TERM 1 2021 SUPPORTING IVANHOE
Vale Roderick D Fraser AM Principal 1996-2015
TERM 1 2021
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HAVE YOU FROM THE OIGA HEARD? PRESIDENT
The Brown and White Acknowledgements Design: Lauren Poetschka Copy:
Geoff Brown Mirella Busso-Lee Linda Paltoglou Peter Swain Tim Swain
Photos: Josh Boland Dean Phipps Please advise us of any change in your personal contact details. Email alumni@ivanhoe.com.au or contact Linda Paltoglou at Ivanhoe Grammar School PO Box 91, Ivanhoe 3079, Australia Phone (03) 9490 3508 The Brown and White is a quarterly newsletter for alumni and supporters of Ivanhoe Grammar School. Cover photo: Ivanhoe Grammar School’s fourth Principal, Roderick D Fraser AM.
Staying connected facebook.com/ OldIvanhoeGrammarians instagram.com/old ivanhoegrammariansofficial linkedin.com/ groups/4828929 oldivanhoe.com ivanhoe.com.au
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Term 1, 2021 has had a few ups and downs, but as I write this article, staff and students are back at Ivanhoe Grammar School, the vaccination program is being rolled out, and interstate borders are, in the main, open once again. Unfortunately, many aspects of life at Ivanhoe Grammar School have not yet returned to pre2020 routines. Our alumni reunion program was on hold for Term 1 and on-campus visitors are still significantly restricted. However, the positive message for all supporters of Ivanhoe Grammar School is that after an incredibly challenging year for students and staff, with much of the curriculum completed online, we welcome a fantastic group of new alumni to the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Association (OIGA). Our Class of 2020 completed their Year 12 studies to a very high standard with many students achieving their personal best. As President of the OIGA, I welcome all our new alumni and congratulate all students for their achievements. In particular, I would like to recognise Haleena Nguyen, Matthew Tran and Max Welsch who achieved an International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 44, which is equivalent to an ATAR of 99.75. With this score, Haleena, Matthew and Max were placed in the top 0.25% of Victoria and were joint IB and School Duces.
Congratulations also to our Dux of VCE at each campus, who like our IB duces, each achieved exceptional results. Well done to James Mellos (The Ridgeway Campus) who achieved an ATAR of 99.65 and Vaida Mancino (Plenty Campus) who achieved an ATAR of 99.4. In summary, to highlight their academic successes, approximately one third of our Year 12 students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above which placed them in the top 10% of the State. Notwithstanding these excellent individual results, the School is extremely proud of the entire Class of 2020, who faced such a difficult year with maturity and empathy for others. Every member of the year level is an exemplary young person of character and on behalf of our entire school community, I wish them success in their future endeavours. The Class of 2020 will surely hold a special place in the history of Ivanhoe Grammar School. Along with our Principal Gerard Foley and Alumni Coordinator Mirella Busso-Lee, I look forward to welcoming the Class of 2020 to a special 1 Year reunion in the coming weeks. Wayne Vanderwert President Old Ivanhoe Grammarians Association
IN MEMORIAM
Mr Roderick D Fraser AM
16 January 1950 – 7 March 2021 Ivanhoe Grammar School Principal
Rod Fraser’s family had a strong focus on education, so it was no surprise that he ultimately became an educator. His father was a Master at Geelong Grammar School and Rod graduated from there as a member of the Class of 1967. He studied Commerce at the University of Melbourne, completed his Dip.Ed. and embarked on a career in education that was to influence thousands of lives. Rod, pictured above with Randal Marsh (‘77) and past staff member David Waugh, commenced as Ivanhoe’s fourth leader in 1996. He had previously held senior roles as Deputy Principal at Launceston Grammar and Principal of Scots School, Bathurst NSW, prior to returning to Victoria. Ivanhoe Grammar School had not long been a multi-campus school and co-education at Plenty Campus had just reached Year 12. His arrival coincided with the emergence of computers in schools, a more global outlook, and increasingly strong connections to Asia. In the early years, Rod put in place several strategies to strengthen his one school philosophy. Whole school events were introduced including services at the cathedral and gala presentation evenings. Cross campus professional development events were scheduled bringing together staff and resulting in a shared curriculum across the School. Overseas trips, seminars, cadets, sport and performing arts became increasingly one school in approach and practice.
