A PUBLICATION OF THE HAMILTON AND ALEXANDRA COLLEGE / NO 83 / DECEMBER 2024
A REGENERATIVE SERVICE JOURNEY / PAGE 10 YEAR 9 IN VIETNAM
A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE / PAGE 12
OUR FIRST-EVER JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL / PAGE 08 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL FROZEN JR.
CLASS OF 1974 FORM 6 GROUP
Of the 39 students in the Class of 1974 Form 6 photo, 31 the attended the 50-year reunion lunch held in October, with two others unable to attend at the last minute including our dedicated organiser, Trena Watts (Clayton). Read more on page 23…
The Hamilton and Alexandra College acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our College proudly stands, the Gunditjmara People. We honour Elders past, present and future in recognition of their strength and resilience, we commit to building a brighter future together.
Front cover photo: Arya Bouchier (Year 5) as Elsa and Violet Shrive (Year 4) as Anna in Disney Frozen JR.
Photography: Alana Brown, Tim Cameron, Ashley Quinsey, We Met In June and Katie Winter Cooke
FROM THE
PRINCIPAL
CAPITALISING ON OUR STRENGTHS
When enacting the College’s new strategic direction earlier this year, the College Board and Executive drew on the work of Professor Donald MacLean from the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow. One of his key messages is that strategy is strength. Across the course of 2024, I have articulated the key strengths of our school using three key ideas: Nurture; Academic; Opportunity. This is the thing we do well – we nurture academic opportunity. And these separately are the things we do well – nurture students’ wellbeing, strive academically, and
provide exceptional opportunities. I am firmly convinced that we are delivering in line with these strengths – with the proof in the growing and broadening experiences and successes of our students as detailed in the following pages. This edition contains many examples of students taking the opportunities offered and achieving success. Here I would like to consider why our School takes the approach it does.
MICHAEL HORNE
Teachers and education academics argue a lot about what school should look like. We debate:
• Should we train for the specific skills demanded by technological advancement?
• Or become incubators for entrepreneurs and business thinkers?
• Or develop our young people’s existing skills and knowledge about the specific industry that they are likely to end up working in?
All of these approaches have their merits and there are some excellent educational institutions delivering them to great effect, including right here in Hamilton. My concern, though, is that these approaches are tied very closely to the world of work. This raises a fundamental question for anyone interested in schools and education: should all schools be only for preparing young people for work, or should some be preparing them for life?
I am taken at the moment with the resurging idea in the educational debate of ‘liberal education’. A liberal education is one which liberates young people from errors in thinking, and thereby gives them the freedom to pursue whatever life they might choose and work for, rather than equipping them for a specific path.
A liberal education can be broadly summarised as one which:
• Develops and imparts broad knowledge about human history, cultures and the natural and physical world
• Explicitly develops intellectual skills of inquiry and analysis, public speaking, rhetoric and argument, information literacy, problem solving and teamwork
• Develops personal and moral responsibility by teaching about moral frameworks and ethics, and by demanding service of others
Because it is not designed to equip a person for a specific work task, the strong implication of a liberal education is that knowledge has value in and of itself, and that education is not just a means to an end, but a way of equipping yourself for whatever end you arrive at. And the wonderful irony is that in learning things that are not immediately practically useful, we actually learn those things that will best equip us to be flexible thinkers and problem solvers able to deal with whatever is in front of us. A liberal education is about developing the tools to front up to the problems and challenges we come across, whatever they are, putting them in perspective and approaching them logically, armed with the best thinking of the best minds of history.
While serving on the supply ship USS Crescent City during World War II, Philip Alvan Shribman was 21 and a recent graduate of Dartmouth University when he wrote to his 18-year-old brother who was about to enter college. In defence of just such a liberal education he argued that:
What you’ll learn in college won’t be worth a God-damned. But you’ll learn a way of life perhaps—a way to get on with people— an appreciation perhaps for just one thing: music, art, a book—all of this is bound to be unconscious learning—it’s part of a liberal education in the broad sense of the term.
In a liberal school you know ‘nothing’—& are ‘fitted for nothing’ when you get out. Yet you’ll have a fortune of broad outlook— of appreciation for people & beauty that money won’t buy— You can always learn to be a mechanic or a pill mixer etc., but it’s only when you’re of college…that you can learn that life has beauty & fineness.
Later the same year, during the carnage and loss of the Guadalcanal campaign, he wrote to a former professor at Dartmouth, reflecting:
A decent liberal arts education based on the Social Sciences is all a lot of us have left—and more and more becomes the only possible background on which to view all this.
It now increasingly falls to schools like ours to make Shribman’s unpopular argument that what becomes both most meaningful to us in our individual lives, and most beneficial to us collectively, are the biggest and broadest ideas, and the finest arts.
Broad ideas such as sacrifice for others, and ethical behaviour, and the virtue in slow, quiet achievement will be more useful to you in life, precisely because they are broad and, in that, are broadly applicable. If, through each student’s time at College and the influence of those close to them, they can come to see that understanding others is better than belittling difference, or that trying and failing is infinitely better than cynically refusing to participate, they will be developing a broad ‘background on which to view’ things. Developed over time, a broad view of the world based on the sound principles of liberal education provides students an enduring lens through which they can make sense of life.
That’s my argument for teaching things that may appear irrelevant. I think they’re the most important things students will learn in school. You might disagree with me about this, arguing that school should develop more practical skills that are directly useful in work. We can discuss this and disagree about it. But in doing so, we’ll be using the very tools of rhetoric and empathy and debate that a solid liberal education imparts.
