Boomalacka - Issue 125, Winter 2023

Introducing two key projects

Getting active

Taking Applied Learning to the next level

KEY DATES

UPCOMING 2023 SCHOOL DATES

13-15 July - School musical performances - STRICTLY BALLROOM

21 July - Dart Wigan football match

4 August - Hayhoe Woodbridge football match

9 - 15 September - Explorations week

7 November - Open Day

UPCOMING 2023 ALUMNI EVENTS

29 August – Headmaster’s Luncheon, Sydney*

30 August – Headmaster’s Luncheon, Queensland (Buderim)*

9 September – Gala Reunion – 1983 (40), 1993 (30), 2003 (20) and 2013 (10)

4 November – 2018 5 Year Reunion

*Please note - new dates for Headmaster’s Luncheons in Sydney and Queensland

Scan the QR code below to see updated list of Key Dates on our website, and more information about reunions. There are also links to register to attend the above events. We hope to catch up with you at one of these events soon!

Ballarat Grammar acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn, live and work. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Special thanks to Nola and Ross Squire, School Archivists, and Gemma Kelly from the Development Offi ce for all their editorial assistance

Boomalacka readers love stories and news about the Grammar family, past and present. If you have something you’d like to share, please contact communications@bgs.vic.edu.au

PHOTOGRAPHY Steve McDonnell,Teagan Glenane, and Mass Motion

DESIGN Mass Motion

PRINTING Sovereign Press

PRINTED ON Supreme Uncoated Stock

This publication has been printed locally in Ballarat by Sovereign Press Pty Ltd, a Low C02 Member and FSC ® Certifi ed printer. Ballarat Grammar and Sovereign Press are focused on being environmentally conscious for future generations.

COVER: Nora, Year 4, enjoying a climbing challenge in the Junior School Adventure Playground. Activity, outdoor education and exercise are keys to the character development and resilience of our students at Ballarat Grammar.

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Mr Adam Heath

The man had fished the river for many, many years, since his early adulthood, and he was much older now. Unlike others, he retained his old wooden clinker fishing boat, too heavy to push off the sandbar and reliant on the tide to float it. He needed a couple more inches of water but could wait patiently. The boat had its season’s new paint and, after a few days in the water, the old planks had expanded to seal any remaining cracks. Instead of a motor, he carried two oars and rollocks, a woven cane fishing creel and a much more modern fishing rod.

Looking back towards the house he noticed that, unlike his fishing methodology, much had changed. So many of the houses were new, and a bit too flashy in the opinion of this humble sheep and cropping famer. It seemed to him that the nature of the inhabitants of the small seaside village was changing in accord with the housing.

He noticed that the boat was now afloat and he boarded, gently rowing the fifty or so metres to the sandy bank, which seemed to serve almost as a handrail for the whiting and salmon that he was hunting. Anchor down, hooks baited, he fished quietly and contentedly in the autumn sun, knowing that the Easter king tide would likely serve his fishing well.

At the beginning of the year, I spoke to colleagues about the need for our School to become a ‘Light on the Hill’ as we move from focusing on the challenges of the recent past to once again seizing the opportunities that the future holds. Indeed, we are finding already that Ballarat Grammar’s humble style of innovation, combined with an unrelenting focus on holistic education, is being watched closely by others.

In the face of so many forms of uncertainty, be they climate change, economic instability or global conflict, there is an even greater need for our School to become a source of light and hope in our lives and, particularly, the lives of our young people. Our School has long determined that our values will be lived through our every action. This is most obviously manifested in our students’ commitment to service activities. But it should also be shown through our every encounter. Someone said to me recently that it isn’t necessary to see a uniform to know a Ballarat Grammar student and that is just as it should be.

Throughout the last three years we have also seen how our School can be innovative. The youngest students in our care, at 6 months old, will likely face a somewhat different future when they graduate in 2040. For now, it is our responsibility to look over the fiveyear horizon to what young people will need in their future. What is the best possible preparation that we can provide for them?

An inquiring mind and good character, of course, are both essential, developed through the myriad of opportunities taken up by our students. But what must we do to retain our outstanding teachers and attract the best and brightest in the face of a looming teacher shortage? How can we best prepare students to adapt to emerging transformative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, with products such as ChatGPT signalling the beginning of the next digital generation? What can we do to nurture ethical leadership in every one of our students so that we are offering to society the values-driven leaders that our modern world needs?

These are the types of questions that we are working hard to answer as we move through the fourth year of the School’s Strategic Plan, to make our School an educational beacon on the hill. By looking bravely and optimistically to the challenges and unexpected opportunities this postpandemic era holds, we will nurture our School and our rich history and culture, whilst fearlessly exploring the very best educational possibilities that will prepare our students for their exciting future.

“Not unlike my grandfather, I suspect that many of us have longings for times past, seemingly simpler times and eras when life was less complex, particularly after having endured the previous three years. But we have learnt things about ourselves and our School that we otherwise may not have known as clearly.”

OUR OPPORTUNITY TO ‘CHANGE THE GAME’

At Ballarat Grammar, we recognise that personal health and wellbeing are paramount to thriving physically and mentally in and out of the classroom. Activities such as sport and physical education have long been significant components in making strong and confident Ballarat Grammar students, with participation in organised sports and outdoor adventure promoting physical, social, and personal development.

As part of the School’s Strategic Plan, key priorities have been identified that focus on general health and wellbeing:

A Thriving Connected Community

We will develop a health precinct incorporating positive education, health, sport science, physiology and physical education.

Future Focused Learning Pathways

We will develop innovative learning experiences that increase student activation, meaning and academic success.

Holistic Learning

We aim to strengthen outdoor and environmental education programs to optimise their contribution to the School’s holistic learning philosophy.

Social and Environmental Sustainability

We are developing flexible and adaptable indoor and outdoor learning facilities and play spaces that enhance learning and wellbeing.

Students kayaking on Year 7 Camp.

While the recent Capital Works Master Planning process focused on the school precinct, it identified two priorities in the area of health, sport/recreation and personal wellbeing to prepare for future growth and the educational needs of our School community.

A NEW RINTEL SPORTS PRECINCT

A new state-of-the-art Rintel Sports Precinct will be at the heart of our schoolwide commitment to health and wellbeing. It will be a pivotal piece of infrastructure that will substantially improve the varied ways in which our students can be involved in sports, learn the principles of sports science and strength and conditioning, as well as train and perform to a very high standard across a range of disciplines, including basketball, netball, and volleyball.

The Rintel Sports Precinct will provide:

+ An additional two International Standard indoor basketball/netball courts (to expand on the current Rintel Centre) with retractable seating for up to 1,200 spectators

+ Seven flexible teaching and learning spaces for health, sport, and wellbeing subjects

+ State-of-the-art weights, spin lab, conditioning, and cardio facilities

+ A flexible multi-purpose function space for up to 350 people

+ Modern changerooms and facilities

RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE

A new Residential Outdoor Education Centre, located at a recently purchased farm at the edge of the Grampians National Park, will be designed to help students build resilience through physical challenge, healthy risktaking, social learning experiences and opportunities to care for the environment.

The Centre will feature:

+ 560 acres of farmland and bushland

+ 6 eco-independent living cabins and a communal building

+ Solar-powered facilities with battery back-up, water manually pumped to header tanks, and solar hot water to demonstrate sustainable living

+ Activities including multi-day hikes, rock climbing/abseiling, cycle touring, agriculture projects, and community service, such as aged care visits, Parks Victoria projects, and local farm work

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Both projects will be important in:

+ Promoting personal health and wellbeing through being active and demonstrating the value of teamwork through being involved

+ Building students’ resilience through character-building experiences

+ Embedding in our students the importance of physical activity for lifelong physical and mental health, improving self-esteem, teamwork, energy levels, quality of sleep and concentration

+ Growing our students’ understanding of building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of people

+ Developing a deep understanding of the natural world in our students and demonstrating the value of lifelong outdoor recreation for enjoyment, health, and wellbeing

We look forward to working with our extended School community to bring these strategically important and oncein-a-generation projects to life as planning progresses further.

Students rock-climbing on Year 7 Camp.

GETTING ACTIVE

Our students love giving new things a go and some are finding a passion in non-traditional activities on offer at Grammar.

Director of Sport, Dean Rossato, says it’s important to be able to offer a range of opportunities.

“It’s about much more than just the physical benefits. We also see the difference it makes to a student’s happiness and confidence when they are engaged and challenging themselves.”

Dean says there are lots of reasons why a student might find it challenging to join in a sport at school, such as breaking habits formed during COVID lockdowns or not seeing themselves as ‘sporty’, or being new at school and not really knowing the ropes. Sometimes it just requires a little question to a teacher who can help.

Seeing students out and about trying new things and having fun are great parts of Dean's job.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

Some of the competitive and noncompetitive (for social and fitness)

Sports activities available at Grammar are:

+ Athletics

+ Badminton

+ Baseball

+ Basketball

+ Clay target shooting

+ Cricket

+ Cross-country running

Dean looks at it holistically. “It’s about catering for all of our students. While we need to provide our top sportspeople with the vehicle to pursue their passion and to strive and improve in their chosen sport, we also need to provide attractive opportunities for all students to get active or even challenge themselves physically.”

For Dean, the great successes are all the little wins along the way. “There’s so much you can get out of it. It’s a snowball effect: from having the courage to sign up to getting yourself organised to be in the right place at the right time with the right gear on through to learning new skills and gaining confidence. Along the way you inevitably meet new people and have fun.

“I love watching all the Grammar sailing boats out on the Lake with students who, even just five weeks into the sailing program, know how to get the boats out on the water and work together as a crew. Or passing a group of students from all year levels walking and chatting together on their way down to the local Lawn Bowling Club. Or hearing about a student who has joined the local sailing or cycling club after being inspired through their involvement in the sport at the School.”

+ Cycling

+ Equestrian

+ Fitness and weights classes

+ Football

+ Golf

+ Hockey

+ Lawn bowls

+ Mountain biking

+ Netball

+ Racquetball

+ Rowing

+ Sailing

+ Soccer

+ Softball

+ Squash

+ Swimming

+ Table tennis

+ Tennis

+ Volleyball

(Old Grammarians, what do you remember playing/participating in?)

“ We are very fortunate to have the facilities, the equipment and the coaches available to be able to offer both a full suite of traditional Ballarat Associated Schools’ competition sports and a wide range of recreational activities.”

“COVID taught us not to take things for granted and I love hearing stories about students who are making the most of what’s on offer.”

OUR STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES

We asked some of our students why they decided to take up this activity, what they like most about it, what they’ve learned and whether they think they’ll want to continue it outside school.

