Acknowledgments
Art Director / Project Lead
Stephanie Drummond
Cover Artwork
Chenuki Gunasekera
Editors
Stephanie Drummond
Kristina Garla
Rosa Good
Melissa Healy
Photographers
Allen Burton
Andrew Fox
Dean Phipps
Student and Teacher Photographers
Printed by
Openbook Howden Print & Design
Proofreader
Judy Hewett
We gratefully acknowledge the many contributions to this year’s edition of The Ivanarian from students, staff and other members of our School community.
Cover artwork was painted by Chenuki Gunasekera
'Always be the hardest worker in the room.'
– Kyah Simon
YOUNG PEOPLE OF CHARACTER #learningtogether
From the Chair and Principal
Ivanhoe Grammar School continues to be a thriving community of young people of character learning and innovating together. This year, several exciting initiatives came to fruition alongside some wonderful achievements, many of which are celebrated in the pages of this publication.
A key highlight was the continuation of our journey developing new standards in global and character education. In 2023, we received an honourable mention from an international character accreditation organisation and our Cadet Unit was recognised internationally for exemplifying principles of character; two key steps as we make our way towards becoming the first Australian school to be formerly accredited as a School of Character*. In November 2023 we launched our ground-breaking Global Education program, which aims to set a new benchmark for incorporating global citizenship education into the school curriculum. Additionally, recognising the importance of co-curricular activities in the development of character, we launched Ivanhoe Edge in 2023. Ivanhoe Edge is a comprehensive co-curricular extension program offering coaching and development for Ivanhoe students in the fields of sport and art. This year, the experience of an Ivanhoe education was extended to a broader community as we opened our stateof-the-art Sports and Aquatic Centre beyond our students and staff with the launch of Ivanhoe Swim: a fantastic learn-to-swim program and swim club available to the local community. Finally, enhancement of the sporting facilities at Plenty Campus commenced in the latter part of the year with the building of an Aquatic and Wellness Centre, a soccer pitch, and hockey pitch.
Strategic Plan
Throughout the course of 2023 the management team and Board of Governors have spent a large amount of energy and critical thought on the development of our next Strategic Plan: Towards 2030. In looking to the future, it was important to pause and reflect on what an Ivanhoe Education sets out to achieve. From its inception, Ivanhoe Grammar School has been built around the key principle of developing young people of character. Our collective commitment to this remains unchanged and is underpinned by a desire to:
• promote passion for learning and engagement
• grow humanity, empathy, and collaborative intent
• stimulate curiosity, imagination, and a future orientation
• develop the skills to become a confident, independent decision-maker able to shape the future
• build resilience and introduce the joy of ‘failing forward’
• induct into diverse cultures.
Supporting these principles, the new Ivanhoe Grammar School Strategic Plan continues our commitment to develop young people to have:
• Moral Character – respect, honesty, compassion, gratitude, kindness, and ethics
• Civic Character – understanding our responsibility to others, citizenship, volunteering, and social justice
• Performance Character – giving of one’s best in all endeavours, perseverance, focused, hardworking, and diligent.
To achieve this, we need to continue to offer a breadth of learning opportunities, which has been the hallmark of an Ivanhoe Education for over one hundred years. A full review of our co-curricular offerings, programs and practices has been undertaken this year as a part of a process of continual improvement. The findings from this review will inform decisions as we continue to enhance the broad aspects of learning across the School.
Key features of the School's new Strategic Plan include the following.
• Being a futures-focused school where we not only prepare students for the present but also for the future with skills, capabilities, and dispositions to impact and shape the world they are entering after graduation. For students to have the competencies required in mathematics, science and humanities alongside broader learning experiences incorporated in global awareness, innovation, digital proficiency, creativity and financial literacy.
• Our ‘four campuses, one school’ philosophy will continue to ensure consistency in offerings, programs, and practice as a core Ivanhoe Grammar School principle.
• Digital transformation will be a priority to optimise and enhance learning by integrating technology into all we do, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, online learning, and analytics.
• Investing in our staff continues to be a critical focus for the School under our new Strategic Plan. As an open entry school, we want to enable the best possible learning environment and outcomes for all our students. We will continue to grow the capacity of our teachers as we firmly believe a key determinant of quality learning is quality teachers. To this end, we will introduce the following.
» The establishment of 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.
» The formation of Ivanhoe Institute, which will oversee and be responsible for all professional learning. The primary focus for Ivanhoe Institute will be to lead the continuous improvement of teacher capabilities through the development of a highquality professional learning program.
Staff Updates
This year we acknowledged the service of two significant members of our executive staff who concluded their time at Ivanhoe at the end of 2023.
We recognised the outstanding contribution made to the School by Russell Feben, Head of Buckley House, during his 27 years at Ivanhoe. Russell’s commitment to the wellbeing and progress of students, both academically and personally, has always been underpinned by his understanding of the importance of building a vibrant school community at Buckley House. We wish Russell and his wife Chris well in their retirement as they spend more quality time with their grandchildren.
Additionally, after seven significant years at the School, Tom Rickards, Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus, made the difficult decision to pursue opportunities beyond Ivanhoe and conclude his leadership position at School at the end of 2023. A passionate and caring educator, Tom has made an extraordinary contribution to the positive changes and growth of our School across many areas, as a member of the Principal’s Executive and an inspirational leader of our largest campus. He has created a wonderfully warm and inclusive culture at Ridgeway Campus; and his care for students, staff and families has always been exceptional. We are grateful Tom continues to be a valued member of our community, as a parent at our School.
We wish Tom and Russell well in their future endeavours. They have each had a significantly positive impact on the learning trajectory of hundreds of Ivanhoe Grammar School students and alumni. We know, without doubt, they have helped shape the future and character of many young people during their time here.
Life Governors of the School
On a sad note, we lost a significant member of our community this year. Nigel Kendall, a much-respected and revered long-serving staff member, Deputy Principal and Life Governor of the School, passed away in June. As a faithful servant of the School, colleague, teacher, and friend, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Through his longstanding involvement in the School, dedication to quality education for young people, passion for sport and love of language, Nigel leaves his legacy and mark on this school. We honour Nigel’s contribution to Ivanhoe Grammar School in the following pages.
Board of Governors
During the year we welcomed Rod Hamilton to the Board. Rod is a Co-Founder, Strategic Advisor and Board member at Culture Amp, the market-leading employee experience platform. Rod served as the Chief Product Officer at Culture Amp for 12 years before stepping down to seek new challenges in 2022.
Presently, Rod volunteers with Orange Sky Australia, a notfor-profit organisation connecting and supporting people experiencing homelessness through free laundry and showers, and conversation. He also serves as a mentor and investor at Startmate, an Australian and New Zealand based startup accelerator. Rod’s son joined the School in Year 7 this year. We look forward to Rod’s ongoing support and input into the direction of the School. We would like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank all Ivanhoe Grammar School staff for their continued professionalism, care for our students and support of each other.
Thank you also to all families and parents for your continuing support and we wish all the graduating members of the Class of 2023 well in the future.
Daniel ProiettoChair of the Board of Governors
Gerard Foley
Principal
Vale Nigel Kendall
Nigel Kendall 1938 – 2023
The whole Ivanhoe community was saddened to learn of the passing of Nigel Kendall in mid-2023. Nigel was a much-respected member of our School community, a revered long serving staff member, Deputy Principal and Life Governor of the School.
Commencing at Ivanhoe in 1960, Nigel retired in 2005 as Deputy Principal having served the School for 46 years. Throughout his time at Ivanhoe, he was a passionate and loyal Ivanarian who left an indelible mark on the School. Nigel was a true gentleman – gentle but strong, respected by students, staff, parents, alumni, and members of other AGSV schools. He was passionate about sport and the role it played in building the character of young people. Nigel contributed significantly to sport in schools as both Secretary and Honorary Chair of the AGSV Sports Coordinators Committee.
In recent times, Nigel’s legacy was acknowledged with the showcase court in our Sports and Aquatic Centre being named the Nigel Kendall Court.
In retirement, Nigel retained his association with the School in a variety of ways and became Patron of the Cadet Unit, regularly visiting both the annual Cadet Camp and Bivouac. His legacy continues today with many current students having been interviewed by Nigel for scholarship positions at the School.
A willing and active attendee at alumni reunions, two generations of past students have held Nigel Kendall in the greatest of esteem and he was much talked about at the various reunions held throughout Australia and overseas – always with great warmth and affection. As a faithful servant of the School, colleague, teacher and friend, he will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
Nigel would have turned 85 in July 2023. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Annette, daughters Nicole, Suzette, Peta, Angela, and their families.
Fidelis Usque ad Mortem
Around the School
'If I win, it’s a bonus. If I lose, the sun still comes up the next day, and it’s all good.'
– Ash Barty
COURAGEOUS young people of character
#learningtogether
Academic Learning
From the Director of Academic Learning
Director of Academic LearningCelebrating Learning
Driven by our core purpose of developing young people of character, during 2023 Ivanhoe Grammar School has continued to expand and enhance our suite of academic programs and learning experiences across the School. Underpinning each learning program is a set of guiding principles. Each academic program aims to provide academic rigour, develop the skills for future learning success and provide the ‘between the lines’ curriculum that enables personal growth through the development of the Ivanhoe Learner attributes: Courageous, Innovative, Balanced, Collaborative, Ethical, Reflective and Compassionate.
The Ivanhoe Curriculum is constantly reviewed, updated and adapted through the collaboration of our teaching teams. Our aim is to provide a guaranteed, contemporary one school curriculum. Our programs may be adapted due to emerging technology, varying student interests or evolving student capabilities. Our Junior Primary and Middle Years' programs prioritise high support learning environments and guiding structure in order to establish foundational learning skills and the love of learning. Our Year 9 program, based at University Campus, continues to play a pivotal role in developing students into independent young learners with awareness of their own passions and strengths. Our Senior Years curriculum offers a very broad range of subject choices within VCE and IB, and the subject offerings are adapted each year in response to student interests.
Throughout the pages of The Ivanarian you will be able to see how enthusiastically our students have engaged in a wide variety of learning experiences. Our students have created incredible visual art exhibitions, presented energetic musical theatre productions and outstanding music concerts. They have fought vigorous debates, conducted remarkable symposiums and given their best. Our excursions have returned, and our students have enjoyed many a day immersed in their learning beyond the boundaries of the school grounds. As the following pages show, there is a great deal of success to celebrate in the areas of STEM, Digital Technology, The Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Literature, Sciences and Mathematics. Each area has selected just a few of their highlights to share within this publication.
Always Growing
We know that one teacher can make a positive difference in the life of a student. At Ivanhoe, our teachers work together towards a shared vision of high-quality teaching and continual improvement. Our academic leaders guide teaching teams through continuous review, growth and enhancement of our teaching practices. Each year we strive to ensure that we provide the best possible learning opportunities for students, and this involves continual review and reflection. During 2023 our endeavours have included accelerating students’ digital learning capabilities,
enhancing our academic culture, expanding and aligning academic support systems, expanding academic extension programs, further developing inquiry and inter-disciplinary learning and re-imagining Global Education.
Academic Extension
During 2023, the Head of Academic Extension has established an impressive number and variety of extension experiences for students across year levels and campuses. Year 9 STEM Enrichment, the Years 5 to 9 Maths Extension Program, the Ethics Olympiad, Model UN, Philosophy Conferences, Future Problem Solving, Thriving Minds, Mooting and Tournament of Minds are some examples of programs running during lessons, lunchtimes or after school.
Digital Literacy
Recent developments in digital technology have opened up exciting new avenues and modes of learning, including through the use of AI. Both students and teachers have undertaken significant learning in digital capabilities connected to how we learn. We are in a new era of opportunities to learn and create, being available anywhere and anytime. Within a range of subjects, importance has been given to the development of student and teacher Digital Literacy (ICT Capabilities). Across many areas of study, learning tasks are designed to teach students to navigate digital sites, select and use the most appropriate digital devices and tools, create and manage digital content, explore, communicate and collaborate while safeguarding their data and wellbeing.
Ivanhoe Institute Launched
2023 brought the launch of The Ivanhoe Institute. The aim of the Institute is to support the professional growth of all staff through the development of high-quality professional learning programs. The Director of the institute leads the school’s pedagogical leaders at each campus in the development and implementation of the school’s coaching program and small-group action research. Via the Institute, the inaugural Ivanhoe Professional Learning Conference was held in August with great success. The theme was ‘Towards 2030’. Louka Parry (CEO and Founder of the Learning Future) was the keynote presenter. Louka works globally as a learning strategist and education futurist. He shared his insights into the future of education and how it closely connects with Ivanhoe’s ‘Towards 2030’ Strategic Plan. The day also featured over 40 of our own staff delivering professional learning workshops to their peers.
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the academic learning leaders throughout 2023. In partnership with our pastoral teams, their dedication, expertise, determination and passionate support of our students, teachers and programs are essential elements of the success of 2023.
Carmel Fry Director of Academic LearningFuture Problem Solving
For the first time this year students took part in the Future Problem Solving Program. Through this program students were introduced to complex global issues such as the problem of e-waste accumulation, how virtual reality might change our world, and how the robotic workforce will impact jobs in the future.
Students worked in groups to solve problems using the sixstep problem solving process, which serves as a model for creative thinking.
Step 1: Identify challenges.
Step 2: Select an underlying problem.
Step 3: Produce solution ideas.
Step 4: Generate and select criteria.
Step 5: Apply criteria.
Step 6: Develop an action plan.
Students applied this process to an imagined scene set in the future. They collaborated to produce a written document critically analysing and solving a major issue within this future scene.
In Terms 1 and 2 students worked through future scenes on a weekly basis, getting to know the problem-solving process and learning to brainstorm and work together. The competition in Term 3 required students to apply the six steps to a previously unseen future scene within a two hour time limit. They worked together to combine their strengths and ideas, encouraging each other, and engaging in lively debates. This experience not only enhanced their ability to work as a team but also encouraged open communication and respect for differing opinions.
Future Problem Solving taught me time management and teamwork skills. The competition made me learn things like thinking creatively and it helped me understand future global issues or things that could be affecting us in the future. We needed to think outside the box and raced against time to complete our task. Our team had to brainstorm problems and solutions for a scene, which was about robotic workforce. The class taught me many things and was so helpful.
Selena, Year 5
In extension, we got great opportunities to compete in competitions, like Future Problem Solving, and the Australian Mathematics Competition. In Future Problem Solving, my team and I had to go through a process that involved being able to cope under intense time pressure. We worked very well and managed to finish the task. Our topic was robotic workforce, and from the information in the small scene the organisers gave us, we had to create a list of challenges and solutions and combine them all together to develop an action plan to solve the problem. I am proud of our efforts as a team, and I hope to do this again next year!
Rahul, Year 6
This year I have greatly enjoyed being part of the extension class and going to the library to learn so much. One thing that I loved learning about in these classes is Future Problem Solving. Future Problem Solving was a competition about problems that might occur in the future. You need lots of research, lots of creativity and an open mind for this competition. I have loved that, and overall have loved every Monday afternoon.
Jaydev, Year 6
Maths Extension
Our focus in Maths Extension this year has been on teaching explicit problem-solving strategies, which were then applied to non-routine math problems akin to those found in math competitions and Olympiads.
Students were introduced to a toolkit of strategies including visualisation, pattern recognition, working backwards, and breaking down complex problems into manageable parts. This toolkit has become an asset for tackling a diverse range of mathematical challenges. Students used these skills in participating in the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Maths Olympiad, annual competitions for students across Australia.
Collaboration and communication have been an integral part of our classroom dynamic in Maths Extension. Students engaged in group discussions and were encouraged to explain their ideas and solutions to each other or the group, which in turn deepened their understanding of the mathematics and improved their ability to communicate their mathematical thinking.
Extension has taught me new strategies such as deductive reasoning to solve problems. It has also helped me understand and explain my reasoning for solving complex problems. During the maths competition I would have never been able to answer those final five questions without the practice we did in class. Finishing those questions was very satisfying while also making my head throb! (In a good way!)
Dean, Year 6Ethics Olympiad
An Ethics Olympiad is a competition that focuses on ethical and moral values, where students discuss and debate various ethical scenarios and dilemmas. The objective is to encourage critical thinking and promote awareness of ethical principles, as well as to provide a platform for young people to showcase their knowledge and understanding of ethics. The Ethics Olympiad team worked together throughout Term 3 in preparation for the competition. They were given 6 case studies along with questions to guide their discussions. Students were taught about the theories of Consequentialism, Rules-Based Ethics, and Virtue Ethics, and used these as a lens to analyse the cases and ultimately decide on the most moral decision with respect to the case.
Mooting
This year marked the inception of Ivanhoe’s Moot Club, an addition to our extensive co-curricular offerings. Mooting is an academic exercise, which promotes deep, critical thinking. Students must analyse a complex problem from multiple angles, meticulously research the legal underpinnings supporting each perspective, and employ effective communication skills while advocating for their represented parties. What further distinguishes this endeavour is the demand for quick thinking, as judges reserve the right to interject with their questions at any point, so students cannot rely on a pre-written script to get through the court proceedings.
In May, two Year 12 students participated in the prestigious Bond University High School Mooting competition. The National High School Mooting Competition is one of the oldest of its kind in Australia and provides an unmatched opportunity for secondary school students from across the nation to build tangible legal skills.
In Term 3, we extended the mooting experience to students in Years 7 to 11, with over 40 students participating across the campuses. In teams of two or three, students engaged with the complex moot problem, centred around tort law and the appeals system. Each team consisted of a senior counsel, junior counsel and an optional solicitor and was given the role of either the appellant or respondent. The students undertook the arduous task of sifting through intricate precedent cases and legislation to apply the law in their favour, advocating for their respective clients to try to win their case.
The students received invaluable guidance from Mr. Nigel Preston, a retired barrister and President of the Old Ivanarian Law Society, and the Honourable Justice Robert Redlich AM, KC, a member of our parent community. These distinguished mentors not only coached the students through the moot problem but also provided constructive feedback on their oral submissions. Furthermore, they offered valuable insights and counsel on the students' prospective careers in the field of law.
The term culminated in a friendly competition held at Scotch College for both senior and junior divisions, where students were able to learn about mooting in a supportive environment.
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go and be exposed to a world of fake trials and solving scenarios. It was incredibly helpful in developing my analytical thinking and ability to apply the facts of the law in a case. However, most of all it was fun. I got to meet a lot of people who love the same things as me and were excited to challenge their thinking.
Tansy, Year 12
This experience allowed me to learn about the legal system and the systems in place when undergoing a court hearing while being tested on my ability to creatively apply the law in a unique environment. Due to the delicate nature of the case, at first it was difficult to establish grounds to argue against our opposition. However, with undying persistence and the support of my teachers and my co-counsel, we were able to pull together a very successful Moot. I would highly recommend anyone passionate about law to get involved.
Vangelis, Year 12
This inaugural year of Mooting at Ivanhoe was a resounding success, and we look forward to building on this program in the coming years.
Wendy McCarry Head of Academic ExtensionCommerce
Year 8 Medieval History Day
Students embraced a Medieval History immersion day held at Plenty Campus. During Term 1, Year 8 students reported numerous sightings of medieval figures on campus, including King William the Conqueror, Alfred the Great, Richard the Lionheart, and even Henry VIII. To bring our Medieval History topic to life on Wednesday 29 March students were engaged in a full day of history immersion activities encouraging them to experience life in the medieval age. They had the unique opportunity to practically apply knowledge gathered throughout the term, participating in activities that ranged from medieval warfare and castle design to medieval food and dance.
Both staff and students got into the spirit of the day by dressing up in costumes that were mostly historically accurate. Our gratitude goes out to Medieval Education for providing these activities, to our school chefs Michael Callegari and Ruth Payne for preparing the medieval feast, and to our organisers Ash Wilson, Jesse Delaney, and Allen Burton.
Fortunately, we had a camera on hand which captured many famous medieval figures wandering around.
Year 12 Visit to KPMG
Year 12 students across Ridgeway and Plenty campuses had the privilege of meeting with KPMG economists, overlooking Melbourne’s growing west at their Docklands office. KPMG are known as ‘one of the big four’ global accounting and economic firms. Through connections with this world-renowned firm, Ivanhoe students were provided a rare opportunity to gain access, allowing them to network and see future career opportunities. Each group of KPMG economists introduced students to their areas of expertise, such as transport, logistics, health, and forecasting. Their presentations took students from their textbooks to the real world of government and private sector decision making. The day was rounded off with a visit to the State Library to consolidate knowledge. Our thanks and gratitude are extended to KPMG for providing students with such an opportunity.
Jake Bloom Curriculum Leader – Humanities and Commerce, Plenty CampusHumanities
This year has been a canvas splashed with a diverse range of immersive experiences connecting the threads of history, politics, civics and citizenship, and geography. Our inaugural Year 10 Model United Nations Program stands out as a pinnacle of collaborative learning, where students engaged in passionate debates, negotiated resolutions, and deepened their understanding of global issues. Years 11 and 12 Geography students participated in fieldwork at the Melbourne Zoo, Marysville, and Fitzroy Gasworks, to inform discussions and encourage them to reflect on sustainability. These activities, among many others, have stretched our students’ viewpoints, elevating their appreciation for the myriad of human experiences, knowing that their ability to shape the future is intricately tied to our understanding of the past and perceptions of the present. Thank you to all Humanities staff who provide our students with engaging learning experiences in their classrooms that complement our immersive offerings.
How would we describe global politics in one word?
Exciting! Innovative! Collaborative! You can’t limit this amazing subject to one word. This year in Global Politics we have been exposed to a variety of reallife issues, which puts the world into perspective and really makes you think! The Global Politics classroom is fun, entertaining and a really safe space where creative minds can come together and discuss the most prevalent issues regarding our society today. Global teaches you important life lessons that you will not gain from any other subject due to relevant and everchanging content. Exiting Year 12, we feel as if we have gained knowledge that will be a key asset in shaping ourselves as young adults in our tertiary education, workplace, or pathway we decide to embark on!
Sachi Jadhav and Finn Cleary, Year 12The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course offered by the International Baccalaureate program holds immense benefits, particularly when exploring the rapidly advancing realm of technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the digital world. TOK fosters critical thinking, encouraging students to question knowledge claims, biases, and assumptions, thereby developing a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Through delving into the ethical and real-world implications of collecting and interpreting knowledge, TOK prompts students to consider the moral and societal impact of technological and philosophical advancements. It encourages us to analyse the underlying principles, methods and biases used in knowledge collection and development. TOK has been an intriguing space this year, and our class has enjoyed unpacking the many debates associated with these topics.
Zachary O’Sullivan, Year 11
The Model UN was a useful way of engaging students with global systems and how countries function and interact with each other. A lot of the knowledge gained from this experience made the units surrounding Global Politics easier to understand and engage with. I found the Model UN fun, because it involved a variety of skills. I loved the unmoderated caucuses, because for 10 minutes it was absolute chaos with people negotiating, arguing, and proposing amendments. The debate portion of the Model UN was also fun, as those who were good speakers could advocate and defend clauses in the resolution draft. I found it fun to collaborate with team members, learn about what my country is likely to vote for and against in the Model UN, and who they like and dislike. The Model UN was good for collaboration, as collaboration was the key to success. Collaborating effectively with team members allowed for a well-organised position statement, and collaborating with other countries was how your agenda got through. Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this program, and hope it continues to run for Year 10s in the years to come.
Lachlan Templeman-Hughes, Year 10
Laura-Anne Portella Curriculum Leader - Humanities and Global Education Ridgeway
English and Literature
The 2023 year was defined by opportunities to delve deeper into the world of texts, proverbially throwing oneself into living, loving, and learning more about literature.
Live
We might imagine immersing ourselves in the books we read as a given. Is there a more wonderous experience than getting lost in a ripper read? This year our immersive experiences took a slightly different turn as students explored the world of literature by making connections to their everyday lives.
Year 7 Poetry Slam
Every year our Year 7 students participate in a Poetry Slam, a celebration of the voices of the next generation! The theme of the poems was ‘Outsiders’ and we invited our Year 7s to think about empathising with the experience of those whose lives exist on the social peripheries. The below poem, ‘Nope’ by Felix Westcott won this year’s Poetry Slam.
Nope
Here, I’m safe, I’m respected, I can take on the world with confidence, But in this society, can I float?
Nope.
Here, I can work, I can earn a wage, I can build dreams and never give up, But Here, do I have hope?
Nope.
Back There, I had to fit in, I had to meet expectations, I had to look happy when on the inside, I was sad, But I had to hope, Because all I had was hope, A hope that one day, Like a castle in the mist, Even in the peace before war, We will move, Over the depths of the sea, We would flee, But now, My life is, A kaleidoscope, All bundled up in an envelope, Out of place like an antelope On an Antarctic slope, And do I like it?
Nope.
Felix Westcott
I found the whole poetry unit to be a great experience, whether it be reading and analysing poems, or writing original ones. I loved the theme of the unit, ‘Outsiders‘ as it was very interesting learning about different minorities in our society. My favourite section was writing our own poems to express the lives of different outsiders in the world. I chose refugees, and I thought how it would feel moving countries due to war, violence, etc., and having to assimilate to a new way of life.
Felix Westcott, Year 7Year 11 – Food Unit
In Year 11, our students took the plunge with personal and creative writing, a core component of the new study design.
In this unit, students explored the world of food and created pieces that reflected their own relationship with food.
For our ‘Food’ topic, we explored varying interpretations of food as a tool for cultural expression, or friendly debate, or source of familial comfort, to name a few.
I chose to write a short story based on a historical Korean dish, whereas others wrote articles, speeches, or interpretive menus.
Philomena Spicer, Year 11
Year 12 – Incursion
Our Year 12 VCE English and EAL students were fortunate to experience their comparative texts live in a theatre production of it in Buckley Hall. The following student encapsulates the value in seeing the texts come alive in performance.
It was a privilege to experience the talent of ‘Complete Works Theatre Company’ on the 16 of August. Together as a cohort, we were moved by the powerful representation of both 'The Longest Memory' and the '7 Stages of Grieving'. Both performances enhanced our knowledge of the texts and positioned us to have a deeper understanding. Being able to watch both the '7 Stages of Grieving' and 'The Longest Memory', we were able to understand the texts more thoroughly and discover new ideas. The actors incorporated their own interpretation of both texts to provide a more detailed performance making it enjoyable and most importantly educational. The performance provided us with information on key scenes, symbols and themes, which was extremely useful for our upcoming SAC and the exam. Performing scenes from both texts allowed us to recognise the similarities between them and how they both target the effects of oppression. It was a great experience, which was shared among the entire year level.
Victoria Else, Year 12
Love
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, one of our greatest pleasures is sharing our love of literature with our students. Whether it is in our mainstream courses or in our elective pathways, we want our students to develop a love for the possibilities of the written word. The following reflections encapsulate the experiences of our students.
Doing Year 10 Literature, or Lit as we call it, has to be one of the most rewarding subject choices I have made at my time at Ivanhoe. As an avid reader and theatre lover, a subject that allowed for in depth analysis and
study of novels and plays seemed like a dream come true. This dream proved to be no let down, and the growth in my literary analysis abilities in such a short space of time has really surprised me. By easing into the course with a creative poetry unit in ECP, to eventually exploring the allegorical similarities between the texts of Good Night and Good Luck and The Crucible, to the intertextuality of Wide Sargasso Sea and Jane Eyre, I was able to experience a subject that refined and fostered my love for literature and made English work seem like a breeze! Under the watchful eye of Dr. Waese, I have learnt so many nuances of the English language and feel very fortunate to learn so much from a subject that more people should give a go.
Sean Lin, Year 10Year 10 English has been a captivating journey, where we wrote, read, and analysed various fascinating text types. In ECP, we drove into the world of poetry, one of the most memorable was 'Africa' by Maya Angelou, where we learnt about the tragic invasion of Africa. We also explored what it means to ‘belong to place’, as place not only refers to a geographical location but also the connection between humans and nature. Next, we studied the notion of heroism, and how heroes challenge the norms of society. We wrote a newspaper article, based on a prompt about current events and stereotypes surrounding heroes, and a reflective commentary, analysing the techniques used in our articles. We also studied the play Othello by William Shakespeare. Though written in 1603, it resonates to modern times, as human nature has remained the same throughout these centuries.
Rakhi Patel, Year 10English this year has been an amazing experience. One of the highlights was reading 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck. It's a story about friendship and dreams during the Great Depression. I got to know characters like George and Lennie, and their struggles made me think about life in a different way. It's amazing how a book written a long time ago can still teach us so much about ourselves. Writing essays was like piecing together a puzzle. At first, it seemed daunting – thesis statements, supporting evidence, and conclusions – making sure all the pieces fit just right. But I learnt to organise my thoughts and make my writing stronger. As the school year comes to a close, I feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. This year, English has not only enriched my language skills but has also moulded me into a more confident and thoughtful individual. I'm excited to carry the lessons I've learned with me as I continue to explore the world, both within the pages of books and beyond. English isn't just a subject; it's a key to unlocking a universe of possibilities, and I can't wait to see where it takes me next.
Matteo Gliana, Year 8Learn
Ultimately, as an educational institution, the imperative to engender learning is at the heart of what we do at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Our goal as teachers is to help students navigate their way through the murky waters of written and visual texts. Whether they are in Year 7 or Year 12, we want our students to dive deep into the world of texts and feel empowered to understand and appreciate literature at its best.
This year we started our Year 9 English experience with 'Future Shock' which involved analysing and writing science fiction texts. Students investigated how authors such as Ray Bradbury convey their concerns for the future through their storylines, analysing aspects of the plot, setting, character and themes. Throughout these studies, ideas such as conformity, technology and human vulnerability, isolation and the ethical considerations of technological advancements were explored. These concepts helped to provide a basis for our own creative writing of science fiction texts, incorporating our own concerns for the future through our selection of dystopian setting.
Maya Hopper, Year 9Over the last year, I have been lucky to be a part of Ms Rao’s English extension class. I have really appreciated how Ms Rao has presented English in ways that encouraged us to consider different perspectives, both in essay structure and within the texts themselves. In general, this class has created a more positive perception of English for me as a subject. I have found that really breaking down the texts we cover in class in highly specific and focused analysis has ignited a newfound appreciation for the works we cover, not to mention the overall extension of my English knowledge, learning the little techniques to make essays stand out and show depth of knowledge. Altogether I am very grateful for the extension class and the array of opportunities it provides to enrich our ability.
Andrew Klidis, Year 12 Prithi Rao Curriculum Leader and Head of Learning – LiteraturePrimary Languages
Primary French at Plenty Campus
As we began our 2023 French Primary journey at Plenty Campus, our students enjoyed re-familiarising themselves with the language during class while also engaging in some exciting events.
In March we once again enjoyed our extremely popular French Crêpe Day, with La Louche Crêperie coming to our campus and cooking delicious crêpes for the staff and students!
The students dressed up in a French theme or French colours, ordered their crêpes in French, which our Crêperie was most impressed by! We enjoyed eating them on a beautiful, sunny day.
As part of the annual French Film Festival, our Year 5 and 6 students took part in three French animation movies: The Black Pharoah, The Savage and The Princess, which were directed by well-known animation artist Michel Ocelot. Students loved the experience of being exposed to another culture and a distinctive style of movie.
Our students participated in the yearly Berthe Mouchette Poetry Recital Competition organised by the Alliance Française of Melbourne. Our Years 3 to 6 students learned a poem and took part in the competition with their usual enthusiasm.
Our students did an amazing job representing the School and we were enormously proud of the following students who made it to finals:
• Year 3 Students: Beata Pajarillo, Siya Patel and Ash Wilson
• Year 4 Students: Alcina Gaba, Avni Sidhu and Niki Wang
• Year 5 Students: Marilyn Bhattacharyya and Satraj Dhanoa
We wish them the best in the finals.
Finally, I would like to share some reflections of this year’s French events from our Year 6 students.
I really enjoyed going to the French movie in Balwyn. It was awesome being able to go to the movies and have fun with friends, while being exposed to another culture. My favourite part was eating chocolates and popcorn at the cinema!
Rahul PatelCrêpe day was amazing. The hot delicious crêpe flavour melting in my mouth and all over my costume. The strong, thick mouth-watering smell of chocolate filled the air. The beautiful sun shone brightly. What a day!
Atilla Misirlisoy
Crêpe day. The smell of the hot and delicious crêpes swarmed us, we couldn’t resist it. We were all nervous, 'What if we said the wrong thing?' but that didn’t matter, what mattered is that we tried ordering in French. I ordered the chocolate crêpe, the melted chocolate smelled good to eat. Crêpe day was amazing, and I wish we could do it again in Year 7.
Jaydev Rajeev
I loved the French Theatre. The movies were astonishing. It was sheer pleasure. I loved the salty popcorn that melted in my mouth and fizzy Pepsi, burning my tongue. I had so much fun sharing my curly wurlys with Rahul and Yousif. We all laughed with pure joy, happy that we didn’t have to do schoolwork.
Kunwar Singh Badwal
Something I loved was the art in the film. The art was different and simple, so it was unique.
Mavith Millawana
On 30 March 2023, the Year 5s and 6s went to the cinema to watch a French movie. I enjoyed the movie. There were also subtitles in English which proved useful for when we heard words that we haven’t learnt or didn’t understand. The movie was actually made up of three parts. The first one was The Black Pharoah, the second one was The Savage, and the third one was The Princess. Overall, the movie was funny and entertaining.
Renato Vijay
This year, the Year 5 and 6 classes went to the cinema. We saw three fantastic animated French movies. We got to buy popcorn, drinks and other snacks. It was an enlightening experience.
Vimathi Millawana
Margo Koppany
Primary French Teacher
Secondary Languages
Gone are the days of studying grammar to minute perfection, languages learning is all about communicating for a purpose, to a specific audience. Being a 21st century learner means thinking internationally and using words to their fullest potential. In class, students often remark about how much they have learned about their English communication as a function of their language studies. Overall, it’s wonderful to see a greater number of students studying languages into the Senior Years.
We’ve had a fabulous uptake of the IB program where students often continue their language study from Middle Years. For some IB learners, the languages pathway may be a new path of language study. These students choose the IB ab initio stream which means they study a brand-new language for Year 11 and 12.
Language learners at Ivanhoe Grammar School exemplify the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes in their daily actions. Many times, learning languages can be a challenging path with many hours of revision, practice and constant reflection seeking an even better way to express yourself. As the Year 12s come to the end of their school journey, our students are pleasantly affirmed in the quality of their skills. They are at a point where they genuinely notice and truly appreciate just how capable they are in their acquired language. Our senior students were asked to share some reflections on their languages journey at Ivanhoe and something they are particularly proud of:
I feel that my language journey at Ivanhoe has been my most exciting and enjoyable one. Some of the students in my class now, I have been studying and learning with since Year 7. I have connected with not only these people but also my teachers. Through preparing for my oral I have realised how far I have come and am proud of my ability to speak Chinese conversationally.
Jessica Hooker, IB Chinese Mandarin B Standard Level
Since doing French from Year 7, we have found it offers a range of exciting yet challenging experiences. It offers a separation from other subjects, especially being in smaller classes where teaching is more personalised. Especially in Year 12 when we get access to language tutors. The support programs when doing languages are amazing and truly incomparable. We have also enjoyed the diversity of topics which range, from the environment to technology. Learning about the French culture and language has been a wonderful experience that we urge everyone with a passion to follow.
Kiara Raiti and Eve Beccia, VCE Unit 3 & 4 FrenchI am the proudest of my conversation skills. Since I am able to immerse myself in the language environment in every language class at Ivanhoe, I feel like it is the skill that has developed the most rapidly.
Johnnie Jiao, IB Year 12 Mandarin B Higher Level
At Ivanhoe, I’ve not only enjoyed developing my Chinese language ability thanks to my teachers, but also enriching my understanding of the Chinese culture. I’m proudest of being able to think in another language and being able to put those thoughts into words.
Brodie O’Rourke, VCE Unit 3 & 4 Chinese Language Culture and Society
Our senior students also wanted to share some hints for Middle Years’ students looking to improve their language studies:
A piece of advice is to maintain a grammar book where all your notes from over the years are in the same spot, as well as text type templates. This can help you gather notes more effectively and learn the material more gradually and in depth.
Kiara Raiti and Eve Beccia, VCE Unit 3 & 4 French Engage in the culture behind the language! A lot of words and phrases in languages come from the culture that backs it, and by learning about the background culture, you can better understand the roots of the language itself. Plus, it is greatly entertaining… jump in and have a go! Sometimes the most important step is the first step.
Johnnie Jiao, IB Year 12 Mandarin B Higher Level
Don’t think of your language as a task, think of it as an opportunity to develop yourself. Ask questions of your teachers, think in your language in everyday life, surround yourself with it; love your language, and the learning itself will follow.
Brodie O’Rourke, VCE Unit 3 & 4 Chinese Language Culture and Society
My advice for Middle Years learners is to be patient with the language learning process. It takes years and years to learn a language and you cannot study for it and learn it in the conventional way. It can be easy to get frustrated with learning languages so do not give up, it is such a wonderful skill!
Jessica Hooker, IB Chinese Mandarin B Standard Level
ACADEMIC LEARNING
Secondary Languages
Our Year 7 Chinese Students had lots of positive encouragement to share too!
Even though Chinese is a hard subject to learn, my teacher makes Chinese not only easy to learn but fun at the same time. I think I’ve done well, and I will 100% continue to learn it in the years to come.
Alyssa KobayssiI am very proud of my pronunciation of the words and my ability to understand what the characters mean.
Felix Gurr
I have felt really proud and accomplished as I have found Chinese really fun. I am proudest of how quickly I have picked up a new language. My advice to new Middle Years’ learners is to CHOOSE CHINESE. You will have so much fun and joining is like becoming a part of a new community.
Eloise Payne
I recommend being prepared for assessments and really concentrate on character writing because it’s the hardest.
Jessie Hu
Language learning is more than the language itself. It’s understanding a system of words which exist in a different cultural context. With so many students travelling now or in future jobs, it’s no surprise that learning a language, even if you find it challenging, will help you become a compassionate global citizen with better-informed perspectives.
Kasia van Leest
Curriculum Leader – Languages/Head of Learning Area –Language and Literature
Café Sligo
Recently, in Year 8 French and Chinese, we have been learning about various gastronomical facets of traditional cuisine and, to end the unit, students participated in different activities. The French students did an oral assessment based on ordering from a menu in a mock restaurant set up in the classroom. Students in Chinese obtained some handson experience in making dumplings.
In French, students had to order in French and comment on the décor, the ambiance and the service rendered. ‘It was better than a normal oral exercise,’ remarked Jethro Hendy. ‘It was interactive, at a café style table, with friends.’
‘Yes, I enjoyed the experience,’ Gurneer Randhawa added, ‘especially being with others. And I brought my own French music along too.’
Students had to problem solve when they found themselves without a piece of cutlery or their order was incorrectly served, or they discovered a ‘fly’ in their soup. ‘The waiter gave me a dirty plate and I forgot how to say it in French!’ sighed Kevin Dai. ‘The ambiance was great. Pity about the terrible service!’ chuckled William Long.
In Chinese class, there were many happy faces on the students as they worked on dumplings with their hands covered in dough. ‘I like that we were able to shape them and had fun making them as well as eating them,’ said Aman AI- Mulla. ‘The fact that we mixed the two classes together made the experience more enjoyable.’ Jared McLeish added. ‘I also enjoyed learning how to fold and shape the dumpling wrappers.’ Ava Taylor remarked that the dumplings were tasty and was fascinated by the fact that each dumpling turned out differently. Charlotte Kent agreed, ‘It’s fun to know that we can put different fillings in them to create dumplings of different flavours.’
Bruce Langford Curriculum Leader – Languages, Plenty CampusChinese Cultural Excursion: A Day of Enrichment and Celebration
The much-anticipated Chinese culture excursion was a roaring success, with Years 9 to 11 students from our three secondary campuses diving deep into the vibrant world of Chinese traditions and arts. This event co-organised by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Victoria and four Victorian Universities, featured a series of workshops, performances, and trivia activities. Workshop offerings included Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, the intricate art of Chinese fan-making and even a dress-up booth with traditional costumes. The fun didn't stop there, our students were also keen to try their hand at playing Chinese shuttlecock - a traditional game that combines elements of soccer and badminton.
A moment of pride for Ivanhoe Grammar School was when one of our very own students clinched the first prize in the quiz segment – an affirmation of the depth of their cultural understanding. Adding to the day's educational value, we were privy to enlightening interviews with winners of the Chinese Bridge Language Competition. The journeys and stories shared served as a source of inspiration for many.
The air was filled with the rhythmic beats of the lion dance and the harmonious melodies of a Chinese orchestra, both performed impeccably by Victorian school students. These cultural performances served as a testament to the deeprooted appreciation and love for Chinese arts seen in our current generation of Chinese learners.
Of course, no cultural excursion would be complete without a taste of the nation's culinary delights. Students relished an authentic Chinese lunch in Chinatown, indulging in famous dishes like fried rice, sweet and sour pork, and the everpopular dumplings.
This genuine glimpse into Chinese traditions and tastes was a memorable excursion and we trust it helped students feel connected to the culture they study. Our teaching team is committed to offering students an enriched language and cultural learning experience, ensuring they are wellequipped to be global citizens in a multicultural world.
Jenny Zhang and Wenlu Yu Secondary Academic Staff – Chinese TeachersBerthe Mouchette Poetry Competition
Classroom learning provides many opportunities to be collaborative. The learning environment encourages reflection and courage as we all know how nerve-wracking it can be speaking aloud in front of other people. As in previous years, our Year 7 students in French prepared and recited a poem in French for the annual Berthe Mouchette Competition.
The Alliance Française de Melbourne have held this competition every year for over a century and it plays a key role in the promotion of Francophone language and culture. This year 6,315 students across Victoria participated in the poetry recitation competition and we are proud to announce that the following Year 7 students made it through to the finals:
• Hugo Cadman
• Jiana Doshi
• Daniel Giles
• Jonah Harcourt Smith
• Ashleigh Palmer
• Gilbert Park
• Harper Tyrrell
As always, we are proud of the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes displayed by all of our students in attempting this challenge, particularly that of courage, and congratulate our seven finalists.
Melanie Vallury
Languages Teacher, Ridgeway Campus
Primary Library
Buckley House
As part of the Library Program in Term 1, we like to commence the year with an interesting author visit. This year, we decided on one which combined a focus on student wellbeing through newly published literature. First time author, Maria La Selva introduced her debut picture book 'Perky Panda Asks Are You OK?' Published in 2022, it features its main character, Perky Panda, helping others by demonstrating kindness and by showing compassion. Perky Panda cleverly demonstrates how practising mindfulness techniques can positively assist in regulating emotions. This delightful story provides the powerful conversation starter: ‘Are you ok? How can I help you?’
Maria La Selva has had a career of over thirty-five years in teaching and education. She is passionate and committed in developing the whole child and has expressed this through opportunities to educate and support children in developing their positive mental health and wellbeing, Maria was inspired to dedicate herself as a teacher to instruct students in wellbeing, growth mindset and to develop their personal and social capabilities. Maria engaged the students on how to use mindfulness techniques when faced with challenges.
Throughout the presentation, the author highlighted the message of embracing uniqueness and explored various mindfulness techniques that can assist children when experiencing uncomfortable feelings. A clear message is conveyed: self-awareness and how we respond to a range of situations is imperative on how we manage and regulate emotional responses. The story showed the benefits of simple mindfulness techniques, which are cleverly outlined in the text and visually enhanced through the vibrant colourful illustrations. Perky Panda encourages and motivates the reader to have conversations about the different emotions that we experience.
This picture book is a practical literacy resource for parents and teachers that invites and stimulates powerful conversations about thoughts and emotions that are being experienced. The repetitive and key question throughout the story, ‘Are you ok? How can I help you?’ sparks important communication and conversation for all!
In the weeks following this author visit, our copies of this picture book were in constant demand by our students, and it was encouraging to see pairs or groups of students browsing the contents of the pages and talking about the story and the actions of the delightful main character, Perky Panda.
In Semester 2, in the lead up to Childrens Book Week 2023, the students were entertained by authors Kate and Jol Temple: internationally acclaimed children’s authors of over 25 books for kids. Their picture books include the smash hit 'Bin Chicken' series (Nominated for ABIA Picture Book of the Year) and the backwards-forwards 'Room on Our Rock', which won the Charlotte Huck Award for outstanding fiction with the potential to transform children’s lives. They co-wrote the best-selling graphic novel series 'The Underdogs'. Kate’s most recent middle grade fiction series is 'The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat'.
Foundation to Year 2 classes learned how Kate and Jol have created hilarious and strange animal characters to fill their books, what inspired these silly characters and what these funny feathered flappers have to tell us. Students had fun joining Kate and Jol as they rhymed their way through some of their most loved picture books, using lots of silly voices! This interactive presentation also focused on how students can get ideas for their own stories. Books focused on: Bush Turkey, Bin Chicken, That Bird Has Arms.
Using their graphic novel series, 'The Underdogs' as well as touching on their picture books and fantasy novels, the Year 3 to 4 session aimed to inspire students to write their own stories with strong characters. Kate and Jol explained the behind the scenes of writing and building worlds. How does research help to inspire? Their aim was for students to be inspired to read and write their own original stories and graphic novels. Books focused on: 'Bush Turkey', 'The Underdogs', 'The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat'.
The session for Years 5 to 6 featured loveable rogues and evil masterminds: How to use baddies to make great stories. Why are baddies so useful for building? What makes a great villain? Using the baddies from our books and beyond, we encourage students to think about how villains can provide obstacles and challenges for characters in their writing. There were lots of interactive discussion and tips for idea generation. Books focused on: 'The Underdogs', 'The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat'.
These co-curricular events are a wonderful addition to the Library Program and enrich the students’ engagement and love of literature and reading.
Grace Molinaro Teacher LibrarianPlenty Campus
’Climb the mountains of knowledge, explore the valleys of storytelling, and sail the seas of imagination through the pages of books. The love of reading will be your compass, guiding you to endless horizons of wisdom and delight.’ Roald Dahl
The Junior Library has been bustling with activity this year. Students have continued to enjoy their lessons where they have been actively borrowing books and continuing to build a deep love of reading. The library has also been a busy space at lunch times, where the students have come to draw, read, play with Lego, solve a Rubik’s Cube, and of course beat me in numerous board games. During Reconciliation Week, the students created boomerangs and hands using scratch art, which were used to create a wonderful display in the library honouring our First Nations People.
This year we celebrated Book Week with the theme Read, Grow, Inspire. The students spent Term 3 reading, growing, and being inspired by the nominated books. Our annual Book Week parade saw our students come together in a sea of loveable book characters and proudly share their outstanding costumes with their peers. Students then separated into multiage activity groups, rotating to different classrooms where they read some of the outstanding books nominated this year and completed an exciting art activity to match. The artwork which came out of those sessions was truly magnificent, a testament to the skills and creativity of our students.
Book Week also saw some exciting incursions welcomed to our school. The Foundation to Year 2 students were treated to the wonderfully talented theatre company ‘The Flying Bookworm’. The students excitedly viewed two stories, Custard the Dragon, based on the classic poem by Ogden Nash, which highlights the importance of not judging a book by its cover, as well as the classic, Caps for Sale, which featured some very cheeky monkeys who had the students crying with laughter.
The Years 3 to 6 students had the privilege of listening to the enthralling Tristan Bancks, author, and storyteller extraordinaire. The students loved Tristan’s engaging and energetic manner. Many students commented on how they had come away inspired to read his books as well as create their own pieces of writing or animation; we certainly have a high number of his books borrowed from our library on a
regular basis. All in all, Book Week was a fantastic celebration and appreciation of Australian Literature, a true highlight of the year.
The primary students at Plenty Campus again participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Over 100 students completed the challenge this year. We had some amazing students who went above and beyond in their reading journey, reading over 100 books. Students completing the challenge received a certificate and some were even lucky enough to receive a Premier’s Reading Challenge pin or book prize.
It has been wonderful to witness the enthusiastic reading culture which has been created at Plenty Campus. Students are continually engaging in exciting discussions about their favourite books and authors as well as recommending these to their peers and educators.
We look forward to another book-filled year in 2024.
Happy reading!
Lauren Cotter Primary Library Specialist TeacherSecondary Library
Plenty Campus
The Plenty Campus Senior Library remains a well-loved haven where our students can find comfort, happiness, and the space to unwind. Our library offers diverse and enriching spaces for students and teachers alike. It is the perfect place to begin a frosty winter morning, reclining in a beanbag with a book you simply cannot put down. On a hot summer day, it offers a cool escape from the harsh sun to socialise with friends in the Maker Space, play a quiz on Wacky Wednesday or enjoy friendly competition with a board game.
Our flexible seating arrangements, designated working areas and beautiful expansive windows create the perfect atmosphere for collaborative learning and independent study. You will often find students and classes working in the various library spaces, utilising both our physical and digital collections and resources.
This year, we asked some of our Year 8 students to reflect on their favourite aspects of our beautiful library with the question: ‘What does the library mean to you?’ Here’s what they had to say.
The library is warm and relaxing, and I can come inside when it is cold or if I want to go to the library. The library is relaxing as I can use the beanbags.
Karman Mann, Year 8
The library to me is a warm and comfortable place where I feel safe and can forget about all my worries and problems such as due assignments or upcoming tests. It is a place where I can relax and get a mental reset. The library means a lot to me as it has allowed me to get that little break when I need it or use the resources inside to get ahead in class and be prepared!
Joshua John, Year 8
The library can be seen from different perspectives, at times it can be where I can come to let everything go and just dig into a book or it can also be my resort for when I need to get some work done or any assignments that are due. It helps me escape reality and shelter from the outside.
Rameen Mohsin, Year 8
The library is a safe and reflective place. When I go the library, I get the chance to do anything I want, read what I want and just talk to my friends. My favourite thing about going to the library is I get a time to reflect and relax.
Grace Moio, Year 8
My favourite thing to do in the library is to relax. The library is a quiet and calming place to me, and it lets me relax if I’ve had a long day. I can sit down and submerge myself into a book easily in the library.
Grace Mitsinikos, Year 8
My favourite book from the library in 2023 is the book about the Melbourne Demons' journey to winning a grand final against the Western Bulldogs for the first time in 57 years, I enjoyed this book because it talked about the long struggles the team had and how long it took for the team to have success. My favourite thing to do in the library is to play chess and hang out with friends.
Bharat Chowdhary, Year 8
My favourite book I have read this year is Fallen by Lauren Kate because it was fantasy, and it is what I like to read. The library for me is a safe and quiet space where I can escape into a book or finish off some homework. I come into the library every Monday after school to get a head start on my homework or get into a book that I have been reading.
Rhiannon Pettit, Year 8
My favourite thing about the library is the Dystopian section just because it is my favourite genre and there’s a decently large range of books. I like to read in the library as reading is something I enjoy a lot.
Zoe d’Abbs, Year 8
My favourite thing about the library is that it is quiet and is a place where I can catch up on work and focus, I also love how there is help whenever I need with printing or helping me find a book.
Myra Das, Year 8
My favourite thing about the library is the fact that it’s always warm and calm. This year, my favourite book from the library was One of Us is Lying, because it had an interesting story and really good characters.
Artemis Banitskas, Year 8
Book week reflections
Read. Grow. Inspire. This year’s book week theme explored the unique power of our favourite books and stories. When we immerse ourselves in a great story, we open our minds to new possibilities and new perspectives. This book week, we focused on the importance of storytelling and the role books play in growing our minds and inspiring us to achieve our goals. From the always exciting Book Week costume day to our author visit from Tristan Bancks, students were immersed in the magical world of stories.
My favourite part of Book Week was definitely the author visit. Tristan Bancks is an interesting author who writes crime-themed stories such as Two Wolves, Cop and Robber, and Detention. I would like to read Cop and Robber, because it has the fascinating premise of a boy whose father is a criminal and whose mother is a police officer, and the son is conflicted between the two. I enjoyed the fact that we learnt how Tristan gets inspiration for writing books, like his inspiration for writing Scar Town came from his childhood holiday trips to the Blue Mountains. I find the fact that he makes small movie ‘trailers’ for his books to be interesting as well, because we get to see the way he visualises his stories. Additionally, I learnt that he often writes lots of drafts for his books, and always refines his drafts by planning out his stories with diagrams and notes.
Urie Pajarillo, Year 8In Year 8, one of the things I loved most about Book Week was the opportunity to better myself as a reader and discover a diverse range of books and stories. From classic novellas to contemporary fiction, from fantasy worlds to real-life stories, Book Week showed me an array of genres, styles, and perspectives. This not only helped me broaden my horizons but also deepened my understanding of the world around me.
Coby Refael, Year 8
I really enjoyed book week, and my favourite thing about it was seeing everybody's amazing costumes! It was very entertaining, and it brought everybody together and we had fun and laughed because of each other's costumes. The author visit from Tristan Bancks was very fun, I loved hearing him talk about his journey, how he made his book trailers and how he got his ideas from his own experiences. Tristan Banks is a very inspiring individual.
Adam Zenel, Year 8
We look forward to another wonderful year in our beautiful library. What stories will inspire you in 2024?
Charlotte Smith
Teacher Librarian – Senior Library Plenty Campus
Secondary Library
Ridgeway Campus
Ridgeway Library is a welcoming space for everybody, aiming to offer a wide range of resources, activities, and special spaces to appeal to our diverse student population with different interests and learning styles.
It is a joy to see the library space filled with students all day, every day because this means library use is becoming a way of life, which can lead to positive long-term academic and wellbeing outcomes.
While our open library area is popular for private study and silent reading, it’s the four study bubbles that entice students to rush in to use them first each day.
In the words of students busily working in the study bubbles before school:
Study bubbles allow us to work collaboratively together, away from outside noise, and to use the whiteboard to brainstorm and revise.
Max Nania, Amalia Cameron, Ella Vertigan, Josh Crewe, Year 12
The library is a safe space to study with friends. We like the study bubbles because you can work in there and not get distracted.
Nicholas Kantzipas, DJ Ikonomidis, Ethan Kantaras, Year 10
On a normal day before school, the library will have about 200 students filling every available library space. These are some of the comments from our library users before school:
I like to come in to relax and sit to read and work, there’s too much yelling outside but the library is nice.
Sullivan Brand, Year 7
The library is a nice place to relax before school. It has a great atmosphere and feel to it and is always very clean.
Isabella Lu, Year 8
Lunchtimes are another busy time in our library, a lot of study and homework is completed but there are fun activities too:
I like playing chess at lunchtime because it is a fun way to communicate with friends and to make new friends.
William Chen, Year 7
We like the lunchtime Kahoots quizzes because they are fun to do with friends and not overly competitive. Charlotte Nimmo and Zeke Abbott, Year 10
To encourage strong library use and participation in 2023, our library has been very active with many special activities and programs. These often have a fun, social element with underlying skill building. Highlights from this year include:
• Year 7, 8 and 10 English Library reading programs
• Research classes for all year levels with curated online Libguides to match
• Library Lovers’ Day Kahoots Character Love Match quiz and micro-fiction writing competition
• DC vs Marvel Kahoots quiz and Match the Logo competition
• International Women’s Day embrace equity display
• Mothers’ Day craft activity making strip art love heart cards
• Summer Six Reading Challenge
• Winter Three Reading Challenge
• Barbie movie tie-in fun display
• Book Week Year 7 poster design competition, microfiction competition, nostalgia book character competition and bookmark craft activity
• Catalysts for Change Year 8 research program
• IDEALS Leadership through creativity book group
• Monthly lunchtime book share sessions
• Author visit for Year 7 by Kate Constable of Crow Country fame
• Teachers’ Reading Challenge
• Daily brain building activities like chess club, Rubik’s cubes, puzzles, shared mindful colouring, reading and studying
• Friday lunchtime games club with Mr Allen
• Alumni tutoring program each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
Another feature of our library program in 2023 has been our Year 7 ‘Reading to Make a Difference’ program where students read picture books devoted to themes that match each of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainability Goals. After reading each book, students noted their thoughts and opinions which showed developing insight and awareness about these important worldwide goals. Below are some comments after finishing the challenge.
I think we should work on each and every one of these goals as a community.
Clancy O’Duill, Year 7
I think the United Nations is very smart to make these goals to get us all working together.
Gilbert Park, Year 7
Meanwhile in a burst of creativity, our Year 7 students were all encouraged to design digital Book Week posters to match the 2023 theme of ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’. We had over 100 entries and the School community voted from a shortlist of eight, declaring Bohan Yang, Year 7 as the winner.
This snapshot of interesting, focused activities from 2023 illustrates that as a busy, inclusive space within our school, the library plays an important role in the wellbeing and educational journey of our students.
Wendy Logan Head of Library – Ridgeway CampusPrimary Science
Buckley House
Buckley House students have enjoyed another year of curiosity and discovery in the STEM Room. Students from ELC to Year 6 have participated in a STEM classes, activities and events, learning about their world. Classes have continued to develop their understanding of the importance of scientific exploration and understanding, learning more about the role of technology in their daily lives.
STEM in the classroom:
The STEM classroom programs continue to develop and evolve, meeting the needs of our students. Classes have been involved in learning across all strands of the Science curriculum, including biological, chemical, physical, earth and space science as well as aspects of the Technologies curriculum, digital and design.
Students have explored scientific concepts, in hands on, shared and demonstrated experiences. Our junior scientists focus on observation, prediction, and explanations during each program, sharing ideas and learning about argumentation and developing skills in using their findings to explain different phenomena. Students work independently and within collaborative groups to complete learning tasks and investigations.
The use of technology in the classroom ensures all students have access to tools and resources best suited to develop their scientific understanding and skills. Students use iPads to record and explore concepts, to share ideas in a variety of ways, making sense of their findings and connecting with others’ thinking. It has been wonderful to see even our smallest scientists collaborating and testing ideas.
We have continued to develop our partnership with the Senior School STEM faculty, mainly through 3D printing and design, and through special events such as our inaugural Buckley House Sphero Grand Prix. This event was attended by most classes on our Buckley House mini oval in collaboration with the Senior STEM IDEALS team and was a celebration of innovation and fun using Sphero robots to race around a scaled version of the Albert Park track in the week leading up to the Australian Grand Prix in Term 1. It was a huge success and enabled students from across the school to experience the joy of robotics and team fun.
Girl Gamer Squad
Buckley House saw the first ever Girl Gamer Squad (GG Squad) participate in esports challenges throughout the year. Girls from Year 4 to Year 6 learnt more about the gaming industry through exploration and play. The GG Squad also participated in the Australia- wide Game Changer Girls program where teams created and shared games designed and built in Minecraft. These games were then played by all girls in the competition, with an overall winner selected to be played as a tournament game. All girls in this program developed new skills in coding, game design and collaboration while having a lot of fun!
National Science Week
National Science Week was celebrated in August in the STEM classroom, and with home-based activities. This year’s theme was Innovation: Powering Future Industries, and students explored the future of architecture through the building of bridges and boats, and how agriculture is changing to be more sustainable and future focused. Through live demonstrations, hands on events and collaborative learning tasks, students developed a greater understanding of the challenges many industries face and how technology could assist in the future.
STEM Student Leadership
Buckley House is fortunate to have a group of Year 6 students who demonstrate a keenness for science and STEM related fields. These students spend time in the STEM Room, caring for our animals, cleaning out enclosures and taking the turtle and lizard for a walk. These students also developed student programs to share their knowledge of coding in Minecraft, which was extremely popular with our Year 3 and Year 4 students. Our STEM leaders modelled all aspects of the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes and can be proud of the crucial role they played as part of the wider STEM program at Buckley House.
esports
It has been another busy year of esports at Buckley House. Students from all year levels have participated in many esport opportunities as part of our House esports and external FUSE Cup competitions.
Students at Buckley House have participated in a combination of House and external competitions throughout the year, demonstrating many of the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes, including Courage, Collaboration and Balance. Our FUSE Cup teams continued to be successful in online and local competitions, playing games on Nintendo Switch, and the newly formed Girl Gamer Squad developed and played games using Minecraft.
