GRAMMAR NEwS - The Good Schools Guide

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grammar news
Print Post PP 100007326
Number 115 – December 2014
Above: This spectacular night-time vista was captured by Year 12 student Nic Bills. The bluestone is equally impressive by
moonlight!
Front cover: During the recent Festival of Theatre at Wadhurst, Angus Webb Ware (Year 7) brought the appropriate bluster &
bravado to his role as Pyrgopolynices in The Braggart Soldier. Markus Christiansen (Year 7) played Artrotrogus, his
long-suffering personal slave
Opposite: The musical talents of Grimwade House were on show at this year’s Senior Musicians’ Concert
Grammar News is published for the Melbourne Grammar School community
Published by: The Lodge, Melbourne Grammar School, 355 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Telephone: +61 3 9865 7555 Facsimile: +61 3 9865 7577 Email: [email protected]
Editor: Peter Davies
Layout & pre-production: Drew Gamble
Photographs by: Nic Bills, Adam Cawood, Peter Davies, Kate Elliott, Drew Gamble, James Grant & Cat Poljski
Melbourne Grammar School respects the privacy of its community members and is bound by the National Privacy Principles under the
Commonwealth Privacy Act. For a copy of the School’s Privacy Policy please visit the School’s website at www.mgs.vic.edu.au or contact the
School on +61 3 9865 7555
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Melbourne Grammar School – Grammar News
In This Issue
4 From the School Council
5 From the Headmaster
6News
14 Grimwade House
16Wadhurst
18 Senior School
20 Creative Thinking
21 Outdoor Education
22 The Old Melburnians
24 Community News
26 Community Events
28 Past Staff Association
29 Friends of Grammar
30 From the Archives
31 Around the School
About this issue
Whether artistic, dramatic, musical, linguistic, mathematical
or even scientific, creative thinking is a useful skill across a
range of disciplines.
In this issue of Grammar News, we consider the creative
output of the students at Melbourne Grammar School. There
are some impressive artworks from our VCE Visual Arts
students (page 19) and a report on Wadhurst’s recent Festival
of Theatre (page 17).
Also in this issue, we profile the new Head of Upper Primary
at Grimwade House, Mrs Vickie Wheelahan (page 13), and
hear from some Old Melburnians doing the School proud
at Oxford (page 12). Our outgoing Year 6 students share
some memories from their time at the School (page 15), and
we share some images from the recent Beyond the Gates
experience for Year 10 students (page 21).
We also take a moment to farewell Dr Tim Scott and Mrs
Sally Scott after their long and successful careers at the
School. They share some thoughts from a combined sixty-six
years on campus (page 6).
I hope you enjoy this issue and wish you a restful holiday
season.
Peter Davies Editor
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From the School Council
Creativity for a complex world
History tells us that the combination of curiosity and
creativity has led to the advances that have revolutionised
our lives. Knowledge builds on the discoveries of those
who have gone before. As the genius Isaac Newton, who
defined the laws of gravity and the laws of motion as well
as developing calculus, said, “If I have seen further, it is by
standing on the shoulders of giants”. But each step that led
to the steam engine, the combustion motor, the jet engine,
electricity, computers, wireless technology, antibiotics and all
the other marvellous discoveries that define our modern life
and resulted in startling improvements in life expectancy and
quality of life, has depended on creative minds.
Emeritus Professor Richard Larkins AO
It has been one of my greatest joys as Chair of the School
Council to witness the wonderful creativity of the students
expressed in so many ways. These have included concerts,
plays, artworks and creative writing. Creativity in the arts
provides the soul needed in our materialistic world, and I
celebrate it and praise the School for nurturing it.
But in this article, I would like to focus on another form
of creativity. It is reflected in a curious mind that does not
accept dogma, but questions it. It is the capacity to find
alternative explanations and solutions to those accepted by
the majority or imposed on us.
One of history’s most creative minds summed it up. Einstein
said, “He who joyfully marches to music rank and file has
already earned my contempt. He has been given a large
brain by mistake since, for him, the spinal cord would surely
suffice.”
All of our preparatory class teachers and parents of young
children recognise the natural curiosity of young children.
They are forever questioning, and their early artworks
reveal their primitive but highly creative way of viewing the
world. The greatest risk of the educational process is that
this natural curiosity and creativity becomes submerged by
information learned by rote, to be regurgitated periodically in
examinations. Socrates defined education as the kindling of a
flame, not the filling of a vessel.
Education at every level must maintain and extend our
creativity by fuelling our curiosity. The world gets more and
more complex. We will need technology to feed nine or
ten billion people, to provide clean and cheap energy to lift
two billion people out of poverty, methods of combating
emerging and re-emergent infectious diseases, and
systems of global governance that will solve the ever more
threatening conflicts around the world. At the national level,
we must replace our traditional manufacturing industries
with new ones supplying innovative solutions in niche areas
and exporting to the world. Never has creativity been so
important. We need creative scientists and we need creative
politicians and public servants.
The task of our schools and universities is to provide
the educational environment that stimulates creativity.
The assessment process drives learning and it must test
creativity rather than the accumulation of facts. Of course,
creativity must have a context and a framework built on
the learning of principles and basic factual knowledge, but
the complex world that our students will face requires
adaptability and creativity and a value system which will
direct their creativity to constructive ends.
Our teachers are well aware of this need. We must not let
the fixation on NAPLAN results and ATAR ranking distract us
from the higher order skills that reflect a true education.
Attending the recent Valedictory Ceremony and Valedictory
Dinner has convinced me that the boys leaving Year 12
have the intelligence, creativity and values to provide the
leadership required in this complex world.
Richard Larkins Chairman
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From the Headmaster
Creativity by design
Australia, once known as the lucky country, has the
challenge to become the clever and, indeed, the creative
country of the future. We must move from a nation which
relies heavily on extracting primary resources to one which
becomes a world leader in the creation of value-added
goods, services and, most importantly, innovative ideas. This
provides education with a challenge to move beyond the
industrial model of schooling and its reliance on pure recall,
memorisation and straight-line thinking. There will always be
a place for such pursuits in schools and our broader society,
but there is an increasing need to develop problem-solving,
design and creative thinking in classrooms. This movement
may be in its first iteration in schooling, especially with
respect to VCE curriculum and assessment criteria, but it is
an irrepressible force nevertheless.
It may be argued that the incorporation of creativity into
school curriculum is hardly new. An American report,
commissioned over a decade ago to research the effect of
the arts on education, stated, “The arts teach self-discipline,
reinforce self-esteem and foster the thinking skills and
creativity so valued in the workplace.” However, whilst it is
true to suggest that creativity has always been an integral
part of art, media and drama in schools, it has moved well
beyond such domains to involve all curricular offerings.
Given that the Melbourne Grammar School Vision Statement
declares that we “aim to develop fully within our students
the ‘whole person’ – intellectually, physically, emotionally,
psychologically, socially and spiritually”, we must ensure
that a balanced approach exists in all curriculum themes,
including the importance of creativity.
Creative thinking skills are cited as one of the key twentyfirst-century skills. Robert Marzano, an educational writer,
identified a number of key dispositions necessary for a
student to connect with such pursuits. Among these is
the ability to engage intensely with a task, especially when
answers are not immediately apparent. Marzano defines
creative thinking as an ability to generate new ways of
viewing a situation, outside the boundaries of standard
conventions. One of the difficulties has been how to embed
this in the teaching and learning dynamic, identifying how
the precise interactions between teacher, student and
subject content can be modified to encourage critical and
creative thinking. For the last five years, staff at Wadhurst
and in the Senior School have been involved in a professional
development programme based on the work and presence
of Dr Ron Ritchhart, from Harvard University’s Project Zero
research centre.
Roy Kelley
Currently led by Mr Ben Hanisch, Director of Senior School
Curriculum, this programme has been underpinned by Dr
Ritchhart’s research into “thinking routines” and “creating
cultures of thinking”. These investigations have been
practical in nature – for example, staff have been introduced
into a variety of new methods of classroom content delivery
and discussion. Simple, yet effective practices, such as
being prepared to wait for a student to “flesh out” an idea,
as well as developing specific questions that lead to higher
order / creative thinking have been initiated in the classroom.
Evidence on the effectiveness of these new ideas is then
analysed for further discussion. The evidence assembled has
included student work, student feedback surveys and the
findings made through peer observations.
In conclusion, Melbourne Grammar School is keen to
develop creativity as a key component of its educational
offering. The use of information technology provides
a unique learning opportunity for teachers to deliver
programmes which are designed to foster creativity.
