Stage One of Dhupuma Barker was fully completed in February, with four classrooms, a Community Hall, amenities blocks and a marvellous covered playground suitable for all weather and all seasons.
Junior School Where Leadership Begins
Round Square
A Transformational Round Square Journey
Barker Institute Learning in Practice
Parent Institute
A Common Conversation
From the Head of Barker
Phillip Heath AM
From the Chair of Council
David Charles
Barker Foundation
Aaron Black
OBA President’s Update
Dush Sharma (05)
Barker Alumni Clubs
Community Events
Barker Alumni Notes
Obituaries
David Burt (Class of 2004) is the Director of Entrepreneurship at UNSW Founders which supports thousands of students and researchers. His mission is for UNSW to be Australia’s most entrepreneurial university. David has been recognised in The Australian’s ‘The List: Top 100 Innovators’ for his contributions to the startup ecosystem.
Editor-in-Chief
Phillip Heath AM
Gabrielle Smith (Class of 1979) shares her recollections from her time at Barker which began through a series of answered prayers and her journey beyond the Mint Gates.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
This week, Tim Eastman, Head of Middle School, sent me a significant study published in January in Pediatrics - the flagship journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics - which offers findings that warrant careful attention. When is the right time to provide access to smartphone technology?
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, led by Dr Ran Barzilay, tracked more than 10,000 American adolescents across multiple years. The findings are striking in their consistency. At age twelve, smartphone ownership was associated with significantly elevated rates of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep. Each earlier year of acquisition compounded the risk. Among students who gained a smartphone between ages twelve and thirteen, rates of clinical-level psychological difficulty rose by more than fifty percent compared with peers who did not. The study controlled carefully for household income, parental oversight, puberty, and ownership of other devicesisolating the smartphone itself as the variable of concern.
The findings emerge from one of the most rigorous longitudinal studies of adolescent development yet published. I attach the link to the full study for those interested
Screens, Uncertainty and the Courage to Wait
Barker seems a lot noisier these days. We have restricted (banned) devices from the playground and are restricting interruptions occasioned by screen technology during the day. The consequence is that students are playing again. The familiar sounds of handball have returned and students seem happier.
(Smartphone Ownership, Age of Smartphone Acquisition, and Health Outcomes in Early Adolescence - PubMed).
The article resonates with a paper I recently heard by Dr Danielle Einstein, a clinical psychologist at Macquarie University, whose research examines the relationship between smartphones and anxiety in young people. Her central thesis is that by training our capacity to manage uncertainty we can reduce some of the negative impacts of being hyperconnected through technology.
Dr Einstein's thesis is disarmingly simple: the smartphone has become a machine for avoiding uncertainty. Whenever a student feels unsure - socially, academically, existentially - the device offers immediate relief. A message can be sent, an answer Googled, a silence filled. The relief is real. Tolerance for uncertaintythe very quality that builds resilience, deepens thinking, and sustains relationships - quietly atrophies.
At the end of a Barker education, we seek the three Cs to be evident in all our students. Confidence, Capacity, and Character are not
forged in the absence of difficulty; instead, they are forged through learning when things are difficult.
None of this suggests that technology has no place in adolescent life. Students love to be connected, to know what’s happening and to share their ideas with others.
What both bodies of research suggest, however, is that the age of acquisition is consequential, the manner of introduction is consequential, and the assumption that earlier access is harmless deserves serious scrutiny.
As unpopular as it may sound, Danielle Einstein’s argument that we should train young people for uncertainty and the discomfort that it creates may be close to the mark. A busy school day with a phone or device out of reach makes a good start to this training.
Peace
Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College
From the Chair of Council
Speaking at this Assembly is important because as a new school year begins, I can let everyone know that the School Council supports and encourages each student, and every staff member. It allows me to acknowledge, and recognise, that our journey in the Great Cause of education at Barker College is ongoing, whether that’s at Hornsby or at Barker’s campuses for Indigenous students (including Dhupuma Barker in NE Arnhem land), or at Marri Mittigar, where we have opened our hearts to refugee education.
While the beating pulse of Barker is its students, and it’s never quite the same when they aren’t on campus, the year-end break allows our Grounds and Maintenance team to do necessary work, ensuring that all facilities, amenities, and grounds are in first-rate condition for the resumption of classes. Fittingly, the Assembly acknowledged their work with warm applause.
I brought a special message of gratitude to all teaching and non-teaching staff, because Barker’s Great Cause depends upon their skill and dedication.
Doing Beautiful Things
During the Commencement Assembly at the Rosewood Centre on Friday 30 January 2026, with the whole school gathered (including Darkinjung Barker and Marri Mittigar), I welcomed the students and staff now starting their Barker journey.
My message to the students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, was that Barker is a place to realise opportunities whether in academic, cultural, or athletic achievement, and that this is their season to do beautiful things. I challenged them not to allow the hope and the blessing that comes from Barker’s community to be extinguished.
On Tuesday 3 February 2026, at the Academic Assembly in the Leslie Hall, I offered the Council’s congratulations to the Academic Achievers and the Significant Improvers from Barker’s Class of 2025. Also joined by our current Year 12s, and keeping with my theme from days earlier, I observed that there is nothing so beautiful than our students embracing the excellence of Barker’s academic programme.
As a key event in the Barker calendar, the Academic Assembly is an occasion to celebrate an emerging generation of analytical thinkers with enquiring minds, all prompted and, I daresay, inspired by the desire to know, as the Ancient Greek philosopher, thinker, and teacher, Aristotle, famously declared in the first sentence of his great work, Metaphysics
And my message for the Academic Assembly was not just for Barker’s high achievers. It was for everyone. Always strive to do the best you can. Practise well and practise consistently!
I also attended the Ash Wednesday and Commissioning Service for Community Chaplain Rev Craig Tubman, at the Barker Chapel on Wednesday 18 February 2026. Featuring our musicians, including the Middle School Choir, Barker’s ongoing sense of community was there for all to see. I know Rev Tubman, himself a Barker alumnus (Class of 1997), will do a splendid job ministering to the Barker Community at large, which now numbers over 20,000.
The school’s wonderful heritage and memory of more than 135 years, beginning with Rev Plume’s classes in the St Stephen’s Church rectory at Kurrajong Heights, has brought to Barker today a vibrant and life-affirming community. That is a God-given circumstance which inspires hope, and it blesses us all to do beautiful things.
Long may that continue.
David Charles (75) Chair of Council
To live “in view of God’s mercy” (Romans 12:1) is to keep his compassion constantly before us and, in response, to offer ourselves in service to him. It is to recognise that everything we have and everything we do, at the daily level, is a gift. And beyond every daily blessing stands the deeper mercy revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is through his saving work that we are forgiven, restored and invited to live differently.
An Anglican School Lives in View of God’s Mercy
Each year, we begin by reflecting with staff and students on who we are and what our purpose is. At the heart of that reflection is this conviction: we are a community shaped not merely by tradition or aspiration, but by the mercy of God.
Romans 12 calls us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. An Anglican School does not simply drift with culture; it is renewed by God’s mercy and reshaped by his word. The world events that fill our news feeds are not random headlines; they expose deeper patterns: fear over trust, power without responsibility, outrage without restraint, and people treated as problems rather than neighbours. Scripture offers another way.
Christian faith does not bypass the mind; it renews it (Rom 12:3). God speaks through words, and as his word shapes our thinking, our hearts are reshaped, and our actions follow. That is why listening to Scripture remains a steady rhythm across our School life, individually and collectively. Through this renewal, we learn to replace the patterns of our culture with the will of God.
And what does that transformation look like on a normal Tuesday? Romans 12 is wonderfully practical: sincere love, devotion to one another, honouring others above ourselves; zeal in service; joy in hope, patience in affliction, faithfulness in prayer; hospitality; rejoicing and mourning together; humility, living at peace, and overcoming evil with good. The patterns of the world, such as fear, selfishness, cynicism, and quick outrage, press in quietly. But the mercy of God forms us deliberately. May we live together in view of God’s mercy.
Rev Peter Tong Senior Chaplain
Junior School
Whether or not they wear a badge, students are encouraged to lead, support and uplift others across all areas of school life. This shared approach helps students grow in confidence, empathy and initiative, and reinforces that leadership is something practised daily, not simply held as a title.
Our School Captains proudly represent Barker throughout the year. They serve the school community by speaking at assemblies, assisting with presentations and contributing to special events. Their example sets a strong tone for younger students, demonstrating leadership marked by humility, enthusiasm and integrity.
House Captains bring spirit and encouragement to every House event. From swimming and cross country to athletics, summer and winter sport, and the much anticipated annual dodgeball competition, they motivate their peers and help build a sense of belonging. They also guide House Meetings, strengthening connection within their House communities.
Where Leadership Begins
Leadership in the Junior School is grounded in the belief that every student can make a positive difference.
Music Captains play an important role in the cultural life of the Junior School. They host concerts both on campus and at impressive external venues, supporting performers and helping create memorable musical experiences for students and families.
Leadership opportunities extend further through cocurricular captaincies in Dance, various sports, Chess, Library and Debating. These roles recognise the value of diverse interests and allow students to lead in areas where they feel confident and passionate.
A highlight of the leadership journey is the annual visit to The Grange at Mount Victoria. Junior School Student Leaders spend time connecting with one another, developing leadership skills and
participating in activities under the Youth Leadership Challenge program.
The fresh air and sweeping views of the Blue Mountains provide an inspiring backdrop for reflection and growth.
Across all roles, our leaders are guided by the Barker Values of compassion, courage, commitment, respect and integrity. These values shape how students interact with others, approach challenges and contribute to the life of the school. By nurturing these qualities from an early age, the Junior School ensures that every student badge or no badge can grow as a leader who serves with purpose.
Tim Moyes Director of Administration and Student Experiences
Learning to Think Like Scientists
In the Barker Junior School, Science and STEAM are central to how students learn about the world and their place within it.
From the earliest years, students are encouraged to be curious, to ask questions and to explore ideas through hands-on investigations that bring learning to life.
Science provides students with a way of thinking as much as a body of knowledge. Through observing, questioning, testing and reflecting, Junior School students learn how scientists investigate the world around them. They are encouraged to look closely, notice patterns, gather evidence and use that evidence to explain what they see.
STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics - builds on this foundation. Rather than being a standalone subject, STEAM is used as a learning approach that connects ideas across disciplines. Through STEAM experiences, students apply their scientific understanding in creative and practical ways, often tackling open-ended challenges that mirror real-world problems.
Across the Junior School, Science and STEAM learning is closely connected to classroom programs and Units of Inquiry.
This integrated approach ensures that learning is meaningful and relevant, allowing students to see clear links between what they are learning and how it applies beyond the classroom. Whether designing and testing structures, investigating forces and movement, or creating models to represent systems, students are actively engaged in their learning.
A defining feature of Science and STEAM in the Junior School is the emphasis on process over product. Students are encouraged to plan, test, refine and improve their ideas, developing resilience and confidence along the way. Mistakes are viewed as a valuable part of learning, and students are supported to reflect on their thinking and make changes based on evidence.
These experiences help students develop a range of essential skills. Through Science and STEAM, students learn to collaborate effectively, communicate their ideas clearly and think critically about the world around them. They build confidence in problemsolving and learn to approach challenges with creativity and persistence.
As Science and STEAM continue to grow in the Barker Junior School, the focus remains on providing rich, engaging learning experiences that spark wonder and excitement. By combining strong scientific foundations with creativity and practical application, students are equipped not only for future learning, but for thoughtful and informed participation in an ever-changing world.
Lindsay Bosch
Junior School Teacher - STEAM
Edwin Tomlins
Junior School Specialist TeacherMathematics
Curiosity and Creativity Through Mathematics
In the Junior School, we encourage students to see themselves as constant and curious learners.
We want them to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop confidence in their own thinking. This aligns closely with the attributes of the Learner Profile, such as being thoughtful problem solvers, open minded learners, effective communicators, and willing risk takers.
These attributes are especially important in mathematics. Too often, maths is thought of as a subject about rules and right answers. In reality, mathematics is a creative and deeply human pursuit. It is about noticing patterns, making connections, testing ideas, and wondering “what if?”
When students are given time and space to explore, mathematics becomes an opportunity to take an idea for a walk and see where it might lead.
Many mathematics lessons in the Junior School are inquiry based. While they still address the skills and content of the NSW Mathematics Syllabus, they also aim to nurture students’ natural curiosity. Designing these lessons is a creative challenge for teachers, who look for tasks that appear simple at first but can open the door to rich mathematical thinking. Students have been asked whether Rosewood Field is larger than, smaller than, or about equal to one hectare. They have used data to decide whether flipping a bottle is a game of skill or chance. They have explored patterns hidden within simple problems, investigated whether games are fair, and wondered how many blocks might be needed to build a pyramid.
Some have created artworks using mathematical rules, while others have taken a small amount of seed capital and tried to turn a profit by making and selling products to their peers.
Inquiry based mathematics encourages students to be curious about the world around them. That curiosity is the first, and most important, step towards building confidence, resilience, and a lifelong relationship with mathematics.
Edwin Tomlins Junior School Specialist TeacherMathematics
There is a sense of new beginnings, new sounds, new friendships, new challenges, and new discoveries. For many students, this is where they begin to see what music can become for them.
The music journey often starts simply: a song learned in class, a beat passed around the room, or a rhythm tapped on a drum. The first time holding an instrument and realising you can make a sound. From these small beginnings, something important grows: confidence, creativity, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
This is the time of year when, for a Year 2 or Year 3 student, the journey might begin with carefully carrying an instrument case out to the car for the first time - excited, slightly nervous, and already imagining the music they will one day play.
From this moment, students are not just learning music. They become part of Barker’s unique
The Beginning of a Musical Journey
The start of the year always brings a special kind of musical excitement to the Junior School at Barker.
Pre-K to 12 music journey and members of a vibrant and supportive music 'tribe'. As part of that tribe, Junior School students regularly see older students performing at an extraordinary level, and they begin to understand that one day, they will stand in those same places, performing with the same confidence and pride.
Along the way, students learn lessons that reach far beyond music: how to persist when something is difficult, how to work as part of a team, how to manage nerves, and how to experience the pride that comes from working towards a shared goal. One of the most powerful aspects of music at Barker is this sense of pathway. Junior School students can see where their musical journey can lead, joining large ensembles, travelling on tours, and continuing music right through to the senior years if they choose. They are part
of a continuum of learning that stretches from Pre-K through to Year 12.
In the music department at Barker, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience meaningful music making. Not because every child will become a professional musician, but because every child can benefit from what music teaches them about themselves and the world around them. Music is for everyone!
For some students, music will become a lifelong passion. For all students, it becomes a lifelong set of skills, and for many, it all begins right here, at the start of a new school year, in the music classroom.
Mary Jayne Smith Junior School Head of Music Curriculum
Turning Learning into Light
At Barker College where student agency is not just encouraged but celebrated, one Year 6 student has shown what meaningful action truly looks like.
What started as a classroom inquiry into energy poverty turned into a full scale curriculum initiative led entirely by a passionate young changemaker.
While exploring global energy inequality, James Duncan was struck by how many communities around the world still live without access to basic lighting. His research led him to SolarBuddy, a social impact organisation that empowers students to build solar-powered lights for children living in energy poverty. The hands-on kits not only teach students how solar energy works but also provide real world solutions to pressing problems.
Inspired and determined, the student saw a unique opportunity to bring SolarBuddy into his own school community, not as a one-off activity, but as a sustainable part of the curriculum. He began by meeting with the Director of Teaching and Learning, Corinne Harrington where he confidently outlined his vision.
“I would love to move on into the High School," he said, “and when I come back for visits to the Junior School, see the students making these kits.”
The Director was impressed, not just by the idea, but by the student’s initiative, clarity of thought, and understanding of real world impact. She asked a series of follow up questions about costs, logistics and how the program could be integrated. With the school's curriculum undergoing a full revision and implementation plan of the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum, the timing couldn't have been better.
Recognising a natural fit within a new Year 5 Unit of Inquiry, built around the central idea "Energy fuels our world", the Director arranged a meeting for James to present his proposal to the Year 5 Grade Coordinator and STEAM teacher. Armed with a carefully
prepared presentation, including the cost structure and implementation plan, the student pitched his idea with confidence and clarity. The team was unanimously on board.
The final step was a meeting with the Head of Junior School, Martin Lubrano, joined by the STEAM teacher and Director of Teaching and Learning. The group evaluated the plan, reviewed the budget and by the end of the discussion, a decision was made that this student led initiative would become a permanent feature of the curriculum starting next year. Thanks to one student’s curiosity, compassion and courageous action, future learners will not only explore renewable energy but also take direct action to make the world a better, brighter place.
This story is a shining example of what student led action, inquirybased learning and authentic service learning look like when schools truly empower students. Congratulations to our young changemaker and the educators who believed in his vision. The lights he helped bring to those in need will shine far beyond the classroom.
Corinne Harrington Junior School Director of Teaching and Learning
IGNITE: The Fun Starts Here
At Barker College, we know that some of the most exciting learning happens outside the classroom.
That’s why we’re proud to offer Barker Ignite, our vibrant cocurricular program for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Ignite is all about giving children the opportunity to discover their passions beyond the classroom. Whether it’s taekwondo, chess, robotics, coding, art or drama, there is something for everyone. With activities running across the week, the program is designed to allow students to explore new interests or continue refining their existing skills.
