Wilson Hogg, Headmaster of Mr Pascoe’s previous school Trinity Grammar, Summerhill, Sydney and by Mr C O Healey, Headmaster of Scotch College, Melbourne.

oe John Pasc opening

On Saturday, 26 February 1966 with the whole School in attendance, the new School was officially opened by the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, Sir Edmund Herring. Once again, Archbishop Sir Frank Woods conducted the service and the band of the Royal Australian Artillery was employed to add lustre to the occasion. The service included a commissioning of the first Headmaster and of the first teaching staff.

T he whole school!! - 1966

First days and first students ge was d le w o n k l a c o L e that Ross Eemfisrlist was in fact tahrrive… student to 18

The very first students to arrive as published in the Ringwood Mail, February 1966

The School Grounds 1.

School House

Indoor Aquatic Centre

Fine Arts Building

Patterson Oval

3. Neville Lyngcoln Building - Arts 4.

Central Park

Food Technology

6. J F Hemphill Senior School

9. Research Centre incorp Main Reception, John Pascoe Resource Centre, Chapel & YOG Rooftop Garden 10. Science & Mathematics Building

15. The Bush Environment

11. General Purpose Learning Hub 12 A R Clarke Middle School & Languages 13. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

16. John King Sports Complex

24. Allen Crawley Playing Fields

29. J B Harper Junior School

20. Yarra CafĂŠ

25. Allan Carter Resource Centre

30. Harker Oval

21. George Wood Performing Arts Centre

17. D C Wilkins Music School & Alison French Studio 18. Nancy John Hearing Unit

14. Brooke Nicholas Pavilion

19. Hugh MacKinnon Building

31. Foundation Drive

26. Foundation Hall

22. Lyn Davies Hockey Pitch

27. Year 5/6 Upper Primary Centre

23. Tennis Courts

28. Emmett Hall

32. Early Learning Centre (ELC) 33. Jack Russell Drive

15 16 7

23 22 8

20 19

10 2

adbent 1987, nn Bright 1978, Mr Julian Bro ard Brenchley 1971, Mr Gle wn 1985, How Bro Mr y 4, hon 197 Ant son Mr Bar 5, k 197 ard Armstrong 1986, Mr Mar an 1971, Mr Andrew Brown Rich okm Mr Bro 9, k 1979, tt 197 Cric Bre n en Mr atha Aitk 1, r Jon 197 Pete Mr Mr Brooke 7, Mr Chris Chenhall 1988, n Brooke 1974, Mr Nicholas Christopher Fildes Mr Christopher Carboon 198 Dr 3, 6, 197 Mr Chris Brooke 1973, Mr Joh 198 ell orth Calw r Elsw r Pete Mr Pete 7, tair Butt 197 orth 1986, Mr Felicity Griffett ning 1978, Mrs Christine Elsw Mr Neil Burnage 1978, Mr Alas Victoria Goddard 1981, Mrs rew Doake 1974, Mr David Dow Michael Gleeson 1980, Mrs id Jamieson Mr 4, Dav f 198 Pro Fox 1, en 198 t Mr Alan Dickson 1973, Mr And Kar Hun Mrs id Hoare 1979, Mr David 7, Mr Geoffrey Fox 1971, Dav 198 t Mr 2, Flet r Mr Michael 198 t phe 9, isto Hirs 198 id Chr ge Dav Mr Leg 1, Mr 4, 197 e Larkman 1977, Mr Timothy Mr Simon Higginbotham 197 Cliv 9, Mr 9, 197 an 197 id fern 1985, gma Hef le ny Lan Nol ip ert Dan 1988, Mr 1986, Mr Rob Richard Nicholas 1971, Mr Phil 9, Mr Tim Langley-Hawthorne 9, Mrs Sharyn James Merrillees 1982, Mr 197 Mr 8, ey 197 Pizz s Ian 1975, Mr Hamish King 198 ding Mr 4, Med n 197 nda ahon 1974, Mr Bre rson 1988, Mr John Pile r MacLennan 1976, Mr R J McM Oszko 1989, Mr Richard Pate Ian Reynolds 1973, Mr Pete t O’Sullivan 1987, Mr