SAILING

Year 9 student Hamish Lightfoot says one of the biggest things he’s learned from sailing is the importance of teamwork.

Year 8 student Kate Burke was encouraged to try sailing by her older siblings and loved the feel of the boat moving with the wind. “I really enjoyed it when we got out past the rowing shed and we could get some speed… it was almost surreal… sitting on the edge of the boat and leaning out, trailing my hand in the water.”

TRACK CYCLING

Year 7 student Max Tregilles’ love of road cycling led him to try track cycling.

“I’ve learnt that I’m my own power and the more I push myself the better the results I can get. The feeling of being unstoppable when you’re in control is great. I love the atmosphere and how everyone is there just having a go. It’s been great making new friends along the way.”

“ When there are multiple people on a boat lots of things need to happen, so working together makes everything much easier and better. One of the things I like most about sailing is cruising along on a nice day.”

SOCIAL TENNIS

Year 7 student Anton McBride took up social tennis because he thought that it would be a good learning experience.

OUR STAFF MEMBERS’ EXPERIENCES

We asked English and Philosophy teacher Peter Curry to tell us about coaching golf.

What is your background in golf?

If we forget about hacking around some courses in Melbourne many years ago, I took up golf about five years ago and have been remarkably average at it ever since.

What do you enjoy most about playing golf?

Standing on the first tee early on a Saturday morning and thinking this is going to be the one. It’s a short moment.

What do you like most about taking golf at Grammar?

It’s relaxing and enjoyable. There’s time to chat with students and even give a tip or two about how they can improve (or how they can help my game!). Also, introducing students to a game that they can play until they’re a hundred is a worthwhile thing.

Why is it important for students to have options at school?

It’s important in several ways. They get to experience different sports and develop skills and perseverance. And they might just find something they love.

What do the students get out of it?

Golf is a really hard game, especially as a beginner. When a student finally hits a cracking shot, they smile and walk a bit taller. And then this brings them back next week.

“ The thing I like most is being able to learn new skills while having fun and relaxing with friends. I’ve learnt how to do a proper forehand and backhand and have made new friends.”

Tania Warrick (1987), Felicity Hay (1988) and Tom Devine (1968)

FINDING THE RIGHT VCE FIT

THE NEW VCE VOCATIONAL MAJOR

Announcing a new applied learning option in the VCE! The new VCE Vocational Major, which has replaced VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning), will be a much better fit for some students than the standard VCE. It can offer so much more than an ATAR, opening up pathways rather than closing them.

Applied learning students helping and learning while building the Bush Kinder shelters for the Centre for Early Education students.

The emergence of new technologies, globalisation and shifting workforce needs are reshaping the way we live and work. Not only are the skills needed for success in our fast-moving world changing rapidly, there are now also more pathways into careers than ever before.

So, what are the skills our students will need to thrive in the 21st Century? Competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity and digital literacy top the list. Applied learning seeks to develop these skills in our students in a different way through an active process in which learners apply knowledge and skills gained from theory, hands-on experience, and authentic learning opportunities.

Applied Learning Co-ordinator Priscilla Herington says that the new VCE Vocational Major is structured exactly the same as the VCE, with the only major difference being the way in which it is assessed.

“Students who choose an applied learning pathway will now finish Year 12 with a VCE. It offers a different pathway with a strong emphasis on vocational training, and opportunities such as School Based Apprenticeships.”

She says this means more connection to industry and more pathways to different careers.

“It leads not only to TAFE and applied learning pathways post-school but also, importantly, to tertiary options."

“Not every student finds traditional academic learning engaging or appropriate for the way they learn.”

As part of the Applied Learning program at Grammar, in addition to getting their VCE Vocational Major and VET qualifications, students also have the opportunity to learn micro-credential skills such as barista skills, food handling, café management, Responsible Serving of Alcohol and First Aid which they can immediately use in a workplace environment.

The VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses that complement the New VCE Vocational Major are industry-specific and provide a head start, with students entering their post-school years with qualifications and experience in the workplace. Grammar delivers a number of VET courses internally, such as our very successful VET Agriculture course. Students also have access to 30 other VET offerings through the local Highlands LLEN cluster.

“This is good for students who are not interested in going straight on to a tertiary course but may want to enter the workforce in the first instance and pursue further qualifications or learning later.”

Thomas Dowling, Stanley Couwenberg. Alice Young making use of the shelters at Bush Kinder.

Peyton McMillan (Year 12) and Olivia Butler (Year 12) are two of 36 students from across Years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying the new VCE Vocational Major in 2023.

Peyton is studying the new VCE Vocational Major as well as two VET courses and completing a management program.

“I’m currently doing Certificate III in Retail and a trainee management program with McDonald’s every Wednesday. I’m also doing Certificate III Allied Health which I plan to take into studying Paramedicine at tertiary level. I love the flexibility of my current program and the ability I now have to step into the workforce more genuinely. I also really enjoy building my skills in an authentic environment.”

Olivia is studying the new VCE Vocational Major, General Maths 3/4 and VET Agriculture.

“I love how hands-on it is. I love all the activities we get to do and the practical skills we are learning. I really like how relevant the content is. After I leave school I’m looking at getting a job in hospitality using the microcredential skills and qualifications I’ve gained this year. Once I’ve worked for a while I’ll think about further opportunities.”

Old Grammarian Hamish Pulford (2021) studied the VCAL program, achieving a VET Certificate III in Allied Health and VET Certificate II in Community Services before leaving school. Since Year 12, Hamish has gained management experience in hospitality and is hoping to work in the renewable energy sector and study Environmental Sciences at university.

“Taking the Applied Learning pathway and studying VET courses while at school was a great choice for me. I learned tonnes of practical skills. The teachers were a key part of why I liked it – they supported me and pushed me to do what I wanted. I love that you have lots of options when you leave school, maybe even more than other students, because of the hands-on skills you learn.”

GRAMMAR HAS A LONG HISTORY OF APPLIED LEARNING PROGRAMS WHICH COMPLEMENT

OUR ACADEMIC CURRICULUM.

There are many current examples, such as the experiential learning for our Year 9 students at City Cite, the place-based learning program for our Year 4 students at the Stephen & Sue Higgs Centre at the Mount Rowan Farm Campus, and the impressive outdoor education experiences available, from the Bushlings and Bush Kinder programs for our youngest learners in the Centre for Early Education (CEEd) through to the school-wide camp program.

Practical learning programs on offer over the years have featured practical skills considered important for students to thrive and are a reflection of the times. Examples include the needlework classes taught at Queen’s and Mr Dart’s wood cutting with students helping to deliver the wood.

Year 12 students Olivia Butler, James Whitwell and Peyton McMillan making excellent coffee in the School’s Café 201.

Boys and tractor, delivering wood 1960s

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Congratulations to the Class of 2022

Despite all of the COVID-related disruptions during their senior schooling, the Ballarat Grammar cohort of 2022 demonstrated a resolve and commitment to their studies which was beyond their years.

Ballarat Grammar had two students achieve an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) above 99: Ryan Hovey achieved an ATAR of 99.3, and Lola Speer achieved 99.25. Ryan and Lola are also joint Duxes for Ballarat Grammar for 2022.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 11% of students with ATARs of 95 or above

• 20% of students with ATARs of 90 or above

• 45% of students with ATARs of 80 or above

Six students accepted apprenticeships and have started their journey towards rewarding careers.

Jorell Mobbs (Year 12) performed at the VCAA Seasons of Excellence Top Class concert, accompanied by his brother and Old Grammarian, Declan Mobbs (2020). He was the first VCE VET Music Industry (Sound Production) student ever selected for this series and also to be displayed in the VCE Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Adding to this achievement, he completed the subject in Year 11.

Class of 2022

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Congratulations to the Class of 2022

Luke Tan (2022) had his Systems Engineering design, a self-balancing motorbike, accepted into VCE Top Designs.

Annie Sullivan (2022) was shortlisted to have her ceramic work shown as part of the Top Arts exhibition.

Hugh Bond (2022) was selected in the AFL draft by the Adelaide Crows for the 2023 Season.

Liana Henderson-Drife (2022) was awarded a prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship at Australian National University (ANU), which covers her tuition and accommodation expenses throughout her undergraduate studies. Only 25 Year 12s across Australia are offered these scholarships each year; Liana is studying a double degree in Politics, Philosophy & Economics, and Arts.

The following students were selected for the NextGen exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat:

• Textiles: Alice Barry, Lanah Wellbourne

• Painting & Drawing: Skye McBain, Ella Furness

• Printmaking: Tamara Petrov, Luke Tan

• Visual Communication & Design: Genevieve Pittard, Emma Twomey

• Photography: Oliver Wischer

• Annie Sullivan won the award for innovation with her work Ontogensis, while Alice Barry was the winner in the excellence category with her piece Woodsy and Wilma.

These results reflect the extraordinary efforts of our students and the work of our teachers, guiding and supporting our students throughout their learning journey at Ballarat Grammar to achieve their very best, be that with an impressive ATAR, being celebrated for artistic or design achievements, emerging as a rising star on the football field, or being selected for an apprenticeship.

Luke Tan

Skye McBain

Alice Barry Annie Sullivan

OTHER STUDENT SUCCESSES

Zoe Addinsall (Year 10) claimed the 2023 Australian Championship Modern Pentathlon Under 21 title in April, competing three age groups up! Modern Pentathlon participants compete across five sports: Laser run (running and shooting), horse-riding, swimming and fencing. Zoe also won the Sportsmen's Association of AustraliaBallarat Branch 2022 Junior Encouragement Award and the South West Academy of Sport Outstanding Achiever Individual Athlete Award. She had a huge year in 2022 competing in Modern Pentathlon, including traveling to Portugal to compete in the Laser Run World Championships, and is aiming for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Regional Victoria!

Mackayla Culvenor (Year 10) won gold in Women's 15 & under triple jump with 11.98m at the All Schools Track and Field Championships in December.

Miriam (Mim) Drinnan (Year 12) was successful in the Victorian Agricultural Shows Junior Show Ambassador at the Goulburn Valley Riverina group final in April. Miriam will now attend the State finals in Geelong to represent the Goulburn Valley – Riverina Group to potentially become Victoria’s Junior Show Ambassador for 2023.

Lenny Griffiths (Year 10) recently won the Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club - Road / Track Division 1 Criterium Championship. It was a great achievement for Lenny, competing with a turnout of 54 Ballarat riders of all ages.

