CONGRATULATIONS, THANKS AND FAREWELL

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’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.

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.