ISSUE NO. 62 MAY 2017
Ringwood, Victoria
A CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE ANGLICAN TRADITION – EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 12
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Contents From the Principal
1
50th Anniversary Presentation Evening
2–3
2017 Student Leaders
4
Class of 2016 Dux Assembly
5
Food Wine and Music Concert Spectacular
6–7
Yarra Foundation news
8–9
Yarra Old Grammarians news
10 – 11
Yarra Old Grammarians – Cricket
12 – 13
Yarra Old Grammarians – Golf
14 – 15
Yarra Old Grammarians – Football
16
Yarra Community Groups news
17 – 19
Yarra history
20 – 21
Yarra Old Grammarian profile – Tim Neate
22 – 23
Yarra Old Grammarian profile – Brad Harris
24 – 25
Yarra Old Grammarian profile – Jason Ball
26 – 27
Yarra Old Grammarian adventure – Alexandra Potter
28 – 29
Celebrations
30 – 31
20 Year Out Reunion
32 – 33
30 Year Out Reunion
34
Vale
35
Calendar of Events
36
ISSUE NO. 62 MAY 2017
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Board Members Mrs Sarah Tipping
Chairman
FRONT COVER
Mr Richard Nicholas
Vice Chairman
Photography by Andy Brownbill
Mr Nicholas Brooke
EDITOR
Mrs Charmaine Dunstan
Margaret Kimber +61 03 9262 7700 Margaret.kimber@yvg.vic.edu.au
Mr Michael Fung
DESIGN
Reverend Denise Nicholls
Tandem Design +61 03 9571 7253 www.tandemdesign.com.au
Ms Laurice Temple
Mr Andrew Hirst Mr Hamish King
Mr Craig Watts Dr Mark Merry
CEO/Principal
Ms Jane Macneil
Company Secretary
From the Principal Welcome to the first edition of the Link in the School’s 51st year! Following our 50 year celebrations last year it might be expected that we would have a quiet one in 2017. However, schools don’t work that way. In Term One, the new indoor swimming pool commenced construction in the sports precinct with the project due to be completed in September of this year. This will allow for an all year swimming program for the School and it will also be available for broader community use through the Paul Sadler Swim School. Later in the year we commence construction of the new Research Centre to be built on the site of the current John Pascoe Resource Centre and chapel. This is a large project which we hope to see completed towards the end of 2018.
be expected to do it all on our own. While we hear that the world is shrinking, many extended families are becoming more scattered. This can make it difficult for grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins to play a significant role in the lives of young people. These days, schools take up some of this role. We value academic learning, but much more broadly we also help students to develop spiritually, physically, socially and culturally. Strong mutual support between parents and the School is crucial. It is
deeply satisfying to see the fruits of the combined efforts of teachers and parents as our young people mature and grow. This edition of the Link gives some indication of the complexity and diversity of a school community. There’s a lot going on at Yarra Valley Grammar and I hope that this provides an opportunity to connect or reconnect with the School. Dr Mark Merry Principal
The year began with the celebrations of the efforts and achievements of the Class of 2016 at our Dux Assembly. I always enjoy speaking with our most recent Old Grammarians once the intensity of Year 12 is over and as they look forward to life after school. Raising children is not for the faint-hearted. As teachers and parents, we feel an immense responsibility. In an increasingly complex world, none of us can
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50th Anniversary Presentation Evening The 50th Anniversary Presentation Evening at Hamer Hall was a celebration of student life with inspiring music by students of all ages and the presentation of major awards and the culmination of our 50th anniversary celebrations. We heard from the captains of each of the three schools about the highlights of 2016 and we heard too what exciting things were going to happen next year and beyond. In addition, we were able to introduce the new School captains for 2017 to the School community.
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Major Award Winners THE MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY AWARD in honour of A R Clarke – Zac Legge (Year 9) THE GEORGE BOSHNAKOFF MEMORIAL AWARD Sophie Yang (Year 8) OSSY GREULICH MEMORIAL AWARD for LANGUAGES Taylor Dykstra (Year 9) THE BALDWIN FAMILY MUSIC AWARD Jack Mitchell (Year 9) THE PETTET AWARD Mia Holah, Jacob Grant, Hannah Manning (Year 9) KWONG LEE DOW SCHOLARSHIP Kaela Burchett (Year 11) KWON LEE DOW INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP Callum Ji (Year 11)
School Captains for 2017 Junior School:
Emma Xu and Fergus King
Middle School:
Catriona Stark and Josh Taylor
Senior School and Captains of School:
Keeley Heymanson and Finley Griffett
Congratulations to all of our award winners for their achievements and our new captains for 2017 on their appointments.
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2017 Student Leaders The Commencement Service for the Secondary School was held in the first week of term in the George Wood Performing Arts Centre.
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This was an opportunity to welcome our students and staff back, and commission our student leaders for 2017.
Congratulations to the following students on their appointment:
Dr Merry spoke to the students about their potential contributions to the School in 2017. “Everyone is good at something and a key purpose of schooling is through trial, error and success. Find those things which we are good at and nurture those interests and passions. The success of the school year is determined by the willingness of students to participate and contribute. This can be on the sporting fields, in the performing arts, as debaters, artists and as School leaders.�
Finley Griffett Keeley Heymanson
SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAPTAINS Catriona Stark Josh Taylor
JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS Fergus King Emma Xu Congratulations also to our 2017 prefects, office bearers and House Captains who all will contribute invaluably to the School community.
Class of 2016 Dux Assembly The annual Dux Assembly was held in February to recognise those students who had achieved ATARs over 90 in the 2016 VCE year and to award the major academic prizes for the year. For the first time also, presentations were made to students who achieved individual study scores of 40 or above and the Dux of each subject was acknowledged. Our award winners were honoured with a certificate from the School and a number of prizes were presented by the Chair of Yarra Valley Grammar, Mrs Sarah Tipping.
Margaret Denniston Clarke Award This award is presented each year to the Year 12 student who best fulfills the conditions of the Rhodes scholarship. Scholastic achievements are judged by performance in School work as shown by grades achieved and
by results on the external VCE examinations as reflected by the ATAR score. Other contributions in cultural pursuits, sport and leadership are judged after consultation with teaching staff that are well placed to make such judgments. The Margaret Denniston Clarke Award for 2016 was presented to Linda Burchett.
Certificates of Exceptional Performance with Study Scores of 50: Further Mathematics
Thomas Brotchie, Year 11
History – Revolutions
Piper Blake, Year 11
Legal Studies
Dilhan Jayawardena
Visual Communication and Design
Emily Wookey
Academic Prizes 2016 Art & Design Prize
Emily Wookey
Presentation of Dux
Business Studies Prize
Dilhan Jayawardena
The term Dux refers to the most academically successful student in a School or a division of a School. Our Dux for the academic year 2016 achieved amongst the very top students in the State. The Dux at Yarra Valley Grammar for the academic year 2016 was Prahn Nicholson with an outstanding ATAR of 99.80.
English Prize
Scarlett Kennedy
Health & Physical Education Prize
Isabelle Burns
Humanities Prize
Joseph Pitt
The Ossy Greulich Memorial Award for Languages
Linda Burchett and Jack Sammann
Mathematics Prize
Prahn Nicholson
Performing Arts Prize
Eloise McCreedy
Science Prize
Jack Teale
Technology Prize
Natalie Mazzei and Sarah McElvogue
Margaret Denniston Clarke Award Linda Burchett
DUX OF THE SCHOOL FOR 2016 Prahn Nicholson
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Food Wine and Music Concert Spectacular Saturday 25 March saw the staging of Yarra Valley Grammar’s ninth annual Food Wine and Music Concert and once again it proved to be an evening to remember! It is the one event of the year that brings together all of the musical ensembles in the Secondary School for an evening of entertainment. As always, it was combined with food and wine tasting in the Foundation Hall precinct before the concert for the 500-plus guests which was staged by Yarra Music.