Steven Mr Nathan Reeve 1994, Mr Tren 6, Mr David Mr 198 8, 1, der 197 197 ng Ree es uldi dn Noy ip Spa Hay id Mr Phil Dav Mr 8, Mr Keir Rasmussen 1971, Mr Graham Smith 1989, Mr 197 2, n 197 sde n nne pso Ram Lea ip Sim Mrs Phil 2, hen Mr 198 1, Step ts Price 198 gg 1978, Mr Watson 1980, Mrs Kerry Wat Sheaffe 1971, Mr Harold Shu Mrs Lianne Brewer sell Ward 1974, Mr Andrew 1, Rus 198 Mr nett 7, Sanbrook 1974, Mr Anthony Ben 198 r ero Pete Tod Mr rt 3, mpson 1972, Mr Stua Mr Gavin Balharrie 199 Spencer 1975, Mr Robert Tho ming 1989, Mrs Anna Davis 6, Mr Robert Adshead 1992, Cormack 1988, Ms Erika Cum d 1979, Ms Laura Zhou 197 eron Woo nne Cam Mr Joa 6, Ms 7, 198 Andrew Gaythorpe 198 roll tall Car Wes Steven 1, Mrs Amy Gartlan 1991, Mr Mr Mark Buchanan 1979, Mr lkner 1985, Mr Ian Garbett 198 Greg Hicks 1988, Mr Andrew Hirst 1988, Mr Geoff Fau e 1990, Mr Tim Brewer 1990, ann Suz Mrs 4, 198 son 1987, Mr Mr Matthew Ellis Mr William Lyall ta 1984, Mr Gregory Heyman 1982, Mrs Karen Ellis 1985, Mr Wesley Langmaid 1986, Dimity Gist 1990, Mr Anil Gup 2, Mr Steven Kepper 1983, pbell Nathan 197 t Cam Ken Mr r 8, Pete 198 Mr han 4, 1982, Mr Craig Gist 1990, Mrs Nat 198 a ll Morkham 1979, Mrs Anit son 1981, Mr Dale Hudson pbe Hud ryl Cam Leanna Mr Che Ms 7, 1, Mrs 198 4, 199 ro are 198 Mid O’H ton ien Hor Dam Northwood 1987, Mr Andrew 8, Mr Andrew May 1993, Mr Nicholls 1998, Mr Anthony ile 1996, Mr Andrew Pert anie 1985, Ms Delia Matthews 198 Mel Amy Mrs Mrs 6, 0, 199 199 a eth alun 4, Mrs Leha Nem 1992, Mr Rod Pen 1988, Mr James Nathan 198 n 1981, Mr Ross Pellegrino thew Stone 1992, ethorpe 1990, Mr David Olse 7, Ms Lisa Stark 1984, Mr Mat 198 olz Sch an Meg O’Neill 1980, Ms Martine Ogl Mrs 0, 199 s Ros tair Alis 1. Dr 3, 199 ers 198 twood 1990, Mr Michael With Raper 1983, Mrs Lisa Raper k Webber 1993, Mr Derek Wes Dr Steven Tudor 1982, Mr Mar

“LEVAVI OCU LOS

”

Our Motto, Crest, Song, Prayer and Uniforms… School Prayer

School Crest

O Lord of light and love,

Several designs of the School Crest were considered before a simple mitre emblem was agreed upon in June 1964. It has remained unchanged to this day.

by the work of whose Spirit this School was founded, preserve it from all harm;

Yarra Valley Grammar has enjoyed welcoming back over a hundred past students and their children, the second generation to attend the School.

School Motto It was the Chairman’s wife, Mrs Harper, who first suggested the motto Levavi Oculos. The words are the first words of a well-known psalm, Psalm 121, and are usually translated as “I will lift up mine eyes”. The psalm’s popularity and the happy proximity of the new School to the mountains made the choice seem appropriate.

prosper all its undertakings

Generations of families…

I WILL LI FT U P M IN E EYES

to advance Your Kingdom, guide its Board, inspire and rule the minds of those who teach and those who learn within it, and grant that it

y Elsworth famil

may ever send forth men and women steadfast

School Song

and able to serve their day and generation with

This wonderful trust and endorsement of the School bodes well for the future and adds significantly to the sense of family and the Yarra Spirit. We look forward to welcoming the third and future generations to come.

