Issue 118 Autumn 2018 ISSN: 2204-938X
Autum 2018 Issue 118
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Transition to Full Coeducation Begins The transition to full coeducation made significant progress at the start of the year, when we welcomed our first coeducational Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
Inside this issue
The Regulars 08 14 16 18 30
Junior School Darkinjung Barker’s First Year 6 Graduates Teaching and Learning Leading, Learning and Developing Leadership in our Staff at Barker Visual Arts How to have a Career in the Art World Design and Technology A View from the Top Alumni Profile Stephanie Smith from the Class of 1978
The Features 01 From the Head of Barker Phillip Heath
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03 From the Chair of Council Peter Berkley 54 OBA President’s Message Vanessa Bennett
20 24
Alex Blackwell Class of 2001
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Music Tour 2017
FIRST Power UP
New iSTEAM Elective in Years 9 & 10
Excitement was at a high as the flight approached Glasgow over a frozen landscape.
January has flown by for our FRC students as they rushed to design a new robot for the 2018 FIRST Robotics Competition.
2018 sees the launch of a new venture in STEAM for Barker with the introduction of an innovative elective designed to integrate and engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
Editor-in-Chief
Editor
Assistant Coordinators
Print Production
Art Direction
Phillip Heath
Julie McAllister
Mandy Loomes Karina Drummond
Ian Lindsay
Glenn Quevedo
From the Head
Schools in a “VUCA” World You may be familiar with the new descriptor of our contemporary world: VUCA. This acronym stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.
The term “VUCA” originated in the US military in the 1990s to describe the context of contemporary military planning chiefly in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Since that time, VUCA has been adopted by leadership strategists across a wide range of industries and endeavours. VUCA is a fashionable concept at present but it does capture the reality of the situation facing decision makers where the only certainty seems to be uncertainty. What does this mean for schools with a strong sense of heritage like Barker College? How do we plan for our future? This question is not unique to Barker. Does the Australian community want schools to prepare citizens for the VUCA world or is our task to be a kind of anchor in the ever-flowing seas of change? Are young people strengthened to face future change by experiencing it regularly during their schooling years, or is it better to hold fast to customs and habits that offer the secure confidence and strength despite the volatility of the world around us? Can we achieve both - the comfort of heritage but the dynamic energy of renewal?
In late 2017 I was honoured to represent the Independent school sector at the ACEL Roundtable Discussion 2017 “New Measures for Success”. Present in the room were academics, senior policy advisors and representatives of various sectors. The topic being considered was “New Measures for Success”. It has been more than ten years since the Melbourne Declaration and many things have been accomplished from this Declaration (notably ACARA, AITSL, NAPLAN and school leadership standards). Yet Australia is said to be in decline or at best has stalled on several international benchmarks including PISA tests. There is also concern that Australian students have failed to grow in NAPLAN scores. In the final analysis, do such measures provide a true indication of the worth of our schools?
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From the Head
OECD 2030 Project The organisation behind the international PISA tests, the OECD, has commenced a discussion of a new framework for education across the world by 2030. They write in www.oecd.org/education/school/ education-2030.htm: “Globalisation, technological innovations, climate and demographic changes and other major trends are creating both new demands and opportunities that individuals and societies need to effectively respond to. There are increasing demands on schools to prepare students for more rapid economic and social change, for jobs that have not yet been created, for technologies that have not yet been invented, and to solve social problems that have not been anticipated in the past.” How do we prepare our students for an unknown and unpredictable future without losing the things of our past that nourish our spirit? Celebrating the past, Striving for the Future You will see some of the answers to this question in the pages that follow. At Barker we love to celebrate our heritage. Through little rituals, customs and symbols, we honour the past that has brought us to this point. New customs emerge from time to time, but they are informed by the rich story of our past from which we draw today. Yet, we are mindful that students also need to access the best of the present and to be prepared for the future. Our amazing Robotics program has given rise to a new movement in STE(A)M subjects and enhanced the remarkable work our Design and Technology students are delivering for their HSC projects, one of which received the NSW Young Scientist of the Year Award in 2017 as well as the BHP Billiton Engineering Award. 2 • The Barker • Issue 118 • Autumn 2018
One of the emerging questions for schools like Barker College is how we address equity and access? Can we reach out Beyond the Mint Gates to bring something beautiful and of value to the world around us? Can we create a corpus of funds to support families in the School to access the best of the Barker experience? These are some of the many emerging questions to which we must give attention. In 2018 the journey to full coeducation has taken a strong step forward with our new Pre-K and Kindergarten students joining us and the construction program for the permanent Prep School well underway. A new Sports and Learning Precinct will soon rise on our eastern boundary and there will be adaptive reuse of existing spaces to provide facilities for a new generation of students. Lying in the centre of the Book of Lamentations, Jeremiah the Prophet reflects on the tribulations of the people of Israel and the wearisomeness of life with the much-loved declaration: Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. In this VUCA world we stand, sure-footed and calmly confident - resting in the faithful blessings of God over the generations of our community. Peace Article by: Phillip Heath Head of Barker College
From the Chair of Council
This is a season of change at Barker. We know that leading schools cannot be satisfied with the status quo. We must maintain the core values of Barker, whilst at the same time always improving our practices. As US management academic Jim Collins observes “enduring great organisations exhibit a dynamic duality. On the one hand, they have a set of timeless core values and purpose that remain constant over time. On the other hand, they have a relentless drive for progress - change, improvement, innovation, and renewal. Great organisations keep clear the difference between their core values (which never change), and operating strategies and cultural practices (which endlessly adapt to a changing world).” When Barker took the bold move of admitting girls to the senior years in 1975 it was for the explicit purpose of better preparing our students for life at university and in the workforce - environments where both sexes would be working alongside each other. In the years that followed successive Barker Councils revisited the question of moving to full coeducation, before finally making that decision in late 2016. Why now? Picking up on Jim Collins’ theme - the world has changed. The combination of social media and smartphones has changed everything. It was only back in 2007 that the first iPhone was released. Since that time the way our young people relate to one another has fundamentally changed.
Ethnographer and best-selling author Simon Sinek, in his study of millennials observes that “Too many kids don’t know how to form deep, meaningful relationships…they have fun with their friends but they also know that their friends will cancel on them if something better comes along. Deep meaningful relationships are not there because they never practised the skill set and worse they don’t have the coping mechanisms to deal with stress.” Broader societal attitudes on equality, diversity and fairness have also evolved. As we were considering the move to full coeducation, I took the opportunity whilst on business trips to the US and the UK to meet with several Heads and Governors of schools that had moved from single sex to coed. One US Head of School said to me - “how can we teach inclusion, diversity and tolerance while excluding half the population? The students see through the double think. Separating boys and girls at school makes them ask the obvious ‘why’ question. It reinforces the idea that they should have different roles in the world.” In modern parlance, the opposite sex is “othered”. It forced me to ask - is it possible to be a leading school in the 21st century while excluding half the population?
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From the Chair of Council
Too often the coed discussion disappears down the barren rabbit hole of academic results. Both sides cite apparently compelling evidence. The academic results of the government selective schools demonstrate success for all models, albeit the top ranked school every year is coed. Our survey data tells us that parents opt for private schools for the well-rounded education - for good academics plus a broader education. For the incredibly broad co-curricular offering and the values and behaviours that are taught. Humans are at their very core, relational beings. We find fulfilment and happiness in loving caring relationships. Tragically in this modern connected world many experience the pain of isolation and loneliness. As our children grow up they learn to relate to each other, how to operate in groups and in society at large. This personal growth occurs over many years, with many ups and downs, joys and sorrows. That is how we learn. We improve our academic results through practice and feedback. We learn and improve at sport, drama, public speaking and so forth through practice and feedback. We learn and improve at relating to one another through practice and feedback.
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The puzzle of relating to other humans is infinitely more complex than a Year 12 exam paper. It cannot be learned from a book or a lecture. It must be practised over many years. Our goal is that when Barker students reach university or the workforce, working with and relating to the opposite sex is natural and straightforward, because they have had years of practice and learning at the critical task of relating to one another. Together in learning, together in life. God bless. Article by: Peter Berkley Chair of Council
From the Chaplain
Left to right Mr Anderson speaks to Year 9 students; Mr Lloyd Stanimirovic from the Hornsby Salvation Army as a guest judge; ‘ihomeless watch’ produced by Declan Zammit, Archie Hanlon and Kynan Lee.
Creating Hope Looking beyond ourselves and seeking to be of help to others in our local community is an important part of what it means to ‘love your neighbour’. In Christian Studies classes during Term 4 2017, Year 9 students completed a group project where they designed and produced a product or service for homeless people. The product or service had to be very practical and clearly connected to a researched need. At the conclusion of the project, the best ‘pitches’ were given a hearing in front of the year group and a panel of judges. The judges included Mr Lloyd Stanimirovic from the Hornsby Salvation Army and Adelaide Neilson, a 2017 Barker leaver who designed a piece of street furniture for homeless people. The panel also included Mr Denton, Head of Middle School and Mrs Glendenning, Co-ordinator of Footprint.
The nine group finalists all impressed the panel with their ingenuity and creativity. Of particular note was the ‘Haircut café’ idea presented by Jack Hotham and Jakes Marais and the ‘ihomeless watch’ produced by Declan Zammit, Archie Hanlon and Kynan Lee. The winning pitch was the ‘inflatar jacket’ designed by Angus McNee, Nathan Pryor and Indigo Hemingway which combined a warm all-weather jacket with an inflatable sleeping mat. The brainchild of Mr Rheinberger, the Creating Hope project stimulated much thought and creativity. It also encouraged the students to look to the example of Jesus and reach out to others in need. Article by: Tom Anderson Head of Christian Studies
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Junior School
Transition to Full Coeducation Begins
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Junior School
Since the announcement in November 2016 that Barker was beginning a path towards full coeducation, there has been anticipation and excitement as we have prepared for the arrival of girls in the Junior School. The transition to full coeducation made significant progress at the start of the year, when we welcomed our first coeducational Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Twenty one Pre-Kindergarten and 44 Kindergarten students have started their Barker education together. A new Prep uniform, additional facilities, extra resources and an enthusiastic teaching team welcomed our new students into the School community. All of the boys and girls have made a wonderful start and have settled in beautifully to their new school environment. It is wonderful to see them interacting with their teachers and their peers. They are loving the Prep environment and appear to be thoroughly enjoying all of the activities that they have the opportunity to experience. Each of the students in Pre-Kindergaren and Kindergarten were presented with a commemorative pin as a memento of beginning their journey in a foundation year of coeducation. The pins were presented by Mr Heath, Mrs Field, Mr Lubrano and Miss Dickson at the first Prep Chapel service of the year in front of all Prep students and the family members who come along each Friday to enjoy our time of fellowship and worship.
The decision to begin coeducation classes in the Junior School will strengthen the educational environment for all learners. Providing the opportunity to work and learn together provides the best conditions for students to build a wonderful foundation for a successful life of learning. Students in the Junior School classrooms are challenged to be inquisitive and engaged. We want them to question and inquire, to think and to find ways to nurture their soul and inspire hope in the world. These aims apply to these new young Barker students. They are off on the next important stage of their journey and they are more than ready for all that is placed before them. Article by: Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School Melissa Brady Director of Coeducation Transition
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Junior School
First Year 6 Graduates Barker College, in conjunction with the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, held the first Graduation Celebration for students who have completed their primary education at Darkinjung Barker. The Year 6 Graduation event was held at Wyong Race Course Function Centre and was a celebration not only for the three students but also a chance to showcase the achievements of all the students at Darkinjung Barker. It was an opportunity for the children to share highlights of 2017, perform items celebrating Christmas and to connect with our larger community. The Ceremony was well attended by family, friends and Board Members of the DLALC. Tjanarra Ah See, Dontaye Gear and Jaiden Holt were our first graduates. The children received their Graduation Certificate from the School as well as a gift from the Land Council the boys a didgeridoo and Tjanarra a woven basket. Tjanarra has taken up an opportunity to continue her education at Lakes Anglican Grammar School on the Central Coast, whilst Dontaye and Jaiden have made
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the move to the Hornsby campus to commence Year 7 at Barker. These three have been wonderful role models to the other students and they will definitely be missed at the Yarramalong Valley campus. Darkinjung Barker has finished its second year and we are extremely proud that these three children are heading to high school well equipped for the challenges and opportunities that they will engage with in their secondary education. We wish them well for their new adventures in 2018 and beyond. Article by: Jamie Shackleton Lead Teacher - Darkinjung Barker
Junior School
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Junior School
STEAM Rises 2018 marks the beginning of the Junior School STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths) program as part of the curriculum.