However, it is the quality of human relationships that makes
learning real for students and, without this, learning can
become automated, sterile and joyless. As Thomas Friedman
once wrote, “You cannot download passion, imagination,
zest and creativity … You have to upload it from reading,
writing, travel, study, reflection and human interaction.” One
of the fundamental jobs in teaching is to encourage this
passion, imagination, zest and creativity in our students.
Roy Kelley Headmaster
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News
Farewell Dr Scott and Mrs Scott
With collective service spanning sixty-six years at the School, there is little doubt that Dr Tim Scott (OM 1973) and Mrs
Sally Scott have been influential figures within the Melbourne Grammar School staff. As they prepare to retire, we asked
them to share some thoughts from their time at the School and their hopes for the future.
Mrs Sally Scott VCE Coordinator and Teacher of Maths
Dr Tim Scott Director of Students and Head of Literature
My fondest memories are very personal. They are of
students and families with whom I have built up a close
relationship and for whom either my role as a Teacher of
Maths or as a Head of House have had a significant impact.
The close personal and professional relationships formed
with colleagues over many years are also very significant
as I reflect on my time
here. I have always
found that the energy
of the students and
of colleagues in the
Common Room has
made it a very stimulating
environment in which to
work.
My fondest memories inevitably revolve around people, both
students and staff. Many of them also involve our family. I
remember when we were in hospital awaiting the birth of
our daughter, Becky. When I returned to School the next day,
it was to discover the blackboard in my classroom covered in
names. It transpired that, in my absence, my Year 12 English
class had spent the whole
period the day before
speculating on the name
(without even knowing
the gender!). One of
them got it right – and I
still remember who that
was!
I began my teaching
career on a one-year
replacement appointment at Melbourne Grammar School at
the age of twenty-one. I had a Year 12 class in my first year
(Form VI General Maths in those days) and have recently
met some of the young men in that class as fathers of boys
I am teaching or who are currently in the Senior School. For
that class, it was a bit of an oddity having a young female
teacher. For me, it was a marvellous challenge and a very
steep learning curve.
When I started at Melbourne Grammar School, I was one of
a small handful of female teachers. I am proud to have been
one of the women who has survived the long haul and helped
the School to discover what women can bring to the staff. My
appointment as Head of Witherby House was significant for
me personally, but also for the School. I regard my twelve
years in that role as the most rewarding of my time here.
The most important thing to remember as an educator
is that the students can teach us so much. I have been
constantly surprised by their intellects, their talents, their
refreshing sense of humour, and both their maturity and
immaturity. I will miss them.
Post Melbourne Grammar I am looking forward to having
time to think and to see what else might be out there for
me, as well as having some time to give something back to
the community. One of my Year 11 students asked me if I
was planning a “pina colada” sort of retirement. Whilst the
cocktails and palm trees might not be me, a few glasses of
bubbles overlooking the beach at Eastern View won’t be too
far from reality.
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Sally and I announced our
engagement on the day
School started in February
1987. One colleague cut out the notice from the newspaper,
enlarged it on the photocopier in the Common Room and
put it up on the noticeboard (this was long before email!).
Another colleague thought it was a joke in very poor taste
and apologised to Sally on behalf of her colleagues. He clearly
thought she had the worse of the deal!
I remember well my first Year 12 English class. I had
not previously taught at the secondary level and was yet
to complete my Dip. Ed. The class consisted of twelve
students who had not thus far succeeded in passing English:
that was our collective challenge. Not all achieved that
milestone at the end of the year, but one of those who
did told me he was the first in his family, one of several
generations at Melbourne Grammar School, to pass Year 12.
He was rightly proud.
I have been involved in theatre for all of my years at the
School, first in the Quad and later in the Hall. I am proud of
every student who was involved in those shows, whether
onstage or backstage. Equally, Melbourne Grammar School
has a strong reputation for the quality of our pastoral care. I
am very proud of having been part of that, first as a Head of
House and for the last twelve years as Director of Students.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my thirty-one years here and
all that I have been involved in. From bells and school
calendars, I will happily be freed. Of the people, I will always
cherish the warmest and liveliest memories.
Building Bridges
Melbourne is one of the most multicultural and multi-faith
cities in the world, per capita. Australia is a relatively peaceful
society. However, recent incidents of racial and religious
intolerance have shown us how vulnerable the trust between
groups with different faith and cultural backgrounds can be.
We need to keep working at educating young leaders in
cross-cultural dialogue and encouraging the building of trust
between ethnic and religious groups in our society.
The great theologian Hans Kung once wrote, “There will
be no peace among the people of this world without peace
among the world religions”. Jonathan Sacks wrote, “The
greatest single antidote to violence is conversation, speaking
our fears, listening to the fears of others and, in sharing
of vulnerabilities, discovering a genesis of hope”. If this is
true, which I believe it is, then it is paramount that Jews,
Christians and Muslims come together to seek common
ground and learn from each other.
It is for this reason I have involved students in Years 10 to
12 from Melbourne Grammar School in the Building Bridges
Programme. The programme brings together senior students
from Jewish, Muslim and Christian schools over six evenings
and one full day during the year. Ten of our Senior School
students signed up to the programme and, throughout the
year, they have visited an Islamic school, a Jewish school
and various Christian schools, as well as hosting students
from the three faiths at our School one evening.
Our students have eaten kosher vegetarian food together.
They have learnt about Jewish faith and culture. They have
witnessed and taken part in a prayer service in a mosque
and they have engaged in facilitated dialogue with Muslim,
Jewish and Christian students from around Melbourne.
Most importantly, our students have made friends with
Muslim and Jewish students living in Melbourne. Seeing
sixty students of varied religions laughing together and
sharing stories about their lives and their faith traditions is a
wonderful image to hold onto.
“Building Bridges allowed me to share my views and to
understand the views of others on issues that face our
society today,” says Chris Girardi (Year 11). “As such, I was
able to break down any misconceptions I had about other
religions and to truly build a bridge with other people.”
I know the ten students participating in the programme this
year thoroughly enjoyed it and they learned a lot from it. I am
sure that the students involved in the programme not only
had their own faith strengthened, but also will help to build
and speak of the benefits of living in a cohesive multicultural
country.
Rev’d Hans Christiansen Senior Chaplain
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News
Valedictory 2014
In the United States, the period during which students
are farewelled from their institution is widely known as
“commencement”. Used by both schools and colleges, this
term implies the commencing of new stage of their lives.
Australian institutions tend to eschew this terminology,
preferring instead “valedictory” which implies farewell,
leave taking, bidding goodbye. Perhaps this alludes to the
sense of regret we sometimes feel at moving from one stage
of life to another, or perhaps it is an acknowledgement that
commencing the next stage must wait until after Year 12
students’ final exams.
Whatever the reason, the Valedictory experience is layered
with both elation and a tangible sense of farewell. For the
Class of 2014, it was a wonderful week of celebration for a
cohort which had distinguished themselves this year through
their generosity towards one another and their leadership of
the Senior School as a whole.
Period 2 on the Wednesday of that week marked the
students’ final attendance at class. After a short meeting
and the final House Period, the boys boarded buses bound
for Flack Park, where a series of carnival attractions awaited
them.
Thursday morning began with a celebratory breakfast for
Year 12 students and their parents, followed by a special
Chapel Service. The Headmaster shared some sage advice
with the boys, and it was an address that will not be quickly
forgotten by those present. At the conclusion of the Service,
the Valedictorians filed out into the Quad, to be met by the
rest of the Senior School, lining the way from the Chapel
to the Memorial Hall. On their way to their final assembly,
the Year 12 students were applauded on their last journey
together as students of Melbourne Grammar School.
The Valedictory Ceremony took place on the Thursday
evening. Our guest speaker was the Honourable Linda
Dessau AM. She reflected on the importance of diversity in
life, not just in the people with whom you surround yourself,
but also in all in which you choose to invest your energies.
Finally, the week concluded with the Valedictory Dinner
at the MCG on Friday night, a most enjoyable evening
marked by some of the finest and most moving oratory
from students I have heard. It was an extraordinary week
of celebration and of reflection. I would like to thank all who
made it thus, but particularly the 2014 Valedictorians.
Nick Evans Deputy Headmaster / Head of Senior School
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News
A double shot of happiness
For the initiated, Laser Beak Man may seem an unusual
superhero. To his fans, however, he is a master of the pun,
a champion of the alternate viewpoint and a wry alternative
to his brawny peers. His creator is Tim Sharp, a young man
who hasn’t let autism prevent him building a career as a
professional artist. Tim and his mother, Judy, were the
guests at last month’s Community Speaker Series event.
Theirs was an inspiring story of love and art. At age three,
Tim was diagnosed with autism and Judy was advised to
“put him away and forget about him.” Undeterred, she
persisted with trying to communicate with her son. In a
break-through moment, she found that drawing enabled a
real connection between them.