WE LIFT UP OUR EYES (LEVAVI OCULOS)

faithfulness and devotion; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

We lift our eyes and structure our plans Enlighten our minds for the future at hand. Founded in faith, with hope and inspiration To discover the spirit and our part in the nation.

Amen

School Uniform (1966)

King family

In that same month, June 1964, it was reported that Mr Plummer had in mind a uniform of the colour mid-grey with navy blue edging, a navy cap and a light grey shirt. Later, however, Mr Plummer and Prof. Crisp constituted a sub-committee to go into the matter of uniform and at the May 1965 Council meeting they recommended the use of charcoal grey with red and gold stripes as the uniform colours. Mrs Dewhurst and her son modelled a proposed uniform to the Council and in July 1965 the uniform was officially approved.

Chorus Fruitful lives we learn to live To take no more than we can give And in our school, Yarra Valley we trust. Together we work, and fairly compete All ready for vict’ry as well as defeat. Walking as one as kindred to all We talk face to face and proudly stand tall. Chorus Fruitful lives we learn to live To take no more than we can give And in our school, Yarra Valley we trust. Reflecting upon the years that have passed We find a collection of memories that last. Schooling is o’er but School is still giving A part of ourselves and a part of our living. Chorus Fruitful lives we learn to live To take no more than we can give And in our school, Yarra Valley we trust. Lyrics – Ceri Hann (Year 12, 1989) Music – Brian Hogg (Staff Member, 1990-1997)

Pellegrino family

23 R MS OOL U N IFO EAR LY SCH APS) C RY O LS U P (NOTE COM

A contemporary place of learning Foundation dr ive

2014

Foundation Hall The area around Foundation Hall has been magnificently rejuvenated in recent years assisted in part by contributions of Foundation members.

From its earliest days, the School has been a contemporary, innovative place for the education of tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. As education methods and curriculum have evolved, so has the School – not only its staffing and subject offerings, but also in both its buildings and grounds – thus providing a contemporary educational experience and wonderful learning environment for our students.

Foundation Drive The layout of Yarra Valley Grammar with its central driveway dividing the School building areas from the sports fields was first conceived in the initial architects designs in the 1960’s. It was always envisioned that the vista across the bushland of the Dandenong Ranges and further across the actual Yarra Valley to the Great Dividing Range was too good to lose behind the School.

Foundation drive 1970

Foundation Hall itself was originally the School Gymnasium which as with most schools in the 1970’s also served as the School hall for assemblies and major gatherings. Opposite the hall for many years was the School tuck-shop in what is now the courtyard linking to the Year 7 building. Many mothers volunteered their time at the tuck-shop which has since been replaced by the Yarra Café. The refit of the old gym into Foundation Hall has provided another multi-purpose space with facilities for teaching, the arts, gatherings, functions and of course the annual Foundation Dinner. Honour Boards displaying both our Founders’ names and Foundation members’ names are located inside, alongside some historical memorabilia.

Foundation Hall opening

Upper Primary School Opened by Archbishop Dr Philip Freier in 2011 the state-of-the-art Upper Primary School building provided interactive and contemporary open learning spaces. The location between Junior and Middle School also serves to provide a seemless transition as students progress to Year 7.

What a fantastic piece of foresight that was. There is no doubt that for most people who drive into the School grounds for the first time it is this view and aspect of the School and its environs that leaves a positive impression.

Upper Primary Scho

ol building

School Board Chair Sarah Tipping 2011-2019

Early Learning Centre The School Board under the guidance of its Chairman, Gary Vick created a complete educational experience at Yarra when in 2009 it opened the doors to the purpose built Early Learning Centre for 3 and 4 year olds. Thus offering education from pre-school to Year 12. This beautiful and nurturing facility takes pride of place at the entrance to the School along Foundation Drive.

School Board Chairman, Gary Vick 2007–2010

ing

tre build en C g in rn ea L y rl a E 24

Science and Mathematics building From the ashes of the 2012 fire came great opportunity which was embraced in the creation of the new Science and Mathematics building in 2015. School Chairman, Sarah Tipping and our School Principal Dr Mark Merry hosted Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove on a visit to the School to officially open the new facility.

