The Brown and White

STAYING CONNECTED

The Brown and White Acknowledgements

Copy:

Brianna Ablett

Geoff Brown

Mirella Busso-Lee

Linda Paltoglou

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.

It has been

start to

2023 school year. The entire Ivanhoe Grammar School community is now able to enjoy the full range of activities following the removal of all previous restrictions due to COVID-19. This includes the resumption of international trips such as the Cambodian Service Project (in excess of 100 students), the England Cricket Tour and the France Battlefields Trip.

I am also delighted to provide updates to the following key school projects.

The Ivanhoe Institute

The Ivanhoe Institute was successfully launched earlier this year with a primary focus to lead the continuous improvement of teacher capability by providing a high-quality professional learning program. The Institute will provide support in the development and implementation of the School’s coaching program, and ultimately be a Centre for Professional Learning and Learning Research in the broader community. Other initiatives progressively being introduced include:

• An Academic Extension Program.

• A new Global Education subject for Years 7 and 8.

• A new career structure for highly accomplished staff who wish to remain in the classroom and provide on-going coaching and support to their colleagues.

Capital Works

After the completion of the Sports and Aquatic Centre in 2022, the School has now committed to the next set of capital works projects to be completed across all campuses. In order of priority, this includes:

• A revitalised sport precinct at Plenty Campus. This will include a 25m pool, a learn-to-swim pool, weights room, multi-purpose studio, a synthetic hockey pitch that converts to twelve tennis

courts in the summer and a fullsized soccer pitch.

• Improved facilities at Chelsworth Park to cater for the growing number of students and community groups using the grounds, and the expansion of girls’ sport being played there.

• The refurbishment of an additional terrace at our Year 9 University Campus to house additional classrooms and specialist facilities.

• A Senior Years (Years 10-12) Centre at The Ridgeway Campus to be known as The Fraser Centre, acknowledging the outstanding contribution to the School by former Principal Rod Fraser. The Fraser Centre will be built where the current Benson Gymnasium is located. It will be a multi-level building catering for the needs of our senior students.

Academic Results

The Class of 2022 celebrated their final year with some very impressive academic results. Among the highlights were:

• 34% of students attaining an ATAR in the top 10% of the State.

• 56 perfect subject scores attained across both VCE and International Baccalaureate.

• An IB median score of 94.6 (top 10% of the State)

These are outstanding results for an open entry school and a real credit to the students, families and staff. We celebrate the achievements of all members of the Class of 2022 who are not simply defined by their ATAR, but rather by their rich experiences and the young people of character they have become.

Unfortunately, on a far more sombre note, early in Term 1, James Godfrey from the Class of 2022 passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his brother Ryan, his parents Angela and Andrew and all members of our community impacted by this tragedy.

Fidelis Usque Ad Mortem

Gerard Foley

an incredibly positive

the

Cover photo: 2023 School Leaders: (L-R) Jessica Hooker and Vangelis Matheou (Ridgeway), and Avriel Das and Angus Dillon (Plenty)

Welcome to Country Ceremony

Womenjeka, boorndup wun beek ba Wurundjeri ballak. ‘Welcome, we pay our respects to the lands and the Wurundjeri people.’

These powerful words were expressed by Aunty Zeta Thomson in her capacity as an Elder of the Wurundjeri people.

These ceremonies vary from speeches of welcome to traditional dance and smoking ceremonies.

Aunty Zeta explained the significance, importance and purpose behind an Acknowledgement of Country. She highlighted that it is through building relationships and acknowledging the role of indigenous people and their culture in our society that everyone can step towards a brighter, more inclusive future.

She shared her knowledge and invited the School into her culture during a Welcome to Country Ceremony in March which involved both a smoking ceremony to cleanse the body of bad spirits and a traditional welcome in language. In doing so, Ivanhoe Grammar School strengthened its relationship with the Wurundjeri people

A Welcome to Country ceremony is performed by Aboriginal Traditional Owners for people visiting their Country.

The School acknowledged Aunty Zeta in her own language, giving back some of the language that, for so many generations, had been taken from her. Showing through our actions that as she welcomed us onto Wurundjeri land, so too did we welcome her into the Ivanhoe community.

The School’s Reunion Program has commenced and this year has already featured two hugely enjoyable reunions in London and Melbourne.

London Catch Up – Saturday 7 January London Marriot Hotel, County Hall

L-R; Chelsea, Jordan Stanton (’13), Ayden Hurst (’15), Emily Powick (’15), Jessica Zhang (’17), Beth Fearnside (’14), Branislava Vukmirovic (’11), Justin Powick (’11), Frank Prenesti (’82), Julia Goddard (’09), Gerard Foley

Principal Gerard Foley hosted a small alumni group in London for drinks and nibbles in a spectacular setting overlooking the River Thames.