Ignite helps students build confidence, develop new friendships and try something different in a safe, fun and supportive environment. The program runs each semester, with enrolments opening in Semester 1 and again in Semester 2. This gives students the opportunity to experience a range of activities across the year.
Ignite classes for Prep (K-2) students are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2.45 - 3.45pm. Junior School (Years 3 - 6) classes run from 3.00 - 4.15pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Lessons are delivered by both Barker staff and carefully selected external providers, with high-quality programming to ensure all students are engaged, challenged and supported in their learning.
We love seeing our students get involved - stepping out of their comfort zone in public speaking, discovering a love of language in Mandarin, creating exciting art projects or simply giving something a go for the very first time. Their enthusiasm reminds us just how powerful learning can be when it is driven by interest and joy.
I love playing with other people and making new friends. I also love learning new skills at Football.”
Piper
Art is so much fun, and I get to be creative!”
Max
Robotics teaches you about the real world and we love trying to build our robots to do cool tricks and play games.”
Rory and Thomas
I love playing chess for the first time and I get to make new friends in my class.”
April
Chantelle Denyer Junior School Coordinator of Co-Curricular Activity
Dancing into Momentum
Barker Junior School Dance continues to shine as a vibrant, ever growing hub of creativity, energy, and connection.
Each week, our studios come alive with students eager to learn new skills, express themselves, and form friendships across year levels.
With a passionate and highly skilled team of Dance teachers, our students are making remarkable progress in both confidence and technique. It has been especially heartwarming to see our returning dancers demonstrate kindness and compassion as they welcome new classmates into the program.
Our Dance REC (recreational) classes provide a joyful, supportive environment where students can explore a range of styles at any
level. In 2026, Barker Dance proudly offers 11 REC classes, including Kindy Dance for Joy Ballet and Jazz classes, as well as a hugely popular Boys Hip Hop class that is bursting with enthusiasm. The program now supports seven competition Troupes, who commit to weekly rehearsals and intensive weekend sessions as they prepare for a busy performance season. As they refine their choreography for the year ahead, all dancers are also looking forward to showcasing their hard work at the Barker Dance Showcase on Saturday 25 July, with both matinee and evening performances.
A Strong Start to Sport
A new year and sport season is underway for Year 3 - 6 students in the Junior School at Barker College.
Following an initial trial period, Round One of the IPSHA competition took place on Saturday 14 February. Development and intra school sporting programs have also commenced across a wide range of activities. This summer, Junior School students can participate in Basketball, Cricket, Tennis (Years 5 and 6), Girls Football (Soccer), Water Polo (Years 5 and 6) and “Sport Ready” (Year 3).
The Junior School House Swimming Championships for Years 3 - 6 have also been held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The event features both competitive and participation races, encouraging involvement from all
students. Flinders House delivered an outstanding performance on the day, earning the title of 2026 Swimming Champions.
Families often ask why sport is compulsory for students in Years 3 - 12 at Barker College. Beyond being a long standing tradition, we believe that team sport fosters community and belonging, strengthens friendships, builds character, and teaches valuable life long lessons. This is in addition to the extensive research highlighting the benefits of physical activity for both physical health and brain development.
Mathew Olijnyk Junior School Director of Sports
We are deeply grateful to the Barker community for your unwavering encouragement and support. Together, we continue to nurture creativity, growth, and a lifelong love of dance.
Isabel Snowden Junior School CCC Dance
Barker Indigenous
As a school community, we are proud of how strongly the year has begun and grateful for the continued support of our families as we move forward together. One of the most meaningful developments this year has been the transition of five students from Ngarralingayil Barker who have joined our Yarramalong Campus. We are delighted to welcome these students and their families and are especially pleased that they have chosen to remain part of the wider Barker community. Their presence has strengthened our school and enriched our learning environment, and they have settled in wonderfully.
Our current enrolment at Darkinjung Barker stands at 53 students, a number that allows us to maintain our small-school feel while continuing to grow in purposeful ways. In response to enrolment changes and the learning needs of our students, we have reorganised our learning spaces and now operate across four classroom streams. This structure allows us to better cater for students academically, socially and emotionally, ensuring learning is targeted, flexible and responsive.
Growing Together: A Year of Renewal and Opportunity
The beginning of 2026 has already brought significant growth, positive change and renewed energy to Darkinjung Barker.
Our Teaching and Support Staff
We are fortunate to have a dedicated and highly collaborative teaching team leading learning across the school:
• Tanisha Holt - Kindergarten to Year 1
• Kathryn Cunningham - Year 1/2
• Daniel McFarlane - Years 3/4
• Keely McLaren - Years 5/6
These teachers are supported by a strong wellbeing and learning support team, including:
• Rory Janssens, who leads learning support across the school
• Angie Soliman, our School Psychologist
• Sue Champley, our Teaching Assistant
Together, this team works closely with one another and in partnership with families to ensure every student is supported, challenged and known as an individual. Collaboration remains at the heart of our practice, and we value the strong relationships that exist between staff, students and families.
Learning Focus and Literacy Growth
In 2025, our whole-school goal was to strengthen literacy outcomes for all students. We are proud of the progress made across the school, with excellent results reflecting both student effort and targeted teaching practices. This work continues in 2026, with literacy remaining a key priority.
Each morning, students engage in structured group work, with learning organised around abilitybased groupings. This approach allows teachers to explicitly target skills, provide timely feedback and ensure students are both supported and extended in their learning. The positive impact of this structure has been clear in student engagement, confidence and progress.
Cultural Learning and Connection to Country
Our cultural program remains a valued and essential part of life at Darkinjung Barker and will continue throughout 2026. As our student numbers grow, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain weekly on-site sessions with our cultural leader, Jonno Wright. In response, we are evolving our approach to ensure cultural learning remains meaningful, authentic and connected to Country.
Rather than weekly sessions, students will engage in on-Country experiences once a term. These experiences will include bushwalking, visiting local historical and culturally significant sites, and learning directly from Elders. Being out on Country provides rich opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of culture, history and connection to place in ways that cannot be replicated in the classroom.
We are committed to ensuring these experiences are respectful, purposeful and embedded within our broader learning programs, supporting students to develop knowledge, appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal culture and perspectives.
Innovation, Sport and Enrichment Opportunities
Looking ahead, we are excited by the growing interest from Robotics coaches at Hornsby, who are keen to work closely with our students throughout 2026. Plans are already underway to support a team to compete at Nationals later in the year, an opportunity that reflects our commitment to innovation, problem-solving and futurefocused learning.
Our Sport in Schools program continues this term, providing students with regular opportunities to build skills, teamwork and confidence through structured physical activity. In addition, our gymnastics program will commence in Term 1, offering further opportunities for students to develop strength, coordination and resilience.
Welcoming New Families
This year, we have welcomed nine new families into our school community. It has been wonderful to see the connections already forming, with new students settling in quickly and families engaging warmly with staff and one another. The sense of belonging that
defines Darkinjung Barker has been evident from the very start of the year, and we are grateful to all families for contributing to such a welcoming environment.
Looking Forward
As we continue through 2026, we do so with optimism and a strong sense of purpose. The changes already in place have positioned Darkinjung Barker to continue providing high-quality learning experiences within a caring, connected community. We thank our families for their ongoing trust and partnership and look forward to another year of growth, opportunity and shared success.
Tom Spencer Director of Aboriginal Campuses NSW
It was on this occasion that I had a brief interchange with Dr G Yunupingu, who was the leader of the Yolngu community, who asked whether we (Barker) could continue this work and revive the old Dhupuma College in the region.
Dhupuma Re-opens
In 2019, I accepted the invitation to travel to the Garma Festival in North East Arnhem Land to participate in the Key Forum on Education. I was asked to speak on the formation of the Gawura School (in 2007) and the Darkinjung Barker School (2016) as ventures in First Nation education in community.
The original Dhupuma College began in 1972 and flourished until 1979. It was (to their minds) suddenly closed in 1980, a time that coincided with the establishment of “self-government” in the NT and in the ACT. Ironically, self-government led to the closure of a cherished community school, a place where the families who had crafted the Bark Petition in the 1960s had educated their children and where the Yunupingu Family developed their passion for walking in two worlds. The original Yothu Yindi Rock Band members were mostly educated in Dhupuma College. It was G Yunupingu’s hope to see Dhupuma reborn. In that brief exchange between us, a promise was made to do our utmost to see this happen.
Using the existing sheds and temporary buildings, Dhupuma Barker was opened anew in 2021 amidst the sounds of a manikay and bunngal dance with the community. In the years that followed, we grew to more than 55 students and established a Families as First Teachers program to support families from early age to Year 10. The results have been astounding. Rapidly running out of space, we knew we needed to construct a permanent home.
Before he passed, Yunupingu showed me where he wanted the permanent school – a site overlooking the oval and Melville Bay.
In February, we finally completed Stage One of the Dhupuma Barker School. Designed to suggest the image of a ship’s anchor, the new buildings offer four classrooms, a Community Hall, amenities blocks and a marvellous covered playground suitable for all weather and all seasons. Stage Two will add three additional classrooms and a resource room, providing space for more than 100 children and their families.
Accustomed to disappointment and broken promises, Yunupingu said to me once “I will see it when it happens”. It has happened. By the grace of God, the generosity of so many supporters (including from Barker present and alumni community) something good and beautiful has happened – a place that will allow children to learn in two worlds and to be the source of a more reconciled future. Our purpose is to be a blessing to our nation and our world through the lives of our students and our community.
Honor Non Honores.
Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College
Dhupuma Barker began with a conversation and a friendship. It has grown into a living expression of bukmak mitji - everyone together - where Yolŋu and Balanda, community and college, learn side by side in a genuine two-way partnership. That vision travelled with our Marayarr class (Years 6 - 10) recently as they journeyed to Darwin to participate in a leadership camp at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.
For many of our students, this was more than a camp. It was an opportunity to step beyond the familiar rhythms of Gunyaŋara, to represent their families and their school, and to test themselves in new environments.
Leadership, responsibility, resilience and pride were the quiet threads running through the week.
Bukmak Mitji in Action
Marayarr at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.
Beginning with Purpose
The program opened with structured team-building sessions focused on trust, decision-making and learning from mistakes. Students were challenged to consider the impact of their choices - on themselves, on their peers and on their futures.
Importantly, facilitators shared their own lived experiences, speaking honestly about setbacks and the discipline required to change direction.
This authenticity resonated. As the week unfolded, we saw students supporting one another in moments of homesickness or uncertainty. The language of “good choices” and “standing strong” was not abstract; it became part of daily conversation. The tone was set early: leadership begins with character.
Physical activity formed a strong part of the experience. Football training sessions emphasised teamwork, communication and
perseverance. One afternoon, a spirited match continued in heavy rain - and not a single student stepped aside. Laughter, mud and determination blended into a powerful reminder that growth often happens outside comfort zones. A recovery swim and optional ice bath reinforced lessons about physical wellbeing and mental toughness.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students also attended the opening of the Northern Territory Parliament, witnessing civic ceremony and cultural performance. Events such as these expand horizons. They remind our young people that their voices matter in the broader story of the Territory and the nation. Observing formal proceedings required attentiveness and respectqualities our students demonstrated with maturity.
Back at the Centre, former elite athletes delivered a session titled “Magic Choices,” exploring discipline, aspiration and the long road behind every visible success. Students spoke openly about their own ambitions - from professional sport to community leadership. The conversation aligned closely with Dhupuma Barker’s commitment to high expectations: we honour culture and identity while pursuing excellence in every field.
Road safety workshops brought the theme of consequence into sharp focus. Students examined real-world scenarios and designed awareness posters that will now be displayed in our classrooms. This is learning with immediate relevance - practical, preventative and community-minded.
Talent, Reflection and Wellbeing
Midweek, students participated in the Centre’s Talent Academy - an intensive skills session that allowed them to demonstrate and refine their football abilities under expert guidance. The level of commitment was impressive. Coaches noted not only athletic potential but coachability, teamwork and perseverance. One student has since been identified as a potential participant in the Michael Long Cup pathway, contingent on
maintaining both sporting and academic commitment.
Opportunity, as always, is tied to responsibility.
Equally significant was a facilitated yarning circle led in partnership with wellbeing practitioners. In this culturally respectful space, students reflected on identity, connection and future pathways. They spoke about what makes them feel strong, who they are accountable to and how they define success.
This moment captured the heart of two-way learning. Western wellbeing frameworks met Yolŋu ways of sharing knowledge through story and circle.
Listening was as important as speaking. The depth of insight offered by our young people was both humbling and hopeful.
An afternoon visit to Leanyer Recreation Park provided joy and release - waterslides, shared laughter and healthy risk-taking. Notably, every student participated fully. Back on campus, we often work patiently to build this level of collective engagement. Seeing it realised in a new setting was encouraging.
Pathways and Possibilities
On Thursday, the group visited the new Charles Darwin University city campus to explore the Radicle Centre, an interactive STEM facility focused on environmental science and wetlands ecosystems. The quiet concentration in the room was striking. Students who might describe science as “not my favourite” were deeply engaged in problem-solving tasks and handson experiments.
Exposure to tertiary spaces matters. It normalises aspiration. When students walk through a university building not as visitors but as learners, a subtle shift occurs: future pathways feel tangible.
The week concluded with recreational activities and time to practise independencebudgeting, decision-making and managing personal responsibilities in public spaces. These moments, though less formal, are vital components of leadership development.
Importantly, our Yolŋu staff members who accompanied the group modelled consistency, cultural strength and care throughout. Their presence ensured students felt anchored to home while navigating new expectations. Leadership at Dhupuma Barker is always shared.
Recognising Character
The Centre presents awards aligned with its core values, and several of our students were recognised for demonstrating leadership, unity, resilience and positivity. Whether stepping forward first in group discussions, quietly supporting peers, or embracing every challenge with energy, these young people represented Dhupuma Barker with pride.
Yet beyond certificates, the true measure of success was visible in subtle shifts: increased confidence in public speaking, greater willingness to participate, stronger peer encouragement and thoughtful reflection about the future.
A Shared Vision
For the broader Barker community, this camp illustrates what partnership makes possible. Philanthropic support, strategic relationships and a shared belief in young people create transformative experiences. The Marayarr students returned to Gunyaŋara tired but changedspeaking about earlier bedtimes,
stronger attendance and clearer goals. Whether those intentions become habits will depend on sustained support from school and family alike.
Dhupuma Barker exists to prepare young people to walk confidently in two worlds. Experiences such as this bring that mission into focus. On Country we learn culture, language and identity. In spaces like the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre, we test those foundations against wider challenges. Neither replaces the other; together they strengthen the whole.
Bukmak mitji - everyone together - is not simply a phrase. It is enacted when a remote campus and a metropolitan college share resources and vision. It is evident when Yolŋu and Balanda staff co-lead students through opportunity and adversity. And it is felt when our young people stand a little taller, knowing they carry both their community and their College with them.
As one student reflected on the flight home, “We can do this.”
We believe them.
Our sincere thanks to our Marayarr students for the courage and integrity with which they represented Dhupuma Barker. We acknowledge Sarah Adams, Lalambarri Yunupingi, and Dana Yunupingu for their steady leadership and care throughout the week. Sharing your stories and knowledge from this experience and the rich tapestry of your lives has a ripple effect, most that we will never know about. We are equally grateful to the dedicated staff of the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre and our partners at AFL Northern Territory for their belief in our young people and their commitment to creating opportunities grounded in support, high expectations and hope. Together, you made this possible."
Mitchell O'Brien
Dhupuma Barker Lead Teacher
Secondary School
It was an unforgettable journey that broadened perspectives, enriched character, and connected our students with peers from around the world.
Our pre-conference experience began in Singapore. Over three days, we explored the city’s rich multicultural identity through visits to Gardens by the Bay, Fort Siloso, bustling local markets, and historical sites. Sharing this portion of the trip with a delegation from Newcastle Grammar School added further dimension and camaraderie. The time spent in Singapore offered a valuable insight into its' history, traditions and innovative drive.
The Round Square International Conference in Dubai was hosted collectively by The Millennium School, The Indian High School, and GEMS Academy. The opening night set a remarkable tone with an immersive desert festival featuring camel rides, traditional performances, lantern-lit carpets, and generous Emirati hospitality. With more than a thousand delegates in attendance, students quickly discovered how easily friendships formed through shared curiosity, conversation, and experience.
A Transformational Round Square Journey
In September 2025, a delegation of Barker students and teachers travelled to Singapore and then Dubai for the Round Square International Conference.
Baraza groups were the true heart of the Conference. These small groups of around twenty students, each representing a mix of countries, created space for meaningful dialogue. Together, they examined global issues, listened to diverse perspectives, and reflected deeply on the Conference theme, Beyond the Dunes.
Environmentalism Day highlighted desert conservation efforts, while Service Day provided a hands-on opportunity to assist at a Sikh Gurdwara, reinforcing the principles of empathy and contribution.
Conference highlights included exploring Dubai’s vibrant Spice and Gold Souks, marvelling at the Museum of the Future, and enjoying a memorable evening Dhow Cruise along the creek. Collectively, the experience proved transformational, strengthening students’ sense of global stewardship, fostering lasting friendships, and reminding all participants that genuine connection enables remarkable things to be achieved.
The Conference concluded with the exciting announcement that Barker will host the 2026 Round Square International Conference. Phillip Heath’s closing remarks were warmly received by delegates, generating great anticipation for this year.
