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VOL 38 | TERM 4 | 2020
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Faith and Mission
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From the Acting Principal
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Vale Year 12, 2020
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Westcourt 6 Christmas at Glendalough
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Art and Design
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Visiting Authors 2020
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Waterford Writers' Festival
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Theatre Studies
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Old Collegian Biography
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Old Collegians
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Sport
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OMNIA MAGAZINE Volume 38 | Term 4 | 2020
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Faith and Mission At St Kevin’s, it is our mission to ensure that we are witnesses of our Edmund Rice tradition. We remind our boys of our Christian values that are nourished by our ancient and deep Christian roots. With resilient roots, we encourage abundant growth. We strive to support this growth in knowledge, respect, love and in fellowship, which can be shared by all members of our inclusive community. As we have made our full return to the College, personal reflection is needed more than ever. In recent times, this task has been made a little more challenging, especially with the advent of remote learning and our recent return to the College. Our daily prayer and weekly newsletter have been a reassuring comfort to many. It is wonderful to hear that many tutors have used these prayers as a stimulus for conversation and quiet reflection, to instil a little stillness and perspective. Our Year 12s were more than a match for the restrictions imposed upon us and cooperated marvellously in order to take part in our final liturgy together. Students prerecorded prayers and readings from all around the College, to reflect the
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beating heart of our faith in every facet of our lives at St Kevin’s. We were able to provide a few embarrassing pictures to show how much we have grown, although the most important message was how much we have grown in our relationship with God. In Year 11, we conducted one-day retreats in an attempt to make up for our postponed Christian Living Retreat. These days exceeded all expectations among the staff and the boys. One of the most tender features of this retreat is when students explore the importance of their family relationships. A panel of students offered personal insights into their family dynamics and expressed how their families have supported them. To enhance this theme, parents were invited to write a letter to their son describing their love for him. There is something quite special and delicate about seeing a 17-year-old young man open a letter from his mum, his dad, or other loved ones. For many of the boys, the letter is a surprise. Within moments, silence prevailed. At a respectful distance, it was wonderful to survey the fluctuating expressions of deep concentration, joy and love.
We have encouraged our Year 10s to continue to think about the communities that they serve, despite not physically being present to service them. Each Wednesday afternoon, the Year 10 boys are challenged to study, reflect and pray on issues affecting our communities, both local and global. We are privileged to have boys at the College that possess a genuine concern for the needs of those in our communities. Furthermore, our boys also have an urgency to consider the impact they might have, to be positive agents of faith. As we conclude another year, we give thanks for the successes that we have experienced and the opportunities for growth and enrichment, that so often come with times of challenge. We look forward with hope, as we enter the season of Advent. We count down for a future of positive outcomes for the health and wellbeing of all members of our College and broader communities, especially those that are vulnerable and in need of our support. We pray for all members of our global community, as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of a baby in a manger, who was a beacon of light and hope 2,000 years ago.
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From the Acting Principal Dear Members of the St Kevin’s College
optimism that the best of St Kevin’s College will
limitations of a virtual interface, has required
Community,
be maintained and built upon, having ensured
careful planning and constant monitoring.
2020 has certainly been a difficult year in the
significant and critical changes have been
I would like to acknowledge the incredible
journey of St Kevin’s College.
actioned and put in place.
Response Team at St Kevin’s College who have
The circumstances which led to me being
Of course, COVID-19 has also dominated
been responsible for ensuing all members of
appointed to the Acting Principal role at the
our lives this year, severely restricting our
our community remain safe throughout this
College, together with a number of other senior
experiences, offerings and gatherings in 2020.
worldwide pandemic.
leaders, are well known to all members of our
It has seen most year levels forced into an
I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated
community.
online and remote learning environment for
and committed staff of St Kevin’s College this
the majority of the academic year. In fact, the
year. Whether making immediate adjustments
only event I was able to attend prior to our first
to ensure roles can be carried out in the context
lockdown was the Music Soiree at Glendalough
of the home environment, or in the provision
in early Term 1!