Class of 1973 – The Ridgeway Campus

50 Year Reunion – Tuesday 21 March

The Watts Foyer at the Ridgeway Campus was the setting for the 50th anniversary of the students of 1973. Several alumni travelled from interstate or overseas for the event including Juergen Maurer (Germany), Wayne Binfield and Phillip Meaden (Queensland), Bruce Hosking (Northern Territory) and Greg Pitt (Tasmania). In addition to a tour of the School prior to lunch, alumni who stayed later were also invited to inspect the Sports and Acquatic Centre.

Alumni left to right

1. Neil Kamminga, Roger Pollard, Simon Billington

2. Greg Pitt, Wayne Binfield, Gifford Crosthwaite

3. Gary Scott, Bruce Hosking, Bill Crosthwaite, Adrian Lees

4. Phil Meaden, John Findeisen, Mark Tansley, Ray Bainbridge, John Price

5. Jurgen Maurer, Doug Merrett, Rowan Tatchell

6. Frank English, Roger Pollard

7. David Rouch, Peter Mummery, Peter Millsom

SCHOOL OF CHARACTER

Ivanhoe Grammar School: The Journey of Accreditation to a ‘School of Character’

Being a School of Character means that:

• there is an intentional effort to develop in young people core ethical and performance values that are widely affirmed across all cultures.

• to be effective, character education must include all stakeholders in a school community and must permeate school climate, culture, teaching, and learning.

The criteria supporting the application was extremely extensive and included:

• Demographic Information

• Population Analysis

• Our Character Journey

• How we implement each of the 11 Principles – and with evidence

• Any additional evidence

On Friday 27 January, prior to the start of Term 1, the School’s entire cross campus staff gathered for a day to hear the Principal’s address on the School’s strategic direction.

This was followed by the announcement that Ivanhoe Grammar School is officially an ‘Honourable’ School of Character. When the process for full international accreditation is completed later this year, we will be the first school in Australia to achieve this accolade!

At Ivanhoe Grammar School, the journey of character dates back 100 years, starting with our Founding Principal, Reverend Sydney Buckley who quite famously quoted ‘In a recent issue of a daily newspaper, character training was described as a sideline in education. It is not a sideline. It is the very core of education.’

In September 2022, the School embarked on an application process to be accredited as an official School of Character, by the organisation Character.org. This was led by Fiona Devlin, Deputy Principal and Head of Plenty Campus (pictured above). This organisation was identified by Principal Gerard Foley as being aligned to our values.

Founded in 1993, Character.org is widely known for its 11 Principles Framework for Schools: A Guide to Cultivating a Culture of Character, a comprehensive structure developed by school leaders and character education researchers. During the past 20 years, more than 1,000 schools have been recognised by Character.org as National Schools of Character.

• we envision a future where honest, trustworthy, respectful people treat others as they want to be treated

• young people are encouraged to form their own moral compass, based on timeless principles.

Character.org is based on 11 Principles that all accredited schools must meet and practice.

• Evidence of Impact across NAPLAN Data, VCE/IB Results, School Behaviour Data, Attendance Data, School Climate Survey Data, and photos that demonstrate our Attributes in Action

• Testimonials and Self-Assessment of each of the 11 Principles from Teachers, Non-Teachers, The Principal, Alumni, Parents, Administration and Community members.

11 PRINCIPLES

The 11 Principles focus on all aspects of school life including school culture and climate, social and emotional learning, student engagement and academic achievement amongst others. They are:

1. Core values are defined, implemented, and embedded into school culture.

2. The school defines “character” comprehensively to include thinking, feeling, and doing.

3. The school uses a comprehensive, intentional, and proactive approach to develop character.

4. The school creates a caring community.

5. The school provides students with opportunities for moral action.

6. The school offers a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners, develops their character, and helps them succeed.

7. The school fosters students’ self-motivation.

8. All staff share the responsibility for developing, implementing, and modelling ethical character.

9. The school’s character initiative has shared leadership and long-range support for continuous improvement.

10. The school engages families and community as partners in the character initiative.

11. The school assesses its implementation of character education, its culture and climate, and the character growth of students on a regular basis.

There were numerous members of the School community who were willing to provide a testimonial. Two such examples are below.

Graduating Parent 2022

‘I have been fortunate during our eight years at Ivanhoe Grammar School to witness first-hand an expansion of, and improvements in character education. I have watched with gratitude and awe as character education has grown at the School from a noble and respectable - albeit generalised - belief in growing young people, to a systematic, explicit, and all-pervading character. Education with many examples over the years where I have proudly watched the development and extension of Ivanhoe Learner values in all school activities’.