This year we asked ourselves, How can we ensure that every graduate of our College has the knowledge, skills and dispositions to not only be happy in their own life, but to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others? We can do it by capitalising on our strengths – and this becomes our strategy.
Our commitment to students is that we will provide unparalleled opportunities so that they can excel wherever their path from College leads – whether back down a familiar farm road, or to university in Warrnambool or Melbourne or Cambridge or Glasgow.
PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
ROSEMARY MERRIN
FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
MAKING OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE OUR GREATEST OPPORTUNITY
An extract from the Chair of the Board’s address at Speech Day 2024
For members of the College Board and Executive, 2024 will be remembered as a year spent in deep conversation about our strategic direction. In January, we went away together for two days to reflect on the strengths and future of our school. During those discussions we talked honestly about those many things that we love about the College, and we discussed the ways we could make our offering even stronger. We held in front of us the truth that it is remarkable that there is a school like ours, in a place like Hamilton, which has enriched lives for over 150 years.
Those January discussions were the impetus for the launch of a new five-year strategic plan. Our Strategic Plan 2024-2028 is underpinned by four pillars that hold us to our purpose – to provide and build upon a school that has:
• Exemplary teachers and staff
• Sustainable resourcing
• Exceptional student futures; within a
• Rich community of service
In our ongoing discussion of strategy this year, both the Principal and I were drawn to the work of Professor Donald MacLean of Glasgow University’s Adam Smith Business School. He puts forward the idea that strategy is not something that you have (on a website or in a brochure), but something that you do. In his words, Strategy is the craft of rising to a significant challenge and accomplishing more than might reasonably be expected.
I love this description of strategy because everywhere I look, I see people in this College community rising to a significant challenge and accomplishing more than might reasonably be expected.
When we understand strategy as Professor MacLean describes it, our plan, our vision, our direction, starts to come to life. Each one of us has a role to play. If our aim is to maintain an energetic place of learning where our students are encouraged to strive for excellence that benefits themselves and others, our challenge is to do so here, in Hamilton.
The specific nature of our Hamilton challenge is this:
• We are a small school and likely always will be. Demographic data shows us that population trends in this region are not in our favour.
• We are a school in a town that relies heavily on a robust agricultural economy. I say this in a year when national media reports have focussed on the Hamilton region as one of the worst drought- affected areas in the country.
In the Principal’s piece for this edition of The Ivy and the Tower he writes about why it is important that we maintain this energetic place of learning. By contrast, I would like to stay with our challenge and suggest to you that our challenge is also our great opportunity. There is no other school like ours. Our Hamilton location is our unique point of difference. I think we could do better at recognising the value of that – and I think we could do better at asserting it.
Yes, we are a small school. But small schools are an ideal environment in which to nurture students.
The relationship between teachers and students is different in our country setting. One of our teachers recently wrote about her experience of teaching here. She says, ‘…it is impossible to go grocery shopping or to buy a coffee without running into students and their families, so you just get used to the fact that worlds collide and you are a teacher 24 hours a day in this setting. Students serve you in restaurants, play against you in basketball, and come to your house to bring back your dog when it has run away.’
The teacher here is describing ordinary, everyday occurrences, but I think there is something quite profound in what she writes. In a world where people are increasingly disconnected, and a student could so easily be lost in a big school, or a big city, our school exists in a place where this can’t happen. When we make the claim that our students are known and nurtured – it isn’t a marketing slogan, it’s a fact.
We value our small size, but we are determined to push the boundaries of what is understood to be ‘our’ catchment. A rich, vibrant and flexible boarding offer is central to our strategy as we seek to extend our reach deeper into South Australia, Warrnambool, Portland and Horsham. Adding to that, our boarding offer is enriched immeasurably when students from such places have the opportunity to mix with a diverse and growing group of international students.
This year, the worst drought this region has seen in nearly 30 years has hit hard with our families. One of our College values is resilience, and students here have some insight into what that means. We have to be resilient – and I think that produces something good in the character of our students and the culture of the College.
Many students have worked hard to fund their participation in the variety of international programs we now have on offer. Whether as part of a service learning experience in Vietnam, or an opportunity such as the Yale Model UN Conference in Brussels, our students have demonstrated their resilience and an ability to make the most of opportunities – even when they fall well outside the familiar comfort zone.
Returning from Brussels, our students spoke with confidence and pride in what they had achieved. ‘I now know that I can hold my own with the best and brightest students from all over the world’ was their take home message. What an extraordinary thing for our students to have worked for, and to have learnt about themselves.
We live and work in a beautiful part of the world, and part of our strategy is to capitalise on the natural environment on our doorstep. Earlier this year, Old Collegian and CSIRO global change ecologist Dr Bruce Webber commended us on the purchase of our new property at Mirranatwa. He expressed his hope that it will be a place where students can challenge themselves and take risks – in a world where young people are increasingly cosseted and denied the chance to show competence and resilience. Dr Webber credits his Hamilton College education for igniting his love of science and discovery. The thrilling possibilities of what time spent at Mirranatwa may ignite in our students has captured our imagination and strengthened our conviction that this school is situated in one of the best possible environments in which to nurture curious, capable and creative minds.
We are fortunate indeed to be led by a Principal who recognises the unique value of a regional school, and made a deliberate choice to lead one. In the short time Principal Michael Horne has been here, he has worked relentlessly to refine and improve the operation of the College and, far more than this, inspired us all to strive for excellence in everything that we do.
