Staff Notes

Ana Barisic

Ana joined the Community and Development Office as Community Engagement Co-ordinator in June 2020 and immediately made her presence felt. Ana had a cando attitude and a strong work ethic, which when combined with her contagious energy, was extremely likeable to staff, parents and alumni alike. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Ana, and she was a breath of fresh air in the office and not once did she complain, no matter how small or frustrating the task at hand was. It is with sadness as we say farewell to Ana who left us to spend time with her beautiful young family. Ana’s sense of fun, energy and organisation will be missed at Camberwell Grammar, but most importantly, it will be her warm and endearing nature that we will miss the most. We wish Ana, Sam and Kiki much happiness.

Mr Ryan Whitehead

Head of Community and Development

Di Collins

For the past 15 years, Di Collins has been invaluable as Junior School Deputy Head Administration. Always one to put others before herself, Di dedicated herself to the service of the students families, and the staff of the Junior School. In addition to her administrative duties, Di also taught a day a week in the Prep class, as well as maths enrichment, and was a regular presence in other classes. It was clear that Di enjoyed every day and every interaction, and boys, staff, and parents love and admire her.

When boys were asked to describe Mrs Collins, overwhelmingly they were quick to say she is kind, thoughtful, friendly and smart. Di was passionate about teaching boys to be respectful and to choose ‘being kind’, qualities she naturally modelled just being herself.

Di was always there to help with organising major events such as the Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfasts and Open Day. She bravely provided assistance every day at student drop off and pickup, and always made herself available to parents requiring information or support.

After a long and distinguished career that wended its way through various state primary schools, Ivanhoe Grammar, Carey Grammar, and, finally, Camberwell Grammar School, the girl from Moe has certainly earned her retirement. She has made her mark on many, young and old. We will miss Di’s delightful sense of humour, her collapses from laughter, and her evercaring nature and generous support of colleagues and families.

Mr Howard Kelly

Head of Junior School

Mrs Colleen Jarrett-Burke Head of Learning Enhancement

Will Cordner

When Will Cordner arrived at Camberwell Grammar many ladies and, might I add, a few men gasped. Not just because of his dashing good looks and impish smile, but at the thought he might hit his head on the door frame when he swaggered in like a gangly John Wayne. And, like his beloved Melbourne Demons 2021 Premiership, Will’s time at Camberwell Grammar was good while it lasted. He revelled with and delighted his students, particularly his 8W Form, with his humour and easy-going nature. And even though at times the excitement and enthusiasm he elicited from his students resembled a birthday party with way too much red cordial, they still looked up to him; an advantage of being so tall and, might it be said, genuinely caring. In addition to teaching English and History across Years 7 to 9, Will was also the Middle School Head of Clifford as well as the Team Manager for the Firsts Football team, roles like a lemming on a cliff edge, he threw himself into. Will’s easy laugh, dedication, and khaki chinos will be sorely missed by students and staff alike. Adios Will Cordner.

Mr Andrew Kingham

Mathematics & Science Teacher

Clare Jacobsen

Clare Jacobsen came to Camberwell Grammar in September 2021 to fill a maternity leave position as Community Engagement Co-ordinator and endeared herself to the Camberwell Grammar community immediately. Whether it was hosting alumni at a reunion, welcoming donors to a dinner, or comforting parents, Clare treated everyone with the same warm, friendly and professional manner. Clare displayed great initiative, her work ethic was second to none and she took on each and every task with a smile. Clare’s event management experience and organisational skills were a tremendous asset to the School and as such she took things to new heights at Camberwell Grammar. Thank you Clare, we were sad to see you depart the School and wish you and your family all the very best for the future.

Mr Ryan Whitehead

Head of Community and Development

Howard Kelly

It is with sadness that we farewell Mr Howard Kelly who has led Camberwell Grammar Junior School for the past 15 years. He is retiring after dedicating 42 years to the teaching profession, 35 of those as Principal.