of a high-standard teaching to ensure we
policies and procedures across the College, a
Without doubt, the reorganisation of College
continue to offer a world-class educational
complete reinvigoration of the College Advisory
life to allow for remote/online learning has
experience, our staff have met every challenge
Council (Board), and with the appointment of
been one of the biggest changes in school
presented to them. I am so proud to lead a staff
a range of additional and necessary personnel
operations that I have ever been a part of, and
cohort who are so professional and committed
across key areas of school life, I am confident
certainly one of the most difficult. Ensuring
to their students. I want to thank our College
we are on the verge on a new and exciting era
that our students continue to be challenged
Advisory Council Chair, Mr Paul O’Malley, and
for St Kevin’s College. With the appointment of
academically, and with a mindful focus on
the Advisory Council Members, who have
our new Principal, Deborah Barker, the entire
delivering the highest possible level of care
supported both me and the College community
community can commence 2021 with great
for each student’s wellbeing, all within the
so generously this year. They have done so
It has been a challenge for everyone to adjust to this new landscape and to reflect openly on the reasons why such changes were needed. Through the implementation of a range of new
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superbly and I am forever grateful to them.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge
for your final examination results and for the
the support of all parents and carers in 2020.
future endeavours you choose to embrace.
You have ensured great support for your son in
To all of our students, always remember that
keeping him connected to school through the
each one of you have, within yourselves, the
most impossibly challenging circumstances this
power to change people’s lives for the better.
year. Thank you.
As a Catholic school in the Charism of Blessed
Finally, I want to acknowledge our wonderful
Edmund Rice, we are all called to be present for
and inspiring students. Each of you have
others in need. Never forget this foundation of
responded to the challenges of 2020 with such
love and care throughout your lives.
resilience and with a drive and commitment to
In closing, may I wish this loyal and committed
achieve your very best. Thank you for all of your
community of St Kevin’s College well for the
efforts to remain connected with your studies,
future. Thank you for your ongoing support
your teachers and the community. Thank you
of me this year. I hope that, in some small way,
for your care of your fellow students, by making
my presence has helped steer the College in its
sure you took the time to reach out and say “hi”
time of need.
and to check in on one another from time to time.
May God bless the community of St Kevin’s College now, and into the future.
To our Year 12 students, you have lead superbly this year. The grace with which you have accepted the reality of 2020, without complaint, is a credit to each one of you. It speaks volumes
Mr John Crowley Acting Principal
to the strength of your character. I wish you well
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Vale Year 12, 2020 It was with a considerable degree of relief that
message of congratulations and recognition
experiences this year. However, on the day,
so many staff were able to be with the Class of
of the efforts of this extraordinary class from
and during my own choc-top experience, I
2020 on their last day. There is simply no online
the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Associations. Part
will admit to scanning the group and coming
equivalent of being in the same physical space
of the message urged the boys to never
to the conclusion that they will have, rather
as your fellow graduating classmates, reveling
underestimate the power of commitment, hard
ironically, received a gift that no other year
in the joy of signing a shirt, being in casual
work and resilience. Many of my colleagues
level has learnt in quite the same way: one of
clothes, or enjoying the now timed-honoured
have remarked to me how utterly committed
unique fortitude. I hope the difficulties of the
subway and a choc-top! The scene was made all
this group of Year 12s was during their online,
year continues to galvanize them, providing
the more relaxed thanks to the vinyl being spun
remote learning. Of my own group of Year
them with a deep well of strength that they can
by resident DJ Ed Beaney. Rather poetically, in
12s, I can attest to the fact that they never
draw upon through lives many other trials and
the background to this graduating vista was the
once complained; they simply got on with
tribulations.
(now) well-read sign hung on the front gate – a
it. This group were denied so many "normal"
Westcourt Westcourt is the newest facility to open for the students of Waterford. Constructed in 1873 for the Richmond Temperance Society, the building on the corner of Church St and Darlington Pde originally aimed to "offer counter attractions to the many of an objectionable character" in the area. In more recent times it was famously known as Rio’s Brazilian Restaurant, a place for grilled meats and Brazilian entertainment.
auditorium and multipurpose space was available when on-campus learning resumed in Term 4, 2020. Waterford students relished the opportunity to use the space for regular classroom learning, professional development workshops, and Tutor-run activities.