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Junior Junior School School
In previous years, students would alternate weekly between Art and Woodwork lessons. Now they spend six-week blocks in Art and STEAM. Woodwork is now part of a much broader program, which allows aspects of the Digital Technology curriculum to emerge and integrate. STEAM is an excellent model for inquiry learning. Many of the tasks students undertake require them to work through a process and collaborate with team members. In different tasks, groups will follow the same ‘engineering’ design process, where they: ask questions, imagine possibilities, plan ideas, create solutions, improve models and share with others. In each task, a student will take on a role that gives them leadership and responsibility for a critical area within the group. Positions range from monitoring safety to directing the construction of a project. These roles provide students with a model to collaborate efficiently in group tasks. Throughout the year, students will complete three different types of tasks: woodwork, robotics and coding. Year 4 students will learn how to use various tools such as hammers and screwdrivers as they create ‘Junkbots’; a piece of wood decorated with upcycled materials. In robotics, Year 4 students are given Lego kits to create ‘Vernie’, and code him to perform various tricks such as dancing. Year 5 students build billy carts and then have to design and develop solutions on how to make it stop. In Robotics, they use their iPads
and Jimu Astrobot kits to build a robot and code it to bring back much-needed supplies to their Mars base. In Year 6, students inquire about how certain objects fly, looking at airfoils then crafting balsa wood into a glider. In Robotics, they look at the use of drones as solutions to problems, then learn how to code them using the Swift programming language. Across Grades 4 - 6, all students will be developing their computational thinking skills through the GROK Learning site. This platform is also being used in the Middle School for Mathematics and Computing Studies. In the Junior School, we will be exploring coding solutions to problems using a visual language known as ‘Blockly’. When students make the journey up the hill, they will build on this thinking, progressing to a more complicated language known as Python. In July and October, interested students will be allowed to compete in an online competition to showcase their skills. All of this exciting learning is taking place in our newly refurbished STEAM room. The purpose-built space provides students with an open area to design, build and test various projects that they undertake. Come and visit the next time you’re in the Junior School! Article by: David Frazer STEAM Teacher - Junior School
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Junior School
Junior School Inducts leaders Student leadership in the Junior School is seen as an important responsibility. Modelled on the service example of Christ, leaders are called to serve the needs of others before their own. They set the example for others to follow and they represent the Junior School at all times. Leadership is not about prestige or power. It is about trust, respect and how these qualities help others to be the best that they can be. We encourage all students to look for ways they can serve others, whether that be sitting with someone when they are upset, inviting someone who is by themselves into a game, or providing a word of encouragement to a classmate. These actions aren’t prompted because there is a reward or recognition, or because someone is watching, rather we know it is the right thing to do. Setting an example in this way encourages others to follow in your footsteps. Jesus was our ultimate example of leadership. He was humble and obedient even when he knew the end result wasn’t in his best interest. He was positive, helpful and encouraging to others.
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On Wednesday 21 February, the Junior School House and School Officers were inducted into their leadership responsibilities in a service in the Chapel in front of their peers, the School Captains, the staff and their families. They received their badge of office and took a pledge to serve the Barker Junior School community throughout 2018. I am confident the students elected will be wonderful representatives and fine examples. Article by: Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School
Junior School
Developing a Transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry The knowledge component of the written curriculum in a school that promotes inquiry based learning, is determined by the belief that there are areas of knowledge that, while important for any student, are especially significant to promote the student’s international-mindedness. Ernest Boyer (Boyer, 1995) proposed that students explore a set of themes that represent shared human experiences. He referred to these as ‘core commonalities’. This idea has led to the selection of six transdisciplinary themes that are considered essential in the context of a program of international education. These themes are: Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organise Ourselves and Sharing the Planet. At Barker, we are in a very exciting phase of using these themes. It is wonderful to walk from the art room, sports field or music room to the individual classrooms to see students and teachers engaged in exploration and investigation using these six themes to deepen their learning experiences. In Term 1, our Year 6 students used the ‘Who We Are’ theme to investigate how living things thrive when their needs are met and nurtured. They investigated how living things can thrive by experimenting using different variables and their effect on plants. They also investigated through thought-provoking images how a particular environment can influence and help culture, beliefs and social organisations thrive and flourish.
Under the transdisciplinary theme of ‘How We Express Ourselves’, the Year 1 classes used the concepts of function and reflection to investigate how living things express themselves in different ways. The students explored how light and sound production can be used to express creativity through sound, dance, storytelling. Our Year 4 students used ‘Sharing the Planet’ theme to investigate how collaboration creates positive change. They used the concepts of form, function and responsibility to explore the importance of natural vegetation and resources. They also became designers of the playground area in the Junior School by working together to create safe, realistic designs that fitted a design brief. By using the six transdisciplinary themes to inquire, students are provided with relevant experiences that are engaging, challenging and global. Students at Barker are, through these themes, exposed to individual, local, national and world issues while being able to reflect on human commonality and diversity. Article by: Ainslie Breckenridge Director of Junior School Curriculum
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Teaching and Learning
Leading, Learning and Developing Leadership in our Staff at Barker As educators, learning experiences for our staff are just as important as those experiences offered daily for all the students in our care. When internationally renowned Professor of Education at Harvard, Howard Gardner, wrote about the types of minds required for the future in 2010, he said that: “The minds under discussion here are as much the concern of the fifty-year-old executive or manager as of the teacher or mentor of the young. Moreover, throughout their life cycle, individuals must tend to the development of their own mind, as well as the minds of other individuals, their offspring, students or employees over whom they have responsibility”. As Barker moves into the new and exciting era of full coeducation, it is critical that the School continues to develop and support emerging staff leaders to ensure they have the tools and capacity to contribute to learning in new, innovative and meaningful ways. Given the diverse range of activities and initiatives that are part of this journey, the Barker Institute has been working closely with the AISNSW (Association of Independent Schools NSW) to develop pathways in which to identify and to develop the future leaders of our school. Similarly to our students, we seek to inspire these teachers to lead and to contribute in exciting and creative ways, leaving their mark on the School and where possible, the broader community. Since 2016, Barker has been part of a collaborative leadership project with Caulfield Grammar in Victoria, called the NELP (National Emerging Leadership
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Program) co-ordinated by the AISNSW with the intent of implementing a year-long program for our aspiring middle leaders to experience the theory and broader dimensions of leadership in comparable independent schools. The program includes seminars, research, online learning as well as the opportunity to be coached by a senior member of staff from the reciprocal school. In essence, each Barker participant is coached by a Caulfield executive staff member and, similarly, a range of Barker executive staff coach the NELP participants from Caulfield. The practical and theoretical components of this experience, coupled with site visits between each school, has provided a rich element of learning for the staff involved - both participants and coaches. The structure of the program includes five NELP participants from each school engaging in the program which focuses on developing their own leadership and capacity through the development of a project that is contextualised in the area in which they work at Barker. Last year, NELP participant projects included areas as diverse as Indigenous learning at Darkinjung through to the application of writing in the School, combined with the development of learning in remote regions and communities. At present, our new 2018 participants are developing proposals for their NELP project this year.
Teaching and Learning
Importantly, the NELP offers staff the opportunities to grow their skills and understanding, but the most valuable part of the journey is that it allows them to expand their existing role by exploring new thinking and ideas. Here the participants get a first-hand view of the way in which the strategic and operational aspects of leadership can play out in a school environment while also learning about their own leadership strengths, dispositions and understanding.
In recent years, the NELP program has assisted and prepared new leaders who are now making a considerable contribution to Barker. Recent participants in the NELP include Melissa Brady (Director of Coeducation Transition), Sophie Mynott (Indigenous Education Project Leader) and Greg Longney (Director of Learning and Enrichment). It is rewarding to witness this learning and experience impacting change in so many ways.
A key component of the NELP program is the ongoing online and face-to-face coaching sessions that all of the staff involved undertake, providing a supportive, professional and critical friend (the executive staff member) who is able to share in the experience and also guide and challenge the NELP participant really to reflect on and to think about the core elements of their own leadership. Executive staff, particularly those who are members of the Barker College of Teachers, can also bring their coaching skills to bear on the coachee-coach relationship focussing on the growth potential in the NELP participant’s project and emerging leadership capacity.
We look forward to having the opportunity of continuing to develop our emerging school leaders here at Barker. Article by: Dr Brad Merrick Director of Research in Learning and The Barker Institute (Chief Researcher) Dr Greg Cunningham Director of Teacher Development and Accreditation
Critical to this is learning about the way in which the emotional and social dimensions of leadership intersect with the day-to-day operation of an educational environment. Barker staff involved in the program have travelled to Caulfield Grammar School this term and will host a similar opportunity at Barker later in the year.
www.barkerinstitute.com.au @BarkerInstitute Sharing innovation, research & professional learning throughout the education community. Fostering inspired teaching practice locally, nationally and globally.
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Visual Arts
How to have a Career in the Art World Students and parents alike often ask me what career opportunities exist in the art world. Many may find the concept of the struggling artist a deterrent to seriously considering a pathway into the arts and culture sector. While struggling artists do indeed exist, they exist alongside many artists who are carving successful careers in the art world. However, there are also many opportunities to work within the art world in different capacities. Being strong in visual language and understanding how we as humans engage with images and spaces can lead to exciting careers. There are a variety of roles such as curatorial researcher, exhibition manager, exhibition production, programs manager, artwork technician, AV coordinator, art installer/slashie, managing freight and registration of artworks, marketing and design and of course, art historian and art critic, just to name a few.
Gallery on the last Saturday of each month and has been created to attract and engage younger art lovers to the gallery.
Last year Abbey Sargent from Year 10 took advantage of a new opportunity offered by the Art Gallery of NSW and applied to be selected to become part of the Youth Collective. This program was created to provide students, in the formative years of their careers, industry experience and professional mentorship from Macquarie University and Art Gallery of NSW staff. Over 60 students will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Youth Collective program over the next three years. This year’s intake consists of 18 students aged between 15-24, of which only three are high school students.
The Museum of Contemporary Art also provides opportunities for young creatives and young guides. Their Youth Committee is a small, diverse group of young people aged 13 - 17 who are responsible for developing and delivering programs for their peers. This includes the flagship youth event, GENEXT. Many competitions and exhibitions arise throughout the year and we will alert students to youth competitions such as HeadOn, Mosman Youth Art Prize and the Moran Prize.
The Youth Collective will work closely with Art Gallery of NSW staff, industry professionals and artists to produce a monthly program featuring interviews and talks, performances by young musicians, collaborative workshops with local artists intending to engage their peers. The series, FOMArt (Fear of Missing Art), created by the Youth Collective will take place at the
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Abbey is one of the youngest candidates to be selected this year and will be privy to behind-thescenes access to the Art Gallery of NSW’s collection, exhibitions and resources. Perhaps most valuable to Abbey will be the hands-on experience and professional mentorship from specialist staff such as curators, conservators, artists, program and education professionals. How can you be involved?
One such competition is the ILFORD school photographic prize. Last year Barker College students won “Best School for Term 3, 2017” and “Best School of the Year, 2017”. The after-school photography students have won the annual award for 12 consecutive years. Austin Caie, Year 9, was awarded 1st prize in the silver halide category and merit certificates were awarded to Year 9 students, Harry Clarke, Hugo Abrahams and Wesley Henderson.
Visual Arts
ART NORTH, a new initiative from Abbotsleigh, is an annual exhibition of top HSC student artworks from 34 young artists from 15 secondary schools in the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai regions. This year we had four students’ artworks from the Class of 2017, hung in the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery: Fergus BerneyGibson, Emma Dunnett, Dylan Light and Georgia McFarland. The work exhibited was of high calibre and included the Body of Work awarded first in the state for 2017. There are so many wonderful opportunities just waiting to be taken by students, interested in a career in the arts and culture sector, to gain insight, experience and build a record of achievement before leaving school. Article by: Tara Claire van Drempt Head of Visual Arts
“Exciting education initiatives such as this ensure our institutions are open to new ideas, new audiences and new ways of seeing - all critical to the success of arts-engaged communities in the future,” Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Dr Michael Brand at the launch of The Youth Collective 2018.
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Design and Technology
A View from the Top Last year, a number of students from the Design and Technology Department achieved outstanding performances. We acknowledge and congratulate these students on their achievements. In the 2017 NSW HSC, Samuel Tasho obtained 7th place and Isaac Piper 9th place in Industrial Technology. Samuel produced a unique Blackwood coffee table with precision curves obtained by computer aided manufacture of jigs and the use of kerfing. Izaac created a stringed acoustic guitar which incorporated a range of exotic timbers. These included Bocote, Sitka Spruce, Alpine Spruce with bear claw figuring, Queensland Maple and Madagascar Ebony. Four Design and Technology students had their work nominated for the ‘Shape’ Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum and Brandon Murray’s was
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selected. His compact fire pit is designed to be mounted on a 4WD tyre for transporting. It burns fuel efficiently and provides a 400w peltier power unit that can recharge devices. Oliver Nicholls’ HSC Design and Technology Project Autonomous Robotic Window Cleaner enabled him to win the 2017 NSW Young Scientist Award. He was then selected as the winner of the 2018 BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards from 26 other national finalists and was presented this award in Melbourne in February.
Design and Technology
Left to right Oliver Nicholls receiving his award from the CEO of BHP; Brandon Murray with his Compact Fire Pit; Izaac Piper’s Acoustic Guitar; Samual Tasho’s Coffee Table.
Oliver is now one of nine NSW students sponsored to attend the 2018 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in May 2018. This is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition where approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries are awarded the opportunity to showcase their independent research. We are proud of Oliver’s achievements and all our students who have achieved a great deal of success in their own right, opening the doors to opportunities Beyond the Mint Gates. Here are some of Oliver’s responses when asked about his time in the Design and Technology course whilst at Barker. How do you think your participation in the Design and Technology course might benefit you in your future career? D&T has provided me with excellent learning opportunities over the years. During this course I have learnt practical skills such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) and how to produce, assemble and finish components. This will be directly relevant for my Engineering degree at UNSW. My D&T HSC major work has taken me beyond the HSC to win first place in the Engineering category of the national BHP BiIliton Foundation Science & Engineering Awards. In May I will be showcasing my major work at the International Intel Science & Engineering Fair in the USA, which will be an amazing experience. Finally, D&T has been instrumental in landing my first real job. It is with a visionary start-up technology company Alauda, who are designing and building a flying car - think of a Pod Racer from Star Wars!
