Goulburn Valley Grammar School, Nexus 1, 2018

Nexus Autumn/Winter 2018

GOULBURN VALLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

INSIDE: Thanks Mrs Dobson: End of an era Past student news Music, art, athletics and more NEXUS 2 0 1 8 / 1

From the Principal

“I learnt so many things that I wouldn’t have learned from anything else” (Year 10 student after the 2018 Bogong High Plains Camp) This quote from a Year 10 student is a powerful reminder to our school community about the importance of a rich range of learning experiences. It also underscores our view that all school programmes are learning opportunities whether they are inside a classroom or on a mountain top.

Since foundation the school has aspired to change the lives of young people through learning experiences that develop well-rounded students who will be meaningfully engaged, principled citizens of Australian society. We know that basic literacy and numeracy are of deep relevance in so many settings. At the same time there are values that will inform their lives as ethical citizens, scientific principles that might inform personal care and personal and social capabilities that will be crucial in work, further learning and personal life. These are some of the provocations raised through the Leading the Learning that Matters programme (outlined in Nexus 2 - 2017).

Nexus Editor: Terri Cowley Design: Amy De Paola Printing: Prominent Press 5831 2455 Printed on 100% recycled paper.

Thanks to: Deidre Belleville, Nicole Bensch, Chelsea Pohlner, Kim Stokie, David Tarbotton, Damian Trezise, Pam Wallace, GVGS Photo Media Group.

Goulburn Valley Grammar School Verney Road, PO Box 757, Shepparton, Victoria, 3632.

Telephone: 03 5833 3300, Email: gvgs@gvgs.vic.edu.au, Web: www.gvgs.vic.edu.au.

We welcome submissions to Nexus from staff, students, alumni and anyone connected with the school community.

Email: nexus@gvgs.vic.edu.au.

COVER PHOTO: Retiring Chair of the School Board Mrs Prue Dobson with incoming Chair Mr Andrew Galbraith.

ABOVE: Year 10 students watch the sunset during the Bogong High Plains Camp.

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The Year 10 camp has been a defining experience for our students for over 16 years. During 2017 the school undertook a major review of the programme. The camp was redesigned to focus on learning goals relating to geographic knowledge and skills alongside personal and social capabilities. These capabilities are often referred to as 21st Century Skills. They are skills and dispositions that have been identified by researchers, government and industry as critical in enabling positive contribution and engagement in contemporary and future Australian society.

The learning environment involved small teams of students planning, navigating and completing a bushwalking journey across the Bogong High Plains. Students experienced problem solving, responsibility and self-reliance in the rugged and stunning Victorian Alpine area. Through these opportunities students developed their resilience, decision making, communication and problem solving.

The camp experience created an opportunity where students could experience mindfulness. Many students appreciated the absence of smart phones and computers for five days. Students identified the camp as creating an opportunity to step outside their normal routine and put things into perspective. Many students also saw the solo time component as a highlight.

I extend sincere thanks to Year 10 Coordinator Mrs Bensch for her efforts in planning and preparation for the camp and to Mr Heard for his efforts in developing and designing the Geography assignment. It was a privilege to attend the camp as School Coordinator and to see the personal growth and development of our students through the experience.

I also acknowledge the efforts of our partner the Outdoor Education Group in designing and operating the programme. Their skill and knowledge was most impressive and their leaders were wonderful in creating a powerful and positive experience for our students. The Outdoor Education Group are the largest outdoor education provider in Australia. It was therefore very affirming to receive praise from OEG regarding the design of our camp as setting a benchmark.

This project is one in a journey for our school through which we will continue to question how we can nurture learning that is likely to matter in the future lives of our students.

Semper Ulterius Mark Torriero, Principal

DAVID TARBOTTON

Sporting achievements

Hurdles champion Isabel Long and (above left) competing at the national titles in Sydney.

Back-to-back titles no hurdle for Isabel Y

ear 11 student Isabel Long made it back-toback Australian titles in March, winning the under-18 400m hurdles at Sydney Olympic Park.

Isabel led for much of the race but had to hold off a late surge from New South Wales’ Susie Douglas, winning by a mere 0.02 of a second, Shepparton News reported.

Isabel’s mother Sue told the News the race had been hard to watch as the two girls fought it out in the closing stages. ‘‘Absolutely, it was heart-inmouth stuff,’’ she said. ‘‘Coming around the bend she was probably a metre-and-a-half in front, but it’s a really tough race and it doesn’t really start until the front straight. It’s who has the legs left and she just kept going — but maybe if there were another five metres she might have been pipped at the post.’’

The pair was clearly evenly matched; Douglas had pipped Long by 0.14 of a second in the preliminary round, before the Mulwala runner delivered the goods to take home gold. Sue said she was ecstatic with the result. ‘‘It’s months of work for

her, you really live, breathe and eat it.’’

Isabel won gold last year in a time of 63.32 but went even better this year with a personal best time of 62.12. ‘‘The final was only her third run in three months, she had a quad injury in November and has been really limited since,’’ Sue said. ‘‘She ran the Victorian Championships in mid-February which wasn’t the greatest run, but then it was off to Sydney. She won the event last year at the under-17 level and backed it up this year which was really exciting.’’

More than 3000 track and field athletes of all ages competed in the Championships, with the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre hosting the inaugural combined Junior and Open aged championships for able-bodied and para-athletes.

After competing with Yarrawonga Little Athletics and Shepparton Little Athletics, Isabel now trains and competes for Diamond Valley Athletics Club in Melbourne but runs most days at either Vic Park or the JC Lowe Oval in Yarrawonga.

Isabel spoke to the Yarrawonga Chronicle about her love of running and athletics. “Running is something I can do and knowing that I am working hard to achieve a better time or to reach a certain training goal is a good feeling,” Isabel said. “I don’t know how far I will go or what I will do in the future but I know I have the support of my family so whatever happens they will be behind me.”

Isabel has overcome a serious medical condition to continue on with her athletics dream. “I was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis when I was 12 years old and my running really took a back seat,” she told the Chronicle. “I was in a lot of pain and really couldn’t do much but I still tried to keep up with a little bit of exercise and training just floated for a couple of years in terms of competitions.

My specialist was great and I slowly got better so when I started to train properly again I had to work out what my body could do. I had grown a bit and I had to adjust my discipline to suit my body shape and hurdles seemed to be the perfect fit.”

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2017 Dux

Mitchell truly understands

F

ormer student Mitchell Collins (pictured) was presented with a special prize and trophy at assembly in February for achieving Dux of the school for 2017. This pinnacle of academic achievement is presented to the student who achieved the highest VCE ATAR score in Year 12.

Mitchell achieved an ATAR score of 99.4 placing him in top 0.6% of students in the state. To put this in perspective, approximately 50,000 students completed VCE in 2017. His score placed him in the top 300 students.

Mitchell started at GVGS in 2012 in Year 7 from Grahamvale Primary School, and over the years earned many subject awards, academic achievement awards and ICAS competition distinctions. For VCE, Mitchell studied biology, chemistry, English, geography, mathematical methods and specialist mathematics.

Mr Torriero said Mitchell never left until tomorrow, what he could do today. “In Year 10 Mitchell returned from the World Challenge program where he saw genuine poverty on a large scale,” Mr Torriero said. “Through this experience, he recognised the privilege that he enjoyed not only to live in Australia, but to attend this school. From then on he made a commitment to ensure he made the most of the opportunity to learn.”

Mitchell also made a personal commitment to understand all the content of his courses. “He identified that memorisation of things is only useful for responding to really simple questions,” Mr Torriero said. “When questions involve problem solving, memorisation isn’t enough. Problem solving requires true understanding.”

he contacted the local charity People Supporting People. Throughout Year 11, Mitchell cooked and served meals to the homeless and disadvantaged in Shepparton. It was in this spirit that he was appointed social justice prefect. Beyond school, he played local football and continued to play tennis up to and including Year 12.

Once he fully understood a topic he would prepare a mind map showing all the connections and relationships. He found that once he was at this point, he did not need to spend any more time trying to memorise things. He could answer all sorts of complex questions because he really understood the topic.

Mitchell’s name was added to the Honour Board, which is permanently displayed in Founders Hall.

He received a framed certificate and trophy from Mrs Prue Dobson, Chair of the School Board, and received a generous prize from the McCamish family. Peter and Anne McCamish are past parents of GVGS, with both of their sons attending the school. Thornton is a writer, and Karl is a Rhodes Scholar.

Mr Torriero said Mitchell’s routine from Year 10 was to do 2.5 hours of study each day, sometimes more. But he used this time, even when there was no homework, to understand the content.

This meant that by Year 12 he had a deep understanding of the foundations of each topic.

Mitchell praised his teachers and expressed his sincere thanks for the genuine care and effort they show to all students.

When not studying, Mitchell involved himself in the community. He volunteered for the Smith Family reading program in Year 9. Following this

Mitchell was joined at the presentation by his father Brett and mother Fiona. Mitchell has two siblings: Emily currently in Year 11 at GVGS and Stephanie, who completed Year 12 in 2016, and was a recipient of LaTrobe Vice Chancellor’s scholarship and is studying speech pathology.

