Mentor Magazine: Autumn 2022

MENTOR THE MAGAZINE OF MENTONE GRAMMAR

AUTUMN 2022

RECONNECTION INSIDE: 04

2021 VCE SUCCESS

13

FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATING INCLUSION

41

FROM THE ARCHIVES

45

NEWS FROM THE MENTONIANS – FAREWELL TO ‘WARNIE’

SAVE 1 THE DATE

THE MENTONE GR A MM AR CENTENARY IN 2023 M ARKS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR OUR SCHOOL. WE HAVE MANY EVENTS AND AC TIVITIES ON THE HORIZON TO CELEBR ATE THIS VERY SPECIAL YE AR.

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2023

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bit.ly/MGArtExhibition

CENTENARY GOLF DAY AT WOODLANDS Come out swinging for a fun 18-hole round of golf.

FRI Kick off the day with an egg and bacon breakfast before a shotgun start (ambrose), drinks and snacks on course, followed MARCH by a gourmet bbq lunch and of course presentation of some classic awards from the day! Come on your own or why not get a duo or four-ball team together with fellow alumni or current parents – all welcome.

BOOK YOUR SPOT:

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SAT APRIL

EXHIBITION SPORT AT KEYSBOROUGH

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School’s Firsts teams in a morning of exhibition matches in Cricket, Soccer, AFL and Hockey at Keysborough. Come and support the teams and enjoy some delicious refreshments too!

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2023

To round out the weekend, we are holding the biggest reunion lunch

ever! We will be magically transforming the School’s Sports Centre into a reunion wonderland not only for all our dedicated 2023 reunion year groups, our Friends of Frogmore and past staff, but all alumni are welcome to attend this very special two-course lunch. There will also be some fantastic outdoor entertainment, desserts and drinks, plus tours of the School for those who want to continue the celebrations after lunch. Grab a group of old classmates and join the party!

www.trybooking.com/BYXVQ

CENTENARY SHOWCASE - JOIN THE SHOW

Performing Arts continues to be an integral

part of a Mentone Grammar education. To celebrate 100 years of excellence, we are holding a very special concert to showcase the best of our musicians, singers and dancers. We would especially love for our alumni to be part of this show, so if you still have a passion for music or dance, please get in touch with us.

CONTACT:

AUGUST

www.trybooking.com/BZALK

REUNION LUNCH AT SCHOOL

BOOK YOUR SPOT:

WED JUNE

Sport has always played an important role at Mentone

Grammar and in celebration of this, some of our Mentonians sporting clubs will be taking on the young guns from the

BOOK YOUR SPOT:

SUN APRIL

www.trybooking.com/BYXXO

thementonians@mentonegrammar.net or +61 3 9584 4211

CENTENARY GALA BALL

Enjoy all the glitz and glamour of this very special ball to be held in the beautiful

Melbourne Room at MCEC. This event is one not to be missed!

BOOKINGS OPEN OCTOBER 2022

C E N T E N A R Y

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST:

G R A M M A R

the level of community interest in this event.

C E L E B R A T I O N S

The Mentonians Association and Mentone Grammar. Please complete the Expression of Interest form so we can determine

M E N T O N E

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CENTENARY ART EXHIBITION - DISPLAY YOUR WORK As part of our Centenary FRI Founders’ Day celebrations, we would like to showcase the artistic talents of our Old Mentonians, together with staff MARCH (past and present) and current parents in this special exhibition, which will also include two $3,000 prizes supported by

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Look out for further details about more Centenary events and activities in the coming months…

WELCOME FROM THE

REGISTRAR

Mentone Grammar is a high performing village within the bayside community that offers a first-rate, well-rounded education for students. Our learning program is built around developing happy, healthy and high achieving young people from our Early Learning Centre to Year 12.

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.

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

Mentone Grammar continues to experience great enrolment interest and 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: www.mentonegrammar.net/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.

• School Tours (20 October 2022) • Open Day (13 August 2022)

Our attendance numbers will be restricted, and all attendees must pre-register online. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-in registrations. www.mentonegrammar.net/enrol/book-a-school-tour • Private Tours: If you would like to arrange a Private Tour, please contact the Enrolments Team on+ 61 3 9584 4211 or email: enrol@mentonegrammar.net • Virtual Tour: If unable to visit us, you are welcome to explore our Virtual Tour at bit.ly/VirtualTourMG or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

While it is a big decision to choose a school, it doesn’t need to be stressful. I am often contacted by families who are overwhelmed with choices, information and perceived pressures of making a decision. 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 will be delighted to answer any questions you have and support you in making the right decision for your family.

PERNILLA EKLUND ALLAN REGISTRAR

CONTENTS 02 03 04 10

12 36 40 42

ACTING PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME

FOUNDERS' DAY CELEBRATIONS

BOARD REPORT

FROM THE CHAPLAINS

VCE AND VCAL RESULTS 2021

FROM THE ARCHIVES

STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2022

THE MENTONIANS

01

FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL Hope is such a powerful emotion. To be hopeful allows us to work through the challenging times and to overcome adversity.

It is understandable that for many, the light of hope that shone so brightly before 2020, began to flicker, even fade, the longer the lockdowns continued.

But, as we have come out of lockdown and begun to embrace our Community again and expand our physical and emotional horizons, we have found a sense of optimism has returned. Our students have grown from the challenges they had to face and have returned grateful for what they have and are less focused on what they don’t have.

It is through the challenges of the last two years that our theme of reconnection was borne. After the interruptions, we started the year and remain determined to provide our staff and students myriad opportunities, once denied.

The year began with our staff reconnecting with one another at our Staff Conference. We also reconnected with some of our key strategic goals that relate to our Learning and Teaching and Wellbeing platforms.

To see the staff engage so eagerly with these opportunities highlighted again their professionalism and commitment to providing a supportive, wellrounded education for our students.

Through our extensive Learning Journeys programs, our students have been able to reconnect with their local and national environment in the form of Shoreham, Sovereign Hill, Central Australia and northern NSW. Given the overlays involved in managing the potential of COVID-19 outbreaks while away, I am so humbled by our staff’s willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ and put additional plans in place to ensure our students had these memorable experiences. Hearing student stories of the fun had and seeing the faces of the joy they experienced, makes overcoming those obstacles worthwhile.

Our Summer Sports Program, although slightly reduced, was full of highlights including our Girls’ Touch Football and Swimming teams, both winning their sixth Premiership. As we celebrated their achievements at a whole school assembly, I encouraged our younger students to set goals and work hard to emulate what these teams had achieved.

While ‘pivoting’ so successfully during 2020/21 to enable students the opportunity to still perform, albeit online, our Performing Arts students are busily preparing to reconnect with their audiences in a number of spectacular events.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

The Limelight Concert in March was the first of many full houses, and to say the performances were incredible would be an understatement.

This year we are very pleased to have launched our inaugural Inclusivity Committee. Commencing with guest speaker, mental health advocate Jason Ball, at our Staff Conference, followed by students sharing very personal stories of inclusivity with their peers at our Founders’ Day service, momentum has us questioning what it means to be a truly inclusive community. Already a proud and caring community, the energy and willingness of staff and students to explore further change means that all who engage with our Community can feel safe and supported for who they are.

At a recent Open Day, I spoke with guests about our goal of producing Happy, Healthy, High Achieving students. For me, this is chronological. To be happy and high achieving, you must first be healthy. Healthy physically, socially and emotionally – these are foundational. And, to achieve this, we must provide programs that offer students choice and depth. We must also provide a safe place where students feel connected and supported so that they may follow their passions. It is through these wide-ranging offerings, programs and events that develop the whole person, students may truly become happy and high achieving.

With the sad passing of Mentonian Shane Warne, our current First XI cricketers attended the MCG Memorial along with Mentonians who played with ‘Warnie’ in our last Cricket Premiership back in 1987. Those who attended, all remarked on how privileged they felt to be part of the celebration of an incredible Australian.

Like many, I have always been mesmerised by what he did on the field, but his Memorial highlighted that it was what he did off the field that was so truly special. It was in his messages of ‘manners are free’ and ‘always put others before yourself’ that remind us of all about the values of Respect and Caring and that living a life in the service of others is where true happiness and contentment will come.

In his passing, we thank him, a proud Mentonian, for the lifelong messages he left for us all.

With best wishes,

JARROD O’NEILL ACTING PRINCIPAL

FROM THE CHAIR In the company of Principal Mr Mal Cater and Business Manager Ms Nicole Bradshaw, I recently attended a one-day National Educational Forum in Canberra. These forums are organised every two years by AHISA (The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia) and ISA (Independent Schools Australia).

There were many interesting speakers including Professor Pamela Hanrahan who spoke on Governance Ethics, Professor Donna Cross on Student and Staff Wellbeing, Comsec Chief Economist Craig James who spoke on the economic outlook facing post-COVID-19 Australia, and Rebecca Razavi the eSafety Commissioner who addressed the topic of keeping children safe online.

As interesting as those speakers were, the key speakers at the Forum were The Hon. Stuart Robert MP (Acting Minister for Education and Youth) and the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP (Shadow Minister for Education). It is no coincidence that the Forum was timed in the lead up to a Federal election. Indeed one of its main purposes is to remind both political parties that the Independent sector is an important provider of Primary and Secondary education throughout Australia.

I have been involved in the Independent education sector as either a student, teacher, Principal, or Governor for almost 60 years. I know firsthand what a fantastic job Independent schools do and how important Independent school communities are to the growth and prosperity of Australia. It is good to use opportunities such as the Forum to remind both major political parties of that fact.

There are 1187 Independent schools in Australia (one in every eight schools). These schools educate 16.6 per cent (667,255) of Australia’s primary and secondary students. In 2021 the size of the school population in Australia grew by 0.6 per cent.

In the Independent sector enrolments grew by 3.1 per cent.

One in every eight primary students in Australia is educated in an Independent school. In the final two years of secondary education, that figure rises to one in every four students.

In Australia, both major political parties support parental choice in schooling. Both acknowledge that as Independent school parents pay tax, they deserve some contribution to the recurrent cost of educating their children. In 2019-20 the average contribution per student at an Independent school was $11,620.

By choosing to send a child to an Independent school parents save the government $20,180 (the cost of educating a child in a government school). In the case of Mentone Grammar, that contribution will decrease over the next five years, because of a change in the way funding is allocated within the Independent sector. That shortfall will need to be covered through increased school fees or cost savings.

As the figures above clearly show, Independent school enrolments have grown significantly over the past two years. I believe that this reflects the excellent job that Independent schools did in providing offsite learning during COVID-19 lockdowns. However, it is also because Independent schools are not part of a large system and have the autonomy and flexibility to respond directly to the needs of the students and families in their immediate community.

Governments would be well advised to learn from the Independent sector.

A NEW BOARD DIRECTOR Mr Jeff Connolly (Mentone Grammar peer year, 1980) has been appointed as a Director of Mentone Grammar School.

Mr Connolly is CEO/Chairman of Siemens Australia Pacific. Siemens is a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. In 2020, worldwide, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €57.1 billion and has around 293,000 employees. In Australia and New Zealand, where Siemens has been active for over 145 years, the company employs more than 2,000 people.

Jeff Connolly is the first Australian CEO of Siemens Australia Pacific. He has worked with Siemens for 30 years and previously held the positions of CFO Siemens Australia and CFO Siemens North-East Asia based in China where he lived and worked for seven years.

Jeff was educated at Melbourne University and Duke University in the USA. He holds many Directorships and appointments including Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Taskforce, Director of the European Australian Business Council and National Councillor of the Australian Industry Group. He is an Adjunct Professor at Swinburne University and has a great interest in Education.

Jeff, a former Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar, will add depth to the Board bringing expertise in financial and strategic management plus high level digital knowledge and skills. We welcome Jeff Connolly to the Board and look forward to his contribution to the growth and development of our School in the years ahead.

GEOFF RYAN AM CHAIR

03

VCE AND VCAL RESULTS 2021

SO MANY REASONS TO BE PROUD In another challenging year, the Class of 2021 worked with extraordinary diligence to achieve impressive success in academic, sporting, creative and personal pursuits. Each students’ dedication and determination throughout the year has been well reflected in both VCE results and VCAL outcomes.

Together, the Class of 2021 achieved these outstanding results: Median ATAR 85 59% ATARs over 80 37% ATARs over 90 15% ATARs over 95 6 Study Scores of 50 Median Study Score 34 Dux - Joseph Shim (99.75) 100% VCAL Completion

WE ARE

PROUD of these young

people.

 THINGS TO CELEBRATE

IN 2021 FRIENDSHIP RESILIENCE SUCCESS

HAPPY

HEALTHY HIGH &ACHIEVING

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

Mentone Grammar Dux 01

2021, Joseph Shim, and successful Academic Captain, Caitlin Burke, celebrate with Principal, Mal Cater, on results day.

We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved, despite all they have been through with the pandemic.

Not only did they adapt to a constantly changing landscape, they also banded together in the most incredible show of solidarity to support one another and become stronger in the face of adversity. I commend our wonderful staff for their sincere commitment and unwavering determination to provide the very best for our students.

MAL CATER PRINCIPAL

Our Year 12 dancers and 02

performers created many stunning on stage and live streamed performances throughout 2021. Bravo.

02 Our Year 12s also celebrated: Impressive performances in streamed Drama, Dance and Music events.

A gallery showcase of Visual Arts, Design and Technologies.

A successful season of online Public Speaking and Debating.

Shared Social Service and Wellbeing programs.

A Bond Vice Chancellor Scholarship.

A Melbourne University Principals' Scholarship.

A successful year of Cadets leadership.

A continued commitment to Sport training with two students being recruited to teams in the Australian Football League: Jacob Edwards (North Melbourne Football Club) and Mitch Owens (St Kilda Football Club).

We wish our Class of 2021 every success beyond School and remind them that they will always be a special part of our Community.

… and so when I think back on my time at Mentone Grammar, it is not my ATAR or the fact that I got Dux which stands out. Rather, it is what I learnt and experienced, whether it was academics, sport, friendships made, music, or about myself.

And for that, I can only thank my teachers, coaches, friends and family. If it weren’t for you, my time at Mentone Grammar would not have been so successful.

JOSEPH SHIM YEAR 12 CELEBRATION, MARCH 2022

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSEPH AND CAITLIN… The School Community congratulates Joseph and Caitlin on extraordinary results in extraordinary times.

‘Despite the restrictions and changes to school life in 2020 and 2021, VCE was still largely a positive experience for me which no doubt helped me to become Dux of my year. Apart from the immense knowledge I gained from each of my subject areas, I believe that my success also came from realising and increasing my capacity for hard work but, more so, discovering how I work best to obtain maximum results. I am very grateful to all my teachers for helping me realise these great life skills, that I will take into uni life.

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I have chosen to study a Bachelor of Science degree at Melbourne University, and am looking to major in Computer Science so I can do a Master’s degree in Software Engineering afterwards. I am hoping to work in the IT area, most likely programming, but that could change along the way as I continue to learn and explore new options.

During my time at School I enjoyed playing Hockey and hope to return as a coach and, of course, I would like to continue with my tutoring role, as having access to great tutors during the last two years, helped me so much. It’s great to give back.’

JOSEPH

‘Looking back on my VCE years, I am proud of myself and glad I put in the effort to try my very best. It allowed me to discover what I was passionate about so that I could continue to work towards achieving my goals. Thank you to my teachers for all their support.

This year I am studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering at Monash University. I’m not sure exactly where this will lead me, but it may be a career in researching and developing medical technology, whether it be prosthetic limbs or implantable devices. This is a four-year course in which I am doing a common Engineering first year and then specialising into the Biomedical stream.’

CAITLIN

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he Good Samaritan Prize T Danielle Pedersen

The Spirit of Mentone Grammar Award Daniel Pate

The Principal’s Award for Art Marcus Silove

The Gibson-Roberts Memorial Prize Declan McComb and Cassandra Newman

he Mentonians Art & Design T Acquisitive Prize Keenan Haagen

Excellence in Applied Learning Awarded to the Year 12 student who has demonstrated ongoing commitment to vocational training, academic endeavour and personal growth within the VCAL program.