Science and Mathema

tics building 25

Yarra continues to grow

A Timeline of Growth, Development and Vision

The Aquatic Centre

Aquatic Centre

Opened in 2018 as a collaborative project with Paul Sadler Swim Schools, the new Aquatic Centre benefits both the School and the local community providing a year round Learn to Swim and Water Sports program.

A Green Learning Environment

Junior School P la

1963

1964

Land purchased and site works began.

1965

John Pascoe appointed Headmaster, Ladies Auxilary formed, construction of the new building completed.

yground

Outside places to grow, socialise and learn are an important part of the Yarra environment. From Junior School with its adventure playground to a Senior School with a university campus feel.

1966

The Research Centre and Chapel

1968

In 2019 we officially opened our new Research Centre and dedicated the new Chapel of the Holy Spirit which forms part of the facility. This new building provides our community with many more opportunities including the John Pascoe Library, classrooms and small study spaces – and the Chapel along with the Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG) Rooftop Garden.

Central Park

New School Entry

Fine Arts Building Opened in 2021, this innovative, state of the art facility houses the Art, Design and Technology Faculty – and features a dedicated gallery space, multi-purpose art classrooms, woodwork and machine rooms, as well as storage and outdoor teaching spaces.

Chapel

Below: Dr Mark Merry, Archbishop Dr Philip Freier and School Board Chair, Mr Andrew Hirst (YOG 1988)

Fine Arts Building

1970

Senior School Humanities Block opened provided space for English, Mathematics, Language, History and Economics.

1972

Hearing Unit officially opened in July.

1975

Opening of the Prep School and the Carter Resource Centre.

1976

New Wootton Lodge erected. Drainage work on the Patterson Oval commenced. Grass Hockey Field completed.

1978

First year of co-education.

1979

Graphics Centre, Art Room and Mini-Gym (later Yarra Café) were opened.

1983

1984

Outside Swimming Pool completed.

1986

Extension to Art building. Opening of E Block housing Computer centre, the Social Science centre and the Year 12 social space. The Pascoe Library gained a mezzanine floor.

1987

1988

New Gymnasium, Tuck Shop and Changing Rooms opened, Foundation Drive and Headmaster’s residence constructed. Building of the first Wootton Lodge.

1982

February 8 – Classes began at the school with 135 Foundation Students. Official opening by the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, Sir Edmund Herring and Archbishop Sir Frank Woods.

1971

1981

Left: Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG) Rooftop Garden atop the Research Centre

First meeting at Robin Clarke’s home, first fundraising dinner at the Athenaeum Club.

New Junior School building including Emmett Hall housing music and drama activities and also the Computer Rooms opened.

Foundation established under the presidency of John Baldwin with membership open to all who were interested in the future of the School. By July, Mr Baldwin was able to announce that more than $1,000,000 had been promised by past and present parents and supporters of the School, specifically enabling the School to proceed with the Performing Arts Centre.

1989

Work commenced on the Performing Arts Centre. A mezzanine floor was added to the weight training room in the mini-gym.

1991

On 26 February the Performing Arts Centre was opened by Sir Ninian Stephens and blessed by the Archbishop of Melbourne.

1997

Music building was renovated and several new rooms added.

1998

The new Nancy John Hearing Unit building was opened in April.

2000

The Physical Education and Sports Complex was opened in the presence of Sir James Gobbo, Governor of Victoria.

2003

The new Year 12 Senior Student Centre and the Yarra Café (a refurbishment of the former Mini Gym) opened.

2005

The Foundation rejuvenated by twenty four new members.

2006

New Junior School Pirate Ship playground and new Year 7 Building opened.

New Science Laboratory block opened, the Chapel commissioned and the Drama Centre created. The Building Fund Appeal launched, raised $421,000 to finance the Junior School extension, Music School extension and the Swimming Pool.

Improvements to Wootton Lodge included a large meeting/ classroom/recreational area, dining area, upgraded kitchen, climbing wall and sleeping quarters.

2008

New Synthetic Hockey Pitch and Tennis / Netball courts opened.

2009

The new E.L.C. Building opened.

2011

Archbishop Dr Philip Freier opened Foundation Hall and the Year 5/6 Upper Primary Centre.