Mitchell achieved his goal of studying biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. He is determined to pursue a career in the health sciences and is considering dentistry.

Presentation Night 2017 Honour Roll

Emily Bolton

Senior Citizenship Award The Maxwell Brown Memorial Prize

Eva Gauci

Principal's Senior Award for Service to the School

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Nicholas Marwood

Senior All-Rounder Award The Shepparton Rotary Club Prize

Teagan Menhenett

Junior Citizenship Award The Parents & Friends Association Prize

Lilia Tennant

Principal's Junior Award for Service to the School

Imogen Templeton

Year 5 and 6 All-Rounder, The Glen Edwards Prize

Academic achievements

Class of 2017 VCE Results

T

he Goulburn Valley Grammar School community congratulates all students in the Class of 2017. GVGS is proud to be an open entry school with a diverse student body. Last year’s Year 12 students demonstrated a genuine commitment to learning. Through hard work, many have attained outstanding achievements. These results would not be possible without the care, professionalism and hard work of our teaching and operational staff. The school particularly acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of those who persevered and overcame genuine challenges.

The Class of 2017 has been a positive community, welcoming newcomers and offering support and compassion to those experiencing grief and loss.

The Class of 2017 enjoyed the richness of life and immersed themselves enthusiastically in the co-curricular programme. They made major contributions to music, stage performance and sport. They have been generous of spirit, leading the school in raising awareness and funds for many local and national causes.

Outstanding VCE achievements Mitchell Collins............................... 99.40 Lucy Macpherson.......................... 99.35 Harris Bayly..................................... 99.15 Harismita Rupeshraj..................... 98.80 Maoinin Dooley-Heath................. 98.55 Adam Sizer...................................... 98.35

Score distribution 7% ATAR 98+....... (six students) 13% ATAR 95+........ (12 students)

25% ATAR 90+....... (23 students) 34% ATAR 85+........ (31 students) 53% ATAR 80+........ (48 students) 75% ATAR 70+........ (68 students)

ABOVE: Mrs Mary Bayly with current Year 12 student Lucy Eishold.

LEFT: Class of 2017 student Luci Amodio.

Industry and enterprise pays off E ach year the Victorian Department of Education and Training recognises excellence in learning achievement demonstrated by students undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The annual Premier’s VCE Awards were presented on May 15. More than 300 awards were presented to 274 students recognizing the top-performing VCE students from 2017 for their outstanding academic results. More than 1100 guests attended the ceremony held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Goulburn Valley Grammar School has a long history of students achieving this distinction.

This year two students, Luci Amodio and Lucy Eishold, were recognised with Premier’s VCE Awards. Both studied VCE Industry and Enterprise Unit 3 and 4, taught by Mrs Mary Bayly. Luci undertook the subject as one of her Year 12 studies, while Lucy Eishold completed

the subject as an acceleration study while in Year 11.

“We congratulate each of these students on their outstanding organisation, discipline and dedication to learning, demonstrated throughout their studies,” Mr Torriero said.

“They seized the opportunities and made the very most of them. In particular they both worked closely with their teacher, listening to and implementing feedback and asking clarifying questions. They will both take confidence from this wonderful achievement.

Their examples are certainly ones that inspire students and staff alike.”

The exceptional achievements by these students are a powerful reminder that regional students have the capacity to achieve excellence comparable with the best in the state. They also reflect the outstanding quality of teaching provided by staff.

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Academic achievements

ABOVE L-R: Monash scholars Farhan Islam, Joshua Dillon and Lucy Asquith. Kwong Lee Dow recipients Grady Tyson and Olivia Quigley.

A head start at Monash

Y

ear 11 students Farhan Islam, Joshua Dillon and Lucy Asquith have been chosen to take part in the Monash Scholars program for 2018.

Monash Scholars is a prestigious program for high-achieving secondary school students. The program is offered by Monash University to give high potential students a unique head start into university life. It provides opportunities for personal and academic development, gives students the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the right study choices and enables them to build a network of peers, academic, and employment contacts. There are currently 135 participating schools in the program.

All students have consistently achieved academic excellence throughout their years at GVGS as well as being highly involved in the co-curricular program. Lucy has received subject awards in humanities, science, English and visual arts as well as performing with distinction in Indonesian speaking competitions, ICAS writing and English competitions and the Australian History Competition. Joshua has received subject awards for health/physical education and science and has performed with distinction in competitions for maths, science, computational algorithmic thinking, history, geography and Indonesian speaking. Farhan has received awards in competitions for English, maths, Indonesian, science, writing, geography and computational algorithmic thinking and has received overall academic awards many times.

The program will help the students explore and pinpoint their passions, as well as develop a broad suite of study skills, and gain the confidence to

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make great course and career choices. It also includes events for students to help give them an opportunity to build networks, enhance learning and define personal aspirations.

Worthy scholars

Y

ear 11 students Grady Tyson and Olivia Quigley are the school’s participants in the prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program for 2018.

The Melbourne University program is an academic enrichment program designed to support highachieving Victorian and select New South Wales and South Australian border high-school students.

It offers a taste of university life; the chance to meet and connect with like-minded students; the opportunity to develop leadership and community involvement skills; and access to the university’s resources, academics and events at the Parkville campus.

Both the inspiration and namesake behind the program, Professor Kwong Lee Dow is a former University Vice-Chancellor, a distinguished education scholar and active contributor to curriculum reforms. “They [the scholars] have been chosen not only because there is a feeling that they will succeed and will do well in the university, but that they have qualities of leadership, engagement and involvement,” Professor Kwong Lee Dow said.

This is certainly true of Grady who participates in a wide variety of activities, quietly and with minimum fuss or drama. Grady received a high distinction for the Australian History Competition last year and a distinction in the Australian Geography Competition in 2016, among subject prizes for Humanities and Triple Distinction Awards.

Grady represents the school in swimming, athletics and basketball and was a Shepparton Gators representative for basketball at under-16 and under-18 levels. Grady is also a member of the Goulburn Valley Grammar School Guitar Orchestra and has been involved in local community theatre.

He is a valued member of the Tatura Fire Brigade and CFA. He is a runner for the Tatura Fire Brigade Competition team, achieving State Champions four years in a row.

Through his involvement in the CFA, Grady has been given the opportunity to participate in this year’s Young Endeavour leadership program.

Olivia is a quiet achiever and an outstanding student academically. She received an Australian Mathematics Competition distinction in 2016 and has also been the recipient of academic achievement and subject awards.

Olivia represents the school in hockey, tennis and cross country and plays the flute and piano. She has been a member of the school’s Senior Concert Band, Flute Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble.

She has also been a cast member in many productions.

Olivia was an influential leader during the Year 9 Buddy Programme and a Middle Years Leader and was involved in the Girls Leadership Forum in 2015.

Olivia regularly makes the trip to Melbourne to play in winter Pennant Tennis, is a member of the Tennis Victoria Bendigo Academy of Tennis Programme and is the holder of a Kooyong Foundation Scholarship. She has also given her time as a Ball Kid for the Australian Open since 2013.

Y

ear 10 student Teagan Menhenett (pictured) was a winner in the ABC story-telling competition Heywire, which aims to give a voice to rural and regional youth. The prize included a five-day trip to Canberra where Teagan, along with 38 other winners, worked on ideas to make their communities better. “There were a lot of people from diverse backgrounds, with so many different ideas and experiences,” Teagan said. “I learnt a lot about other people and how different everyone’s life is across Australia. There were some really inspirational people there and I gained a lot of confidence in myself and learnt many teamwork skills. It was a chance to come up with new ideas and challenge myself, instead of just sitting in a classroom; it was more hands on. Having the chance to come up with something new was really powerful.”

Teagan’s group focused on how to improve mental health education in schools through a program they called HOPE, which would pair younger students with older students who would act as mentors and teachers. Groups were able to apply to the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal for funding, the outcome of which is still being decided.

Mental health is an issue close to Teagan’s heart – her Heywire story focused on her battle with an eating disorder. “I wanted to share my story with other people who might be experiencing something similar, so that would encourage them to seek help and to not feel so alone,” she said. “Often it feels like you are the only person experiencing the problem and it can feel quite isolating.

Lisa Menhenett

Teagan speaks out However, there are so many people who want to help you or who have experienced something similar.”

Teagan had her story recorded in the ABC studios in Melbourne and the ABC turned it into a short video captured at her family home in Arcadia. “The filming was quite fun,” Teagan said. “They were probably here for 4–5 hours just to get a minute of video. There were a lot of takes to get it just right. There is a part where I was running along the track – they had to do quite a few takes for that one. I was quite out of breath by the end of it! They were filming from the boot of the car, which was definitely something different. They also put a camera in our fridge!”

Teagan flew to Canberra in February and stayed at the Australian Institute of Sport. The group met the GovernorGeneral, went around Lake Burley Griffin on segways, and met Government Ministers and MPs at Parliament House.