Our membership of Round Square began in 1997 representing a significant turning point in the history of the School. By the time it was Ivanhoe’s turn to host the International Round Square Conference in 2005, its pillars of internationalism, democracy, environment, adventure, leadership and service had become embedded in every aspect of student life. Internationalism has become a fundamental pillar for the School, manifested through Round Square activities, Cambodia service projects, the International Baccalaureate, the enrolment of overseas students and the Year 9 international trips program. Rod was passionate about making Ivanhoe Grammar School a more international, outward looking school. Significant changes to the uniform were also made during Rod’s tenure and a notebook computer program provided impetus for change across the curriculum. However, the most noteworthy change under Rod’s leadership was the School’s successful transition to coeducation, a legacy that has endured and developed. In addition, vertical pastoral care structures were re-introduced at The Ridgeway Campus underlining Rod’s desire to create a friendlier environment for every child, where cross age mentoring might occur as a natural part of school life. During his leadership, considerable building and refurbishment projects were undertaken at both campuses. At The Ridgeway Campus, many of the
older buildings were renewed to worldclass standard including the Middle Years Centre, The Ridge Cafeteria, the TR Lee Science Building and Arts Edge at Locksley. At Plenty Campus, the Sinclaire Enterprise Centre and The Round were innovative buildings far ahead of their time. Rod Fraser has cemented Ivanhoe Grammar School firmly into various international networks of schools and organisations creating extraordinary opportunities for our students. More than ever, Ivanhoe students are living and working internationally and playing their part in a world vastly different to 1915, when St James’ Grammar School first opened its doors. In June 2015, Rod was acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list becoming a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for significant service to secondary education, to national and international learning development organisations, and to the community. He was our first Principal to achieve such an honour. Rod leaves behind his wife Sandy who was much loved as a member of our School Family, with her warm smile, gracious manner and engaging nature. Our thoughts are with her and their children, Lucy, Tom and Alice, and their families, at this very sad time. Fidelis Usque Ad Mortem
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CADET UNIT 60TH ANNIVERSARY
On Parade! Our Cadet Unit celebrates 60 years (1961-2021) Despite a host of logistical, financial and government challenges, the Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Unit (IGSCU) celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2021. Our Cadet Unit remains a strong, proud and enduring component of the school’s offerings, and for many of our students, cadets is the highlight of their time at school. While the IGSCU was officially introduced in 1961, a basic cadet corps operated at Ivanhoe Grammar School during 1922 and 1923. Cadets at that time were very different from the units that run today as they were mandated as part of a national drill training scheme. For Reverend Buckley, the concept of a cadet unit was one which taught service and leadership rather than militaristic pride. Although often described as a pacifist because of his experiences in World War 1, he raised the notion of forming an Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Unit in 1930, just as several schools in Melbourne had done after the abolition of compulsory military training in 1929. Buckley believed that cadets 4
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established ‘esprit de corps’ amongst its members, improved discipline and physical wellbeing. Plans for the formation of a cadet unit were postponed by the Great Depression of the 1930’s, but the idea was put back on the agenda in 1953, even though the Army was no longer forming school units at that time. The proposal to form a school cadet unit engendered ongoing debate particularly from those who saw it as an activity whereby boys were trained in the art of war, which was not aligned with Christian values. During the early 1960s, a period associated with the development of other non-academic activities including drama and music, the Cadet Unit finally came into being, with service and leadership upheld as the key benefits of its introduction in 1961. At first, the Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Unit was under the guidance of teachers Bill Dodemaide, Geoff Saunders and Brian Edwards. The first Cadet Under Officer was Geoff Brown (‘62), our current Executive Officer of
the OIGA. At that time, Geoff was a Year 12 student, who had no previous experience with cadets but as the sole CUO representative of the IGSCU, he completed several ‘vigorous’ army training courses over the 1960/61 school holidays in preparation for the task ahead. His captaincy of the School First XI Cricket Team and his booming voice made Geoff the ideal choice for this inaugural role! Cadets became compulsory from 1972 for every Year 9 boy; in Year 10 and beyond, boys could choose between cadets and community service. The cadet unit came close to being disbanded in 1975 following the federal government’s decision to withdraw funding. However, largely through the efforts of Charles Sligo and Robert Sanderson, the program was able to continue independent of government financial support. The dismissal of the Whitlam Government in 1975 and subsequent re-introduction of some financial support saved the cadet movement.