Acknowledgement of the 2021 Head Prefects Harrison Huber and Livinia Stockdale

The Simon Appel OAM Medal Sophie Porter

Chanel Kilpady

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS (Academic Excellence Awards are based on the ranking of student’s academic results across all classes as judged by their various subject teachers)

01

Certificates of Excellence Caitlin Burke, Elliott Carruthers, Samuel Chaplin, Jacob Farrow, William Frost, Katie Goakes, Dylan Hinton, Matthew Leembruggen, Jack Littleford, Ebony McCarthy, Brayden Miller, Angus Newman, Elysee Nitschke, Sophie Porter, Tianbo Qu, Aidan Scott, Joseph Shim, Evie Sorrenson, Livinia Stockdale, Maya Thilak-Mathew, Ella Wearne, Xiaojun Xue and Jiaqi Yu

MARK DREYFUS COMMUNITY SPIRIT & LEADERSHIP AWARD 2021 Brayden Miller

ADF LONG TAN AWARDS The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Awards recognise students in Years 10 and 12 who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the School and wider community and who display strong values such as ‘doing one’s best’, ‘respect for others’ and ‘mateship’, that are integral to Australian society.

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Year 10 – Patrick Riley

Year 12 – Thomas Riley

After successful completion of 01 the VCAL pathway, Chanel has now begun studies in Nursing.

Head Prefect, Harrison Huber, had 02 another successful year of Public Speaking and Debating, being a grand finalist in the prized Ainger Peck Award.

Cadet Leader, Thomas Riley, was 03

the 2021 recipient of The Ken Smith Perpetual Trophy for Exceptional Leadership of Peers.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

LASS OF 202

VALEDICTORIAN AWARDS 2021

LASS OF 202

‘My ATAR guaranteed me a place in Commerce at Melbourne University where I will follow in the footsteps of my parents. I hope to practice Accounting and start my own business in the future.

The last two years were definitely tough, but the experience was also unique and rewarding, and I was tested in many ways. I was forced to work harder than ever, be diligent and persistent and always seek the help of my teachers. This was especially true in a couple of subjects that I found really difficult, but in doing this, the results were definitely worth it. My advice is to never give up, and to always keep your eye on the prize.

I would really like to thank Mr Mann, my Mentors and Teachers, for guiding and supporting me, particularly toward the end of the year when it was getting really tough. I’m really excited for what the future holds. And I hope to return to support my old Cross Country teammates this winter, in their fight for the AGSV Premiership.’

01 Despite an interrupted two 01

JORDAN MICHELL

CLASS OF 2021 DESTINATIONS

years, leader Jordan and the tightknit Cross Country squad maintained a high level of fitness and commitment.

Victorian Universities (81.5%) TAFE (7%) Employment (3%) Apprenticeships (3%) Independent Institutions (3%)

The Mentonians Acquisitive Art 02 Prize 2021 was won by Year 12

Interstate Study (2%) Overseas (0.5%)

artist, Keenan Haagen, for his work, Arborize. The Award is supported by The Mentonians Association who purchase the

CLASS OF 2021 VICTORIAN UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

work on behalf of the School.

The work becomes part of the School’s permanent art collection and is displayed for students, teachers and

Monash University (34%)

community members to enjoy.

RMIT University (18%) University of Melbourne (12%)

02

Deakin University (11%) Swinburne University (7%) TAFE (7%) Independent Institutions (3.5%) Victoria University (3%) La Trobe University (2%) Australian Catholic University (2%) Federation University (0.5%)

CLASS OF 2021 COURSE DESTINATIONS Commerce/Business (21%) Natural & Physical Sciences (18%) Health /Health Sciences/Sports Science (17%) Society & Culture (12%) Engineering & Related Studies (7%) Design (7%) Creative Arts (5%) IT/Computer Science/Data Science (5%) Architecture/Property/Building & Construction (5%) Education (2%) Agricultural, Environment and Related Studies (1%)

07

LEARNING & TEACHING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT EXPLAINED

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 5 strategies from Dylan Wiliam

There are many reasons why Mentone Grammar has impressive, sustained academic results and one of those is the classroom process of embedded Formative Assessment. We are delighted to share some insight into how and why this is such a valuable tool in our everyday learning and teaching practices.

In our classrooms, Formative Assessment can be explained as a range of techniques our teachers use to conduct in-process evaluations of students’ understanding, learning needs, and academic progress during a lesson, unit, or course. In other words, continuous formative assessments are for learning, while summative assessments measure learning at a particular point in time.

Clarifying, understanding and sharing LEARNING INTENTIONS

ACTIVATING STUDENTS as OWNERS of their own learning

Alongside RULER, being our toolbox for managing and monitoring emotional learning, Visible Learning initially focused on the ground breaking research of John Hattie. Subsequently, the School adopted educational academic, Dylan Wiliam’s, Formative Assessment Framework as a basis for teaching, as it covered many of the highest impact strategies identified in Hattie’s work.

From 2015 to 2018, staff engaged in regular professional learning that moved through the different stages of this framework, providing teachers with multiple opportunities for learning and applying new strategies within their own classrooms. Dylan’s work has had a profound impact on our classrooms and has underpinned the School’s ongoing growth in academic achievement.

Providing FEEDBACK that moves learning forward

ACTIVATING STUDENTS as learning resources for their PEERS

Mentone Grammar’s journey with Formative Assessment began back in 2013, when the School adopted an Explicit Improvement Agenda with two key strands:

VISIBLE LEARNING AND RULER

Engineering effective classroom discussions, tasks and activities that elicit EVIDENCE of LEARNING

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why Formative Assessment needs to be the priority for every school

n

what Formative Assessment is (and isn’t)

n

how to sustain the development of Formative Assessment with teacher learning communities.

Painting a picture of what our current students’ work-world will look like, Dylan reminded our staff of the need to constantly raise educational achievement in order to empower students for a future where they work with technologies. He impressed upon staff that it is a fallacy that future jobs will be made redundant by technology.

He offered many successful examples of in-class, Formative Assessment and reiterated that it should include:

Fast forward to 2022 and we were excited to have Dylan Wiliam present to our staff this year as we continue to further embed Formative Assessment in our everyday learning and teaching!

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a continuous process of checkpoints, self-assessment and shared peer assessment

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‘feedback’ that is forward looking, not reflective

With over 20 years of research and practice, Dylan shared his strategies and practical techniques of Formative Assessment, along with researched findings on:

n

assessment that should improve the learner, not the learner’s work

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students in the Formative Assessment process; to eliminate ‘flying under the radar’

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no ‘hands up’ – as only the quickest students improve.

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why we need to raise achievement

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what’s been tried, and why it hasn’t worked

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

IN OUR CLASSROOMS …

In Riviera, teacher Pip Madden engineers a more equitable learning community and elicits ‘evidence of learning’ by including age-appropriate examples such as: n

No hands up except to ask a question. Rather than waiting for students to volunteer, I randomly select a lollypop stick with a student’s name on it to respond. Students are more likely to pay attention, engage and think.

n

If a student doesn’t know how to answer a question, I offer the opportunity to ‘phone a friend’. They then repeat, evaluate or explain the given answer.

n

Alternatively, I like to use Dylan William’s crafty question, “If you did know, what might you say?”.

These strategies improve the evidence of learning I capture during a lesson, allowing me to make timely and responsive decisions about moving forwards or taking a step back to review skills or content.

I also recognise the key role that shared language plays in learning. Unpacking key vocabulary brings students and teachers together as a community of learners and allows students to participate more fully and confidently in classroom discussions and experiences.

Orchestrated activities involving word building helps to inform my teaching and at the same time activates students to be owners of their own learning and see their peers as valuable learning resources.

To move learning forward, I plan feedback that will cause students to think. I also seek to minimise the students’ emotional reaction to feedback as this distracts them from productively making use of the feedback. In English, students annotated a text and wrote responses to questions about that text. I reviewed the students work and recorded a general list of feedback - what I wanted the students to keep doing (identifying strengths in their annotations and responses) and what I wanted the students to start doing (identifying areas to improve in their annotations and responses). On each student’s work, I marked the same number of dots to show them that I had noticed something and wanted to draw their attention to it.

In the next lesson, I handed back their work with dots marked and the strips of feedback I had prepared with keep statements and start statements. I asked students to find and match the feedback with each dot. This strategy required students to actively engage with their work and my feedback. It also slowed down their emotional reaction to receiving feedback so that students could focus on moving their learning forward.’

Head of VCE Performance, Nizam Abdallah, monitoring the success of Formative Assessment at VCE level.

Within the younger years the use of: n

Mini Whiteboards (a simultaneous showing of answers)

n

Gallery Walks (review walks to gather peer feedback)

n

Exit Slips (written student responses at the end of a lessons to indicate levels of understanding)

are prominent examples of Formative Assessment. These techniques allow teachers to give effective feedback in a suitable timeframe and direct or change their lessons in real time, to the benefit of their students. This allows students the opportunity to move forward in their own learning as quickly as possible. Not only do these techniques support the teacher, practices such as self-assessments and peer feedback allow students to engage in dialogue around activities, supporting each other in looking for improvements, while letting students take more ownership of their learning.

Kris Little Year 3 Teacher

Pip Madden Year 6 Teacher ‘Formative Assessment is critical for my classroom and over time has proven its effectiveness. It helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses and target areas that need work, as well as assisting me as a teacher to know where students are struggling and to address these issues immediately.

One strategy I consistently use is the Jigsaw. Ideal for recall and collaboration, this strategy allows students to visually map key knowledge for an upcoming Summative Assessment in a group setting. This identifies areas that students feel confident in but also areas that may need further revision. This team-based structure allows group members to support each other if a particular student is unsure or is seeking clarification. A fun and effective strategy that students find engaging.’

Nizam Abdallah Head of VCE Performance

Visible Learning in action with teacher, Christine Altidis. Year 12 Business Management students collaborating to analyse, interpret and evaluate individual ideas and responses; in order to develop higher order questions and suggested responses to create a data bank of potential exam questions and scenarios.

Now that we are back to face-to-face learning, it is delightful to witness Dylan’s research in action once again and the ensuing positive outcomes, both in the short term and over time.

More about Dylan Wiliam’s educational research can be found at: dylanwiliam.org

09

STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2022 As our Community returned to Campus life, leaders young and old were badged and acknowledged for their leadership attributes and for their potential to come.

At Mentone Grammar, leadership is a privilege and an honour but, more so, an opportunity to serve others.

The School congratulates the following leaders for 2022 who will lead their peers in a variety of specialised roles.

CITATIONS EVIE STANSBY Whilst many will be aware of your outstanding achievements on a hockey pitch where you are a National representative, many will also not know that you are a high achieving cricketer, that you have represented the School in the AGSV Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country events and that, like Charlie, you have received an Academic Merit Award every semester you have been at this School.

Alongside these achievements you have represented the School at Tours and have demonstrated leadership in your House Leadership Team. You volunteer at the Black Rock Life Saving Club where you are a patrol leader. You are actively involved in House activities.

Mentone Grammar Head Prefects 2022: Evie Stansby and Charlie Daddo

You demonstrate the School Values to a very high level and you also demonstrate a great passion for your School and a passion to be a strong leader within our village.

Late in 2021, the School had the opportunity to commemorate the inaugural Lachlan McLaren Memorial Award, following Lachlan’s passing in August 2021. The Award was presented at a special ceremony by Lachie’s parents, Carey and Michelle, and his brother, Luis. This, now, annual award recognises a Year 10 student who demonstrates the traits of care and compassion for their peers, attributes that Lachie was so well known for. It was a particularly meaningful occasion as Lachie’s peer group gathered to honour Lachie’s legacy and to support each other after an incredibly challenging year. We are grateful to Michelle, Carey and Luis who, amidst their personal grief, have been so kind and generous with their time in support of others.

I am delighted to appoint you as a Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar.

CHARLIE DADDO It is rare for a student to achieve an Academic Merit Award for every semester they have been in our School but you have done this. You have kindly volunteered for School Tours regularly over the years, pursued leadership opportunities in the Cadet Unit and in your House and actively and enthusiastically engaged in School and House sport activities.

LACHLAN MCLAREN MEMORIAL AWARD

You have volunteered, over the year, with the St John’s Ambulance Service, umpired AFL football through the SMJFL and supported ANZAC Services at the Mentone RSL. You have a very genuine passion for leadership and you exhibit the School Values in an outstanding manner. Alongside your friendly demeanor and care for others I am delighted to appoint you as a Head Prefect of Mentone Grammar.

MAL CATER PRINCIPAL

Inaugural recipient Tom O’Rourke proudly accepting the Award from the McLaren family (right), along with his parents.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

SENIOR HOUSE CAPTAINS n n n n n n n n

ANDERSON – Ella James & Enrico Tirta DEIGHTON – Noah Davis, Amelia Luca & Jayde Temby DRINAN – Mia Collins & Henry Mentiplay FINLAY ANDERSON – Riley Spence & Akshay Taneja JONES – Peri Dart, Ethan Gorringe & Amelia Johnson LIONEL LARGE – Charlotte Laws & William Robertson WERE – Hayden Selby & Sophie Sibbald WHITE – Brendan Holmes & Mikayla Watson

CAPTAINS n n n n n n n n n n

ACADEMIC – Ulyana Kondratova & Ashika Sarma APPLIED LEARNING – Ella Heidecker DEBATING & PUBLIC SPEAKING – Zitong Ren & Emilie Toby INTERNATIONAL – Xianghan (Julie) Liu & Yicheng (Peter) Zhu PERFORMING ARTS – Priya Gill & Jake Newman SCHOOL TOURS – Emma Burton & James Commerford SOCIAL SERVICE – Gabrielle O’Sullivan & Georgia Stewart SPORTS – Hudson Bucci & Zoe Leaver VISUAL ARTS – Zoe Pertzel & Jevons Wang WELLBEING – Dominique Doig & Phoebe Palmer

BAYVIEW CAPTAINS 2022

BAYVIEW COCURRICULAR CAPTAINS 2022

Congratulations to Natalie Nomikos and Ned Robertson, pictured

Bayview Cocurricular Captains have all completed STRIDE

with Head of Bayview, Terry Matthew.

Leadership sessions to further develop their skills as effective leaders and role models.

RIVIERA LEADERSHIP GROUP

EBLANA LEADERSHIP GROUP

The inaugural Riviera Leadership Group includes passionate leaders

The Eblana Leadership Group includes passionate House Captains

in The Arts, Sports, Sustainability and Wellbeing.

and specialist Cocurricular Leaders in The Arts, Sports, Wellbeing and Sustainability.

EBLANA CAPTAINS 2022 Congratulations to Manny De Zoysa-Lewis and Linxi Zheng, pictured with Head of Eblana Jess Richards.

11

FOUNDERS’ DAY BETTER TOGETHER On Thursday 3 March, the School Community marked this special occasion with gratitude for the incredible work and daring vision of our School Founders.

‘The educator should ask himself, first, not will the child pass his examinations as the result of my teaching? but rather, will he be a happy and moral citizen?’

HEADMASTER HENRY TONKIN, 1923

Fast forward 99 years and our gathering began with an Acknowledgement of Country for the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where Mentone Grammar stands, and the recognition that these have always been places of teaching and learning.

We paid respect to their Elders – past, present and emerging – and acknowledged the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have played and will continue to play in our country.

Acting Principal, Jarrod O’Neill, welcomed guests and Year 12 students to the Thorold Theatre whilst the rest of the School, and Community, joined the celebration online. Founders’ Day is a marker for both reflection and progress and so it was fitting for Mr O’Neill to outline the School’s pledge to further its work and to embed ‘Inclusion’ into the fabric of Mentone Grammar life.

‘Building and nurturing our Community is even more critical in today’s complex digital world, not to mention the impacts of COVID lockdowns and isolation. So today, we don’t want to focus on social distance and disconnection, we want to celebrate our Community, our connections to each other and the importance of Inclusion.

For us, Inclusion comes out of our School Values of Caring, Respect and Service. It’s about ensuring every individual feels valued and heard. Inclusion is about embracing and celebrating our differences, but it also means different things to different people. Fundamentally, Inclusion is not just a word to be thrown around, it’s an action and one that we are all responsible for taking.

As a school, we are committed to doing more in this area and looking at what it means to be a truly inclusive community. To support this, we have developed a new Inclusion Committee that will be made up of students and staff. This Committee will meet regularly, with an open agenda, to allow staff and student voices to be heard on this important topic. …Thinking about my own actions and behaviours: Am I always being inclusive?

Do I always listen to others? Do I let hidden biases dictate how I interact with other people? I think these are important questions we all need to ask ourselves.’