Alumni and associated community member since 1959 – Geoff Brown (’62)

‘The most telling aspect was when deliberating as to whether I should come to Ivanhoe in 1959, it was my brother Ron (’49) who instilled in me the meaning of mateship and the advantages Ivanhoe Grammar School had to offer. And that it was going to be, using the parlance of the time, character building – don’t mess it up! The ethos of Reverend Sydney Buckley was as strong then as it is now,

it being that “our students must be serviceable human beings of character and strive to be the best we always can be”. I have had the pleasure of seeing boys, and now the girls, pass through our doors and into the big world outside, each equipped with the Ideals of an Ivanhoe Learner, which in my opinion reflects a genuine person of character! I am a fervent believer that the Ivanhoe of today would make our founder swell with pride. His ethos lives on!’

Through accreditation by the School of Character, we are holding ourselves accountable and actively measuring that we actually do what we say we do. The 11 Principles act as an audit through which we measure our programs and experiences across the School, and ensure students have the opportunity to develop their character through their Ivanhoe Learner attributes.

To now be further successful in our goal of international accreditation, the following needs to be achieved.

1. A steering committee to reflect on the auditor’s commentary and how we need to meet Principle 5, 7 & 11 before the next deadline. As a school, we just dipped below the scoring requirements for these principles.

2. To accept our invitation to join the international conference in Washington in November 2023 which will be attended by Principal Gerard Foley and Deputy Principal Fiona Devlin.

3. Our international application is due November 2023.

Fiona will be leading the application process for this international recognition up to the November conference. Further updates and developments will be included in forthcoming editions of the Brown and White.

‘Ego Yah, Ego Yah’ - The School War Cry

It has been bellowed out at every AGSV sporting event for over 75 years. As soon as the first two words are spoken, there would be very few alumni who can’t remember what follows or even launch into their own chorus. But how did the School War Cry originate?

The Start

Up to the early WW2 years, house war cries were used for inter-school events until a visit to another school led to what we now know as the School War Cry.

In 1940, a group of Ivanhoe Grammar School students, including future School Captain Mon Penney (’46) spent their Term 2, 1940 holiday in South Australia. While there, they visited Victor Harbour High School and overheard chanting from the students during a sporting contest. Whilst possibly an element of plagiarism could be construed, Mon and his friends wrote down the words, and on the train back to Melbourne, made a few alterations to fit an Ivanhoe context. The first two and last two lines together with the ‘boom jigger jigger’ were kept, and the rest composed.

After much discussion, the boys decided to make it Sherwood House’s War Cry, and after many rehearsals in ‘the orchard’ (where the School Chapel now stands), started using it in inter-house sports competitions. At that time, Sherwood House was solely for boarders but to their surprise, the day boys rather liked the chant and also started using it in inter-school competitions, so shortly thereafter, the Sherwood War Cry was adopted as the School War Cry.

SCHOOL

WAR CRY

Ego Yah! Ego Yah!

Ego Whoppee-Gah

Terri Erri Oppee-Gah

Orki Orki Yah Yah Yah

Boom Jigger Jigger

Boom Jigger Jigger

Boom Jigger Jigger Jigger

Boom Boom Boom

Here We, Here We, Here We Go

Ivanhoe Grammar School, Hoe Hoe Hoe!

Sherwood, meanwhile, having lost its own war cry, was determined to try again. It created an alternative adaptation and after numerous rehearsals in the orchard, used it right up to the time when the School was moved move to Yea (1942). Unfortunately for Mon, it was not the outstanding success that ‘Ego Yah’ was, and eventually fell into disuse.

World War 2 Years

As with other aspects of school life, the war cry lost its way during 194243 when the School grounds were transferred to the Army and the School operated as two separate entities. The majority of students were evacuated to Yea and the remainder - largely local Ivanhoe boys - were taught at St James’s Parish.

The two sections of the School were reunited in 1944 at Ivanhoe after the army relinquished its use of the grounds and facilities. However, this required attention to re-establishing a school which had been divided for two years; in addition, there were also 100 new day boys.

Rebuilding the school at this time was not easy and the remaining senior boys had to re-educate both the two separate campuses – and the new boys – into the war cry. School Captain Graham Hawke (’44) recalled that “when we returned from Yea, part of my role as School Captain was to do something to rebuild the spirit of the School and join together the two factions of Ivanhoe and Yea. Senior boys re-educated the rest in the School War Cry because once the School had been split up and then came back together with so many new boys, there were very few who remembered it … and it was something of a rabble.”

Along with the creation of the School Song, the War Cry played a key role in improving school spirit since the extraordinarily difficult and tragic consequences of the war years.