CADET UNIT 60TH ANNIVERSARY
The IGSCU again came under threat in 1984 when the Hawke Government cut funding but Charles Sligo was determined that cadets would continue at Ivanhoe Grammar School, even if the unit had to be reduced. He, along with others who supported the retention of school cadet units, were disappointed with the lack of understanding from authorities about the positive effects of school cadet units. Rather than providing a military apprenticeship, Mr Sligo endorsed the view that cadets provided a ‘practical introduction to the art of citizenship’. Ivanhoe Grammar School was one of 11 schools which signed a memo to the Minister of Defence to demand a reversal of the decision which would ‘irreparably damage youth training programs.’ In response, the government allowed cadets to continue as Limited Support Units with a reduction in Army support. Despite these challenges, our Cadet Unit has flourished. Some outstanding role models and patrons have helped, and many teachers have given long service as cadet officers. Geoff Saunders, Gai
Shadbolt and David Waugh are just a few of those who have provided a powerful model of leadership and service to students. In addition, the cadet band proved to be incredibly successful at Interschool Cadet Band Competitions and won several awards in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
our Cadet Unit is the development of leadership, communication and planning skills in our students, which will serve them well in later life.
In his address to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Unit in 2011, Lieutenant Colonel Murray Duckworth, CSM (75), highlighted leadership, initiative and teamwork, which from his own experience, are reflected in the outstanding qualities of our Cadet Unit, and truly complement our Ivanhoe Learner Attributes. Now in its 60th year, Ivanhoe Grammar School has a proud tradition of service with the Australian Army Cadet Corps. After 60 years, the IGSCU is one of the last in Victoria, and certainly the largest. It continues to make an impressive sight on ANZAC Day and other ceremonial parades. As we approach the 106th ANZAC anniversary, the legacy of TERM 1 2021
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REUNIONS
Tony Brain
Guy Elliot
Ian Griffith
A few members of the Class of 1981 and the Class of 1971, who were due to have decade reunions during Term 1, have sent us an update on their current activities, as well as some recollections of their time at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Tony Brain (’81)
Guy Elliot (’81)
With Nigel Kendall as his favourite teacher, it is no surprise that Tony studied Commerce at The University of Melbourne. He then worked for the same chartered accounting firm for nearly 30 years. In later times, Tony focussed on the financial services sector and specifically superannuation.
Guy co-founded a technology company called Rise.CX, and is currently the Chief Technology Officer. Like many involved in the IT sector, the recent lockdowns did not unduly impact Guy as he was able to work from his new home in rural Victoria.
Now a Director on several Boards and Committees, Tony and his family have coped reasonably well during the pandemic, and he counts himself as very fortunate compared to many others, both here and overseas. With two sons currently at Ivanhoe Grammar School, Tony has regular contact with the School and can readily compare the theatrical exploits of current day Ivanhoe students with his own recollections of working in the backstage crew. He fondly remembers working up in ‘the loft where a few shenanigans took place under the guise of building and painting sets for the upcoming production.’
Part of a long-held ambition, Guy’s escape to the country has also enabled him to enjoy working alongside his wife, Sue, in her Labrador breeding business. Peter Huxley, with his wonderful sense of humour, was Guy’s favourite teacher. Peter would probably be amazed at how things have panned out for Guy, who lists his children as his greatest achievement since leaving Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Ian Griffith (‘71) Fifty years on from leaving Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ian is still working and living locally. After several decades with Ford until they outsourced their IT support services overseas, Ian now works for Public Transport Victoria with responsibility for MYKI. Despite a heart attack three years ago, Ian remains in good health.
Ian considers raising four children with his wonderful wife as his biggest achievement. With father Noel (’47) and his sons Nixon (’12) and Henry (’15) attending Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ian is part of a three-generation Ivanhoe family. Dick Dooley was Ian’s favourite teacher (maths and physics) mainly because Dick listened to his ideas and then got involved with them!