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

On this our 99th Founders’ Day, we remember all who have gone before us and upon whose shoulders we stand. We reflect on a journey that began so humbly in 1923 to the wonderful, diverse school we share today. It’s also a time for us to consider what makes Mentone Grammar a place where everyone can belong.

JARROD O’NEILL ACTING PRINCIPAL

SENIOR STUDENTS, NICKY, YEAR 12 AND KEIRA, YEAR 11, SHARED REFLECTIONS AND THEIR OWN MOVING, INSPIRING STORIES OF INCLUSION

Nicky and Keira share inspirational thoughts on how any why we need to embed Inclusion into every school day.

Nicky shared three lessons he had learnt about Inclusion on his way to breaking world records in (deaf) swimming and becoming an ambassador of Deaf Children Australia: 1. There’s a big difference between feeling different from others and the feeling of being comfortable and proud of who you are as a person, despite those diversities and differences.

2. Understanding the importance of having people around you, to help you and the importance of also having people who need your help.

Keira shared her passion and understanding of Inclusion as a student who was not born in Australia. She believes that Inclusion is a very important part of building relationships with others, supporting others, being a kind person and both acknowledging and accepting others’ differences.

It means ‘that you not only accept others and their differences but view those differences as special and unique things about someone that deserve to be respected.’

3. Sometimes you need to be the one to get yourself involved, to be included.

CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT INCLUSION MEANS TO US! And so, the message of universal Inclusion and the School’s mantra of Better Together were well and truly launched as each student left with a Better Together cookie following a heartfelt video montage that reminded us all that we are definitely, better together.

FOUNDERS’ DAY CONTRIBUTORS

A great School tradition. Former Board Member John Fisher (Class of 1972) joins our Head Prefects, Evie and Charlie, together with Kayla and Jai, two of our youngest students, to cut the cake with Colonel Charles Weir’s sword.

Thank you to: Riley S, Year 12 – Acknowledgement of Country; Nicky L, Year 12 – Inclusion Reflection; Keira P, Year 11 – Inclusion Reflection; Gabrielle O, Year 12 – The Thanksgiving; Stuart Bainbridge (1997) – The Lesson, Jono Ling (2008) – School Prayer; Ned R, Year 8 Bayview Captain – The Blessing

CAKE CUTTERS John Fisher (1972), Evie S, Year 12 Head Prefect; Charlie D, Year 12 Head Prefect; Kayla W, ELC; Jai L, ELC 13

CELEBRATING

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

On 8 March each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world. It is a day that encourages everyone to strive for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Of course, this message is in complete alliance with Mentone Grammar’s Values and active pursuit of Inclusion for all. It is also a day to acknowledge the achievements of women big and small.

It celebrates those who build foundations for future generations, contribute positively and inspire change.

Mentone Grammar is incredibly proud to now be a coeducational school, and of the myriad contributions the women in our Community, past and present, make to our School every day.

We have incredible female students, mothers, teachers, carers, operational staff, alumni and board members who work tirelessly for the School and for the education of our students. They all raise the ideals for those who will follow them.

In celebration, our students joined in the messaging of the day and took time to acknowledge the strong, capable women who better their lives. They wrote personal reflections to those special to them and displayed them around the campuses. Our Wellbeing leaders were also on hand to welcome students and surprise them with IWD gifts. It was a great day that inspired a lot of thought, emotion and action and added momentum to the School’s recently formed Inclusivity Committee.

To learn more about some of Mentone Grammar’s courageous women and two of our inspiring current Mentone Grammar Board members: Kylie Watson-Wheeler and former Head Prefect, Sally Buckley, please visit: Mentone Grammar – Inspiring Women.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

PREMIER’S SPIRIT OF ANZAC PRIZE The School Community applauds Jake Newman (Year 12, 2022) who has been awarded the prestigious Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize (2021). The program offers Victorian students the opportunity to explore Australia’s significant war and peacekeeping history, with a brief to create a work that encompasses ANZAC spirit and values.

Jake (left) as a Cadet Under Officer on the Unit’s March ’22 bivouac to Puckapunyal, with CUOs Ella and Hayden.

An accomplished bassoonist, Jake created a musical composition for a wind quartet blending the bassoon, oboe, flute and clarinet.

As a current Cadet Under Officer (CUO) in the Mentone Army Cadet Unit, Jake combined both passions, being inspired by the military knowledge he has gained by being an Officer in the Unit.

‘Cadets teaches us a lot about the symbolism and importance of traditions and customs in the Army, many of which come from around that time when Australia was still forging its national identity. It has been terrific for helping me to understand the ANZAC values of mateship, ingenuity and camaraderie so I created my composition to honour all those who fought and sacrificed for our country.

Musically, my piece is designed to exemplify the ANZAC spirit through music. It is based on a key central melody, which repeats many times in different contexts, and in ways that explore the different values. The main themes are persistence, determination, and endurance, and these come through many times in many forms during the piece, including both as a small solo oboe line or a far more triumphant homophonic texture involving the flute and clarinet. Another feature is use of the octatonic scale. Hailing from the Middle East, this is used as a canon between all instruments, referencing mateship and initiative as well as being symbolic of the battle at Gallipoli.’

LISTEN TO JAKE’S PIECE Spirit of ANZAC

Jake visited Government House on 1 April to be presented with his Award.

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MARY JONES

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE ALWAYS SURPRISING!

BETTER TOGETHER 16

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

Welcome to our Early Learning Centre. Our very special place in the School was very fortunate over the past two years, as we were, mostly, able to remain open for our families, when most of the School was missing the joy of having students on Campus. It provided a peaceful place where children could connect with each other, share in the delights of being together and stay connected with their teachers and peers.

I know that we were all delighted to be able to be on Campus and enjoy the learning together, face-to-face!

However, it has been more joyful to have our whole School back and to hear the bigger students playing ‘over the back fence’ and being able to share in some of our cross-campus events. Once again, we have been able to incorporate exciting incursions at our Centre such as the thrilling Reptile Encounters and to visit and reconnect with nature, both at our local beach and our new school nature/ bush program at our Keysborough Playing Fields and at our beautiful, rustic camp on the beach at Shoreham.

It has been wonderful to, once again, be a place for new families to meet and connect; where new friends are able to organise playdates, birthday parties and social gatherings after such a long time of missed opportunities. We work hard to ensure that all families feel a strong connection to our Centre, that it is a partnership, a journey we take together to assist each child grow and develop lifelong skills necessary for success in the future. We love being part of not only each child’s life, but your families as well, and this connection stays with us. It is like an invisible thread that can never be broken!

Nationally, Harmony Day celebrates cultural diversity and social cohesion.

It's about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone, although we highlight this day on March 21st, we celebrate its meaning right throughout the year.

Throughout each child’s journey in the ELC we work on resilience, respect for each other, empathy towards peers and family, an understanding that we are all special.

We strongly believe in an inclusive practice, where we enable everyone to participate equally, confidently and independently in the everyday activities our kindergarten provides. We value the voices of our children, and they are all active participants in the decision making that occurs on a day-to-day basis within the rooms. Together, the children create a Class Charter within our RULER wellbeing framework, which is a set of agreed rules, promises and guidelines for everyone. The Charter helps children understand that they have certain rights in the classroom. These rights are important, as they help to keep them safe and happy while they learn and grow.

As educators, we cannot wait to continue this journey with them throughout 2022 and we look forward to being able to highlight some of their special achievements in future publications.

LIBBY CHISLETT DIRECTOR OF THE MARY JONES EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

So, it was the perfect opportunity for us to discuss that, ‘we are all the same, but a little bit different’, and that’s what makes life so interesting and, at times, a little challenging.

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EBLANA FOUNDATION-YEAR 4

BACK WHERE WE BELONG

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

One of the most admirable traits of Eblana is it’s sense of community. A sense of community is ‘the feeling that members have of belonging, the feeling that the members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that their needs will be met through their commitment to be together.

(MCMILLAN & CHAVIS, 1986)

Eblana is a dynamic learning space and our students continue to impress us with what they can achieve in a short stretch of time.

Eblana is a great example of a community, a small close knit group that looks after each other. Our students use the Mentone Grammar Values to guide their interactions and choices, and at the start of the 2022 year they welcomed a large number of new faces to our Community. I am proud to have observed how our students embraced these new members and very quickly made them feel at home in their new school.

In that connection, no doubt the highlight for Term 1 in Eblana is always the celebration of Harmony Day. On this day students wear orange as a symbol of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. Students are asked to reflect on their experiences and themselves as both students in Eblana and as citizens in the world. This year our students were encouraged to consider the world they live in and how they, as individuals, can impact and improve this world with a particular focus on ‘Inclusion’ and ‘Everyone Belongs’ – what this means to them and to our School. Our Year 4 leaders read thoughtful messages of hope and harmony before the whole Campus enjoyed sharing some fun time together blowing bubbles and reflecting on the day’s meaning.

We truly are blessed here in Eblana!

JESS RICHARDS HEAD OF EBLANA

VALUES RESPECT

INTEGRITY

I know everyone is different and special.

I give others a chance to speak. I tell them the truth.

I tell the truth.

I do my very best all the time.

ENDEAVOUR It is sometimes hard to do my best but I always keep trying.

VALUES help us to be better people.

CARING I look after myself.

I look after other people.

RESILIENCE

DISCIPLINE I behave well.

I work hard.

I follow the rules.

OUR EBLANA CAPTAINS LINXI AND MANNY SHARED THESE MESSAGES OF INCLUSION WITH THEIR PEERS

SERVICE I like to help other people. I don’t need people to give me anything when I help them.

I help myself feel better if things don’t always go like I want them to.

I can always ask someone for help.

SHAPING

OUR FUTURE

I think inclusivity means to treat everyone equally. It also means accepting others without judging them by race, religion, looks, gender or their sexual orientation.

I also think inclusivity is about respecting diversity and showing tolerance.

I show inclusivity by including others when I play at lunch and recess, no matter who they are. People should always include others.

Everyone is like a single little brick in a brick wall. Every brick is also different in many ways. If just one brick is not included, then the brick wall is not stable. If the brick wall is not stable, then the brick wall will fall. If the brick wall falls, the brick wall is nothing but a pile of rubble and dust. So, we must include everyone, or else life won’t be that fun.

LINXI EBLANA CAPTAIN 2022

MANNY EBLANA CAPTAIN 2022

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RIVIERA YEARS 5 & 6

We are thrilled to commence Term 1 on campus and look forward to providing Riviera students with the opportunity to reconnect with friends, teachers and the broader School Community. Together with the Riviera teachers, our goal is to foster a positive environment, where every student feels included and nurtured in their learning.

We are confident that the Years 5 & 6 students will have a wonderful journey in Riviera, and we look forward to seeing them flourish socially, emotionally and academically.

RIVIERA 20

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

Commencing as the new leadership team of Riviera Campus, we have both enjoyed the activities and interaction that each new day has brought us.

As a Campus, we have focused on Mentone Grammar Values, particularly the value of Respect as we reconnect and resettle into learning and working together. It is never far from our minds that the last two years have significantly impacted the lives, learning and development of our young people. As part of our focus on Respect we are seeking to build and reinforce positive relationships, work habits and resilience so that our students can be supported to be the best versions of themselves. Sitting alongside the value of Respect has also been a focus on Kindness: kindness to ourselves, each other and our Community as we know that ‘every day is a great day to show kindness’.

At the start of the year, we welcomed many new students and staff to Riviera. It has been really pleasing to see returning students and staff reach out to support and guide our new Community members as they have settled into their roles and classes. It is clear in the Keith Jones Learning Centre, that there is a sense of togetherness and inclusivity. This is so often evident in our daily activities but even more so when we have had students working offsite self-isolating. Members of each class have regularly reached out to include those who are working at home to ensure connections remain with their peers and that they are able to take part in as many lessons and gatherings as possible.

A common sighting around the rooms and in assembly are laptops with members of our community joining in and collaborating wherever possible, despite the challenges of time at home.

In a short time, we have seen our students engage in many rewarding learning opportunities as well as a range of cocurricular activities. We started the term with the inaugural Riviera House Swimming, our first gathering as a Campus where we witnessed great sportsmanship, energy and participation. Similar activities have seen students come together to share in the joy of participation and collaboration.

At our first assembly, we were delighted to have Acting Principal, Jarrod O’Neill, present each member of Riviera with a commemorative badge as the founding members of the Campus. Students wear these with pride and show a strong sense of connection to Riviera.

We have been most impressed with the visible leadership qualities of so many of our students. We are approached weekly by students with various suggestions for assemblies or initiatives for the Campus.

Most recently, our Class Captains have taken responsibility for organising and running our Riviera assembly. Both staff and students commented on their outstanding efforts.

Late in Term 1, Year 5 students and staff had a wonderful time exploring Sovereign Hill. Learning Journeys such as this offer student opportunities to thrive and connect in a different way – learning and living alongside each other for the three days.

We are very much looking forward to sharing the ongoing journey of 2022 with all members of Riviera Campus and the wider Mentone Grammar Community.

MARY CRAVEN

ANGELA O’CONNELL

HEAD OF RIVIERA

DEPUTY HEAD OF RIVIERA

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BAYVIEW YEARS 7 & 8

It has been a very positive start in Bayview and a joy to be back. We have welcomed several new staff to our Bayview team including Jayne Sheumack as our Year 8 Coordinator and Angus Todd and Jacqui Cartwright as our Assistant Coordinators. Our Year 7s also moved to their new Year 7 precinct and have quickly made it their home. Our goal for this term was to help the students reconnect with one another, to provide them with as many opportunities both inside and outside the classroom as possible and to remind them that everyone is welcome in our Mentone Grammar family.

We have certainly achieved this goal. Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights of 2022 so far.

IT’S GREAT

TO BE BACK!

TERRY MATTHEW HEAD OF BAYVIEW

YEAR 7 The new Year 7 Learning Precinct has been an exciting new space for the Class of 2027 to explore. The area is open and inviting and the classrooms are fresh and new. The Hall is a relaxed and comfortable space especially suited for small group work and board games. While the ping pong tables have been a real hit, undoubtedly, a key favourite is the wide Frogmore oval with its spongy grass and open atmosphere.

All Year 7 Mentors have been impressed that such a large cohort has quickly learned the expectations and social norms required. In particular, during Mentor class, assemblies, and in daily discourse, the School Values of Respect and Caring have been emphasised. In classes and during break times, it has been rewarding to see the students showing genuine concern for one another and helping each other out. They kindly wait for each other before heading off to the Creativity Centre, they call in a buddy to join a class online if they are stuck at home with COVID-19, and they invite each other to join downball games.

Mentor sessions at Mentone Grammar, have been established to help the students reach key developmental goals, in particular, social and emotional skills. In Year 7, each class has created a Class Charter. This helps to establish the emotional climate. The Charter is a collaborative document outlining how students aspire to treat each other. Together, the class describes how they want to feel at School, the behaviours that foster those feelings, and guidelines for preventing and managing unwanted feelings and conflict. By working together to build the Charter, the students establish common goals and hold each other accountable for creating the positive climate they envision. The Charter is a joint mission statement for the learning and working environment they pledge to maintain.

OFF TO SHOREHAM! It feels like 2022 started off on fast forward, however, after our previous two years of relentless isolation we have been more than happy to have our Year 7 Learning Journeys underway. For some groups their feet barely hit Mentone Grammar soil before they were whisked away and found themselves excitedly chatting on a bus as it meandered over hills and on tree lined roads to our Shoreham campsite. For many, this was to be their very first visit, and for others the surroundings represent a familiarity likened to that of returning home. Not only were the three-day Learning Journeys the perfect opportunity to socialise, reconnect and develop strong relationships with classmates, our outdoor education staff, James and Jen, created numerous great experiences to ensure students enjoyed an absolute action-packed three days. Our Year 7 students have brought nothing but an abundance of energy and enthusiasm to every single activity. They have scrambled to great heights at tree surfing, showcased their creativity during sand sculpting competitions, they’ve hiked, snorkelled, taken a dip with dolphins and seals and donned their ‘wetties’ to surf some ‘narly’ waves at Point Leo. To top it all off, they also challenged one another to cricket matches, basketball knock-out competitions and table tennis tournaments. There wasn’t a dull moment and there certainly wasn’t much time to be idle.

Our goal was simple - socialise, be inclusive, create great memories, reconnect, but most importantly build strong friendships amongst classmates.