Mon Penney, later Wing Commander Penney, wrote that ‘a lengthy war cry should not be abused; rather it should be regarded with reverence. Cooperation is needed for best effect. Every member of the School should be in one place, and in the smallest place possible, and then all at once - and at regular intervals - yell out the war cry.’

Mon also remarked that the intention of the war cry is to encourage the team, not frighten it!

It is not clear if that sentiment is universally adopted by the thousands of Ivanhoe Grammar School students who have screamed it during AGSV events but at times, it has certainly been intimidating to the opposing sides.

Year 2 Tradition

For many years it has been an annual tradition for Year 2 Buckley House students to come up to The Ridgeway Campus in Term 1 for an educational and historical tour of the School. At the start of the year, they are taught the war cry, and during their early morning tour, under the direction of Development Manager Geoff Brown (’62), scream several versions of it outside Principal Foley’s office until he comes out of his office to welcome them!

Their enthusiasm for entertaining Gerard seems to grow every year with most of the School hearing the refrain ‘Ego Yah, Ego Yah’ bellowing around the campus. Our sporting teams will continue to have incredible vocal support at every interschool event if the passion shown by our youngest students this year is any guide.

Alumni Returning to School

Since the gradual lifting of travel restrictions into Australia over the past 12 months, Mirella Busso-Lee, Alumni Coordinator, has been contacted by a number of overseas alumni who returned for a family visit over the Christmas holidays and to take a tour of the School.

Olaf Juhnke (’82) (above left), commenced at Ivanhoe Grammar School in 1978 in Year 8 after his father received a secondment from Germany. Olaf completed his schooling in 1982 and after his last exam, the family had dinner at the ‘Flower Drum’ and then boarded a plane back to Germany.

Mirella showed Olaf and his partner Sybillie around the School in February. He was amazed at the changes since his time here and was thrilled to see his name was on the Honour Board as the Dux of Science in 1982. Olaf had many stories to share about his time at School and was impressed how it had developed over the years.

Several other alumni also flew to Australia over the Christmas holiday season. This included David Ng (‘85) from Malaysia, Zoe Cooper-Sutton (’10) a solicitor living in London, and another old boy from Germany, Till Maurer (’76), above right.

Remembering Damion

The tragic death of Damion Drapac (’06) in 2019 after a road accident while cycling has led to a donation to Deakin University from his father Michael in Damion’s honour. Damion, who was 30 when he died, had just completed his medical degree and had an internship at the Austin Hospital. He had taken the long road to a career in medicine, going through the rigorous selection process three times in four years before finally being accepted into Deakin University’s Doctor of Medicine course.

Michael Drapac, a property investor and owner/founder of Drapac Pro Cycling, recently gifted Deakin University $6.1 million, the largest donation in the university’s history.

To be known as The Damion Drapac Centre, it will provide scholarships to aspiring medical students from disadvantaged, diverse and regional backgrounds, groups typically underrepresented in the medical professions. Above all, it will honour and uphold the spirit and values that Damion embodied.

Leading the Band

Congratulations to Corporal Ruby Lulham (’13). At the Recruit Training Unit’s Graduation Parade in September 2022, she led her first parade as the Air Force Band’s newest Drum Major. Not only that, but Ruby is also the first ever female drum major of the band in its 99-year history! After leaving school, Ruby completed a Bachelor of Music (Hons) at Monash University. Ruby joined the Royal Australian Air Force Band as clarinettist in 2018 and noted that ‘learning the skills to be a Drum Major is a completely different craft than playing the clarinet in a marching band.’ Ruby was honoured to receive a surprise visit from the Warrant Officer of the Air Force Fiona Grasby OAM, just prior to stepping off on her first parade as Drum Major.

Season 2023 is here. Go Hoers! Preparations are well underway for the 2023 season. Training has seen strong attendances and with most of last year’s squad returning and with strong recruitment, there is an air of excitement about the prospects for the club this year In 2023, the club is planning to field a Senior Men’s, Senior Reserves, Senior Thirds, and Men’s U/19s (born 2003 or later) teams. Additionally, it is hoped to re-establish the women’s program and field a team in 2023 but a significant increase in playing numbers to make this happen is needed.

The football club is an excellent way for the Ivanhoe Grammar School alumni community to stay connected. There are many ways to get involved with OIGFC and anyone interested in volunteer roles, critical to the club’s success, are welcomed.

Sponsors play a key role at the club and offer excellent opportunities to build profiles within both the club and broader OIGA community. Details on sponsorship and membership packages can be found on our website at www.oigfc.com.au.

As well as a place where people meet to play football, the club aims to be an extension of the School, helping to develop players into valuable members of the community. This year, it is planned to incorporate an education course to underpin the football program; it is also seeking mentors from the OIGA community, and to connect employers with potential employees within the OIGFC community. Interest in any of these initiatives can be directed to Chris Branigan, OIGFC President at chris. branigan@ivanhoe.com.au.