Teagan encouraged other young people aged 16–22 to have their say about an issue that’s important to them through the Heywire competition that’s been running for the past 20 years. “Rural people often feel like they are heard less because they’re out of the major cities, where most of the decisions are made,” Teagan said. “By allowing people from regional areas to write a story, it gives them a voice. Giving young people the chance to have a say is important, because it gives them an opportunity to change how their community is viewed.”

To listen to and/or watch Teagan’s story go to http://www. abc.net.au/heywire/winners/

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School leaders 2018 Prefects BACK ROW L-R: Principal Mr Mark Torriero, Gemma Collins, Aditya (Ryan) Bhat, Tessa Cummins, Alexander Schmedje, Edward Adams, Oliver Widdicombe, James Worsfold, Ella Sprunt, Akshat Ragade, Genevieve Cassidy and Year 12 Coordinator Mrs Chelsea Pohlner.

FRONT ROW L-R: Tilly Dalton, Ellie Nethersole, Paige Gullifer, Gabrielle Patterson, Simon Pell, Daisy Bowmaker, Lucy Eishold and Jessica Dalton.

School Captain Profile

Being positive

G

abrielle Patterson has used a positive mindset, learnt from past challenges, to forge her path to success at school.

That, and regular periods in the kitchen where she bakes up a storm, have led to a happy life-study balance that sees her well-equipped to undertake the task of 2018 School Captain, along with her male counterpart Simon Pell.

Gaby (pictured left) grew up in Benalla as the daughter of two pharmacists – Gareth and Lisa who own and run the Amcal Pharmacy in town.

She has two older siblings: Hannah (Class of 2014) who is now studying commerce and law and Fraser (Class of 2015), studying pharmacy and chemical engineering, both at Monash University.

Gaby enjoys being a staff member at the family pharmacy but is planning on a different area of study after school. “I’m interested in architecture, engineering and design,” she said. “I’m looking at industrial design with engineering or architecture with engineering at Monash, RMIT or Melbourne.

I really like the problem-solving side of things.

I’m not that set on having a particular job at the moment. I’m interested in seeing where it takes me. I’m sure I’ll find jobs that I never knew existed.”

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When thinking back over her eight years at GVGS – she started in Year 5 from Benalla East Primary, which no longer exists – she recalls many positive co-curricular experiences. “I really enjoyed Year 10 outdoor ed camps, even though everyone complains about it,” Gaby said. “We did the Bogong High Plains and we chose the fit hike. We basically hiked from Mt Hotham to Falls Creek in a week. It was harder than we expected. Some people had gone hiking and some hadn’t; just getting through that … everyone has different capabilities; you have to cope with the weakest link.”

Gaby used lessons learnt in Sumatra where she had taken part in the World Challenge program earlier that year. “All of the girls who had gone to Indonesia with me, we knew it was our responsibility to keep morale up. We took it on ourselves to distract the people who were having a tougher time.”

It was certainly a tough time that Gaby had experienced in Sumatra. While she was there she had an unexplained seizure and ended up in hospital and her mother flew over to take her home. “When you’re going through a rough patch and you’re missing home, it’s very easy to be

House Captains CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dunlop House Captains Tom Schier and Jasmine Furphy; McLennan House Captains Hugh Conway and Tennielle Peterson; Ryall House Captains Chelsea Caughey and Emma Cox; Fairley House Captains Lexie Nolen and Mackenzie Griffin.

negative and think about all the bad things and get caught up in that,” Gaby said.

A school trip to France last year was happily without illness. “It was great exploring with friends,” Gaby said. “You’re a little bit more independent but you still have the backbone of the teachers supporting you, but they’re different to parents.” She again found herself in the role of morale booster. “In Europe, friends were getting negative and I was saying, ‘If you do that, it’s a downward spiral and that’s a hole you may not get out of.’”

This can-do attitude was also reflected in Gaby giving netball a try for the first time last year. “I’m a competitive person, who likes a lot of sporting prowess but it’s not as serious now we’re older. I had never really played team sport before. I think I’ve broken every rule by now.”

The 18 year old has played tennis all her life and has always been competitive in running, representing the school numerous times. She took part in school productions when she was younger and enjoyed the thrill of getting dressed up and performing on stage.

Her favourite subject at school is visual communications because “it really uses a different side of my brain. It’s good to have some respite and freedom to sit down and

draw.” Her other VCE subjects are chemistry, English, mathematical methods and physics, partly chosen to suit course prerequisites.

Last year she fast-tracked and finished Indonesian.

She said being school captain was a really rewarding, busy job. She and Simon have put their own stamp on the roles, creating a new event that is on its way to being a school favourite: the Pelic-nic (a combination of the words pelican, the school emblem, and picnic). “We organised a picnic for the Pelicans [the student body] and invited everyone to join us. It was all about getting outside, being with friends and inter-year collaboration.”

The idea was inspired by a national competition conducted by Y Lead, an organisation that aims to create learning experiences that empower young people to do their best and make a positive difference.

The Pelic-nic was a winner after Gaby and Simon submitted a video entry and report.

“We thought we had had enough fundraisers,” Gaby said. “Students were asked to bring picnic rugs, food, friends, games, music. The whole idea was to leave a legacy at your school . Hopefully it carries on. It’s been fun organising it.” She and Simon have made a good team. “If you didn’t have someone to talk about everything with, the role would not

be as enjoyable,” Gaby said. “It’s always good to know there is someone else going through the same thing.”

Gaby urged those coming after her to try and find in their studies, something that is interesting and different. “Then it doesn’t feel like study,” she said. “It feels like something you’re learning for your general knowledge.

Find a way to make it fun and interesting.”

She balances study with exercise. “I try to do something every night: a run or yoga – it gives you clarity of mind.” And then there’s the baking. “I always try and bake, usually cakes and cupcakes. I’m known for trying to bribe teachers with cakes. I bring heaps of cakes to the cake stalls; my sister did too. We really like baking in my family.”

Last year she didn’t get into the basketball team and it was jokingly suggested by Year 12 co-ordinator Mrs Chelsea Pohlner that some delicious cakes might help next time. “I still didn’t get in,” Gaby laughed.

She is grateful for the education she’s had as a student at GVGS. “I see it as a great opportunity; especially coming from a different town,” Gaby said. “I see the obvious benefits I’ve gained from coming to the school. If you say yes to most things and get involved, you’re bound to do well.”

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Here’s to you, Mrs Dobson

M

rs Prue Dobson, a foundation member of the School Board and one of the instigators of Goulburn Valley Grammar School, has stepped down as Chair after nine highly successful years in the position. Mrs Dobson, who has been closely involved with the school since 1979, will remain on the Board for the time being.

“I’ve loved my time in the role,” Mrs Dobson said. “I have enjoyed spending time with school captains and prefects. That’s been a highlight, a delight. And the scholarship program for indigenous and refugee students – we’ve had a lot of kids going through in that program. It’s a good way of giving back to the community and giving to children who wouldn’t normally have that chance.”

Mrs Dobson’s involvement with the school extends back before Day 1. In the late 1970s, she was a mother of three young boys and wanted to send them to a local secondary school but was unhappy with the choices available, so she and a group of other forward-thinking parents, set up a school office and started taking enrolments. Her eldest son Alistair, was in fact the very first student enrolled at GVGS. She was part of the Interim Council for the formation of the school between 1979 and 1981. Her support of the school over all the years since has been unwavering, even though it is many years since her children left.

At a dinner to celebrate the end of her tenure as Chair, she said: “Much has changed; the culture of GVGS, however, remains a constant, perhaps evolving but still with its core. Over the past years , I have a felt it a deep privilege to be, in a sense as Chair to be a custodian or guardian of that culture.”

She added: “The culture of GVGS appreciates learning, appreciates those who aspire to succeed and applauds those who meet with scholastic success. Yet at the same time the culture looks beyond our front gate. The social service programs, largely initiated by students, show quite clearly that there is an appreciation of our privileged position and that there is much to be done for others less fortunate than ourselves. If students can hold onto this ideal they will become effective Australian citizens.”

Principal Mr Mark Torriero thanked Mrs Dobson for her outstanding service to the school from 1979–2018 as founder, Board Member, life fellow and retiring Board Chair. “Her contribution to independent schooling is unparalleled,” Mr Torriero said. “Prue possesses great expertise and knowledge developed over 40 years as an outstanding educator and leader

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particularly at the Verney Road School. Prue immediately understood education-related issues and culture and was an invaluable source of wisdom.”

Mrs Dobson said she and the Board had spent the past five years consolidating. She sees the three key areas as building better facilities; teaching and learning outcomes; and creating better connections with past students. “The school foundation is set up so it’s now looking into developing the alumni side of that,” Mrs Dobson said. “A lot of past students’ kids are coming to the school now. It is lovely to see that connection.”