Robert Hankin (’81) While many others were locked down in 2020, Robert was able to spend much of the year travelling through South America, working around the COVID-19 restrictions in a region that was largely tourist-free. Robert is currently working in a senior sales role with a specialist Heating/ Ventilation/Air Conditioning company. His main interests include food, wine and travel. Robert holds a commercial pilot’s licence but he lists his ‘terrific marriage’ as his greatest achievement. Robert’s best memories of Ivanhoe Grammar School feature his favourite teacher, Simon Le Plastrier, with his positive attitude and down to earth style.
SAVE THE DATE – TERM 2, 2021 Friday 30 April TRC 1 Year Reunion Friday 7 May TRC 20 Year Reunion
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Friday 14 May Plenty Campus 1 Year Reunion Friday 28 May Plenty Campus 20 Year Reunion
Friday 4 June TRC 30 Year Reunion Friday 18 June Plenty Campus 5 Year Reunion
HAVE YOU HEARD?
Snippets
Stephanie Caroll (’10)
Mia Haravitsidis (’15)
Steph, daughter of Peter (‘81), completed a Diploma of Visual Merchandising at RMIT, followed by a Bachelor of Design at The University of Melbourne.
Mia has a passion for supporting youth. Whether it was coaching and mentoring gymnastics at Ivanhoe Grammar School and other schools, tutoring in maths or being a mentor to undergraduate students at university, Mia has always been able to inspire young people.
From 2012-2020, she freelanced in event management which sparked an interest in project management and communications. She subsequently commenced a post graduate course in Project Management at RMIT. Now a Project Officer for Mental Health Victoria (MHV), Steph is involved in an important project aimed at addressing the gaps in mental health training and services across Victoria. Stephanie is responsible for implementing a comprehensive strategy to engage the community mental health sector and create a framework addressing the issues through a training needs analysis and recommendations. The report will be published as an external MHV resource. Stephanie has invited alumni to participate in the research. If you would like to get involved you can contact her through alumni@ivanhoe.com.au. Individuals who do contribute to the project will remain anonymous as results will be published collectively.
Although she was a motivated and enthusiastic student, Mia recognised that she also needed guidance during the early stages of her Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne. With persistence she completed her degree and is now in the final year of her Masters of Teaching. She has applied her experience in navigating through university with the launch of a podcast called The Student Space. The Student Space is a fantastic resource for secondary school students, and focuses on support, imparting knowledge and guiding young people through university. The first series focuses on university life. Mia is joined by other students who provide insights into their undergraduate courses, sharing what they wish they knew when they were in their senior years of school. The first episode of The Student Space features Steph Elovaris (’16) who speaks about her Commerce/ Engineering degree at Monash University. You can follow Mia and her teaching and learning journey on Instagram @the.studentspace.
Congratulations to Nik Cox (’19) who was Essendon Football Club’s first pick at Number 8 in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft. Nik was thrilled to win the 2km time trial during pre-season training at Essendon, explaining that he ‘stuck in behind ‘Langers’ (Kyle Langford (’14)) and then took over in the last lap.’ Nik made his debut in Round 1 of the AFL season against Hawthorn. Actor Wil King (’14) is one of the stars of the ABC comedy series ‘Why Are You Like This’. In the six part series he plays Austin, alongside friends Mia and Penny, navigating the challenges of life. Congratulations to Nick Butler (’00) and his wife Mel, who recently welcomed the birth of their first child Ted Brendan Butler. It was great to see Dylan Buckley (’11) coming back to the OIGFC to talk to the team in between his media commitments with Channel 10, 3AW and his successful podcast. Daniel Mancuso (’10) has announced his engagement to Sophie Urzia, and Bianca North (‘12) has announced her engagement to Roman Bastone. Congratulations to both Daniel and Bianca from everyone at Ivanhoe. Have you heard any other snippets of information that we should all know about? Email us at alumni@ivanhoe.com.au
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
1923 boarders outside the open dorm
1923 Dining Room Sherwood House
The end of a bygone era Closure of the School Boarding House in 1978 The closure of the Boarding House in 1978 brought an end to an Ivanhoe Grammar School institution, and one that had been part of the School fabric for over fifty years. From modest beginnings in the 1920s, the boarding house grew strong, survived the depression years, the trauma of the Second World War, polio outbreaks and the demise of boarding houses in many other independent schools, until economic factors in the late seventies, together with demands for additional teaching areas, brought on its closure.