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There were many highlights in the 2017 Food Wine and Music Concert, but the main takeaway was the high overall standard of the concert. Indeed, our Principal, Dr Merry called it “the best Food Wine and Music Concert of the nine he has attended.” The night will be remembered for some sensational solo performances notably from songwriter, Emma Jury (Year 11), singer, Rebecca Collins (Year 12) and classical guitarist, Felix Rich (Year 12). 2016 Concerto Competition winner, Kaela Burchett (Year 11) also gave a stunning
performance of the De Beriot Violin Concerto with our Symphony Orchestra. We thank Yarra Music for their outstanding efforts in staging such a great event. All in the Yarra community are encouraged to support their efforts by ordering a professionally produced DVD of the event. Contact the Music Department on 9262 7718 or email wilna.praekelt@yvg.vic.edu.au. Mr Scott Templeton Director of Music
2017 Music Calendar TERM TWO Sat 20 May 2.00pm
Concerto competition George Wood PAC
Wed 7 Jun 6.00pm
Year 7 Music festival George Wood PAC
Tue 20 Jun 6.00pm
Junior instrumental & ensemble concert George Wood PAC
TERM THREE Sat 29 Jul 7.00pm
Jazz in the Café Foundation Hall
Thu 10 Aug 7.00pm
Symphonic Showcase George Wood PAC
Wed 23 Aug 7.00pm
Choral Showcase George Wood PAC
TERM FOUR Wed 1 Nov 6.00pm
VCE Music recitals Alison French Studio
Thu 9 Nov 7.00pm
Celebration of Music concert George Wood PAC
Thu 30 Nov 7.30pm
Music Awards dinner Foundation Hall
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Yarra Foundation news
President’s report We are well on our way into 2017, and the Yarra Foundation Committee is as busy as ever. We have several events planned for the year, which are shaping up well. I am very excited by the number of new full members that have joined the Yarra Foundation already this year, and would like to thank every one of them for their support. I recently had dinner with a current Yarra parent who did not realise that the School was a Not for Profit organisation. I must say that I was shocked that they thought it was any other way. I then proceeded to explain to them that every cent of the School’s income goes back into the School to build what we see today and that this has been happening since it was just a vacant paddock. This is why the Yarra Foundation and all the Yarra community groups are so important to Yarra. Over the last fifty years, the School community has built an amazing facility, which is the envy of many other schools. This is what our current parents and
students have inherited and it is up to us all to ensure that future generations continue to inherit a great School. One way we can ensure this inheritance for the future is to support the Yarra Valley Grammar bequest program (the Baldwin Circle). In doing so, you give a gift that outlives your own life and makes a difference to generations to come. It is a simple thing to do now but means so much in the future.
participate in our Voluntary Term Giving program, contribute to our Mid-Year Appeal, set up a regular donation or choose to write the School into your Will, we appreciate all your support in building on our inheritance. Mr Gary Pratt President
Over the coming few years, the School will be embarking on some amazing new buildings, so please consider supporting the Yarra Foundation by becoming a member. Whether you
Yarra Foundation Experiences Introducing Yarra Foundation Experiences – a new social experience for the Yarra community and it’s going to be fabulous! Now we have fully celebrated the 50th anniversary of the School it is time to look forward to some new social occasions to keep the fun times on the calendar. Yarra Foundation is always looking for ways our members can share each other’s company and engage in some special events. With this in mind, we are launching Yarra Foundation Experiences.
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The first event will take place in the Food Technology centre on Thursday 4 May for a cooking and dining experience. The evening will be a hands-on experience, preparing and cooking under the guidance of a professional Chef, George Santalucia from Warren Glen and then sharing our meal together with a glass or two of local wine. Italian will be the cuisine of the day! The second event will be a springtime winery experience in the Yarra Valley. Held at Coldstream Hills Winery on
Sunday 12 November from 1.00pm. Andrew Fleming from Coldstream will give an introduction on the lawn followed by a personal tour of the winery. There will be wine tasting provided in the Barrel Room followed by nibbles and wine on the lawn. Invitations will be sent closer to the date but please note a maximum of only 30 Foundation attendees are available for this event so tickets will go fast!
The Baldwin Circle Every family starting at Yarra Valley Grammar inherits all the good work from the generosity and support of the School’s founders, past parents and supporters. The Baldwin Circle provides an opportunity for those who wish to make a gift to Yarra in their Will to be acknowledged and honoured in their lifetime. If you are interested in finding out more about the Baldwin Circle, please contact the Development
Office via email development@ yvg.vic.edu.au Late last year, the Hearing Unit was the recipient of a very generous bequest from a long-time supporter of our Hearing Unit, Mrs Jill Presser.
At the annual Hearing Unit dinner, Mr Andrew Pullar made a presentation to the School on behalf of his late aunt, Mrs Jill Presser. Mr Pullar also announced the intention of the bequest was to establish the Clem and Jill Presser Scholarship for eligible students with hearing loss to assist their secondary schooling at Yarra.
How to become a Foundation member The aim of membership is to give everyone the opportunity to support School projects at a level that they are comfortable with. Donations at all levels are welcome and are fully tax deductible if donated to one of the following three Funds: • The Yarra Foundation Building Fund – supporting building projects around our campus • The YVG Scholarship Fund – currently for the Hearing Unit which supports students studying through our Hearing Unit
• The YVG Library Fund – supporting resources, books and equipment for the School’s Resource Centres. There are many ways to join the Yarra Foundation. You can become a member by: • Donating to our Voluntary Term Giving program by including $100 per term to your School fees. This program specifically supports the Yarra Foundation Building Fund • Donating to our Mid-Year Appeal and choosing a project that is close to your
heart. It is clear on the Appeal material where tax deductibility is applicable and which fund your contribution is helping • Setting up a regular bank transfer to donate to one of the above Funds periodically • Leaving a bequest to Yarra Valley Grammar in your will (the Baldwin Circle) – this enables the opportunity to commit to a gift now that will not affect your current financial situation. This will enable initiatives and opportunities for our students of tomorrow.
Associate membership starts at $100. Full Yarra Foundation membership begins at Bronze level commencing at $1,000. Please contact the Development Office 03 9262 7717 or email development@yvg.vic.edu.au if you would like to know how you can become involved.
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Yarra Old Grammarians news
President’s message The YOGs are very excited to announce an even bigger committee for 2017. Our new committee consists of myself as President, Peter Sanbrook (YOG 1974) as Secretary, Rob Drew (YOG 2000) as Treasurer, and general members Michael Wines (YOG 1997), Chris Elsworth (YOG 1986), William Lyall (YOG 1985), Nick Buttner (YOG 2001), Carrie Edwards-Britt (YOG 1999), Andrew Gaythorpe (YOG 1982) and David Kitchen (YOG 1998). It is great to have such a motivated group of Old Grammarians driving our events and activities. Together we are all working on building on our current YOG initiatives while introducing some new concepts for everyone to enjoy. We had a highly successful Annual Golf Day at Commonwealth Golf Club earlier this month and you can read more about it in this edition. We have kicked off the YOG Footy Tipping this year in partnership with Brad Harris (YOG 2002) and his team at The Sporting Globe. It’s never too late to join in the fun so contact the Development Office if you would like more details.