Incoming Chair Mr Andrew Galbraith said Mrs Dobson replaced Mr David Faram as Chair, just prior to a growth spurt for the school precipitated by the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution initiative. “This enabled the school to build a new Year 5/6 building as well as a language centre and considerable improvements to the school’s original classroom buildings,” Mr Galbraith said. “Prue was there to charter the course all along the way. There has since been the building of the WB Hunter Music Centre and the major renovations to the staff facilities. Her guidance as part of the team has put the school into a position of having a very sound financial base, a strong and enviable waiting list for student enrolments and wonderful modern facilities and landscapes.

“Furthermore, with Prue at the helm, the Board has encouraged Mark and the executive team to enhance teaching methods. The school is one of the leaders in academic education in regional Victoria without need to be selective about our student intake.

Prue can see the school taking the next step for expansion with the possibility of offering Prep to Year 4 and an early learning centre, which are currently under consideration.”

Fellow foundation Board member Mr Peter Johnson recalled the early days of the school’s conception when Mrs Dobson helped plan the educational structure and pathway for the school, prepared the prospectus and managed enrolments as parents registered their children. He said her contributions have exemplified the meaning of the words “a true and faithful servant of GVGS”. “You have maintained a connection between the school and its birth and past,” Mr Johnson said. “Whilst schools and education are much about the present and the future, you have shown the value of a continuing connection with the past. This school would be much the poorer without you and on behalf of

Our school community

Educational legacy Mrs Dobson and her husband Geoffrey educated their three sons at GVGS. Alistair (Class of 1994 and School Captain) lives in Melbourne and is Head of Programs and Market Development for the AFL. James (Class of 1997) lives in Perth and is the leader of Aboriginal Heritage Operations, Western Australian Department of Planning, Land and Heritage. Chris (2000) lives in London and is the UK Business Development Manager of DMC Sport.

LEFT: Mrs Prue Dobson. BELOW: Prue (back row, second from the left) was part of the Interim Council which operated from 1979-81. BACK ROW L-R: Mrs H. Gunn, Mrs P. Dobson, Mr D. Wynne, Mr J. Day, Mr J. Gaylard, Cr M. Slee, Mr B. Williams, Dr J. MacKellar, Mr N. Graham, Mr P. O’Connell, Mrs J. O’Connell, Mr G. Muntz, Mrs H. Stephens, Dr D. McCaffrey, Mr J. Panton, Mr L. Woodhouse, Mr P. Marshall, Mr R. Miller, Mrs S. Eastman. FRONT L-R: Mr L. Hall, Cr T. Cochran, Mr C. Young, Mr P. Johnson, Dr D. Kings, Mr I. Gilbert, Cr W. Hunter, Mrs E. Werner, Mrs Y. Riordan, Mrs J. Taberner. ABSENT: Mr J Carr, Mr D. Chipchase, Mrs G. Gill, Mr I. Gill, Dr I. Gunn, Mr J. Maddocks, Rev J. McFarlane, Mr B. Scanlon and Mrs G. Simpson.

those of us who were involved in the early days, I say thank you.”

Mrs Dobson says the challenges and issues haven’t really changed since she took the helm. “The main issues are around enrolments, developing good teaching and learning programs and developing the culture of the school. Back then we were trying to fill the school and now we have the issue that the school is full. The culture that we’ve created is of a smaller, caring school that can focus on individual students.”

Mrs Dobson had been deputy principal at Verney Road School since it was created by the merger of two schools in 2000 and was at the now defunct Goulburn Special Developmental School for many years before that. Her retirement from teaching last year frees her up to spend time with children and grandchildren, and to travel.

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Vale

T

David Prest

he Goulburn Valley Grammar School community noted with great sadness the death of Mr David Prest, AM, on April 10, 2018. Mr Prest was the school’s third Principal, serving with distinction from 1992 to 1997.

Mr Prest (pictured) shared a long association and interest in the development of the school.

He was a formative advisor to the initial steering committee, generously offering his time and expertise in the early days of the school’s foundation.

This association deepened profoundly when Mr Prest was appointed to the role of Principal by Board Chair Mr Frank Dawson in 1992. This was a pivotal time for the school where it was facing serious financial pressures and low enrolments.

Mr Prest had recently retired after long notable service as Principal of Wesley College. He and his wife Jean moved to Shepparton in 1992. The expertise, professionalism and knowledge that Mr Prest brought to the school were invaluable at a critical time in the school’s history.

Following his appointment, he oversaw key strategic and operational decisions in 1992 and 1993. These laid the foundations for the great progress the school enjoyed from 1994 to 1997. Mrs Prest continued to be active, serving the school throughout this period and has remained an active supporter to this day.

Mr Prest was a pivotal figure in the Goulburn Valley Grammar School story. The wonderful school facilities, learning environment and culture that we enjoy today were, in no small way, supported by the leadership of David Prest.

The school community extended its deepest sympathies to Mr Prest’s family and friends.

Reverend John Leaver

T

he school was saddened to learn of the death of Reverend John Leaver in May. We extended condolences to John’s wife Wendy, his family and wide circle of colleagues and friends.

John was a key driver in forming the Victorian Ecumenical System of Schools (VESS) in the 1990s, which Goulburn Valley Grammar School joined in 1998. John was the Executive Officer of VESS up until his retirement in 2004. VESS initially consisted of four small and low fee regional and outer suburban Victorian schools. In the late 1990s, John embraced the enormous opportunity

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to expand VESS with the addition of several larger and higher fee schools. The concerns of the foundation schools were carefully addressed by John and these new schools, including this one, were formally invited to join VESS in 1999. In the years since then, a range of schools have joined and VESS now comprises 17 schools and more than 16,000 students. This includes large well established schools such as The Geelong College and The Peninsula School.

It is worth noting that GVGS’s membership resulted in the school receiving increased government funding and, as a result, being able to significantly reduce fees and charges to

parents. John was also involved in the early plans to establish GVGS in the late 1970s. He advised both the steering committee and the initial school board. John was a regular visitor to the school and took great interest in its development over its 37-year history. He continued his commitment to education post-retirement and provided sound advice and guidance to new and fledgling schools. In all, he was involved significantly in advising boards for the foundation of at least 14 independent schools in Victoria.

The school was represented by Principal Mr Mark Torriero and Business Manager Mr Kim Stokie at a memorial service held at The Peninsula School.

School community

Strong foundation

E

arly in 2016, and coinciding with the official opening of the WB Hunter Music Centre, the school formally launched the Goulburn Valley Grammar School Foundation.

This followed work undertaken by a working party established by the Board to formally constitute the Foundation, including governance requirements, consultation with stakeholders and reviewing the three funds to ensure compliance and tax deductibility requirements were being met.

The core aims of the Foundation are: •

To support the school’s vision through the generation of philanthropic funds.

•

To support the operations of the school, specifically through three major funds: Building, Scholarships and Endowment.

have been able to attend the school. This includes scholarships for Indigenous and refugee students.

We particularly acknowledge the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, which fully funded four Indigenous scholarships in 2017 and Mr Larry Fallon of Shepparton Transit who fully funded a refugee scholarship. Other major donors include Mrs Lesley Gerrish and Mrs Ruth Horton, together with a range of generous supporters of this program.

The school has operated a tax deductible school building fund since its establishment in 1981. This has facilitated fundraising for a range of building projects and provided donors with an income tax deduction.

The governance structure of the Foundation operates as a Board Sub Committee, ensuring accountability directly to the Board.

Key facilities such as the original main classroom block (1981), the Maxwell Brown Science Centre (1991), the Fairley Art Centre (1997), the Ian and Robyn Rule Resource Centre (2007) and, more recently, the WB Hunter Music Centre were all fully or partly funded from generous gifts through the building fund. Funds exceeding $3.7 million have been provided by the fund, including $500,000 towards the music centre.

This Scholarship Fund provides donors with a tax deduction for gifts towards scholarships. During 2017, more than $83,000 was received by the fund and this directly funded full scholarships for six students who would not otherwise

The Board has high expectations for the continued work and expansion of the Foundation. In addition to the scholarship and building funds, the key priority in 2018 and beyond is to further develop connections with the alumni of the school.

•

To build a closely connected school community, including current and past students, parents, grandparents and friends of the school.

Outstanding staff contributions

T

he school’s teaching and operational staff are crucial in providing the unique environment at Goulburn Valley Grammar School, which promotes learning growth and development.

The school recognises the outstanding service provided by a number of staff. The following staff are continuing to teach this year, but each is stepping down from a significant leadership role: Mrs Mary Bayly, after 21 years in various leadership roles including Year Level Co-ordinator and Head of Department; Ms Cheryl Garratt after 12 years as Mathematics Department Coordination; and Mrs Jo Yarwood after 17 years as English Coordinator.

Each has made an outstanding contribution to the school’s culture, learning program and the care of students. They have each led major innovations in their areas and have worked hard to provide a high-quality learning experience for all of our students. Each has shown professionalism and dedication and inspired students and colleagues.

Every year we also recognise staff who have served the school over a long period of time.

