Mentor Magazine: Spring 2021

MENTOR

INSIDE:

02

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

26

PERFORMING ARTS: TAKE A BOW!

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SPRING 2021

CARING

THE MAGAZINE OF MENTONE GRAMMAR

WINTER SPORT HIGHLIGHTS

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NEWS FROM THE MENTONIANS

WELCOM A NOTE FROM THE

REGISTRAR

Mentone Grammar is the benchmark for outstanding coeducation in bayside Melbourne. We offer a progressive, well-supported learning environment with wide-ranging opportunities for students from our Early Learning Centre to Year 12.

CONTENTS 02 03 06 07

Mentone Grammar is a high performing village within the bayside community that offers a firstrate, well-rounded education for students.

Our learning program is built around developing happy, healthy and high achieving young people.

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL

PERFORMING ARTS: TAKE A BOW!

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LACHLAN MCLAREN

SPORT: A SUCCESSFUL WINTER

FROM THE CHAIR

FROM THE ARCHIVES

LOOK AT WHAT WE’RE BUILDING

THE MENTONIANS

ME

We are renowned for our successful learning model of TogetherApart-Together, where girls and boys in middle school (Years 5-9) learn within a coeducational environment in gender-specific classes. In our Early Learning Centre through to Year 4 and in Years 10-12, students learn in a fully coeducational environment.

Our attendance numbers will be restricted, and all attendees must have pre-registered online. We are unable to accept walk-in registrations: School Tours and Open Days

In recent years, Mentone Grammar has gone from strength to strength and is experiencing unprecedented enrolment interest.

We have recently launched an impressive Master Plan to ensure that our School will continue to thrive into the future, whilst maintaining the ‘village’ culture and community that we are renowned for. Our mission is to offer students, ‘even more’.

Even more opportunities and programs. Even more resources and facilities. Even more specialist staff and support.

If you would like to arrange a Private Tour, please contact the Enrolments Team on +61 3 9584 4211 or email: enrol@mentonegrammar.net

We understand how important the decision of school choice is for families and appreciate and value your interest in our School.

We endeavour to accommodate families, however, there is a fixed capacity for each year level. If you are aware of anyone who wishes to join our School in the future, please remind them that it is essential they register for our waitlist for each child they wish to enrol: Enrol Early registration will place families higher on the list and increase their chances of securing a place in their preferred year of entry.

The best way to experience Mentone Grammar is to visit our vibrant Campus and speak with our students, staff and Community.

You can do this by attending a School Tour or Open Day event, or by booking a Private Tour with our Enrolments Team.

2022 SCHOOL TOURS & OPEN DAYS SATURDAY 26 MARCH 2022 Open Day 9am-12 noon MONDAY 2 MAY 2022 School Tours 9.30am SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2022 Open Day 9am-12 noon THUSRDAY 20 OCTOBER 2022 School Tours 9.30am

PRIVATE TOURS

VIRTUAL TOUR When we are unable to offer onsite visits, you can explore our Virtual Tour at: Mentone Grammar Tour or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

While it is a big decision to choose a school, it doesn’t need to be stressful. Too often, I am contacted by families who are overwhelmed by the choice, information overload and perceived pressures of making a decision.

Please read our tips for taking the stress out of choosing a school: Tips We want your family to really enjoy the process of learning about the exciting opportunities on offer for your child. If you wish to understand more about the enrolment process, what the School can offer for your child’s specific interests, abilities and needs, I encourage you to contact me at enrol@mentonegrammar.net or +61 3 9581 3216. I would be delighted to answer any questions you have and support you in making the right decision for your family.

I look forward to welcoming you and your family to our Community.

PERNILLA EKLUND ALLAN REGISTRAR

Above: Learning from home can be fun but Mentone Grammar students love being together on Campus even more.

Left: Registrar, Pernilla Eklund Allan, invites all families to book a place at our next Open Day.

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VALUES RESPECT

INTEGRITY

We value other people and their thoughts and feelings. We listen to them, are truthful towards them and accept them as individuals.

We know what is right and wrong and act accordingly.

People can rely on us to do what is right.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

VALUES determine In these times, when our politicians and media undoubtedly our decisions anddwell on the negatives of Iife in lockdown, I would prefer to contrast this with CARING the many positives I see around me on aour daily basis. guide lives to ENDEAVOUR Once again, the endeavour and resilience Weplace look after ourselves, accomplish … and all of these amazing outcomes taking of whilst operating under a cloud of sadness our fine Community have underpinned some ourfollowing friends and our families things.

We strive to do well evennotable achievements in recentgreat the death of Lachlan McLaren (Year 10).We Included in times: support and encourage

if it’s hard work. We have H igh level engagement by all of our students despite, the courage to stand in most cases, not being on Campus. up for what we E xcellent NAPLAN results achieved by our Years 3, believe in.

these pages is a beautiful tribute to Lachie, whose each other. We can care tragic death brought us all together in a way I have for everyone in not seen our Community rally before.

VALUES create more To be in Lucerne Sreet on the day of his funeral some way. meaningful ‘power’ forto hold dear to one’s heart forever – was something 5, 7 and 9 students. the sadness of the hearse passing by, the incredible ourTalentopinions and Our best ever results in the Maths Quest pride of so many fine people coming out to pay their by students across all campuses of the School. respects, the uncharacteristic silence in the street attitudes.

An abundance of talented students applying for 2021 Foundation Awards.

DISCIPLINE

reat depth of leadership evident in the applications G for positions of student leadership in Frogmore.

and a feeling that, despite this sadness, we were all surrounded by incredible love and care, to help us come through this.

RESILIENCE

Lachie changed all of our lives for the better. We will remember him and honour him through our living Whatever bad times we legacy.

We form good habits to A highly help us achieve high successful Winter Season of Sport, where gowethrough cana bounce It is only in adversity that know howwe robust a number of our teams were in strong contention for standards. We have high back again.

We can seek community is. Through our adversity I suspect many Premierships. standards of social have realised what an amazing Community we are help to ‘let go’ of what is a part of. I could not be prouder of how behaviour, dress, timeperformances by our Debating teams, Very strong stopping uspeople fromhave being and continue to respond to adversity showing, quite despite having to debate online. management and ‘ourselves’.

We work voluntarily to clearly, that our School Values are not just a poster work ethic. help others without

SERVICE

mazing outreach amongst our staff and student A bodies to check on one another’s wellbeing. expecting

on a wall in a classroom, but that these words

resonate strongly in the way we lead our lives. anything in return. Labore et Honore O nline rehearsals and performances for Music,

SHAPING Drama and Dance.

L ots of fitness programs in place to maintain / improve strength and conditioning.

MAL CATER PRINCIPAL

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OUR FUTURE

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL SON LACHLAN HAMISH MCLAREN Lachie was born on the 15th August 2005 at the awesome Cabrini Hospital, on a sunny day just like today.

Son to Carey and I and Brother to Luis.

Words are so inadequate but they are something that we can use today to honour our fine young man, and we pray that they can bring light and love to this darkest of times. We just wanted to share what’s been in our hearts as we cry, pray, talk about and remember Lachie.

There is no greater joy than becoming a parent and Carey and I consider ourselves so privileged to be given two incredible sons in Luis and Lachie.

Lachie came into this world smiling and he rarely cried in his first few days, except for when his overly excited big brother welcomed his little Brother “Occhie” home with loving word of “baby” and a welcoming smack to his head!

For 16 years we watched him grown from baby to toddler, to boy to teenager. Being able to hold, nurture, love, guide and protect our sons has been our greatest achievement.

Lachlan Mc Laren 15 AU G US T 2 0 0 5 - 15 AU G US T 2 021

‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies.

We have the fondest memories of Lachie, as a little guy he loved Sean the Sheep, Thomas the Tank Engine, In the night garden, Tom and Jerry and the Octonauts.

Before bed time Lachie loved nothing more than sitting on his Thomas the Tank Engine couch with his brother watching Thomas whilst eating a bowl of fruit with strawberry juice running down his chin and onto his clean pyjamas.

When Lachie was 2, we relocated overseas. As we were settling into our seats for the long haul flight, the flight attendants had handed out eye masks, headphones, travel socks, children’s packs of cards, pencils, colouring books, cheese sticks and crackers. After securing our carry-on luggage, I looked over at Lachie, he was wearing the eye mask on his forehead, he had the socks on up to his knees, he had his headphones in, he had Spongebob Square Pants playing on the in seat entertainment and he was eating his cheese stick. He looked over at me and said with the cheekiest smile...”

I’m reeeeady!!” He most certainly was!

And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.’ ( DANIEL 12:3 )

Lachie brought sunshine to our days, he was always exuberant, energetic up for anything, he wore a cheeky grin, had the sweetest giggle. Our happiest memories are of Lachie playing with his brother. This included hours upon hours spent at parks, and beaches where they loved to play and fossick, building forts and dens, searching for the best rocks and sticks and making potions. For years I had a permanent collection of ‘special’ rocks in my handbag and a pile of the best sticks by our front door, collected on our many outings.

The squeals of delight at even the simplest things fills my heart. The laughing from the backyard as they jumped on the trampoline, riding his bike down the big hills of the rail trails, jumping off the pier, swimming at the beach, surfing the waves, the ear piercing squeals of excitement as we took off in a helicopter over the Grand

Canyon….” you will be alright Mum he re-assured me”. So many rollercoasters at Disneyland in between stuffing our faces with churros.

At 5 years of age a broken leg didn’t even slow him down. Many at Mentone Primary School will remember he tore around in his speedy red wheelchair like a maniac.

As Lachie’s mum I spent rather a lot of time waiting in emergency depts for X-rays, broken bones to be cast, cracked heads to be glued. In fact Lachie didn’t do anything by halves, in the UK he once had scarlet fever and turned bright red like a tomato for a week and he decided normal gastro was boring that he had to have salmonella poisoning. Never a dull moment!

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Lachlan McLaren

15 AU G US T 2 0 0 5 - 15 AU G US T 2 021

Lachie loved coming to the gym with me and one time at Kids Fit when Lachie was about 11, he stated that one day he was going to be fitter and stronger than me, I said I expect you will….I asked him how are we going to test this?…I thought he was going to say something like an arm wrestle or some form of time trial but he did not…. Instead he said, why don’t we see how far we can each carry Mum!!

With that he just jumped on me and we giggled and laughed together.

Lachie loved camping, especially at Bright; bike riding, jumping into the freezing coldwater holes, the ice cream shop, wearing his onesie, lighting the campfire and gathering the longest sticks for the nightly marshmallow roast off. He loved flipping burgers at Yo My Goodness, eating chocolate, his red hoodie, milk (litres of it), he loved cross country running, basketball, his Pacers basketball team and his coach, he never missed a training session or a game.

Lachie’s other love in life was Ella, we’re so grateful that at such a young age he got to experience first love and that it was reciprocated, how lucky was he? I enjoyed driving Lachie to YOMG for his Sunday night shift and I took the opportunity once to ask him what love meant to him, he simply answered “Ella makes me feel like I want to be a better person”.

Lachie loved a good movie night and some of Lachie’s favourite movies are Swiss Family Robinson the 1963 version, Sandlot Kids part 1, Hunt for the Wilder People and his favourite line from Ricky Baker is “this shit just got real!” and went he mad for Bohemian Rhapsody, we must have watched it 10 times. He loved playing cards and I taught him how to play Poker, after only 5 hands of playing he drew a Royal Flush, in 30 years of playing I have never drawn Royal Flush. Lachie loved playing Billionaire, we spent many nights screaming at each other trading commodities, and thanks to his cousins, a card game called Shit Head!

Lachie was so proud to be Mentone Primary School Captain in 2017 and it was evident from an early age that he had leadership qualities. His desire was to improve not just himself but others around him because he always saw the best in them. Lachie walked to the beat of his own drum, was so smart, strong willed, loyal, selfless, and courageous. He never really paid much attention to what other people thought of him because he was always true to himself. Lachie wasn’t arrogant or egotistical, he just cared for people and his actions and care for others is what motivated him. The letters we have received from his friends attest to these qualities in Lachie and we are only now finding out just how many people Lachie touched with his kindness and inclusion.

Lachie adored his big brother and whilst there was healthy competition, he idolised Luis. They were the closest of brothers and Luis always had time for his little brother. They’d sit in Lachie's room doing maths homework together, talking about Indices, polynomials (quadratics, cubics, quartics); logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions (sine, cos and tan), it was like they were speaking a foreign language. Luis often said that they must have been adopted!

Lachie kept count of all of his burps which were memorable and ear piercing.

He would proudly announce after each deafening delivery….that was number 674! (I believe it was up around 850) Also, Lachie ran hot, really hot, he slept with his window open and the fan on in the middle of winter!! I think he may have got that from me.

Lachie loved growing his hair and I used to say to him, grow your hair as long as you can for as long as you can…. and he did.

I think he enjoyed dodging Ms Richards and Mal Cater, in fact he wore this as a badge of honour. Lachie washed his hair infrequently which annoyed his Mum. He told me that by retaining the oil content in his hair it would preserve it longer, he then said to me, “You’ve obviously washed your hair too much Dad”.

Lachie was so respectful and appreciative of anything anyone did for him. When greeting anyone, Lachie would look you in the eye, give you big warm smile, shake your hand and say “Hi my name is Lachie, pleased to meet you.” Or if he knew you would always shake your hand… All of my mates thought that this was just great!.

Our dinner time conversations were the best part of our day, he would always be bursting to tell us what he had been doing at school, what crazy idea he was currently researching or what his ideas on how we could eliminate poverty.

“Did you know that by rinsing your dishes before you place them in your dishwasher actually reduces the abrasive cleaning action of your dishwasher thus increasing the water consumption and energy? ”Well, we do now”, these were the sort of dinner conversations Lachie entertained us with.

We could talk forever of the amazing adventures big and small that Lachie experienced in his short life. The memories of these happy times as a family will live in our hearts now and sustain us for the future.

That Lachie’s life was cut short in such senseless circumstances renders us overwhelmed with shock, trauma, anguish, disbelief. My mind cannot comprehend what I know in my heart to now be reality.

Lachie isn’t just away on an adventure somewhere, our boy is not coming home.

No longer will the fridge be constantly empty, no more nagging to clean his room, take the dog for a walk, put dishes in the dishwasher, pick up the sweaty clothes off the floor.

achlan L M 04

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

LUIS' POEM Read by brother, Luis McLaren (Year 12) What also needs to be acknowledged today is the funeral of a young man on the precipice of an amazing future, one where he was just starting to spread his independent wings, a life full of dreams, hopes and aspirations. His potential literally just burst out of him with confidence and excitement at what was to come. He agonised over which VCE subjects to choose, sought council from his teachers, so many choices, so many plans, so many possibilities. He was so clever it took my breath away, he would have excelled at whatever path he chose.