How have you found the experience of participating and managing your time within this subject. D&T puts anyone and everyone under the pump. The overload nature of D&T, where you are always striving to push what you can achieve, means that in the end when the project comes together you have an enormous sense of achievement. This was most prominently demonstrated in Year 12, where I can honestly say that the afternoon I handed in my major work was a far greater relief than after the last HSC exam (which coincidently was D&T)! Managing my time to construct a robot, write and illustrate an 80 page folio, make a six minute video whilst completing five other HSC subjects and playing sport was a serious challenge that should not be underestimated, but was definitely worth it. What was the highlight and what was most difficult? It might sound weird, but solving complex problems that I had never experienced before was both the most difficult part and also the highlight! It provided a huge sense of accomplishment. My robotic window cleaner is a very complex machine with hundreds of wires. One of the most frustrating times was when I had wired up the whole robot only to find I had an intermittent wiring fault with one of the motors that took hours to find the problem. I thought I may never get it working fully. Relocating my 4 metre tall window display setup from home to the D&T showcase was a major piece of work in itself. But when I had my frame set up in the hall it looked fantastic and everything worked with a couple of adjustments. I was very honoured and proud to win the people’s choice award on the night. Article by: Darren Woodrow Head of Design and Technology Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 19
Music
Music Tour 2017
Left to right Barker Choir in song - Cambridge; Acknowledging applause - Eglise St. Jacques, Paris; Sebastian Pini; Final performance - Eglise de la Madeleine, Paris; David Lu.
Departing the day after Celebration, excitement was at a high as the flight approached Glasgow over a frozen landscape. One short coach ride later and all jet lag was forgotten as suitcases were raided for multiple layers, and thirty-five red jacketed tourists headed off into the festive crowds of Edinburgh. It was the first step on an incredible journey. A performance tour in many respects is the pinnacle of a young musician’s artistic journey at Barker, and the Music Department has been blessed over many years by being able to take incredibly versatile and talented students all over the globe. The 2017 tour allowed us to write another golden chapter in our musical history, but perhaps more importantly, memories were made and friendships strengthened. It is impossible in an article of this length to recount every experience, and a simple list cannot reflect the human element. Nevertheless, over a period of 14 days, the choir and orchestra gave eight performances in Edinburgh, York, Cambridge, London, VillersBretonneux and Paris. In each place visited we were overwhelmed by the warm welcome and able to sample something of the social and cultural highlights on offer. The cultural experiences are vast in their scale. Just in the first five days came Holyrood House, Edinburgh Markets, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Durham Cathedral, The Angel of the North, Evensong at York Minster and a walking tour of the
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city walls. In Cambridge, our hosts at Great St Mary’s kindly opened the tower to allow an ascent to take in the breathtaking view across the Fens to Ely. In London, we ascended the London Eye, took a walking tour of the South Bank past the Globe Theatre and across the Millennium Bridge and visited the Tower of London. We were privileged to attend a Leonard Bernstein 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Barbican, where the London Symphony Orchestra were conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. When in London you can’t go past a good musical and we enjoyed a night out at Wicked. We were even able to perform at the London Alumni Dinner, at which we were able to share something of what we do with the wider Barker diaspora. Travel delays meant our time in Villers-Bretonneux was curtailed, but we were still able to visit the memorial school, where a presentation was made by the town to Barker College before our concert. The final experiences in Paris included a visit to Notre-Dame, a night-time ascent of the Eiffel Tower and a day in Versailles. Of course, the cultural immersion is secondary to the experience of performing, and we were doubly blessed with magnificent venues and appreciative audiences. Our smallest audience was our first, at Canongate Kirk on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Audiences
Music
grew with goodly numbers at St. Mary, Stonegate in York and Great St Mary’s in Cambridge. A turning point came in stunning Southwark Cathedral with an audience that grew to several hundred as tourists arrived and stayed. Our final two concerts in Paris were landmarks for our performers. If we thought our audience for the charity performance in the 17th Century Eglise Saint Jacques was large and appreciative, we were unprepared for the well over 400 people who delivered a prolonged standing ovation at the conclusion of our final concert in the unforgettable Eglise de la Madeleine. Our talented group of students excelled themselves at every performance, a particular highlight being the violin and double bass duet between Year 11 students, David Lu and Sebastian Pini. It was wonderful to watch wide-eyed students become focussed professionals, delivering the highest quality time after time, and perhaps most importantly representing themselves, the School and Australia with good humour and
dignity. As their two conductors for the tour, David Saffir and I would have been mime artists had we not had musicians to bring the sound to life. We are both profoundly grateful to these astonishing young people, for whom we retain the highest regard. Special mention also to our Pianist extraordinaire Denise Papaluca, rooming manager, guest bass and virtuoso windchime player Andrew Mallam (97) and of course our number one supporter, spontaneous tour guide and most over-qualified roadie in history, Phillip Heath. A final thanks to the School for supporting this tour and the parents for supporting their children. This was a profound experience, raising the bar even higher for future tours, and an experience never to forget. Article by: Peter Ellis Director of Choral Programs
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Music
Music Camp
For the three days of the Australia Day long weekend nearly 400 enthusiastic students descended on The Tops Conference Centre at Stanwell Tops for the annual Barker Music camp.
The aim of the camp is to establish the Secondary School co-curricular ensembles. The students were musically challenged in their rehearsals and also enjoyed the physical challenges of activities such as high ropes, go cart racing, trainspotting, Survivor and the infamous Goliath high swing.
The meals were enjoyed by all and at lunch on the final day Mr Heath addressed the students and thanked them for their hard work and said that the music program provides a unique experience where instrumental groups, year groups and genders can work together collaboratively.
The trivia night and student concert brought the students together and many new friendships were made by the large number of new students who enjoyed their very first Barker experience.
It was a great start to 2018 for Barker Music and we look forward to a number of exciting concerts during the year. Article by: Simon Smith Head of Music
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Library
What’s new in the Senior School Library The Barker Senior Library was a hive of activity over the 2017 Christmas break. The start of the 2018 school year has seen a new look to Level 3 of the Library (think quiet and reserved Qantas lounge) with further tweaks still to come (new furniture is on order and more installations are planned).
Level 3: Main Library Floor: iCentral (the IT team and the main iCentral service desk) has relocated to this floor. The Library circulation desk has been relocated (still on this floor). The Teacher Librarian Office has also relocated to where Study Rooms 3.1 and 3.2 were.
The new refurbishment to Level 3 has also seen a reassignment of the primary purposes of each floor. For your information, here are the main services you will find on each floor:
Level 4: Remains the Fiction Floor. We have the FRA (Reading Room), two classrooms and four study rooms on this floor.
Level 1: Remains the Library Archive and Stack collection Level 2: Relocation of Non-fiction to this floor. This is our quiet (serious study) floor. The study carrels have been relocated here and small group study tables add to the furnishings. Digital Integration Leaders retain their office on this floor.
In addition to the physical changes, we have also adopted a new Library Operating System for 2018 onwards. Destiny has been replaced by Accessit. We are still ironing out some bugs but the system should be fully operational by the end of Term 1. Article by: Jason Saikaly Head of Library Services
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Robotics
FIRST Power UP January has flown by for our FRC students as they rushed to design a new robot for the 2018 FIRST Robotics Competition. On 7 January, FIRST Power UP was released to enthusiastic students and mentors. In this year’s challenge students design a robot to pick up bright yellow power cubes and place them on a ‘Switch’ and a ‘Scale’. Placing cubes earns one point per second of ownership (when the switch or scale are weighted towards your team’s colour), with roughly double points in the first 15 second autonomous period. Teams can achieve ‘Power Ups’ by placing Power Cubes in an exchange, allowing them to earn ‘Boost’ (double) points for 10 seconds, ‘Force’ ownership of the switch or scale or both (10 seconds), or ‘Levitate’ a robot, giving one robot a free climb in the last 30 seconds. With only an 18 inch wide rung for three robots to climb this year, Levitate is a very attractive option. The Barker Redbacks spent three days discussing game strategy and predicting how teams would play the game at Regionals, Championships, and on Einstein (where the winners of each Championship Division compete to be World Champion). After selecting target goals for each level, the team divided up the requirements into robot functions, with a sub-team assigned to each function. Two days and multiple prototypes later, the entire team held a design meeting to select the path forward. Fast forward two weeks, many design iterations, and the team had a complete CAD model of the robot, and a drive base navigating the field. The cube launcher, cube intake, and climber still needed some design tweaks but were largely designed. The team had a robot that largely met our strategic decisions to focus on speed of cube delivery and creating a very compact robot to allow for fast and nimble offensive cube scoring. In week three of build season we hosted IronPulse Robotics, a rookie team from Shanghai, China for two weeks. We helped them learn how to analyse game
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strategy and to design, refine and implement their robot based on the strategy they chose. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to share the valuable knowledge and skills they have gained, and a significant boost for a rookie team. At the end of the two weeks IronPulse left with a robot we believe will be competitive in their upcoming competitions, and with significant gratitude for the wealth of experience our mentors shared with them. Meanwhile, the Redbacks continued to develop. At the end of week six with robot completed the team started programming autonomous routines and hosted our Week 0 Scrimmage. It was a great opportunity for teams from around Sydney to come and play on our mentor-built field and experience what the ‘real’ game will be like. The action was live streamed from the Robotics lab to the Lecture Theatre, to the pits in Computer Science, and across the globe on Youtube, all made possible by a generous grant from the Barker Foundation. On the following Monday, two days before the end of build season, the Redbacks released their Robot Reveal video (https://youtu.be/bFiySP0L6o4) - which garnered over 5,000 views in the first 24 hours and over 30,000 views in the first week. We were also incredibly proud to release the first video in the world of a robot delivering four cubes in the first 15 second autonomous period (a), which gained over 9,000 views in the first week. We’re not sure what the season holds for us, but we’re excited that we’re off to a great start, achieving more than we ever have before, even while we help others achieve their dreams as well. Article by: Lael Grant Robotics Coordinator
Robotics
SCAN TO WATCH
SCAN TO WATCH Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 25
Languages
An Endless Summer of Learning Languages Latin Summer School
Exchange Visit to Sugao, Japan
During the summer break seven Barker students attended the annual Latin Summer School at Sydney University. A total of 200 students, ranging in age from 14 to 90 years old, attended a series of specialist classes and lectures. The Year 12 Barker cohort chose the pre-HSC stream which read texts written in Latin by authors such as Ovid, Suetonius and Virgil. These passages provided our students with a window into the rivalries, romance and revenge of the Roman world.
In November and December 2017, three Year 10 students: Nat Wilkes, Ian Tsai and Jonathan Chang, went on an exchange for one month to our sister school, Sugao Gakuen, in Tokyo. In this time the students were immersed in the Japanese culture by attending school and living with Japanese host families. From this experience they became more motivated in their learning, improved their language skills and developed greater insight into the Japanese way of life.
Mr Ross also delivered a guest lecture on the politics of citizenship which, though focusing on the Italian Social War of 91-89BC, proved to be very relevant to current events in Australian politics. The week was an excellent opportunity for all to engage with the Classical world in a lazy summer setting, before returning to their studies in the lead-up to the formal HSC exams later in the year.
Nat felt that the fusion of modern technology and tradition defined Japan. The Barker students enjoyed visits to traditional temples, shrines and ultra-modern cities. They were also impressed by the natural beauty of Japan’s autumnal colours. This exchange is extremely beneficial and we are grateful for the opportunity for the Barker students to participate. This wonderful opportunity is available again this year for our Year 10 students. Article by: Matthew Ross Head of Languages
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Mathematics
Making Maths Engaging and Fun The ‘Build a Tiny House’ project, completed by a class of Year 7 students at the end of 2017, gave the students the opportunity to undertake a challenging experience, drawing on many maths concepts that had been studied during the year. The project asked the students to take on the responsibility for designing and building the perfect tiny house. During the building process, the students needed to consider a layout, choose furniture and then use real world maths skills to determine scaling options and make perimeter and area calculations. Projects like the ‘Build a Tiny House’ help students to see the purpose and usefulness of maths. It is also important that maths is engaging and fun for the students and the elements of building something, modelling, manipulating, collaboration, physical movement and then a bit of competition contributed to the success of the project. Article by: Jacqui McLachlan Mathematics Teacher
Sean ‘Grand Slam It’ Zammit In his six Barker years, Sean ‘Grand Slam It’ Zammit (17) blitzed every mathematics competition thrown at him. His crowning glory was the Australian Mathematics Competition, where he achieved a clean sweep, topping his grade every year, including three prizes and three High Distinctions. In the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad he was awarded two High Distinctions in Years 9-10. The Computational and Algorithmic Thinking competition resulted in two perfect scores and a distinction in Years 10-12. In the UNSW competition he achieved a High Distinction and two Distinctions in Years 10-12. In each of the 16 week Enrichment and three week Challenge programs he received four High Distinctions including two perfect scores.
Sean pioneered a whole new way of celebrating the success of mathematicians by presenting his solutions in assemblies and thereby encouraging other students that it was cool to be a mathematical gun. He will be greatly missed.
Photo Sean Zammit and Mr Boyd Carruthers.
Sean is currently working with Barker’s leading robotics team, the Redbacks, and is about to study Software Engineering at UNSW. Article by: Graham Hanlon Head of Mathematics
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College of Coaches
Heads of Sport Conference
“How do we improve the sporting experience for our students?” This was the theme for the inaugural Heads of Sport conference held on 23 and 24 January at the School.
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College of Coaches
The purpose of the conference was to bring all key stakeholders together including Co-curricular Co-ordinators, Directors of Sport, Strength & Conditioning Staff as well as some of the School’s external 1st Team Coaches (Junior School and Secondary School) to evaluate and discuss both achievements from 2017, as well as the areas requiring further development. Former students Melissa Mitchell (04, Swimming) & Cameron Shepherd (01, Rugby & Basketball) provided an overview on their sporting experience at Barker - both the positives and the negatives - as well as highlighting how they have used some of their experiences at Barker well Beyond the Mint Gates. A series of ‘goal setting’ workshops were also held, which provided an opportunity for all participants to share their ideas, knowledge and experience amongst all the different sports in the room. A team from “Locomotive Consulting Blue Bus Team” facilitated the first afternoon’s session focussing on cultural transformation with our leaders, emerging leaders, Heads of Department and 1st team Coaches, to support Barker’s aim of adapting and thriving in exponentially changing times, whilst developing a sustainable culture of excellence. Improving the alignment between boys and girls sport, improving the quality and experience of Barker’s coaches at all levels, as well as a focus on more collaboration between the Junior and Secondary schools, were some of the areas addressed at the conference. Well-known clinical sports psychologist, Gayelene Clews, who has a wealth of experience working with school students, parents, teachers and coaches at all levels and all age groups, also presented on “Harnessing the Power of Sport to Build the Barker Community” and to maximise our potential.