There is a buzz about the College, and a palpable sense that we are all engaged in working towards something exceptional. We are immensely proud of all that has been achieved this year, and are looking forward to what these next years will bring.
Chair of the Board Rosemary Merrin (Agar 1994) with 2024 School Captain, Sarah Richardson, who was awarded the Neil MacLean Award for Loyalty and Integrity at Speech Day 2024
FROZEN JR. OUR FIRST-EVER JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL
The Junior School’s production of Disney’s Frozen JR. was simply amazing. This heartwarming, engaging and inspirational musical production which involved all students from ELC4 to Year 6 has left an impression on us all. The shared experience of watching students grow through auditions, rehearsal and performances was so very rewarding for parents and teaching staff.
While we had great confidence in our students and our expectations were naturally high, what was delivered on stage really ‘blew us away.’ It would be fair to say the bar has been placed rather high for future whole school performances. A huge ‘thank you’ and sincere congratulations to Angela Kenna. Her passion, vision, energy and multiple skill sets in guiding and nurturing our students were greatly appreciated by all.
An undertaking almost 12 months in the making from announcement through to performance, Frozen JR. is a musical event that we will long recall with great delight.
Stephen Nelson, Head of Junior School
NURTURING LOCALLY
Arya, Year 5 - played Elsa
Being part of our first-ever Junior School musical was a really exciting experience. It was pretty challenging being Elsa but I really enjoyed working with the cast and Miss Kenna.
Archie, Year 5 - played Olaf
Before the show I felt nervous and excited at the same time. After the show I felt really pleased that I had auditioned for the role of Olaf. My highlight was singing ‘In Summer’ with the Year 2 chorus.
Angela Kenna, Head of Drama, Director
Directing Frozen JR. was an incredibly rewarding experience. Watching the students come together on stage to bring the magic of Arendelle to life filled me with pride. Each class embraced their roles, working collaboratively in Drama classes to master the expressive skills of voice, movement, gesture and facial expression. I’m especially proud of the students who stepped outside their comfort zones to audition and take on lead roles. The commitment required to learn lines, master choreography and fully immerse in their characters was no small task, and seeing them grow and shine as performers was truly a joy.
Freya and Richard (1999) Hawker - their three children performed in Frozen JR. Sidney (Year 6) played the King, Scarlett (Year 5) was a featured dancer and Fred (Year 3) was a troll
Our children were lucky enough to be part of Frozen JR. While they were a bit apprehensive to start with, they quickly began enjoying the rehearsals and singing regularly filled our house. One of the things that was so special was the sense the children had of being part of something together and supporting each other when someone felt unsure or forgot their lines.
The performances were extraordinary and there were many tears in the audience, watching the children step out of their comfort zone and seeing their minds opened to what is possible when they try something new. The only complaint from our children was that they wished they could have done more than two shows!
SERVICE AND ADVENTURE YEAR 9
A REGENERATIVE SERVICE JOURNEY AND EXPLORATION OF VIETNAM’S CULTURE AND HISTORY
During the Term 3 holiday break, our Year 9 students were the first-ever group to travel to Vietnam as part of the Year 9 Experience. Students developed rich insights into Vietnam and its people during the 19-day tour which is designed to develop skills in leadership, resilience and independence.
Q&A WITH YEAR 9 STUDENTS
AVA MURRIHY AND SAM O’SULLIVAN
From the service learning program in the village of Na Bai, Son La, to the vibrant hustle and bustle of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to the heat and humidity, to walking through hilltribe regions, to discovering treasures in the crowded markets, to taking in the sites by rickshaw, to the amazing temples in Hanoi and the caves in Ha Long Bay, to cycling and kayaking, to using hand signals to communicate… all shared with plenty of fun and laughs.
Highlights
Ava: Helping in the regional community – we helped them harvest, dry and pack rice, and build a new toilet block and a house. I also loved experiencing so many different cultural aspects, trying new foods, spending time with friends and getting to know our teachers better.
Sam: Working in the village community. Our first job was to move bricks across a big field. The bricks will be used to build a new toilet block that will benefit the whole community. We also helped build the foundation for a new house. Knowing that a family will be living here is a great feeling.
Favourite place
Ava: Na Bai, Son La. Waking up in the morning to the view of beautiful mountains and the sunrise was the perfect way to start the day. Throughout the day, we learned how the village provides for itself and the type of work they do. The best part was spending time with the children after school, playing soccer, learning their favourite games and teaching them some of ours. The day ended with a wonderful meal provided by our homestay hosts.
Lasting impression
Ava: What struck me most was that, despite what the villagers had or didn’t have, they were always happy and excited to see us and eager to teach us about their way of life.
Sam: It [the service learning] was hard work and we have never sweated so much in our lives, but when it was time to leave we knew we had made a real difference.
Ava Murphy Sam O’Sullivan
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
The College’s production of Disney’s High School Musical entertained delighted audiences over four shows in August. However, as the director, Head of Music Angela Kenna explains, musical theatre is about much more than entertainment…
It’s a transformative experience that nurtures invaluable skills and personal growth. Beyond singing, dancing and acting, students cultivate confidence, problem-solving abilities, initiative and teamwork through countless hours of dedication to their craft. Their commitment to collaboration and perseverance embodies the spirit of community and shared achievement, echoing the sentiment of, ‘we’re all in this together’.
Q&A WITH ISAAC SHAW AND ISLA REILLY
Isaac (Year 11) played Troy Bolton (a jock) and Isla (Year 10) played Ms Darbus (Drama teacher)
Highlights
Isaac: Finally performing on opening night - the atmosphere was unreal and there was lots of excitement. Also experience acting and singing in front of larger audiences.