Lachie was just high on life, a gentle soul, a free spirit, with his own mind. His gorgeous face with his kind eyes, and cheekiest of grins were such a reflection of his beautiful heart. He eminated a happiness and contentment about himself and his life that belied his years and I now acknowledge that you rarely see in people.

Lachie loved people and they loved him.

He was happy with who he was and received even greater happiness helping those around him.

We keep saying to ourselves, what would Lachie want us to do? His life has a purpose and no one will rob him of that.

Lachie’s legacy has already been felt so profoundly by his family, friends, his school community and complete strangers.

Why? Of course, like us, they have been overwhelmed by the utter tragedy of it all but I know that there is more to this outpouring of love and over time, it’s not what Lachie will be remembered for.

We believe Lachie represents all that is good in humanity at a time when the world desperately needs reminding that there is good out there. His love and kindness and joy for life have impacted so many and we believe will echo throughout eternity.

Consider Lachie’s final act on this planet his selfless, sacrificial act was to push his girlfriend out of the way of danger. There is no greater act of love.

Feel no guilt in laughter, he’d know how much you care.

I’d like to share a part of a message we received from Lachie's Junior Football coach.

“What your son did in his final moments is so typical of the boy I remember… strong willed, loyal, selfless, courageous. We all think we would rise to the occasion when really put to the test… very few would…

Lachie did!”

How do we say goodbye to beautiful Lachie? Perhaps we utter the words but in our hearts we know he is always here.

Now we are graced with just memories of him.

As we remember, we do so with an understanding of the privilege it is to have been Lachie’s parents, and though our hearts are broken we know there are so many things special in the process of remembrance. For it is with love in our hearts we can talk of good times with Lachie. In what became only a short time here on Earth, Lachie’s footprints are now forever imprinted on our hearts. Perhaps now guiding us on our own journey through this world, his footprints will lead us in kindness, joy and in courage.

As we remember Lachie, we will remember a son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, great grandson and friend. A young boy who lived with a smile on his face, kindness in his heart and purpose in his steps. Lachie’s life has touched so many and the honour it is to remember him is something we hold tightly.

This verse is from the book of Daniel, chapter 12 verse 3. “Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.”

Glow forever Lachie. Your last breaths were heroic and you continue to shine brilliantly even in your earthly absence.

Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.

You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.

He’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.

So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.

Let memories surround you, a word someone may say, Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day, That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here, And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.

For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart, And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.

Unknown author

In what became only a short time here on Earth, Lachlan’s footprints are now forever imprinted on our hearts.

MY LITTLE ANGEL You've just walked on ahead of me And I've got to understand You must release the ones you love And let go of their hand.

I try and cope the best I can But I'm missing you so much If I could only see you And once more feel your touch.

Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me Don't worry I'll be fine But now and then I swear I feel Your hand slip into mine.

c aren ML Lachie’s legacy lives on in every act of kindness and every act of self-sacrifice that you, and I choose from now on. He is the everyday hero that we can all aspire to be, a person who chooses love over fear and walks in kindness and humility.

Let us honour Lachie’s life by recognising that his legacy lives on in us and in those who hear and share his story and are forever changed.

Glow like the stars forever beautiful Lachie.

We will love you and miss you forever.

The world is a better place because you lived.

Rest now Lachie you were too good for this world.

I will miss you forever.

Mum x

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FROM THE CHAIR Many of the most enriching parts of Mentone Grammar life such as sport, concerts and productions, cadet camp and learning journeys could not go ahead. For Year 12 students, in particular, an additional layer of stress was placed on top of what was already a challenging year with most of the traditional ‘rites of passage’ events such as the Valedictory Dinner and Carol Service having to be cancelled.

2020 was a difficult year for all of Australia but particularly for those of us in Victoria, as the State struggled to contain COVID case numbers. A large part of the school year had to be conducted using offsite learning. This, in turn, put students, families and staff under pressure as we all came to terms with a new way of operating.

Despite these disappointments the Mentone Grammar Community coped magnificently.

It was with a real sense of optimism that we commenced the 2021 school year on site, back in the classroom and with all cocurricular activities operating. Apart from a minor setback at the end of February we made it through to the early weeks of Term 3 with onsite learning and a full range of cocurricular activities.

Unfortunately, a lot of Term 3 has seen us back in lockdown with a return to offsite learning and having to cancel much anticipated learning journeys, camps and the annual cadet camp. Despite these disappointments, the spirit and resilience of the ‘village’ that is Mentone Grammar, continues to shine through. If anything, the reputation of the School has been enhanced throughout this period as a result of outstanding offsite learning backed up by empathetic and timely pastoral support. The proof of this can be seen in record enrolments, a high demand for places and long and growing waiting lists.

This success is due to a number of factors; the leadership of the Principal, Mal Cater, and his Executive Team, the hard work and flexibility of teaching staff as they moved seamlessly from onsite to offsite learning, the resilience and optimism of the students and the support provided to them by their families and carers.

2021 has not been quite the year we hoped it would be, however, so much that is good and worthwhile has been achieved. The School Board has been hard at work planning for what we firmly believe is a very bright future. The first fruits of that work can now be seen as a ‘hamlet’ (a mini village) has appeared near St Augustine’s church which will pave the way for the exciting redevelopment of the Bayview Campus, which will get underway early next year.

We have a lot to look forward to.

From where I sit, under challenging circumstances, the village is still doing its job.

Labore et Honore

GEOFF RYAN AM CHAIR

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

LOOK AT WHAT WE’RE BUILDING

Early in 2021, the Mentone Grammar Board and Executive excitedly announced the latest phase in the School’s development. Based on pleasing student enrolments, now and into the future, Mentone Grammar will undertake a major building redesign of its Mentone Campus. Integral to the School’s Vision and Strategic Plan 2020-2023, the completion of this impressive project will align with the School’s Centenary in 2023.

*Concept Drawing

STRATEGIC PLAN

2020-2023

HEADING TOWARDS

OUR. CENTENARY

Our new state-of-the-art facilities, alongside greater use of our muchloved properties at Keysborough and Shoreham, will create a more diverse educational platform. The facilities combined will enhance the student experience, create an even greater sense of community and offer an even more engaging workplace for our quality staff. Each new facility will be developed in an environmentally sustainable manner with the latest in teaching and learning and ICT resources, as we further progress the digital transformation of our School.

Our strategic goals of enhanced teaching practice alongside the development of more independent learners will be fundamental to further improving our facilities and resources. All will be based on appropriate, educational research.

Outcomes will also include: a broader electives program from Years 7 to 10 greater choice in VCE offerings more Sport offerings a wider range of cocurricular offerings more professional opportunities for staff an expansion of the ‘village’ offerings

more expert staff members on site to support teaching practice and learner engagement.

It is important to note that whilst this expansion will give more students the opportunity to attend our wonderful School, the communal culture, values and care that Mentone Grammar is well known for will remain unchanged.

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BUILDING FOR TOMORROW

BAYVIEW CAMPUS The first stage will commence with a redesign of our Bayview Campus.

On the site, which currently houses our Years 4 and 8 students along with the Bayview Administration, exceptional new facilities including 18 new classrooms and staff workrooms will be built.

Some of the key features will include: a science laboratory

a multipurpose room to accommodate primary physical education, drama and dance meeting rooms and learning lounges learning enhancement and learning enrichment facilities

wellbeing resources to accommodate specialist first aid and counselling facilities a new Bayview Administration Centre bathrooms and changing facilities

The building will be environmentally friendly, highly energy efficient and will incorporate the latest in ICT resources.

As part of this development, the current Bayview quadrangle will be relandscaped into a more welcoming, usable space. Linking into this building will be exciting new play spaces which will be developed over the top of a substantial new carpark on the ground floor where the current Bayview Oval is located.

On the land the School has purchased in Warrigal and Naples Roads, additional new play spaces will also be added.

A new bike compound will house the increasing number of cyclists in our community.

Another ‘kiss and go’ drive through area will be established to enhance the safety of our precinct.

As part of this redevelopment we plan to move our bus zone to Naples Road to be adjacent to the properties we now own, in order to alleviate the congestion created by the current bus parking zone in Venice Street.

a fully landscaped rooftop deck.

SUMMARY OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS BAYVIEW/EBLANA Planning and implementation have now commenced for development in the Bayview/Eblana precinct.

Our Year 7s of 2022 will be comfortably housed in relocatable classrooms on the Frogmore Campus adjacent to St Augustine’s Church. A flexible timetable will be developed to give different year levels access to the Frogmore Oval as the Bayview/Eblana is developed.

Whilst this construction will provide short term inconvenience to day-to-day school life, the outcome will be spectacular.

The Executive will closely monitor the environment for impact and will respond accordingly to minimise disruption for students and staff.

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

A NEW CAMPUS! RIVIERA This new Campus will operate out of the Keith Jones Learning Centre. Our focus is on all students being well known in their campus. At the start of 2022, the Riviera Campus for Years 5 and 6 students will be launched. Riviera is the name of the beautiful building which now houses the Mentone RSL, the former home of one of our key founders, John Allen Anderson. Years 7 and 8 will make up the Bayview Campus. This will allow staff to concentrate even more sensitively and specifically on the learning and wellbeing needs of Years 5 and 6 students, alongside Years 7 and 8 students.

INVESTING IN GROWTH As future enrolments flow through the School, investment in further developments is also planned: The Greenways Campus - will expand into the adjacent rooms currently occupied by the Languages Faculty giving Year 9 staff and students total ownership of that building, retaining the integrity of the Year 9 Campus.

The Frogmore Campus - a second level will be added above the Greg Fish Library and will include a rooftop deck for passive recreation.

This expansion will allow for the development of a new Languages Centre.

Common rooms - the Frogmore common room will be extended to accommodate and provide enhanced amenities for our increasing number of staff and the Eblana / Bayview common room will be refurbished.

Frogmore House - will be refurbished to accommodate our School Archivist, the administration of The Mentonians’ Association, a meeting place for visitors, along with the Principal’s administration centre.

The Centenary Building - a new contemporary building, The Centenary Building will be developed on the site of the current Year 12 Study. This will house our School Archive in the basement, a Year 12 Study on one level and administration offices and a Staff Professional Learning Lounge on the second level. This building will link with Frogmore House to highlight our School’s journey from a traditional boys-only school to a contemporary coeducational school.

House groups - in Frogmore, where student needs are best served through the House system we will create new Houses as student numbers grow. This will enable each House to be maintained at a size where the House Coordinator and associated Mentors can oversee and support the needs of students in their care.

As all of these developments are taking place our increased size will allow for even more specialised staff to be employed, more engaging programs to be developed and more overall opportunities to be presented to our staff and students. As part of these developments we will review our curriculum options to expand them further.

We are excited about our future. We hope you will be too.

We will keep you updated as this exciting development progresses.

GEOFF RYAN AM

MAL CATER

CHAIR

PRINCIPAL

09

MARY JONES

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE The ELC has had lots of special moments over the winter months, with our fun Pyjama Day, our annual Book Week parade along with a combination of on-Campus and off-Campus learning, as required. With our topsy-turvy term, what has been so heartening for all our staff, is seeing how resilient the children have been and how engaged they have been whilst online. We are also so appreciative of our families who are ably supporting us and their children through these changeable times. You all deserve a gold star!

OUR HAPPY PLACE 10

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

We truly do have an amazing cohort of children at our ELC who will do amazing things in the future and be great contributors to society.

Throughout this time, the children have focused on a breadth of learning from Outer Space, the Human Body, Winter, Number and Letter Recognition, Father’s Day and Dinosaurs, just to name but a few of our learning adventures.

It is amazing what interests the children bring into the classroom and just how invested they become in these inquiry-based learning experiences. Our students have also enjoyed developing their gross motor skills outdoors; many of our Kinder 4 children have learnt to master the monkey bars and our Kinder 3s are not far behind them. Bike skills have improved too, and it is obvious that lots of bike riding is occurring over the weekends, with many children proudly riding to the ELC on two wheels, excitedly exclaiming that they no longer need their training wheels.

Weekly music sessions with Mrs Simmonds have also been a highlight. Yvonne ignites all areas of a child’s development, working in areas such as intellectual, social and emotional and language, in a fun, engaging and interactive manner.

Ms Susu our Mandarin Language teacher works with our Kinder 4 children and provides a hands-on learning approach to acquiring a second language.

She also converses in the native language of several of our children in the ELC, who are still learning English. It is such a privilege and benefit that our students have the opportunity to converse in both their native language and in English as it provides them with a great start in life. Children are so capable at this age at acquiring a second language.

Our RULER program, which encompasses the language and skills of developing emotional intelligence, continues to be embedded into our daily program - with the children building on their resilience, and acknowledging their Class Charter and ensuring they are trying to fill their bucket up with kindness, love and appreciation each day. We truly do have an amazing cohort of children at our ELC who will do amazing things in the future and be great contributors to society.

LIBBY CHISLETT HEAD OF MARY JONES EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

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EBLANA FOUNDATION-YEAR 4

Looking back over our year so far in Eblana I feel a great sense of appreciation for the beautiful memories we have made together, especially with the obstacles we have faced along the way. There are two 2021 events, in particular, that simply sum up the joy of life in Eblana.

LOVE &

LAUGHTER

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

The room was full of love, laughter and celebration as everyone was able to come together to enjoy this special morning.

EBLANA

Mother’s Day In May we celebrated Mother’s Day on a perfect autumn morning with more than 200 of our very special mothers and grandmothers who shared a beautifully prepared breakfast together with their sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters – we even had a great grandmother make it along.

The room was full of love, laughter and celebration as everyone was able to come together to enjoy this special morning. This all made for a wonderful start to our day and was a brilliant lead in to our annual House Cross Country morning at our Keysborough Playing Fields.

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100 DAYS OF

FOUNDATION

This year, Tuesday 10 August marked 100 days of Foundation for our youngest students.

While the plans for this very special day continued to change, we were determined to celebrate this amazing milestone.

In the hope we could celebrate this together in the classrooms with our amazing parents, the ‘100+3 days of Foundation’ invitations were prepared and printed. Alas this was not to be as the School went back into lockdown. It was time to get creative at that point and this was where our ‘Drive Thru 100 Day Celebration’ came to be.

This group of little ones arrived with much excitement either wearing their uniforms proudly, or dressed as 100-year-olds. Again, the sun was shining and these children were so happy to see their teachers, receive their special bag and pose proudly for photos.

This was the most delightful outcome at a time when we were all missing each other so much.

Both of these events faced great challenges and rapidly evolving plans, yet through the teamwork and support of all elements our Community, these events were even more amazing than we had hoped. Just another example of the special place Eblana is.

We look forward to the next time our wonderful Community can come together, once again.

JESS RICHARDS HEAD OF EBLANA

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

OUR GREEN TEAM’S WINTER GARDEN The change of season always signals the time for replanting in Eblana’s Magic Garden. The Eblana Green Team has been busy researching vegetables most suitable for Mentone’s climate.