Oscar Wotton (Year 11) placed first in the Junior Male category and second overall in the Gold Coast Triathlon in March, an incredible achievement in an event with over 500 competitors after a week competing in three triathlons. Then at the Australian Sprint Championships in Adelaide in April, Oscar came fifth overall, 1st in Junior B and collected a Youth Commonwealth Games automatic qualification!

Milly Sharp (Year 12) was selected by Basketball Victoria to represent Victoria at the National Championships in the U20 team in February. The team made it to the Grand Final in the Championships, taking home the silver medal.

Mim Drinnan

Zoe Addinsall

Oscar Wootton

INSPIRING OLD GRAMMARIAN

PROFESSOR EMERITUS PETER HANNAFORD AC (1957)

Following his curiosity has led Peter to a lifetime of work in groundbreaking research. His eminent service to experimental physics, academia and research and as a role model for young scientists was recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.

Peter says that, like most, he didn’t really know what he wanted to do after finishing school. It wasn’t until he’d completed his undergraduate degree in Physics that he got involved in research.

“Looking back, I can see trends I didn’t notice at the time that hinted towards the direction I’d take. When I started at Grammar as a boarder at age 11, I was into building crystal sets so we could listen to the test cricket at night when we were meant to be asleep. For the local station we could just run an earth wire around the legs of our bed, but to get a connection for the broadcasts from England we had to run the wire through the dorm and down behind the creeper to the ground outside!”

“I became a day boy after my family moved to Ballarat from Heywood when I was 14. I remember building a telephone system that went from my bedroom to a friend’s room down the street so we could chat to each other whenever we wanted without anyone knowing.”

Peter recalls many fond memories from his time at Grammar.

“I loved boarding and was extremely happy making so many friends. I came in contact with some really good people, like David Fawell who was the Prefect in my dormitory in 1952. He set a fine example and we all looked up to him.”

Coming from a sheltered life in the country with limited opportunities, Peter quickly made the most of what was on offer at Grammar.

We congratulate Old Grammarian Professor Emeritus Peter Hannaford AC. In this year’s Australia Day Honours, he was one of only six to be made a Companion (AC) in the general division of the Order of Australia for eminent service to Science.

“We were expected to participate in almost everything. I played lots of sports and, while I was never very good at the plays, I had a go. Being a small school, one of the strengths of Grammar was that it produced all-round citizens.”

Peter’s love for sport led to him representing the school in athletics, cross-country, tennis, rowing, cricket and football. Athletics was where he enjoyed the most success.

“I loved running in the handicap mile each year from Grade 6. When I was a bit older I started training with the school champion, Neil Young (1954). After Neil left school I enjoyed the limelight for a brief period before a couple of younger guys I trained with, John McRae and Stan Spittle (both 1959), ended up much better than me! Stan went on to become a national standard 800 yards runner.”

Peter recalls the teachers who had a big influence on him.

“I had very good teachers for Maths, Physics and Chemistry – Kostas Rind, Geoff Tunbridge and David Prest, who went on to become Principal of Wesley College. Mr Rind was a refugee from Lithuania. I was the only student in his Maths class in my first year of Matriculation. He said he’d teach me Maths and Physics if I taught him English! He was a very interesting person and was known as the Oracle as he knew so much about everything, even Australian Rules footy!”

After completing his studies including a PhD at Melbourne University, in 1967 Peter started work at the CSIRO Division of Chemical Physics where he would go on to become a Chief Research Scientist before moving to Swinburne University of Technology in 2001. His work has also taken him all around the world.

Peter reflects that he has been lucky to be involved in exciting experimental work in new fields of physics throughout his career, including laser spectroscopy, quantum physics and atom optics.

He recalls how wonderful it was to start work in the lab at the CSIRO under Sir Alan Walsh who was world-famous for developing the atomic absorption method of chemical analysis.

“Using this method, one could determine accurately how much of an element was in a sample within minutes whereas most methods prior to that took hours, or days in some cases. There happened to be a big mineral boom in Australia at the time and the technique really took off. It quickly revolutionised chemical analysis around the world. This method has a wide range of applications, from analysing blood in hospitals to analysing samples in agriculture and water samples in the environment. It is still being used today.”

Peter went on to research new methods using lasers which offered a new way of studying the spectroscopic properties of atoms for almost any element in the periodic table.

“This opened up a whole new area of laser atomic spectroscopy. A very good spin-off was that this was an important breakthrough in understanding what the sun and stars are made of.”

During his year as a Royal Society Guest Fellow at Oxford University in 1989, Peter learnt about an emerging field of physics, the laser cooling of atoms.

“This method uses lasers to chill atoms down to within a millionth of a degree of absolute zero – or minus 273 degrees Celsius – which is the coldest temperature one can go to. At such low temperatures atoms enter the strange quantum world and behave completely differently – they behave as waves – which has opened up a new field of research, that of Bose-Einstein condensation, in which the atoms in a cloud all behave in unison like a single super-atom, which Einstein predicted in 1925 and which took another 70 years to create in the lab.”

Over Peter’s 22 years at Swinburne, many young scientists have been part of his group of researchers. While he humbly avoids the word mentor, an estimate puts it at around 30

PhD students and 10 Postdoctoral Fellows who have had Peter as a role model.

“Three of the professors currently at Swinburne were Postdoctoral Fellows here and a number of our PhD students have gone on to take up senior positions around the world.”

Lessons in Physics, Maths and seizing opportunities weren’t the only good things to come from Grammar for Peter. He met his wife, Queen’s girl Kay (Berriman, 1960) at the Grammar Boat Race Ball in 1960.

“Kay and I will celebrate 60 years of marriage this year. She has been wonderfully supportive and encouraging all the way through.”

Still following his curiosity, Peter’s research work continues today in a variation of the field of laser spectroscopy studying a new state of matter called a time crystal, a structure that’s periodic in time rather than in space. This method has many potential future applications.

He hints that they are close to a result. Given Peter’s track record so far, this will be news worth keeping an eye out for. Watch this space.

Front left: An 11-year-old Peter in the Athletics Team in 1950.

INTRODUCING THE IMPACT OF GIVING REPORT

I am delighted to introduce to our School community, the inaugural Impact of Giving Report (included with this issue of Boomalacka) outlining the activities of the Ballarat Grammar Foundation over the previous calendar year.

So much at Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School has been achieved through the generosity of our School Community. The facilities which the students enjoy and the many scholarship opportunities offered are largely the result of the generosity of generations who have shown a longstanding philanthropic commitment to our students and our School.

The Impact of Giving Report has been developed following feedback from community consultations as part of the School’s Strategic and Master Planning processes. Community members were aware of the Foundation’s existence, however, they were keen to better understand the activities and impact of the work the Foundation undertakes. The aim of The Impact of Giving Report is to share more of these stories.

The Foundation fully supports the School’s exciting vision and plans for the Rintel and Outdoor Education initiatives (detailed Page 4-5). The aspiration to get all students moving and active regardless of fitness and ability as well as for them to develop a deep understanding of the benefits of physical activity and the outdoors will be transformational for our students’ lifelong learning. The Foundation looks forward to working with our School community over the next 3-5 years to bring these exciting plans to fruition and enhance our students’ experience.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge and thank my fellow Foundation Board members for their commitment and dedication to the work and activities of the Foundation and those of the School. None more so than Mr Lindsay Evans who as a respected Ballarat businessman was appointed to the Ballarat Grammar Foundation Board in 1983. He became Junior Vice President in 1990, Senior Vice President in 1991 and was elected President in 1992,

serving in this demanding role until 2018. Over many decades as a school parent, and now as a grandparent, Lindsay has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the School. His outstanding commitment was recognised by the Ballarat & Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Association in 2014 when he became an Honorary Old Grammarian and in 2018 Lindsay was awarded Life Governorship of the School. Having served the Foundation and School for 40 years, this year Lindsay has made the decision to retire from his role as Board Member of the Foundation. Lindsay epitomises the generosity of the Ballarat Grammar community, and his efforts, along with those of fellow Board members, have seen the Foundation grow and prosper for the significant betterment of both the School, and the opportunities for its students.

Phillip Mann President, Ballarat Grammar Foundation Board

The purpose of the report is to say “thank you” for your generous support, to celebrate some of our success stories, to show the impact of giving and what we achieved together in 2022.

OUR NEW CHAPLAIN –REVEREND STEVE MORRISON

It seems somewhat strange to be introducing Steve as our “new” Chaplain as he has been with us for a very full six months.

In reflecting on his commissioning by Bishop Garry to Chaplaincy here at Ballarat Grammar, Steve spoke about how one of the most cherished Chapel Hymns resonated with him and his life:

Steve has been responding to God’s call since he was 13 years old. His journey has seen him work in local ministry, in national leadership positions and most recently as the Senior Chaplain at Westbourne Grammar. 2022 was a Year of Discernment for Steve and his family which saw him appointed for Ministry here at Ballarat Grammar and within the Anglican Church.

Quickly demonstrating his enthusiastic approach to sharing God’s Love and ‘breaking open’ the Scriptures, Steve has been

embraced by the whole community. His sermon at the Easter Services featured the Chamber Choir singing “at this table” with Steve explaining that God invites everyone to the feast; this point was made visually when Steve unveiled a painting of a cross, painted by his wife Naomi, the multicoloured arms indicating once more that all are welcome. Around the Chaplaincy office, Steve’s favourite question is: “Why?” Usually asking about specific traditions and rituals, Steve doesn’t ask why in order to reject any aspect of our School’s traditions but to understand the purposes behind them so that he might

best present them to our community for the benefit of all.

Steve has a particular love of and gifts in music - he cannot stand simply stand still and sing, the Junior School Students particularly enjoy it when he calls on our organist Leigh Askew to stop playing so that we can add some marching or clapping or foot-stomping. Some of this has started to appear in Middle & Senior School Chapel Services as well!

In Week 3 of Term 2, Steve accompanied teachers Fiona Whitehouse, Dee Simmons and Laura Bramble on the piano at the Middle & Senior School Chapel Services where they sang the beautiful hymn “In Christ Alone” making this reflection of the resurrection of Jesus come alive for all who were in attendance.

We are pleased to continue to make ‘Rev” feel welcome in the Ballarat Grammar community as he leads us into a deeper relationship with God and with each other.

Rev Steve Morrison, Archdeacon Michael O’Brien, Keith Romanis.

Angus Watson and Annie Sullivan, 2023 School Captains, at Rev’s Commissioning.

Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night I will go, Lord. If You lead me, I will hold Your people in my heart.

OUR SCHOOL ANTHEM AND SONGS – A SHORT HISTORY

Nola and Ross Squire, School Archivists

Recently, our Archivists researched the history of the School Anthem, School Song, Serva Fidem, and the Queen’s song, The Crimson, the Blue and the Gold. If you have further information or insights to share, they are very welcome!