Judy shared a very intimate account of their lives so far – of
the challenges of those early years, of the strong bond she
shares with her son, and of the moments of triumph they
have enjoyed together. At age eleven, Tim created Laser
Beak Man, the star of much of his art. Now twenty-six
years old, Tim completed high school and has become an
internationally acclaimed artist.
He is the first person in the world with autism to have his
art turned into an animated television series, which has
screened on the ABC and internationally. In 2012, a film
about Tim was shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
New York. His art is sold to collectors from around the world,
including Australian actor and arts patron Cate Blanchett.
An appreciative audience heard Judy describe her elation at
the standing ovation she and Tim received at the conclusion
of their 2014 TEDx talk, in front of a capacity crowd at the
Sydney Opera House.
During his visit to the School, Tim also spent time with
Wadhurst Art classes, introducing them to his art and
inspirations.
It was a privilege to hear Tim and Judy share their
extraordinary story.
Joel Baden breaks APS high jump record
This year’s APS Combined Athletic Sports yielded some
extraordinary feats. But there was one in particular that had
the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Open High Jump event drew together a strong pool
of athletes. At 1.95 metres, Melbourne Grammar School’s
Joel Baden (Year 12) took first place. At 2.13 metres, he
broke the existing APS record – but still the bar rose higher.
Joel’s final jump was an incredible 2.29 metres, smashing
the existing APS record by 16 centimetres and winning
the event by 34 centimetres. It is the best performance
for a high jumper under twenty years old this year, at just
7 centimetres off the Australian record and 16 centimetres
off the world record. If Joel had competed at the Olympic
Games in London in 2012, a jump like this would have
earned him a bronze medal.
Originally from Drysdale on the Bellarine Peninsula, Joel is
a boarder in Perry House. Earlier this year, he competed at
the IAAF World Junior Athletics Championships in Eugene,
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Joel Baden with coach Sandro Bisetto
Oregon, in the United States. He performed strongly at the
event, finishing in the top eight in high jump, which positions
him well for next year’s world championships.
Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize
The beauty of everyday life is the focus of the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize, a national competition
celebrating contemporary Australian photography. This year, four Year 8 students were selected as finalists in this
prestigious competition.
The shortlisted entries reflect diverse perspectives on the
inner-urban milieu. Dean Kloufetos captured the artistry of
retro-style signage on the ubiquitous corner store, while
Edward Royle documented the moody atmosphere of
transport hubs at night. Tom Latham’s piece is a dreamy
vision of life under water, while Simon Savage created
sinuous reflections of an iconic Melbourne streetscape.
“There were thousands of entries, and the standard is
improving year by year,” says Mr Adam Cawood, Head of
Visual Arts at Wadhurst. “There are a thousand stories in the
boys’ photographs and great memories to share with family
and friends.”
The winning photographs become part of the Moran Arts
Foundation Collection. An exhibition incorporating the Doug
Moran National Portrait Prize and the Moran Contemporary
Photographic Prize is now open at Juniper Hall in
Paddington, New South Wales.
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News
The MGS Oxonian Club
In early July, I had a chance to visit three Old Melburnians
from 2011 who recently finished their second year at Oxford
University. They are Ed Penington at University College,
studying PPE; Fergus Peace at Magdalen College, also
studying PPE; and Charlie Vaughan at St John’s College,
studying Law. (It is worth noting that, from the same year,
Walter Myer gained entrance into Pembroke College at
Cambridge University.) My first stop was with Charlie,
currently Vice President of the Oxford Union, who provided
a tour of St John’s College, including the marvellous library
pictured below. Thereafter, I had lunch with Fergus and Ed,
joined by their peer Cameron Venus, who is enrolled in a
course in Science at the University of Melbourne.
Those of us who had an opportunity to teach or know these
young men fondly recall their contribution to our classes and
our school. They embodied a scholarship and commitment to
excellence that was genuine, resourceful and passionate.
Stephen Dessants Head of English
Ed Penington (OM 2011), Mr Stephen
Dessants & Fergus Peace (OM 2011)
Walter Myer (OM 2011) in his Pembroke College First VIII blazer
Charlie Vaughan (OM 2011) & Mr Dessants
at St John’s College, Oxford
Charlie gives a tour of the College
House Cross-Country
The Boarding Houses again delivered strong results in this
year’s House Cross-Country. While Perry House’s Jake van
Stekelenburg (Year 12) achieved the fastest time, completing
the race in 11.56, it was School House who secured the
overall title – for the twelfth year in a row.
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In the Year 11 race, Tom Cameron secured first place with
an impressive 13.18, while Seve de Campo won the Year
10 competition in 13.10. In the Year 9 race, Wez Lovegrove
took first place in 13.19. Each year, the Cross-Country is a
fantastic display of House spirit. Congratulations to the 622
boys who took part.
Vickie Wheelahan
At the start of this year, Year 6 teacher Mrs Vickie Wheelahan took on a new role as Head of Upper Primary at Grimwade
House. As she nears the end of her first year in the role, she shares some thoughts from her time as a teacher.
“I have often wondered if one’s vocational choice has a
genetic component. My first memory of wanting to be a
teacher is of having my dolls and teddies lined up on my bed
and playing school with them. My great-grandmother was
also a teacher in the early 1900s – I still have the bell she
used to ring at the end of play time,” Vickie says.
This family connection proved pivotal in Vickie’s future as an
educator. It was her father, she recalls, who encouraged her
to finish her schooling and pursue a career as a teacher.
Vickie’s first teaching job took her to rural Victoria, where
she experienced the benefits of coeducation in junior school.
“I quickly learnt the importance of having a sense of humour
and providing a nurturing environment for all students. I saw
first-hand the value of coeducational environment for young
people, developing their sense of self and identity. A genderrich environment allows for diverse opinions and viewpoints
to be expressed in classes, which is important in creating a
good learning and social environment.”
Subsequent roles saw Vickie teaching at Maryvale High in
Morwell and Knoxfield College (now The Knox School) in
Wantirna. These roles offered a wealth of experience that
was put to good use in Vickie’s next and most important
role – as mother to two boys. Now aged twenty and
twenty-two, Vickie’s eldest son is heading to the University
of Queensland next year to study Medicine, while her
younger son is hoping to study Veterinary Science when
he completes his Science degree at the University of
Melbourne.
“My early teaching roles gave me greater insight into how
important the role of the teacher is in nurturing self-belief in
pupils and providing a safe environment for students to take
risks with their learning,” Vickie says.
After thirteen years at Carrum Primary School, Vickie
joined Grimwade House in 2013 as a Year 3 Teacher. At
the start of this year, she stepped into the role of Head
of Upper Primary, a role she is finding both challenging
and stimulating. “My first year at Grimwade House was
an amazing experience, with so many high-calibre staff,
supportive parents and motivated students. I couldn’t
believe how lucky I was,” Vickie says. “The calibre of work
produced and the effort put into class and homework has
been outstanding and demonstrates a culture of academic
rigour amongst staff and students alike. My aim is to
continue fostering this culture.”
One source of pride is seeing boys and girls develop their
leadership skills as they grow from being children into
young adults. “Whether students begin in Prep or join at
a later date, the leadership model at Grimwade House
provides opportunities to gain life-long skills and learn to lead
comfortably with members of both genders.”
Of course, it’s not all about School. After hours, Vickie enjoys
spending time with her family, getting away to her holiday
house at Inverloch, and putting her teaching skills to use
with a very different sort of pupil – her six-month-old border
collie puppy.
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Grimwade House
Unveiling the Echidna
Leadership Conference
Dean Bowen, our artist-in-residence for 2013, was a
wonderful role model for Grimwade House students. His
modest, unassuming nature belies the extraordinary breadth
of his practice, the wide range of his skills, and his national
and international reputation. The whimsical sense of humour
and optimism apparent in much of his work reflects his view
of the world as essentially a good place. He quickly showed
an ability to quietly engage with both students and staff.
The initial idea for Dean’s residency was linked with the
curriculum focus on Inquiry Learning and the process of
following a big idea to develop a deeper understanding. With
Dean as their guide, students considered what an artist does,
how they spend their days, how they earn enough money to
survive, how they make people aware of their work, what is
involved in setting up an exhibition and, by default, what our
beautiful blue planet would be like without artists.
Year 5 students took part in teamwork activities as part of the
Leadership Conference
“It is a mistake to think that leadership is owned by the
most easily seen individuals – leadership is a function of
the group, a play of social relations, rather than a quality
of individuals.” This quote from Michael Harvey, Associate
Professor in the Department of Business Management
at Washington College, set the scene for this year’s Year
5 Leadership Conference. Each year, as Year 5 students
prepare for their important roles as the leaders of Grimwade
House, they participate in an interactive two-day leadership
course focusing on what leadership means, the qualities of
good leaders and the influence that leadership has on today’s
society.