In 2017 Ms Christine Dunham completed 20 years of service to the school. Ms Dunham was employed in 1998 as a teacher aide and assisted many students with scribing and note taking. She later transitioned into her role as a library technician. Ms Dunham has worked behind the scenes preparing, cataloguing, laminating, loaning and managing the ClickView collection. The learning of so many students has been supported by the resources Ms Dunham has developed and prepared over the years.

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Around the school

Painterly pursuits S

everal GVGS students were selected to be ‘art scholars’ in an after-school program run by the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).

These students were Year 10 students Laura Hatty and Chelsea McKindley and Year 11 students Cody Mohamed and Lucy Asquith.

Last year Olivia Robinson took part. Ms Deidre Belleville, Head of Art, said the students found the program to be extremely valuable and of great personal interest, as they are all heavily involved in creative pursuits. The SAM program introduces students to a wide range of art activities and presents challenging and new approaches to art ideas and techniques.

Sessions take place at SAM on Thursdays after school. Ms Belleville said this year’s students completed a four-week painting course with artist Ian Butterworth. “All used the skills and techniques learned to create paintings for their Studio Arts folios, with great success,” she said. “This work is currently up in our gallery.”

ABOVE: Lucy Asquith’s portrait of Chuck Close. LEFT: Art scholars Laura Hatty, Chelsea McKindley, Cody Mohamed and Lucy Asquith.

Indonesian visitors

I

n March, the school was delighted to welcome students and staff from Muhammadiyah 2 Senior High School in Surabaya, Java. This is the fourth year the school has welcomed students from the school. Muhammadiyah 2 is a liberal Muslim co-educational school. The school has over 1000 students from Year 10 to 12. The school has a strong focus on learning with nearly all graduating students attending university either in Indonesia or overseas. The academic program is rigorous and all students learn multiple languages including Indonesian, English, Arabic and Mandarin.

The visiting group comprised 10 students from Years 10 to 11 and tour group leader Pak Budi Astario, who is Vice

Principal of the school. The school is very appreciative of the welcome and generosity extended by families who have hosted our exchange students. Our guests were delighted by the welcome extended to them and have been very appreciative of the hospitality they have received. Host families also report that this has been a wonderful experience for their families as well.

During their time with the school, the visiting students have enjoyed a wide range of experiences. They have attended classes, assemblies, canoeing and the Kyabram Fauna Park.

RIGHT: Visiting student Audrey Lukanta who was hosted by Year 7s Maisie Davidson enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the House Athletics carnival, which was held during her visit.

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Performing arts

Hitting the high-school notes O

ur high-school musical was exactly that for 2018. The whole-of-school annual production performed the Disney favourite High School Musical in three near sell-out shows in May at Westside Performing Arts Centre, Mooroopna.

The show revolves around Troy Bolton (James Worsfold), the star athlete at a small-town high school, who falls for nerdy beauty Gabriella Montez (Tilly Dalton) at a holiday karaoke party. When they return to campus, Troy and Gabriella audition for the upcoming school musical. Meanwhile, the jealous Sharpay Evans (Mia Lawley) conspires to squelch their chances. The two must struggle to make it to auditions while also meeting their existing obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon.

Principal Mr Mark Torriero said the production was a wonderful celebration of the combined efforts of so many people. “Over 100 students, as well as parents and staff, were involved in the team,” he said. “Their collective efforts have created a very fine production.”

Tilly Dalton and James Worsfold.

The orchestra included a number of students who performed wonderfully.

“They were crucial in capturing the energy and emotions of the story and driving the

Sean French, Mia Lawley and Ella Sprunt. narrative throughout,” Mr Torreiro said. “As always, our team of costume designers and creators performed magic in generating a most delightful costume collection for the production. The considerable efforts of the lead performers have been rewarded. The ensemble cast is always critical to the success of a production and, once again, they brought the story to life through their energy, vocal harmonies and synchronised dance pieces.

The many other team members behind the scene, including stage crew and lighting, worked brilliantly.”

This musical is well known and, while the story is on the surface light and entertaining, there are relevant themes for all school communities. It encourages youth to explore their dreams, to challenge themselves and not to simply follow narrow expectations set by those around them. “The act of so many students being involved in this production itself demonstrates that we have a strong culture of performing arts at the school and our students genuinely believe that you can be both a learner, a sports person and a performer on stage,” Mr Torriero said.

He thanked Director Mrs Helen Janke and Musical Director Mr Bruce Archibald for their leadership.

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Former students

Maddie’s having a ball

F

ormer student Maddie Garrick (Class of 2010) has built a stellar international career as a basketball player for the Australian Opals and is currently playing her fourth season for the Melbourne Boomers in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

Working her way up through the junior ranks at Bulleen Boomers, Maddie played for Vic Country at the under-16 and under-18 level, before grabbing a spot with Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL as a 17 year old.

She earned gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in 2009 and although she only played in three games, gained valuable experience at the 2011 under-19 World Championships where Australia finished fourth.

Back in the WNBL, Maddie made the move to the Australian Institute of Sport where she received more court time and honed her skills. She returned to the Spirit in 2012 and was a part of back-to-back championships in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Michelle Couling Photography

The two-guard had a breakout season in 2014 and averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists to earn the Most Valued Player in the South East Australia Basketball League.

Since 2015, Maddie has represented the Melbourne Boomers where her point production has rapidly increased to average double-figures in scoring over the past two seasons.

She has also shot at least 37% from the threepoint line and her form earned her a spot with the Australian Opals at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2017 when they won the silver medal.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Maddie hopes to play for the Opals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. An invite to try three on three basketball, known as 3x3, earlier this year has offered Maddie a way to chase an Olympic berth outside of the 12 prized Opals spots.

She was part of Australia’s side that won the bronze medal at the 3x3 Asia Cup in China in May. The Sydney Morning Herald says it has opened her eyes to new possibilities – 3x3 basketball will make its Olympic debut in Tokyo and will also be in the next Commonwealth Games instead of full basketball so, at 26, Garrick should be right in the frame for those events.

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“I’m keeping my mind open to international experience and I know that’s something I need for the Opals,” Maddie said. “Some aspects of 3x3 translate to five-on-five basketball but my dream has always been to play on a five-on-five team at the Olympics but if that didn’t work out and you had this opportunity to represent your country in basketball it would be nice to have it in your back pocket.”

As well as finishing her last semester at Deakin University where she is studying exercise and sports science, Maddie has also been involved in an advertising campaign for athletic apparel company Lululemon and a number of other ventures.

Maddie grew up with two brothers in Toolamba where she was engrossed in netball and Little Athletics. When her brothers joined an after school basketball competition, Maddie decided to follow

them. “I remember playing my first game and just loving it,” she told basketball.net.au. “Everyone was involved. I enjoyed the people, the community feel and the atmosphere around it, the type of game it was...”

While quickly becoming enamoured with basketball, Maddie could have just as easily been lost to the game. When she was 15, her options to play locally within her age group were slim to none. A coach in Leigh Bathman stepped in, putting Maddie through her paces with a handful of individual training sessions on top of sessions in Melbourne.

“That was a big thing, having a coach that would take the time out of his life to help me achieve these dreams that we sat down and wrote together,” Maddie said. “Especially when there’s no competition. Having the family support as well has been critical.”

Many strings to her bow

I

t may encourage budding musicians and their parents to know that Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO) violinist Victoria Bihun (pictured right) did need encouragement to practice as a child. “I didn’t like practising,” Victoria said. “I definitely needed encouragement. I think that’s pretty normal. It’s not ideal being locked away in a room, practising by yourself.”

The former GVGS student (Class of 2008) has lived in Sydney for the past three years. In 2015 she was awarded a prestigious SSO Fellowship. She has since gone on to become a permanent member of the orchestra’s second violin section. But this is no overnight success story.

The 27 year old has come a long way since she picked up a violin at the age of 5 after watching the instrument being played on television. It also helped having a musical mother in GVGS Head of Music Mrs Genevieve Bihun. “Mum was always playing piano, so there was a lot of music in the house,” Victoria said. “It definitely helped with her being so musical, though Dad would say I get it all from him,” she joked.

Travelling from Benalla to school every day, Victoria did “a bit of everything”, including aerobics, skiing, netball, basketball and soccer. Not surprisingly, she was also an active participant in the concert band and string orchestra.

In Year 12 she took the maximum two music subjects as well as two maths subjects and Indonesian. “I worked hard at school but I didn’t necessarily need a high score to get into music – you need to do a good audition,” she said. That she must have done, undertaking three years of study at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music – during which time she was concertmaster of both

Henry’s mission

F

ormer School Captain Henry Galbraith (Class of 2013) is set for a career in foreign affairs and trade, following an internship with the Australian Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO is a collection of Australia’s representatives at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva,” Henry (pitured right) said. “The mission aims to advance Australia’s trade interests on the international stage, pushing hard in negotiations to try and deliver the best outcomes for Australia and also for the WTO.” Henry attended daily meetings at the WTO and WIPO (The World Intellectual Property Organisation) and on occasion was lucky enough to ‘sit behind the flag’ in various negotiations.