The team decided their winter planting would include a few of the, sometimes, less popular vegetables such as brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower. The team has also been excited to explore delicious recipes to showcase their crop once the students are ready to harvest. With spring now with us, we look forward to sharing more Green Team updates once we are all back on campus and enjoying our time in the garden.

BELINDA MCKINDLAY AND THE EBLANA GREEN TEAM

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BAYVIEW MIDDLE YEARS 5-8

Every morning I watch the news and am filled with despair for our world, then I spend the rest of my day with our dedicated staff and wonderful young people; our world’s future; and my faith is restored.

ALWAYS SURPRISING 16

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This year, even more than last year, our Bayview students have shown that nothing can stop them. From onsite to online learning, from going on learning journeys to having them cancelled, from competing in sport to exercising alone, our students have continued to move relentlessly and optimistically forward.

When at School, the energy of Bayview continues to astonish me. Students start arriving from 7.45am and by 8am the quad is buzzing with people chatting happily about their day.

Early morning Cross Country, Athletics, Hockey and Debating sessions ensure that our students are truly ‘warmed up’ before they hit the classroom. Then the day begins. Our students move seamlessly from class to class and ‘get the job done’.

While onsite we have been fortunate to provide our students with many additional special experiences. At lunchtime, staff have offered clubs such as choirs, Chess Club, Dungeons and Dragon Club, Writer’s Club, Friday Games and much more. Our Year 8 boys also had the pleasure of visiting the Grampians for their Learning Journey and four Year 7 classes were fortunate to get to Central Australia, prior to our recent lockdowns. We are hoping that the remainder of Years 7 and 8 will experience these Learning Journeys before the end of the year. Additionally, our Year 8s were visited by Simon Griffiths, CEO of ‘Who Gives a Crap’.

Simon spoke to our students about his interesting entrepreneurial journey. This formed a captivating end to the Year 8 Entrepreneur Unit.

Whilst online learning during Term 3, our staff and students have continued to push relentlessly forward. From Funky Sock and Funny Hat Fridays to class competitions and supportive messages, the staff and students never stop. While no one pretends that it is easy, not a day has gone by when our staff and students have not tried their very best. While I can only hear about what happens in these classrooms, I have spent time with our essential services staff and feel overwhelmed with pride when I see what the teachers are doing to support their students and what our students are doing to support one another.

In his book, Leader without a Title, Robin Sharma says that to be a leader in your own life you should ‘expect the unexpected and when it hits, hold your head up, don’t look back.

Forward march. You’ll be surprised at how much strength you have’. Bayview, watching you is teaching us all that Robin Sharma is right. The way in which you are leading your lives gives me hope for us all. The future continues to look bright in Bayview.

TERRY MATTHEW HEAD OF BAYVIEW

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KEITH JONES CENTRE YEARS 5 & 6 Despite a winter that saw our students jump between onsite and online learning, they were still able to share many highlights together. Everyone was excited when most of our much-loved camps, events and in-house favourites were still able to go ahead.

Our students reported on just some of their best 2021 memories...

WORLD JUNIOR SCHOOL DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIPS We began with try outs. Lots of girls and boys read a persuasive speech. Nervously, we waited for the results. Three girls were chosen for one team, and three boys were chosen for the other team. Everybody else became researchers and helpers.

Then, we were presented with the topic: COVID-19 vaccines should be distributed equally amongst all countries. So many arguments for and against! The boys were for, and the girls were against…

YEAR 5 LEARNING JOURNEY - SOVEREIGN HILL

We brainstormed, researched, and planned our arguments.

Sovereign Hill was absolutely fabulous. We went there to learn about the Gold Rush and the impact that the miners' rebellion had on Australia’s history and democracy.

After writing our speeches, we put them on cue cards, edited, revised, re-read, went over, read aloud, and practised a lot. We were ready.

There were street performances where a guard asked an actor, ‘where’s your licence?’ and he started running away from the guard and the guard shot at him.

The girls’ debate date arrived. When it was our turn, we walked up to the camera on the computer, and we rebutted and debated with all our might! After the debate, which felt like it went by so fast, we talked to the other team (using Zoom) while waiting for our results. This was one of the best parts! We were against a team in Hong Kong. We learned about their schooling and hobbies, and they learned about ours!

On the first day we went to the Eureka Learning Centre where we learnt about democracy, the Eureka flag and some of the key events and people of the miners’ rebellion.

We were taught how to pan for gold and lots of students found gold, but not me unfortunately. We also competed in the Great Race. In groups, we had to search for items and places around Sovereign Hill, the group that found the most locations won.

The food at our accommodation was great, and we had two hours of free time at Sovereign Hill to explore, spend our money and do whatever activities we wanted to do. We explored the history of the immigrants who came from all around the world to search for gold, and the key events that impacted the whole nation, and the diverse nationality that would come to make up present day Australia. One of the big attractions was The Red Hill Mine. When my group went down into the mines, it looked very realistic and there was even a tiny movie that was shown by a projector. Personally, this attraction was my favourite. It was the best camp ever.

JACK YEAR 5

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Then came the results! Every speaker got feedback, and the best speaker was announced, which was me! Afterwards, we found out we were victorious! The boys’ debate was a week later and one of them also got best speaker! Sadly, they did not come out victorious but, they got enough points to go to the next round!

Both teams are progressing to the next round with a new topic... we can’t wait!

OLIVIA YEAR 6

A SPECIAL VISITOR TO DEBATING I am going to tell you about a grand visit to our Debating and Public Speaking Club! On Friday 21 May, we had a special guest attend our Club meeting. Can you guess who it was? Our special guest is a great role model to everyone! Still have not got a clue?

It was Mr Cater, Mentone Grammar’s Principal!

Mr Cater provided some useful public speaking tips, such as pausing at the right time and projecting our voice. He was fun, helpful and while he was talking, he was demonstrating all the public speaking tips. If Mr Cater has time, I would love for him to come back and tell us more about his experience with public speaking and much more.

YEAR 6 LEARNING JOURNEY - CANBERRA

KIMORAH YEAR 5

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ROLE PLAY

JUNIOR MAYOR

Endless corridors lined with gold, historic oil paintings suspended above the ground, countless rooms of parliamentary importance, and in the middle of one of these rooms, sat a group of powerful Year 6 representatives.

As we left the taxi, the Kingston City Hall towered over us. A rush of excitement and nerves overcame us. We entered the building and registered our names for the Junior Mayor competition.

The meeting began by sending the Serjeant-at-Arms (Elliot G) to retrieve the Speaker (Grace M) from her office. Once the Speaker entered the chamber all the representatives stood and waited for her permission to sit.

The Speaker then introduced the Bill: Public transport should have free wi-fi.

The Speaker asked for the opinion of the Prime Minister (Viktor K), the Prime Minister gave his convincing arguments and soon after he sat down. The Speaker then asked the Leader of the Opposition (Angela H) for her thoughts, she gave her solid reasons and sat down.

The Speaker asked ministers from both parties and the Independent parties to share their views. All who thought the Bill should be passed said ‘I’, then the Speaker asked those who wanted to block the Bill to say ‘I’. The side that had the most ‘I’s would normally win, but because the vote was unclear the Whip on the opposition called a division.

In a division a four-minute timer is set, you have that time to bolt to the chamber to vote on the Bill. Once the time is up the doors to the chamber are locked and those who didn’t make it do not get to vote.

The final vote is held - you raise your hand if you agree and keep your hand down if you disagree. Once the vote is counted the Speaker reveals which side had the majority. If the people who ‘disagree’ win, the Bill is then blocked. If the people who ‘agree’ win the Bill is then passed to the Senate where the senators debate and vote on it.

LEAHM YEAR 6

To become Junior Mayor, each of the 30 schools had to give a two-minute presentation, which covered an idea that revolved around the question: If you could create anything to help others, what would it be and why? Our idea was to have a Mindfulness Garden that would help reduce anxiety for people of all ages. It would include auditory and sensory experiences, such as calming music, fidgets and tactile equipment, and native plants to create a natural environment.

Finally, it was our turn! We approached the stage and, soon enough, found ourselves in front of the audience. Lucy took to the microphone, whilst Helena assisted with props and provided calming music on her guitar and Rhys dramatised what the idea was all about. Before we knew it, our time was up. We departed the stage to the loud claps and cheers of the crowd, having both a sense of disappointment that it was over, but also some relief that we did it!

After Question Time with Mayor, the results were in! Although we didn’t become Junior Mayor this time, Lucy was elected to Junior Council as the representative for Como Ward.

What a great achievement!

LUCY AND HELENA YEAR 6

WORLD OF MATHS INCURSION On the first day of Term 3 we had an amazing Maths incursion.

A person named Jo from the World of Maths kindly introduced us to some challenges. We learned that Maths was not only about numbers but also about strategic thinking. In groups of five we worked our way through the challenges. My favourite challenge involved trains. There was a blue and yellow carriage, and you had to move them into their correct station. However, only the engine could move, not the carriages. I loved this challenge because it involved trial and error and strategic thinking.

YENUTH YEAR 5

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GREENWAYS YEAR 9 CAMPUS

In Greenways, Semester 2 started with great excitement and anticipation with a variety of unique learning opportunities available to our students. Study and Fitness Sessions resumed and some classes participated in their Shoreham Camp, which saw them participate in activities such as kayaking, mountain bike riding and an overnight hike on the Mornington Peninsula. The Greenways Café was full of enthusiastic baristas who were happy to be serving delicious food and drinks to members of our Community.

POSITIVE, DILIGENT & RESILIENT...

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

While these opportunities continued to be a highlight for many, others were in full swing with the return to the Winter Sport fixture and a variety of rehearsals for musical, dance and drama ensembles, as well as preparation for Chicago the Musical. In Mentor sessions, students were introduced to the wellbeing program, Open Parachute, where they worked collaboratively with their classmates and Mentor for the remainder of the year.

These sessions allowed students to focus on their mental health and wellbeing, while developing a skillset that will enable them to face challenges through an array of useful techniques.

In July, online learning returned, allowing our students to continue to develop their own learning style and focus on how they learn best, while making the most of their time in class. The skills of self-discipline, organisation and time management were revisited and an appreciation of time outside with family and friends became more valued than ever.

Once again, we look forward to the opportunity to continue with an array of Learning Journeys for our Year 9 cohort.

We are certain that the resilience, positivity and diligent work ethic that our students have developed over the past 18 months will hold them in good stead once they can travel to new locations and build on their already developing skillsets.

We are excited to welcome our Greenways students back on Campus as soon as possible and we hope to finish the year in great style.

JULIE JAMES HEAD OF GREENWAYS

CATHERINE POULTON DEPUTY HEAD OF GREENWAYS

Semester 2 started with great excitement and anticipation with a variety of unique learning opportunities available to our students.

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FROGMORE SENIOR YEARS 10-12

CARING The end of Term 3 brings us a valuable opportunity to slow down and reflect on the journey we’ve just been on - the highs, the lows and how we navigated these together, as a Community.

In recent times we demonstrated what our School Value of ‘Caring’ truly means in action. Faced with the tragic loss of our beloved Year 10 student, Lachie McLaren, our Community united to support and care for each other, his family, his peers and his teachers. In my first year at Mentone Grammar, I have been taken by the love, compassion and strength of our students, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of this special Community.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the McLaren family and their friends.

Term 3 was marked by a somewhat abrupt lockdown which saw us return to offsite learning for an extended period.

Despite the challenges that these restrictions bring, our students showed exceptional resilience in continuing to be engaged and motivated with their studies. They were wellsupported by our dedicated staff who have become very experienced at adapting their teaching and learning programs to the online environment.

At this time of year, we take great pride in celebrating our Year 12 students who are now in the final months of their educational journey at Mentone Grammar. On the last day of term, we held a special ‘drive-through’ event where our House Coordinators distributed ‘care packages’ with one simple message for students: We are proud of you. The Community wishes them well as they embark on their final exams!

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Despite the challenges that these restrictions bring, our students showed exceptional resilience in continuing to be engaged and motivated with their studies.

HIGHLIGHTS As a testament to the hard work and aptitude of our Mentone Grammar Debating Team, we have a strong representation of students in the upcoming Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Quarter Finals.

Congratulations to: Zitong Ren, Ava Gibbons, Hannah Wagner, Ella Michell, Charlotte Maddern, Pippa Davies, Nimra Haseeb, Reva Thaker, Aimee Lancaster, Ethan Green and Alannah Marriott. Their Coach, Sam Ponsford, said that, ‘Although the wins are very rewarding, what I am most proud of is the hard work, resilience, positivity, determination, collaboration and enthusiasm the students displayed in the lead up to the finals, and the exceptional manners and behaviour demonstrated during the debates.’ Good luck for the next stage of the competition!

As we now set our sights on the final term of 2021, we can look forward to warmer weather, longer days and being back together, in some form, on Campus.

I would like to conclude by extending my sincere thanks to the Frogmore students and parents for their care and support over the term.

THE MCWHIRTER CONFERENCE In the UK, the McWhirter Foundation has been holding its highly regarded Year 11 and Year 12 educational conference at Oxford University for the past 45 years and, more recently, at Cambridge University.

In a significant step to broaden its reach, the Foundation chose Australia to hold its first conference outside the UK and, in 2019, held its first international event with the University of Melbourne as the host partner. The conferences offer a unique opportunity for the next generation of school leavers by providing a forum where students listen to others, put forward their own ideas, debate and gain confidence.

Early in Term 3 Alannah Marriott and Jake Newman attended the conference and below is a reflection on their experience.

ALANNAH MARRIOTT AND JAKE NEWMAN This year’s topic for the McWhirter Conference was: Will AI make us happier?

From syndicate group discussions to amazing guest speaker presentations, no final conclusions were achieved, however, valuable insights were gained as to the benefits and limitations of future technology, and how the landscape of work opportunities will continue to develop, with everyone loving the experience.

Topics such as human-machine pairing, Open AI, the Red Queen effect, consciousness, genome editing and cloud computing were discussed at length and engaging activities were run throughout the three days, including a group selfie competition and Bingo.

No matter the opinion you presented, there was always someone to provide a counter-argument (or many) and this was significant in widening perspectives considered and developing skills in both persuasion and listening.

An in-person day also provided a wonderful opportunity for networking and was a great way to end the conference. Including a friendly competition in designing an AI to promote citizenship, a delicious on-campus lunch, and a guest appearance from Western Bulldogs AFLW player Isabel Huntington!

The McWhirter Conference was a truly wonderful experience, and we thank both the School and the McWhirter Foundation for providing us with such a terrific opportunity.

MONASH SCHOLARS PROGRAM Monash Scholars is a highly prestigious program for high achieving school students. The program is offered by Monash University to give high potential students a unique head start into university life. It provides fantastic opportunities for academic and personal development, as well as, giving students knowledge, skills, and confidence to make measured and informed study choices. It is also a wonderful opportunity for them to expand their network of likeminded peers.