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Over Easter we had over twenty YOGs return to Yarra to help raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. It was fabulous to see so many faces return to assist with this worthwhile cause. Overall, the School raised an amazing $41,012.70 on the day for the Royal Chidren’s Hospital and won the Pied Piper’s trophy for the fourth year running. On Friday 28 July we are holding the inaugural YOG Speed Careering. This will give YOGs the opportunity to share their career journey and general career advice with Year 10 Yarra students in small group chats for 10 minutes at a time. We would love to have YOGs from a wide variety of career fields participate, so I encourage you to contact us on yog@yvg.vic. edu.au to register your interest. A further initiative for 2017 is that we have set up a group on LinkedIn to facilitate connections between YOG. Members can connect and reconnect with other YOGs, offer to share career experiences, seek career advice and post or review job vacancies. Search for our YOG Connect group on LinkedIn and join up!
Our final YOG event for this year will be a Day at the Races at the Yarra Glen Racecourse on Saturday 28 October. This will be a multi-year YOG-hosted gathering which will involve catching up with old friends, a chance to dress up and some fabulous Country Race Day fun. Arrive with your friends and bring along your family – there will be plenty of entertainment and activities for everyone. We shall be releasing further information closer to the date so keep your eyes on those emails!
If you have any queries in regards to the above opportunities please contact us on yog@yvg.vic.edu.au. I look forward to seeing you at a YOG event soon. Mr Rod Penaluna President, Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG 1990)
Search for YOG Connect group
Student Enterprise The 2016 YVG Student Enterprise group finished up with a very successful year of raising funds and awareness for their chosen charity, So They Can. All members were able to acquire invaluable experience in running events, managing merchandise and team collaboration. To begin their efforts, they entered into Run Melbourne with over 20 participants and raised over $1,500 in that single event. Further initiatives included a free dress day, a charity music concert, selling chocolates, visiting the Country Road headquarters with Matt Keogh (YOG 1990), and participating in the Yarra Giving Circle. The team also created
their own merchandise of t-shirts, caps and notebooks . Towards the end of the year they were also able to coordinate with Open Gardens Victoria and the Kent family to host a So They Can open garden. This consisted of a beautiful garden open to the public for a weekend with Student Enterprise providing live music, hot snags, Devonshire
teas and an opportunity to sell their merchandise to the more than 600 people who attended. The 2016 team was able to raise a fantastic $10,266.45 in total for their chosen charity while building and developing their own skills and experience. They were able to prove their ability to work cohesively as a group and learned many successful business skills with some tips from their Yarra Old Grammarian (YOG) mentors. At School assembly in February this year, they were able to present their cheque to Mark and Toni Skaife, Ambassadors for So They Can, to help African communities for a year; providing food, shelter and education. The 2017 YVG Student Enterprise team has also begun
their year with a jump start, initiating a free dress day in Term 1. Their chosen charity, Sara’s Project, was founded by Elise Sharpe (YOG 2015) and aims to assist families affected by cancer in daily life in honour of Elise’s mum, Sara Sharpe. They provide access to counselling, financial advisors, cleaning services and car transfers. This new team are looking forward to many projects throughout the year and learning invaluable expertise from their YOG mentors along the way.
White Owl Event in memory of Patrick Shing (YOG 1991) Patrick Shing (YOG 1991) was a former student of Yarra Valley Grammar who attended from Prep to Year 12. During his time at Yarra, Patrick was best known for his long distance running ability, winning the School cross country run in both 1990 and 1991. He went on to a successful career in law, and continued his running by competing in several marathons, running sub 2 hour 30 minute times. In 2015, Patrick died from prostate cancer, having contracted the disease in his mid-30s. Contracting prostate cancer at this age is relatively uncommon, and Patrick was
extremely unlucky in this regard. He battled his illness with stoicism and continued to enjoy his passions. He was fortunate to get the opportunity to travel extensively in 2014. A number of Patrick’s friends have set up a charitable organisation, White Owl, in memory of Patrick and to raise funds to support prostate cancer research. White Owl’s principal event is a fundraiser at Etihad Stadium on 3 June for the North Melbourne vs Richmond AFL match. Last year’s corresponding event raised approximately $35,000.
White Owl would appreciate any contributions that members of the Yarra community could make towards this event. You can help in a number of ways: • Attendance at the event • Donation of prizes for raffle, or • Personal or corporate sponsorship.
A link to the White Owl site is below and provides all the information for the charity and event. This is a charity organised and run by Yarra Old Grammarians. Please help us remember Patrick and raise funds for this important cause. www.whiteowl-menshealth.info
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Yarra Old Grammarians – Cricket
YOG vs First XI cricket match In February the annual Yarra Old Grammarians vs current First XI cricket match took place. The weather was turned on for us and the scene was set for a great afternoon of cricket. We had a number of YOGs who turned out for the afternoon. It was a great result to see Peter Bennett-Hullin (YOG 1983) again and from last year Dale (YOG 1984), Grant (YOG 1986) and Josh (YOG 2015) Hudson were out in force. The whole family put on a strong
performance throughout the afternoon. Scott Maizels (YOG 2013) took four wickets in the YOGs bowling performance whilst Jordan Goldsmith (YOG 2013) and Joel Gleeson (YOG 2013) put on a strong batting display for the YOGs. The victory would
also not have been possible without the efforts of Steven Thompson (YOG 1995), Lachlan McRae (YOG 2015) and Darren Ross (YOG 1993). The current First XI really enjoyed the afternoon and utilised this game as a great opportunity to socialise with old friends and peers that had played and created the history before them. The YOG vs
current First XI annual cricket match is a terrific tradition that the School has and we await it with anticipation each summer. Thank you to all who were involved throughout the afternoon and thank you for your support in keeping the tradition alive and strong. A special thank you to Megan Scholz for all her assistance on the day. We look forward to next year’s contest, where the Yarra playing group will be coming off a UK tour! Mr Tom Wilson (YOG 2010)
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Yarra Old Grammarians – Golf
A change of green Over 100 golfers from the Yarra Valley Grammar community took part in the seventh Yarra Old Grammarians’ Annual Golf Day on Monday 3 April. This year we decided to try something new and held the event at the Commonwealth Golf Club in Oakleigh South where 26 teams competed for the coveted winner’s trophy. Melbourne put on a perfect day providing players with beautiful conditions for an afternoon of golf. Starting with a light lunch in Commonwealth’s beautiful clubhouse, the players then hit the green. The winners on the day were Rob Drew (YOG 2000), David Falla (YOG 1998), Damien Smith (YOG 1998) and James Keem (YOG 1998) who were presented with the Perpetual YOG Annual Golf Day trophy with an incredible nett score of 53.875. Second place with a nett score of 54.625 went to Billy Meehan, Mark Baldwin, Alan Fossett (YOG 1980) and Andrew Head (YOG 1980). Third place with a nett score of 55 went to Damien Nicks (YOG 1990), Simon Bell (YOG 1990), Damien Ross (YOG 1991) and Mark Davies (YOG 1990). We congratulate all teams who played and put in such a great effort!
Tim Hargreaves took out nearest the pin for the 15th hole and our winning team had a spectacular day on this new course with James Keem taking in the longest drive, and Damien Smith took nearest the pin on the 9th hole – you cannot get much closer than a hole in one! Commonwealth Golf Club kindly donated an extra prize which included a free day on their beautiful greens for four people. Nick Brooke (YOG 1971) won this door prize and we hope he enjoys another day out. Thank you to everyone who participated for your wonderful support of the event. We hope to see you all back for the next YOG Annual Golf Day on Monday 9 April 2018. To view further photos taken at the event, please visit the YOG page on the School’s website.
Sponsors
Miss Kimberley Wolsley Development Officer
The Yarra Old Grammarians would like to thank the below Premium Sponsors for the day:
Higgins Coatings Lime Catering Interleave Australia And thank you to our Event Sponsors:
AMC Commercial Cleaning Lilydale Safety Wear Infratech Electrical Services Ventura Combined Super MGI Golf Trident NAB The event was also proudly supported by The House of Golf, Ringwood. The involvement and generosity by all our amazing sponsors help to make the day a great success.