Isla: Interacting with everybody, making new friends and just the whole experience of it all! Taking on a role and being able to use it as my creative outlet.
NURTURING LOCALLY
BROADWAY CALLING
Year 10 student Sarah Crowle played one of the lead roles in High School Musical, Sharpay Evans. In June, Sarah was invited to participate in the New York City Musical Theater (sic) Summer Intensive Program after successfully auditioning at the Victorian Dance Festival in Melbourne. The action-packed program held at the Joffrey Ballet School involved working with a range of Broadway actors, performers and choreographers. In the competition held in the final week of the program, Sarah placed 6th out of 70 contestants.
Highlights
Seeing, meeting, and being taught by the cast of MJ the Musical on Broadway (my favourite musical!) truly inspired me to give every opportunity in life 100%. Also, the opportunity to work with different Broadway performers who gave me advice on getting into the industry and what I need to do to improve in my performance.
Biggest takeaways
I learnt a lot about what I can do to make my performances better and stronger, how to connect with and truly become my character, and how to stand out at auditions and get noticed by the right people in the right way. I also made so many great connections in the industry which will hopefully lead to opportunities in the future.
Sarah playing Sharpay Evans
YEAR 10 CENTRAL AUSTRALIA CULTURAL IMMERSION AND SERVICE
Offered annually in the Term 2 holiday break, this trip provides a range of opportunities for personal challenge and growth and is designed to broaden our students’ appreciation of the Australian natural environment and Aboriginal connection to Country and community.
A key component of the trip is community service. In 2024 this involved our students spending four days working with the Lilla community to help restore their church.
Q&A WITH YEAR 10 STUDENT LILY GILES
Community service
When we arrived in the Lilla community, the [church] building was no more than a little white shed, full of sand with dusty bibles and decorated in spiderwebs. When we were finished, it was ready for action with swept floors, shiny pews ready and even flowers to add a finishing touch. The gratitude we were given made every sweep, every weed pulled and every heave so worth it.
Biggest takeaways
My experience was transformative in ways I never could have expected. From the unforgettable landscapes to the deep sense of community and teamwork, every new experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and opened my eyes to so many new perspectives. The memories of our community service, the lessons I learned about gratitude, the bonds I built and the mindfulness of the whole trip will stay with me forever. This trip reminded me not to take everything for granted and it also deepened my understanding and respect for the land and culture of Aboriginal Peoples.
Around the campfire – students slept in swags under the stars
At Uluru
Service project in the Lilla community – the church after the restorations
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER
ENABLING GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES AND SERVICE OF OTHERS
The ‘Exceptional Student Futures’ pillar of our Strategic Plan 2024–2028 emphasises the importance of expanding extension and enrichment opportunities for our students.
We are committed to providing opportunities for international and local cultural engagement and are pleased to offer this exciting suite of optional experiences and opportunities.
Michael Horne, Principal
OPTIONAL GLOBAL TOURS 2025 & 2026
2026
European Language, Culture, and Art Tour
2025
China Language and Cultural Tour
This tour will be offered in the Term 1 holiday break and is open to students in Years 9 to 12 in 2025. As well as in-school experiences at Gaoyou Middle School, Shanshui Foreign Languages School BFSU and Liangxiang No.2 Middle School, our students will visit the highlights of ancient and modern China.
New Zealand Girls XI and Boys XI Cricket Tour
This 10-day tour in November/December 2025 is open to students in Years 9 to 12 in 2025. It features four one-day matches against local and school teams, visiting highlights of New Zealand’s North Island and an authentic Mitai Maori Cultural Experience and Hangi dinner.
Sri Lanka Service and Trekking Tour
This introduction to the Sri Lankan landscape, culture and people in early December 2025 is open to students in Years 10 to 12 in 2025 and features service at a local community school and conservation service at an Elephant Sanctuary together with the physical challenge of climbing Adams Peak.
This 2-week tour with a focus on France and the French language will be offered in the Term 1 holiday break to students in Years 10 to 12 in 2026.
New Zealand Netball and Hockey Tour
This 10-day tour will be offered in the Term 2 holiday break to students in Years 9 to 12 in 2026.
Yale Model UN Tour to New Zealand or Europe
For more information on these opportunities, please visit hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au
BURSARY SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Recognising the value of these co-curricular travel experiences, bursary programs have been generously established by the College Foundation and the Old Collegians’ Association to promote equal access to enriching learning opportunities on offer at College. This initiative underpins the College’s dedication to nurturing a well-rounded education for all students.
$20,000 $6,000
Wilma Hearn Arena
Wilma Hearn Arena
Wilma Hearn Arena
A Tribute to WILMA HEARN (nee MURRAY) former Old Collegian and Champion Equestrienne
A Tribute to WILMA HEARN (nee MURRAY)
former Old Collegian and Champion Equestrienne
A Tribute to WILMA HEARN (nee MURRAY) former Old Collegian and Champion Equestrienne
Wilma was a student at Alexandra College in 1944 attending as a weekly boarder, enabling her to ride her horses at the weekends as well as at local shows and gymkhanas. With no form of horse transport, Wilma’s family drove her to more distant shows. Wilma rode borrowed horses, recording 200 Lady Rider wins on 46 different horses. Wilma won Champion Lady Rider at Adelaide Royal Show on a horse she had never ridden before.