The Early Years Ivanhoe Grammar School had boarders from its foundation. By the middle of 1916, there were 33 boys enrolled at the school and in 1918 there were already eight boarders who were accommodated in a space added to the vicarage at St James Church, Ivanhoe. Sister Evelyn Flett was the resident Matron from 1925 until 1927 when she married Sydney Buckley.
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When the Boarding House at Sherwood House became overcrowded, the boarders were transferred to the new Locksley House, which was opened by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Rt Hon. Stanley Bruce in 1924. Locksley House catered for over 100 boarders with assemblies held upstairs in the area later occupied by the Middle School classroom, which is now part of Arts Edge at Locksley. In 1929, to save money, boarders were moved out of Locksley House and returned to Sherwood House where they remained until 1964.
Open Dormitories To cope with increased enrolments and demand for boarders, a junior dormitory was built in 1936 for 30 boys (and one master) and opened with a special ceremony followed by a boxing tournament! Older boys were accommodated in a Middle Dorm and Senior Dorm. Senior students enjoyed the privileges of slightly reduced supervision and, more importantly, improved bed
positions away from the side of the dormitory that was open to the weather. Life was certainly spartan in those early days (some boarders might say it continued that way until 1978!) Housekeeper Cora Nash (1942-76), pictured above, was reputed to ‘run a very tight ship’ throughout her long tenure at the Boarding House. There was no carpet and often no hot water, with many boarders required to sleep in dormitories that were open to the elements. Routines ruled boarders’ lives in the early days. Cold showers in the mornings, sitting ten to a table in the dining room, weekly pocket money, writing a weekly letter to parents, and attending Church twice a day on Sundays were the norm. More amusing activities included The Boarders Dance, with one such occasion being held in order to raise money for a clock tower – a building which was never constructed. Despite the Great Depression, the heyday for the Boarding House was
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Clockwise from top left: Beaufort House, 1943 • 1923 Senior Dorm • 2008 Boarders Reunion • Locksley House
during the 1930’s and 1940’s. Boarder numbers continued to increase and by 1948, boarders made up a quarter of the student population and had a strong influence on the culture of the School. However, by the 1960s, boarders made up only 10-12% of the student population.
Second World War When the School was evacuated in World War 2, 130 boarders moved to Yea where accommodation was found in Beaufort House. For many boys, Yea was one long adventure, beginning with transport by steam train. The youngest boys slept in Beaufort House itself, the rest in an openair dormitory under the watchful eye of RH ‘Drac’ Wilkinson. By 1957, only three AGSV Schools, Ivanhoe, Trinity and Caulfield offered boarding as an option. The availability of good regional schools and improved public transport in Melbourne meant that fewer boys from distant suburbs and regional areas needed to be educated at a boarding school.
An advertising campaign in newspapers such as The Weekly Times failed to increase the demand for boarding places at Ivanhoe Grammar School, and a the decision was made by the School Council to close the Boarding House in 1958. However, staff talked the Council out of this decision after a long and heated discussion, successfully arguing that the Boarding House was at the core of our School.
Dwindling Numbers Despite this respite, the number of boarders continued to dwindle in subsequent years. The Boarding House was viable until 1973, but in the midseventies losses mounted over successive years despite substantial fee increases. In 1976, a mere 18 boys occupied one sixth of the School grounds. The decision to establish the Middle School at Locksley House was the beginning of the end for the Boarding House and the decision to close this facility was made in May 1978. Unlike the decision in 1958, this sad but inevitable decision was not to be reversed.
In 2008, the 30th Anniversary of the closure of the Boarding House was marked by a reunion of 72 ex-boarders and eight staff members. In spite of the supposedly lousy mattresses, meagre food, matron’s remedies and cold showers, the overwhelming memories were those of laughter, friendship and camaraderie. Throughout its years of existence, the Boarding House, both at Sherwood House and Locksley proved to be a great asset for both the School and its family. In particular, the Boarding House gave parents in rural areas and overseas the advantage of a church school education for their sons. Its closure marked the severance of a proud and notable aspect of the School’s history.