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Yarra Old Grammarians – Football
YOG Bushrangers Momentum keeps building ahead of the 2017 Bushranger season which begins in April. New coach, Greg Freemantle and Head of Football, Rob Drew (YOG 2000) have enticed a large array of Old Grammarians back into the Bushranger fold, including former VAFA Premier A grade players, Dave Wildsmith (YOG 2006) and brothers, Nick (YOG 2005) and Dan (YOG 2006) Chamberlain. There was a sense of fate regarding Dan Chamberlain’s arrival at Yarra “I had a feeling there would be a time where I’d end up at Yarra. I knew many of the players and I’d played under the new coach previously, so I felt the time was right to make the move.” And his timing couldn’t have been better with genuine excitement regarding the upcoming season. “It’s clear that the club is gearing up for a really successful next few years. There’s a real desire within the
group to climb into the higher divisions and I think the attitude at training reflects that. Most importantly, it’s good fun.”
receives from the community, I also like the fact that many of the girls are new to the sport so we are all learning together.”
Speaking of momentum, Women’s football continues its meteoric rise not only at the elite AFLW level but also in suburban competitions. The VAFA has had 37 clubs indicate they intend on running a Women’s football team in the inaugural VAFA Women’s season, of which YOGFC is one.
“The girls bring great energy to training where we can have a good laugh, but also focus on improving our skills and fitness”
Among the pioneers taking the field in 2017 for the Bushrangers will be Caroline Stedman (YOG 2011) a strong marking forward with an ability to run all day. According to Caroline, “The club is supportive and has a huge community spirit making everyone feel welcome from the moment they step onto the field.” Caroline like most of her team mates and opposition, is new to playing the sport “I like the pace of the game and the support it
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You can follow the fortunes of Dan, Caroline and the rest of the Bushrangers throughout 2017 on Facebook @ yarrabushrangers and www.yvobfc.com.au. Mr Luke Gillies (YOG 1999)
Yarra Community Groups news
Yarra Christmas Spirit Late last year on 13 December, the Yarra Community Groups held a New Parents evening, Yarra Christmas Spirit, to welcome parents of students commencing at Yarra in 2017. This provided a peer group welcome to set the scene for their forthcoming journey with Yarra. The Yarra Spirit is the camaraderie of community enjoyed here at Yarra Valley Grammar and this event showed the new parents this concept first hand; highlighting what a welcoming, approachable and fun community we have here at Yarra.
At Yarra we believe that it is not just your child who joins the School, but your family that joins the Yarra community. And this is not just whilst your child/ children are studying at Yarra, this is about making lifelong friends and becoming an integral part of the Yarra family.
The parent volunteers represented such groups as Yarra Parents & Friends, Yarra Music, Yarra Snowsports, Yarra Tennis and the Yarra Foundation, to name but a few. Participation is key to enhancing the Yarra Spirit and it was great to see so many new parents embracing the idea of participation and involvement.
The Yarra Spirit is what makes Yarra so unique, so special. It was fabulous to see over 130 people enjoying the Yarra Spirit at this New Parents evening. Mrs Rosie Brown Director of Development
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Yarra Community Groups news
Yarra Parents & Friends Yarra Parents & Friends hit the ground running again this year, ensuring that a strong sense of community spirit is maintained both with existing connections as well as welcoming new members. We welcomed both new and returning Year Level Class Representatives for 2017 with a morning tea and information session. Class contact lists were available early this year as we had a fantastic response to our opt-in email. This year, we are hoping to expand on the Schools vision of Positive Education by sponsoring a speaker in this field to come and talk to not only our parent group but to the wider, local community. Continuing our regular fundraising endeavours, we are once again supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal by selling raffle tickets, with some eggciting prizes across ELC, Junior, Middle and Senior School. The yearly donations to both the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfast for Senior School will continue along with the stalls in Junior School, where children can purchase a special gift for their parents.
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We were fortunate to have been able to expand our SecondHand Uniform Shop over the Christmas holidays and currently open regularly each fortnight. We say goodbye and a HUGE thank you to Fay Kirk for all her hard work and time setting up the Second-Hand Uniform Shop, elevating it to become our main income generator. The Second-Hand Book Stall was another success at the end of last year and, although there weren’t as many books as previous years, we were glad to still be able to offer a wonderful service to both new and current Senior School families. We changed things up a little last year at the Grade 6 Graduation. Yarra Parents & Friends provided every student with a plaque to have signed by their teachers and class mates. We also continued to supply the Year 7 students with red badges and Year 10 students with black badges to help celebrate their move into the next level of their
schooling. Towards the end of the year we sponsored the Year 12 BBQ, to celebrate the end of their studies at Yarra. The Pavilion Café will be trading again over the winter sport weekends, offering coffee and snacks to parents, competitors and visitors. This is a fully voluntary initiative and we are always happy to welcome any help offered, so we can continue to provide this valuable service. We are also looking to host a special comedy night this year, open to parents of the whole School. The night will be held early in third term.
All profit from fundraising ventures are funneled directly back into the School to benefit all. Its goes without saying that the successes we celebrate would not be possible without the tireless involvement of our parent volunteers and the incredible support of the School and its staff. Mrs Silvina Solano and Mrs Robyn McKinnell Yarra P&F Co-Presidents
UPCOMING P&F EVENT Annual MOPs luncheon Friday 12 May, YVG Pavilion For more details please contact the Development office, development@yvg.vic.edu.au
Yarra Tennis Yarra Tennis hosted an end of season event with a twist for the 2016/17 First Tennis Boys and Girls teams at the Brooke Nicholas Pavilion on 26 March.
We were treated to perfect autumn weather and great numbers of families arrived for the special celebration. Both of our First teams performed excellently during the past season. Tennis captains, Edwin van Ravesteyn and Casey Murphy delivered their farewell speeches to their coaches, Chris Guy and Nish Morris and their individual teams. Each player received a tennis trophy celebrating their 50th Firsts
Tennis season at Yarra sponsored by Yarra Tennis. The afternoon turned into a lovely family event with great wine donated by Tellurian Wines and good food that set the tone for a memorable evening. Coldstream Wineries treated our tennis coaches with a hamper to be enjoyed after their great work on court during the peak season. Emily West was very excited to win the signed Andy Murray tennis ball with the lucky
draw causing high counteroffers from some of the boys to own the prize. It was clear at this event that the Yarra Spirit is alive and well amongst the tennis families who always support their players on and off court during the tennis season. We always have a wonderful time cheering our teams on and lasting friendships have been made next to the courts. Go Yarra!! Mrs Marie Van Ravesteyn Yarra Tennis President
UPCOMING EVENT The annual Yarra Tennis Tournament Saturday 16 September – Monday 18 September YVG tennis courts Open to all ages and ability. For more details contact Marie Van Ravesteyn tennis@yvg.vic.edu.au
Yarra Giving Circle The Yarra Giving Circle is a fun, rewarding and informal way to do something good for others whilst at the same time opening our eyes, minds and hearts to the countless different charities around the world. A group of current and past parents of Yarra meet to chat about organisations close to their hearts. Each member commits to donating $50 per month ($600 per year) and will present two charities of their choice at one of the group’s gatherings each year. After having discussed the issues relating to the charities, a collective vote is taken and the winning charity receives a donation of $600.
four different charities: Red Dust Role Models, Gaia Oasis – Bali Water, Wildlife Victoria and Ozharvest. Four very different organisations supporting different, and all very
worthy causes. After the votes were counted the donations were sent off to Red Dust and Ozharvest. Red Dust delivers innovative health promotion programs and community development projects in partnership with remote indigenous communities. Ozharvest is a social impact charity that rescues excess
food that would otherwise be thrown out. If you are interested in finding out more about the Yarra Giving Circle either as a permanent or casual member, please do not hesitate to call Yarra’s Development Office on 9262 7717 or email givingcircle@yvg.vic.edu.au.