2012

Fire destroys Science building and Photographic / Computer laboratories. Year 9 students move into the newly created temporary Larkin Campus below the Patterson Oval. Sports Pavilion officially opened named after Nicholas Brooke and Richard Nicholas.

2013

Central Park, a green open space was created where the Science building had stood.

2015

Science and Mathematics Building opened by Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

2018

Opening of the Indoor Aquatic Centre.

2019

Opening of Research Centre, Chapel and YOG Rooftop Garden.

2021

Opening of the Fine Arts Building.

This is our story – This is your story What is the Yarra Foundation?

Proudly take part in building something bigger

Yarra Valley Grammar has a wonderful and unique spirit. It is this Yarra Spirit that imprints itself on every member of our community; past, present and future.

All gifts to the Yarra Foundation contribute to our long term 20-year vision, to develop a corpus of funds that generates financial support for the School’s continued success. Our goal is to build gifts over time to $20 million. Yarra 20 in 20. Be part of bringing Yarra’s future to today, in a way that is right for your family.

Since 1988 our Yarra Foundation has been one of the many School community groups that protects and nurtures our Yarra Spirit.

BRINGING FORWARD THE FUTURE IMPACTS US ALL By fast tracking and bringing plans forward we will continue to place Yarra at the forefront of education, in a rapidly changing world. A stronger, more innovative and connected Yarra, will continue to benefit us all through our life-long association with Yarra.

IT IS OUR COMMUNITY TRADITION Giving back to Yarra in time and financial gifts is the tradition that our School was built on and a tradition we are custodians of today. It is who we have always been and will continue to be; putting our community first and foremost. The Foundation encourages giving back, beyond School fees, to bring the future forward and provide support for our innovative places, programs and people.

WHY IS THERE A NEED TO CONTINUE THIS TRADITION? The children’s school fees only cover Yarra’s operational expenses. By continuing our tradition of philanthropy, started by our Founding Fathers, and giving back, at any level, Yarra reduces its reliance on borrowings and delivers future change and transformation today.

Planting the trees that line Foundation Drive.

“Inspired by our unique Yarra Spirit, we want this great school to become even greater over our next fifty years. The support and contribution of the whole community, including Yarra Grammarians both past and present, will ensure this happens. Go Yarra!” Chris Elsworth, Yarra Old Grammarian (YOG 1986) Silver Yarra Foundation member, current and past parent.

“From farmland in 1966 to today’s successful and admired school, Yarra continues to evolve and grow. It shows what can be built from small beginnings. We now have the opportunity to make our young School an even greater one.” Howard Brenchley, Yarra Old Grammarian (YOG 1971) Platinum Yarra Foundation member, past parent.

The George Wood Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is our most loved and most used building at the School. Each year we are excited to give you an opportunity to take your seat in Yarra’s history. By purchasing a plaque for one of the new seats you can ensure your family has a place in our history and support the Yarra Foundation’s 20 in 20 vision, to raise $20m in 20 years for Yarra’s future. We encourage you to put your children’s (or family) name on the plaque so that each time they return to the School they can see their legacy towards Yarra’s future.

ALL IN THE COMMUNITY CAN TAKE PART Gifts small or large, it’s community participation that matters most at Yarra. We value the generous support of our community and recognise that any contribution is significant to the family.

Your place in history

There are limited plaques available in return for a tax deductible donation of only $500 each, so don’t miss out.

yvg.vic.edu.au/YourSeat

How you can support Yarra Yarra has four different funds that you can choose to direct your gift to, importantly this means you can nominate the fund that connects most to you and your family:

Yarra Foundation Building Fund Yarra Valley Grammar Hearing Unit Scholarship Fund Yarra Valley Grammar Education Support Fund Yarra Valley Grammar Library Fund

Your once-off or recurring gift is tax deductible and can easily be made by completing the form online: yvg.vic.edu.au/donate Yarra acknowledges, with appreciation, the support given in time and financial gifts from current and past parents, YOGs and staff. This collective generosity is another demonstration of our Yarra Spirit, bringing the future to today. You are welcome to contact Yarra’s Development Office with any enquiries regarding supporting the Yarra Foundation. Thank you for considering your support.