Finally, be sure to follow the club on Instagram (#oigfc) and our website to keep up with the latest news. We hope to see you at Chelsworth Park soon or perhaps at our Gala Night at the Park Hyatt on Saturday 13 May! Go Hoers!

Michael Drapac with his late son Damion, after whom the Damion Drapac Centre will be named.

Nick Clarke (’03)International Alumni

In the space of just a few years, Nick Clarke’s career has figuratively and literally flown to new heights. In a somewhat perverse way, he has the global pandemic to thank for the move which now sees him working in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s best airlines.

Following school, he completed tertiary studies (Arts/Commerce and International Relations) at Deakin University (2010), followed by a Masters in International Relations at the University of Melbourne and an MBA at Sydney Business School (2019). He studied Mandarin throughout this period including time at Fudan University in Shanghai. Between studies, he found time to play football with the OIGFC and backpack through Eastern Europe.

His qualifications set him on the path to an international career. His work as a Team Leader at the Expo Shanghai 2010 at the Australian pavilion led to work in China and Hong Kong for Jetstar and subsequently a role with Qantas in Sydney. However, when the global aviation downturn occurred during the pandemic and his role with Qantas faced an uncertain future,

he relocated to Hong Kong to seek opportunities there. While this kept him apart from wife Kathy and daughter Holly for 10 months, he kept busy by joining community sporting groups where he reconnected with Will Cornelius (OIGFC) and Vojin Vujacic (’03), Director at Mizuho Financial Services, also currently working in Hong Kong. His persistence and determination paid off and in 2021, he landed a global role with Cathay Pacific as Head of Customer Insights. He now leads a team spanning brand, customer experience and strategic projects.

Nick credits the support from Cathay Pacific and their leadership team, which includes Edward Bell (’87) who is the GM of Brand, Insights and Marketing Communications and Nick’s Manager, as well as the experiences he received at the School for his interest in working overseas.

Although working overseas, Nick remains in regular contact with his friends from school and recently flew to Melbourne for Christmas to catch up with family and friends (see above). We wish Nick, Kathy and Holly the best in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

Snippets

King of the Cross Claude Jabbour (’04) and his acting career continues to grow impressively. From school productions to YouTube comedy, he is quickly amassing a very impressive array of television, film and theatre credits. He is currently featuring in a leading role in the acclaimed 10-part television drama series Last King of the Cross. (Claude with arms crossed in image above courtesy of Paramount)

The Fabulous Bacskos Boys!

For the fifth year in succession, the Bacskos brothers have competed in the Portsea Swim Classic, one of Victoria’s largest and most iconic open water swims. First held in 1987, the race is customarily held over a 1500-meter course which attracts around 2000 competitors, with competitors swimming with the tide. This year, Alex (’13), Chris (’07) and Michael (’09) (above) entered the 2500-meter Classic Gold event which is limited to 400 serious competitors in an around the buoys format. Bring on 2024!

Top Performance

Congratulations to Lucy Schaefer (’22) who received a top score for her Theatre Studies Year 12 monologue performance exam. After appearing in front of a panel of Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), Lucy has been invited to present at the Malthouse Theatre in front of public audiences where only a handful of students with top marks get invited. Lucy was heavily involved in the performing arts while at the School; the photo above is Lucy starring as Pamela in the theatre production of ‘39 Steps’.

ALUMNI NEWS - HAVE YOU HEARD?

HATCHED & MATCHED

Congratulations to all our alumni below who have celebrated major announcements.

Weddings!

SAVE THE DATE 2023

Business Directory

Our alumni Business Directory, created in 2022, presents a wonderful opportunity to reach, connect and support our business community. We are delighted to acknowledge the following businesses which have registered with our business directory. Further information and registration details can be found at www.oldivanhoe.com/business-directory

IVANHOE Hotel Collingwood

Our calendar for 2023 social gatherings is shown below. However, all dates are subject to change, so please refer to the website, Facebook, and Instagram for details of all OIGA activities.