Jason Coleman STEM Teacher / Pedagogical and Curriculum Leader –STEMPrimary Science
Plenty Campus
During Science sessions at Plenty Campus for our primary students, the spirit of inquiry was brought to life through many exciting practical investigations. These hands-on experiments ignited curiosity, nurtured critical thinking, and deepened our understanding of scientific concepts.
Predicting or hypothesising is a fundamental aspect of primary science education that fosters the development of critical thinking and curiosity. Encouraging students to make educated guesses about the outcomes of experiments not only engages their imagination but also prompts them to actively engage with the scientific process. Predictive thinking enables students to formulate hypotheses based on their observations and prior knowledge, promoting an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. This skill has encouraged our primary learners to explore the world through an inquisitive lens, driving them to ask questions, seek explanations, and test their assumptions. Predicting outcomes creates a sense of ownership and engagement in the learning process, as students eagerly anticipate results and compare them with their initial predictions. This then paves the way for deeper understanding and hopefully a lifelong passion for scientific inquiry.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Science in primary school. My favourite topic being experimenting with light, which was in Term 2 of this year. In my time at Plenty Campus, this subject has taught us how we can see science in action everywhere in the world. This ranges from plants using photosynthesis to turn sunlight into food, to how buildings are constructed using strengthened materials like steel. Along the way we have taken part in experiments, which are educational yet fun. An example of this is when we studied electricity using the clip circuits in the Science room. We learnt about the different types of circuits such as parallel and series circuits and created examples on a simulator.
Rahul Patel, Year 6 Les Dahl Primary Science TeacherDigital Technologies
This year has seen a significant review of the offerings in Digital Technologies. We realise that not every student is going to be a programmer or computer engineer, but these technologies are all around us and form part of our everyday experience. Digital Technologies empowers our students to be creative and critical users of the technology, rather than just consumers. The recent explosion of AI technologies and the ongoing need for cybersecurity are transforming how we communicate, learn, play, shop and relax.
Our Year 7 students began their semester receiving their own micro: bit device. This small programmable controller has numerous inputs and outputs, allowing them to design and program simple digital systems. This has given them experience in programming with the popular Python language. They have also been creating their own websites, about travel or other themes.
The Year 8 students have been thinking like codebreakers, exploring cryptography, and using code to encode and decode messages. They have also been experimenting with Arduino microcontrollers, building, and programming electronic systems. Lastly, they were able to try creating simple games using the Python programming language.
Year 9 Transformative Technologies at University Campus have been working with the VEX robots to simulate autonomous medical robots, exploring ethical issues in technology and coding mobile apps.
In the Senior Years, we have been building up skills in preparation for the VCE Applied Computing course. In particular, the Innovative Solutions Unit has allowed students free scope to explore problem solving with technologies in projects of their own choosing. Projects have included a simulated stock trading application, a 3D drawing plotter, and experiments with augmented reality technology.
Applied computing has been an incredible experience this year. Not only have I had the opportunity to walk a mile in the shoes of a real developer (via my innovative solutions project), but I have also had the chance to work with new and emerging technologies such as the HoloLens 2. Alongside this, we have been learning about the intricacies behind networking and were lucky enough to participate in an incursion to the school servers, where we were able to understand the time and dedication that goes into our school cybersecurity. The best aspect of applied computing was the three month-long research project I completed with my partner Lucas Hill. Together, we attempted to create a realistic evolution simulator for the HoloLens 2. While we had a Python file that performed this task and successfully got the HoloLens to 3D render objects, we unfortunately couldn't mesh the two together. However, this project has been incredibly useful for the upcoming year and has provided me with a real-world glimpse into the software development world. To any student considering applied computing for Year 11, I would 100 per cent recommend you choose this subject, as you will not regret it.
Ryan McKeown, Year 11
In software development, students have just completed their School Assessed Task, which is a year-long project following a product development cycle, creating a solution to meet the needs of a client. Projects developed in Python and Java have included a personalised exercise program manager and a Cadet Medics equipment management solution.
Various co-curricular activities have also been offered, including robotics competitions and lunch time makerspace sessions. We have also been reaching out to other faculties to see where we are able to incorporate Digital Technologies into their curriculum, allowing students to apply their learning to other disciplines.
Richard Fox Digital Technologies Curriculum LeaderHealth and Physical Education
Year 7 Health and Physical Education has been a wonderful journey for me. We have touched on so many sports and learnt about health topics that affect me. Our topics included cultural indigenous games, dance, fundamental motor skills, invasion field games and many more that each challenged different skill sets. The units I enjoyed the most included net/wall games and Indigenous cultural games. I now have a good understanding of what net/wall games are, and the importance of developing physical fitness and handeye coordination however, more importantly, being cooperative and using teamwork. As for Indigenous cultural games, I developed a sense of how sports evolved over time and the backstories behind them, which was very cool. For Health, we investigated ‘Changing and Growing’. In this unit, we gained further understanding of our bodies and what happens during puberty. At first, I was unsure if I liked this unit as I would prefer to do physical activities instead. As time evolved, I collaborated with my group to make our final assessment task, a board game. This included lots of laughs, yet hard work. Our game involved creating a set of cards and seeing how we change and grow and what comes along with it. Even though some things were awkward at different stages, we enjoyed being able to work as a team and increase our maturity through this level of study. Overall, Physical Education has been an exciting and fulfilling subject for me, and I am excited to continue my journey in my senior years.
Genevieve Dyer, Year 7Physical Education has always been a passion of mine, and even from a young age. I have always enjoyed playing sports and know students look forward to their Physical Education classes. We always have a great mixture of fun and exciting warm-up games. This leads into our main session which can involve anything from Game Sense activities through to skill and technique refinement. I love how our teachers make the lesson engaging for everyone, even those who might not enjoy physical education as much as others. This makes the experience better for the whole class. I particularly enjoyed our Global Sports unit that we covered in HPE, where we were introduced to Gaelic football, an Irish game that is comparable to a mix of Aussie Rules football and soccer. It was so much fun how seriously everyone took it (maybe that was just me), and how even our teacher got involved. A fond memory of mine was in our Striking and Fielding unit, I managed to finally succeed at hitting a shot in Tee Ball. In every other attempt when we were practising, I would either smack the tee or miss the ball with a complete fresh air shot. But finally, in our modified game, I stepped up to the tee and smacked it right out of the middle and managed to run out a home run. I was very proud of myself for this and walked with a bounce in my step for the rest of the day. It is moments like those that make me love sports and the students at Ivanhoe Grammar School are extremely privileged to have the exceptional sports program provided here.
Tom Cilauro, Year 8Year 10 Physical Education has a focus of promoting physical fitness, skill development and a healthy lifestyle among students. For many of us, this is our final year of Physical Education classes unless we selected it as a VCE subject. This year, I have experienced games and programs which I never thought I would try. The program has opened my eyes and has pushed me to gives different activities a go. We covered a variety of life skills such as teamwork throughout our volleyball unit, where we ran our own competition, much like an organised community program. While we were players, we were also assigned different roles such as coaches, team managers, umpires and even a media manager. This was great to show how important volunteers are to the success of teams and prove that you do not just have to play to be involved in community sport. We then moved onto our next unit which was selfdefence. Personally, this was my most memorable as it taught us life skills as well as physical skills. Learning practical self-defence techniques not only improved my physical confidence but also heightened my awareness of personal safety. What made it memorable was not only the skills I learnt but who taught me those skills. The instructor we had was called Lucky. Lucky told us interesting life stories with a sense of humour only he could produce. His lesson was engaging while delivering the skills and knowledge in an easy to learn way. The techniques that he taught us could be lifesaving in our later years. Throughout Semester 2 we started on our fitness program unit where we conducted fitness testing using various methods to highlight our strengths and discover target areas to improve. We learnt about different training methods and came up with a training plan to improve those fitness test results. We would go to the gym weekly to put our training plans into action, while also participating in different physical gym classes such as Pilates and HITT workouts. Overall Year 10 PE has been a memorable experience and has provided me with life skills that I will take far into my future.
Charlie Taylor, Year 10
I chose Health and Human Development (HHD) as I thought it would be a good way to ease into my first VCE subject. HHD has a great depth in content however it is relatively easy to navigate if you are organised. It is a well-rounded subject that has connections to other subjects such as Physical Education, Biology, and Psychology. The subject helps promote a healthy lifestyle and goes into what is considered healthy and unhealthy. I really enjoy how it also brings awareness to global health issues and has made me reflect on how lucky I am. We look at what it is to maintain our bodies and minds and the complexity behind it. I have really enjoyed HHD this year and the content that we have covered. There has been a lot more to this subject than meets the eye!
Allegra Kalona, Year 10 Health and Human Development Unit 1 & 2I chose to study Health and Human Development Unit 3 and 4 because I thought it would provide me with a greater understanding of how health and wellbeing is important in creating a better society for not only us as individuals, but also the wider community, and the world. Throughout the year I have enjoyed learning about the difference in health status between, low, middle, and high-income countries. Furthermore, we studied the levels of health care and development in different countries in comparison to Australia, which gives us perspective on other peoples’ situations around the world. Studying Health and Human Development can be useful for a career in the health field, including allied health practices, humanitarian aid work and other health professions. The key knowledge studied is also relevant to the real world we live in and is valuable knowledge to have even if you are not looking at a career in the healthcare field.
Jessica Dahl, Year 11 Health and Human Development Unit 3 & 4After spending time deliberating over my final subject to study as I entered Year 11, I landed on VCE Physical Education Unit 1 and 2 for a variety of reasons. I realised it would have relevance to so many things that I am interested in away from school and wondered how these could be taught through a VCE subject. As we commenced the year, I was surprised to experience how fascinating the subject really was and the abundance of information there was to learn about human movement. We were all intrigued by the first topic of the musculoskeletal system and the different ways in which our bodies worked to produce movement. Being taught through both practical and theoretical lessons was a great way to apply my learning in different settings. This topic was one of my personal favourites as Mr. Tyler allowed us to apply it to our own specific sport that we are passionate or interested in. We were also introduced to games that we have never played before which was another great learning experience. For example, one time we played a variant of hockey called ‘polo hockey’. At the start, we were conscious not to aimlessly swing the hockey stick around (it was foam) however, by the end of the game we had it down pat! However silly the game may have seemed, it encouraged us to learn the concepts of force summation through a new and fun way. Learning about Physical Education has not only taught us about our bodies and staying healthy, but also allowed us to enjoy ourselves and encouraged us to participate in learning.
Nick George, Year 11 Physical Education Unit 1 & 2I chose Physical Education Units 3 and 4 as I enjoy participating in exercise and was curious to learn about the concepts that underpin how the body engages in physical activity. I found Unit 3 extremely enjoyable as I loved learning about the mechanism behind body movement and energy production. The fact that most of this theory could also be related to my own sporting experiences made learning even more engaging. For example, as a regular runner, I had always known that lactic acid contributes to muscle soreness but had never understood how or why this occurs until taking part in Unit 3 and 4 PE.
One fond memory was a practical activity investigating the relationship between impulse and momentum as part of our biomechanics unit. We were tasked with throwing uncooked eggs to a partner standing 10 metres away and had to apply our knowledge to avoid breaking the shell by ‘giving with the egg,’ absorbing its force. Those who had done the homework were able to catch the egg successfully, while those who hadn't got splattered!
Furthermore, I found that the topics covered in Unit 4, including fitness components and training program design, were just as interesting. The theory learnt could be applied to my own training sessions and help improve my performance. Although completing a HIIT session followed by short-interval sprints, then a resistance training session, all after a one kilometre 'warm-up' jog around the footy oval, made me question why I chose to do PE in the first place! These practical activities provided a breath of fresh air from other subjects and were undeniably fun.
Yosip Oghanna, Year 11 Physical Education Unit 3 & 4 Henry Tyler and Luke Lochran Curriculum Leaders – Health and Physical EducationSecondary Mathematics
The 2023 year has been an eventful year in Mathematics with the introduction of the new Australian Curriculum and Unit 1 to 4 VCE Study Design. A highlight of the new VCE course is the area of study in pseudocode. We ran a series of workshops for students across both Specialist Mathematics and Mathematical Methods courses, where two of our team members who have expertise in this area delivered the workshop.
This year we had an extension program for both our Year 7 and 8 maths classes. Selected students who have shown high aptitude in mathematics throughout were selected to be withdrawn from their regular maths class once a week to work with a senior mathematics teacher. Students were challenged with rigorous, non-routine problems and were exposed to mathematics outside of the standard curriculum. As part of the maths program at Ivanhoe Grammar School, students are invited to take part in The Australian Maths Competition. The competition took place in Term 3 for all year levels. This year we had half the year level participating in the junior competition, which was fantastic!
Throughout the year our amazing team of staff from all our senior campuses have been communicating and coming together to find new, engaging, and interesting ways to further develop our students in line with the new curriculum and VCE courses. Strategies such as developing real world application tasks, investigations and diving into pseudocode are sure to provide positive teaching and learning outcomes moving into 2024.
One such strategy introduced this year as a trial in some of our junior classes, has been student conferencing: quick two minute conversations, one-to-one between staff and students at the beginning of each unit of work to discuss goals, challenges, and strategies for every individual. The feedback has been fantastic with teachers reporting a greater sense of understanding of the needs and obstacles their students face as well as developing the understanding in students of their roles and responsibilities for their own learning. Students have said they feel a greater sense of connection with the teachers, feel that their needs are being heard, have a stronger sense of belonging and are enjoying having some control over their own learning journey.
Moving into 2024 we have some exciting changes to the staff structure with the introduction of a new role in our Head of Pedagogy, along with pedagogical coaches all specific to mathematics. With the changes in our curriculum offering the opportunity to develop and create new and exciting approaches to what and how we’re teaching, these new roles will prove invaluable in ensuring the best possible outcomes for next year.
Our investigation had students looking into a range of realworld tasks such as developing their own juice containers in Year 8, coding in Year 10 and even designing and analysing the safety of a roller coaster in Year 11 (our Specialist Mathematics students looked into the kinematics of loops and even incorporating a jump!).
Teachers of Year 7 Maths have been incorporating escape room challenges as part of their classroom teaching. Below is a challenge from the algebra unit.
‘Beyond the regular curriculum, some Year 7 Maths students have been partaking in mini escape rooms with various maths themes throughout the year!
Employing their critical and creative thinking skills, students have investigated clues, solved puzzles and cracked locks. Nobody gave up.
No need for tears.
You just need your trusty mates for collaboration and your trusty brain for thinking!
In exploring the various challenges, students have had the chance to learn about prime numbers, algebra, and fractions.
Sometimes we learned about other things like our solar system!
Can you crack the code?
Under each clue is meaning.
The true prize is the fun we had along the way. Extra challenge: can you find the hidden message on this page?!?’
Jaclyn Ranasinghe and Paul Briggs Curriculum Leaders – MathematicsSecondary Sciences
Celebrating a Year of Exploration and Discovery
As the pages of yet another academic year turn, we find ourselves once again marvelling at the incredible journey the Science Faculty has taken with our dedicated students. The year has been brimming with scientific curiosity, hands-on exploration, and a profound connection to the world around us. Let's take a moment to reflect on the highlights that have made this year truly unforgettable.
Year 7 Melbourne Zoo Excursion:
Unveiling the Web of Life
Embarking on a journey into the heart of biodiversity, our Year 7 students headed off on an exhilarating excursion to the Melbourne Zoo. Guided by the expertise of Zoos Victoria Education Officers, our students delved into the intricate world of 'Food Webs and Human Activity.' The day was enriched by activities thoughtfully crafted by our science teachers, designed to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world applications. From observing the mesmerising behaviours of animal inhabitants to connecting the dots between ecological balance and human impact, our students gained invaluable insights that will undoubtedly shape their understanding of the natural world.
Year 8 You Yangs Excursion: Where Science Meets
Tradition
Venturing beyond the classroom, our Year 8 students embarked on a geological expedition to the majestic You Yangs. With a focus on rocks and geology, this excursion was a true melding of scientific exploration and Indigenous wisdom. Our students delved into the geological marvel that is the You Yangs, unravelled the intricate dance between erosion and rock formation, and explored the profound connection between geological phenomena and Indigenous beliefs. As they explored the landscape, students used their prior knowledge to identify different rock types and make predictions about their formation. The excursion also kindled discussions about Indigenous ownership of land, landmarks, and the impact of introduced species. A highlight of this journey was the creation of captivating Microsoft Sway pages, capturing the essence of before-and-after experiences, showcasing a blend of scientific discovery and cultural appreciation.
Senior Excursions
In a culmination of their academic journey, our senior students embarked on illuminating excursions tailored to their specialised studies. Unit 2 Biology visited the Melbourne Zoo, linking their academic learning on biodiversity and adaptations within diverse ecosystems with the real-world intricacies of their relationship. Unit 4 Chemistry students ventured to Melbourne University, using the University’s laboratories to immerse themselves in organic chemistry through hands-on instrumentation. These excursions epitomise our commitment to holistic scientific education, equipping graduates with enriched perspectives as they step into new horizons.
ICAS Science Competition: A Showcase of Brilliance
Our Year 7, 8 and 9 students showcased their scientific prowess on a grand stage, participating in the prestigious ICAS Science Competition. With determination in their hearts and knowledge at their fingertips, our students demonstrated their passion for scientific inquiry, leaving an indelible mark on the competition and reaffirming the Science Faculty's commitment to excellence.
Science Week Extravaganza: Igniting Minds, Fostering Unity
Science Week proved to be a whirlwind of excitement and enlightenment for all our students. Engaging in activities that ranged from deciphering intricate puzzles in the Escape Room Challenge to the precision of the Titration Competition, experiencing virtual reality and competing in drone races, our students revelled in the joy of discovery and camaraderie. Science Week truly epitomised the essence of our faculty; a harmonious blend of learning and fun that serves as a testament to the spirit of scientific exploration that thrives within our walls.
As we bid farewell to another extraordinary year, the Science Faculty stands proud, knowing that our students have not only expanded their scientific horizons but have also embraced the values of curiosity, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the world's wonders. With gratitude for the memories we've created and the knowledge we've shared, we eagerly await the adventures that the next year will undoubtedly bring.
Laura Aubrey and Rachel Zammit Curriculum Leaders – ScienceACADEMIC LEARNING
Primary Performing Arts
Buckley House
Classroom Music
Music is good for brain development in young people, so we take great pride in providing our children with high quality classroom music experiences. In Music class, we play a wide variety of instruments, sing, listen and move to music on a regular basis.
All students from Years One to Six spend time every week playing marimbas, xylophones and metallophones. This allows students to connect with music by developing their understanding of beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, pitch, tempo and dynamics. Year 6 presented a standout performance on these instruments at the Showcase Concert, playing ‘Tango’.
In 2023, students from Foundation to Year 4 enjoyed singing, playing and learning about famous old nursery rhymes.
I like Music class because we do a lot of good songs with actions.
Smith Shanahan, Year 1
I enjoy Music class because we play lots of songs on the marimbas.
Henry Roberts, Year 2
Music class has inspired me to play and do more music at home.
Lennon Ebeli, Year 2
2/3 Singers
The 2/3 Singers once again performed at The Ladies Association Christmas Luncheon. It is always exciting for the children to travel to an offsite venue to sing at this prestigious event. The Singers also performed ‘Trotting’ at the Easter Chapel Service and ‘The Gospel Train’ at the Young Voices Concert. They sang the challenging song ‘Ted E. Bear and Me’ at the Showcase Concert and delighted the audience with their energetic performance at the Carols Concert.
2/3 Singers is a delight. It has made a real difference to my singing.
Chara Zapris, Year 3
2/3 Singers is one of the best lunch time activities.
Evie Saman, Year 3
2/3 Singers is a safe place.
Emily Torrington, Year 3
Senior Choir
Senior Choir performed ‘Mary Poppins Medley’ at the Showcase Concert and were proud to lead the students in the massed item, ‘Adiemus’. They performed at the Carols by Candlelight Concert and led the audience in traditional Christmas hymns and songs. They also performed at our Young Voices Concert, singing ‘I Won’t Grow Up’. Their proudest moment was being the first ever choir in Buckley House history to sing at the annual ANZAC assembly. Many people commented on how beautifully the choir sang ‘Lest We Forget’ at this event.
Choir has helped bring out the best in me and helped me find my singing voice.
Leonardo Donarelli, Year 6
In Choir, I enjoy hearing everyones unique, diverse voices meshed into one beautiful song.
Oscar O’Neill, Year 4
I enjoy Choir rehearsals because I get to be collaborative with people.
Aya Mohammed, Year 4
A big thank you to Mr Darrin Archer, our exceptional piano accompanist who worked with both choirs in 2023.
Mark Narkowicz Primary Music SpecialistSecondary Performing Arts
As the curtains drew open on the 2023 school year, the halls of Ivanhoe Grammar School were once again alive with the harmonious melodies of music, the electrifying energy of drama, and the excitement of planning and staging live theatre. Students embraced the opportunity to collaborate, create, and captivate audiences, exemplifying the Ivanhoe Learner attributes of innovation, collaboration, and courage in every aspect of their artistic endeavours.
Within the realm of music, the school's corridors resonated with the harmonious melodies of Year 7 Music students, embarking on a musical journey of learning and performance. These budding musicians unveiled their burgeoning talents through lively ensembles and orchestras, with every note they produced standing as testament to their unwavering dedication and the expert guidance of our accomplished music staff. Year 8 is more autonomous, with students choosing their instruments, groups, and repertoire in a curriculum aimed at emulating the experience of being in a garage band outside of school.
Music is not just a subject that is taught and learnt at school, but a significant part of human life and evolution and a vital aspect of our humanity. It is a profound expression of human emotion, culture, and creativity. This year has been a rollercoaster, and my classmates and I have all been shown a new way to learn, far from the desks and pencils of the classroom, in a fresh world of performance and display. The class, consisting of around 25 children, was split into three groups and all were instructed to practise their chosen songs and instruments. We learnt how to work together and perform in a band setting, while also sharpening our instrumental skills. Music is all around us, perpetually changing the way we view our lives, and this is why I love it, and why I constantly strive to become a better musician, and thus a better person.
Louis Ding, Year 8
Year 7 and 8 Drama students enthusiastically engaged in a diverse array of workshops, exploring topics such as Improvisation, Commedia dell'Arte, Musical Theatre, and Ancient Greek Theatre. Through these immersive experiences, students delved into the intricacies of each theatrical form under the guidance of our committed drama staff. These workshops provided a platform for students to cultivate their creative skills, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the varied facets of dramatic expression across different cultures and historical periods.
I’m really happy with the entire drama experience this year and how I performed. I tried my hardest and gave everything my best shot, while also being able to connect with others in class. It was a great time!
Amy Bland, Year 7
It is easy to understand why I chose drama as one of my Year 8 electives as I have a strong interest in creative arts, dance, and theatre. I love celebrating dance through stage performances. Drama helps to give me an understanding that being on stage is not just about my love for dance. I know choosing drama is helping to improve my skills and techniques on stage for my future dance concerts and school musicals. It is also giving me a better understanding of a performer’s fundamentals.
Grace Gifford, Year 8
Over at University Campus, the Year 9 Music students, seamlessly blended traditional and modern music techniques, leveraging their newfound knowledge of digital platforms to compose, remix, and craft film scores. Some further highlights of the Year 9 Music course included lunchtime concerts, the Expo Night Performance as well as assembly presentations which showcased the students' dedication and musical finesse. Their learning extended beyond the classroom, as the Year 9s ventured to the Victoria College of the Arts at Melbourne University and the Recital Hall. Students also participated in the Out of Classroom Program, where they engaged in a music band
workshop led by several guest musicians. This immersive encounter allowed them to glean insights from industry professionals, deepening their understanding of musical dynamics and performance.
Still at University Campus, our Year 9 Drama students delved into planning and developing group performances, harnessing the power of dreams and the subconscious as the basis of their work. This innovative approach allowed students to unravel the intricate threads of their own imaginations, breathing life into their collective artistic visions. Moreover, the program provided a window into the dynamic landscape of modern theatre, where students uncovered the nuances of Documentary Drama, Surrealist Theatre and Epic Theatre styles.
For our Year 10 Drama and VCE Theatre Studies students, the year included an exciting array of theatrical experiences, attending multiple live performances, including the sensational production of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' along with 'Bernhardt/Hamlet', Michael Gow’s ‘Away’ and the delightful comedy ‘Miss Peony’ by Michelle Law at the Arts Centre. Through experiencing these productions, our senior students were granted invaluable insights into the intricacies of theatre production. Engaging with cast members and creatives broadened their horizons and imbued their own work with newfound depth and inspiration.
Watching these wonderful theatre productions has enhanced our scope as performers as we are able to apply the ideas and themes of other interpretations to inspire our own work. The whole experience has been wonderful.
Karmen Apperley, Year 10ACADEMIC LEARNING
The VCE Drama class at Plenty Campus, were lucky enough to have industry expert, Terry Yeboah run an acting workshop, which had the students explore the use of their expressive skills of voice, movement, facial expressions, and body language to explore the characterisation of their chosen character for their solo performance assessment task. The students experienced an array of activities that pushed them out of their comfort zone and taught them valuable new skills. The class also attended the professional performance of Nosferatu at the Malthouse Theatre, where they were able to view the use of skills and techniques they were learning about in class and then put these into practice in their own performance work.
This year during Drama, I have enjoyed collaborating with my peers to create an amazing performance during Term 2, where our topic was world problems. We scripted, researched, and rehearsed as a team to create a memorable ensemble performance. I also enjoyed analysing and attending the play Nosferatu during Term 2 where we got to ask questions in a Q&A session to cast members. Overall, I have loved drama this year and cannot wait to perform more next year.
Maddi Nankervis, Year 11In our VCE Music Repertoire Performance class, a new study design has brought about a year of remarkable learning and development. As students embraced the challenges of the revised curriculum, they delved into a world of musical exploration. A key highlight of this course has been the thorough preparation of a captivating recital program. Within this experience, students refined their skills as both soloists and ensemble musicians. As the culmination of their efforts, the final performance program highlighted their dedication, artistic finesse, and profound connection to their selected repertoire.
Moving across to our VCE Theatre Studies classes, our large cohort were responsible for the planning, development and presentation of a scripted work. This year, our Year 11 and 12 students worked on The Servant of Two Masters, which took six months of collaboration to realise the interpretation. As they breathed life into the script, they embodied the essence of theatre makers, weaving their own ideas into the interpretation through acting, direction, and design. The result was a hugely successful project that was staged in the beloved Schuster Studio over four sold-out performances.
Beyond the spotlight, the Performing Arts curriculum at Ivanhoe Grammar School stands as testament to the harmonious symphony of collaboration and growth. The program's tapestry weaves together students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, fostering an environment of inclusivity and camaraderie. As students work hand-in-hand to craft melodies, scenes, and performances, they learn the art of cohesive teamwork and the true essence of the performing arts.
Personally, for me I had never been the one up on stage, but the person behind the scenes helping create the performance. I have absolutely loved being involved in a community which supports and celebrates each other’s talents and achievements. Any students who are considering their options should take drama or theatre studies as a subject because the experiences and the community I found, I couldn’t find anywhere else.
Ava Koniaras, Year 12 Theatre Captain
Finally, to our dedicated performing arts staff at each campus, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your boundless energy, passion, and enthusiasm. As we celebrate the triumphant crescendos and poignant moments of the 2023 school year, we look forward with anticipation to the uncharted melodies and narratives that 2024 and beyond holds, united in our pursuit of artistic excellence.
Nicholas Pease and Michelle Denni Curriculum Leaders – Performing ArtsPrimary Visual Arts
Buckley House
The Buckley House Art Studio stands as a testament to the vibrant and transformative journey of exploration and creative expression that has unfolded within its walls. This year has seen exciting projects, collaborative efforts, and the powerful growth of both artistic skills and creative confidence.
Cultivating creativity has been a cornerstone of our year. Through various projects and exercises, the aim has been to create an environment where students can explore their creative potential without inhibition. By encouraging students to make creative decisions, take risks, and draw inspiration from their own experiences and the work of others, students have shown an incredible blossoming of creativity and selfexpression.
The growth and change of the art studio have been a visual representation of our journey. What started as a blank canvas has now transformed into a dynamic space that reflects the energy and vibrancy of our creative endeavours. The studio has become a hub of inspiration and collaboration; a place where students come together to explore their artistic visions.
Throughout the year, we've embarked on diverse projects that have spanned various aspects of the visual arts. From textiles to painting and drawing, we have covered a broad spectrum, allowing students to explore their creativity through different mediums and techniques. This holistic approach has enriched the artistic journey and provided students with a well-rounded artistic skill set.
Collaboration has been another guiding principle, fostering a sense of belonging within our creative community. The idea of co-agency – where students and teacher share equal responsibility in decision-making – has been at the core of all collaborative projects. This approach has not only deepened the sense of ownership among students but has also resulted in beautiful surprises of innovative thinking and unexpected artistic directions.
Our collaborative projects have often taken on a life of their own, evolving and growing as the day progressed. The Year 5 Garden Mural is a prime example of this; what started as a seed of inspiration blossomed into a sprawling, dynamic creation that adorned our studio wall. Similarly, Year 3’s exploration of ocean plastic pollution turned into a powerful statement, through a large weave made from plastic bags and recycled fabrics.
As we moved through the year, each grade embarked on projects that were both educational and thought-provoking.
In the ‘Cultural Connections’ project, Year 4 students explored cultural identity, global citizenship, and the art of silk pattern design. Inspired by the vibrant works of Indigenous and contemporary artists, students embarked on a journey that laced together patterns, prints and symbolism to communicate their understanding of being citizens of the world.
Year 2 delved into the relationship between landscapes and storytelling, and how it can be expressed through poetry and tapestry. Foundation students took inspiration from nature, capturing the world through their eyes using colours shapes and lines.
Year 1 embraced the key elements of art and developed their skill sets through abstract layered paintings. And finally, Year 6 impressed with their Australian bird unit, creating individual responses to these majestic creatures using oil pastels, paint, and mixed media.
Throughout this artistic year, one common thread has been the emphasis of the creative process. While the final outcomes have been impressive, the true value lies in the experience of creating and the personal growth that accompanies it. Our students have learned that art is a journey of self-discovery, a path where mistakes are welcomed as learning opportunities. The magic of art lies not only in the finished masterpiece, but in the countless moments of growth, reflection, and inspiration that lead up to it.
As a newcomer to Ivanhoe Grammar School, I've been genuinely grateful for the community's warm welcome and deeply impressed by our students' exceptional talents. I would like to express sincere thanks for the School community’s consistent support and belief in the impactful nature of artistic exploration. Looking ahead to next year I hope that the Buckley House Art Studio will continue to inspire and foster creative spirits that will shape the future.
Harriett Fullwood Visual Arts TeacherPrimary Visual Arts
Plenty Campus
All Creatures Great and Small
The Primary Art room at Plenty Campus has been a hub of creativity and imagination this year as our young artists embarked on an incredible journey into the captivating world of animals. In the unit ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, our students engaged in various artistic activities, bringing to life the diverse animals of farms, Australia, and the sea. Through sculpture, painting, printing, construction, and working with threads and textiles, our students have created remarkable artwork that showcases their talent and appreciation for the natural world. The art room has transformed into a vibrant menagerie, where animals of all shapes, sizes, and colours come to life on canvas, in clay, and through other innovative mediums.
In the world of threads and textiles, our students have ventured into the realm of large fabric monkeys, owls, horses, and bears. Through sewing, weaving, and embroidery techniques, they have brought these cuddly creatures to life. The art room has become a sanctuary for these fabric animals, adding an extra touch of charm to our creative space.
Our young artists immersed themselves in the fascinating world of clay. They moulded and shaped this versatile medium into 3D fish, snakes, birds, and snails. From vibrant fish with intricate scales to lifelike birds with delicate feathers, and even charming snails with uniquely patterned shells, their creations showcased boundless creativity and attention to detail. Through these clay activities, our students explored the joys of sculpting and discovered the magic of bringing their imaginations to life in three dimensions.
In the spirit of sustainability and creativity, our talented students embarked on an eco-friendly construction adventure in the Primary Art room. Using recycled bottles, they transformed ordinary plastic into adorable bunnies, each one carrying a message of environmental consciousness and the importance of recycling. Additionally, our young artists put their engineering skills to the test as they constructed various farm animals from cardboard boxes. From playful pigs to gentle cows, these upcycled sculptures not only showcased their artistic flair but also reminded us of the beauty that can emerge from repurposed materials. Through these imaginative projects, our students demonstrated that with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart, art and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. In addition to their regular art classes, our students had the opportunity to join the Monday lunchtime Art Club, a space where their artistic talents could flourish even further. This club provided a fun and interactive platform for students to explore their creativity, experiment with different techniques, and collaborate with their peers.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Casey Butterworth, a dedicated parent helper who has been instrumental in supporting our art room activities. Her assistance and commitment have greatly enriched the artistic journey of our students, and we extend our sincerest thanks for her invaluable contributions. My heart overflows with pride and gratitude.
Witnessing the growth and creativity of my students has been an absolute joy. From painted farm animals to clay sculptures, their passion for art knows no bounds. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to guide and inspire these young artists. Let's cherish these memories and look forward to more colourful adventures in 2024. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and remember, art is a journey that never truly ends.
Nancy Ventrice Primary Art TeacherSecondary Visual Arts
It has been a great year in Art and Design across the school. Staff have been most impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement shown by students when creating, designing and making. In response to given tasks and design problems, students delved into areas of interest and thought freely. This developed their resilience and problem solving skills, as they trialled and experimented when creating final works.
This year, VCE folios reflected an exploration of opportunities, trials and experiments, and students were encouraged to visit galleries, reach out to industry professionals, and research current and past work. This knowledge informed their creative journey as they pursued their final products, designs and artworks.
Students had the opportunity to attend the annual Top Arts, Top Screens, and Top Designs Exhibitions where outstanding folios and final works from across the state were shown. This provided time to reflect and appreciate the creative journey ahead, and gain inspiration from previous Year 12 high achievers. Students also celebrated the talents of 2022 Ivanhoe Alumni Eloise Roberts and Adam Rudnicki, whose works were exhibited at Top Designs and Top Screens, respectively. A number of our students’ works were also exhibited in the 2023 Annual Victorian and Tasmanian International Baccalaureate Diploma of Visual Arts Exhibition held at Glen Eira City Council. These explored a variety of themes and concepts that reflected the inclusive culture and diverse perspectives at our school.
Current students were acknowledged in our ever-expanding annual campus based exhibitions, which showcased works from the subjects of Art, Art Making and Exhibiting, Product Design and Technology, Media and Visual Communication Design. Students received awards for high achievement and recognition of development in the faculty.
In the Art classroom, students produced a wonderful array of paintings, photographs, 3D sculptures and prints of Indigenous inspired art works. Media Studies students were called upon to demonstrate their creativity in several ways this year, and we applaud their ability to think laterally and flexibly, even under extreme pressure and time constraints. Product Design and Technology students produced a variety of products that solved various design problems. The items created included indoor and outdoor furniture pieces, re-purposed items, some 3D printing and laser cutting. Visual Communication Design students produced works covering all areas of design from environmental, industrial and communication design. We had architectural projects, posters and more. Ridgeway Campus ran an Arts Assembly at senior and middle year levels, which included an incredible display of talent and culminated in the awarding of the Senior House Art Competition prize.
At University campus our students created artworks in the traditional disciplines exploring various mediums and the more contemporary areas of digital photography and mixed media artworks. In Media classes, students developed and then applied skills to produce photographic and film works. In Product Design and Technology students engaged in a design process that essentially required them to respond to a problem, research, investigate, explore, develop and produce. Visual Communication Design students designed the surface graphics of a food truck, developed digital skills and designed a promotional poster.
The following are student reflections of their time in Art and Design this year:
Art and Design at Plenty Campus provides exciting opportunities to explore artistic pursuits in a fairly unstructured, interesting way. In ECP, we delved deep into what we had studied the previous years and mastered the skills that come with different materials, techniques, and areas of study. This prepared me for the big decision of what to explore for my folio, which has by far been the most exciting assignment this year of all my subjects. I’ve loved being able to venture into my own interests and apply my passions to an artistic format. The Art and Design teachers have provided amazing support for my studies, while still allowing me the freedom to have creative control. Overall, as an artistic student I find joy every time I enter the Creative Arts centre.
Elora Twyford, Year 11Art and Design subjects have always been a way for students at the Ridgeway to develop and explore the depths of their creativity. This year was no different. Whether it be Media, Visual Communications and Design, Product Design or Studio Arts, students across all year levels had opportunities to develop their artistic skills, leading to the formation of some fantastic artworks. For me this year, my Art and Design subjects have been a brilliant experience of planning, developing, and presenting multiple projects throughout my final year of school. Furthermore, I have greatly enjoyed the various opportunities that have been made available this year. Be it exhibitions at galleries, figure drawing workshops or guest speakers, they have all given me the chance to develop my own style and vision for my personal projects. Of course, this would not be possible without the support of the staff that have facilitated our creations, and I want to finally express my gratitude for all the time they have spent supporting us, and in particular the Year 12 students during their final year.
Harry Adamson, Year 12Art always intrigued me as I grew up. But the fear of having not tried it, as well as failure, held me back from exploring it fully. It wasn't until Year 11 at Ivanhoe Grammar that I took the leap and started taking two folio subjects throughout VCE. This pushed me to discover a hidden side of myself while also meeting new, likeminded friends in a warm environment at Locksley. I found Visual Communication Design and Art Making and Exhibiting particularly appealing among the extensive range of Visual Art subjects offered at Ivanhoe. These two subjects offered a contrast of digital and manual methods, inspiring me to create my own art and designs to the best of my abilities in a fun and enjoyable way. The welcoming and supportive teachers at Ivanhoe played a crucial role in motivating me to strive to my fullest potential and leave a lasting impact, setting me up for potential artistic journeys to come.
Caitlyn Shaw, Year 12
Curriculum leaders would like to thank academic staff who make our vibrant and wonderful team. Your professionalism and dedication to developing student skills and passion for art and design has not been unnoticed. Sincere gratitude and congratulations are also extended to all students of Art and Design on completing a great year.
Sarah Elali and Lawrence Dalton Curriculum Leaders of Art and DesignSecondary Visual Arts
The Annual Plenty Campus Visual Arts Exhibition
It was great to get together as a community to celebrate and acknowledge the creative talents of students from the secondary classes at Plenty Campus. The annual Visual Arts Exhibition was officially Opened on Monday 9 October with works on display from the subject disciplines of Art, Art Making and Exhibiting, Product Design and Technology, Media and Visual Communication Design.
The campus was fortunate enough to have the exhibition opened by artist Carmel Ritchie. In her address to the gathering Carmel acknowledged the wonderful work on display.
One of the highlights of the exhibition opening is the presentation of first place and runner up of The Randal Marsh Art and Design Award, the Acquisition Award, The Principal’s Art and Design Award, the Centenary Product Design and Technology Award and two awards provided by the OIGA.
This year, Alice Darby Year 12 Art Making and Exhibiting was awarded First Prize of the Randal Marsh Art and Design Award for her Untitled horse illustration. Runner Up was awarded to Claudia Figgins Year 12 Art Making and Exhibiting for her photographic series title 'The Roaring 20s'. The Acquisition Award went to Tessa Moad Year 11 Art Making and Exhibiting for her piece exploring the impacts of global warming titled '1'.
Now in its second year the Principal’s Art and Design Award went to Elora Twyford Year 12 Visual Communication Design for her game character design 'Celestial Magika'.
This year there were two awardees of The Centenary Product Design and Technology Award. The winners were Dakota Blade for her dining table and Anthony Fagioli for his shelving unit.
The Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association presented an Encouragement Award in the Visual Arts and a Media Prize. This year the Encouragement Award went to Blake Gaskell of Year 10 and the Media Prize went to Sophie Flower. Sophie’s film titled 'Monotonous' explored the mundanity that exists in modern life.
Excellence and Encouragement Awards were also presented to students from each of the Years 7, 8 and 10 Visual Arts classes.
It’s a courageous effort to put work on display for public view and what we see is the result of a creative process. The annual exhibition is a wonderful celebration of this, and we congratulate all students.
Lawrence Dalton Curriculum Leader of Art and DesignSecondary Visual Arts
The Ridgeway Campus, Years 7 to 11
‘If you can see the invisible, then you can see the possible.’
– Ken Wyatt
INNOVATIVE
young people of character
#learningtogether
Co–Curricular
From the Director of Co–Curricular Learning
As we reflect on the cocurricular journey at Ivanhoe Grammar School in 2023, we find ourselves drawn closer to the familiar contours of our pre 2020 program structures. This year has been marked by a heartwarming return of beloved highlights such as the Battlefields trip, Cambodia Service project, and the enchanting Ridgeway Campus Musical. It is with deep appreciation that we extend our thanks to John Doman and David Gibbs for orchestrating the overseas endeavours, especially given the intricacies that lingered in the aftermath of global challenges.
The first half of 2023 ushered in a period of introspection for our entire co-curricular spectrum. This reflective process yielded valuable recommendations, some of which we will implement over time. However, regardless of these potential adaptations, our commitment to the four fundamental objectives of our cocurricular journey remains unwavering:
• Fostering the specific knowledge and skills that underpin each program’s success
• Nurturing the character virtues emblematic of an Ivanhoe Learner
• Creating a platform for diverse facets of our community to cultivate meaningful connections
• Encompassing a diverse array of programs to cater to each student’s sense of belonging and intrinsic value.
These foundational principles continue to illuminate our path, informing our program’s design and execution while allowing for tailored approaches in response to variations in levels, participation, and campuses.
Our co-curricular realm boasts notable achievements and inspiring narratives of participation. The Cadet Program and Debating Program stand as magnets for engagement, and we take pride in the accomplishment of our senior debaters securing the Greenway Cup. The evolution of the IDEALS program into a robust and meaningful journey is a testament to the spirit of growth within our community. Sports remain a conduit for character development, where values like commitment, teamwork, and empathy find expression.
Celebrating victories in girls’ volleyball, girls’ basketball, and boys’ football, including a historic football premiership after 60 years, adds vibrant strokes to our canvas of accomplishments. The performing arts domain flourishes, expanding avenues for creative exploration, with Ridgeway Campus Musical’s return adding a harmonious note to our collective story. Within these narratives, the essence of building relationships and nurturing connections emerges as a golden thread. Witnessing students deepen their connection with their passions remains a highlight of our journey. However, we acknowledge the challenge of kindling engagement in those who are yet to find their calling, a challenge that beckons us to respond collectively. In an era where authentic connections are precious commodities within the digital realm, this call-to-action gains further resonance. While recent times presented hurdles, they also provided moments of contemplation and potential enhancement for our school offerings. A notable stride has occurred in the realm of global citizenship education. Nurturing globally conscious citizens stands as a pivotal school objective, with the First Nations Program playing a leading role in this evolution. This expansion encompasses initiatives like an annual Reconciliation Action Plan, student scholarships, and a comprehensive infusion of First Nations’ history and culture into our curriculum and fabric of our school culture.
At the heart of our global education narrative stand the Ivanhoe Diploma and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Tailored for Year 9 students and beyond, these programs signify the diverse involvement of our students. It’s heartening to observe higher education institutions placing greater emphasis on students’ holistic journeys rather than mere ATAR scores when evaluating admissions. Our Duke of Edinburgh Award engages over 100 students, and similar numbers participate in the Ivanhoe Diploma. As we journey forward, our aspiration is to introduce an entry-level program for senior primary and junior secondary students, facilitating their seamless progression into the Duke of Edinburgh and Ivanhoe Diploma initiatives.
In the tapestry of our co-curricular offerings, the Round Square affiliation remains a pivotal thread. This network of schools, dedicated to holistic student development, has recently encountered challenges to cross-border connections. However, in the year 2023, Ivanhoe proudly reclaimed its presence at the International Conference, offering a glimpse of the opportunities that lie ahead. With anticipation, we look to the upcoming year as a canvas where staff and students will forge connections that transcend not only state borders but international boundaries as well.
Chris Branigan Director of Co-Curricular LearningBuckley House Clubs
Chess Club
During Term 2 and Term 3, students from Years 1 to 6 had the opportunity to learn chess by professional chess coaches from CHESS IDEAS. From beginners to more advanced players, students learnt important chess moves such as castling, pins, skewers, forks, and check mating. During Term 3, a group of advanced players participated in a Chess tournament at Bialik College. The opposition was strong and Buckley House’s team represented Ivanhoe proudly.
It was wonderful to see the students’ enthusiasm to learn new moves and trail these in challenging games each week. It was a pleasure to watch and, at times, play our young future chess masters.
David McClean Year 2 TeacherLunch Time Fun Club
Wander through the playground at Buckley House during lunch play and you will find Fun Club. Our Learning Support Assistants facilitate these activities, teaching students’ new games, skills and developing social interaction skills. Skipping in the sunshine near the flagpole with Sandra is a favourite for all. Perhaps you are looking for something less active, mindful drawing and colouring under the giant gum tree might be for you? There is always something exciting happening and new friends to be made at Fun Club.
Amanda McCaffrey Individual Needs CoordinatorCadets
The 2023 cadet year has been one of continued and sustained growth, as the unit rebuilds following two years of disruption. The senior cadet leaders have made their mark on the unit, in terms of training and performance standards, engagement and team spirit. Their cooperation and strong work ethic have resulted in very positive outcomes in all aspects of the program.
Whether it be within the school itself, or the local community, the Cadet Unit has represented the school superbly. On ANZAC Day, our cadets stood tall at services in Heidelberg, Laurimar, and in Whittlesea, where the entire Plenty Campus Cadet Detachment once more participated in the town march and Commemoration Service.
As always, cadet staff gave of themselves willingly, to ensure that the cadets were given every opportunity to produce the best possible outcomes; they deserve recognition and praise. In addition, the support provided by parents in encouraging and supporting their children is another key to the success of the program.
As the unit hands over responsibility to the next generation of young leaders, there is every reason to be confident that the program will continue to develop and thrive, for the benefit of both the cadets and the greater school community.
John Doman (OC IGSACU) Commanding Officer of Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet UnitPlenty Campus
When members of the Cadet Unit mention the role of the Executive Officer (XO), I think most are riddled with fear or extend their sympathy to me. This was how I perceived the role when I began my journey in Cadets as a recruit four years ago, a role with enormous pressure and the need for critical thinking. But now, as I reflect upon the lessons in leadership, communication, and grit I’ve learned during my time in Cadets, I am grateful for this opportunity.
For me, while cadets provided the opportunity to sleep in a hootchie and experience my first Reveille, waking up to the sound of a trumpet in the early hours when the sun had not yet risen, the most gratifying experience was working alongside senior leadership and the teachers guiding the unit.
As XO, I was responsible for designing the weekly training plans in consultation with the Year 12 Command Group, and eventually the major planning and logistics of two camps across both campuses of the school. The collaboration between senior leadership teams of the school was crucial in the successful operation of the first full cadet year after the pandemic, and a testament to the dedication all leaders have shown to the Cadet Program. It was rewarding to see our meticulous detailed camp plans – including radio communication plans, platoon formations and coordination with Q Store for equipment lists – be transformed into a five-day Cadet Camp. Although it was stressful to coordinate navigational and field activities, I will always deeply respect the insight and advice received from teachers and the ideas from our peers resulting in a cadet year filled with courage and opportunity.
The Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Unit has made a profound impact on me. The transformative power of strong leadership and communication is a significant lesson I have learnt from my time in the unit. These are the moments I will remember forever.
Avriel Das, Year 12 Executive Officer
Being a part of Cadets has been one of the highlights of my time at school. This year I had the honour of being a part of the Senior Leadership Team in the role of Head of Training and Assessment. I was excited to undertake this role and work with the other senior leaders.
Through Cadets, I have been able to create so many new friendships from different year levels and it has also helped me grow as a person. It has enabled me to improve my leadership, communication, and
organisational skills which I know will benefit me in the future. As Head of Training and Assessment, it was fantastic to see all the training done during Tuesday cadet sessions pay off once we were on camp, when platoons would compete in various activities for different cadet shields. Although it was stressful at times, the countless hours of planning and preparation were rewarded when we saw the younger year levels enjoying the activities we had planned. I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of such a rare experience, and I know I will remember all the good memories for the rest of my life.
Bethany Clare, Year 12 Head of Training and Assessment
To say that Cadets has shaped me into the person I am today is an understatement. Throughout my time at Ivanhoe Grammar School, I have had the privilege of participating in the Cadet Program. Beginning as a recruit, to being promoted to both Platoon Corporal and Sergeant has allowed me to embrace the opportunity to lead recruits through exercises both at school and in the bush.
Cadets has pushed me to my absolute limits: from participating in extensive navigation exercises in hot weather conditions, to embarking on the Barracks obstacle course, where I climbed over a 10-foot wall. This program taught me to face my fears and become a more courageous person of character. I have absolutely loved forming friendships with multiple year levels over these four years. Achieving Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in 2022 highlighted to me how hard work and dedication pays off.
To hear from multiple students that I was a role model to them in Cadets fills me with so much happiness and pride. Overall, I believe that leadership is the most important aspect of the program. From participating in ceremonial parades, to creating endless memories in the
bush, I am very grateful for the opportunity provided to embark on what I believe has been the ultimate highlight of my time at Ivanhoe Grammar School. This journey has been difficult at times; however, it has been the most rewarding experience of my life and I am extremely grateful for the staff members involved such as Mr Barnett, Ms Scott, Mr Hoogenraad, Mr Bourne and several others. Because of this experience, I feel more prepared for the outside world, and to always be courageous and believe in myself. I will never forget the memories that the Cadet Program has given me.
Erin Doman, Year 12 Regimental Sergeant Major
Throughout my time at the school, having taken part in various co-curricular activities, I would have to say Cadets has been the most enjoyable and gave me the most opportunities and fondest memories. After being promoted to Senior Cadet Under Officer (SCUO), I knew that to become the best leader possible, I had a lot of skilling-up to do in areas such as communication, creativity and organisation.
When I started as SCUO, COVID-19 restrictions were easing up and connections between students was low. Because of this I wanted to set a goal to bring students together and be able to build them up in many different areas, including confidence, strength and communication.
Throughout my time as SCUO, I spent extensive time with the seniors and command group planning activities and sharing ideas on how to provide the younger students with the most enjoyable Tuesdays and Cadet Camp. It was such an amazing opportunity to be able to give younger students a camp in which they could make amazing memories and learn more about themselvestheir strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, being a part of the Ivanhoe Cadet Unit has had a major impact on my leadership skills and has helped me become the person I am today.
Zoe Black, Year 12 Senior Cadet Under OfficerCADETS
Ridgeway Campus
I was so proud to be trusted to lead the IGSACU this year as Senior CUO (Cadet Under Officer) of Ridgeway Campus. With over 600 student participants and a proud 62-year history, the Cadet Unit is a unique and worthwhile program at Ivanhoe – one which is primarily led and developed by students. Realising my biggest co-curricular passion for the last four years by becoming a leader in 2022-23, this eventful year of training and camps was a truly fulfilling one. My greatest hope is that my genuine enthusiasm for the Cadet Unit, as well as the hard work of our cohort, has passed on the cadet experience, which combines unique adventure, cooperation and discipline, to the next generation of leaders.
Beth Ryan, Senior CUO (Cadet Under Officer)This last year of Cadets has been by far the most memorable of my time in the cadet unit. Although I was unsure of the position and role I wanted for the year, I fully applied myself to the promotional elements of the course and earned a senior leadership position. This role took quite a lot of adjustment and hard work, however I fully embraced the opportunity. I was able to develop a mountain of essential skills including logistical planning, collaboration and time management whilst also thoroughly enjoying myself, making friendships and putting myself outside of my comfort zone. Cadets has been a fun adventure, and this final year summed up perfectly what was a unique and rewarding experience that I will reflect on for years to come.
Matthias Lillis, XODebating
Ethics Olympiad
Students from Years 5 to 11 participated in the Primary, Middle Years and Senior Ethics Olympiad this year. While the term ‘olympic’ might conjure images of swift sprinters or powerful swimmers, the Ethics Olympiad calls for a different kind of strength – the strength of character, which lies at the very core of an Ivanhoe education.
The Ethics Olympiad is a competitive yet collaborative event where teams of five students analyse and discuss real-life and timely ethical issues. Each team is presented with a case study, challenging them to make a persuasive argument for a difficult ethical decision. The format bears some resemblance to a traditional debate, with judges posing questions that teams must answer while countering the arguments of opposing teams.
Unlike a debate, however, the Ethics Olympiad diverges in its approach. Students are not assigned opposing views; rather, they passionately defend the position they genuinely believe is right. Success in this competition is achieved by demonstrating meticulous thought, deep contemplation and keen perceptiveness about the issues at hand.
The event not only fosters a competitive spirit but also encourages ethical awareness, critical thinking skills, civil discourse, international engagement and an appreciation for diverse points of view. In a society that sometimes seems increasingly polarised, the process of analysing, reflecting and engaging in meaningful conversations about complex issues cultivates more thoughtful perspectives and open minds. These attributes are highly esteemed at Ivanhoe, as we strive to nurture future leaders who can engage in respectful discourse and make ethical decisions for the greater good of society.
Participating in the 2023 Senior Ethics Olympiad was an incredibly enriching and thought-provoking experience. The event brought together students from many different schools and was a great opportunity. It contrasted with what would be considered a standard debate because we had a discussion on many complex ethical dilemmas and put forward new ways of thinking. We had our viewpoints and moral reasoning challenged through considering what opposing views existed. It not only allowed me to explore ethical issues from different cultural and philosophical viewpoints but was also a highly enjoyable experience. It has allowed me to consider real life situations and the ethics behind them while furthering my knowledge of ethical theories and concepts during the preparation. Overall, while it was a great learning experience, it was also something I enjoyed and hope to participate in again.
Avlene Das, Year 10Model United Nations
Ivanhoe hosted an interschool Model United Nations (UN) for students from Years 9-12. Over 120 talented students from 10 different schools across Melbourne participated, including 40 students from our Ridgeway and Plenty campuses.
Student delegates were in teams of four, representing 30 countries, simulating the United Nations General Assembly. The theme was Empowering Women and Girls. The delegates researched their countries prior to the event and then took part in a process to draft a resolution which was then voted on by the assembly.
The students demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, eloquence, and cultural understanding as they tackled complex global issues. They diplomatically voiced their opinions and listened to others, using negotiation skills to find common ground and forge consensus. The diversity of perspectives and the open exchange of ideas fostered an inclusive and enriching environment.
Students reflect on how participating in the Model UN challenged their views around the complex issue of Gender Equality on the day:
Prior to the Model UN, I had a general understanding of current global issues, however discussing and debating these issues aided me in gaining a deeper understanding of global politics. The chosen topic of discussion was Gender Equality, a topic I am very passionate about due to our changing world. With around 30 countries participating, I was able to engage with a variety of world views and perspectives coming from diverse societies.
During the day, amendments were proposed before debating the topic. We had to consider all impacted parties, which challenged my own ethics and directed my choices and actions. For example, even though I wanted to pass a draft that mandated all nations to supply economic resources for women in need, this would have put developing nations in jeopardy. According to my ethics, I would have thought it fair that every nation provides to women in distress, however now I realise the complexity of the situation where resources are scarce, and nations must prioritise some issues before others. Participating in the Model UN has added depth and perspective to my views, while challenging my personal ethics and I am grateful to have had this experience.
Siri Chilamkurti, Year 11After taking part in the Model UN, I have less black-and-white views when it comes to issues and understand there are multiple reasons that a country may not want to support certain amendments. It was eye-opening to discover each nation’s position on issues and I found the experience of the unmoderated caucus very engaging. During these sessions we found out which countries agreed with our proposed amendments and often found ourselves in debate with those who did not. I really enjoyed this opportunity to debate as a representative of a specific country, being able to work out what our views would be on different issues based on our research and what past amendments we had seconded. This opportunity has widened my knowledge about how the United Nations works, and the challenge of getting agreement from different nations when dealing with global issues like gender equality. This experience also made me consider my own personal ethics, giving me the opportunity to consider other nations’ perspectives and challenges.
Lavinia De Fazio, Year 11 Wendy Mc Carry Head of Academic ExtensionUniversity Campus
Debating at University Campus was once again a tremendous success. The enthusiasm and incredible popularity of the program resulted in the participation of eight teams across two different draws – the Watsonia Region held at Loyola College and the Ivanhoe Region held at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School. All teams participated with energy and enthusiasm, with our University Campus Team 4 making the finals,
One of the wonderful aspects of working with our students through the Year 9 Debating Program, is watching the extraordinary growth in both skill and confidence. It is always a delight to work with articulate, motivated and enthusiastic students who see debating as an invaluable skill to master, not just for their schooling years, but for life beyond.
It has been a pleasure to work with young people of such character in the debating program at University Campus in 2023.
Throughout the three years I have participated in the Debating Program at Ivanhoe Grammar School, I have developed an arsenal of skills that continues to help me in various aspects of my life. Participating in debates has been a transformative experience for me, shaping not only my communication skills but also my ability to think critically and engage in a variety of topics.
One of the most significant aspects of debating is the development of critical thinking skills. I have learned to examine complex issues from different angles, dissect arguments, and identify logical mistakes. Debating has taught me to question assumptions, seek evidence, and evaluate the credibility of sources. Moreover, it has greatly improved my research skills. The need to back up my arguments with solid evidence has pushed me to delve into a wide range of sources and gather relevant information. Through this process, I have learned to distinguish between reliable and biased sources, synthesise information, and present well-rounded arguments. These skills have enhanced my ability to construct compelling arguments whilst encouraged me to consider others’ arguments and points.
Another invaluable skill I have developed through debating is public speaking. As students, we frequently find ourselves in situations where we need to present in front of our classmates, speak at assemblies, or engage in similar instances that demand us to harness the skill of public speaking. The practice and feedback I have received from debating, has helped me become more confident in expressing my ideas clearly, coherently, and persuasively. Debating has taught me the art of engaging an audience using a range of techniques and devices as well as adapting my communication style to suit different contexts. These skills have not only enhanced my ability to present arguments in debates but have also helped me in presentations, interviews, and everyday conversations.
Debating has empowered me to confidently express my ideas and engage in meaningful discussions, but at the end of the day it is a very fun extracurricular activity that I truly recommend all students try, especially if you want to improve in other aspects of your life.
Isabella Ciavarella, Year 9
I didn’t want this program to end, to be honest! Debating has always been enjoyable but doing it all in a new setting at the University Campus made the experience more well-rounded. This year was all about stepping out of our comfort zone and utilising the skills we developed during Years 7 and 8 in a more competitive environment. We were all aware of each other’s skills and limitations since we had worked together so many times before, and this year allowed us to focus on adapting to all the changes a new environment brings. I have become quite fond of my group; in fact, I was able to connect with them in a way that one could never achieve in a classroom. I realized that I had learnt more about my own abilities and of others over the course of the season. We are a talented year level!
Another thing that I noticed was how committed everybody was. All those after-school Zoom meetings and whispered words of affirmation when we got up to speak, along with the shared thrill of winning a debate – our steadfast involvement became a major part of why it was all so enjoyable. It wasn’t a sacrifice; it was an experience.
All in all, debating proved itself to be a great way of showcasing and developing one’s skills, and – to me – it was an incredibly significant part of school life. Minuki Vidanapathirana, Year 9
Amanda Baker Head of Learning/Coordinator of Debating University CampusRidgeway Campus
Debating and Public Speaking at Ivanhoe Grammar School is one of the cornerstones of the academic experience for students; the valuable skills learned here include professional presentation, collaboration, critical thinking, and empathising with perspectives that are not one’s own. Students engage in the exciting work of discussing all manner of interesting topics, such as compulsory voting, military spending, artificial intelligence, political donations, uranium mining, and the role of monarchies, among many others – an invaluable engagement with the important questions of the day.
This has been a particularly busy year, as the program returns in full force for 2023. Students have represented their school proudly in the Debating Association of Victoria Schools Competition with great success, with two of our teams advancing to playoffs. Students also made a good account of themselves in public speaking, handling both prepared and impromptu topics with energy and tact. Our elite debaters took on Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School in the annual Greenway Cup debate, coming away with our second consecutive win. For the Middle Years, the Junior School Program has seen a fresh surge of interest from students keen to learn the skills of debating and to test their mettle against schools in the Ivanhoe region. This year also saw a stirring Staff/Student Debate in front of the entire Senior Years cohort, resulting (this time) in a staff win.