ACHIEVED! ELLI MONRO & JACQUI CARTWRIGHT YEAR 7 COORDINATORS

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

YEAR 8 DISCOVERING THE OUTBACK Making up for lost time, our Year 8s have finally been able to fly off and experience the rare beauty and unique culture of Central Australia.

Our students flew into Yulara and spent their first afternoon viewing the magnificent Uluru. After a beautiful sunset, everyone slept under the stars in swags and tents, a truly unique experience.

It was particularly hot in the Centre, so it was up early each morning to beat the heat. The next four days involved trips to Kata Tjuta, hikes through the Valley of the Winds and the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon, a visit to the Cultural Centre to learn Indigenous Australian stories, a trip to Lilla Outstation to visit sacred water holes and rock paintings, and a visit to the Watarrka school to learn from the Watarrka elders.

Despite the prevailing heat, students had a great time exploring a newfound part of Australia and learning more about the world’s oldest living culture.

PROJECT ROCKIT In keeping with our School’s ongoing thought leadership around Inclusion, our Year 8 students attended a bullying awareness incursion with the team from Project Rockit. The engaging and insightful presentation included video scenarios, interactive games, and group discussions with the goal of giving students tools to respond to cyber bullying and negative online activity. Students were also presented with helpful strategies for dealing with uncomfortable situations and navigating social media to ensure they have positive experiences in the online world.

Overall, students found the presentation helpful and informative and are using their newfound knowledge in their daily lives.

OUR LEADERS Under the strong leadership of our Bayview Captains, Ned Robertson and Natalie Nomikos as well as our Wellbeing Captain, Ella Whitaker, 25 students have been elected into the Bayview Leadership Team.

Since their election, the Team has been busy thinking of ways to improve students’ experiences in Bayview.

They have also stepped up by planning, developing and running Year 8 assemblies in Term 1.

In order to develop their leadership skills further, the Bayview Leadership Team participated in a full day program delivered by STRIDE Education. Throughout the day, students worked on their communication and empathy skills by engaging in a series of purposebuilt skill-building activities. They were challenged and pushed out of their comfort zones but left with a sense of achievement and belief that they can make a difference in our Campus. Some of the thinking from these insightful sessions include:

Being inclusive is giving people a chance. Noah H Being inclusive is understanding that not everyone is like you, but still listening to other peoples' voices and making an effort to support them and see them as individuals. Michael K Being inclusive is truly understanding and connecting all individuals from different backgrounds. Raphael W Being inclusive is listening to what everyone has to say no matter what. Campbell B Being inclusive is to connect and listen to a person.

When we empathise with someone it is easy to accept them no matter their differences and acknowledge that these differences are what make us special. Reahn O Being inclusive is to be welcoming to everyone and inviting people to come chat with you. Georgina S Being inclusive in School is allowing everyone, regardless of race, gender or any such factors to talk and spend time with you. It also means that you listen and respect them. Utkarsh G Being inclusive is to be kind, thoughtful and welcoming to others. Hudson C Being inclusive is to be accommodating and genuine to others, regardless of any factors like race, gender or how they treat you. Lucas W JAYNE SHEUMACK & ANGUS TODD YEAR 8 COORDINATORS

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GREENWAYS YEAR 9 CAMPUS

The year started with great excitement and anticipation for our Greenways students of 2022. After a well-deserved summer break, they arrived back on Campus to receive their new Greenways fleeces. It was so pleasing to see our new cohort settle quickly and find their place in a new learning environment. Before we knew it, we were straight back into the busy days that the class of 2022 are now well used to. We started the year with a Greenways Assembly on the oval and by Week 2 students were beginning to experience the myriad activities on offer.

NO LOOKING

BACK

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

Our popular Greenways Café is back in action, staffed by our students who are so delighted to be able to have families back to the Café to have a coffee and a treat. The excitement of having friends and classmates work in the Greenways Café was felt immediately, and the line to buy muffins, noodles and toasted bagels seemed never ending.

Off Campus, our students have begun to explore the City of Melbourne, the waters of Port Philip Bay and even undertake a day with Mordialloc Surf Life Saving Club as they begin to prepare for their Learning Journeys later in the year. These trips will see them exploring Victoria and, throughout the year, they will travel to places as far away as The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu and The Blue Mountains.

Each opportunity has allowed students to reconnect with each other while exploring the ways in which they feel included in their community; what inclusion means and how they can incorporate the idea of inclusion into their own lives.

All classes have had their first taste of Year 9 Learning Journeys. A week exploring the Urban Community saw students focus on the theme of Inclusion, which underpinned a variety of programs offered. Sessions with Ceres Community Environment Park, The Man Cave, The Big Issue, The Intersection and Elite Wellbeing focused on a range of themes including empathy, environment, physical and mental health and, most significantly, inclusion. Each opportunity has allowed students to reconnect with each other while exploring the ways in which they feel included in their community; what inclusion means and how they can incorporate the idea of inclusion into their own lives.

Saturday Sport has been in full swing, and it was fantastic to see our Greenways students representing Mentone teams in a wide variety of sports and athletic pursuits. We also had a number of students in the S.M.A.R.T Program, using their Saturdays to explore their passions in Creative Arts and Technology.

The House Swimming Carnival provided an opportunity for Greenways students to connect with students from the Frogmore Campus as they represented their House with great pride and endeavour. New program structures now enable greater interaction with Frogmore students, particularly regarding Sport and with cocurricular offerings. This will be very beneficial for Greenways students and their eventual transition into the Frogmore Campus.

The Greenways cohort have so much to look forward to as the year progresses, including trips to Shoreham, the continuation of the Greenways Café Program, Interstate Learning Journeys and an introduction to their Mentone Grammar Cadet journey. It promises to be an exciting and fast-moving year, and the joy of reconnection and growth is already in abundance.

JULIE JAMES

CATHERINE POULTON

HEAD OF GREENWAYS

DEPUTY HEAD OF GREENWAYS

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FROGMORE SENIOR YEARS 10-12

With the completion of Term 1, I would like to commend all Frogmore students on the way they have started their year. Our students have once again demonstrated that they can continue to be agile and engaged learners, making the most of the opportunities in the classroom. They continue to be supported by fantastic staff members who ensure students are able to achieve their best.

With the theme of Reconnection being at the forefront, the Frogmore Campus began with a flurry of events including the Year 12 Conference Day, Year 11 and Year 12 Formals, a Lunar lunch, Swimming Sports, Year 10 Cadets, a Year 10 Learning Journey, the Limelight Concert, Shave for a Cure and enjoyable excursions and incursions. We even held a Celebration Evening for our Year 12 students who graduated in 2021. There was a lot packed into the term and our students were able to reconnect though the fantastic opportunities Frogmore has on offer. While Covid-19 continued to provide us with challenges, we remained determined to return to as much of our normal program as possible whilst assessing risk and adjusting as needed. As a Community, we are all the better for being together once again.

The Year 10 Learning Journey was a first for Mentone Grammar. The trip was created to enable our students to establish strong relationships with their Mentor group and House Coordinators as they become part of the Frogmore House system. The opportunity to enjoy surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, dolphin and seal cruises, high ropes, a survival course and the famous trivia night, were all an added bonus. At the core of our School philosophy is the understanding that student achievement and success is underpinned by health and happiness, which is connected through the House system. Despite some COVID disruptions we were still able to achieve our aim of reconnecting and friendship building. The feedback from both parents and students has been overwhelmingly positive.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

I would like to congratulate all the Year 10 students, thank parents and guardians for their support and acknowledge the fantastic work of our dedicated staff, who ensured the trip away was a success.

On Thursday 3 March we celebrated our 99th Founders’ Day. The theme of the day was to celebrate our Community through the notion and actions of Reconnection and Inclusion. On that day we heard from Frogmore students who told their stories that demonstrated the importance of inclusivity in the Mentone Community.

Many of our Captains have also added their thoughts on the importance of reconnection and being a truly inclusive community.

JASON MANN HEAD OF FROGMORE

Reconnection is very important. That is, after the disconnection from Years 10 and 11, I have come back to Frogmore and it’s both familiar yet strange. Reconnection for me, is to say ‘hi’ to friends who I haven't see for a long time, and to listen to Ms Lane talk about her fascinating stories over and over again, and to be in Maths tutorials, asking lots of questions again. I had lost that over the ‘big break', and I am keen to reconnect with all these things again.

Inclusion to me, is just as important. I feel inclusion is all about being able to consider a problem, and then see it from other people's eyes. Including a person in a group means to understand and accept their value. Whenever there is a disagreement, we can at least come to an understanding of points of view from both sides.

YICHENG ZHU INTERNATIONAL CAPTAIN 2022

Inclusive isn't just accepting, it's about respecting and understanding.

XIANGHAN LIU INTERNATIONAL CAPTAIN 2022

Reconnection can take on numerous forms. Whether it be reconnecting with peers, reconnecting with academics or reconnecting with ourselves, it is an imperative step in thriving in all aspects of life. Following a difficult two years where it has been hard to form connections, we are now grateful for the opportunities we have to rebuild our relationships with friends, family, teachers and ourselves. As Academic Captains we strive to assist everyone with this process, whether it be inside or outside a classroom environment.

In our eyes, the key to inclusivity is understanding. Within the academic realm, we endeavour to consider different ways in which individuals learn, and what we need do to help them to achieve their personal best. Being inclusive means acknowledging the unique range of goals students have as well as their personal motivation. Ultimately, we can achieve inclusion of students through appreciation of our differences when it comes to learning and achievement.

ULYANA KONDRATOVA AND ASHIKA SHARMA ACADEMIC CAPTAINS 2022

Thank you to all the courageous students and staff who shaved their head to aid further research into blood cancers.

SOCIAL SERVICE

VCAL

As Social Service Captains, our role is to lead a team that encourages our School to reach out to those who need our help.

The Team welcomes everyone from Years 9 – 12 who is passionate about helping the community. Inclusion is a huge part of the Social Service team, where everyone’s ideas are respected and valued. This year we aim to reconnect Mentone Grammar students with those in need, especially those who need support after the tricky few years we’ve had. We also aim to reconnect with the many charitable organisations we have supported prior to 2020. Most recently we have reached out to the Leukaemia Foundation and hosted a World’s Greatest Shave event which was a huge success. So far we have raised over $12000.

The VCAL program is designed as an alternative route for students at Mentone Grammar. Those of us in VCAL pride ourselves on being inclusive of all students who wish to take this pathway, either as an option to start their career or as an alternative to VCE. The program is very flexible to ensure that everyone has a personalised experience and are included in every activity and camp we run. One of the best things about VCAL is the community we create within the wider Community of Mentone Grammar. We do this by way of projects that benefit everyone, such as our pizza lunches and our current project to improve the Year 12 Study Centre. In return, we enjoy a lot of support and connection with the whole school.

GEORGIA STEWART AND GABRIELLE O’SULLIVAN

ELLA HEIDECKER VCAL CAPTAIN 2022

SOCIAL SERVICE CAPTAINS 2022

RECONNECTION AND INCLUSION YEAR 12 CONFERENCE 2022

Head Prefects Charlie and Evie thank Jonathan and Jesse for motivating Year 12s with inspiring thought leadership on bigger world issues.

INVITED SPEAKERS: JESSE AND JONATHAN Creators and business entrepreneurs of Memobottle – a peninsula based creative initiative with the aim to change public perception on reusable water bottles by encouraging a change of thinking by way of providing an on-trend practical product.

SPORTS As Sports Captains, we know that not all students are sport fanatics and that having different interests is amazing. Everyone is worthy of having fun and being included in all scenarios, which is why we have been discussing and coming up with many ideas and events to run that will appeal to everyone and their preferred activities.

Every person is different and that is why it is important that we connect and include as many people as possible during sport, every day.

ZOE LEAVER AND HUDSON BUCCI SPORT CAPTAINS 2022

8 LIFE LESSONS FOR YEAR 12s 1. Life will not be dictated by the decisions you make now.

2. Goal Setting. Short term to long term – this week to this year.

3. 80-20 principle: that 80% of outcomes (or outputs) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs) for any given event. In business, a goal of the 80-20 rule is to identify inputs that are potentially the most productive and make them the priority. For instance, once managers identify factors that are critical to their company's success, they should give those factors the most focus.

4. Resilience: Life is about making mistakes. Learn from them.

5. Step outside your comfort zone. The best things happen there.

6. You are an average of the five people around you. Make sure you surround yourself with good people. No oxygen thieves.

7. Focus on the solution, don’t dwell on the problem.

8. Just ‘give it a go’. Believe in yourself. You can refine things later. But just start.

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SINGING, PAINTING, DESIGNING WE’RE BACK!

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

PERFORMING ARTS

THE ARTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE OF GREAT CONNECTION AND INCLUSION AND IT’S GREAT TO SEE AND HEAR THE CENTRE HUMMING ONCE AGAIN.

PERFORMING ARTS 2022 The Performing Arts are back!

Although we never truly left, we are happy to leave the green screen and streaming behind and, once again, offer a full calendar of spectacular in-house productions.

Live music and appreciative audiences have never sounded so good. With 22 soloists and small ensembles, we were thrilled to fill the Thorold Theatre, once again, with our first concert for the year, Limelight. A selection of stunning ensemble performances filled the theatre with the sounds and joy that only a live event can bring. It set the stage for our many upcoming theatre productions and a winter showcase of enthusiastic dancers, singers, actors and musicians.

The Creativity Centre is bustling and noisy once again. Auditions, rehearsals and private tuition sessions have been underway since the beginning of the year and the joy of reconnection has filled every space in the Centre. We look forward to opening bookings and sharing the love of performance with our Community once again.

GAVIN CORNISH HEAD OF PERFORMING ARTS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

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VISUAL

ARTS VISUAL ARTS 2022

Past students reconnecting with current students is the type of relationship that is fostered in the Visual Arts. Now that we are back in class and, once again, enjoying our state-of-the-art Creativity Centre, we can build on those connections.

Harry Kingston (2018), recently spoke to our senior Visual Arts students outlining how the skills he had learnt at School have been applied to his Degree in Architecture at Monash University. Harry completed both Art and VCD in his final year at Mentone Grammar and received the Premier’s Award for Visual Communication Design and was selected for Top Arts at the National Gallery of Victoria. His presentation centred around how the skills and knowledge he acquired in Year 12 transferred to his tertiary degree and current employment. Harry has also been involved with our tutoring program that allows him to work oneon-one with VCD and Art students after school, assisting with folio development and helping prepare for exams.

Inclusion in Visual Arts is centred around our gallery exhibition space within the Creativity Centre. Displaying student work can help students learn from one another through social interactions and having a common dialogue for learning. Students can be inspired by viewing the work of their fellow classmates.

Viewing actual artworks gives students the opportunity to explore the textures of sculptures up close, the drapery dangling off an installation, and the scale of a large canvas. This places art in a completely different perspective to viewing it on a phone or a laptop. We are so excited to be teaching once again in our Creativity Centre.

T

KIM WOOTTON HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

Former student and award-winning artist, Harry Kingston, tutors Year 12 Visual Arts students to help them reconnect with their art and their creativity.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

TECHNOLOGIES TECHNOLOGIES 2022 Experiencing the breath of life back into our Technologies facilities this year has been nothing short of remarkable! It has allowed both students and teachers alike to resume the highly practical and social elements of our teaching and learning the makes our areas of study so unique and engaging.

The aroma of cooking emanating from our kitchen has resumed, wafting through the lower levels of the Creativity Centre once more. Much the same, the zipping and whirring of our programmable robots can be heard again along with the humming and buzzing of our 3D printers and laser cutter.

Such signs of life have been a long time coming, and while our time away has still managed to change some things for the better, its inspiring to see our students explore their creativity and problem-solving skills in such a way that only technology subjects can provide.

As we initially work through developing our skills, knowledge, and design solutions, the following terms promise to be a hive of activity as we launch into putting our various concepts and ideas into production; in turn, acknowledging the industry-based processes and outcomes we pride ourselves on delivering and achieving. We look forward to showcasing our many productions and installations later in the year.

ANTHONY BACON HEAD OF TECHNOLOGIES

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A SUMMER OF SPORT

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

RECONNECTING THROUGH

SPORT

The 2022 Summer Sport season saw many outstanding achievements across all sports. Although shortened, the five-week fixture kicked off four days after school commenced, with four weeks being played in glorious sunshine and then one weekend being washed out by a torrential downpour. The Firsts teams enjoyed an extended season, playing matches against all schools who entered teams in the respective Firsts divisions. It was great to be back.