His supervisor was another former student,

the Melbourne Youth Orchestra and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Symphony Orchestra – and then a Graduate Diploma in Professional Music at the University of Tasmania, followed by two years with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Despite missing Hobart, Victoria is settled in Sydney with the SSO, performing in three concerts a week at the Opera House. “I love performing … especially when you get goosebumps because it’s a really incredible moment,” she said. “You look into the audience and they look like they are experiencing the same thing. I really enjoy seeing a person has gotten a lot out of the music I’ve produced for them. It’s a part of you that you’re presenting to the audience. It is something you’ve given them as a gift and they’ve appreciated it.”

Victoria has plenty of encouragement for other would-be musicians. “I definitely believe anyone can do it if they really put their mind to it and work extremely hard,” she said. “If you want it enough and you’re willing to put your life towards it, it is possible. You have to be willing to sacrifice quite a bit.”

Her advice on breaking into the industry is to join a local youth orchestra and try to do as many youth programs as possible. “Gradually work your way up,” she said. “Join a university orchestra. Get involved in as many things as you can. Don’t just lock yourself away in a practice room. Get out there and get experience and make connections and work with as many different people as possible.”

She is grateful that GVGS encouraged her musical pursuits. “It can be hard being in the country, as there are not as many musical options as in the city but I never felt disadvantaged being there,” she said. “That never crossed my mind.”

She enjoyed playing for school concerts and theatre productions. “There were actually a lot of performing opportunities at school, and that was very helpful,” she said. “Performing in front of the school helps with nerves. It was a good environment.”

On stage in the famous 2500-capacity Opera House concert hall, Victoria is one of approximately 30 violinists divided into first and second sections.

“One part is more melodic; the other would have counter melodies and juicy harmonies,” she said.

With the SSO, she has toured to China and Korea and will be going to Europe at the end of this year.

While it can be challenging to get a permanent job in the music industry, Victoria is living proof it can be achieved. “If it really is what you want to do – and it has to be – then absolutely go for it,” she said. “You’d be kicking yourself if you didn’t at least try. And then if it doesn’t work out, at least you gave it a red hot go!”

Felicity Hammond (Class of 2000, see Nexus 2016 - autumn/winter). “Felicity has been a wonderful mentor for me,” Henry said. “Working closely with Felicity has given me the opportunity to experience important international negotiations from the negotiating table, which has been a truly eye-opening experience.” Henry wrote reports on the progress of meetings (including trade policy reviews of certain countries) and undertook research projects.

At GVGS, Henry was heavily involved in the sport and music programs, playing soccer, cricket and badminton for the school and was a member of the stage and concert bands.

He studied a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of International Relations at the Australian National University in Canberra.

“Certainly after this experience, I would be very interested in pursuing a career in international diplomacy,” Henry said.

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Past student news

Class of 1997

Class of 2007

Where are they now?

Every year, class reunions are held at GVGS. Attendees have been asked to pen an update on their lives, which we will now publish in Nexus for the interest of classmates and the wider school community.

CLASS OF 1987, 30-YEAR REUNION

JAMES CASTLES: Working with Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and living at Bunbartha with his wife Carla and his three daughters, Imogen, Year 3, and twins Opal and Amelia, Year 1. James’s son Jae is a gifted cyclist and has won many State awards and represented Victoria at the national level.

GLEN EDWARDS: Teaching at the GVGS in the Year 9 program, teaching Year 9 maths and personal development as well as Year 5, 7 and 8 maths. Manages the school’s badminton teams and is involved in coaching both the Year 11/12 and Year 9/10 football teams. Married to Tammy and has two daughters Ella, 5, and Mia, 4. He enjoys going on holiday to Hamilton Island and watching his Brisbane Lions play live.

MERRYN HOWELL (BINNIE): Merryn is an accredited mental health social worker and has worked for Benalla Health – Community Health for the past 15 years as a generalist counsellor.

Previously worked in child protection, refugee resettlement and family services. Lives in Benalla with husband Grant and their three daughters – Ella, Year 12, Anna, Year 8 (both current students at GVGS), and Kiera (Class of 2016, now attending Deakin University in Burwood).

PETER MAWSON: Peter and wife Lynda work in their business Mawson Constructions. They have two children attending GVGS – Lincoln, Year 7, Archer, Year 5, and Savannah to come in Year 5, 2021.

MELISSA TSELEPIS (HAYES): Melissa lives in Brisbane and, along with her husband, owns several ‘Sole Sister’ shoe shops and cafés. They have four children, the eldest being 21.

CAMERON POGUE: Currently has his own agricultural business Advanced Ag, operating in Shepparton and Kyabram, providing the Goulburn Valley region with agricultural products, systems, fertilisers and agronomic advice. Lives on a farm at Toolamba with wife Serrin and their daughters Milla, currently in Year 11 at GVGS, and Ashia, who completed VCE 2017 at GVGS and is now attending Deakin University in Geelong.

CLASS OF 1992, 25-YEAR REUNION

NARELLE CROSSMAN (FOLEY): Teaching at Stanhope Primary School and running her Australian Pony Stud. They have a baby called Max, a brother for Brayden, 14.

TRAVIS COX: After almost 20 years working at the University of Melbourne, Travis has moved with wife Diana to Adelaide. Travis is currently the Director of Learning Enhancement and Innovation at the University of Adelaide. They

have achieved a goal of travelling in all 50 states of the USA. Travis is ranked 14th in the world for ‘tuna tossing’ at Tunarama, Port Lincoln!

CHRIS LEFFLER: Returned to Australia in 2012 and has been contracting as a Solution Architect in the utilities industry. This involves working on Smart Metering, Smart Grid and Micro-grid solutions for Siemens as the Lead Solution Architect for the Asia-Pacific region and for AGL as a Lead Solution Architect for strategic projects. Life now pivots around his four sons aged between 8 and 14 as well as supporting his wife to grow her vintage furniture business, Eclectic Boogaloo. Recently spent a few weeks trekking through the Bhutanese Himalayas.

CLARE McCRACKEN (JONKER): Graduated with a Masters of Business Administration from Charles Sturt University and now working in an executive administrative role at the University.

Moved to Bathurst with husband Jason and two children, Alexander, 13, and Hannah, 10.

She has returned to her love of horse riding and spends time at the local pony club with the children.

LISA MILLER: Currently Head of Teaching and Learning at Grimwade House, Melbourne Grammar School.

CLAIRE O’TOOLE (VERVAART): Currently working for aged care provider One Care Ltd in Tasmania as Manager of Property Services.

Also operates a consulting co Green Ware Projects in her spare time. She is Australian Institute of Building Tas Chapter Vice President and the National Association of Women in Construction Tas Chapter Treasurer. She is still heavily involved in construction and enjoys the challenges that each project presents. Claire has two sons aged 13 and 11. She enjoys stand-up paddle boarding and competes in age group State titles. She is an active member of Clifton Beach SLSC and rows surf boats for the club.

ANDREW PLUNKETT: After completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Melbourne University, Andrew returned to the family orchard business in Ardmona in 1997. Andrew has been an active member of the fruit industry and was chairman of Fruit Growers Victoria for four years. Plunkett Orchards has expanded to become one of the largest pome fruit exporters in Australia. Andrew and wife Sally have two children; Lila aged 8 and Baxter aged 10.

Andrew enjoys keeping fit and participating in running events throughout the year.

TIMOTHY ROSE: Completed Bachelor of Business – Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Has worked for 12 years at BUNZL. Tim and his wife have a daughter, Isabella, aged 2. Has purchased five investment properties.

CLASS OF 1997, 20-YEAR REUNION

OMAR SALI: In 2002 completed a Masters in International Business and was Business Development Manager in the Spotless Group’s Property Services Division. In 2009 he established Blue Facilities, a company commercialising Australia energy efficiency solutions and renewable energy technology.

Currently works for Honeywell as the Facility Leader at Southern Cross Station. Omar and his wife Tarli have two children, Freya, 8, and Judd, 6. Omar is the local Auskick coordinator, helping kids (including his own) learn how to play footy.

DUNCAN CRAWFORD: Completed Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Melbourne University.

Worked as an agronomist at Elders and Manager’s Assistant at Rural Business Banking ANZ. Currently owns and manages a dairy farm

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with wife Emily and their three children Sophie, Thomas and Rex. AMY GUEST (WILSON): Currently Demand and Operations Planning Manager at Royal Canin Australia, Melbourne.

DANIELLA MENEGHETTI: Moved to Melbourne and worked as a housing support/outreach worker for eight years. Was a Dispute Resolution Officer for five years, then became a public servant for the Australian Government but is now with the State Government and back in housing. Still a ‘checkout chick’ casually (for 24 years now) and enjoying festivals, music and travel.

KATE PINNER (COONEY): Working in the family business Shepparton Roadworthy Centre with husband Paul. Their daughter Ella is now 12.