THE SCHOOL ANTHEM

When the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools amalgamated to form Ballarat and Queen’s Grammar School in 1973, (‘Anglican’ was added to the name of the School in 1975), it was decided that Serva Fidem would continue as the School Song, so preserving something from the Boys’ School. The new Co-educational School adopted the motto of the Girls’ School, Honores Laborem Sequuntur, Honour follows Work, so preserving that from the Girls’ School.

In February 2005, Reverend Peter Treloar, then the newly appointed School Chaplain, attended his first School Assembly. As always, the School Song, “Serva Fidem”, was sung.

Father Pete, a talented musician and hymn writer, felt the School needed a song or anthem more closely aligned with the vision of the then Headmaster, Mr Stephen Higgs, and Mr Higgs was keen for the School to have an Anthem suitable for use on ceremonial occasions.

Whilst watching the Rugby World Cup on television, most likely in 2007 when France was the host country, Father Pete heard the crowd singing, “belting out” the anthem World in Union which was first heard at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, after composer and lyricist Charlie Skarbek was commissioned to produce an anthem that encapsulated the spirit and values of the game. The melody used is known as Thaxted – it is taken from the central section of Jupiter, a movement from Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite The Planets, composed in 1917.

But the melody is probably best known from the patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee My Country, created in 1921, when Holst adapted his music to fit the words of a poem by Sir Cecil Spring Rice, a British diplomat. It was first sung at St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith, London, where Holst taught, and where it later became the official school hymn. Now, it is most strongly associated with Remembrance Day, being performed at services across the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth.

Father Pete immediately felt inspired. He recalls that, having decided on that splendid music for the anthem, “the words just flowed”.

We are members of one family who sing the Grammar song

We rejoice in our diversity, and all of us belong

We’re supported by strong friendships and collegiality

As we learn to be the people God fashioned us to be

And we celebrate the worth of all the lessons yet to learn

For there’s more of value in each one than we have yet discerned.

Two great schools from former centuries, both proud of what had been, Have combined to form one entity as Ballarat and Queen’s:

“Lord our God, through all the changes that the years may bring”, they sang, “Guard thou the School held safe beneath thine overshadowing”.

Then the mitre and the millrind met as one at Wendouree

Where we strive to keep the faith of old, and glimpse what yet might be.

So, the spirit of connectedness will bind us into one

With all those who’ve gone before us, with all those yet to come

And with those who share our journey, our friends in present days

Whose lives are marked by service, by hopefulness and praise

Who with joy are yet discovering the truth of faith’s bold theme: There is more of value in each one than ever we had dreamed.

The School Anthem has been in use since 2008. When the Anthem is sung, the first and last verses are always used. Additional verses are sung on appropriate occasions, such as this second verse above, sung on Founders’ Day. If you consider the words, you will see that Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School’s Christian ethos and our Values - Integrity, Aspiration, Courage, Compassion, Responsibility and Hope - are all embedded in the Anthem. Thank you, Father Pete, for these inspired words.

Scan here to hear the song as it is usually sung at the Leavers’ Eucharist. This recording is from the Leavers’ Eucharist in December 2020.

THE SCHOOL SONG

Serva Fidem - Keep the Faith; Keep your Word; Be Loyal

In 1911, Bishop Green was responsible for the motto and crest for the Boys’ School, also called The School Coat of Arms. Serva Fidem was the Latin motto chosen: it means Keep the Faith.

At the time of amalgamation in 1973, now fifty years ago, it was decided that the official School badge and crest would be that which was formerly used by Queen’s Church of England Girls’ Grammar School and the emblem that would appear on all School Uniforms would be the Bishop’s Mitre. This had been the emblem for both the previous schools.

The Boys’ School Coat of Arms/Crest continues as the Dart House badge, and was the Macpherson House badge for many years. In 1998, the Lion of St Mark became our new emblem. The mitre remains as part of the School Crest, sitting right at the top.

Our School Song incorporates the motto and is known as Serva Fidem. The song was written for the Boys’ School, the Church of England Grammar School, in 1928, when Mr E.V. Butler was the Headmaster, and royal blue was added to the original school colours of brown and gold. Mr Lance Fallow, M.A. wrote the words and the music was composed by Rev. Canon Alfred Wheeler of All Saints’ Church, Geelong.

SCHOOL SONG “SERVA FIDEM”

The Mitre and the Mill-rind

Are met by Wendouree

The heav’nly Creed, the homely deed Together still should be.

Chorus:

Sure and steadfast, Spite of scathe, Serva Fidem

Keep the Faith

Where once earth’s gold was gathered

And now the golden fleece, Each golden thought by wisdom wrought Let these the more increase.

Chorus

And keeping comes by winning

He holds who first has won:

No careless hand may join the band

That hears the glad “Well done”

Chorus

So to the end though never

The end our eyes discern, Be for our School this shining rule: He lives who still can learn.

Chorus

Some of the words are unusual, especially ‘mitre’ and ‘millrind’. Both the mitre and the millrind are depicted in the Coat of Arms of the Diocese of Ballarat, shown above. Bishop Green incorporated them into the Boys’ School Coat of Arms/Crest in 1911; they continue to be seen in our Crest.

The mitre is the traditional, ceremonial headdress of bishops. In its modern form in Western Christianity, the mitre is a tall folding cap, consisting of two similar parts (the front and back) rising to a peak and sewn together at the sides. Two short lappets always hang down from the back.

A millrind is an iron support, usually four-armed or cross-shaped, for the upper stone in a pair of millstones in an old flour mill. Kernels of wheat were ground between the two stones. The grinding removed bran (the outer husk) from the wheat kernel, and then crushed the inner kernel into flour. As a symbol for school life, it stands for “work”, hard grind, willingness to make the best effort possible in studies, sport and all activities.

Here follows some further definition of the perhaps unfamiliar words in Serva Fidem.

“Are met by Wendouree” – this refers to the Church (mitre) establishing a school near Lake Wendouree where hard work will be expected by all students.

“The heavenly creed” is a statement of the basic beliefs of our religious faith: a set of guiding principles or beliefs; our Values.

“The homely deed” a simple action that is performed intentionally or consciously, something good and helpful that someone does, showing friendliness, generosity and kindness.

“Spite of scathe” – despite/no matter what happens, we will keep the faith.

“Where once earth’s gold was gathered” is a reference to the rich gold mining history of Ballarat and district.

“And now the golden fleece” is a reference to the wealth that has been generated by wool production, especially the wool of merino flocks in this area.

OUR SCHOOL ANTHEM AND SONGS – A SHORT HISTORY

“Each golden thought by wisdom wrought” means the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of being wise and so causing something to happen, especially a change for the better.

“No careless hand may join the band” refers to the importance of teamwork, relying on one another.

Although written nearly 100 years ago, the School Song continues to inspire us today. It continues to be sung at School Assemblies each year.

Serva Fidem is sung by the Old Grammarians at the annual 50+ Reunion event, as is The Crimson, the Blue, and the Gold, the Girls’ School Song.

The Crimson, the Blue, and the Gold

In 1902 Bishop Green announced that Queen’s College was to have a new title -The Church of England Grammar School for Girls. Pale blue, a prominent colour in the Crest of the Ballarat Diocese, was added to the original school colours of crimson and gold. The original Crest conceived by Matilda Dixie in 1876, the winged angel, the book and the Southern Cross was quartered with, i.e. added to, the Crest of the Ballarat Diocese, mounted on a shield, and placed under the mitre. Our School Crest was born, as well as the inspiration for the Queen’s school song.

These words for The Crimson, the Blue and the Gold, were written in 1912 by a student, Mavis Naples, who was in her final year and one of the editors of the MAG, and set to music by Miss Blanche Lavis, a music teacher at the School.

Miss Susan Hodson was the Headmistress in 1932 when it was sung at Speech Night for the first time; she “set the scene for the strengthening and revitalising of school spirit which culminated in the return of the word Queen’s to the School’s title at the end of 1934.” (p.111, Mainly About Girls) The official title for the School, approved by Synod, became Queen’s Church of England Girls’ Grammar School.

Scan here for a 50+ Luncheon rendition of The Crimson, the Blue and the Gold in 2022

Scan here for a 50+ Luncheon rendition of Serva Fidem in 2022

REFRAMING SUCCESS

There are many aspects of success that we celebrate at Grammar. The height, breadth and depth of our well-rounded students embracing the myriad of opportunities on offer at our School, who go on to be good citizens contributing to the betterment of society, are what the community sees as our hallmark.

University billboards ask students to “Dream Large”, to “Be whatever we want to be”, suggesting that we can have it all. Never before have expectations been so high about human achievement. Most older people know that this is simply untrue. It is not that we shouldn’t pursue big dreams, but we can’t be good at everything, and we can’t have it all. Any wise nuanced vision of success concedes that.

However, marketing messages of success reinforce three things:

+ having a good job,

+ being rich, and

+ being famous.

This, apparently, is how we are recognised as being successful. It surrounds us with snobbishness, ranking us in the social hierarchy by your profession or material success.

Job snobbery is evident in the iconic question of 21st century parties, “And what do you do?” By how we answer that question, people are either incredibly delighted to meet us, or check their watch and move on.

Wealth, being rich, rewards us with the ability to consume, signposting material success. Another supposed marker of success is fame. Some three-quarters of Gen Z people in the US aim to be influencers, paid for posting about living the good life. How many of us have checked our phones after posting something, wondering how many “Likes” it generated? Or not posted something for fear of ridicule or, worse, being cancelled?

Moral philosopher Jonathan Haidt noted that since the rapid uptake of social media in 2014, high levels of anxiety and mental health issues have escalated, further amplified during COVID. No longer is our intrinsic value enough. Our worth is now determined by others.

Pursuing these social determinants of success has unintended consequences, namely envy. Envy inevitably leads to increased anxiety and a sense of failure if we have not achieved job status, wealth or fame in our lifetime.

Can we reframe success with another lens?

Whilst at Grammar, our students have learned foundational principles, skills and values to counteract these harmful messages, forming a mindset and a moral compass that embraces the adventure that is life in all its fullness.

As students leave School, they will encounter many people with different values, who think and behave differently.

True to our Anglican tradition, three of the things we value at Grammar are:

+ Curiosity

+ Relationships, and

+ Gratitude.

With Curiosity, we encourage our students to become explorers, to embrace what they don’t know, and to work to transition from learning how to give good answers, to asking good questions, such as “Why?”, “What if...?” and “How might we…?”.