Mentone Grammar has had many successful recipients over the years, and we are so proud of our 2021 recipients - Jemma de Vos, Phoenix Hall and Ava Gibbons. Here are their thoughts on what receiving this terrific opportunity means to them.

JEMMA DE VOS I look forward to participating in the Monash Scholars Program and appreciate the privilege it is to be involved in the program. My great interest is in exploring the fields of science and health sciences.

Through events and subject specific seminars, this program will provide me with a detailed understanding of these areas.

By learning more about Monash University and the values and offerings provided, I will be ready to embrace university education and learning beyond Year 12. I hope the experience to collaborate with like-minded students across Victoria will assist in building networks and gaining different perspectives.

PHOENIX HALL I’m honoured to have been accepted into the Monash Scholars Program. I think it will be very beneficial to have that community outside of School where I can, hopefully, make some new friends who will last through university. Unfortunately, so far, we’ve only be able to do online events but once we are back in person, I’m confident that it will be an enjoyable program. It’s a privilege to have been acknowledged by Monash, enabling me to learn more about university life, as well as meeting likeminded people, especially through being in the same group of people for the next few years.

AVA GIBBONS Having been accepted into the Monash Scholars Program, I am beyond excited to see how the information and activities will better me as a student. Being a Year 10 student currently considering my potential career paths, I know this program will be highly beneficial, as the ongoing webinars and constructive careers advice will help to facilitate further personal and academic development within me, all while directing me towards my most suited courses/ majors. Furthermore, this opportunity will also allow me to expand my network of likeminded peers. Networking is incredibly valuable, as it will allow me to connect with others, build long-lasting friendships, exchange ideas, better my creative intellect, and develop a sense of community and camaraderie between myself and many other high-achieving individuals. Moreover, as it is my academic aspiration to study at this university, participation within the Monash Scholars Program will help to ensure I build invaluable networks and connections between myself and current Monash students, teachers, and mentors that should enable me to accomplish this goal. Overall, I believe that participating in the Monash Scholars Program will vastly better me both socially and academically.

Additionally, I know the program will help me to gauge a unique insight into the complexities of university life. It is for these reasons, I am so incredibly thankful for being able to partake in Monash Scholars, and why I most definitely look forward to participating in the many activities ahead.

We congratulate our Monash Scholars for 2021 and wish them all the very best with their future studies.

JASON MANN HEAD OF FROGMORE

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

2021

Out of adversity comes opportunity.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

For creative subjects such as Design and Technology where a ‘hands-on’ practical element to the design process is encouraged, it is this notion that has given rise to our students developing a range of contemporary design and manufacturing skills, very much aligned with current industry standards.

While we may have foregone the use of more familiar traditional methods, again faced with an online environment, our students have been encouraged by their ability to develop their design concepts within a CAD (Computer Aided Design) environment, whilst remaining true to the creative potential of their initial idea.

Much like today’s designers and engineers, the framework of the design process still drives their creative potential and problem-solving skills, but now they are accustomed to remotely sharing their virtual models online, for two or more people to interact with, in preparation for automated manufacturing processes such as Laser Cutting and 3D printing.

While this may seem a long way from the archetypal timber pencil box, we remember fondly from years gone by, the current aptitude of our students certainly reflects the industries that cultivate and give rise to the manufactured world we live in today and years to come.

In 2022 we look forward to introducing VCE Product Design & Technology for the first time to Mentone Grammar, establishing a direct pathway from Year 7 though to Year 12, for those students who aspire to be the next James Dyson, Philippe Starck, or even Australia’s very own, Marc Newson.

ANTHONY BACON DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Far Left: James Wu Year 9 Laser Cut Bridge Design.

Left: Lachlan O’Hara Year 9 Laser Cut Acrylic LED lamp.

Right: Holly Nish Year 9 Laser Cut Acrylic LED lamp.

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Far Left: Michael Kalopsis Year 7 Laser Cut Acrylic Keyring.

Left: Ashley Thomas-Bone Year 7 Laser Cut Acrylic Keyring.

Below: Aidan Rankin Year 9 Laser Cut Bridge Design.

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PERFORMING ARTS 2021

TAKE A BOW!

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The indomitable spirit of our performing arts students has continued to shine in 2021! Despite numerous changes and restrictions around performing arts activities, rehearsals have continued, skills developed and performances honed. Whilst endeavouring to action our 2021 Performing Arts calendar, the challenges of planning live performance, once again, has become apparent. Fortunately, and perhaps with a certain degree of serendipity, several performances were able to take to the stage.

The Limelight Concert performances were recorded progressively across several days in the Thorold Theatre, compiled into a broadcast style performance and released at the end of term. Although a video presentation format is without a live audience, it does have several advantages, one being it allows for a polished performance and reduces anxiety for those with less experience. The concert featured 27 students from Years 5-12 in a solo, duo or small ensemble context including a speech and drama monologue.

The Bayview Play, On Guard, was a new work developed specifically for our Bayview students. A ‘tragicomedy’ tale of greed and deceit, it explored a commedia dell’arte interpretation, where the characters all competed for a ‘spot at the top’. The play was, once again, recorded, but this time in a ‘green screen’ format. The characters moved through scenes set in grand French chateaus and forests dressed in traditional commedia dell’arte masks and costumes engaging in sword fights and matters of intrigue. A real treat!

Cre8tive Dance 2021 took to the stage within hours of the Term 2 lockdown, and the atmosphere was electric. The show was themed as a Circus Spectacular and included a fusion of dance, acrobatics and circus acts. The program featured 26 items, involving 46 students from Years 5-12. We saw magicians, fire dancers, aerial skills, a snake charmer, a puppet master, contortionists, clowns and a grand finale from The Greatest Showman.

The Ensembles Concert was filmed in the Thorold Theatre at the last available moment, before the end of Term 2. It took a tremendous effort from all involved and the result was truly marvellous. The concert program comprised the Senior Vocal ensemble, our joyful Bayview Singers, jazz singers the Cat’s Meow, Froggers jazz band, Concert Bands 1 and 2, MG Orchestras 1 and 2, and the magnificent Flute, Brass and Clarinet ensembles.

This year the Singers’ Concert was a moment of great joy for both those on stage and in the audience. Indeed, it was the first opportunity to attend a live concert event at school in 2021.

A particular feature of this popular concert series seems to be the surprise ability to discover brilliant new performers, and this year did not fail to deliver! We heard singers perform a range of musical styles and genres ranging from pop to opera, and even a song from the stage show Hamilton.

The Rock Band Experience also experienced good fortune with regard to their calendar placement, and managed to get on stage for a performance in the second week of May. Instead of an external venue, this year they performed in the Thorold Theatre with technical assistance from the VCE VET Music Industry students. The Rock Band Experience is a unique program which provides in-depth and indispensable skill development in contemporary performance techniques, with a focus on performance preparation.

A particular highlight for our jazz ensembles, Froggers and Cat’s Meow, was their participation in the All State Jazz Competition in April. The competition was created to provide a meaningful replacement competition/festival for the twicecancelled Mount Gambier Generations in Jazz Competition.

The ever-popular Jazz Cabaret, on the other hand, has been postponed to 2022 due to ongoing restrictions.

The VCE Theatre Studies students performed COSI by Louis Nowra for a video recording in June. In this production, all students contributed to the overall performance through acting directing and design. Set in a 1970s psychiatric facility, the play explored friendship, romance, community, difference and inclusion. It was wonderful to see our students deliver a highly polished, powerful and sensitive performance backed by a clever and simple stage design.

Our senior production, Chicago will also become a cinematic presentation. This year an additional challenge arises from double casting of lead roles. However, following from our experience with video production and green screen editing, we anticipate a successful reformatting of the 2021 production and some tremendous performances. Standby!

Although the performing arts are best experienced in a live setting, we have collectively found ways to develop skills, deepen understanding and produce satisfying performance outcomes in new and exciting formats.

GAVIN CORNISH HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

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PERFORMING ARTS 2021

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SPORT A SUCCESSFUL WINTER

The excitement levels approaching the 2021 Winter season of Sport at Mentone Grammar were truly palpable, with so many students itching to return to the ovals, pitches, courts and tracks. This, coupled with our Years 7 and 8 students representing their School for the first time in their Winter sport, made for excellent training and high enthusiasm as the first round of matches approached in early April.

It didn’t take long to understand what made it so. School Sport offers a particularly unique experience, as it enables our students to spend time together in such a different way to the classroom environment. It allows different forms of socialising, camaraderie and expression, of talents, of relationships and of connectedness. Being a school that prides itself on providing an environment that develops happy, healthy young people a return to Sport, once again, allowed for this to prove its worth and the level of commitment, passion and skill on display was as good as we have ever seen.

Whilst there are many and varied measures of success, alongside Premierships, it would be remiss not to acknowledge how close two of our teams came to the ultimate glory. Building on the success of previous coaches, our Cross Country team has been steadily improving year on year since four-time Olympian, Craig Mottram, was appointed Head of Athletics. In a competition where individual results play such a vital role in contributing to team success, Craig, his team of coaches and Captains, Will Garbelotto, Jordan Michell and Summer Albiston, provided an environment that allowed the athletes to strive for personal best, with the supportive team vibe on show from the first training session. The team ran exceptionally well throughout the season, ultimately failing short of the Premiership by the barest of margins, in a season that literally came down to the last event of the fixture.

In addition, our First XVIII Football team, led by Coach Paul Kennedy, Captain Alec McComb and Vice Captains Jacob Edwards and Declan McComb, had its season cut short at the penultimate time, finishing second on the ladder. The team was building towards playing the undefeated Assumption College for the Premiership; however, it unfortunately never got the chance due to a lockdown. Regardless, the cohesion, commitment and overall standard of football played was at the highest it has ever been at our School. The boys are congratulated on their immense efforts.

Each season of Sport brings with it multiple highlights. For our Firsts teams in 2021, there were many. Our Hockey team, having been one of our most committed for some time and made up of students from Years 7 to 12, experienced their first win in a number of seasons when they defeated Marcellin early in the season. The sheer joy and enthusiasm on the faces of the players who had tried so hard for so long to experience this reward was great to witness, and the ensuing ‘Wagga’ sung loudly and proudly in Bulleen could easily be heard back in Mentone, such was the volume!

The team followed this up with more victories throughout the season which had them on the cusp of a top-four finish when the season ended. Our boys returned to the Badminton Firsts competition for the first time in many years, and we simply could not keep up with how much the boys wanted to train and improve! A stunning win in Round 1 against Ivanhoe was a season highlight, true reward for effort and to see how much each player improved in a very strong competition was outstanding.

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Our Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer teams both had excellent seasons and there is lots of excitement around what the next few seasons might look like for these teams, considering the number of younger players who have now represented Mentone at this level. The boys were ably led by Coach Harry Bingham, and Co-Captains Max Gibb and Finn McCall and all competed unbelievably well, winning multiple games against more fancied opposition. Our girls, coached by Luke D’Alessandro and captained by Mia Causer continue to improve season on season, and with most of the team now moving into their senior years, they are well and truly a team to watch as they pursue greater success. Our Netball and Basketball teams had highly enjoyable seasons, with both teams fielding several debutants, ably supported by senior members who had served their teams brilliantly over the last few seasons. They too will be great to watch over the coming years as these teams benefit from the experiences gained this season.

For our Years 7 and 8 students, this was their first season playing for Mentone Grammar in Winter sport and all these students did an outstanding job. Many students also participated in ‘Future Firsts’ sessions across these Winter sports and, in itself, this program will continue to develop and evolve throughout 2022 and beyond.

Whilst the season has concluded, it is probably best reflected in a brilliantly sunny day early in the season where our Keysborough Playing Fields held what most consider to be the biggest and busiest day of Sport ever held at Mentone Grammar. At 10.30am on the Saturday morning, cars were parked in places they’d never been before as the campus thrived, with a huge number of students representing their respective schools battled it out on the Football ovals, the Soccer and Hockey pitches and the Netball courts. It was on this day you couldn’t help but realise the importance of sport in the lives of our students, families and our School Community and we can’t wait to hit these heights again in 2022.

Right: Year 12 student Toby Hynes wins the Victorian Independent Secondary Schools Golf State Final, held at Long Island GC. In a strong field, Toby shot a brilliant round of 73, continuing his outstanding form. This event brings together the best golfers in Victoria, and Toby’s win follows that of Harry Goakes in 2018. Congratulations Toby!

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ANOTHER AFL RECRUIT FOR MENTONE GRAMMAR! A major sporting highlight at Mentone Grammar in 2021 was Jacob Edwards (Year 12) being selected as the Number 1 Draft Pick in the AFL Mid-Season draft, by North Melbourne FC. Restricted to virtually no football in the previous year, Jacob spent much of 2020 and the start of 2021 improving his fitness whilst also working hard on his skills to give himself the best chance of playing the best football he could. At 202cm and with the potential to still be growing, he started the season in brilliant fashion for the Sandringham Dragons, whilst at the same time joining his school mates at First XVIII training with a burning desire to be part of the first ever AFL Premiership at Mentone Grammar.

As the School season started, the external hype around Jacob and the potential for him to be drafted was significant. However, with great credit to Jacob and his family, he remained focused on doing as well as he could in his VCE classes and enjoying time with his friends. For him, as he explained, ‘the best part about School footy is mateship. Playing at a high level with your best mates makes it so enjoyable’.

Holding pre-draft interviews with multiple clubs, Jacob was adamant that even if he was drafted, there was no way he was going to miss playing whatever remained of the School season, such was the bond he had with his teammates and coaches. Many clubs expressed admiration for his strong stance, as it not only reflected his level of commitment to Mentone Grammar football, but also the underlying connection he has with his mates and his want to enjoy every moment with them.

Playing both in the ruck and forward for Mentone Grammar First XVIII, Jacob’s season was outstanding, utterly dominant in most games he played, all the more remarkable considering the amount of attention he was receiving and the number of spectators who came to watch, specifically because he was playing.

Having started at Mentone Grammar in the Early Learning Centre he moved throughout the School to complete his VCE this year. Jacob’s words of advice for our younger students are ‘to always enjoy the things you do, and you never know, if you get really good at something you may become famous for it and you may be someone other people look up to’.

Jacob is certainly someone who lots of students have looked up to (both literally and figuratively!) and we are incredibly excited to watch his football career flourish over the coming years! Congratulations Jacob!

PETER O’GORMAN HEAD OF SPORT – WINTER

33

A CHAPLAIN’S REFLECTION FAITH AND THE ANGLICAN IDENTITY AN IMMERSION EXPERIENCE IN A LIVING STORY The Anglican story is part of a more ancient story that is still transforming lives today. A story that is of immense relevance: To whom? For how long? To what end? The answers may surprise the casual observer.

The Anglican school can function as the immersion learning journey that brings the story to our communities and provide the tools needed to unpack and maybe even become part of the story.