Wilma was a student at Alexandra College in 1944 attending as a weekly boarder, enabling her to ride her horses at the weekends as well as at local shows and gymkhanas. With no form of horse transport, Wilma’s family drove her to more distant shows. Wilma rode borrowed horses, recording 200 Lady Rider wins on 46 different horses. Wilma won Champion Lady Rider at Adelaide Royal Show on a horse she had never ridden before.
Wilma was a student at Alexandra College in 1944 attending as a weekly boarder, enabling her to ride her horses at the weekends as well as at local shows and gymkhanas. With no form of horse transport, Wilma’s family drove her to more distant shows. Wilma rode borrowed horses, recording 200 Lady Rider wins on 46 different horses. Wilma won Champion Lady Rider at Adelaide Royal Show on a horse she had never ridden before.
In 1969 Wilma’s lifelong ambition was achieved when she won Australia’s most prestigious Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout at the Melbourne Royal Show, riding her horse ‘Quality Street’. Purchased out of a paddock and in very poor condition only 18 months earlier, Wilma and ‘Quality Street’ went on to compete successfully at Horse of the Year Shows and Dressage competitions.
Known for being extremely kind-hearted, Wilma was always willing to help others, often tying stocks for those competing against her, plus riding horses for others especially in Pairs events. She was in demand to judge at local and Royal Shows.
Known for being extremely kind-hearted, Wilma was always willing to help others, often tying stocks for those competing against her, plus riding horses for others especially in Pairs events. She was in demand to judge at local and Royal Shows.
Known for being extremely kind-hearted, Wilma was always willing to help others, often tying stocks for those competing against her, plus riding horses for others especially in Pairs events. She was in demand to judge at local and Royal Shows.
Wilma’s quiet nature and modesty were much admired, and she was known to never boast of her amazing achievements. She provided a fine example for riders and Collegians who follow.
In 1969 Wilma’s lifelong ambition was achieved when she won Australia’s most prestigious Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout at the Melbourne Royal Show, riding her horse ‘Quality Street’. Purchased out of a paddock and in very poor condition only 18 months earlier, Wilma and ‘Quality Street’ went on to compete successfully at Horse of the Year Shows and Dressage competitions.
In 1969 Wilma’s lifelong ambition was achieved when she won Australia’s most prestigious Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout at the Melbourne Royal Show, riding her horse ‘Quality Street’. Purchased out of a paddock and in very poor condition only 18 months earlier, Wilma and ‘Quality Street’ went on to compete successfully at Horse of the Year Shows and Dressage competitions.
Wilma was chosen to represent Victoria at the National Dressage Championships in Perth, W.A. riding ‘Eyecatcher’ which Wilma and her husband Don bred and educated. Playing Polocrosse with the Casterton Club was another talent along with Hunting with the Casterton/Coleraine Club. Wilma competed in only four jumping competitions, winning all four.
Wilma was chosen to represent Victoria at the National Dressage Championships in Perth, W.A. riding ‘Eyecatcher’ which Wilma and her husband Don bred and educated. Playing Polocrosse with the Casterton Club was another talent along with Hunting with the Casterton/Coleraine Club. Wilma competed in only four jumping competitions, winning all four.
Wilma was chosen to represent Victoria at the National Dressage Championships in Perth, W.A. riding ‘Eyecatcher’ which Wilma and her husband Don bred and educated. Playing Polocrosse with the Casterton Club was another talent along with Hunting with the Casterton/Coleraine Club. Wilma competed in only four jumping competitions, winning all four.
Wilma’s quiet nature and modesty were much admired, and she was known to never boast of her amazing achievements. She provided a fine example for riders and Collegians who follow.
Wilma’s quiet nature and modesty were much admired, and she was known to never boast of her amazing achievements. She provided a fine example for riders and Collegians who follow.
CELEBRATING & APPRECIATING OUR COMMUNITY
COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Established in 1992, the College Foundation’s mission today is to honour the past and secure the future of The Hamilton and Alexandra College, enhancing a culture of giving and raising funds by implementing strategic philanthropic initiatives to provide the best opportunities for students.
In 2023, the Foundation’s core focus was the scholarship program which raised $645,000. This money will be used to support students and families who prioritise the benefits of a quality independent education but require financial assistance to attend our School. A sincere thank you to everyone who helped us to achieve this incredible result.
Working closing with the Principal Mr Michael Horne, the Foundation Board is pleased to be supporting the School’s strategic purpose, ‘We nurture locally, so that students can excel globally’. Looking ahead, the Foundation is focused on supporting the following three initiatives:
1. Tower (Equity) Scholarships
2. A capital building program at the School’s new Mirranatwa property in the foothills of the Grampians/Gariwerd National Park
3. Providing global opportunities for students
Penny Adamson (Satchell 1988), Foundation President
WE INVITE YOU TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT ONE OF THESE WONDERFUL INITIATIVES.
Donations can be made online at hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au/ giving or by calling the School on +61 3 5572 1355.
If you would like more information about the Foundation’s work, please contact a Foundation Board member. The list of members can be found at hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au/ foundation
Wilma Hearn with Eyecatcher, after their advanced dressage performance at The Hamilton and Alexandra College annual Gymkhana.
Wilma Hearn with Eyecatcher, after their advanced dressage performance at The Hamilton and Alexandra College annual Gymkhana.
Wilma Hearn with Eyecatcher, after their advanced dressage performance at The Hamilton and Alexandra College annual Gymkhana.
GOLD LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDS
On 18 October, the College Foundation hosted the Celebration and Appreciation Evening 2024 to thank and honour the incredible individuals who have generously supported the College over the years. Foundation President Penny Adamson proudly awarded Gold Life Memberships to the following outstanding community members in recognition of their exceptional contributions of time, expertise and financial support to the College.