Here are our Debating Co-Captains on what debating has meant to them over the years:
Debating at Ivanhoe Grammar School has been such an integral part of my high school experience. It is an extracurricular program that I have been involved with since Year 7, and I am so happy to be a Co-Captain of the program in Year 12. Debating has really given me incredible skills in how to speak publicly and of course built up my confidence along the way. I have also made
amazing friendships in the program, not only with peers in my own year level but also the Senior Years’ coaches that I had in Year 7 and 8, who also became inspiring role models to me. I feel so lucky to now also be a coach and teach the younger students the tips and tricks that really allow you to achieve your best. It is so rewarding to be a coach especially since I know what it is like to debate at that age and what guidance leads to success. I have loved being a part of such a positive environment where everyone supports each other, and as an individual you are able to grow and achieve your best in every debate.
Zahra Winther, Year 12
Debating at Ivanhoe Grammar School has definitely been a rewarding experience. From being a Middle Years debater through to Senior Years, then to becoming a coach and being involved in the Greenway Cup, and finally participating at the Staff/Student Debate in front of my peers, it has definitely given me so many skills that I will carry throughout my life. All of the debates that I have partaken in have challenged me to analyse complex issues and boost my problem-solving abilities, as well as use logical reasoning, communication, and critical thinking skills. Debating has further enabled me to articulate my thoughts persuasively, enhance my overall public speaking abilities, leadership qualities, and largely, my confidence. I strongly recommend debating as a co-curricular activity: it has many benefits, and along the way once can make many friends.
Ella Vertigan, Year 12
There are plenty of exciting new developments coming for Debating and Public Speaking in 2024, so watch this space as we go from strength to strength!
Rian Henshall
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator Ridgeway Campus
Outdoor Education and Camps
Buckley House
Year 3 Camp
Arriving at the Year 3 Mt. Evelyn adventure camp was an exciting event for our Buckley House students. The bus ride was filled with chatter and anticipation as the Year 3s watched the outside scenery change from their familiar cityscape to the lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. When we arrived at the campsite, students were in awe of the natural beauty surrounding them.
Mt. Evelyn, nestled in bushland with the Olinda Creek meandering nearby, felt like a world away from their busy school lives. On arrival students were greeted with warm smiles from the camp instructors, who made them feel right at home. Our first adventure was a challenging and scenic hike towards our campsite.
The camp was packed with activities that kept the Year 3 students challenged, engaged, and most importantly having a blast! From exhilarating bike rides through picturesque trails to getting creative with nature crafts, there was something for everyone. The giant rope swing brought out the inner adventurer in them as they swung high above the
ground, feeling an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Another highlight was the crate stack activity. Being hoisted into the air and climbing a wobbly tower of crates built by their friends was both collaborative and thrilling. When the camp instructor yelled ‘RUN,’ the students all scrambled to avoid the falling crates, laughing and cheering as their friend remained suspended in mid-air.
As the camp came to an end, the Year 3 students were filled with mixed emotions. They were tired from all the fun and excitement but they were also proud of themselves for trying new things and conquering challenges. The tiredness in their bodies was overshadowed by this sense of accomplishment and the fond memories they had all created.
Robert Loft and Katie Price Year 3 Classroom TeachersYear 4 Camp
Through bitterly cold winds, flashes of rain and bursts of sunshine, the indomitable spirit of the Year 4 students soared throughout their three-day camp adventure in Kyneton during week 1 of Term 4.
Students mastered the art of harness wearing while climbing tall towers, scaling wobbly caterpillar structures and flying along strong cables across water. Bows and arrows were aimed at bullseye targets, as were laser guns at classmates during an outdoor bush clash, a firm favourite with students and teachers alike. It was universally agreed that the outdoor activities had been a hit, gratefully causing a level of exhaustion by the second night that saw all students soundly asleep for 9 hours straight.
When not active outdoors, students spent time together in the large dining hall, or in cabins playing and chatting. An evening disco and a games night in the rustic barn led ably by one of the many delightful staff added to the unique experiences in the action-packed camp. Kyneton PGL camp had built lasting memories for all involved, but those that stood out most were students conquering their fears, compassionately supporting others and admirably representing our school as students of character. Well done Year 4!
Camp persuasive writing
Do you want a nice place for school camp? Well you’re in luck as Campaspe Downs fits 400 beds, is 1 hour and 9 minutes away from the CBD, and has luxury accommodation in cabins and platform tents. It is located at 1302 KynetonTrentham Rd, Tylden, VIC, 3444. PGL is set amid 180 acres of stunning bushland. The kids will sleep like a tonne of logs and will wake up like a book’s first page.
Make Campaspe Downs a go-to camp for your school!
To find out more, go to pgladventurecamps.com.au
Annav Khanna, Year 4
Camp Poetry
Talking
Too much talking
Annoyingly, there is too much talking
Annoyingly, there is too much talking and it is 9:00pm at night
Annoyingly, there is too much talking and it is 9:00pm at night which is too late to talk!
Thomas Gibertoni Teixiera, Year 4
Children Playing
People disobeying
Winning competitions
Shooting in different positions
Lasers pointing at people
People flying like eagles
Kids happy!
Oscar Z Zhao, Year 4
Alexandra Lett and Suzanne Taylor
Primary Classroom Teachers
Outdoor Education and Camps
Year 5 Camp – Angahook Camp
As the sun rose on a crisp autumn morning in March, a group of excited Year 5 students gathered with backpacks, sleeping bags and soft barrel bags of anticipation! These young learners were about to embark upon a camp adventure along the Great Ocean Road to take on new challenges, build independence and importantly make their environmental mark to preserve the coastline, carrying on the great Ivanhoe Grammar erosion project tradition.
Away from the comforts of home, the Angahook Camp program features a series of extraordinary challenges from surfing the waves in Anglesea to navigating canoes, conquering rope courses and independently erecting and spending the night in tents. These skills are fundamental to developing our students’ confidence and tenacity to take responsible risks, real life opportunities to build teamwork, and the benefits of a balanced lifestyle – character qualities that extend well beyond the campfire.
The experience is purposefully designed for students to develop newfound responsibility and a sense of selfreliance. From managing belongings and time schedules, sharing space with others and establishing new and shared routines, it was incredibly pleasing to see the students come together to navigate new challenges, support one another when feeling a little wobbly, and celebrate the wins and achievements of their peers.
The camp concluded on the coastline of Aireys Inlet, with our students making their contribution to their soil erosion project along the Great Ocean Road. This year, the students sought to remove obnoxious plant species wearing away the cliffs of this iconic landscape, and heard indigenous stories of how important looking after this special part of Victoria is. It was a tiring, yet rewarding effort of service before the return trip to Ivanhoe.
As the bus found the familiar roads home, bleary eyed and somewhat sleep deprived, the Buckley House Year 5 students brought back a newfound sense of confidence, resilience and learnings about preserving our natural world. We truly hope this camp has provided some transformative experiences, shaping character and instilling values in our students that will guide them long after disembarking. School camps are beneficial to our basic survival skills. We learn to set up our own tents, manage our own belongings and independently ensure we get enough sleep to survive!
Luke Ahimastos, Year 5
It was so enjoyable to get out into the great outdoors and experience activities that we have never done before. Surfing, the giant swing and sharing a room with our mates was the best!
Bowie O’Sullivan, Year 5
The activities that we were fortunate to experience were the best. I also learnt how important it is to be considerate of others.
Emily Morgan, Year 5 Melanie Goetz Year 5 TeacherYear 6 Camp – Canberra
As part of a unit on Civics and Citizenship, students experienced four days in the nation’s capital, Canberra. Here are some of their reflections:
Taking Action
I have been heavily inspired and thought about how I could take action in response to my time in Canberra. After touring Parliament House and learning about politics, I have since decided I would like to be a politician when I grow up. Watching the politicians debate Bills and argue about what they think is right has really inspired me. If I become a politician, I would like to fight for what I believe is right and make a point about what I believe is right should become a law. Canberra has really opened my eyes and shown me how I can make a difference to Australia’s future.
Daniel De Filippo, Year 6
Attitude Change
After listening to the guide talk about what happens in the House of Representatives and watching debates, I have some new found respect for members of parliament. I used to think that when voting for or
against a Bill, the members just sat back and watched one person speak and vote. Now, I realise that everyone gets an equal say out of the 151 members. All in all, my understanding has evolved from thinking that members in The House of Representatives just lay back and let the ‘more important’ people do everything, but now I see that everyone has an equal say.
Liam Wong, Year 6
After visiting Canberra, my attitude about politicians has changed significantly. I used to think that the Prime Minister made all the rules, and the other politicians had less impact on change. Now, I have learnt that politicians have the same power when it comes to making a new rule. Also, I used to think that the everyday people had no power. After studying this unit, I realise that people have the opportunity to vote for who they want to lead the country. This power is voting. Voting is the voice in a democracy.
George Zygouris, Year 6 Ms Lisa Broben Year 6 TeacherOutdoor Education and Camps
Plenty Campus Year 4 and 5
During the last week of Term 1, as a component of the Outdoor Education Program, students from Year 4 and 5 at Plenty Campus had the opportunity to visit Camp Angahook in Aireys Inlet. Engaging in a diverse set of activities, such as surfing, canoeing, orienteering, rock climbing, and contributing to an environmental project, the students had an amazing experience. Additionally, they were introduced to the concept of a solo experience combined with a beach reflection, which greatly contributed to the development of the Ivanhoe Attributes. Below are some student reflections from the camp experience.
Camp was an extremely fun experience. The Year 5 students got to do loads of enjoyable activities such as canoeing, a lighthouse tour, an estuary study, a solo at the beach, camping out, sleeping in tents and so much more. Sleeping with our friends was super exciting because we got to stay awake and talk. The overall atmosphere was very lively and joyful, we had the best time ever!!
Marilyn Bhattacharyya and Daniel Ren, Year 5
We couldn’t believe we were going to camp, so we jumped into the bus with excitement. When we arrived, we dug into the delicious food that they had to offer. Our favourite activities were canoeing and surfing. When we were participating in canoeing, we sat in pairs and paddled in circles inside a lake full of reeds. After that, we surfed numerous waves and got trapped underneath our surfboards!
Ian Zhang and Arjun Sembey, Year 5I absolutely loved camp! It was a great experience for me, I loved all the things we did. The giant swing was so good, and I went to the max height twice. I loved the solo on the beach and digging a hole to sit it. We just sat there and looked at the ocean while relaxing.
Stuart Gibson, Year 4
Camp was such a wonderful experience for the Year 4 and 5 students. I enjoyed the flying fox the most. Everyone had a chance to be brave in front of their classmates. People showed courage and compassion to have a go and climb up the flying fox.
Ridangam Kaur, Year 4
Camp was great experience to hang out, but for me my favourite was the food and rock climbing. The food was delicious, and I loved the pasta. I also loved the rock climbing, and I was the first up. It was very high!
Rafe Graham, Year 4
Krystal Crichton
Year5 Classroom Teacher
Plenty Campus Year 6
Year 6 students embarked on a significant highlight of the year, the Canberra trip. After a very early morning start and getting the bus to the airport, the students began the journey to Canberra. Places visited included Parliament House, the Australian Electoral Commission, Government House, Questacon and the Australian War Memorial. After the trip, the Year 6 students investigated how to use figurative language in their writing. As part of reflecting on their experience, students wrote a descriptive piece to encapsulate their adventure. Here are some examples of their writing:
No More Gravity
The excessive screaming of a thousand kids reverberated in my ears. The B.O. of exhilarated children left a powerful aroma in the room. Other kids lined up, their piercing eyes and worried faces staring into oblivion. I have sweaty palms that feel as liquid as an ocean. I am holding onto the thick steel bar. My alter-ego told me to stop, but there was no backing down. It was too late. The countdown to drop began: 3…2…1…
I took a deep breath. Whoosh!
I was at the bottom of the curved space slide. I had conquered the gravity slide.
Mornisa Hutchinson and Rahul Patel, Year 6The A.I.S
The strong smell of chlorine hit me like a truck. The sound of thongs walking on the ground, the heaters, the voices of other people and the water splashing just made me 100 times more excited to jump in the blue blue water. There it was. The pool we would be swimming in. The humidity was too much but it would be worth it. Curiosity took the better of me; all I could think about was that pool. I couldn’t believe I was at the A.I.S. and about to go for a swim.
Lucas Bruzzese and Frankie Graham, Year 6Outdoor Education and Camps
Plenty Campus Year 7
The last week of Term 1 was upon us, and the muchanticipated Plenty Year 7 Camp was finally about to get underway! A very excited group of campers descended on Stringybark Lodge in Gembrook for four days of adventure and team building. There were challenges, new experiences, friendships made and lots of laughter. Activities included: introduction to bushwalking and camping, mountain bike riding, a high ropes course, flying fox, indigenous learning session, orienteering and a one-hour solo experience.
Watching the students take on challenges, solve problems and develop resilience is always very rewarding. A key objective of this program is to demonstrate compassion and recognise that attribute in others. I was very proud of this group of students who supported and encouraged each other so well throughout the week, especially in those out of comfort zone moments.
The camp was a wonderful way to celebrate the first term of Year 7 and a big thank you to the staff and Year 11 leaders for their energy and enthusiasm, ensuring that a great time was had by all.
Kathryn Horsford Head of Year 7The camp activities were a highlight for me. From speeding through the lake in the canoes, to hiking through the bush and tackling the high ropes course, each day was full of fun and adventure. The most anticipated activity, however, was camping at Gilwell Park. We had to set up tents, cook our own food and sleep on thin mats on the ground!
Mahiru Jayasinghe, Year 7
Year 7 Camp was a new experience for most of us. It took us away from our devices and enhanced our relationship with our classmates and teachers outside the traditional classroom. All the activities were so much fun including the camping and hiking in the bush and hurtling through the air on the flying fox. We made memories that will stay with us forever and I can’t wait until Year 8 Camp!
Eshan Rahman, Year 7
Monday morning saw a very excited and loud group of Year 7s finally arrive at our camp, eager to start our activities. We were placed in groups with a teacher, a camp leader and a Year 11 leader. My highlights were camping at Gillwell Park and spending time with my friends in the tent and cabins. I got to know new people from my year level and had an amazing time!
Jaynaya Fantone, Year 7Ridgeway Campus Year 7
A combined cast of dozens of staff and hundreds of students descended on Stringybark Lodge and the surrounding parkland for the much-anticipated Year 7 Camp. We ate, camped and bonded together over a truly epic fortnight. Activities included the dependable favourites like flying fox, canoeing and initiatives; more reflective activities like the solo and indigenous education session, and more strenuous events like mountain biking and high ropes. Students of all abilities and interests were widely recognised as being willing to endure discomfort and challenging experiences, all in the name of developing character and new friendships. Challenging aspects like the heat, mosquitos and rubbery breakfast eggs shrink in comparison to the highlights of the camp, like the fascinating abundance of cicada shells, memorable mashed potatoes and luscious chocolate mousse, a log-mascot called Boris and makeshift cricket by the campfire. The Year 11 helpers distinguished themselves as leaders and most garnered loyal Year 7 followers throughout their tenure. As for the School staff, many of whom were new, the camp provided a valuable opportunity to connect with their students and colleagues, and to gain an appreciation of the kind of work ethic and commitment to community that the School prides itself on. Overall, another successful camp!
Rian Henshall 7E Mentor TeacherYear 7 Camp was a new experience for all. We did things that were out of our comfort zone and the Year 7 teachers and camp leaders gently pushed us to try new things and experiences. For me, it was the high ropes course. I have always been afraid of heights, and the high ropes course took this to a whole new level. The real challenge was not even doing the course itself, but just getting up the ladder to the top at the beginning! We had to sleep two nights in a tent and two nights in a cabin. We had a range of great activities to do, from canoeing in the nearby lake to having a session to learn about the indigenous histories and uses of the land. Overall, this Year 7 Camp was a great experience and one to cherish.
Arjun Bhar, Year 7
If you asked me before I went, I never would have thought that camp would involve carrying human-sized hiking packs up, down, through dirt paths, and across mountain bikers who were skidding down hills. However, I thought camp was great (although a bit tiring). My group headed out to sleep in the wilderness first. We hiked for a few kilometres, having to leap over small rivers, and just when my back couldn’t take it anymore, we made it to the campsite. The activities required us to use teamwork (not always successfully!) and kept us active. The food wasn’t that bad, but I certainly wasn’t going to try the powdered milk. The day we went back to the cabins I had the best time showering and sleeping on a proper mattress. I really enjoyed the free time we were allowed, especially the chess tournament with Boris the Log. The Trivia night created by the Year 11s was very loud and hilarious, with students doing Mrs Burgess impersonations, and was such an enjoyable time. It was certainly a memorable camp.
Jessica Cheung, Year 7Outdoor Education and Camps
Plenty Campus Year 8
At the end of Term 1, the Year 8 students from Plenty Campus went to camp. After the four-hour bus ride everyone was eager to find out their camp groups. After we were told, the groups camping out for the first night headed out on their long hike.
The group staying in the cabins first started with an environmental session where we learnt all about the lakes and tested their waters. We then boarded sail boats where we learnt how to sail. This was not easy, as the boat would lean to one side, and you would almost fall in. After sailing we moved to stand-up paddle boarding. We each got a board and did our best to stay up; after a while we were told we could jump in. Everyone was jumping on each other’s boards trying to make others fall in or steal each other’s board. A highlight was when we stood up all together and got a photo with our friends.
That night, the Year 11s led a game night where we all played different games in teams and the winners won chocolate. The games included a competition to see who could hold a handstand the longest, who could eat a Weet-Bix the quickest and loads more. Everyone got competitive, and it was one of the highlights for us all. The next day we had lunch and waited until it was time to head out to hike. The groups set out one by one and caught a ferry across the lake to the Gippsland Lakes National Park. On the walk, everyone was half-dead struggling to keep walking, but we pushed through and eventually made it to our site. We got into groups of twos and threes to set up our tents for the night. The next day we woke up and had breakfast with choices of cereal with powdered milk or toast. We then started out on our hike. After reaching our destination, we headed on the walk back to the cabins. When we arrived, we were fed some food and then hopped on the bus to go home.
Hannah McClintock and Lara Nankervis, Year 8Ridgeway Campus Year 8
This year, the Year 8s went on a camp to Gippsland Lakes. I was put in a group with several people that I didn’t know along with a couple of my close friends. I was excited that I had the chance to get to know new people, and sure enough we all got along well straight away. Our first night was our camp-out night, so we had to make sure we had everything set up before it became dark. Then came the challenge of having to set up the tents, which was a struggle at first, but it was good once you got the hang of it. Everyone helped make dinner which was great because everyone had to help each other. That night we were lucky, and we got to stargaze by the campfire. We sat around and told stories and everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. The next day we had a day full of activities which everyone was looking forward to. My favourite activity was sailing. You had to work with your partner to sail in a small, clear lake; once you got the hang of it, it was fun racing other people. We got to see some beaches from a distance and it was a great experience that we don’t really get to do at home. Although we had to change out of our wet clothes afterwards, it was worth it.
Altogether, my favourite thing about camp was building new friendships and memories with new people. It was great having opportunities to try new things too.
Abigail Staples, Year 8University Campus Year 9
Community Service and Leadership – Surf Camp
The Year 9 Community, Service and Leadership Camp was held the last week of Term 1. Despite mostly overcast skies and some cooler weather conditions, students were able to continue with surfing lessons and make the most of the beautiful surroundings. They also had the opportunity to visit a surfing museum, which was a highlight of the trip. The surfing museum was a really engaging experience. Many of the students were novices to surfing and knew very little about surfing, so the museum was informative. It had an astounding collection of surfboards that were constructed from many different materials, and a collection of surfboards constructed throughout the decades.
On the camp, students engaged in hikes to explore the area along the coastline, to lookouts and waterfalls. They enjoyed setting up tents and camping out every night. In their free time they would play basketball and volleyball as well as various camp games. A favourite activity was a trivia night which was organised and run by Year 11 leaders. The Year 11 leaders were amazing and encouraged everyone to join in and be part of the group. There was also the opportunity to have a one-hour solo, in which students found their own space along the stretch of beach to take in surroundings, reflect and have quiet time to themselves. Some students read a book, some sketched and some played with the sand and beach debris around them. Students enjoyed the surfing lessons very much; it was exciting to see some students catch a wave and stand up.
Even though the weather conditions were not ideal, students were able to enjoy their time by playing games, being creative with food and building friendships and connections with their fellow campers. Their resilience and adaptability allowed them to remain positive and engaged, which made the experience even more memorable.
Katrina Robertson Member of Academic StaffOutdoor Education and Camps
Plenty Campus Year 10
Year 10 students participate in a seven-day outdoor education program with the first half spent on an adventure activity Journey such as bushwalking, cross-country skiing or the Amazing Race. The second half of the Camp is the Retreat, which is completed as a House group.
Spread across two nights of the retreat, students complete a 24-hour solo component that involves them being at a set site in the bush to reflect and be away from the hustle and bustle of life for a short period of time. Some students write notes with tips and tricks to the next student using their tent
These are some of the tips that were left.
Hello,
Hopefully you like the tent and the spot around it. The 24-hr solo is not that bad, I believe in you! Most of the stuff is for décor, like the campfire spot, but behind the rock statue there is a nice sitting place for you to think. I know it looks weird, but I sanitised it and wiped it with toilet paper (that’s why there might be white stuff on it). Be careful because there are a lot of rocks around that you could trip on. Anyway, how are you? GOOD LUCK.
Aarav Jain, Year 10
Here are some tips to help you out:
• The staff come out early with the hot water for dinner.
• Use your noodle bowl once you have finished the noodles for the soup.
• Sleep with your head on this side of the tent (uphill).
• Don’t eat all your food straight away.
• Don’t leave your tent open.
Oliver Doherty, Year 10
Jess Lombardozzi Head of Outdoor EducationRidgeway Campus Year 10
Camp was an emotional roller coaster. Whilst being on camp I built up my resilience and learnt to be grateful for the simple things in life – ‘simple’ being a bed and having a shower when it suits. Although I am grateful for these things in my daily life, I am also grateful for the experience I have had on camp. During the journey I participated in the Amazing Race, and I was lucky to learn navigation skills and practice leadership skills. I am so grateful to have had this experience because it taught me crucial life skills; for example: setting up a tent and learning how to cook food when camping. I am proud of myself for going on this camp because I stepped out of my comfort zone and made new connections with people I hadn’t connected with yet in high school. A big thank you to Halls Outdoor Education and Ivanhoe Grammar School for providing me with this opportunity. I will forever remember the memories and I’m glad I have these life skills that will be useful in life.
Imogen James, Year 10
Picture this, waking up at 6:00am on a Sunday to trek out to Buckley Hall in the freezing cold with 10 kilos worth of gear. Doesn’t sound pleasant, does it? But wow, was it worth it! Year 10 camp has easily been one of the highlights of high school. For my Journey, I chose to canoe around the beautiful Gippsland Lakes. It was hard work at first, paddling for kilometres at a time, but when you’re laughing and catching up with friends, the three days go by so quickly. After the Journey and an hour’s bus ride, we arrived at the Retreat; a chance to look introspectively and consider where we were headed amidst a beautiful landscape. Getting to know different people, talking about big issues, getting letters from loved ones and scaring myself on the giant swing were all highlights. And then the 24-hour solo, an activity many considered to be the hardest, yet most rewarding part of camp. In today’s world we are all constantly surrounded by distractions, so spending 24 hours, alone, without anything to do, seemed daunting to many. I can happily say that reflecting on my experience I would do it again in a heartbeat. The Year 10 Journey/Retreat was extremely well-designed and I speak on behalf of all of Year 10 when I say we had an absolute blast.
Lucas Bland, Year 10The experience was a memory that won’t be forgotten. I chose to do whitewater canoeing, which was fun when you had to go down the rapids and peaceful when it was slow water. Memories were made, especially when people fell in the water, lost paddles and got stuck. The Journey aspect of just being able to canoe with your best friends was a highlight.
The Retreat aspect consisted of two days of mentor bonding, activities like giant swing, going through a maze, and one of the nights was a 24-hour solo. This was how it sounds, but to be honest it was great time to just be by yourself, read your Year 7 letter and cringe at how annoying you were and write your Year 12 letter and write letters to your loved ones. While reflecting on yourself and the change you have gone through after the four years of high school. The Year 10 Camp allowed us all to bond, gain a sense of independence and a perceptive of true reflection through the amazing memories (and hardships) that were made.
Abi Kishendra, Year 10
I’m writing this while on my 24-hour solo, enjoying the great outdoors and my own company. I have been granted the opportunity for deep reflection. Five days into camp and I am already overwhelmed by the wonderful memories I know I’ll be taking home.
Across the three days on Journey, my group and our 12 canoes travelled around 20 km carrying not only ourselves and partners, but all our clothes, equipment, tents and food. We all understood the fear of capsizing as this meant wet clothes, tent and soggy food for the group.
Spending 16 plus hours on Tyers Lake I was blessed with beautiful surroundings of clear water, fresh air and amazing company. Some of my finest memories were paddling as a raft, singing songs and bonding with friends, privileged to have experienced such an amazing journey. I know I will be returning home with the fondest memories and a camera full of photos I will cherish for a lifetime.
Grace Alberti, Year 10
Buckley House Performing Arts
Instrumental Music Program
It has been a very busy year for the Instrumental music students in the junior school. We have enjoyed many musical opportunities including our inaugural Piano Twilight Masterclass, where students, parents and teachers listened to Mr Stefan Cassomenos perform and instruct our junior pianists in an open learning session on a beautiful Kawai GX2Grand Piano.
In Term 1, Year 1 students enjoyed a pop-up Bucket Drumming ensemble lasting seven weeks. They worked on maintaining steady beats, stick control and rhythmic patterns. We finished the unit with an enthusiastic performance in assembly. The Year 2 and Year 3 String Class Program together with the Year 5 Band Class Program commenced with students from those year levels taking home over two hundred instruments. They have been learning new skills, practising, and developing performance skills.
Our Buckley House Young Voices Masterclass and Concert proved to be a highlight with Ms Julie O’Hara working with vocal solos and poetry recitations, they studied presentation and performance skills.
Our Year 1 to 3 Music Soiree was very popular with fortyeight enthusiastic and courageous young performers. Our Years 4 to 6 Music Soiree was even more popular; with so many young performers the night was split into two simultaneous concerts with a total of sixty-one performances. Well done to all the performers on both nights who clearly demonstrated the Ivanhoe Learner Attribute of Courage, as well as respect and perseverance in their preparation for these concerts.
In Term 3 two hundred and fifty students performed on stage at our Showcase Concert to a capacity audience of five hundred in Buckley Hall. It was a wonderful showcase of musical skills, the joy of collective singing and an opportunity to embrace how music enriches all our lives at any age.
Instrumental Music in Buckley House is flourishing, it continues to grow, stretch, and expand with new opportunities, and with more students ready to discover the joys of music making.
Fiona Chindamo Buckley House Instrumental Music CoordinatorPlenty Campus Performing Arts
Performing Arts at Plenty Campus in 2023 provided an array of exciting opportunities for the students to participate across all three disciplines of Music, Dance and Drama. The year started with a bang, with the school musical production of ‘Footloose’ followed by the start of a new lunchtime Dance Club run by Drama Captain, Emma Last. This inclusive initiative involved students of all skill levels and abilities of dance, providing an opportunity for students to learn new dance styles, along with having fun and making new friends.
Alongside this ran the Drama Club, led by Ms Shauna Macewan. Drama Club met weekly to rehearse with fellow thespians and performed a highly entertaining and hilarious series of short scenes to an audience of family and friends. ‘Shakedown’ was the pinnacle for dance at Plenty campus, with a multitude and eclectic array of dance talent on display.
As Drama Captain for 2023, I was involved in many different co-curriculars such as ‘Footloose’, Shakedown and Drama Club, as well as creating and running the weekly Dance Club. As someone who is passionate about the performing arts, I have loved every second of these experiences and they have definitely been the highlight of my time at Ivanhoe Grammar School. In Drama Club, we were each assigned one or two scenes and were given a few months to memorise and rehearse them before performing in the ‘It’s Contagious in the 80s’ performance in early August. In Dance Club, I choreographed routines and taught them to students over the year, in preparation for Shakedown and the Performing Arts Concert. I would love to become a choreographer after I finish Year 12, so this club has been a great experience for not only the dancers involved, but also for myself as well! Overall I have loved my time at Ivanhoe and all of the opportunities it has offered me particularly in the field of Performing Arts!
Emma Last, Year 12
In my drama experience, I encountered an exquisite blend of self-expression and exhilaration, where I was able to gain plenty of friends with my fellow performers and eventually create a final performance. All of the commitment and hard work paid off when we presented our final performance which included a variety of different plays. A memory I personally enjoyed was trying on all our costumes. The theme was 80s Style and we all got to try on different clothing from ra-ra skirts to neon tops and we had fun exploring the different hairstyles and music they had compared to our present lifetime. Overall, I had a splendid time in the Drama club and cannot wait to further explore the wonders of Drama with my peers.
Genevieve Dyer, Year 7
The drama club was a student-driven program that provided participants with the opportunity to express themselves through a medium of acting and performance and where everyone could be the star of their own show! Because the club included students from Years 7 to 12, these rehearsals were a great time to build relationships with those from different year levels whilst strengthening bonds with friends we already had. Our rehearsals cultivated in a spectacular night of performance. It was great to see our hard work pay off, providing the audience with an enjoyable night, filled with exuberance and laughter.
Other than the fun we had, I believe participating in the drama club helped to develop confidence and courage as it was not easy to perform in front of an audience with limited time to practice. Prior to joining, I would never have imagined that I would be capable of acting. Finally, I would like to say thank you to Mrs Macewan, who sacrificed numerous Saturday afternoons and school lunchtimes to run the rehearsals. It would not have been possible without you!
Yosip Oghanna,Year 11
Music plays such a big part in the Performing Arts co-curricular calendar at Ivanhoe, from the private instrumental lessons that so many of our students choose to take to the opportunities to join and participate in the varied ensembles and bands on offer such as the Guitar ensembles, Flute ensembles, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Choir. Students have the chance to perform to an audience at the various Soirees, Recitals and Friday Festivals throughout the year, as well as at the Performing Arts Concert which was the culmination of the amazing talent of musicians, dancers and actors we have at the Plenty campus.
The ‘More than Words’ concert and the ‘Piano and Soloist’ concert were opportunities for our more advanced students to audition in front of a professional panel to gain a place to showcase their talent and passion for music to the school community. All of these opportunities for performance enrich our students and helps to build them into confident and resilient performers.
My experience as Music Captain for 2023 has been an amazing one with many opportunities. It has been wonderful to be a part of so many musical performances including soirees, the winter recital, the summer recital, ‘More Than Words’ and the Performing Arts Concert. I have also had the opportunity to join the Senior Year Choir, where I am able to sing with my friends and perform as group. There are so many opportunities for students to show their talent to more than just their music class or music teachers, but to the students and parents of the school. All the musical opportunities that I and others have been given through our time at Ivanhoe have been an eye opener for the talent that Ivanhoe students have to offer. Being Music Captain has allowed me to try new groups and performances and lead other students through their music performances. I have also been able to witness the improvement of others’ skills as they work hard with their music teachers. Music is such an important part of everyone’s life, where it can improve someone’s life.
Claire Williams, Year 12Engaging in co-curricular music experiences has been both inspiring and transformative, shaping me into a more accomplished musician. These events provided platforms for me to express myself musically alongside peers who share my passion. The collective presence of so many talented individuals underscored the remarkable strength of the musical culture that our school is known for. Participating in recitals and soirées challenged me to refine my musical skills and fostered a sense of belonging among fellow performers. The More Than Words concert delved into the emotional depth of music, revealing its profound storytelling capacity. Finally, the highlight of this remarkable journey, the Performing Arts Concert, beautifully concluded our collaborative efforts, leaving us with a strong sense of accomplishment.
As I reflect, I'm genuinely grateful for the musical growth these experiences have provided and the sense of belonging within our dynamic musical community at Plenty. These memories will undoubtedly be cherished and not fade, serving as a testament to the strong musical culture our school has cultivated, which has become more pronounced than ever this year through the many opportunities musicians like me were able to embrace.
Sachintha Warnasuriya, Year 12
The Performing Arts is such an important aspect of young people's lives, regardless of what stage of learning they are at. It provides students with opportunities to continually improve and refine their craft, but more importantly, it is a place for students to feel accepted and a sense of belonging to a group with like-minded individuals. I feel very blessed to be part of such a special group of students and can’t wait to see what 2024 brings!
Michelle Denni Head of Performing Arts – Plenty CampusRidgeway Campus Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Program continues to thrive at Ivanhoe Grammar School. As a form, it provides our students an exploration and expansion of their emotional intelligence. It develops their imaginations and nudges them toward an authentic, individual voice through intellectual curiosity for its own sake. It also demands self-discipline, time management, collaboration and courage.
The heady mix of concerts, soirees, community events and presentations for the Music Department is complemented by the School Musical, the School Play and communitybuilding opportunities to drive things forward for theatre.
The resourcing for these spheres is enthusiastically (and pro-actively) supported by our parent groups Friends of Ridgeway Music (FoRM) and Friends of Ridgeway Theatre (FoRT).
The theatre programming creates opportunities for the broad talent pool we have. Over the past 12 months we have successfully staged ‘Oliver!’ as a school musical in March 2023, and this was followed by ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ as a hybrid school play/VCE production in June. At the time of writing, ‘Me and My Girl’ has commenced rehearsals with huge interest from students from Years 7 to 11.
‘Oliver!’ was our first musical staged on the return from COVID_19 after two years. Interest was substantial, and this offering confidently tapped into the younger year groups of the school together with seasoned veterans of musicals. The transformation of Buckley Hall was breathtaking; the grey, grimy London streetscape enabled storytelling that was interpretive, considered, imaginative and dramatic in the hands of young actors who gave breath to Fagin, Oliver, Nancy, Sikes and the other characters who immortalise the plot.
Working bees have successfully built communityengagement and consolidated a culture of theatresupporters at the school over time; this community actively values the performing arts by hands-on engagement and commitment. Significantly, Theatre at Ridgeway houses terrific stocks of costuming, sets and props, together with a fully outfitted Drama studio and workshop to facilitate training in the many facets of theatre-making. Parental support is key; much of the resourcing here is the product of fundraising by our dedicated FoRT team. The digitisation of costume and props stocks (3600 all up) happened through a group of parents dedicated to the performing arts. Friends of Ridgeway Campus (FoRC) have recently continued this support by updating and augmenting our existent stocks for the benefit of current and future student cohorts.
Happily, our music department has recently experienced the same outstanding support of Friends of Ridgeway Campus in the purchase of musical instruments that update our stocks for the benefit of the here and now, and for the future. Diminishing the wear and tear on instruments by less transportation between ArtsEdge and Buckley Hall predicates some of our long term forward-planning.
All this growth and all this aspiration is aimed squarely at creating opportunities for the students who pass through this school. Regularly we have alumni returning from their chosen vocations with one constant statement; ‘the performing arts at school gave us joy, confidence and a sense of place’. If we have offered that during a time in their young lives when they’re developing self-understanding, then we have, indeed, been a force for good.
Shaun Murphy Director of PerformanceMusic performance events
The year 2023 has been rewarding and busy for the Music Department at Ridgeway Campus, we have enjoyed many successes throughout the year. We have been delighted to present to our audiences an array of fantastic concerts, performances at a variety of school events with many new performance opportunities for our students being added to the music calendar.
The start of the year commenced with a Year 7 music classroom information evening which was warmly attended by enthusiastic parents of our Year 7 students. This was conveniently timetabled on the back of the Friends of Ridgeway welcome evening, fostering parent connections and enabling parents to mingle with other parents whose children are involved in the music program. All of our Year 7 students are so fortunate to be able to learn an instrument as part of their music class which has been an integral part of establishing the music program.
Over 30 ensembles rehearse each week during lunchtime, before and after school. The array includes brass ensembles, jazz bands, orchestras, percussion ensembles, and choirs, among others. These ensembles prepare for concerts while connecting students. The students are fortunate to have the expertise and support of our dedicated peripatetic teachers, numbering over 40, who lead rehearsals.
This year, the music department launched the Studio Soiree Series, an instrument-focused performance opportunity for students who play the same instrument. It gives students a chance to hear each other perform and offers younger students the opportunity to aspire to the achievements of their peers. The first event in our Studio Soiree Series was dedicated to brass players, delighting the audience with brass fanfares, soloists, and even a French horn ensemble.
The Music in the Round event proved to be a resounding success, featuring over 100 performers. This platform allowed students to demonstrate their growth, transitioning from private lessons and small ensembles to captivating audiences of family, friends and peers. Notably, the event featured four simultaneous performance rooms, enabling parents to explore diverse musical genres and styles.
March witnessed the Senior Years Music Camp, followed by the Middle Years Music Camp in June, with a remarkable attendance of 90 middle years students. These Rutherford Park camps continue to be instrumental in preparing repertoire for major ensembles, such as Ensembles and Soloist Concerts, ANZAC Service, and More Than Words. These experiences cultivate strong bonds among likeminded music enthusiasts.
June brought forth the Ensembles and Soloist Concert, a splendid showcase of diverse talents across various ensembles and solos. The evening commenced with a brass fanfare by Holst, accentuated by visuals contributed by Angus Manners. Attendees were treated to an array of genres, spanning classical elegance to soulful jazz rhythms and infectious popular beats. A special tribute to Tina Turner added an extra layer of delight to this unforgettable concert. During Term 3, the More than Words performance showcased accomplished vocal soloists from both Ridgeway and University Campuses. These artists captivated the audience with an array of musical styles, honing their skills through exclusive masterclasses led by renowned artist Emma Gilmartin. The enchanting evening also featured the lively performances of the Ridgeway Chorale and Locksley Singers.
In August, the cross-campus 2023 Piano and Instrumental Competition returned to Buckley Hall. Esteemed guest adjudicator Stefan Cassomenos provided invaluable feedback, recognising the talent and versatility of our students.
September’s Spring Ensembles and Soloists Concert promised a harmonious celebration of prominent Australian composers. As our ensembles and soloists united to interpret a diverse array of compositions, the stage resonated with the melodies that define our musical heritage. The Golden Orchestra captivated with their rendition of Elena Kats Chernin’s ‘Landing,’ a composition inspired by the landing of Australian soldiers at Gallipoli.
In summary, 2023 has been a harmonious symphony of innovation and artistic growth within the Ridgeway’s Music Department. With each event, our students have woven threads of melodies that celebrate unity, creativity, and the timeless power
Rachel Burke Music Performance CoordinatorRidgeway Campus Performing Arts
The Servant of Two Masters
The 2023 Ridgeway Campus school play was ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ by renaissance playwright Carlo Goldoni (1789). This play is considered by many a classic comedy which has continued to entertain audiences for centuries, borrowing farcical plotlines and heightened slapstick comedy from the Commedia dell’Arte theatre style.
The story focusses on the misadventures of Truffaldino, a quick-witted servant who finds himself unwittingly serving two masters simultaneously. Chaos ensues as he struggles to keep their identities hidden from each other. The plot unfolds into a whirlwind of misunderstandings and uproarious situations as Truffaldino juggles deceit, mistaken identities, and his own hunger for a good meal!
Our interpretation of ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ was staged during Term 2 over four nights in the beloved Schuster Studio, delivering an unforgettable theatrical experience to sold-out audiences. From the high-energy performances to the impeccable execution of comedic timing, this production was a delight from start to finish. Students from Year 8 to VCE were involved in acting roles, assisting with aspects of design as well as backstage roles. During the final performances, the collaboration and chemistry between the cast were palpable. They worked together to create seamless interactions and scene changes along with perfectly timed exchanges that added layers of humour and depth to the story. It was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire ensemble, who clearly poured their hearts into their respective roles. The show’s pace and humour relied on the whole team, but a key member of the cast who was crucial to the show’s energy was Sean Lin of Year 10 who played central character Truffaldino.
The production design was a feast for the eyes, transporting the audience to 17th Century Venice with elegance and charm. The beautiful set design was also video mapped by six data-projectors to help create multiple locations and some special effects to surprise the audience. While the lavish costumes enhanced the caricatures of Italian aristocracy and further highlighted the humour of the production.
‘The Servant of Two Masters’ was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and hard work of all the students involved. It left a sense of joy for all who had the opportunity to witness it and will be remembered as one of the highlights on Ivanhoe Grammar School’s 2023 performing arts calendar.
Nick Pease Curriculum Leader – Performing ArtsI gained theatre knowledge from higher year levels and that really made me push my own acting skills higher than they already were. This experience also gave me the opportunity to make connections with some older students. They now give me a nod or come up and have a chat with me which is great! For any students who are considering being part of the School Play in 2024 and beyond – the play is a very worthwhile thing to do if you want to put yourself out there and try acting or designing.
Robbie Blackmore, Year 8
The school play is always a highlight of my year – I am blown away by the quality of the productions and how much I’m able to learn and improve my own skills each time. I would highly recommend the school play to anyone who wants to gain confidence, learn about storytelling, and become the best version of themselves. Although the School Play is a smaller event than the Musical, there is equally a strong sense of community, professionalism and an overall experience that is truly fantastic.
Sean Lin, Year 10, ‘Truffaldino’IDEALS and Service Learning
Plenty Campus
As we bid farewell to another very busy academic year, it’s a moment to reflect upon the incredible journey our students have taken in the IDEALS program. This year students were asked what programs embodied some of the core values of IDEALS - Environmentalism, Leadership, and Service –values that have shaped these students into well-rounded young people of character.
Environmentalism: The IDEALS Program took a stand for the environment this year, with students driving projects that were environmentally conscious and sustainable. Students were tasked with maintaining and growing vegetables and herbs in the Primary School veggie garden. Through their efforts, students were reminded of how small actions can collectively make a significant impact.
Leadership: Leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about influence, inspiration, and action. This year, IDEALS students stepped up as leaders in various capacities. They orchestrated the creation of the IDEAL Cookie that was sold in the canteen. Each student was tasked with researching a recipe, testing, and creating a food label. The IDEAL Cookie has been a tremendous success, selling out every week. Service: The spirit of service has always been at the heart of the IDEALS program, and this year was no different. Our students dedicated themselves to making a difference within the school community and beyond. Whether it was making weekly meals that were delivered to Whittlesea Food Collective, launching awareness campaigns for social justice issues, or supporting our younger primary students in a variety of their classes, these students exemplified the selflessness and empathy that define true service.
Participating in the IDEALS Program meant an incredible opportunity to not only serve the school, but also the community at large. Each week, we would perform a variety of different activities. This would be things like baking cookies to sell at the school canteen, taking care of our school’s veggie garden, and helping out in the classroom with primary school students. This program gave us the ability to make differences in the school in a range of ways. Working with Foundation students was a privilege, especially seeing their excited faces whenever we walked into their classroom, teaching us patience and giving us experience and insight. The IDEALS Program extended past its set time each week, with other experiences including learning to make coffee and serve food at the school canteen in the mornings before school. This was an opportunity to connect with the community as well as develop various skills. Not only were the experiences we had valuable, but they were also something we greatly enjoyed. The entire program was a great one, and something that carries significant worth.
Avlene Das, Year 10
Our IDEALS Program in Year 10 has been a great alternative to cadets, as we get to help within the school, and the wider community. Some of the activities we were involved in included preparing meals for the Whittlesea Food Collective and making a variety of different cookies to sell in the school canteen; this involved testing various recipes to find the best tasting cookie, creating a brand which we ended up naming The IDEAL Cookie and creating labels. We were also trained by the staff in the school canteen to make coffee, so that we could volunteer on a Wednesday morning before school. Because we were involved in food preparation, we were also fortunate enough to do a Safe Food Handlers course and obtain a certificate. Other activities we participated in were helping in the art room/classrooms with the Prep students, tending to the veggie patch, and helping out the librarians in the Senior and Primary Libraries. For me, IDEALS has been a great experience.
Vaughan Joslyn, Year 10The overall experience of the IDEALS program was productive and enjoyable. The program began with students undertaking and completing a Safe Food Handling course. This then led to us quickly getting to spend our IDEALS periods cooking food for the Whittlesea Food Collective, which supports people experiencing hardship. During the last week of Term 1, when others were off on Cadet Camp, we participated in IDEALS Week, which included daily tasks such as yoga and constructing wallets out of milk cartons while discussing the importance of sustainability. Some of the activities included the Amazing Race task, where we spent time in the city completing tasks with our group of friends. We also got to spend a day learning and participating in Aboriginal sports.
Hena Asani, Year 10During my time in IDEALS, I had many positive experiences by giving back to the community within the school and to the public. These experiences not only left me feeling fulfilled but also helped me become closer with my peers and strengthen friendships. IDEALS occurred every week on Tuesday afternoons. It gave us students the opportunity to try different types of volunteer work around the School. While the cadets were on camp, we got to be a part of IDEALS week which was full of new and exciting activities, different to any I have done with the school before. My favourite activity was in the CBD when friends and I took the train in and met everyone else at Fed Square. During that day we participated in an Amazing Race across the city ranging from China Town all the way to the Shrine of Remembrance. We did many other fun activities throughout the week such as yoga, learning about sustainability with CERES, looking at first nations sports, arts and more. Overall, I enjoyed the IDEALS program, and I am glad I got the opportunity to help the community.
Allegra Kalona, Year 10 Michael Callegari IDEALS CoordinatorUniversity Campus
With only a small number of Community Service and Leadership (CS&L) students this year, we were able to rotate through a wide variety of activities. The group started off with self-defence lessons by Lucky from The Winged Dragon Martial Arts Academy, then went to Big Group Hug for five-week stints sorting donated goods. This was followed by a First Aid course, learning to knit and make macrame bookmarks to send to the Seafarers Mission to include in their winter parcels. We all felt like we had made meaningful contributions to others and learnt valuable skills.
Our first aid course was fun; my friends and I got to learn new things and now we know what to do if anyone is in danger of a heart attack or unconscious. It was interesting doing CPR on first aid mannequins - it gives you a feeling of what it would be like if you were to encounter an emergency in the real world. We learned how to wrap in the case of a sprained wrist or knee and what to do if someone is bitten by a venomous snake. CS&L was a great opportunity to learn new skills.
Tamina Andriotis, Year 9
During CS&L, we have had the opportunity to experience a plethora of activities. We had the chance to work with Big Group Hug, an organisation that works closely with disadvantaged and vulnerable families in need by supplying new and pre-loved items to these families. Over several weeks, we assisted them with sorting through donations, cleaning and categorising books, and a variety of other things. I especially loved making care packages for children of all ages. We were given lists of everything that needed to be included and were able to go around the warehouse finding all the clothes, toiletries and toys needed. Big Group Hug was an insightful experience and gave us all the chance to provide a hand to people in need.
Amelia Cheung, Year 9 Helen D’Elia Community and Engagement FacilitatorRidgeway Campus IDEALS
In 2023 IDEALS was further developed after its relaunch in 2022. Student numbers grew in 2023 which brought not only more interest-based programs but also a wider range of students and their interests. The IDEALS Program provides a chance for students and teachers to spend more time in areas of their personal passions while also developing student leadership skills. The current streams offered have increased to eight and this will increase again to 10 after ECP. The students involved currently span Years 9 to 12 with students in Years 11 and 12 choosing to remain to develop skills in areas ranging from event organisation, budgeting, communication and leadership.
2023 programs included:
• Transforming minds with creativity
• Game Design School
• Serve It Up
• Sports Up
• Whole Body Wellness
• Bring STEM On.
Each one of these streams is student-run and planned, which means the program changes as new students enter the program and learn from the years before. We are looking forward to many students choosing to remain in the program to take on the roles of Mentors, Leaders, or the Executor. The Executor is the most senior leadership position in the IDEALS stream, and they facilitate the sessions each week with the support of the student leaders and mentors. For students wishing to apply for leadership opportunities in the future, this is a brilliant opportunity to build their portfolios and skill sets. It is also a great way to serve the broader community as many of the activities have a service focus beyond our school.
In addition to our weekly program on Tuesdays, we ran an IDEALS Week in early April, led by our student leaders and alumni. As the program is aligned with both the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Ivanhoe Learner, IDEALS
Week was centred around these values. We hoped that by supporting these programs, our students gained an appreciation of the value of serving the community in which we live. Each student participated in a range of activities related to the pillars of the IDEALS Program, partaking in activities focusing on Service, Environment (sustainability), Leadership, Adventure and Internationalism.
IDEALS Week exposed students to our Service and Outreach Partners, Open House (Macleod), FareShare, BANSIC and the Banyule Toy Library. Other activities included First Nations Day, preparing Birthing Kits and Doll Making, Sustainability workshops, Melbourne Madness (city adventure), High Performance Mindfulness, Weight Training and a Middle Years Sports Carnival, giving our students the opportunity to run an event and learn from it.
Thank you to all the staff and students who got involved, came up with ideas, were brave enough to execute them and for all the learning, not to mention fun.
Participation in IDEALS on a Tuesday afternoon is a highlight of many students’ weeks. The program has facilitated our engagement in a variety of activities within a stream; for my friends and me this has been the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) stream – Bring STEM On.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the development of inter-year level relationships. Being an Executor has provided me with the opportunity to improve communication and directive skills while getting to know and work alongside students of different ages on a topic of mutual passion. Every student in IDEALS has most importantly been provided an avenue to give back to the local community. For example, the STEM group ran science and technology related programs for younger Year levels (even the primary school) to get them involved in STEM.
In essence, IDEALS is a perfect way to engage with new ideas, pursue passions, be a leader, get active or just make friends, a fantastic opportunity available to all students of Year 9 level and above.
Edward Redlich, Year 11, IDEALS ExecutorI thoroughly enjoyed being an Executor in IDEALS. Through IDEALS, I have had the opportunity to create and develop new ideas, while leading and mentoring those in the years below. Throughout the year, our group has worked on various projects, such as, organising a Sphero racing competition for Buckley House students and STEM activities for the Year 7s.
IDEALS not only enabled me to follow my passion for STEM, but also to forge meaningful friendships while developing my leadership, creativity, and collaboration skills. I look forward to continuing this program next year and the challenges and projects that come along with it.
Anita Birchall, Year 11, IDEALS Executor
As a member of the IDEALS community, I feel this program provided me with a healthy and sustainable way for me to share my interests with others and engage with like-minded people. This program has also allowed me to develop my skills in an educational and freeing way where I can now openly engage with all facets of my interests, even those that seemed daunting previously. This experience with the IDEALS Program is why I wanted to become an Executor, because I want to help share these experiences with as many children as possible, allowing them to develop and share their interests, much like I did.
Charles Wilson, Year 11,IDEALS Executor
IDEALS encompasses many pathways for various students’ interests. As an IDEALS Executor I was responsible for the Sports Up Stream to work with students on community coaching activities. Through this sporting stream I learned teamwork, working with students of all ages and coaching effectively. Coaching has been most rewarding and beneficial as I have been able to strengthen my leadership skills through effective communication and teaching, while motivating and inspiring younger students. I look forward to applying the IDEALS experiences for the remainder of my schooling and beyond.
Olivia Nostro, Year 11, IDEALS Executor
Keri BrownIDEALS Coordinator, Ridgeway Campus
Service and Outreach
The year included many changes, most notably, a move to student-led initiatives. This was an important change as it extended the leadership attributes of our students while also allowing them to explore their passions beyond the scope of the classroom. The work we achieved with our Service and Outreach partners, 300 Blankets, The Big Group Hug, BANSIC and Open House, could not have been accomplished without the commitment and passionate vision of our prefects this year in this area. Thank you to Tansy Elliott, Tom Sinnett, Jazz Gordijn and Isabel Smith.
300 Blankets
300 Blankets is an organisation dedicated to supporting people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Victoria. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to walk the streets of Melbourne CBD and interact with individuals sleeping rough. Accompanied by Peter Royce, an Old Ivanhoe Grammarian, students provided essential lifestyle products to the 300 Blankets clients, ensuring their situation is somewhat improved.
This year we had over 15 staff volunteer their evenings to accompany over 80 students. We are grateful for the generosity of our staff, giving up time with their own families, to ensure our students have this opportunity.
I would like to thank both staff and students who have been generous with their time and spirit, supporting this organisation and the important work they do in our community. We had considerably more interest this year, so we look forward to expanding this program further in 2024.
At the end of my night with 300 Blankets, I met with a man who asked for a warm coat, however, there was none left to give him. I came home feeling like I let him down and was trying to think of a way to give back to the charity. I asked my mum if she could help as she is in the apparel industry working for Hard Yakka and King Gee brands. Both brands generously donated two boxes of warm jackets and coats that we were able to pass onto 300 Blankets.
Thomas Pirdis, Year 11Big Group Hug
Big Group Hug works with local communities to respond to the immediate material needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families. The program is important in terms of developing social inclusion and a global community, with an emphasis on the understanding of disadvantaged individuals within our society.
This year, we had more than 20 staff volunteer their evenings to accompany groups of up to 18 students at a time sorting through donated items in the Big Group Hug warehouse. We were in demand across all year levels with many more students wanting to volunteer. We are working with Big Group Hug on how to expand our support to ensure more of our students can volunteer.
In addition, under the guidance of the Year 7 Mentors, we donated a lot of clothing as part of the PJ, Socks and Jocks Drive in Term 1. Term 2 saw a big drive on toiletries and in Term 4, stationery. The stationery items our campuses donated were re-sorted into ‘back to school’ packs for the clients of Big Group Hug. Thank you to the generosity of our school community who supported these initiatives, and we look forward to further support in 2024.
During my time at the School, I have found that Service is an awesome way to get involved within the community and hear inspiring stories from the people within it, including stories shared at the 300 Blanket nights and at Big Group Hug. Additionally, the connections you can form, specifically some of the friendships that were made on the Service trip to Cambodia have become integral to my life and a vital part of the wider education at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Hamish Noonan, Year 11At Ivanhoe, Service refers to a wide range of activities. Things like contributing to the school paper Ivy Voice, taking up class leadership roles, or being a part of the Big Group Hug charity program. They all foster the well-being of the broader Ivanhoe community. Service plays a vital role in creating an environment that is inclusive and supportive and provides us with the opportunities to develop beyond academics, which nurtures life skills.
Riley Tyebji, Year 8Keri Brown
Service and Outreach Coordinator, Ridgeway Campus
The Ivy Voice
The Ivy Voice has grown tremendously as a student-led newsletter, with students from all year levels and campuses expressing their voices and commitment to the school. It has been a valuable way for students to showcase their achievements and experiences in areas such as sports, performing arts, service and other co-curricular activities. As the 2023 Chief Editor of The Ivy Voice, I am grateful to work alongside other devoted editors to create new editions featuring the themes of ‘Charity and Service’ and ‘Neurodiversity Inclusion’. Collaborating virtually, we arrange regular meetings to organise timelines, brainstorm themes and article ideas. Being part of The Ivy Voice editing team has been an opportunity for editors to collaborate and engage with peers from all year levels and across campuses.
We have also expanded collaborative measures, recently working alongside Year 6 students from Buckley House. Organising regular meetings, it has been an opportunity for eager students to truly showcase their writing ability and share their schooling experiences.
We express our gratitude for the contribution from student writers and artists for their valued articles, videos and artworks; their talent and creativity has enriched the essence of The Ivy Voice and promoted the diverse talent of the School community. We extend our appreciation to the unwavering support of teachers, through their constant encouragement and guidance. The Ivy Voice stands as the epitome of expression at Ivanhoe Grammar School and serves as an effective platform for students to voice their creativity, talent and dedication within the school community.
Victoria Sze, Year 11 Chief EditorMy experience with The Ivy Voice has been very enjoyable. It is a collaborative project, in which students from all campuses and year levels come together to produce a newsletter for all teachers, students and parents to cherish to commemorate the work students put into their schooling and co curriculars. What The Ivy Voice represents - commitment and collaboration - is exactly what goes on behind the scenes. Being able to discuss what other people are getting up to in a school environment helps to establish connections and educates me and others about how others are pushing themselves and opportunities available at Ivanhoe Grammar.
Chloe Thomson, Year 11 EditorMy time with The Ivy Voice editing team has been an amazing experience. In my time as an editor, I contributed by creating articles for each edition’s theme. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience because of the amount of new information I have taken out of it and the different perspectives I have gained. This endeavour fostered meaningful connections that enriched my journey. In addition, I enjoyed being able to express my beliefs on paper and improve my writing skills. In retrospect, my affiliation with The Ivy Voice editing team provided personal opportunities in areas such as intellectual maturation and skill enhancement with time management and organisation skills.
Riley Tyebji, Year 8 EditorPrimary Sport
Buckley House
Once again, Buckley House had another fun filled and busy year on the sporting fields!
Sport and all types of Physical Education continue to be a major contributor to the students rich and full schedules at Buckley House. When discussing with Year 6’s at the end of their primary school years, what some of their favourite memories are, sport and some of their sporting achievements always are very prevalent in their thoughts. By combining all the opportunities in our after-school development programs, along with our involvement in both the Ivanhoe District competition (IDSSA) and the Associated Grammar school competitions, (AGSV) our students are met with many memorable experiences in the sporting sphere throughout each year.
Extra-Curricular sporting opportunities
Once again, hundreds of participants were involved in our extra-curricular, before and after school programs this year!
In 2023 students enrolled in extracurricular training programs such as:
Term 1 – D.O.C Soccer Sports Aerobics Swim Squad
Term 2 – Auskick Sports Aerobics
Term 3 – Aussie Hoops Sports Aerobics
Term 4 – Cricket Blast Swim Squad
House Carnivals
Term 1 – Swimming
Each year we kick off our events with Swimming in Term 1! The 2023 House Swimming carnival was another very exciting event. Mr Keuneman provided many cool and fun soundtracks and music through the loudspeakers as all the Year 3 to 6 girls and boys competed valiantly for their House across many of the events. These swimming championships are often one of the first competitive events for many of our students, particularly the Year 3’s! We once again split the Years 3 to 4 and the Years 5 to 6 students into two separate events to make sure we could all fit. After we combined the results of the two sessions we found that the winning team in the end was Athelstane.
Term 2 – Cross Country
After swimming we back it up by going to Cross Country in Term 2 each year. All children in Years 3 to 6 are involved within our cardiovascular training program, aimed to prepare them to run the 2km or 3km of their House cross country race to the best of their ability. We once again utilised the services of Tomato Timing this year for a wonderful (rain free) day down at Chelsworth Park. All the competitors felt very special wearing their electronic bib, helping Tomato Timing to easily count up the points and help us to award Athelstane with the House Cross Country title for 2023.
Term 3 – Athletics
On a nice, sunny August day we ventured back to the Collingwood Athletics Track for another very competitive but also very enjoyable House Athletics Championships in Term 3. All participating students had a lot of fun striving for their PB’s against their friends. After eight rotations, and two championship events across five-and-a-half hours, the points were added up and Athelstane came out victors!
Term 4
The Foundation to Year 2 House Athletics carnival, held in November each year, is always one of the more fun and exciting events on the Buckley House sporting calendar each year. Many children (and their spectating parents) are competing for one of the first times and are still learning what it is like to battle the nerves and expectations of a race or competition. After training in Physical Education classes in the build up to the event, all the participants had a great morning rotating around the six different running, jumping and throwing athletics events, trying to achieve their Personal Best (PB) in each activity! A sea of House colour and faces full of smiles could be seen right across the North Ground. The day always finishes with a final sprint race for all students who are greeted at the finish line with not only a ribbon but the customary icy poles!
Swimming lessons in the new school pool
Our new school’s Sports and Aquatic Centre pool is now totally up and running and swimming lessons are a big part of a typical week at the pool. Many of our students undertake weekly swimming lessons after school, adding to what we offer in the curriculum. Each child from Years 1 to 6 underwent two separate swimming blocks, during both Semester 1 and Semester 2. Our Foundation students had their swimming experience in Semester 2 (Term 4) only. The Ivanhoe swim school did a great job and it is great to see that many Buckley House families are really enjoying utilising the wonderful new pool facilities.