Development Office Yarra Valley Grammar T: 03 9262 7717 E: foundation@yvg.vic.edu.au yvg.vic.edu.au/foundation

The Visionary by Damian Vick (YOG1998)

Our Inheritance When students and families begin their education at Yarra Valley Grammar their starting point is the School they see today. But of course today’s School is very different to the one which parents enrolled their sons at in 1966.

The Baldwin Circle The Baldwin Circle provides an opportunity for those who wish to make a gift to Yarra Valley Grammar in their Will to be acknowledged and honoured in their lifetime. It is named after John and Meredith Baldwin, both very active members of the School community over the years. Membership is open to anyone who notifies us of their bequest. Baldwin Circle members are proud and passionate supporters of Yarra Valley Grammar and enjoy a special relationship with the School. Members will receive a Foundation pin as well as invitations to Baldwin Circle functions at the School and other associated Foundation and School events. We will acknowledge members’ support each year in our past family publication, the Link, and on an Acknowledgement Board in

Foundation Hall, unless, of course, members prefer to remain anonymous. Including a bequest to the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation in your Will is a simple task. Bequests can be personal assets such as property, shares, works of art, fixed sums or a percentage of an estate. We suggest you discuss your options with your solicitor and your family to see which option is right for you. Making a

bequest does not always entail rewriting your Will. A simple codicil provides an easy option for you to consider. Alternatively, when you make your Will, or update your existing one, ask your solicitor to include a bequest to the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation. A bequest is a way of making a more significant gift than may have been possible during your lifetime. Some gifts are large, others are small, but together

they are all important to us. Bequests are typically directed to the Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation for use at its discretion; an unrestricted bequest will allow us the flexibility to apply your gift to areas of greatest need. Or you can tailor your bequest to reflect your own special interest be it sports, the arts, music or academic achievement. This is your invitation to join the Baldwin Circle and help us to secure the financial future of Yarra Valley Grammar. We would be honoured to welcome you as a member of the Baldwin Circle.

John Baldwin (inaugural Yarra Foundation President) and Meredith Baldwin (past Auxiliary Chairperson and School Board Member), past parents and Patrons of the Baldwin Circle

John and Meredith Baldwin

The Baldwin Circle Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation Ltd Yarra Valley Grammar Kalinda Road, Ringwood VIC 3134 T: 03 9262 7700 E: baldwincircle@yvg.vic.edu.au 30

Just like any family we have grown and accumulated assets over the past 50 years and, as can be seen on the timeline, new facilities and expanded curriculum opportunities have become common place.

There was no music school as we know it today in 1966. For most students a recorder would have formed most of their musical education. Today and over the last 20 years, music has become an accepted part of the everyday life of the School and we take for granted the enormous contribution it makes to the life of the School. Arts and Drama similarly would have been very basic offerings in the formative years of the School compared to the amazing work and productions we see on display and show around the School today.

All of these programs have been developed by dedicated staff. Parent groups have fundraised along the way and provided additional resources to the School, staff and students. The specialised buildings that have been built along the way compliment this enthusiasm of our families who have helped form the culture and spirit of this wonderful School. Every family starting at Yarra Valley Grammar inherits all the good work of past generations. What an amazing legacy for the future!

Leaving a Legacy

Our Legacy “Our children received a world-class education at the School thanks in part to the foresight and generosity of previous benefactors. We in turn can help to ensure that the School continues to excel by supporting the Foundation. And, at a time when parents are faced with School fees and mortgages, an ideal way is to make a bequest in your Will to ensure that future generations will benefit from their time at our wonderful School.”

Yarra Valley Grammar has always been very much like a family. Students and their parents aren’t just customers or consumers of an education. Each family becomes part of the fabric of the School and spirit that we call Yarra Spirit.

Dr Mark Merry Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar and member of the Baldwin Circle.

“As the Principal, it was an easy decision for me to join the Baldwin Circle, as it is through such forward-thinking that the long-term future of Yarra is assured. I value the opportunity to contribute in this practical way and would love you to consider joining me as a member of this important group.”

Our children today are reaping the benefits of the generosity, vision and support of the School’s founders and generations of past parents and families. Any parent or student who thinks about it, will realise the school they finish up in is very different to the school they started at. Why? Because the school continues to grow and remodel itself to provide the very best educational experience for the students who are lucky enough to call this place home during their time at school. Many families would spend around 10 years (or more) with children at the School – some 20 years. Private schools are built by private funds – that is the parents fees, donations and gifts. Our Founders (who ultimately were just a group of parents) literally underwrote the School’s very existence.