Mentone Grammar’s inception is intertwined with the parish of St Augustine’s, from which a group of parishioners founded a little local school that almost 100 years later has become the burgeoning Mentone Grammar of today.

It is a blessing for our School to have the opportunity to regularly meet in a church building that is almost as old as the suburb which started as a beachside getaway for Melbournians, before becoming the uniquely educational suburb that it is today.

Every time we enter the building – it is a trip down memory lane, an invitation to reflect and for those comfortable to do so an opportunity to interact with God. One of the treasures of this church building is its beautiful stained glass windows that tell the intertwined stories of a faith community that stretches back from thousands of years ago, a local community of many decades, a school about to celebrate its centenary and the faith that ties it all together. We are discovering in the discussions of today, that despite the sweeping tide of history, empire and globalisation, our ancestral stories are critical to appreciating who we are, where we have come from and how we want to develop the future.

Students at Mentone Grammar start their association with the church through the fortnightly junior school chapels which are a celebratory gathering of songs, stories and student written prayers. While this is the first version of many types of services and classes that they will participate in, in that space, in Year 9 we ask them to delve deeper; explore the stories in the windows – make the connections, probe the questions that arise.

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What does it mean to be an Anglican school?

How does this relate to the Protestant Reformation, the Great Schism and the Apostolic Faith?

Why do we say these particular creeds and prayers?

How does this faith sit among all the other major faiths and beliefs of the world?

Students also discover through the windows, the tragic impact of World War 1 on this community.

The commemoration of many lost sons that gave birth to most of the windows and the faith story that brought healing to the wounds. Some of our students have family members who had their funerals in the church, others whose parents were married there and some who were baptised there themselves.

It is a place of memory and cherishing and reflection and rites of passage. A reminder about what is truly important in life. As we look down the aisle, our eyes are drawn to the three windows that represent the core of the Christian faith. Jesus was born as one of us, Immanuel; died on our behalf, the Lamb of God and rose again to give us a path forward, Jesus Christ.

A school community is one of the tightest and broadest versions of community we have in modern Australia. It does, however, for most families end when their child leaves the school. The church, next door is an intergenerational community that envelopes people from all stages and walks of life, from birth to death.

It is wonderful to have the potential of this symbiotic relationship for those who want to nurture it and be nurtured by it. The faith that is introduced within the Anglican school next door to the church that welcomes people into the never ending story.

REV. MICHAEL PRABAHARAN CHAPLAIN

35

FROM THE

ARCHIVES FOUR WOMEN WHO HELPED

SHAPE OUR SCHOOL

Less well known than the great men of Mentone Grammar's 98-year history are the many women who, often unpaid, made contributions both significant and far-reaching in the survival, growth and long-term prosperity of our School and its Community. This year on International Women's Day we were invited to seek out and celebrate women's achievements and so in this edition of the Mentor we proudly celebrate just four of our distinguished women who, in their lifetimes, contributed to our School's history in various and meaningful ways and who have well earned their place in Mentone's rich history.

JESSIE THOROLD (nee WERE) The first influential woman in our School history is Jessie Isabel Margaret Were, without whose family support, our School may not have survived. When Charles. C. Thorold was employed as the new Headmaster in 1933 the School was struggling to survive the Great Depression. The only solution left was to sell.

Charles’ wife was Jessie, daughter of successful stockbroker, Francis Wellington Were. Although doubtful of the prospects but supportive of his daughter, it was Mr Were who enabled his son-in-law to buy the School. As new proprietors the Headmaster, C. C. Thorold, worked tirelessly to grow student numbers, whilst his wife, Mrs Jessie Thorold, managed all aspects of their welfare.

The School's historian, Jim Rundle, in his book Against All Odds describes Jessie as the embodiment of the concept of noblesse oblige; with great wealth comes the responsibility to give back to those who are less fortunate. Her attention to and personal concern for all those around her would influence the standards, expectations and atmosphere of the new order at Mentone Grammar.

Against All Odds1 takes up the story - Her wealthy background complemented Mr Thorold's esteemed family ties and his prestigious education, resulting in a school environment that was traditional, demanding high standards of behaviour, achieved through well-mannered deportment as well as a compassionate manner. Mrs Thorold is especially remembered by boarding students, on whose growing numbers the school came to depend for survival and who originally boarded in Frogmore House with the Thorolds. In James Penberthy's time (1934-6), 'the boarders ate mountains of white bread twenty-six slices was a record for three boarders at one meal. Mrs Thorold did most of the cooking and cleaning herself' though she was later assisted in the kitchen as numbers neared double figures. 'She was hot on good manners'. New boys, especially boarders usually met Mrs Thorold first. One ex-boarder recalled: 'She happened to be the person I first met there at the start of the year (1937) when Mum took me down. Mrs Thorold took me out to the dormitory and showed me everywhere. When the bell rang for morning break, boarders proceeded to a little room, adjacent to the kitchen, where a plate of homemade biscuits waited, one for each of us'.

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From where the resident master stood in 1935, Mrs Thorold was 'somewhat tough, but kindly. When others were off duty and the 'Boss' (Mr Thorold) also happened to be called out on the rare evening, the 'chief's' mantle fell on Mrs Thorold's stern shoulders.

Jessie Were, front row fourth from left, Junior School Boarding House and administration staff, 1949.

Mrs Thorold was stoic in the loss of her husband, Charles in 1939. She became the backbone of her stepson's endeavours to nurture the school his father had so loved, despite her family's concerns and those of her own. The Junior House nurse, Jean Checcucci, said 'Mrs Thorold sometimes spoke of her days at Barker College in Sydney and of their determination to carry on the School in 1940 against Were family advice', as well as the occasional reference to her stepson's problems in running the School. Her faith in Jeffery was matched by his in her. Addressing the parents after the death of his father, Jefferey Thorold assured them the School would continue to do everything they expected of it, telling them, 'I am now planning for the School to be carried on next year under my personal supervision. My mother, as in the past will attend to the welfare of the boarders: Miss Johnston will continue ... necessary staff will be engaged.'1 Were House (1949) honours benefactor Francis Wellington Were, and in turn we also remember and honour the selfless contributions of his daughter Jessie.

One of the School's oldest trophies gifted by Mrs Thorold was first presented in 1935 in memory of her younger brother who was killed at the Gallipoli landings in 1915. The Clive Wellington Were Memorial Cricket Trophy was awarded for 'the boy who plays the game'. (You can take a look at the trophy still proudly displayed in our Main Reception.)

BESSIE JOHNSTON If Mrs Thorold (Jessie Were) provided the emotional and practical support to Jeffery Thorold, following the death of his father, the educational leadership of the School would not have been possible without the immediate and capable support of Bessie Johnston.

Bessie Johnston first joined Mentone Grammar School around 1936. Originally from Ireland, she settled in Malvern and first taught at Trinity Grammar before moving to Mentone Girls’ Grammar, where she was Headmistress from 1927 to 1934. In that role she had often visited Mentone Grammar School especially during fundraising events on which fee-paying schools depended during the Great Depression.

Against All Odds notes her attendance at the 1933 Sports Day to which she donated a Championship Trophy while her girls provided the afternoon tea. She left the Girls' Grammar around 1936 when Charles Thorold employed her to teach French. In the 1936 Speech Night, Mr Thorold attributed increased success in enrolments to Miss Johnston’s work with sub-primary children when he announced the beginning of a Kindergarten class for the New Year. With Bessie Johnston in charge, 15 were enrolled in her junior department for 1937 and 25 by 1939 - and in those turbulent years every student counted towards the survival of the School.

Charles sudden death in 1939 left his son John Jeffery Thorold responsible for 42 students and the debt-ridden school.

Confident of his accounting abilities Jeffery knew he needed an educationalist for the school to survive and wisely appointed Bessie as Acting Headmistress. To ensure survival during the challenging war years, aware of the strengths of his current resources, Jefferey decided to establish a Nursery school for girls and boys. After stabilising the School following Mr Thorold's death, he invited Miss Johnston to vacate the Acting Headmistress role to set up the Nursery School which she did with great success.1 This is where the school numbers finally began to grow, from 50 in 1940 to 280 by 1944.

In 1944, however, disaster struck Bessie's life. Kingston Local History records the events - The Melbourne summer that reached its height in January 1944 was hot and dry and less than a third of the long-term average rain had fallen. On Friday 14th January there began a two-day series of infernos

Mr Thorold’s reference supporting Bessie’s application for bushfire relief

Bessie Johnston, front row, first left with Jeffery Thorold (centre) and Wartime staff, 1943, on the lawn outside Frogmore House.

in widely separated parts of Victoria as bushfires raged in country areas and due to high Northerly winds that day, also reached Mentone and Beaumaris. The first of the more serious fires broke out north of Balcombe Road and swept through the area near Perry Brothers’ Circus (close to the current Seaview shops) extending also towards the Reserve Road vicinity. The fire, fanned by the hot northerly, raged through the scrub at great speed devastating most of the area east of Reserve Road. The Beaumaris population was not large at this time but there were quite a few homes in the area behind the hotel in the Tramway Parade area where the fire damage was at its worst. One of those homes was Bessie's – it was totally destroyed by the flames.

After losing everything in the fires, Bessie moved to a rented room near the School for a short while, then to friends, finally leaving Melbourne around 1945. A few of her letters to Mr Thorold hint at her struggle to cope. She talked of there being nothing left, and expressed her difficulty returning to Beaumaris. She talked of life not being the same without Dinah – which we are sure was her pet lost in the fires. Although Mr Thorold helped Bessie apply for bushfire relief, in the days before mental health support - it's difficult to imagine how traumatic this would have been for Bessie and all against a backdrop of war. The last letter to Jeffery simply advises him of her new address in Ferny Creek.

Without Bessie Johnston, Jeffery Thorold would certainly have struggled to save the School in those first five years after Charles died. Yet, sadly, remaining at the School she helped to save became too difficult due to her personal struggles. She moved to Ferny Creek around 1946 and then back to Kew in 1947 – each time writing to advise Mr Thorold of her new address and each time gratefully but politely lamenting having to stay with people. There are no records for Bessie after 1947. An entry in the National Archives which could be Bessie’s record suggests she may have stayed in Kew and died in 1964.

funding, 1944.

Bessie Johnston (left), Jean Nakken, Ivy Grace Odgers, Victory Fair, School Oval 1945.

1

Against All Odds, James Rundle, 1991

2

The Beaumaris Bushfires of 1944, Kingston Local History. https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/319

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EUGENIE MARION WEIR Whilst she will be remembered by recent generations of our Community as the VIP guest at Founders' Day, who for many years, cut the School’s birthday cake, Marion Weir clocked up an association with Mentone Grammar that lasted nearly seven decades. She is therefore remembered differently by many for a lifetime of changing contributions - but mostly for her commitments to Mentone Grammar through the challenging post-war years. This story is based on a number of records provided by our past Principal Neville Clark OAM. Marion was born on 7 January 1911. In 1917 at the age of 6 years, she started school at Mentone High School in Como Parade. The School eventually became known as Mentone Girls Grammar in its present location in Beach Road. George Downe, Marion’s father was instrumental in forming a committee to raise funds to purchase the property. Marion was a twelve-year-old when Mentone Grammar first opened its doors on the Venice Street site and is the youngest child featured in the first day iconic photograph taken on March 3rd 1923 on the lawn in front of Frogmore House.

On leaving school Marion attended Business College in St Kilda Road Melbourne and on completing her business degree acquired work at Shell Petroleum where she eventually became secretary to the Manager. She was a member of Mentone Guide Company from 1920-36, being Patrol Leader, Lieutenant and Captain. She was Captain of her own Company for nine years.

As Eugenie Marion Downe she married Charles Gladstone Weir on 28 November 1936 at St Augustine’s Church Mentone, with her Guides forming a Guard of Honour. During the war, as the Colonel’s wife, she was President of the Mothers and Wives Auxiliary, member of the Comforts Fund, the Parents and Wives Auxiliary and President of the 2/24th Battalion Auxiliary, attending meetings in the city every month, taking her two children, one a toddler, the other a baby with her until the end of the war.

1923 – first day Mentone Grammar.

When her husband returned from the war critically injured, Marion travelled weekly to the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital where her husband was interned for two years. She was very involved with Mentone Grammar Old Girls Club being a member then Secretary, Social Secretary and President over the years. She was President of the Mothers Association of both the Girls and the Boys Grammar Schools having two girls, Janet and Caroline, and two boys, David and Paul, pupils at the schools.

At this time she and her husband had many obligations as Mayor and Mayoress of Mordialloc a position held for two terms, as well as being involved in church activities at St Augustine’s.

In later years Marion became ‘cricket mother’ to the Old Mentonians Cricket Club for several years providing afternoon tea and, after the matches, a haven at her home for the boys to discuss the day’s events. When her husband Charles retired from his position as Manager of Shell Petroleum, Marion and Charles moved to Mt Eliza where Marion was very active in the local Anglican Church with Bush Church Aid, Ladies Guild and Flower Guild.

Marion Weir at the opening of Lych Gate dedication to Col Weir 1980.

1992 reunion at Marion’s house to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Old Mentonians Cricket Club’s first Premiership. (from left) Bob Lord, David Lea, David Thompson, Clive Dettman, Peter Reeves, Don Ingram, Marion Weir, David Weir, Fred Taylor and Tony Fisher.

1992 Hosting the 30th Anniversary of the Old Mentonians Cricket Club’s first premiership.

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Following the death of her husband Colonel Weir in 1979, Marion donated his ceremonial sword to the School and for many years thereafter it would be presented back to her on Founders' Day for what has become the traditional cutting of the birthday cake, assisted by the most junior and senior members of the student body. Marion reached the age of one hundred in the year she died.

with opening lines:

On her death Headmaster Neville Clark wrote his beautiful ‘Ballad For Marion’ 3,

Would ultimately reach the sum -

Seated on the Frogmore lawn Miss Downe smiled for the camera A gracious presence at the dawn Of new school, Mentone Grammar, With little thought the years to come Her smile a little nervous A hundred years of service!

1992 Founders' Day - Mrs. Marion Weir, Mr Dennis Price(1920's), Cameron Mogg, Malcolm Keys ( Head Boy).

MARY JONES For many, the name Mary Jones will always be associated with that of her husband and former Headmaster of Mentone Grammar, Keith William Jones (1961-1987).