Strength & Conditioning staff, Sandro Clarke and Sam Northcott, presented the new collaborative approach that is taking place across both the boys and girls gyms which has seen them set some exciting new goals for 2018 for the entire school from K-12. Reinforcing the School’s vision for 2018 around Thriving at Barker, Director of Girls’ Sport, Mrs Alison Cox, focused on the four pillars of Inquiry, Rhetoric, Gratitude and Service as follows:•
Inquiry - how can we help all students get better at what they do in their chosen sport in order to improve their self-confidence and belief?
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Rhetoric - how do we get all students completely engaged in their chosen sports?
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Gratitude - how do we ensure that every student is thankful and respectful for the opportunity they have been given to play in their chosen sport whilst attending Barker and in return how do we recognise their contribution and effort every weekend?
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Service - how do we ensure every student knows they ‘belong’ to their team and the value they are adding to that team?
Some of the proposed outcomes from the conference included a higher standard of performance and engagement at all levels, improved collaboration between girls and boys sport and every sport working towards the same common goals and vision. This defined vision for Barker Sport, often referred to as the “Barker Way”, will be used by the Sports Department and all of our sporting teams throughout 2018. Article by: David O’Keefe Director of College of Coaches
Ms Clews highlighted how “sporting participation encourages life-skill development and emotional intelligence through working collaboratively as part of a team, to dealing with setback or perceived failure.” Ms Clews returned to Barker towards the middle of Term 1 to work closely with coaches, teachers, students and parents, as part of a Sports Department led initiative to help educate, support and improve the calibre of coaching across the School at all levels and across both genders.
Left to right Cameron Shepherd (01), Phillip Heath and Melissa Gumley (Mitchell, 04); Heads of Sport and Coaches during the conference; Phillip Heath with clinical sports psychologist, Gayelene Clews. Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 29
Alumni Profile
Alumni Profile Old Girl Stephanie Smith from the Class of 1978, is an architect who recently spoke to Director of Alumni and Community Relations, Mandy Loomes, about her career in this field. What was your career journey after finishing at Barker? There are many chapters in some stories and in others only a few. My career path has been a series of big journeys that have eventually come full circle. After finishing at Barker in Year 12 I enrolled in an Architecture degree at the University of Sydney but first went to Paris to work as an Au Pair and learn French. Whilst in Europe I went to an architecture summer school in Scandinavia and later worked for several French architects who I’d met on the tour. At the end of the degree I was invited to work with John Andrews, in his Palm Beach office, I stayed for six months, until it was time to set off for Amsterdam to work with Dutch architect, Herman Hertzberger, whose designs I very much admired. Luckily I had been learning Dutch in my spare time as English was rarely spoken in the office. I had very little money by this time so found a large empty warehouse space in the red light district and slept for the first few months on a bean bag. The first summer was a blur of late nights in the office and rides home in the dark on my bicycle. Following the Netherlands my ambition was to get a job with Renzo Piano, a well known Italian architect. I flew down for an interview and was amazed to be offered a job on the spot. My first day in the office I was so nervous I could hardly draw a straight line. I lived in a gorgeous palazzo in front of the sea, bought a motor bike and stayed for three years. My Italian was very sketchy at first but improved with time. I then won a scholarship to study at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. This time learning Japanese. I could have stayed longer but was keen to get home. I changed the focus of my study to Aboriginal housing and spent the next five years recording the self-
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constructed humpy settlements in north western NSW. For months at a time I was living in the community, mapping the spaces, the relationships, the changes and the building systems and making great friends. The results of this work are now part of a book documenting the history of the Aboriginal housing experience. By then I had set up a small office with my partner and a staff of one. After completing my thesis at Queensland University we moved to Sydney. It was not long before Renzo Piano was commissioned to do a building in Sydney and our office was invited to be the local representative architects on the project. We eventually grew the office to 16 and employed young people from all around the world. We went on to design and build some fantastic projects and win several awards over a span of 18 years. Amazingly Renzo Piano had just recently won another competition to design some apartment towers at Barangaroo in Sydney. I was offered a position as Executive Architect for the project and a Principal Architect role at Lendlease. I have been there for more than three years now and whilst it has been a steep learning curve from many points of view it has also been one of the most challenging roles of my career to date. Who knows what comes next! Did you always want to study architecture? My father was an architect and we spent many of our holidays looking at buildings and messing around on building sites. You could say it was in my blood. I remember telling him at five that I wanted to be an architect. I never changed my mind.
Alumni Profile
Were there subjects you did at school that encouraged you to follow this path? I studied art, physics and maths. These are probably the building blocks of architecture. I had a good handle on the “gut feel’ of building physics but I was pretty bad at it at school. I remember getting lots of coaching from Chris Hilton who was an engineering genius. My art was very 3D focused and I ended up doing a sculpture. I was way too ambitious and chose a timber that was so hard I could hardly model it. It was not the best outcome but I learned a lot. Luckily for me the entry mark for architecture in those days was pretty low.
What do you do to relax? I enjoy most sports but lately it has been mostly Yoga, Golf, Swimming, Walking, and lying around reading books. Long lunches with friends and a glass of wine or two are always a favourite.
What are some of your favourite architectural projects? Works by Santiago Calatrava, Jean Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea by Renzo Piano, Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe, Italian Hill Towns, Ronchamp by Le Corbusier, Palaces on the lake in Jaipur. Buildings with soul. Why do you think architecture is a good career? Architecture is a great start to a career that can develop in many different ways. It is fundamentally about problem solving which can lead to a variety of opportunities. A career as an architect, especially a design architect is very rewarding, exciting and gives you the opportunity to leave an indelible mark. Did you have a mentor or teacher who inspired you? My father inspired me as did all the wonderful architects I have worked for. Several of my teachers at University also had a lasting influence. What were some of your favourite things to do when you were at Barker? Apart from all the things I probably shouldn’t mention....I loved the coeducation, the sport, the many friends I made (and still have today) and last but not least discovering the chip roll. Do you have any words of wisdom for today’s students? Learn to believe in yourself as an individual and be kind to others. Friends and family are what life is about, not career success or money. Great to give it your best shot but enjoy the journey not just the idea of the destination. Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 31
iSteam
Left to right Mr Phil Barden works with Year 10 to code the Arduino; Collaborative learning in Year 10 iSTEAM; Year 10 in one of the new STEAM classrooms.
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iSteam
New iSTEAM Elective in Years 9 & 10 2018 sees the launch of a new venture in STEAM for Barker with the introduction of an innovative elective designed to integrate and engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. The former Middle School locker rooms have been repurposed into four bright collaborative work spaces where the classes can utilise a range of equipment and where the VEX robotics and coding clubs can have dedicated space for their building and competition preparation. Whilst Science and Mathematics remain essential compulsory core subjects until the end of Stage 5, the iSTEAM elective course emphasises inquirybased learning where students are encouraged to learn by doing. The course is integrated with an emphasis on cross disciplinary work, solving real world problems with an emphasis on thinking skills, exploration and collaboration. The activities in which the students engage will allow them to develop skills in many diverse areas such as coding, mechatronics, aerodynamics and biotechnology.
Students will study a variety of themed units of work focusing on the application of STEM-skills to real life, through inquiry based and project based learning. They will also participate in competitions and other enrichment activities throughout the course. We are fortunate this year to have this course taught by a range of specialist teachers from across the STEAM faculties. Mr Phil Barden, Design and Technology, Mrs Lainie Kalnins, Mathematics, Mr Andrew Mifsud, Music, Mrs Noni Taylor and Mr Daniel Woolley, Science. These teachers bring a wealth of experience in classroom teaching and from their previous careers as STEM professionals in the field. Article by: Virginia Ellis STEAM Coordinator Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 33
STEAM
Steam Festival Gala STEAM at Barker continues to go from strength to strength.
Left to right Using the power of brainwaves to drive a computer game; virtual reality sandbox to simulate mountain building and contour maps; mathematical constructions.
The focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), is helping our students, staff and wider School community to see connections in their knowledge and learning and to apply their understanding and skills across the various fields of study. It was with great excitement that we celebrated Future Earth at the STEAM Gala Festival late last year. The Junior School was transformed into a sea of interactive workshops and displays where our whole School community was invited to engage with active learning. A highlight of the evening was the Middle School Innovation expo that showcased the wonderful work from the classrooms across all the subject areas. The music performances also kept us well entertained. There was a wide variety of tinkering studios, sustainable recycling workshops, upcycled vertical gardening from agriculture, upcycled artworks and much more. Bicycles powered the lights and tasty milkshakes and smoothies were made from the peddle-power generators.
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The Mathematics Department set up an enormous slot-car track to look at the issue of electric powered vehicles and ran challenges that involved lots of calculations and of course lots of racing. The planning for the 2018 STEAM Festival is well underway with this year’s theme “Game Changers and Change Makers” set to celebrate milestones in Science and the Arts. We will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with events based around this iconic piece of literature and genetic engineering, biotechnology, bionics, gene modification, brain enhancement and ethics. STEAM Festival 2018 will be held across weeks 5 & 6 of Term 3, so book it in your diaries! Article by: Virginia Ellis STEAM Coordinator
STEAM
Top to bottom Brainarium - walk through immersive brain; Using peddle power for smoothie making; slot car racing to model electric powered cars; Alice Jeffery & Neural Knitworks with their handcrafted brains and neurons; Dr Sue Pillans with Year 2 investigating Whale Sharks. Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 35
BCPA
From the BCPA Over 200 parents gathered to enjoy these events to farewell the School year and to celebrate the beginning of the festive season. The Barker College Parents’ Association held Christmas Lunches for the Junior School parents on Friday 17 November and for parents of the Middle and Senior Schools on Friday 11 November. Both of these wonderful events were held in Boyce Hall. The Barker College Christian Fellowship Group hosted its annual Gingerbread House decorating night on Monday 22 November in Boyce Hall. It was a great night with much fun had by all who attended this sold out event. The biennial Christmas Fair was held on Friday 17 November in the MPH. There were stalls selling such a variety of merchandise that many, many people were able to successfully do all their Christmas shopping on the night. It was a happy and festive occasion. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the Fair to make it the amazing success that it was, and thank you to everyone who joined us. Article by: Alison Finnegan (Stevens, 82) and Yvonne Goldman BCPA Co‑Presidents
Please consider purchasing one of the following as a fundraiser for the BCPA.
To purchase: www.trybooking.com/RYDL 36 • The Barker • Issue 118 • Autumn 2018
Sports
2017 Australian Schools Basketball Championships
During the last week of Term 4, the Barker Girls Firsts Basketball Team travelled with the Boys team to Melbourne to compete in the 2017 Australian Schools Basketball Championships. With over 160 teams competing from 60 schools around Australia and New Zealand, this week was certainly the most challenging faced by our team this season. Playing in the U20 Women’s Division 1 section of the competition, the Barker Firsts team played against highly ranked teams from Victoria, and therefore some of the very best school teams in Australia.
Such depth across every team meant Barker needed to lift to the next level in skill, play and mental strength. Whilst playing older and more experienced teams could have been overwhelming, the team demonstrated a developing resilience against outstanding pressure across the week. It was an amazing opportunity and we were honoured to have the privilege to represent our Barker community. Article by: Nicole Bailey CCC Girls’ Basketball
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Sports
Sri Lanka Cricket Tour
Curries, the dread of a 14 hour expedition and the excitement of the forthcoming 16 days were the words on the lips of the 19 Barker cricketers anxiously huddled around the entrance to Gate K, with an unforgettable adventure just a day in front of them.
On the flight the whole touring squad prepared for eight hours of movies, and for some, in flight golf on the entertainment system. The squad touched down in Colombo with dreary eyes as all 19 boys traipsed through Sri Lankan customs with one eye open. After an early morning pool session run by Mr Merven and Mr Toth, the boys were ready for their first game, and came out with a bang. The big hitting of Ryan McCoy, 75, and Dan Alleyn, 57, was no match for the Sri Lankan boys. Piling on 260 in 20 overs, the Reds secured a 180 run victory. A tough game against St Anthony’s followed, who effortlessly whacked their way to 316 in 50 overs. Going after the monumental total brought about some middle over trouble, until the seemingly unlikely heroics of Alex Veivers brought us a lot closer to St Anthony’s than we expected, as we managed to put on 270. This eventuated after Alex’s majestic score of
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exactly 100, which was a treat for the boys, as we were given a batting masterclass by someone who we would soon have to label a “genuine all-rounder”. The following match held similar connotations to the first, with the Reds posting 418 from 45 overs in an imposing display of power hitting from Jenson Raue, 72, and Angus Hassall, 89, who piled on the largest ever Barker cricket partnership on an international tour. Josh Stals, 40no, and Ryan McCoy, 54no, equally chipped in with lusty blows. An impressive win against Nalanda College followed, as the boys escaped a middle order collapse with the help of Ben Randall, 50, to score 170 against a strong outfit, and managed to defend it with 10 runs to spare. Unfortunately a tough loss at the Foundation of Goodness ground followed, which was succeeded by three impressive wins at the stunning Galle International Stadium, with two more wins in Colombo.