The group met recently at a member’s home to hear about
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Yarra history
The Ladies Auxiliary The Ladies Auxiliary and the School Association commenced work in 1966 and remained active until they merged in 2001 to become the present Parents & Friends Association. This article explores some of the activities of the early Ladies Auxiliary. We would like to know more about former members. Where are they now? Do you have a photograph or news of any of them? We would love to publish a photo or short paragraph about these early workers for the School. Here are some details of the officers and work of the early Auxiliary in the 1960s: 1966 President: Mrs Marjorie Dewhurst, Secretary: Mrs Hilda Barron, Treasurer: Mrs Esther Jenkins. The very first Auxiliary was extremely energetic and set a sizzling pace to be emulated by later auxiliaries. In the space of one school year it held two major luncheons, a dinner dance and a theatre party that combined raised the significant sum of $3,000 for the School. Even more importantly, it initiated and operated the Tuckshop, coordinated a small function for each year level, formed a Squash Club and contributed to the organisation of the School fete. Not bad for beginners! 1967 President: Mrs Marjorie Dewhurst, Vice President: Mrs Gwenda Reynolds, Secretary: Mrs Sue Zatorski, Treasurer: Mrs Esther Jenkins, Assistant Treasurer: Mrs Wanda Haig (Tuckshop) The pace was maintained into the School’s second year with a total of $6,500 being presented to the School to be put towards the construction of the Gymnasium and Tuckshop. It was raised by various means:
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luncheons and morning coffees, theatre parties, a dinner dance, street stalls, a visit to a TV station, a wine and cheese tasting evening and a raffle. Money was also raised through the Tuckshop and the fete. This year a uniform sub-committee was also formed at the request of the Headmaster. 1968 President: Mrs Gwenda Reynolds, Vice Presidents: Mrs Marjorie Dewhurst, Mrs Muriel McEwen, Secretary: Mrs Sue Zatorski, Treasurer: Mrs June Moore, Assistant Treasurer: Mrs Wanda Haig Again, the Ladies Auxiliary conducted a wide range of functions and at the end of the year presented the School with a cheque for $5,000 to be put towards the new Gymnasium and Tuckshop development. The ladies who operated the Tuckshop under the leadership of Mrs Wanda Haig, and under very trying conditions, were looking forward to that new Tuckshop building. 1969 President: Mrs Gwenda Reynolds, Vice Presidents: Mrs Marjorie Dewhurst, Mrs Rhonda Hall, Secretary: Mrs Cath Bertram, Treasurer: Mrs June Moore, Assistant Treasurer: Mrs Wanda Haig. Mrs Reynolds reported that the Auxiliary was extremely proud of the new Tuckshop and of the willing helpers there who were supervised by Mrs Davies. The Auxiliary now operated a Swap Shop on Meeting Days in their new Committee room which adjoined the new Tuckshop. The success of the School fete was
due in great part, to the efforts of Mrs Enid Lang and her Stall Captains. In succeeding decades the Auxiliary remained very active. The Tuckshop, the fete and social events were always a focus. And each new year seemed to bring a new need for the young School. The Auxiliary, often in conjunction with the Parents Association, was asked to assist with the financing of major projects such as a building to go on the property donated by the Woottons at Glenmaggie or two new tennis
courts at the School. There were numerous minor projects also. Funds were twice found for play equipment for the Junior School and later, for ceiling fans. Funds were found also for a shed to house materials for hobby activities, for equipment for the
PRESIDENTS OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY 1965-67
Mrs Marjorie Dewhurst
1985-87
Mrs Meredith Baldwin
1968-70
Mrs Gwenda Reynolds
1988
Mrs Carmel Noble
1970-71
Mrs Rhonda Hall
1989-90
Mrs Judi Thompson
1972-73
Mrs Joan Thompson
1991-93
Mrs Jan Mate
1974-75
Mrs Rosalie Cleaver
1994-95
Mrs Mary-Ann Carnaffan
1976-77
Mrs Margaret Smith
1996-98
Mrs Margot Templer
1978-79
Mrs Wilma Oxley
1999
Mrs Joscelyn Brown
1980-82
Mrs Sheila Schaub
2000
Mrs Marilyn Phillips
1983-84
Mrs Diana Jones
new Gymnasium and for furniture for the Sixth Form Common Room. Sometimes it was not just funds that were needed but assistance with the organisation of such things as a Careers Night or the annual Fete. Sometimes there were special events and special needs. The Auxiliary played a major role in the organisation of celebratory balls in 1991 and 1996. A Swap Shop was again established in 1988. A large sum was contributed to the appeal for the construction of
the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) and another large sum was spent on computer equipment for the two Resource Centres. Always there were smaller amounts raised for a newly recognised need such as window tinting in the PAC, a refrigerator for its kitchen or for an alarm system in the Junior School classrooms. Fittings were provided for the new cabins at Wootton Lodge and for the Music School. The Past Students hockey and football clubs also received assistance. In most years the Auxiliary
provided a social function for parents at each year level. Funds were raised at a great variety of other functions such as luncheons, theatre evenings, visits to museums, towns and wineries, Christmases in June and fashion parades. So there was fun as well as work building the Yarra community. This is a wonderful story of ladies freely giving of their time and effort for the benefit of their children and the School, the very foundations of the Yarra Spirit. Perhaps they can find reward in seeing the splendid
facilities now offered by the School. Perhaps they have already found reward in the fellowship they experienced. In any case their efforts deserve recognition. The names of their presidents are listed here but to the many others who have participated we offer whole hearted thanks. Since 2001 their work has been continued in fine fashion by the Yarra Parents and Friends Association – but that is a story for another time. Mr John Close Archivist
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Yarra Old Grammarian profile
Tim Neate (YOG 1991) Tim, I initially made contact with you as a new Foundation member. We’re always interested in hearing about Yarra Foundation families and appreciate the support made to the School. But we’d also love to have a chat with you as an Old Grammarian and a current parent! Yes, I finished Year 12 in 1991, completing the final year the Fine Arts course was run at Yarra. It was the most enjoyable year of school where lots of fun, laughter and creative experimentations were the go. My focus was in painting, printmaking and graphic design. Any particular favourite memories, favourite teachers? Chris Taylor was pivotal in all areas of the Fine Arts course. He was obliging, knowledgeable and happy to give advice, even running a fantastic casting workshop at his house for us. Every Friday, Neil Loveless would take us on a gallery/ studio visit to see current exhibitions. Sometimes we’d visit a designer studio space to expose us to working/living environments. It gave us an understanding of making a living as a creative artist – romantic but tough. Laurie and Dave, the Graphics specialists drove a tight ship, which was totally necessary with our antics inside and outside the graphics room! Laurie set some inspirational projects although many of us wondered what they were actually about and only received a Laurie one liner as feedback, on either how it was wrong or did not follow the brief! Lindy Spreadborough was patient and eager to share knowledge. I vividly remember
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using clay to learn to make a vase on the wheel. All wheels ended up with a structure nothing like a vase – my advice start by learning to make a bowl! We went on several camps, the best being to Cape Schanck, staying on a farm-style property. As a sculptural project we went cow tipping one night. I’m not sure what the cows thought but we thought it was great. We had a life drawing model with us and used the back beach setting as a dramatic backdrop, it was spectacular. A high volume of fantastic work was produced on this trip and I’d like to thank the fine Arts teachers’ from 1991 for such great memories and experiences. With that creative kick start no doubt life has been colourful for the past 20 plus years! For sure. After leaving Yarra I studied graphic design, print making and paint. I began exhibiting my work which eventually led to me having my own design/creative business. The name for this actually came from the School project. I lived overseas for several years with Tanya and evolved all areas of my creative passions, exhibiting and doing commissions through Europe and Asia. Sorry I have to interrupt you there …. Can you elaborate further re the School project and business name link? ALIENOCTOPUS. I have been using it since I came up with it over 18 years ago. It has been the name/brand of heaps of stuff I have done over the years, everything from design, art, prints, furniture, clothing, music – even the name
of my Tuesday night tennis team which consists of all old Yarra boys from different years. “ALIENOCTOPUS is my best friend. It keeps me creative, loose yet honest”. Fantastic story, now back to your businesses … One memorable business was starting up an art driven street wear brand which was sold in MYER nationally and boutiques in Japan and the US. During Tokyo fashion week an off-shoot leisure wear brand was born which led me to cross paths with Yarra old boy, David Kiely (YOG 1991), a mad golfer from my year. David now runs Halcyon Lake, a high end rug
and carpet business and we ended up doing a range of rugs together which was a fantastic and unique way to reconnect. What direction have you been heading in more recently? I have been involved in design and manufacturing in China for over 13 years but around 2010 I had had enough of living on a computer and in a world run by technology so I opted out of email and social media and went with a phone attached to my ear as a replacement. Nothing in life is certain. A few years ago my Mum had a brain haemorrhage which lead to me taking over the running of my Dad’s business full time. It is
a business that is now over 40 years old, manufacturing and wholesaling hair and beauty products. I’m still printmaking and painting, not as much as I’d like to be or should be but I have a project on the go for this year which should be juicy! We are a busy family with two sons, Harry and Xavier. We hang out together most weekends and a good cook up is a must. Travelling is in my blood and I love chasing the sun in winter. What is it like returning to Yarra as a parent? It’s great. Harry is in Year 6 and he just loves it. There are quite a few Old Grammarians with their children now at Yarra. The
School has changed dramatically, it can’t be compared to decades ago but seems to be getting better and better. How has the experience been for Harry? When your child is excited to go to school it makes life so much more pleasant. Harry is the first musician in our family, playing the guitar like it’s an extension of his hands. He is fortunate to have such an amazing group of teachers that push his passion and make him hungry to learn more. Any old School stories or words of wisdom you’ve been able to share with Harry?