Maureen O’Keefe-Anders, Jan McLellan Rizzo, Dean Bowen &
Georgina Porter at the unveiling of the Echidna
During the second part of his residency, Dean mentored
us, in preparation for the Grimwade House Art Show called
Journey. After the exhibition, we were overwhelmed and
very excited to find that Friends of Grammar Grimwade,
led by 2013 President Maureen O’Keefe-Anders and her
Committee, were so impressed by Dean Bowen and his
engagement with the students that they raised funds for
the acquisition of one of Dean’s sculptures. They chose
an echidna after realising how endearingly the students
responded to echidnas in Dean’s artwork.
The marvellous bronze echidna now sits near the entrance
to Harleston, looking towards the school buildings and
being greeted by students each morning. We are extremely
grateful to the FOGG Committee and, especially, Mrs
O’Keefe-Anders and 2014 President Georgina Porter for their
commitment to the installation of this beautiful artwork in
the grounds of Grimwade House, to be enjoyed by current
and future generations of families.
Jan McLellan Rizzo Head of Visual Arts, Grimwade House
14
Once again, students were fortunate to hear from an array
of distinguished leaders from all walks of life. During the
first day, the School welcomed Karina Okotel from Glen Eira
Council. She spoke about the importance of leadership in the
context of local council and its role in balancing the opinions
and needs of diverse constituents. Abraham Nouk, Creative
Rebellion Youth, a spoken-word poet and hip-hop enthusiast,
explored issues of freedom of speech and the importance of
literacy. Paralympian Ahmed Kelly spoke to students about
overcoming physical disability, his childhood in Baghdad and
his experiences swimming for Australia.
Closer to home, School staff led a series of sessions on
key leadership topics. Mr Jack Miers, Grimwade House
Psychologist, explored mindfulness, while Mr Nathan
Jessup, Director of Leadership, led sessions on the ethics of
leadership. Mr Matt Houniet, Coordinator of Leadership and
Service Learning at Wadhurst, was joined by a group of Year
8 students who worked with the Year 5 boys and girls to
understand team dynamics.
The Year 5 group can be commended on their insightful
comments, considered responses and enthusiastic
engagement with these sometimes complex topics.
Preparing for the next step
As the year draws to a close for our current Year 6 students, we asked them to reflect on their favourite memories from
their time at Grimwade House.
Being at Grimwade House as a student will transform you
– gradually, over many years, you will change. I think I have
finally found a way to describe the growth of students in
this School. You begin here as an oyster – not because they
are a slimy sea creature, but because they are essentially
an unfilled shell; an unignited fire. Slowly, an oyster grows a
pearl, but what students gain is much more important: it’s an
eager mind, ready to learn. Tom Mackay
I have enjoyed all of the opportunities that Grimwade House
has to offer. Personally, I have been in an array of roles,
from House Captain to my involvement in choirs, musical
instruments, APS and the School musical. It has something
for everyone and offered me the opportunity to be involved
in something I wouldn’t normally choose.
Tom Bartlett
I moved to Australia this year and I settled in quickly at
Grimwade House. Nothing new – I had already done the
same thing in three other countries. But I soon realised
that Grimwade had lots to offer. I felt that our whole
class was one big family, all very close to each other. The
different camps we have been to taught us something
new. The teachers are all wonderful at helping everyone
grow academically, physically and personally. There are
many different subjects including the regular English and
Mathematics, but there are also specialists like Chinese and
Music. For secondary school, I am going to Lauriston, my
first pick. I can’t wait for next year but I wish I didn’t have to
leave Melbourne Grammar School. Grace Chan
I have enjoyed my fulfilling time at Grimwade tremendously.
Over my two years here, I have made many new and kind
friends. My teachers have also enriched me with new
knowledge. Overall, my favourite subjects were Chinese and
Enrichment. Since I needed a challenge in my English and
Mathematics, Enrichment provided just the right opportunity
to stretch my growing mind. Even though I have learnt
quite a high standard of Chinese before, in Singapore, I
have always enjoyed this subject. In secondary school, I
am looking forward to the many new friends I am going to
make. Zacch Seah
I have enjoyed a lot at Grimwade, including all the friends
I have made and opportunities we have on offer. My
favourite subject has been PE, as I enjoy playing a variety
of sports. What I will miss a lot about Grimwade will be
all the friends I have made. What I am looking forward to
most about secondary school are all the opportunities and
the friends that I will make. Grimwade has prepared me for
secondary school by giving me mental and social strength.
Chloe Green
This year has been fabulous, enjoying all the opportunities
and things I can do at this School. Two of the things that
I have really enjoyed are English and PE. I’ve found them
both fun and I have learnt a lot in each subject. In Year 7,
I’m looking forward to new classes, new people and making
new friends. Nicole Anders
Over the past seven years, I have had many different
experiences. It was great fun and I have come a long way in
my friendships, creativity and academics. My favourite was
Mathematics in Junior Primary, Science in Middle Primary
and now, in Upper Primary, I like using my creativity in Art.
My long-standing favourite is Library because I have always
loved to read. I can’t wait to go to Wadhurst and Senior
School and the opportunities I will have there. I will miss all
my teachers and friends that have led to the person I am
today. Jonathan Lew
I have enjoyed everything I have done at Grimwade – my
friends, my teachers, my classes, everything. My favourite
subjects have been Art and Science, because I like doing
hands-on activities and both of these subjects allow for this.
I am looking forward to everything that I am going to do at
Melbourne Girls Grammar School, including making new
friends. I believe I have learnt everything I need to know for
secondary school here at Grimwade, and I will miss it when I
leave. Holly Mollard
15
Wadhurst
A new approach to geometry
Wadhurst’s budding engineers have been busily trialling
new models for iconic bridges. Under the guidance of Ms
Kris Faithfull, Mathematics Coordinator, students have been
applying their knowledge of geometry in the design and
construction of some impressive structures.
In the first part of the assignment, students applied
geometric elements to the construction of paper planes.
Once they had tested each craft’s suitability for flight,
students set about analysing the effectiveness of the
geometric elements used.
In the second stage, students researched bridge-building
techniques and then set about designing their own using
basic geometric principles. At their disposal was a range of
materials, from cardboard and paddle-pop sticks to Lego,
matchsticks and even uncooked spaghetti. Unconventional,
yes, but apparently effective!
“We are encouraging students to make connections
between what is happening in the classroom and how the
maths is applied in life-like situations,” says Ms Faithfull.
“Studies show that students who have an authentic
engagement with a task are more likely to have a greater
understanding of the concepts being taught.”
16
Festival of Theatre
Gods from ancient times, benevolent sea creatures,
blustery centurions, and spirited young women subverting
seventeenth-century gender politics – the Festival of Theatre
at Wadhurst drew together a disparate but spirited cast of
characters in four one-act plays.
The selected plays reflected the four languages taught at
Years 7 and 8 – Latin, Chinese, Japanese and French. If
the idea of four individual plays doesn’t sound challenging
enough, there was an extra layer – each play was performed
on a different stage, dotted around the Wadhurst campus.
The performance began in the amphitheatre, under the
watchful eye of an elevated Cupid and Bacchae, with
Plautus’s The Braggart Solider, a witty short play rich in
wordplay and deception. Next, the audience moved to the
Wadhurst deck, for The Dragon and the Pearl, an ancient
Chinese tale in which our hero, Tchang, embarks on a quest
to save his village from famine. A swift swivel at the end
of this play brought audiences to the next performance,
Urashima Taro. This strange and mystical legend tells of a
fisherman who, as a reward for rescuing a turtle, is granted
a trip to an undersea kingdom, the home of the sea goddess
Benten. The final destination was the Wadhurst Hall, for
Molière’s The School for Husbands, a whimsical character
comedy set in pre-Enlightenment Paris.
The boys acquitted themselves brilliantly, delivering their
lines with character and meaning. These were by no means
easy scripts, either – they are infused with social mores
of different eras, delivered in rich and sometimes complex
language. In total, fifty-six students performed on stage,
showing outstanding teamwork.
The technical crew are also deserving of praise. Twentyfour students worked behind the scenes to make each
play a success. Their precision and commitment ensured
each show unfolded smoothly to an appreciative audience.
As Director of the four plays, Ms Fiona Mackenzie, Head
of Drama at Wadhurst, created something very special,
preparing an ambitious programme that showcased the
talents of many Wadhurst students. A special mention
should also be made of the beautifully painted sets, courtesy
of Ms Mackenzie’s daughter Sorcha, who acted as Artistic
Director.