Westcourt is named after the birthplace and family home of Edmund Rice in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland. From late 2019, the building received an extensive renovation, and the new
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ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Christmas at Glendalough
We are waiting joyfully for Christ’s coming at Christmas. At Glendalough, the focus of our Term 4 Religious Education program was very much on the waiting time of Advent. The anticipation of Christmas and the joy of the celebration was a huge presence. The stable, complete with Mary, Joseph, shepherd, angel and kings was the central focus of the religious education program. The stable, in its simplicity, invited much discussion, gasps and a sense of wonder. We recorded the angelic voices of the Glendalough choir and their singing added to the sense of joy at the end of
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year Christmas liturgy. It was a wonderful celebration for our community to welcome the birth of Christ. Prayer provocations supported the Homeroom Religious Education program. This term, the students used visual prompts as a guide to follow in the steps of the Magi. They followed the star through the desert to Bethlehem and, on the way, blessed themselves with frankincense oil. To conclude the journey the students carried a lighted candle to Jesus as a sign that He brings light into the world at Christmas.
As a final gesture of goodwill, the Social Justice Captains combined to organise Christmas food hampers to be distributed to St Mary’s House of Welcome. We were overwhelmed with donations which were gratefully accepted for those in need. The Glendalough community is to be congratulated for their continued generosity in considering those less fortunate than ourselves especially at this time of the year.
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Art and Design
DESIGNING TOMORROW 8
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
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Visiting Author Series Who would have thought that when Mark Smith created The Road to Winter trilogy, which is set against the backdrop of a deadly virus, that the Year 8 students would be listening to him speak on Friday 24 July from home because of our pandemic lockdown? The students were enthralled by his talk and Mark did an amazing job of captivating the attention of the Year 8 students via a YouTube Stream link. Mark recounted his engaging story about how he transformed from a nonreader to a voracious one and, in turn, an English Teacher and now writer. He shared many tips and great insights and frequently would say “Write this tip/quote down!” The Mark Smith talk was intriguing and I personally found it to be a captivating presentation. I thought Mark covered some interesting topics in a well thought out way while not losing the attention of the viewer. Joshua Stormont I really enjoyed it and thought that Mark was very inciteful with how to write a book and how to get inspiration for writing. Ciaran Kinsella
difficult options e.g., “Would you rather get hit by lightning, (but not die) or never use technology again?” Tristan highlighted that he likes to put his characters in a dead split position. Which one will they choose? Tristan outlined his writing routine and emphasised that he uses musical playlists to help inspire his writing. Prior to the presentation, we had asked for pre-questions and over 120 questions were submitted. The students were commended for their intelligent and articulate questions. Andrew Hynes from 7I asked “How did you imagine your books would turn out compared with how well they have done?” For the first time, we used a Padlet Wall to gather the students’ feedback and their comments were positive and enthusiastic.
offer letters with our boys. He gave many writing tips to the students: Is it clear? Can I make it shorter? Is it specific? Have I done a scene checklist? For each area, he used sentences to enhance the power of each word and illustrated that with a bit of editing, a sentence can be transformed from being dull to amazing. He highlighted that when referring to the Scene Checklist, he uses four S’s: suspense, surprise, simile and sensation. This year has taught us to be particularly flexible and with the right technical support and determination, anything can be adapted to the online environment.