Most would only get him in trouble! Every day when I drop Harry at school I tell him to “Have a great day, have too much fun!” I encourage him to be adventurous and creative. School should be a great experience for all kids, you only realise how much more you should have done as a kid when you get older and you can’t get away with so much anymore! Mmm, I have a feeling you’ve got away with your fair share. You have contributed to the Foundation fund since returning to Yarra with Harry. We appreciate your support but would like to know why you think these donations are important?
It helps the School out, helps with future plans for the School’s development to grow and become stronger in all areas from facilities to equipment for the kids. It’s great that wonderful people can make the time to volunteer to run the Foundation with the aim of making the School an even better place. Great to have a chat Tim, any parting words? I still don’t know what I’ll do when I get older but I’ll let you know when I get there. It would be interesting to paint weightless in space though, whilst eating ice cream! Special thanks to Mrs Chris Elsworth for interviewing Tim.
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Yarra Old Grammarian profile
Brad Harris (YOG 2002) As a graduating student from the class of 2002, it’s been 15 years since I finished at Yarra Valley Grammar. I can confirm that time definitely flies however my enduring memories from my journey at Yarra haven’t faded. This journey didn’t finish when I left as a student because many of my schoolboy friendships remain strong to this day. Since finishing school I’ve lived with Yarra friends, travelled with Yarra friends and even gone into business with Yarra friends. These close bonds with the mates I went to school with are my greatest memory, and the greatest gift that my time at Yarra has given me. One of these friendships allowed the creation of The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill chain. Close friend and former Yarra boy, James Sinclair (YOG 2002) and I decided to travel America researching sports bars. After conducting this extended research trip around the USA, we decided a gap in the market existed for modern, friendly sports venues in Australia. We pooled our savings to open the first Sporting Globe in Geelong in 2010 and have since grown to a network of nine venues across Australia. Our franchise partners in the Richmond venue are former Yarra boys, Sean Kagan (YOG 2002) and Kelvin Moore (YOG 2002). Kelvin reminds me to mention if you drop in and re-live the speccy he took in the goal square in Year 12, he will shout you a free beer! Lots of people ask me how many venues I eventually want to have but I don’t think it’s a number really. The dream is to eventually take The Sporting Globe model to America and see how our little Aussie brand stacks up against the big boys over there. While The Sporting Globe rollout continues with three more stores planned to open in 2017, I’ve turned some of my attention to other projects of interest. One in particular really hit home after
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walking through the CBD around 12 months ago. Homelessness. The number of people sleeping rough was staggering, seemingly in every alcove and doorstep I passed; one lady held her small baby. This shocked me and gave me the prompt to look into why the rates of rough sleepers in Melbourne are skyrocketing, and discover if there was something that could be done to
address it. This simply can’t be considered good enough in a modern and wealthy society as ours. I dived into the issue, met with many stakeholders in NGOs and social groups trying to get my bearings on why this is happening. The same message kept coming out – the current system is broken, there isn’t enough money and the wheels of action move far too slowly.
I eventually met a very impressive organisation called Launch Housing. Here I discovered an idea that would break the system, in fact uproot the current economic model for providing social housing and tip it on its head. The idea is this – to unlock the immense value in vacant government land; in this case blocks of Vicroads land that is set aside for future road widening projects. Build
transportable dwellings on a factory production line at the rate of one per day for $60k each and deliver them to site on a truck. The size and orientation of the dwellings allows for up to six single person dwellings to fit on a standard residential housing block. Most vacant government landholding is unable to be built on as it has a future use. However, the transportable nature of these
dwellings circumvents this issue allowing the government to unlock the land and utilise it for today’s needs (housing) as well as recognising future requirements for roads, rail etc. The modularised construction methods used on the production line are the second key to this plan, it allows architecturally designed homes to be built incredibly fast and at very low cost. The combination of all of these elements means we have the potential to demonstrate a new economic housing model; fast, cheap and plentiful social housing. We are now in the middle of a Proof of Concept trial with the rollout of 57 homes in Footscray at a cost of less than $5m. If the trial proves successful we are looking to ramp up production and roll out the dwellings around the state. In fact, since news of the project broke I have had meetings with NSW Treasury who are interested to replicate the model
in Sydney. The first Melbourne tenants move in around June, I can’t wait to meet them! I am very fortunate to have been successful in business and several other interests such as the homelessness one. However, I strongly believe where you end up is due in large part to where you began. You definitely become a product of your upbringing and environment, and for me many of the traits, characteristics, interests, knowledge and friends that have carried me to where I find myself today were derived and strengthened during my time at Yarra.
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Yarra Old Grammarian profile
Jason Ball (YOG 2006) Jason Ball left Yarra in 2006 and studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. He has recently been awarded the Victorian Youth of the Year 2017 in recognition of his work as an LGBTI and mental health advocate, in particular in sport. In 2012 Jason publically came out as gay, the first Australian Rules football player at any level to do so. “Coming out in 2012, as the first Aussie Rules player at any level to do so in national media was nerve-wracking and daunting. I remember writing on Change.org: This is a terrifying petition to write. But it’s important. I’d like to tell you what it’s like being a gay footy player... Growing up, the footy club was the one place I thought I’d never be accepted. Homophobic language was routinely used on the field and in the stands and it left me scared to be myself. Struggling in silence with my identity caused me so much heartache and pushed me to a very dark place.” The petition called on the AFL to play No to Homophobia television commercials on the big screens during the 2012 Grand Final and also commit to a Pride round. Jason collected almost 30,000 signatures and the AFL agreed to screen the advertisements during the preliminary finals. Since then, Jason has marched in Pride March Victoria alongside his teammates from the Yarra Glen Football Club. He kick-started the Pride Cup – an event that celebrates diversity
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and inclusion in sport, and was the inspiration for the AFL’s Pride Game between St Kilda and Sydney. Jason addressed AFL draftees at an induction camp about homophobia in sport and in 2014 he spoke to players from St Kilda Football Club about his experiences. This was the catalyst for the club to lobby for a future Pride game. The St Kilda vs Sydney game in October 2016 was nominated as the Pride game. “As an openly gay footy player I could only dream of this moment: AFL’s Pride Game is historic. I’ll proudly walk onto the field at Etihad Stadium to toss the coin. This is a moment I could only have dreamed of four years ago when I launched my
petition on change.org calling on the AFL to do more to tackle homophobia.”