We owe them so much for such dedication and leadership. And so when our children are students we become the custodians of this immense asset on behalf of the current generation and those to follow. Even in more recent times when some grants have become available to private schools in recognition of the number of tax paying families who choose a private education for their sons and daughters, it is still the current parent cohort who enables the School to re-invent itself and continue to remain relevant in an ever changing world. A key objective for the School is to provide a modern, relevant and contemporary education for our students and community.

We have come a long way since 1966. The School you inherited when you started was created and paid for by previous parents just like you. The Foundation offers the best possible way to keep that momentum going and guarantee a great future for the School. We have every right to be proud of our past achievements, but to stand still is to fall behind. We can all play our part in creating and leaving the best possible School to educate both our current and future generations by joining the Yarra Foundation.

The Foundation

you’re welcome to join

Foundation membership is open to all. You can join as a family or as an individual at one of five levels as outlined below:

The Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation was established in 1988 and like other great schools Yarra Valley Grammar’s Foundation actively fundraises to secure the School’s future and support its ongoing Building program.

Everyone who joins the Foundation effectively walks in the footsteps of our School’s Founders. Membership of the Foundation is a great way to socialise with other parents and past students at the various functions held throughout the year. The Yarra Valley Grammar Foundation is a company limited by guarantee and administered by a Board of Management that comprises parents and friends of the School as elected representatives across all year levels. For parents, past students, past parents and friends of the School, the Foundation represents an opportunity to become part of the very substance and spirit of Yarra Valley Grammar.

Foundation levels of membership

How to become a Foundation member

Yarra Foundation Presidents through the years

A gift between $100 and $999 BRONZE Member

The aim of membership is to give everyone the opportunity to support the School at a level they are comfortable with and fully tax deductible donations at all levels are most welcome.

A gift between $1,000 and $4,999

Associate membership begins at $100 and can easily be made each term with your School fees.

A gift between $5,000 and $14,999

Full Foundation membership begins at Bronze level, commencing at $1,000.

GOLD Member

SILVER Member

A gift between $15,000 and $29,999

Your membership supports the School today and into the future. Foundation members have the opportunity to participate in a number of significant social and other events in the current and future development of the School and be a part of the Yarra Foundation and broader community for life.

John Baldwin

Peter Sanbrook

PLATINUM Member A gift of $30,000 or more Donating the necessary funds will qualify you as a member for life and you can elevate yourself to a higher level within the Foundation at any time through a later gift of the necessary amount. The Foundation also welcomes assets in various forms including cash gifts, works of art, shares, property, deferred gifts, legacies and life insurance policies.

Since its establishment the Foundation Building Fund has become an integral part of the life of the School, working in harmony with the School Board and Executive to enrich our students’ educational environment. Construction of facilities at Yarra Valley Grammar has benefited substantially through the support of the Foundation Building Fund, which helps to achieve earlier establishment of facilities than would normally be possible. It has a long term and integrated approach to resourcing the School for its future success, while still providing immediate benefits for our current students and their families.

Full taxation deductibility applies to all cash gifts.

David Middleton

FOUN DATION DI

HONOU R

ASSOCIATE Member

NN ER

B OAR DS FOU N D ATION D IN

Richard Simpson

Of course there is a social side to Foundation membership, with dinners and events and a chance to stay connected with the Yarra Valley Grammar family even after your sons and daughters have moved on. All members are recognised on the electronic Honour Boards in Yarra’s main reception, whilst those members who achieve Silver and above membership levels, are also recognised in Foundation Hall.

Donations to the Yarra Foundation are fully tax deductible.

NER

Gary Pratt (Current)

Yarra Foundation

Bringing the future to today In the tradition of the School’s Founders, Yarra Foundation continues to plan for tomorrow’s School today! All Yarra families and friends are invited to be a part of our future.

A CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE ANGLICAN TRADITION – EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 12 Yarra Valley Grammar Kalinda Road Ringwood Victoria 3134 Australia Telephone +61 3 9262 7700 Email development@yvg.vic.edu.au www.yvg.vic.edu.au