Ivanhoe District Primary Sports Association
Each Friday afternoon in Terms 2 and 3, all our Year 5 and 6 students compete in Friday afternoon sport. All students choose a Term 2 winter sport and a Term 3 spring sport to be a part of. The teams train each Thursday morning before school where the students are picked to play in the fixture each Friday. Selection is rotated from week to week as long as students attend training and commit to their team. At the end of the term on the final Friday finals are played according to a ladder which is kept from week to week. This Friday afternoon sporting program is one almost all Year 5 and 6 students look forward to each week. It is a great way to finish any week, playing home or away against other schools with your school friends and teammates. Results are kept and wins are strived for, but the main focus is always on enjoyment, teamwork and playing in a fair and respectful manner.
In 2023 we were able to win the following premierships:
• Years 5 to 6 Boys’ Basketball
• Years 5 to 6 Boys’ Volleyball
• Years 5 to 6 Girls’ Volleyball
• Years 5 to 6 Boys’ Football
• Years 5 to 6 Girls’ Soccer
Primary Sport
Interschool Sporting Program highlights:
There were many individual and team highlights and fantastic results within inter school sporting program this year. The following is a summary:
• Sports Aerobics came second for the Champion Victorian Primary School for 2023 at the State Aerobics titles. two teams of Year 3 girls, plus our Years 4 to 6 group all qualified for the National Sports Aerobics titles in Queensland in September. Our Year 3 group were able to win medals at the National titles!
• Isabella Wong represented Victoria and winning medals at the National Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics.
• Leonardo Donarelli made the SSV State team in Athletics and competed at the National championships in Tasmania.
• Louis Inifer made the SSV State team in Golf and competed at the National championships in Western Australia.
• Daniel De Filipo made the SSV State team in Soccer and competed at the National Championships in Melbourne.
• The Years 5 and 6 Girls’ Soccer team won the District title and went on to the Division Championships
• The Years 5 and 6 Boys’ Basketball team won the District title and went on to the Division Championships.
• The Years 5 and 6 Boy’s Football team won the District title and went on to the Division Championships
• Both the Girls’ & Boys’ Years 5 and 6 Volleyball teams won the District title and went on to the Division and Regional Championships in Term 4.
• Leonardo Donarelli, Liam Wong, Daniel DeFilippo and Andrew Spencer won the silver medal at the State Swimming Championships for the U12 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay.
• Leonardo Donarelli and Bowie O’Sullivan qualified for the State Cross Country Championships, both placing in the Top 20
• Daniel De Filipo, Jim Hartley, Leo Donarelli, Bowie O’Sullivan, Kayden Jin, James Bisogni, Louis Inifer and Andrew Spencer qualified for the State Athletics Championships.
• Leonardo Donarelli broke many school athletics records in 2023, including the U12 Boys 800m, 400m, Long Jump and Triple Jump. He also won State medals in the Under 12 Boys Long Jump and 800m.
I would like to congratulate Leonardo Donarelli and Zoe Pfisterer on being awarded the prestigious Rodda Ince Sports Award for Year 6 and complement Leonardo and Zoe for the talent, sportsmanship and endeavour they have displayed whilst competing in a wide variety of sports for Buckley House not only this year, but over the past three to four years. Both Leonardo and Zoe have represented Buckley House across numerous sports since Year 3. They are both talented sports people and very worthy recipients of this award.
To Daniel De Filippo and Lea Longo I also offer my congratulations for their Outstanding Contribution to Ivanhoe District Sport Award. They were leaders and high achievers across a wide range of sporting pursuits for Buckley House this year.
2023 Trophy winners
• Swimming: Athelstane
• Cross Country: Athelstane
• Athletics: Athelstane
• Years 3 to 4 and 5 to 6 House Sport: Athelstane
• Jack Marchesin (Buckley House Basketball) memorial medal: Jaxon Pearce
Sports Aggregate Winning House: Athelstane
John McInerney
Primary Physical Education Teacher and Sports Coordinator
Plenty Campus
During my time at Ivanhoe Grammar School, I have been continually impressed with our students’ positive approach to all sporting pursuits. Just as important as their approach, students are taught to embrace the ‘Spirit of Sport’ in all they do. The ‘Spirit of Sport’ is reflected in values we find in and through sport, including ethics, fair play and honesty, health, excellence in performance, character, fun, teamwork and dedication. These attributes are consistently on display during Intraschool as well as Interschool Sport. They are reflected in the comments regularly made by opposition schools relating to the way Plenty Primary students conducted themselves, no matter what the situation or result in the match. In an era where many sports are battling to promote this, it is refreshing to see young people developing an attitude that goes beyond the skills needed or the result. The abovementioned approach not only develops skills and attitudes that will be used on the sporting field but qualities that are valuable in all facets of life. This is important for students across the board as they prepare to leave the sanctuary of School life and enter the big wide world beyond.
On an individual note, I would like to congratulate all students who reached Division level and beyond in Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming. A special mention should go to Miran Kaygusuz who reached regional level in swimming and achieved a top 5 finish. Miran remains in this age group in 2024 so we look forward to what he can achieve in the future.
I sincerely thank the Year 6 students, even those not in a Sports Leadership position, as their role modelling and never-ending support and encouragement is what sports participation is all about. It is important that our senior students understand the impact they can have on younger members of the school community, not just in sport but also their approach to school life in general.
One of the highlights of the year was the varying opportunities on offer to all students in our Sport and Co-curricular Programs. We are looking forward to next year and the new opportunities in the Secondary Sport Program such as Soccer and Table Tennis.
Sport was a wonderful chance for my class and I to collaborate in an amazing way with younger students. My favourite event was the Twilight Sports.
Yousif Al-Mulla, Year 6
Playing Netball in Interschool Sport was one of my highlights this year because we were all courageous and we all had a go in different roles.
Vimathi Millawana, Year 6 Les Dahl Physical Education Teacher and Sport CoordinatorFrom the Director of Sport
Anna Goeghegan, Director of SportAs the Director of Sport, I am often asked about the importance, or even relevance of school sports and how they contribute to overall school success. It is without question that I can affirm that school sports play a pivotal role in the development of our students, both athletically and academically and we are proud of our compulsory program, along with all the other optional sports we offer. Participation in the AGSV and AGSV/APS programs, as well as our various other optional sports, instils values, fosters teamwork, and contributes significantly to a culture of excellence within our school community.
One of the most significant ways that school sports contribute to success is by instilling important life values in our students. Through sports, students learn discipline, commitment, resilience, and time management. These attributes are not only crucial on the field but are also transferable to their academic pursuits and future careers. The dedication required to excel in a sport teaches students that hard work and persistence are essential ingredients for success, a lesson they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Teamwork is another important benefit of school sports. Being part of a team teaches students how to collaborate, communicate effectively, and work towards a common goal. These skills are vital, not only in sports, but also in everyday life. When students learn to trust and rely on their teammates, they build lasting friendships and create a supportive community, which can be a source of motivation and encouragement.
Over the next few pages, you will read, in more detail about all the programs we offer at the school and see how we celebrate our success. I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge, in summary, our 2023 successes in various AGSV and AGSV/APS sports.
In girls’ swimming, our team has consistently enjoyed remarkable success, breaking records and earning accolades. The dedication of our athletes, coupled with the guidance of our experienced coaches, has propelled our team to new heights. This success has not only boosted the morale of our school but has also inspired many students to take up swimming as a sport, further enriching our sports culture.
Girls’ Volleyball is another area where our school has excelled. Our team’s hard work and determination have led to numerous victories, and they continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the association. The teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by our girls on the volleyball court are testament to the values instilled by school sports.
Lawn Bowls may not be the most well-known sport, but our students have embraced it with enthusiasm and skill. The precision and strategy required in this sport have translated into improved focus and decision-making abilities for our participants. Their achievements in Lawn Bowls have showcased the diversity and depth of talent within our school.
Girls’ Basketball has been another highlight in our sports program. The commitment of our players and coaches has led to victories, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among our school community. The teamwork and resilience displayed by our girls on the basketball court reflect the values we promote through school sports.
In Boys’ Football, we accomplished an historic victory. Our team consistently demonstrated their prowess on the field. Their dedication to the sport and their teammates has been rewarded with Ivanhoe’s first AFL premiership since 1963, making our school a formidable presence in the association. Beyond our successes in these sports, it is worth noting that many students have been selected for state representation this year and I thank the parents and guardians who keep us in the loop with these incredible achievements. This is a testament to the high level of talent we nurture within our school. These students not only excel in their respective sports but also serve as role models for their peers. Their achievements demonstrate that the values instilled through school sports can lead to opportunities on a broader stage. I’d like to congratulate the following students:
• Ashton Home
U16 Boys’ Australian Volleyball Team and Victorian 2023 Youth U16 State Team
• James Lycett
U16 Girls’ Victorian State Volleyball Team
• Will Gore
U13 Victorian State Rugby Union Team
• Stan Moore
U12 School Sport Victoria Football (AFL) Team
• Ruby Callahan
U15 Victorian State Cross Country Team
• Rachel White
U17 Victorian State Cross Country Team
• Bentley Crisp
Victorian State Triathlon Team
• Benji Jenkins
U15 Victorian State Volleyball Team
• Zac Foulds
U15 Victorian State Volleyball Team
• Ruby Longmuir
U15 Victorian State Volleyball Team
• Vanessa Chien
U15 Victorian State Volleyball Team
• Jessie McIntosh
U18 Victorian State Basketball Team
• Izzy Wightman
U18 Victorian State Basketball Team
• Georgia McBean
U18 Victorian State Basketball Team
• Leni Lockyer
U15 School Sport Victoria Football (AFL) Team
• Izzy Godfrey
U15 School Sport Victoria Football (AFL) Team
• Ben Wilson
U15 School Sport Victoria Football (AFL) Team
• Kyan Luscombe
Victorian State Triathlon Youth Team
• Imogen Gilchrist
U13 Victorian State Hockey Team
• Bridget Sherry
U14 Victorian State Touch Rugby Team
• Abi Staple
U14 Victorian State Touch Rugby Team
*We encourage all parents and guardians to keep us up to date with their children’s sporting success.
The value of school sports cannot be overstated. It contributes significantly to school success by instilling important life values, fostering teamwork, and creating a culture of excellence. Our recent success is testament to the dedication and hard work of our students and coaches. As the Director of Sport, I am proud to witness the positive impact of school sports on our students and the broader school community. We will continue to prioritise sports as a vital component of our students’ overall education, knowing that it equips them with the skills and values necessary for success in all their endeavours.
Anna Geoghegan Director of SportSummer Season Summary
Our Firsts teams are the flag ship of our Sport Program. Once again, we had strong seasons from many of these teams. In particular, it was the girls’ teams that led the summer season in terms of ladder positions; but we were very proud of the way that all teams accepted the mantle of representing their school in the Ivanhoe way.
Cricket
The cricketers, were a young side, moulded together by the outstanding leadership skills of Captain Finn Cleary. The season highlights were a solid win over PEGS on the South Ground and a strong finishing victory out at Yarra Valley Grammar. Finn and James Shadbolt had a good season with the bat, whilst Will Hanlon was a consistent contributor with both bat and ball. The UK and Singapore Tour was also a highlight for both the students and the staff.
Basketball
The Basketball team had an outstanding season. They started the season well but lost Captain Jesse McIntosh after Round 3 due to injury. Some thought all was lost, but not the boys who banded together, becoming an even tighter group. Their enthusiasm and courage on court was typified by an exciting draw with eventual premiers Marcellin, who needed a last second basket to catch us. The Ivanhoe boys charged into the finals but found the strong Trinity team on their home court to be a hurdle they could not overcome. We look forward to even bigger and better things next season with key guards Tyson Nagel and Zac Veneziano, who had outstanding seasons, back to call the tune again.
Lawn Bowls
Our Lawn Bowls team has gone from strength to strength over the past few seasons. Under the astute tutelage of Coach, Mr Doman, and led by Captain, Chris Walsh, the architect of last year’s thrilling victory, the 2023 team was able to power through into the Grand Final and proved far too strong for opponents Trinity Grammar. Ivanhoe Grammar School is certainly the powerhouse of AGSV bowls.
Softball
The Softball team got off to a slow start as the adverse weather conditions made it difficult to train and play. However, once the season got going, our girls quickly settled into their groove. Strong wins over archrivals
Yarra Valley, Carey Grammar and Geelong College and a disputed draw with eventual premiers Haileybury, saw them move into the top 4. In the play off for third place they reversed their early season loss to Wesley College, proving far too good and earning a well-deserved third place finish. Emily Malcolm`s pitching was consistent, and Issy Italiano and Alice Palmer were strong hitters.
Table Tennis
The Table Tennis team really developed as the season progressed. Players Joey Du and Ashley Xu Somers both had an outstanding season which was rewarded with AGSV Representation.
Tennis Boys
The Boys’ First Tennis team was by far the most successful of the 2022/23 Summer Season. They had an outstanding season built on a strong team ethic instilled by coach Jeremy Mackay. They went through the home and away season undefeated; but it was always going to be a big task to get a win over Camberwell in the Grand Final. Our boys certainly did us proud by fighting hard through each match but unfortunately came up agonizingly short, being beaten by just four games in what was a final for the ages. Led brilliantly by Captain Cooper Errey and long-time player Curtis Sharp, the boys can be very proud of their season.
Tennis Girls
The Tennis girls continued to have another promising season. Still a young side this year, they had their first victory over Peninsula and came oh so close in games against Yarra Valley, Carey Grammar, and Geelong Grammar. Despite a challenging season, the girls really came together as a team and showed up to every game with grit and determination. Captain Lucy Torrington guided her team along the way with Alessia Jones and Leah Delios performing well and in doing so earning AGSV Representation selection.
Touch Football
The Touch Football team had a strong season and finished the season in third place. The consistency shown in their performances was the result of a lot of hard work over the season. This brought about a winning home and away season with six victories and only three losses. This
earned them a place in the play-off for third against rivals Haileybury, who had defeated us earlier in the season. As the Softball girls did, our touch team reversed this result. With a strong performance they proved far too good on the day, the victory earning the Ivanhoe girls a very rewarding third place finish. Second year Captain Liv Perillo and team members Avena Henriksen, Ava Vincent and Jess Hooker all had fine seasons.
Volleyball Boys
Head Coach, Mr McInerney found himself with a new group of young developing players as many players were lost to graduation at the end of 2022. There were a few hiccups to begin with but the boys gradually settled and then finished off the season playing a strong brand of volleyball to gain fifth place. A highlight was Ashton Home, whose skills improved markedly as the season progressed enabling him to become a key hitter for the Australian U15 Volleyball team.
Volleyball Girls
The Girls’ Volleyball team had an outstanding season and proved again to be the most outstanding team of the summer sport season. Following on from last years shared premiership, the girls took all before them winning every game until the final round when the strong Caulfield team got the better of them. This result meant the two schools met in the Grand Final the following week, and what a game it was. The Ivanhoe girls jumped out strongly winning the first set, but Caulfield responded winning the second and then led by eight points in the all-important third set. There would be no giving up by our girls. They went to another level, clawed their way back into the game, eventually winning the set 26-24. The Ivanhoe girls powered through the fourth set to eventually win the Premiership. We applaud not only this wonderful performance on the day, but the time and effort that the girls put into their journey. Premierships are built on effort, and this was certainly the cornerstone of this team’s success. Captain, Adrienne Batistella, was an outstanding leader of her team with James Lycett, Alana Edgley, Emma Shaw and Angelina Bozinova all having a solid season.
Roger Gill Head of Summer SportWinter Season Summary
The 2023 AGSV/APS Winter Sport season at Ivanhoe Grammar School was nothing short of remarkable, and here we celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of our talented students, staff and coaches. Let’s take a closer look at the thrilling achievements of our Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Hockey, Netball and Soccer teams.
Badminton
Our Boys’ Badminton teams continued their development in what was a difficult season from a win-loss perspective. However, our four teams saw plenty of growth and with participation on the rise, we look forward to the future! The team was brilliant, led by captain Jordan Wang, who was not only selected for the ASGV Representative team, but also for the National Junior Badminton squad – congratulations Jordan!
Basketball
Girls’ Basketball is flourishing at Ivanhoe Grammar School, demonstrated by four teams across the school losing only one game and two teams going undefeated this year. This outstanding achievement is testament to the dedication of our students and coaches, well done to all involved.
The pinnacle of this success was of course our Girls’ Firsts Basketball team. After sharing the premiership with Caufield last season, the team, led by captain Olivia Perillo, completed an undefeated season, to be crowned back-toback AGSV/APS premiers – a brilliant accomplishment and inspiration to all, well done!
Cross Country
2023 saw the introduction of a stand-alone AGSV Girls’ Cross Country competition for the first time, and our cocaptains Eliza Nelson and Theadora Hally led the team from the front. Along with boys’ captain Alexander Linke, our leaders not only assisted with the development of our junior runners but achieved great personal success. Alexander was ranked third of all AGSV runners, Eliza ranked sixth and Theadora, whose season was hampered by injury, ranked twelfth. With a developing program and large junior team, we look to entering more teams and winning even more points in the upcoming season.
Football
Under the leadership of co-captains Ella Samuels and Bella Krienke, our Girls’ Firsts Football team had a season of great improvement. After defeating PEGS 4.6.30 to 0.0.0 in the final round, we tied for equal third on the ladder at season’s end. With our Junior Girls’ Football team going undefeated this season, the future of Girls’ Football at Ivanhoe looks very bright indeed!
Our Boys’ Firsts Football team may however be the story of the season. After finishing the home and away season with six wins and two losses, the boys defeated Assumption at Assumption College in a semi-final, before defeating Yarra Valley Grammar in the Grand Final 7.13.55 to 7.5.47. Captain Charlie Naish and coach Ben Ingleton graciously accepted the AGSV Premiership Shield, the first time Ivanhoe has been crowned AGSV Boys Football premiers since 1963! Congratulations to all involved, so very proud of this group for breaking the sixty-year drought.
Hockey
We were very proud to be able to enter a Firsts Girls’ Hockey team into the AGSV/APS competition, the first time we have done so in six years. The team, led by captain Ainsley Thorpe, showed excellent progress throughout the season, finishing in sixth place. We will look to build on this new team in the coming years.
Led by co-captains Ben Long and Harry Adamson, our Boys’ Firsts Hockey team also showed great development in 2023. The team finished the season strongly, winning two of the final three games to finish the season in fifth place. Special mention to Ms Georgia Thorpe who managed both the Girls’ and Boys’ Firsts Hockey teams this season, I know the players all appreciated her support.
Netball
Under the guidance of new head-coach and former Australian Diamond Erin Bell, our Girls’ First Netball team had a very successful season. Led by team captain and VNL shooter Dakota Blade, the team won six games for the season, including their final three in a row, to finish fifth out of the 12 teams in the AGSV/APS competition. Our Junior Netballers also experienced much success this year, with our Junior B White team going undefeated for the season, well done team.
Soccer
Soccer is by far the fastest growing winter sport at Ivanhoe Grammar School, with six new teams entered across the School for the 2023 season. We saw much success at all levels, including our Junior 7B Plenty Campus team who won all their games for the season by considerable margins.
Led by new head-coach and former Socceroo Jeff Olver and team captain Joshua Crewe, our Boys’ Firsts Soccer team were no exception to this success, making it through to the semi-finals. Although, the boys lost this game to the eventual premiers Marcellin, the development seen this year has us buoyant about the future. Guided by team captain Helena Chetcuti, our Girls’ Firsts Soccer team also experienced great success. The team went on a brilliant run, not being defeated for eight straight matches to finish the season in third position overall. Great job team.
Brenton Aisbett Head of Winter SportAGSV Athletics
On Wednesday 6 September, Ivanhoe Grammar School proudly fielded a team of over 100 enthusiastic students in the 101st AGSV Athletics Carnival. We were blessed with wonderful weather, but as in 2022, the journey leading up to the Carnival presented us with a set of unique challenges. Many of our talented athletes were juggling multiple commitments, including community sporting finals, which made selecting our team a formidable task. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to nurturing our students’ sporting talents and overall well-being.
It’s essential to acknowledge that managing our students’ physical activity loads is a concern shared by all competing schools. Unfortunately, this year saw us face more injuries and unavailabilities than usual, but we firmly believe that adversity only strengthens our resolve.
Our boys’ and girls’ teams exhibited outstanding performance throughout the competition, even leading for the first third of the program. While premiership trophies eluded us this time, we know that success in athletics is measured by individual and collective growth, not just by the final score. Mentone secured the girls’ premiership, while Camberwell claimed the boys’ premiership, but the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie shone brightly on our side.
In a program spanning 147 events, there was a plethora of memorable moments for Ivanhoe Grammar School.
From Stan Moore breaking an AGSV record in High Jump to Brodie Miersich’s exceptional achievements in Shot Put and Discus and Eliza Chivers winning performances in the High Jump and Hurdles, our students showcased their remarkable talents. Sam Gayfer’s wins in High Jump and Hurdles, and Rachel White and Ruby Callahan’s victories in the 800m and 1500m events in addition to their recent appearances at the National Cross Country titles, were among our standout performances.
Beyond these impressive feats, there were countless instances of students giving their all for the school. We applaud those who selflessly put the team’s success above individual glory. Hamish Baddon’s last-minute decision to compete in the U/17 800m as a Year 8 student, Oscar He’s exceptional performance in the U/15 400m and 800m, and Ky Luscombe’s determined run in the Open 3000m as an U/14 athlete exemplify the character and dedication of our students.
While we could go on and on about the highlights, it’s important to emphasise that every student’s effort and commitment matter. Athletics not only develops physical skills but also tests and builds character. There’s no doubt that our students have risen to the occasion and proved their mettle.
In closing, we celebrate our individual event winners and look forward to an even more engaging and successful year ahead. We invite all students to join us in the exhilarating world of athletics, where every effort counts and where we foster a sense of belonging and achievement for all.
Lachlan Bird U/15 High Jump
Eliza Chivers U/17 High Jump, U/17 Hurdles
Nicholas Filippis Open Hurdles, Open Triple Jump
Sam Gayfer U/16 High Jump, U/16 Hurdles
Rebecca Hvalica U/15 100m, U/15 200m
Ruby Longmuir U/14 High Jump
Emily Malcolm Open High Jump
Brodie Mierisch U/17 Discus, U/17 Shot Put
Stan Moore U/13 Long Jump, U/13 High Jump, U/13 Triple Jump
Rowan Sharples U/15 Triple Jump
Matilda Wanless U/16 1500m
Heidi Watts U/13 Long Jump
Rachel White U/17 800m, U/17 1500m
Isobelle Wightman U/17 200m
Tanner Wilson U/14 Shot Put
Nicholas Filippis U/17 Hurdles
Thomas Diamond Open 800m, Open 1500m, Open 3000m
Miranda Darby Open High Jump
Chris Branigan Head of AthleticsAGSV Swimming
This year, in preparation for the annual AGSV Swimming Championships, the season kicked off early in the new school pool. There were many dedicated swimmers throughout the whole training season, helping us to enter the AGSV night confident and prepared.
On the night of the competition, this year with our Ivy Army, every one of our swimmers from both the boys’ and girls’ team gave it their best shot at their swims. As captains, it was very exciting to see our team cheering and encouraging everyone, including our amazing coaching team to support us.
There were some amazing races on the night from both the boys’ and girls’ teams. Highlights from the night are the individual event winners including Olivia Flight, Hannah Borschmann, Ciara Jeffs, Emily Stevens, Sophia McKeown, Louis Chien and the Boys’ Open 4x50 Meter Freestyle Relay (who placed second). Furthermore, Ciara Jeffs had an outstanding night, taking first place in four individual events, while breaking the record for the U/14 50m Freestyle which she swam in 28.06.
Based on the results on the night of the competition, we would also like to mention a handful of swimmers who were lucky enough to have been selected to be part of the AGSV representative swimming team; Eliza Burge, Louis Chien, Alouette Clark, Olivia Flight, Ciara Jeffs, William Linke, Sophia McKeown, Ella Rowe and Emily Stevens.
Overall, the girl’s team finished with 203 points, an amazing win and seven points ahead of Mentone, our long-standing rivals. The boy’s team placed seventh with some amazing swims. The incredible result for the girl’s team is not only thanks to amazing swimming but also the positive and confident atmosphere everyone created. We would also like to thank Katelyn for being an incredible coach and putting in all the time and dedication. As Captains of the Ivanhoe Swim team for 2023, we are proud and honoured to have been given such an opportunity and are very excited to see the swim team continue the amazing effort in years to come. Below is a list of the event winners:
Alouette Clark Open 100m Freestyle, Open 50m Backstroke
Ciara Jeffs Open 200m Freestyle, U/13 50m Butterfly, U/14 50m Freestyle, U/14 50m Backstroke
Olivia Flight U/15 50m Breaststroke, Hannah Borschmann U/16 50m Breaststroke, U/15 50m Butterfly
Emily Stevens Open 50m Breaststroke
Sophia McKeown U/13 50m Freestyle
Louis Chien U/16 50m Breaststroke
U/13 4x50m Medley Relay
U/14 4x50 m Medley Relay
U/15 4x50 m Medley Relay
U/17 4x50m Freestyle Relay
Alouette Clark and Tyler Land Captains of Swimming
Celebrating our Premiership Teams
Aerobics
Aerobics this year was a major success for Ivanhoe Grammar School with the entire squad qualifying for the National Championships on the Gold Coast. We completed six months of training in the lead up, with the girls training every Tuesday morning with our coaches Brooke O’Sullivan and Alice Stooke. We had girls competing in teams of two, three, four and seven in divisions A, B and C as well as Aero Dance.
The first competition we competed in, the State Championships, saw the whole squad up against other Victorian Schools to qualify for the National Championships. This was a great day that was the first competition for some of the girls and it ended in great success. The 5 Division C teams all qualified for Nationals, by finishing in the top eight best teams, which was very exciting for everyone. The girls competing in Division B, which was the second hardest division, qualified for Nationals which was another huge success for the team. One of the Aero Dance teams qualified for Nationals by finishing third at the competition. Overall, this was great day and was topped off by making Ivanhoe Grammar School history by having all 28 girls in the squad qualifying for the National Championships.
Next came the hard part, since everyone had qualified, we needed to ensure that we were at our absolute best for Nationals. Every Tuesday morning, everyone came in with a smile and ready to train! We had a competition prior to Nationals which was a great way for everyone to have one last practice in a competition environment before flying up to the Gold Coast.
The first day of the National Aero Schools Competition was Friday 15 September. It took place at Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium. The first day saw Olivia Ross and Saskia Winkelman compete in the Division B Upper Secondary Multiple division, where they finished seventh which was an amazing result. We had two teams compete in the Division
B Lower Secondary Multiple section, with Amy Oliver and Daphne Loveridge finishing in eleventh place, and Emily Ware and Lucinda Smart finishing in sixth place. This way a great way to start the competition as everyone performed strongy. In the afternoon, Aerin Winther, Eden Alexander, Ella Kraeva, Macey Mileto, Marie Mercorillo, Ruby Longmuir and Samira Kink, had an amazing performance in the Division 1 Aero Dance, where they finished in fourth place. It was a near perfect performance and the final results between first and fourth place was only 0.6 points. The second day of competition was Saturday, 16 September when several teams performed. The Division C competition saw two Ivanhoe teams perform, with Alice Ballinger, Ruby Longmuir and Audrey Plunkett finishing in fourth place and Estella Byron and Ruby Burke closely behind in sixth place. There were several other teams who had strong performances including Lily Wright, Molly Grace, Olive Wilson and Isabel Humphries, Mischa Winkelman and Zara Traviatio along with Clara Kerr, Marie Stylianou and Tavi Reid.
The most impressive performance of the competition however was Macey Mileto and Olivia O’Sullivan who performed in the Division A Lower Secondary Multiple, where they both had an unbelievable performance, resulting in them finishing in first place. An amazing effort by Macey and Olivia.
Overall Aerobics this year at Ivanhoe has been most successful. We had all team members qualify for Nationals which is an achievement in itself. I am so proud of the whole 2023 Aerobics Team, and I am honoured to have lead the girls to Nationals. Congratulations to all involved. Hopefully next year our team is even bigger and stronger!
Samira Kink Captain of AerobicsKayaking
2023 has been another successful year for the Ivanhoe Grammar Kayak team as we grow our wonderful sport. Both new and experienced team members, have shown resilience and commitment as we build towards the future. The team has trained hard through the year, both on the Yarra and in the rolling sessions in our new School pool. The sport requires immense skill, strength and courage, especially from our beginner paddlers who gain confidence as they attend the many events that fill the IGS kayaking calendar.
The year started off with the team competing at the Australian Championships in January on the Forth River in Tasmania, our Team finishing second in the All Schools. In Term 3, our Year 7 program commenced, with Ridgeway Campus sessions run in the pool and Plenty at Westerfolds Park. There are promising signs for the future with record numbers each week from both campuses participating. During the September holidays, a team of 22 students, from Years 7 to 11, made the trip up to Sydney to train at the prestigious Olympic white-water stadium in Penrith. Over four days, everyone was given the opportunity to learn and experience some of the best white water in the country: the very essence of our sport at the highest level. After morning sessions, the team went on day trips to the Blue Mountains, and to Sydney’s west and Manly, the trip was an enjoyable and exhilarating for all.
After a break of three years due to COVID and high-water flows, the Victorian Schools Championships were again held at Westerfolds Park in the last weekend of Term 3, with 40 students competing. With year levels 8 and above from both campuses participating in the slalom event, and all year levels competed in the wild water event. Students performed well across all age groups in both competitions, with many taking home medals for their top performances. With this success, we were able to defend our title, acquiring the most points out of any school and taking out the Paddle Vic Schools Trophy. This event provided great experience as the team prepares for the Australian Championships in January next year.
On behalf of all Ivanhoe paddlers, I would like to thank our wonderful teachers, who without their help, none of this would happen. Teachers Mr Gibbs, Mr Draper, Mr Hogg and Mr Delaney, we thank you. Their work behind the scenes sometimes goes unnoticed but is crucial to this team’s operation and success. I would also like to thank the Kayak Parents Support Group (KPSG), for their incredible contributions to the community. The parent group works tirelessly throughout the year to support us in so many ways including providing transport, repairing boats, catering at camps and judging at events. We cannot thank you enough.
Luca Faelis CaptainSnow Sports
Building on the success of last year’s return to a normal post-COVID-19 season, this year we had one of our biggest teams yet, though significant challenges were thrown at the team later in the season.
Many new students across the whole School were evident early on, and with now regular annual events such as the April Annual Pasta Fundraiser and May ski gear Swap Sale attracted solid interest.
Pre-season training kicked off soon after our season opening function, this year with Rhys from Snow Performance and utilizing the brilliant new facilities at the Sports Centre.
Keen skiers and boarders struggled in for an early Tuesday morning session that quickly had their legs and core activated, strengthening vital muscles for the season.
The first of the on-snow events kicked off with the last week in July holidays training week at Mt Buller, very well-attended by over 40 skiers and boarders with their families from beginner to advance as well as other families doing their own training and skiing. Early snow conditions were good but we were awaiting further snow to open the longer run terrain.
The first weekend training in mid-July was our first trial of morning only lessons for 30 students in more experienced groups on slightly improved snow conditions. The weather was windy which at points stopped the ski lifts, but this did nothing to lower the enthusiasm and team spirit at the Saturday night dinner at ABOM which was the biggest in years.
The second training weekend with lessons and time trial in early August was one of the more challenging with deteriorating snow. The clear sunny weather preceding this meant no fresh snow had fallen and clear freezing nights bought hard ice to many runs including our trial racetrack. Buller worked their magic to soften it for safe racing on the summit and the team enjoyed great views in the sunny conditions. This weekend was also the Cross Country interschools championship. On a very short loop track in wet snow, our small but strong team again did well with notable results; an outright third place bronze medal for Sebastian
Packer-Smith in Division 1 Boys, with his team of Thomas Moore and Kieran Pavey securing fifth place in both the Classic and in the Relay.
Very little snowfall plagued Australian resorts in August and Buller was no exception. In the Victorian Interschool Competition, we had over 50 competitors from Foundation to Year 12 across the School, competing in the biggest single snowsports competition in the southern hemisphere. Conditions were getting very thin as fine sunny weather ate away at ski runs everywhere. Buller’s extensive snowmaking and grooming ability held enough terrain open to run everything on the card, though with some short tracks for many races.
Notable results were Jake Feenstra with fourth in the Division 3 boys Snowboard GS, both Bella Ansell and Keiran Pavey with fourteenth place in their Alpine GS events (with over 200 competitors!) and our division 2 boys’ team consisting of Romi Simkus, James Longmuir, Luca Thavarasah and Kieran Pavey picked up eighth place against stiff opposition of nearly 60 teams in the Alpine GS. Vaughan Joslyn again picked up a gold medal in the Multiclass with his excellent GS run. Spectacular fireworks officially ended the race week as all competitors gathered in the village square to watch. With the lack of snowfall, operators took the difficult decision to cancel the Australian Schools Championship at Buller, as the sun continued to shine through August and into a warm September there was no reprieve from the big melt.
I am grateful for the immense support and enthusiasm of the parents and students that helped make Snowsports a great success in 2023; Georgie Dellevergini as our fantastic Convenor of Friends of Snowsports, supported by the FOSS committee in organising the many social and fundraising occasions in and around our lessons and race events. Thanks also to Ben Ernest and Helen Page-Wood as well as Viktor Svarcs for helping staff the on-snow events.
Murray Gill Teacher in ChargeWater Polo
The 2023 Ivanhoe Grammar School Water Polo season was a resounding success that will be remembered for years to come. From the training sessions at the Sports and Aquatic Centre to the Friday night matches under the dazzling lights, the dedication, passion, and sportsmanship of the players were truly commendable.
While neither team secured premierships, their achievements were nothing short of remarkable. The Intermediate and Open Boys’ teams faced fierce competition throughout the season, and their performance was a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
Notably, the Open Boys’ Water Polo Team demonstrated extraordinary resilience by being moved up to a higher competition mid-round. This unexpected challenge only fuelled their determination to excel, and they rose to the occasion admirably.
This season serves as an inspiration to all, encouraging students to embrace the spirit of Water Polo and the opportunities it offers for growth and camaraderie. Our Water Polo program continues to shine as a beacon of excellence and its future looks brighter than ever.
Ben Ernest Teacher in Charge of Open Boys and Inter BoysWe started off the season with the boys locked in and ready to go. We entered the B’s competition with our first game against Trinity winning 15-0, we knew we were serious competitors in the competition. With Tom VP, Angus and Toby leading the offence scoring countless goals we again won against Camberwell 19-0 and Marcellin 9-1. We then went into the next week thinking we were playing Melbourne High B team but when we arrived, we quickly realised we had been moved up to the A division.
In the A competition we worked hard but sadly got thumped by Melbourne High A 21-6, they went on to win the competition. It was then time to play Camberwell, the team who made us move up to the A division. Mr Ernest told us boys one thing, to ‘be special’ and that’s what we did with victorious score of 6-4. While we worked hard to secure a grand final spot but sadly lost to a rough match against Trinity in a catch-up round on an early Thursday morning. We then played for 3rd in a final round against Trinity again. We won a thrilling 8-5 victory. To come from the favourites of winning the B division to coming 3rd in the A division with a significant competition difference the boys did a tremendous job. There was a great team spirit and great chemistry. So proud of us and bring on next year!
Thomas Vander Pal, Year 11, Angus Dalgleish and Alex Duske, Year 12 Water Polo Leadership TeamThe girls started the season eager, bit unsure and reserved personalities. They were reminded of the skills involved with Water Polo, the rules and coordinating those eggbeater legs. The first game started with two strong wins and consolidated their bonds from the previous season. From then on, the girls were enthusiastic at trainings and hungry for the next game. The girls performed at a high standard and maintained professionalism and great sportsmanship during some intense games.
Thanks to the girls for a fun season and looking forward to a bigger season and more girls joining in 2024.
Lauren Chan Coach of Girls’ Water PoloIvanhoe Edge
The Ivanhoe Edge Program has emerged as an exciting new venture for Ivanhoe families, offering a unique opportunity for students to enhance their skills and pursue personal goals in the realms of performing arts and sports. This innovative initiative promises to ignite a passion for physical and artistic pursuits while nurturing the undiscovered potential within young participants.
This great program is available to primary and secondary students. It launched with a limited number of spots in Term 4 2023, available to students in Years 5 to 12. In 2024 the program will extend to the earlier primary years and ELC students, with a program specifically designed to suit children of a younger age. The offering will also extend to other sports and performing arts.
Ivanhoe Edge is suitable for any student passionate about performing arts and/or sport. Students do not have to be actively studying or involved in their areas of interest. The program is for young people wanting to explore their potential or achieve their personal best. Students of any skill level can join. This is a program for everyone, not just elite performers.
One of the initial steps on this journey was the testing session in the program’s inaugural week. This session was crucial in assessing students’ baseline fitness and skills specific to their chosen sport or performing arts discipline. It provided a foundation for creating individualised training programs tailored to each student’s unique needs and capabilities, setting the stage for their growth and excellence.
The testing session incorporated a range of sportspecific fitness and skills tests for each participant. This comprehensive approach allowed the program organizers to gain valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement of each student. By understanding each student’s unique requirements, Ivanhoe Edge can tailor its coaching and training to suit individual goals effectively.
Currently, Ivanhoe Edge is focused on five sports: basketball, football, swimming, tennis, and water polo. However, what sets this program apart is its commitment to adapt and evolve according to the interests and aspirations of its students and their families. As the program progresses, it’s set to diversify further, accommodating a broad spectrum of activities ranging from cricket and dance to drama, netball, personal fitness, soccer, and volleyball. This flexibility is a testament to the program’s unwavering dedication to nurturing and encouraging diverse talents in both sports and the performing arts.
The program is led by a team of highly respected experts in their respective fields:
• Head of Strength and Conditioning —Adam Hutton
• Strength and Conditioning Coaches — Karl Trounson, Kristy Harris, Sam Allen, Aimee Medwin
• Basketball Coaches — Kelvin Bowers and Allison Tranquilli
• Football Coach—Matthew Kreuzer
• Swim Coach —Ako Kusafuka
• Tennis Coaches—Jeremy Mackay and Jo Limmer
• Water Polo Coach —Jade Vidal
The skills sessions within the program have garnered a positive response, with students attending in significant numbers. Despite the initial adjustment required for some students to wake up early in the mornings, there have been plenty of smiles and a strong work ethic displayed during these sessions. Coaches have been impressed by the students’ willingness to accept feedback and put in hard work, and they eagerly anticipate seeing the progress made as the term unfolds.
In summary, the Ivanhoe Edge Program is off to an exciting start, offering a promising platform for students to enhance their physical and artistic skills. With its adaptability, expert leadership, and a strong commitment from both students and coaches, Ivanhoe Edge is poised to foster talent, passion, and personal growth among its participants.
Michelle van Beek Head of Ivanhoe EdgeIvanhoe Swim
Gevaux,In September 2022 I was given a body of water and asked if I could create a swim school and swim club that would benefit Ivanhoe Grammar School and the wider community. After working in the aquatics and recreation industry for over 17 years this was my dream come true. Developing Ivanhoe Swim and creating my vision has been inspirational and rewarding.
Ivanhoe Swim incorporates the Learn to Swim Program and Swim Club. We are extremely lucky to have such a dynamic Sports and Aquatic Centre. At the heart of the facility is a state-of-the-art, Finaaccredited 50m pool that can be transformed into three different pools with a moveable boom, retractable wall, and a moveable floor in the Learn to Swim section.
The vision behind Ivanhoe Swim is to provide an inclusive swim school that caters for infants through to adults. This includes specialised classes for teenagers who haven’t had the opportunity to learn to swim from a young age, beginner adults, children and teenagers with individual needs who need 1:1 support, a pre-squad, fitness squad and our competitive stream, Ivanhoe Swim Club.
We launched Ivanhoe Swim at the start of Term 4 2022 with an experienced and passionate team. We started small with a handful of swim teachers and limited numbers, quickly growing to be recognised as an excellent swim school.
Ivanhoe Swim Club launched in July 2023 with Ako Kusafuka as Head Coach. Ako came to us with a wealth of experience and is an energetic and inspiring coach. We are very proud of our inclusive swim club and recently welcomed a new team member who represented Australia in Argentina in August 2023 as part of the Australian Seals Deaf Swim team. I believe that everyone has the right to learn to swim. Our inclusive swim program meets the individual learning needs of all swimmers who have the freedom to set their own goals and are provided with the necessary support and encouragement to accomplish them. The future is very bright for Ivanhoe Swim.
Katrina Gevaux Aquatics Manager‘It’s never an easy road to the top and there are always going to be setbacks, but it’s the way you deal with those setbacks that define you.’
– Kyah Simon
BALANCED
young people of character
#learningtogether
Global
First Nations Report
Our Journey of Reconciliation: Honouring First Nations Culture at Ivanhoe Grammar School
‘Boorndup wun bik ba Wurundjeri Ballack’ I respect the land and the Wurundjeri people.
As a testament to the rich history and culture of the Wurundjeri people, Ivanhoe Grammar School is evolving on a journey of reconciliation, as we continue to learn and grow. These efforts are epitomised by the adoption of Woi wurrung words, shared by Wurundjeri Elder, keeper of knowledge and speaker of language, Aunty Zeta Thomson as the School’s Acknowledgement of Country.
For countless generations, these words have resonated across the very lands our school stands on today. This symbolic step forward represents the progress we’ve made in our reconciliation journey, reminding us of the importance of embracing and respecting the traditions of the land’s original custodians.
Guided by Aunty Zeta Thomson’s wisdom, we’ve cultivated a deepening relationship with the First Nations community. This connection has enriched our curriculum, allowing us to delve into the profound history and culture of First Nations peoples. While the mandates within Australian Curriculum have paved the way, our commitment drives us to go beyond, instilling a profound sense of understanding and appreciation among our students.
Now entering the second year of our First Nations Scholarship Program, in collaboration with the Aborigines Advancement League and Lady Gladys Nicholls Hostel, we proudly include six incredible students who flourish within our school community. These students have found a supportive home away from home under the care of hostel parents, Andrew and Cara, and their families’ involvement is a cornerstone of this success.
It has been a privilege to be a part of a plan that evolved from mere discussions into a formalised and actionable initiative. Across the country, First Nations people now speak positively of Ivanhoe Grammar School at their kitchen tables and in the comfort of their own homes. As we conclude our second year of the First Nations Program, we can proudly enumerate achievements within the classroom, at the hostel, and across a myriad of co-curricular programs. Crosscultural connections have been nurtured among our staff, students, parents, and the broader community.
Each term, our six First Nations students journey interstate to their respective homes, returning with eagerness to engage with the Victorian Curriculum in the nurturing embrace of their home away from home, Lady Gladys Nicholls Hostel. We have encountered challenges within the school, within our community, and even beyond borders, stemming from cultural differences. Yet, all of this is an integral part of our reconciliation journey, fostering understanding and collective progress.
A heartfelt thank you extends to all those who have been involved, and we eagerly anticipate the continued journey, adventures, and successes that lie ahead for all Australians as we embrace and share the richness of First Nations culture.
In the coming year, we’re thrilled to bring to life the strategic actions developed by our Reconciliation Action Plan committee. These actions are designed to weave First Nations culture into the very fabric of our school, enriching both our surroundings and our identity. By embracing these steps, we aspire to create an environment that fosters cultural safety and celebrates the merging of First Nations heritage with the heart of Ivanhoe Grammar School. Our journey of reconciliation is a tribute to the resilience and strength of Australia’s First Nations peoples, a step toward healing historical wounds and forging an inclusive path forward. With unwavering commitment, we honour the past and pave the way for a future of unity, understanding, and respect.
2023 Achievements
• National Reconciliation Action Week
• IDEALS – First Nations Artist in Residence
• Reconciliation Round – Indigenous designed socks
• Reconciliation Round gifts to opposition teams
• Out-of-Classroom First Nations Program
• NAIDOC Week – Special Guests
• Koorie Basketball Academy – Cultural Yarn
• Buckley House acknowledgment plaques (Year 6)
• Message Sticks – Year 8 Art Curriculum
• Interstate family visits to school and hostel
• First Nations morning tea
• International student cross-cultural discussions
• Hostel refurbishment complete.
Cara Taylor
House Mother – Lady Gladys Nicholls Hostel
Andrew Taylor
First Nations Program Coordinator
Chris Branigan
Director of Co-Curricular Learning
Round Square Report
Ivanhoe Grammar School is a proud member of the Round Square International Network because it stands as a beacon of holistic learning and global citizenship, which ties perfectly with our Global Education Program.
Founded on the principles of Kurt Hahn, this unique educational framework goes beyond traditional classroom teaching to cultivate well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility and a global perspective.
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, our affiliation with the Program offers an educational paradigm that prepares our students not only for academic success but also for active participation in the global community. It is hoped that our students who participate will emerge as compassionate, globally aware individuals who are wellprepared to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
This year we have had many visitors from other schools who wanted to learn more about the program with the anticipation that they could also become part of the network. We are proud members and always happy to share our experiences.
We are excited to re-engage this year post COVID-19 with the Round Square Program. This year has been our first opportunity to re-engage with the Round Square International conference, which was hosted by the Brookhouse School in Nairobi, Kenya. The theme for the conference was ‘The New Africa’, allowing a delegation of five students to explore the many ways in which the continent has evolved and is defining its position in the 21st Century. The highlights of the tour were a night under African skies, camping in the Nairobi National Park, with wildlife game drives and an environmental conservation focus.
Students who return from such an adventurous program are often moved in a way that allows them to pay attention to global issues going forward in their education in the hope that one day, they could make a difference.
Next year, the international conference will be held in Colombia and we are looking forward to once again, having a delegation of students willing to step up and participate in global issues, and in particular the challenges of South America.
Fiona Devlin Deputy Principal/Head of Plenty CampusCambodia
The Cambodia Service Project was one of the most anticipated schooling experiences of our Ivanhoe journey. This monumental trip took us on a two-week immersion into Cambodian (Khmer) culture and life. Our group of 100 students gathered at Melbourne airport on the Thursday 15 June, one can imagine the chaotic and nervous atmosphere. Just after touching down in Phnom Penh airport, we were welcomed by the 35-degree heat of South-East Asia. The sights, sounds and smells of Cambodia were overwhelmingly new to us, we were shocked by busy roads, colourful fruit vendors, and the humid environment.
We were immediately saturated in a completely new culture. In just the first few days, we visited a local dance school, explored the Royal Palace and taught at four various schools. Our immediate involvement in local schools and exploration of culture would set the pace for the following two weeks of heavy involvement in meaningful activities and constant connection with culture and locals.
In Phnom Penh we participated in a culturally significant and sorrowful visit to both the Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. We heard the retelling of an extremely personal and heroic story from our guide Veasna, a personal anecdote regarding the horrendous and repressive regime under the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. Seeing the S21 blocks, a high school transformed into a security prison, walking in the footsteps of those who had been tortured in the high security cells, the group was silenced, faced with the confronting and tragic images, the faces of victims and prosecutors alike. We followed the route of these prisoners, visiting their resting place, the killing fields. We were all emotionally stretched and deeply overwhelmed; struck by the clash of the peace and beauty of the site and its dark history, a place where millions were murdered.
Most students would agree that the service aspect of this trip was the highlight, embedded in our experiences in local villages and schools. Each of the four teams spent three to four days in a local village out of Siem Reap.
To travel as a tourist in a southeastern Asian country is one thing, but to immerse oneself in a rural village is another. Each student’s time in one of three villages was the most connected that we were to authentic Cambodian life. Teams experienced the ins and outs of rural life, from fishing and basket weaving to leisure time with the local children.
Throughout the trip, and during the day at the villages, we spent considerable time and effort collecting learning materials and formulating lesson plans to deliver to classes of students. However, we had no conception of what delivering English lessons would be like. Teaching conditions were a world away from our air conditioned and spacious classrooms back home. The classes of 20-30 Cambodian kids displayed incredible energy and willingness to learn which helped us to overcome the language barrier. This language barrier led each group to improvise with our lessons, to teach simpler, more engaging topics. We learnt that sometimes games and fun activities are a universal language, the best way to connect.
What will stick with us is the way we were received by the children and the locals, from the moment we entered their communities and schools. The joy of numerous jubilant local children as they climbed onto us as we left the bus was a welcome that we will forever cherish.
In our final days, we participated in some essential Cambodian tourist activities. Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples - one of the ancient wonders of the world - were breathtaking sights. We accessed these temples via mountain bikes, riding the overgrown jungle to and between the ancient temples. Seeing these sights by bike gave us a newly found appreciation for the history and beauty of these buildings, half reclaimed by nature.
Our leisure time was widely varied during the trip. The markets were especially enjoyable, as we lost ourselves among the rows of fabric, watches, food and designer clothes - a sensory overload.
The care and guidance of teachers and guides made this a safe and engaging trip, one of the most memorable and beneficial experiences of our schooling years. The opportunity to raise money for, and genuinely connect with Cambodian communities allowed true engagement for everyone who participated in the 2023 Ivanhoe Grammar School Cambodia Service Trip.
Callum McGeachan, Year 11 Edward Redlich, Year 11
Exchanges
As a Round Square School, Ivanhoe has a strong holistic and global focus. One of the great ways to develop global citizens is through a student exchange program. Students typically engage in a student exchange program in Year 8, via our Regional Exchange Program, in Year 10 via our International Exchange Program and in Year 11 via Language Study Exchanges.
In 2023 we had several students take part in the Regional Exchange Program with other Australian Round Square Schools, such as Scotch Oakburn College, St. Phillips College and Bishop Druitt College. We also had many students benefit from a Language Study Exchange. Below is a reflection written by Will Hopper who took part in a reciprocal exchange with a student from Windemere School in the United Kingdom, after accepting a request from a Year 9 student at this school.
Chris Branigan Director Co-Curricular LearningI was recently fortunate enough to be part of the Round Square Exchange Program. My family and I hosted our English exchange student, Henry, for eight weeks before I returned to England with Henry for another six weeks. It was an amazing experience and one that I will always remember.
Henry arrived in Australia in late January and was a great exchange student to host. He arrived just before our Year 9 Out of Class Program, so his first week of school was spent exploring Melbourne. He also participated in the summer sport season, and joined cadets for the short time he was here concluding with our annual camp. Outside of school, Henry came with us to the Melbourne Zoo, Sovereign Hill, the CBD and Wilsons Promontory National Park. He also came at the perfect time to see both the Avalon Airshow and the Melbourne Grand Prix. Although he was ready to go home by the end of the exchange, he had a very enjoyable time, and it was a great experience for him.
I went back with Henry to England in late April, so it was the middle of Spring in England. I was living in Windermere, in north-west England, which is as an area of natural beauty. The town Windermere is on Lake Windermere, which is the largest lake in England. I was staying with Henry’s family, who were all incredibly nice and welcoming. He had a little brother, Buddy, who also went to school with us, and his mum was also the Head of Drama at the school. I went to Windermere School, which had two campuses within walking distance of each other. One, Elleray, was for the primary school, and the other, Browhead, was for secondary students and boarding houses. The school was on a steep hill, and almost all the classrooms had an amazing view over the lake and surrounding mountains. It was also near a military airport, so it was common for fighter jets to fly over the school within a few hundred metres of the ground. The school offered lots of programs both during and after school, many of which I participated in. I had a great time playing cricket for the school every other week, making friends in the process. I went outdoor rock-climbing, on the side of a mountain, while it was raining, which was a lot of fun and something very new for me. I learnt how to sail after school on the lake, and by my third week I was confident enough to go out by myself. While I was at the school, I made some great friends that I’ve stayed in contact with. Outside of school, Henry’s family took me to Devon, Manchester and Yorkshire, all of which were amazing places that were all very different.
I had an amazing time on exchange, and it was an experience I will never forget. I’m very glad that I decided to go, as the trip has taught me life skills that I will use forever. It has also been a great confidence boost for me, knowing that I can go to the other side of the world without my family. I feel I have grown a lot as a person over the time of the exchange and will always be grateful that I was a given this opportunity.
Will Hopper, Year 9UK and Singapore Cricket Tour
On Friday 9 June an excited party of 19 made up of 16 young cricketers and three staff jumped on Singapore Airlines Flight 208 to embark on a 24-day cricket tour of Singapore and the UK; and so began a journey which turned out to be a tour of a lifetime. The trip began with four days in Singapore with a game played across the border in Malaysia, then it was off to the UK. Starting in Edinburgh, we played 11 games over the next 20 days as we travelled from the very north of Scotland down to London. Interspersed with these games was time spent seeing the country which we all enjoyed immensely. Of the games played, the boys were able to win nine games, losing only two; however, the tour was never about the win, loss ratio. The most important elements of the tour were the way the cricket was played and how this contributed to the development of the boys’ skills.
Gaining cultural knowledge about the places we visited was also another priority of the trip. On all fronts the tour was an outstanding success. Aided by the wonderful weather, the boys had plenty of opportunity to develop their game, consistently playing competitive cricket while staying in beautiful places like Edinburgh, Lossiemouth, Harrowgate, Durham, Manchester and of course London. The tour finished on a high when we attended the third day of Australia`s ashes victory at Lords.
A huge thank you to Mr Lochran for the time and effort that he put into organising the tour. Both his preparation and organisation were first class ensuring that every eventuality was covered. A further big congratulations to the boys who were part of this touring party. The way in which they conducted themselves on tour, the effort that they put into their cricket and particularly the care that they displayed for each other enabled everyone to have a tour that will live long in our memories.
Roger Gill Head of Summer SportBattlefields Tour 2023
On 8 April 2023, 40 students, together with seven staff, set off on a two-week tour of France and Belgium. The focus of the trip was to pay visits to locations that hold great significance in Australia’s history, particularly during the cataclysmic events of the First World War. The school’s founder, the Reverend Sydney Buckley, served in many of the locations visited - names etched into our consciousness, such as Villers-Bretonneux, Pozieres and Fromelles.
In addition to the tour of the Western Front, the group also spent time in Normandy, the setting of the greatest amphibious landing in history, on 6 June 1944. To round off the trip, visits were also paid to the Bayeux Tapestry, the tomb of William the Conqueror, and the magnificent Abbey of Mont Saint Michel.
The trip commenced with two days of sight-seeing in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles. A cruise along the Seine River, passing the almost-completed renovations of the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral, was a highlight, despite the inclement weather on the day. Students enjoyed experiencing the local culture, including a tasting of traditional snails at dinner.
From Paris, a bus journey to Belgium culminated in a walking tour of the medieval city of Bruges, including a visit to the French Fry Museum and an authentic Belgian chocolate factory. The group stayed in the magnificent town of Ypres, which was destroyed by fighting between 1914 - 18. Amazingly, the entire town was restored perfectly to its original state, using plans and photographs, and is a must-visit. The highlight of this part of the tour was the Menin Gate Memorial Service, where every evening since 1928 (except for the period of the Second World War), wreaths are laid, the Ode of Remembrance is recited, and the Last Post is played. Three students, Bethany Ryan, Erin Doman and Callum McGeachan, were given the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the school. Mr. Doman was also extended the honour of an invitation by the parade Marshall to recite the Ode of Remembrance, a life-long memory to take away.
Further trips to Villers-Bretonneux, Passchendaele, Fromelles, Pozieres, Polygon Wood, Hamel and so many cemeteries and memorials served to remind us all of the incredible sacrifice and waste of war. Several students were able to locate distant relatives of this terrible conflict, providing some touching moments.
The second phase of the tour involved a detailed tour of significant sites and events from the D-Day landings, including Omaha Beach, Utah Beach and the Paratrooper museums at Pegasus Bridge and Sainte-Mere-Eglise.
The Omaha Cemetery is a beautiful, yet sombre place, yet another reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations.
A final day highlight was our day trip to Mont Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey off the French coast. It is an impressive structure, and during the climb to the Abbey itself, more than one student commented upon the Harry Potter ‘Diagon Alley’ feel of the streets.
In and around this whirlwind history tour, students were given opportunities to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of France and Belgium, often being given the task of independently sourcing meals, or just doing some casual shopping on the Champs-Elysée. Although initially a little daunting for some, most embraced the challenges and found it to be a fun and positive experience.
The sights, sounds, and cultures experienced by both students and staff throughout the trip will long remain as treasured memories for the touring group. A heartfelt thank you to the staff: Olivia Rothnie, Liesl Bruhn, Katherine Horsford, Michelle Taylor, Daniel Verrocchi and Jesse Delaney, for the dedication and care they showed towards the students in our group. This wonderfully successful journey could not have been achieved without them, and planning has already begun for the next trip.
John Doman Teacher in charge‘Progress is about good management more than good luck. It is about commitment, creativity, and hard work.’
– Lowitja O’Donoghue
COLLABORATIVE
young
people of character
#learningtogether
Summary of 2023
From the Head of Buckley House
HeadAs I sit down to write this article for the Ivanhoe Grammar Yearbook, I find myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude and nostalgia given this will be the final time I write this article.
For the past 27 years, Ivanhoe Grammar School has been my second home, and I have had the privilege of being part of a place that is more than just a school; it’s a vibrant community dedicated to the growth and development of young minds.
For the past 13 years, I have had the honour of serving as the Head of Buckley House, a role that has brought me immeasurable joy and fulfillment. This journey has been marked by countless experiences, each contributing to the rich tapestry of memories that I will carry with me into retirement. As I look back on this past year knowing that it was going to be my last year at the School, I have been continually reminded, as I have observed the achievements of our students, the commitment and dedication of our staff and the unwavering support I have received from our parent community of just what a special place Buckley House is.
Ivanhoe Grammar School has been a place where I have been given the opportunity to advance my career and hopefully make a positive impact on the lives of our students and the work of our staff.
From the moment I joined Ivanhoe, I was welcomed with open arms and I have had the pleasure of working alongside some remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on my heart.
To the principals I have served under, the late Mr Rod Fraser and Mr Gerard Foley, their leadership and guidance have been invaluable, and I am indebted to them for their unwavering support. To the dedicated staff members, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to shape the minds of our students, I extend my deepest gratitude. It is your commitment and passion that have made Buckley House the extraordinary place it is.
The heart and soul of this institution lies within our Buckley House community, comprised of parents, students, and alumni. Your support, enthusiasm, and commitment to our shared mission of education have been the driving force behind our success.
One of the greatest privileges of my career has been the opportunity to positively impact the lives of the many students who have passed through the gates of Buckley House. Each and every one of them has brought a unique perspective and boundless potential, and watching them grow into confident, capable individuals has been a source of immense pride.
As I prepare to bid farewell to Ivanhoe Grammar School at the end of this year, I do so with a heart full of gratitude, a treasure trove of memories, and a profound sense of fulfillment. I invite you, to enjoy perusing the yearbook, where you will find a glimpse of the remarkable experiences that have shaped our school community in the past year.
In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to Ivanhoe Grammar School for allowing me to be a part of its rich history. I leave with a heart full of cherished memories, and I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of this exceptional place. Thank you for 27 incredible years, Ivanhoe Grammar School; you will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Russell Feben Head of Buckley HouseFrom the Deputy Principal/ Head of Plenty Campus
Fiona Devlin Deputy Principal / Head of Plenty CampusWithout a doubt, 2023 has been the year of Plenty Campus. We are experiencing a transformational change in our demographics as the north of Melbourne continues to evolve and change with a 60 percent growth in population expected by the year 2024. Plenty Campus is in demand for premier education in this area and we are expecting an increase of enrolments over the coming years. We have seen this with the year-long disruption from the Bridge Inn Road upgrade and I want to thank our families for their patience during this time.
To accommodate the growing interest, we have now commenced our exciting capital works program at the School which will significantly change the appearance of the centre of our campus with the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre, bringing a 25m swimming pool, a large ‘learn to swim’ pool, a new state of the art Strength and Conditioning Gym and four luxury learning spaces upstairs. The view from the Aquatic Centre spans across new tennis courts, a hockey pitch, a full sized FIFA soccer pitch with beautiful surrounding gardens. The Wellness Programs that the campus will be able to offer in the coming years, will transform students’ experience at school.