Basil Brock
Basil joined the Foundation Board in 2005 and retired this year after nearly two decades of service. A past parent, Basil was recognised for his dedicated involvement, contributing invaluable time, expertise, and financial support to the Foundation.
Bill Crawford (1970)
A dedicated member of the Foundation Board for 15 years, Bill was recognised for his outstanding contributions of time and financial support to the Foundation as well as his active role in the College community. Bill is also a past parent.
Dale Ford (Posthumous)
Dale was awarded Gold Life Membership posthumously for his remarkable 19-year tenure on the Foundation Board. A passionate advocate for the College, particularly in its efforts to attract medical professionals to the region, Dale’s legacy continues to inspire the Foundation’s work.
Bill Hamill
Bill, a past parent who served with distinction for 12 years on the Foundation Board including holding the position of Chair, was recognised for his dedication, passion and commitment to educational excellence at the College. Bill’s leadership and tireless work have made a lasting impact on the Foundation.
Don Hearn
In honour of his late wife, Wilma Hearn (Murray, 1994) – an Old Collegian and champion Equestrienne – Don made a generous donation to the College this year. This contribution will fund the expansion of the Equestrian Centre’s sand arena and provide essential upgrades, including a roof and lighting, to ensure the facility can be used in all weather conditions. This project will benefit not only the School’s Equestrian students but also the broader community, including the Riding for the Disabled Association. We are grateful for Don’s generous support and for keeping the connection between Wilma and the College, and we are excited to see this project come to life.
Alexander (Sandy) Johnson (1955)
Sandy served on the Foundation Board for 16 years, contributing greatly through his time, knowledge and financial support. His dedicated commitment has played a vital role in advancing the work of the Foundation and the College.
Nigel Paulet
A member of the College Board for 12 years, Nigel serves on the Finance Committee and is the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. A past parent, he has been an invaluable advocate for the College, offering both his time and financial resources to ensure the School’s continued success.
Bruce Simons, past Principal
Bruce served as Principal of The Hamilton and Alexandra College from 1999 to 2015, overseeing a period of extraordinary growth and development. Under his leadership, the College expanded its Senior and Junior campuses as well as its international presence in China. When Bruce arrived at the School, harsh economic conditions had resulted in dangerously low enrolments and significant capital works were required across both campuses. Bruce’s vision and drive was evident from the outset. He worked tireless to improve facilities and academic results, deliver unique offerings such as Horsemanship and Aviation, and develop the curriculum to ensure College was the regional school of choice. During his tenure, enrolments in both the day and boarding schools surged, and $25 million in capital works were completed, with $11 million raised through generous donations. His legacy of excellence continues to shape the College today.
Lorraine Wearne (Hobbs 1960)
After finishing as an Alexandra College girl 64 years ago, Lorraine has deepened her connection to the College since becoming an ongoing donor during the School’s sesquicentenary year. Known for her enthusiasm and ability to bring people together, Lorraine has been a wonderful advocate for the College and we are grateful for her continued support and involvement.
1. Susan Baulch (Bade 1964), Marcus Winter Cooke (1978) and Helen Watson (McEachern 1960) 2. Jill Aitkin, Jane Heazlewood (Cordner 1966) and Heather Fraser (McIntosh 1976)
COMMUNITY NEWS
BIRTHS
Moyle: James (2004) and Elise welcomed Sophie Grace on 9 July 2024, a sister for Lachlan
Tope: Deanne (Moyle 2006) and Ewan welcomed Alexandra Claire on 12 June 2024, a sister for Sophie Carter: Lib (Hutton 2007) and Will welcomed Daphne Rose on 19 November 2024, a sister for Florence and Jack Kervin: Kathryn Irvin (2007) and Michael welcomed Charles James on 23 May 2024, a brother for Rylee
ENGAGEMENTS
Emma Botterill (2009) and James Penny
WEDDINGS
Ainslee Walker (2011) and Charles Munro (2011) on 3 July 2024
Georgia McClure (2015) and Andrew Neilson on 13 April 2024
DEATHS
OLD COLLEGIANS
Hugh Hobbs (1950) on 15 October 2024
Wilma McKeown (David 1951) on 25 July 2024. Miss David was also a teacher at Alexandra College.
Janice Tischler (Carmichael 1952) on 5 August 2024
Helen Worladge (Christie 1956) on 8 November 2024
Johanne Wall (Veal c1958) on 29 July 2024
Anna Langley (1974) on 22 June 2024
“A boarder for six years, Anna shared a room upstairs with Barbara Robertson which was possibly the coldest room in the history of rooms (outside of prisons!). They used 13 blankets on their beds to stay warm. Anna was strong in sport and excelled at hockey. Known for her dry sense of humour, she was always well liked and will be missed greatly.”
Jen Sparke (1974)
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Geoff Welch on 15 October 2024. Geoff was a groundsman at College from 1987 to 1991.
Peter Scott on 17 October 2024. Peter was a staff member from 1978 to 1990 working in Physical Education. He established and led a very successful gymnastics club for the College and was active in the community. Peter maintained a strong connection with the School, and each year the Peter Scott Award is presented to two Year 9 students who display the values of respect, integrity, courtesy and loyalty.