Sports
Off the field the boys marvelled at the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, enjoyed a unique boat safari and relished the once in a lifetime opportunity to pat, feed and view elephants up close, an event which we will hold close to us for an extremely long period of time. The team also visited the Foundation of Goodness Academy in Seenigama, which works with underprivileged Sri Lankan youth opening doors for the children which would have remained unopened without the work of the Foundation, of which Barker is a prominent fundraiser for. This was a great opportunity to place our lives and opportunities in perspective, and helped all boys develop a strong appreciation of the opportunities which they receive in Sydney.
The tour could not have been possible without the commitment and dedication from Mr Thomlinson, Mr Toth and Mr Merven who facilitated a 16 day adventure which allowed all 19 cricketers to develop new friendships, immerse themselves into a foreign culture and refine their cricketing skills in a unique environment which was as equally as enjoyable as productive. Most importantly, all cricketers became more charitable, appreciative and understanding of individual diversity as a result.
Article by: Sebastian Hodge Year 10
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Sports
Australian Schools Teams Challenge Barker Tennis competed at the Australian Schools Teams Challenge in Albury NSW.
This is a five day teams’ event, consisting of 24 of the best boys and girls tennis schools in Australia. Barker competed in the event for the first time in 2010, where we made the finals, falling to the champions Applecross in a tightly contested final. The Tournament is played in a Davis Cup format where team coaches are able to speak and mentor players at the change of ends during play. It is the only tournament of its kind in Australia. It is also played entirely on natural grass, a surface few players have experienced before.
As a coach it is amazing to watch and be so involved in the rapid progression the students make throughout the week and last year’s event was no exception. The team of Charlie Williams (Yr 11), Noah Wheen (Yr 9), Corey Kavanagh (Yr 11), Flynn Covey (Yr 11), Oliver Welch (Yr 11) and Jamie Hilton (Yr 11) started the event like grass court beginners and finished as accomplished players on the surface and greatly improved in their tactics and ability to handle pressure situations. They were great ambassadors for Barker. As one of the youngest teams in the event, our 9th place finish was very respectable. We look forward to competing at the 2018 tournament. Article by: Andrew Jesperson and Clint Newcombe CCC Tennis
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Sports
Australian All Schools 2017 Four Barker students were selected to represent NSW at the Australian All Schools Athletics Competition in December 2017. This competition saw them travel to Adelaide and compete against the best students in Australia. Donovan Bradshaw (Yr 9) competed in the U14 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump events. He had a tremendous competition finishing Australian Champion in the 100m, 200m, long jump and 4 x 100m and runner up in the 400m. This was simply an outstanding performance and something he should be extremely proud of.
Other competitors included Jade Beeston (Yr 12) who finished 10th in the U18s girls javelin; Morgan Little (Yr 11) who finished 10th in the U16s Javelin and Matthew Mikhael (Yr 11) who finished 11th in the U16s Discus. Well done to all the competitors. Article by: Lee Batchler CCC Athletics
National Knockout Athletics Competition 2017 Thirteen Barker students travelled to Adelaide to represent the School in the Australian Schools Knockout Competition in December 2017. Here they were up against the best schools in the country in both the Junior (13/14yrs) and Intermediate (15yr/16yrs) divisions. Both teams did the School proud, with Alex Veivers (Yr 11) jumping over 6m in the Intermediate Long Jump competition to place in the top five. Ben Nogajski (Yr 11) showed his versatility finishing 5th in the 100m Hurdles and then going on to do well in the 100m and 200m races and Campbell Johnson (Yr 10) finished 4th in the High Jump. In the Junior team, Jonathan Reid (Yr 9) finished 5th in the 100m hurdles, Donovan Bradshaw (Yr 8) finished 2nd in the 100m, Will de Lambert-McHutchison (Yr 9) finished 4th in the Shot Put and stand out performer was Will Irish (Yr 9) who not only threw a 6m personal best in the Javelin but also went on the win this event.
The standard of competition was very good throughout the day and at the conclusion, the Junior boys’ team was announced in 7th place out of 14 teams and the Intermediate team finished in 8th place in their division. Although all the students had hopes of finishing higher up the ladder, the team represented with grace and humility and are keen to continue to develop their athletic ability to be better in 2019. Article by: Lee Batchler CCC Athletics
Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 41
Sports
CAS Premiership Winners! The team managed to win the CAS competition and also finished as runners up in the Division 1 National competition. The Barker 1st V Boys’ Basketball team, enjoyed a highly successful season. Team captain, Angus Henskens (Yr 12) showed great leadership qualities, on and off the court. Recently, he was selected along with Quinn Campbell (Yr 12), Brannagh Walsh (Yr 11) and Lachlan Bofinger (Yr 11) to play with the CAS 1sts. In addition Jonah Faigen (Yr 12) and Oscar Fricke (Yr 12) were selected to play with the CAS 2nds. At the National Championships, the team bonded particularly well and performed superbly finishing closer runners up in the grand final. In addition to this outstanding result, the January 2018 holidays saw three Barker teams compete in competitions. The 9A development team, played very 42 • The Barker • Issue 118 • Autumn 2018
well in the Kings Cup and narrowly lost in their playoff game. Will de Lambert-McHutchison (Yr 9) was a stand out. The 2nds also enjoyed great success in the Newington Classic, capably led by Ethan Soussa (Yr 12). This tournament helped the team as they went on to finish undefeated in the CAS competition. This was a memorable season and many teams enjoyed great success. Article by: Michael Kennedy CCC Boys’ Basketball
Sports
Swim@Barker provides swim programs dedicated to developing children’s skills so they cannot only survive, but thrive in the water. Learn to Swim Classes for all age groups | School Intensive Programs to Learn to Swim Classes for all age groups Development Squads | Competitive and Fitness Squads | Holiday Intensives
Aquatic Achievements Just about everyone from the School visited the Barker Foundation Aquatic Centre this term. We had trials for the new Year 10 students in swimming, surf lifesaving and water polo as well as hosting the long distance events for both Junior and Secondary schools, Year 7 competency swim trials, Junior School intensives, and of course the normal training sessions for all School sport teams.
Above photo Melissa Gumley (Mitchell, 04) with the Director of Aquatic Centre, Haydn Belshaw and Senior Coach, Idesa Vincent.
Other Events Swimming - Invitational carnivals before the competitions at IPSHA, CAS or ISA Championships. Surf Lifesaving - Barker hosted a carnival with Shore, Joeys, Riverview, and Knox at Bungan Beach on Saturday 3 March. Waterpolo - Barker Red have quite a number of teams in the hunt to finish strongly. Article by: Haydn Belshaw Director of Aquatic Centre
Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 43
02 9847 8281 | swim@barker.nsw.edu.au | www.barker.college/community/swim-barker
Archives
Left to right Barker College Scout Troop, 1941; Members of BC2 walking the Wild Dog Mountains, 1972; Members of the Ag Club tending to the vegetable gardens, 1985.
Activities Abound! Barker students have always had the opportunity to be involved in a plethora of activities. Since early on in the School’s history, activities such as Sport, Cadets, Drama, Music and Debating have been popular. Over the years however, many other activities have come and gone. In existence during the years immediately after World War One, the Junior Red Cross is one of the first activities on record. Members of the Junior Red Cross sold sweet treats and fruit at sporting matches to raise money for families devastated by the War. The Barker College Scout Troop was formed in 1928 and was divided into four patrols. All members worked towards proficiency badges and participated in activities such as camping and hiking. In 1943, the Troop was presented with its own colours and flag, but staff shortages caused it to disband in 1947. There have always been activities directed towards academic pursuits, giving students the opportunity to learn beyond what is required of the syllabus. These activities quite often involved excursions to the theatre or lectures. The Black Widow Society provided a forum for budding poets and writers to share ideas and critique each other’s work.
Formed in the early 1960s, The Barker College Bushwalking Club, or BC2 as it was also known, adventured to all parts of New South Wales. It was only in the late 1990s that bushwalking ceased to be offered, and is now incorporated into the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. From 1964 onwards, students interested in Agriculture could participate in Junior Farmers. As the precursor to the Ag Club, students tended vegetable gardens, raised livestock and grew cotton. Beekeeping was first offered as an activity to students in 1986, with honey being sold for $2.50 per kilogram. Over 300kg of honey was sold by students in the first year alone. Both of these activities were available to students until the beginning of the 21st century. Over the years, there have also been activities dedicated to model aeroplanes, photography, radios, railways, postage stamps and boxing. The wide variety of activities reflects not only the varying interests of Barker students, but also their willingness to be involved. Article by: Morwenna Dixon Manager of Archives
44 • The Barker • Issue 118 • Autumn 2018
Yirara College Clontarf Academy Visit The Year 9 Extended Stay Program in Central Australia continues to bear fruit in the relationships between Barker students and Indigenous students from Central Australia. In December, 15 students from the Yirara College Clontarf Academy (Alice Springs), made the journey east, hosted by Barker in the Boarding House during their stay. In addition to seeing the sights of Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the Clontarf group enjoyed a truly special day sharing
in educational experiences at Barker. All were wide-eyed during the Science department extravaganza which included making elephant’s toothpaste and exploding gases; the Design and Technology department had the students firing rocket-ships into orbit; the PDHPE department facilitated some competitive basketball and AFL football in which the Clontarf students showed an abundance of skill and energy. Sincere thanks to the Barker staff and students involved in the visit who were tremendously gracious hosts and gave generously of their time in helping to make this experience memorable for our guests. Article by: Jonathan Rheinberger Director of Boarding
Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 45
Senior Weekend Away
Senior Weekend Away 2018 Senior Weekend Away 2018 was the most jam-packed, fun and rewarding experience of my Barker years so far.
46 • The Barker • Issue 118 • Autumn 2018
Senior Weekend Away
The weekend was so diverse in the activities and it had something good, enjoyable and interesting for everyone on the camp. During the more energetic activities, like ‘Paint War’ and the ‘Dance Competition’, it was awesome to see everyone getting involved, giving it their all and working together to create a fun-loving and enthusiastic vibe. In the quieter times like the ‘Chill Night’ and ‘Get-To-Know-You Groups’, we were able to meet new people so that by the end of the camp the new Year 10 group was definitely closer. As leaders we were also excited at being able to create better connections throughout the Senior School as we learnt new names and had a chat to students in different year groups.
When we all came together, to listen to the talks by Mrs Picton and Mr Whitington and to learn the Barker chants, it was awesome to see Barker culture and pride start to thrive in the Year 10 group. I was so privileged to be able to lead on this camp. I had so much fun with my friends, getting to know new people and enjoying a weekend away that allowed me to reflect on my faith, appreciate the people I am lucky to be surrounded by and kick start my last year at Barker with a huge amount of energy and drive to make the most of it. Article by: Georgia Breckenridge Year 12, Cru Captain
Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 47
Foundation
Foundation
“Build upon what we believe in”. These words echoed across the Sound Stage on Thursday 1 February, when the entire School including our Pre-Kindergarten and Darkinjung students, came together for their first assembly for 2018.
I was reminded of the special community we are a part of, a place where we strive for ways we can support, encourage, collaborate and share with others. To see the hope and joy on the faces of our youngest students, including our inaugural cohort of kindergarten girls, waving proudly to the entire school, who waved back with warm, welcoming smiles, demonstrated the genuine kindness and respect that is characteristic of our Barker community. The Barker Foundation has been working hard to build upon this spirit to create the right strategy to support the School’s vision and strengthen a culture of philanthropy. The aim of the Barker Foundation is to assist the School to provide outstanding opportunities, resources and learning environments for our students and teachers, now and into the future. It does that by engaging with the whole School community to attract, retain and grow funds, over and above what is provided by school fees and government grants.