Significant milestones through the year have included the introduction of the Student, Environment, Action Committee (SEAC) who represent the student voice and instigate activities throughout the campus. We have a wonderful group of students running a business enterprise group with over 40 participants. They are focusing on business as a co-curricular project and have shown such initiative with ideas and stalls at lunchtimes, donating their profits to an agreed charity. Another organised day was the Cultural Diversity Day, where proceeds and donations went to the First Nations Scholarship Fund. There have been so many opportunities for our students to be involved in their campus and have a voice within the community.
Everybody got to ‘cut loose’ this year, with the successful Plenty Campus production of Footloose. This was a colourful, funny, talented, and polished production that over three nights, which brought joy, tears and laughter to the audience, particularly those who enjoyed the original film in the ‘80s. Given the number of students that involve themselves in the production, it is a wonderful community event and all the hard work of rehearsals certainly paid off.
As usual, sport plays a significant part in the co-curricular program and all students participate which brings a sense of team spirit and pride to the School. A historical moment occurred this year where the First XVIII AFL Football Team won the AGSV Premiership, being the first team to do this since 1963. A record seven boys from the Plenty Campus made up this team and demonstrated their commitment to training and matches and the travel and time that goes with this.
Our Primary students have enjoyed a wonderful year settling into new routines. We welcomed new staff throughout the year. Our Foundation students have had many exciting days with the Teddy Bear’s Picnic and reaching their milestone of 100 Days which was celebrated with an assembly and students dressing up as 100 year olds. It was a very cute and funny day and I am so proud of the way they have settled into life at school.
There were also some significant sporting achievements for our Primary students.
I would also like to thank our parent groups Friends of Plenty Primary School (FoPPS), Friends of Plenty Performing Arts (FoPPA) and Friends of Plenty Campus (FoPC) for their dedication to great projects at school. We had simply beautiful events this year in our Mother’s Day and Father’s day breakfasts, wonderful support to the Footloose staff and students throughout that exhausting period and we thank the FoPC for their support of the Greenhouse Project, a new Global and Sustainable Project for our students.
This year we farewelled our beloved Deputy Head of Campus and Head of Secondary, Mrs Renata Rowe, who, after 20 years of service to Ivanhoe Grammar School, retired at the end of Term Three. Renata has touched the lives of so many students and families over the years and there is no doubt that her warmth, care, generosity, and legacy will live on at our campus. We wish Renata and her husband John all the very best in their travels in retirement and we hope that Renata will visit us from time to time.
I would also like to thank our parents for their ongoing support of the campus and our staff and I wish everyone in our community a very happy and successful 2024.
Fiona Devlin Deputy Principal/Head of Plenty CampusFrom the Deputy Principal/ Head of Ridgeway Campus
Rickards Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus‘Thriving’ is the word that comes to mind when I think of 2023 at Ridgeway Campus. Our inclusive and welcoming culture continues to grow and provide the foundation for students to feel safe and connected. This platform encourages them to explore the myriad of opportunities before them, to find their strengths and their tribe. When our students are engaged and playing with their strengths they do their best learning. This can then be transferred into other aspects of their lives, both now and for years to come.
Of course, in a school like ours the learning takes many forms – first and foremost in the classroom. We have a wonderful learning environment with a combination of warm, creative and dedicated teachers leading classes of curious students fostering a love of learning. This mix has produced some amazing work, with the goal of each student to be their best. Our academic extension programs including Moot competitions, model United Nations, LEGO league and STEM Club have been a showcase of how we can develop our young learners.
Outside the classroom the year had many highlights. At the start we welcomed our new Year 7s - the Class of 2028, who have inspired us with their willingness to get involved. They were quickly off to Camp giving these newest students the chance to connect, have fun and get out of their comfort zones. Our School Musical ‘Oliver!’ was our first in three years due to COVID and did we put on a show! The sheer number of performers was outstanding, as was the quality of their performance.
The Year 8 camps at the Gippsland Lakes provided opportunities for adventure, connection and fun. All through the year our sporting teams showed the fighting spirit we are renowned for, with our Lawn Bowlers, Girls’ Volleyballers and Girls’ Swimmers securing AGSV premierships in hard fought contests in the summer season, and our Girls’ Basketballers doing the same in winter in a dramatic last round victory over Caulfield Grammar. Our Boys’ Footballers were able to break a 60 year drought to secure an elusive premiership.
These teams were supported in force by the always passionate ‘Ivy Army’- a cheer squad that has won plaudits for their energy and character from within our community and from other schools. We were able to go back-to-back in the Greenway Cup and our debaters were outstanding in this showcase event, as they had been all season. Our music program has never been stronger with so many concerts, soirees and performances giving our wonderfully hard-working musicians the chance to shine in front of an audience.
The Cadet and IDEALS programs have also thrived in the post COVID bounce back, with record numbers attending cadet camps and the IDEALS program providing so many worthwhile and inspiring choices. Our student voice continued to grow through our SRC and prefects, including running global forums and an Inclusion and Diversity fortnight with lunchtime activities showcasing cultures from around the world. Likewise, Service has gone from strength to strength with Big Group Hug and 300 Blankets being wonderful opportunities for our young people to develop their sense of social justice.
Finally, 2023 saw the consolidation of our Reconciliation Action Plan, and the second year of our First Nations Scholarship program and the School’s focus in this area has been considered and involved.
I would like to thank all members of our community for helping our school continue to thrive. To our parents and families: thank you for all the support– it is so great to see so many of you at key events supporting our young people and building community. To our staff: you have been amazing in your dedication, commitment, adaptability and support to try to get the best out of every student. And to the students: you are what we are all here for, and your can-do attitude, endeavour and collaboration is so admirable, it gives us all purpose.
Tom Rickards Deputy Principal / Head of Ridgeway CampusFrom the Head of University Campus
2023 has once again proven to be a fulfilling and productive year at University Campus. It has provided Year 9 students with a unique and tailored educational experience during this crucial stage of their academic journey.
Our focused commitment to facilitating a seamless transition between the Middle Years and the Senior Years has supported students in adapting to the heightened academic rigor, expectations, and responsibilities.
The specialised curriculum, which includes inquiry learning, experiential learning, financial literacy, and our signature Ignite (Passion) project, caters specifically to the developmental needs of students at this age, ensuring that subjects and teaching methods are aligned with their cognitive and emotional growth.
Immersed in university-style learning, our students conducted scientific experiments within La Trobe University laboratories, engaged in fieldwork at the Wildlife Sanctuary and harnessed the capabilities of cutting-edge facilities like the Media Room, Bloomberg Trading Room and Moot Court. Additionally, they actively participated in Making Melbourne Marvellous activities, The Arts, Wellbeing, Technology, Financial Literacy, Sustainability and Service Learning, which are all integral components of our Out-of-Class Experiential Programs. All these experiences encouraged hands-on learning, promoting critical thinking, problemsolving and creativity.
The Out-of-Class Experiential Programs centred on diverse facets of personal development encompassing teamwork, leadership, communication and adaptability. These activities played a significant role in the personal growth of students. In the end, these programs etched indelible, enduring memories, enriching the broader Ivanhoe Grammar School experience for our students.
Throughout the course of this year students have received nurturing guidance from their mentors and subject teachers fostering a deep sense of connection and unity within our tightly knit Year 9 community. A significant focus on wellbeing has empowered students to channel their efforts into personal development and learning all while navigating the intricacies of adolescent social dynamics.
We continued to embed a holistic approach, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on character development, building social skills, emotional intelligence, and overall wellbeing.
The unique environment of University Campus provided opportunities for targeted support for students transitioning from Middle Years into Senior Years, helping them navigate challenges, build self-confidence, and develop effective study habits. Undoubtedly, a distinct sense of identity and belonging flourished among students as they shared experiences and milestones with peers who are at similar stages of their educational journey.
Cultivating a sense of community and fostering meaningful connections lies at the core of our University Campus approach. Over the course of the year students from both the Plenty Campus and The Ridgeway Campus united, sharing unique experiences that solidified bonds that will endure beyond Year 9. Guiding this journey our mentors and Heads of Wellbeing, Stuart Adderley and Jess Roberts assumed a pivotal role in nurturing the holistic growth and wellbeing of students demonstrating a dedicated focus on addressing individual needs with genuine care and attention.
This year, a heightened spirit of resilience and optimism prevailed. Our devoted and industrious teachers and professional services staff have been a cornerstone of this success, playing a vital part in promoting a profound sense of pride and accomplishment within our student body. Their unwavering commitment has wrought a significant and transformative impact on the lives of our students for which we hold a deep and heartfelt gratitude.
I want to convey my sincere gratitude to our families for their steadfast support. Your partnership forms an essential foundation in cultivating a vibrant and nurturing learning environment for our students at the University Campus. I wholeheartedly applaud every student for embracing the myriad of opportunities that have crossed their paths this year. As they prepare to transition back to their home campus, I extend my sincerest well-wishes for their ongoing achievements. With great anticipation, we set our sights on embarking on fresh endeavours committed to crafting the upcoming year into a chapter marked by even more remarkable accomplishments and growth.
Stella Batsanis Head of University CampusPrimary Years at Plenty Campus
2023 has been another successful year with much growth and development across the Primary School community. Growth, success and achievement do not simply happen; every student has their own unique set of struggles and challenges that they have overcome. A continual inspiration in schools is the observation of students demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge and adversity. This is exemplified when a student overcomes anxiety, fear and trepidation when engaging with any of the following contexts; mathematical tasks, performing on stage in front of an audience, learning to write and spell, public speaking, joining in with others during social times, attending school camp, swimming lessons…etc the list goes on. Nelson Mandela once said, “do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” It is an honour and a privilege to lead our Primary School community to witness our students getting back up again after they have metaphorically fallen or struggled with a challenge. We as a community of learning value the importance of the learning journey, not just the outcome. I congratulate all primary year’s students at Plenty Campus on a highly successful 2023.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Gerard Foley and Mrs Fiona Devlin for the continual support and encouragement of the students and educators in the Primary Years at Plenty Campus. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr Russell Feben and Mrs Renata Rowe for their amazing collegiality, support, and mentorship over the years.
We wish them congratulations and all the very best in their retirement. 2023 has been another incredibly busy year, and the successes of the school are largely due to the amazing work that our teachers do each day. I feel continually grateful to work with the amazing Primary team at Plenty Campus, comprised of highly professional and dedicated educators who go above and beyond for the children in their care. I would like to thank all our families for another wonderful year. The trust and support that you provide is second to none and greatly appreciated. The Friends of Plenty Primary (FOPPS) have once again been terrific in their tireless support of the Campus with regards to both friends raising and fund raising. We have all appreciated our special lunches and BBQ meals at key events this year. Thank you to all those parents involved under the excellent leadership of FOPPS Conveners Holly Duguid and Casey Butterworth. Finally, I would like to thank our wonderful parents for the amazing support and faith that you show us all at Ivanhoe Grammar School. We enjoy developing the vital relationship between home and school with you. I look forward to working with you again in 2024.
Darren Gibson Head of Primary Years Plenty CampusBuckley House Chaplaincy Program
Nurturing Spirituality and Well-being
The Chaplaincy program at Buckley House has been a consistent and vital cornerstone of our school community, providing a holistic and contemporary approach to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of 21st-century learners.
Within the serene environment of the Buckley House Chapel, our students engaged in enriching experiences that left lasting impressions. Chapel services were dynamic and interactive, often featuring contributions from students and thought-provoking discussions. Guided by Chaplain Mr Pieter Keuneman, these services delved into themes that arose from student-led conversations, classroom discussions, and playground interactions.
Students were invited to explore ethical and moral subjects through a modern lens. Sacred texts, including the Bible, were presented in accessible ways, fostering meaningful discussions and encouraging reflection. At its core, Chaplaincy equips students with the emotional resilience to navigate life’s challenges, be it loss, setbacks, or personal growth.
Our Chaplaincy program remained deeply aligned with the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes, promoting qualities such as courage, innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Rooted in our Christian ethos and the wider mission of Anglican schools, Chaplaincy offered a safe space for personal growth and exploration.
Chapel sessions were a blend of inspiration and interaction, addressing real-life experiences through creative mediums. Students actively participated through surveys, questions, and reflections, making each service a shared journey.
Mr Keuneman fostered an open dialogue by encouraging students and teachers to contribute their thoughts, prayers, and ideas, further enriching the Chapel experience.
Beyond our walls, Chaplaincy instilled a sense of social responsibility. Students were inspired to engage with local charities, fundraisers, and community service, embodying kindness and generosity in action. Special occasions like ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day provided moments for collective reflection, reminding us of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Environmental stewardship of God’s amazing world was also an integral part of our program. Through Chapel, students embraced sustainability initiatives and recognised their role in safeguarding our precious planet – a reflection of our commitment to God’s creation.
As we journeyed in 2023 Buckley House’s Chaplaincy program stood as a beacon of friendship, inclusivity, and shared understanding among all cultures and peoples, including our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities present in our school and wider community. The program nurtured an appreciation for God’s Word, God’s People, and the wonders of God’s wonderful world.
Pieter Keuneman Chaplain and TeacherEarly Learning Centre at Buckley House
Morphing and constantly changing, the ELC programs respond to the children’s interests and developmental needs.
Each year our focus changes and our learning veers in different directions with some elements remaining constant. Family involvement in the delivery of our program retains its place as a favourite for our children. Parents have generously made time to support a range of activities including pancake, Anzac cookie and dumpling making, as well as Greek Easter celebrations. Many parents have shared their occupational experiences with the children. We have had dentists, doctors, lawyers, chefs, obstetricians, structural engineers and many more, significantly enriching our learning and our connection with our ELC community. Building partnerships with families to extend our children’s learning underpins our ethos of Belonging, Being, Becoming. We are grateful for the willingness and enthusiasm brought to all ELC parent involvement activities. Our parents are always welcome in our centre and add to the depth of our community connections across the school.
The agency of our children and their voices are priorities throughout our centre. For example, after earning all their bucket filling tokens, our children discussed how to celebrate their achievements and voted for their preferred celebrations. These included babycinos at The Ridge café, a pyjama day, a rainbow dress up day, and making gingerbread.
Incursions are always highlights on our calendar. They are preceded by intentional teaching around the topic as well as in-depth discussions and conversations with the children to ascertain what they know and what they would like to discover and learn. Great incursions this year, including Wild Action Rock Pools with Steve the Crocodile, incubator chickens hatching in our rooms and Museum in a Van’s Dinosaurs, have revealed excitement and uncovered lively discussion about new experiences for our children. Steve was a highlight for many children and Charlotte’s comment after she touched the crocodile, ‘It feels like a Louis Vuitton handbag’, gave us quite a laugh.
We are octurnal and he (the hermit crab) is nocturnal.
Patrick Roberts, ELC4
I like the spiky things moving. The crocodile was looking at us and his skin felt bumpy.
Noah Robinson, ELC4
I like seeing the crocodile. His tail was wagging. I didn’t touch him ‘cos crocs are very dangerous.
Anthony Leon, ELC4
Our Farm Animals incursion for the ELC3 children extended our learning about lifecycles and food sources. This was the first time many of our Hearts had seen or held a rabbit or guinea pig or patted a piglet! It was one of many special events this year, including shopping for Mother’s Day gifts with our Buckley House Year 6 ‘personal shoppers’ and hosting our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations. STEM, both explicit and implicit, underpins much of our ELC programming; volcanoes, rainbows, walking water, collaborative construction projects, bridge building, floating and sinking and digging for dinosaurs. Palaeontologists, meteorologists, biologists, programmers, engineers, designers, artists, builders, chefs, problem solvers and collaborators. You will meet them all in our Centre!
During Science Week ELC4 were fortunate to visit the Science Room and meet the ‘science man’ Jason Coleman. Dressed to impress in their lab coats, the challenge for the children was to build a bridge to hold an elephant. The elephants were made with the digital printer and the children used straws, Lego, plasticene, paper, corks, tubes and cardboard to design their bridge. Lots of fun, problem solving and learning!
I like doing puzzles and we went to the Science Room and we saw the science man and we built bridges and tried to fit 21 elephants. I just fit three. Hamish Ligtermoet, ELC4
I used tubes and corks and Lego thingy. It kept falling down. I could get three and then, fall down. Sena Mohammad, ELC4 This is the funnest thing in the history of all fun things, ever!
George Mihailidis, ELC 4
Environmental awareness, sustainability and gratitude for sharing the indigenous land on which we learn have been enthusiastically explored and adopted by our children this year. Our sustainability change-makers are self-aware about the use of water for hand washing, minimising paper towel use, maximising drawing paper and art supplies, and curious to learn more about recycling.
Only take one piece of paper to dry hands. We don’t waste paper. We look after our biroment. We listen to the birds. Birds are so tiny, tiny. We play nicely. We do bucket filling. We don’t throw blocks. We share.
Hannah Byrne, ELC3
We save the environment with electricity. We turn the light off so we can save electricity and the heater.
Hazel Vaiopoulos, ELC3
You don’t cut trees off. You don’t cut any leaves. We help people. We save electricity. We turn the lights off and save electricity on the lights.
Hugo, ELC3
A modified Acknowledgement of Country, signed with the fingerprint of each child, is expressed daily by our Hearts as part of their outdoor learning program. Regularly scheduled half group indoor/half group outdoor learning blocks emphasise the equal importance of these learning spaces within our program. Outside we listen to birdsongs, take weather observations and make predictions, use our hands to assess the surface temperature of different outdoor structures and materials, regularly check our worm farm, hunt for snails to add to our snail house, dress up, create music, climb, design and construct. Yes, it’s play but the ‘Why?’ question elevates our play to a whole new level of investigation and enquiry.
All our children are significantly invested in our bucket filling Wellbeing program. Awareness of others, listening, being kind, respectful and sharing are all bucket filling behaviours which also closely align to our Ivanhoe Learner Attributes and ‘working as a team’ has become our catch-cry.
Bucket filling is sharing. So we don’t make up a fight. We listen. Don’t shake your head like this. Be kind to everyone and the aboriginal people.
Bobby Stevens, ELC3
Because we going to share. Sharing, no pushing people. Play with people. We be kind and gentle. We listen, we share.
Stella Gao, ELC3
The children showed true courage as they stepped out at the Buckley House Easter Hat Parade and the annual Book Week parade. Our children are truly part of the broader Ivanhoe community and it is a joy to watch them as they emerge.
I love, um, playing in the sandpit and I love playing in the ice cream shop. I love playing with the dress ups and climbing, and I love playing in the office.
Oscar Garewal, ELC3
I like climbing. I like drawing daffodils and I love playing ice cream and playing face paints.
Hazel Vaiopoulos, ELC3
It’s a kind kinder. Its not scary and I like my friends. I like playing drawing and I’m good at drawing. I like to care for my friends.
Charlotte Bordonaro ELC4
It has lots of toys and fun things like science and stuff.
Estelle Truong, ELC4
I like playing Lego and I like the pipes in the sandpit and the Uno and I like playing with my friends and my most favourite part is the mini oval. People should come to this kinder because of all the exciting things.
Anthony Leon, ELC4
I like the sandpit and the pipes to make volcanoes and water tracks and I like the marble track. I like playing with my friends and I like the mini oval.
Ethan Ong, ELC4
I like playing stuff and I have good friends.
Sienna Belanti, ELC4
We do painting. We also do volcanoes. We do bucket filling and then we vote for a thing we want to do, like having a baby ‘cino or a pajama dress-up day. We also do other things. Also, there are good friends.
Olympia Xiros, ELC4
I want to stay here forever. I like it. We play with friends. I like painting. I like when the humungous crocodile came to kinder.
Ethan Jiang ELC4
Kathryn Harding Early Learning Centre DirectorFoundation
Buckley House
The Foundation classes for 2023 were filled with excitement. We dressed up for our 100 Days of Foundation celebration, Book Week, and our Easter Bonnet Parade, all of which brought immense joy. We also welcomed special visitors into our school and classrooms, making those occasions even more special. Sharing a special morning with grandparents and special friends as we reflected on ANZAC Day through the picture storybook ‘ANZAC Ted’ was truly heartwarming.
During our journey, we took a trip to the Melbourne Zoo. Prior interviews with relatives, where we discussed how enclosures used to be compared to today, provided us with insights into the past and underscored the importance of shared knowledge.
Throughout the Foundation year, there was a strong emphasis on emotional and social development as students began their school journey and formed healthy friendships. We focused on positive communication and effective relationships for each student, aligning with the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes.
One standout aspect of the year was the bonding between our Foundation students and their Year 6 Buddies. Their close rapport and regular sessions served as valuable mentorship and leadership experiences. These interactions made transitions smoother and nurtured growth in our supportive community.
As we look back on the past year, we see curiosity, companionship, and growth as the key themes that enriched our journey. The zoo visit, joyful celebrations, experiences at Buckley Hall, and nurturing relationships have all contributed to a meaningful year of learning.
Isobel Bond and Jayde Keenan Foundation Classroom Teachers
Plenty Campus
100 Days of School Celebration
On August 2, our Foundation students celebrated the wonderful milestone of completing 100 days of school. Our students eagerly embraced the theme of ‘older and wiser’ by donning a variety of vintage inspired outfits. Tartan, braces, suits, shawls, lace, and cardigans were all creatively complemented by grey hair, walking sticks, pearls and spectacles.
Prior to the day, students were engaged in many activities based around the number 100. After initially believing that $100 would buy a new mansion, Lamborghini or computer, students quickly learnt that it would enable the purchase of a new soccer ball, small Lego set, dolls or toy trucks. Students then embraced the opportunity to build structures using one hundred icy-pole sticks, playing cards, unifix blocks or Lego pieces. Furthermore, students engaged their creative thinking skills to write about life as a centenarian. ‘Walking sticks’, ‘grandchildren’, ‘crochet’ and ‘rest’ were all featured in the students’ writing, which reflected their understanding of what life might be like for them in the future.
On the day of the assembly parents and grandparents watched on proudly as their children shared reflections based on what they had learnt since the beginning of the year. Learning to read, write, speak French and throw a ball were just some of the significant learning steps achieved by our students. The song ‘Home Among the Gum Trees’ echoed through the Founders’ Centre, performed magnificently by the young voices in their first concert.
Students then received their 100 Days of School certificates from the Head of Campus, Mrs Fiona Devlin, before posing for photos with their proud parents and grandparents. Celebratory cupcakes were devoured before returning to the classroom for more fun and frivolity.
Our Year 5 buddies welcomed us into their classroom where students excitedly shared their 100 days of school projects with each other. After receiving wonderfully positive feedback, students were then immersed in multiple games of Bingo utilising gameboards carefully crafted by the Year 5 students. Every spin of the wheel led to excited gasps with students hoping to match the necessary five numbers in a row. The grinning winners walked away with both pride and new stationery.
Back in our classroom, we practised skip counting by tens. Students then utilised tens frames to accurately count out 100 beads. A myriad of patterns emerged through the students’ choice of bead colours. Using their growing fine motor skills, students carefully threaded the beads onto string to make bright and colourful necklaces, which adorned their necks for the rest of the day.
Our day was full of fun activities, laughter, enthusiasm, and happiness. More importantly, it was an exciting celebration of the academic, social and emotional growth that each and every one of our Foundation students has undertaken since walking through the classroom door just 100 days ago.
Nicole Smith Foundation Classroom TeacherYear 1
Buckley House
In our Year 1 Inquiry unit on Habitats, students had an exciting opportunity to visit Healesville Sanctuary, where they observed and learned about various native Australian animals and their habitats. Upon returning to the classroom, they explored the fascinating world of bilbies, discovering their unique characteristics and the importance of their habitat. They then delved into researching the Swift Parrot, an endangered species, understanding the challenges it faces and the significance of protecting its habitat.
Throughout the unit, students engaged in thoughtful discussions and brainstormed ideas on how they could contribute to caring for their local environment. This Year 1 Inquiry unit nurtured an appreciation for habitats and empowered students to consider ways they can make a positive impact on the world around them.
Student reflections
I loved to learn about the Swift Parrot and the bilby because I wanted to learn what the bilby eats and they eat grubs and other stuff and I learned the Swift Parrot is critically endangered and even the bilby is endangered. I loved learning about it. It was very fun. I loved it.
Ariyan Mariampillai, Year 1
I loved learning about the Swift Parrot because they are critically endangered and one of their threats are sugar gliders. People try to make nesting boxes for them to live in. They also live in tree hollows and owl homes. They go to Tasmania to breed and have babies.
Stella Elias, Year 1
I want to help the Swift Parrot. I am angry because they are extinct. I want to help them and to save them.
Hudson Kreti, Year 1
My favourite part in Term 2 was going to Healesville Sanctuary. My favourite part in Healesville Sanctuary was going to the bird show because it was super fun and the birds flew really close over our heads. I love Healesville Sanctuary.
Rosie Saman, Year 1
I didn’t know that bilbies had a backward pouch to protect their babies from sand. I liked making the poster because it was a good challenge.
Smith Shanahan, Year 1
I liked Healesville Sanctuary because we got to see the Tasmanian Devil. I learned that bilbies have an upsidedown pouch. I like it all because we had super fun!
Adrian Avramoski, Year 1
Recounts of Healesville Sanctuary from 1S Broom! Broom! The big bus takes us to Healesville Sanctuary Zoo. We started walking around. We walked past the soft koalas. They were cute and we walked past the Tasmanian Devils. They were very hard to spot and then we saw one.
Eric Gu, Year 1
I went on the big and colourful bus. I liked the drive. I saw the koalas. They were fluffy and cute. I felt I wanted to pat them. After that I saw the kangaroos. They did not bounce. I love Healesville Zoo. I want to come back again.
Emily Miskas, Year 1
The bus ride was very fun and long. We saw tall emus and echidnas. It was in its dark tunnel. We saw cozy, sleeping, snoring wombats and small bilbies. They were cute and fast. I love Healesville. Manu Vijayan, Year 1
Snapshots from 1B
I can see birds flying all over the place and swooping over our heads. I can hear birds shaking loudly. I can smell fresh air. I feel very excited. I wonder if the birds will touch my head. I am thinking how fast the birds can fly.
Ronav Sarkar, Year 1
I can see the blue sky. I can hear the bird’s chirp. I feel a bird swooping my head. I wonder what type of birds they are. I am thinking what the birds are going to do next.
Georgia Gowans, Year 1
I can see birds flying around. I can see the bird going high in the sky. I can see the bird swooping down. I can hear birds. I feel the bird whooshing down at me. I feel very happy and very scared. This is the best!!!
Lucas Chen, Year 1
I can hear the Tasmanian devil growling loudly behind the tree. I can see a kangaroo jumping everywhere. I wonder if the bird will land on my head.
Zara Safi, Year 1
Nicola Braddy and Amanda Stock Year 1 Classroom Teachers
Plenty Campus
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as once saying ‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn’. This type of thinking has guided our learning journey in Year 1. Through experiences, excursions, incursions and purpose-designed play opportunities, the students have discovered more about their world, considered history, connected to the perspectives of First Nations people and solved problems.
In Term 1 students looked at the concept of ‘Change’ and focused on how toys have changed over time. Opportunities to play with ‘old-fashioned’ toys, to reflect on the materials from which toys have been made and to consider how toys today are different, were enhanced by a visit from Labcoat Learning. During this incursion the students played with old toys, talked about how toys have changed in recent history and reflected on how their parents spent time as children. Many connections were made as the students were engaged in history through touch, feel, and play.
In Term 2 students inquired about the how First Nations Australians have cared for and connected to Country for many thousands of years. Our visit to Healesville Sanctuary helped students to explore how Indigenous Australians have sustained the land, cared for the animals, and understood the importance of respecting Country. For many of our students this was one of their first big school excursions and it was a delight to hear students ask questions and make links to the learning we had been doing in the classroom as
they moved around Wurundjeri Country. I think they will long remember feeding the emus that day too!
In Term 3 the students were excited to spend several afternoons exploring the role that simple machines have in our lives. Engaging in problems like ‘how to make your toy car go as far as it can’ or ‘how to construct a wheel and axle’ saw students build, experiment, hypothesize and collaborate to find a solution. The conversations that naturally flowed because of these experiences demonstrated the deep and engaged learning that was happening through what may otherwise have been observed as simple ‘play’.
In all instances the learning this year has been experiential. The students have been actively involved in exploring, seeing, touching, and questioning in order to make deep connections with their world. Through conversation, drawing, writing and reflection we then connected these experiences to learning outcomes. The learning was authentic and memorable. I hope that when you ask the Year 1 students to describe a highlight for the year, one of these events may be placed highly on their list.
Sarah Horton Year 1 Classroom TeacherYear 2
Buckley House
Birrarung Excursion
Wilam, a Wurundjeri term meaning home, was an interesting lens through which to view Reconciliation Week at Buckley House. Each class received a copy of the beautiful picturestory book Wilam – A Birrarung Story by Andrew Kelly and Wurundjeri elder, Aunty Joy Murphy. In Year 2, we thought what better way to interpret this than by taking the students to the Birrarung, or Yarra River, to read the story, then discuss and explore the environment. This made for a wonderfully immersive literature experience. Students were fascinated by the surrounds as they developed an understanding of why these places are so special to local Indigenous people and the wider community. They were challenged to think about what flora and fauna call the river home and the types of activities that happen in and along the river. Students took delight in exploring, jumping in muddy puddles with gumboots, smelling eucalyptus leaves and being together in a natural environment just down the road from Buckley House. We discovered that Birrarung is Wilam to many!
Students returned to school inspired to create artworks of what they had seen at the Birrarung and created their own Acknowledgement of Country. As teachers, we believe that if we can create awareness of First Nations culture and language in our young people, we can help bridge the gap in understanding for future generations as they become the community leaders of tomorrow.
Acknowledgements of Country by Year 2 Students:
We would like to pay our respect to the custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri people. They took care of this land that we stand on for generations. We want to make a positive impact in helping the land that we stand on by cleaning the Birrarung, which is home to many beautiful creatures.
Henry Roberts, Arianna Ylias and Zephyra Makris, Year 2
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Wurundjeri people. We thank them for caring for the animals and plants, which we enjoy. We pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging. We must acknowledge that the Wurundjeri people have lived here for way longer than we have.
Inika Roberts, Chiara Fraser and Bodhi Bhatia, Year 2
We would like to thank the Wurundjeri people from the Kulin nation for allowing us to use their land and for giving us a place to learn, play and grow. Thank you for making this land what it is now. We respect them for taking care of this land, the river and creeks, which are so beautiful. We love this land that you share with us. Thank you so much for making Australia so beautiful.
Felicity Liu, Year 2
We thank you for sharing the land with us. We are grateful for the land that the Wurundjeri people are taking care of, the beautiful trees, the mountains and the animals. Every day we play, learn, live and grow on this beautiful land.
Meadow Black, Year 2
Tim Braddy and David McClean Year 2 Classroom Teachers
Plenty Campus
Year 2 students have explored a range of genres over the year in literacy through both reading and writing. In Term 3 we took a deep dive into characters in narratives. Students explored the ways in which authors described characters and how they showed each of their personality traits. We learnt that the way a character looks adds to their personality and helps a reader visualise them throughout the story. Students searched for adjectives in the text used to describe characters and then drew pictures of what they thought the characters looked like. After investigating through reading, students tried their hand at writing their own character descriptions, using images as inspiration. The Year 2 students found that listing adjectives gave a strong image of a character. These character descriptions were later used in their own narratives.
Zip, zap, zop the determined, magical, adventurous, young girl set upon the giant, spikey beast with her magic.
Lachlan Tysoe, Year 2
One day I woke up and saw a big rock standing outside my house. It looked like a boy with mossy hair, orange eyes and a rough body. It had enormous teeth.
Fareed Atwal, Year 2
There was an elf who was sitting in his chair very quietly and he was drinking potions. His dragon was snoring. He put a pipe in his mouth, and he started to smoke. Then he took a sip of his potion.
Ranya Begum, Year 2
Boom, crack! Houses broke down except one. A girl tucks her knees to her chest. She lies on her side while one of the walls falls to the floor.
Maya Bament, Year 2
Measurement was an exciting hands-on unit in Term 2. Our focus was using non-standard units of measurement to measure items around the classroom and playground. An exciting activity was when the students were challenged to measure the height of a member of their group using an array of classroom items. Students had rich discussion about what materials would be suitable to measure a person. They quickly realised that whatever item they chose to use as their measuring tool had to be a consistent length. We also learnt how to compare the length of objects by using the same measuring tool.
I found out that the smaller the measuring item I used, the more units it would be.
Ethan Whittingham, Year 2
I realised that eight of the blocks was equal length to one exercise book. So, I didn’t need to count how many blocks for the whole of the body, I could just multiply the number of books by eight to get the number of blocks!
Melana Tadros, Year 2
I think that using the counters was not a good measurement tool because there were so many to count!
Emily Black, Year 2
Year 2 students have developed autonomy and curiosity in their learning this year. Their enthusiasm and love of learning has been inspiring. They have shown courage in their willingness to try new things, make mistakes and articulate their thinking.
Georgina Garner Year 2 Classroom TeacherYear 3
Buckley House
Imagine a world beneath our feet, a world of dazzling gemstones, ancient rocks, and remnants of prehistoric life. This is the realm that the Year 3 students embarked upon, a journey that would take them to the heart of Earth’s resources. This was the captivating inquiry unit titled ‘Rock My World’.
Students ignited their curiosity and fostered critical thinking by investigating Earth’s resources, encompassing rocks, soil, and minerals. They explored the characteristics of each resource and gained an appreciation of their vital role in our environment and lives.
Through hands-on activities, experiments, and discussions, students learned about the dynamic nature of Earth’s resources. Students explored methods for classifying rocks, soil, and minerals based on their properties, composition, and uses. They learned about the different types of rocks ,igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, soil horizons, and the diverse range of minerals found within the Earth’s crust.
The inquiry unit encouraged students to connect their learning to real-life applications. They investigated how rocks, soil, and minerals are utilised in daily life. By examining everyday objects, students discovered the presence of these resources in their surroundings.
An exciting aspect of this learning was the opportunity to visit the Melbourne Museum. During this excursion, the students explored the fascinating world of precious gemstones, rocks, and fossils. The museum’s exhibits provided a hands-on and visual experience, allowing students to closely examine these geological wonders and gain a deeper understanding of Earth’s resources.
Another highlight was the chance to speak to a geologist who shared his incredible adventures and insights from his travels around the world. He spoke passionately about his work and the students had the chance to ask questions about the world of geology..
To complete their inquiry learning, the students embarked on an individual research project to learn more about a self-selected rock or mineral. They formulated thoughtful questions and utilised a range of print and digital resources to gather information. The culmination of their research was the creation of information reports, and the students showcased their findings in diverse and creative ways. Some students crafted videos resembling news reports, where they presented their discoveries with enthusiasm and detail. Others took on the role of journalists, writing newspaper articles that highlighted the significance of their chosen rocks or mineral. Additionally, some students chose to compile their research into informative books.
In conclusion, the ‘Rock My World’ inquiry unit provided Year 3 with a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Earth’s resources. Through experiential learning, research, and creative expression, students not only deepened their scientific knowledge but also cultivated skills that will contribute to their holistic development.
And… it was a whole lot of fun, too!
We went to the Melbourne Museum to learn about rocks and minerals. I loved that we got to see some rare rocks and minerals that are hard to find. I liked the big rocks the best!
Aaron Xu, Year 3
The museum was so amazing. We got to see so many things. I remember the pinks and reds in the rubies. The diamonds were incredible.
Daniel Miskas, Year 3
We saw so many crystals and the gold was so shiny, I was mesmerised.
Evie Saman, Year 3
Robert Loft and Katie Price Year 3 Classroom Teachers
Plenty Campus
In 2023, Year 3 students shared inspiring stories through the art of Public Speaking. During Writer’s Workshop sessions they embarked on a memorable journey, each achieving their personal best in our House Public Speaking Competition. Guided by the theme of ‘Our Passions’ students actively embraced the writing process while preparing their speeches. From the initial steps of research and thoughtful planning through to the art of drafting and refining, they harnessed their creativity to craft impactful written pieces.
On completing the written component, they mastered the art of delivering a formal speech. Students skilfully engaged with the audience by paying close attention to their appearance, maintaining consistent eye contact, using effective stance and expressive gestures and utilised cue cards to enhance the delivery of their speeches. Their confidence shone brightly during the class heats, impressing everyone. The children enhanced their social connections and showcased leadership qualities while informing and inspiring others through their messages.
Each participant showcased remarkable dedication and determination in their performances. Their efforts and achievements have earned them admiration. Here are a few samples of these awe-inspiring speeches, a testament to their ability and triumph.
Would you believe me if I said that the world’s rainforests are being destroyed by a fruit? Put your hand up if you would believe me. That fruit, when made into an oil is called sodium laurel lactylate, also known as palm oil. I am here to tell you why palm oil needs to be banned.
Ash Wilson, Year 3Put your hand up if you have ever wanted to visit a warm, tropical place. Just imagine that warm breeze on your cheeks, the glistening cool sea waters, the waves lapping at your feet. Or would you like to see amazing sights and bizarre animals? Well, I’m here to prove that the Philippines is a phenomenal place to add to your bucket list.
Beata Pajarillo, Year 3
You know I grew up on a government blanket under a palm tree. I lived under the lantana bushes. I’ve seen more dinner times than dinners. I’ve known discrimination. I’ve known prejudice. I’ve known all of those things. But some of that is still with us and it’s got to be changed.’ Have you ever heard the name Neville Bonner? Well he was the first indigenous member of parliament.
Kishan Rajeev, Year 3
Put your hand up if you have an iPad, TV or phone. Keep your hand up if you go on that device at least three days a week for an hour and a half. That adds up to four and a half hours per week. That may seem like a good amount of time but if you go on that device too much you get addicted to the screen.
Siya Patel, Year 3
Did you know that 55 elephants die a day? If you add that up for a week it would be 385 elephants dead. Now for a month 1650 elephants dead. Now finally a year: 20,075 elephants dead because of poaching. You may be thinking what does poaching mean? Well poaching means illegally hunting animals.
Jude Wafek, Year 3 Simone Cracknell Year 3 Classroom TeacherYear 4
Buckley House
Eyes to the World
The start of Year 4 delivered 52 bright, bubbly and intensely curious students into the care of Ms Lett and Mrs Taylor. With inquiring minds, explosive energy and endless questions, the teachers quickly realised that striving for Franklin’s notion of successful teaching would be both enjoyable and achievable.
‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.’
Benjamin Franklin.
Learning in our Humanities units across the year captured the students’ imaginations and opened their eyes to the world beyond the classroom. Getting out into the veggie garden and planting our own seedlings tied in well with issues surrounding sustainability, which recurred as a theme in the Geography unit on South America and Africa. A visit to CERES in Term 2 highlighted practical ways to make small but effective changes in our daily lives. When delving into world exploration during the History unit, ‘The Age of Discovery,’ students began with Indigenous Australians’ lives and connection to country as First Nations’ People. A writing unit on biographies of important historical figures at this time also helped kindle a flame of excitement and inquisitiveness about the world.
Camp in Term 4 was a memorable experience and time of personal growth. As the students marvelled at their baby teeth falling out in quick succession, we were reminded of the speed of change and the young people maturing before our eyes into informed, thoughtful citizens. With so little time and so much to achieve, we placated ourselves with the words of Yeats, that ‘education is not the filling of a pot, but the lighting of a fire,’ W.B.Yeats.
2023 had slipped away as speedily as windy flames devour! (George Meredith)
In the students’ own words:
The highlight of Year 4, 2023 was the Inquiry Unit on the geography of South America because I’m from Brazil so I had the chance to learn and share my culture.
Olivia Gistelinck-Gusman, Year 4
Year 4 was a stunning year because we did lots of entertaining things such as going to the CERES environmental park, learning about sustainability, rearranging our seats every 3 weeks and the swimming carnival. Year 4 was a very productive year, and I will not forget it.
Aanav Khanna, Year 4
I’m always going to remember going down to the veggie patch in the afternoon after a long day of work.
Kosta Papadopoulos, Year 4
One of my favourite things that we did in Year 4 was the seating arrangements. We got to change every week! I loved this because we sat with someone new quite often, and got to learn about them and even make new, sympathetic friends.
Jasmine Prukkittiwong, Year 4
A highlight of 2023 was when I made it to regionals for cross country because I fly like a hawk and finish like a champ.
Jack Wright, Year 4
Alexandra Lett and Suzanne Taylor Year 4 Classroom Teachers
Plenty Campus
Year 4 students have immersed themselves in the fascinating world of multiplication and division, honing their mathematical fluency and problem-solving skills. The teaching and learning of multiplication and division have taken centre stage in Year 4, empowering young minds to excel in these fundamental operations.
The focus on multiplication and division has not only helped students to learn multiplication and division facts but has also fostered conceptual understanding and exposed students to a variety of strategies to multiply and divide numbers. These strategies have empowered students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations, making learning meaningful and relevant. The students were exposed to a range of mental and written strategies, allowing students to discover methods that work best for them individually. Every child learns differently, and by providing a diverse set of approaches, we ensure that each student can find the strategies that resonate with them.
As the Year 4 students continue to thrive in the world of multiplication and division, and with a solid foundation in multiplication, division and problem-solving skills, these young mathematicians are well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead and develop a deeper appreciation for the world of numbers.
I have learned to solve problems that I normally couldn’t solve.
Jobe Fantone, Year 4
I’ve really improved when solving multiplication problems. I’ve learned so many new strategies. They are all useful when it comes to multiplication.
Jaxson Bongiorno, Year 4
I enjoyed learning the lattice method, and even my family didn’t know or learn this method. This method is creative, and I only just recently discovered it.
Reena Ando, Year 4
Multiplication is an interesting concept, and, in a few weeks, we developed many interesting strategies for multiplication.
Sabreen Hira, Year 4
I was stunned when I saw the lattice method. BOOM! My mind was blown in maths!
Christian Karlis, Year 4
I have learned strategies for multiplication. I can’t believe I’ve noticed them just now.
Niki Wang, Year 4
I enjoyed the lattice method because I can get more practise with my weakest links.
Alcina Gaba, Year 4
The concept of maths never ends and it’s a world of numbers that creatively gives me my answer.
Aral Kaur, Year 4
When I was doing expanded notation, it was hard at first but then I realised it was getting easier for me, and then it hit.
Joshua Ward, Year 4
I really enjoyed learning about the lattice method. It really changed how I thought about maths. Now I know that maths can come in many different ways.
Chloe Stocker, Year 4
I always thought multiplication was impossible! But when I learned these strategies, it transformed my thinking.
Avni Sidhu, Year 4
I have learned so much maths now my mind is full of maths.
Amreen Kaur, Year 4
My favourite method was the area method, and it was complicated at the start but when I learned it properly it was one of the best methods I used.
Bethmi Perera, Year 4
Melanie Matthews
Year 4 Classroom Teacher
Year 5
SCHOOL SUMMARY
Buckley House
The Forces of Nature
Term 3 in Year 5 had students venture into the captivating world of Earth’s most powerful forces: natural disasters. The unit explored the causes and effects of natural disasters and how scientific knowledge can assist in the management of such events. In addition, students were taught how to communicate scientific knowledge using different texts and modes. The unit began with students exploring the Earth’s structure and tectonic plate movement which was supported by reading and viewing information texts and videos. To convey their understanding of earth’s composition, students created a poster with an annotated diagram. Employing the precision of a compass, they skilfully drew meticulously measured circles, each representing a distinct layer of the earth. Students added their individual artistic flair by colour coding and clever use of labelling, headings and text size. As the inquiry progressed, students gained insights into the various types of plate boundaries, from the collision of convergent boundaries to the divergence of divergent boundaries, and the transformative nature of transform boundaries. To illustrate this newfound knowledge, students constructed models using Magiclay, match sticks and paper. These models served as a vehicle for them to articulate their scientific understanding, visualising the intricate processes occurring beneath the earth’s surface.
To further support this inquiry, students participated in an enriching incursion led by Swinburne University PrimeSci Unit Our presenter, Lydia, was a knowledgeable and passionate scientist who engaged students in a series of interactive demonstrations and hands on activities explaining the underlying forces causing events such as volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Here are some of the students’ reflections…
I enjoyed learning about how cyclones are made because I learnt so much my brain snapped and I thought Cyclone Tracey was not a surprise.
Gus Schif, Year 5
I learnt that bushfires are mainly in Australia because our vegetation has a lot of gum trees, which contain oil and oil creates fires.
Siena Briganti, Year 5
My favourite activity was the explosives. It represented the volcano erupting and my group’s explosion was quite pleasant.
Evan Theofilakos, Year 5
I enjoyed feeling the Oobleck because it was hard when you squished it and it was liquid when the pressure released.
Harrie Bhatia, Year 5
Bronwyn McHugh Year 5 Classroom Teacher
Plenty Campus
What an incredible year it has been in Year 5! Beyond the classroom, we had an enjoyable and fantastic week at Angahook Holiday Camp in Aireys Inlet, engaged in interschool sports, celebrated Book Week and Footy Day, visited a Chinese Museum, had lunch in China Town, and had some fun swimming adventures. It truly has been an inspiring year! Below are some student reflections. Interschool sports was amazing because you got to have fun with your friends while playing sports. Going to different schools is really fun because you get to meet other kids and see their school. We love interschool sports because we can enjoy some of our favourite sports which include Tee Ball, Rounders, Netball and Footy. Marilyn Bhattacharyya and Bennjamin Davies-Starritt
In Mathematics this year, we learnt about 24-hour time. Our amazing teacher Miss Crichton taught us by playing games that made it super fun and challenging. We learnt about how people around the world tell time, for example people used sundials, stars, hourglasses, and the moon.
Lana Walsh-Buckley and Sirin Demir, Year 5
Spending time with our buddies was so enjoyable, we did lots of fun activities with them and helped celebrate all their special days. We really enjoyed spending time with them and teaching them new things like Monopoly or how to read and pronounce words. Our buddies are so cute.
Julian Canzoneri and Sienna Lacorcia, Year 5
Chinatown was so much fun! When we arrived there, we learnt about Chinese history at a Chinese museum. After learning about Chinese history, we walked all around Chinatown, and at the end we ate at a
Chinese restaurant. We ate noodles, spring rolls and honey chicken, it was so yummy! We enjoyed the excursion a lot!
Shayen Nijhawan and Danyasree Sundaram, Year 5
In Inquiry we learnt about Asia. We gained an understanding about Asia and how the different countries operate. Our favourite part about Inquiry was how the activities were so challenging and it made our minds switch on, which is good. The experience of learning Inquiry was hard, but it was a pleasure.
Leo Duckmanton and Sartaj Dhanoa, Year 5
Our favourite thing about camp was canoeing, as my best friend and I learnt superior teamwork and we had lots of fun. Another thing we liked was camping with our friends and telling super scary stories before we went to sleep. It was so much fun!
Nate Anderson and Oliver Tan, Year 5
We were fond of reading this year because it was extremely calming and peaceful. Reading was also different every time. We read articles, chapter books and analysed picture story books. Reading is really fun, and we all love it, our favourite book series is the Treehouse series.
Eveleen Kalsi and Daniel Ren, Year 5
Krystal Crichton Year 5 Classroom Teacher
Year 6
Buckley House
Year 6 at Ivanhoe Grammar School is a very special year and is full of unique learning opportunities for the students. It is a time where they learn explicitly about leadership through inquiry learning, extra-curricular experiences and by being role models to the younger students at the school. Students develop attributes of courage, collaboration, compassion and authenticity. More importantly they come to understand that leadership is shown every day in their choices and the kindness that they display to others. A few of our Year 6 students have reflected on the highlights of their final year as leaders of Buckley House.
Leadership Roles
As I walk into the science room with a smile on my face, I look forward to working with my team to prepare resources for science lessons and care for the resident animals. During Science Week, we help lead experiments, including exploding volcanoes and boat building activities during lunch. I also pump-up balls, set up cones, rake sandpits and blow my whistle. These are some of my responsibilities and duties as a Year 6 STEM leader and Sports Captain.
Alex Fisher, Year 6Interschool Sport
The footy bounces and the buzzer sounds, as we kick the ball away. The ball is passed swiftly through the air, the goal shooter aligns themselves with the hoop making the netball swish. The bat swings at the leather ball creating a theatrical bang sending the ball soaring past the fielders. This is a common scene at the weekly Year 5 and 6 Interschool sports, where students represent Ivanhoe Grammar School proudly. This Interschool program is a delightful opportunity that allows students to collaborate with their peers.
Ben Gusman-Gistelinck and Eddie French, Year6
Collaborative Learning in Year 6
Imagine a day, in Year 6, where there isn’t a barrier between the two classes. Being collaborative is one of the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes and at Buckley House we know the importance of embracing it through our learning. Whether it be through exploring themes for our Inquiry units, designing and testing STEM designs in Maths or unpacking friendships through discussions it is what challenges us to grow. Collaboration is a regular part of our learning and an experience that has a positive impact on everyone.
Karen Zhang and Keanndra Melling, Year 6Buddies
Incessant chatter and giggling flows into our ears in a rhythmic way. One of the best things about Year 6 is that we finally meet our Foundation Buddies. Not only do we do activities with them, but we also get to build a beautiful bridge of connection. Sometimes we do scavenger hunts together to help expand the younger students’ vocabulary, sometimes we draw together to inspire their creativity and sometimes we write together to teach them the art of poetry.
Benita Zhang, Year 6 Melanie Neilson Year 6 Classroom TeacherPlenty Campus
Global Education through Inquiry in Year 6 encompasses a diverse range of interconnected themes, cultivating a sense of global awareness and understanding among our students. One fundamental aspect is connecting the Inquiry curriculum to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through various inquiry-based activities, the students have explored real world issues such as poverty and aid, climate change and sustainability, and equality and justice. We specifically looked at how we can all contribute positively to our global community through education, awareness, and action.
Through learning about the Global Goals, we see that we could change the world drastically. It is important to learn about the issues that keep us from enjoying a clean world, where people no longer live in poverty and can access quality education.
Kishen Akilan, Year 6
Global education informs us about what is happening in the real world, where everything isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I find it interesting. It opens our eyes to what is happening around us so that we can think more about others who are struggling.
Renato Vijay, Year 6
Literacy plays a crucial role in this process, enabling students to research, analyse and comprehend complex global challenges. Students have developed their critical thinking and communication skills, allowing them to articulate their perspectives on global issues and understand how other cultures see our world.
It’s important to increase the educational opportunities and the well-being of the people in the countries we are studying. We will have the opportunity to visit different countries to try to solve the problem face-to-face and spread awareness to support these causes.
Jodhbir Bajwa, Year 6
As global leader, I have enjoyed learning about the many forms of ‘Affordable and Clean Energy.’ While in Canberra on Year 6 Camp, I saw solar, wind, geothermal and hydro energy in action. Global education is important because we live in a generation where our planet will be irreversibly stained if we don’t gain the knowledge to act now.
Dean Sarek, Year 6
By exploring the similarities and differences between our country and our Asian neighbours, we foster openmindedness and prepare students to collaborate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Excursions, collaborative projects, and incursions have enhanced classroom learning experiences on topics such as history, migration, demographics, economics, religion, vexillology, politics, and natural resources. By connecting the theory with reality, the students have a deepened understanding of global sustainability and have become actively engaged in critical thinking processes that will affect their own future.
We have been involved in problem solving where we consider the pros and cons of ethics-based dilemmas. Understanding different perspectives globally involves examining ethical situations that may benefit some individuals or communities and not others. I enjoy the flow of it; when you understand different perspectives and think about it a bit more, you can dig deeper. Not just looking at what you can see on the surface, but what a good moral person would do.
Keisha Mittal, Year 6
Cara Comito Year 6C Classroom Teacher
Year 6
Plenty Campus
Show, Don’t Tell
Writing is not just a subject to study; it’s a magical portal that allows students to transport themselves and others to different worlds, evoke emotions, and share unique perspectives with the world.
Throughout Year 6, the techniques of the Seven Steps Writing program have guided students on their writing journey. Seven Steps focuses on the authorial, bigpicture skills of planning and drafting a text. Students encountered the magical world of figurative language in this writing program. Metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia, and personification have become our secret weapons to breathe life into our stories. By cleverly comparing two unrelated things, students added depth and beauty to their writing. Students’ writing has soared like birds, and our characters have danced like autumn leaves in the wind, all thanks to the enchantment of figurative language.
Below are examples of students’ writing that exemplify the ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ strategy. They were asked to reflect on their Term 2 holidays.
I took a deep breath and plunged into clear, blue, leaf-stained water. The tsunami-like explosion my jump created splattered across the floor overdramatically. Slowly the voracious, invincible water devoured me and seized the reins of my body, causing fear to break loose. Millions of goosebumps sprang from nowhere. The thick scent of chlorine filling the air hung in the cool afternoon air. My half-water-filled mouth retched in disgust. Feeling jealous of the warm and relaxed birds cawing over me, I slowly gripped the square tiles surrounding the pool and sighed. Why did I do this?
Jaydev Rajeev, Year 6I could feel the fish as the water surrounded me. Glorious colours pass through my eyes as the beautiful aquatic creatures brush my leg. I noticed a flash of a camera blinded me. I detected a salty smell in the air, yet the freshness of the air filled my nostrils as well. I fear sharks might emerge out of the water. Sounds of incoherent mumbling filled my ears. Then suddenly, my air supply starts to run out. Tugging on the rope, I started hyperventilating, but it was over. As I frantically tried to escape the water, my hands felt a ladder. I got a hold and climbed to the top. As air filled my lungs, I sat aboard, relieved despite all that had happened. Going Ocean Walking in Bali was an adventure that I will never forget.
Avi Singla, Year 6
The bird swooped above our heads, a bit too close for my comfort. One of the owls made a sound of a child screaming like no other, which was almost scary. My heart raced like a drum inside my chest as the eagle’s claws came about half a centimetre close to my face. That was the most blood-curdling bird show I’ve ever watched and also the first bird show I’ve ever watched. I thought Healesville Sanctuary was relaxing and tranquil, but the bird show changed my mind.
Angad Chouhan, Year 6Lucas Fleming
Year 6F Classroom Teacher
Ridgeway Campus Chapel
It has been a joy to share in the lives of staff and student of the Ridgeway Campus again in 2023. It was wonderful to welcome our new Year 7s of the Class of 2028 to Chapel at the beginning of the year. We talked about the bonds of friendship that they would form amongst each other on their journey through school together in the coming years, looking at the verse from Ecclesiastes 4:12 which talks about a chord of three strands that cannot easily be broken. This important theme and the joy that comes from our relationships with each other and with God has permeated many of our times in Chapel this year.
The School year began on a sad note with the sudden passing of James Godfrey a much loved former student from the Class of 2022 which saw many past and current students and staff come together at school to celebrate his life. Inspired by the outpouring of love shown towards James and his family, our theme for Senior Years Chapels in Term 1 was ‘You are Loved’ reflecting on how precious each one of us is, not only to our friends and family but also to God.
In Year 7 we have explored and reflected on the power of our words n Terms 1 and 2 and then looked at themes of compassion and resilience in Term 3.
In Year 8 we began the year by encouraging students to ‘Get Out of the Boat’ like Peter did with Jesus when he walked on water and think about grasping all the opportunities that awaited them in 2023. We then explored themes revolving around the importance of Character, Courage, and Faithfulness.
On the first night of Year 10 Retreat we explored the theme of what it means to live life to the full, from Jesus’ statement in John 10:10 that he has come to bring us life to the full. With the important decisions that Year 10 face regarding future directions, we also spent time reflecting on the importance of making well considered choices.
As Year 11s prepare to lead the student body in 2024, we reflected in Chapel on themes of Servant Leadership and the importance of resilience in facing the challenges that lie ahead.
With Year 12 in Chapel, we have spent time thinking about how they can support and encourage one another throughout this year as well as reflecting on how they can each ensure that they finish strongly.
We have again enjoyed great opportunities to celebrate significant events in the Christian calendar with celebrations of Easter both at School and on our Annual Cadet Camp at Yackandandah reflecting on how Easter is about the winning by Jesus of the greatest battle in history, winning the war over sin and death. It was also wonderful to celebrate the joy and great news of the Christmas Story with the School community at the end of the year.
It has been a pleasure this year to have several students represent the School in a series of Anglican Schools’ Student Forums where they have met with students from other Anglican Schools from around the state to meet with the Archbishop and explore the unique identity of what makes an Anglican School. It has been wonderful to see our students involved in discussions with their peers from many other Anglican Schools.
It continues to be a wonderful joy to serve the students and staff of the Ridgeway Campus as its Lay Chaplain and to work alongside other School Chaplains Pieter Keuneman at Buckley House and the Reverend John Sanderson in his role of supporting the Chapel life across the school. It has been a privilege to walk alongside members of our community during times of great joy and celebration as well as times of difficulty and sorrow throughout the school and we remain eternally thankful to God for continuing to watch over and care for our school community.
Andrew Fox Lay ChaplainYear 7
Plenty Campus
As we share our reflections on Year 7, 2023 it is important to celebrate just how much every individual student has achieved throughout the year. The transition from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone, these young people have embarked on their secondary school journey with great success and have much to be proud of. Throughout the year there have been many highlights including Year 7 Camp and the much-anticipated School Production of Footloose which showcased the talents of many Year 7 students. Many students embraced Saturday sport for the first time, and Monday mornings were marked by enthusiastic discussions of match reports and highlights from the various teams. It has been wonderful to see Year 7 students embracing so many co-curricular opportunities and developing skills and passions that they can continue to pursue throughout their time at Ivanhoe Grammar School. As we approach the conclusion of 2023 there are many people to thank for such a wonderful year together in Year 7.
To the Year 11 Peer Mentors, you were outstanding and have formed such positive and enduring friendships with your Year 7 buddies. I would also like to commend my brandnew team of Year 7 Mentors for their enthusiasm, ongoing support and dedication to delivering a vibrant wellbeing program and exceptional pastoral care to each student in their class. Thank you to Mr Tucker, Ms Zorzi and Ms Saadeh!
I would also like to pay tribute to our wonderful parent community, in particular those families that have joined Ivanhoe Grammar School this year. A special shout out to the Year 7 Parents Representatives who organised social events and kept the parent body informed and connected. Your hard work has been greatly appreciated! And finally, well done Class of 2028, you have had a great start to your secondary school journey. I look forward to watching your progress as you move through the School.
Being a Year 7 Mentor is a very rewarding role. My Year 7s come to Mentor group each morning full of enthusiasm and questions and it has been as pleasure as their Mentor to offer guidance and support and help them settle into Year 7. Over the course of the year during our Wellbeing classes, we have explored Study Skills, Careers, Positive Relationships and conducted regular wellbeing check ins. These initiatives aim to assure each student that both their academic and emotional wellbeing are being cared for. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students in 7.2 this year and being their Mentor.
Ms Leah Zorzi, Mentor 7.2What has been a highlight of Year 7?
Year 7 Camp. I loved the food and activities, particularly camping in tents which was a new experience for me.
Andy Zhao, Year 7
Playing basketball for Winter Sport. We had a great team and a great coach in Mr Wilson.
Sarah Carpenter, Year 7
Being involved in the School Production of ‘Footloose’ because I met so many new people including students from other year levels.
Harvey Sailah, Year 7
What is one achievement from this year that you are really proud of?
Giving everything a go like we were advised to at the start of the year! Drama Club and Ethics Olympiad are two examples.
Meghavini Shrestha, Year 7
My achievements in Maths and participating in the Maths Olympiad.
Chanel Chapman, Year 7
Our Junior B Soccer Team was undefeated all season!
Harry Mina, Year 7
Has Year 7 been what you expected?
I have settled more quickly than I thought I would. I feel like I have been at Ivanhoe Grammar School for a long time!
Audrey Millar, Year 7
I really wasn’t sure what to expect but the year has exceeded my expectations! I have really enjoyed meeting so many new friends and getting involved in co-curricular activities like sport. Our Soccer team didn’t win any matches, but it was really fun training and playing each week!