Together, they formed an extraordinary partnership that will long influence the spirit and ethos of Mentone Grammar. Mary was an exceptional woman in her own right, however. Mary’s story is based on words written by past staff – (Senior Librarian and School Archivist) Hugh Green and Headmaster Neville Clark OAM. The Herald of Wednesday 13 January 1932 records Mary as having sat for and passed the Intermediate Examination. In NSW, she met Keith Holmes, a prominent wholesale fruit merchant and was married to him in 1940 until he dies mid-1950s. In the late 1950s she met a youthful and goodlooking Schoolmaster, Keith Jones, whom she married in 1959. A year later Keith Jones, who had been serving as Senior History Master at Barker College Hornsby, NSW, under W S Leslie. applied for the post of Headmaster of Mentone Grammar School. He secured this appointment and the Jones family left Sydney and moved to Mentone, where an illustrious headmastership lasted some 27 years. In all of this Mary was his staunch and loyal supporter, taking great pride in Keith's many achievements. She, of course, was her own person with interests of her own. In particular, Mary developed a great love of the sport of kings and maintained her own racing bloodstock, taking a very keen interest in the track performance of her thoroughbreds. [Indeed, it is said that the beautiful rose gardens in front of Frogmore House still today were Mary's idea and based on those at Flemington Racecourse]. None of this, however, detracted in any way from her support for her husband and his zealous desire to make Mentone Grammar a great school.

In 1983 – Mentone Grammar’s Jubilee Anniversary, the Board chose to honour Mary Jones in the naming of the Sub-Primary Complex which is today part of our Eblana Campus. The Chair of the Board Mr Mick White said the complex recognised the dedicated service to the School over nearly 23 years by Mrs Mary Jones. He said that apart from giving strong support to her husband, Mrs Jones had involved herself in all aspects of the School's life and assisted the Mothers'

1973 tree planting on lawn outside Frogmore to mark Keith Jones decade at Mentone Grammar.

Association in all its activities – including their enormous efforts (with the Parents Association) to raise the $150,000 cost of the kindergarten section of the complex.

Mary followed the fortunes of the place constantly, and after Keith's untimely death in 1988 this concern for the welfare of Mentone Grammar seemed only to intensify. She was rarely, if ever, absent from major School functions always attending Founders' Day and the Keith Jones Memorial Oration. Invariably on such occasions, she had advice to dispense to successive headmasters, all of whom found it to their benefit to listen attentively to the guidance proffered. On her death at the age of 95, Mary may indeed be said to have been one of the true matriarchs of Mentone Grammar.

DR COLETTE RUSSELL SCHOOL ARCHIVIST

3

A full version of ‘A Ballad for Marion’ by Neville Clark, is stored In the School Archive collections.

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MENTONE GRAMMAR

FOUNDATION BUILDING FUND 2021 Mr B Ong & Ms M Yoshimura

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Mr J & Mrs M Weller

Mr J & Mrs F Calvi

Mr T & Mrs M McGlone

Mr N & Mrs D de Silva

Mr S & Mrs S Iatropoulos

Mr G Khong & Mrs W Ge

Mr S Naim & Mrs S Worthy

Mr K & Mrs H Hennessy

Mr Y Wang & Ms Y Jin

Mr J & Mrs N Kitchen

Mr M and Ms G Lazzari

40

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Mr R & Mrs C Esakson Mr D Harding & Miss R Kay Mr X Tan & Mrs L Lei Mr C & Mrs Q Zhang Mr B & Mrs L Rafferty Mr D & Mrs L Whitehouse Mr A Konstantinidis & Mrs G Goodchild

The School gratefully acknowledges the following donors to the Mentone Grammar School Foundation Building Fund up to, and including, October 2021.

Mr C & Mrs Y Guneysu

Mr A & Mrs E Dunn

Mr D & Mrs R Carruthers

Mr A & Mrs G Bethune

Mr P & Mrs M Ellix

Mr A & Mrs G Hamilton

Mr P Goddon & Ms L Anderson

Mr T & Mrs N Buschkuehl

Mr P Pavlidis & Ms S Giannakis

Mr A Rowe

Mr I & Mrs M Dimits

Mr P Magennis & Ms J Haslam

Mr K Brodie & Ms B Morris

Mr D & Mrs C Ruberu

Mr P & Mrs R Brown

Mr M & Mrs S Koopman

Mr E Zoggia & Ms E Giannakis

Mr R & Mrs K Perring

Ms J Spargo

Mr D & Mrs A Hodges

Mr G Georgiou & Ms N Jefferson

Mr D & Mrs J Murphy

Mr R Gibb & Ms J Lewis

Mr P & Mrs R Birch

Mr N Oliver & Ms C Terry

Mr K Russell

Mr M & Mrs K Dannals

Mr D Royale & Ms P d'Avrincourt

Mr J McNamara & Mrs L Hilder

Mr I Kulakovskiy & Miss P Lagutina

Mr P & Mrs C Walker

Mr M Ruigrok & Ms O Brooks

Mr B & Mrs L Sullivan

Mr A & Dr L Woll

Mr A & Ms S Silove

Mr C & Mrs A Bristow

Mr J & Mrs R Kieseker

Dr M Gokhale & Dr S Aradhye

Ms K Edwards

Mrs Q Cao

Mr Z Weng & Mrs B Wei

Mr M & Mrs A Huber

Mr K Enkelman & Ms E Olsson

Mr C & Mrs E Bakas

Mr C Prior & Ms S Tozer

Mr S & Mrs N Krikun

Mr G & Mrs H Schmidt

Mr Y Yu & Ms S Fan

Mr G & Mrs S Berry

Mr P & Mrs J Mentiplay

Mr M & Mrs N Smith

Mr R & Mrs N Awasthi

Mr O Irving

Mr M Goble & Ms T Robertson

Mr J & Mrs L McMinn

Mr P Potts & Mrs N Clark

Dr S Venkatachalaiah & Ms A Narayan

Mr D & Mrs S Rikanovic

Mr X Fan & Mrs M Wu

Mr C & Mrs G Rowlands

Mr M & Mrs C Bond

Mr J Lu & Mrs L Wei

Mr G Khong & Mrs W Ge

Mr D & Mrs L van Straaten

Mr W & Mrs N Burrows

Mr S Biggs & Mrs J Snow

Dr D & Mrs K Blackham

Mr S & Mrs S Bloomfield

Mr M Daniell & Ms K O'Connor

Mr A Bozic & Ms D Katanovic

Mr S Fernando & Mrs K Dona

Mr M & Mrs N Garrett

Dr C & Mrs D Pregnalato

Mr P & Mrs S Appel

Mr R & Mrs K Watson

Mr & Mrs F Hutchinson

Mr D Higginbotham & Mrs Y Gao

Mr B & Mrs K McCarthy

Mr Z Yang & Mrs C Xu

Mr C & Mrs A Huxtable

Mr D & Mrs D Notman

Mr M & Mrs V White

Mr J Wang & Miss Y Zhang

Mr D & Mrs S Shipton

Mr M & Mrs K Toovey

Mr S & Mrs R Mudholkar Mr A & Mrs S Cafarella Mr S & Mrs A Dormer Mr C & Mrs C Papadopoulos Mr G Van Ameyden & Ms S Nuttall Mr D & Ms F McCall Mr M & Mrs G Toby Mr R & Mrs A Kombol Mr R & Mrs M Murphy Mr R & Mrs K Holmes Mr R Wei & Ms G Han Mr N & Mrs N Kerkez Mr M & Mrs J Howe Mr P & Mrs A Kokkinos Mr P & Ms M Frawley Mr D & Mrs B Coates Mr & Mrs Beynon Mr A Macpherson & Ms B Hyland Mr D & Mrs A Kerr Mr S & Mrs C May Mr R Clarke & Ms D Thompson Mr A & Mrs K Fitt Mr S & Mrs B May Mr C Papageorgiou & Ms N Kambanaros Mrs S Thaker Mr A & Mrs T Richmond Mr T & Mrs L Gallagher Mr N & Mrs T Lund Mr S & Mrs J Blackman Mr W Meng & Mrs H Chen Ms L Pitt Mr S & Mrs Q Zhang Dr R & Mrs J Armit Mr C & Mrs H McNeill Mr S & Mrs S Toncinich Mr M & Mrs S Anderle Mr B & Mrs S Sampson

Mrs J Mi

Mr Z Zhu & Mrs W Zhong Mr & Mrs S Scott Mr D De La Fontaine & Ms T McCarthy Mr D & Mrs F Bunting Mr S & Mrs M Farrow Mr N & Mrs F Sheppard

Mr M & Mrs S Amos

Mr V Shanmugamani & Dr G Meenakshi Sundaram

Mr S Poberezovsky & Mrs N Poberezovska

Mrs A Le Marquand

Mr V Le & Mrs K Tran

Mr P & Mrs D Stilianos

Mr K Dong & Ms D Chen

Mr T & Mrs J Wiedermann

Mr J & Mrs M Clark

Mr T & Mrs M Corrigan

Mr A & Mrs D Gerresheim

Mr X Yu & Ms X Wang

Mr M & Mrs M de Vos

Mr A & Mrs L Fogarty

Mr K Kilany & Ms C Arnold

Mr G & Mrs Z Watt

Mr D & Mrs G Beach

Mr X Liu & Mrs H Dong

Mr C & Mrs R Shearer

Mr D & Mrs R Carruthers

Mr J Keil & Mrs V Bell

Mrs N & Mr T McCann

Mr S & Mrs D Weeks

Mr J & Dr V FitzGerald

Ms J Drewett & Mr T Drewett

Mr D & Mrs K Bennett

Mr G & Mrs R Davies

Mr V & Mrs M De Zoysa-Lewis

Mr P & Mrs C Manning

Mr J Rabak & Ms H Bromilow

Mr S & Ms A Dugar

Mr B Koster & Ms C Hart

Ms J Kemelfield

Mr A & Mrs H Long

Mr P Duffin & Ms A Schunker-Duffin

Mr B & Mrs J Stafford

Mr E Abelnica & Ms J Kominotrus

Mr T & Mrs C Orchard

Mr P Pilarinos

Mr M & Mrs K Georgiades

Mr J & Mrs L Donaldson

Mr K & Mrs S Nitschke

Mr R Lynch & Ms T Filiadis

Mrs T Bucci

Mr M & Mrs S Bailey

Mr N & Mrs L Gilligan

Mr L & Mrs S Temby

Mr C & Mrs L Mouzouris

Mr D Cullen & Ms S Jefferson

Mr M Wheeler & Ms K Watson-Wheeler

Mr N & Mrs M Raymond

Mr D & Mrs M Pipito Mr W Xue & Ms X Wang Mr S & Mrs G Dakic Mr M Chan & Miss R Wane Mr D & Mrs K Fenech Mr C & Mrs L Albiston Mr S & Mrs J Hooker Mr J Pan & Ms J Zhu Mr B Stevens & Mrs D Cooper Mr K Chho & Mrs S Chan Mr M & Mrs K Sorrenson Mr C & Mrs S Cleur Mr P Hodgkinson & Ms C Ramage Mr A & Mrs R Cheers Mr P Turnbull & Mrs K Wilson Mr P Atlee & Ms J Vannucchi Mr P & Mrs W Geddis Mr J & Mrs S Bhansali Mr M & Mrs E Gorringe Mr A & Mrs B Sawyer Mr N & Mrs N Hall Mrs J Swindells Mr T Pullar & Ms M Robinson Mr S Deshpande & Ms A Joshi Mr A & Mrs J Brown Mr R & Dr A Petty Paul Brady Mr C & Mrs C Phillips Mr D & Mrs T Flower Robert Zammit Mr S & Mrs V Johnson Dr T Stephens & Mrs N Ohshita Stephens Mr N Ma & Ms Y Cao

Mr S & Mrs C Davie Mr M & Mrs S Wane Mr R & Mrs A Hood Mr P & Mrs N Redward Mr B Marcombe & Ms S Spillane Mr G & Mrs L Duker Mr D Baker & Ms D Freeman Mr D & Mrs M Hughes Mr M & Mrs N Horne Mr C & Mrs A Dyer Mr D & Mrs E Laws Mr J & Ms E Monro Mr M Zou & Mrs Y Xu Mr A & Mrs E Hood Mr M & Mrs E Selby Mr C & Mrs A Michael Mr S & Mrs T Reed Mr G Hanson & Ms P Torossi Mr G & Mrs J Kershaw

Mr A & Mrs R Ishchenko Mr T Fantas & Dr G Soldatos Mr W Zhu & Mrs P Xu Mr G Pyszczek & Ms M Monk Mr S & Mrs A Luca Mr L & Mrs M Hart Mr W Wang & Mrs P Cai Mr M & Mrs S Duggan Mr P Neylan Mr B and Mrs G Connor Mr R Walker & Ms N Wane Mr N & Mrs T Panagis Mr M & Mrs T Levey

Mr M Robinson & Ms V McMahon Mr P Bosa & Mrs R Stobart Mr D & Mrs A Tryfonopoulos Mr C & Mrs M Burnside Mr A & Mrs M McCauley Mr X Huang & Mrs L Jiang Mr J & Mrs P Malamatinas Mr Z Romanis & Ms G Nadenbousch Mr K & Mrs R Devers Mr M O'Rourke & Miss N Blackwood Mrs T Bucci Mr M Quin Mr A & Mrs J Barnard Mr J Horton

Mr A & Mrs T Burlock Mr W Pace & Ms T Gounas Mr L & Mrs R Moran Mr T & Mrs V Lyons Mrs M Basin

Correct at the time of publication.

41

FROM THE

PRESIDENT The Mentonians Association began 2021 on a high, delighted to be back and hoping to host a full calendar of reunions, events and sport for our clubs. We were blessed with perfect weather and the maximum number of families joining us to enjoy the outdoors, fun and friendship at our Shoreham Family Picnic.

A short lockdown in Western Australia saw us postpone our Perth reunion, however we were buoyed by the opening of borders around Australia and elated when we were able to hold our first on-site reunion at Mentone Grammar in May. Unfortunately, since that time we have had to return to managing our Association as per 2020. Although this year, we had prebooked large numbers for our planned reunions and more recently our Friends of Frogmore annual luncheon and 50 Year, Golden Reunion they could not go ahead due to restrictions and much to the disappointment of Mentonians. However, we remain proud of the strength and resilience shown by our Alumni as they continue to find new and creative ways to stay connected and support their families, friends and each other.

We offer our sincere congratulations to John Peers (2006), and doubles partner, Ash Barty who won a Bronze medal at the recent Tokyo Olympics. John is our first Olympic medal winner in Mentone Grammar’s 98 year history, and we couldn’t be more proud! We also congratulate Josh Burt (1989) and Andre Blasse (1981), on their role at the games as Technical Officials for Hockey and Sailing respectively.

TMA COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Mark Henricks (1977)

VICE PRESIDENT Jon Ponnusamy (2010)

TREASURER Vic Stroumos (1978)

SECRETARY Georgia Ahern (2011)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Josh Burt (1989) Cameron Dunkerley (1986) Mike Durack (1967) Ivan Eaves (1966) Miranda Ingram (2013) Jono Ling (2008) Jeremy Longstaff (1989) Peter Newton (1966) Rob Sinclair (1976)

ALUMNI MANAGER Suzanne Ashley

42

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Despite not being able to gather, we have continued to connect friends across our year groups and at relatively short notice, our committee members have collaboratively worked together to produce online videos for our Friends of Frogmore Luncheon and our 2021 Annual Dinner - celebrating memories and sharing stories from personalities withing our sporting clubs.