Round Square International Conference 2026, hosted by Barker
Planning for the Round Square International Conference (RSIC) 2026 is progressing with great momentum as Barker prepares to welcome the world to our campus. Under the theme Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land, a vibrant program is taking shape.
From 28 September to 3 October 2026, Barker will host approximately 1,200 delegates from Round Square schools in more than 50 countries making this one of the most significant events in our 136-year history. The scale and energy of the Conference will evoke a Sydney Olympics-style celebration, rich in culture, connection, and global partnership.
For Barker students, the RSIC offers an extraordinary opportunity to build international friendships, share Australian culture and our school. Our students will also develop leadership skills as they take a lead role in designing and delivering the Conference.
Typically, a Round Square International Conference brings students together from around the world to share ideas, debate global issues, and develop leadership skills. The event includes keynote speakers, group discussions, community service projects, adventure and cultural experiences.
Peter Gibson Head of Character Education
Learning in Practice
The 2025 volume of Learning in Practice reflects a year in which innovation, inquiry, and community shaped the work of the Barker Institute.
Across research, pedagogy, and professional learning, a consistent theme emerged: in a world that is rapidly changing socially, technologically, and educationally, schools must design learning environments that support wholeperson development while remaining attentive to what students, teachers, and families need now. This volume brings together contributions that illustrate how Barker is engaging with these questions through research, reflection and practice.
For over a decade, the Barker Institute has contributed to the life of the School and the wider educational community through research that informs, challenges and strengthens practice. This volume reflects the depth, diversity and collaborative spirit of that work. As we move into our next chapter, we hope these pages stimulate thought, encourage dialogue and inspire further inquiry. We welcome conversation with colleagues and partners who share an interest in purposeful, school-based educational research at Barker.
Dr Timothy Scott Principal Research Fellow, Barker Institute
Dr Matthew Hill Director, Barker Institute
To express oneself in the arts involves an act of bravery, and our students put themselves and their inner thoughts on display, achieving incredible results as their artmaking practice illuminates their breadth of artistic expression. We celebrate the works of all senior students and showcase the works of four individuals who both utilise artistic conventions to form ideas and are recognised for being a 'standout' amongst their peers.
Students Lucas Schreiber, Scarlett Nelson and Nicholas Skraem were selected for ARTEXPRESS and Kevin Sun and Helena Wymer were selected for the Art North Exhibition. Being selected for ARTEXPRESS is a significant accomplishment for any young artist. It represents the highest level of recognition for HSC Visual Arts students in NSW, showcasing both artistic skill and conceptual depth. Inclusion in ARTEXPRESS validates the hard work, commitment, and creative risk-taking behind a major body of work, while also offering students a valuable public platform where their art can be seen, celebrated, and taken seriously by wider audiences.
It often serves as an inspiring launch point - boosting confidence, opening pathways to future study or creative careers, and affirming the importance of their artistic voice.
Art That Speaks: Recognising Creativeness
The Visual Arts continues to enhance our young people’s sense of connectedness, belonging and engagement in learning.
Scarlett Nelson: Her Time is Now (Graphic Design)
Displayed at Maitland Regional Art Gallery - 21 February to 19 April
Lucas Schreiber: The City is My Playground (Graphic Design)
Displayed at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Gymea - 9 February to 12 April; Broken Hill City Art Gallery - 1 May to 26 July; and Bondi Pavilion Gallery - 24 August to 24 October
Nicholas Skraem: Unobtanium: The Australian Dream (Drawing)
Displayed at Wagga Wagga Art Gallery - 23 May to 26 July and Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo - 15 August to 4 October
Being selected for the Art North exhibition at the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery is a meaningful achievement for any emerging artist. It signals that their work stands out for its creativity, skill, and conceptual strength within a highly competitive field. Exhibiting in a professional gallery environment gives students the chance to share their artistic voice with a wider community, gaining visibility, confidence, and valuable experience. It also acknowledges the dedication invested in their practice and can serve as an inspiring stepping-stone toward future creative opportunities.
Creative Foundations
The 2025 Year 12 cohort has begun its HSC Body of Work development with the Visual Arts Camp at Galston Gorge.
Students were guided and inspired by prominent contemporary artist Anne Zahalka, one of Australia’s leading photomedia practitioners, who spoke about her artistic process, thematic interests, and the narratives embedded within several of her significant works.
During the camp, students participated in a series of teacher-led workshops, experimenting with materials, exploring diverse modes of expression, and forming initial concepts for their own artworks. They concluded the program with strengthened clarity, motivation, and direction for their Body of Work.
The camp exemplified the collaborative, supportive, and creative culture of Visual Arts at Barker - a community that encourages artistic risk-taking idea sharing, and the collective pursuit of meaningful creative practice.
Statement from the New Head of Department
“It is my absolute pleasure to be a new part of the Barker community, and within the tremendous art department, who have been working together as a cohesive team for many years. As the new Head of Visual Arts, I aim to continue the dedication of our team and reinforce what we all feel to be true - that the Visual Arts plays an integral role in the formation of successful students and leaders of the future. Fostering breadth in thinking, the development of creative skills, communication, emotional connection and learning perspectives that extend way beyond written or spoken language.
Barker Visual Arts has an incredible track record of impressive student results. While some students gain notoriety for acceptance into exhibitions, our success as a subject is often reflected in the entire cohort. With my background in secondary and primary education, educational leadership and neuroscience, I aim to foster the growth of creativity in all our learning, as we all see scholarship as a continuous and lifelong process that enhances experiences and relationships. In the words of Claude Monet, “It’s on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way.” Art teaches us the power of inspection and introspection, and the worth of personal reflection in how we interact with life and everything it throws at us. Combined with our spiritual focus here at Barker, art encourages universal and holistic growth.”
Sarah Evans Head of Visual Arts
Kevin Sun: Scholar’s Rock / Connections (Pèng) (Collection of Works -Drawing/ Ceramics)
Helena Wymer: Exitless (Drawing)
Works were shown at the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, Abbotsleigh, Wahroonga in March.
Stage 4 Technology at Barker
Stage 4 Technology is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and support students in transforming ideas into meaningful, real world solutions. In Years 7 and 8, students explore the role technology plays in everyday life while developing creativity, technical skills and problem solving capabilities for the future.
Learning is hands-on, practical and purposeful. Students learn by doing, investigating authentic problems, experimenting with a range of materials and technologies, and designing, making and refining solutions. A shared design process underpins learning across all units in the course.
In Year 7 Digital Technologies, students design and code a Micro:Bit game, building skills in computational thinking, programming and hardware–software integration. They also design and create a textile carry bag. In Materials Technology, students build workshop confidence by making a timber herb stripper before designing and constructing a themed table lamp using timber and plastics, supported by technical drawing and CAD tools.
Designing Futures in Technology at Barker
Technology at Barker spans from hands-on foundations in Stage 4 to specialised Senior courses and industry experiences, equipping students with the skills, confidence and real-world insight to design, create and innovate with purpose.
In Year 8 Engineering Technologies, students assemble and solder a solar powered LED light before designing, testing and refining a solar car. They apply gear ratio and torque theory to optimise gearbox performance in racing events. In Agriculture and Food Technologies, students grow sprouts and vegetables through hands-on learning in the agriculture garden and develop practical cooking skills before completing a Family Meal project, connecting food production, nutrition and sustainability.
Together, these experiences expose students to a wide range of materials and technologies through the design process, while building confidence as designers and problem solvers.
A Milestone Moment for Food Technology
In 2026, Barker College introduced Food Technology to Year 12 for the first time, marking a significant addition to the Design & Technology Department. The new senior course reflects strong student interest and the growing importance of food, health and sustainability.
The inaugural Year 12 cohort is undertaking a course that brings together scientific understanding, analytical thinking and practical skill development. Students explore food manufacture, product development, nutrition and the Australian food industry, applying their learning to authentic, real world contexts. First introduced in Year 9 in 2022, Food Technology is now offered as a comprehensive study pathway from Middle School through to Senior School.
The introduction of Year 12 Food Technology represents an important moment of growth and opportunity for the Barker community.
Exploring the Food Industry First Hand
Year 12 Food Technology students recently participated in an industry study excursion, visiting Sydney Fish Market, Urban Green Indoor Farm and Chophouse Restaurant. The experience provided valuable insight into food production, sustainability and professional practice across different sectors of the Australian food industry. Students were able to connect classroom learning with real world applications, deepening their understanding of food manufacture, supply chains and contemporary food environments. We are sincerely grateful to the
teams at each venue for generously sharing their time and expertise and for supporting our students through meaningful industry experiences as part of their studies.
“One of the most valuable things I gained from the excursion was the opportunity to go behind the scenes of food production. I learned about processes such as how fish are transported from fishing boats to buyers within the Sydney Fish Market, which gave me a deeper insight into the Australian food industry.”
Olivia Hayward
“We were able to immerse ourselves in the production side of the industries we were studying, which gave us a deeper understanding of how real businesses operate within the food industry. We also had the opportunity to speak with industry experts and gather first hand evidence and insights.”
Ashleigh Weir
Year 12 Industrial Technology Industry Experience at Art of Kitchens
Year 12 Industrial Technology students recently visited Art of Kitchens as part of their HSC industry study. The excursion provided students with first-hand exposure to a commercial manufacturing environment, linking classroom theory to real-world practice.
Students observed the full production process involved in custom kitchen manufacturing. Seeing advanced equipment and automated systems in operation helped them understand how precision, efficiency and quality control are achieved in industry. The visit also highlighted workplace safety, sustainability and career pathways within the timber and furniture industry.
“Our trip to Art of Kitchens was amazing. We gained insight into the process an Australian business goes through to become successful, from initial design and client consultation through to manufacturing and final installation.
Walking through the warehouse helped us understand the layout and how the business operates so efficiently while producing highquality kitchens and more. This experience helped us see how theory from Timber is applied in a real world setting.”
Tahj Smith
“The Art of Kitchens industry visit gave me the opportunity to see how things operate in a real industry setting, helping me better understand the content we are learning in Industrial Technology and providing a valuable resource I can use in the HSC.”
Friyana Mistry
Emily Nightingale Head of Design & Technology
I loved seeing the show evolve over time, and the rewarding aspect of witnessing our hard work come to life before our eyes.
The play is truly beautiful; however, it presents challenges with its complex themes, and the emotionally poetic portrayal of life in the slums of Surry Hills, Sydney in the mid-20th century. Though it was difficult, we had the incredible director, Lizzie Schebesta, the amazing student crew, and a dedicated cast that made the show and sensational story a reality.
Barker Drama has given me so many opportunities that I am unbelievably grateful for, enabling me to emerge from my shell, express myself, and grow my confidence to the point that I feel most safe when I am performing on stage. The Drama community is where I have made my closest friendships, and where I have experienced a deep sense of belonging, motivating me to ensure that others feel the same.
This experience in the Year 12 play, deeply reflects how fantastic Barker Drama is, and why everyone should be involved if given the chance.
Emily Anderson Drama Co-Captain 2026
Year 12 Play Harp in the South
Being a part of the Year 12 Play, Harp in the South, by Ruth Park has been such an extraordinary experience that has challenged me but also filled me with immense joy.
The Year 12 Play was the last production for the 2026 cohort, and I could not think of a better production to be the 12th and final addition to all the fantastic productions I have had the immense privilege of being a part of throughout my time at Barker.
Being able to reflect on how far we all have come has been a surreal experience, and diving headfirst into this intense production with the rest of the cast as we sprint towards the finish line is more than I could have ever asked for. Barker Drama productions are created with the utmost quality and enthusiasm, each show building a lifelong memory and a group of friends that can now be called family as part of the wider Barker Drama Alumni.
Barker Drama fosters an environment where students are encouraged to engage and challenge themselves in various ways and are encouraged to push their own limits in performance and confidence on stage.
Meanwhile, in the wings, the student crew face the challenges of manoeuvring and organising intricate props and set pieces while working as a team and it is all done in silence! No other co-curricular activity offered encompasses such a broad range of skills, pushing everyone, regardless of whether they’re performing, stage crew, or lighting the show, to be the best version of themselves.
Shawn Liang Drama Co-Captain 2026
Across the sessions, students were challenged not to drift with the patterns of the world but to be transformed to go “all in” for Jesus in their thinking, friendships and daily lives.
A particular highlight was the leadership across year groups. Our Year 12 Cru Captains led sessions, setting the tone spiritually for the weekend. We were also deeply encouraged by the presence of several Year 13s who volunteered their time to return and serve at camp. Their willingness to give back modelled the heart of Romans 12, offering themselves for the good of others.
CRU Kickstart
On the first weekend of Term 1, Barker’s Cru headed away together to launch the year. This year’s talks centred on Romans 12 and the call to offer our whole selves to God in view of his mercy.
We were thrilled to welcome more than 20 Year 7 students, many of whom were attending their first Cru event. Kickstart continues to be a wonderful space to form new friendships and to warmly introduce younger students into the Cru community.
The weekend was punctuated by many magical moments, including the annual paint war, a creative murder-mystery challenge, topical seminars, and shared meals. Above all, Cru Kickstart 2026 was about more than fun. It was about forming a community of students who are learning to love sincerely, serve wholeheartedly and follow Jesus with their whole lives.
Rev Peter Tong Senior Chaplain
A Journey in Sound! 2025 USA Performance Tour
From 8 to 22 December 2025, 43 of Barker College’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band students embarked on an unforgettable USA Performance Tour, travelling from Sydney to New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Anaheim.
This tour was designed as far more than a sightseeing experience. It was a performance-focused program built around workshops with leading educators and musicians, cultural immersion, and exchange concerts with American schools that placed our students on stage repeatedly in authentic musical contexts.
New York City
After the long journey via Los Angeles to Newark, the tour began in New York with shared experiences that quickly built momentum and connection. Students visited SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, spent time in Times Square, toured Lower Manhattan, and enjoyed the Broadway production of Aladdin.
The musical work commenced with workshops at Long Island University, where students received expert input that sharpened ensemble craft early in the tour. That momentum carried into the first major exchange, hosted by Susan E. Wagner High School, where our ensembles performed within the school’s Christmas concert environment.
From New York, the tour moved to Washington, D.C., with students visiting Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts en route, an experience that connected our own music-making to the wider global ecosystem of the performing arts.
In Washington, students observed a rehearsal of the US Army Band at Fort Myer, gaining rare insight into the precision and standards expected of elite professional musicians. A visit to Arlington National Cemetery provided powerful historical context and reflection. The D.C. leg also featured additional workshops across jazz and wind, time at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, and an evening monuments tour.
San Francisco
Flying west to San Francisco, the tour maintained its pace, combining landmark experiences with high-level musical engagement. Highlights included Fisherman’s Wharf, a city sightseeing tour, and an evening concert featuring the Spanish Harlem Orchestra at the SF Jazz Centre.
Workshops continued at Cabrillo College, where students worked with expert clinicians in both wind and jazz settings. The exchange performances that followed, including at Evergreen Valley High School and El Cerrito High School, were a standout feature of the tour. Across each school, Barker students performed with remarkable maturity, representing the College with confidence, humility, and musical generosity.
Los Angeles and Anaheim
The final performance exchanges continued in Los Angeles, including an exchange performance at Portola High School, before the tour transitioned to Anaheim.
In Anaheim, students participated in Disney’s Soundtrack Sessions Workshop, exploring the professional world of film and theme-park music production in a way that connected strongly to many students’ creative aspirations. Time at Disneyland and California Adventure provided well-earned celebration and team bonding before the group’s farewell experiences in Los Angeles, including a guided tour through iconic districts and a final dinner in Santa Monica prior to returning to Sydney.
Washington, D.C.
Performance Highlights
Musically, the tour produced many memorable moments. Students performed exceptionally well at each school, and a major highlight was Sophie Liu (Year 10, 2025), whose featured trombone solo in Howls and Hymns by Viet Cuong was delivered with poise, musical authority, and genuine artistry. It was an audience favourite at every performance.
The final school exchange culminated in a powerful symbol of what this tour was truly about: a combined ensemble of 120 students joining together for a massed performance of Danzón No. 2, a thrilling, unifying finale that celebrated shared repertoire, shared effort, and shared joy in music-making.
Why Tours Like This Matter at Barker
Perhaps the most important outcomes were not only musical, though the musical growth was substantial. The tour created space for international friendships, meaningful cultural exchange, and the strengthening of bonds within our own program. Students returned with deeper social connections and an even stronger sense of belonging.
At Barker, we value music as a community where there are no age boundaries. Students learn from one another, lead one another, and support one another across year groups and ensembles. This tour was a prime example of that philosophy in action, with younger
and older students working side-by-side, travelling together, performing together, and forming relationships that will strengthen the culture of our music program well beyond the tour itself.
In every city and at every venue, our students represented Barker with distinction. The 2025 USA Performance Tour was a celebration of musical excellence, shared purpose, and the unique community that is built when students commit themselves to something bigger than any one individual performance: the ensemble.
Andrew McWade Director of Bands
Where Numbers Come to Life
Maths Week returned to Barker in 2025 with its signature blend of high-energy competition and collaborative wonder.
In its 18th year, the week continued to prove that mathematics is far more than just a classroom pursuit and that it is a shared language that can bring an entire school community together.
Following the rotation of our flagship events, 2025 saw the much-anticipated return of the Human Number Plane. The Rosewood Centre was once again transformed into a massive coordinate system, mapped out across the courts. For this event, every student from Years 7 to 12 took their precise place on the Cartesian plane.