For our final Author Visit for 2020, ACT author Jack Heath presented online with the Year 7 students in their classrooms at school. Jack had great energy and his books are very popular with our students. He outlined the process of being asked to write a book through to final production and shared one of his book
Our remote Author Visit Program continued with NSW author, Tristan Bancks, bursting onto our screens to speak to all Year 7 students on Wednesday 9th September. Using a Google Meet and livestream link, we were able to accommodate the whole year level and enable the chat channel in the Google Meet. Tristan immediately engaged with our students by asking them “Would you rather…?" These questions forced the boys to make a choice between two 10
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Waterford Writers' Festival Unlock the Story! This was a rather apt theme for the highly successful 2020 Waterford Writers Festival. Under the expert coordination of Ms Rachel Kerr and the Waterford Writers Festival Committee, students were invited to tap into stories to escape their 5km radius and go on new adventures. Our keynote speakers were number one New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction, Jay Kristoff, and New York Times and internationally bestselling author
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of young adult fiction, Amie Kaufman. They burst onto our screens by suggesting “There are keys everywhere!” to help us unlock stories. Jay revealed that when he was growing up, he had never met an author. Did they even exist or were they all on “Author Island” or dead?! Jay emphasised one truism: “If you want to be a writer, you have to be a reader.” You should read widely so that you have more textured writing. In the afternoon, we were treated to a keynote conversation with Bob Murphy,
moderated by sports writer, John Harms. The students heard Murphy talk about his upbringing, footy career and how he stumbled into writing. A passionate and lively Staff vs Student Debate followed under the topic “movies are better than the books.” The Waterford Writers Festival provided a unique opportunity, particularly in a locked down world, to excite and inspire our students and to connect them with writers, thinkers and creators from all around Australia.
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Theatre Studies As we arrive at the end of this incredible year, we have no productions to reflect on, we have no drama evenings to celebrate, we have no awards to give, no insignias to assign. What we do have is a true understanding of the good humour and flexibility of our students. I write particularly of the Year 12 Theatre Studies class. Our subject is partly practical, partly theoretical. Students choose this subject as they have the opportunity to be creative, work collaboratively and problem solve theatrical challenges. A highlight of the year is the Theatre Studies Play, normally performed in May. We could not perform to family and friends but the students worked hard both online and in Essential Assessment rehearsals, to bring together
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the funny slapstick comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). The beauty of technology allowed us to film and distribute the show for all to enjoy.
events in plays in order to find meaning. They approached their written and practical Theatre Studies examinations with wisdom and maturity beyond their years.
With little changes to all assessment tasks, the students worked at home and at school to rehearse their final performance examination: the monologue. All 14 young men prepared insightful, creative and
There will come a time when they are nostalgic for this time. Younger people will learn from their experiences. These young men have absorbed deep lessons from this end to their schooling - a crucial
superb monologues.
and transformative time in their lives. This year has taken so much from them but, in an extraordinary way, it has given them some gifts. It has given them patience, resilience, calm and dignity and I will forever be in awe of each of them, this extraordinary Theatre Studies class of 2020.
Like many industries across the world, educators have adapted the way curriculum is delivered. In the same way, our Year 12 Theatre Studies students have thought beyond doing, they have reflected on meaning in scripts, they have questioned the motives of characters and
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
George William Dore OAM LFAIB
George Dore (SKC '47) was a magnificent example of a Kevinian, an inspiration to present and past St Kevin's Collegians. George was born in 1931 and lived in Glen Iris. George’s father was a hardworking builder and his mother a devoted Catholic, wife and mother. George’s father was a WWI veteran who sacrificed chances in furthering his education. George’s father was determined that George would receive the best Catholic education possible. Young George started school well and skipped three year levels before commencing at St Kevin's. George’s first year was in 1940 at the age of eight. Skipping so many years of school made it difficult in all sports for George. In those days you played against boys in your own year level, not age level. This only made George stronger and more determined. He excelled in his school work and received a scholarship. George’s first year of Matriculation was at the age of 14 but he was too young to go onto tertiary education. As with most students in that era, he did a second year of Matriculation in 1947. George went onto Melbourne Technical OMNIA
College (now RMIT University) and graduated with a Diploma in Building Construction and worked for his Father in the building industry. 1955 was a big year for George as he started his own building company and also married Margaret Alexander. Margaret was a devoted wife and mother and supported George’s drive and ambition. Margaret was also a wonderful Catholic and they had six children in the first 10 years of their marriage; two boys and four girls. Of course, the two boys would attend St Kevin's: Michael from 1966-1974 and John from 1970-1978. George’s building company continued until 1996 where George grew his business from replacing a rotting window to one of the most successful commercial businesses in Victoria. Many would see GW Dore signs on building sites whereever they went. George’s main client was the Catholic Church and he built schools and churches all over Melbourne and built projects at St Kevin's. His proudest work was his large input to the building of the log cabin at Silver Creek in 1967, along with many other hardworking fathers of that time.