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AROUND THE SCHOOL Victorian Kayak Championships Well done to the School’s Kayak Team which competed at the recent Victorian Slalom Championships taking out the Best Team title. Performing on the Victorian Slalom Course on the Goulburn River after such a long break proved a challenge but our students showed great resilience and talent. Notable performers were Ben Ross and Kate Moorhen for winning both the junior and senior best paddler and fastest times awards. We wish Ben Little, Seb Montalto, Kate Moorhen and Ben Ross the best in their upcoming selection races for the National Team, which hopefully will be competing later this year in Europe.
Caitlin Thwaites – new Head Netball Coach Caitlin, an Australian representative in both netball and volleyball, has been appointed Head Netball Coach. Look out for more Aussie Diamonds from Ivanhoe Grammar School!
University Campus It’s been great to see Year 9 students return to the University and sit in lectures again for the Science of Life Inquiry Unit. Recently our students spent a full day in the Hoogenraad Auditorium at Latrobe University with lectures from Dr Adrienne Forsyth on Nutrition and Healthy Eating in developed and developing countries, Dr Jeff Yeoman on Malaria and Vaccine Development, Dr Monika Doblin on 2040 and the issues facing us in the future and, lastly, Professor Robyn
Murphy who spoke on Ageing and muscle retention, and what we can do to live a longer healthier life. Students also took part in The Privilege Walk which sets the scene for the major Year 9 project and gives them a deeper understanding of what life is like for families living in the developing world. As part of the exercise students were asked to take on the role of another person or family, helping them to understand various life challenges from another perspective.
2021 School Captains Ivanhoe Grammar School formally presented and acknowledged its four 2021 School Captains, Frank Bevacqua, Bella Saka, Lexie Wooller and Harrison Matsamakis (pictured left to right) on Wednesday 24 February. This is an important occasion for students as the new school leaders are presented across all campuses.
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Will Rutley Congratulations to Year 12 student and Cricket Captain Will Rutley on his recent selection to represent Victoria in the U18 Victorian Hockey team to play in the Australian National Championships to be held in Launceston, Tasmania in April this year.
LIVING TREASURES With the cancellation of the Buckley Boys/Brown Era Reunion in late 2020, our Principal, Gerard Foley, was unable to present our new 90 year-old alumni with their ‘Living Treasure’ awards. However, our Head of Development, Peter Swain (’75) caught up with some of our best and brightest over the summer holidays!
David Ball (’47)
Syd Hornsby (’48)
Bill King (’48)
David and Patricia Ball have lived on the Mornington Peninsula at Portsea for over three decades. David is very widely travelled and after he married Patricia, they lived in England in the late 1950’s before residing in Glen Waverley for many years.
Being a resident of an aged care facility in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Syd was unable to be presented his Living Treasure award in person. By arrangement with Syd’s daughter Elizabeth, the award was presented to Syd and he subsequently wrote to our Development Office, expressing his appreciation for the award and his pride in being an Old Ivanhoe Grammarian.
Now happily settled in a retirement village in Mornington, Bill’s exploits in opening up remote areas of Western Australia through ‘Bill Kings Australia Adventure Tours’ may be behind him, but the memories are still vivid and the stories are willingly told to anyone who will listen.
David is a regular attendee at reunions, whether on the Peninsula or in Buckley Hall, and enjoys catching up with old chums from his time at Ivanhoe Grammar School, such as Geoffrey Davey (’45). We hope that David will be at our next Buckley Boys/Brown Era Reunion, however he does have a busy social schedule. In David’s own words, ‘there is not time to do everything, especially if the reunion is in competition with sailing the Whitsundays with the Motton clan!’
Syd also expressed pride in his four children, nine grand-daughters, two grand-sons and five great-grand-sons. ‘I was married very happily for 64 years, and raised and trained two magnificent Scotch Collie dogs’ Syd writes. His daughter, Elizabeth, reported that Syd was in reasonable health overall, and that his family was most appreciative of the gesture recognising Syd as a Living Treasure.