Our Firsts teams results were strong in both Girls’ and Boys’ fixtures. Our Girls’ Softball and Volleyball teams approached preseason training with positive attitudes, committed to producing to the best of their ability. With succession plans always in mind, our Girls’ Firsts teams often included students from younger year levels, and this was very much the case this season with students from Year 8 training and playing in our Firsts teams.

Our Boys’ Firsts teams had a significant turnover from the previous season. The Basketball, Cricket and Tennis teams fought hard throughout the season. The ladders at the end of the year demonstrated how close the competitions were from third place through to eighth place. Our Volleyball team produced an excellent season, only being defeated by the two teams who ultimately faced off in the Grand Final, with the Mentone Boys finishing the year in third place. Also finishing in third was the Boys’ Swimming team.

The team recorded an excellent result at the AGSV Swimming Carnival and were up against some exceptional swimmers within the AGSV. With great excitement, two of our Firsts teams achieved the ultimate success in the Summer of 2022. Led by Monique Zahra, our resilient Girls’ Swimming team defeated some strong schools to claim the AGSV Swimming Premierships by an impressive 39 points. There is no doubt that the encouragement and support they all shared, was a driving force. In true Mentone spirit, our hardworking Girls’ Firsts Touch Football team completed an undefeated season, winning their last home and away match to claim the title.

All students who contributed to these teams should be proud of their achievements – well done girls!

Congratulations to all students on their enthusiastic approach to Sport over Summer and special mention to all our Firsts teams for challenging themselves to train hard to produce such a wonderful set of results.

STUART BAINBRIDGE DIRECTOR OF SPORT (SHARED)

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TOUCH FOOTBALL PREMIERS! Thirteen talented girls made up the final squad. Zoe Leaver, not just a gifted athlete but also a genuine leader, was voted in as Captain and Amy Watkins and Mia Collins as Vice Captains.

We received the draw and very quietly circled the game against Caulfield Grammar, but we knew we had to use the old cliché and take it one game at a time. With season wins against Haileybury, Carey Grammar, PEGS, Ivanhoe Grammar and Peninsula Grammar it set up a ‘winner takes all’ final round against the, also, undefeated Caulfield Grammar that boasted some of Victoria’s best junior talent.

This was the game we earmarked as the one we wanted. We had done all the work and prepared the best that we could. We were ready. As the game got closer, a big crowd gathered and the girls starting to get a little nervous. Some calming words by Captain Zoe and a rev-up by Ash, the girls came out running. We pulled out to a 4-1 lead but to Caulfield’s credit they didn’t give up and kept coming back at us. We would eventually go into half time 5-4 up with Mikki scoring her second as well as Mia Collins, Zoe and Lucy. The second half was a grind and it was a matter of which team would crack first. A second half double to Lucy as well as tries to Mia and Amy got the crowd going, but the biggest roar of the evening came when Ash Rundmann stepped on the field. She finally had an opportunity to make her season debut in the dying minutes of the game as our six Year 12s finished off the game for an entertaining 9-6 victory.

The moments after that are ones to remember. Our supporters came from everywhere for a massive team Wogga and the tears flowed. The pressure was finally off and the girls had achieved what they set out to achieve. Six in a row!

2022 REPRESENTATIVES Zoe Leaver was selected in the Victorian Women’s Open team in Coffs Harbour for the third time. Zoe is also the inaugural Captain of the AGSV Representative team.

Mia Collins, Mikki Watson, Amy Watkins, Zoe Leaver and Arabelle Jeffery have all been selected as AGSV Touch Representatives.

THANK YOU We are very thankful to our Year 12s for helping our sport to continue to grow and at the same time leaving a legacy for the next generation. To Zoe, Mia, Ash, Amy, Mikki and Riley, it has been a lot of fun coaching you over the past few years. A special mention to the leadership group, without you pushing this program the way you have, we would not have had the success we have. Great work.

We have all heard that a good team culture is the key to success.

That is very much the case with this group. Thank you for giving Touch Football a go. To start a brand new sport from Year 7 sounds daunting but you gave it a go and wanted to be the best players you could be for your School. You are all great role models for the next generation of players. We achieved our goals, and you all grew as athletes. I thank the School, Stuart Bainbridge and staff and the parents, (who admitted they didn’t know what they were watching most of the time), for supporting us wholeheartedly. Thank you.

ELIES EL CHAAR TOUCH FOOTBALL COACH

(Except from Sport Awards Evening speech – 30 March 2022)

Thank you to the Sports Department and everyone who has supported Touch Football over the years.

To Elias, the culture and environment you have created around Touch Football over the last seven years has been unmatched.

Not only have you taught us everything we know about Touch, but you have showed me how to be leader, how to create an amazing team culture and how to truly love a sport. You deserve this ‘six-peat’ more than anyone else.

To everyone who came and watched us throughout the season, students, teachers, Mentonians and Mr O’Neill, even out at Haileybury, you’re all the best. The atmosphere you all created on our final game was amazing, and it was such an honour to be able to play amongst it and ‘Wogga’ with you all. You genuinely pushed us over the edge and I’m so glad we could pull together another undefeated season for you all.

And finally, to the girls, I am beyond proud of every single one of you. To have had the honour to captain such a talented and hardworking group is something I will never forget.

To my Year 12s, you have been by my side this whole ride and I can’t express how grateful I am for each one of you, especially Ash, I know how hard this season must have been for you on the sidelines, but I cannot describe how much of an impact you had on this team. Then to the ‘little ones’, you girls have grown and improved so much this season. You all have so much ahead of you and I am so excited to see where you all can go.

ZOE LEAVER CAPTAIN 2022

(Excerpt from Celebration Assembly speech – 28 March 2022)

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

SWIMMING CHAMPS! TRUE GRIT On Friday 25 March, MSAC proved a happy hunting ground once again as our Girls’ Swimming team made history by winning the championship by an impressive margin of 39 points. At a special assembly the following Monday morning, Swimming Captain, Monique Zahra, shared the following: Good morning Mentone. As most of you would be aware the AGSV Swimming Championship was held last Friday. I would like to begin by acknowledging Louis, my fellow Captain. You led the boys with passion and determination. All the boys swam with courage and grit, fighting in every single race, placing a deserving third, overall.

To my girls…you went out there with your eyes on the target and gave it absolutely everything in every single race. The support you showed for each other was exceptional and truly showed the kind of team we are, which is a very special one. To the younger girls in the team, I hope you took in all the screams from your friends and supporters and the atmosphere. I wish I could go back to Year 7 and experience it all over again – these nights are so precious and before you know it, you will be in Year 12 doing your very last swim, so make every second count.

To the Year 12 girls, I am honoured to have experienced that night with such a beautiful group of women. Your resilience throughout the years of impossibly slim losses then COVID-19, shows how strong you all are, and it is just amazing we were able to go out with an absolute bang.

To the girls who couldn’t be there with us on the night, our thoughts were with you in each of our swims. Each and every one of you has trained so hard and put in so much work, I could not have asked for more. Hold your heads extremely high and thank you for selecting me to be your Captain. I was honoured to have been able to lead such a memorable and humble group of girls to a victory, won by all.

A huge shoutout to Mr Bainbridge and his team for organising everything from trials through to team selections and to making sure our competition didn’t know what was about to hit them.

Thank you to our coaches, Andrew and Josh, for dealing with us on those early mornings and for pushing us to achieve what we did.

MONIQUE ZAHRA GIRLS’ SWIMMING CAPTAIN 2022

(Excerpt from Celebration Assembly speech – 28 March 2022)

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FROM THE CHAPLAINS AN INCLUSIVE SCHOOL The intention of Anglican schools was never to be a cosy club for Anglicans but rather to seek to be a blessing to the communities of which they are a part. This has certainly been the experience at Mentone Grammar which, since its founding, has sought to be a place of welcome and inclusion to all who learn and play within its boundaries.

Our School is surprisingly diverse. If you consider the religious beliefs of our students according to our enrolment data, we have 24 different religious traditions represented.

Being an inclusive school, a significant group is the ‘no religion’ group. You would have to go a fair way back in the history of our School to find a time when the number of students with Anglican backgrounds outnumbered those with non-Anglican backgrounds. Our School Values of Respect, Caring, Discipline, Endeavour, Integrity, Resilience and Service are derived from our Anglican beliefs and are broad enough to be respected and embraced by every student.

While we operate out of the Anglican tradition, we welcome students of all faith backgrounds and none. We seek to be a place where young people can share their opinions and learn from the dynamic learning community that a diverse school enables and facilitates.

My religious education classroom conversations are greatly enriched by the contribution that students of different faith traditions make and the thoughtful questioning that comes from those students with no faith background.

Inclusion comes from our belief that all our students are made in God’s image and that we are all God’s children.

Students come to our School in the knowledge that they will be welcomed and included and that their differences will be appreciated and valued. Our School has been, and continues to be, greatly enriched by valuing the contribution that each and every student makes to it.

REV. ANDREW STEWART CHAPLAIN

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

ON FOUNDERS’ DAY 2022 WHEN WE, AS A SCHOOL, COMMITTED TO THE PROMISE OF GREATER INCLUSION FOR ALL, SHARED THE FOLLOWING PRAYER. IT WAS A FITTING WAY TO END WHAT WAS A TRULY UPLIFTING SERVICE THAT REMINDED US ALL TO CONTINUE AND HONOUR THE GREAT WORK THAT OUR FOUNDERS PUT IN PLACE 99 YEARS AGO.

FOUNDERS’ DAY PRAYER Loving God we give thanks for our School. We give thanks for its rich history and heritage which we have celebrated in this assembly and we look to the building of its future in the lives of the current generation of students and staff.

As we look to celebrating the Centenary of our School next year enable us to continue to build a school where all are welcomed and included and where every student feels like they belong.

Empower us to freely share our gifts and abilities knowing that we are part of a community of care with the encouragement and support to be our best.

Enable us to continue to forge the bonds of compassion and respect with all those we encounter at School.

Gracious God, as we go out from this gathering we pray for your continued blessing upon our School and upon all those who learn and work within it.

Amen

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MENTONE GRAMMAR

FOUNDATION BUILDING FUND 2022 Mr A & Mrs S Rodgers Mr R & Mrs D Rose Mrs N & Mr S Knight Mr Y & Mrs B Xiong Mr Y Huang & Mrs Y Li Mr G & Mrs L MacMillan Mr J & Mrs S Rosaia Mr Z Shi & Ms J Sun Mr R & Mrs N Lorinc Mr X Cai & Mrs X Duan Mr Y Wang & Ms Y Jin Mr Murray & Mrs Felicity Thomlinson Mr M & Mrs N Wloszczak Mr G & Mrs Z Watt Mr R Aujard & Ms K Hatton Mr P & Mrs M Mellas Mr S Thompson & Dr S Mackenzie Mr M & Mrs S Bowman Mr J & Mrs M Cooper Mr A Roest & Ms J Van Der Scheer Mr M Stott & Mrs E Walch Mr J Wang & Miss Y Zhang Mr P & Mrs K Ursprung Mr S & Mrs K McDonell Mr T & Mrs K Kelly Mr C Barlow Mr G & Mrs H Schmidt Mr K Davies & Ms A McVean Mr A Palai & Mrs J Chauhan Mr B & Mrs A Griffiths Mr S & Mrs B May Mr K & Mrs N Blacow Mr I & Mrs K Bohlken Mr K Tyagi & Ms B Woodhoo Mr R & Mrs K Watson Mr L Wan & Mrs W Zhang Mr J Revens & Dr F Lau Revens Dr A Tucker & Dr J Selman Mr B Ong & Ms M Yoshimura Mr A & Mrs J York Mr B & Mrs L Baker Miss J Humble Mr A & Mrs S Gowan Mr N & Mrs L Antoniou Mr A & Mrs K Batty Mr M Mairs & Ms A Byers Mr M & Mrs J Staunton Mr A & Mrs M Austin Dr Z Hossain & Dr F Quamar Beck and David McCowan Mrs C & Mr A Kemp Mr O & Mrs S Bridge Mr Z He & Mrs Q Chen Mr M & Mrs S Cirkovic Mr P & Mrs D Stilianos Ms Janette Grunfelder Prof A & Mrs N Haydon Mr J Papagiannis Paul Brady Mr D & Mrs J Nicol Mr R & Mrs N Isaksson Mr Y Duan & Ms P Li

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Mr P Crew & Ms G Manger Mr A & Mrs S Lansdell-Clarke Mr B & Mrs L Harper Dr P & Mrs S Gowdie Mr E & Mrs J Glotzer Mr P Ziersch & Ms E George Mr C & Mrs J Bull Mr D & Mrs A Green Mr X Tan & Mrs L Lei Mr T Hughes & Ms S Shearer Mrs M & Mr S Eccles Mrs P Liao Mr E & Mrs A McGrath Mr J & Mrs G Kruss Mr Z Xiang & Mrs M Jin Mr T & Mrs M Chamberlain Mr L Liu & Ms J Xia Mr W & Mrs M Bean Mr R Clarke & Ms D Thompson Mr S & Mrs T Scott-Branagan Mr A & Mrs C Orphanides Mr B & Mrs L Harding Mr M Beljon & Ms S Baldey Dr K & Mrs K Barron Mr R Wei & Ms G Han Mr S & Mrs S Nickols Tracey & Craig Horobin Mr J & Ms S Meagher Mr C & Mrs C Scharl Mr D & Mrs A Piper Mr P Jeffery & Ms M Reinehr Mr J & Mrs L Redfern Mr Y Wang & Ms Y Lu Mr D Higginbotham & Mrs Y Gao Mr S & Mrs J Page Mr Y Sun & Ms L Fu Mr L and Mrs L Morrison Mr N Parsons & Ms L Jackson Mr M Barbieri & Mrs K Munro Mr M O'Rourke & Miss N Blackwood Mr A & Mrs S Rakers Mr S & Mrs S Toncinich Mr P & Ms M Frawley Mr S & Mrs K Nish Mr T & Mrs J Lucas Mr Z Zhu & Ms H Shen Mrs E Ioannou Ms L Christie Mr T Hong & Mrs B Liu Mr S & Mrs L Turner Mr K & Mrs L Syrros Mrs M & Mr S Eccles Mr N & Dr E Fletcher Mr T & Mrs L Weisheit Mr A Xipolitos Mr B and Mrs G Connor Mr C & Mrs H Vayenas Mr P Self & Ms I Miller Mr R & Mrs M Leydin Mr D & Mrs A Hodges El Rio Pinehurst P/L Mr A & Mrs V May Ms K Zheng

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

Mr J Dumoff & Ms R Hughes Mr J & Mrs M Segal Mr M and Mrs M Parker Mr D & Mrs L Grant Mr S & Mrs A Orchard Mr H Nguyen & Ms D Dao Mr T Cotton & Mrs L Thompson Mr K & Mrs J Cameron Mr S & Mrs S Hill Mr L Chen & Mrs C Liu Mr C & Mrs J Patterson Mr N & Mrs D Scott Mr G & Mrs L Williams Mr P Lin and Ms S Zhu Mr C Adams & Mrs M Jennings Mr A Tezay Mr M & Mrs N Reid Mr W Mo & Mrs X Huang Mr T Pullar & Ms M Robinson Mr A & Mrs L Trevis Joanna Hancock Mr T & Mrs R Philp Mr W Ji & Mrs L Zhu Mr A Koul & Dr A Kaul Mr P & Mrs K Colliver Mr D & Mrs M Lettieri Mr M O'Hare Mr Y Sun & Ms L Fu Mr S Burrows & Mr K Kelly Mr R Slater & Ms Cameron Mr J Wang & Ms Y Chen Mr S & Mrs A Luca Mr C & Mrs P Beer Mr T Quach & Ms T Liu Mr J Lee & Ms C Yan Mr X Gu & Mrs Z Li Mr E & Mrs M Gasparini Mr X & Mrs B Li Ms J Drewett & Mr T Drewett Miss G Firth Mr A Williams & Ms Q Cai Mrs J King Mr J Naffine Mr D & Mrs T Basile-Goto Mr L Harris & Ms T Newgreen Mr S Han & Mrs S Youn Mr D & Mrs S McKenzie Mr D De La Fontaine & Ms T McCarthy Mr C & Mrs Q Zhang Mr B Qian & Mrs M Lin Mr S Thearam & Miss N Pasupuleti Mr K Wale & Ms Y Zhang Mr N & Mrs C Stuhlener Mr L Cao & Mrs V Tao Mr I Kulakovskiy & Miss P Lagutina Mr G Bouloukos & Ms C Siegel Mr H Kaing & Ms S Prum Mr P & Mrs R Birch Mr A & Mrs S Hirst Mr Y Piao & Ms H Zhang Mr D Topor & Ms A Oskolkova Mr Y Monzie & Mrs G Delgado