Under the guidance of the Maths Department, the student body acted as living pixels to render complex functions. From the simplicity of linear equations to the elegant symmetry of ellipses and even more intricate curves, the sight of hundreds of students raising coloured cards in unison was a powerful visual reminder of the beauty of mathematical structures.
One of the many lunchtime highlights was the huge Ken Ken Battle, a logic-based showdown that saw students square off to solve arithmetical puzzles under pressure. The atmosphere was electric as participants used deduction and mental maths, proving that logic is just as competitive as any sport.
The daily pulse of the week was driven by the Problem of the Day. Distributed via the @barkermaths Instagram page and campus displays, these challenges sparked debates at the OBA outdoor stage every recess. Students from all year groups were seen rushing to submit their solutions, eager to claim the glory, and the prizes, that come with cracking a particularly stubborn proof or puzzle.
Beyond the headline events, the week was rounded out by other fun activities such as the Family Maths Quiz that brought the mathematical spirit into Barker homes, and the Mathematical Scavenger Hunt that turned the campus into a giant puzzle box.
Maths Week remains a vital part of the Barker calendar, fostering positive connections with a subject that underpins so much of our world. As we pack away the coordinate cards, we look forward to the return of the spectacular Maths Idol in 2026, where we trade our grids for guitars and celebrate the performing arts of mathematics.
Sindy Byun Mathematics Assistant Coordinator
Complete the pyramid so that each square equals the sum of the 2 squares directly below it. No number can be used more than once. Only positive integers can be used.
Learning from Industry Leaders
On our recent Year 11 Agriculture excursion to Bathurst, we celebrated 20 years of visiting Millah Murrah Angus StudAustralia’s leading Angus cattle stud.
Renowned for regularly setting Australian records for the highest-priced Angus bulls at their annual on-farm sale, Millah Murrah provides an outstanding example of excellence in agribusiness for our students to study.
Beyond their commercial success, Ross and Dimity are deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Over the course of our long-standing partnership, we have witnessed remarkable improvements in the landscape through their implementation of regenerative agricultural practices. Seeing these principles applied in a real-world, high-performing enterprise has been invaluable for our students.
We are incredibly grateful to Ross and Dimity for their unwavering commitment to agricultural education. Hosting thousands of Barker Agriculture students over two decades is no small undertaking. We very much look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come!
Scott Graham Head of Agriculture
Photo credit: Elizabeth Anderson - The Land newspaper
Alumni PROFILE
David Burt (Class of 2004) is the Director of Entrepreneurship at UNSW Founders which supports thousands of students and researchers. His mission is for UNSW to be Australia’s most entrepreneurial university. David has been recognised in The Australian’s ‘The List: Top 100 Innovators’ for his contributions to the startup ecosystem.
What has been your journey since leaving Barker?
After Barker I completed a Commerce degree from the University of Sydney, and emerged directly into the chaos of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. That was an interesting way to start my career, and I felt quite lucky to find work in the Financial Services industry, first at Morgan Stanley and then KPMG.
Both firms gave me great training and a solid professional foundation, but that industry didn’t feel like a fit for me. So I took a random turn, that at the time felt agonisingly risky, and I joined the Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). It was a step away from my career trajectory, and way outside of the professional network I had built. I entered a world of deep science and frontier technologies that I didn’t fully understand. And it was the best professional decision I ever made.
I spent the next eight years at CSIRO, working for and learning from some amazing leaders. While there I became increasingly interested in research commercialisation, and why it seemed that so many brilliant scientists produced so much worldclass research that never left the lab. As part of that work, I then had the opportunity to lead a program helping scientists start new companies to commercialise their own research. Through this I worked at the intersection of advanced technology and venture capital, and over several years I helped spark the creation of 63 new startup companies. Looking back, it was a career-defining opportunity, especially given that as of today, those companies have collectively attracted more than $1 billion of funding to commercialise Australian science.
These experiences meant that in early 2020 I was then invited to join the University of New South Wales (UNSW) as their Director of Entrepreneurship, which is where I still am today. In this role I lead a philanthropically funded institute that is helping the next generation of Australian startup founders to build ambitious new companies.
Was there a Barker experience that was surprisingly relevant for your career?
In middle school I chose Drama as an elective, which was a bizarrely out-of-character choice for me. I wasn’t interested in acting, being quite introverted and not at all a fan of public speaking. I don’t remember why I chose it, but I do remember my parents being exceptionally surprised.
I’m happy I did choose Drama, because the improvisation skills I learned in the theatre sports components were transformational for me! Learning to accept and feel comfortable in the spotlight, and more importantly when and how to share that spotlight generously with others is an important leadership skill. I didn’t realise any of this at the time, if mostly seemed like a set of fun games, but it helped me to see early in life how powerful “yes, and” can be in team work. The principle of finding the way to build on others’ contributions rather than shutting them down. Improv trains you to respond well during moments of extreme uncertainty. You don’t get to script the next line, you can only listen, adapt, and move forward. It rhymes closely with a lot of the skills needed in entrepreneurship.
The class also introduced me to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which remains one of the greatest cultural achievements of humanity.
Tell us about your role at UNSW and the program you lead?
At UNSW, I work at the intersection of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. The team I lead supports founders, particularly those emerging from research environments, to start and grow ambitious new companies. Each year we help about 100 new companies to incorporate based on ideas that have emerged from the university’s students, scientists and alumni.
What is the biggest myth people believe about starting a new company?
The biggest myth is that the idea has to be “perfect” before you can begin. Over the past 10 years I’ve worked with hundreds of brand new companies, and I’ve noticed that the business idea just has to be “good enough” to start. As a founder the speed of your learning is so much more important than the initial idea - to the point that now at UNSW we even host “Terrible Idea” competitions just to get people into building faster. The saddest stories I see are the people that build castles in their mind, without ever picking up a shovel to start laying the foundation. The most successful companies I’ve worked with all began with flawed ideas. The market rewards responsiveness, so the founder who launches fast and learns quickly will usually outperform the founder who refines endlessly in isolation. Start earlier than feels comfortable!
What is the last book you read that had nothing to do with work?
Three Wild Dogs by Markus Zusak, it’s a beautiful book about owning problem dogs.
For the past 10 years my shadow at home has been a Labrador Retriever who is a polite maelstrom, and this book perfectly captures what it’s like to love a difficult animal. The book reflects in wonderful humour the depth of shame you feel when your pet misbehaves in public, and how outrageously memorable it becomes. About how we dare only walk our animals just before sunrise or hidden in the shadows of night. It’s also a story of why we plunge straight back into the whirlpool of dog ownership despite the inevitable heartache. These dogs know us like no one else does, and they always forgive better than humans.
Do you have any advice for today’s Barker students?
I suggest that they each search for their own definition of success. I’ve noticed that if you don’t take responsibility for your own definition of success, then someone else will do it for you, and you probably won’t like the results. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to spend the morning with about a hundred of the current Year 10 Barker students, and shared with them that chasing money or the status of what other people think rarely leads to a good place.
Each year in my role at UNSW I meet thousands of people, and the most interesting of them did not inherit someone else’s definition of success, they constructed their own. Most of them have found their way into some hidden or unusual niche by following a set of internal opinions. There's a self-knowledge to it. They are not trying to fit themselves into a box that the culture tells you how to be. Rather they’ve done the work to find their own definition of success and built a life around it. If I could put a billboard on campus, it would read: “Craft your own definition of success.”
A Common Conversation
There is a common conversation at Barker College - you will hear it on the side of the sporting fields or read it on the chat group.
It is a conversation that spans year groups and ages, from the smallest to the tallest. It is a shared truth often voiced quietly and honestly: parenting is a joy, and it is also hard work. Often, it is both at once.
There is another common conversation at Barker College - it is spoken of in the staff rooms and at planning meetings. It’s a conversation that also spans year groups and ages, from the smallest to the tallest. It is simply this… “We want our students to thrive at Barker so we need also to care for our families”.
Caring for student wellbeing means recognising the central role parents and carers play, and ensuring they have access to guidance, skills and support when challenges arise. This commitment reflects Barker’s belief in educating the whole person and working in genuine partnership with families.
To respond to this need, the Parent Institute, in partnership with the Barker Institute, provides practical support for families through evidence-informed programs and pastoral care. Its purpose is clear: to equip parents with confidence, insight and practical tools so they can support their children effectively at home and in partnership with the school.
In Term 1, the third cohort of the Confident Parent Course was offered over four weeks in March, with a further course planned for Term 3. These sessions focus on practical strategies for navigating common parenting challenges across different stages of schooling.
We know that students thrive when their families feel supported.
The Bible perfectly reflects and grounds our aim at the Parent Institute.
“We love because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19.
We seek to care for our students and families because Jesus has done it for us.
In collaboration with the Barker Chaplaincy team, the Parent Institute also offers pastoral support for families who may need additional care or guidance.
Parents are encouraged to engage with these opportunities.
For program information, support, or to make contact, please email contact@theparent.institute.
Becky Shu Junior School Specialist TeacherChristian Studies & Parent Support
The Confident Parent Course
Computational Linguistics National Mythology
Earlier this year, five teams from Barker represented the school in the annual OzClo NSW Computational Linguistics Competition.
A total of twenty Middle School students worked in groups of four to solve complex language-based All students should be knowledge of phonetics and together to identify patterns and common features of these fascinating languages. group of Middle School students entered the National Mythology Competition - an international
Barker’s budding young Classicists answered a series of online questions relating to Greek and Roman mythology, the gods and the Underworld. All the participating students should be highly commended for demonstrating a deep level of knowledge of the Ancient World and its rich array of stories - such as Orpheus and Eurydice and the punishment of Sisyphus.
Matthew Ross Head of Classics & Indigenous Languages
Marri Mittigar
A Place to Heal Learn and Rebuild
By investing in the educational success of refugees, we are investing in the future of Australia.
Professor Peter Shergold
Why start a humanitarian school? The purpose of Marri Mittigar special assistance school is to respond to the alarming reality of the numbers of internally and externally displaced people around the world, now 1 in 73 people. In Phillip Heath’s mind was the question: ‘how can we partner with government and the philanthropic sector to support people who have had to drop everything and run?'
Marri Mittigar provides educational opportunities for families whose lives have been deeply affected by violence, corrupt government, discrimination and war. The school gives a hand up, not a hand out, to families who desire to re-establish their lives in peace and safety.
It is a nurturing place for children to heal who are not thriving in mainstream education so that they are able to gather strength to become contributing members of society.
We continue literacy in the first language so that culture, literature, music and traditions are not lost and connection with the home country is maintained. One day these children may return to their countries of origin in leadership positions. The education, values and character the teachers are
sowing into these children will echo far beyond the walls of Marri Mittigar. Every child, in one way or another, never forgets their childhood teachers because of the imprint they leave. These are formative years where the moral compass is set and learning patterns embedded.
In the early days of the school in 2024, the Barker community provided the bulk of support to establish the school. Little by little, the relational ecosystem is strengthening. Marri Mittigar families are taking over responsibility, giving their skills, time and resources to build up the school. Parents, though resources are meagre, are generously and joyfully supporting other parents financially and in other ways. Still, the average hours each week that the Barker community volunteers is at least 57. Many of these hours are given by Barker students. Without a doubt, the learning is two-way. The relationship between Barker and Marri Mittigar students is one of mutual learning as minds are opened to global realities.
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
Deuteronomy 10:18-19
Julia West
Marri Mittigar Head of Campus
Sport | Secondary School
Excellence in Motion
On Friday 13 February, Year 11 and Year 9 Curriculum Dance students attended Callback, the annual showcase celebrating the most outstanding practical works from the 2025 HSC Dance cohort across New South Wales.
For Barker’s Year 11 and Year 9 Curriculum Dance students, the excursion was an invaluable chance to witness the artistry, technical precision, and creative intention demonstrated by the state’s highest achieving dancers. Seeing these works performed live gave students a deeper understanding of the expectations for Dance as an ATAR subject and provided meaningful insight into the possibilities of senior study.
Year 11 students also participated in a full day workshop, engaging with all components of the Stage 6 HSC Dance course. They took part in practical technique classes, composition activities, and writing
seminars that strengthened their understanding of performance, appreciation, and compositional processes. The workshop allowed them to apply their learning and gain insight into the demands of the HSC course they will be undertaking at the end of this year.
Curriculum Dance at Barker continues to grow as an elective. With the inaugural HSC Dance class graduating in 2025, the program now offers Stage 5 and Stage 6 courses and has expanded to 48 enthusiastic students.
The increasing interest reflects the vibrant culture of creativity, discipline, and expression evident within the Barker Dance Community.
The students returned from Callback inspired, motivated, and excited for the year ahead. They are ready to apply what they observed to their own performances and composition works this year.
Rachael Tait- Owens Dance Teacher
Achievement and Opportunity
Over the summer holidays, Barker Sport took students across Australia and overseas, delivering a series of unforgettable tours and training camps.
These experiences are a vital part of our sporting program, providing opportunities not only for athletic growth but also for character development, teamwork, and resilience. The 2025/26 season saw Barker students competing and training in a wide range of environments, from national championships to international sporting tours.
National Runner Up on the Gold Coast
The summer began on the Gold Coast, where three Barker teams, comprising 30 students, competed at the Australian Schools Basketball Championships. Facing the strongest school basketball programs from across the country, both the boys’ and girls’ teams rose to the challenge during an intense week of competition.
The 1st Girls team once again competed in the highly competitive Championship division and delivered a standout campaign. Displaying exceptional teamwork, discipline and composure, the
team powered through the preliminary rounds with dominant performances, recording average winning margins of more than 30 points. Their efforts earned a place in the final against defending champions Brisbane State.
In a thrilling and closely contested match, the girls fought until the final moments, ultimately falling just two points short. Finishing with a silver medal was a remarkable achievement and a testament to the team’s dedication, preparation and commitment throughout the season.
Success on the National Athletics Stage
Shortly after the basketball championships, Barker athletes travelled to Melbourne to compete at the School Sport Australia National Athletics Championships. A team of 38 students represented Barker across a wide range of individual and team events, producing an impressive set of results.
Among the standout performances was Cameron Batey, who secured silver medals in both the 1500m and 800m events. Cooper RobbJackson also delivered an outstanding performance, earning a bronze medal in the Under 20 200m Para classification (T38), competing against older athletes at just 17 years of age.
In team competition, Barker achieved a historic milestone. For the first time, the Senior Boys team claimed a national medal, finishing third overall in the Opens division. This achievement reflects the continued growth of Barker Athletics and the dedication of both students and coaches throughout the season. Across all age groups, Barker teams performed strongly, contributing to a highly successful and memorable championship.
A Once in a Lifetime International Experience
One of the highlights of the summer was the international basketball tour to the United States. In December, 20 Barker basketball students embarked on a once in a lifetime sporting and cultural experience, travelling to Dallas, Kentucky and North Carolina.
Throughout the tour, students were immersed in the elite sporting culture that defines American basketball. They toured world class college facilities, competed against local teams, and attended professional sporting events. From sitting courtside at NBA games to experiencing an NFL match played in freezing conditions, the tour provided unique insight into high performance sport while creating lasting memories and friendships.
Beyond the competition, the experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, teamwork and embracing new challenges, qualities that extend well beyond the basketball court.
Preparing for the Season Ahead
Following the international tour, Barker’s sporting journey continued into the new year with a series of domestic training camps and tournaments across New South Wales. Students from a variety of sports participated in preparation camps designed to build fitness, strengthen team culture and refine technical skills ahead of the competitive season.
Rowing students attended a training camp in Berry, focusing on endurance, technical improvement and crew cohesion. Tennis players travelled to Albury to compete in a tournament, gaining valuable match experience against strong
regional opposition. Swimmers undertook an intensive training camp in Kincumber, working on technique, race preparation and overall conditioning.
These tours and camps play a vital role in preparing Barker students for the season ahead, while also encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones. Beyond results and medals, the experiences help students grow as individuals - developing independence, resilience and leadership skills that will serve them well in sport, school and life beyond Barker.
Lachie Lloyd Director of Sport - Operations
Strength and Conditioning
At Barker College, Strength & Conditioning plays a vital role in supporting the physical development, confidence and long-term wellbeing of our students.
The department is proud to offer world class facilities and expert coaching, all underpinned by a strong commitment to safe, purposeful and engaging training experiences.
Guided by Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) principles, the program caters for every student from Years 7 - 12. Through carefully structured, tiered programs, students are supported to build a lifelong appreciation for physical activity, whether their goals lie in sport performance or simply staying active and healthy.
Building Strong Foundations: Learning to Train (LTT)
All students begin in our Learning to Train (LTT) program. This foundational phase develops:
• Fundamental movement skills
• Strength and coordination
• Athletic-specific movement
• Injury risk reduction
• Confidence in the gym environment
Students’ progress through five structured levels, each designed to match their movement competency. Movement assessments are conducted by qualified coaches in a supportive and encouraging setting to ensure students advance safely and confidently.
Pathways for Ongoing Development
Once students complete LTT, they can choose a pathway that aligns with their goals.
Active for Life
Designed for students who wish to maintain their health and wellbeing through regular exercise, this pathway focuses on strength, cardiovascular fitness, mobility and building independent, sustainable training habits that extend beyond school.
Athletic Development
Designed for students who have completed LTT and seek to enhance their sports performance. For sports-minded students, there is no rush to this program, as LTT will lay the athletic-specific foundations required to competently complete this program.