George’s work for the community was awarded by the following: Life Member of the Master Builders, Life Fellow of Australian Institute of Building, Victorian Employer of the Year ’89, Australian Institute Building Medal, Life Membership of Pakenham Racing Club and OAM for services to the Building Industry as a practitioner and trainer. The best student over the whole Building Degree at Holmesglen Institute receives The George Dore Award. George also claims the record for the most attendances to the St Kevin's Old Collegians Annual Dinners, in excess of 60 times. As written in a previous article, George reclaimed the College Crest from CBC Victoria Parade in 1971. George would do almost anything for St Kevin's. Sadly, George passed away in August this year. George was buried with his school tie and is missed by all those who experienced his drive, personality and community spirit.
His priority was his family and then business but he gave back to the community in many ways. The list is amazing and it is incredible how George found any time to sleep. George was a Committee member, Chairman, Director or President of the following: Holy Family Parish, St Kevin's Old Collegians (19601972), Australian Institute of Building, Master Builders Association, Building Referees Board, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Pakenham Racing Club, Toomuc Rural Fire Brigade. 13
Old Collegians INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL
Kuany Kuany (SKC '12) is currently in Rwanda, having competed in Kenya in January and Cameroon last month, representing South Sudan in basketball at FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, is the world’s newest country and as such have never qualified for the FIBA AfroBasket Tournament before.
HEY HEY IT'S KEVINIANS Over recent times a couple of Kevinian names have come across the desk who people of a certain age will remember as being synonymous with Australia’s TV industry. Desmond "Dezzy" McKenna (SKC '72) was none other than "Animal" the drummer on Hey Hey It's Saturday while the man in the Plucka Duck suit on the show for over 10 years was Mark McGahan (SKC '86). We all know that our unique navy school cap design was the original one used on Dickie Knee. Des and Mark have moved on to a wide variety of things in the entertainment industry here and overseas and are doing well.
A FULL CENTENARIAN CENTURION
General’s office based in Maffra. His main career was in the army where he served his country with distinction for decades. Carl entered the military in 1941 and served overseas in New Guinea for most of WWII until 1944, he was deployed to the UK (1950–1953) and again to New Guinea in 1965. Carl was decorated for his service on many occasions and rose to the rank of Colonel and retired in 1973. Always fit and active, he was a stalwart for years of the Old Collegian's Lawn Bowls team and played and won with distinction in the APS Past Student’s Tournament. Rest in Peace.
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND EMPLOYMENT We are not able to post items from Kevinians in need of employment but will place items regarding people that can assist
Kuany left Melbourne with a few other Australian-based South Sudanese players some weeks ago to help his native South Sudan try to advance through these qualifiers.
We suggest Kevinians open Facebook and Linkedin pages regularly and perhaps also place alerts to send items to your phone.
South Sudan is in group D, along with Nigeria, Mali and Rwanda.
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ALL CONTACT WITH SKOCA Please send emails to old-collegians@stkevins.vic.edu.au. As we move toward not sending items by mail we have to ensure we have your email address. Please send an email with your details. Best to avoid using work emails as they change so often. Add your mobile number as well to record that.
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We lost a great man on 1 November 2020 when 100-year-old Charles (Carl) Joseph Franklin McCarthy passed away. After completing his Leaving Honours in 1934 Carl went on to work with the Post Master
Facebook - https://www.facebook. com/StKevinsOCA LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com and search for St Kevins Old Collegians group https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/1899039/
Also, it helps us if, in the education part of your own profile on LinkedIn, you enter St Kevin’s College. We can do much more when we can access the list that choose St Kevin's in their education profile.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Valete ARCHIVES As you have cleaned out the cupboards and garages due to isolation, have you unearthed any items St Kevin's archives may like to see or have? Let us know.