Congratulations to all students and staff who were involved
in this challenging but rewarding production.
17
Senior School
Australian history
Home-grown cinema
Too often we overlook the history that’s closest to home. For
Ms Adrea Fox’s VCE Australian History class, our nation’s
history is a source of endless fascination. With this in
mind, the class was excited to welcome eminent historian
Professor Richard Broome earlier this year.
If the buzz of amateur film reviews taking place at interval
was any indication, this year’s Seventh Annual Media
Screening Night had produced some true cinematic gems.
The screening in the
Higgins Theatrette
drew a near-capacity
crowd, and the diversity
of the films on show
had the appreciative
audience enthralled.
The first half comprised
edgy experimental
films, light and sound
displays, suspense and
documentaries, concluding
with Will Paine’s Fellick
the winner of the People’s
Choice Award.
Professor Broome spoke to the class in detail on the
settlement of the Port Philip District and the Colony of
Victoria, the impact of the Gold Rush on the European
settlers, as well as the impact of these settlers on the
local Aboriginal people. However, whilst Professor Broome
provided immense insight into these particular aspects of
the VCE course and helped greatly with exam revision, one
of his most profound statements arose when discussing the
study of Australian History in general.
He questioned: “If we don’t study Australian History,
then who’s it left to?” He explained his belief that having
knowledge of the land around us, and the origins of that
land, has the ability to prepare us to face the future. In this
sense, he believes that we can best move forward when we
are armed with knowledge from the successes and, possibly
more importantly, the mistakes of the past.
Professor Broome lectures at La Trobe University and is the
author of numerous books such as Aboriginal Australians:
A History Since 1788. He is also the author of The Colonial
Experience, a textbook utilised by the Australian History
class. His visit was incredibly insightful for all involved and
has most definitely inspired us all with our studies.
Alex Ekkel’s enchanting and esoteric piece opened the
second half, followed by some more serious explorations of
cybercrime, the Melbourne Opera and an asylum seeker rap
artist. Pat Shields’s Black and White Paint (which took third
place in the voting) brought the crowd to silence, while Ed
Langdon’s poetic Blue Canvas painted an idyllic picture of a
surfer’s day. Great Grass by Hugh Goddard (which secured
second place) charmed the audience with a heart-warming
documentary about Hugh’s grandfather’s lawn bowls club.
Christopher Girardi Year 11
Will Paine (Year 12) starred in & directed the winning short film,
Fellick
Writing a script, storyboarding, directing, shooting, editing,
producing, acting, and parent- and peer-wrangling are all
in a day’s work for Media students. In total, twenty-one of
the thirty-two Year 12 Media students made films this year.
Once again, I was amazed by the vastness of our boys’ gaze
at life – the intimacy, intricacy and adventure.
An online catalogue of Media productions is now available on Vimeo.
Go to vimeo.com/album/3117350
Ms Jess Rottura Head of Media
18
VCE Art and Exhibition
A sophisticated collection of paintings, photography,
drawings and sculpture were on show as part of this year’s
VCE Exhibition at the Motorworks Gallery. Presenting the
outstanding work of students studying VCE Art, Studio
Arts, Visual Communication Design, Media and Design
Technology, the exhibition ably demonstrated the ingenuity
of our current students across a range of creative pursuits.
We are also pleased to announce Woodrow Shmith (Year 11)
as the recipient of the inaugural Will Ballantyne Scholarship
for Visual Arts. The Scholarship is awarded to a student
demonstrating outstanding talent, accomplishment, promise
in Visual Arts and a desire to pursue a career in a related
field. “Art is more than a material thing; it sends a message
and it is meaningful because of the way you can interpret
what you are looking at,” says Woodrow. “The influence of
politics, religion, climate change and globalisation are all very
topical at the moment, and artists have the power to really
make a difference.”
The Scholarship has been made possible thanks to the
philanthropic generosity of current parents Samantha and
Andrew Ballantyne who created this scholarship in honour of
their son, Will (OM 2010), who passed away in an accident
whilst overseas in 2013.
We congratulate Woodrow on this achievement and look
forward to seeing his creative output in next year’s VCE
Exhibition.
19
Creative Thinking
Creativity in the classroom
While we might usually associate creative thinking with art, writing and the humanities, this important skill has a role to
play across the curriculum. We talked to three teachers in varied disciplines about the role of creativity in their classrooms.
Mark Coleman in a Wadhurst Science class
Ms Rebecca Hickman
Mr Mark Coleman
Mr Sam Greenland
Languages have traditionally been taught
in a very structured, rote manner, but I
think there are many opportunities to be
creative with language learning, to think
about the natural links between language
and culture. One of the first things I
do is consider what else is happening
in the School. I’ll look at what Inquiry
Units the students are undertaking in
their other classes. This approach allows
students to engage more closely, using
what they’ve learnt in Chinese in their
other classes, and vice versa. When I’m
considering creative projects, I always
think about the end goal. Students
benefit enormously from creating
something that shows what they can
achieve. For example, they might start
off with a very limited understanding
– just a few words – but this quickly
builds into sentences and then they can
build it into a short book. At the end of
it, they have something tangible that
demonstrates what they’ve learnt in a
creative way. I’ve always found it easy
to link in the language and culture. One
way we do this is Chinese calligraphy –
it brings an important historical aspect
that is closely linked to the language.
You’re actively learning the language as
you learn about the culture.
In Science, I encourage the boys to
realise that it’s not about remembering
what we know; Science is about
pursuing the unknown. Perceiving it as
a fixed box of knowledge, well, that’s
not really Science, that’s Google. You’ve
got to be imaginative, to come with
new ideas about how things might
work. My Year 7 classes are currently
working on a creative project. In the
first stage, they are given a context
– for example, a silty deep-sea area
off the Philippines – and they draw an
organism that might live in that area. In
the next stage, they make a model that
matches their drawing, before preparing
a short report about their fictional
organism. These reports are shared
across the classes, and students then
construct a food web, working out what
their organism might eat and be eaten
by. It’s all creative; they just need to
understand how energy travels through
a web and how an organism’s particular
adaptations affect its behaviours. This
exercise touches on a range of skills
that make a good junior scientist –
being able to draw, being able to make
things with your hands, being able
to talk to people, and being able to
discipline yourself to do it on your own.
The process of thinking is what’s
really important in Maths, and there
is certainly a creative aspect that
underpins these skills. In part, we’re
trying to teach students an analytical
approach, to help them recognise that
they have a range of tools at their
disposal and they can choose the best
one for any particular problem. Our Year
9 students did a unit on problem-solving
this year, which is geared toward
explaining to students that there isn’t
a single right way of approaching a
problem and, in particular, that whatever
tools you choose, you need to show
evidence of clear thinking. It’s about
encouraging students to make visible
in their working whatever creative
thinking they may do. Across the class,
a number of different approaches are
taken – for example, students who are
quite visual and draw up tables and
diagrams. Later on, we’ll do a lot of
real-world financial applications, looking
at credit card repayments and which
ones will enable you to pay the least
interest. In trigonometry, we’ll look at
bearings, map-reading and architecture.
In essence, we’re trying to teach
students some basic techniques that
have a wide range of applications.
Head of Chinese at Grimwade House
20
Head of Science and Coordinator of
Teaching and Learning at Wadhurst
Teacher of Maths at Senior School
Outdoor Education
Beyond the Gates
Throughout November, intrepid Year 10 students have been braving the wilds of Victoria and southern New South Wales
as part of Beyond the Gates. Now in its third year, Beyond the Gates is a twenty-one-day outdoor education experience
that sees small groups of students cycling, rafting and hiking from the Bluestone to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko. It is
no easy feat, testing students’ resolve, encouraging them to work together as teams, and developing their confidence and
independence. This selection of photos provides a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable experience.
21
The Old Melburnians Council
Nigel Thompson
Forging a path ahead
As another year draws to a close, it has certainly been
a busy one for The Old Melburnians Society. This year,
we have focused on engaging with Old Melburnians
through a range of events and activities at the School. We
have renewed our emphasis on social media as a way
of communicating with our alumni. We have focused on
strengthening our financial future, in order to better assist
our affiliated and non-affiliated clubs and stakeholders, to
continue offering Old Melburnian life membership and The
Old Melburnians Fellowship. We have ensured that we
continue to make a valuable contribution to our members
and to the School.
In September, we were pleased to have the opportunity to
address the School Council and outline OM activities and the
ways in which we can work more closely together. I’m sure
that this initiative, together with a number of other outcomes
from our discussions with the Council, will have long-term
benefits for all our stakeholders.