Recently when we visited our son in Geneva we toured the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), one of the largest collaborative centres for nuclear research in the world. There, curiosity drives discovery, generating further experiments, driving technological advances which benefit mankind. By making curiosity a lifelong habit, applied to our studies, work, relationships, and nature, there is potential for every encounter to be filled with wonder, discovery and joy.

Secondly, we value Relationships. We nurture a sense of belonging to a strong community. Through COVID, our Grammar family stepped up supporting each other in practical ways. Through Round Square, we discover who we are by serving one another and the common good. Through deep relationships we learn empathy and respect for one another. A unique Harvard study over a 75-year period showed that the best predictor of happiness and health was satisfaction and quality of relationships at age 50. Good relationships keep us happier and healthier, with curiosity enhancing a genuine interest in others.

Finally, we value Gratitude. We stand on the shoulders of giants. At Grammar, we are the beneficiaries of those who have gone before, with foresight in establishing a school we now celebrate. We owe a debt of gratitude to our families, friends and teachers who worked hard to get us to the present.

These three things -Curiosity, Relationships and Gratitude - represent a different way of looking at a successful life. A successful life is a meaningful life. Beyond chasing external rewards like status, wealth, and fame, we encourage our students to choose to pursue a meaningful life, defined by the quality of our relationships with others and our Maker. By curiosity and engagement in the world around us, by drawing upon and developing our God-given talents to make the world a better place, and with gratitude for our blessings, our lives and the lives of our students will be rich with meaning and success.

Board Chair, Dr Shantini Deutscher presenting awards at the Year 12 Graduation night in 2022. Keylah Walker received the Margaret E Arnold Award for her contribution to sport.

STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Archivists, Nola and Ross Squire, thank the Old Grammarians, friends and community members who have donated items to the School’s historical collection in recent months. Their thoughtfulness and generosity are very much appreciated.

Information provided by Ashlyn: “The tops came from my bus driver Brian. I’m not sure of his last name. He drives the country bus from Grammar to the interchange and then from the interchange to Ballan and has been doing so for some time now. Over this time, he has collected a lot of items that kids left behind, these tops included. He was cleaning up of his collection and found these tops. He gave them to me as spares as he knew I was in Manifold and my brothers in Smith, however they are an older style. Brian thought it was one of the first Smith House tops designs, but he’s not sure.”

Leon Johnson (1971), David Cook (1972) and Julian Kaye (1973) met for lunch during the summer. Safely kept for more than 50 years, Leon has given to the School the two Football jumpers, pictured. They were worn by Leon himself, and Peter McIver dec. (1971). Both were members of the 1969 First XVIII Premiership team. Note the signature of staff member and football coach Geoff Tunbridge (1950), and his Melbourne Football Club number, 23, on the autographed McIver jumper. Julian kindly delivered the jumpers to the Butler Archives.

John Jones was the Art Teacher at the Boys’ School from 1963 to 1969. He has donated a tooled leather prayer book cover, probably made by Michael Lindsay (1967). It has IHS, a Christian symbol and monogram for Jesus, embossed most beautifully on the front. John thinks that the late Reverend Rodney Oliver, School Chaplain 1958-69, was the leatherwork teacher. John also gave a pair of enamelled metal Boys’ School Crest cufflinks, pictured on top of the book.

Bob Northey (1957), past School Captain, an outstanding sportsman, past member of staff and school parent, and author, has donated a copy of his most recent work of fiction and history, An Ordinary Township, which is based on his “Life in Derrinallum as a kid in the 1940s.”

Susan Patterson (Taylor, 1957), Co-Captain of Queen’s House and a Prefect in 1957 and, with Alan (deceased) past staff members and parents of four OGs, and Past President of the BQOGA, Sue delivered an unusual Queen’s CEGGS hatband, pre-1950, with a white stripe, which has been added to the collection along with a copy of Sovereign City, from George Patterson (1989) who was at BQAGS from 1978 to 1988. It was the Leaving Book presented to him.

Ross Runnalls (1972) was able to experience the first year of the new Co-educational School in his final year. The younger brother of John (1967) and Malcolm (1971), Ross donated ten documents and his Boys’ School Bag, seen in the accompanying photographs.

House Jumpers from Brian, the country bus driver, delivered by Ashlyn Hall (Year 12)

SUMMER FASHION

Of interest to all will be two photos of members of staff from the Girls’ School from a Summer’s day outing, likely between 1932 and 1934. The pencilled information on the back of the group photo states: “at the Gong, from L, Nancy Wright, W. Woodbridge, Miss Hodgson (sic), Mona Montgomery.”

However, we believe Miss Susan Hodson, the Headmistress, is the lady on the right wearing the scarf, appointed in Term 3, 1932. Very sadly, Miss Hodson, died unexpectedly in May, 1934. Old Girls remember her as ‘a lady of quality’.

(See page 111 of Mainly About Girls by Susanne L. White.)

Julian Kaye (1973), also donated close to forty items himself, comprising photographs, documents and trophies. Some date from 1939 to 1943 when John G. Kaye, known as Geoff, Julian’s father, was a boarder. See above a photograph of the letter Geoff wrote to his mother in February, 1939.

The tall handsome trophy was awarded to Julian's father J. G. Kaye (1943) – “Most Outstanding Cricket Player and Senior Tennis Championship”.

Julian's six trophies pictured are the BGS General Sports Award J. A. Kaye 1968, BGS Under 16 Championship J. A. Kaye 1970, BGS Most Improved Cricketer J. A. Kaye 1971, BGS First XVII (sic!!) Best Player J. A. Kaye 1972, BQGS First XVIII Best Player J. A. Kaye 1973, and the BQGS Roly Gregson Memorial Trophy J. A. Kaye 1973, for all-round excellence and sportsmanship.

OLD GRAMMARIAN AND COMMUNITY NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Dr Susie O’Neill OAM (1977) who was also recognised in the 2023 Australia Day Honours, along with Peter Hannaford AC (1973) whose career we detailed earlier in this issue of Boomalacka. Susie was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for helping children at risk, focusing on educating them to prevent and recover from injuries and trauma. Susie founded not-for-profit the KIDS Foundation in 1993 after meeting a young boy being cared for in the Aged Care area of the Queen Elizabeth Centre. There were few options for young people needing care at that time; it is wonderful to see Susie being recognised for her dedication and making an outstanding contribution to our community.

Lachlan Bongers (2009) was recently awarded Bond University's Law Students' Association Excellence in Teaching Award.

Lauren Butler (2018) was selected for the AFLW Season Seven All-Australian squad.

Rene Caris (2016) has returned to the Victorian Netball League after several years playing in the AFLW. The former GWV Rebel has rejoined the Melbourne University Lightning for the 2023 Season.

Tom Daunt (1990), previously Chief Executive, Aldi Australia, has been announced as Aldi’s new Global Joint Managing Director. Tom is moving to Salzburg to take up the position.

Annelie de Villiers (2009) (pictured below) and her partner Marcus Hall on the arrival of Morgan Hall, born in April.

Annabel Muir (2021) was awarded joint third place for the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society Junior Ambassador Award, recognising her involvement in the local community, agricultural sector, and agricultural shows.

Joshua Mutch (2007) married Hannah McArdle from Scotland in September 2022 in the Dandenong Ranges.

News of the O’Donohues!

Nicholas O'Donohue (2011), (pictured below) who is working in construction management, married his partner of three years Nicholas McRoberts in May last year after six attempts during lockdowns. They are pooch parents to George.

Patrick O'Donohue (2008) married Anna Gorey (2008) in 2019 and their daughter Lucy has celebrated her second birthday. Since graduating from Grammar, Patrick has worked mainly in agriculture. Patrick and Anna purchased a 4000-acre farm at Bunnaloo, NSW, earlier this year. Anna teaches part-time in Deniliquin, and Lucy is already helping Patrick on the farm!

Ellen O'Donohue (2014) (pictured below) completed her law/science degree in 2021 and secured a graduate position with the Department of Defence in Canberra, working across various Defence departments. She and her partner of 5 years, Harry Mosley, have recently returned to Melbourne, where Ellen will be working for Laing O'Rourke on the new rail link project from Melbourne to the airport. They are happy pooch parents to a border collie cross poodle, Franklin.

Patrick O'Donohue and Anna Gorey with daughter Lucy.

CONGRATULATIONS

Grace O’Dwyer (2017) finished in second place in the Stawell Gift final in April 2023. Grace is now a physiotherapist practising in Ballarat.

Richard Voss (1983) (pictured right) has recently completed a PhD at Deakin University. His study investigated adult student experiences of learning mathematics in a rural Australian TAFE institution as a construct in the field of educational psychology. The study provided insights into current teaching and learning practices and how these might be improved. Richard plans to publish the results from his study in academic journals to share his learnings.

Helen Yeats (2009) (pictured right) married Trent Popelier in April 2023. Helen was joined by fellow OGs, Sarah Hough (2010) and Steph Davies (2009), as members of the bridal party, and Jai Sharma (2009) and Angus Tonkin (2009) led prayers at the service. Helen and Trent honeymooned in Egypt and Jordan.

OLD GRAMMARIANS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Michael Russell (1974) (pictured left)

Currently, I’m enjoying a wonderful life in the Huon Valley, Tasmania, with my wife Vibeke (pictured here with our grandson Theodore). Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 50th (yikes) reunion in 2024!

Jeanette Riley (Webster, 1959) (pictured right)

At school, my name was Rosemarie, but I am now known as Jeanette. I am a published writer living in New York City. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and/or my sister, Elizabeth. I attended Queen’s and have fond memories of Miss Woodbridge and the staff. Please contact the Development Office for my details if you want to reconnect.

OLD GRAMMARIAN AND COMMUNITY NEWS

Gwen Bourchier (Duxson, 1941)

OLD GRAMMARIAN VISITS

Travis Barnes (1991) (pictured below)

Travis and his family visited the school from Canberra in November. Travis captained the Ballarat Grammar 1991 First XI Premiership Cricket team and has since lost his cricket cap, so we arranged for a new cap to replace his lost one! Travis’ sons are carrying on his love of cricket and were competing in the Under 12 Schoolboys' Cricket Championships representing the ACT.

Heath Whelan (1989) (pictured above)

Now living in the USA, Heath visited Australia last August with his wife and three children and was keen to show his family where he went to school. Heath was particularly thrilled to see his old boarding house, Dart House, and share his memories with his family after many years of living abroad.