A key area of focus for the Foundation’s fundraising efforts in 2018 is to support the Sports and Learning Precinct. This will be an outstanding facility providing our students with an exceptional environment to help them to thrive and achieve their full potential. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of so many in our Barker community, made up of a wonderful array of people: alumni, current and past parents, staff, students and friends of Barker - all at whom share a common vision to create an environment that inspires hope. By giving back and giving together we can all play a part in creating a place of educational purpose and excellence. Article by: John Slack-Smith Foundation
Autumn 2018 • Issue 118 • The Barker • 49
Cadets
Engaged in the Field Term 4 Bivouac The unit finished 2017 with a very successful Bivouac at Myuna Bay 1 - 3 December 2017. 280 Cadets made the most of very humid conditions and participated in a range of enjoyable activities including: Canoeing, Raft Building, several TACEX’s, Medical Scenario’s, Platoon Harbours and also the 6 Trade Courses. The Bravo (Second Tier) Cadets selected from a choice of Recon, Tech, Catering, Engineering and Construction, Medics and Signals courses. All participants seemed to improve their overall skills and the activities helped them decide what area or discipline they might like to pursue in the future. AFX Recon The AFX recon occurred on Sunday 11 February where the senior rank and staff scoped out the area and started to design the unit wide activity that will likely occur on Annual Camp. It was very dry in Singleton and we hope to get some rain before then to offer some welcome new grass and coverage. CAS Conference On 15 February 2IC Oliver Jones, RSM William Philp, and I visited St Aloysius’ College to attend the CAS Cadet Conference. While we were
50 • The Barker • Issue 118 • Autumn 2018
there we talked to the leaders of the other CAS cadet units and exchanged information about how we run our units. We were then able to use this valuable time to ask questions to learn more about specific activities so we can consider parts from each unit to further develop our own units, making cadets more interesting and appealing. Later on in the day we started to discuss what visions we had for the CAS Cadet unit and we created five goals. We hope to achieve these goals through bringing younger ranking members to these conferences so they have more than one year to implement it into the unit. We then finished off the day with a formal mess dinner. This was a great opportunity to get to know everyone better and tighten the bonds in the CAS Cadet unit. What’s Next We held the Term 1 Bivouac at Holsworthy Military training area on 16 - 18 March and will hold our Annual Field Exercise (AFX) at Singleton Military Training Area (SMTA) at the end of term from 13 - 20 April. Early in Term 2, we will have our Annual Ceremonial Parade. Article by: Lucy Lake Year 12, Senior Under Officer
May
July
Winter Playhouse CRU Courtyard
Tartuffe OBAT Rhodes Theatre
17 May
AUGUST
September
18 - 21 July Barker goes Broadway Rhodes Theatre 23 August Junior School Ensemble Concert Multi-Purpose Hall 23 August
Cloudstreet Year 11 Play Rhodes Theatre
Drama & Textiles Evening Rhodes Theatre
31 May, 1 & 2 June
27 & 28 August
2 August
JUNE
Friends of Barker Music Present
Atrium Concert Years 3, 4 & 5 McCaskill Music Centre
Middle School Ensemble Concert Leslie Hall
18 June
21 June
HSC Music Performance Showcase McCaskill Music Centre
Senior Ensemble Concert and Music Dinner Leslie Hall & Multi-Purpose Hall 31 August
Design & Technology and Industrial Technology Exhibition Boyce Hall 5 - 8 September Yr 11 Group Performance Evening Rhodes Theatre 12 September HSC Drama Showcase Leslie Hall 13 September
Atrium Concert Year 2 McCaskill Music Centre
Barker Swings Multi-Purpose Hall
Junior School Stage Band | Stage Band | Middle School Big Band Middle School Jazz Orchestra | Ska Jazz Ensemble | The New Pioneers Rocksteady Band | Senior Stage Band | Jazz Orchestra OBA Big Band Staff Invitational Super Band
Year 10 Political Theatre Performances Rhodes Theatre
MULTI-PURPOSE HALL
3 August FRIDAY 28 JULY 2017
19 June
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! trybooking.com
ph: 9847 8272
Barker Swings is a major fundraiser for the 2017 Chamber Orchestra and Senior Choir Tour to the UK and Europe
18 September
November
Senior School Ensemble Concert The Concourse, Chatswood
Atrium Concert Years 3, 4 & 5 McCaskill Music Centre
27 June
12 November Connected Year 10 Play BCMA Theatre 20 - 22 June
Coffee House McCaskill Music Centre 28 June
Visual Arts Exhibition McCaskill Music Centre 22 - 25 August
Atrium Concert Year 2 McCaskill Music Centre 13 November
October
All is Calm Year 9 Play BCMA Theatre 21 - 23 November
Chicago Senior School Musical Leslie Hall 30 October - 3 November
Carols at Sunset OBA Soundstage 24 November
The Old Barker
The 2017 Middle School Seniors voted Ms Alex Blackwell from the Class of 2001 as their inspirational alumni as she has shown great leadership and resilience throughout her career.
Ms Alex Blackwell grew up in Wagga Wagga, NSW and boarded at Barker College between 2000 and 2001. She is the most experienced player in the Australian Women’s Cricket team, having made her international debut in 2003 and built a career around her powerful and precise stroke play. In 2006, Alex and her twin sister Kate made cricketing history when they became the first set of identical twins to play cricket for Australia. Alex is no stranger to success; she captained Australia to the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in 2010 and was a member of the team that won that same title in Sri Lanka in 2012 and 2014.
52 • The Old Barker • Issue 232 • Autumn 2018
Alex has two ICC Women’s World Cup trophies to her name, having helped the national team win in 2005 and 2013. Battling through injury and fluctuating selection at an international level, Alex fought her way back into the test team again and again giving her the title of the first Australian woman to play 250 games for her country in 2017.
54 Inside this issue 54 OBA President 55 OBA Groups 60 Community Events
OBA Support For Life
64 Personal Notes 66 Obituaries
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 Vanessa Bennett (91) 0404 024 168 Vice-President Peter Gregory (03) 0400 419 253 Treasurer Andrew Hassall (86) 0412 610 434 Secretary Matthew Ross-Smith (10) 0408 284 702 Assistant Secretary David Brookes (79) 0400 906 052 General Committee Angus Abadee (07) Jimmy Glynn (13) Jenny Kalaf (Melville 78) Bec Meyer (09) David Slinn (80) David Trayner (84) Henry Wells (10) Nominees to School Council Pennie Cruickshank (79) Michael Brodie (79) Tony Gamson (78) OBA Annual Patron Benjamin Anson (85) Sandy Hollway (64) Pip Hurley (Webber 85) Keith Thornton (64)
Director of Alumni and Community Relations Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 (Sch) mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au
Upper Hunter Charles Cooke (65) (02) 6545 8141 (w) charles_cooke@esat.net.au
Alumni Reunion Coordinator Karina Drummond (02) 9847 8283 (Sch) kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au
Canada, Ontario George Darling (70) george.darling@hatch.com
Manager of Archives Morwenna Dixon (02) 9847 8290 (Sch) mdixon@barker.nsw.edu.au Interstate and International Barker Contacts Brisbane Andrew Wilkie (01) 0412 779 383 (m) andrew.wilkie@morgans.com.au Canberra Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 281(m) mccoll@grapevine.net.au Melbourne Murray Anderson (65) 0457 000 407 (m) murray@capricorngroup.net.au Northern Rivers Jim Poulos (61) (02) 6686 7711 (h) pamio@bigpond.net.au Perth Tom Hargreaves (69) 0437 906 588 (m) tom.hargreaves@inpex.com.au Sunshine Coast Phil Benjamin (61) pandj.benjamin@bigpond.com
OBA Seniors Contact Peter Ward (59) oba@barker.nsw.edu.au
Japan Carl Bastian (93) carl@rwo.okinawa Middle East Erik Huyer (72) +6 39175302744 (m) erikhuyer@gmail.com New Zealand Scott Brown (91) (64) 027 230 4561 (w) scott@hipgroup.co.nz Oceania (Fiji) Neil Underhill (75) (679) 336 3968 (w) neilunderhill@connect.com.fj Papua New Guinea Johnson Kalo (83) (675) 305 6703 (w) jkalo@bsp.com.pg Singapore Carly Switzer (94) carlyswitzer@yahoo.com.au UK, London Annette French (Slattery 88) (44) 1732 382 281 (h) annette.e.french@sky.com USA, East Coast Alex Skellet (94) (917) 251 3361 (h) alexandraskellet@gmail.com USA, West Coast Digby Cook (56) 623 523 4321 digbyhcook@gmail.com
School Contacts
Contributions Welcome Please send contributions to Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au For further information please contact Mandy Loomes on 9847 8229. Personal notes are published in good faith, as a service to the Barker Community.
Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 53
From the OBA President
OBA President’s Message The first girls starting in Pre-K and Kindy this year is another historic moment for Barker. I certainly wish I was able to enjoy even more time at Barker to see these students have many happy and supported years ahead of them. Diversity in the workplace has made much progress over the years but we still have a long way to go, and inspiring students to have equal opportunities throughout their school years will hopefully be further progress towards making our workplaces as equal as they should be. The Barker community is continuing to be affected by the impact of mental health issues on families and I encourage you, as the year gets increasingly busy, to check in with each other. Many of us are still in contact with our friends from school so let’s make sure we take care of each other. Often we don’t know that people are suffering with a mental health issue as many suffer in silence. So, it is even more important to remember that a solid sense of community often helps avoid these issues, so please reach out to those around you. Earlier this year Barker held a dinner for all new parents to the School. It was a lovely opportunity to meet parents who are completely new and equally it was wonderful to see our new alumni parents who are back with the next generation.
It is important for these parents to know they are not just investing in their child’s education until Year 12 but they are investing in their child being part of the Barker community. This community is the network that it brings, well after students leave the School, as part of the Old Barker Association. We continually work on different ways we can increase the opportunity for alumni to network and strengthen relationships long after they have left school. Once again the Spirit awards presented by the OBA were well received by students late last year. It is important that we encourage students to go about their academic and extra-curricular activities with passion and sincere effort, which will in turn lead to increased results. I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful and blessed Easter with your families and that you are excited for what the rest of the year may hold. If you have any ideas as to how you would like support from the OBA, please do get in touch, oba@barker.nsw.edu.au Article by: Vanessa Bennett (91) OBA President
OBA Support For Life The OBA is excited to announce the formation of “OBA - Support For Life” an initiative to support the Barker community’s wellbeing for those who need a little assistance in finding the right help in life. If you need or know someone who needs support, please contact OBA Support for Life on oba@barker.nsw.edu.au
54 • The Old Barker • Issue 232 • Autumn 2018
OBA Groups
OBA Groups OBA Athletics The NSW Athletics summer season has now ended, however we will continue to train and work on our fitness. If you would like to be part of the action as well, we welcome past and current students. We train on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday,
Barker Old Boys Cricket It has been pleasing to see an increase in young players for the Barker Old Boys Cricket Club in the 2017/18 season. Whilst the results have not always been favourable this year, a new culture is starting to develop and we are looking to a bright future in the City & Suburban Cricket Association.
Barker Old Girls Hockey Following a strong finish to the 2017 Division 1 Hockey season, 2018 is shaping up to be a great year for the Barker Old Girls Hockey Club. We have recruited new players, had some players return after completing their studies (special mention to the now Doctor Stef Anderson (06)) and we have an outstanding new goal keeper! Barker Old Girls had some tough games during the 2017 winter hockey season but ended the season well with five straight wins.
and compete on Saturday. It is your choice whether you do some or all of the training program we offer. For more information, please email Tim.twillatt@hotmail.com for more details. Article by: Tim Willatt (07) OBA Athletics
We have fought bravely against our old foes Old Cranbrookians, Knox Old Boys and Old Aloysians and suffered a heart breaking last over defeat to the power house Cricketer’s Club of NSW. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you are interested in playing Sunday afternoon cricket on quality turf wickets.
For more information please contact: Matt Hall (00) 0416 297 775 matt.hall19@icloud.com
Article by: Matt Hall (00) Club Captain
The 2018 hockey season began on 8 April and we are again competing in Division 1 of the North Shore Women’s Hockey Association winter competition. Games are played on Sundays predominantly at Pennant Hills Sports Park or Keith Thompson Hockey Centre in Ryde. Supporters are always welcome!
We would love to see some new faces this year and grow our club. Please contact lauhandel@gmail.com for further details about the team & upcoming competition. We promise you will have fun and get fit. We welcome players of any skill level including beginners who may never have picked up a hockey stick before.
BOGs are very fortunate to have a team of skilful hockey players but what sets our team apart from other teams is our passion for hockey, the friendships formed and Barker College.
Article by: Laura Handel (06) President, BOGs Hockey
Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 55
OBA Groups
Old Barker Football Club The 2018 season started in April and Old Barker FC have come in hot; still carrying that blistering momentum we saw at the end of 2017. Our 2017 Division 5 Red Firsts are ready for the next challenge after securing their third straight promotion while the Red Reserves will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run into Division 4 this year. Meanwhile, Division 5 Blue hope to continue their run of form which saw them lose just one of their final seven games. The girls squad is looking to build from the lessons learned during last year’s tough but enlightening season in Division 1. With the goal to expand to two teams in the coming years, we are always on the
lookout for new players of all ages and skill level. The Premier League squad has had a huge induction of youth with around ten recent school leavers joining us this season. Motivation has been high around training and there are rumours floating around that they could be strong title contenders this year. And last but not least, the infallible social side to OBFC will be continuing this year with the player of the month drinks, end of season dinner and end of season tour. The pre-season tour was again on the Central Coast against Gosford FC and included a Division 4 game for the first time.
for another year of growth and won’t leave you with a hole in your pocket. If you are after some more information or keen to get involved, check out our website www.oldbarkerfc.com
Old Barker FC are like Bitcoin without the crash - we’re excited
Article by:
Barker Old Girls Netball Club
year for the Old Girls, we are looking forward to heading back to Barker to play in the gym once more and hopefully for a more contestable result in 2018.
Barker Old Girls Netball is up and running in 2018! We have four teams playing in the summer night competition, which is fantastic! This is the most teams we’ve had play at one time and we are absolutely thrilled with having almost 40 girls playing with us this season. We look forward to a tough competition across all 4 grades and will hopefully have a team or two into the finals come April. Barker Old Girls are looking forward to playing the current Barker netball girls in a friendly trial game as part of their trial match series for the upcoming season. Whilst it was a tough outing last
Kieran Hayes (11) OBFC Club Secretary
As always if you are looking to get involved in Barker Old Girls Netball, we welcome all players of all ages and abilities, please send us an email: barkeroldgirlsnetball@ gmail.com. You don’t have to have a team together, so if you’re riding solo we can place you in a team with girls near your alumni year! The more the merrier! See you out on the courts in 2018!
Article by: Lauren Kirkby (07) Co-President Barker Old Girls Netball
56 • The Old Barker • Issue 232 • Autumn 2018
OBA Groups
BOBs Rugby What a season we have ahead of us. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Barker Old Boys Rugby Union Club. As such, we have various events planned throughout the upcoming season including our 50th Family Day at Turramurra Oval. In the spirit of the half century we are proud to announce two new sponsors for 2018: Structure and the Balmain Pub Group. Structure is an Australian construction company founded in 2013 by Barker old boy Scott Toy (98). They take a fresh approach to the construction industry by breaking down the many processes that make up a project, and
reassemble them in a way that allows them to constantly finesse and streamline construction methodology. They have just recently completed a services facility project at Barker College. The Balmain Pub Group, headed by CEO Nick Wills, owns and operates The Balmain Hotel, The Town Hall Hotel, The Greenwood Hotel and The Swanson Hotel. They are especially interested in hosting school reunions. All hotels are positioned in great locations and they are known for going the extra mile at school reunions. BOBs pre-season is well underway. The boys have hit the ground running, harnessing that intensity that we finished with mid-late last
year. The sessions at Balmoral and the team training at Turramurra Oval have helped the boys lose any extra kilos put on during the off-season. Our first game of the season was on 7 April with our first home game being on 14 April. You can find more information, latest updates on events and results on Facebook and Instagram. If you are interested in playing please come down to training on a Wednesday night at Turramurra Oval and get involved. All levels of Rugby are welcomed.