Our Annual General Meeting was once again held via Zoom, and we were pleased to connect school friends from the Class of 1969, living in the UK - Peter McKendry and Canon Chris Ford before formalities began. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all members of The Mentonians committee for their respective contribution to the Association. In particular, Mark Pearman immediate past president for his contribution over many years in the role of President, and from 2019 as a general committee member and leader of our 2020/2021 Annual Dinner subcommittee. Mark has decided to step down from the committee, and we thank him for his strong commitment and support over many years.

I would also like to thank our TMA Clubs for the resilience, patience and loyalty that they have shown during a year in which their seasons have been totally disrupted. However, there were some games played and opportunities (although limited) for team camaraderie to be enjoyed along the way.

We are always keen to connect with Mentonians around the globe and encourage you to send us your memories, photographs and updates for inclusion in our ‘Where Are They Now’.

At present, we are planning our 2022 calendar and will advise proposed dates as soon as possible.

We will continue to send details via email/social media and look forward to keeping in touch online via our website https://www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians MARK HENRICKS (1977) PRESIDENT

WELLBEING STRATEGIES AND TRAINING...

KEEPING OUR CLUBS CONNECTED With our 2021 sporting seasons interrupted, The Mentonians Association has continued to work alongside our sporting clubs, offering the opportunity to participate in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to support the wellbeing of their members, family, friends and to encourage conversations that could change a life.

Rod Tansey, President of Mentone Hockey Club provided feedback on the course: The Mentone Hockey Club is very appreciative of the opportunity, provided

by The Mentonians Association, for our members to participate in Mental Health First Aid courses, held over the last few months.

The Course, being a mixture of selfpaced learning and zoom based lessons, addresses very challenging and confronting material such as Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis and Substance use issues, while educating participants

with an Action Plan to be able to render initial assistance to people experiencing mental health episodes. The course director, Hayley, from Remedy First Aid was excellent and handled the sensitive content well.

Given the present circumstances, more people would benefit from developing these skills and feeling empowered to render assistance. As a Club, we are very grateful for being able to participate.

Mental Health First Aid training teaches practical skills to support someone experiencing a common mental health problem. The course teaches participants how to recognise common mental health problems, provide initial help using a practical, evidence-based Action Plan, seek appropriate professional help and respond to a mental health crisis situation, so you can confidently support friends, family members, colleagues and the community.

THE MENTONIAN CONTACTS AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL

Head Office Melbourne 03 9584 4211 thementonians@mentonegrammar.net

U.A.E.

ENGLAND

HONG KONG

James Halliday (2008) james.halliday@hotmail.com

London

Peter Cheung (1992) cpcheuc@hotmail.com

CANADA

Adelaide

Ontario

Peter Bray (1985) peter.bray@westnet.com.au

JAPAN Onomichi City

marchdall@rogers.com

Brisbane

Gareth O’Gradie (1999) ogradie@hotmail.com

USA

Dan Chalmers (1999) daniel@chalmers.email

Canberra

MALAYSIA

Michael Taylor (1955) mbt@netspeed.com.au

Kuala Lumpur

Hobart

Kamal Ragupathy (1992) kamalpathy@gmail.com

Michael “Rusty” Reynolds (1986) michael.reynolds@dhhs.tas.gov.au

SINGAPORE

Perth

David Goh (1961) davegoh@fastdel.com

Tim Ponnusamy (2006) timothy_ponnusamy@hotmail.com Phillip Yap (1985) pyap01@gmail.com

Sydney David Guazzarotto (1987) david.guazzarotto@leapgen.com

THAILAND Jitti Rachjaibun (1964) jitti_rach@dhonsiridsel.co.th David Wylie (1973) david.wylie@yahoo.com

Mervyn Archdall (1957)

Florida David Pearson (1987) aussiepearson@gmail.com

Cambell Lean (1993) Cambell.Lean@isgplc.com

Manchester Canon Chris Ford (1969) christopher.ford5@btinternet.com

Plymouth John Read (1973) theoldtro@gmail.com

ALUMNI MANAGER

New York

Suzanne Ashley

Chris Leslie (1982) chris-leslie@macquarie.com

suzannea@mentonegrammar.net 03 9581 3254 (direct) 0481 602 144

Arnold Ephraums (1982) aephraums@mac.com Chris Jacob (1999) cj@cjacob.com

Vermont Justin Johnson (1985) qdo606@gmail.com

Please contact The Mentonians Head Office: 03 9584 4211 if you would like to become one of our representatives.

To ensure that we remain in contact with you, don’t forget to keep your details up-to-date via our website: www.mentonegrammar.net/ mentonians/update-your-details

43

REUNIO

A BIG NIGHT OF CLASSES OF...

1995 & 1996 (25 YEAR REUNION) 2000 & 2001 (20 YEAR REUNION) 2005 & 2006 (15 YEAR REUNION)

44

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Friday 7 May 2021 was a special night to remember! It was our first reunion back at Mentone Grammar after the global pandemic took hold in 2020, preventing us from gathering together. The sheer joy of being able to enjoy the simple pleasure of catching-up with those who you spent your formative years with, was palpable at this reunion and there was a real ‘buzz’ of excitement amongst our Mentonians and the numerous staff members that joined us to share this special occasion.

IONS Our student guides proudly took our Alumni on a tour of the School, which has continued to flourish since they left. The group was amazed at the new buildings and enjoyed recalling their own memories while touring through the older buildings and the beautiful grounds.

Principal, Mal Cater, welcomed the group and shared some memories relating to each of the year levels present:

NOTABLE MOMENTS…

2021REUNIONS Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of World War II with then 1995 Headmaster, Mr Neville Clark MC OAM, leading a school parade on Mentone Beach.

School winning the ‘rare’ double: AGSV Premierships 1996 TinheAthletics and Swimming.

2000

ur Community was shocked by the sudden and untimely death O of Tony Drinan, a true legend of our School.

'We also remembered Jay Jay Aia from the Class 2006 who sadly passed away in 2014; and in 2020 we lost three of our long serving and much-loved teaching staff: Trevor Scott, Tony Dayton and ‘The Rev’ Roger Williams and raised a toast to ‘absent friends’.

2001 2005 2006

he Don Ingram Centre opened, and the Keith Jones Oration T was delivered by the, then, General Peter Cosgrove. he opening of the Sports and Function Centre, the glass T classrooms, the beginning of the Year 9 Experiential Learning Program, Nine to the Power of Four, and the reorganisation of the School into Primary, Middle and Senior Schooling. he most significant change in the history of the School with the T enrolment of girls. Eight brave girls enrolled into our Year 12 classes.

The strategic decision to become a co-ed school created the strong foundation for the highly successful, contemporary school we now are. We now have over 1770 students in the School, including more than 700 girls. Our students are performing at a high level in both their academic and non-academic activities. The eight Houses are as strong as ever, Cadets is incredibly popular, Drama, Dance, Music and Art are thriving as are other activities such as Public Speaking and Debating.

Much of the School has been rebuilt, repurposed or refurbished and, as we have announced only recently, there are more building programs on the radar to provide even more opportunities to our staff and students as we continue to develop as a very well-respected, highly valued school.

45

VIRTUAL ANNUAL

DINNER2021 The highlight of The Mentonians calendar every year is the Annual Dinner, a night where the members from all of our clubs gather together to acknowledge service and excellence. On this occasion, we also award our highest honour – the Tony Drinan Medal.

Unlike 2020, when we knew that we would not be able to host any events at all, this year’s Annual Dinner was cancelled at short notice due to lockdown 6.0 in Victoria. Our agile committee decided that they would follow-on from the success of connecting our community online and took the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our sporting clubs and the bonds of friendship they create.

With an aim to send out the video while Victoria remained in lockdown, our immediate past president, Mark Pearman (1982) and Vice President, Jon Ponnusamy interviewed club personalities and legends from each of our sporting clubs, via Zoom, keeping the sub-committee of Stephen ‘Chooka’ Grey (1974), Stephen Witherow (1982), Suzanne Ashley (Alumni Manager), Mark and Jon busy with regular evening Zoom meetings, filming, review and follow-up. Bill Park (2015) filmed all of the interviews with Mark Pearman, and we certainly appreciate the great job he has done.

Above: T ony Drinan Medal Winner, Dr Tony Collins (1966).

Right: O MFC, Monique Maitland (2015).

Below: MSC, Samantha McLean (2014).

Stephen Grey, our MC extraordinaire, filmed a very interesting interview with Dr A. G. (Tony) Collins (1966) from his home in Potsdam, New York.

Jon Ponnusamy interviewed our inspirational, engaging and committed sports stars Monique Maitland (2015) from Old Mentonians Football Club and Samantha McLean (2014) from Mentone Soccer Club (MSC).

Mark Pearman followed-up with each of the sporting clubs and it was great to hear the passion, insights and memories across generations which ranged from personal memories of their School days, moving on to other aspects of their lives and their club participation. What came through in each and every interview was that being part of a positive club culture is not only good for fitness, it is good for our mental health and wellbeing. We are honoured to have been able to take this opportunity during lockdown to record their stories, which will form part of our history to be enjoyed by future generations!

Mark Pearman also thoroughly enjoyed interviewing his friend and a co-founder of the Old Mentonians Basketball Club (OMBC), Bruce Watkins (1986). With the OMBC celebrating 35 years in 2021, Mark also took pride in awarding Bruce with the 2021 Life Patron Award for The Mentonians Association.

Bruce was surprised and delighted to receive the award.

OMBC Bruce Watkins (1986) Life Patron.

46

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Thank you to the following Legends (and without doubt) Personalities…

OMCC

OMFC

OMCC

MHC

MHC

MSC

Darryl Stevens (2000)

Mel Speers (1965)

Kyle Conlon (2011)

Gordon Tansey

Michael Keen (1977)

Michael Watling (2003)

Each year at the Annual Dinner, we also recognise Mentone Grammar staff members achieving Honorary Mentonian status, recognising their dedication and commitment.

This year’s Club Person of the Year Award winner is Rachel Reynolds

Congratulations and thank you to the following:

from OMBC.

In addition to all who contributed with interviews, we are most appreciative of, and acknowledge the support from: Principal - Mal Cater (1981), TMA President - Mark Henricks (1977), TMA Club Presidents: Rick Brown - OMBC, Mark Phillips - OMCC, Sharon Ericksen and Tim Appel (1986) - OMFC, Rod Tansey - MHC, John Christou - MSC and Gillian Scott Panther Productions. Anna Mallows (2017), The Mentonians Association Committee and MG Performing Arts: Ric Arnold, Hunter Griffin (2015), Frank Recchia/ MG Rock Band and the MG Vocal Trio. We also acknowledge the ongoing support and friendship of: Geoff Ryan AM (1965) Chair, Simon Appel OAM and Deputy Principal, Jarrod O’Neill.

Each year at our Annual Dinner, we raise a glass to honour Tony Drinan, Jan Drinan and her family members for their continued support, friendship and connection with this award and our community, past and present.

As Mentonians, we encourage you to take some time to remember your old school, your favourite TMA Club, friends, family and teachers still with us, as well as those who have passed on.

Stay positive, stay safe and keep connected as we continue to navigate these ‘unprecedented times’ together.

THE MENTONIANS COMMITTEE 2021

Jan Drinan at the Class of 1968 Golden Reunion in 2018; celebrating life-long friendships and remembering Tony Drinan, Class of 1968.

JOIN US FOR DINNER… A link to watch our Virtual Annual Dinner is available on The Mentonians website via: https://www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians/events/awards-honours

47

The Mentonians Association

2

FRIENDS OF FROGMORE

1 2

On Friday 3 September, we were hoping to host our maximum number of Mentonians allowed for our very popular Friends of Frogmore Luncheon; a day on the calendar not to be missed for Mentonians 40-plus years out. Sadly though, pandemic restrictions meant we had to cancel this special occasion, the week prior. However, we decided to, once again, create an opportunity to reminisce and recall memories of happy days gone by. This was achieved by way of our Friends of Frogmore interview series, which is usually conducted in person prior to the luncheon each year.

This year’s series of Zoom interviews included stories from Peter Newton (1966), Les Fox (1968/69), Ian Thomas (1970) and Phil Hutson (1971). We gained some wonderful insights into the Mentone Grammar School of the late 1960s and early 1970s and some very interesting anecdotes were shared.

Peter Newton attended the School from Form 1 (Year 7) through to

Above Right: Peter Newton (1966) Above: 1966 AGSV Cricket Premiers.

Right: Peter Newton (1966) & Richard Newton (1999) Below: Peter Newton 1965 Cricket Premiers Reunion group pic in 2016

Form 6 (Year 12). Peter’s early memories were of catching the Ventura bus down Warrigal Road with many others from the Oakleigh area. Peter thought that the School buildings seemed quite old, especially the Assembly Hall.

He felt privileged to have Phil Kent (1948) a long-term staff member as his teacher. Peter recalled Phil being a brilliant teacher, describing him as ‘extremely versatile’ - able to play piano, supervise the school sports days, school plays, cadets and more. Peter felt fortunate that there was a core group of long serving teachers who created a great sense of stability in the School, both in and out of the classroom – Including favourites: Don Ingram, Jack Arnold, Austin Ivey, Cal Sibley and, of course, Deryck Strongman.

A highlight of Peter’s time at Mentone Grammar that has led to a lifetime passion and enduring friendships is being part of the inaugural Cricket Premiership team of 1965 (and again in 1966). The group continues to gather each year to enjoy lunch together and celebrate those days. Peter’s son, Richard (1999) also attended Mentone Grammar and Peter continues to support the Old Mentonians Cricket Club (OMCC). Peter is also a long-term valued volunteer in both Archives and the Alumni/Mentonians office.

Above Right: Deryck Strongman.

Right: Phil Kent, Austin Ivey & Cal Sibley.

48

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Les Fox attended Mentone Grammar from Grade 4 until Year 12 (1968/1969). Les recalls that perhaps his parents lured him to Mentone Grammar with the promise of extra holidays. Upon arrival, Les found to his delight that the School had a swimming pool and he loved swimming.

He remembers his teacher, Mr Adamson, being ‘old with a hard face, but quite friendly’! Les said that his favourite teacher, didn’t actually teach him. Deryck Strongman was the senior boarding house master and quartermaster of the Cadet Unit. As he didn’t particularly like marching, Les recalls Deryck saying to him, ‘Fox, would you like to be in the Q Store’ and he said that he never looked back, thoroughly enjoying the role and in the latter years of his career at the Royal Women’s Hospital, applying those skills to managing the sterile stock room!

Les kept up his friendship with Deryck Strongman in later years as one of his parents was in the same nursing home as Deryck.