(pictured above) Gwen Bourchier and her extended family visited the School in April this year, 84 years after Gwen first started boarding at Queen’s. Gwen thoroughly enjoyed her visit, and it was wonderful to see her happiness in the connections and opportunities that the School has given many members of her family. Two of Gwen’s children, Allison Bourchier (1981) and Mark Bourchier (1985) attended Grammar, and also her grandchildren Claire Swann (2003), Fletcher Swann (2005), Thomas Swann (2005), Hamish Bennett (2014), and Sophie Bennett (2013) and now her great granddaughter Laila Reilly (Year 10) , is a current student, and the fourth generation attending the School. Gwen and her family were very impressed with what has been achieved, and is still in the making, with buildings and grounds, since the family began their association with Grammar.

DEATHS

Peter Burgess (1954) passed away in November 2022. John Burgess (1989) advised the School of the death of his father, one of five Burgess siblings who attended Ballarat Grammar or Queen’s. Details of the long Burgess family connection were supplied by Peter and published In Boomalacka 117, Autumn 2019.

Peter, a boarder, a Probationer, member of the 3rd Crew and active participant in sporting competitions, left in 1953 after completing the equivalent of Year 11. He studied a Diploma of Agriculture at Longerenong. He returned as a part-time resident House Master during 1957-58 and was a rowing coach. Later, he went on to train at Ballarat Teachers’ College.

Gwen Bourchier and family visit. Rear:Colin Dyer, third generation (2009), Sophie Bennett, third generation (2013), Hamish Bennett, third generation (2014), Allison Bourchier, second generation (1980), John Bennett, second generation (1980), Tom Swann, third generation (2005) Front Row: Fletcher Swann, third generation (2005), Laila Reilly, fourth generation (current student, Year 10), Gwen Bourchier, first generation (Duxson 1941), Claire Waterman, third generation (2003). Absent: Mark Bourchier, second generation (1984).

Second Reverend Andrew Jack, School Chaplain from 1951 to 1956, Reverend Phillip Burgess (1948), Peter Burgess (1954), and Rod Read (1951), following the Memorial Service for Mrs Dart, held in the Chapel of Saint Mark in 2004.

Travis Barnes

Heath Whelan

Clive Chatfield (1940) passed away in February, aged 99. Clive was enrolled in 1937 and attended from the equivalent of Year 9 to Matriculation in 1940. He was a Prefect, was awarded the Senior Music Prize in 1939, and was one of three boys to receive a Proficiency Prize in his final year, 1940.

He maintained a strong interest in the School throughout his life and often spoke fondly of the years he spent at Ballarat Grammar. One story he told his children about travelling to school was shared at his funeral. His parents used to drop his bags at the station at Kaniva around 9pm, then go to bed. He would get himself up to the station to catch the train which came through after midnight. As this was the first stop after the border, he was first on, but gradually his mates would join him as the train made its way to Ballarat, and once there, they would go and have breakfast before making their way up to school.

It is with sadness that we share news of the death of Fiona Croggon (1983) and send our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family. A creative and bright-spirited person, Fiona was in Manifold House. The Funeral Service for Fiona was simple and deeply moving; a booklet of her childhood poems and later paintings was provided for relatives and friends. A copy has been added to the School's historical collection.

Christopher Neale (2007), Co-Captain of Robin House in 2007, sadly passed away in late April after unexpected complications of a short illness. His family very much appreciated the fact that some of his Grammar mates were able to be present at the funeral at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, opposite the School. He will be remembered by his peers for his “no fuss, cheerful, purposeful manner”, his willingness to accept responsibility and the contributions he made to the wellbeing of the School community and the community at large.

In a message to Chris’ parents, his manager at Optus (where Chris worked for 14 years) wrote, “Chris was more than just a team member, he was a friend, a mentor to many, and an inspiration to all of us. He brought so much to us with his infectious energy, his positive attitude, and his unwavering dedication to his work. Chris had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease; he had a gift for bringing people together. He was always the first to offer a helping hand or a listening ear, and he was never too busy to lend his support to those who needed it. We take comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught us, and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Grenville ‘Gren’ Tonzing (1950) passed away in February. G.A. Tonzing was a student at Grammar for three years from 1948 until 1950. He was awarded Colours for Rowing.

We were sad to hear of the death of His Majesty King Constantine II of Greece in January. As Round Square’s Patron and President of the Round Square Board, King Constantine was a champion of the organisation’s IDEALS and work. He was present when it was founded in the 1960s and attended almost every Round Square conference over a period of 50 years. He was also a friend to Ballarat Grammar, visiting in 1998 as pictured, with his son, Crown Prince Nikolaos visiting Mrs Nolan’s maths class in 1998 and opening the Esther Larritt Wing of Hayhoe House pictured here with Mr Higgs and Sally Pullin (1998), Hayhoe House Captain.

Lester Trickey (1976), a boarder in Dart House from 1974 to 1976, passed away in November. He was involved in a range of activities while at School: he rowed and studied piano. He represented the School in the First XVIII in 1975 and 1976, in the First Basketball Team in 1974 and 1975, and the Second Tennis Team in 1976; he also coached Girls’ Basketball, was a cast member for the School’s production of Charlie Girl and a member of the School Choir in 1976. Old Grammarians Doug Cowland, Nigel Hooke, Greg Fisher, Duncan Macleod and Philip le Plastrier (all Grammar students from the 1976 cohort), caught up with Lester in early October; many wonderful memories were shared with much laughter.

Siblings, Phyllis Redman (Murphy, 1943), and Ray Murphy (1945), died just five weeks apartRay on 19 March, aged 92, and Phyllis, aged 94, on 22 April. Phyllis was the mother of Sue White (Redman, 1969), Deborah Westfield (Redman, 1971) and Andrew Redman (1975) and Ray was the father of Chris Murphy (1976).

In the tribute for Phyllis printed in The Courier, her family lovingly remembered her as the family historian, a singer in church choirs and musicals, a voracious reader and life-long learner, a diligent auditor and bookkeeper, an attentive legal receptionist and archivist, lover of good food, live entertainment and fashion, baker of hedgehog and other sweet delights, keen traveller and resilient Covid first-wave survivor. Phyllis was a proud citizen of Ballarat, a significant Queen’s Old Girl and an advocate of education for girls.

Ray was a great friend of the late Alf Hancock’s (1948). Ray thought he might be the last survivor of his year.

Second Tennis Team 1976, Rear: Robert Cram, Lester Trickey, Front: Kym Lovett, Mr Rob Olston (Coach).

Shona Roach, Fiona Croggon and Eliziabeth Fox.

Some of the Year 12 Robin students in 2007 with their tutor, John Grant – Ashley Rogers, Joshua Hatcher (Co-Capt), Christopher Neale (Co-Capt), Kiran Sooknandan, Danny Kinnear, Tom Gwynne.

P. P. L. Gibbs, B. Newsome, G. A. Tonzing, J.C. Flanner.

John Ingoldby, Ray Murphy, Geoff Petch, Alfred Hancock.

King Constantine Patron of RS, son of Prince Nikolaos, visit Caroline Nolan's maths class 1998.

Opening the Esther Larritt wing of Hayhoe House.

CONGRATULATIONS, THANKS AND FAREWELL

CONGRATULATIONS

Margaret Cutter – Life Governor

Margaret Cutter’s life, that of her, and her family across the generations, exemplifies a rich tradition of service and connection with our current school and predecessor schools. Margaret’s father was amongst the first group of Grammar boys enrolled in 1911. Margaret attended Queen’s from 1938 to 1951, and distinguished herself as School Prefect and Editor of the School magazine. She subsequently studied nursing and was a midwife at the Ballarat Base hospital. Her late first husband, Sidney Wright, was a past staff member, and together they had four children, Timothy, Elizabeth, Christopher and David who all attended the School.

Margaret has maintained an active involvement with the School for more than 70 years, serving as President of the OG Association in 1982, as well as on the Coordinating Committee during the establishment of the Co-Ed school in 1972. In marrying Old Grammarian and childhood sweetheart, Ged Cutter, in 2012, we see a beautiful example of a bringing together of both Queen’s and the Boys’ Grammar School in real life. Margaret and Ged gifted the school two chapel windows that celebrate the two schools coming together as one. When the windows were dedicated in December 2019, Margaret wrote, “May the mottoes “Honores Laborem Sequunter” and “Serva Fidem” - live on and, together with all the School has to offer, guide the generations to come.” Congratulations, Margaret.

Stephen Higgs – Companion of Grammar

It would come as no surprise that our inaugural Companion of Grammar is awarded to Stephen Higgs OAM. This new award celebrates the significant and outstanding contribution staff have made to the life of the School.

Part of Stephen’s vision for our regional school was to open windows to the world, and in doing so, encourage our students to make the world a better place. In 1996 Grammar became a member of Round Square, connecting us to a global network of schools whose students are committed to Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental responsibility, Adventure, Leadership and Service. He emphasised the importance of educating the whole child, which provided opportunities for children of different abilities to flourish. As an educationalist well ahead of his time, he introduced innovative educational practices combined with environmental sustainability, such as the Year 9 program, City Cite and the Year 4 farm campus at Mt Rowan, establishing our School as a national and world leader in this area.

“

To whom much is given, will much be required”

Rear: Sue Lembo, Clarice Lisle, Sue and Stephen Higgs, Sue Garner, Jill Norman, Kylie Heath, David Deutscher, Adam Heath

Front: Melissa Dunley, Sue Sedgwick, Ros Brehaut, Zara Cornell-Smith, Margaret and Ged Cutter, Dr Shantini Deutscher, Ross Sulllivan.

Under Stephen’s watch, the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts was built, along with numerous other buildings such as the Centre for Early Education, the Centennial Building, the John Vernon Field, and the Rintel Centre. Boarding was expanded leading to the building of three new Boarding houses in Larritt, Wigan and Hayhoe. In more than doubling enrolments during his 21 years, Stephen, together with Business Manager Peter Hunt, established the financial security of the School.

Pastoral care was developed further by the introduction of our Wellbeing program, developing resilience in young people, by emphasising the value of service, mindfulness, and gratitude.

We celebrate and honour Stephen’s 21 years of outstanding leadership at Grammar, accomplished with grace and humility, exemplifying the values of the School we cherish. There is no doubt that the unwavering support of Stephen’s wife, Sue, played an enormous role in Stephen’s ability to achieve his vision for our school and we thank her also. Congratulations, Stephen.

SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sue Sedgwick – 25 years of service

Sue Garner – 30 years of service

Ross Sullivan – 40 years of service

THANKS

Our School simply could not function without the tireless work of volunteers, from Board members to the Friends of Ballarat Grammar, Vikings, Friends of Music, and Classroom helpers. Thank you, all.

Alan Swanson – Board Director

Alan joined us on our Board at the start of COVID and his financial acumen became apparent very quickly as our school faced a great deal of uncertainty. We thank Alan for his contribution to our School and wish him well in his move to Queensland.