Training includes advanced strength and power development, sport-specific prehab, mobility, and conditioning, and alignment with training and competition schedules.
Rehabilitation and Return to Play
Injured students are fully supported through structured rehabilitation and return to play processes, both in the gym and on the field/court, working closely with physiotherapists and the rehabilitation coordinator. In-house injury and individual specific testing allows for tailored rehab, ensuring students return to training and competition, safely and confidently.
Our Strength & Conditioning program aims to empower every student - whether pursuing performance goals or lifelong health - to develop resilience, capability and a positive relationship with physical activity.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at StrengthConditioningStaff@barker. nsw.edu.au
Sam Northcott Director of Strength & Conditioning
An Exclusive Offer for the Barker College Community
As part of our ongoing relationship, Hornsby BMW is delighted to offer Barker College community members a complimentary 5-year/80,000km Service Inclusive Plan# with the purchase of any new or demonstrator BMW.
You are always welcome to explore the Hornsby BMW showroom, where our dedicated team is ready to assist with enquiries, arrange test drives, discuss purchase options or support your servicing needs.
Simply mention Barker College when you visit for your Complimentary Service Plan. It’s our subtle but meaningful way of saying thank you, and of reinforcing a belief in quality that’s built to last.
A Century of Conversation
The Barker College Parents Association (BCPA) is a vital and vibrant part of the Barker community, bringing families and the School together in the spirit of connection, support, and fun.
At its heart, the BCPA is all about belonging. Through year-group parent representatives, catch-ups, and community events, we help families get to know one another and stay involved in school life. For new families, these networks can be a real lifeline, offering friendly faces, helpful advice, and plenty of chances to feel right at home from day one. Last year marked a huge milestone, our 100th anniversary! We capped off the celebrations with the September Spring Fair, which turned the Barker campus into a colourful festival of rides, stalls, music, delicious food, and student performances. It was more than just a fundraiser; it was a joyful celebration of a cherished tradition that brings our whole community together and creates lasting memories.
Beyond the festivities, the BCPA plays a hands-on role in supporting the school through fundraising and volunteer efforts. The funds we raise help bring new projects, resources, and programs to life, enhancing learning and wellbeing for all our students. Whether we’re running events, backing special initiatives, or helping with improvements across the campus, our work leaves a positive mark that lasts well beyond the school year.
The Parents’ Association is also a vital bridge between families and school leadership, keeping communication open and constructive. This year, Barker will proudly host the Round Square International Conference from 28 September to 3 October, themed “Visions of the Future from an Ancient Land.” With 1,200 students from around the globe joining us, it promises to be an inspiring celebration of culture, leadership, and connection. The BCPA is thrilled to help welcome and billet visiting students.
Getting involved is easy and flexible. There’s something for everyone, no matter your schedule or interests.
Ultimately, the BCPA embodies what makes Barker special: community, service, and partnership. Together, we make school life richer, more connected, and more meaningful for every family and student.
Ina Pletea BCPA President
At first glance, it is unremarkable. But look closer and the walls begin to speak.
Names, dozens of them, are etched, pencilled, and scrawled across its surfaces. Surnames, initials, dates. The earliest discovered so far belong to the Class of 1949, suggesting that this room once held meaning for generations of Barker boarders. Why they gathered here, what rituals unfolded within these walls, and why the tradition ended are questions that remain unanswered.
Plume House itself has long been woven into the story of boarding at Barker. Opened in 1929 as accommodation for the School’s youngest boarders, it has witnessed changing eras, shifting routines, and the everyday lives of boys, and later girls, far from home. Boarding life has always
Traces of Boarding Life, Hidden Below Plume
Beneath Plume House, tucked away and now accessed only by those responsible for the quiet, unseen work of building maintenance, lies a room that time seems to have forgotten.
been rich in custom: some formal, others unspoken, passed down quietly from cohort to cohort. It is easy to imagine that this hidden room once formed part of that world.
Richard Webb (Class of 1967), whose name is etched into the room, cannot recall sketching it himself. What he does remember is descending beneath Plume for another purpose entirely: the barber. With a proper barber’s chair set up beneath the boarding house, haircuts were an accepted ritual of boarding life, mundane at the time, and now belonging to a world that feels just out of reach. Did boarders wander further during these visits, lingering longer than required? Or was this very room the site of another, now forgotten custom? Memory, like the space itself, offers only fragments.
Was it a place of initiation? A refuge? A space claimed by
boarders as their own? Or was it something far more ordinary, its significance growing only through use and memory? The names suggest belonging, a desire to be remembered, to leave a mark, literally, on Barker’s story.
Today, the room sits in silence, its purpose obscured by time. Yet it prompts a larger question: how many other Barker traditions have slipped quietly into history, remembered only in fragments, or not at all?
If you are a former boarder or staff member who recalls this room, or others like it, your memories may help piece together its story. What stories might still be waiting beneath our feet?
Rachel Byrne Senior Archivist
On 23 May 2026, during the Back to Barker Alumni event, there will be an opportunity to visit the Archives, inviting visitors to step inside, reflect, and share their memories. Stories, questions, and conversations are at the heart of the collection, and are just as valued as the objects themselves.
Donations may be considered with care, and those wishing to bring items are encouraged to make contact beforehand. Ultimately, this is an opportunity to reconnect with the history of Barker College and the lived experiences that continue to shape it.
Barker
FOUNDATION
Supporting Every Student’s Journey
A new year brings new possibilities and at the Barker Foundation, we are excited for what 2026 may bring.
At Barker, we actively support an inclusive and diverse community where all are welcome and belong. Schools like Barker can help to change lives by creating exceptional futures. Reflecting the School motto, Honor non Honores, the Barker Foundation works to create opportunities for all and to support families who may be experiencing circumstances that would otherwise prevent their child from completing their education at Barker.
In 2025, Barker held its first Giving Day that revealed a very strong culture of giving at the School. Approximately $1 million was raised to support not just our Indigenous and Humanitarian programs, but scholarship for families in need. With our community’s continued generosity in 2026, we would like to support the provision of more assisted places.
There is a particular need to provide scholarships for Indigenous students who are graduating from our NSW Indigenous campus and who wish to come to Hornsby to complete high school. They have already come so far, and we want to support them to get all the way through to the end of their schooling. If you are in a position to help with this, please contact the Foundation foundation@ barker.nsw.edu.au for a confidential discussion.
This year the Foundation will be hosting an Indigenous Education fundraising dinner on Thursday 11 June. Please save the date for this event and I look forward to sharing further details with our community for this significant fundraiser, where we will be raising funds to support Indigenous scholarships.
If you would like to consider setting up a regular giving plan, this can be created in the VCPay Payment Plan & Billing section where parents fees are paid. All donations made to the Future Fund are tax deductible and really do make a difference.
I look forward to meeting many of you in the year ahead and thank you for your support of the Barker Foundation.
Aaron Black Barker Foundation Chair
The Old Barker
Old Barker Association Contacts
email: oba@barker.nsw.edu.au
(Please note that the number in brackets after a name is the graduating year)
President
Dush Sharma (05)
Vice President
Declan Flaherty (16)
Honorary Secretary
Phil Watson (08)
Assistant Secretary
Alex O’Neil (14)
Honorary Treasurer
Benjamin Ho (09)
Assistant Treasurer
Simon Smith (91)
General Committee
Vanessa Bennett (91)
Gemma Dywer (Davies 09)
Josh Grace (90)
Ant Hearne (90)
Michael Masters (98)
Chris Russell (70) | OBA Ambassador
Shadi Worrall (Iravani 10)
Scott Toy (98)
OBA Nominees to Council
Anna Sutton (05)
Meline Nazloomian (05)
Jenni-Lee Williams (Lennon 81)
OBA Annual Patron
Sandy Hollway (64)
OBA Seniors Contact Ian Pont (63) oba@barker.nsw.edu.au
At last year’s Annual General Meeting in September (my first as President and Chair), a historic decision was unanimously supported: to evolve the Old Barker Association’s identity to ‘Barker Alumni.’
While it may appear superficial, this change has been in development for years and reflects a deeper evolution of our values, strategy, commitments and initiatives as a membership association seeking to best serve its 18,500+ members.
The story behind ‘Barker Alumni’
You’ll find the full story - including further details about Barker Alumni and what it means for the future of our community - on the following pages. I encourage you to take a look!
Barker Alumni Community Survey 2026
As part of our journey of change, the next step is to connect with as many members as possible to better understand what initiatives the alumni community want to see from us. In turn, please look out for the Barker Alumni Community Survey (to be released shortly) and encourage all your fellow ex-Barker peers to complete it as well.
Our commitment: supporting care, connection, clubs, culture and career
As we change, we continue to deliver and enhance our program. Here’s an overview of current Barker Alumni initiatives as they relate to our new ‘5C’ commitments.
Care: an ongoing mental health support service through the Support for Life program, which offers up to three confidential and free sessions with a psychologist.
Connection: regular opportunities to connect with alumni peers and the School through class reunions, Barker Alumni events, ‘Back to Barker’ programs (e.g. Year 11 mentoring program) and Barker Alumni communications.
Clubs and culture: a wide range of Barker Alumni-affiliated clubs to keep engaging in much-loved activities beyond school. These include sporting teams (rugby, football, cricket, volleyball), music ensembles (big band, wind symphony), drama, robotics, agriculture, dance and Christian fellowship clubs.
Career: initiatives that leverage the unique calibre and breadth of Barker Alumni’s professional expertise including an online mentoring platform and Sydneybased career networking, panel and speaker events.
I would like to thank Josh Grace (90), OBA leaders Declan Flaherty (16), Phil Watson (08), Ben Ho (09) and other members of the OBA Committee for their significant contributions to this journey of change.
This is an exciting new era in the life of our alumni association. I invite you to join us in making the
Barker Alumni community one that is truly here for everyone, and here for life.
Dush Sharma (05) President, Old Barker Association (Barker Alumni) obapresident@barker.nsw.edu.au
Barker Alumni Key Events Alumni Networking Events
Dates TBC - look out for email invitations
Back to Barker Day Saturday 23 May
Alumni Sports Lunch Saturday 23 May
Alumni Golf Day Tuesday 20 August
Barker Alumni
Honouring Our Past, Uniting Our Future
Belonging is our foundation - and Barker Alumni is here for life.”
For more than a century, Barker has fostered a spirit that stretches far beyond the Mint Gates - a sense of connection shaped by friendships, shared values, and generations of lived experience. This year marks an important milestone: the transition from the Old Barker Association to Barker Alumni, a bold new identity designed for a modern, diverse and deeply connected community.
Why the Change Matters
Over time, Barker’s alumni community has grown into a vibrant but fragmented ecosystem. Clubs, committees, sporting groups and arts ensembles each developed their own names and logos - resulting in a patchwork of well loved but inconsistent identities. The effect has been clear; many members struggle to articulate what the OBA did or why it mattered.
At the same time, the school itself has evolved into a contemporary, coeducational environment. To reflect this shift, the alumni identity needs to be just as inclusive and future focused - a unified alumni ecosystem with a clear purpose and approach to engaging with members and other stakeholders.
CARE | CONNECTION | CLUBS CULTURE | CAREER
Introducing Barker Alumni
The move from Old Barker Association to Barker Alumni does more than update a name. The term “alumni” is universal, contemporary and inclusivedissolving outdated distinctions between “old boys” and “old girls” and celebrating a community defined by shared belonging, not gender or generation.
This new ‘masterbrand’ places Barker at the heart of every group - Barker Alumni Rugby, Barker Alumni Mentoring, Barker Alumni Theatre - creating clarity, recognition and a cohesive identity across every activity related to our large and diverse alumni association (which is fast approaching 20,000+ members across the globe).
A Purpose Built on Belonging
At the centre of this evolution is a purpose both simple and profound: to build a thriving community that helps Barker Alumni live their best lives. It is underpinned by a mission to carry Barker’s world class spirit of care into life beyond school.
The essence of our brand is Belonging - something every Barker student knows innately. Yet belonging needs to be nurtured. Our strategy identifies the “enemy” as apathy: the risk that alumni drift away or lose connection.
The response is a powerful one - to show, consistently and meaningfully, that Barker Alumni is here for life.
This commitment comes to life through the Five Cs - Care, Connection, Clubs, Culture and Career - representing the wide range of initiatives across wellbeing, community events, sporting teams, interest-based clubs, career mentoring and networking.
Honouring the Crest
No evolution is complete without respect for tradition. The Barker crest, first introduced in 1908, remains a cherished symbol of heritage and values. While its use had become inconsistent over time, new guidelines restore it to its rightful place, reserved for significant alumni occasions and formal moments of recognition.
The everyday mark of the community becomes the new Barker Alumni logo - modern, practical and designed for wide application.
A Visual Identity for the Future
The new design system bridges tradition and tomorrow. Barker’s iconic twin red stripes evolve into three stripes, a symbolic graduation from student to alumnus. These stripes curve into an infinity inspired “BA” logo, representing the promise of lifelong belonging.
While school life may finish, the Barker journey continues.”
The colour palette remains unmistakably Barker - red, blue, white and gold - supported by accessible, contemporary typography that ensures consistency across every touchpoint.
One Community, Many Paths Barker’s alumni community spans more than 20 affiliated groups, from Rugby to Robotics, Big Band to Mentoring. The new affiliate branding system provides each group with a clear, unified structure while preserving individual character - ensuring every alumnus sees themselves as part of one connected whole.
Here for Life
As each new cohort steps beyond the Mint Gates, they join a community that is vibrant, caring and deeply interconnected. “Here for life” captures the enduring spirit of Barker Alumni - honouring our heritage, strengthening our present, and boldly shaping our shared future.
Josh Grace (90) Committee Member, OBA Dush Sharma (05) President, Old Barker Association (Barker Alumni)
Barker LIFE BEYOND
After graduating, Gabrielle followed her passion for caring for others by becoming a registered nurse, later dedicating herself to family life and raising three children. Her Christian faith, which has guided her since early childhood, continues to shape her life today, inspiring her to support young mothers in the community for nearly two decades. Grateful for the kindness and belonging she found at Barker, Gabrielle encourages current students to seek God first, pursue their passions, and find joy in the path they choose.
How did you end up at Barker?
My journey to Barker was contingent upon the proviso of three conditions my Mum made in prayer. Firstly, that I’d be given a
Gabrielle Smith (Class of 1979) shares her recollections from her time at Barker which began through a series of answered prayers and her journey beyond the Mint Gates.
uniform which happened because of the kindness of a friend of my Mum’s. Secondly, textbooks would be donated to me (some of which I still possess) and finally at interview I’d be seen by the Headmaster. On the day of the interviews my parents and I were ushered to the Deputy’s office but while we were waiting outside his office, a student ran down to tell us a mistake had been made and we were to be interviewed by Mr McCaskill. So my parents knew God wanted me at Barker!
What has been your journey since leaving Barker?
Since leaving Barker my career highlight was studying nursing between 1981-1984. I graduated from Royal North Shore Hospital as a registered nurse and finished up as a community nurse with Sydney
Home Nursing. My greatest personal joy has been marrying Craig in June 1984 and then giving up work to start our family in 1990. We have three wonderful kids. Amy is married to Daniel. She is a maths teacher at a private school and is expecting their first baby, a daughter, in March. Alex is married to Sydney and lives in Minneapolis. He is an engineer with their third child, a son, due in April. Will is married to Gab, (yes, my namesake!) He is a marketing manager and they have a furbaby! I loved supporting my kids through school involvement like maths and reading groups, P & C committee, and teaching scripture. Love being a mum and now I’m Grannie Smith!
Tell us about your faith.
Raised in a Christian family I first recall being told about Jesus when I was a little girl of four. I came home from the Good News Club and told Mum I wanted to ask Jesus to come into my life. Mum didn’t believe a child so young could comprehend such spiritual
truths so she declined to pray with me until after dinner. Meanwhile, Mum prayed that if this was really of the Holy Spirit, I would remember without being prompted. Sure enough before bedtime I prayed with Mum as I asked Jesus to forgive my sin, come into my life as I gave Him mine. Apparently, I had been a difficult child not wanting to cooperate with expectations. However, a transformative change happened after praying and Mum said I became putty in her hands.
How does your faith influence what you do now?
One example was through a random contact which happened many years ago… A friend had a 17-year-old son with a 16-year-old pregnant girlfriend. I bumped into this friend one day and she commented that she knew four or five teenage mums and there was nothing on the North Shore for them. She went on to say… and “someone should do something about that!” Oh my goodness, she meant me!! My life was already busy with school aged kids, and I was teaching Scripture at three different schools but I felt God stir my heart to initiate and form a mothers’ group for them. This was 18 years ago and I’m still meeting up with young mums. It continues purely through word of mouth. Over the years I recognised the issues the girls faced were made exponentially worse with the birth of a baby, so it’s been a great joy to listen to and support these beautiful mummas and their kids. I meet with them each week and
cook a barbecue brunch at a local park. I pray for them and my hope is to show God’s love and be Jesus’ hands and feet.
What has been one of your greatest challenges?
Many challenges arise, especially now with adult kids, travelling to Minnesota, empty nesting, furbaby duty, grandparenting and having a retired husband but let me share the greatest one. ANZ bank for many years promoted amongst their staff a motto of “work-life” balance. Craig established the cyber-crime and security team within ANZ which was extremely stressful for many years, presenting a significant challenge to the concept of this motto. I find this idea a perpetual challenge in the outworking and balance of family, church, ministry areas, rest and time with God. Recently, I’ve been asked to lead the singing at a church service for people with dementia and their carers. I prayed about my involvement and felt the door open. Singing hymns brings immense joy to the people with long-term memories of their time in church. It’s a privilege to be involved. I remember though, just because something is a good idea doesn’t mean it’s a God idea and just because something might be a God idea doesn’t mean it’s for me.