Bill may be a little more frail than when we last saw him at Ivanhoe Grammar School, but he is enjoying life in Mornington and along with his lovely wife, Val, is looking forward to the next reunion and being formally welcomed as a ‘Living Treasure’.
VALE – FIDELIS USQUE AD MORTEM We acknowledge the passing of the following individuals who were part of the Ivanhoe Grammar School family. Ian Buckley 1942 Buckley Boy, Yea Boarder
Keith Redman Former Staff (1962-1964)
John Somerville 1947 Buckley Boy, Yea Boarder
Alan Chawner Former Staff (1988 – 2001)
Colin Rowse 1947 Buckley Boy, Yea Boarder
Hector Veitch 1950 Buckley/Brown Era, Yea Boarder
John Forbes OAM 1959 Brown Era
Warren Smith 1951 Buckley/Brown Era
Fred Ward 1948 Buckley/Brown Era, Yea Boarder TERM 1 2021
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DEVELOPMENT Development Office
Vale: John Forbes OAM (’59) 20 Oct 1941 – 7 Mar 2021
Vale: Colin Rowse (’46) 21 Sep 1928 – 16 Dec 2020
Our Development Team has continued to focus on stewardship of supporters of Ivanhoe Grammar School, despite the restrictions on social events during most of 2020 and the early part of this year.
It was a shock to everyone at Ivanhoe Grammar School to hear of the sudden passing of John while working on his farm at Mitiamo in early March. The eldest of three brothers who attended Ivanhoe Grammar School, John was a legend among his peers and throughout the Australian sporting fraternity.
The School lost a great supporter when Colin Rowse passed away in December 2020. A member of the Class of 1946, Colin attended the School from 1934 until his return from Yea in 1942. He went on to complete his education at University High School; however he never lost his love for Ivanhoe Grammar School.
As the former National Promotions Manager for Puma Australia, John used his sporting connections to raise countless thousands of dollars for community charities and sporting clubs throughout Australia.
His mother was great friends with our Founder’s wife, Evelyn Buckley, and during his lifetime, Colin established the Doris Rowse and Evelyn Buckley Scholarship to honour their friendship and to assist a worthy student at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Support for major capital projects continues to grow and as can be seen in the above photo, our new swimming pool in the Sports Centre is nearing completion. During Term 1, we received a commitment from a new donor to purchase the naming rights for the Weights Room in the new Sports Centre. The University Campus Café has been completed, partially funded through the Ridgeway Club donations from the last two years. In relation to our Scholarship Fund, in recent months, the Huxley Scholarship Fund has grown with the completion of a number of major pledges, and this Scholarship will be a focus of our fundraising efforts during 2021. We have also received a significant pledge towards the OIGA Centenary Scholarship from one of our Lifetime Benefactors. During these somewhat challenging times for everyone, the Development Office is continuing to expand its connections and activities with supporters and alumni to ensure the ongoing advancement of the School.
In 1988, he was instrumental in establishing and becoming the founding Chairman of the Victorian Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. This fund has donated in excess of $10m since its inception towards trauma facilities at public hospitals, in memory of the police officers who have lost their lives in service to the people of Victoria. For his services to his community and the Blue Ribbon Foundation, John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2001 and was made a Knight of St John in 2004. John was also the recipient of the Oswald T Kyle Award for Outstanding Service by an Old Ivanhoe Grammarian at the Gala evening in 2009. The above photo is of John standing at the entrance to the ‘John Forbes Oval’ at Mitiamo, so named in his honour in 2017.
Colin, pictured above with Astrida Cooper (our late Director of Development) pursued a career in horticulture and had a strong love of the land. His latter years were spent in Rosedale, Victoria, where he immersed himself in community affairs, such as the local Lions Club and establishing the Avenue of Roses.
Vale: Alan Chawner 30 May 1946 – 25 January 2021 Past staff member, Alan Chawner, commenced as an Art and Graphic Communication Teacher in 1988 and was a staunch defender of the importance of creative arts in education. He demanded the best from his students and pushed them to the limits of their ability. Away from the classroom, Alan was in charge of the Open Squash team and coached them to five consecutive premierships from 1995 to 1999. Sons Robert (’93) and Scott (’98) attended our School prior to Alan retiring in 2001.
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