Damian Powell

Likewise, Damian Powell re-joined our Board at the start of 2020, after having served for 14 years previously. Damian’s deep faith and personal integrity influenced his uncanny ability to focus on the things that really matter when making good decisions in the face of complexity. Thank you, Damian.

Sue Lembo – Friends of Ballarat Grammar President – Five years

Prep and Year 7 parent dinners, countless BBQ fundraisers and lots of laughter have been the hallmarks of Sue’s time as president and ten years on the committee. Thank you, Sue, for everything you have contributed to Friends over the years.

FAREWELL

Ros Brehaut – 33 years of service

Ros announced her retirement at the end of Term 3 2022. Ros was our Junior School receptionist for 33 years and assisted many families and students through their Junior School journey. She has always been passionate about ensuring the best outcomes for all in the community. From organising the Junior School calendar and class coverage, to dropping off forgotten swimming gear, lunches, violins, etc, applying Band-Aids, heat packs, wheat packs and other medical applications; from counting sticky coins on Bina Day, early set-ups for Mother’s and Father’s Day breakfasts, Gala Concert and Production behind-the-scenes coordination –Ros has done it all. Families and students may continue to see Ros assisting relief reception and inclusive education work as she simply just loves helping people. Ros has supported a huge number of students and staff in her time at Grammar. Thank you, Ros, for all you have done for all of us during your time at the School.

Clarice Lisle – 21 years of service

Clarice joined us in August 2000 as a Long Service Leave replacement for Glenis Zala as a Music teacher! We asked her to stay when we realised what a wonderful educator she was. While the establishment of the Stephen and Sue Higgs Centre at Mt Rowan was Stephen’s

vision, Clarice led the establishment of the farm campus’ unique learning opportunities using the structure of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. She is a visionary educator, seeking to assist students to form strong bonds with the natural world, with a focus on personal and planetary wellbeing. Whilst providing rich experiential learning activities Clarice and the Year 4 team built a balanced, place-based curriculum with themes of paddock to plate, mindfulness, gardening, environmental advocacy, and animal husbandry.

Kate Both – 19 years of service

Kate’s passion for music, including the Year 2 Strings program and broader string and music programs, has been evident throughout her time with the School. Thank you, Kate, for your dedication to the music school.

Matt Dickinson – 17 years of service

After many years managing the School farm and livestock, guiding many VCE Agriculture/ Horticulture students to Premier’s awards in their Units 3 and 4 results for the subject, and countless visits to country and city shows around Victoria for students to show sheep and cattle, Matt resigned to take up a position as the Estate Manager at Geelong Grammar Corio Campus. Thank you for your many years of dedicated service Matt, and for going above and beyond for our students.

Matt Dickinson with students at an Agricultural Show in 2016.

Clarice Lisle with students at the Mt Rowan Campus.

CONGRATULATIONS, THANKS AND FAREWELL

Sue Hinchliffe – 16 years of service

Sue joined Ballarat Grammar in 2006 and immediately had an enormous impact on the English Department being appointed Chair of Faculty in 2007. Mrs Hinchliffe was appointed VCE Coordinator and then became an Assistant Head. Her classrooms may look a little different now, but we are very proud that she has been appointed as Principal for Port Villa International School in Vanuatau and thank her for her years of service to the School.

Jill Norman - 14 years of service

Jill Norman has had a long association with Ballarat Grammar, having been a graduating student in 1982, a past parent to Melissa and Jack who graduated in 2009 and 2012 respectively, and a colleague since 2007 when she joined our Admin/Reception team. For the past 14 years, Jill has been the welcoming face that new families or staff see when they arrive at Founders' Reception. On numerous occasions, she assisted on the school China trip, too. Jill has stepped away from her role at Grammar to take up a position at Grampians Estate Winery, closer to her home in Moyston.

Zara Cornell-Smith – 14 years of service

In her graduate year, Zara joined the School as a Prep teacher and quickly became much loved by students and families. During her time at Grammar, she taught at many year levels, with Year 3 and Prep being highlights. Zara’s creativity, sense of fun and ability to connect with young people ensured that her students were always engaged and finished their year with plenty of tales to tell.

Zara’s sense of School spirit was most on show at House events where her loyalty to Brown House could never be questioned! Her students and colleagues enjoyed her love of a dress up opportunity and her willingness to go the extra mile to hook her students into an inquiry. This even extended to Zara and Glenn Wilkins ‘upending’ the Year 3 classroom as a provocation for a “How we organise ourselves unit”!

Delwyn Oliver – 12 years of service

Delwyn joined Ballarat Grammar in 2010 as a Mathematics teacher and mentor in Nevett House. She was appointed the Chair of the Maths Faculty in 2014 where her outstanding leadership strengthened the culture of mathematics in the school, student learning and teacher professional development. Nevett boys were very grateful for Delwyn’s approach to pastoral care and we thank her for her dedication and enthusiasm.

Melissa Dunley – 10 years of service

Melissa commenced working with us in January 2012 as the Senior Librarian in the Must Memorial Library.  She had an interactive working style, committed to making connections between the library and curriculum. She worked closely with teachers to ensure she provided relevant and topical books, periodicals, and digital resources for all subject areas for both students and staff. As a colleague, she was professional and caring and would always go the extra mile to help and assist. She was a mentor in Manifold House where she displayed exceptional care of the girls in her mentor group.

Shane Gray

Shane departed the School in April 2022 following an association with the School cleaning team of almost 40 years. We would like to thank Shane for his tremendous contribution over this extended period of time. Shane’s three sons were all educated at Ballarat Grammar, and his strong association with the School means he will be missed by many staff and families.

Sue Hinchliffe dressed as Superwoman, with Rob Gray and Rodger Klopak at the Leavers’ Breakfast 2015.

BALLARAT & QUEEN’S OLD GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

BALLARAT AND QUEEN’S OLD GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION AGM

The Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Association AGM was held on Monday, 27 February 2023.

President Tom Hunt spoke of the initiatives of the Association over the past 12 months. He thanked the Committee and the Development Office for the time and effort they have contributed to the Committee’s goals for this past year. Tom expressed his honour to be a part of the extended community in his second year as President and is excited to see what 2023 holds for the Old Grammarians' Association.

The Committee was elected, and the members for 2023 are: Tom Hunt (2012) (President), Lorraine Austin (1982) (Secretary/ Treasurer), Jill Coote (1980), Emily Oliver (2017), Neil MacDonald (1979), Tony Rowlands (1980), David Perrin (1989), Ewen Nevett (1977).

To become a member of the Association or to express your interest in becoming a member of the Association’s Committee, please complete the alumni update your details form by scanning the QR code below.

If you are unsure if you are a member of the Association, or for any Old Grammarian enquiries, please contact our Alumni and Community Engagement Coordinator, Gemma Kelly, via email at development@bgs.vic.edu.au or phone +61 3 5338 0950.

OG MENTORING PROGRAM

Building on the success and growth of our Careers events over the past few years (including our Year 10 City Cite experience and Careers Breakfasts), our goal is to harness the Old Grammarian network of experienced individuals to provide support, career development and networking opportunities for Old Grammarians.

The Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program is designed to support young Old Grammarians who are in the first 5-10 years of their careers.

This program brings mentoring and career networking together to:

+ Support young Old Grammarians (5-10 years post-secondary school) to establish lifelong professional connections and build networking and career strategy skills by connecting with a mentor in a relevant field; and

+ Allow experienced Old Grammarians to share their time and valuable expertise and to make real contributions to the career progression of a young Old Grammarian.

Mentees are matched with a suitable mentor who provides one-onone mentoring with a focus on industry knowledge, networks, career planning and personal development.

The mentors’ connection, guidance and inspiration will assist mentees in transitioning to the workplace and beyond.

We plan to begin this pilot program with a small number of mentees and mentors. With your support and feedback, we offer this program into the future and aim to build this great network into something even more rewarding for our Old Grammarians.

We are excited at the opportunities this program will provide and are hopeful that it will benefit Old Grammarians both individually and as a community.

Should you have any queries regarding the program, please contact: Gemma Kelly, Development Office

development@bgs.vic.edu.au +61 3 5338 0950

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The last year was a busy year for the Ballarat & Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Association with a return to a full calendar of events and reunions. We were able to catch up on our rescheduled reunions from 2021 and our 2022 reunions; we held two Careers’ breakfasts; and the boys’ and girls’ Heritage Football Matches.

We look forward to another busy year of activities and events. We are excited about the projects and reunions we’re focusing on this year, including launching our new Ballarat and Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Career Mentoring Program, refreshing our OG merchandise, inviting more Old Grammarians back to our Heritage Football matches, and being involved in the refreshed Ballarat Careers and Futures Festival.

So that we can keep in touch with you, if your contact details have changed, please complete our alumni update your details form.

Tom Hunt (2012) President, Old Grammarians' Association

David Perrin, Tom Hunt, Emily Oliver, Lorraine Austin, Jill Coote, Ewen Nevett.

We were excited to welcome back a wonderful guest speaker for International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March, Old Grammarian, international lawyer and LGBTQI+ advocate Alex Lia (2012)*. Sarah Lia, long-serving Ballarat Grammar Board member, and Terry Lia, long-serving teacher at the School, are Alex’s parents, and were incredibly proud to hear them speak.

Alex spoke about how we can embrace equity in our community and shared how their passion for social justice was sparked at school.

Alex had a strong interest in social issues from a young age and realised that some people experience the world differently for reasons outside their control. Their brother, Nicholas, has an intellectual disability and other medical conditions. As they got older, Alex experienced firsthand societal barriers that were being presented to Nicholas that Alex was never going to have to face, and they started to understand the considerable inequity that existed. Alex became passionate about removing these barriers for disabled people and their families, which soon grew into a broader interest in creating a fairer community.

While studying a double degree in law and international relations at Monash University, Alex had some incredible opportunities. They studied international law subjects in Italy and the UK, spent a summer working at a human rights law firm in Cape Town, South Africa which provided legal services to people living in township communities; attended United Nations General Assembly events in New York that related to sustainable development and human rights; completed internships with Oxfam Australia and Humanitarian Advisory Group; volunteered with some amazing organisations, including Amnesty International, World Vision and Refugee Legal; and started a student-led legal services business.