Naethan Alexander, Year 7
At the start of the year, I was a bit worried about making friends but now I have a great group of friends, this has been better than I expected!
Charlotte Henderson, Year 7
Kathryn Horsford Head of Year 7Ridgeway Campus
The Year 7s of 2023 should be commended for the remarkable transition they have all made to Ridgway Campus. From the moment they walked through the school gates, their energy and curiosity set the tone for an incredible year ahead. As a mentor, it has been a privilege guiding my class to embody the attributes of the School and help them start their secondary journey.
We often forget how daunting those first few days of secondary school are. Navigating around a new campus, mastering locker combinations and deciphering timetables – all while learning challenging new academic content and let’s not forget the intricate realm of forging new friendships. But our Year 7s faced all these challenges with determination and have set a firm foundation for the remainder of their secondary journey. Reflecting on 2023, the highlight was undoubtedly the Camp at Stringybark Lodge. Our Year 7s bonded through engaging activities such as canoeing, the flying fox, and the Indigenous walk. These experience not only pushed them beyond their comfort zones but also fostered a sense of unity and inclusion amongst the cohort.
As always Science and Technology loomed large for our Year 7s. For many students it was their first time partaking in regular science experiments and learning how to code in Digital Technology. One of the standout science experiences for our Year 7s was the excursion to the Melbourne Zoo as part of their science unit on Ecology. This provided the students and their teachers an exciting day out of the classroom and the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of life.
Sportsmanship and determination were on full display during the sporting program. Despite battling wind and rain, our Year 7 athletes exhibited unwavering dedication reliably attending their Saturday matches. Despite initial hesitations about early Saturday morning wake ups, our students quickly recognized these moments as highlights of their school experience.
The Year 7 Wellbeing Program remained as vital as ever. The program allows our mentors the opportunity to empower our students to appreciate the differences that make our school community rich and vibrant. This year we engaged in classroom discussions about neurodiversity and respectful relationships. We also embarked on a journey into Indigenous culture and history through the engaging lessons on ‘The Australian Dream.’
As we celebrate the end of this remarkable year, I am truly inspired by the growth and resilience exhibited by our Year 7 cohort. They have met challenges head-on, embraced opportunities, and forged connections that will shape their future journeys. As they move on to Year 8, I am confident they will continue their journey of becoming young people of character.
Looking back on my Year 7 journey, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible teachers guiding me through the transition to secondary school. Both teachers and peers provided valuable support during this period of change. The school camp was a highlight of the year, filled with enjoyable challenges that boosted my self-esteem and personal growth. Science has become my favourite subject, with the all the experiments sparking my curiosity. Being a part of the Global Ambassadors program also allowed me to promote sustainability and inclusion throughout the school. Overall, Year 7 has been about embracing opportunities, pushing boundaries and discovering new passions.
Rafael Tasevski, Year 7I thought that starting Year 7 at Ivanhoe Grammar School after coming from another school would be a hard transition, but the school provided many opportunities to settle into the community and make new memories and friends early on. My favourite was Fun Day; it made my transition into Year 7 a lot easier. Another thing I really enjoyed was camp, because of how fun the activities were and the new friends I made. After settling into the school, we were introduced to the many co-curricular activities available such as all the clubs and activities. In Year 7 I’ve made so many fond memories that I know will last a lifetime.
Alyssa Kobayssi, Year 7 Joseph ScuruchiYear 7A Mentor Group Leader
Year 8
Plenty Campus
As the semester comes to an end, it is essential to reflect on the past year. Year 8 began back in ECP. Since then, it has been great. The year has been packed with many fun activities such as the Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, Medieval Day, Year 8 Camp, an excursion to the You Yangs and City Experience. These events have been an excellent way to bring our year level together as a community and have taught us many different things.
On Medieval Day students wore medieval costumes and spent the day learning about medieval times. The day was filled with fun and engaging activities such as medieval dancing, medieval games, and even a showcase of weapons used back then! Students were even served a medieval feast for lunch. It was a great day that taught us a lot about the Middle Ages.
The highlight of the year so far was when we embarked on Year 8 Camp. We arrived at school and after a 4-hour bus ride, we were there. There was camping for one night and two nights in a cabin. Half of the students camped out first while the other half camped out the last night. The campout had a hike that many of us found challenging but we powered through. When we made it to the campsite, we set up our tents and made ourselves dinner, hiking back the next day. The cabins were comfortable and the actual camp was filled with fun activities such as an environmental park, sailing, and the most popular: stand-up paddleboarding. Overall, camp was a fun experience and gave us a chance to get to know each other better.
Most recently, we had City Experience. It involved four days of doing activities around the city. Going from spending time at the Queen Victoria Market, to seeing a Picasso painting at the National Gallery. We learnt many things about homelessness in the city, while stopping for lunch in Chinatown, and even learning about the ongoing Metro Tunnel project! City Experience taught us a lot about navigating the city and was a fun experience for us all!
Year 8 has been a fun year, filled with activities that we will never forget. There is no doubt that the next semester will be just as great!
Aman Al-Mulla, Year 8Out of all my years of schooling, Year 7 was the most challenging. Half of the students were unsure of this new school, and the other half were unsure of their new cohort. That was, until Year 8. If there’s anything that this year has taught me, it’s that any random and diverse bunch of kids, over some time, can form a cooperative community in only one year. Being at camp demonstrated this the most. My fondest memories of that trip are sitting at a park bench with my group, with all 11 members playing snap. The unsure and frightening thought of secondary school is turned on its head when you think of those memories. Not to forget Medieval Day, where the most entertaining thing was to wait for the next person to show up to school with a crown on their head, a sword in their hand and a smile on their face. And the range of different and unique people too! You have people who can make you laugh your head off, people who’ll support you when you need it, friends who help you with work, and friends who you’ll talk to ‘till you’re 60.
Although classes teach us many necessary lessons on knowledge and skill, it’s our friends and classmates that teach us how to enjoy our lives. Year 7 was the year to figure out who we are, and Year 8 is the year to figure out who’s joining us.
Xander Bilston, Year 8 David Hrovat Head of Year 8Ridgeway Campus
Year 8 2023 at Ridgeway Campus has been a year of promise and positivity. Our pastoral theme is that of ‘living the dream’. Being part of a school with our history is a privilege. Enjoying every learning experience and taking the opportunities when they present themselves are the encouraging themes that guide our Year 8 Wellbeing Program. Our regular year level assemblies, chapel services and our weekly mentor wellbeing times have been a successful component of this school year.
Students at Year 8 are a resilient bunch, they’ve experienced another year of organisation, maintained their high standards and developed their Middle Years skills in 2023 with a steely resolve. The Ivanhoe Learner Attributes are at the forefront of what makes Year 8 the perfect year to take students out of their comfort zone and become more well-rounded learners. Courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective, and compassionate, all traits that our Year 8 students have strived to demonstrate through our school community connected approaches.
Our Year 8 students have been able to experience a variety of learning platforms, which have yielded pleasing results. This year level should be very proud of their accomplishments. 2023 saw another 10 mentor groups come through the ranks led by a passionate, dedicated group of pastoral mentors. My best wishes, thanks, and gratitude to Mrs Kirsten Shipsides (Deputy Head of Year 8) and the mentors of 2023 Mr Matthew Yau (8A), Ms Christina Bernardi (8B), Mr Barkley Heuser (8C), Mrs Belinda Bell (8D), Mr Carlos Galves-Gonzales (8E), Ms Shannon Irwin (8F), Mr Ben Ingleton (8G) Ms Stephanie McDougall and Mr Kyle Treloar (Term 3) (8H), Mr Damien Atkinson-Buck (8I) and Ms Thilini Edirisingha (8J).
One incursion that was beneficial for our Year 8s was the relationship self-care focus of Man Cave and Seed. Our students were given the opportunity to participate and immerse themselves in self-reflection activities. The Man Cave is a progressive mental health and emotional intelligence program for young men. During the workshops, the boys were able to create their own version of healthy
masculinity, explore their personal identity, their unique strengths, how to care for themselves and what their values are, all leading to them understanding about how they can reach their full potential. The Seed workshops empowered our girls to create a vision of the person they want to become. They will also develop tools of empathy, trust, and gratitude to build a healthier and more positive relationship with themselves and others. Both programs promoted respectful relationships, educating our young adolescents on the issue of consent and respecting boundaries, and ultimately supporting a greater sense of wellbeing.
Our mentors consistently employed themes covering the opportunity to explore in detail the seven Ivanhoe Learner Attributes. In association with our usual pastoral and academic program focuses such as growth mindset, goal setting, managing the pressures of assessment tasks, empowering friendships, and self-organisation. A series of wellbeing focused lessons, activities and tasks were presented to the students over the course of the year. Many lifelong lessons and skills were developed which will hold them in good stead for the future, as well as having further enhanced the strong pastoral relationships they have made with their respective mentors and Heads of Year.
The Year 8 cohort should be very proud and impressed with the resilience and resolve they have demonstrated throughout the year. Whether it be working at Foxy’s selling chocolate bars and lollies for charity, joining the Ivy Voice newspaper, being involved in the Debating team, representing the school in Saturday Sport, this Year 8 cohort will have a special place in my heart. ‘Living the dream’ does not necessarily mean everything works like you think it should or you experience perfection. It is about facing challenges together and coming out a better person and a true Ivanhoe Grammarian the other side.
Ego Yah!
Daniel Verrocchi Head of Year 8Year 9 at University Campus
MasterTech Enrichment Program
Year 9 students at University Campus were given the chance to explore and innovate with digital technology through the MasterTech Enrichment Hour. This unique opportunity was based at La Trobe University’s Digital Innovation Hub, where, utilizing the Godot Game Engine, students crafted a 2D platformer game. In the process, they learned valuable coding skills and game design principles. The creativity continued as they replicated the Digital Innovation Hub in Minecraft, showcasing their ability to translate real-world structures into virtual interactive spaces. Experimentation with holograms using the Microsoft Hololens added a futuristic touch, allowing students to delve into the world of mixed reality.
Year 9 student, Louis Chien, reflected on the experience by stating, ‘The Enrichment hour pushed our capacity to code and create beyond our current levels. It has been a very inspiring and creative program to bring out the best of our capabilities.’
More than just a platform for acquiring new skills, the MasterTech Enrichment Hour ignites a passion for technology and equips students to be not merely consumers but active creators and innovators. The projects completed during this hour are testament to what can be achieved when curiosity, creativity, and technology come together.
Steve Brophy Director of Digital TransformationSTEM Enrichment Program
In 2023, one of the most exciting developments at University Campus has been the introduction of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Enrichment Program after school on Wednesdays. The STEM Enrichment Program is a new partnership between Ivanhoe Grammar School and La Trobe University. The program is designed to showcase how important Mathematics and Science are in real life applications. Year 9 students engage directly with La Trobe academics, professors, and research fellows to develop skills and modes of thought in modules centred around Radioactive Decay, Enhanced Problem Solving and Cryptography. It has been exciting and rewarding to witness Year 9 students engage with tertiary level concepts and gain a deeper appreciation for Mathematics, Science and Technology.
The STEM program was only introduced this year, but I believe that it should be available to future University Campus students as well.
At the time of writing, we have just completed the Radioactivity Module, where with the guidance of a very friendly La Trobe expert, Connie, we learnt how the three forms of radiation functioned and how the ‘inverse square law’ explained certain radioactive traits. The sessions were all very interactive, and we were even given the opportunity to access Farlabs (a remotely controlled laboratory at the University!) to conduct experiments. A few weeks after this, we were taken on a tour of La Trobe University’s nanotechnology facilities, and we saw all the intricate machinery up close. I came home from these sessions almost in a daze. I’d never known that there was so much knowledge just waiting for me at my doorstep! The unit altered my perspective of modern scientific innovation and made me realize that my peers and I would be the ones to aid in its development someday.
During the Problem-Solving Module we were guided by academics at La Trobe University. We were given an ‘Escape Room Challenge’ to complete. As we worked together in groups, I came to see the experience as an opportunity to think about how I tackle certain questions and to learn how others use different strategies to solve problems.
All in all, the STEM program is an irreplaceable one – if you’re going to be attending the University Campus, you should give it a go!
Minuki Vidanapathirana, Year 9 Ying Zhang Member of Academic StaffElectives – Visual Art
2023 was a year without disruptions to classes which allowed students to be fully immersed in the three areas of the Arts at University Campus. Year 9 students chose a semester long elective subject: Art, Product Design Technology or Visual Communication.
This year students were also offered an exciting Arts Program as part of the Out of Class Program which saw the students travel in the inner city of Melbourne and have workshops on campus. The various workshops across the week-long program included a workshop with First Nations Coordinator Andrew Taylor, Street Art Stencil making workshops and tours, Screen Printing workshops with Visual Communication teacher Kieran Pinnuck, Ceramic Painting workshops, gallery visits and photographic studios visits. The program enabled students to enrich their experiences of the Visual Arts outside of the classroom environment and see and participate in many different forms of art practice.
In the Art elective there were three areas of study. Students employed traditional two-dimensional techniques such as charcoal, pastel and watercolour to represent a threedimensional object through observation, with a focus on depicting the texture of the form. They also explored digital art using Adobe Photoshop combined with traditional collage techniques to create self-portraits. In the third area of study, students studied three-dimensional artworks. They used clay and developed their clay making techniques to create individual sculptures.
In the Product Design Technology elective, students learnt about responding to design briefs and construction techniques using various materials. This required them to research and then analyse the client’s needs and investigate materials. Their investigations led to explorations and development of ideas culminating in the design and construction of a threedimensional product. The students also had opportunities to work with a designer on sustainable practices in design and woodwork workshops, learning about equipment and techniques used for wood base construction. The students also made a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria to participate in Design Week where they viewed new and innovative designers at work.
In the Visual Communication elective, students applied their design thinking skills which involved the application of creative, critical, and reflective techniques. Students completed tasks that developed skills and techniques in the use of manual drawing, rendering and digital methods. They investigated and researched food trucks and then applied learned conventions and methods to a surface design and logo for their food truck. Students also studied Adobe Illustrator, applying their knowledge of the design elements and principles to create a new cover for Frankie magazine.
Cath Gill Art TeacherYear 9 at University Campus
Inquiry Units
University Campus has four different Inquiry Units on rotation throughout the year. These consist of the following: Science of Life, Globalisation, Uni Inc and World War I.
At this point in time, I have had the pleasure to complete two of the Inquiry Units presented here at Ivanhoe Grammar School, La Trobe. Both Science of Life, and Globalisation have equipped me with skills most useful in the later years. Science of Life helps create an incredible study ethic - or as close as you can get with a group of 15-year-olds.
We learnt how to take notes effectively through attending the lectures delivered by the Professors and Doctors at La Trobe University. It was a captivating experience to be exposed to university life at aged 15. The range of lectures were extensive, sparking the interest of every individual in the lecture theatre. Each person took away something from these presentations and later had the opportunity to formulate a question related to one of the lectures, which we had to then answer and present as our final assessment. I personally loved Science of Life for the free thinking it encouraged.
Globalisation brought our attention to the issues faced in our world. From linear supply chains to the wastage in developed societies, this unit allowed us to delve deeper into an industry of choice, leveraging our passions to help guide our learning. We were then tasked with creating a short educational video to present to our class. I personally struggled with the group task, being an independent learner. However, the struggles where worthwhile and I found a significant improvement in my communication skills with my Science of Life group later in the term. Currently I am doing Uni Inc and I’m already enjoying it. The objective of the subject is to create a product that solves a problem regardless of its scale and then present it in small groups, like the format of Shark Tank. This unit hones not only your public speaking abilities but also the skill of being able to sell yourself in a convincing, informative manner. Being an entrepreneur at aged 15, is no easy task and demands your full dedication and time to get such a project up and running. The skills acquired from the unit are truly invaluable and I hope to see an improvement in my presentation at the end of this rotation.
WWl is a chance to investigate the past, and wrap our heads around the consequences, causes and complexities of one of the most significant events in human history. By examining the political, economic and social factors that led to the outbreak of the war, we can learn to appreciate the sacrifices made by those in that time, and then the generational trauma that led from such an event.
University Campus offers countless opportunities throughout the year. The Inquiry programs being only one of the many brilliant programs run. From pressing global issues to cultivating entrepreneurship values, they offer a broad range of opportunities to express your individual passions.
Asher Elsen, Year 9
Inquiry Unit EXPO
Uni. Inc. was an Inquiry Unit in which we were required to use entrepreneurship to create an invention or innovation. Some of the best presentations were asked to present to the parents at the Expo and ours was included. The people in our group were Young Zhang, Gus Singh, Aiden Wisely and me. The style in which we presented it was shark tank. In this style, your group gives a pitch, backed up by a panel, which is then followed by questions from the investors or audience. Our group’s idea was a crowd funded investment app with real world products. Our pitch was a great success. Overall, the Uni. Inc. expo was a great success and one of the highlights of Year 9.
Thomas Giles, Year 9
The Year 9 Expo proved to be an engaging and exciting event during which keen young students unveiled their passion for diverse scientific topics. While all exhibits were fascinating, I was particularly drawn to those exploring Genetic Modification and Onchocerciasis; these offered insightful perspectives into the complexity of biology. I, myself took part in the Science of Life part of the Expo and worked together with a group to create a website that informed people about how artificial intelligence could be used to combat Vector-Borne diseases. When we were asked to address the crowd of parents, I was hesitant, but when I started to speak, I felt like an expert in the field of AI, answering any questions or queries the parents had. Altogether, this inspiring event highlighted how youth can leverage science as a tool for transformational progress through research.
Hugh Park, Year 9Science
2023 has been an exciting year in science with students being able to take full advantage of the opportunities and experiences that Ivanhoe Grammar School, in partnership with Latrobe University, has to offer.
Making meaningful links between content and real-life inquiry is the primary focus of the Year 9 Science team and we took full advantage of this by starting our year by ‘being a scientist’ and visiting the Nangak Tamboree La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary. Students also had guest presentations from PhD students and gained a greater knowledge of the importance and connections that exist between each aspect of our environment, natural wildlife reserves and ongoing global sustainability goals.
Utilising the state-of-the-art Chemistry fume hoods students were also able to gain a deeper understanding of their existing atomic theory knowledge. As their chemistry understanding grew, they were then able to create their own pH indicator out of red cabbage and compare it to other indicators using a variety of chemicals and household products. To ensure deeper connections were made students also accessed the Biological Sciences building where they were able to grow bacteria in AGAR, identifying some of our safest and most dangerous surfaces. We also ensured students had the chance to develop their skills by completing a brain dissection in the School Science Laboratory.
We also encouraged students to learn from the experience and teaching styles of each of our science teachers in a travelling classroom using interactive demonstrations and inquiry-based projects which allowed students to connect with real-life experiences of their own.
Alisa Taylor Teacher of ScienceIGNITE
One of our proudest evenings at University Campus is when we showcase our IGNITE achievements. Whether these be following a passion, learning a new skill, or learning about something someone has always been interested in, this is when the students become the experts. On one evening in May, students became the experts on 100 different topics; learning to paint and crochet, making motorized bikes, perfecting cooking, building PCs, the list of topics was extensive, and a huge crowd made it possible for the IGNITE students to share their learning proudly and confidently.
For IGNITE I chose to make my own alcohol-free perfumes. I felt very happy with my choice, but it ended up being a lot harder than I thought. My favourite part of IGNITE was getting to present it to everyone at the expo night because I loved getting to show people my final perfumes and getting their feedback on the scents I also loved getting to see what everyone else did.
Gemma Owen, Year 9
My IGNITE project was on studying the different mediums of art. I really liked this topic because I am very well versed in it, and it has been my passion for years. My favourite part of this was getting a set time to do something I enjoyed. I was very happy with how my table turned out, and I was good at answering people’s questions.
Stephanie Abonyi, Year 9
IGNITE was a fabulous subject in which I enjoyed learning about my hobby and exhibiting my result. I worked on a PC over six months. I enjoyed going around and looking at other people’s work and their interests and hobbies. It was fun to see what my friends had worked on over the last six months. I felt I worked very hard on my project, and I am very proud of my result. I also enjoyed the learning process and getting into what I loved doing. In terms of on the night of the Exhibition, I enjoyed looking at everyone’s work and what they had accomplished.
Louis Chien, Year 9
IGNITE is a semester-long subject under the direction of Dr Rochelle Fogelgarn from La Trobe University’s School of Education that tests the theory that students learn best, when allowed to choose what they are most interested in. Assisted by La Trobe University Pre-Service Students, the learning is then facilitated, not ‘taught’. There were many wonderful connections with parents and grandparents as the students looked for a variety of ways to learn, not just by ‘googling’.
Helen D’Elia Community and Engagement FacilitatorYear 9 at University Campus
House Programs
This year the inaugural House Committee at University Campus organised many fundraising, sport, and art-related events, aiming to engage students within their respective Houses.
The House Committee first met as a group in ECP with Ms Kyrgios, our incredible House Coordinator, to discuss our visions for the 2023 House program. A variety of ideas were shared to target students’ interests with the intention of getting as many people involved in House events as possible. Our first introduction to the House program was towards the end of ECP, with an interactive Christmas activity at assembly to set the tone for a fun filled year of House spirit.
Term 1 proved to be a busy term for House events. Lunchtime House Basketball was a great success, with 19 House teams competing throughout the term. Many laughs and wins were shared during the tournament, leading to the grand final on the last day of term. The House Committee planned a fundraising event to be held on this day, selling sausages, drinks, snacks, and a visit from an ice-cream truck. Various House activities and games were played before students gathered to watch the Basketball Grand Final. After a close game, Lincoln was crowned the winning house in the competition. A total of 226 pieces of clothing were donated to Big Group Hug through the day’s House fundraising efforts and money raised from the sausage sizzle was also put towards Big Group Hug.
The main House event in Term 2 was the Swimming Carnival held at Watermarc. A huge effort was made by Ms Kyrgios and the House Committee in preparation for the day. A particular highlight for the House Committee was working together to paint huge House banners to be hung up at the pool, which involved limited artistic ability but lots of fun and laughs. The House Swimming Carnival offered a variety of traditional 25 metre races, as well as participation in novelty races, other water games, waterslides, and an inflatable obstacle course. Students had a fantastic day, with a total of 165 students participating in House events. Congratulations to Thoresby for their win at the Swimming Carnival. Also, thanks to the House Committee members and staff who were responsible for scoring and marshalling on the day.
The House Volleyball competition commenced in Term 3 and the House Committee ran a grand final fundraising effort to finish the tournament. The House Arts competition also provided a great opportunity for students to connect with other creative peers in their Houses.
It has been a privilege to have been members of the House Committee this year, as the events and opportunities we have been a part of have provided us with so many great memories. Most importantly, we feel very rewarded and proud to see University Campus students come together in their Houses and participate with outstanding House spirit. Thank you so much to Ms Kyrgios for her unbelievable efforts to make our House program so successful.
Scarlett Boicovitis and Kate Hopper House Committee
Year 9 Out of Classroom Program
Twice a year Year 9 students embark on an Out-ofClass Program which runs for five days. Students select an area of interest and perform a wide range of activities within a facilitated program. I chose the category of ‘Making Melbourne Marvellous’ and selected the sport program which is based in the city. Over the week I participated in a variety of activities that linked back to the principle of sport. This included kayaking, sailing, cycling and rock climbing which all made for an action-pack week.
When I arrived at Federation Square on Monday, my group undertook an introduction to the city of Melbourne as well as a safety talk by a local police officer. Our first activity was a scavenger hunt around the city. Thanks to our safety talk, we were aware of the potential dangers the city poses and were able to stay safe with the knowledge in the back of our minds.
As we were infused with the history of Melbourne, we were able to identify various landmarks and historical sites during the scavenger hunt. We had successfully familiarised ourselves with the city and managed to link it back to our sport theme as we had taken over 18,000 steps in the process.
Another sport activity we participated in was kayaking around the city under the guidance of Rohan, our instructor. Rohan made our experience so much fun with his humorous personality and passionate nature. In total we kayaked 9km which was tough but very rewarding as we were able to observe the beauty of the city from the water. My favourite activity of the week was cycling through the city as we were able to ride alongside the seashore. This was truly a tranquil and peaceful experience. All up we rode 18km, stopping halfway for lunch in St Kilda.
Overall, this wonderful program made for an adventurous week and fostered independence in many of us who are unfamiliar with travelling to and around the city. I have learnt so much from this program and am so grateful to have been able to experience what makes ‘Melbourne Marvellous’.
Isabella Ciavarella, Year9
This is only one of the amazing programs offered to students. They can select from a variety of programs run on Campus that involve staff and facilities at La Trobe University and many excursions such as:
• Financial Literacy Stockmarket Program, with an excursion to Sovereign Hill
• An Artist-In-Residence Program
• Uni Life – experiencing all La Trobe University has to offer including the Moot Court and Archaeological Dig
• A Wellness Week of meditation, nutrition talks, a hike and gym activities
• Community Care – going out and doing things for other less fortunate groups
• Lifeskills – working with people with disabilities
• Cycling, kayaking, sailing, wheelchair basketball, First Nations experiences, Victoria Market tours and many other things happening in the city
Who said school was dull? Not at University Campus!
Helen D’Elia Community and Engagement FacilitatorYear 10
Plenty Campus
The Class of 2025 reunited with Plenty Campus in November of 2022, brimming with enthusiasm and a sense of anticipation after a year at University Campus. Now in their Senior Years at Ivanhoe Grammar School, they were filled with excitement about embarking on Year 10 and immersing themselves in a rich array of activities, from sports and the production to Shakedown, cadets, IDEALS, and their first foray into a VCE subject, Global Politics. Bursting with lively energy, they good-naturedly debated locker places, diligently organised their timetables and subject choices, and warmly reconnected with the School’s staff and the picturesque campus of Plenty.
As Term 1 unfolded, they found themselves comfortably settled, with many students relishing Annual Cadet Camp experiences, participating enthusiastically in IDEALS week activities, and eagerly taking part in the House Athletics Carnival. Their journey into Senior Years was well underway, and opportunities for leadership roles began to present themselves. When Term 2 arrived, our Year 10 students embarked on university visits to esteemed institutions such as Deakin, Monash and ACU, embarking on a voyage of self-discovery under the wise guidance of Mrs. McFadden, our dedicated Careers Coordinator.
Term 3 ushered in a whirlwind of activity for Year 10, marked by cadet promotions, the selection of VCE subjects, and the Year 10 Journey and Retreat Camp. These opportunities for personal growth were embraced wholeheartedly by the students, leading to numerous life-changing experiences and defining moments shared among friends. These significant milestones were joyfully celebrated with a Year 10 Assembly, thoughtfully organised by the students, where they shared glimpses of their Year 10 journey with the wider Secondary Years community.
Upon reflection, this year was undeniably filled with challenges, but it also bore the sweet fruits of achievement and personal growth. We cherish the memories created throughout the year, the bonds formed with peers, and the simple joy of returning to Plenty Campus for classroom learning. The students of the Class of 2025 have matured in numerous ways over the course of this year, both physically and, perhaps even more importantly, mentally and emotionally. I am immensely proud of the remarkable young individuals they are becoming.
Nicole Luscombe Head of Year 10Ridgeway Campus
2023 was a year that was back in full swing for Year 10s. Reconnecting after a year at the University Campus and building on their foundations to establish new and positive routines in the senior years, was a priority for all. Enjoying House events, incursions, camp journey and retreat, were highlights that set the stage for their final years of secondary schooling.
Transition
The transition from Year 9 to Year 10 presented a significant leap in our education at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Having grown accustomed to the familiar norms of our terrace home at the University Campus, the shift to the Ridgeway Campus was considerable. The requirements of a Year 10 student were immediately apparent in that there was more expected of us, evident not just in the way our teachers interacted with us but also in the trust they placed in our abilities. We were promptly introduced to the expectations of a senior student, which included setting a good example to our younger years and upholding the School’s values. Among the immediate distinctions was the new emphasis on our Houses and active participation in House-related activities; this included the swimming, volleyball, basketball, and arts competitions. Our lockers found a home within our respective Houses, and our mentor groups became our new homes. Nearly every facet of our wellbeing was interwoven with House competitions, infusing a sense of friendly rivalry that served as a warm embrace for all Year 10 students. After settling in, we collectively embarked on our first mid-year exams in the senior school. This experience offered us valuable insight into the academic pressures that would intensify in Years 11 and 12. As we reflect on the journey thus far, Year 10 has proven itself to be a blend of challenge and reward, an endeavour made more fulfilling by the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and mentors who have expertly guided us through this transformative phase.
Mia Garfi, Year 10 Flourish GirlTaking part in the Flourish Girl workshop was unlike any incursion my year level had participated in. While mental health and the fact of being a woman were our basis for the day, the instructors took a positive approach on wellbeing and created a space in which girls were comfortable sharing their struggles and stories. We started the day with activities that allowed us to learn more about each other and the similarities we hold. Breaking off into small groups we performed a ‘check in’ with each other, we described how our life was really going and were pushed out of our comfort zone to share the problems we were facing. In our next session, we talked about judgement. It was comforting knowing that many girls had similar issues to each other and that we weren’t alone. Our third session was a time of reflection. Each person received one ‘honour’, a friend or a peer described what they admired
about a person in the room. Many hugs were shared and every girl left feeling appreciated. Flourish Girl was truly an amazing workshop that highlighted the prevalence of mental health and provided an opportunity to share our issues with the assurance of confidentiality.
Phoebe Babidge, Year 10The Man Cave
The Man Cave, what an experience. One that I’ll never forget. The day started off well with the presenters from The Man Cave introducing themselves and having conversations with us about sports to get to know each other. After meeting the guys, we went into the ‘man cave’ to discuss what we were going to do for the day. They then told us a couple of stories about their childhood relating to mental health and the struggles of being a young male. These stories were very relatable and allowed us to not only get to know the presenters from The Man Cave but to connect with them on a deeper level. The mood of the day went from extreme highs to extreme lows. The highs being when we were playing games as a group such as shazam but the lows, however, were more important as many of the boys opened up to the group with personal stories to get off their chest. This was eye opening and extremely courageous as most of the boys would never have thought they would be telling one of their friends about their struggles, let alone in front of around 50 of their classmates. This was only possible though thanks to the presenters from The Man Cave. We ended the day giving a shout out to the boys who opened up to the group for their courageous acts which was very heart warming and brought the group closer together. Overall the day was amazing and will definitely help the mental health of young males. Thanks again to the presenters from The Man Cave for this experience.
Miles Stonehouse, Year 10 Olivia Rothnie Head of Sherwood HouseYear 11
Plenty Campus
Year 11 has been an incredible opportunity for personal growth and community engagement. Throughout the year I have learnt the values of persistence, dedication and above all hard work. This year has been a year of many changes, but also one of profound growth, as a part of my schooling journey.
Beginning all my VCE subjects was a noticeable change from the year prior. The greater workloads and more demanding content made for unmistakable changes from Year 10. Although this was initially quite different, I readily adapted to these conditions and remained steadfast in my commitment to my studies. As I embarked upon this great voyage I was greeted by the warm hospitality and guidance of my subject teachers and peers. They offered their support when necessary and it is to their credit that I did not find the year to be overwhelming in any manner.
I began my Unit 3 and 4 subject this year too, as I continued in my study of History. While it proved at times to be challenging, it was one which also came with many opportunities to learn the skills that I need to complete my VCE work next year. Additionally, it provided an opportunity for a higher degree of learning, which could contribute to my ATAR. I believe that this has been a challenge to which I have risen to the occasion, ensuring that I maintain consistent studying routine, and always inquiring on any points of doubt. My teachers and classmates were kind and supportive, helping me whenever I needed it, producing a learning environment conducive to a deep understanding of the subject matter.
This year I had the pleasure of taking part in the Model United Nations, held at Ridgeway Campus and involving multiple schools. It involves taking on the outlook of a particular nation and representing its interests in a modelled session of the UN General Assembly. Alongside my group of fellow Year 11s, we represented the United States of America and acted in concert with its interests to try to pass a series of resolutions. Eventually we were able to pass an amendment to a resolution which was able to garner majority support, this was a significant result for our group.
The Mooting competition at Scotch College was another opportunity to represent the School in a unique learning environment. We were able to formulate a rational argument and present it convincingly, in a legally ambiguous case, with the use of precedent cases and courtroom etiquette. With the addition of active feedback and questioning from the courtroom judge, it was a different form of public speaking and debating from those I had done previously.
Cadets has been a fabulous opportunity for personal development. Starting the year with the rank of Sergeant I had a newfound sense of responsibility for my platoon. In instances when my CUO was occupied I would find myself directly accountable for the platoon, and I had to be vigilant at all times. Through my time with my cadets, I was able to connect and develop an understanding of how to work alongside others, and to remain unified in spirit in even the most difficult of circumstances. Passing on the knowledge I had acquired in my time to others, as well as taking part in the many events of my platoon were rewarding experiences and ones
which I am most grateful for. Later in the year I was promoted and received a position as unit adjutant. In this role I have had to ensure the attendance of the unit, ensuring changes affecting the whole unit. I am honoured to have been offered such a position of responsibility, and I hope to justify the trust put in me.
I have continued with my commitment to the Orchestra and the Flute Ensemble. Both have enabled me to develop my musical abilities, a continuation of the process of learning the flute which began in the musical programme of my first year in the secondary school. Performing alongside others enables me to strengthen the bonds I have developed with my peers and continue to strive towards the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes which I and so many others of my peers practice in our lives. These musical groups are always displaying an abundance of compassion and encouragement, making me immensely humbled to have been a part of them. These experiences have enabled me to develop not only in my academic pursuits but also in my character. Year 11 has been a year of many trials and tribulations, yet intrinsic to this has been many a triumph and from this the scores of bountiful opportunities have been opened for me. I eagerly await the year to come and believe that I shall reflect wistfully upon the memories formed as a Year 11 student.
Joel McAlister, Year 11My photo with Mr Foley was quite a gratifying experience in 2023. To have my efforts in our school’s Visual Communication and Design program recognised by the School’s Principal was the cherry on top during my design journey. The poster, inspired by American graphic designer Charley Harper featured the exploration of bold colour and contrast to attract a broad audience. Clearly, the School had thought my work perfect for a large audience since it was used on last year’s Ivanarian.
I have continued my efforts in Visual Communication Design in Units 3 and 4 still riding on the high. For me, the most important part of the photo was that it proved to me that I could create good visual designs. Having this confidence in my 3 and 4 Units was key in my further success in VCD. Most of the time, the difference between a good SAC result and an outstanding SAC result boils down to confidence. While effective study is key and most of the exam revision process; having self-confidence in your ability to do the subject is an important underlying factor.
Thus, I thank the School for this once in a lifetime opportunity, as the inspiration it have given me is invaluable to my performance in my Unit 3 and 4 exams.
Kandamulla (Dinel) Perera, Year 11 Angelo Ratskos Head of Year 11Ridgeway Campus
Year 11 has been packed with a wide variety of opportunities to cater for every individual student of the class of 2024. One of the great highlights was the House Swimming Carnival. This was the perfect event for us all to see how unity, hard work and determination can combine to create fantastic memories. We saw the Year 12 leaders in action, organising and inspiring others to participate in all the events and the weather was perfect. For the first time in eight years, Athelstane won the carnival trophy and it was amazing to see all of the Houses come together and support each other during the swimming and novelty events. The exact moment where the scores were being announced was nerve-wracking as the scores were very close throughout the day. For the House that wins, great celebrations follow for the rest of the day, especially for the Year 12s who take fantastic memories of their final year with them into the future. It was amazing to see the participation from students to help their House to gain points, regardless of their swimming ability. The noise was deafening, and the events created a party atmosphere, especially when all the year levels came together during the chants. This was just one of many times Ivanhoe has demonstrated its community vibe.
Throughout the year, we have been continually supported by the House mentoring programs. The finalising of Year 12 subject selections and wellbeing checkups have been high on the priority list in our mentor meetings, and we have felt supported by our ever-reliant mentors as we embrace the pressure and challenges of the business end of our schooling career. All Year 11s also participated in Elephant Ed respectful relationships and consent workshops, which provided important information and wellbeing support for the Class of 2024.
We also participated in casual clothes days including ‘Hoody up for Autism’ and a casual clothes day to raise money for Reconciliation. These days have not only allowed students to contribute to important causes, but they have also raised our awareness about important issues in our community and how we can effectively respond and participate in important projects for change.
Another memorable experience was the student- teacher debate at the assembly on August 4. This assembly brought a warm and communal feeling as laughter was shared in Buckley Hall. Friendly banter between the student debaters and the teachers reflected for us what is an important relationship of camaraderie and support between students and their academic staff.
Edward Redlich and Stephania Traikos, Year 11Around the School
Year 12 Formal
Year 12 Formal
Celebration Day
Plenty Campus Valedictory
Captains’ Valedictory Speech
Avriel: Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr Daniel Proietto, Members of the Board, Principal Mr Gerard Foley, Head of Campus Mrs Fiona Devlin, special guests, staff, parents, and the Class of 2023.
Six years ago, 13 years ago for some, we donned our brown and white blazer, learnt how to tie a proper tie, and buckled the familiar brown shoes. We waved goodbye to our parents as we boarded the bus, car or bike to travel all the way to school.
For the first time, we walked along the path to The Founder’s Centre, the Bell Tower and The Round, and said good morning to our mentor teachers, ready for our first day of class, at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
What a journey it has been for all the Year 12s sitting in this room. All the days at school - success on the sporting field, celebration in the performing arts, camp and every extracurricular and academic endeavour - have been brought to this moment. The final time we are here as a cohort.
In our final time together, let us take this opportunity to tell the story of the Class of 2023. Let us celebrate all the triumphs, memories and difficulties we have overcome by reflecting on our journey from Prep to Year 12.
Angus: For those of us who were here in primary school, it would be quite the understatement to say that it was one of the most memorable times of our schooling. Those were the good ol’ days where there was no homework. Ever! Or maybe there was, but I just didn’t do any.
While there are only a few in this room who attended Ivanhoe during their primary years, and even fewer who have been here since Prep, namely Alice Davies, Jonty De-Cata, Dylan Parker, Jackson Walsh-Buckley, and Sachin Warnasuriya, I know for a fact that everyone who was here would be able to reminisce at the simpler and more innocent times of childhood.
Some of the common primary school activities were, but not limited to: Chamber Strings, Grandparents Day, Japanese, the primary musicals of Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and The Seussical, library class, school sport against the notorious Doreen Primary, the Cambodia stalls, getting our iPads in Year 5, and who can forget the many games of tag played in the yard.
I would like to thank all the primary teachers over the years: Ms Smith, Ms Horton, Ms Wheeler, Ms McNamara, Ms Cracknell, and Mr Willisoni, and the Head of Primary, Mr Gibson for guiding us through arguably some of the most crucial years of our life, defining who we are and who we will become.
Avriel: We then entered what seemed like the daunting, next chapter of our lives: Year 7. On a sunny day in January 2018, outfitted with uniforms three times our size hoping we’d grow into them, we carried our too heavy books to our lockers in the Year 7 portables. For the first time we had different classes for every single subject, for some stepping into the kitchen for the first time during food technology, and to everyone’s dismay, homework.
Mrs Horsford was our guiding presence, making sure we packed our PE gear, knew how to unlock our lockers (many locks had to be broken) and actually went to Saturday sport. Year 7 camp was the first time we bonded as a cohort, and the Night of Notables was where we assumed the identity of our favourite historical figures. Year 7 was a year of trying new things and finding our place in the school.
Angus: Year 8 came around and the good news arrived that we would be leaving the portables for the newly renovated Sligo Building. But for the majority of the year, we remained in the portables as leaders, showing the Year 7s how it’s done…
This year was the beginning of choosing our own classes, with students able to select four electives they wished to participate in. We had the amazing mediaeval day, where students could experience the world full of chainmail armour, beautiful silk clothing, and, some students learning the hard way, the order in which classes of society ate meals in the 6th century.
Ms Delaney was the fun, cheerful, and amazing mentor for our Year 8 experience, showing us the amazing freedom and experiences that can be had in the middle years, especially with the discover Melbourne trip.
Avriel: We started Year 9 eager to prove to our peers at Ridgeway that we were not the esteemed Plenty farmers, but rather, lifelong friends. The year started great, we had lectures at the university, conducted experiments with colourful flames and got excited at the mention of going to the Agora for lunch. It was a year of exploration, being a small Plenty family surrounded by students we didn’t know - yet.
On an early morning in March, news spread across the world that the World Health Organisation had declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Our time at University Campus seemed like it had come to an end. But the Class of 2023, determined to have a successful Year 9, persevered.
We had awoken to a new ‘normal’. Year level assemblies from the comfort of our living room was something to look forward to. Group projects in the various Transdisciplinary Units we conducted relied on Zoom. Microphones were accidentally left on, sleep ins were an everyday occurrence, and school felt like the only constant in our lives.
But, University Campus was a year of friendship and growth. Most of us met new friends, perhaps even more than friends, that we still keep in contact with. We look back on Year 9 as a year of resilience that showed us how strong we were, as a cohort. We could stay connected even when circumstances attempt to divide us.
Angus: Year 10 finally arrived after what could only feel like forever, and what better feeling than the completely unique experience of stepping into our new home, The Round. For many, Year 10 marked the beginning of the final chapter of our schooling, VCE, with almost all students given the opportunity to commence a VCE subject early. For many, Year 10 was an eye opener to the freedoms of senior school and new teachers and subjects, but also the hectic workload that came with it.
Year 10 unfortunately came with the all too familiar relationship with COVID. There were many weeks spent at home online, and time at school was still a cautious time, with masks in place, with free RAT tests given to us every so often.
We were unfortunate to have our Year 10 camp cancelled, which was a major disappointment to all. However, our amazing year level coordinator Mr Ratkos kept the spirits high with a short ‘holiday’ trip down to Stringybark Lodge in Gembrook for a night, which was a great stress reliever after exams and before the upcoming stresses of Year 11.
Angus: …and as we entered our first official year of VCE, it was time to get serious. All of us now had the choice to pick every one of our subjects. English was the most popular subject, as every student in our cohort decided to continue with it! Many students now began their respective 3rd and 4th units for their chosen subject started in Year 10, welcoming them to the wondrous world of SACs, countless practice tests, the GAT, and the stresses and relentless pressure of the exam.
However, Year 11 still brought with it some exciting experiences, but also some lasts. For those who continued cadets, this year was not only our first, but also our last promotion camp. Despite this, the promotions camp was something that all of us enjoyed and cherished and for many of us, our first proper leadership position.
It should be acknowledged, however, that while our Year 11 experience may sound stressful, the students at Colmont International had a much more stressful year, with the shocking announcement of the closure of their school. For these students, who joined us they have shown great courage and adaptability in times of adversity, and we as a school community have loved everything they have contributed to the School: being our friends and being part of the Ivanhoe family. We congratulate these students for completing their schooling career despite these challenges. Thankfully, we were blessed with the presence of Mr Ratkos throughout Year 11 as well, and his guidance and discipline helped us all in preparing for the year ahead, our final year, our most challenging year.
Avriel: Year 12. The ‘Year of Lasts’, the year all our school moments had been preparing us for. For the last time we congregated in the common room, scared of Mr Wilson telling us off for eating in the classroom. The boys played their last soccer and cricket games at lunchtime, our final musical, assembly, last cadet camp and ceremonial parade. Athletics day and the Swimming Carnival passed by, and Formal feels like just days ago.
No more SACs where we’d anxiously wait for our results, no more leaving our spares early to be the first in line for the canteen, no more English classes where we would fail to beat Mr Stein at jeopardy, no more Methods classes where Rishi would dance for us. We would no longer have to try and find a quiet place to study, to try and use our spares productively. It was the last time we could call ourselves Year 12s. We were truly at the end of our high school journey.
Angus: It would be a crime not to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the teachers here today. These people have dedicated countless hours of their lives to helping us succeed and achieve great things in life. The long nights marking practice tests and exams, trying to read our messy handwriting, seeing the same mistake, over and over again, and coming into class the next day ready to go to help us fix our mistakes. These people are not just teachers but builders - they have helped build us up to be knowledgeable, caring and kind, creative, respectful, critical thinkers, and above all, people of character.
In particular, I’d like to thank Ms Horsford, Ms Delaney, Ms Batsanis, Mr Ratskos, and Mr Caracella for not just managing a class, but a diverse year level which can be both enjoyable but also testing at times. To Mrs Devlin, Mrs Rowe, and Mr Wilson, your support to not just one but all years of our time here at Ivanhoe has not gone unnoticed, and we thank you for your spirit and enthusiasm, coming in every day to help us succeed in whatever pursuit in life we desire to undertake.
Lastly, I would like to thank the parents. Without all of you, your children would not be the young men and women who they are today. It is thanks to your sacrifices, support, and relentless belief in your children that we have been able to have such a fortunate upbringing and education here at Ivanhoe.
Angus:
To the Class of 2023. For possibly the last time in our lives, we are all gathered here together, as a cohort, as a community, where we can see each other together for the last time. Take the time to look around and see the people that you have perhaps known and spent day after day with for the last 6 or more years.
We now call upon you to charge your glasses and rise for the toast to the School, and a rousing rendition of the school song, with plenty of gusto.
Ladies and gentlemen, to Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Avriel Das and Angus Dillon Plenty Campus CaptainsSENIOR YEARS
Plenty Campus Valedictory
Ridgeway Campus Valedictory
Captains’ Valedictory Speech
I have wracked my brain for something significant to say about tonight, something that feels substantial enough for the gravity of the occasion, let alone for our time at this school. The past six years has looked different for everybody, likewise valedictory will mean different things for different people. Nevertheless, we share tonight, we share the weeks ahead, and we will share the experience of graduating together. As we reflect on our experiences at school, I encourage you all to take a step back from your personal journey, your inside jokes, your favourite memories, and take the time to look around at the people who you have done it alongside with. It is, after all, the Class of 2023 that we are celebrating tonight.
This week has been emotional to say the least, yet an absolute joy if nothing else. We cherished the last of our classes on Monday and Tuesday, perhaps for some of us trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible from those final 55 minutes of insight with teachers. Others of us held on tight for our last lunchtime in the courtyard and on the south ground. On Wednesday we blew off some steam and briefly allowed ourselves to forget the challenges that lie ahead and enjoyed a much-deserved day of celebration. And then there was yesterday, which proved a testament to the connectedness of our cohort.
Within these walls is a shared story of remarkable growth and transformation—from wide-eyed juniors to the accomplished seniors we are today.
The experiences which we share whilst bringing a smile to our faces and maybe even causing us to shed some tears, are so much more than just memories. They are the setbacks and successes which have helped to mould every single one of us into the individuals we are. The young people of character we were destined to become upon first arrival.
Vangelis: Our junior years were a time of discovery, when we navigated the intricate maze of education, forming the foundations of our knowledge and character. For a majority of us beginning on the first day of year 7 in the distant past of 2018, we collectively stumbled and soared through the diverse range of subjects guided by teachers who not only imparted knowledge but also kindled the flame of curiosity within us. This challenging environment nourished courage, collaboration and innovation as we evolved our own individual identities and spurred on our peers to pursue their own passions. Amongst these challenges, we forged friendships that can transcend the challenges in the future. Bonds that make these school years not just a chapter in our lives, but a firm foundation that will help propel us forward. It is evident that the friendships many of us formed in year 7 are the ones we will miss the most. We have become more and more like the people we idolised and dressed up as,on the Night of Notables.
Jess: We found strength during our time at the uni campus, a period of our schooling journey which, already characterised by the dramas inherent to being a year 9 student, was further complicated by the implications of COVID and online learning. Perhaps however, this was the year we realised how much we valued time with friends, how much we appreciated having a sense of routine, and maybe
just maybe made us realise that teachers are actually kind of important and attending school isn’t really so bad. Our cohort transitioned seamlessly back into life at the Ridgeway campus at the beginning of year 10, becoming reintegrated into broader Ivanhoe life but with the experiences and knowledge acquired from the university campus and the profound wisdom we now possessed as enlightened senior years students. Whilst 2021 was still a greatly disrupted year which saw the tragic last-minute cancelling of our year 10 camp, we were all grateful for the school’s effort in providing the retreat experience. Although some of us did get hailed on when stand up paddle boarding, the retreat was lots of fun and allowed us to bond and reconnect after being distanced as a cohort.
Vangelis: In the senior years, the landscape of our education expanded beyond textbooks and classrooms in a manner we could not have anticipated in our curious year 7 selves. We ventured into the broader world of extracurricular activities, participating in debates, sports, productions, musicals, service, leadership and so much more. These experiences weren’t just about winning or losing; they were about developing our values to be compassionate, think ethically and be reflective. Not only have we grown academically but we have had the opportunity to strengthen the quality of our character.
As important as it is to reflect on our own change, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our passionate teachers. Our teachers didn’t just educate; they nurtured the awareness of a fullness of options that life offers. To our brilliant teachers, you are the architects of our curiosity that has set a course for the next stage of our lives, and we are eternally grateful.
School, as we’ve experienced, is not merely an institution of learning; it’s a crucible where a holistic person is forged. We faced challenges that extended beyond exams and assignments. We learned the art of resilience, bouncing back from setbacks and emerging stronger each time. We also celebrated success.
Jess: Critically, our journey this year was informed by the decision we made more than two years ago, the age-old question, VCE or IB. We have found vocation in the subjects we chose all that time ago, many of us seek to continue to study these very subjects in the future, although I think at the time we just wanted to get our mentors off our backs about subject selection. In the IB students have found a supportive, close-knit community, special in a way which exceeds its unassuming size. This year too we’ve witnessed the solidarity of VCE students, who collectively have tackled the onslaught of SACs, uniting over their shared fear of the notorious three-hour English exam.
It’s easy to reduce this year to the events of formal, house night and this week, or even to the cliches of late nights and lots of coffee. Certainly, these things are memorable, but this year, and the 5 years before this, have been so much more than that, so much more than whatever score comes our way. I hope that we will not let our ATARs distort our favourite memories, or define our perspective of the classes we loved. Feel pride in your effort and what you have achieved and know that this transcends merely a score. This is a big achievement.
Vangelis: As we reflect on the last six years, we should acknowledge the issues that have shaped our world—the triumphs and tribulations that will echo through history and will remain important determinants in our lives.
We’ve grappled with global challenges, witnessed social transformations, and confronted the ever-evolving narrative of our time. The world we step into after these hallowed halls will continue to present challenges and as adults the full responsibility lies on our shoulders to navigate an uncertain future with courage and conviction.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Our time here has equipped us with this formidable weapon, and we have expectations to wield it wisely. In a world that demands more than academic excellence, we are not just leaving as graduates; we are leaving as citizens of the world, armed with the knowledge to make a difference. We are entering the world as people of character.
And so, my friends, let us embrace the future with open hearts and curious minds. In the words of the ancient philosopher Socrates, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” So hold up your flame and let it burn bright. Light the way towards a future that is prosperous, compassionate and fulfilled.
This evening is ours, but it would be terribly remiss of us not to acknowledge that our experience at Ivanhoe would not have been possible without the amazing contributions and care from so many others. We would like to express a very special thank you to some of those people.
Ms Di Ciocco, who every day, without fail, tirelessly worked behind the scenes to support the class of 2023 throughout senior years to realise the full potential of the offerings at the school. Without your efforts, this year would have been but a shadow of the glorious year that we experienced and we will be forever grateful.
Mr Rickards, with his energetic spirit and willingness to guide us through the turbulence of high school and motivating us to maintain high morale throughout the year. Mr Foley, who has believed in us from the very beginning. Encouraging us to be nothing less than the best version of ourselves.
Jess: Mr Fox, who is often described as ‘the glue’ of our community due to his never-ending commitment to improving our time here at Ivanhoe. Your Chapels, assemblies, carnivals, barbecues, work for the Student Enterprise Centre, cat themed birthday messages have been so wonderful and in many ways a constant through all the turmoil of our high school years.
The Prefects, just the most brilliant and bright group of individuals. It has been an immense privilege to work alongside you this year, thank you for your sacrifices, your trust and patience. You are innate to the success of this year and the spirit of our cohort.
The mentors, who selflessly offered guidance and showed us compassion, celebrated our highs and lifting us up through our lows.
Our parents or guardians, grandparents, siblings, extended family. We thank all of those who have been by our side at
the beginning, the end and during everything in between. Thank you not just for celebrating us tonight but loving us everyday. We feel your support constantly, and our gratitude cannot be understated.
Vangelis:: We would also like to thank all of you. The class of 2023. It has been an absolute privilege for Jess and I to represent you. You are a talented cohort who have “seized the day” and your support for one another and creativeness have shone throughout the year. We recognize and deeply appreciate the honour of sharing your year with you.
I would like to conclude with a personal reflection. When I was asked at the beginning of the year what would the legacy be of the class of 2023, my reply was “whatever we wish it to be”. I sincerely believe in every individual in the cohort having their own goals and talents and that they deserved to take full advantage of all opportunities offered at Ivanhoe. With great pride I can proudly announce that the class of 2023 delivered on my prediction balancing individual abilities with collective pride. Congratulations.
I hope that you all enjoy this truly deserved celebration tonight. We wish you all the best with your upcoming exams and may your journeys beyond Ivanhoe continue on their own remarkable and worthy paths. (Remember though we will forever be part of the Ivanhoe family, and tonight marks our transition to being an old Ivanhoe Grammarian.
Jess and I ask you all to charge your glasses and join us in expressing our gratitude by toasting to Ivanhoe Grammar School.
To Ivanhoe Grammar School!
Vangelis Matheou and Jessica Hooker Ridgeway Campus CaptainsSENIOR YEARS
Ridgeway Campus Valedictory
Celebrating the Class of 2023
Year 12 at Ridgeway Campus
For the Class of 2023, the year was packed with opportunities for both fun and learning, in which the Year 12 students could celebrate their last year of school and push for the best marks they could.
At the beginning of the year, the annual House Swimming Carnival was once again a hit. As Year 12s, it was our turn to lead from the front and have the best possible experience, as we had seen from so many Year 12s before us. Being able to lead the House chants and dress up in our House costumes was a great way to start off the year.
Back at school, we had numerous study skills sessions across the year in our wellbeing periods, in which we learned the best techniques for studying and preparing for our end-of-year exams. These sessions gave us great insight into preparation methods for the exams, as well as consolidating our knowledge throughout the year. Also in our wellbeing periods, house sports time was great fun. It was good to have a break between classes at the beginning of the year to compete for our Houses in a wide range of games, including soccer, basketball, netball, and ultimate frisbee. These games were great to socialise with friends, and it was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
Another great way to have fun with our year level this year was in our Saturday sporting programs, both for the summer and winter seasons, for our very last time. Whether you were competing at the Firsts level, or playing in the Seconds or Thirds, everyone enjoyed showing up to trainings and games, and performing well when representing the School. This year there were many premierships won by Ivanhoe, with a notable one being the First XVIII Football team winning the premiership for the first time in 60 years. The Ivy Army was in full force for many sporting events throughout the year, which only made our wins better in front of a big crowd.
Moving on in the year, the last week of SACs was exciting for everyone, as it marked a big milestone in our final schooling year. After working hard for the whole year, Year 12s were relieved to complete our final SACs with a few weeks to go in Term 3. This was also important, as it marked the beginning of the official exam revision period, where we worked hard towards completing our final exams as best as possible and getting our long-anticipated ATARs. I feel that for all Year 12s, finishing their last SAC was a great accomplishment as we completed our school journey.
In the last week of Term 3, Athletics Day occurred, which was another great way to have a bit of fun when wrapping up the school year. It was a beautiful day, the perfect weather for athletics, and every house came out in full force with their respective costumes and house colours on to represent their houses. At the end of the day, Sherwood came out as the winners, but all houses competed well, and made the day a memorable one for everyone. Overall, while our final year at school offered many ups and downs, I think all Year 12s can agree that 2023 was one to remember. As we now look towards our futures, we will be forever grateful for the many opportunities that Ivanhoe Grammar provided for us as students, and we look forward to the many opportunities we will have in the future.
Jaxon McIntyre, Year 12
Dean Voss and Stephen van Beek Heads of HousesFrom the Dean of International Students
The launch of the inaugural Ivanhoe International Academy this year, as part of the School’s reset of its international student program was met with great enthusiasm and excitement by our new international students from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. All were warmly welcomed to the Ivanhoe family at special welcome lunches organised by the new and International Prefects and the International Student Council. This year we also celebrated the International Academy’s intensive English language program milestone achievement of 25 years of continuous quality endorsement with NEAS, a global leader in Quality Assurance for English Language teaching, ensuring students studying in the Academy receive specific and holistic preparation prior to transitioning to their mainstream courses.
Understandably adjusting to new school and home environments can be daunting, however, our courageous new students quickly rose to the challenge demonstrating their commitment and determination to their academic program and their involvement in several co-curricular
programs on offer as soon as they arrived! The Saturday sport program saw many new recruits in the basketball, badminton and netball teams and the Traditional Chinese Instrument Ensemble was also a very popular co-curricular choice. Special commendations go to Andy Wang and Laura Xuan who received respectively music and art prizes during Term 3. All students can be very proud of their achievements and their willingness to try new and different opportunities to not only improve their language skills, knowledge and other talents but also, very importantly, make new friends!
As part of the Academy’s orientation program new international students learnt much about Australian culture and history by visiting the State Library of Victoria and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the Melbourne Museum. They also experienced the Australian bush firsthand at the Orientation Camp that ran alongside the Year 10 Retreat at Coonawarra Farm Resort. This unique Outdoor Education Program allowed the international students to experience activities such as canoeing, hiking, bike riding, cooking dinner and camping out in tents beside the Mitchell River and spend time interacting with their mainstream counterparts having fun and building intercultural competency and understanding.
Camp reflections
My favorite part of the camp was the bike riding and canoeing; these two activities were very fun, and I learnt both teamwork and individual skills. The most challenging part was hiking for more than 4 hours. It was a very hard challenge as we needed to climb several tall hills. However, none of us gave up and eventually we reached the camping place at the top. I learnt both individual and teamwork skills. We worked as a team when preparing the dinner and washing dishes and we climbed mountains and rode our bikes as an individual. It was a lot of fun and a great educational experience.
Before the camp, I thought that there are so many challenges in camp, so I wasn’t sure I wanted to attend it. But after the camp, I realised that I had learnt new skills, and enjoyed most of the time at camp. Therefore, I knew the importance of going out of my comfort area.
The most interesting part of the camp was the Giant Swing and Flying Fox. These activities were exciting because we could experience the feeling of birds. I could feel the strong wind and appreciate the beautiful landscape when I was hanging high in the sky. I became stronger during the camp and found happiness in exercising. At first, I was afraid that I could hardly to finish the tasks and that I might quit on the way to the destination, especially when we were hiking. But now I think I have the ability to overcome these difficulties since I succeeded in the end!
The support and guidance given by new and International Student Prefects Samira Scala and Jacob Li to students this year has been outstanding. Their tireless efforts, in collaboration with the International Student Council (ISC) continued to foster intercultural understanding, build friendships, and deepen the sense of belonging across cohorts. The student-led celebrations of significant cultural events such as Lunar New Year, the various ‘Welcome’ lunches, Middle Years student address, the International Assembly and an array of other fun activities during the Culture and Inclusion weeks were great opportunities for students and staff to celebrate the School’s culturally diverse and inclusive community. This year the new and International Prefects and the International Student Council chose to donate all funds raised at the traditional Lunar New Year dumpling stalls held alongside Pancake Tuesday and at the Swimming Carnival to UNICEF Turkiye/Syria Children’s Earthquake fund.
New and International Student Prefect reflections
I’ve really loved working in the role of New and International Student Prefect this year and am very grateful for everything I have been able to contribute to the Ivanhoe Grammar community. One aspect I am particularly proud of is the welcome lunches we held for both new and international students. The lunches were really nice and a great opportunity for students to meet new people and feel a sense of inclusion in the Ivanhoe community. The International Assembly was also an undeniable highlight. All the planning and work so many people put into it paid off and I’m so proud of everyone involved. It’s been an unforgettable experience which I know I will look back on fondly in years to come.