What are some of your favourite school memories?
Barker was a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for me. The deep respect students had for
their peers and teachers for their students was refreshing. This meant so much as I was bullied in my previous school because I was a Christian. I still remember being accused of using Jesus as a crutch and another time when I would greet a girl she’d call me Prawnie (I found out at the 10-year school reunion she believed prawns were the scum of the ocean! Yes, years after leaving the school I found how insulting it really was!!) So I am very grateful for the kindness and acceptance I felt at Barker from which the basis of beautiful friendships were formed. I still have regular meet ups with Barker friends!
What advice do you have for today’s Barker students?
I’m 64 now so I’ve experienced 60 years of having the presence of Jesus in my life. So, from a spiritual perspective - love, seek and put God first and ‘all these things will be added to you.’ In my experience of living this way, the depth of God’s grace equips you to live the life He has called you to do.
I recognise from a career perspective how important it is to identify what your passion is and what your gifts are. Then the wisdom to discern if you make your passion your career or the way to relax! It’s so important to want to wake up and work at your chosen profession!
Barker Alumni
CLUBS
Barker Alumni Gold
It is a great pleasure to be writing to you as a member of a group which is no longer identified as ‘seniors’ but via a name which celebrates the milestone of us each having left Barker more than 50 years ago: we are now Barker Alumni Gold!
The new Barker Alumni brand, launched by the OBA, is a brilliant result, based on much research and inspired input from a talented alumni team, highly experienced in corporate design, positioning and communication. They kindly shared the development strategy and core designs at an early stage with the committee. Their concept built on that talisman of all students’ time at Barker: the double red stripe. To this has been added a third stripe, to represent all our lives post-school: our alumni years. It was they who suggested that our esteemed group might wear our stripe in gold, to acknowledge that status of having celebrated 50 years as Barker alumni. It did not require too much discussion by the committee, to endorse and adopt the OBA recommendation. So
welcome to Barker Alumni Gold.
Since the prior edition of The Barker, our ‘Seniors’ shared in much enjoyment, buying opportunities, novel activities and wanders-down-memory-lane at the September BCPA Centenary Spring Fair. The abundant open-air activities were blessed with fine, warm weather. There was even an interactive Archives display and the smiles on the faces of Harry Angus (64) - and your scribe - are indicative of the enjoyment to be had at the many attractions (see photo). September also saw our members participation in the OBA Golf Day and in November at the OBA’s Big Summer Reunion at Chatswood’s Great Northern Hotel. Some of our group’s most enjoyable gatherings over the years have been when the Knox vs Barker 1st XV match takes place on Barker’s No1. That’s happening again this year on Saturday 23 May. Its popularity has spread, so this time it will be a major event coorganised by Barker Alumni and Barker Alumni Gold in conjunction with the Alumni Office. Details will be distributed at a time closer to the event, so please mark Saturday 23 May in your diary as it will include the Barker Alumni Gold AGM and a lunch with some very interesting professional sports people as guest speakers. Be sure to respond specifically to the BA Gold invitation, to ensure you will enjoy our ‘corporate-boxstyle’ reserved seating and a light afternoon tea.
And our usual reminder that we Barker Alumni Gold members are most welcome at any Alumni event and at many School events as well. (The Senior School musicals are always professional standard productions that should not be missed.)
Remember, if you have thoughts to offer our Barker Alumni Gold group, they are always welcome. We are particularly interested in any suggestions on how we may officially welcome our first women to ‘Gold’ status. For the Class of 1976 this milestone is less than a year away. Please contact us via the Barker Alumni Office on (02) 8438 7283 or oba@barker.nsw.edu. au And of course, we look forward to seeing you at a School or alumni event.
Peter Middleton (64)
Big Band
Barker Alumni Big Band
As 2025 came to a close, the Barker Alumni Jazz Ensemble couldn't help but feel a little Christmas-y! Despite the majority of Christmas repertoire having roots in jazz, this was the first year the band explored these beloved classics. Of course, we couldn't help but put our own twist on them all! One highlight was ‘We Three Kings’ played in the ominous drone style of McCoy Tyner. Another band favourite was ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ where we leaned heavily into the 6/8 groove of a 1950s pop style.
Now as we enter the new year, the Barker Alumni Jazz Ensemble, has turned to a favourite composer of ours, the Belgium trumpeter Bert Joris. Each time we revisit ‘Alone At Last’, ‘Walkin' Tiptoe’ and ‘Mr. Dodo’, the band falls in love with each piece all over again. At first glance these compositions appear simple, but the details take focus and time to master.
Gold
Bert Joris' genius lies in his ability to transform a classic roaring, brute-force big band sound into a delicate whisper. His two latest entries into our repertoire are no different. ‘Only For The Honest’ warms the heart through a simple, diatonic melody while also sneaking in advanced harmonies around it. As an audience, the push and pull of harmonies goes unnoticed as you sing along to the gentle melody. ‘Magone’ pushes the harmonies even further by exploring polytonal territories, all while grounding itself in a four bar blues-y bass line. Throughout the piece, the band carefully moves from that iconic whisper to that all familiar powerhouse sound.
Moving forward, we're excited to dive into the new year and continue to add more repertoire to our band book!
Luke Davis (09)
Christian Fellowship
Barker Alumni Christian Fellowship
The Barker Alumni Christian Fellowship (BACF) Group has seen a considerable rise in membership and attendance over the Christmas period, congregating as a Christian community to celebrate Christmas. Our Christmas Dinner & Drinks event saw over 40 attendees over many alumni years, setting a strong community foundation to move forward into 2026. It was fantastic to see so many people,
coming to celebrate the year that had been and most importantly, reflecting on the importance and joy of Christmas as a Christian community.
Moving forward, the BACF plans to continue to expand and consistently arrange simple gatherings and activities to sustain our alumni Christian community.
I am excited to announce that as of 2026, Mitch Wheals will be taking over as BACF President, so please feel free to reach out to Mitch if you have any questions or would like to hear more, about the BACF:
Mitch Wheals (20) - BACF President, Class of 2020
Email: Mitch.wheals@gmail.com
If you have been wrestling with any questions of faith, are looking for a new perspective and advice, or just simply are curious and would like to hear more you are more than welcome to reach out to Mitch or me, and we can arrange a time to chat over a coffee.
Bayden Little (21)
Over the late-spring and summer months, Barker Alumni Cricket has enjoyed a great season of fixtures, highlighted by the addition of many recent graduates of the Class of 2025. While the scorecard has not been in our favour as much as we would have liked, there
are certainly many moments that have been cherished. Our first win of the season came against the Sachin Tendulkar XI, where we piled on a season high 249 runs in 35 overs before bowling the opposition out for just 143, a very convincing win. It was also an outstanding effort to get the win over the Old Knoxonians Cricket Club in our first game of the new year, chasing down the target of 152 in just 21 overs.
New recruit Ben Heytman (25) starred with 64 runs. Special mention must also be given to Charlie Poon (25) for his performance against the Old Aloysians, taking season-best figures of 5/35. However, the highlight of our season to date was undoubtedly our annual T20 fixture against the Barker 1st XI. With a squad of 17 players involved, it was a fantastic day filled with exciting cricket, a tight finish and plenty of banter between the two teams. Congratulations to the Barker 1st XI who managed to get the win.
With the end of the season now approaching, Barker Alumni Cricket looks to push for a spot in the finals. However, regardless of our final position on the ladder, it has certainly been a successful season, with an increase in the number of fixtures played and a growth in the amount of players involved throughout the season. As always, we love welcoming new players, so if you are keen to join please reach out at oliver.uy@icloud.com
Cricket
Barker Alumni Cricket
Oliver Uy (23)
Dance
Barker Alumni Dance
Coming into 2026, Barker Alumni Dance is stepping into an exciting new chapter as our alumni dance community continues to grow and expand. With a brand-new Term 1 timetable, BA Dance offers a range of high-energy, social dance classes designed for alumni of all experience levels. More than just classes, BA Dance is about connection, confidence, and community. Whether you’re returning to dance or simply looking for a fun and active way to stay connected, our welcoming environment encourages everyone to move, laugh, and grow together. With new BA Dance uniforms on the way and 2026 set to include exciting events, special opportunities, and potential performances, there’s never been a better time to get involved. As BA Dance continues to evolve, members can look forward to being part of a vibrant, supportive community that celebrates movement and connection.
Stay connected by following us on Instagram @barkeralumnidance, or reach out via email at ocouzner@ barker.nsw.edu.au for more information.
We can’t wait to see you in the studio!
Ocea Couzner (23)
Football
Barker Alumni Football
In a move reminiscent of the 1997 handover - though with fewer British tears and significantly more focus on "brand synergy" - Old Barker FC has been formally integrated into the motherland of the broader Alumni network. Now operating under the moniker Barker Alumni Football, the club has embraced a “One School, Two Systems” policy that ensures our autonomy on the pitch remains intact.
Critics might note this administrative absorption further cements Club President Pete Gregory (03) as leader, increasingly working in partnership with Dush Sharma (05) as Barker Alumni President. Peter assures the masses that the transition is entirely voluntary, while simultaneously ensuring dissenters are quietly "reeducated" at an inner west brewery at the end of season function. #StabilityAndProsperity. That these words have being published is a testament to the continued vibrancy of Barker Alumni Football Club culture.
Looking towards the 2026 season, we find ourselves navigating a post-truth world, where "generative excellence" is more accepted to actual cardiovascular fitness. Several new signings are coming out of retirement, with a confidence in their base-fitness
akin to a new workforce graduate’s confidence after mastering a twoday course in ‘prompt engineering’.
Under the “One School, Two Systems” policy it is increasingly unclear if new recruits are genuine Alumni or just highly sophisticated deepfakes designed to bypass "Barker Heritage" tests. However, in an era where alternative facts are the norm, if a player identifies as a Class of ’09 graduate with two functional hamstrings, who are we to question the algorithm?
For those still tethered to biological realism, the pre-season training schedule is live at www.oldbarkerfc. com. "Legacy" player attendance is encouraged, if only to prove that their hamstrings are still carbonbased.
Looking further ahead to the 2027, the Barker Alumni Football equivalent of a "Five Year Plan," the club is working toward fielding a new All-Age team. We are seeking a fresh cohort of "netizens" to join the ranks and help recapitalise our playing stocks. If you have the right stuff (i.e. a carbon-based life form) please reach out to express your interest.
*AI generated image based on subjective humour referenced in this article
Matt Vickers (05)
North Shore Wind Symphony finished off 2025 with two fantastic concerts, the thrilling ‘Second Nature’ concert and our ‘Summer Symphony’ Christmas concert, celebrating our 10th year of community music making.
Our 'Second Nature' concert was a huge success, with Raphael Harvey (12) giving his Concerto Competition-winning performance of the Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto. His sparkling rendition of the famous piece was applauded with gusto! Congrats Raph!
Following his performance, we were joined onstage by the amazing Andromeda Saxophone Quartet for Viet Cuong’s ‘Second Nature’, a fast-paced, technoinspired work with thumping rhythms and musical acrobatics. If you missed hearing this piece, mark your calendars for Friday 1 May - Andromeda will be back for more!
The ‘Summer Symphony’ concert saw the band travel to Wahroonga Park for a free Christmas and movie-themed performance. We had so much fun! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the jollity, especially the youngsters who danced at the front.
In 2026 we have some exciting plans rolling out, starting with a change in rehearsal days to Wednesday evenings. This change has already proven better for the community, with band numbers growing larger than ever before. Conductor Andrew McWade has his sights set on a new level of musical excellence for the group, and we have several exciting projects up our sleeve!
Join us on the Sunday 19 April for our first concert of 2026, ‘Odyssey,’ where we will embark on a journey across John Mackey’s Wine Dark Sea, discover Australian composer Jodie Blackshaw’s Ecology of the Soul, and move with Alfred Reed’s Latin fantasy, El Camino Real.
North Shore Wind Symphony
BA North Shore Wind Symphony
EVENTS Community
Class of 1955 Reunion70 Year Reunion
Last October, the Class of 1955 were welcomed to Barker to celebrate our 70-year reunion. Alumni travelled from interstate and regional NSW to attend this milestone event.
Everyone enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, sharing stories of their days at Barker and seeing how much the School has grown over the years.
We were joined during lunch by the Head of Barker, Mr Phillip Heath AM who gave an overview of the School, particularly related to the campuses for First Nation students and Marri Mittigar for refugee students.
Class of 1961Christmas Lunch
In early December at the home of Michael and Valeria Noyce, nine old boys from the Class of ‘61 and their partners met for another lovely Christmas catch up. It was great to see Phil and Julie Benjamin from the Sunshine Coast, Bruce and Jenny Higham in from Gunnedah and Bruce Clydsdale from Bathurst joining the city boys and girls. Once again, Bruce Higham and Bob Green proved to be promising barbecue chefs and there were many apologies and promises of joining us in 2026.
Standing from left to right in the photo are Bruce Higham, Bruce Clydsdale, Bob Green, Dave Rundle, Geoff Chambers, Nick Wiener. Sitting are John Meagher, Michael Noyce, Phil Benjamin. Michael Noyce
Class of 1990 - 35 Year Reunion
The Class of 1990 celebrated their 35 year school reunion at the Greengate Hotel on Saturday 25 October 2025.
Approximately 70 people attended the evening, making it a well supported and lively event. The reunion provided a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity for classmates to reconnect, share memories, and catch up on life since their school days.
The atmosphere was warm and cheerful, with plenty of laughter and conversation, making it a memorable and fun night for all who attended.
Fiona
Williams
Class of 1995 Reunion30 Year Reunion
The Class of 1995 celebrated their 30 year school reunion at the Union Hotel in North Sydney on Saturday 18 October. We had a fantastic turnout, with 80 people
Bob Charley
coming together for an evening filled with laughter, memories, and great vibes.
It’s always such a pleasure to reconnect, reminisce, and share stories from our school days. The atmosphere was warm, full of smiles, and overflowing with fun moments. Truly a night to remember.
Dimity Brown
Class of 2000 - 25 Year Reunion
What a night! 25 years may have passed, but judging by the jokes, the hairlines (or lack thereof), and the familiar banter, not much has changed - except maybe our ability to bounce back after staying up past midnight.
Melanie Tait
Class of 2015 - 10 Year Reunion
The Class of 2015 reunited in style at Jackson’s on George for our 10-year school reunion, and what a night it was! With sweeping views, great food, and even better company, it was a fantastic chance to catch up, reminisce, and see how far we’ve all come since our school days. A big thank you to everyone who attended and made the night what it was! One thing’s for sure: we all aged better than our Year 10 formal outfits.
Helen Shao
Class of 2020 - 5 Year Reunion
High school reunions can sometimes feel daunting. There’s often the pressure to “live up to expectations,” to appear somewhat accomplished, and the chance of seeing someone you would rather not.
Fortunately, that was not the case for the Class of 2020 5-year reunion. With more than 180 attendees, we packed out the Crows Nest venue and left a true Barker impression. It was heartwarming to see groups of people talking, eating, dancing, and laughing as if no time had passed. In just five years, so much has changed, yet the bonds in our cohort remain strong.
People who barely spoke to each other in high school were deep in conversation, trading new stories, and sharing old memories. In every corner, around every table, vivacious voices rose over a quantity of quizzical questions, such as “Where are you working next year?” and “Where are you travelling next?”. The room brimmed with joy, and I’m very grateful so many could be there.
The Class of 2020 shows up - that’s what we do. We were there for each other five years ago, and we are still there for each other now. I’m sure that will remain the case in 20 or 30 years’ time! Our first reunion was a reminder that despite the passage of time, there are no expectations, and no pressure. We are still able to share the successes and take genuine pride in the achievements of others.
Our gratitude that night extends to all those within the Barker community, for providing us with the privilege of having not just a professional network, but a personal one too. Here’s to the friends who became family, the teachers who cheered us on, and the memories that are still being made. See you at the 10-year school reunion, where the conversation will be picked up, right where it left off.
Lucas Parker
Northern Rivers ‘Little Lunch’
We had a very good and hungry turnup to our end of year luncheon on 20 November 2025. A larger than usual crowd of lushes and enthusiastic participants took up their seats, 16 in all (including a few wives).
I was particularly taken with everyone who came to share their stories about dearly departed Graham ‘Henry’ Lawson (62).
We gave a wonderful man a worthy celebratory send off.
As always it was so special to be able to share some time after more than 70 years with fellow Barker colleagues. Including many excellent reminders of those shared experiences when we were simply a terrific College. A noticeable contrast to the life at Barker today was noted in fun by everyone present who are aware of the extraordinary opportunities students enjoy today. Reverential, I would say.
We were treated to a perfect day, some great food and drinks in the balcony restaurant in the Lennox Head Hotel and most of all special company to cherish some memories until next year when we will attempt it all again.
Robert Raymond (62)
Melbourne Event
The Barker Community Melbourne event was held in November with alumni from the Class of 1952 through to the Class of 2017 attending. Dr Neil Tucker, Barker College Headmaster from 1986 to 1995 also joined us following his book launch prior to the event. There were many familiar faces as well as some alumni attending for the first time.