Friday 28 April

TRC 40 Year Reunion (Class of 1983)

Friday 12 May

Plenty Campus 20 Year Reunion (Class of 2003)

Friday 19 May

Brisbane Reunion Drinks

Saturday 20 May

Brisbane Reunion Luncheon

Friday 2 June

TRC 30 Year Reunion (Class of 1993)

Friday 14 July

Plenty Campus 5 Year Reunion (Class of 2018)

Tuesday 25 July

Adelaide Reunion Luncheon

Friday 28 July

Plenty Campus 10 Year Reunion (Class of 2013)

Friday 4 August

TRC 10 Year Reunion (Class of 2013)

Friday 1 September

TRC 5 Year Reunion (Class of 2018)

Friday 20 October

TRC 20 Year Reunion (Class of 2003)

Wednesday 29 November Buckley/Brown Luncheon

Joel Jordan (’09) and Sara Taylor (’09) Sam Norman (’03) and Emma

Georgia Newland (’12) and Callum Matheson (’12)

Chris Goodrope (’03) and wife Melissa welcomed Charlotte Grace in February

Kali Mooy (’06 – nee Burns) and husband Adam welcomed their second daughter, Charlotte Rose, in February

New arrivals!

One of the features of the annual Buckley Boys/Brown Luncheon is the presentation of awards by the Principal to those who have achieved age milestones during the year. While these luncheons were cancelled in 2020 and 2021, the 2022 event welcomed three new members to this illustrious group. We are delighted to provide a snapshot of our latest ‘Living Legends’ who celebrated their 90th birthdays over the last three years and the contributions they have made to the School.

Gregor McGregor (‘47)

Gregor was born in 1930 and attended the School from 1944-46 as a boarder. Following the early death of his father, his mother considered boarding school the best place for him while she earned a living teaching the piano. His prior knowledge of the School had been through his uncle King Sedgfield (’27) and cousin Peter Bethell (’39) a former School Captain.

His first term in middle dormitory, which had been recently reclaimed from the army, was quite a shock for an only child accustomed to living with his widowed mother in an apartment. ‘Queues for short hot showers and long cold ones, plenty of fresh air(!) in the open dormitories, and stones littering the North Ground which were in part cleaned by up by the boys as punishment for minor misdemeanours.’

Gregor’s lasting memory, apart from his school mates, were of the junior masters for the wellbeing of the boys during those difficult post-war years. Encouragement, empathy and discipline were all required, but above all, fairness was the prominent characteristic of those times.

For Gregor, Ivanhoe Grammar School was a life-changing and confidence building experience. He later built a successful international career in sales and marketing for which he believes the School played a prominent part.

Gregor married Natalie and raised two daughters, is a Life Member of the OIGA, and a donor to School fundraising programs.

Michael Hellstrom (’50)

Michael was the son of one of Australia’s most distinguished soldiers, Major General Albert Harold Hellstrom

CBE, who in 1946, was appointed Director of Ordnance Services with the rank of Brigadier. Michael attended Ivanhoe Grammar School between 1946-1950. He matriculated with honours and following university, became a chartered accountant. Michael has been a regular attendee at school events for many years including the celebrated 2008 Buckley Boys Reunion, and throughout his adult life, has been a magnificent supporter and significant donor to the School. Michael and wife Jane had three daughters and four grandchildren.

Ken Snodgrass (’49)

Ken was unfortunately unable to attend the Buckley Boys/ Brown Era Luncheon in December (due to COVID-19) Born in 1932, Ken grew up in Avenel (near Seymour), a township synonymous with Ned Kelly’s early years (and where Ned’s father ‘Red’ was buried). Ken’s father and Howard Purcell’s father were first cousins and while he only attended the School (as a boarder) for two years (1947-48), he has left a remarkable legacy. Ken is married to Judy and his son Bill (’78) and grandsons William (’11) and Cam (’16), and granddaughters Ally (’12) and Pip (‘18) also attended the School. Ken is a ‘bowls tragic’ and is a regular attendee at school reunions.

ANNUAL APPEAL 2023

2022 was a landmark year for Ivanhoe Grammar School with the first recipients of our First Nations Scholarships beginning their journey at our School.

The School has welcomed the collaboration with Andrew and Cara Taylor from the Gladys Nicholls Hostel in bringing this initiative to fruition. The School provides six fully paid scholarships, uniforms, learning materials and other incidental expenses while the Taylors provide a home away from home for these courageous students in a culturally safe space.

Our focus for the Annual Appeal this year will be on building our First Nations Scholarships program with the hope that in the future, more First Nations students will have the opportunity of an Ivanhoe education.

We launched our Annual Appeal with a dinner hosted by the Principal and the Chairman of the Board, Daniel Proietto (’96) with a dinner on 5 April in the Watts Foyer. The guests enjoyed a presentations from Andrew and Cara, as well as Paul Briggs (’01) on all aspects of our hopes for this program and the importance of education. The important message is to foster our relationship and understanding of First Nations people and see beyond the separateness of our cultures. It is an opportunity for our scholars, students and school family to change the narrative and shape the future. It is time to dream, to share our knowledge, to deepen our connection.