Mr C & Mrs M Morgan Mr M & Mrs S Siegel Mr X Wang & Ms M Cai Mr S & Mrs S Iatropoulos Mr M Davey & Ms T NashDavey Mr G & Mrs K Bentley Mr M & Mrs J Langhorne Mr Y Guo Mr C Guo & Mrs H Liu Mr M & Mrs L Xu Mr H Qin & Mrs J Zhang Mr M Daniell & Ms K O'Connor Mr P Soden & Mrs Z Eidi Moghaddam Mrs A Le Marquand Mr M Kwok & Mrs Y Zhang Mr C & Mrs V Papadopoulos Mr D & Mrs C McLean Mr Y Wang & Mrs Y Zhao Mr P Li & Ms M Si Mr G Reading & Ms L Nabutjom Mr V Luthra & Mrs S Joglekar Mr D & Mrs H McPherson Mr H Shuai & Mrs Z Yuan Mr A & Dr L Woll Mr P & Mrs R Brown Mr D & Mrs L Whitehouse Mr D Heimann & Mrs D O'Brien Mr D & Mrs A Spink Mr E & Mrs S Vrondou Mr A & Mrs R Sheil Mr N & Mrs A Hough Mr C & Mrs Y Guneysu Mr G Zheng & Ms H Shi Mr S & Mrs K Lamble Mr D & Mrs S Rippon Mr R & Mrs A Hood Mr J & Mrs R Inton Mr A Waring & Mrs L Yang Waring Mr N & Mrs M Fisher Mr W Shi & Ms L Liang Mr B & Mrs C Dennis Mr M & Mrs H Doig Mr M Popelianski & Ms H Papasoulis Mr M Henderson & Ms S Lee Mr A & Mrs M Cowley Peter Gibson Mr A Kondratov & Mrs E Kondratova Mr N & Mrs F Sheppard Mr V Le & Mrs K Tran Mr D & Mrs S Bunnett Mr C Bowen & Ms A Haire Mr P & Mrs J Mentiplay Mr J & Mrs M Tobias Mr and Mrs Jung Mr R & Mrs O Sanderson Mr R Hadiwiyana & Mrs N Widjaya Mr D Liu & Mrs X Cai Mr J & Mrs J Laurent Mr A & Mrs V Chaplin Mr C & Mrs J Scott

Ms J Besly Mr B & Mrs J Hamilton Mr C Zhang & Ms J Yue Mr D Cullen & Ms S Jefferson Mr M & Mrs D Granell Mr S & Mrs M Chippindall Mr J & Ms E Monro Mr T Zhang & Ms X Wang Mr M & Mrs M Karageorgiou Mr T Kay & Ms K Payne Mr & Mrs F Hutchinson Mr R & Mrs N Webster Mr J Tirta & Ms C Sardjono Mr R & Dr A Petty Mr J & Mrs S Bhansali Mr R & Mrs J Gibbs Mr A Pruthi & Mrs R Budhraja Mr X Yu and Ms C Wei Mr C & Mrs S Barden Mr T & Mrs J Hall Mr K & Mrs H Hennessy Mr M and Ms G Lazzari Mr R Taylor Mr S Huynh & Mrs T Nguyen Mr T & Mrs M Corrigan Mr X Ren & Mrs J Zhang Mr A & Mrs G Hamilton Mr B Pavan & Dr S Nashi Mr B & Mrs A Baker Mr H Jiang & Ms Zeng Mr A Vella & Ms K Doye-Vella Mr Z Weng & Mrs B Wei Mr P Kacper & Ms R Whitehead Mr J & Mrs A Attana Mr K Fernando & Mrs J Sieira Mr M & Mrs I Lazic Mr R & Mrs A Dimachki Mr O & Mrs M Del Rio Mr S Naim & Mrs S Worthy Mr J & Mrs N Kitchen Mr E & Mrs M Katsouranis Mr P & Mrs M O'Sullivan Mr P Potts & Mrs N Clark Mr M & Mrs R Ioannidis Mr M & Mrs K Ridd Mrs E & Mr T Utber Mr M & Mrs L Flanagan Mr J & Mrs L Lau Mr X Shen & Mrs W Liang Mr S & Mrs A Fousekas Mr M McKechnie & Ms E Martin Mr R & Mrs C Denbury Mr G & Mrs S Fliess Mr D & Mrs J Spitzer Mr N & Mrs K Houghton Mr B Zhong & Mrs C Tang Mr M & Mrs C McGrath Mr A & Mrs J Barnard Mr A & Mrs E Hood Mr A & Mrs K Williams Mr D Bone & Mrs E Thomas Ms K Edwards Mr N & Mrs N Kerkez

The School gratefully acknowledges the following donors to the Mentone Grammar School Foundation Building Fund up to, and including, March 2022.

Mr C & Mrs G Rowlands Mr I Mohammad-Ali & Mrs L Warke Mr A & Mrs D Corcoran Mr V & Mrs N Mishra Mr X Zeng & Ms M Sun Dr A & Mrs L Leaver Mr S & Mrs C May Dr D & Mrs C Noble Mr P Neylan Mr A Al-hashimi & Mrs M Alyassin Mr A & Mrs A Brown Mr D & Ms J Gomez Mr D Wang & Ms Y Huang Mr N & Mrs L Gilligan Mr A & Mrs A Hunt Mr R Singh & Mrs A Kaur Mr T Johnson & Ms K Burchmore Mr M Zou & Mrs Y Xu Mr K Yang & Mrs H Liu Mr P & Mrs J Mason Mr P Atlee & Ms J Vannucchi Mr R & Mrs M Vujic Mr S Song and Mrs R Li Mr D Cox & Ms R Wrigley Mr G Khong & Mrs W Ge Mr M & Mrs S Patron Mr R & Mrs S Hollingsworth Mr L & Mrs J Georgiadis Mr M & Mrs V White Mr A & Mrs T Burlock Mr M & Mrs F Marshall Mr M Zhou & Mrs L Li Mr M & Mrs F Olfers Mr M Pinzana & Ms M Lampard Mr Terry & Mrs Cheryl McCoy Mr H & Mrs B Brown Mr D Lemke & Ms E Tee Mr C Lee & Mrs W Tan Mr S & Mrs S Scott Mr D & Ms F McCall Mr R & Mrs R Widdison Mr D & Mrs L Jenkins Mr P & Mrs I Derham Mr G & Mrs M Orfanidis Ms S Smith Mr Z Qiao & Mrs J Zhang Mr W Jin & Ms J Zhang Mr S & Mrs A Bera Mr G Pyszczek & Ms M Monk Mr R & Mrs L Langenfelds Mr S Ryan & Ms S Corin Mr B & Mrs P Lee Mr J & Mrs R Kieseker Mr B & Mrs P Sargeant Mr S & Mrs R Browning Mr T & Mrs J Wiedermann Justine Piper Mr X Yu & Ms X Wang Mr D & Mrs D Clayton-Stamm Mr M & Mrs T Alapont Mr A & Mrs S Cafarella Mr A & Ms M Wong

Mr S & Mrs J Hooker Mr P & Mrs D Stilianos Mr J & Mrs K Vorster Mr A & Mrs D Chambers Ms Amanda Williams Mr M & Mrs G Toby Mr W Xue & Ms X Wang Mr R & Mrs K Holmes Mr P & Mrs C Walker Mr B Kidd Mr O & Mrs D Benoit Mr A & Mrs B Kennedy Mr G & Mrs S Berry Mr J & Mrs K Barrett Mr X Liu & Mrs H Dong Mr S Zou & Mrs E Liu Ms L Fedotova & Mr B Fedotova Dr J Galanos & Mrs S Nhieu Mr G & Mrs R Davies Mr R Rajakumar & Ms S Shah Mr W & Mrs N Burrows Mr A & Mrs T Richmond Mr T & Mrs M Crook Mr C & Mrs S Cleur Mr J Gursahani & Mrs M Pandey Mr H Mu & Mrs H Jin Mr S & Mrs J Blackman Ms Y Murphy Mr I & Mrs M Wienand Dr P & Mrs M Ferguson Ms L Pitt Mr R & Mrs A Smith Mr D & Mrs M Bishop Mr R & Mrs S Hayes Mr G & Mrs K Barker Mr M & Mrs E Selby Mr L & Mrs M Hart Mr B & Mrs S Sampson Shane Fairlie Mr R Kennedy & Mrs K Clerke Mr Z & Mrs J Li Mr C & Mrs A Olds Mr J & Ms S Poole Mr C Billing & Mrs V Stisen Mr J Li & Ms A Xu Mr A & Ms F Armstrong Mr R & Mrs S Parker Mr M & Mrs K Georgiades Mr B & Mrs R Kushnir Mr M & Mrs J Lowe Mr A & Mrs J Lowe Mr H Li & Ms F Zhu Mr B & Mrs S Clayton Mr A Bozic & Ms D Katanovic Mrs L Rafferty Mr Y Wang & Ms Y Cai Dr S and Mrs R Arendse Mr D & Mrs J Milligan Miss K Lloyd-Griffiths Mr M Ruigrok & Ms O Brooks Miss R Kay Mr R Lynch & Ms T Filiadis Mr T Tam & Mrs C Chan

Mr N & Mrs J Cheah Mr C Papageorgiou & Ms N Kambanaros Mr F Wassmann & Mrs S BulutWassmann Mr G & Mrs V Crowhurst Mr T & Mrs K Paroz Mr K Brodie & Ms B Morris Hugh Sullivan Mr A Dimopoulos & Ms H Poliviou Ms H Poliviou Mr T & Mrs M McGlone Mr M & Mrs N Garrett Mr D & Mrs A Minster Mrs J Swindells Mr K Dong & Ms D Chen Mr B Koster & Ms C Hart Mr G & Mrs P Chandoke Mr A & Mrs K Fernando Mr M Selby & Ms J Stewart Mr G Van Ameyden & Ms S Nuttall Mr T & Mrs M Paterson Mr J & Mrs N Jacobs Mr W Wang & Mrs P Cai Mr A Parris & Ms M Symes Mr K Aravindth & Mrs H Fonseka Mr A & Mrs G Bethune Mr S & Mrs G Dakic Mr S & Mrs A Dormer Mr M & Mrs J Howe Mr C & Mrs C Phillips Mr D & Mrs M Parr Mr M Chan & Miss R Wane Mr G Caris Mr S & Mrs C Markovic Mr J Cuevas & Ms I Real Ms K Miller Mr P & Mrs A Kokkinos Tracy Mu Rev J & Ms J Chamberlain Mr P Hodgkinson & Ms C Ramage Mr D & Mrs B Coates Mr R & Mrs O Malaeb Mr V Shanmugamani & Dr G Meenakshi Sundaram Dr M Gokhale & Dr S Aradhye Dr S Venkatachalaiah & Ms A Narayan Mr S & Mrs E Chechelnitskiy Mr S McGinnes & Ms C Jennings Mr G & Mrs M La Torre Mr D & Mrs F Bunting Mr M & Mrs C Matulick Mr T & Mrs L Gallagher Mrs J Mi Mr N & Mrs T Lund Mr M & Mrs D Pearce Dr C & Mrs D Pregnalato Dr R & Mrs J Armit Mr C & Mrs A Huxtable Mr A & Mrs M Ayyuce Mr D & Mrs J Murphy

Mr P Magennis & Ms J Haslam Mr P & Mrs K McKinnon Mr D & Mrs M Hughes Mr A & Mrs E Dunn Mr S & Mrs C Bourke Mr U & Mrs I Guvenir Mr S & Mrs T Reed Mr S & Mrs S Bloomfield Mr K & Mrs R Devers Mr M & Mrs C Bond Mr A & Mrs R Cheers Mr R & Mrs O Sleep Mr I & Mrs S Khan Mr D & Mrs M Pipito Mr R & Mrs M Murphy Mr S & Mrs D Weeks Mr P & Mrs C Manning Mr C & Mrs J Zimmer Mr S & Mrs V Johnson Mr P & Mrs W Geddis Mr L & Mrs M O'Donnell Mr L & Mrs R Moran Mr D & Mrs L Sandercock Mr A & Mrs L Fogarty Mr J Li & Ms Y Song Mr C Taylor & Mrs M HesterTaylor Mr J Walsh & Ms T O'Brien Mr R & Mrs T Watkins Mr A & Mrs J Brown Mrs M Basin Mr T Ly & Mrs X Yin Mr J & Mrs S Cregeen Mr L & Mrs V Goodson Mr J Ingleton & Ms S Clifford Mr J & Mrs K Zeigler Mr B Marcombe & Ms S Spillane Mr M & Mrs S Koopman Mr C & Mrs R Shearer Noeleene Flynn Mr T & Mrs V Lyons Mr B Mast & Miss K Mcdonald Mr M Wheeler & Ms K WatsonWheeler Mr A & Mrs R Ishchenko Mr I & Mrs L Vrionis Mr N & Mrs M Raymond Mr A & Mrs D Gerresheim Mr M Goble & Ms T Robertson Mr M & Mrs S Bailey Mr & Mrs L Bartle Mr S Mautone & Mrs M Labozzetta Mr A Burgon & Ms C Hill Mr P & Mrs S Appel Mr J & Mrs M Weller Ms M Gill Mr C Jones & Mrs L Matthews Mr G Hanson & Ms P Torossi Mr M & Mrs J Skinner Mr J & Mrs K Vorster Mr J McNamara & Mrs L Hilder Mr N Oliver & Ms C Terry Mr S & Mrs E Malotsis Mr N & Mrs A Bountroukas

Mr D & Mrs S Shipton Mr S Fernando & Mrs K Dona Mr D Baker & Ms D Freeman Ms L Lewis Mr B Dart & Mrs K Ewart Mr C & Mrs L Hoepfner Tracy Mu Mr S Coates & Ms K Wood Mr M Mekha & Dr S Sulaeman Mr A Shokeen & Mrs N Singh Mrs T Bucci Mr D Charles & Ms J Williamson Mr D & Mrs S Rikanovic Mr R & Mrs A Khosla Mr D Klizhov & Mrs M Nazarova Mr S & Mrs M Meyer Mr A Bromidis and Mrs E Minasian Mr P Goddon & Ms L Anderson Mr P Duffin & Ms A SchunkerDuffin Ms J Kemelfield Mr S & Mrs M Drummy Mr S & Mrs C Davie Mr D Royale & Ms P d'Avrincourt Mr R Walker & Ms N Wane Mr D & Mrs B Ingram Mr D & Mrs A Tryfonopoulos Mr P & Mrs M Ellix Mr C & Mrs A Michael Mr D & Mrs K Fenech Mr B and Mrs J Lenarcic Mr R & Mrs J Veza Mr S & Ms A Dugar Mr M & Mrs E Gorringe Mr O Akhmedov & Mrs N Knyazkina Mrs Q Cao Mr J & Mrs L McMinn Mr J & Dr V FitzGerald Mr M Robinson & Ms V McMahon Dr D & Mrs K Blackham Mr A & Mrs M McCauley Mr T Riley Mr R & Mrs K Perring Mr D Cullen & Ms S Jefferson Mr S & Mrs S Sandler Mr D & Mrs D Notman Mr J & Mrs L Donaldson Mr D & Mrs K Bennett Mr L & Mrs S Temby Mr C & Mrs E Bakas Mr K Kilany & Ms C Arnold Mr D & Mrs L van Straaten Mr J & Mrs B Fitzgerald Mr C Prior & Ms S Tozer Mr D Brand Mr D & Mrs J Cusack Mr D & Mrs T Flower Mr T & Mrs A Hawkins Mr A & Mrs C Smith Mr & Mrs I Mahoney

Correct at the time of publication.