Ainslee Walker and Charles Munro
Georgia McClure and Andrew Neilson
OLD COLLEGIANS’ FAREWELL GIFT TO THE CLASS OF 2024
Each year, the Old Collegians’ Association hosts the Year 12s to a lovely lunch before they start their VCE exams. This is a great opportunity to talk to the students about what it means to become the newest Old Collegians and to present each student with a symbolic farewell gift. This year, the gift was a beautiful pendant designed and made by Year 12 student and third generation Collegian Sienna Lewis (2024) as part of her VCE Visual Communication and Design studies. It is sure to be a special keepsake for the Class of 2024.
INAUGURAL STAFF SERVICE AND COMMITMENT PRIZE
CONGRATULATIONS LINDA ARCHER
Principal Michael Horne was delighted to present this new award to Linda, Personal Assistant to the Principal, at Speech Day 2024. Well known for jogging from A to B (because there is no time for walking), Linda’s knowledge of the School and attention to detail is unmatched and she goes above and beyond every single day to support students, staff, parents and the College Equestrian community. We could not think of more deserving recipient.
1. Sienna Lewis (2024) with her mum Kristabel (Schinkel 1991)
2. The sterling silver pendant of the College tower with the flag flying for 2024 designed and made by Sienna Lewis (2024)
Linda Archer with Principal Michael Horne
PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’
From successful fundraising to favourite annual events to new initiatives, 2024 has been another wonderful year full of collaboration and fun for our P&F community.
A heartfelt thank you to the outgoing executive members, President Amanda Nagorcka (Mack 1996), Treasurer Stacey Balkin and Secretary Kate Pye, for their dedication and hard work. We thank them for their leadership, notably in relation to fundraising for the new Middle Years outdoor space, and for their ongoing support and guidance. Their contribution has set a strong foundation and they have left big shoes to fill.
The new Middle Years garden and play area is one step closer to becoming a reality. With the concept drawings now out for tender, we’re excited to see this much-anticipated project come to life in 2025, enhancing our students’ outdoor learning environment.
A sincere thank you to everyone who has pitched in to help over the year. From working at the Sports Day BBQs or the Yamba Open Garden to contributing to the Sheepvention raffle to making slices for Sierra Terror or Christmas cakes, every donation of time, goods and money goes directly to supporting students at College. We are looking forward to providing pizzas for lunch on the last day of school and a lovely morning tea for the staff to thank them for their exemplary work in 2024.
We have exciting plans for some fun social gatherings in 2025, designed to strengthen our community bonds by providing opportunities to connect and come together. Stay tuned!
We invite everyone in our School community to get involved—whether volunteering for an event, supporting a fundraiser or joining in the fun at a social events, new faces and new ideas are always welcome and your involvement truly makes a difference.
Narelle Hill, P&F President
P&F CHRISTMAS CAKES
This is a huge undertaking every year which aims to raise over $20,000. A very big thank you to Kate Wall for planning and leading the Christmas cakes project in 2024 and to all the amazing volunteers for your hard work.
‘YAMBA’ OPEN GARDEN
Thank you to Jane Young (Templeton 1996) for coordinating a merry team of bakers and volunteers to support this wonderful community event on 16 and 17 November. This very special initiative involved the P&F working with past parents Helen and John Diprose who opened their incredible garden ‘Yamba’ to the public for the first time.
Wonderful parent and grandparent volunteers rolling up their sleeves on the annual Christmas cake production line
1. Zoe Price (P&F Vice President) and her daughter Sammi Price drawing the raffle 2. Narelle Hill (P&F President) with her family, Sophie (Year 9), Jason and Tom (Year 11) 3. Student helpers Shope Hill (Year 9), Hannah Young (Year 7) and Mhairi MacDonald (Year 7)
REUNION SEASON 2024
October is always a busy month at College! Each Saturday, Old Collegians are welcomed back to the School to reminisce about their ‘good old days’ and see all the changes that have happened since they left.
CLASS OF 2014 – 10 YEAR REUNION
Front row: Casey Peach, Elizabeth (Libby) Murray, Maddison Pertzel, Chloe Uebergang, Zoe Gough
2nd row: Kate Bedworth, Georgina Christie (Morrison), Charlotte Dufty, William Dufty
3rd row: Samuel Walter, Kane Brumley, Lachlan Maclean, William Kaine
4th row: Lachlan Watt
Back row: Kathryn Aiken, Matthew Roache
1. Lachlan Watt, Kane Brumley, Lachlan Maclean and Kathryn Aiken
5. Matthew Roache, Charlotte Dufty and Samuel Walter
Front row: Abbey Brumby-Rendell (Grigg), Ailiche Goddard-Clegg , Anna Lucas (Griffin), Rob Frawley, Peter Downs
2nd row: Oscar Brumby-Rendell, Mark Fraser, Craig Rich, Owen McClure, James Moyle
3rd row: James Young, Richard Currie, Ben Mags
Back row: David Botterill, David Addinsall, Justin Telford, Tom Barber
1. Owen McClure, Peter Downs, David Addinsall, David Botterill, James Young, Craig Rich and Ben Mags
2. Ailiche Goddard-Clegg, James Young, Richard Currie, Rob Frawley and Ben Mags