When asked the question - What does Mentone Grammar mean to you?

Les replied, ‘friendship’. Les has continued many friendships from Grade 4 onwards and says that ‘it’s great to connect with people you knew a long time ago’ and share those memories! In recent years, Les has enjoyed catching up at both formal and informal reunions and is glad to still be part of a very connected group of school friends!

Ian Thomas joined Mentone Grammar in Grade 5, finishing in Form 6 (Year 12). Ian also remembers the swimming pool making a big impression on him, along with the cloistered corridors, a square oval and a gym with ropes coming down from the ceiling. There were many classrooms and a lot of fun to be had at Keysborough, which was visited on a regular basis for sport. He also spent a lot of time at the tennis courts next to St Augustine’s Church.

Ian remembered his early teachers, Mr Steel, Mr Macleod and Mr Ingram along with Bob Nottle (1960) an OM himself.

Ian remains grateful to Bob Nottle for tutoring him in accounting and economics, ensuring the success of his HSC and leading him to university and a successful career. Ian also recalled his favourite teachers, including Brian Lewis, who was brave enough to take on teaching

Russian as a language. ‘Keith Jones also took us for English and tried to make us more sophisticated, often taking us in to the city to see a play or show. They were memorable times as well’.

Ian noted that he had always found the uniform amusing. Riding to school from Black Rock, wearing a boater hat was a challenge on a windy day and became an expensive proposition for his parents as they often ended up under a car behind you!

Tennis at Mentone Grammar was a big part of Ian’s life. Rising to the dizzy heights of captaining the AGS team against the APS. The School boasted a very strong Tennis team and Ian’s passion for tennis continues to this day, travelling to tournaments in Orlando and Croatia in the Australian Seniors’ Team, which he really enjoys, and 27 years on the committee of his local club Beaumaris with the last three years as President before recently stepping down. Ian’s sons Ryan (2003) and Ben (2005) both attended Mentone Grammar because he wanted them to have the same positive educational experience that he was able to enjoy.

Phil Hutson joined Mentone Grammar in Form 1 (Year 7) and finished in Form 6 (1971). Phil was able to easily recall his teachers, and Mr Devereaux, his first ‘class master’ as they were called then.

Phil very much enjoyed his introduction to science with Bob Brailsford and felt fortunate to be able to have classes in the new science laboratory. There were many excellent teachers at the School that influenced Phil, such as Brian Lewis who introduced Phil to English literature, Rev. C. J. Winter who introduced Philosophy to religion, opening up the history of the Bible in both a historical and biblical sense. He also introduced other religions including Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism to show the philosophical developments of religions throughout the world. Bruce Lobb was well remembered for making sure everyone had haircuts. There was also Karl Duldig - a world-renowned artist.

Deryck Strongman, taught Social Studies, Austin Ivey taught European History and modern European History; along with study techniques using headings, subheadings, making points when taking notes. Phil said that these techniques have been invaluable throughout his life both at university and during his career. Phil was awarded the Tony Drinan Medal in 2008 - Phil was initially posted to narcotic and organised crime investigations and later specialised in trans-national crime and protective security intelligence.

During his career he was seconded to the United Nations where he was posted as a senior police officer to missions in Cyprus and East Timor. He had diplomatic postings to Pakistan and Indonesia and served as a senior investigator with a coalition taskforce in Iraq during Operation Iraqi freedom.

Amongst his numerous national and international awards Phil has received the AFP Distinguished Service Award (for courage and leadership), three bravery awards and the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal (for service in Iraq with the US army).

Following on from his own positive experience at Mentone Grammar, Phil’s sons Michael (2001) and Timothy (2004) also attended the School and remain connected with their school friends and enjoy coming back for regular reunions.

Phil is very much looking forward to catching up for the Class of 1971 Golden Reunion, which we plan to hold in 2022.

Left: Founders’ Day 2021 L-R Timothy Hutson (2004), Principal Mal Cater (1981), Phil Hutson (1971), Michael Hutson (2001).

Right: Phil Hutson 2008 Tony Drinan Medal Awardee in uniform.

SHARING MENTONE MEMORIES Watch our 2021 Friends of Frogmore video interviews with Peter Newton (1966), Les Fox (1968/1969), Ian Thomas (1970), Phil Hutson (1971) via the link below: www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians/events/friends-of-frogmore If you would like to share memories of your time at Mentone Grammar, please contact Suzanne Ashley: Email: suzannea@mentonegrammar.net Phone: 03 9581 3254 49

TONY DRINAN

MEDAL 2021 DR A.G. (TONY) COLLINS (1966)

As a perpetual memorial to an exceptional Mentonian and to recognise the accomplishments of former Mentone Grammar students, the Tony Drinan Award is awarded each year to a past student who, has achieved outstanding success, bringing honour to the School and service to the community.

Tony Collins joined Mentone Grammar in 1958 in Prep IVa. He quickly established himself both academically and on the sporting field in the newly built Junior School at Mentone Grammar, performing well in Junior School Cricket, Football and Swimming. Travelling from Mt Eliza, Tony was joined on the Frankston line train by notables including Professor Glenn Bowes AO (2001 Drinan Medal Awardee) and from 1961 Steve Cannon and Peter Saunders who all became firm friends and academic competitors in the classroom. Tony shone in leadership roles and became a Prefect in 1966, and Vice-Captain of School House in the same year. He was an outstanding member of the First XVIII Football team in 1966 and in the Cadet Unit Tony rose to the rank of Cadet Under Officer.

Upon leaving School, Tony proceeded to Monash University and completed his Civil Engineering Degree in 1970. After working briefly as an engineer in Sydney, Tony decided to pursue further academic studies after winning a post-graduate scholarship to university in the USA. He gained master's and doctoral degrees from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. During this period, he also spent time in Australia working for Australian Consolidated Industries and the Utah Development Company in Queensland. After receiving his PhD in 1982, he launched his career at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York State, progressing from Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering to full Professor, Department Chair, Dean, Vice President for academic affairs, and provost. During that time, he received awards for outstanding teaching, research, and advising, as well as lecturing internationally, and authoring more than 90 publications. Dr Tony Collins was elected the 16th President of Clarkson University in 2003. Tony is married to Karen, and they have raised four children whilst living in Potsdam.

Dr Anthony Collins has proved to be an outstanding educational leader and in his 40th year at Clarkson University a worthy winner of The Tony Drinan Medal.

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Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

Above: Tony Collins 1966 Prefect.

Below: First XVIII Football 1966.

Clarkson is a private, national research university and proven leader in technological education and sustainable economic development. STEM intersects its scholarship, research, innovation and teaching through more than 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, education, sciences and health professions. Currently serving as Clarkson's 16th president, Anthony Collins is a regional and national advocate for higher education industrial partnerships that couple research discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise for commercialization and economic development with a focus on advancing sustainable energy solutions and environmental technology innovation.

Above: 2019 Undergraduate Ceremony Dr Tony Collins.

Left: West Point NY 1993 with 4 children Dr Tony Collins 1966.

Below: 2014 NCAA Champs with Dr Tony Collins.

In May 2014, President Barack Obama nominated Dr Collins to serve on the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Dr Collins in July 2011 to serve as co-chair for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. He served in that role until February 2019. Dr Collins served on a commission established by Governor Cuomo in November 2012 to investigate and study utility companies' storm preparation and management; and to recommend reforms to overhaul regulation of the entire system to better deal with emergencies. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was appointed in 2020 to join the Reimagine Task force to reopen education in New York State. He is also a member of the panel Governor Cuomo has tasked to advise him and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on the redesigns of New York’s airports and the supporting infrastructure to attract additional commercial activity. On a local level, he is the president of the Seaway Private Equity Corporation that invests in new technology companies based in St. Lawrence County, New York.

In service to the higher education sector, President Collins is the 2020-2021 Chair of the Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU) and a chair emeritus and trustee of New York’s Commission of Independent Colleges and Universities. In addition, he was named on the City & State New York's "Higher Education Power 50" list, honouring the 50 most powerful New Yorkers working in higher education, and serves on the board of the Business Council of New York State.

Dr Collins was among the primary architects of the Vision of a Clarkson Education that has guided evolution of the curriculum since 1995. As President, he now leads Clarkson’s Evolution to Excellence, a comprehensive strategic plan elevating the University’s academic reputation, strengthening its financial resources, and increasing the lifetime engagement of alumni and greater Clarkson community.

In addition to connecting with Clarkson alumni across the globe, Dr Collins & his wife, Karen; are active in the Potsdam community and have provided volunteer service to numerous organizations and youth programs.

Tony Collins has advanced the reputation of Clarkson University, a nationally ranked institution whose 44,000 living alumni are well represented in the leadership ranks of American business, where one in five serves as CEO, president, vice president, founder or owner of a company.

(Ref: www.clarkson.edu)

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VALE

nal Design

We record with sadness the passing of the following Community members; and extend our sincere sympathy to their families.

VALE LEWIS PLUMRIDGE (1961)

It is with great sadness that we advise the School Community of the death of Mr Lewis Plumridge. Lewis died after a short battle with cancer of the liver and pancreas. Lewis, a former student from 1956 to 1961, was recruited by Keith Jones to lead our Music Program. He was Director of Music from 1981 to 2008. His concerts brought much joy to many people and the Festival of Music will be well remembered for the high standard of music demonstrated throughout the School. A music studio is named in his honour in the School’s Creativity Centre. Lewis’ passion for music and the teaching of it was evident in the way he undertook his role and many former students benefited greatly from this. On his retirement he was honoured with the title, Master Emeritus. In retirement he continued to be heavily involved in music including being an assessor for the AMEB Music Examinations and playing the organ for his local church services.

The School Community remembers him most fondly indeed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carole, his sons, Christopher (2000) and Richard (2005) and their families.

Above Right: Mr Lewis Plumridge 2002.

Above: Lewis Plumridge Conducting 2008.

Labore et Honore

Below:

A NOTE FROM FORMER MENTONE GRAMMAR HEADMASTER, NEVILLE CLARK MC OAM

1998 Festival of Music.

At Mentone, Lewis managed perhaps the largest department within the School, with its specialist teachers at both Senior and Junior levels and a whole array of visiting accompanists and teachers of instruments and voice. Such a diverse and talented group of people could only be directed towards achievable goals by strong personal influence. This, Lewis provided in spades, with his kindly and genial personality, his ability to inspire confidence, his flexibility and willingness to compromise (though never on musical or behavioural standards - he had no time for Prima Donnas) and his teamwork approach which brought out the best in pupils and performers alike. He had a genius for involving all sorts of people in the musical programme and in its various productions (even substituting a parent at the last moment for an ailing pupil in the Major-General’s role in “Pirates”) and, together with successive Heads of Drama, he founded the Friends of the Performing Arts (FOPA), involving parents, staff and the wider arts community in order to support the artistic outreach of the School. The Plumridge era was truly a golden one.

yle Guide

M MENTONE AQUATIC IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY ENGINE SWIM; ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING AND RESPECTED BRANDS IN SWIMMING.

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M

COMMITTED TO SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY Through 25 years of swimming, teaching and coaching experiences, Engine Swim has developed a high set of skills and expertise in swimming, ranging from infants through to World Class athletes.

Engine Swim is committed to providing a safe, healthy and positive environment for children learning to swim.

We believe children learn when encouraged and guided, challenged and rewarded.

Our program emphasises a holistic approach by developing a child’s confidence, expanding their skills

Mentone Grammar SPRING 2021

and encouragement to succeed. We are committed to understanding the individual needs of every student irrespective of their race, gender, age, ability or experience.

We achieve our objectives through our quality team who inspire us every day to deliver the most efficient and effective methods of learning to swim.

Our swimming programs are designed by Olympians Toby Haenen & Andrew Lauterstein who share a love and passion for swimming focused on fairness, consistency and progression.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS M M Style Guide

SCHOOL TOURS 2022 SATURDAY 26 MARCH OPEN DAY 9AM-12 NOON MONDAY 2 MAY SCHOOL TOURS 9.30AM SATURDAY 13 AUGUST OPEN DAY 9AM-12 NOON THUSRDAY 20 OCTOBER SCHOOL TOURS 9.30AM

Please pre-register online https://www.mentonegrammar.net/ enrol/book-a-school-tour

Cnr Como Parade West & Lucerne St, Mentone Ph: (03) 9581 3288 Email: info@mentoneaquatic.com www.facebook.com/MentoneAquatic/ www.instagram.com/mentoneaquatic/

GREENWAYS CAFÉ

(walk-in registrations may not be permitted)

Greenways Campus Ph: 9584 4211

PRIVATE TOUR

ARCHIVES CENTRE

If you would like to arrange a Private Tour, please contact the Enrolments Team on:

For all historic Mentonian donations please contact DR Colette Russell at: coletter@mentonegrammar.net

+ 61 3 9584 4211 or email: enrol@mentonegrammar.net

THE MENTONIANS ASSOCIATION (TMA) Our purpose is to serve our members and support the School. We aim to excel at meeting our members’ needs and to achieve this we plan to extend the events calendar to maximise contact with as many past students as possible through reunions, our clubs, special events and other TMA activities.

Suzanne Ashley - Alumni Manager suzannea@mentonegrammar.net

THEATRE | MUSIC | DANCE

PANTHER PRODUCTIONS FACILITIES R. M. SYKES SHOREHAM CAMP Marine Parade, Shoreham

KEYSBOROUGH PLAYING FIELDS 756-768 Springvale Road, Keysborough

PARENT & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

For further information please contact Suzanne Ashley (03) 9581 3254 or email Gillian Scott, President: pantherproductions@ mentonegrammar.net

Friendraising - Fundraising -Dads@MG Secondhand Uniform Shop

THE MENTOR PUBLISHED BY MENTONE GRAMMAR

CONTRIBUTORS

63 Venice Street, Mentone 3194

With special thanks to:

T +61 03 9584 4211

Geoff Ryan AM Chair Mal Cater Principal

W www.mentonegrammar.net E enquiry@mentonegrammar.net ABN 87 616 069 977 CRICOS 00323C

Suzanne Ashley (TMA Editor), Anthony Bacon, Sharon Bates, Peter Bratuskins, Jacqui Cartwright, Libby Chislett, Neville Clark MC OAM, Gavin Cornish, Pernilla Eklund Allan, Hunter Griffin, Mark Henricks, Mentonians Committee, Julie James, Steph Kinnear, Jason Mann, Terry Matthew,

EST. 1923

Belinda McKindlay, the McLaren family, Peter O’Gorman, Catherine Poulton, Michael Prabaharan,

Editor Jen Blackburn Design Danny Yardis

Jess Richards, Colette Russell (Archives research), Beck Russell, Ben Wolstencroft.

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63 Venice Street Mentone Victoria Australia 3194 T: +61 3 9584 4211 E: enquiry@mentonegrammar.net MENTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL EST. 1923 CRICOS 00323C

www.mentonegrammar.net