When approached in Term 2, please consider supporting this initiative in the most practical way possible. If you have any queries, please contact Geoff Brown, Development Manager on 9490 3423 or via email to geoff.brown@ivanhoe.com.au

Annual IB Arts Exhibition

The Annual IB Visual Arts Exhibition ran at the Glen Eira Town Hall until 12 March. We were delighted that five of our students from the Class of 2022 - Rosie Pettenon, Christian Arnel, Mia Wilson (in photo above) together with Tom Pringuer and Giselle DeFazio were accepted into this year’s exhibition. The exhibition featured a range of innovative artworks from the 2022 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) across themes including personal and cultural identity, urban environment, climate change, social issues and the natural world. Numerous students and staff attended the opening night of the exhibition to help celebrate the outstanding achievements of our arts students.

School Leaders 2023

The new School Captains (and Prefects) for 2023 were inducted at a special Oath Signing ceremony held in November 2022. Together with Principal Gerard Foley and Heads of Campuses, they were then introduced formally to the School community at special assemblies across all campuses, where they each outlined their vision for the year ahead – together with highlights of their time at the School to date. Congratulations to Jessica Hooker and Vangelis Matheou (Ridgeway) and Avriel Das and Angus Dillon (Plenty) for their appointments, and best wishes for this exciting and challenging year ahead.

School Kayaking Team

Congratulations to the School Kayaking Team on placing 2nd at the Australian Kayaking Schools’ Championships that was held in Tasmania over the recent school holidays. This largely new team, led by captain Luca Faelis finally experienced some competition after six months of interrupted water levels.

With growing numbers in our junior ranks, this group of young, dedicated, and talented paddlers will be a competitive force for years to come.

Theatrical Events

The Ridgeway Campus School Musical for 2023 was

First Nations – First Year

It has been a memorable first year for our First Nations Scholarship students who were warmly welcomed to Ivanhoe Grammar School in 2022. Each has contributed much to our school community and their return this year has been eagerly anticipated. This year, we welcomed our sixth student – a girl in Year 11 – and we look forward to seeing the scholarship program grow in the future. Interstate relatives visited during the last week of Term 4, 2022 to help celebrate the end of the year. Our gratitude to Cara and Andrew Taylor for their care of these students and for providing such a wonderful supportive environment for them.

‘Oliver’, the stage production with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and based on the 1838 novel by Charles Dickens. Over four nights at Buckley Hall, the the show was a huge success and showcased the amazing talents of the students. Congratulations to everyone involved with the production but particularly Shaun Murphy, Director of Performance, Musical Director Patrick Vaughan (’19) and Assistant Musical Director Patrick Suiter (’21), and to the cast, crew, alumni, parents and volunteers who have worked since last August to bring this production to life.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Plenty Campus production of Footloose the Musical hits the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention centre later this month. Running from 27 - 29 April, tickets can be purchased at https://pracc.com.au/tickets.

Volleyball Success!

Six volleyball teams across junior, intermediate and senior levels represented the School at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup (AVSC) on the Gold Coast in January … and what a hugely successful week resulted! The tournament brings together the best school volleyball teams in Australia and is the biggest junior sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere! With two gold medals, one silver and one bronze, these achievements demonstrate the development of the School’s volleyball program, and will further contribute to its ongoing success at AGSV level. Congratulations to all students and support staff involved with this event.

Aspiring Triathlete

Congratulations to Year 9 student Bentley Crisp who travelled to Canberra during the holidays as a member of the Victorian State Triathlon Team. Racing was held across six events over four days against the best Youth and Junior triathletes in the country. This was followed by a Performance Camp hosted at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Bentley had a fantastic week, finishing the six Grand Prix races with enough points for 5th place overall in Youth Males. This included achieving 8th place in the Australian Youth Super Sprint Championship and first Victorian Youth Male.

Award Winner

Model Citizen

Year 10 student Ethan Liddy received the Mitchell Shire Australia Day Award for Young Citizen of the Year. He was nominated for his continued commitment to what he calls his ‘bin run’. After watching a Hay Mate fundraising concert in 2018, Ethan, then in Year 5, offered to take neighbours bins out for payment and to donate all the money to the ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign to support rural farmers. After four years, he has donated $4,445 which is close to his target of $5,700 which was the value of a full truck of hay when he started his journey. Ethan has set a wonderful example of great community service.

Energy Breakthrough

Since 1991, The Energy Breakthrough event has provided opportunities for students, teachers, parents and local industry to work together to design and construct a vehicle, machine or innovation in technology that will represent an ‘energy breakthrough’. In November 2022, the Ivanhoe Grammar School team participated for the first time and worked throughout the year to attend the Energy Breakthrough camp in Maryborough (Vic) in the category of ‘Human Powered Vehicles’. The program encourages participants to examine and use the latest technology while considering its impact on the environment and the way people live locally and globally. The camp was a wonderful experience for all participants, and will become an inspiring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Sustainability and Leadership program at the School in the future.