Canberra Event
Alumni from the Class of 1951 through to the Class of 2024 attended the Canberra event in November. Mr Phillip Heath
AM shared an update on the School and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to chat with him and to connect with each other. Thank you to Jeremy Talbot (16) for organising another wonderful event.
Perth Event
Great to see Alumni from Class of 1963 through to the Class of 1992 at the Perth lunch held at the Claremont Hotel last November.
Everyone enjoyed catching up and hearing an update on the School from Mr Phillip Heath AM.
Thank you to Gus Elliot (92) for keeping everyone connected.
OBA Golf Day
What a stunning day for the OBA Golf Day last September! Great connections were made with Alumni from the Class of 1959 through to 2024 attending along with current and past Barker parents.
A special thank you to the OBA and Noyce Brothers Wines for your generous support of this event.
Trophies
OBA Kalaf Cup - Best Ladies Team
Issy Barker, Susie Barker, Petra Mueller, Tina Skuodas
Garry Boyce Memorial TrophyBest Mens Team
Jack Abadee, Joe Coles, Mitch Dudley
Thornton Cup - Best Mixed Team
Abbie Baker, Matt James, Lucy Scott, Cameron Wakeham
OBA Over 60s Champions
Geoff Fowler, Rob McCourt, Ian McKenzie, Peter Morris
Trophy for Team player ages add up to 320+ years
Denver Webb, Timothy Rogers, Jack Little, Ian Pont
Prizes
OBA Spirit Team Award
Rowan Bates, Mitch Hunter, Matt Turner, Francois Scheepers
Longest Drive - Ladies
Issy Barker
Longest Drive - Men
Victor White
Nearest the Pin - Ladies
Melissa McShane
Nearest the Pin - Men
Angus McCowatt
OBA Big Summer Reunion
Barker alumni spanning the 1960s to the 2020s celebrated together at the end-of-year cocktail event at the Great Northern Hotel in Chatswood in November.
Community Events
Attendees, including members of the OBA Committee and Affiliate groups, were given an exclusive first look at the new Barker Alumni brand.
Congratulations to our lucky door prize winners of the first new branded caps! Thank you to everyone who attended.
Barker Alumni
NOTES
Arthur Hunt (59) I have recently joined the Committee of the Qld Branch of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. I have a 202 Tesla Model 3 which has covered 110,000 km. My weekly EV Diary which is published in a local newspaper is now available on the AEVA website at www.aeva. asn.au/arthur-hunts-ev-diary Any EV stories that can be shared are welcome.
I am also still active in the P&C for the Konomie Island Environmental Education Centre and try to visit one day per week for plant propagation, planting and weeding. We specialise in long stem planting and composting of food scraps with soldier flies. During the 30-minute trip to the Island across Keppel Bay we often see whales in the migration season.
John Hall (63) My wife Diane and I sold our rural interests in the Nyngan District and moved to Perth in WA in 2020. Our move here was instigated by our two sons setting up their careers in WA.
I keep myself occupied with family, we have two granddaughters aged three years and four months, and frequent motorcycle trips both in Australia and overseas. Recent rides have included The Balkans, Norway, and in April this year a trip to Nepal and the Tibetan base camp for Mount Everest. I started to doubt my mental capacity and sanity as we experienced temperatures of minus 5⁰C, icy roads and altitude sickness at heights of 5,260 metres and very challenging roads and traffic, particularly in Nepal and
(Number in brackets is the alumni year)
Kathmandu. However, I made it back to Perth in one piece and looking at another overseas trip next year. I am a member of the Ulysses Club, Joondalup Wanderers, and do my best to uphold the club motto of 'Grow Old Disgracefully'.
I’m also a dedicated ‘Grey Nomad’ with a recent trip of 17,500 kilometres from Perth to Karumba on the Gulf and return.
I have regular contact with the Class of 1963.
Bob Snow (62) While I enjoyed many sports at Barker, swimming was my strongest, and I developed a lifelong love of supporting school teams. In Junior School, our Grade 6 teacher John Morris introduced us to basketball, sparking wider sporting interests.
During my time at Barker, Olympic high jumper Michelle MasonBrown visited to demonstrate new techniques.
The annual Associated Schools’ athletics competitions were thrilling, particularly the rivalry between David Prince (59) and Waverley’s Michael Cleary. Both went on to win medals at the 1962 Perth Commonwealth GamesDavid in hurdles and Michael in the 100 yards. David later became President of Athletics Australia, while Michael starred in rugby. Inspired by the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, I became a devoted athletics fan, especially of Betty Cuthbert. Seeing her at the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony was deeply emotional.
After university and Army service with the Royal Australian Engineers, I returned to Barker in 1969 as a History and Geography teacher. In 1971 I moved to Fiji, where I became involved in athletics as a selector, coach, official and historian. My involvement expanded further in Papua New Guinea, where I spent 15 years teaching, leading boarding schools, and attending Pacific Games across the region - 17 in total so far. In 1996 I was honoured to manage the PNG Athletics Team at the Atlanta Olympics.
I have written a history of the Pacific Games (1963 - 2025), maintained all-time best lists for PNG athletes since 1991, and helped secure PNG Sporting Hall of Fame inductions for Barker alumni: Jackson (59) and David Seeto (62) and swimmer Nigel Cluer (70).
Today, I remain active with Oceania Athletics and continue this work from Nuku’alofa, Tonga - where my athletics journey still continues.
In Fijian my name is Ropate, in Tongan my name is Lopeti, to nearly everyone (apart from family) I am Bob.
Michael Francis, Jim Woods, Alan Caradus, Bruce Davis, Jon Bryce, Rick Christie, Andrew Allison, Greg Horne and Peter Bland (all 74) recently enjoyed lunch together.
They are a group of friends including Tim Davis (74) who regularly visit Dr Peter Bland who suffered a career-ending stroke a few years ago.
Peter’s father, Bob Bland (41), was on the School Council and his sons Tim (06) and Jono (08) attended Barker. Peter, an obstetrician, also taught at Barker for a time after returning from his practice at Port Macquarie.
John Heath, Eric Wells, Peter Healey, Bruce Davis, Peter Utiger, Rob Ross-Edwards (all 74), Rolfe Latimer (Knox 74, our architecture consultant), recently visited the new Sydney Fish Markets.
Pete Tankard, Peter Forbes-Smith, Murray Hamilton, Scott Goodchild (all 73), Andrew McColl (74). In November 2025 these Barker alumni were part of a golf tour to Chiang Mai (Thailand). This is an annual tour normally comprising 16 - 20 golfers, mainly from Royal Sydney Golf Club and Killara Golf Club, competing for 'The Masters Trophy' (unfortunately a Riverview Old Boy won it this year and last!) Previous tour locations include Patong, Hoi An, Siam Reap, Barnbougle, King Island, Hua Hin and New Zealand. The 2026 tour is to Pattaya. These keen golfers also compete in an annual autumn tour to Duntryleague in Orange, which has been running for over 35 years.
Ross Grainger and Mark Francis (both 72) recently reconnected at a service at St. James Anglican Church in Turramurra where they had both attended after school. They plan to stay in contact after this unexpected reunion.
Lachlan Small (15) married Olivia Rose Ellem on 3 October at the Small family property in the Blue Mountains.
Standing beside Lachlan, five of his six groomsmen are also Barker alumni - Will Rowbotham (15), Tyler Coote (15), Bailey Poole, Chris Reilly (15), Mackenzie Small (13) and Sam Small (11).
Mary McCorry (17) performed in Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta last December.
Jack Breden (19) recently graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (major in Media Studies). He is looking forward to his next chapter, starting as a Graduate Lawyer at Allens in 2026.
Oliver Clisdell (19) performed in Santa Claus: The Musical at TEATRO, Leichhardt in December. The show’s MD and Producer was Andrew Bevis (92).
Benjamin Lam (21) was selected as one of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Emerging Artists for 2026 and performed at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in March.
Nic McGibbon (22), Barker and Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving coach, was awarded the National Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year at the SLSA Awards of Excellence evening late last year.
Kiera Yerbury (25) was selected at Pick #3 in the 2026 AFLW Draft for the GWS Giants. This incredible achievement is the result of her dedication, talent, and relentless hard work.
Simon Agnew - Still going at 100
Today (12 December 2025) Simon has reached 100 years old. And what has he been doing in the lead up? - travelling to Korea on a veteran’s tour.
Simon was born in Tasmania in the Blue Room of his grandfather’s house just outside of Launceston. Apparently, his father wanted to name him after his favourite racehorse, called ‘Nisservan’. His mother put a stop to that.
In early 1938 his family moved to Sydney when his father was a steward at the Australian Jockey Club. They lived at Vaucluse and Simon briefly attended Cranbrook. Access was assured as the headmaster, Brig Iven Mackay, was with Simon’s father at Pozières.
When his parents moved to Normanhurst, Simon attended Barker College for three years from 1939 to 1941. There were about 300 boys at Barker then. Simon was in the school cadets as a sergeant. He was good at athletics and won the Pope Cup in 1940, while under 15. He won the under 16 championships, coming 1st in 90-yard hurdles, 1st in shot put and 2nd in the broad and long jumps. His classmates, who went on to finish Barker in 1943 included John Allen, a prefect and son of General Allen; Brian Loveridge, who graduated from the Royal Military College in 1946 and rose in rank to become a Lieutenant Colonel; Bill Howard; Des Pain, who was school captain and his
father was the school chaplain; and Harry Learoyd, who finished school in 1944.
Simon gained his Intermediate Certificate in 1941 then left to join the Army. He served in New Guinea in the Second World War, the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan and by 1953 was in Korea. He then continued in the Regular Army serving in Port Moresby, Bangkok, Vietnam during the war, and finished in Singapore. His next career was with the Department of Foreign Affairs with overseas postings to Lusaka in Zambia and Djakarta, Indonesia.
He was awarded life membership by Rotary and Legacy.
His brothers also attended Barker, as did his four sons. Simon reviewed the Barker Cadet Parade when his grandson Harry Agnew carried the Colours in 2008.
When he isn’t travelling overseas, to Europe, Egypt or Korea, each year for the last six, Simon entertains visitors in his Canberra residence.
Brian Agnew (72)
Baptisms in the Chapel
26 Sep Lucy Olivia Steel, daughter of Sylvia and David Steel (04)
28 Sep Troy Worrall, Maddison Worrall and Zara Worrall, children of William Worrall (10) and Shadi Worrall (Iravani 10)
11 Jan Hugo Eliott Tait, son of Nicholas and Emily Tait (Roberts 08)
21 Jan Penelope Isabella Everett, daughter of Mark Everett (03) and Cindy Everett
8 Feb Hazel Lena Tong, daughter of Nicholas Tong (06) and Ashley Tong
Australia Day Honours 2026
Dr Mary Elinor McCaskill PSM (79) was awarded a Public Service Medal in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for outstanding public service to NSW Health through leadership in patient care and safety.
Mary was featured in the Alumni Profile article in the last edition of The Barker magazine. See page 34 if you would like to read more: The Barker #147 (https://issuu.com/ barkercollege/docs/the_ barker_147) by Barker CollegeIssuu.
Introducing our Barker Community Chaplain
Reverend Craig Tubman graduated from Barker in 1997 as Senior Boy Prefect. He holds fond memories of his schooling years, particularly around the friendships formed and his love of sport. Since graduating Craig has completed studies in Education, Theology and Pastoral Counselling and is currently undertaking a Research Masters through Moore Theological College. He has served as Senior Chaplain at the Cranbrook School, Assistant Minister in the parish of Church Hill (Sydney CBD) and returns to Barker after serving 7 years as the Senior Chaplain at St Andrews Cathedral School. As Barker Community Chaplain, Craig’s focus will be on our alumni, staff and parent communities, providing pastoral care, guidance for those wanting to reconnect with Christian faith and work with the Barker Parent Institute. You can reach Craig at CTubman@barker. nsw.edu.au
Barker Alumni
OBITUARIES
Phillip
Montague Bannister
(63) 1945 - 2025
I first met Phillip Bannister in Kirribilli where our mothers would take us to the little harbour beach as babies. Those early days were the start of a friendship that would span a lifetime. When Phillip's family later moved to Tamworth we lost touch for a time, only to reconnect when he arrived at Barker as a boarder, a year below me. His father Thomas Bannister (1924) had also attended Barker, and there was a sense of history in Phillip returning to the school.
During the holidays, I often visited Phillip’s family in Tamworth. Their home was full of musicians’ good humour. Phillip played the clarinet and was a lively tap dancer, often performing with his sister Margo. Evenings gathered around the pianola remain among my fondest memories.
(Number in brackets is the alumni year)
In our twenties Phillip and I travelled through Asia, Russia and Europe. Whether on the bullet train in Japan or backpacking in Scandinavia, Phillip brought a sense of adventure, kindness and good cheer to every moment.
Phillip later lived in Norway before settling in England with his wife Mae, where he built a life marked by friendship and quiet charm. Phillip’s friendship was a privilege and will be deeply missed. He passed away in October in the Cotswolds, England.
Bill Bourne (62)
John Ralph Hewetson Brice (62) 1945 - 2025
John ‘Spin’ loved school, starting in Kindergarten at Barker in 1951. In 1960, his parents took John back to England after completing his Intermediate Certificate.
As John missed his friends, he joined the Navy as a way to return to Australia, his friends and the life he knew. He graduated as the top cadet at the Dover Training School and joined the Merchant Service. After a couple of trips around the world, he returned to Australia to live, joining the Royal Australian Naval Reserve for some years.
John was a great sportsman who enjoyed swimming, diving and athletics. He played rugby union for Lindfield Rugby Club and was a very fast outside centre for most of his career. He was an integral member of two premiership winning sides, scoring three tries in one game. He went on to play Golden Oldie rugby with the Lindfield ‘Funnelwebs’ and he loved organising the Barker Class of 1962 Reunions and the Lindfield Rugby Club Christmas events for many years.
John was a member of Rotary, the Palm Beach Surf Club and loved the Cabbage Tree Club.
In 1963 John married Libbie and their daughter Aimee was born in 1977. After divorcing in 1981, John and Libbie remained very good friends. In fact, Libbie spoke warmly at John’s funeral.
John Brice was born in Calcutta, India on 9 October 1945 to English parents.
John was a people person, very inventive and entrepreneurial. A natural salesperson, he successfully ran his company for 30 years, involved in safety and wastewater treatment.
John would always help a mate. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humour, John was typically wreathed in smiles, as was everyone else in his company. In fact, the John Brice belly-laugh was unique, an explosion of fun and joy. He was priceless and will be greatly missed.
Aimee Brice, Michael Carlton (62), Chris Rigney (62)
Jeremy Sherington Kenyon (54) 1938 - 2025
We celebrate the life of Jeremy Sherington Kenyon, a proud Barker boy whose spirit and courage touched everyone around him. Jeremy was part of a remarkable family legacy at Barker College, with four generations attending over nearly a century. He studied at Barker from 1944 to 1954, embracing the School’s values and traditions. While at school, he joined the Cadets, excelled in rugby and would later
passionatelyv support his sons’ and grandson’s rugby matches.
After leaving Barker, Jeremy worked for Norman G. Booth (now Mosman Toyota) before taking over the family’s conveyancing firm, Thomas Kenyon and Son. He remained closely connected to his classmates, attending reunions and OBA Seniors events and cherishing every opportunity to reconnect.
Jeremy faced life with quiet bravery, even when confronted by a rare and relentless cancer. His strength, grace and dignity inspired all who knew him, teaching the true meaning of resilience. He lived life on his own terms, true to himself, with a fierce sense of joy. He loved a good lunch, valued his friends and embraced every moment with warmth and humour.
Though he has left us, Jeremy’s memory lives on - in his family, the Barker community and every heart he touched. We honour him not only for the challenges he faced but for the life he lived fully, bravely and with love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Phillip Arnold King (55/56) 1939 - 2026
Phillip attended Barker from 1948 to 1956 passing the Leaving Certificate exams at the end of 1956.
Following Barker, Phillip enrolled in the Bachelor of Agricultural Economics degree at Sydney University and graduated in April 1961.
After several years working for the Bank of NSW, he joined the Commonwealth Overseas Trade Service and became a Trade Commissioner in a number of posts including Bahrain, the West Indies and Canada.
On his return to Australia, Phillip became involved in the live export trade of sheep, principally to the Middle East. For many years he had been a Perth resident and until recently, owned the live animal export facility at Portland, Victoria. Phillip was married to Pat initially and they had a daughter Vanessa. For the last 40 years he was married to Paula and they had a daughter Nadine.
I went through University with Phil and we worked on a number of rural properties together while we were students and he came to our wedding. We were very fortunate to catch up with Phil and Paula two years ago when we spent a hot afternoon touring wineries in the Swan Valley.
He was a good man, who liked a pint and a punt.
Sadly, Phil passed away on 1 January 2026 at his home in Perth. Bob Hudson (56)
Andrew John Lord (74)
1956 - 2025
The Class of 1974 farewells Andrew Lord, a classmate from 1st Form to 6th Form.
After Barker, Andrew studied Mining Engineering at UNSW. His career took him across the globe, culminating in his role as Executive General Manager (Americas) at Perilya, a major silver, lead and zinc mining company with operations from Broken Hill to the Dominican Republic. Andrew held significant senior management positions, known for his intelligence, capability, decisiveness and his “glass half full” attitude.