39

FROM THE

ARCHIVES EVER WONDERED HOW OUR CAMPUSES

GOT THEIR NAMES? With the addition of our latest Campus, the exotically named, Riviera, those new to our School are curious to know how this modern building connects to a beautiful coastline on the other side of the world…

RIVIERA Back in the prosperous 1880s, Mentone was founded and based on the romantic vision of developer, Sir Matthew Davies. With the ‘borrowed’ name ‘Menton’ from a village on the French/ Italian coastline, he set about recreating Mediterranean opulence in the form of stylish seaside buildings on streets with classic Italian names. His centrepiece was a majestic coffee palace in the town square, which is now Kilbreda College. Mentone boomed.

Visitors flocked to Mentone and enjoyed the pristine beach, the hot sea baths and the local racecourse. This prosperity provided an exquisite architectural legacy for ‘Menton’ and one such magnificent building was the aptly named, Riviera. Being one of only five Mentone mansions with an imposing tower, it quickly became an icon of the area and was soon purchased by one of the School’s great founders, Mr John Allan Anderson. Through the generosity of the Anderson family, throughout the war years and beyond, this beautiful building became a beacon for weary returned soldiers and a welcoming refuge in hard times. It has a generous history and does so to this day, as it is the current home of the Mentone RSL in Palermo Street. And so, it was only fitting that we honoured the spirit of this great building and the compassion of the Anderson family by naming our latest Campus, Riviera.

FROGMORE Following the 1880s flourish of Italianate influence, Mentone soon became home to stately Edwardian homesteads, inspired by Medieval and Tudor architecture. Our very own Frogmore House is one such classic. With its roughcast walls, heavy timberwork and iconic steeply pitched roof, it was built sometime around 1890 for local minister, Reverend Robert Fergus and continued its Anglican and religious connections up until its sale to Mentone Grammar in 1922 for £1340. Along with its inherited name, the two-storey homestead was moved ‘up on to the hill’ of Venice Street, overlooking the sea, and was the original schoolhouse, boarding house and residence throughout the founding years of the School. It is the only enduring campus building that remains to this day. With its strong English heritage, it is believed to have been originally named in reference to Frogmore House which most famously sits in the grounds of Windsor Castle, home to Queen Elizabeth and the British Royal family.

40

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

GREENWAYS Although not well known, our School’s humble beginnings actually began around 1920 when then Headmaster, J. A. Ball, opened a small school for young boarders in a grand timber home in Greenways Court, just across Warrigal Road opposite the now, Bayview Campus. Although the School did not succeed at that time, it was the impetus for a group of Mentone residents to initiate the purchase of our current site, re-register it and develop a doctrine for the new-look School that we know today. Fast forward 90 years and Campus of Greenways was commissioned with a similar determination to pioneer a unique education for its students, as Mr Ball so boldly envisioned in Greenways Court all those years ago.

BAYVIEW The War Years During WWII, the School had gained a reputation locally and internationally as a safe place for boys to board and to continue their education, out of harm’s way. By 1941 and with growing numbers, another classic Edwardian home, named Bayview, was acquired as a Junior Boarding House. In 1949 the boarders transferred to 104 Como Parade when the School relinquished its lease on Bayview. In 1957 the School saved Bayview from demolition by purchasing the property from its then owners, St Bede’s College. The following year it opened as a Junior School and remained so until the early 1980s when it made way for the construction of the current Finlay Anderson Library.

EBLANA Yet another ornate mansion from the 1880s boom years, No 1 Eblana Avenue was considered one of Mentone’s majestic private homes. During the War Years it served as a private hospital up until it was purchased by the School in 1964. The spacious building was ideally located as a Junior Boarding House and, later on, as a kindergarten until it was sold. In 2011 the current Eblana Campus was built and named in recognition of the original, iconic Junior School. The original ‘Eblana’ house still stands as a private residence today.

On the eve of our 100 years and the commissioning of a Master Building Plan that has now commenced, we look forward to creating even more iconic buildings for inspired learning and to add to our rich local history.

MENTONE GRAMMAR ARCHIVES TEAM

41

THE MENTONIANS ASSOCIATION

FROM THE

PRESIDENT Over past two years our Community has shown great resilience and made every effort to stay connected during lengthy periods of isolation and uncertainty. Despite many opportunities for online communication, our overwhelming feedback has been that Mentonians just want to ‘catch-up’ and ‘get together’ in person; and are keen to attend our reunions, events and participate in social and sporting activities.

We are delighted to be hosting two special reunion evenings on Friday 20 May and Friday 22 July, to reconnect numerous peer groups of Mentonians.

Please remember to keep your contact details updated, to be sure that invitations are received. Further details on our 2022 reunions and events are included overleaf. We are also busy planning for our participation in Mentone Grammar’s 2023 Centenary celebrations and look forward to having a huge number of Mentonians and their family members join us for one or all of the scheduled events advertised at the beginning of this edition of the Mentor.

Be sure to book early.

The Mentonians Association offers congratulations and best wishes to our Vice President, Jon Ponnusamy (2010) on his recent marriage to the lovely Anna in early April. We would love to hear other great news stories from Mentonians around the globe, so please send us your memories, photographs and updates for inclusion in our Where Are They Now, so we can share more good news!

On Thursday 3 March, in the School’s 99th year, our Community continued a wonderful tradition of inclusion. Each year a Mentonian, celebrating their Golden (50) Year Reunion, is invited to cut the School’s birthday cake (using Col. Weir’s sword), along with the youngest members of the School Community. This year the honour went to John Fisher from the Class of 1972 who is also a former Director of the School Board. Current staff member, Stuart Bainbridge, from the Class of 1997, read The Lesson and Jono Ling from the Class of 2008 and current TMA committee member, read the School Prayer.

MARK HENRICKS (1977) PRESIDENT

CELEBRATING THREE GENERATIONS

The class were very interested and asked many questions relating to Mentone Grammar in the 1960s and 1970s, compared with Mentone Grammar in 2022. John remembered: ‘I joined Mentone Grammar in Year 7, 1967 and had a wonderful time at School. Fifty years later, I can see that some elements remain, and some have changed - and this is good. It is important to acknowledge our history, embrace change in the present, and look to the future.

Today, this School provides a wealth of opportunities that were not available during my time, and I suggest that you take every opportunity given to you. I have fond memories of joining the Cadets, playing in the Football team and winning a Maths award. I remember watching the moon landing in class on a black and white television and paying for my lunch with a 10-cent coin.

In 2022, you have so many different avenues you can follow at Mentone Grammar, and I suggest you have a go at everything!’

Following the Founders’ Day celebrations, Jenny and John Fisher (1972) were invited by teacher Matt Hardie to visit their grandson Teddy’s Year 5 class to share John’s experience as a Mentone Grammar student 50 years ago.

TMA COMMITTEE

their big day,

(1997) and John Fisher (1972) enjoying

PRESIDENT Mark Henricks (1977)

Anna and Jon

catching up on Founders’ Day.

VICE PRESIDENT Jon Ponnusamy (2010)

Celebrating

L-R Jono Ling (2008), Stuart Bainbridge

Ponnusamy (2010),

TREASURER Vic Stroumos (1978)

TMA Vice President.

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)

John Fisher (1972), cutting the Founders’ Day celebratory cake with help from students young and old.

ALUMNI MANAGER Suzanne Ashley John Fisher enjoying a visit to his grandson, Teddy's class in the School’s newest campus, Riviera.

42

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

CONNECTIONS 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 have expanded the events calendar to maximise contact with as many past students as possible through reunions, our clubs, special events and other TMA activities.

The Reunions are special occasions that keep you connected with your old School and each other, so please don’t let the opportunity pass you by. When you can, come and see what all the excitement is about; and let us know of staff members who you would like invited along to share the evening with you.

2022 REUNIONS

1997

25-Year Reunion, Friday 20 May

2002

20-Year Reunion, Friday 20 May

2007

15-Year Reunion, Friday 20 May

2010, 2011 & 2012

10-Year Reunion, Friday 20 May

1975, 1976 & 1977

45-Year Reunion, Friday 22 July

1980, 1981 & 1982

40-Year Reunion, Friday 22 July

1985, 1986 & 1987

35-Year Reunion, Friday 22 July

1990, 1991 & 1992

30-Year Reunion, Friday 22 July

1970, 1971 & 1972

50-Year (Golden) Reunion, Saturday 3 September

Please contact Suzanne Ashley: suzannea@mentonegrammar.net for any further details.

REUNIONS & EVENTS 2022 This year, we have combined some of our peer year groups and will be hosting some of our reunions on the same date, in different venues, on Campus, so that Mentonians can reconnect with as many friends, across the years, as possible.

ANNUAL DINNER INVITATION Our Annual Dinner will be held at Woodlands Golf Club on Saturday 13 August from 7pm. At this dinner we celebrate the achievements of our Clubs with nominations for Sports Person and Club Person of the Year, along with those achieving Honorary Mentonian or Life Patron status within our Association.

In addition, the highlight of the dinner is awarding of the Tony Drinan Medal. Visit our website for more details and please join us – ALL WELCOME! www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians

Don't forget to save the date for our spectacular 'Back to School' weekend in 2023 for all peer years from 31 March – 2 April. It will be a great opportunity for every year level to celebrate our Centenary together!

Visit our website for booking links, further information or to update your contact details: www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians

CLASS OF 1970, 1971 & 1972

50 YEAR GOLDEN REUNION

DINNER

SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2022

THE MENTONIAN CONTACTS OFFICE

AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL

03 9584 4211 thementonians@mentonegrammar.net

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

CANADA Ontario Mervyn Archdall (1957) marchdall@rogers.com

Alumni Manager Suzanne Ashley suzannea@mentonegrammar.net 03 9581 3254 (direct) 0481 602 144

BRISBANE Dan Chalmers (1999) daniel@chalmers.email CANBERRA Michael Taylor (1955) mbt@netspeed.com.au SYDNEY David Guazzarotto (1987) david.guazzarotto@leapgen.com PERTH Tim Ponnusamy (2006) timothy_ponnusamy@hotmail.com Phillip Yap (1985) pyap01@gmail.com

Please contact The Mentonians 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:

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

www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians/update-your-details

ENGLAND London Cambell Lean (1993) Cambell.Lean@isgplc.com Manchester Canon Chris Ford (1969) christopher.ford5@btinternet.com Plymouth John Read (1973) theoldtro@gmail.com HONG KONG Peter Cheung (1992) cpcheuc@hotmail.com JAPAN Onomichi City Gareth O’Gradie (1999) ogradie@hotmail.com MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur Kamal Ragupathy (1992) kamalpathy@gmail.com

USA Florida David Pearson (1987) aussiepearson@gmail.com New York Chris Leslie (1982) chris-leslie@macquarie.com Arnold Ephraums (1982) aephraums@mac.com Chris Jacob (1999) cj@cjacob.com Vermont Justin Johnson (1985) qdo606@gmail.com SINGAPORE David Goh (1961) davegoh@fastdel.com THAILAND Jitti Rachjaibun (1964) jitti_rach@dhonsiridsel.co.th David Wylie (1973) david.wylie@yahoo.com U.A.E. James Halliday (2008) james.halliday@hotmail.com

43

MENTONIANS FOUNDATION

AWARD THE MENTONE GRAMMAR COMMUNITY PROUDLY SUPPORTS OUR ALUMNI UNDERTAKING DOCTORAL STUDIES AND TO CONTINUE TO ‘DREAM BIG’ LONG AFTER THEY GRADUATE!

Our Community congratulates Mentonians, Anika Vear (2014) and Dr Adithya (Adi) Balasubramanian, on being awarded a grant of $15,000 each from The Mentone Grammar Foundation to assist with the pursuit of their Doctoral studies.

This year's field of applicants was extremely strong, with Anika and Adi’s presentations so outstanding that the Foundation Committee decided to award two PhD grants.

Anika is currently studying at Monash University, where she is developing and testing new drugs for treating cardiac fibrosis. Adi is studying at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, to develop new life-saving methods to treat lung cancer.

To commemorate their awards, Anika and Adi were invited to Mentone Grammar for a Foundation Award ceremony, presented

by Simon Appel OAM – Foundation Board Chair, and Jarrod O’Neill – Acting Principal. They also enjoyed a celebratory morning tea and school tour, together with admired long-serving Science teacher, Trevor Stevens.

SUZANNE ASHLEY

L-R Foundation Board Chair - Simon Appel OAM, Anika Vear (2014), Dr Adi Balasubramanian (2006) and Term 1 Acting Principal, Jarrod O’Neill.

ALUMNI MANAGER

L-R Trung Nguyen (2006), Trevor Stevens, Dr Adi Balasubramanian

L-R Trevor Stevens, Anika Vear (2014) and Dr Adi

(2006) & Dr Mithun Nambiar (2006) at the 2006 Prefects’ Ball.

Balasubramanian (2006).

44

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

ANIKA VEAR (2014) PHD RESEARCH SUMMARY: My research is looking at the development and testing of new drugs for treating cardiac fibrosis. The build-up of scar tissue (i.e., fibrosis) in the heart is one of the key contributing factors in the development of cardiovascular disease and the progression to end-stage heart failure. Our lab has developed new compounds which are able to reverse cardiac fibrosis in mice by breaking down this scar tissue and improving the contractile function of the heart.

The aim of my research is to better understand how these drugs work at a cellular level. I am developing new techniques to visualise and track the drugs binding to its target on different cell types involved in fibrosis such as the contractile cells of the heart, fibroblasts, and immune cells like macrophages.

Ultimately, my research will help to bring us one step closer to progressing into clinical trials, in the hope that one day we can reverse established fibrosis in patients and prevent their progression to end-stage heart failure.

DR ADITHYA (ADI) BALASUBRAMANIAN (2006) Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer related death globally, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the most common subtype. Historically, most patients die within one year of diagnosis. Recently, advances in treatment designed to unleash the brakes on the immune system (‘immunotherapy’) have resulted in significantly improved long-term survival for some patients. However, only a minority of patients benefit from existing immunotherapy strategies. Patients without a history of smoking benefit the least.

An approach used by tumour cells to escape the immune system is to silence signals that mediate their recognition by immune cells.

Regulation of these escape mechanisms appears to be different between ‘never smoker’ and ‘ever smoker’ NSCLC patients.

We hypothesise that reactivating these signals could improve response to immunotherapy.

My PhD aims to aims to identify pathways involved in the regulation of these tumourspecific recognition signals using CRISPRCas9 gene editing technology. Targeting these pathways with novel or repurposed drugs may enable immunotherapy to work for patients with otherwise limited treatment options.

45

2022 LUNAR

NEW YEAR

On Friday 11 February, The Mentonians Association sponsored a special Lunar New Year Lunch in celebration of our international students. Our Years 11 and 12 international students along with staff, including Head of Frogmore Jason Mann, shared an amazing Lunar New Year lunch at Xing’s Restaurant in Mentone.

YEAR OF THE

TIGER

The occasion provided an opportunity in a busy, postlockdown term for our international students to feel at home again, since no-one has had the chance to travel back to their homeland over the pandemic, due to long quarantine hotel periods. The restaurant provided a traditional Chinese atmosphere which was perfect for the lunch, as well as some of the international students who actually wore traditional dress for the entire day.

The lunch was fantastic, and Year 12 International Captains, Julie Liu and Peter Zhu, welcomed everyone to the lunch: Good afternoon, everyone. We are here today to celebrate Chinese New Year.

To start with, we’d like to acknowledge the generous Mentonians Association for sponsoring our lunch. Mentone Grammar has always been an inclusive and culturally diverse community, so some of you might wonder why I said Chinese New Year. The traditional Chinese calendar refers to both the solar and lunar calendar, which means that New Year’s Day is always in January or February.

Mentone Grammar celebrates cultural difference and that is why we are here. To all international students, we’d like to thank you for how amazing you’ve been throughout last year. We’ve experienced a very difficult situation and it is important for us to be resilient and supportive, and I think we’ve done a great job.

Beyond that, we’d like to thank all the staff and teachers here today. They are always doing the best they can to support us in both academic and individual development. The year has just begun, and we are here to assist in each and every one of your queries to the best of our ability.

To finish up we’ve got a line from a Chinese poet: 天回万象春，除 尽群阴卑 (all beautiful things will return in the beginning, and all negative things will disappear).

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!