Congratulations to Plenty Campus Careers Advisor Narelle McFadden who recently received the Australian Centre for Career Education (ACCE) Fellowship Award in recognition of her long-term professional commitment to career education in Victoria. In addition to these awards, the ACE Committee of Management recognised Narelle for Life Membership, to mark her long-time work as a career practitioner who has made a significant contribution to the ACCE Committee of Management.

Captains Lunch

In what is now a traditional early year event, on Monday 6 February, past School Captains were welcomed back to The Ridgeway Campus for assembly and lunch, and to meet the new school captains. Some 34 past captains were in attendance including Graham Hawke (‘44) who flew down from Brisbane for the occasion and has been a great supporter of the School over many years. Daniel Proietto (‘96), Stephanie Hardy (‘99), Jack Pead (‘06) and Ruby Marslen (‘15) represented alumni captains in a forum that gave current students insights on study techniques, ‘life after school’, career paths, leadership and staying connected. During lunch former Plenty Campus School Captain and OIGA President, Michael Bacskos (‘09), addressed the group and welcomed them into the fold.

Howard Purcell

Howard Purcell (’57), who passed away in January this year following a short illness, is one of the School’s most respected alumni. Howard’s father Bill (’24) and his Uncle George (’25) both came to Ivanhoe Grammar School as boarders in 1920. Thus began an association of the Purcell family with the School that continues to this day – 103 years. Howard’s Uncle Harold (’34), cousins Ian Scott (’70) and David Purcell (’70) and Ian’s son Matthew (’14) also attended the School.

Howard’s family were in the grocery business in Yea and he attended the School as a boarder. At the end of school terms, he returned home to work in the family business.

In 1965, he married Beverley, a nurse, with whom he had one son, Stuart (’84). Determined to have Stuart attend Ivanhoe Grammar School and with the Boarding House closed, Howard relocated the family back to Melbourne. He worked at Knorr’s grocery in Ivanhoe before the lure of country living took them to Whitfield to run the general store where they lived until retirement.

Howard was a member of the OIGA Council from 1989-2013 and both he and Bev were closely involved as parents and past parents at School functions for over 50 years. They have been substantial Annual Appeal donors since 1986, and in 1991 established the W A Purcell Memorial Library Collection, followed by the gifting of a Seat of Learning in the Lecture Theatre, and The Howard and

VALE – FIDELIS USQUE AD MORTEM

Bev Purcell Commerce Prize. In addition, Howard and Bev have made a significant bequest to the School which will enable a student to enjoy an education which may otherwise not be possible. To be known as the H, B & S Purcell Gateway Bursary, the Purcell name will live on in perpetuity.

Howard truly loved Ivanhoe Grammar School and everything for which it stood. In the words of Geoff Brown, the School’s Development Manager who gave the eulogy at Howard’s funeral, he believed that in Howard’s case, the School’s motto of ‘Faithful Unto Death’ could, in lieu of his bequest, be extended to Fidelis Usque Post Mortem – Faithful Even After Death.

David Lee

The passing of David Lee (’57) closes the direct link with one of the School’s most revered staff members in Tom Lee

Tom joined the staff in 1931 and served as House Master of Sherwood Boarding House, Senior Mathematics and Science Master, and Deputy Headmaster until his retirement in 1961. The T. R. Lee Science Wing was named in his honour.

Tom’s 30 years’ service covered the difficult period of depression, World War 2 and post-war reconstruction. David was Tom’s third son after brothers Edwin (’41) and Peter (’43), and even though he resided in Brisbane for many years, is remembered as a wonderful and loyal supporter of the School, and regularly flew down to Melbourne to attend annual reunions.

We acknowledge the passing of the following individuals who were part of the Ivanhoe Grammar School family.

Edward Huxley Carver (Hux) (‘47) Buckley Boy

Peter Collins (‘73) Brown Era

Evan Cooper (‘97) Sligo/Fraser Era

James Godfrey (’22) Foley Era

Graeme Harvey (George) (’75) Brown/Sligo Era

Anthony Hick (Tony) (‘55) Buckley Boy/Brown Era

Linley Horrocks

Ex Ridgeway Campus Staff Member; 1980-89

David Lee (’57) Brown Era

Victoria McPherson

Ex Buckley House Staff Member; 1985-2000

Stephen Nixon (’71) Brown Era

David Pride (‘46) Buckley Boy

Howard Purcell (’57) Brown Era

Michael Robertson (‘99) Sligo/Fraser Era

Knox Waddell (’43) Buckley Boy

Michael Weller (‘45) Buckley Boy