LOUISA LOCKE (POGUE): Office Manager at her husband Andrei’s Periodontist Business in Melbourne and Shepparton. They have three children, twins Ava and Austin, 8, and Fergus, 5.

CLASS OF 2002, 15-YEAR REUNION

MARINA GREGOR (BAKER): Gained a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) at Adelaide Uni then a Masters of Accounting at the University of South Australia. Worked for three years at Rabobank and eight years as an accountant. Married to Brett and has two little boys, Charlie, 2, and James, six months. Running a Merino property on Kangaroo Island.

SIMON BOUNDY: Has worked primarily in the adult education sector for a range of organisations including John Holland, SUSSAN group, Education Services Australia and Australia Post and is now enjoying a new role at ME Bank as a Learning and Development Consultant. Lots of travel with many visits to his parents in Seymour.

MATTHEW BROWN: Graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture from Melbourne University 2005. Gained a Diploma of Aquaculture at the University of Tasmania 2006. Matthew has been employed by TASSAL since 2007 as Dive Team Leader, managing 12 divers and two dive boats in southern Tasmania. Married in 2011 to Karen and started a family in 2014 and now has three boys. Oliver is three and their twin boys, Hudson and Isaac, are almost four months old.

BRODERICK FLOYD: Managed and now owns family company Mark J. Floyd Funeral Services with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable practice. Involved in National Funeral Directors Association Executive working with Government, regulatory and compliance.

President of Euroa Cricket Club, on the executive committee for Shepparton Cricket Association, committee member of Euroa Basketball Association, Euroa Football Netball Club and Euroa Community Action Group. Strong interest in building local communities and has a strong philanthropic focus through the business and social interests.

DUNCAN MORRIS: Completed Bachelor of Social Science majoring in sociology. Has gained experience at Vincent de Paul. Back into drumming.

CLASS OF 2007, 10-YEAR REUNION

ASHAN ABUZAR: Studied at Melbourne University, graduated 2010. Became a qualified Chartered Accountant currently working at Vanguard (fund manager), as an internal auditor. Previously worked at Telstra and BDO Chartered Accounting.

DANIEL ARNOLD: Completed Bachelor of Science (Biomedical) and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at Latrobe UniversityBendigo. Working as Project Manager on Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project.

Married to Hannah and has a son Austin Kevin Arnold. Purchased a 240-hectare beef and cropping property in Arcadia.

JACK BRAZEL: Working for software company Turnitin, managing Asian matters. Lots of travel.

MARCUS CASSIDY: Completed study at Deakin University in Commerce Finance/Financial Planning. Worked with Colonial First State Custom Solutions and Commonwealth Bank.

Currently employed at Melmain Investments as Finance Manager. Has been travelling east and west coast of America, Mexico, Indonesia and Asia.

ANDREW GUPPY: Previously a software developer in the primary production industry.

Currently a partner in an accounting/financial planning business. Completed a Diploma of Financial Planning. Still resides in Shepparton.

Enjoys fishing, motorbike riding and gym.

ALISTAIR HAMIT: Completed Bachelor of Business Administration/Law at Australian National University and qualified as a solicitor.

Alistair has moved from Canberra to Melbourne and is working as a solicitor for Coles.

JACK KANE: Studied medicine at the University of Melbourne. Lived in Norway for a year as part of an exchange program.

TIM KANE: Completed a degree in Construction/Facilities Management at Deakin University in Geelong. Currently working as a Project Manager. Is currently taking time off work to travel around South America.

JACK MACTIER: Obtained his Business Degree at La Trobe University, Bundoora. He started a graduate-management development program at Hanson Cement Group, Heidelberg, before moving to work on coal infrastructure projects in central Queensland. Married to Kaitlyn, they have a baby Archie.

MITCHELL MACKENZIE: Working as an occupational therapist for Baringa Private Hospital, Coffs Harbour.

NICHOLAS MITCHELL: Worked in agriculture as a sales rep for a vegetable seed company.

Also worked in agriculture in the UK for seven months.

RIKKI MORGAN: From 2012–14 worked for Jetstar on social media and customer litigation, while finishing a Graduate Certificate in Sociology and Politics. In 2015, began working as the communications and policy officer for the Australasian Podiatry Council, while studying a Master of Social Policy, graduating halfway through 2016. Currently doing public relations for a foster-care agency called Westcare Foster Care.

NAMIT SHARMA: Completed MBBS/Bachelor of Science 2013, Post Graduate Diploma Surgical Anatomy 2015. Current Orthopaedic Registrar.

Now living in Albury.

LETIZIA PIASER (NICOSIA): Completed a Diploma in Hospitality Management at William Angliss Institute. Worked for three years as a restaurant supervisor for Marriott International, Melbourne. For the past five years worked in various function venues including ZINC at Federation Square as Operations Manager and Event Sales Executive. Currently studying an advanced make-up course. Married Joseph in 2014 about to build their third house.

BRADEN PULLEN: Braden taught Year 9 physical education at Notre Dame College in 2013–14. After travelling to South America and Europe in 2015, he decided to change his profession and is currently studying physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University, which he will complete in 2019. He continues to teach as a replacement teacher at various schools. In 2012–14 played football for Shepparton Bears.

Class of 1992

Class of 1987 Performs most weekends playing guitar and singing at weddings and other functions.

NATHAN SALI: Now has his own business in signwriting.

MATTHEW SHARAWARA: Currently working and travelling overseas.

RYAN SMITH: Studied sports turf management. Now working as manager of Black Bull Golf Club in Yarrawonga. He is engaged to Kate.

JESSE CHEAL: Currently living in The Netherlands since 2015. Working in Eindhoven for Microsoft HERE (GPS systems for self-drive luxury cars). Contracts with Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Worked in Berlin as well. Also updating digital maps in various countries.

Plays soccer and Gaelic football. Enjoys travelling around Europe.

KATE WHITE (WEAIRE): Attended Charles Sturt University (Thurgoona/Albury) and studied Teaching P–12 middle schooling.

Currently teaching and living in Mansfield.

CLASS OF 2012, 5-YEAR REUNION

ISOBELLA AINSWORTH: Attended Melbourne University and completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminology. Is currently Executive Assistant for the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and is living in Shepparton.

KYLE BEARD: Studied Bachelor of Industrial Design with Honours at Monash University.

Started work in January 2017 as an industrial designer at Popart Australia. Lived at Mannix College for two years but now shares housing in Oakleigh with three friends from college.

Plays social ultimate frisbee with Mannix Alumni Team and Club Team.

ELIZA BILLINGTON: Studying medicine in Townsville and Cairns. Short stint waitressing during uni holidays at a new South Yarra café.

Hopes to complete degree by the end of 2018.

Enjoys recreational swimming and running and belongs to a running club, competing occasionally. Loves eating out with GVGS friends when in Melbourne during holidays.

GABRIELLE BROWN: Completed Bachelor of Strategic Communications in 2015. Worked at Yarra Trams as Customer Information Officer.

Current position Assistant Digital Marketing at Choices Flooring. Volunteered at Bendigo Council while at university. Volunteered on the Great Victorian Bike Ride for Bicycle Network and did an internship there as well. Has been overseas to England, France and Bali.

JUSTIN BROWN: Completed Bachelor of Science with a major in Physiology and a Diploma in Applied Mathematics. Currently works at a call centre, taking phone surveys for social research. Lived in Edinburgh, UK, for five months while studying on exchange in 2016.

After studying in the UK, travelled through Europe for three months. Now living in North Melbourne with friends and enjoying city life.

RODNEY BROWN: Completed Bachelor of Biomedicine, Melbourne University 2013–2015 and Graduate Diploma of Teaching Secondary in 2016. Completing Master of Management at Melbourne University Business School. Employed as dance instructor at Pivot Dance Studio 2016–2017. Employed at IER Consultancy 2017. Ranked in Top 10 Australians in WDSF Open Standard at Australian Dance Championships 2016.

Winner of Rising Star Standard at the Ballare International Dancesport Competition in Singapore 2017.

REBECCA BRUN: After school, attended St Hilda’s College and completed Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University with one year left of

post-graduate law degree. Works casually at a small law firm in the city. Travelled to Japan to ski, Cambodia, Greece and Croatia and to the UK. AMY CAMPBELL: Studied journalism at RMIT 2013–2016. Moved to New York at the end of 2016 and interned at online media company, Man Repeller. Returned to Australia at the end of 2017 and is now working as the staff writer for GQ Magazine and living in Sydney.

CATHERINE DAVEY: Studying primary teaching at La Trobe University, Bundoora.

Will graduate in 2018. Works in special needs, before and after school care, part-time. Also work in a holiday program at Xavier College.

TINA DEMAIO: Currently final year of parttime study, off campus, Deakin University.

Completing commerce degree, majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning and has been working as an accountant since 2014.

Currently employed through Mogg Osborne Pty Ltd. Got married April 2018 at the Woolshed.

Brought a house just over a year ago in Cobram.