When Alex spoke to the school, they were practicing as public international lawyer in the Office of International Law at the AttorneyGeneral’s Department in Canberra. In this role, Alex advised the Attorney-General and Australian government agencies on Australia’s international law obligations.Alex now works as a diplomat at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, focusing on arms control and the application of international humanitarian law to emerging technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence). Alex also

teaches international law at the Australian National University in Canberra. In 2019, the Institute of Community Directors Australia awarded Alex a Future 500 Leaders Women’s Governance Scholarship for their contributions to the community sector. In their speech on International Women’s Day, Alex spoke about the need for all of us to think about the experience of women and girls in all their diversity. Many non-binary, gender diverse and transgender people have overlapping experiences with women and girls, especially those who were assigned female at birth or otherwise present as a woman.Alex encouraged us to reflect on how we can embrace equity for women and all people with intersecting identities.

“It was my absolute pleasure to return to Grammar to recognise International Women’s Day. It was a lovely experience of coming full circle after organising the International Women’s Day breakfast as a student in 2011 with my best friend Stella.”

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST ALEX LIA (2012)

Alex chats with Round Square Captains Aviva Channells and Matilda Myers.

*Alex uses the gender identity pronouns they/them.

1999 HAYHOE TIME CAPSULE OPENING GABBY WILLIAMSON (2000)

First, it was Covid; then we were hit with flooding, so we were not able to get together in person to open the Hayhoe Time Capsule contents that was buried on September 1st, 1999, by the girls of Hayhoe House (then one House combined with Larritt). Luckily for me, as this Time Capsule was my Year 11 Communication Project, I have been able to go through it and post most of the letters we wrote to ourselves at the time. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve been able to clearly remember the amazing memories I have of boarding at Grammar.

A few special items to mention:

+ A video of boarding life recorded on film that I’ve now digitised for viewing with the girls

+ A phone card that we used for the payphone to call home

+ A pizza token and note about how much we loved Dart Wigan pizza!

+ A life-sized poster of Dawson’s Creek from the common room.

The plaque for the Capsule and a few of these items will be now kept in the Butler Archives for future generations. I hope everyone involved in this project at the time gets as much joy from their letter to themselves as I did. Now to write a new one to open in 2042...

DART HOUSE BELL RESTORATION

Beginning in 2020, when the pandemic first struck, the Year 12 Dart mentor group wanted to find their way to leave a legacy for the House, given that many of the traditional rites of passage that would typically occur in the last year of boarding, were not possible due to the COVID-19 lockdown periods.

With the support of their mentors, Keith Romanis and Peter Curry, the boys decided to investigate having the Dart House Bell recast, as it had fallen into disrepair. They began a very important process in understanding the history of the bell and collaborated with local specialists to have the bell recast be new once again. The 2021 Year 12 group then picked up the baton, having the bell polished and installed back in the House for another generation of Dart House members to continue maintaining what is an important daily ritual just before meeting.

OUR TEACHERS, SOME OF OUR HEROES

Heroes are important for people when they are at school, inspiring hard work and passion in the pursuit of knowledge.

G. F. J. (Jack) Dart, Headmaster at the Boys’ School for almost 30 years, always encouraged students to follow their passion.

We were inspired to study languages: Martin Winkler taught Biology and German and encouraged students to learn many languages. Latin teacher, Michael Boyle, taught some of us Greek three evenings a week. Our French teacher, Michael Rasmussen, coached hockey and also taught Russian on Saturday mornings. Michael and Graham Watts took busloads of students to plays in Melbourne and to recite long Latin poems at University of Melbourne competitions.

Geoff Tunbridge was so skilled at football that he coached the Ballarat Grammar team to a premiership win against St Patrick’s College – at a time when the School had a total of 160 students, in comparison to 800 students at St Pat’s. Geoff Tunbridge taught Ballarat Grammar for 36 years, and he was part of premiershipwinning teams at Melbourne Football Club. Identifying heroes during your time as a teenager is important and can help shape your life.

Dart House Bell

1999 Hayhoe Time Capsule

- From a reflection sent by Dr Paul Kauffman (1969)

c.1967 Ballarat Grammar Staff: Smiling and seated in the centre, Headmaster G.F.J. (Jack) Dart. Geoff Tunbridge is seated on Mr Dart’s right. Martin Winkler is in the middle row, second from right. Michael Rasmussen, French and Russian teacher, bearded, is next to him. Michael Boyle, Latin and Greek teacher, is seated, front row, next to the Matron, Kit Williamson. Boxing teacher, athletics coach and Olympian, Bob Bath, middle row, fourth from left.

REUNIONS

2021 TWO YEAR REUNION

On Friday 5 May we welcomed more than 90 past students from the class of 2021 to City Cite for their Two Year Reunion.

As their final years at the School were so interrupted by COVID-19, it was wonderful to see this cohort really embrace the opportunity to catch up, unconstrained by the restrictions that were in place during their final two years at Grammar. Many spoke about what a unique experience they shared and the strong bonds that consequently formed across the group.

The reunion was informal, with attendees mingling and chatting over drinks and food. The conversations were lively and laughter-filled as friends shared stories and reconnected with classmates (Zoommates?). We loved catching up with you all.

Brandon Olver, James Plank, Dempsey Wenn, Thomas McKenzie

Darcy Afford, Hugh Wilkins, Finn Jones, Harvey Lanyon, Jarred Nunn

Ethan Preston, Abbey Vibby, Tiana Parnell, Ava Polkinghorne, Tess Brittnell

Alex Whyte, Tilly Heath, Josh Nash, Jackson Lin, Benjamin Turner, Grace Anderson, Alex Snibson

LONDON GATHERING

We recently held a momentous Gathering in London, marking a significant reunion after over a decade. Led by Headmaster, Mr Heath, the event brought together Old Grammarians, former staff, and friends of the school who now reside in the United Kingdom. Despite the geographical distance, the gathering served as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of our close-knit community.

The London Gathering highlighted the profound impact of a shared educational experience, reminding attendees that the essence of Ballarat Grammar transcends borders. It celebrated the values, traditions, and lifelong connections that continue to unite our community, no matter where we may be in the world. The event was a testament to the resilience and enduring bond that holds the Ballarat Grammar community together, no matter the distance.

Emmalene Jouault, Pheobe Grills, Liv Dennis Sami Regague, Marcus Tischler, Jaya Foy

Dr Kristen Carter and Natalie Readhead Shimona Thevathasan and Dr Ellan Lincoln-Hyde

REUNIONS

PAST STAFF (FOSSIL) GATHERING

Past staff members gathered for another memorable FOSSIL Gathering on Sunday 2 April, in the Year 5/6 Centre. This special event was a perfect opportunity for them, a group also called FOSSIL (Friendly Old School Staff Intemperance League), to reconnect with each other.

Lunch was enjoyed and the group was impressed to see the developments and changes that had been made since their time at the School. The group was hosted by a number of current staff.

Although many staff members were unable to attend, everyone present was pleased to hear their friendly messages and know of their intention to be part of the next Gathering. Everyone looks forward to the next reunion!

If you are a past staff member who would like to keep up to date with our news and upcoming events, please contact Gemma Kelly in the Development Office on 03 5338 0950 or via email development@bgs.vic.edu.au

Alan Pitson, Alan Ford, Ian Buerckner

Deb Eldridge, Stephen Higgs

Heather Johnston, Carla Kelly

Priscilla Herington, Marg Watts, Graham Watts, Jill Coote

Hilary Hazeldine, Melissa O'Hara

Maria Sozanski, Alan Ford, Lyn Lea, Sue Higgs

John Daniel, Sue Garner, Chris Phillips

50+ LUNCHEON

On Friday 21 April, more than 130 Old Grammarians gathered for a special lunch to celebrate an amazing 50+ year relationship with their former school! This year’s event welcomed the 1973 cohort to the 50+ group; and they reflected on their time at school and their final year when two schools came together on one campus as Ballarat & Queen’s Grammar School.

The Headmaster, Mr Adam Heath, tested the crowd’s knowledge of school memorabilia with a quiz, adding an interactive element to the program.

Past students and their partners attended from across Australia with attendees enjoying catching up with old friends and making some new connections. Members of the 1973 cohort and other eligible attendees were presented with a commemorative 50+ Years badge by the School Guardians.

As one attendee wrote, The level of engagement and collegiality on display with such a diverse and interesting group of people was very heart-warming to witness and is testimony to the richness of experience that these students had in their past schools, albeit in modest circumstances. It certainly is an event that many look forward to with great anticipation. With a 12 month lead up to the 2024 50+ Reunion, I’m sure numbers will grow.

Overall, the 50+ Luncheon was a celebration of milestones and memories, bringing together past students from all walks of life. The event was a testament to the strong bonds that were forged during students’ school days. We look forward to the next annual 50+ Luncheon in 2024 and welcoming those from the 1974 peer year into the 50+ Years cohort.

Malcolm Matthews, Kevin Knight, Graeme Ward, David Sudholz

Megan Rankin (Bell), Marilyn Chestnut (McIver), Janene Schillier (Bakes), Diane Rose (Gibson),Jane Diamond (Bolster)

Harry Hedger, Jenny Haymes (Faull), Bob Northey, Subra Muniandy

Mark Gingell, Subra Muniandy, Jim McKay

Kaye Officer, Lesley Brewer, Michael English

Depending on many factors, our lives can be short or very long, but whatever the case, the journey involves connections. Sometimes these are lost, often regrettably, as we age. Occasions like the 50+ Luncheon allow us to re-kindle connections, restore contact and enjoy the company of (often) long-lost classmates and friends and share stories. Pictured here are myself and my brother, Stuart Bakes (1968) at the Luncheon. I really enjoyed seeing amongst others, Bev Whitford (nee Saw) – my old art teacher and a favourite of many, and four of my classmates from 1971. Sadly, there were no classmates from Stuart’s year, 1968, but he enjoyed the company of those he has not seen for many years.

Perhaps we can do better in 2024! It is a terrific event with great food and company! I encourage you to put it in your planner now! Grateful thanks to the School for organising this not to be missed event and for keeping these connections available to us.

I also wanted to express my thanks to Nola and Ross Squire (School Archivists), they really are such a dedicated team and do a marvellous job. On behalf of the former students, we really appreciate the contribution they make at these events and in the maintenance of all records and memorabilia.

A reflection on the 50+ Luncheon from a guest - Janene Schillier (Bakes, 1971)

Verna Egan (Crabbe), Alice Knight, Beverley McRae (Pilgrim), Roma Hammond (Crabbe), Margaret Smith

Nina Allen (Clappison), Susan Patterson (Taylor), Bernard Newsome

Ross Runnalls, Paul Kauff man, Drew Valentine

Felicity Crowley (Hewitt) Georgia Graham. Janene Edwards, Judy Scott (Farrell) Jenny Sobey (Ambrose)

Nan Cook, Adam Heath, Gwen Bygrave (Ludbrook)