In November, I attended the Year 12 Valedictory Ceremony
and the Valedictory Dinner the following evening. Both were
wonderful celebrations, recognising the achievements of
the Year 12 boys, together with staff and parents. I was
particularly moved by the awarding of prizes and certificates
to an outstanding cohort of fine young men. During an
impressive address by the School Captain, Ed Vickers-Willis,
I could not help but think about the challenges that lie ahead
for these boys.
The accolades the students received are evidence of their
accomplishments to date; yet it is their efforts in the future
that will do so much to define their careers and personal
lives. From now on their lives will be characterised by
their words and actions. Many will take things in their
stride; some will falter from time to time. Many will lead,
and other will follow. Whatever path they choose, their
ongoing development will no doubt be underpinned by their
experiences at this School. Such an education is impossible
to value; however, as I look back forty-five years, I can say
unequivocally that my education at Melbourne Grammar
School was the most valuable experience of my life.
The Class of 2014 is now faced by numerous possibilities for
work and study. Career development is something that many
of us take for granted. Few of us plan our careers, and even
fewer review their progress in a structured way. Planning –
including critical and creative thinking about the future – can
be incredibly rewarding and can help to determine what
lies ahead. Evaluation of our personal and career paths and
planning our “personal branding” propositions will become
even more important as this century progresses.
I take this opportunity to wish the Class of 2014 well in their
endeavours and to welcome them to The Old Melburnians
Society. I hope they are aware that we are here for them, to
assist, support, mentor and coach them on their journey.
As I step down from my role as President of The Old
Melburnians, I would like to thank the members of The Old
Melburnians Council and the Executive for their contributions
and support; Andrew Brookes (OM 1974), Vice President
(and new President of The Old Melburnians), for his tireless
work; Roy Kelley, our Headmaster, and Emeritus Professor
Richard Larkins (OM 1960), Chairman of School Council,
for their sage advice throughout the year; and Judith Mein,
Stewart Brook and Peter Day from The Lodge for their huge
contributions.
I wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and a happy New
Year.
Nigel Thompson President
22
The Old Melburnians
Michael Read (OM 1999)
To the layperson, it sounds a somewhat daunting task – piloting a three-hundred-seat jet airliner while it refuels fighter
aircrafts in mid-air. But it’s all in a day’s work for Michael Read (OM 1999), a Captain on the KC-30A (a modified Airbus
A330), in the Royal Australian Air Force.
After graduating from Melbourne Grammar School in
1999, Michael embarked upon a degree in Engineering and
Technology at Monash University, before deciding to pursue
his lifelong passion: “I have wanted to be a pilot since I was
four years old.” He commenced his pilot training in 2002.
Michael’s work in the Air Force has taken him all around
Australia. “I completed my officer training in Melbourne, my
pilot’s course in Tamworth and Perth, then up to Newcastle,
on to Brisbane and then Townsville. Sometimes, it feels like
there isn’t anywhere in Australia that I’m not familiar with!”
In his current role, Michael works alongside two other Old
Melburnians. “Chet Takalkar (OM 1991) is my immediate
boss – he is the Executive Officer and he’s also a Captain on
the KC-30A. He flew the P-3 Orion and then did a test pilots’
course. I’ve also worked with another Old Melburnian, Taffie
Smith (OM 1994), who was a couple of years ahead of me at
School. He is the Executive Officer of the No. 75 Squadron
in Tindal, flying the Hornet.”
Michael joined Wadhurst in 1994. “I probably needed a little
bit of taming at that point. The School certainly straightened
me right out!” As he entered Senior School, he discovered
a love of academia and grew to appreciate the dedication
of his teachers, something that he still recognises to this
day. “It was really brought home to me in Year 11, when I
was studying Maths Methods 3/4. My teacher, Dr Marcus
Richards, gave up so many lunchtimes to help me study
when I was struggling with concepts. It really reiterated how
lucky I was to be at a school that was so supportive – it gave
me a sense of responsibility, to make the most of the good
start that I had had.”
He also speaks fondly of his involvement in Outdoor
Education under the guidance of Mr David Learmonth. “He
made a real impact on me. I look back at those experiences,
and what I took away from it was the ability to think
clearly in potentially fearful situations and gaining a good
understanding of risk appreciation. Those skills certainly
stood me in good stead for flying military aircraft,” he says.
“I’ve been flying now for thirteen years and, in that time,
there have only been a few days where it has actually
felt like work. It’s just as much fun now as it was when I
started. The thing I find most satisfying is the responsibility
to be in charge of an incredibly valuable asset and to deliver
outcomes for the Australian Government.”
This month, Michael sets off on a new mission. “I’m about
to be deployed to the Middle East as part of an Air Task
Group supporting operations in Iraq. When I return from that,
I will have completed my flying tour as a Captain on this
aircraft, so I’m assessing my next career step.”
While Michael’s professional responsibilities no doubt keep
him busy, his home life receives plenty of attention too. He
and his wife, Elisa, welcomed their first child, a son named
Pax, eighteen months ago, and their second arrival is due in
April. He spends the rest of his spare time surfing, sailing,
kayaking and waterskiing.
Michael recently volunteered his services for The Old
Melburnians Fellowship Programme. “I’ve loved my time
in the Air Force, and I’d love to be able to pay it forward to
other young enthusiastic men,” he says. “I feel so lucky to
have enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve had – delivering aid
in Papua New Guinea, training in air combat manoeuvres
or flying three hundred people across the Pacific. So few
people get exposed to all of that; I feel like the luckiest
person in the world.”
23
Community News
Weddings
Congratulations
The Grammar community is
pleased to congratulate the
following couples who recently
celebrated their marriages in
the Chapel of St Peter:
2 August
Richard Tinker & Claire Bromby
23 August
Henry Edward Scott & Jade Renee
Harris
Richard Gardner (OM
1945) writes that the
seventieth anniversary of
the Battle of the Surigao
Strait, near Surigao, the
Philippines, took place on
the 25 October 2014. At
this year’s commemoration,
the Australian Ambassador
to the Philippines was
represented by Colonel
Bruce Murray AM, Defence
Attaché. Colonel Murray
played a key role in
negotiations with Philippine
officials leading to an intergovernmental agreement
for the establishment of a
general Australian Second
World War Memorial in
the Philippines to honour
the ninety-two Australian
service personnel who
made the supreme sacrifice.
Among those who were
killed in action at the Battle
of Surigao Strait were Old
Melburnians Ian Debenham
(OM 1942) and Keith Levy
(OM 1941).
Regular readers of this
publication will remember
the report in Grammar
News 112 (December
2013) about the magnificent
statue of Edwin Flack
(OM 1890) given to the
School by Nigel Peck
(OM 1945) and his wife,
Patricia. In recognition of
the Pecks’ generosity,
the School arranged for
the scale maquette of the
statue to be bronzed by
24
sculptor Louis Laumen and
presented to Nigel and
Patricia at a special lunch
during August. Shortly
afterwards, the maquette
was installed in Nigel and
Patricia’s garden. It is a
fitting reminder of their
many contributions to the
School over many years.
Alastair Stewart (OM 1956)
writes that he attended
Melbourne Grammar
School from 1945 until
1956, before commencing
a science degree with the
University of Melbourne.
After completing his
degree, Alastair joined the
Commonwealth Bureau of
Mineral Resources (now
Geoscience Australia) in
early 1962. After three
seasons of geological
mapping in central Australia,
Alastair undertook a PhD
at Yale University in the
United States and graduated
in 1970. He returned to
Australia and rejoined the
Commonwealth Bureau
of Mineral Resources and
worked with them until
November 1999. In June
this year, he published
on the many fascinating,
sometimes dangerous
and occasionally tragic
incidents that happened
during his twenty-nine
field seasons (including
one in Idaho). Published by
Halstead Press, the book
is titled Somersaults in
the Sand: Adventures in
the Geological Mapping of
Australia.
The Commemoration of
the Departure of the WWI
First Convoy 1914 was
held at Port Melbourne
on 19 October 2014. The
event was well attended
despite the threatening
weather. The former
Premier of Victoria, Ted
Baillieu (OM 1970), Chair
of the Victorian Anzac
Centenary Commemoration
Committee, shared his
own connections with
those who left in that first
convoy. By the end October
1914, seventeen troopships
had left Victorian shores
carrying troops, nurses,
technicians, horses supplies
and weaponry. This was
Victoria’s first convoy.
Among the Old Melburnians
who attended the event
was noted military historian
and author Hugh Dolan
(OM 1980), who wrote
an insightful book on air
reconnaissance of the
Gallipoli Peninsula prior
to the landing on 25 April
1915.