Article by: Thomas Hay (14) Secretary
OBA North Shore Wind Symphony The OBA wind band, the North Shore Wind Symphony, held their first concert on 18 March in Leslie Hall at Barker. They were joined by Northern Youth Symphonic Wind who are a youth community band directed by Old Barker student, Matthew Walmsley (88). If you are interested in joining the North Shore Wind Symphony, please email northshorewindsymphony@ gmail.com. All alumni band instrumentalists are welcome to join. Rehearsals are 4-6:30pm on a Sunday in Leslie Hall at Barker. Contact: northshorewindsymphony@gmail.com www.facebook.com/northshorewindsymphony Article by: Bella Harvey (07) Band Manager
Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 57
OBA Groups
Old Barker Association Theatre This year OBAT will be performing Tartuffe by Moliere, a new version by Justin Fleming. First performed in 1664, Tartuffe is one of Moliere’s most famous theatrical comedies. This new, updated Australian version by Justin Fleming was first staged by Bell Shakespeare. OBAT are excited to have the opportunity to play with this devilish comedy just in time to bring some laughter to your mid-winter blues. Tartuffe by Moliere will be directed by Amie McNee (10) and Barker’s Head of Drama, Pia Midgley. If you are keen to be involved please contact OBAT at obatheatre@live.com or via our Facebook page facebook.com/ Obatheatre.
OBA Big Band During the past few months the OBA Big Band has regrouped, revamped and revitalised its focus for the coming year. Following an enjoyable evening of light jazz to accompany the evening’s events at the OBA Annual Dinner, the band has wasted no time in beginning its preparations into the new year. With the addition of several new talented musicians who graduated in 2017, the OBA Big Band has been working hard on expanding and improving their repertoire. From Charles Mingus’ Moanin to Bob Curnow’s Minuano, the band has developed a passion for performing complex and challenging charts.
58 • The Old Barker • Issue 232 • Autumn 2018
Article by:
A New Version by Justin Fleming 18 - 20 July 2018 at 7.30 PM Co-directors: Amie McNee (10) and Pia Midgley Rhodes Scholars Theatre, Barker College Tickets: www.trybooking.com/URYM $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for concession/students
This April had the OBA Big Band in the studio, once again at Barker College, working hard on some new recordings, all of which can be found on our website at www.obabigband.com. We hope to see you all at Barker Swings in 2018, to show you all of the hard work that has already been put in this year, and into the future. If you would like to contact the OBA Big Band for any reason, please email president@obabigband.com
Article by:
Amie McNee (10) Co-President OBAT
OBA Seniors If you graduated from Barker 50 years ago you are now a member of The Old Barker Association Seniors. This is a social group who organise a number of events each year. Our next event will be the annual Back to Barker Day on Wednesday 9 May 2018. Invitations will be sent out soon. If you would like further information, please contact Mandy Loomes in the Alumni Office on (02) 9847 8229 or oba@barker.nsw.edu.au
Angus Hulst (14) Article by: Peter Ward (59)
OBA Groups
OBA Swimming Club On a Saturday afternoon in December about 30 former students returned to the Barker Aquatic Centre for the inaugural Old Barker Association swimming carnival. Swimmers could choose to compete in the 50 metres freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. Some alumni still swim competitively and were flying through the water while for others it was their first serious swim in years. It was wonderful to see so many old Barker Alumni back at their old stomping ground. Many of us were not in the peak physical fitness of our school days and needless to say were feeling the effects afterwards.
Specialist sprinter Tom Meggitt (10) dominated the 50m freestyle race and James Stacey (06) showed why he still holds several CAS breaststroke records. Craig Magnusson (82) and Peter Thiel (89) led the way against the more recent graduates and showed why they have been so competitive in the Masters Swimming community. Shannon Cooper (07) still holds a number of School Swimming records and she emulated her school days by once again beating the boys across a range of strokes. The races brought out the competitive spirit in everyone and several people surprised themselves with how quickly they swam. It was a great opportunity to catch up with some familiar and new faces and to have fun in a casual atmosphere.
We then reconvened at the Blue Gum for a well-deserved recovery meal, beverage and reminisce. A big thanks must go to Michael Gilbert (09) and Barker PDHPE teacher and swimming coach Jason Cooper for organising the event. We plan for this to be a regular annual event so keep an eye out for the next carnival later in the year. All Alumni who are interested in a swim and a chance to catch up are more than welcome. If you have any queries please contact Mrs Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni and Community Relations on 02 9847 8229 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au Article by: Matthew Sullivan (15) Club Captain
Kurrajong Society If your children have left Barker and you would still like to support the School and be part of the Barker Community events, then the Kurrajong Society is for you. We send a regular quarterly newsletter, Kurrajong News to keep you updated on what is happening at Barker College. If you would like more information please contact us at kurrajong@barker.nsw.edu.au
Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 59
Community Events
Community Events
Class of 1957 - 60 Year Reunion The Class of 1957 Reunion was held in the Council Room. The Head welcomed us, saying that he had just been with a class of 12 year olds. When he told them his next appointment was with a group who had left Barker 60 years ago there was some disbelief that anyone could live so long! Well we have survived, and what is more most of us are in robust health. There have of course been some lost along the way, and they were remembered fondly …
When we had been at Barker, 600 students was regarded as the ideal size. Mr Heath explained that schools are getting larger, and that with the move to full coeducation, Barker is heading to 2,500. The 23 of us had a marvellous time swapping memories, so much so that there were requests for a shorter interval before the next reunion. Special thanks go to Richard Smith for bringing his post-war ration card and presenting it to the School Archives! Article by: John Donovan
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Community Events
Class of 2007 - 10 Year Reunion High School reunions may create the right conditions that allow us to transiently reconsider our younger selves from perhaps the sturdier stance of our older selves. For a night, we can peep back into the comparative youthful simplicity of our adolescence or make a new assessment of an old experience, only this time from a wiser standpoint. On Saturday night, 9 December 2017, our Class of 2007 reunited at Bodhi Restaurant in Sydney’s CBD. Had it really been ten years since we hung up the red and blue blazer for the last time and set out in search of ourselves? I am told by the School’s Alumni Relations team, that our graduating cohort of 375 students was the largest to ever go through Barker. With this in mind, I valued the opportunity to work alongside Sarah Ryan, Nickie Morgan and James Twigg on the Reunion Planning Committee, to track down our mammoth group, and in doing so, to discover ahead of time the diverse paths that life has taken so many of us. We learned that close to 20% of us have since expatriated overseas, literally spanning every corner of the globe! With an even higher proportion living interstate, it was truly incredible to see 140 of us come together to celebrate our existing friendships, to reconnect with lost friendships, and make some new ones.
An hour before the main event kicked off, I met with the Veterans among us; the group of boys who began at Barker together at the very beginning in Year 3, 1997 - twenty years ago. It was humbling to meet up before the chaos began, to reconnect meaningfully, and it reminded me of what a remarkable bunch of people I went to School with. As the night kicked on and the venue filled up, it was as if the passage of time literally stood still. The acute feeling of happiness and elation that comes with reunification even if simply to hear where someone has relocated to and what field they are working in nowadays. At the risk of sounding cliché, each of us has taken a different path in our lives, but one consistently simple thread was that everyone seemed to be genuinely happy - happy in life, happy to just be there getting reacquainted, eagerly reminiscing on both the vivid and the lost memories. Despite the absence from each other’s lives, perhaps for the full decade for some, we will forever be bound together by the same common antiquity that is the Class of 2007, notwithstanding how tightknit or remote that bond might be. It was a privilege to have been a part of these special memories, and I am most grateful for the chance to rekindle lost friendships. Article by: Brayden Winkler
Canberra Event On a very pleasant afternoon on Friday 10 November, 26 Alumni gathered at The Commonwealth Club in Yarralumla for the annual Canberra Regional event. It was a lovely casual afternoon with a lot of reminiscing about Barker and was very well organised again by Andrew McColl (74). Andrew invited John Donovan (58) and Jac Cousin (67) to share stories with guests about their recent 60 year and 50 year reunions respectively. John’s reunion was held at Barker and he marvelled about how wonderful the changes are today compared with his time. Alumni ranged from 1941 and 2002. Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 61
Community Events
London Dinner On a very chilly and icy London evening 63 people from the Barker Community gathered at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington London for a wonderful, fun-filled dinner. Guests included Alumni, past and current parents, staff and friends of Barker. The evening started with students from the Barker European Music Tour performing a concert in the foyer of the hotel bringing much Christmas cheer and happiness to guests from all quarters of the globe. We then gathered for a unique and special London Barker Community dinner. The room was decorated
with Christmas festivities with everyone donning their Christmas hats! Guests were treated to a concert from our fabulously talented students throughout the evening as we dined on a sumptuous four-course meal. Our sincerest thanks to old boy, Mark Roth, from the Class of 1986, who is the General Manager of the Hotel and ensured that we were all looked after. Article by: Mandy Loomes Director of Alumni and Community Relations
New Parent Dinner On Tuesday 13 February, we welcomed all our new Barker families to a dinner in the Multi Purpose Hall. We were delighted that 442 parents were able join us on the night. The evening was a great opportunity for people to meet other new parents and to chat with the staff, members of the School Council and representatives from the Old Barker Association, Barker Foundation and the Barker College Parents’ Association.
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Community Events
OBA Dinner 2017 On Friday 3 November, 140 guests gathered in Barker’s Multi Purpose Hall for the annual OBA dinner. The Old Barker Big Band performed at the start of the evening as guests arrived and canapés were served. Emcee for the night, Chris Russell (70) welcomed guests introducing John Griffiths from the Class of 1948 as the oldest Alumnus in the room and Angus Brodie from the Class of 2017 as the youngest. Guests were then treated to an amazing presentation from guest speaker, Lauren Hannaford, from the Class of 2003. Lauren shared her journey from being a student at Barker, to travelling the world as a dancer with the Wiggles to now running her successful online fitness business. It is always wonderful to hear first hand the stories of our Alumni and of their own personal experiences.
Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 63
Personal Notes
Personal Notes (Number in brackets is the alumni year)
Wal Bradford (57) Last October I visited Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Israel on a tour organised by The Australian Light Horse Association. There were many moving experiences throughout the tour, following in the steps of the Light Horse, visiting and laying wreaths at many sites where our predecessors were killed in action. At each service a letter home was read by a descendant of a fallen soldier. A prayer was offered which ended with “Lest we forget”. We had our own 14-piece brass band with us and wore full Light Horse uniforms at these services, which ended with a trumpeter playing the Last Post. We visited Instanbul’s famous spice markets and the magnificent Blue Mosque. After that we went to Gallipoli for services at Lone Pine and Nek. A Turkish Brigadier General gave an address on the Turkish perspective. We also visited Cape Helles near the mouth of the Dardenelles, not well known, but many Australians fought there in the battle of Krithia.
After touring Jerusalem we went to Shallal and met up with our horses. Riders camped for three nights and rode through the desert and scrub to Beersheba camp. We were cheered on by hundreds of local wellwishers. On 31 October 2017, 100 years to the day, we saddled up and paraded through the city where we attended the opening of the new ANZAC museum, and reenacted the charge across the hallowed ground. I consider it a great honour and privilege to have been a member of this tour as my grandfather William Bradford was one of 60 selected to join the very first unit of the 1st Australian Light Horse in 1897.
Then it was time for Egypt, starting with Cairo and dinner on a boat on the Nile. Next morning we rode around Giza on camels. Many photos were taken and some ventured into the tomb. We saw the Sphinx. That night we wore full kit to dinner at Mena House. Next day we flew to Amman for dinner with the Australian Ambassador. We had an amazing trip on a restored WWI steam train from the old Turkish railway station into the country to Zizah. Then it was onto Es Salt, with its very steep and rugged cliffs - our Light Horse fought three battles here. Finally our party, which had now grown to 170, crossed into Israel. At Netanya, where our predecessors had served beside the Zion Mule Corps (who also served with us at Gallipoli), we learnt about the very brave Jewish underground family who scouted out the route for the Australian Light Horse on its later march to Beersheba. There was a major ceremony at Semakh where a strategic battle took place. Prominent in that action were Aboriginal Light Horseman and the six Aboriginal lads from the NT who were with us were front and centre on horses in uniform.
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Peter Taylor (74) and The Director of Boys Sport, Steve Tomlinson at the Primary Club breakfast prior to the Sydney Test, against England in January.
Personal Notes
Mark Roth (86) is currently living in London and today is the General Manager of the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington. Prior to this he was the General Manager of the Hilton in Paddington. Mark’s successful career in the Hotel and hospitality industry has seen him live in many places around the world and kept him very busy. Mark recently caught up with Director of Alumni and Community Relations, Mandy Loomes, in London to enjoy a nice lunch and to reminisce on his Barker days.
Jordan Simpson (13) is a member of The Bawurra Foundation from Macquarie University, a social business that helps to preserve Indigenous culture and boost Indigenous literacy rates. Higher-SES schools are charged a subscription fee to access cultural resources, which is used to support lower-SES schools and schools with high Indigenous enrolment. The Bawurra Foundation were winners of The Big Idea 2017. Speaking at the awards ceremony at PwC Melbourne, team representative Jesse Slok said, “Winning The Big Idea provides validation of our idea, that we’re on the path to success. The next step is expanding, scaling up - we’re looking to partner with 30 schools next year, so it will be an exciting 12 months for us.”
Sandra Horne (07) who is living in Birmingham and conducting, travelled to watch and enjoy the performance from Barker’s Europe Music Tour students at their lunchtime concert in the Great St Mary’s Church in beautiful Cambridge.