AFL GRAND FINAL Congratulations Matthew Dervan (SKC '13), son of proud father Kevin (SKC '82), who was an AFL umpire appointed to the 2020 Grand Final in Brisbane. Then the next week he was appointed to the AFL All Australian umpire squad. He is the VAFA Umpire Operations Manager as well. Congratulations Matt, you have achieved much in a relatively short career so far.
SKOCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2021 The Committee, elected at the AGM 11 November 2020: President - Andrew Rosengren (SKC '85) VP and Treasurer - Paul Ryan (SKC '78) Secretary – F Julian Hunt (SKC '65) Committee Members 1.
James Appleyard (SKC '19)
2.
James Batrouney (SKC '99)
3.
Steve Browne (Hon. OC)
4.
Shane Conway (SKC '95)
5.
Peter Hede (SKC '82)
Past President - Nick Di Pietrantonio (SKC '92)
40TH REUNION – 1980 A small band of Kevinians of 1980 were determined to hold their 40th Reunion and gathered the maximum permitted at the College Lawn.
OLD COLLEGIAN BOWLERS Calling All Bowlers! The 2021 tournament is on Sunday 28 March 2021 at the Glen Waverley Bowls Club. We need 16 bowlers to represent SKOCA. It is open to past students, past parents and grandparents and past staff, both men and women. It would be good to see some new faces! All enquiries to Peter Macdonald on 0413 754 523 or plcw@alphalink.com.au.
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L-R: Michael Shepherdson, Michael Scammell, Khoi Dinh-Vu, Peter Lawson, John Taylor, Francis Castello, Mike Gallagher, Justin Leong, Paul Cleary, Tim Snowden, Paul De Guingand.
DORAN, Anthony Michael (SKC '77) RIP 18/1/2020 GRIFFITHS, John Desmond (SKC '46) RIP 8/9/2020 HICKEY, Stephen James (SKC '71) RIP 25/9/2020 HUTTON, John Ignatius (SKC '44) RIP 19/09/2020 LODGE, Alan William (SKC '53) RIP 18/11/2020 McCARTHY, Charles Joseph Franklin (SKC '34) RIP 1/11/2020 McCARTHY, John Jerome Franklin (SKC '33) RIP 25/03/1999 McDERMOTT, Frank Thomas AM (SKC '49) RIP 28/02/2020 McDONALD, Ian Gregory (SKC '50) RIP 24/9/2020 MORKHAM, John Edward (SKC '62) RIP 14/11/2020 PERAZZO, William Joseph (SKC '39) RIP 22/10/2020
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Sport November saw some sense of normality return to the College with sport recommencing following a six-month break. Unfortunately, it was still on a limited basis with only outdoor sports involved in interschool competition with reduced teams playing due to the need to use school-based facilities and not council-run grounds. For St Kevin’s, this meant that Tennis, Cricket and Rowing participated in matches and events while Swimming returned to full training and internal meets. Our other summer sports recommenced training towards the end of the Term after further government restrictions were lifted. Due to the limited participation of students, all games in Term 4 were deemed practice matches by the APS.
CRICKET
ROWING
The St Kevin’s First, Second, 10A, 9A and 8A teams played three practice matches against Scotch College, Carey Grammar and Xavier with mixed results, which is understandable with very limited preseason training. The highlight for the term was the First XI annual game against the Old Collegians which saw the Firsts win back the Hewitt Shield in an exciting 40over match.
Our rowers resumed full training at the start of Term 4 with Senior and Year 10 crews racing at the Melbourne Head Regatta. Some exceptional results saw the Seconds and 10As win their respective divisions in commanding style and all other crews placing in the top three which sets them up nicely for the regatta season to commence in mid-January.
TENNIS Much like Cricket, Tennis participation was limited to the Firsts and Seconds in the Seniors and A teams in other age groups. Games against Scotch College and Brighton Grammar saw the majority of the teams split win/losses for the Term, which augers well for the resumption of the full competition in Term 1 2021.
2020 AFL DRAFT Congratulations to 2020 Cusack House Captain and Captain of Football Conor Stone who was selected with the 15th pick in the AFL Draft by GWS Giants. Conor will join fellow SKOB Tim Tarranto at the Giants.