What a breakthrough year
for The Old Melburnians
Hockey Club! For the first
time in the club’s eightyfour-year history, it managed
to secure two premiership
flags in the one winter
season. With most of
the club’s sixty members
watching at the State
Hockey Centre, our two
top teams, Vic League 3
and Vic League 3 Reserves,
both battled out nail-biter
wins to claim memorable
Grand Final premierships,
downing St Bede’s in both
games. Newly elected Club
President Nick Hinneberg
(OM 1990), put the finals
success down to a number
of factors: “We had a
busy off-season to recruit
several recent OM leavers
to bolster our younger
talent, as well as an earlier
start to pre-season training.
It proved to be a winning
combination that will
translate to fielding a team
in the higher Vic League 2
competition next year.” For
all hockey inquiries, please
contact Peter Kaleta (OM
1998), Club Secretary, on
0413 363 128 or visit the
School website.
Justin Holt (OM 1984)
was unable to attend his
thirty-year reunion but
was pleased to update us
on what he has been up
to since leaving School.
Justin was commissioned
in the Royal Navy in 1988
and transferred to the
Royal Marines in 1989.
He completed training in
November 1990, joined 40
Commando Royal Marines
as a Rifle Troop Commander
and was subsequently
deployed to Northern Iraq.
He was later deployed
to Northern Ireland on a
maritime counter-terrorist
operation, for which he
was awarded a Queen’s
Commendation for Valuable
Service. He completed an
MA degree in Defence
Studies, before later
deployments took him to
the Balkans, East Timor,
Sierra Leone, Afghanistan
and Iraq. Justin served as
the UK Liaison Officer to
the US State Department
and was joint leader on
the US Interagency COIN
Guide. Returning from the
States, he was assigned
to the Defence Inquest
Unit to clear the backlog of
Coroner’s Inquests following
offensive operations in
Afghanistan in 2009. During
this period, Justin also
completed a part-time MSc
in War and Psychiatry at
King’s College, London,
followed by an MPhil in
International Relations at
Cambridge University. He
moved on to IPP as the
Desk Officer for North
Africa and was deployed
as Chief of Staff, Defence
Advisory & Training Team,
based in Libya. A keen
athlete, Justin trialled for
the University Lightweight
Rowing Club and still
competes competitively for
his college as an Honorary
Fellow. He has three
daughters at school in
Edinburgh and travels home
to Perthshire as often as
possible.
Marcus Moloney (OM
1994) writes that he has
recently signed a book
contract with Palgrave
Macmillan UK to publish a
sociological study of film
and television narratives,
coming out in 2015. The
working title is the Search
for Meaning and Film and
Television.
Patrick Porter (OM 1994)
has been appointed
Professor of International
Strategic Studies at the
University of Exeter in the
United Kingdom. Patrick
finished at School in 1994
and went on to study Arts/
Law at the University
of Melbourne, before
continuing at Magdalen
College in Oxford, where
he completed a DPhil in
Military History.
After a long 44 year wait,
The Old Melburnians have
secured the Sir Arthur
Robinson Cup for the
winners of the Teams Event
at the Past Students Golf
Day at Royal Melbourne
Golf Club recently. In a great
day the OMs won first in
the Schools Team, first in
the Four Ball, first in the
Scratch and Nearest The
Pin. Harvey Tartakover
(OM 1958), Chairman of
OMs Golf, is pictured here
with the Sir Arthur Robinson
Cup which we last won
in 1970. Congratulations
to all, particularly Harvey
Tartakover and Bruce
Cumbrae-Stewart (OM
1972).
Obituaries
The School has learnt of
the following deaths in our
community. We extend our
sympathy and understanding to
their family and friends.
Acton OAM, AP (OM 1931)
Allchin, PC (OM 1937)
Allen, KA (OM 1933)
Armit, MW (OM 1947)
Bardsley, AJ (OM 1950)
Barker, M (OM 1944)
Bennett, LW (OM 1945)
Boreham, AFR (OM 1957)
Bowen Pain AM, P (OM 1953)
Broome, CR (OM 1956)
Brown, AR (OM 1973)
Burder, LJ (OM 1937)
Elliot, KL (Past Staff)
Gahan, PA (OM 1941)
Gough, PS (OM 1949)
Gray, KM (OM 1935)
Guest, B (OM 1934)
Hardy, JR (OM 2011)
Harper, IT (OM 1940)
Healey, RL (Current Parent)
Hewison, JTC (OM 1948)
Hilford, AG (OM 1945)
Hiscock, AG (OM 1954)
James, KR (OM 1948)
Johnson, DEF (OM 1952)
List, BPD (OM 1950)
Kelso, AJP (Past Staff)
Knight, CA (OM 1937)
Macdougall AM, PK (OM 1943)
McMullin, KA (OM 1973)
Nicolades, IA (OM 1943)
Parish, AA (OM 1956)
Ritchie, NA (OM 1941)
Robertson, J (OM 1948)
Rooke, GJC (OM 1951)
Russell, WHC (OM 1945)
Saw, BJ (OM 1947)
Sheen, ITD (OM 1951)
Staughton, RB (OM 1951)
Summerfield, RJ (OM 1956)
Williams, APW (OM 1955)
Williams, PH (OM 1955)
Wriedt, JH (OM 1942)
25
Community Events
1984 Thirty-Year Reunion
1
James Northrup & Marcus Elsum
2
Howard Cole, Jim Allen & Paul Wood
Old Melburnians AGM
6
OMs Council Member Georgie Freeman (OM 2001) with new
member Nick Musgrove (OM 2002)
7
Chris Bradtke (MGS 1991– 2013) receives his Honorary Life
Membership from incoming OM President Andrew Brookes
(OM 1974)
8
Outgoing President Nigel Thompson (OM 1969) congratulates
incoming President Andrew Brookes (OM 1974)
9
Long-serving staff member Peter Dick (MGS 1971– 2013)
receives his Honorary Life Membership from incoming OM
President Andrew Brookes (OM 1974)
Bluestone Luncheon
3
Allan Rose (OM 1948) & Theo Nelson (OM 1953)
4
Author Roland Perry with Ken Christian (OM 1945)
5
Joan Weber, Peter Richards (OM 1951) & Elizabeth Richards
1994 Twenty-Year Reunion
10 Blue shirts were the go for the boarders at the 1994 Reunion
Perth Community Function
11 The Headmaster Roy Kelley & host John Bell (OM 1968)
with OM President Nigel Thompson (OM 1969)
12 The Headmaster Roy Kelley, Jenny & Paul Orchard (OM 1965)
& Julia Allen
12
34
26
56
78
910
1112
27
Past Staff Association
Dinosaurs on the trail
Belonging to the Dinosaurs (the School’s Past Staff
Association) is an excellent way of keeping in touch with
colleagues and friends from Melbourne Grammar School
and, to add to our already elevated status, we now have
stylish new pewter Brontosaurus badges which we can wear
to our meetings. We welcome all retired teaching and nonteaching staff of the three campuses and their partners, so
we are a truly eclectic mix.
The destination for our first meeting this year was The
Briars, an historic homestead dating from 1851 and set
in beautiful countryside on the Mornington Peninsula. It’s
hard to imagine a more unlikely place to find a collection of
Napoleonic memorabilia. But through its association with the
Balcombe family, who befriended Napoleon on St Helena,
and Dame Mabel Brookes, the house contains a fascinating
variety of letters, papers, pictures, prints and assorted
artefacts, even a lock of Napoleon’s hair, associated with
this brilliant but tragic epoch. Dame Mabel was the wife of
Sir Norman Brookes, Old Melburnian and first Australian
Wimbledon champion. We were horrified to hear soon after
our visit that the homestead had been burgled and much of
the collection stolen.
the fifty-foot dining table, made by James McEwan and
Son of Bourke Street in 1876 for the dining room, looked
an ideal setting for our next Annual Luncheon. A stroll past
the old kitchens, the courtyard and the mews and down
to the lakeside cafe in the Botanic Gardens completed an
enlightening outing.
Although not held at Government House after all, our Annual
Luncheon at Leonda was a convivial occasion attended by
ninety members. We were entertained by Willard Zhong
(Year 12) on the violin, who was seconded from School for
the occasion, and enthralled by our speaker, Old Melburnian
Warren Joel, as he recounted his experience in the antiques
trade and unravelled the mysteries of objects old and new
brought by members for his perusal.
No one is more experienced in the outback nor
knowledgeable about its history than Barry Barton, who
gave our winter lecture at The Lodge on the exploration and
socialisation of Central Australia, focusing on Charles Sturt’s
contribution both to actual exploration and to preparing the
way for significant future explorers. After lunch, Barry led
a “Bluestone Tour” around some older parts of the School,
unknown to most people, drawing on his rare knowledge of
life as a House Tutor in old School House in the 1960s. He
amused us with some little-known anecdotes from the era,
such as the boys’ secret smoking hideaways.