Howard has been instrumental in creating a culture of inclusivity and a place where boys can thrive. His knowledge of boys’ education has been pivotal in ensuring best teaching practices were embedded into the curriculum and he always ensured that the boys’ needs came first. He made sure that he knew and connected with all the boys in what he fondly referred to as ‘The Village’, the Junior School, tucked away in a corner of the campus. Nothing brought him more joy than making a difference to a boy’s life. He always said, ‘I would rather turn a boy around than turn him away.’

A sense of community was paramount. Howard made everyone feel welcome. He always had an open door where he listened to all who came to see him. Howard has a cheeky sense of humour and was always able to bring a laugh, whether it be at a Parent Welcome function, Assembly or in a chat. He was well known for his ‘Dad jokes’ but they always managed to bring a smile and laugh.

Howard was visionary in bringing new programs and initiatives into the Junior School. He introduced The Leadership Executive where a group of Year 5 students are elected to lead their visions for the School, the Emotional Intelligence program run through Swinburne and Junior School Presents which stemmed from ideas brainstormed in his holidays.

With the focus on learning and growth mindset, Howard created the Camberwell Grammar Yeti. All the boys in the Junior School know that they learn from their mistakes, and we don’t say ‘I can’t do that.’ We say, ‘I can’t do that YET.’ Handing out the certificates at the weekly assembly to celebrate boys striving to reach their best was something he always looked forward to.

Howard has led by example. One example is when he wanted to demonstrate the importance of learning something new, and develop persistence; this is a way to make new neuro pathways so he set himself the task of learning to juggle. He led the Junior School most recently through the pandemic where schooling was flipped on its head and change had to happen fast. He kept the wheels on the track and the train moving.

‘Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.’- Sheryl Sanberg, COO of Facebook. Howard, you have made all who have been in your care better and have definitely made an impact that will last in your absence.

We thank Howard for all the significant and valued contributions he has made and for making our school strong. He will be greatly missed in the village. We hope he enjoys a well-earned retirement in Tasmania with his wife Ann.

Mrs Caroline Gatley

Deputy Head of Junior School Curriculum

Ann Kerr

After over 18 years running the Accounts Payable Department, Ann decided it was time to retire to the wide open spaces of Caroline Springs. During her time here, Ann was a much valued member of the Finance Team and her dedication to the School was exemplary. No task was ever too much trouble for Ann and she was always the first to put her hand up when someone needed some help around the School. The level of compassion and caring Ann displayed towards her friends and colleagues was truly admirable and she was always ready to share helpful hints and tips she learnt along the way. Ann’s enthusiasm and boundless energy are just a couple of the traits that made her such a valuable member of the School community. Ann will be missed dearly by all who had dealings with her (even the ones who were unfortunate enough to have stapled documents before passing them to her).

Mr Graeme Wensor

Finance Manager

Rebecca McArdle

After over 8 years running the Payroll Department, Bec decided it was time for a new challenge. During her time here, Bec was a key member of the Finance Team and a much valued friend and colleague to many. Bec worked tirelessly to ensure that all staff were paid accurately and on-time and this is something that everybody was extremely grateful for. Bec was always happy to answer staff members’ queries and provide advice where appropriate whilst acting with the utmost compassion, understanding, and confidentiality. Bec’s commitment to the School, dedication to her job, and kindness towards all members of staff are merely a few of the qualities that made her such a valuable member of the School community. Bec will be dearly missed by all and we wish her all the best in her new career.

Mr Graeme Wensor

Finance Manager

Vincenzo Piscioneri

Vincenzio Piscioneri’s departure from the English Department after fifteen years of teaching at the School has marked something like the end of an era. His insistence on the best from his students and the quality of his teaching earned him the respect of many of the students he taught. For those he taught at VCE level, many recognised the value of his insights and the depth of his subject knowledge in both English and Literature. It was Vincenzo’s vision that introduced Units 1 and 2 Literature to the School, a course that very much carried his stamp. Among his colleagues, his humour and generosity in sharing teaching resources, cakes and invitations to dinner was well known: a number of staff have enjoyed the sudden appearance of a home baked birthday cake at different times thanks to his

unstinting willingness to share with others. Vincenzo was also a rare combination of erudition and innovative teaching practice that made his lessons always interesting to observe, and occasionally something of a masterclass in curriculum innovation. His understanding of Art History allowed him to bring additional insights to his teaching and the context in which he could place what students encountered in the classroom. We wish him every success as he moves from Camberwell Grammar, knowing he will be missed by many.