XIANGHAN LIU AND YICHENG ZHU YEAR 12 INTERNATIONAL CAPTAINS 2022

46

Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

TMA SHOREHAM

PICNIC 2022

It was wonderful to see so many of our Year 7 students and their families, together with staff and alumni, at the annual Shoreham Picnic held on Sunday 27 February at the School’s fantastic R. M. Sykes Camp on Westernport Bay. This annual picnic is generously hosted by The Mentonians Association and provides our Year 7 families, many of whom are new to the School, the opportunity to enjoy this amazing facility which is an integral part of the School’s Learning Journeys program for Year 7s.

Melbourne delivered perfect weather and spirits were high as over 200 guests enjoyed the day. For many families, this is the first time they have been to Shoreham and our guests loved meeting each other and chatting with our Head of Bayview Terry Matthew, as well as wandering through the camp and down onto the beach. The ever-popular Animal Farm was a great addition to the extensive ball games being played by adults and kids alike on the basketball court.

Our Mentonians who attended enjoyed reminiscing about their days at the camp, which we are proud to say, remains a natural bush environment for outdoor learning and activities.

The Miss Elodie Vintage Caravan was on hand for the allimportant coffee hit and the ice-cream van went down a treat. The highlight was definitely our Mentonians Committee members cooking up a storm on the BBQ. We sincerely thank Committee members and their families for working tirelessly on the day, ensuring that everyone else could relax!

We are very much looking forward to our Centenary Shoreham Picnic in 2023 which we know will be an extra special day.

SUZANNE ASHLEY ALUMNI MANAGER

47

VALE The Mentonians Association records with sadness the passing of the following Mentonians.

Our thoughts are with their families and friends:

Phil Kent with Austin Ivey & Cal Sibley

PHIL KENT (1948) Principal Mal Cater (1981), recently advised our Community of the passing of Phil Kent, who enjoyed an association with the School, spanning more than 70 years. Phil joined us as a student from Warragul High School in Year 11 (Form V) in 1947. He was appointed Prefect in 1948, was Open Athletic Champion during 1947-48, Captain of the 1st XVIII, and won the Victorian Junior and All Schools Broad Jump Championships in his final year, creating a State Junior record.

Phil was invited by Headmaster, Jeffrey Thorold, to become a trainee Primary teacher and Sportsmaster in 1949. Phil went on to complete degrees in Arts and Education at the University of Melbourne and Monash University respectively during the 1950s and 60s. He was Officer Commanding of the Mentone Grammar Cadet Unit for 20 years and Chairman of the Geography faculty from 1965 to 1968. He resigned from teaching at Mentone Grammar and joined the lecturing staff at Swinburne University in 1969, before completing his Masters degree in Philosophy in 1976 and being elected Chairman of the Department of Humanities in the Faculty of Arts in 1980.

Phil retired from Swinburne in 1988 and was invited to rejoin the staff at Mentone Grammar in a part-time role as a development consultant and publicity officer, finally retiring in 1993. In recent years, Phil and his wife Kath continued their association with the School attending many special occasions, Founders’ Day, Past Staff reunions and Friends of Frogmore luncheons at which their company was always enjoyed and appreciated.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kath, their children and family members.

Labore et Honore.

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

Several years ago, we filmed Phil at a Friends of Frogmore Luncheon. Sadly, the cameras were not rolling when we stood on the verandah of Frogmore House, and I asked him what Mentone Grammar meant to him. With tears rolling down his cheeks he replied, ‘everything’! This response encapsulates his incredible passion for our School, and it is a great pity that he won’t see it turn 100 in 2023. He will, however, be in our thoughts at this time as one of the legends of our School. He truly epitomised Labore et Honore.

MAL CATER PRINCIPAL

FORMER HEADMASTER 1988 - 2003, NEVILLE CLARK MC OAM ALSO CONTRIBUTED HIS MEMORIES. It was Don Ingram (1955) former Junior School Headmaster who took the initiative to bring Phil Kent to Frogmore to meet the new Headmaster in 1988. I was immediately attracted to his magnetic personality, his exuberantly cheerful manner and his obvious love for his Old School. He had so many stories to tell, such as the 1948 Heavyweight Boxing Championship, Phil versus Derek Deighton (Head Boy and later Major General), Phil more nimble (being Captain of Athletics) but Derek hefting the bigger punch. When Phil reeled from one of the latter, he tripped and sustained an injury which affected his gait for many years (though he concealed it manfully and bore Derek no grudge, for they were life-long friends).

Then, as the School itself reeled from the “recession we had to have”, 1989-1993, I was able to convince Phil to help with marketing the School and widening the enrolment catchment area at a time when, of all the Melbourne suburban districts, Mordialloc had the greatest proportion of aged persons in Melbourne. He took to it with great enthusiasm and certainly kept me on an even keel throughout. His love of light opera, drama, and especially Gilbert and Sullivan, certainly cheered us all up in Frogmore during the crisis. And yes, Phil loved his Cadet days, the drill, the uniform, the World War Two weaponry, when boys got to fire machine guns like real soldiers. Perhaps more than anybody else, Phil and Don together gave me the deepest appreciation for Mentone’s past and the encouragement to share their love for the School and their hopes for its future. It is a great pity that Phil cannot now grace the Centenary celebrations next year.

VALE RAY CONNOLLY (1950)

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Ray and Margaret Connolly who passed away within weeks of one another in late 2021, after 66 years together. Ray attended Mentone Grammar in 1948 and 1949 quickly establishing himself as a sporting talent. He was awarded Colours for Swimming, Cricket and Football, played in the 1948/1949 Cricket and Football Firsts teams and won the ‘Mudge’ Gymnastics Cup in 1948. In 1949, Ray was also a Lieutenant in Cadets.

After leaving Mentone Grammar, Ray began a career in wholesale and retail clothing. He also combined his passions for Service and Sport in many ways: • President, Chelsea Rotary Club • Paul Harris Fellow for Services to Rotary International Student Exchange • Commodore and President, Life Member of Chelsea Yacht Club • President, Victorian Sabot Sailing Association • President, Hastings Football Club • Patterson River Golf Club, 57-year member.

Without doubt, Ray’s greatest love was his family, his wife Margaret and their children – Susan, Lynn and Jeffrey (1980).

At Mentone Grammar, Jeff was a School Prefect in 1979/1980, and Head Prefect in 1980. He was awarded Football Colours in 1979/1980 along with the prestigious W. S. Leslie Medal for outstanding Scholarship, Leadership and Sportsmanship. In 2022, Jeff joined the Board of Mentone Grammar bringing a wealth of leadership and business acumen with him as the current Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Australia & Pacific.

Susan is married to Ken Speers (1974) who was awarded Colours for Football in 1974. Ken is a Life Member of OMFC (Old Mentonians Football Club) and in 2019, Ken was honoured as a Life Patron of The Mentonians Association.

As a third-generation family – Susan and Ken’s son, Timothy Speers (2006), a School Prefect in 2006 was also awarded Colours for Football and Cricket in that year. Tim is also a Life Member of OMFC.

Labore et Honore.

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VALE SHANE WARNE (1987)

Shane Keith Warne (13 September 1969 – 4 March 2022) The Mentone Grammar Community was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of a beloved Mentonian, Shane Warne, regarded by many as the greatest leg spinner of all time and a true international cricketing legend. He enjoyed a long and illustrious career from 1990 until he officially retired from all forms of the game in 2013.

At School, Shane captained the Mentone Grammar AGSV Premiership 1st XI Cricket in 1987 and he remains an inspiration to our cricketers today, as he does for so many around the world.

We mourn the loss of this sporting great, and our thoughts and prayers remain with his friends and family, especially his three children, at this devastating time.

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John Mason – former teacher, cricket coach and fan has recorded his memories of Shane Warne which will no doubt resonate with his fellow teammates from Mentone Grammar and with those who have come to know the icon that is Shane Warne…

The Shane Warne story acquired legendary status in the wider community even before his untimely death shocked the cricketloving world. I feel deeply privileged to have been a very small part of that story - the part which involves the aspirations of young players and their acquiring of commitment, skills and a loyalty to their teammates and school. Seeing a photo of all those Old Boys (all wearing their caps so proudly) at the Shane Warne MCG Tribute was a wonderful reminder of the relationships and endeavours of so many outstanding schoolboy cricketers who played the game with a wonderful determination and courage.

Moreover, it seemed to me that there could not have been a more fitting venue than the MCG for such an event, the celebration of a remarkable player and the sense of sadness at the loss of a sporting hero so movingly expressed.

MCG Farewell – Rob Gow (1985), Ravi Krishan (1985), Guyan Stroud (1989), Sven Samild (1987), Dean Jamieson (1986), Stu Farrow (1988), Raj Krishnan (1988), Sam Gribble (1988) with the current First XI.

We all know how much Shane valued friendship and camaraderie and this was articulated by so many who got to know Shane over the journey and who wanted so much to show their respect and affection for Shane on that memorable autumnal evening under the glare of TV cameras and a world-wide audience. Cricket lovers in all cricket playing nations wanted to express both empathy and admiration of a unique player and person - an exponent of the art of leg spin whose feats on the field mesmerised opponents and delighted his countrymen. Shane’s career was marked by a level of success, even his most loyal teammates and coaches could not have fully anticipated. We, at least those of who have known the challenges of cricket on and off the field, had sensed that for Shane it was always about so much more than just a struggle for dominance between two teams.

An image that has been imprinted on my memory was an afternoon when I had resumed coaching duties as (coach) Barrie Irons had a wedding to attend - and, having dismissed Marcellin for a paltry score we had amassed a considerable lead - Raj Krishnan batted with controlled aggression and we were attempting to dismiss them a second time. Shane and Wayne Fuller (1988) known as ‘Dutchie’ were bowling in tandem and there were literally a circle of fielders surrounding the batters who clearly were becoming increasingly intimidated with each ball, made worse by the intermittent dismissals of their over-awed teammates. Incidentally, it should be stated that Dutchie was an excellent foil for Shane in that, besides being an excellent left-arm orthodox spinner, he could maintain a consistent line and length, thereby adding to the pressure being applied to the batters. A rather strong view held by AGSV coaches of that time, was that, although there were more competition points to be gained in the event of an outright win, it wasn’t a realistic goal in a day’s play.

That afternoon Shane and Dutchie proved them wrong!

Former bowling partner and longtime groundsperson at our Keysborough Playing Fields, Wayne Fuller ‘Dutchie’ (1988) pays tribute to his old schoolmate.

So, what will be Shane’s legacy? During his playing days, I’m certain that coaches everywhere noted as I did, that no longer did we have to encourage the art of leg spin. Every other boy suddenly expressed an interest in the art. However, as Shane so astutely asserted in his autobiography, there is something innate about wrist spin - and even if you are innately born with that ability, it takes a level of discipline and practice well beyond the limits of most aspirants. Though regarding academic pursuits Shane could be something of a dilettante, when faced with a sporting challenge there was nothing feeble or half-hearted in his approach.

Nevertheless, I suspect that the search for another Shane may well become another search for the Holy Grail in the form of a legspinner with almost super-powers of spin and deception.

Shane had an irrepressible attitude and competitiveness that never failed to inspire his teammates, but he also had a huge respect for the game, its past heroes and his opponents. There were two messages that he articulated both in words and in his attitude on the field - always respect your opponents and their efforts, but most of all be honest in your dealings with others and true to yourself. In other words, be authentic. This he reiterated on many occasions, but more importantly those who knew Shane well would agree, authenticity was what he demanded of himself.

It mattered a great deal to him, and he was just that, authentic and honest. The only occasions when his normal easy-going demeanour would disappear was when he was galvanised by a question or insinuation regarding his integrity. No wonder he had so many close and genuine friends - loyalty and honesty were not just a glib assertion but principles upon which he based his life.

I’m certain we will all treasure some special memory of Shane.

For most it will be a sporting one - the unplayable Gatting delivery rated by some students of the game as the greatest ball bowled, his extraordinary spell against the might of the West Indies at the MCG, his test hat-trick etc. etc., but for me it will be the moment when a slightly bemused Shane was asked by the English wicketkeeper Alex Stewart during a One Day International at the MCG to come onto the playing arena to calm an increasingly volatile and unruly crowd - this he duly accomplished but seemed still quite bewildered by the request. There was no grandiosity or affectation about Shane, and that humility of spirit and connection with people is what set him apart from so many who are successful and famous.

Vale Shane Warne (R.I.P) 51

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

MICHAEL MCQUADE (1962)

BRIAN WASTELL (1962)

For further news on our Mentonians, past and present, please view our Monitor newsletter at: www.mentonegrammar.net/mentonians

PETER SUTHERLAND (1964)

Labore et Honore.

MENTONE MEMORIES A VISIT TO MENTONE COLIN ROBERTS (1962) It was a pleasure to welcome back Colin Roberts and his daughter, Nikki to Mentone Grammar. Walking around the School on a perfect, sunny day following a birthday lunch – Colin couldn’t believe the dramatic improvements to the buildings and grounds.

As a former Boarder, Colin enjoyed reminiscing about where buildings used to be housed and reading our plaques – many of which have been placed to honour those who have made a significant contribution to the life of the School.

Colin and Nikki enjoyed their tour of the School and are looking forward to returning to celebrate Mentone Grammar’s Centenary in 2023.

PERFORMING ARTS Interested in the Performing Arts? Please contact Alumni Manager Suzanne Ashley on (03) 9581 3254 or email: pantherproductions@mentonegrammar.net for more information.

THEATRE | MUSIC | DANCE

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Mentone Grammar AUTUMN 2022

COMMUNITY Final Design

CONNECTIONS SCHOOL TOURS

FACILITIES

THUSRDAY 20 OCTOBER 2022 9.30am – all campuses

R. M. Sykes Shoreham Camp Marine Parade, Shoreham

OPEN DAY

Keysborough Playing Fields 756-768 Springvale Road, Keysborough

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2022 9am - 12 noon - all campuses

Style Guide

Please pre-register online https://www.mentonegrammar.net/ enrol/book-a-school-tour (walk-in registrations are not permitted at this time)

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

2022 REUNIONS AND EVENTS

M

M

Cnr Como Parade West & Lucerne St, Mentone

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.

Ph: (03) 9581 3288 Email: info@mentoneaquatic.com

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 have expanded 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

Greenways Café Greenways Campus Phone: 9584 4211 Parent & Friends Association Friendraising - Fundraising - Dads@MG Secondhand Uniform Shop Archives Centre For all historic Mentonian donations please contact Suzanne Ashley at: suzannea@mentonegrammar.net

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1923

Come and see what all the excitement is about; and let us know of staff members you would like invited along to share the evening with you.

Friday 20 May – two venues 1997 (25), 2002 (20) & 2007 (15) Year Reunion 2010, 2011 & 2012 (10) Year Reunion Friday 22 July – two venues 1975, 1976, 1977 (45) & 1980, 1981, 1982 (40) Year Reunion 1985, 1986, 1987 (35) & 1990, 1991, 1992 (30) Year Reunion

Mentone Aquatic @mentoneaquatic

THE MENTONIANS ASSOCIATION (TMA)

Reunions are special occasions that keep you connected with your old School and each other, so please don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

Wednesday 27 July Annual General Meeting Friday 5 August Sydney Reunion Saturday 13 August TMA Annual Dinner & Drinan Medal Award Friday 2 September Friends of Frogmore Luncheon Saturday 3 September Classes of 1970, 1971 & 1972 Golden (50) Year Reunion Friday 11 November Remembrance Day Service

2023

Tuesday 6 December Mentone Grammar Service of Lessons and Carols, St Paul’s Cathedral

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 Sally Buckley Board Director Kylie Watson-Wheeler Board Director

W www.mentonegrammar.net

Mal Cater Principal Jarrod O’Neill Acting Principal

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

EST. 1923 Editor Jen Blackburn Design Mosaic Studios

Nizam Abdallah, Christine Altidis, Suzanne Ashley (TMA Editor), Anthony Bacon, Stuart Bainbridge, Sharon Bates, Sharon Brady, Peter Bratuskins, Sue Carey, Jacqui Cartwright, Libby Chislett, Gavin Cornish, Mary Craven, Katya Dunham, Pernilla Eklund Allan, Michele Gill, Hunter Griffin, Mark Henricks, Julie James, Steph Kinnear, Garrett Kinchington, Kris Little, Pip Madden, Jason Mann, Terry Matthew, Shelley Muir, Jake Newman, Angela O’Connell, Peter O’Gorman, Catherine Poulton, Jess Richards, Colette Russell, Andrew Stewart, James Walton, Ben Wolstencroft, Kim Wootton, Danny Yardis, Year 12 Cocurricular Captains.

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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

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