Australia Day Honours 2018 Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division John Stuart Ridley (58) for significant service to the community of Melbourne in a range of honorary and professional roles in community development and arts organisations. Robert Strauss (03) married Cassandra Peters on 18 August 2017 at Little Cove, Port Douglas followed by the Sugar Wharf. The bridal party included (L to R) Tristan Sasse (03), Kylie Brown, Rob Strauss (03), Cass Peters, Doug Alcock (03), Emelia Bryson, Bianca Haigh and Phil Strauss (08). The wedding car, a 1948 Wolseley originally belonging to Rob’s great grandfather, is traditionally used at family weddings.
Christopher Leslie Russell (70) for significant service to agricultural science and technology through advisory, developmental and research roles, and as a mentor and innovator. Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division Geoffrey Richard Sainty (51) for service to conservation and the environment.
Baptisms 12 November, Charlotte Jade, daughter of Liz and Matthew Bentham (Staff) 17 December, Romeo Charles Park White, son of Katherine (Flores 07) and Lachlan Pappas (07)
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Obituaries
Obituaries (Number in brackets is the alumni year)
George Francis Ball (48) 1932 - 2017
George pursued a career in the newspapers and magazine publishing as an editor, writer and proof reader. He always enjoyed working and continued freelancing right up until his final years. He had a great love of animals of all kinds, particularly horses. He bred several racehorses, and won quite a number of races with them at country and city tracks in NSW.
George was born on 3 June, 1932. He grew up in Normanhurst with a brother and four sisters. He attended Barker from 1944 to 1945. In 1946 he entered the Royal Australian Naval College, aged 13, to study Seamanship, Navigation, Boat Handling and Sailing. After graduating in 1949, he joined the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom serving on the heavy cruiser, The Devonshire. He sailed throughout the West Indies, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean. George returned to Sydney then moved to Papua New Guinea in 1954 to work as a patrol officer for nine years at the Deparment of Native Affairs in New Guinea, Islands and Mainland. He spent most of his time leading patrols through the highlands and up the Sepik River. He often said that these were the best years of his life. George met Patricia, an Australian nursing sister, in Rabaul and married her in New Ireland in 1955. They had two children in New Guinea, John in 1957 and Andrew in 1959. After returning to live in Australia they had another son, Justin, in 1962. 66 • The Old Barker • Issue 232 • Autumn 2018
George had very fond memories of his time at Barker and was extremely happy when his grandson Laurence (Yr 9) chose to attend the college. Phillip Michael Lloyd Blazey (58/59) 1942 - 2017
Phillip attended Barker from 1953 to 1959. His brothers John (56) and Doug (57), son Roger (86), daughter Anna (88), niece Claire (02) and nephew Angus (03) also attended Barker. Phil excelled in sport during his time at Barker. He was a member of the 1st XI Cricket team and received Colours in 1957, 1958 and 1959. In 1958 he was a member of the 2nd XV Rugby team and in 1959 was awarded Colours and played in the 1st XV Rugby team. He was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship in 1958 and was a Prefect in 1959.
After leaving Barker, Phil completed a Chemical Engineering Degree at Sydney University and went on to become Managing Director of Uniquip Pty Ltd. His hobbies included Cricket, and for his efforts he was granted Life membership of the Northern Districts Cricket Club. He was a keen golfer and also represented both NSW and WA in the Chrysler Cup Baseball. Phil passed away on 22 August 2017 and is survived by his wife Mary and three children Roger, Anna and Eleanor. John Charles Bromhead (46/47) 1929 - 2017
John, late of Noosaville, attended Barker as a boarder from 1943 to 1945. He was a keen sportsman enjoying Athletics and Rugby where he was a member of the Under 16A Colts XV team in 1944 and the 2nd XV Rugby team in 1945 when he also completed the Intermediate Certificate. Following Barker, John joined the RAAF (73 Squadron) and was stationed at various bases around NSW: Williamtown,
Obituaries
Newcastle, Wagga, Richmond and Marrangaroo where he met the love of his life, Elaine. He became disenchanted when overlooked for a posting to Korea due to severe colour blindness so left the RAAF. However, he soon began a very successful career in Mechanical Engineering. He could ‘fix’ anything! He was active as a volunteer in various organisations, including the local Bush Fire Brigade and was a passionate father to his two daughters. Before retiring in 1984, he was the Plant Superintendent at Lithgow City Council. An avid fisherman, he and Elaine retired to Bribie Island where many happy hours were spent fishing from his boat, the beach or the bridge. He remained a fan of many sports and was a keen follower of Rugby Union but could never understand ‘aerial football’ (AFL). They later moved to a retirement village at Noosaville, where they were active members of the Noosa Chorale and the bowls club. They assisted with Meals on Wheels and continued with his beloved fishing. He also developed a new interest in growing orchids which showed in the beautiful blooms, which often adorned their home. John and Elaine loved travelling and they have albums of photos of road trips around Australia and holidays overseas. An avid reader, he had a massive library of war history books, both fiction and non-fiction. John passed away on 29 September 2017 and is survived by his wife, Elaine, and daughters, Heather, married to Adrian Fields (73) and Catriona, married to Paul Pennay. John remained an active and loving grandpa to his five grandchildren, Kim, Stuart, Annaliese, Bryce and Mollie, sharing with them his love of war history, planes, animals, and of course, fishing.
Ian Keith Hancox (57) 1940 - 2017
Clifford Pain entered Barker as a student in 1933, commencing just after his father, Canon K W Pain, was appointed the Rector of St Paul’s Wahroonga. He was one of only 86 students enrolled in the School, and participated in Cadets and Rugby. He was appointed a Monitor in 1937 and upon completing the Leaving Certificate, he graduated from Barker in the same year.
Ian, late of Surfers Paradise, attended Barker from 1953 to 1957, as did his brother Robin (65). Throughout his time at Barker, Ian was a member of the Swimming Team setting many new records and was Under 15, Under 16 and Open Swimming Champion as well as receiving Colours in his final year. Ian was also in the Boxing Team at Barker.
He began his post-School career in accountancy, but World War II soon intervened. In 1939, Cliff enlisted with the Signals Division of the Australian Army, serving in Malaya, New Guinea and the Heavy Wireless Group Headquarters in South Melbourne. It was whilst he was on leave in Sydney in 1943, he met his future wife at a dance at Strathfield Town Hall. Cliff and Shirley were married in 1944 in Sydney, whilst he was recuperating from malaria. Having risen to the rank of Captain, Cliff was discharged in 1945, just three months before the War’s end.
Upon leaving school, Ian studied accountancy before joining his father building home units in Sydney. Ian and Colleen were married in the Barker Chapel in 1963 by “Dicko” and then moved to Gloucester to run cattle, setting up a Hereford stud. Later, the family moved to the Gold Coast whilst also operating a dairy and Droughtmaster cattle in Gympie, Queensland. Ian’s last business was a newsagency on the Gold Coast. During their married life, Ian and Colleen travelled extensively seeing many parts of the world. Ian passed away on 26 November 2017 and is survived by his wife Colleen, daughter Cheryle Anne, son Ian Caddin and granddaughter Bianca. Clifford Reginald Wellesley Pain (37) 1921 - 2017
Senator The Honorable J.L. Carrick, Clifford Pain, Trevor McCaskill at the opening of the Senior School (1976).
Upon the conclusion of the War, Cliff participated in a wide range of business activities and was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. In 1960, Cliff succeeded his father as a member of the School Council. He played a key role in the expansion of the School from 1963 to 1972 and became Chairman of the Building Committee. In July 1973, Cliff was elected the Chairman of Council and was plunged into planning for the arrival of girls and the commencement of the Senior School. During this period of great change in the history of the School, Cliff ably led and guided the Council to ensure the coeducation venture would be a success. After 19 years of loyal and unwavering service to the School, Cliff retired from Council in 1979. Outside of Council, Cliff always took an eager interest in the life of the School. He was an active member Autumn 2018 • Issue 232 • The Old Barker • 67
Obituaries
of the Old Boys Union/Old Barker Association and Kurrajong Society, attending functions and events well into his 90s. When time permitted, he also served on the OBU/OBA Committee on numerous occasions. His son David (62) attended Barker, with Shirley being involved in the BCMA during the 1950s and 1960s. As we take the next steps towards full coeducation, we remember Cliff’s legacy and the role he played in making Barker what it is today. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to Shirley, his wife of 73 years, their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Anthony (Happy) Gardiner Sherlock (58) 1941 - 2017
In 1996 Tony left Coopers & Lybrand to take up a number of Directorships and became Chairman of Woolmark in 1997. Tony had a love of sailing and spent many good times on the water with his mates. Tony’s connection with Barker continued. He was Secretary of The Old Boys Union in 1965 and Vice President of the OBA Seniors Committee in 2016/2017. Tony passed away on 6 December 2017 and is survived by his wife Heather, his sons and daughters-inlaw, Chris and Amber and Tim and Caroline and six grandchildren. by Denver Webb (59) Chris Williams (67) 1949 - 2017
Chris was a member of the Coffs Harbour Rugby Union Reserve grade side which won the Club’s first premiership in 1972, the Club’s first year in the competition. In Surf Life Saving Chris obtained his bronze medallion in 1967 followed by his Instructor’s Certificate. He did patrols for 15 years and was a long serving member and helped sponsor the club. Chris saw many Australian titles from Trigg Island to Queensland. Chris passed away on 15 October unexpectedly and had recently attended his 50th reunion in September. Andrew Cadden and Peter McIntyre, two Carter House school mates, were able to attend the funeral and wake at the Coffs Harbour Surf Club at such a short notice of it being on their year’s Facebook page. Chris is survived by his partner Joan, stepchildren, greatstepchildren, siblings Shane and Leonie, nephews and nieces. The hardwood sawmill and pole business Williams Timber Pty Ltd today is run by Shane’s children Andrew and Anne-Marie with Shane still involved in a retired capacity. Shane Williams (69)
Tony attended Barker from 19541958. He enjoyed Athletics, Chess, Drumming in the school band and excelled in Cricket playing in the 1st XI and receiving Colours in his final year. Following Barker, Tony completed his degree in Economics at Sydney University and joined his father’s accounting practice Sherlock Sinden. In 1968 he moved to London to work with Cooper Bros and later in 1976 became a partner in the new firm Coopers & Lybrand specialising in Insolvency.
68 • The Old Barker • Issue 232 • Autumn 2018
Chris Williams late of Coffs Harbour attended Barker from 1962 to 1966 as a boarder in Carter House where he participated in the usual range of activities: Cadets, Swimming and Rugby. After obtaining his School Certificate in 1965 Chris stayed one extra year. Chris commenced work for the family timber business leaving for a short period as a sales representative for a timber company in Sydney and returned in 1971 to spend 35 years, firstly with his father, and then his brother.
OBA Annual Golf Day 2018 All Welcome
Friends | Colleagues | Clients Tuesday 21 August at 11.00 am Pennant Hills Golf Club Green Fees & Canapés (non PHGC Members): $95.00 pp Green Fees & Canapés (PHGC Members): $30.00 pp Cart Hire to be booked through PHGC (8860 5860) RSVP: Friday 10 August
To book, visit www.barker.nsw.edu.au and click on the Payment option to book this OBA event. Queries: Mandy Loomes 9847 8229 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au
OBA Ladies Lunch Date: Venue: Time: Cost: RSVP:
Friday 18 May Greengate Hotel, Terrace Room 12.00 pm $50.00 pp (2 course lunch) Tuesday 8 May
To book, visit www.barker.nsw.edu.au and click on the Payment option to book this OBA event. Queries: Mandy Loomes 9847 8229 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au
Alumni Events 2018 Class Reunions 1963 – 55 Year Reunion Fri 7 Sept Brian Lang (02) 9487 1221 (h) bandflang@bigpond.com Ian Pont 02 9489 3938 (h) pontim@ozemail.com.au Geoff Tebbutt 02 9498 2800 (h) g.tebb@bigpond.net.au 1958 – 60 Year Reunion Fri 19 Oct Ted Gaden (02) 6554 8939 tedgaden@optusnet.com.au Bill Manning 0412 526 777 cyan5888@me.com Denver Webb (02) 6558 1490 dcwebb@thewebbs.id.au 1978 – 40 Year Reunion Sat 17 Nov Peter Kalaf Stephanie Smith Mary Terrett (O’Farrell) Grahame Fear Paul Taylor 1978Barkerreunion@gmail.com 1988 – 30 Year Reunion Sat 17 Nov Nicholas Bedggood 0410 565 101 nickbedggood@yahoo.com.au
91 Pacific Highway Hornsby NSW 2077 Australia
1998 – 20 Year Reunion Sat 17 Nov Alex Satchcroft 0439 858 647
OBA Seniors Events Back to Barker Day
Privacy
Wed 9 May
Due to changes in Privacy Legislation we are required to inform you that your contact details may be shared with OBA reunion organisers with the strict guidelines that they are only to be used for the purposes of organising your OBA reunion. Please contact the Alumni Office if you wish to keep your details private.
asatchcroft@mba2008.hbs.edu
Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229
Heath Kinder
mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au
heathkinder@hotmail.com Gavin Ward gjward@gmail.com Matt Clarke clarkey90@hotmail.com Simon Ward simonward001@gmail.com
OBA Events OBA Committee Meeting Tues 22 May Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Committee Meeting & AGM Tues 24 Jul Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Committee Meeting Tues 18 Sep Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Annual Dinner Fri 2 Nov Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au
t +61 2 9847 8399 f +61 2 9847 8009 w barker.college
AGM, Luncheon & Rugby v Knox Sat 11 Aug Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au Regional events provide a great opportunity to connect with members of the Barker community in your area. Please send your contact details to mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au 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 posted on the OBA Website (www. oba.net.au) and the Alumni Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ barkercollegealumni) and in The Barker magazine. For further queries please contact the Alumni Office.