However many times you’ve been to the National Gallery
of Victoria, there’s still an abundance of treasures of which
you will be unaware. To this end, Jenny Simpson, one of our
members and a Gallery Guide, and Julia Armour took us on
a tour of the NGV entitled “Well-kept secrets of the National
Gallery”, concentrating on their particular interest in “faces,
features and furbelows”. Our eyes were opened as they
revealed the significance of details in works of art we might
never have noticed and compared seemingly similar works
which contained subtle contrasts. We are much indebted to
our excellent guides for the tour.
The Dinosaurs visit Government House
In contrast to the small homestead, our next destination
was Government House, the largest and most spectacular
mansion in Australia. Completed in 1876 and set in twentyseven acres of manicured gardens, it is the finest example
of Victorian Italianate architecture in the country. Its massive
and highly decorated ballroom would comfortably hold a
tennis court and, while no longer used for balls, is host
to a large number of community functions and award
ceremonies at which the Governor presides. The drawing
room overlooking Fountain Court is a most beautiful venue
for “small” gatherings of fifty to two hundred people, and
Our last meeting for the year was the Spring Picnic at
Lyn and Rob Dernelley’s beautiful property, set in idyllic
countryside near Daylesford. We are very grateful to Lyn for
being our host, although very sadly Rob is no longer with us.
It was a memorable end to an enjoyable year’s activities.
We are very grateful for the continued practical support of
the association given by the Headmaster and Melbourne
Grammar School, and we are greatly indebted to our cheerful
committee and the remarkable work of our secretary,
Kathleen Comery, who ensure the Association and all our
events run like clockwork.
David Woods President
28
Friends of Grammar
Talent, creativity &
enthusiasm
As another year draws to a close, we take a moment to
thank the dedicated Friends of Grammar Committees,
Presidents and Class Representatives who have worked
tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds, run events and
continue supporting the School. Here’s an update on recent
activities at each campus.
Grimwade House
The final term is a time for saying goodbye to old friends
and welcoming some new ones. To welcome new families
commencing at the School in 2015, the FOG Grimwade
team hosted an orientation morning, while they also helped
to farewell the current Year 6 students with a special
Leavers’ Breakfast. Grimwade fathers – aka DOGs (Dads
of Grimwade) – have also been catching up. The annual
DOGs Lunch was held at Encore in St Kilda and was a great
opportunity for a relaxed lunch with old friends.
“Family, in the widest sense, is central to all that FOG
Grimwade does. This year, we have brought parents,
grandparents and children together at morning teas,
concerts, sports days and many other social events to
celebrate all that we love about Grimwade House,” says
Georgina Porter, FOG Grimwade President for 2014. “I
give my thanks to the fabulous FOG Grimwade 2014
Committee. I have been humbled by their talent, creativity
and enthusiasm.”
Wadhurst
Following the Father’s Day Gift Stall and Father–Son Trivia
Night during Term III, Wadhurst dads had a chance to lend
a hand at the final Tuckerbox Lunch for the year (pictured
above). Other recent events have included the Library
Sleepover Dinner, with the FOG Wadhurst team acting as
cooks and servers, the Wadhurst Art and Music Exhibition,
and the annual Athletics Day cake stall and barbecue.
Through their fundraising activities during the year, FOG
Wadhurst is proud to have helped upgrade the audiovisual
equipment in the Wadhurst Hall, provide new equipment for
the Maths and Art classrooms, and fund new cassocks for
the Chapel Choir.
Rachael Keeble, FOG Wadhurst President for 2014, praises
the team and Class Representatives for their commitment.
“It has been my aim to give each person an opportunity
to participate in their own way, to stamp it with their own
individuality, to collaborate, learn and contribute what and
when they can. Each person has given me amazing support
and encouragement through my presidency,” she says.
Senior School
The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall was filled with
laughter at the Boys Big Breakfast Comedy Debate,
organised by FOG Senior School. There were 220 boys
and fathers in attendance, to hear a panel of comedians,
media personalities and School students debate the relative
challenges of being a father and a son. The debate was
chaired by comedian Brian Nankervis.
The same week held the much-anticipated Springtime Ball,
which saw over five hundred guests gather at the Plaza
Ballroom under the Princess Theatre for an evening of good
company, great music and much fun. With the support of
generous sponsors and community members, the event
raised just under $45,000.
“My close involvement with the School this year has
reinforced tenfold what a wonderful School and community
we belong to. My sincere thanks to my fellow FOG colleagues
across all campuses, Class Representatives and staff at the
School, in particular, The Lodge and the Property and Catering
Departments – your support has been invaluable,” says Anna
Cave, FOG Senior School President for 2014.
29
From the Archives
The Luxtons
The Luxton Dining Hall is a focal point for both staff and boarding students each and every day. The Hall, aside from the
daily provision of meals to boarders and staff, hosts myriad events, including reunions, House dinners and special events.
The Luxton Dining Hall was dedicated by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Sir Frank Woods, on 22 September 1978 and was
officially opened by Lewis Luxton (OM 1929) in recognition of the outstanding contribution made to Melbourne Grammar
School by the Luxton family, after whom the Hall was later named.
Thomas James Luxton (OM 1903)
Tom Luxton was a long-serving member of the Melbourne
Grammar School Council and was President of The
Old Melburnians Council in 1938. He was a prominent
businessman and a Director of the hardware business
James McEwan and Company, along with his brother Harold
(OM 1906). He was also a grazier at Balnarring.
Sir Harold Luxton (OM 1906)
Sir Harold Luxton was an influential businessman and Lord
Mayor of Melbourne. In the First World War, he served in
France as a Lieutenant in the Artillery. He then transferred
to the Royal Flying Corps and flew on reconnaissance
and bombing missions. In 1917, his plane was shot down
and he suffered serious injuries. After the war Luxton
was elected to the Melbourne City Council where, at age
forty, he became Melbourne’s youngest Lord Mayor. He
later received a knighthood for his contribution. Harold,
like his brother Tom before him, was President of The Old
Melburnians Council in 1930.
Lewis Luxton CBE (OM 1929)
Lewis Luxton was the son of Sir Harold Luxton (OM 1906)
and he made a significant contribution to the Olympic
movement through his organisation of Melbourne’s 1956
Olympic Games. At the University of Cambridge, Luxton
excelled in rowing and swimming. In 1932, he was stroke
of the Cambridge VIII which rowed to victory against the
University of Oxford. In 1932, he was selected to row
for Great Britain at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. He
graduated from Cambridge the following year, having
read Economics and Law. During the Second World War,
Lewis served in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and
New Guinea, achieving the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He
was Mentioned in Despatches whilst on active service.
30
Harold Luxton
Lewis Luxton
After the Second World War, Lewis became a member of
the International Olympic Committee. He served on the
Olympic Games Organising Committee from 1951 and
was appointed Deputy Chairman in 1955. He received the
honour Commander of the Order of the British Empire for
his contribution towards the staging of the XVIth Olympiad in
Melbourne.
Thomas Luxton DSO MBE (OM 1930)
Thomas Luxton was also the son of Sir Harold Luxton and
was a highly respected officer in the Australian Army during
the Second World War. He served in the Middle East,
Greece and Crete. With the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, he
served in the 9 Division HQ and was responsible in part for
the simple but meticulously prepared battle plan for the vital
El Alamein campaign in the North Africa theatre of war. For
his actions he was made a Member of the British Empire
and was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. He was
twice Mentioned in Despatches. Thomas Luxton excelled
at rowing and was Captain of Boats in his final year. He
was stroke of the Victorian VIII in 1935 and was a member
of the Mercantile Crew, which won the Victorian State
Championship in 1936. He served on The Old Melburnians
Council from 1931 to 1932.
The School was fortunate to receive the commemorative
oars that belonged to Lewis Luxton from his son, Lewis
Varley Luxton (OM 1959), some years ago. These oars
reflect Lewis Luxton’s rowing career whilst at Cambridge.
These oars were initially on display at the School’s rowing
shed, however, given their significance, they were moved
to the School Archives. Two of the oars have recently been
placed on prominent display in the Luxton Dining Hall.
Around the School
31
Melbourne Grammar School
355 St Kilda Road Melbourne
Victoria 3004 Australia
T +61 3 9865 7555
F +61 3 9865 7577
[email protected]
www.mgs.vic.edu.au
CRICOS No. 00977J
ABN 61 004 453 829

GRAMMAR NEwS - The Good Schools Guide

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