Samira Scala
I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the New and International Student Prefect this year. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with personal growth and memorable moments. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and helping them navigate their journey at our school. It has been inspiring to witness the resilience and determination of our new and international students as they adapt to a new environment. This role has allowed me to foster a sense of belonging and support among our peers, and I’m proud to have been a part of their transition. During my tenure this year, we’ve accomplished some remarkable initiatives that have not only celebrated our diversity but also strengthened our school community. We organized numerous
welcome lunches, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all. Our fundraising dumpling stall was a huge success, not only in terms of financial contributions to a good cause but also in bringing people together over delicious food. The Cultural and Inclusion Week was a highlight, as we not only celebrated various cultures but also raised funds for the First Nations scholarship, an initiative close to our hearts. The crowning moment was the International Assembly, a completely studentled event that showcased the incredible diversity and talents of our students. These experiences have enriched my time in this role and reinforced the importance of unity in our diverse school community.
I look forward to continuing to contribute to our school community in the future, and I am truly thankful for this opportunity to make a positive impact.
Jacob LiInternational Mentor and International Student Council Member Reflection
This year, being an International Mentor and member of the International Student Council was really one of the best experiences I had. Not only did it open a gateway for me to learn more about the different cultures within our school, but also connect to people whom I may not have ever encountered otherwise. Becoming a mentor was an especially rewarding process, as I was able to positively impact so many international students by helping them adapt to this new, and possibly scary, environment. Between us, we were able to build lots of new friendships, likely only to be made possible through the many welcome lunches and just the overall unique program. Considering how Australia is such a multicultural society, it’s really great to see the school being so supportive and inclusive of all our students’ backgrounds..
Cherian HuangThe vibrant Ivanhoe Grammar School intercultural community has proudly welcomed international students since 1941 and this year it has been very exciting to have continued this tradition after an almost two-year hiatus. We are honoured that our new students and their families have chosen Ivanhoe to complete their educational journey. Opportunities to share and celebrate our similarities and differences allow for deep connections that traverse culture where all can feel truly valued as important members of the Ivanhoe family. We continue to be extremely grateful for the enduring support of our Homestay families, student carers and all staff involved across the school. The importance of our continued connection and collaboration can never be understated and we very much look forward to the Class of 2023 continuing to stay in contact for many years to come.
Leisl Bruhn Dean of International StudentsHouse Competition
Plenty Campus
The atmosphere of the 2023 Plenty Secondary Athletics and Swimming Carnivals was charged with energy and house pride as students and teachers came together to celebrate sportsmanship, competition, and camaraderie. These events showcased the essence of our School’s values and the incredible talents of Ivanhoe students!
Athletics Carnival
The Athletics Carnival was an absolute highlight, with students from all Houses showcasing their athleticism and determination on the track and field. The event took place at Doncaster Athletics Track, where we created a true sense of unity as students proudly represented house colours in all types of creative costumes, even though being a little bit harder to run in! It was great to see the spirit of healthy competition complemented by enthusiastic cheers from the sidelines.
Among the Houses, Lincoln emerged as the champions in a closely fought day.
While Lincoln emerged winners, it is essential to recognise the incredible effort put in by students, House Leaders and House Captains from Sherwood, Thoresby, and Athelstane. Every participant contributed to the success of the day and showcased their commitment to the Ivanhoe Grammar School spirit.
The final highlight was the Year 12s with their final EgoYah, sung in front of all the Houses on the home straight, rounding out a fantastic day.
Swimming Carnival
Our Swimming Carnival was an equally impressive display of determination and dedication. Once again held at WaterMarc, the carnival saw students plunge into the water with enthusiasm, aiming to secure points for their houses. While the traditional races were hotly contested all day, it was the novelty games that were a favourite throughout all year levels.
The two highlights were the inflatables race and water polo. The inflatables race saw each House gather up to four students, where they had to get a student on the inflatable pineapple from one end of the pool to the other. There was lots of capsizing and scrambling to stay afloat, but more notable were the smiles and laughing coming from each lane. It was a great event to watch and to participate in.
The other event which drew in a big crowd, was the House water polo, run by Mr Hrovat. Played in the shallow pool, the objective was to get the ball in the bucket held by a member of your House. This was made more difficult by having rules which restricted your movement. While the Swimming Carnival can be based on individual races, it was great to have a team-based game where students had to make sure they were communicating, showing sportsmanship and sound teamwork.
Once again, the House rivalry was intense, fostering an environment of healthy competition and support. Just like the Athletics Carnival, Lincoln demonstrated exceptional prowess in the pool, clinching victory and maintaining their reputation as the dominant Plenty Campus House for 2023.
The event finished with the traditional signing of Ego-Yah by the Year 12s as they celebrated the final Swimming Carnival of their educational journey.
These carnivals are not just about winners and losers but rather about the values we uphold and getting out of our comfort zone. The camaraderie displayed by our students, as they cheered for their peers and celebrated one another’s achievements, was truly heartwarming. It is this spirit of unity and support that makes the Ivanhoe Grammar School community a pleasure to be a part of.
Of course, a special salute goes out to Lincoln for their outstanding performances in both the Athletics Carnival and Swimming Carnival. Well done to Mrs Lin and House Captains Dakota, Ella and Daniel!
Henry Tyler House Programs CoordinatorRidgeway Campus
The House Shield Competition is a vital component of our School’s co-curricular offerings. It aims to inspire students to venture beyond their comfort zones by encouraging students to engage in a diverse range of activities that they might otherwise not participate in. The overarching goal is to cultivate a competitive yet nurturing environment where students have the opportunity measure their skills and capabilities against their peers and, more importantly, extend their hand in support and solidarity to fellow students who are challenging themselves.
The battle for the House Shield commenced in Term 1 with the House Swimming Carnival. Held under sweltering conditions at the Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool, this event saw competitors from all four Houses compete with great enthusiasm and valour in a range of swimming and novelty events. After a day of rigorous competition, it was Athelstane House that emerged victorious, claiming the coveted House Swimming Cup.
The Term 1 House Competition marched on with unflagging energy, as our Houses fervently competed in a series of team sports held during pastoral sessions. Competition was fierce as Thoresby House claimed triumph in Volleyball while Sherwood House secured victory in Soccer and Netball. Lincoln was victorious in Basketball and Ultimate Frisbee, which left the scores for the House Shield remarkably close at the end of Term 1.
With the arrival of the colder months, the House Competition transitioned indoors where students were offered a diverse mix of activities to engage in. Chess, Charades, Pictionary, Catapult Building and Bridge Building were all hotly contested events. Every senior year’s student was involved in one of the activities ensuring a strong sense of inclusivity and camaraderie was fostered.
Term 2 was wrapped up with a House Art Competition where the students from Thoresby House’s artistic talents allowed them to claim first place. Such was the level of competition from all Houses that at the end of Term 2 there was little separating the four Houses in the battle for the house shield.
As spring graced us with its presence, students eagerly returned to outdoors to hold a fundraising bake sale where students put their cooking skills on the line in the name of charity. It was an incredibly successful initiative as students and staff clamoured around to consume the delicious treats. Athelstane’s stall raised the most money, so they were awarded maximum points for this event.
The final event of the year was the House Athletics Competition. Students partook in traditional athletics events such as high jump, shot put, sprints, and middle-distance races, alongside a medley of novelty events including tug of war, longest football kick, penalty shootouts, sack races, and egg and spoon races. The day was filled with exhilarating action, and House Spirit. When results were tallied it was Sherwood House that came out on top to claim the House Athletics Cup.
It was this victory that ultimately allowed Sherwood House to claim the House Sheild in what was a remarkably close year. Atheltstane finished in a valiant second place, with Lincoln third and Thoresby fourth. All houses were able to achieve a remarkable level of participation in every event and all would have been deserved winners. But Sherwood House was able to find enough of an edge to come out on top and my congratulations go to them. I also wish to acknowledge and commend every student who actively participated and contributed to the success of this House Program throughout the year.
A special thanks goes out to the Heads of House and other House Leaders and to the House Prefects; Adrienne Battistella and Nicholas Filippis for Athelstane, Holly Ilievski and Hamish Rouch for Lincoln, Finn Cleary and Emma Shaw for Sherwood and Anston Gonopoulos and Samira Kink for Thoresby. Their tireless work to get students participate and infectious enthusiasm for the House competitions are one of the key reasons the House Program can have such a positive impact on so many students.
The final scores overall were as follows.
‘The purpose of life is to matter and be ever mindful of the opportunities that we can both individually and collectively provide for others.’
– Ken Wyatt
ETHICAL
young people of character
#learningtogether
Community
Community Events
Ivanhoe Parents and Friends
Ivanhoe Parents and Friends is the School’s Parents’ Association, which oversees our nine campus-based and cross campus parent support groups. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing efforts of our parent support groups across the School, supporting our community by friendraising, ensuring parents have opportunities to connect, fundraising, assisting the School in providing students with opportunities and equipment that might not otherwise be available to them, and supporting School events, ensuring that our major events are well supported for the success of our students.
Our primary committees have had a productive and event-filled year with a range of events supporting the needs of our primary families. Friends of Buckley House have held their termly Hot Dog Days which align with the School’s Casual for a Cause days, which the students look forward to each term. Friends of Buckley House continue their support of major events, holding their annual Mother’s Day Stall and Father’s Day Breakfast, which this year included games and a coffee van. Giving back is the ethos of Friends of Buckley House, and this year they have been fortunate to give back and support the Good Friday Appeal, Cambodian communities, Perthes Kids Foundation, St Kilda Mums’ Foundation, and the Salvation Army. Similarly, Friends of Plenty Primary have also had a jam-packed events calendar, this year welcoming over sixty families to celebrate a sit-down Mother’s Day Breakfast and Father’s Day Breakfast. Other events held this year included Plenty Brushstrokes, a paint’n’sip evening for parents, and the Primary Disco, an annual afternoon event of great joy for the primary students, as well as much, much more.
Equally, our secondary campus parent support groups have continued their major social events, with Friends of Plenty Campus holding their annual Spring Luncheon, a great opportunity for families to come together and thank outgoing Deputy Head of Campus, Renata Rowe, for her service to the School.
Friends of Ridgeway Campus had equal success with their major event, hosting 170 guests over two days for their annual Mother’s Day Lunches – both held at local Ivanhoe restaurant, Lucille’s. These major events contribute to a wide range of initiatives, including the purchase of sporting equipment for University Campus, new aprons for the Food Tech and Art Departments, and whiteboard planners for the Middle Years Classrooms, as well as a lot more. Friends of Ridgeway Campus have been fortunate to be able to donate towards the Cambodia projects and First Nations Scholarship.
Our co-curricular-aligned parent support groups continue supporting both major and minor annual events. Friends of Plenty Performing Arts supported multiply concerts throughout the year, holding the annual Mother’s and Father’s Day Stalls and their major contribution every year is the School Musical, assisting with everything from costume design to catering, and we thank them for their extremely hard work on this project. Friends of Ridgeway Music also supported many of the Ridgeway Campus concerts, including selling refreshments for guests watching the students perform. Friends of Ridgway Music’s Jazz Night is always a major hit, with parents enjoying a live trio performing at local café Docasa Ivanhoe. We were again thankful to have Friends of Ridgeway Theatre’s support the 2023 Musical “Oliver!”. Volunteers worked tirelessly in the lead-up and during performance week to get the show to the high standards that was delivered by the students. Friends of Snow Sports again assisted our snow sports team competing at the annual school events, as well as holding their annual Pasta Fundraising and Pop-Up sale which is loved by families.
We thank all our parent volunteers for their time and efforts in 2023.
Returning for the first time since 2018, the Gala Ball was an unforgettable evening that left an indelible mark on all who attended. A splendid evening of sophisticated and good fun, the event surpassed all expectations. Highlights of the night included the exquisite cuisine, a sensational performance from the band, The Baker Boys, leading almost all guests
to the dancefloor for majority of the evening, and the two photobooths for guests to create memories to take home with them. The night was topped of by a Plenty Campus family winning the School Fee Raffle. A truly unforgettable evening for all attendees.
Alex Stephens Calendar, Events and Community Engagement ManagerDevelopment
What is Development?
The School’s Development Office has the purpose of acting as a conduit to our wider School family of parents, past parents, alumni and friends. It works closely with other departments to establish and maintain friendships through involvement with the many groups representing the Arts, Music, Sport and other Co-curricular activities. It is the central point for our Alumni programs and the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association as well as being the fundraising arm of the School, conducting an Annual Appeal and supporting other projects requiring funding.
Our Annual Appeal this year, ‘A Time to Dream’, commenced with a dinner for known benefactors who have pledged a considerable sum to underwrite our First Nations Scholarship program. This will assist in enabling up to six indigenous students to attend Ivanhoe Grammar School. Our thanks go to Andrew and Cara Taylor who, together with staff member Paul Briggs, contributed to a successful evening of knowledge sharing and fundraising. The appeal itself attracted many new donors and support was well received for our Scholarship, Building and Library funds. Our named scholarships such as the Norma Marsh and Slater/Graham Memorial Scholarships, were also generously supported.
Our bequest program was enriched with two new members joining The Fidelis Society this year. Bequests have contributed immensely to the welfare of students over the years with support for scholarships being a primary focus.
With new projects to come, including the Aquatic and Wellness Centre at Plenty Campus, new and improved facilities at Chelsworth Park and the proposed Fraser Senior Years building at the Ivanhoe Campus, many philanthropic ways of supporting the School will arise. Naming rights will be offered in a variety of areas including buildings, rooms and recreational areas, creating opportunities to recognise someone or some entity that has made a significant contribution to the life of the School.
Archives are essential in preserving and maintaining the heritage of the School. Our archivist, Tim Swain (Class of 1972) is currently working on removing unwanted material contained in our archive area in preparation for the digitising of our most important documents and artifacts. As can be imagined this is an enormous task and great support from many sections of our School Family will be required if this is to be achieved.
As we move into uncertain economic times it is gratifying to know that there are members of our School Family prepared to give to something that they firmly believe in! And that is the quality, all round education that Ivanhoe Grammar School provides. Thank you to all our parent groups, Ridgeway Club members and first-time donors. Your support, whether it be financial or in countless hours spent as a volunteer, is essential to the wellbeing of our students and the School.
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association
2023 was a year when our mission of Reach, Connect and Support began to show its strength with a full reunion program and lots of interaction with former and current students.
The Association was involved in many undertakings throughout the year:
• From your once only Life Membership fee the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association supports two scholarships, The Evelyn and Sydney Buckley Memorial Scholarship and the OIGA Centenary Scholarship. Both assist students who otherwise could not enjoy an Ivanhoe education.
• The Brown and White quarterly newsletter is an important resource in keeping alumni and supporters in touch with happenings both in and out of school.
• The Old Ivanhoe Law Society continues to be a great resource and knowledge bank for those students wishing to pursue a legal career.
• The OIGA presence on social media platforms Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram has proven to be a major tool in staying connected and continues to grow month by month. Brianna Ablett (Class of 2021) is doing a fine job in maintaining this program and keeping it up to date.
• Life Members are encouraged to use the OIGA website (oldivanhoe.com) as it is a great resource, connecting and supporting fellow alumni through the Business Directory and Careers pages contained in the site.
• The OIGA supports a Cambodian student attending University in Phnom Penh and this year assisted 6 Ivanhoe students who attended the School’s visit to Cambodia in June as the inaugural Rod Fraser Bursary beneficiaries.
• The OIGA also financially supports its allied clubs and associations with special grants each year when requested.
The alumni office is always available in working hours to assist with alumni matters in any way possible. Mirella Busso-Lee, our Alumni Coordinator, would be delighted to help if she can.
Your Council meets regularly, and our councillors are there to further the work of the Association. You will find the councillors listed on the website. We certainly have appreciated their voluntary involvement and assistance throughout the year.
To the Class of 2023 we express our wish for every success and welcome each one of you to the Association as our newest Life Members. Whilst there have been some difficult years during COVID, we know you will take with you the attributes of a true Ivanhoe Learner and leave us as young people of character ready to make your way in the world!
Michael Bacskos (’09) OIGA President Geoff Brown (’62) OIGA Executive OfficerStaff List
As at 1 December 2023
Board of Governors
Chair
Mr D Proietto
Principal
Mr G Foley
Deputy Chair
Dr A Caples
Treasurer
Mr K Teoh
Secretary
Mr L Miles
Members
Ms H Fazzino
Mr R Hamilton
Mr M Lochran
Ms S Louey
Professor J McKenzie AM
Ms T Savona
Principal
Mr G Foley
Principal’s Executive Business Manager
Mr L Miles
Deputy Principal/Head of Plenty Campus
Mrs F Devlin
Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus
Mr T Rickards
Director of Academic Learning
Mrs C Fry
Head of Advancement
Mr P Walsh
Head of Buckley House
Mr R Feben
Head of University Campus
Mrs S Batsanis
Head of Human Resources
Mr F Tascone
Finance & Administration
Finance Manager
Mr M Wilson
Risk Manager
Ms B Dooley
Executive Assistant to the Principal
Mrs V Costigan
Personal Assistant to the Business Manager
Ms R Lakeman
HR & Payroll Services
Mr D Jordan
Human Resources Advisor
Mrs S Oteri
HR Team Administrator
Mrs J Eastaway
Health & Safety Coordinator
Mr P Scott
Accounts Officer
Mr D Udawatte
Ms S Vella
Credit Services Manager
Mr P Davis
Administration Assistant –Calendar & Events
Ms L Wein
Calendar, Events & Community Engagement Manager
Mr A Stephens
Events & Facilities
Coordinator
Ms S Karatzidis
Aquatics Manager
Ms K Gevaux
Compliance Officer
Mrs M Pamalage
Ivanhoe Institute –Administrator
Mrs P Welham
Head of Strength and Conditioning
Mr A Hutton
Head Coach (Swimming)
Ms A Kusafuka
Development
Communications & Marketing Manager
Ms K Garla
Admissions Manager
Mrs R Groenewegen
Associate Registrar and International Admissions Coordinator
Mrs N Wilson
Administration Assistant –Domestic Admissions
Ms M Dehne
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Mrs S Drummond
Ms R Good
Ms M Healy
Development Manager
Mr G Brown
Development Administrator
Mrs L Paltoglou
Alumni Coordinator
Mrs M Busso-Lee
Information & Communications Technology
Director of Digital Transformation
Mr S Brophy
Director of Systems & Infrastructure
Mr W Mattson
Software Development Manager
Mr D McCraw
Database & LMS Manager
Mrs L Davis
ICT Systems Administrator
Mrs S Loganathan
Director of ICT Operations
Mrs M Hawkeswood
Client Systems Administrator
Mr S Crossley
IT Technician Trainee
Mr T Churchward
Mr S Gellel
Mr M Hart
Mr D Paladino
Mr L Stewart
Miss A Turner
IT Facilities and Service
Desk Manager
Mr N White
Print Room
Mrs L Bullock
Senior Support Staff
Dean of International Students
Ms L Bruhn
Director of Co-Curricular Learning
Mr C Branigan
Director of Sport
Miss A Geoghegan
Chaplain
Rev. Canon John Sanderson
Buckley House
Senior Staff
Head of Buckley House
Mr R Feben
Deputy Head of Buckley House
Miss K Eaton
Early Learning Centre Director
Mrs K Harding
Pedagogical & Curriculum Leaders
Mr J Coleman
Ms K Hartnell
Professional Learning Team Leaders
Foundation to Year 2
Ms I Bond
Years 2 & 3
Mr R Loft
Years 5 & 6
Ms L Broben
Individual Needs Coodinator
Mrs A McCaffrey
Instrumental Music Coordinator
Mrs F Chindamo
Chaplain
Mr P Keuneman
Academic Staff
Miss A Blanch-Frederick
Mrs N Braddy
Mr T Braddy
Mrs A Breteler
Ms C Delahunty
Ms G Digiglio
Miss H Fullwood
Mrs M Goetz
Ms C Harkin
Mrs J Keenan
Ms A Lett
Mr D McClean
Miss B McHugh
Mr J McInerney
Mrs M Merrick
Mr M Narkowicz
Mrs M Neilson
Mrs C Nicholson
Ms Z Papadopoulos
Ms K Price
Mrs A Stock
Mrs S Taylor
Ms S White
Administrative Staff
Personal Assistant to the Head of Buckley House
Mrs N Hales
Administration Assistant
Mrs A Rooke
ELC Co-educators
Ms E Leighton
Mrs T Prinsloo
Ms L Quach
Learning Support Assistants
Mrs L Apicella
Mr S Daniel
Mrs H Flanagan
Mrs D Galapi
Mrs C Gibson
Mrs S Munro
School Nurses
Mrs K Wilson
Ms K Fyvie
Library Staff
Ms A Kok
Ms G Molinaro
School Psychologist
Miss L Moresi
Plenty Campus
Campus Executive
Deputy Principal/ Head of Plenty Campus
Mrs F Devlin
Deputy Head of Plenty Campus
Mrs R Rowe
Head of Primary
Mr D Gibson
Deputy Head of Campus –Staffing & Operations
Mr A Wilson
Heads of Learning Areas
Head of Learning Area –Humanities & Social Science
Mr A Luscombe
Head of Learning Area –Language & Literature
Mr C Bourne
Head of Learning Area –STEM
Mrs S Scott
Head of Learning Area –
The Arts
Mr M Barnett
Heads of Year Levels
Head of Year 12
Mr C Caracella
Head of Year 11
Mr A Ratskos
Head of Year 10
Mrs N Luscombe
Head of Year 8
Mr D Hrovat
Head of Year 7
Mrs K Horsford
Senior Leaders
Administration Manager
Mrs J Harrison
Deputy Head of Primary
Ms N Simpson
Careers Advisor
Mrs N McFadden
Head of Performing Arts
Mrs M Denni
Individual Needs Coordinator
Mrs A Fahey
Mrs J Vanderzweep Pastoral Coordinator
Mr L Dahl
Curriculum Leaders
Curriculum Leader –Digital Technology
Mr R Fox
Curriculum Leader –English
Mr C Stein
Curriculum Leader –Health & Physical Education
Mr H Tyler
Curriculum Leader –Humanities & Commerce
Mr J Bloom
Curriculum Leader –Languages
Mr B Langford
Curriculum Leader –Mathematics
Mr P Briggs
Curriculum Leader –Science & Technology
Ms R Zammit
Curriculum Leader –Visual Arts
Mr L Dalton
Academic Staff
Mrs K Boyd-Gerny
Mr H Bullen
Mr A Burton
Mrs A Burton
Mr M Callegari
Mr J Chappel
Miss K Crichton
Mrs C Comito
Mrs S Cracknell
Mr J Delaney
Mr L Fleming
Mr A Hoogenraad
Mrs S Horton
Mr J Ives
Mrs A Jones
Miss J Knights
Mr D Kolasseril
Ms M Koppany
Ms D Krilis
Miss H Li
Miss D Lin
Ms S MacEwan
Ms M Matthews
Mrs R Montorid
Mrs A Moravski
Ms E Obradovic
Miss R Payne
Ms G Saadeh
Mrs N Smith
Ms H Swift
Mr B Tucker
Ms M Underabi
Ms N Ventrice
Ms E Yeo
Ms L Zorzi
Administrative Staff
Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal/Head of Campus
Mrs S Anderson
Academic Secretary/ VASS Administrator
Mrs J Villanti
School Nurse
Mrs D Strauss
Staff List
As at 1 December 2023
Learning Support Assistants
Ms G Inturrisi
Ms A Persico
Mrs L Stevens
Mrs B Thorne
Receptionist/ Administrator
Ms N Alexander
Ms L O’Brien
Music Secretary
Mrs K Said
Primary Years Secretary
Mrs M Kilkenny Science Laboratory Technicians
Ms A Trainor
Ms D Vodopija
Studio Assistant
Mr K Whitechurch
Library Staff
Head of Library Services
Primary Library Teacher
Mrs L Cotter
Library Support Staff
Ms J Simpson
Ms A Gillon
School Psychologist
Mr J West
Grounds & Maintenance
Grounds & Maintenance Coordinator
Mr A Wiseman
Grounds & Maintenance Staff
Mr R Patterson
Ridgeway
Campus
Campus Executive
Deputy Principal/Head of Ridgeway Campus
Mr T Rickards
Deputy Head of Campus –Head of Senior Years
Mrs A Di Ciocco
Deputy Head of Campus –Staffing & Operations
Mrs J Scanlon
Deputy Head of Campus –Head of Middle Years
Mrs V Arnas
Heads of Learning Areas
Head of Learning Area –Humanities & Social Sciences
Mr R Utting
Head of Learning Area –Science
Mrs L Aubrey
Head of Learning Area –STEM
Ms R Maynard
Head of Learning Area –The Arts
Ms J Patterson
Heads of Year Levels
Head of Year 7
Mrs F Burgess
Head of Year 8
Mr D Verrocchi
Senior Leaders
Head of Curriculum
Ms E Agius
Head of Academic Extension
Ms W Mc Carry
VCE Coordinator
Ms H Seadon
IB Coordinator
Dr N Mercer
Director of Performance
Mr S Murphy
Lay Chaplain
Mr A Fox
Head of Individual Needs
Mrs E Linke
Head of AGSV Sport (Summer)
Mr R Gill
Head of AGSV Sport (Winter)
Mr B Aisbett
Heads of House
Athelstane
Ms K Wilson
Lincoln
Mr D Voss Sherwood
Mrs O Rothnie Thoresby
Mr S van Beek
Curriculum Leaders
Curriculum Leader –Art & Design
Miss S Elali
Curriculum Leader –Commerce
Mr M Smyth
Curriculum Leader –
English
Ms P Rao
Curriculum Leader –Health & Physical Education
Mr L Lochran
Curriculum Leader –Humanities
Miss L Portella
Curriculum Leader –Languages
Mrs K van Leest
Curriculum Leader –Mathematics
Miss J Ranasinghe
Curriculum Leader –
Performing Arts
Mr N Pease
Academic Staff
Mrs C Aile
Ms J Akrigg
Mr P Allen
Miss C Alton
Ms J Angwin
Mr D Atkinson-Buck
Ms B Bell
Miss C Bernardi
Mr P Bowers
Ms J Brown
Ms K Brown
Ms L Brown
Mrs V Buzzard
Ms C Castano Rodriguez
Ms A Chiodo
Ms C Chuter
Ms R Clyne
Mr M Cousins
Mr J Cozzio
Ms C Davies-Kildea
Ms S De Domenico
Mr J Doman
Mr W Draper
Ms T Edirisingha
Mr H El-Hassan
Mr B Ernest
Miss R Federico
Mrs K Filbey
Ms L Fraumano-Braddy
Ms M Fruewirth
Mr C Galvez Gonzalez
Mr A Gibbs
Mr M Gill
Ms C Gleeson
Miss G Grant
Miss J Green
Ms M Greenwood-Smith
Ms E Grills
Mr D Harris
Mr R Henshall
Mr B Heuser
Mr P Hodge
Miss B Howell
Mr B Ingleton
Ms S Irwin
Mrs J Jasper
Mrs E Jeffries
Mr T Jones
Dr E Kakoschke
Miss C Lao
Miss C Lennon
Ms M Leonard
Mrs S Kelly
Mr I Lobo
Mr F Mandler
Miss S McDougall
Ms S McLaughlin
Ms G Mitchell
Mr D Naude
Mr S Nelson
Ms C Parodi
Mrs H Perrone
Mx C Planko
Mr D Plumb
Ms M Pool
Mrs E Pucius
Miss G Ratcliffe
Mr R Rizzo
Mr M Robertson
Ms C Saez
Dr R Savage
Miss D Scott
Mr J Scuruchi
Mrs G Shadbolt
Mr C Shallcross
Ms K Shipsides
Ms L Spencer
Mr J Stajcer
Mr P Szczur
Mrs G Thorpe
Mr K Treloar
Mrs P Turner
Mrs M Vallury
Mrs M van Beek
Mr G Wade
Dr R Waese
Mr C Ward
Ms S Warren
Ms L Wei
Ms N Wei
Miss S White
Mrs W Wilkinson
Ms K Williams
Miss J Xu
Mr M Yau
Ms T Zeki
Ms J Zhang
Mr C Zois
Administrative Staff
Academic Secretary –Co-Curricular
Mrs S Mileto
Academic Secretary –Curriculum & IB
Ms A Marchese
Academic Secretary –Student Services (Senior Years)
Mrs C Brennan
Academic Secretary/VASS Administrator
Mrs D De Silva
Co-Curricular Secretary –
Sport
Mr J Campisi
Educational Support Staff Coordinator
Ms C Cassidy
First Nations Program Coordinator
Mr A Taylor
Careers Advisor
Ms E McCormick
Workshop Technician
Mr A Field
Performing Arts Secretary – Music & Theatre
Mrs E Lofthouse
Studio Technician
Mx S Moorhen
Miss C Hawkins
Food technology
Assistant
Mrs R Flesser
Laboratory Manager
Ms M Nigro
Learning Support Assistants
Mrs E Ahimastos
Ms K Bhar
Ms E Eades
Ms F Edge
Mrs S Golden
Middle Years Secretary
Ms K Williamson
Music & Performing Arts
Secretary
Ms R Heron
Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal/Head of campus
Mrs A McGrath
Production Assistant
Mr A McDougall
Receptionists
Ms C Masciangioli
Ms G Mitchell
School Nurses
Mrs S Sargeant
Mrs M Taylor
Mrs L Telford
Science Laboratory Technicians
Mr J Morrissy
Mrs C Whelan
Library Staff
Head of Library Services
Mrs W Logan
Library Staff
Ms T Bruhn
Mrs M Canals
Ms A Galati
Ms K Hoogenraad
Mrs S Lowe
Ms R Phung
Music Staff
Ms R Burke
Mr A Piechocinski
Mr M Savage
Mrs R Stone
School Psychologists
Ms K Li
Ms A Nikolaou
Miss L Punaro
Grounds & Maintenance
Property Manager
Mr J Atherton
Grounds Manager
Mr J Patterson
Grounds & Maintenance Staff
Mr M Davies
Mr S Pachis
Mr N Pinder
Mr M Schoen
Mr J Sinadino
University Campus
Senior Staff
Head of University Campus
Mrs S Batsanis
Senior Support Staff
Deputy Head of Campus –Staffing & Operations
Mr P Hogg
Director of Ivanhoe Institute
Mr B Stone
Head of Learning
Ms A Baker
Heads of Wellbeing
Mr S Adderley
Ms J Roberts
Individual Needs Coordinator
Ms A Burns
Academic Staff
Mr S Ballantyne
Mr T Barter
Ms C Cassandro
Ms B Darby
Mrs H D’Elia
Miss S Ferraro
Mr C Fotinopoulos
Ms C Gill
Ms A Kennedy
Miss E Kyrgios
Mr J Lowenthal
Miss M Nicholls
Ms C Norwood
Ms C O’Loughlin
Ms K Pinnuck
Mrs L Rigby
Mrs K Robertson
Ms A Taylor
Mrs K Yeats
Ms W Yu
Mrs L Zampichelli
Ms Y Zhang
Administrative Staff
Personal Assistant to the Head of University Campus
Miss H Smith
School Nurses
Mrs M Ardley
Ms R Strickland
Learning Support Assistant
Miss M Joiner
School Psychologist
Mrs C Baglin
‘You gotta have the fire in your belly, it’s important. If I didn’t have that fire in my belly, I wouldn’t have got things done.’
– Joyce Claque
REFLECTIVE
young people of character
#learningtogether
Photos
Buckley House
Buckley House
Buckley House
Plenty Campus
Plenty Campus
Plenty Campus
Plenty Campus
Year12
Wil Butterworth, Shenara Fernando, Aarushi Sodhi, Maddi Ling, Damon Ablett, Anthony Fagioli, Claire Williams, Daniel Jiang, Bethany Clare, Muhammed Ozdemir, Shenan Fernando, Alice Davies, Navreen Cheema, Lara Hecker, Jonty De Cata
Front Row:
Second Row: Miss Delan Lin, Sarah Campbell, Ella Stahl, Claire O’Brien, Emma Last, Pranshu Patel, Aditya Vohra, Nadil Kangara Mudiyanselage, Erion Balashi, Teghjyot Singh, Surbi Srinivasan, Melek Alinc, Medina Kocak, Ella Moio, Avriel Das
Leighton Lieu, Harrison Hill, Ekum Sekhon, Tanui Gunatilake, Angus Dillon, Dakota Blade, Lucas Cominotto, Riley Allan, Akhil Aggarwal, Selim Asani, Wisam Al-Dayny, Jackson Walsh-Buckley, Cameron Williams, Nathan Alias, Amy Howard, Mr Andrew Hoogenraad, Mr Craig Caracella
Third Row:
Chloe Fraser, Sachin Warnasuriya, Jermaine Simonelli, Dylan Parker, Gursharan Singh, Zoe Black, Kim Wang, Hugo Prior, Eleanor Drummond, Zac Voss, Bhovik Jain, Chelsea Dunne, Erin Doman, Harry Fereday
Fourth Row:
Chloe Campbell, Hayley Dyer, Zoe Paulo, Rishi Bhambi, Zak Kassem, Sean Culhane, Nash King, Ned Davis, Gajesh Ramesh, Kevin Joy, Claudia Figgins, Maddy Tsatas
Back Row:
Cody Brenner, Brigitte Cristiano
Absent:
Ridgeway Campus
Ridgeway Campus
Ridgeway Campus
Ridgeway Campus
Athelstane House Years 1012
Jesslyn Wibowo, Tom Kaegi, Ruby Casey, Grace Piola, Anita Birchall, Mackenna White, Zoe Moore, Harrie McNeilage-Clark, Adrienne Battistella, Ms Courtney Davies-Kildea, Ms Kathleen Wilson, Ms Kathryn Williams, Mr Robert Rizzo, Nicholas Filippis, Sophie Vaughan, Diya Yonzon, Stephania Traikos, Zoia Basile, Summer Starkey, Ellie Mudie, Chenuki Gunasekera, Ethan Kantaras
Front Row:
Second Row: Eva Wallis, Isabella Manos, Sienna Scopas, Sophie Ballinger, Lily Shaw, Claire Byron, Abi Douglas, Iriana Kyriopoulos, Lana Saltalamacchia, Sara Wang, Molly Welch, Ally Woodhouse, Georgie Morrone, Ava Chih, Zara Aicher, Emilia Galway, Kate Farrugia, Olivia Chilcott, Amy Brown, Hollie Kerwood, Ava Ragazzon, Bethany Joiner, Kiara Raiti
Kato Scott, Helena Chetcuti, Skye Jenkins, Amber Jenkins, Aida Par kinson, Sienna Martinez, Sachi Jadhav, George Dzolis, Tom Ward, Avena Henriksen, Ava Sevastopoulos, Emma Kwong-Gay, Lucinda Thompson, Eleni Panousis, Karthik Seevanayagam, Lauren Webb, Ella Stephens, Karmen Apperley, Kiera Scott, Becky Hoy, Eva Malvaso, Charlie Humphreys
Third Row:
Daniel Spencer, Tynan Aicher, Sienna Conole-Kakouri, Joshua Loh, Kimi Longo, Zach Round, Benjamin Hughes, Jayden Du, Eliza Nelson, Imogen James, Zara Shaw, Anna Bisogni, Eden Alexander, Henry Yu, Ethan Du, Kiaan Mirghashini, Boyd Carpenter, Amiru Madduma Patabandige, Alouette Clark, Callum McGeachan, Thomas Vander Pal
Fourth Row:
Scott Brain, Selina Liu, Max Nania, Jack Kasmski, Joey Du, Phil Ou, Archie Toy, Nicky Andriotis, Gretel Baulch, Amelia Ray, Catherine Emanouel, Nadia Masulans, Ellie Adams, Lachlan Adams, Will Sinnett, Lewis Longo, Sebastian Packer-Smith, Stella Nicoll, Bella Krienke, Samuel Maranzano
Fifth Row:
Jordan Kapiniaris, Jeremy Rodgers, James Scott, Oliver McLean-Jakobovic, Scarlett Morison, Samuel Gore, Billy Stephens, Nicholas Kantzipas, Ilyas Warsame, Marcus Walling, Thomas Hollingsworth, Lachie Gilligan, Nick Mann, Tom Manos, Balin Stojanoski, Hudson Sharp, Alexander Emanouel, Oscar Brown, Chloe Smith
Sixth Row:
Seventh Row: Alexander Ducquet, Alex Wood, Sam Zhang, Harley Mileto, Edward Redlich, Aleks Ward, Nicholas Farrugia, Xavier Enderby, Markus Nelson, Dimitri Sarantopoulos, Matthew Kolivas, Tom Graham, Curtis Sharp, Keilan Clarke, Charlie Bryden, Jack Bisogni, Ram Vanapalli, Lucas Rocca
Lucas Topet, Thomas Hider, Chris Oliver, James Ray, Charlie Wilson, Trent De Vuono, Brendan James, Izaak Crane, Jesse McIntosh, Logan Conole-Kakouri, Liam Scurrah, Samuel Pruscino, Tyler Land, Tom Sinnett, Charlie Ziebell, Heath Kyriakou, Lucas Beveridge
Back Row:
Max Barry, Chris Cai, Mirabai Clark, Romi Clarke, Harry Foreman, James Grasso, Julijan Karlusic, Hannah Kocev, Ned Kouryialas, Jay Li, Sophia Millar, Max Pettenon, Caitlin Robley, Ava Simkus, Laurieston Xu
Absent:
Ridgeway Campus
Lincoln House Years 1012
Vienna Savaris, Ayva White, Samira Scala, Jazz Gordijn, Gianna Gelsi, Tom Thorpe, Liv Rivett, Georgina Filbey, Hamish Rouch, Mr Dean Voss, Ms Julie Akrigg, Mr Steven De Domenico, Ms Georgina Mitchell, Holly Ilievski, Lysander Tonoli, Cleo Bruscino-Raiola, Alice Qiu, Ada Theocharides, Mia Garfi, Cora Liparota, Athulya Atapattu, Cherie Leung
Front Row:
Second Row: Ava Vincent, Matilda Teele, Melina Nikas, Maya Diamond, Anna Sanders, Penny Loveridge, Alara Eryurek, George Lontos, Anika Khanna, Hudson Price, Michael Teh, Pablo Paskos, George Bletas, Zoe Merory, Tamsin Peat, Jessica De Iesi, Ruby Slifkas, Ella Baldemir, Candy Liang, Amy Long, Lachlan Brown
Sophia Carroll, DJ Ikonomidis, Harry Mander, Rosa Reynolds, Ella Samuels, Poppy Knight, Milla Scardamaglia, Ale Cocchis, Jammie Jiao, Ruby Redin, Summer Shearer, Isabelle Pini, Isi Spurr, Florence Donarelli, Sean Lin, Sophie Chernishoff, Lily Beech, Morgan Karatselios, Zach O’Sullivan, Freya Hosking, Zachary Veneziano, Charlie Baker
Third Row:
Louise Chapman, Chloe Green, Lucy Torrington, James Shadbolt, Amalia Cameron, Ainsley Thorpe, Marie Mercorillo, Lucy Cashen, Chloe Thomson, Natalia Conte, Alice Clark, Charlotte Hales, Charlotte Turner, Summer Mackay, Tahir Aziz, Agnes Jones, Hayley Abud-Hime, Harry Nottle, Jenna Calabrese, Tom Robinson, Emily Stevens
Fourth Row:
Leo Rieckmann, Aarya Vinjamuri, Rohan McKenzie, Adam French, Gianluca Drew, Ollie Phegan, Baxter Errey, Riley Johns, Alexander Nickless, Jessica Hooker, Ifiyenia Siakou, Collette Mullen, Tommy Iermano, Adam Poulopoulos, Noah White, Grace Laoumtzis, Johnnie Jiao, Jaxon Van Gelderen, Andrew Klidis, Dylan Siemon, Thomas Pirdis
Fifth Row:
Louis Waters, Angelina Bozinova, Alana Edgley, Ignatius Karasavvidis, James Fiddes, Jakub Maslowski, Jake Giannopoulos, Oscar Corlett, Vangelis Matheou, Lachie Vujovich, Oskar Silfverberg, Kosta Papanagiotou, Cooper Errey, Jordan Lambros, Lucius Bruscino-Raiola, Sam Aforozis, Jacob Heath, Ben Long, Hamish Noonan, Eliza Burge, Lorenzo Rizzo
Sixth Row:
Seventh Row: Liam Ukovic, Brian Thai, Oscar Slizys, Wellson Chhantyal, Ollie Thomas, Lewis Martin, Angus Dalgleish, Justin Thai, Tom Blackmore, Josh Fraser, Oliver Lange, Ricardo Matty, Max Iermano, Riley Trew, Patton Feng, Maddy Ebbage, Ishaan Scala, Sunny Stafford, Nicholas Perrone, Joshua Hose
Johnny Chen, Hardy Zhao, Daniel Holland, Kornelius Jones, Leo Worsam, Tom Scardamaglia, Lachie Minihan, Jakob Thanos, Arno Barton, Lucas Taylor, Jasper Pascoe, Hamish Chapman, Mitchell Laoumtzis, Charlie Schwantzer, Chase Mackay, Brodie Mierisch, Nate Jenkins, Lachlan Bryson, Dimitris Bertakis
Back Row:
Alice De Luca, Mei Gethen, Alexandra Kokkinos, Annie Liao, Ayush Mandhan, Clancy Quinn, Rose Quinn, Ricardo Raimundo, Lochie Reukers, Amelie Richards, Lachie Templeman-Hughes
Absent:
Sherwood House Years 1012
Front Row:
Saylo r Mantello, Stella Nicolopoulos, Phoebe Babidge, Ella Kraeva, Ella Cox, Anastasia Triantafillopoulos, Theadora Hally, Ella Vertigan, Finn Cleary, Mrs Kathryn Filbey, Mrs Olivia Rothnie, Miss Georgia Grant, Mr Con Zois, Emma Shaw, Zahra Winther, Lavinia De Fazio, Abi Kishendra, Sadie Cleary, Helena Rodas, Mattia Kyriakopoulos, Maddie Reid, Siri Chilamkurti
Second Row: Isabe l Smith, Sierra Keily, Leah Delios, Eva Ristevski, Olivia Ross, Mic hael Rendis, Joshua Motz, Ben Williams Suine, Liv Perillo, Isab ella Italiano, Aislinn Crewe, Marissa Howell, Kiki Hansen, Nelly Tragardh, Max Morros, Josh Vertigan, Eliza Williams, Georgie Wooller, Rami Lynch, Megan Chen, Aerin Winther
Stephanie Cotronis, Jayla Kiratlioglu, Harry Adamson, Erin Honey, Dina Lian, Jack Melling, Cherian Huang, Breanna Fox, Tom Starkey, Olivia Nostro, Emily Antoniades, James Yeomans Smith, Emily Malcolm, Amy Han, Ashlyn Taylor, Yilia Li, Zac Philip, Toby Adamson, Rose Franklin, Pippa Medley, Paige Purcell
Third Row:
Hunter Do, Ava Klaric, Caitlin Malara, Catherine Marty, Kieran Pavey, Nicholas Coppens, Eddie Thomas, Leo McRobert, Marley Cox, Athan Siapikoudis, Seb Berryman, Judd Leon, Julian Harsley, Daniel Marcocci, Chase Mantello, Lincoln Polizzi, Lucas Bland, Luke Fragos, Michael Goumas, Caitlyn Shaw, Annabelle Crisp, Jamon Neilson
Fourth Row:
Charli Holcombe, Xavier Nelson, Aaryan Galia, Ben Martin, Ava Koniaras, Simona Bove, Sam Tillig, Georgie Kyriakopoulos, Joshua Crewe, Ben McLeod, Zac Ioannou, Amelie Mentiplay, Chloe Gayfer, Bryan Lu, Kayla Whitehead, Jasmine Owen, Victoria Else, Lachie Warwick, Dante Cincotta, Archie Franklin, Kabeer Paracha
Fifth Row:
Jordan Wang, Ryder Mantello, Jackson Turner, Jack Medley, Neo Papanastasiou, Dom Wynne, Rafael Adami, Ava Smith, Long Shi, Jacob Dubrow, Denzel Vaghani, William Linke, Ryan Joseph, Bella Pearce, Eliza Chivers, Mark Ugle, Finn Wilson, Stamos Kalogerakis, Charlie Opie, Alexander Linke, Jason Jia
Sixth Row:
Seventh Row: Thomas Franklin, Jacob Li, Sebastian Phillips, Frank Sun, Brodie O’Rourke, Nicholas Shaw, Yazan Nassar, Sam McRobert, Lars Sveilis, Noah Waite, Adam Hiatt, Toby Schnugg Osbourne, Ben Drake, Jules Tragardh, Tansy Elliott, Zain Nassar, Alex Hardlitschke, Tristan Marshall, Chelsea Aherne, Manu Mohtaji
Oscar Maes, Georgia McBean, Gary Zeng, Eve Beccia, Alice Dupuche, Marlie Ryan, Kynan Home, Jason He, Guy Fricke, Travis Vella, Lucas Del Brocco, Kelan Coolahan, G.C Iannuzzi, Cooper Farmer, Sienna Todd, Gideon Ma, Maddison Quick, Aden Hassim, Tyler McCrae, Harry Casci
Back Row:
Amel ie Betts, Harrison Caddy, Monica Caruso, Jessie D’Aloia, Alexia Olorenshaw, Matthew Pivec, Abbey Riffkin, Simon Wu, Vine Xia, Victor Yang, Oliver Zheng
Absent:
Ridgeway Campus
Thoresby House Years 1012
Cara Patane, Gabby Chammas, Karma Sabaa, Lily Burchell, Venisha Pursnani, Kennard Le, Juliette Cutinelli, Marlo Graham, Samira Kink, Ms Amelia Chiodo, Mr Benjamin Ernest, Mr Stephen van Beek, Ms Sophie McLaughlin, Anston Gonopoulos, G race Alberti, Nicola Sakkas, Matthias Lillis, Astrid Hamilton, Rachel White, Amélie Cutinelli, Ria Pursnani, Hannah Khoo
Front Row:
Second Row: Eliza Ioannou, Saskia Winkelman, Isabella Sharan, Coco Kidd, Victoria Li, Libby Hanlon, Claudia Trioli, Ashley Syers, Lara Hopkins, Damien De Bortoli, Tashana Trenery, Emily Dellavedova, Emma Bowden, Amelie Gilchrist, Ellen Vote, Alana Altus, Sophia Ma, Maggie Fu, Henry Lin, Kayla Williams, Jennifer Khoo
Tash Kolyvas, Daniel Moutsos, Oscar Xiong, Chris Samuel, Hannah Angelopoulos, Veronica Neri, M Wyss, Lila Statkus, Abraham Lin, Tara Robinson, Dora Davey, Atticus Hamilton, William Nankervis, Beth Ryan, Bharat Menon, Annabelle Nicholls, Ruby Mears, Angelina Kotsios, Thyra Abolencia, Yang Ng, Deacon Bagas, Abi O’Meara
Third Row:
Isaiah Elcheikh, Christopher Bitzios, Lilla Baade, Sophie Becker, Christopher Walsh, Eva Martinis, Tyson Nagel, Will Hanlon, Harry Markogiannakis, Harvey Findlay, Andy Huang, Tim Tian, Julian Stankovski, Kade Findlay, Michael Zappone, Stephen Bousounis, Leila O’Brien, Stella Munro, Peter Makris, Stefan Nedelkovski, Arthur Taylor
Fourth Row:
Meg Harper, Paul jnr Sailah, Bowen Zhang, Ryan Angarano, James McLaughlan, Hugo Walshe, Oliver Whelan, Charlie Hooper, Zeke Abbott, Leion Katebian, Isaac Grant, Lachlan Kelly, Luca Faelis, Darcy Dunn, Lachlan Goodison, Laurent Mazzocato, James Bowden, Nikolas Kotsios, James Bozinekis, Mhianna Warwick
Fifth Row:
Samuel Monforte, Benjamin Selex, Oliver Griffiths, Alex Waples, James Gourlias, Julian Taskovski, Riley Smart, Flynn Mason, Makayla Buckingham, Ben Davis, Isaac Dugdale, Newt Yang, Samantha Avery, Adam Banks, James Sottile, Alannah Paterson, Marlo Beaumont-Nesbitt, Matthew Ryan, Gabriel O’Brien
Sixth Row:
Seventh Row: Gus Manners, Jack Trimcevski, Noah Mikac, Joe Ryall, Alfie Saker, Harrison Ward, Alice Palmer, Charlotte Nimmo, Caitlin Reynolds, Lachlan Paterson, Izzy Wightman, Ella Rowe, Finlay Rush, Tom Worn, Miles Stonehouse, Henrik Bergamin, Max Naumoski, Arran Lessene
Charlie Shamieh, Jaxon McIntyre, Leo Pryor, Marcus Benson, Xander Maniatakis, Benjamin Abonyi, Jacob Lamb, Quang-Dinh Do, Alex Duske, Joel Avery, Zac Harding, Jack Grant, Aslan Sugimoto-Hyde, Angus Watson, Thomas Moore, Harrison Major, Toby Horne, Angus Heasly
Back Row:
Ava Bitzios, Bella Garwoli, James Heaney, Holly Luppino, Abbey Martin, Allegra Martinis, Eden McBrearty, Will Mooney, Judd Nagel, Charlie Naish, Piero Raschella, Sebastian Roe, Sienna Saker, Jeff Shi, Ella Simmons, Emi Sugimoto, Victoria Sze, Jemima Tonkin, Alice Williams
Absent:
Hannah Khoo, Jennifer Khoo, Chenuki Gunasekera, Anastasia Triantafillopoulos, Bella Garwoli, Matthias Lillis, Kennard Le, Mr Steven De Domenico, Ms Julie Akrigg, Mr Dean Voss, Ms Georgina Mitchell, Ms Kathryn Williams, Ms Courtney Davies-Kildea, Ms Kathleen Wilson, Mr Robert Rizzo, Dr Nicholas Mercer, Mr Tom Rickards, Jessica Hooker, Vangelis Matheou, Mrs A ngela Di Ciocco, Mrs Olivia Rothnie, Miss Georgia Grant, Mrs Kathryn Filbey, Ms Hayley Seadon, Mr Stephen van Beek, Ms Amelia Chiodo, Mr Benjamin Ernest, Ms Sophie McLaughlin, Yazan Nassar, George Bletas, Georg e Lontos, Liv Rivett, Amélie Cutinelli, Jay Li, Ruby Casey, Mei Gethen, Gabby Chammas
Year 12 2023
Front Row:
Second Row: Cora Liparota, Jemima Tonkin, Holly Luppino, Anika Khanna, Maya Diamond, Kiki Hansen, Sophie Vaughan, Kiara Raiti, Bethany Joiner, Liv Perillo, Olivia Chilcott, Helena Chetcuti, Melina Nikas, Amelie Betts, Tash Kolyvas, Ava Koniaras, Claire Byron, Ella Vertigan, Victoria Else, Hayley Abud-Hime, Amalia Cameron, Sienna Conole-Kakouri, Ellen Vote, Zahra Winther, Isabel Smith, Jazz Gordijn, Long Shi, Ashley Syers, Ruby Slifkas, Isabella Italiano, Allegra Mar tinis, Ava Sevastopoulos, Sophia Carroll, Harrie McNeilage-Clark, Sienna Scopas, Astrid Hamilton
Lachlan Brown, Hollie Kerwood, Samira Kink, Abi O’Meara, Henry Yu, Gideon Ma, Yilia Li, Caitlyn Shaw, Harry Adamson, Ella Stephens, Lauren Webb, Isabella Manos, Sienna Martinez, Catherine Marty, Agnes Jones, Beth Ryan, Alouette Clark, Marie Mercorillo, Selina Liu, Tara Robinson, Ainsley Thorpe, Lily Beech, Simona Bove, Emma Shaw, Tashana Trenery, Emily Dellavedova, Jayden Du, Sachi Jadhav, Dina Lian, Yang Ng, Oscar Xiong, Alice De Luca, Charlotte Hales, Alice Clark
Third Row:
Stella Nicoll, Jaxon Van Gelderen, Rohan McKenzie, Nelly Tragardh, Adrienne Battistella, Dylan Siemon, Stephen Bousounis, Luca Faelis, Dimitri Sarantopoulos, Joshua Crewe, Aarya Vinjamuri, Max Nania, Gary Zeng, Amelie Mentiplay, Chloe Gayfer, Tim Tian, Newt Yang, Sienna Saker, Holly Ilievski, Christopher Walsh, Leo Rieckmann, William Nankervis, Anston Gonopoulos, Seb Berryman, Karthik Seevanayagam, Kayla Whitehead, Ella Samuels, Sam Tillig, Tom Ward, Jasmine Owen, Bella Krienke, Samira Scala
Fourth Row:
Marlie Ryan, James Sottile, Markus Nelson, Hudson Sharp, Oliver McLea n-Jakobovic, Bryan Lu, Andrew Klidis, Sam Aforozis, Tansy Elliott, Chelsea Aherne, Angelina Bozinova, Curtis Sharp, Lucius Bruscino-Raiola, Jacob Li, Nicholas Filippis, Lucas Rocc a, Ryder Mantello, Charlie Naish, Julian Taskovski, Oscar Corlett, Ben Long, Manu Mohtaji, Cooper Errey, Sebastian Phillips, Eve Beccia, Chloe Smith, Collette Mullen, Alexander Emanouel, Damien De Bortoli, Georgie Kyriakopoulos, James Scott, Jordan Wang, Tom Graham
Fifth Row:
Justin Thai, Johnny Chen, Sunny Stafford, Guy Fricke, Alexander Linke, Johnnie Jiao, Zain Nassar, Max Iermano, Hardy Zhao, Sam Zhang, Nicholas Filippis, Archie Franklin, Alex Wood, Paul jnr Sailah, Dimitris Bertakis, Charlie Shamieh, Lachlan Paterson, Jack Bisogni, Benjamin Selex, Frank Sun, Travis Vella, Tynan Aicher, Jaxon McIntyre, Angus Dalgleish, Patton Feng, James Gourlias, Hamish Rouch, Jack Medley, Jack Trimcevski, Finn Cleary
Sixth Row:
Adam Banks, Joel Avery, Charlie Ziebell, Lucas Topet, Max Naumoski, Julijan Karlusic, Hamish Chapman, Jasper Pascoe, Logan Conole-Kakouri, Ricardo Raimundo, Tom Sinnett, Gabriel O’Brien, Riley Trew, Lucas Taylor, James Ray, Sam McRobert, James Grasso, Aslan Sugimoto-Hyde, Alex Duske, Quang-Dinh Do, Noah Waite, Brodie O’Rourke, Nicholas Shaw, Benjamin Abonyi, Jules Tragardh, Joshua Hose
Back Row:
Ms Le isl Bruhn, Chris Cai, Jacob Cai, Amelie Gilchrist, Alex Hardlitschke, Andy Huang, Brendan James, Poppy Knight, Alexandra Kokkinos, Jordan Lambros, Abbey Martin, Zoe Moore, Piero Raschella, Vine Xia
Absent:
University Campus
University Campus
ELICOS / School Captains
Buckley House
Buckley House
Buckley House School Leaders Lea Longo, Louis Inifer, James Burgess, Madeleine Vaughan, Liam Wong, Mrs Kellie Eaton, Mr Russell Feben, Kristiana Lazaris, Oscar Dunne, Carina Chen, Jonathan Nation, Grace Brennan
Plenty Campus
Plenty Campus
Ridgeway Campus
Angela Di Ciocco, Tom Rickards, Sachi Jadhav, Finn Cleary, Adrienne Battistella, Tom Sinnett, Emma Shaw, Nicholas Filippis, Holly Ilievski, Hamish Rouch, Tansy Elliott, Jacob Li, Samira Kink, Gerard Foley, Fiona Devlin
Back Row:
Cadets
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
2023 Cadet Unit Cross-Campus Senior Leadership Team (From Left):
CUO Avriel Das (Executive Officer Plenty Campus), CUO Bethany Clare (Training and Assessment Officer Plenty Campus), WO1 Erin Doman (RSM Plenty Campus), CUO Zoe Black (Senior CUO Plenty Campus), CUO Bethany Ryan ( Senior CUO The Ridgeway Campus) WO1 Brodie O’Rourke (RSM Ridgeway Campus), CUO Simona Bove (Training and Assessment Officer The Ridgeway Campus), CUO Matthias Lillis (Executive Officer, Ridgeway Campus)
Buckley House
Generations 2023
Hazel Vaiopoulos, Anthony Leon, Archer Rosenlis, Oscar Garewal, Luna Leggett, Archie Leggett, Irini Papadopoulos, Luca De Fazio, Aria Presta, Leonardo Concas, Melina Kassimatis, Julius Sinopoli, Francisco Sinopoli, Hugo Yeats, Olympia Xiros, Isla Beardsworth
Front Row:
Second Row: Magnus Bodley, Georgia Gowans, Isaac Tan, Eliza Teoh, Chelsea Tan, Xavier Simonetti, George Papaevangelou, Ryan Tan, William Sacca, Nicholas Chan, Jayden Wang, Lucas Tan, Alexis Tan, Aliana De Fazio, Bodhi Bhatia, Leela Xiros, Micah Gazeas
Vienna Presta, Lucas Tye-Din, Hugo Garewal, Aaron Xu, Chara Zapris, Kosta Papadopoulos, Olivia Papaevangelou, Katherine Tan, Emily Ahimastos, William Teoh, Pip Bodley, Luke Sacca, Zander Gazeas, Luke Ahimastos
Third Row:
Luca Simonetti, Keanndra Melling, Annalise Papaevangelou, Liam Payne, Madeleine Vaughan, James Teoh, Jonathan Garbutt, Lucy Bland, Alexander Matsamakis, Stella Crane, Juliet Yann
Fourth Row:
Sophie Tan, Zihao Chen, Jason Kassimatis, Jaxon Pearce, Eleanor Sacca, Charlie Shedden, Oscar Josephson, James Bisogni, Carina Chen, Bowie O’Sullivan, Addi Brace, Lazaros Papadopoulos, Jacqueline Tan
Back Row:
Harrie Bhatia, George Mihailidis, Zoe Quick
Absent:
Plenty Campus
Ridgeway Campus
Alycia Teh, Kobe Carpenter, Skye Delios, Hamish Kempen, Macey Spiliopoulos, Jemma Cvetkovski, Georgie Kyriakopoulos, Hana Hassim, Ruby Turner, Lee Anezakis, Ben McKenzie, Oliver Broomhall, Saylor Mantello
Generations
Front Row:
Second Row: Lavinia De Fazio, Abi Douglas, Ben Richardson, Bethany Joiner, Tilda Jukes, Leah Delios, Vanessa Chien, Ruby Longmuir, Mattia Kyriakopoulos, Ella Dorman, Hollie Kerwood, Gab Haros, Summer Shearer, Morganne Poulter
Maddie Watson, Jack Melling, Miranda Pryor, Michael Teh, Zach Round, Anna Bisogni, Hannah Angelopoulos, Angelina Kotsios, Chase Mantello, Boyd Carpenter, Jack Durran, Rowan Hiatt, Sophie Vaughan
Third Row:
Natalia Conte, Gretel Baulch, Gracie Shearer, Nikolas Kotsios, Eliza Chivers, Dimitri Sarantopoulos, Maddy Ebbage, Lachie Vujovich, Dora Davey, Alexia Angelopoulos, James Shadbolt, Emily Malcolm
Fourth Row:
Maddison Quick, Oscar Corlett, Harrison Ward, Izaak Crane, Alex Duske, Adam Hiatt, James Ray, Leo Pryor, Deacon Bagas, Charlotte Nimmo
Back Row:
Absent:
Harry Adamson, Toby Adamson, Andre Amiridis, James Anassis, Chaize Bagas, Harry Baulch, Arjun Bhar, Jack Bisogni, James Bland, Angelina Bozinova, Scott Brain, Sullivan Brand, Emily Brunton, Makayla Buckingham, Finn Cleary, Sadie Cleary, Luca Comito, Zach Davis, Oliver Douglas, Josh Edmunds, Harvey Findlay, Kade Findlay, Breanna Fox, Anthony Frank, Archie Franklin, Lewis Franklin, Rose Franklin, Thomas Franklin, Hugh Gathercole, Angus Gowans, Chloe Green, Indie Griffiths, Jonah Harcourt Smith, Aden Hassim, Benjamin He, Jacob Heath, Nathan Heath, Thomas Hider, Kynan Home, Maddie Jessup-Oates, Archie Judah, Jennifer Khoo, Lachlan Khoo, Andrew Klidis, Tyler Land, Luna Leggett, Matthias Lillis, Alexander Linke, William Linke, George Lontos, Rami Lynch, Ryder Mantello, Daniel Marcocci, Lewis Marcocci, Tristan Marshall, Tyler McCrae, James McLaughlan, Phoebe Melling, Nicholas Mitsinikos, Collette Mullen, Tess O’Sullivan, Eloise Payne, Coco Pearce, Thomas Poulter, Quintin Risstrom, Hamish Rouch, Donnacha Sawers, Charlie Schwantzer, Sienna Scopas, Benjamin Selex, Curtis Sharp, Hudson Sharp, Max Shewan, Carina Yu Shuen, Lucas Smith, Alex Stooke, Tom Thorpe, Jules Tragardh, Nelly Tragardh, Riley Trew, Charlotte Turner, Jackson Turner, Samara Tzirkas, Hayden Vidich, Jensen Ward, Tanner Wilson, Isla Wolstenholme, M Wyss, Tristan Zapris
Ridgeway Campus
ELC/Foundation to Year 12
Anika Khanna, Marie Mercorillo, Georgie Kyriakopoulos, Ava Sevastopoulos, Oliver McLean-Jakobovic, Adrienne Battistella, Caitlyn Shaw
Front Row:
James Sottile, Oscar Corlett, Jordan Lambros, Julijan Karlusic, Benjamin Selex, Isabella Italiano
Middle Row:
Lucius Bruscino-Raiola, Frank Sun, Tansy Elliott, Julian Taskovski, Alexander Emanouel
Back Row:
Jayden Du, Hamish Rouch
Absent:
University Campus
Jack Morgan, Aston Brand, Elise Devlin, Isabella Ciavarella, Mikayla Vujovich, Mia Douglas, Kaitlyn Marshall, Chloe Slots, Will Franklin, Zac Lander
Generations Front Row:
Second Row: William Lontos, Max Gibbins, Ryan Delios, James Longmuir, Lachlan Byrne, Ben Wilson, Ranjiv Bhar, Will Hopper, Liam Canty, Sean Melling, Spencer Newell
Kate Hopper, Sara Conte, Andreas Mina, Cam Smith, Louis Chien, Max Robertson, Thomas Upton, James Sawers, Ava Sheffield, Maya Hopper
Third Row:
Tarnie Spiliopoulos, Oscar He, Oliver Groves, William Doherty, Lachlan Green, Archer Miller, Brooke Davis, Dash Harcourt Smith, Samantha Garbutt
Fourth Row:
Olivia Oates, Ellaria Tzirkas, Abbey Hider, Elliot Turner, Fin Wolstenholme, Sophie Richardson, Will Symons, Elizabeth Tan
Back Row:
Will Griffiths, Ashton Home, Andreas Raschella
Absent:
Sport Premierships
‘You just have to be true to yourself, know where you come from.’