Mr Matthew Wood

Head of eLearning, English & English Literature Teacher

Peter Robinson

Peter Robinson (Robbo) joined Camberwell Grammar in 1985, teaching in the Middle School where he continued to work until his retirement this year. With his easy-going nature and good humour, he quickly settled into life at the School, approaching everything with his trademark energy and enthusiasm. His contributions were many. Robbo coached Cricket, including, for a number of years, the First XI; he went on school tours to India, ran Middle School Debating, including the JSV Interschool Debating competition, performed in plays, and was an inspirational Head of Clifford House, encouraging the students to do their best for the House in every sporting activity. Peter is a keen cyclist, often going for long rides on the weekend, but also taking spin classes after school on the roof of the new Angliss Building, his words of encouragement to the other cyclists echoing around the School!

A Middle School specialist, Peter Robinson has helped generations of students to establish a secure foundation for their ongoing studies, benefitting from his steady guidance in English and Mathematics. He also took genuine interest in his students’ wellbeing – he was a caring Form Teacher, and his students appreciated his interest in their progress and what was happening in their lives. Always up for a chat, he will also be missed by his colleagues, particularly around the coffee machine each morning.

Throughout his entire career at Camberwell Grammar, Robbo was always ready to put his hand up, to be involved, to try something new. This attitude endeared him to his colleagues and modelled to his students the courage and optimism that we value at this school.

We thank you, Robbo, for all your contributions to Camberwell Grammar, particularly the Middle School. This place would not be what it is without you!

Mr Scott Wyatt

Deputy Head of Middle School

Gill Silberer

My friendship with Gill Silberer began when I was 5 years old. Our fathers both worked in the Law Department in Bendigo and we lived next door to one another. It took five years of working with Gill before we realised this connection. As a 5-year-old, I was not behaving, and unfortunately for Gill (and me), she remembers these early days. As a department, we were very fortunate to have employed her, and have a terrific Accounting teacher, professional colleague, and an all-round good person in the office. Gill has not really left us, and even during lockdowns and earlier this year, she has stepped in to assist us in a multitude of ways. Her reliability and no fuss approach is sorely missed. I am sure we will see her again in the classroom but until then, we wish her a relaxing and busy time with her grandchildren as she transitions into retirement.

Mr Andrew Warne

Head of Commerce & Legal Studies Coordinator

Danielle Thuringer

Danielle joined the Senior School Science Department at a difficult time in 2021, which was made even tougher as we were plunged into lockdown once again. Despite having less than a week of faceto-face interaction, Danielle managed to form lasting relationships with each of her classes. Students enjoyed her lessons that often included a mention of her dog, Murphy. Danielle continued at Camberwell Grammar in 2022, taking on Middle School Mathematics and Science, where she quickly integrated herself into both departments. As one of the few Americans at the School, Danielle was a natural fit for management of the Baseball teams during the Winter Season. We wish her all the best in her new teaching role and have no doubt she will find success in her future endeavours.

Dr Melanie Mandusic

Science & Physics Teacher

Min Zhang

Min Zhang worked at Camberwell Grammar for more than 25 years before her retirement in 2022. She was the first Chinese teacher who came from Beijing and spoke the Beijing dialect. She worked in Junior, Middle and Senior School and taught Chinese to students across all the levels. Min was a good team player and was actively engaged in the development of learning and teaching resources, as well as VCE oral and written assessment. She was also involved in various Chinese cultural activities and excursions. We would like to thank her for her contributions to Chinese teaching at Camberwell Grammar and wish her all the best with her retirement.

Mr Wei Ha

Head of Chinese, Macneil House Tutor