3. Abbey Brumby-Rendell (Grigg), Anna Lucas (Griffin) and Ailiche Goddard-Clegg
4. Justin Telford, Tom Barber and Oscar Brumby-Rendell
Class of 2014
Class of 2004
Class of 1994:
Front row: Stuart Cummins, Paul Stuchbery, Emily Lewis, Colin Thornton, Chris Cameron, Deb Learmonth, Hugh Christie, Kate DeGaris, Corrie Warburton, Kate Bremner, Doug Cameron
2nd row: Andrea Robertson, Ali McRae, Ainsley Fyfe, Clair Perry, Leighton Edwards, Jarrod Marks, Craig Goode
Back row: Chris Gould, Rosie Merrin (Agar), Nick Harvey, Damien Hehir At reunion but absent in photo: James Callinan, Jo Gardner, Dixie King, Wanda Little
1. Chris Cameron and Corrie Warburton
2. Leighton Edwards, Doug Cameron, Deb Learmonth, Emily Lewis and Craig Goode
3. Jarrod Marks and Damien Hehir
4. Caroline Palmer, Chris Gould and Annabelle Palmer
5. Ainsley Fyfe, Paul Stuchbery and Rosie Mercer
6. James Callinan, Annabel Neylon, Rosie Merrin (Agar) and Hugh Christie
7. Colin Thornton and Andrea Robertson
Class of 1984:
Front row: Jonathan Tischler, Kate Welleman (Marriott), Fiona Robson, Trish Greening (Belleville)
2nd row: John Pepper, Arbella Winter-Cooke, Baba Dayal, Joylene Love (Rentsch)
3rd row: James Gardiner, Fiona Preston (Freemantle), Lyn Dohle, Donna Cameron, Sandy Goddard (Gough)
4th row: Craig Wallis, Kate Chalk (Peddie) Back row: Alister Nash, Matthew Baxter, Fiona Elliott
1. Fiona Preston (Freemantle), Donna Cameron, Joylene Love (Rentsch), Lyn Dohle and Trish Greening (Belleville)
2. Jonathan Tischler, Alister Nash and Matthew Baxter
3. Neil MacLean (School Historian), Kate Chalk (Peddie) and Arbella Winter-Cooke
4. Sandy Goddard (Gough) and Kate Welleman (Marriott)
CLASS OF 1974 – 50 YEAR REUNION
18-20 OCTOBER
At this very special reunion held in Melbourne, past students from around the country came together to reconnect and enjoy a wonderful weekend.
People travelled from across Melbourne and rural Victoria to as far away as New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory to attend a wonderful three-day celebration held over five events at four venues around Lygon Street Carlton.
The weekend’s festivities kicked off on Friday evening with a small but enthusiastic group of 10 gathering for drinks and dinner at the Lincoln Hotel. It was a great way and begin the festivities.
Saturday began with breakfast at Brunetti Classico, where many stories were shared over coffee and pastries. Lunch – the main event of the reunion –was in a private dining room at Il Gambero Restaurant. The conversation and the stories flowed freely and continued well into the afternoon with the group moving on to Jimmy Watson’s Restaurant. The reunion concluded with an energetic breakfast at Brunetti Classico on Sunday morning enjoyed by 18 attendees. While it was hard to finally say goodbye, we agreed it wouldn’t be for long with planning our 53-year reunion in 2027 already underway!
One of the many highlights of the weekend was having our teacher from 50 years ago, Allan Armstrong who taught Physics and Mathematics at the College between 1971 and 1974, join us at all five events. His presence was a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact that teachers have on our lives.
This reunion marked our group’s fourth Melbournebased gathering, in addition to two reunions in Hamilton. The chance to reconnect after half a century was truly a privilege, and it was clear that the bond this group shares remains as strong as ever. We look forward to coming together again in 2027 for our 53-year reunion to create even more new memories – stay tuned!
Ian Crafter, Organiser
My years at the College were the best of my life. I think the attendance at the 50-year reunion reflects that others feel the same.
Chris Jolly
Class of 1974: Front row: Nettie (Jeanette) Ryan (Tully), Allan Armstrong, Ruth Dwinger (Kittson), Ian Crafter, Wim Lovell 2nd row: Stephen Tippett, Martin Belfield, Bar Robertson, Jennie Sparke, Robyn Wilson, Sally Adams, Mandy Rosser (Hornabrook), Caroline Macdonald, Carol Page (Hobson) 3rd row: Helen Berry, Bar Peters (Rowe), Sarah Ingram (Maconochie), Anne Maree Robson, Rex Hallyburton Back row: Jennifer Flynn (Riley), Lance Sparrow, Cec (Celia) Clarke (Dudley), Warren Wilmot, Richard Anderson, Chris Young, Jenny Beer (Murrie), Sarah Patterson At reunion but absent from photo:: Geoff Angell, Jo Bremner (Haddon), Chris Jolly, Rob Philip
1. Bar Peters (Rowe), Cec Clarke (Dudley), Wim Lovell, Lance Sparrow, Geoff Angell, Sally Adams, Richard Anderson, Jennifer Flynn (Riley) and Sarah Patterson 2. Caroline Macdonald, Anne Maree Robson, Chris Young, Allan Armstrong, Helen Berry and Nettie Ryan (Tully) 3. Jo Bremner (Haddon), Jen Sparke, Rob Philip, Warren Wilmott, Rex Hallyburton, Bar Robertson and Stephen Tippett 4. Sarah Ingram (Maconochie), Robyn Wilson, Jenny Beer (Murrie), Ruth Dwinger (Kittson), Chris Jolly, Martin Belfield, Mandy Rosser (Hornabrook) and Carol
I formed some good friendships at the school and left there with good values. Those good country values of hard work and not taking things for granted helped me in life.
Robyn Wilson
I have wonderful memories of my six years at Hamilton College, especially the friendships and times together. I believe it grounded me and taught me to pursue my dreams to become a PE teacher.
Helen Berry
My memories are of great times with great friends at school. It set me up for the life l have today.