‑ Adam Goodes
COMPASSIONATE
young people of character
#learningtogether
Awards
AWARDS
Prizes and Academic Awards
Buckley House
Year 6
Dux of Year 6
Jonathan Nation
Liam Wong
W B Dodemaide
Leadership Award for Captains of Buckley House
Kristiana Lazaris
Liam Wong
Irwin Faris Rhodes Award
Benita Zhang
Barrie Borley Public Speaking Award
Shreyaan Khanna
John Gough AO OBE
Spirit of Ivanhoe Award
Andrew Spencer
Lyon Corstorphin
Citizenship Award
James Burgess
Lea Longo
Plenty Campus
Foundation
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Maya Nanuan
Year 1
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Angela Zhao
Year 2
Chess Tournament Club
Ethan Whittingham
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Veda Shah
Year 3
Chess Tournament Club
Nevisha Saravanan
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Kishan Rajeev
Public Speaking Award Winner
Noa Butterworth
Public Speaking Award ‑
Runner Up
Beata Pajarillo
Kishan Rajeev
Leo Sarek
Year 4
Chess Tournament Club
Miran Kaygusuz
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Reena Ando
Public Speaking Award Winner
Sabreen Hira
Ridangam Kaur
Public Speaking Award ‑
Runner Up
Reena Ando
Sports Achievement Award
Miran Kaygusuz
Year 5
Chess Tournament Club
Connor Tibbey
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Selena Wang
Public Speaking Award Winner
Arjun Sembey
Public Speaking Award ‑
Runner Up
Nate Anderson
Marilyn Bhattacharyya
Sirin Demir
Year 6
Dux of Year 6
Rahul Patel
Dean Sarek
Chess Tournament Club
Kunwar Badwal
Ivanhoe Learner Award
Yousif Al‑Mulla
Angadbir Chouhan
School Leader Award
Frankie Graham
Mavith Millawana
Sports Achievement Award
Frankie Graham
Alex Luporini
Principal’s Award
Natalie Nair
Academic Achievement Award
Jodhbir Bajwa
Vihaan Brijesh
Omer Qurashi
Jaydev Rajeev
Head of Plenty Campus
Encouragement Award
Aadya Achar
Charlotte Karlis
Public Speaking Award Winner
Natalie Nair
Public Speaking Award ‑
Runners Up
Frankie Graham
Mavith Millawana
Atilla Misirlisoy
The Arts: Visual & Performing Arts Award
Charli Duguid
Year 7
Wilcock Prize for Dux
Year 7
Raymun Sekhon
Proxime Accessit
Johnathan Saravanan
First Rhodes Award ‑
Bridgit Gardner Memorial Prize
Raymun Sekhon
Second Rhodes Award
Johnathan Saravanan
Third Rhodes Award
Meghavini Shrestha
McEwen Prize for Citizenship
Sophia McKeown
Principal’s Award
Ethan Abhayasinghe
Jaynaya Fantone
Charlotte Henderson
Mahiru Jayasinghe
Sophia McKeown
Yuting Qiang
Ashwath Sai Senthil Kumar
Academic School Colour
Naethan Alexander
Misha Dhiman
Sameer Patel
Johnathan Saravanan
Raymun Sekhon
Meghavini Shrestha
Ricky Yang
Andy Zhao
Subject Award ‑ Art
Aeryn Tibbey
Subject Award ‑ Chinese
Johnathan Saravanan
Marcus Wang
Subject Award ‑ Digital Technology
Chenhao Guan
Subject Award ‑ Drama
Raymun Sekhon
Subject Award ‑ English
Meghavini Shrestha
Subject Award ‑
Faith, Ethics & Attitude
Ishana John
Subject Award ‑
Food Technology
Patrick Jiang
Jackson Sharp
Subject Award ‑ French
Raymun Sekhon
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical Education
Raymun Sekhon
Subject Award ‑ Humanities
Meghavini Shrestha
Subject Award ‑ Mathematics
Raymun Sekhon
Subject Award ‑ Music
Ethan Yang
Subject Award ‑ Science
Naethan Alexander
Year 8
Dux of Year 8
Joshua John
Proxime Accessit
Louis Ding
First Rhodes Award ‑
Bridgit Gardner Memorial Prize
Louis Ding
Second Rhodes Award
Kevin Dai
Third Rhodes Award
William Long
G L Allan Prize for Overall Development & Improvement
Alex Duguid
Greg Smith Prize for Notables ‑ Catalysts for Change
Tom Cilauro
Leigh & Betty Holman
Multimedia Prize
Aman Al‑Mulla
Principal’s Award
Kevin Dai
India Graham
William Long
Rhiannon Pettit
Coby Refael
Jake Tennent
Lucas Ward
Academic School Colour
Aman Al‑Mulla
Tom Cilauro
Kevin Dai
Louis Ding
Alex Ellul
Matteo Gliana
Joshua John
Urie Pajarillo
Subject Award ‑ Art
Danielle Mauger
Subject Award ‑ Chinese
Teresa Huang
Subject Award ‑
Digital Technology
Alex Ellul
Subject Award ‑ Drama
Grace Gifford
Subject Award ‑ English
Joshua John
Subject Award ‑
Faith, Ethics & Attitude
Joshua John
Subject Award ‑
Food Technology
Renae Martin
Jasmine Salh
Subject Award ‑ French
Joshua John
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical
Education
Joshua John
Subject Award ‑
Humanities
Matteo Gliana
Subject Award ‑
Mathematics
Alex Ellul
William Long
Subject Award ‑ Music
Louis Ding
Subject Award ‑
Product Design & Technology
Joshua John
Subject Award ‑ Science
Tom Cilauro
Joshua John
Subject Award ‑
Visual Communications & Design
Abhi Yaramati
Year 10
Dux of Year 10
Avlene Das
Proxime Accessit
Senith Warnasuriya
First Rhodes Award
Avlene Das
Second Rhodes Award
Jasmin Muir
Third Rhodes Award
Vardan Dhaliwal
Australian Defence Force
Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award
Mia Stahl
Col E G Keogh Prize ‑
Cadets
Charlie Taylor
Old Ivanhoe
Grammarians’ Association
Encouragement Award
Blake Gaskell
Spirit of Ivanhoe Award
Jasmin Muir
University of Melbourne
Kwong Lee Dow
Scholarship
Avlene Das
Principal’s Award
Jemima Dillon
Nick Errington
Lucas Hill
Ali Maghasedi
Aakash Srivastava
Charlie Taylor
Matilda Wanless
Academic Full Colour
Avlene Das
Rakhi Patel
Senith Warnasuriya
Academic Half Colour
Aarav Jain
Jasmin Muir
Half Honour
Vardan Dhaliwal
Subject Award ‑ Art
Ashley Daly
Subject Award ‑
Commerce
Rakhi Patel
Subject Award ‑
Digital Technology
Aaron Mauger
Subject Award ‑ English
Avlene Das
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical Education
Matilda Wanless
Subject Award ‑
Humanities
Avlene Das
Subject Award ‑
Mathematics (Advanced)
Senith Warnasuriya
Subject Award ‑
Mathematics (General)
Daiwik Rekhi
Subject Award ‑
Media Studies
Vaughan Joslyn
Subject Award ‑ Music
Ethan Liddy
Subject Award ‑
Product Design & Technology
Blake Gaskell
Subject Award ‑ Science
Avlene Das
Subject Award ‑
Visual Communications & Design
Paru Sreena Rajesh
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Accounting
Aarav Jain
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Biology
Jasmin Muir
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Business
Management
Ali Maghasedi
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Psychology
Avlene Das
Year 11
Dux of Year 11 VCE
Sanat Sahrawat
Proxime Accessit
Kirat Multani
First Rhodes Award
Yosip Oghanna
Second Rhodes Award
Sanat Sahrawat
Third Rhodes Award
Elora Twyford
John Benson Award ‑
Cadets
Alice Darby
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Media Award
Sophie Flower
Principal’s Art & Design Award
Elora Twyford
Randal Marsh Acquisition
Tessa Moad
Randal Marsh Art & Design Award First Prize
Alice Darby
Rhona Seear Prize
Joel McAlister
Sinclaire Prize for Entrepreneurship
Ryan O’Grady
Principal’s Award
Andrew Bormann
Anata Gliana
Georgia Goldie
Gavan Sharples
Philomena Spicer
Tharinie Uruththiran
Evie Youill
Academic Full Colour
Kirat Multani
Yosip Oghanna
Sanat Sahrawat
Elora Twyford
Academic Half Colour
Nick George
Georgia Goldie
Ryan O’Grady
Dinel Perera
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Art Making & Exhibiting
Tessa Moad
AWARDS
Prizes and Academic Awards
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Chemistry
Sanat Sahrawat
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Drama
Maddi Nankervis
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Economics
Dayna Ford
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ English
Yosip Oghanna
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ French
Dinel Perera
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ General Mathematics
Owen McLeish
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Geography
Charlotte McGregor
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Health & Human Development
Emily Hermiz
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Legal Studies
Ryan O’Grady
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Literature
Anata Gliana
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Mathematical Methods
Kirat Multani
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Media Studies
Billy Kysela
VCE Unit 1 & 2
Subject Award ‑ Music
Performance
Gavan Sharples
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Physical
Education
Nick George
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Physics
Kirat Multani
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Product Design & Technology
Ashleigh Grant
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Specialist Mathematics
Kirat Multani
VCE Unit 1 & 2
Subject Award ‑ Visual Communications & Design
Tessa Moad
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Biology
Yosip Oghanna
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Chinese SL
Andrew Bormann
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Global Politics
Ryan O’Grady
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Health & Human
Development
Jessica Dahl
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Media
Sophie Flower
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Physical
Education
Yosip Oghanna
VCE Unit 3 & 4
Subject Award ‑ Visual
Communication & Design
Alice Darby
Year 12
Dux of Plenty Campus
Avriel Das
Proxime Accessit
Angus Dillon
Ash Long Prize for Captains of the School
Avriel Das
Angus Dillon
First Rhodes Award ‑
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Prize
Avriel Das
Second Rhodes Award ‑
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Prize
Angus Dillon
Third Rhodes Award ‑
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Prize
Bethany Clare
FO Watts Prize for Leadership & Service to the School
Zoe Black
Bethany Clare
Avriel Das
Alice Davies
Angus Dillon
Erin Doman
Eleanor Drummond
Anthony Fagioli
Claudia Figgins
Tanui Gunatilake
Leighton Lieu
Ekum Sekhon
Surbi Srinivasan
Sachin Warnasuriya
Claire Williams
Australand Performing Arts Prize
Emma Last
Australian Defence Force
Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award
Erin Doman
Cadet Prize
Zoe Black
Centenary Award for Product Design & Technology
Dakota Blade
Anthony Fagioli
Commanding Officers
Prize ‑ Cadets
Angus Dillon
Creed Prize for the Performing Arts
Alice Davies
Friends of Plenty Performing Arts Prize for Leadership & Service to Music
Claire Williams
Greek Parents’ Association Prize for Outstanding Service to Music
Sachin Warnasuriya
Gregson Family Prize for Citizenship
Zoe Paulo
Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge Prize for Service to the School
Dakota Blade
MUR Peter Jory Memorial Prize ‑ Cadets
Ella Stahl
Patron’s Service Award ‑ Cadets
Zoe Black
Bethany Clare
Avriel Das
Erin Doman
Peter Huxley Senior
Debating Prize
Maddi Ling
Principal’s Platoon
Commander Prize ‑ Cadets
Chloe Fraser
Quadruple Colour Award
Bethany Clare
Angus Dillon
Claire Williams
Quintuple Award
Bethany Clare
Randal Marsh Art & Design
Award Second Prize
Claudia Figgins
Stuart O’Gorman Memorial Prize
Alice Davies
Villawood Visual Arts Prize
Ella Stahl
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Art Making & Exhibiting
Claudia Figgins
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Accounting
Cameron Williams
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Business Management
Leighton Lieu
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Chemistry
Avriel Das
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Economics
Aarushi Sodhi
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ English
Avriel Das
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject
Award ‑ English as an Additional Language
Shenara Fernando
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ General Mathematics
Ella Stahl
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Legal Studies
Aarushi Sodhi
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Mathematical Methods
Angus Dillon
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Physics
Bhovik Jain
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Product Design & Technology
Claudia Figgins
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Psychology
Chloe Fraser
The Ridgeway Campus
Year 7
Dux of Year 7
Tom Barker
Proxime Accessit
Liam Thanos
First Rhodes Award
Sir H H Olney & G S Maggs Memorial Prize
Michael Miloi
Second Rhodes Award
Sir H H Olney and G S Maggs Memorial Prize
Bohan Yang
Third Rhodes Award
Sir H H Olney and G S Maggs Memorial Prize
Edie Oldmeadow
Friends of Ridgeway Theatre Award
Gracie Bird
Sport Trophy
Stan Moore
Principal’s Award
Xander Bell
Gracie Bird
Leo Briganti
Hugo Cadman
Alyssa Chandry
Katherine Cotronis
Luke Davis
Zach Davis
Jiana Doshi
Hugo Driskell‑Rogers
Willow Floyd
Alice Gibson
Harry Hall
Ziggy Read
Ben Richardson
Rafe Roberts
Sahib Singh
Rafael Tasevski
Aarabi Thirumavalavan
Abby Wavish
Claire Wright
Isabelle Yee
Academic School Colour
Isabella Abram
Noah Andrews
Tom Barker
Amy Bland
William Chen
Jessica Cheung
Ella Dorman
Elle Gilinas
Indie Griffiths
Surani Hemaratne
Andrew Kakoschke
Alyssa Kobayssi
Gabby Li
Michael Miloi
Stan Moore
Edie Oldmeadow
Jamie Prukkittiwong
Ariadne Skaliotis
Liam Thanos
Lucy Toy
Harper Tyrrell
Cristiano Uliana
Jake Vasiliou
Willem Versteeg
Felix Westcott
Bohan Yang
Subject Award ‑ Art
Indie Griffiths
Subject Award ‑ Chinese
Surani Hemaratne
Subject Award ‑
Digital Technology
Jaime Hvalica
Subject Award ‑ English
Edie Oldmeadow
Subject Award ‑
Faith, Ethics & Attitude
Willow Floyd
Subject Award ‑
Food Technology
Zara Brophy
Subject Award ‑ French
Steph Berryman
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical
Education
Archer Brown
Subject Award ‑
Humanities
Noah Andrews
Subject Award ‑
Mathematics
Tom Barker
Subject Award ‑ Music
Benjamin He
Subject Award ‑ Science
Isabella Abram
Subject Award ‑ Spanish
Tom Barker
Year 8
Dux of Year 8
Michael Reeves
Proxime Accessit
Alister Hsu
First Rhodes Award
G L Allan & Geoffrey Gahan Memorial Prize
Michael Reeves
Second Rhodes Award
G L Allan & Geoffrey Gahan Memorial Prize
Riley Tyebji
Third Rhodes Award
G L Allan & Geoffrey Gahan Memorial Prize
Charlotte De‑Coi
AAC Bronze
Commendation for Student of Merit on Promotion Course
Bridget Sherry
David Atkinson Prize for Humanities
Michael Reeves
East Ivanhoe Grocers Prize in Food Technology
Charlotte De‑Coi
Friends of Ridgeway
Theatre Award
Max Nelson
Graham White
Encouragement Award ‑
Swimming
Hannah Borschmann
Greg Smith Prize for Notables ‑ Catalysts for Change
James Fairbank
Leigh & Betty Holman
IT Prize
Michael Reeves
Principal’s Award
Maia Ansari
Bella Ansell
Harvey Behrendorff
Cooper Bertram
Robbie Blackmore
Ruby Callahan
Zara Costanzo
Ava George
Eva Gilinas
Tristan Jackson
Sam Manos
Ada McLaughlin
Ben Pettenon
Owen Piola
Alexander Redlich
Christian Saman
Bridget Sherry
Alexandra Tsanatelis
Emily Ware
Luca Wilding
Academic School Colour
Alexander Baldwin
Scout Ballard
Eddie Brennan
Eloise Brown
Tilly Burke
Cynthia Chan
Charlotte De‑Coi
Lucas Harsley
Seb Heasly
Alister Hsu
Hugo Lethbridge‑Ford
Maddie Lim
Ben Marty
Olive McGeachan
Leo Moore
Adam Niazmand
Annika Power
Michael Reeves
Zara Shallcross
Jai Sharma
James Short
Riley Tyebji
Leon Verheijden
Alicia Wong
Subject Award ‑ Art
Cate Gust
Subject Award ‑ Chinese
Alister Hsu
AWARDS
Prizes and Academic Awards
Subject Award ‑
Digital Technology
Seb Heasly
Subject Award ‑ English
Michael Reeves
Subject Award ‑ Environmental Challenge
Leon Verheijden
Subject Award ‑
Faith, Ethics & Attitude
Lucy D’Alessandro
Subject Award ‑ Food Technology
Sami Rowe
Subject Award ‑ French
Charlotte De‑Coi
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical Education
Bridget Sherry
Subject Award ‑ Humanities
Michael Reeves
Subject Award ‑ Mathematics
Jai Sharma
Subject Award ‑ Music
Emmerson Hoggan
Subject Award ‑
Product Design & Technology
Tilda Jukes
Subject Award ‑ Product Design Textiles
Zara Shallcross
Subject Award ‑ Science
Michael Reeves
Subject Award ‑ Spanish
Scout Ballard
Subject Award ‑
Visual Communications & Design
Vanessa Chien
Year 10
Dux of Year 10
Becky Hoy
Proxime Accessit
Matthew Pivec
First Rhodes Award
Harold Wilcox & Blanche
Terdich Memorial Prize
Matthew Pivec
Second Rhodes Award
Harold Wilcox & Blanche
Terdich Memorial Prize
Florence Donarelli
Third Rhodes Award
Harold Wilcox & Blanche
Terdich Memorial Prize
Becky Hoy
AAC Bronze
Commendation for Student of Merit on Promotion Course
Stephanie Cotronis
Alf Watson Trophy ‑
Athletics
Rachel White
Australian Defence Force
Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award
Stephanie Cotronis
Friends of Ridgeway
Theatre Award
Karmen Apperley
Howard & Bev Purcell
Commerce Award
Cleo Bruscino‑Raiola
Hannah Kocev
Ivanhoe Neons Swim Club
Captain’s Cup Trophy Swimming
Alana Altus
John Benson Award ‑
Cadets
Makayla Buckingham
R H & G R Grierson
Citizenship Award
Isabelle Pini
University of Melbourne
Kwong Lee Dow
Scholarship
Matthew Pivec
Principal’s Award
Gretel Baulch
Anna Bisogni
Tom Blackmore
Lily Burchell
Louise Chapman
Jake Giannopoulos
Lachlan Goodison
Atticus Hamilton
Julian Harsley
Freya Hosking
Benjamin Hughes
Oliver Lange
Rick Li
Ben Martin
Eden McBrearty
Pippa Medley
Hudson Price
Rose Quinn
Jeremy Rodgers
Joe Ryall
Nicola Sakkas
Zara Shaw
Ben Williams Suine
Bowen Zhang
Principal’s Award ‑
ELICOS
Hazel Liu
Bach Nguyen
Academic Half Colour
Grace Alberti
Ethan Du
Nicholas Kantzipas
Henry Lin
Leo McRobert
Stella Munro
Caitlin Robley
Emi Sugimoto
Brian Thai
Archie Toy
Lachie Warwick
Kayla Williams
Subject Award ‑ Art
Annabelle Nicholls
Subject Award ‑ Chinese
Language & Society
Jammie Jiao
Subject Award ‑
Digital Technology
Charlie Wilson
Subject Award ‑ English
Matthew Pivec
Subject Award ‑ French
Kayla Williams
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical Education
Archie Toy
Subject Award ‑ Humanities
Florence Donarelli
Rami Lynch
Subject Award ‑ Literature
Sean Lin
Subject Award ‑ Mathematics
Emi Sugimoto
Subject Award ‑
Media Studies
Phil Ou
Subject Award ‑ Music
Matthew Pivec
Subject Award ‑
Product Design & Technology
Harry Mander
Subject Award ‑ Science
Becky Hoy
Subject Award ‑ Spanish
Stephanie Cotronis
Subject Award ‑
Visual Communications & Design
Florence Donarelli
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Accounting
Michael Goumas
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Biology
Florence Donarelli
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Bridging (EAL)
Bach Nguyen
Kris Rattanachan
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Information Technology
Matthew Pivec
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Legal Studies
Scarlett Morison
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Physical Education
Becky Hoy
Year 11
Dux of Year 11 IB
Alana Edgley
Dux of Year 11 VCE
Tom Starkey
First Rhodes Award
Alan Wainwright Memorial Prize
Tom Starkey
Second Rhodes Award ‑
Alan Wainwright Memorial Prize
Alana Edgley
Third Rhodes Award ‑
Alan Wainwright Memorial Prize
Eliza Williams
AAC Bronze Commendation for Student of Merit on Promotion Course
Sebastian Packer‑Smith
Col N R Pinkham Prize for Outstanding Leadership in Outdoor Education
Chloe Thomson
Eric Alston Biology Prize
Athulya Atapattu
G C Hawker Prize for Public Speaking
Ifiyenia Siakou
Geoffrey Vardon Prize for Community Service
Victoria Sze
Grierson Award ‑
Kayaking
Josh Fraser
Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge Prize for Citizenship
Anita Birchall
J H Sharwood Memorial Prize ‑ Dux of Business Studies
Charlie Humphreys
J H Sharwood Memorial Prize ‑ Dux of Humanities
Callum McGeachan
J H Sharwood Memorial Prize ‑ Dux of Mathematics & Science
Tom Starkey
J Tortensen Prize for Product Design & Technology
Charli Holcombe
Michael Gorton AM One World Award
Edward Redlich
Old Ivanhoe
Grammarians’ Association
Encouragement Award
Cherian Huang
Padre Tom Douglas
Memorial Prize ‑ Cadets
Callum McGeachan
Randal Marsh Acquisition
Kate Farrugia
Reina Williams Prize for Drama
Samuel Pruscino
Senior Debating Prize
Edward Redlich
Principal’s Award
Emma Bowden
James Bowden
Charlie Bryden
Dante Cincotta
Abi Douglas
Alice Dupuche
Harry Foreman
Gianna Gelsi
Ignatius Karasavvidis
Jacob Lamb
Lewis Martin
Jakub Maslowski
Laurent Mazzocato
Callum McGeachan
James McLaughlan
Jamon Neilson
Grace Piola
Maddison Quick
Charlie Woodhouse
Victor Yang
Academic Full Colour
Emily Antoniades
Alana Edgley
Josh Fraser
Stamos Kalogerakis
Bharat Menon
Hamish Noonan
Samuel Pruscino
Tom Starkey
Eliza Williams
Charlie Wilson
Laurieston Xu
Academic Half Colour
Alana Altus
Athulya Atapattu
Anita Birchall
Natalia Conte
Amy Han
Jordan Kapiniaris
Ava Klaric
Emma Kwong‑Gay
Caitlin Malara
Harley Mileto
Thomas Moore
Charlotte Turner
IB Subject Award ‑ Biology
Alana Edgley
IB Subject Award ‑
Business Management
Anita Birchall
IB Subject Award ‑
Chemistry
Alana Edgley
IB Subject Award ‑
Chinese A Literature
Laurieston Xu
IB Subject Award ‑ Chinese B Victoria Sze
IB Subject Award ‑ Economics
Caitlin Malara
IB Subject Award ‑ English A Literature
Alana Edgley
IB Subject Award ‑ English B Laurieston Xu
IB Subject Award ‑ French B James Fiddes
IB Subject Award ‑ History Charlotte Turner
IB Subject Award ‑ Indonesian ab initio Harley Mileto
IB Subject Award ‑ Mathematics Analysis & Approaches
Amy Han
IB Subject Award ‑ Physics
Abraham Lin
IB Subject Award ‑ Psychology
Alana Edgley
IB Subject Award ‑ Spanish
Alana Edgley
IB Subject Award ‑ Sports, Exercise & Health Science
Eliza Williams
IB Subject Award ‑ Visual Arts
Lavinia De Fazio
Subject Award ‑ Geography
Jacob Heath
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Chinese Language & Society
Jacob Heath
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Art Making & Exhibiting Theadora Hally
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Business Management
Lorenzo Rizzo
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Chemistry
Tom Starkey
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Economics
Emma Kwong‑Gay
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ English
Stamos Kalogerakis
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ General
Mathematics
Stamos Kalogerakis
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Health & Human Development
Ava Klaric
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ History
Callum McGeachan
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Mathematical Methods
Tom Starkey
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Media Studies
M Wyss
VCE Unit 1 & 2
Subject Award ‑ Music
Performance
Daniel Spencer
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Physics
Tom Starkey
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Psychology
Stamos Kalogerakis
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Spanish
Alexander Nickless
VCE Unit 1 & 2 Subject Award ‑ Specialist
Mathematics
Tom Starkey
VCE Unit 1 & 2
Subject Award ‑ Visual Communications & Design
Cherian Huang
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Physical Education
Matilda Teele
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Psychology
Emma Kwong‑Gay
Prizes and Academic Awards
Year 12
Dux of School ‑ J H
Sharwood Memorial Prize
Johnny Chen
Dr John Connell
AM International Baccalaureate Dux
Mei Gethen
Dux of VCE
Johnny Chen
Dux of Ridgeway Campus
Johnny Chen
Proxime Accessit
Tansy Elliott
Frank Brock Memorial Prize ‑ Captain of the School
Vangelis Matheou
Stephen Phillips Prize ‑
Captain of the School
Jess Hooker
First Rhodes Award ‑ FO
Watts Memorial Prize
Tansy Elliott
Second Rhodes Award ‑
Edward Moffat Memorial Prize
Jacob Li
Third Rhodes Award ‑ Edward Moffat Memorial Prize
Beth Ryan
Phyllis Knorr Prize for Leadership & Service to the School
Adrienne Battistella
Finn Cleary
Tansy Elliott
Nicholas Filippis
Anston Gonopoulos
Jazz Gordijn
Jess Hooker
Holly Ilievski
Sachi Jadhav
Samira Kink
Jacob Li
Matthias Lillis
Vangelis Matheou
Liv Rivett
Hamish Rouch
Samira Scala
Karthik Seevanayagam
Emma Shaw
Tom Sinnett
Isabel Smith
Ellen Vote
Australian Defence Force
Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award
Beth Ryan
B A Meikle Prize for Chemistry
Johnny Chen
Cadet Prize
Beth Ryan
Centenary Award for Product Design & Technology
Hamish Chapman
Commanding Officers Prize ‑ Cadets
Lily Beech
Liv Rivett
Commonwealth Bank Prize for English
Johnny Chen
Dr Brian Sinclair Harrap Prize for IB Chemistry
Quang Dinh Do
Dr Neil Davey Prize for Economics
Sam McRobert
Eckersley Art & Design Prize Art Making and Exhibiting
Harry Adamson
Eckersley Art & Design Prize Product Design and Technology
Jaxon McIntyre
Eckersley Art & Design Prize Visual Communication Design
Ella Samuels
Ern & Vera Cohen Prize for Service to Year 12
Ella Samuels
Ernst & Young Prize for Accounting
Patton Feng
Frank Redhead Prize for Best Training Platoon
Isabel Smith
G K Forbes Mathematics Prize for General Mathematics
Jacob Li
G K Forbes Mathematics Prize for Mathematical Methods
Johnny Chen
G K Forbes Mathematics Prize for Specialist Mathematics
Johnny Chen
Graeme Hall Memorial Prize for the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay
Sienna Conole‑Kakouri
Greek Parents’ Association Prize for Outstanding Service to Music
Long Shi
Helen Woodhouse Prize for Legal Studies
Lucius Bruscino‑Raiola
IB Subject Award ‑
Chinese B Mandarin HL
Johnnie Jiao
John Benson Prize for Geography
Julian Taskovski
King Constantine Medal for Outstanding Service & Community Work
Tansy Elliott
Noel Buckley AM Round Square Prize
Brodie O’Rourke
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Media Award
Ashley Syers
Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Prize for Citizenship
Jacob Li
Patron’s Service Award ‑ Cadets
Simona Bove
Matthias Lillis
Brodie O’Rourke
Beth Ryan
Peter Huxley Senior
Debating Prize
Tansy Elliott
Philip & Kathleen Gee
Prize for Captain of Music
Emily Dellavedova
Collette Mullen
Pizzey Family Athletic
Captains Cup Award
Bella Krienke
Alex Linke
Pizzey Memorial Prize (Awarded for Business Management)
Eve Beccia
Principal’s Art & Design Award
Isabel Smith
Principal’s Platoon
Commander Prize ‑ Cadets
Amelie Mentiplay
Quadruple Colour Award
Tansy Elliott
Quintuple Award
Tansy Elliott
Randal Marsh Art & Design Award First Prize
Aslan Sugimoto‑Hyde
Randal Marsh Art & Design Award Second Prize
Seb Berryman
Abbey Martin
Will Scott Camp Efficiency Award
Tansy Elliott
General Academic Excellence IB
Sienna Conole‑Kakouri
Matthias Lillis
Isabel Smith
General Academic Excellence VCE
Eve Beccia
Lucius Bruscino‑Raiola
Jayden Du
Tansy Elliott
Jen Khoo
Jacob Li
Sam McRobert
Collette Mullen
Lachlan Paterson
Beth Ryan
Ellen Vote
IB Theory of Knowledge
Prize
Isabel Smith
Dr Brian Sinclair Harrap
Prize for IB Chemistry
Quang‑Dinh Do
IB Subject Award ‑ Biology
HL
Quang‑Dinh Do
IB Subject Award ‑
Business Management HL
Matthias Lillis
IB Subject Award ‑ Chemistry SL
Matthias Lillis
IB Subject Award ‑ Chinese A Literature SL
Yilia Li
IB Subject Award ‑ Economics HL
Mei Gethen
IB Subject Award ‑ English
A Literature HL
Holly Ilievski
IB Subject Award ‑ English
B HL
Yilia Li
IB Subject Award ‑ French B SL
Quang‑Dinh Do
IB Subject Award ‑ History Europe HL
Alex Linke
IB Subject Award ‑ Indonesian ab initio SL
Alex Linke
IB Subject Award ‑ Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL
Quang‑Dinh Do
Mei Gethen
IB Subject Award ‑ Physics HL
Johnnie Jiao
IB Subject Award ‑ Psychology HL
Mei Gethen
IB Subject Award ‑ Psychology SL
Abi O’Meara
IB Subject Award ‑ Spanish B SL
Abi O’Meara
IB Subject Award ‑ Sports, Exercise & Health Science HL
Simona Bove
IB Subject Award ‑ Visual Arts HL
Isabel Smith
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Chinese Language (Culture & Society)
Beth Ryan
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Art Making and Exhibiting
Jay Li
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ English as an Additional Language
Patton Feng
Jacob Li
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Global Politics
Beth Ryan
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Health & Human Development
Sophia Carroll
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ History (Revolutions)
Jules Tragardh
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Literature
Beth Ryan
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Media
Tansy Elliott
VCE Unit 3 & 4
Subject Award ‑ Music
Performance
Emily Dellavedova
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Physical Education
Ella Stephens
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Physics
Ben Long
VCE Unit 3 & 4 Subject Award ‑ Theatre Studies
Tansy Elliott
VCE Unit 3 & 4
Subject Award ‑ Visual Communication & Design
Eve Beccia
University Campus
YEAR 9
Dux Year 9
Samantha Garbutt
Proxime Accessit
Maya Hopper
First Rhodes Award
C & E Rojo and D R
Nichols Memorial Prize
Samantha Garbutt
Second Rhodes Award
C & E Rojo and D R
Nichols Memorial Prize
Olivia Oates
Third Rhodes Award
C & E Rojo and D R
Nichols Memorial Prize
Oscar He
Col E G Keogh Prize
Cadets
William Doman
Sofia Starkey
Friends of Theatre Award
Tashi O’Neill
Lt Colonel K H Ducker
Progress Award
Marvin Fu
Stella Rose
R H & G R Grierson
Citizenship Award
Cormac Skaliotis
Sport Trophy
Rebecca Hvalica
Principal’s Award
Hla Abdelghany
Kevan Abraham
Ella Bryden
Amelia Cheung
Xavier Chy
Mia Douglas
Asher Elsen
Tiora Gunatilake
Dash Harcourt Smith
Nick Horne
Isla Huddle
Juliano Liparota
Sean Melling
Jack Morgan
Tashi O’Neill
Angelina Osavkovska
Spencer Pascoe
Seniru Perera
Amalia Razzi
Josh Robertson
Stella Rose
Ivy Ryan
Ava Sheffield
Gus Singh
Cormac Skaliotis
Charlotte Starkey
Sofia Starkey
Harry Sze
Jeevan Taylor
Cordelia Tully
Ben Vulinovic
Thomas Wavish
Alex Wilson
Sam Wyatt
Academic School Colour
Anthony Banh
Emily Bertram
Louis Chien
Xavier Chy
Isabella Ciavarella
Sara Conte
Ryan Delios
Jacques Duke
Lucy Fiddes
Samantha Garbutt
Oscar He
Kate Hopper
Maya Hopper
Rebecca Hvalica
Alicia Maniatakis
Tilly Metzner
Aiden Nguyen
Olivia Oates
Shona Oghanna
Sam Pisani
Maggie Potuguntla
Shayden Renwick
Maisie Spencer
Will Symons
Elizabeth Tan
Minuki Vidanapathirana
Ben Vulinovic
Alice Waite
Daniel Wang
Young Zhang
Junior Honour
Akitha Gamakumara
Subject Award ‑ Art
Kate Hopper
Subject Award ‑ Chinese
Yanan Sun
Minuki Vidanapathirana
Subject Award ‑ Drama
Tashi O’Neill
Subject Award ‑ English
Olivia Oates
Young Zhang
Subject Award ‑ French
Samantha Garbutt
Subject Award ‑
Health & Physical
Education
Max Bergamin
Subject Award ‑
AWARDS
Prizes and Academic Awards
Inquiry Unit
Emily Bertram
Samantha Garbutt
Oscar He
Kate Hopper
Subject Award ‑
Mathematics
Ryan Delios
Subject Award ‑ Media Studies
Maggie Potuguntla
Subject Award ‑ Music
Ryan Delios
Subject Award ‑
Product Design & Technology
Asher Elsen
Subject Award ‑ Science
Maya Hopper
Subject Award ‑ Spanish
Alice Waite
Subject Award ‑
Transformative Technology
Anthony Banh
Subject Award ‑
Visual Communications & Design
Shayden Renwick
Co‑Curricular Awards
Cadets
Full Colour
Harry Adamson
Adrienne Battistella
Lily Beech
Dimitris Bertakis
Zoe Black
Simona Bove
Bethany Clare
Avriel Das
Alice Davies
Angus Dillon
Erin Doman
Eleanor Drummond
Alex Duske
Tansy Elliott
Luca Faelis
Chloe Fraser
Mei Gethen
Astrid Hamilton
Jess Hooker
Sachi Jadhav
Brendan James
Samira Kink
Matthias Lillis
Amelie Mentiplay
Ella Moio
Yazan Nassar
Abi O’Meara
Brodie O’Rourke
James Ray
Leo Rieckmann
Liv Rivett
Beth Ryan
Karthik Seevanayagam
Chloe Smith
Isabel Smith
Surbi Srinivasan
Ella Stahl
Ashley Syers
Lucas Taylor
Lucas Topet
Tashana Trenery
Sophie Vaughan
Ella Vertigan
Claire Williams
Alex Wood
Charlie Ziebell
Half Colour
Eden Alexander
Nathan Alias
Alana Altus
Deacon Bagas
Ella Baldemir
Dakota Blade
Scott Brain
Charlie Bryden
Wil Butterworth
Lucy Cashen
Siri Chilamkurti
Natalia Conte
Kelan Coolahan
Annabelle Crisp
Jessica Dahl
Alice Darby
Lavinia De Fazio
Angelina De Sensi
Hunter Do
Abi Douglas
Alana Edgley
Anthony Fagioli
James Fiddes
Breanna Fox
Josh Fraser
Toby Fryer
Anata Gliana
Ashleigh Grant
Isaac Grant
Jack Grant
Libby Hanlon
Angus Heasly
Jacob Heath
Emily Hermiz
Toby Horne
Stamos Kalogerakis
Zak Kassem
Lachlan Kelly
Nash King
Ava Klaric
Tyler Land
Leighton Lieu
Caitlin Malara
Eva Malvaso
Jakub Maslowski
Joel McAlister
Callum McGeachan
Jessica Mihajlov
Ellie Mudie
Veronica Neri
Alexander Nickless
Charlotte Nimmo
Claire O’Brien
Yosip Oghanna
Zach O’Sullivan
Sebastian Packer‑Smith
Lincoln Polizzi
Leo Pryor
Maddison Quick
Olivia Ross
Ella Rowe
Sanat Sahrawat
Milla Scardamaglia
Tom Scardamaglia
Toby Schnugg Osbourne
Kato Scott
James Shadbolt
Gavan Sharples
Jack Sheffield
Gursharan Singh
Daniel Spencer
Philomena Spicer
Lars Sveilis
Victoria Sze
Eddie Thomas
Chloe Thomson
Maddy Tsatas
Charlotte Turner
Tharinie Uruththiran
Sachin Warnasuriya
Cameron Williams
Eliza Williams
Evie Youill
School Colour
Athulya Atapattu
Arno Barton
Rishi Bhambi
Aiden Cassidy
Navreen Cheema
Bonnie Chen
Dante Cincotta
Laila Cooke
Eden Drummond
Sarah Fang
Dean Fiume
Angelika Fkiaras
Nick George
Amelie Gilchrist
Georgia Goldie
Harrison Hill
Oliver Hollis
Harry Kneebone
Billy Kysela
Jasleen Mann
Chloe Matthews
Charlotte McGregor
Owen McLeish
Panos Mina
Tessa Moad
Daniel Moutsos
Muhammed Ozdemir
Dinel Perera
Eshaan Saini
Charlie Shamieh
Aarushi Sodhi
Rhys Southwell
Matilda Teele
Aditya Vohra
Mackenna White
Lachie Wilson
Dance
Full Colour
Zoe Black
Bethany Clare
Emma Last
Half Colour
Mia Stahl
School Colour
Labonya Paul
Surbi Srinivasan
Divya Sundaram
Debating
Full Colour
Siri Chilamkurti
Natalia Conte
Tansy Elliott
Caitlin Malara
Emily Malcolm
Rosa Reynolds
Samira Scala
Ifiyenia Siakou
Isabel Smith
Tom Starkey
Victoria Sze
Ella Vertigan
Zahra Winther
Half Colour
Hla Abdelghany
Sam Aforozis
Arno Barton
Marlo Beaumont‑Nesbitt
Anita Birchall
Dante Cincotta
Avlene Das
Avriel Das
Angelina De Sensi
Vardan Dhaliwal
Florence Donarelli
Dean Fiume
Angelika Fkiaras
Dayna Ford
Julian Harsley
Angus Heasly
Harrison Hill
Jess Hooker
Agnes Jones
Donelle Joseph
Kaushik Karthik
Samira Kink
Emma Last
Victoria Li
Maddi Ling
Cora Liparota
Selina Liu
Oscar Maes
Peter Makris
Catherine Marty
Joel McAlister
Ryan McKeown
Yosip Oghanna
Ryan O’Grady
Phil Ou
Co‑Curricular Awards
Pablo Paskos
Leo Pryor
Edward Redlich
Sanat Sahrawat
Gus Singh
Tom Sinnett
Surbi Srinivasan
Elora Twyford
Tharinie Uruththiran
Minuki Vidanapathirana
Kim Wang
Senith Warnasuriya
Lachie Warwick
School Colour
Ellie Adams
Eden Alexander
Anthony Banh
Frederick Becket
Emily Bertram
Ranjiv Bhar
Tom Blackmore
Lucas Bland
Louise Chapman
Louis Chien
Isabella Ciavarella
Sara Conte
Ryan Delios
Jemima Dillon
Asher Elsen
Sarah Fang
James Fiddes
Lucy Fiddes
Josh Fraser
Aaryan Galia
Samantha Garbutt
Mia Garfi
Gianna Gelsi
Marlo Graham
Jack Grant
Oscar He
Maya Hopper
Nick Horne
Toby Horne
Fatima Imran
Aarav Jain
Jayla Kiratlioglu
Penny Loveridge
Alicia Maniatakis
Vangelis Matheou
Jasmin Muir
Xavier Nelson
Aiden Nguyen
Tashi O’Neill
Zach O’Sullivan
Dinel Perera
Paige Purcell
Amelia Ray
Shayden Renwick
Alfie Saker
Hansikaa Sharma
Zara Shaw
Ava Sheffield
Cormac Skaliotis
Philomena Spicer
Mia Stahl
Lila Statkus
Emily Stevens
Yanan Sun
Michael Teh
Chloe Thomson
Alex Waples
Young Zhang
Music
Full Colour
Bethany Clare
Avriel Das
Alice Davies
Lavinia De Fazio
Emily Dellavedova
Angus Dillon
Hunter Do
Maggie Fu
Ethan Liddy
Gus Manners
Collette Mullen
Gavan Sharples
Daniel Spencer
Lars Sveilis
Lucinda Thompson
Sachin Warnasuriya
Claire Williams
Half Colour
Jack Borowski
Vanessa Chien
Ava Chih
Avlene Das
Louis Ding
Sarah Fang
Dean Fiume
Evie Foenander
Samantha Garbutt
Benjamin He
Oscar He
Angus Heasly
Freya Hosking
Emma Last
Maddie Lim
Joel McAlister
Maddi Nankervis
Olivia Oates
Dinel Perera
Matthew Pivec
Sanat Sahrawat
James Short
Cormac Skaliotis
Victoria Sze
Elora Twyford
Senith Warnasuriya
Lachie Warwick
Ben Williams Suine
Charlie Woodhouse
Daniel Zhang
Young Zhang
School Colour
Marcel Argent
Alexander Baldwin
Tom Barker
Harvey Behrendorff
Xander Bell
Robbie Blackmore
Oskar Boehm Wilson
Ray Chang
Louis Chien
Tarah Cox
Kevin Dai
Charlotte De‑Coi
Ryan Delios
Ella Dorman
Gianluca Drew
James Fairbank
Akitha Gamakumara
Ryan Gayen
Hana Hassim
Surani Hemaratne
Kate Hopper
Maya Hopper
Jessie Hu
Cherian Huang
Maddie Jessup‑Oates
Tilda Jukes
Hugo Lethbridge‑Ford
Greta Lewin
Lucy Lewtas
Gabby Li
Jack Liao
Ali Maghasedi
Alicia Maniatakis
Claudia Muller
William Nasserallah
Phil Ou
Urie Pajarillo
Eleni Panousis
Morganne Poulter
Yuting Qiang
Michael Reeves
Lachlan Schijf
Tommy Shaw
Bridget Sherry
Ariadne Skaliotis
Maisie Spencer
Abigael Staples
Divya Sundaram
Harry Sze
Miria Teh
Jake Tennent
Luca Thavarasah
Willem Versteeg
Alicia Wong
Ethan Yang
Alex Youill
Tristan Zapris
Service
Full Colour
Anita Birchall
Tansy Elliott
Charli Holcombe
Hamish Noonan
Ryan O’Grady
Edward Redlich
Ella Samuels
Caitlyn Shaw
Tom Sinnett
Victoria Sze
Chloe Thomson
Elora Twyford
Marcus Walling
Half Colour
Harry Adamson
Grace Alberti
Amy Han
Cherian Huang
Jason Jia
Jacob Li
Victoria Li
Joel McAlister
Ella Moio
Sanat Sahrawat
Milla Scardamaglia
Tom Scardamaglia
Divya Sundaram
School Colour
Emily Bertram
Robbie Blackmore
Scarlett Boicovitis
Andrew Bormann
Siri Chilamkurti
Annabelle Crisp
Abi Douglas
Alana Edgley
Sarah Fang
Jack Grant
Kynan Home
Kate Hopper
Maya Hopper
Eliza Ioannou
Caitlin Malara
Max Nelson
Yosip Oghanna
Neo Papanastasiou
Maddison Quick
Alexander Redlich
Isabel Smith
Philomena Spicer
Tom Starkey
Elora Twyford
Riley Tyebji
Ava Verrier
Alicia Wong
Diya Yonzon
Theatre Production
Full Colour
Karmen Apperley
Amalia Cameron
Bethany Clare
Avriel Das
Alice Davies
Alice De Luca
Angus Dillon
Eleanor Drummond
Tansy Elliott
Ava Koniaras
Emma Last
Ethan Liddy
Sean Lin
Ali Maghasedi
Vangelis Matheou
Max Nania
Jasper Pascoe
Rachel Segal
Gavan Sharples
Claire Williams
Half Colour
Kevan Abraham
Lucas Bland
Scarlett Boicovitis
Ella Bryden
Claire Byron
Ruby Casey
Laila Cooke
Jemima Dillon
Oliver Doherty
Erin Doman
Evie Foenander
Maya Hopper
Nash Kleynjans
Kennard Le
Ben Marty
Owen McLeish
Jasmin Muir
Maddi Nankervis
Yosip Oghanna
Samuel Pruscino
Ricardo Raimundo
Samira Scala
Rowan Sharples
Gursharan Singh
Gus Singh
Chloe Smith
Surbi Srinivasan
Ashley Syers
Ellen Vote
Sachin Warnasuriya
Zahra Winther
Charlie Woodhouse
M Wyss
School Colour
Harvey Behrendorff
Zoe Black
Robbie Blackmore
James Bowden
Tarah Cox
Josh Crewe
Jessica Dahl
Alice Darby
Avlene Das
Charlotte De‑Coi
William Doman
Eden Drummond
Alex Duguid
Nick Errington
Angelika Fkiaras
Mia Garfi
Imogen Gilchrist
Harry Kneebone
Hugo Lethbridge‑Ford
William Long
Ella Moio
Claire O’Brien
Tashi O’Neill
Matthew Pivec
Paul jnr Sailah
Toby Schnugg Osbourne
Zara Shallcross
Ava Sheffield
Aakash Srivastava
Divya Sundaram
Lars Sveilis
Ashlyn Taylor
Alexandra Tsanatelis
Maddy Tsatas
Denzel Vaghani
Minuki Vidanapathirana
Matilda Wanless
Ben Williams Suine
Luca Williams Suine
Ashley Xu Somers
IDEALS Award
Ivanhoe Diploma (Honours)
Bethany Clare
Avriel Das
Angus Dillon
Erin Doman
Vangelis Matheou
Ella Samuels
Sport Awards
Aerobics
Full Colour
Macey Mileto
Olivia O’Sullivan
Half Colour
Eden Alexander
Samira Kink
Ella Kraeva
Marie Mercorillo
Olivia Ross
Saskia Winkelman
Aerin Winther
School Colour
Alice Ballinger
Ruby Burke
Estelle Byron
Ruby Longmuir
Daphne Loveridge
Amy Oliver
Audrey Plunkett
Lucinda Smart
Emily Ware
Athletics
Full Colour
Thyra Abolencia
Ruby Callahan
Eliza Chivers
Nicholas Filippis
Sam Gayfer
Ava Knezevic
Ruby Longmuir
Emily Malcolm
Georgia McBean
Brodie Mierisch
Matilda Wanless
Rachel White
Izzy Wightman
Half Colour
Marcus Benson
Lachie Bird
Kelan Coolahan
Jonty De Cata
Harry Foreman
Gianna Gelsi
Eva Gilinas
Avena Henriksen
Rebecca Hvalica
Tilda Jukes
Hannah Kocev
Bella Krienke
Alex Linke
Yianna Malapanis
Shikora Miller
Stan Moore
Charlie Opie
Hamish Rouch
Toby Schnugg Osbourne
Rowan Sharples
Maddy Tsatas
Heidi Watts
Tanner Wilson
School Colour
Hamish Baddon
Archie Barker
Emily Bertram
Olivia Bird
Marli Brenner
Thomas Burgess
Inés Caton‑Smith
Sophia Dhindsa
Jack Dowling
Jacob Dubrow
Jayden Gralinski
Oscar He
Ciara Jeffs
Sophia McKeown
Carlos Mehin
Andreas Raschella
Oliver Ryan
Tom Sebastian
Bridget Sherry
Ava Verrier
Lachie Warwick
Badminton
Full Colour
Jordan Wang
Basketball
Full Colour
Isabelle Godfrey
Georgia McBean
Tyson Nagel
Ella Rowe
Zachary Veneziano
Izzy Wightman
Half Colour
Chelsea Aherne
Joel Avery
Eve Beccia
Leni Lockyer
Chase Mackay
Jesse McIntosh
Panos Mina
Max Naumoski
Charlotte Nimmo
Liv Perillo
Nelly Tragardh
AWARDS
Co‑Curricular Awards
School Colour
Alexia Angelopoulos
Marli Brenner
Sam Gayfer
Jason He
Lila Hudleston
Ava Knezevic
Hannah Kocev
Rami Lynch
Nick Mann
Sam Manos
Lachie Minihan
Caitlin Reynolds
Christian Saman
Chloe Slots
Ava Smith
Claudia Staffieri
Abigael Staples
Austin Stathopoulos
Ben Wilson
Tanner Wilson
Cricket
Full Colour
Finn Cleary
Will Hanlon
Half Colour
Lachlan Green
James Shadbolt
Jules Tragardh
School Colour
Ben Davis
Manan Jyoti
Zac Lander
Lachlan Muraca
Jeremy Rodgers
Clarrie Spurr
Joseph Vespa
Thomas Wavish
Cross Country
Full Colour
Theadora Hally
Alexander Linke
Harley Mileto
Eliza Nelson
Half Colour
Ryan Angarano
School Colour
Jessica Cheung
Will Franklin
Alister Hsu
Macey Mileto
Nicholas Mitsinikos
Riley Palmer
Hugh Park
Max Quinlan
Isabelle Reichl
Perry Wallens
Lachie Warwick
Equestrian
Full Colour
Alice Darby
Alice Davies
Football
Full Colour
Archie Franklin
Amelie Gilchrist
Marlo Graham
Nash King
Bella Krienke
Amy Long
Ryder Mantello
Rohan McKenzie
Pippa Medley
Charlie Naish
Charlie Opie
Nicholas Shaw
Ava Vincent
Half Colour
Riley Allan
Adam Banks
Finn Cleary
Sean Culhane
Ned Davis
Isaac Dugdale
Cooper Errey
Harry Fereday
Nicholas Filippis
Will Hanlon
Zac Harding
Avena Henriksen
Zak Kassem
Levi McCormack
Jack Medley
Brodie Mierisch
Tyson Nagel
Ella Samuels
Angus Watson
School Colour
Hamish Baddon
Ruby Callahan
Henry Davis
Sophie Filbey
Finn Fraser
Sam Gayfer
Gab Haros
Nick Horne
Jaidyn McNeil
Noah Mikac
Stan Moore
Jemima Park
Hudson Price
Gus Redin
Marcus Rocca
Tom Smith
Henry Stone
Arthur Taylor
Liam Ukovic
Alice Waite
Noah Walsh
Noah Watts
Tanner Wilson
Hockey
Full Colour
Thyra Abolencia
Harry Adamson
Charlie Bryden
Mitchell Laoumtzis
Hamish Noonan
Molly Noonan
Ainsley Thorpe
Half Colour
Imogen Gilchrist
Grace Laoumtzis
Ben Long
School Colour
Celena Adamson
Joel Catalogna
Luca Comito
Jack Durran
Dash Harcourt Smith
Riley Pfisterer
Clancy Quinn
Wesley Reilly
Alfie Saker
Kayaking
Full Colour
Luca Faelis
Josh Fraser
Half Colour
Heath Kyriakou
James McLaughlan
School Colour
Zayd Bhayat
Olivia Oates
Alexander Redlich
James Short
Luca Thavarasah
Riley Tyebji
Junior Colour
Georgette Doherty
Alex Ellul
Maximus Karamzalis
Lawn Bowls
Full Colour
Catherine Marty
Chris Walsh
Half Colour
Sam Aforozis
Max Nania
Sebastian Phillips
Caitlyn Shaw
Netball
Full Colour
Dakota Blade
Eliza Burge
Jenna Calabrese
Meg Harper
Half Colour
Jessica Hooker
Caitlin Robley
School Colour
Emily Bertram
Molly Grace
Charlotte Hooker
Ciara Jeffs
Sierra Keily
Madeleine Nardella
Lily Rundle
Eleanor Shephard
Bridget Sherry
Eva Wallis
Grace Wright
Snow Sports
Full Colour
Sebastian Packer‑Smith
Half Colour
Vaughan Joslyn
Thomas Moore
Kieran Pavey
School Colour
Bella Ansell
Arno Barton
Salvatore Canzoneri
Jake Feenstra
James Longmuir
Ryan McKeown
Romi Simkus
Tom Starkey
Luca Thavarasah
Charlie Woodhouse
Soccer
Full Colour
Adrienne Battistella
Ava Bitzios
Helena Chetcuti
Isabella Ciavarella
Jake Giannopoulos
Daniel Moutsos
William Nankervis
Mae O’Brien
Lauren Webb
Half Colour
Ranjiv Bhar
Joshua Crewe
School Colour
Samantha Avery
Cameron Bell
Estelle Byron
Daniel Christoff
Orlando Cigognini
Jemma Cvetkovski
Jacques Duke
Clara Dunne
Catherine Emanouel
Jayden Gralinski
Cate Gust
Matthew Kocev
Rudi La Rooy
Rufus Mackie
Caitlin Malara
Finn McCreadie
Ruby McRostie
Angelina Osavkovska
Louis Ristevski
Remy Stonehouse
Rafael Tasevski
Emily Topet
Nena Ukovic
Thomas Zammit
Softball
Full Colour
Tansy Elliott
Isabella Italiano
Emily Malcolm
Olivia Oates
Alice Palmer
Tharinie Uruththiran
School Colour
Scout Ballard
Erica Bewsher
Ella Bryden
Georgina Filbey
Sophie Filbey
Imogen Gilchrist
Amy Long
Zoe Merory
Maisie Spencer
Swimming
Full Colour
Alana Altus
Hannah Borschmann
Louis Chien
Alouette Clark
Chloe Green
Ciara Jeffs
Ella Rowe
Emily Stevens
Half Colour
Eliza Burge
Mirabai Clark
Annabelle Crisp
Angus Dalgleish
Alice Davies
Olivia Flight
Amelie Gilchrist
Aden Hassim
Nickie Kong
Tyler Land
William Linke
Ali Maghasedi
Abbey Martin
Sophia McKeown
Billy Rath
Thomas Vander Pal
Eva Wallis
School Colour
Asha Brierley
Leo Briganti
Vanessa Chien
Xavier Chy
Liselle Gonopoulos
Hana Hassim
Emmerson Hoggan
Annie Nguyen
Bridget Sherry
Mikha Thapa
Alex Wilson
Table Tennis
Full Colour
Joey Du
Ashley Xu Somers
Half Colour
Matthias Lillis
School Colour
Aston Brand
Ethan Du
Devonté Lim
Harry Markogiannakis
Max Morros
Harvey Scarborough
Riley Tyebji
Tennis
Full Colour
Leah Delios
Baxter Errey
Cooper Erreyr
Alessia Jones
Curtis Sharp
Half Colour
Max Barry
Lucius Bruscino‑Raiola
Lucy Torrington
School Colour
Zara Costanzo
Damien Eastman
Will Gore
Lucas Harsley
William Lontos
Peter Makris
Diane Roe
Jakob Thanos
Grace Wright
Touch Football
Full Colour
Avena Henriksen
Jessica Hooker
Liv Perillo
Ava Vincent
School Colour
Thyra Abolencia
Louise Chapman
Sophie Chuter
Isabella Ciavarella
Charlotte De‑Coi
Finn McCreadie
Shikora Miller
Amalia Razzi
Volleyball
Full Colour
Samantha Avery
Adrienne Battistella
Alana Edgley
Ashton Home
James Lycett
Toby Schnugg Osbourne
Emma Shaw
Half Colour
Angelina Bozinova
Alex Duske
Luca Faelis
Ella Samuels
School Colour
Thomas Burgess
Ruby Burke
Vanessa Chien
Ava Chih
Stephanie Cotronis
Samantha Garbutt
Benji Jenkins
Cameron Key
Joshua Loh
Ruby Longmuir
Joshua Nankervis
Zac Philip
Sofia Shah
Jeremy Stevenson
Emily Topet
Alice Waite
Callum Warwick
Kayla Williams
Water Polo
Full Colour
Lily Beech
Angus Dalgleish
Alex Duske
Thomas Vander Pal
Half Colour
Alana Altus
Toby Horne
Chloe Smith
School Colour
Cameron Bell
Emily Bertram
Leo Briganti
Louis Chien
Annabelle Crisp
Bentley Crisp
James Fairbank
Caitlin Malara
Abbey Martin
Angus Mitchell
Max Rowe
Cam Smith