It has been an extraordinary week, but it is only the beginning.
Commenting on the media and community focus on the game, Jason says:
On Saturday night, the 50m lines at Etihad Stadium will be painted in rainbow colours – the international symbol of gay pride. St Kilda players will wear jumpers with rainbow numbers, Sydney players will wear rainbow socks, and goal umpires will use rainbow flags.
“This week, I was blown away as the leaders of our national game proudly stood together to celebrate and welcome the LGBTI community. I stood in awe as I watched rainbow flags raised above AFL House. And I have been humbled and inspired to hear elite AFL players speak to the national media about the shocking suicide rates amongst LGBTI Australians and how sport has a role to play in tackling this problem.
The broadcast of the game on Channel 7 will feature conversations to raise awareness about the damaging impact of homophobic language in sport, and include stories from the LGBTI community to help make the game of AFL that we all love welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
I have no doubt that the #PrideGame and the community discussion generated around it will change lives. None of this could have happened without your support of my campaign on change.org back in 2012. Then, I was a lone voice. But your encouragement gave me the confidence that I was on the right side of history, and it pushed the AFL to act. Since then we have seen: • For the first time ever, the AFL included sexual orientation in its antidiscrimination training for AFL players • AFL players marched in the Pride March for the first time
• The AFL screened No To Homophobia ads on the big screen
fears they will never be accepted in our game, this is for you.”
• The AFL Players Association launched a campaign against homophobic language
In 2013, Jason became an ambassador for beyondblue, a role that enabled him to address schools, sporting clubs and conferences as well as making keynote speeches on LGBTI inclusion to major corporations such as ANZ, SEEK, Westpac and Goldman Sachs. He was also ambassador for Safe Schools Coalition Australia which aims to make schools safer and more inclusive for LGBTI students and spoke at the first National Safe Schools symposium in Melbourne in 2015. Jason also works at the Young and Well Cooperative
• The AFL has joined other major sporting codes in signing an anti-homophobia and inclusion policy • The AFL publicly backed a grassroots Pride Cup pioneered by my local club Yarra Glen, which inspired St Kilda and Sydney to take the initiative to a national level. For every kid struggling to come to terms with who they are, for the kid who loves footy but
Research Centre, a non-profit organisation exploring how technology can improve youth mental health. In 2016 Jason stood for the Australian Greens party in the House of Representatives seat of Higgins at the federal election in which he was unsuccessful however he plans to continue his community advocacy work for LGBTI equality and understanding in sport. Last year he was also invited to return to Yarra to give our senior students his perspective on Citizenship.
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Yarra Old Grammarian adventure story
The benefits of travelling spontaneously Alexandra Potter (YOG 2010)
“Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.” This quote is one that resonates with me profoundly and motivates me to turn my passport into a novel – a trilogy even! I booked flights to Chile, South America in mid-2016 and waited with anticipation to finally arrive there on 16 December. I was not disappointed as I stepped off a 16 hour flight to the sun beaming a beautiful 28 degrees and the mountains as picturesque as ever – some even with left over snow on the peak! What to do in four weeks? Chile itself has a unique landscape in that it provides an appropriate climate for both desert and glaciers! After acquainting myself with its capital city, Santiago and its culture, I thought long and hard about whether to travel North or South. Having never been to the snow before, I booked a flight down, way down (an eight hour plane ride and four hour bus ride to be exact) to Patagonia. The climate was fresh and crisp as I hopped off the bus and onto a speed boat but the sun held a warmth to keep the shivers at bay. The boat took me on a tour of General Carrera Lake which is shared by both Chile and Argentina – I was in awe to be in two places at once! Between the marble caves, the rock climbing, or the view of surrounding towns, I can’t decide what was the best part! I loved it all. Off to bed early for I had planned the activity of a lifetime for the following day… Up by 5:00am and boarded a ferry by 5:30am I was on my way to a landscape that future generations will not have the opportunity to see – the
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glaciers! I was prepared for a four hour trip that boasted amazing views along the way of mountains, animals, nature, and after three hours.. icebergs! They started off smaller than the size of a hatchback car and dotted sporadically throughout the water. Three and half hours in, the icebergs were becoming increasingly large enough to have some friends by way of seals join us. And at the four hour mark, over the horizon there were the glaciers – beautiful, white, glistening, and enormous in size! We were allowed the opportunity to get a closer look in a dingy so I jumped at the chance. We were bobbing in the water due to fractures of the glaciers cracking off into the lake below which created quite a soothing ambiance, until I remembered why this was happening – the glaciers are melting. In an instant I was happy and sad all at the same time – happy that I got to experience this magnificent landmark, but sad that future generations would not get to do the same. I got snap happy and took it all in as we were ferried back to land. Making my way up north again from Patagonia, I stopped off in Pucón. I wished to experience another landscape that is not offered to Australians – volcanoes. Pucón is overlooked by Villarrica Volcano which is considered active but has not erupted in several years. I could not wait to do an underground
tour of the volcano that houses gold specks in its walls. Renowned for its hiking trails, water sports, and festivals I engaged myself in all these activities over the week I was there. Back to Santiago, I was sad that my trip was over and I would be heading back home to Australia. That is until I receive a Skype call from a friend back home.
“I’m coming to Santiago as a stop-over flight, join me in LA?!” I weighed up the pros and cons – the list of pros was long and when I realised there were no cons, I booked a ticket then and there. My Thursday night just got a whole lot better and by Sunday I was north-bound to the USA. After a 12 hour flight and a four hour wait in the Customs line, we were on our way to our first
stop – Santa Monica. The culture alone was a stark contrast to my previous adventure down South. I enjoyed shopping, eating typical American food, bike rides to Venice, and the night buskers. After five days we moved on to Hollywood – as a movie buff I was incredibly excited! The list of activities we organised for the following two weeks was extensive; an NBA game, Six Flags Magic Mountain
Roller Coaster Park, Hard Rock Cafe, The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, SUR Restaurant, The Chinese Musical Theatre, In ’n Out Burger, the Hollywood Sign hike, International House of Pancakes, Disneyland (ultimate favourite – big call I know!) and the list goes on! We completed it all and felt thoroughly accomplished, cultured, and more knowledgeable for it.
At this stage I had been travelling for eight weeks, and unlike the end of the South American stint I felt ready to go back to Australia. Another travel quote that resonates with me; “The only trip you will regret, is the one you don’t take.” It’s easy to worry about the logistics of travelling, but my experience showed me that the best adventures are spontaneous and unplanned. It’s
also easy to become complacent and get into a rut when our lives in Australia are so rich with opportunities. But I believe it is important to step away from our regular routine and experience something different; culture, landscape, people, traditions, climate to appreciate what we have here. I love travelling but I love coming home.
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Celebrations Weddings Natalie Boehm (YOG 2005) and Mark Thackray Natalie and Mark were married on 8 October 2016 at Albert River Winery on the Gold Coast. Among the bridesmaids were Yarra Old Grammarians Ashleigh Mead (YOG 2005) and Emily Saynor (YOG 2005). Also attending the wedding were Brianna Gist (YOG 2005), Kirstie Jordan (YOG 2005) and Natalie Cuttiford (YOG 2005).