CLAIRE FISHER: Studied Bachelor of Arts, majoring in criminology and politics. Worked at RMIT for 18 months. Internship at Sisterworks, not for profit, working with refugee and asylum-seeker women. Went on exchange to Amsterdam. Travelled solo for eight months.

WILLIAM FORD: Employed with the Commonwealth Bank.

JACK FULLER: Completed Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Victoria University. Studying majors in Exercise Rehabilitation at Victoria University.

EMMA GADSBY: Since graduating in 2012, at RMIT University in Melbourne, studying a Bachelor of Psychology and Statistics. Ended up in the corporate world in 2015, previously working at Suncorp and AMP. Now working as a Customer Relations Specialist at Suncorp since July 2017. Built a house in Melbourne and has been living there for just over two years, with her husband Paul.

HAMISH HEAL: Took a gap year to teaching English in Vietnam for three months. Completed degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology.

Attained a job in weed management March 2017. Plans to undertake Honours in 2018.

AMELIA HINDSON: Completed double degree in Architecture and Construction Management.

Commenced fulltime work in the field this year.

Lived in Geelong. Exchange in Berlin. Currently living and working in Melbourne.

JOHN HOUSE: Working full time with my cousin’s cropping enterprise. Continued to run the family farm with my parents. Running 1800 sheep for fat lambs. Plays football for Goorambat. Best and Fairest 2017 Reserves.

GEORGINA JEWELL: Moved to Geelong in 2014 and has been living in Canada since 2015, working at a children’s summer camp in both Vancouver and Toronto.

PHOEBE LARSON: Completed Bachelor of Environments Degree, majoring in Construction. Works as a Construction Project Coordinator for a builder in Abbotsford, specialising in architectural homes and buildings. Spent two years at St Hilda’s College.

Now living in shared housing with friends.

Travelled to Spain, Eastern Europe, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and India.

HARRISON MACKENZIE: Took a gap year and worked at Tatura Milk making baby formula.

Moved to Melbourne to study Business, and after a year moved across to a Bachelor of Education P–12. Currently in third year of study.

EMMA MADDEN: Lived in college while studying a degree in Business HR 2013–2014.

Changed to Applied Science (Psychology).

Worked in retail at both Seed and SABA for four years until commencing fulltime work at the beginning of 2017 at the GDP Group, a property services company as Assistant to the Director and IMS Coordinator. Recently changed jobs to HR Administrator at Harris HMC. Have enjoyed exploring Melbourne’s food offerings, trying out the newest cafes and restaurants across Melbourne.

HARRY McLAURIN: Completed Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of International Relations at ANU in Canberra. Has been working as a paralegal at Minter Ellison while doing degree.

Will start as a graduate lawyer there next year. Has also been working as a Research Assistant to Professor Margaret Thornton at the Australian National University College of Law. Has competed in a number of ultramarathon events at ANU (called Inward Bound) including 100km run last year (2nd place). Has travelled through South East Asia.

ERIN McLEOD: Completed a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Indonesian) at University of Melbourne and attended St Hilda’s College for two years. Now lives in share house in Brunswick with college and uni friends. In final year of Juris Doctor (Law) at the University of Melbourne. Works as a legal clerk at a small city law firm. Recently undertook study at Jiao Tong University, Shanghai and Hong Kong University and has travelled with friends to Greece, Croatia, the UK and Cambodia.

EMILY MILLAR: Between 2013 and 2017 studied a Bachelor of Architecture at Deakin Waterfront and a Certificate IV in Interior Decoration at the Gordon TAFE in Geelong.

Currently working as a Colour Consultant for Hamlan Homes, a Geelong-based builder.

Has travelled to various countries since leaving school including the UK to visit family and friends from Year 10 exchange program.

Currently undertaking a renovation in Geelong.

ADRIAN MITROPOULOS: Graduated from Bond University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce. Worked with Bank of Queensland and also Camerons Lawyers.

Currently overseeing the operations of seven quick-service restaurants, managing over 450 employees. Graduated with First Class Honours in Law. Recipient of the Steven Johnson Memorial Medal for graduating with the highest GPA in the Undergraduate Business School.

LISA NEWTON: Studied Bachelor of Nursing in 2013. Withdrew from course and began fulltime work at Davis Jones as well as managing a Nightclub Bar, Karaoke Bar & Events Band Room Bar and also ran bars at music festivals.

Went on to manage a Pop Up Outdoor Summer Bar 2016-2017. Currently studying full time, Bachelor of Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine at the Endeavour College of Natural Health in Melbourne. Has done several run/ rides to raise money and awareness for MS. ANIKA O’CALLAGHAN: Studied Bachelor of Education¬–Primary for the past four years. Teaching Year 1 fulltime in Point Cook.

Travelled to America for a month. Moved to Geelong five years ago. Still playing netball.

GRACE O’CONNOR (THOMSON): Working part-time as an Integration Aide. Studying primary teaching with Swinburne online.

Married in November 2016. Currently living in Benalla. Was expecting a baby this year.

KIERAN O’CONNOR: Studied Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University 2013–2016.

Currently studying Masters in Structural Engineering at Melbourne University. Travelled overseas to Hawaii 2016 and Europe 2017.

Played football for University Blacks 2013, 2014. Played football for Avenel 2015, 2016.

SOPHIE PARSONS: Worked in human and community services in Melbourne. Studying community services.

PHOEBE PERKINS: Completed a gap year through the PE traineeship with GVGS 2013.

2014–2016 studied Bachelor of Arts (Legal Studies) with Victoria University, finished in top 20% of class and offered an Honours course.

Worked two part-time jobs as a teacher aide and ballet teacher. Completed university and began working as sales associate selling luxury watches and jewellery for Monards Pty Ltd. MITCHELL PREWETT: Worked as an aquatic life support technician and licensed Pyro technician and explosive shot-firer. In 2014 entered the Victoria Police Academy. Has continued his work in the explosives industry part-time while working as a police officer fulltime. In 2017 transferred to the Ocean Grove Police Station. Became engaged in 2018. Currently studying a degree in Social Science majoring in National Security and Counter-Terrorism. Has travelled to Europe, Asia and Africa.

JOSHUA QUIGLEY: Completed Bachelor of Business (Economics and Finance) at RMIT 2016. Worked at Bell Potter Securities–Futures Department 2016. Keeps fit with regular running and attending the gym. Continued to play hockey while living in Melbourne, Melbourne University and Swinburne University Hockey Club. Has continued to play tennis.

JACK ROBINSON: Currently an electrician with a local firm in Shepparton.

CALLUM ROSE: In 2016 Callum did a fourth year of study in law in The Hague and is currently studying law at Victoria University, Melbourne.

SHRUTI SHARMA: Graduated Bachelor of Biomedicine and currently studying Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne.

LILIANA SLATTER: 2013 Bachelor of Nursing/ Midwifery La Trobe University, Bundoora. 2016 graduated, Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery.

2017 graduate Midwife at Box Hill Hospital.

August 2017, nominated as Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation Job Representative.

2014–2017 worked in aged care while studying.

2013 visited Singapore with a scholarship on nursing exchange. 2015 granted scholarship by Australian College of Midwives. Visited Nepal with a scholarship on nursing exchange.

ANDREW WOODCOCK: Completed Mechanical Engineering bachelor degree with Honours. Works at Ascot Vale Cellars selling craft beer. Applying for engineering jobs.

JOHN WOODCOCK: Graduated Civil and Infrastructure Engineering at RMIT First Class Honours. Currently employed at SMEC as a graduate engineer.

ASHLEIGH WHITE: Completed a Bachelor of Interior Architecture with Honours 2016.

Started work at Hassell Architecture Studio as a student last year and now employed as a Graduate Interior Designer. Travelled with both uni and work. Uni exchange to Prato in Italy. Awarded top marks for final thesis project and received a trip to Singapore to attend design week.

SOPHIA YOUNG: Studied Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University in Geelong. Completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice to be admitted as an Australian lawyer. Now works at Pitcher Partners in Melbourne as an analyst in business recovery and insolvency services. Has travelled to New Zealand and hopes to visit the USA next year or go on secondment in the near future.

NEXUS 2 0 1 8 / 1 9

Around the school

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The percussion concert was held on May 30; Jackson Campbell enjoyed wheelchair basketball; Social Justice Prefects Ellie Nethersole and James Worsfold presented representatives from Kildonan Uniting Care, Vicki Huggard and Emma Dahlenburg, with a cheque for $1237.20 earlier this year. These funds were raised by the 2017 GVGS Amnesty International Group; The annual Years 5/6 Mother’s Day picnic was another great success this year. Pictured are Charlotte and Campbell Smith with their mother Mrs Amanda McRoy; School Captains Gabrielle Patterson and SImon Pell organised the first ever Pelic-nic in term one. Pictured are Georgina Belcher, Molly Tennant, Lily Fleming, Natasha Dodos and Philippa Verge.

Verney Road, PO Box 757, Shepparton 3632, Victoria, Australia.

Telephone: 03 5833 3300 Email: gvgs@gvgs.vic.edu.au

www.gvgs.vic.edu.au