Andrew had a lifelong passion for cars. Ross Knight (74) fondly recalls sitting beside him in a first-year UNSW maths lecture as Andrew excitedly showed him a North Shore Times ad for a 1946 Vauxhall Wyvern. The two bought it for $50 and later sold it for $800. Many hours were spent tinkering with cars at the Lord family home on Rosedale Road, Gordon.
Tim Jensen (74) shared geology lessons with Andrew under the guidance of Ian Campbell. Together they fossicked for gold and sapphires across NSW. In 2000, Andrew donated a large copper ore sample which is displayed in the landscaped garden at the entrance of the Barker Foundation Science Centre. Tim also recalls Andrew enrolling in the sport of “shooting”, making him perhaps the only Barker student not in the cadet unit to represent the school at the Hornsby Rifle Range.
In Broken Hill, Andrew created his own 'Aladdin’s Cave,' a large steel shed housing half a dozen classic ’70s cars in various stages of restoration. He also raced stock cars in Queensland, earning several trophies.
Andrew is predeceased by his partner Val, who joined him in the Dominican Republic.
Andrew passed away on 10 December 2025 and is survived by his partner Joanne, who cared for him in his later years, and by his siblings Jeffrey (80) and Jocelyn.
John
William Makepeace (65) 1948 - 2025
John died on 18 July 2025, aged 76, after two-and-a-half years of cancer treatment.
He attended Barker from 1959 to 1965, among the last group to complete the Leaving Certificate. He often recalled the memorable 1964 bus trip to Central Australia led by Ian Campbell. The journey became the source of many family stories, especially how he squashed up his clothes to fit in all the rock samples he brought home. This sparked a lifelong passion for geology. John also held deep admiration for his Chemistry teacher, Mr Angus, whose influence ignited his enduring love of science and investigation.
During his school years, John formed several lasting friendships, including with Michael Jacob (65) and Leighton Thew (67). With Michael, he staged magic shows and shared various escapades, while Leighton was a companion in hobbies such as model trains, electronics, and HiFi systems. After finishing school, John completed a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering Science at UNSW, later adding an MBA from Macquarie University. Following early work at Sydney University, he built a long career with major engineering firms - AWA, BAE, ADI, and Thales - contributing to significant infrastructure and defence projects, including the AUSSAT satellite and Bushmaster vehicles. He also shared his expertise through systems engineering training and work with Standards Australia.
In 1978, John married Anne, a biochemist, and together they raised three children: Edward and twins David and Robert. He remained actively involved in their lives throughout their childhood and adulthood.
John’s interests included skiing, scuba diving, bushwalking, electronics, and HiFi equipment,
which he continued to enjoy and tinker with until his final days. His “Music Room” reflected his wideranging musical tastes.
John is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
A gentle man, who lived up to his name.
Anne Makepeace
Peter Ronald McCue (73) 1955 - 2025
Peter ‘Grinner’ McCue joined Barker Senior School in 1968 and quickly stamped his mark of leadership, athleticism, and friendship on his fellow students. He followed his brother Andrew (71) and soon after his sister Penelope (76).
During his time at Barker, Peter excelled in sport. He was a senior member of the athletics team and a champion hurdler, holding the CAS record for many years. On the rugby field, he played inside centre, earning selection in the CAS 1st XV.
His leadership extended beyond sport, and he served as a prefect, Captain of Pain House, and President of Interact.
After graduating in 1973, he enrolled at the University of New England in Armidale in 1975 to study Agricultural Economics. It is here his baby-face grin earned him the nickname “Grinner” which stayed with him life. During his time at University, Peter made many lifelong friends and lived in St. Alberts College (Albies) where he once again enjoyed unrivalled popularity, and sporting prowess playing rugby for Albies. He is the namesake of the much-revered Albies College Song which prevails today.
After completing his studies in 1979, Peter joined Hanimex, working in sales and marketing and relocated to Sydney’s northern beaches. True to his passion, he became President of the Barker Old Boys Rugby Club in 1982, bringing many of his Albies mates into the fold.
Eventually, the lure of selfemployment prompted him to open his first retail store, Storehouse Homewares in Bondi. Over time, he opened several more stores across Sydney with his final store established in Belrose. He was a loving and devoted father to his daughter Grace (10) who also attended Barker.
Peter passed away on 9 October 2025 surrounded by family. He will be remembered as a true gentleman with an unwavering work ethic, a deep love of music, passion for rugby and a wonderful sense of humour.
Ross was born 5 July 1951 and was raised on the family property “OMEO” at Burren Junction NSW. He attended Burren Junction Primary school then Barker from 1st form in 1964 through to 3rd form in 1966. There were many fun times travelling on the North West Mail train with all the other boarders over the years.
Ross decided school was not for him, so he made the decision to return to the family property. He was a bit of a wild child and in subsequent years the property was sold and Ross purchased a home in Burren and then bought a grader and truck so he could do earth works on properties in the district. He continued this work until he retired.
Ross had a passion for vehicles and going fast and was well known for this around the district. During his lifetime he allegedly smashed 33 vehicles and survived without any major injuries. Someone was obviously looking over him.
Ross William Michell (69) 1951 - 2025
Better known to us as 'Duck' Michell, Ross passed away on 17 October 2025 from respiratory and cardiac failure, aged 74.
Unfortunately, as often happens, life got in the way and we lost contact with each other.
Ross never married, however our thoughts are with his partner of the last 23 years, Judy Howard whom Ross met 54 years ago. Judy shared that Ross was a talented man and could always solve a problem.
Take it easy bashing around the big paddock in the sky Duck.
Bill Trollope (69)
Edward ‘Ted’ Vivien Miller (59)
1942 - 2025
Ted attended Barker from 1954 to 1959 and was an active member of the boarding community, living with his close country mates in Plume House. He was an energetic half-back and played in the 1st XV in 1959 and gained selection in the CAS 2nd XV.
After leaving school Ted returned to his hometown of Cowra where he worked for a number of years for the family produce and hay distribution business.
Over the years he had a number of vocations including involvement in the motel and hotel industry.
Ted’s wife Margaret pre-deceased him.
Ted passed away on 25 May 2025 and is survived by his son Timothy, his daughter Tracey, six grandsons and four great-grandchildren.
Denver Webb (59)
Laura Jean Brosius Pulscher (97)
1979 - 2025
Laura Jean Brosius Pulscher passed away on July 10 2025 after nine years fighting ALS*, surrounded by family and friends.
Laura was born on July 12 1979 in Frederick, Maryland, USA, the daughter of John 'Jay' W Brosius III (64), and Sharon (Rice) Brosius. Laura attended Year 11 and Year 12 at Barker, receiving her HSC in 1997. At Barker, Laura also competed in swimming and athletics and joined the Australian Army Cadets.
Afterwards, Laura attended Baylor University (Waco, Texas) and Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois), graduating from Wheaton with a degree in computer science in 2003. Before settling she worked as head wrangler at a Wisconsin horse camp, sailed with her Dad from Maryland USA via the Caribbean Islands to Panama, and competed in gymnastics.
She settled in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2006, and soon bought her dream, a rural property. She worked for the city newspaper in computer tech support.
Laura Jean married Toby Pulscher, a South Dakotan, in 2009. They had three children, Malcolm, Oliver, and Mercedes.
Laura composed poetry and songs, published several CD song albums, and often performed publicly. She played several instruments and organised her church’s music worship.
Laura openly professed that her life was first and foremost founded upon her commitment to the God of the Bible. Later, despite complete paralysis, she self-published a book about her lifetime growth in faith, managed her children’s home schooling, and organised a family overseas trip and parties for friends. She encouraged many with her extensive online presence. Laura was well known locally, and many travelled in to attend her funeral.
*ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease, a disease leading to progressive, eventual total motor neuron paralysis.
Nicholas Gustav Ernest Reimer (55) 1938 - 2025
Nicholas Reimer attended Barker from 1942 to 1955, beginning a family connection that continued with his grandson Luke (18). During his school years he distinguished himself as a talented athlete in the Junior School and later as a proud member of the 3rd XV Rugby team. His affection for Barker never faded; throughout his life he remained an engaged member of the community, attending Class Reunions, Northern Rivers regional gatherings and OBA Seniors events alongside his wife, Jan.
After leaving Barker, Nicholas studied Law at the University of Sydney. He went on to serve as a NSW Magistrate for two decades, working across Sydney, Campbelltown, Newcastle, Lismore and the Northern Rivers. He approached every day on the bench with enthusiasm and a deep sense of public duty, known for his ability to bring calm, perspective and even humour to difficult moments. Before his judicial appointment, he was a longserving solicitor in the city and in Penrith.
Beyond his professional life, Nicholas was a man of wide interests: boats, fishing, crime dramas, seafood, impractical cars and a lifetime of loyal four-legged companions. In his final years, Alzheimer’s obscured his quick wit, irrepressible humour and sharp intellect.
Nicholas, late of Wentworth Falls and previously of Ballina, Castlereagh and Roseville, is survived by his wife, Jan, children Jo-Anne, Nicholas Paul, Paul Daniel, David and Erin, and his grandchildren James, Lucie, Sam, Luke (18), Skye, Kobe, Jessica and Lucas.
We love him and miss him, and he will be forever in our hearts.
Douglas ‘Frank’ Francis Reynolds Smith (51) 1934 - 2025
Frank Smith attended Barker College from 1946 to 1951, where he was deeply involved in school life. Appointed Head Prefect in his final year, his strengths lay more on the sporting field than in the classroom.
He played in the 1st XV in 1950 and 1951, receiving Colours and the Honour Cap as best back in his final year, and represented the Associated Schools 2nd XV. He also played 1st XI cricket in 1950 and 1951, earning Colours, and received Athletics Colours in 1951. Frank served as Senior Cadet Lieutenant in the School Corps.
After school, Frank studied Law at Melbourne University, graduating in 1955 while working full time as a legal clerk to support himself. A talented rugby player, he was a University Blue and played for Melbourne University until injury ended his career in 1960. He fondly recalled the 1959 Club Championship victory, when Melbourne University won its first grand final in 25 years, and also represented Victoria.
Frank spent his entire legal career at a respected Melbourne firm, becoming an Associate Partner in 1961 and a Full Partner in 1968, specialising in commercial property law.
He married Sandra in January 1962. Sandra sadly passed away in 2003. Frank is survived by their daughters, Kate and Melissa.
Retiring to Lorne in 1991, Frank held senior leadership roles in regional water authorities and later served for many years as President of the Lorne Country Club. He was also active in Kiwanis International, including service as President of Melbourne Kiwanis and Lieutenant Governor of the Victorian Division.
Returning to Melbourne in 2013, Frank reconnected with lifelong friends and rugby. A grateful Leslie Scholar, he made a substantial bequest to the Barker Foundation, always describing Barker as the best school in Australia.
Mark William Steinbeck (70) 1953 - 2025
Mark Steinbeck was a very bright and popular Barker student, who went on to work as a heart surgeon in London, and a lawyer in Sydney. He later combined these skills in the field of foreign aid, joining CARE International in 1993 at the tail end of the First Gulf War.
In the Kurdish region of Iraq, he was placed in charge of 27 expats and around one thousand local staff and tasked with the distribution of fuel and food for 500,000 people each month. Iraq was a dangerous place, and Mark would tour his areas of responsibility in a four-wheel drive, protected by a machine gun wielding bodyguard on the roof and additional armed men in vehicles ahead and behind. He excelled in his work and was respected by all his teammates.
In 1998 Mark joined the International Committee of the Red Cross, the organisation he worked with for the next 19 years. His roles included field
coordination and management, surgeon, and medical advisor on the effect of weapons. He travelled to scores of countries, including Kenya, Vietnam, Afghanistan, India, Thailand, Northern Ireland, Switzerland and the United States.
He became an expert in medical detention work, moved to Washington DC in 2006, and visited Guantanamo Bay over thirty times where, in his own words, he was concerned with ‘the provision of ethical health care in a security setting, during prolonged hunger strikes and to an aging detainee population held in an indefinite detention’. His colleagues believed his work, which was highly classified, left deep emotional scars on Mark.
Back surgery forced an end to the remarkable career of a great humanitarian and a thoroughly ethical gentleman, who improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
Edited Version of Tracy Holmes’ Obituary
Brian Hartnett Wilshire (61) 1944 - 2026
From briefly studying law and medicine, racing cars, looking after rescue greyhounds, an author and photographer and a successful radio broadcasting career, it’s an understatement to say that Brian
had a most varied and interesting life.
Brian was a boarder in Plume House from 1957 to 1961. Born at Strathfield, growing up at Muswellbrook, he had a very fulfilling five years at Barker, participating in rugby, debating, dramatics and receiving many Merit Awards.
Perhaps his Plume Housemaster’s reference gave a glimpse to his future; “His successes have been greatest in oratory, debating and dramatics:... always had the courage of his convictions:... recognises that there are aspects to all questions other than those he may first hold and regards truth highly”.
Brian’s broadcasting career started in Inverell in 1969, ending at 2GB Sydney in 1979, his home for 36 years, winning the majority of radio surveys he contested. At the height of his success, almost a third of Sydney radios were listening to Brian at night.
Brian was a stimulating orator and spoke at many Barker functions. In 1995 he was guest speaker at the Northern Rivers Dinner. The report on the dinner said that his “wide-ranging address, perhaps a trifle disturbing in outlook, had no trouble provoking a spirited round of ‘talk back’". In 2017 Brian spoke at the Barker Seniors lunch. He also played a support lead in Cracking On, a recent Aussie movie!
After retirement, Brian and his wife Ruth, who he married in 1974, continued to live at Annangrove before moving to Bolwarra Heights. Ruth died in 2003. Brian is survived by daughter Pam, son Matthew and five grandchildren.
A broadcasting colleague wrote “He will be remembered as extraordinarily successful, a master of his craft, mentor to many who aspired to a career behind the microphone. Above all he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word”.
Michael McLaren (03), Michael Noyce (62), John Meagher (61)
Robert John Wynberg (71) 1954 - 2025
Rob Wynberg died suddenly on 23 September 2025 and was farewelled in a celebration of his life on 18 October 2025 at Macquarie Park Cemetery. Rob was born in Melbourne to former Dutch parents, both survivors of concentration camps and the Holocaust. After moving to Sydney, his early years were spent in East Lindfield prior to entering Barker College in 1967 as a day boy and leaving school in 1971 a year early to undertake a Rotary International Scholarship to Canada.
After returning to Australia, Rob undertook technical studies, qualifying as an architectural draftsman. He met his first wife, Leigh while hitch-hiking around New Zealand with me in 1973, later marrying her and adopting a baby boy from Chile.
Rob lived in The Netherlands for a period where he worked with the Dow Egbert coffee company in Utrecht. Upon returning to Australia, Rob took up residence in St Ives taking on various qualifications within the Australian finance industry. Rob became very successful in the finance industry, establishing his own finance companies before his retirement. Post retirement Rob kept himself occupied working with Strata companies.
Rob is survived by his second wife, Kathryne of 23 years, daughter Aneka, adopted son Timothy (03), and sister Carry.
John Sperring (70)
10 - 14 November
Save the Date | Saturday 23 May 2026
We warmly invite all alumni to return through the Mint Gates for our Back to Barker Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend the day with friends, see how the campus has evolved, and immerse yourself in the life of the School once again.
The day will be packed with activities, including guided School tours and a chance to explore the Barker Archives.
Enjoy a full schedule of home games featuring our first Rugby, Football, Tennis, and Volleyball teams and more. A major highlight will be our Alumni Lunch, generously supported by the OBA Committee, featuring an exciting panel of guest speakers from our professional sporting alumni.
The day will culminate in the much-anticipated Barker vs. Knox 1st XV Rugby match on No. 1 Oval.
It promises to be a fantastic day of reconnection and school spirit.
We look forward to seeing you and your classmates there! Enquiries: alumni@barker.nsw.edu.au
Round Square International Conference 2026
We are thrilled to announce that Barker College has been selected to host the prestigious Round Square International Conference, taking place from 28 September to 3 October 2026. This is not just an event, it’s a global celebration, a milestone in our School’s journey, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share Barker, Sydney and Australia with the world.
School Tours
Visit the Archives
Alumni Lunch
Home Game Sports
Barker vs Knox 1st XV Rugby
Barker Community Events 2026
Class Reunions
1963 - Mid Term Reunion
Sat 23 May
Ian Pont, Brian Lang and Geoff Tebbutt alumni@barker.nsw.edu.au
1971 - 55 Year Reunion Sat 23 May
Mike Langford drifting@bigpond.net.au
Wolfgang Hofbrucker w.hofbrucker@gmail.com
1996 - 30 Year Reunion Sat 24 Oct
Anthony Chambers, Jothy Hughes and Mike Mason barker96reunion@gmail.com
1986 - 40 Year Reunion Sat 24 Oct
Mark Cooper mark.cooper@actualize.net.au
Gaille Smith (Yeates) gaille.smith5@gmail.com
Jodie Eliott (Conomos) jodie0208@bigpond.com
Barker Alumni Events
OBA
Regional Events
Brisbane
International Events New
Barker
OBA Events Contact alumni@barker.nsw.edu.au
Regional Events
Regional events provide a great opportunity to connect with members of the Barker community in your area.
Please contact alumni@barker. nsw.edu.au for information about regional events or to update your contact details if you are living in a different location to your Barker mailing address so we can invite you too!
Photos
Photos from your event may be published on the Alumni Portal, the Alumni Facebook page, the Alumni Instagram page and in publications. For further queries please contact the Alumni Office.