David Saynor (YOG 2001) and Kaitlin Colling David and Kaitlin were married on 19 November 2016 at Coombe Estate in the Yarra Valley surrounded by family and friends. Among the groomsmen and bridesmaids were Yarra Old Grammarians Scott Craike (YOG 2001), Liam Purdy (YOG 2001), Quok Ho (YOK 2001) and Emily Saynor (YOG 2005). David and Kaitlin honeymooned in Singapore and Thailand.
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Grant Nel (YOG 2006) and Amanda Main Grant and Amanda were married on 17 December 2016 at Chateau Wyuna in Mount Evelyn on a perfect summer day filled with love, friends and family. Grant and Amanda met at the Victorian Institute of Sport when Amanda was completing a Sports Science internship and Grant was training for the 2013 Diving World Championships. They now live in Adelaide.
Births
Engagement
Jessica Petchell nee Mcpherson (YOG 2006) and Jeff Petchell Jessica and husband, Jeff welcomed their second daughter, April Margaret Petchell on 8 November 2016, weighing 4kg and 53cm long. Her big sister Lucy is two and a half years old.
Kate Cooper (YOG 2006) and Chris Hutton Kate and Chris became engaged between Christmas 2016 and the New Year. They met as graduates at Mars Australia in Wodonga. They both still work for Mars Australia at Wyong and live in North Avoca, NSW. They plan to marry in 2018.
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Class of 1996 20 Year Out Reunion 12 November, 2016 Brooke Nicholas Pavilion, Yarra Valley Grammar
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Class of 1986 30 Year Out Reunion 8 OCTOBER 2016 The Royal Saxon Hotel, Richmond
“It was fantastic for many of the 1986 crew to catch up recently. It was clear that people had made a big effort to clear their diaries or travel from a far to spend a few hours with old friends and colleagues. Old stories told a million times before were shared and they were still as funny as the first time they were told, maybe even funnier. It was clear too that we should not wait another 10 years for the next one; so roll on the 35th anniversary catch-up. Planning has already begun and as a proud School Captain of the 1986 cohort (yes the new buzz word as it didn’t exist back in our day at Yarra) I will make sure that happens. A big thanks to Chris Elsworth and Mandy Flett and the Development office for the work in organising the evening.” Mr Mark Stafford (YOG 1986)
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Vale Geoffrey John Habben It is with great sadness we record the death on March 26 of Geoff Habben, our much loved former Head of Business Studies. Geoff commenced teaching at Yarra in 1971 and remained with us until he retired in 1998. Geoff had been a student at Trinity Grammar, Kew and continued to attend reunions there until very recently. He had been a member of their First XI, but it was typical of his self-effacing nature that he was always happy to take, and to enjoy, coaching our Third XI during his long time at Yarra Valley Grammar. Co-incidentally,
the man who appointed Geoff to the Yarra staff was Jock Herbert who had previously taught Geoff at Trinity Grammar and knew a good man when he saw one. Geoff had commenced his teaching career at Glen Waverley High and, again co-incidentally, had taught there Lindy Spreadborough who later became a long serving member of our Art Department. Geoff had a strong connection to Trinity Grammar but an even stronger one to Yarra Valley Grammar. His wife, Dawn was on the staff of our Prep and Junior Schools, 1975–1997 and their two sons, Tim (YOG
1983) and Matt (YOG 1987) were both School Captains. To them and to daughter and sister, Angela we extend our sincere sympathy. To former staff members, Geoff will be remembered as someone who was always willing to walk the extra mile. To former students, he will be remembered for his organisation and diligence. To all who knew him, he will be remembered for his gentle humour and for his genuine concern for their wellbeing. We are the better for having known him. Mr John Close Archivist
Ian Banks Ian Banksy Banks taught at Yarra for 23 years and he loved his time here. Born in 1947 in Stockport, Manchester, United Kingdom the Banks family immigrated to Australia in 1950 when Ian was three years old. Setting up their new life and home in Hughesdale, Ian attended the local primary school before completing his secondary education at Mentone Grammar where he excelled academically and was a fierce competitor on the football and cricket fields. Ian attained his teachers qualification at the Secondary Teachers College based at the University of Melbourne. He later took up further education to complete his Bachelor of Education at Monash University. Ian was appointed to the teaching staff at Yarra in 1977. He was a teacher of Mathematics and in later years
taught Information Technology and was also VCE Special Provisions Coordinator. Often seen as a hard task master, you knew where you stood when you entered Banksy’s class. You didn’t play up let’s put it that way! A big man with an even bigger presence, a knowledgeable teacher, a first class communicator, he was a no-nonsense type of guy. Banksy coached the First XVIII football team for three years and he was the premiership winning coach of arguably the
School’s greatest victory when Yarra defeated Salesian College in the 1987 Metropolitan Cup final played at the MCG with over 300 teams entering the competition. Banksy coached the First XI cricket team for 11 years. In many ways, he pioneered cricket at Yarra. He was the mastermind behind the annual First XI vs Headmaster’s XI and First XI v Past Student’s XI fixtures. Banksy is also credited for taking the First XI cricketers on-tour which saw the team of 1990 travel to Sydney for a week long carnival, the team of 1994 tour England and the
team of 1999 tour New Zealand. Great memories for those involved. In 2001, Ian accepted a position at Scotch College where he taught for a further 13 years. After a short illness, Ian sadly passed away on 1 April surrounded by his loving family. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ian’s wife, Sandra and to his two children Matthew (YOG 1994) and Amanda (YOG 1996). Three cheers for a great man. Mr Rod Penaluna YOG President
www.yvg.vic.edu.au | ISSUE NO. 62 MAY 2017 | 35
Calendar of Events DATE EVENT Thursday 4 May 7.00pm
Yarra Foundation Chef Experience Food Tech Centre, YVG
Friday 12 May 12noon – 3.00pm
Annual MOPS luncheon Brooke Nicholas Pavilion, YVG
Saturday 3 June 5.30pm
White Owl for Men’s Health Fundraising Event Etihad Stadium
Saturday 24 June 7.30pm
10 Year Out Reunion Venue TBA
Friday 28 July 8.30am – 10.00am
YOG Speed Careering YVG
Saturday 29 July 7.30pm
Jazz in the Café Foundation Hall
Wednesday 23 August 7.00pm
Choral Showcase George Wood Performing Arts Centre
Saturday 26 August 7.30pm
1 Year Out Reunion Café 23, North Ringwood
Saturday16 September – Monday 18 September
Annual Yarra Tennis Championships YVG
Thursday 28 September YOG Football Grand Final luncheon 12.30pm MCG
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Saturday 7 October 6.30pm
30 and 40 Year Out Reunions Brooke Nicholas Pavilion, YVG
Saturday 28 October 11.00am
YOG Day at the Races Yarra Glen Racecourse
Saturday 11 November 6.30pm
20 Year Out Reunion YVG Pavilion
Sunday 12 November 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Foundation Winery Experience Coldstream Wintery, Yarra Valley
Tuesday 21 November 8.45am
Yarra Parents & Friends AGM Brooke Nicholas Pavilion, YVG
To view more photos of YOG events featured in this magazine visit www.yvg.vic.edu.au/community/photogallery Join us on Facebook by searching for Yarra Valley Grammar Follow us on Linkedin YOG Connect group Instagram@yarravalleygrammar
Twitter : http:twitter/MyYVG.com
www.yvg.vic.edu.au | ISSUE NO. 62 MAY 2017 | 37
Kalinda Road Ringwood Victoria 3134 Australia Telephone +61 3 9262 7700 Email development@yvg.vic.edu.au www.yvg.vic.edu.au ABN 44 004 584 552 CRICOS NO. 00356E