↓ SECTION 02 — SCHOOL
2015 SCHOOL CAPTAINS
We are delighted that Freya Johnson (Yr12 He) and Don Ritchie (Yr12 P) will represent our School as School Captains in 2015. Light Blue spoke to Freya and Don about the year ahead. Can you tell us a little about your journey at the School and if there has been a particularly memorable or significant stage of that journey? Don: I grew up looking at Mt. Timbertop out of my bedroom window, so I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to go there. My grandfather (Robert Ritchie, P’49) had laid the foundations of the first units and I ended up sleeping in the same bed in B Unit as my father (David Ritchie, P’80). I loved every moment of my Timbertop year: the hiking, the running, unit life. I thrived in an environment where I could push myself. Afterwards, I was put into Perry House because of the strong family connection. My dad joked when I was announced School Captain that I was given the second best job in the School, second to Perry House Captain. Freya: I was about 11 when I became fixated on the whole idea of both boarding and the School itself. I was never entirely clear as to my reasoning but I think the combination of the freedom of a boarding school and the stories my dad (Warwick Johnson, FB’77) had told me of his time at Grammar both enticed and excited me. My parents were reluctant to let me go, understandably they did not want their 11-year-old daughter not only moving schools but moving state, so it took about two years of relentless pestering. Finally, in semester two of Year 8, I began my time in Connewarre House. What do you think makes the School unique? Freya: I think the fact that it is predominantly a boarding school is something unique in Australia and that it is co-educational is especially rare. Spending such a large amount of time together greatly influences the way we interact with other students and teachers. For the most part there is a mutual respect, knowing that you live with one another and that the things that affect you also affect at least the 60 other people in your house, which is so important when many of us live far away (from home).
Is there a particular aspect of the School and/or school life that you feel strongly about? Freya: We are so fortunate at Geelong Grammar School to have been given so many opportunities and such a comprehensive education that it is right that we consider others who may not be so fortunate. With students coming from all over the world, it’s natural that we have more exposure to and interest in a broader community beyond Corio. New projects are constantly being started at school to assist those who are less fortunate, in the Geelong area and extending as far as mainland China. I think that this is something we can be proud of. Why do you think the sense of community is so strong at the GGS? Don: I think that the sense of community can be traced back to the fact that at some stage almost every student has had to live in a dorm or a unit with people whom they would not otherwise have chosen to be around. This helps to break down social barriers as well as give students an appreciation of everything that everyone has to offer. The fact that the majority of staff live on campus also adds to the sense of community because it eradicates an ‘us versus them’ mentality. Do you have any goals or a vision for 2015? Don: Freya and I have spoken at length about getting everyone more active in showing our school spirit. We hope to see an increase in attendances to the major sporting events as well as involvement in Drama, Music and Art at the School. Freya: House spirit is a large part of life at GGS. Inter-House competitions like House Swimming and House Music provide healthy competition and help unify the House. We would love to see this same energy, enthusiasm and pride shown at InterSchool events, like the Derby Day (against Geelong College), Head of the River and APS Athletics. Not only would we like to see support at sporting events, but we would also like to see greater support in areas like Drama and Music as well.
Don: Something that makes GGS unique is its diversity. Thanks to its emphasis on boarding, people come from all over. I think this makes for a genuinely open-minded and tolerant environment.
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LIGHT BLUE - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL
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