Student Leadership

JUNIOR SCHOOL EXECUTIVE

Back Row L-R: Pasan Saranasuriya, Zachary Lim, Quinn Richards, Kristian Kedzierski, Riaan Kumar, Gaius Pillemer. Front Row L-R: Andy Lim, Marcus Kilroy, Jonas Fowler, Keaghan Ho, Aaron Lim, Harvey Zhao.

Back Row L-R: Joshua Davidson, Lachlan Ross, Ben Grlj, Hugo Thornton, Ben Bosmans, Conrad Thornton, Freddy Branson, Pavara Jayawardena, Jerry Ji, Ryan Le, Je-Rard Cheong. Front Row L-R: Gregory Kerdemelidis, Alec McDougall, Harrison Haintz, Colin Jiang, Lidong Chen, Andrew Lee, Kerry Sun, Hamish Campbell-Cowan.

PREFECTS

The past year has seen a dramatic change of pace from the at-home learning and activities that controlled the last two years. The School community has reacted with enthusiasm and excitement which reflects our own eagerness to resume our full school lives. In all facets of the School, students, staff, and parents have come together once more to put on a fantastically hectic and enjoyable year for the whole community. The School, after four long years of waiting, was finally able to gather at Hamer Hall for our not-so-Biennial Concert, which for many was their first. Leaving the world of online rehearsals and recordings firmly behind us, the work of the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools in their rehearsals culminated in one of Camberwell Grammar’s best-ever concerts – wrapped up by a long-awaited and earth-shattering rendition of Chess. Everyone left the night with broad smiles and a reminder to ‘always look on the bright side of life’. So much of Camberwell Grammar’s culture is intertwined with the musical pursuits within the School, and it was a night that will live on in our memories for years to come. Along with many of the extra-curricular activities that were able to resume this year, the Year 12 cohort was provided a perfect break from our studies with our formal. Dressed sharply, we flocked to Leonda on the Yarra by car, limousine, bus, and boat to enjoy a night of music, questionable dancing, and good company. Everyone in our year level is extremely grateful to all those whose efforts made the night possible, following the previous years’ cohorts missing out on such a fun and momentous occasion. The School Prefect team also took full advantage of the year, with all eight Houses putting on a House charity event in a landmark achievement. The events included a Dodgeball, Basketball, and street Soccer competition, as well as a mysteriously melted gelati day, and the School’s first-ever Clash Royale competition. Overall, the House charities raised more than $10,000, and marked one of the most successful years of House fundraising ever. Despite the rigour of running these numerous events, we still made time to revive old traditions and rivalries, travelling to Camberwell Girls’ Grammar School and Strathcona to engage in fierce but friendly games of netball, and raise money for charity in the process. Our Junior School Student Leadership executive enjoyed working in Norge after being elected in Term 1 to represent the School. The team worked on initiatives that saw over $1,000 raised for local food charities and increased the sustainable use of soft plastics in the community with tenacity and a strong passion for helping others. House events returned once again after a long break, and it was clear from the beginning that it would be a tightly contested fight between all the Houses. The opening House event, House Music, held once again in the open-air Amphitheatre, did not fail to fill the School with its elegant melodies, and this was reflected in the judges having a hard time splitting the Houses, resulting in the contentious first-ever three-way tie. The rest of the year paralleled this opening act, with the House Swimming, Multi-Sport, and Cross Country being fiercely contested, reflecting the excitement of the Camberwell Grammar community to once again be competing against their mates after an extensive two-year hiatus. The commonality that all of us share shone through this year and we were reminded of the true value in undertaking our endeavours at this school: undertaking them together. We look back to appreciate all the great things that happen here and have nothing but pride for all the great work that has been done. As Captains, we would both like to thank the School for the opportunity to serve and represent the Camberwell Grammar community this year, and wish the 2023 Prefect team all the best as we pass them the baton. Spectemur Agendo.

Ben Bosmans Gregory Kerdemelidis

School Captain School Vice Captain