Arts

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty entertained all! On Wednesday 19 May, the joint IBDP Year 11 and 12 Theatre classes staged a performance of Clive Hulme’s The Humpty Files (2019), which we enjoyed performing as much as the audience enjoyed watching. I was lucky enough to be a part of this cast, in that I have chosen to take HL (Higher Level) Theatre—a choice I am very happy I made.

This play was a series of vignettes through which the infamous nursery rhyme was conveyed again-andagain, and each vignette composed in accordance with a particular theatrical style. This ploy ultimately invites the audience to muse over the true meanings of the story: light-hearted and serious, comical and calamitous; becoming, by the end, almost fable-like.

The show began with… a still evening, the air redolent with anticipation as two sword-bearing knaves enter from each side of a battlement: the Shakespearean night watch! A soliloquy (and a forbidden love interest’s reveal) later, and we learn that the ‘Duke of Yolk’ has thrown himself from the battlement, to be found lying ‘sans life’ on the ground. From this shattering beginning (pun intended), the play goes on to portray the tale in the Kitchen Sink, Farce and Murder Mystery genres (to name a few) ultimately culminating in a beautifully ‘naff’ and hopelessly satirical Soap Opera, inspired by the Australian television classic, Neighbours. The sniggers and giggles from the audience would suggest that the show was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We were cast across a myriad of roles, each one more outrageous than the last: the lovable, brick-laying Kitchen Sink Humpty played by Louis Langoulant-Garde (Year 11), the erudite but lonesome Bo Peep played by Amy Fleming (Year 11), Aaliyah Walker (Year 12) as the most utterly and deliciously evil Sir Jasper and the benevolent Shakespearean King played by Khushi Bhugwandin (Year 12), to name a few; however, it must be said that Elsie Taylor (Year 12) stole the show, making lucidly clear that you don’t need many lines at all (having only eight) to commandeer the audience!

As an aspiring actor, it was incredible to just be able to get back on the stage; a simple joy in the wake of COVID’s ransacking of the arts. This sense of elation and fulfilment was echoed by my thespian peers, with Annabel Woolward (Year 11 and a budding first-time performer) saying: ‘It was a great first experience in developing a piece of professional theatre.’ For the glamorous Ellie Huxtable (Year 11), it was: ‘So good… a transcendental and revelatory experience that both expanded and elucidated upon the human condition.’ For others, such as the enigmatic Siggy Nock (Year 11), the performance was a skill-builder as well as a pleasure: ‘The requirement of changing from one character to another really helped me to understand how to organise my time management and awareness,’ he stated.

Of course, this production would not have been possible without the wonderful Tammy Giblin, Head of the Arts and teacher/cat-wrangler of the 11 and 12 IB Theatre classes. Her guidance, insight and creative flare throughout the production process was beyond amazing. She has taught this course many times over, aiming to prepare us for a life in the entertainment industry.

IB Theatre enables its students to experience what it is like to be theatre directors, producers, actors and researchers. It is a wellrounded and robust entry into the world of the stage, both on, around and behind it. It is a two-year course that allows for real depth of understanding and skills development. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering the IBDP as a pathway or who yearns for a life in the spotlight. Those of us pursuing it, love it.

The King (Khushi Bhugwandin) and the Soldier (Aaliyah Walker) discuss the terrible fate of the Duke of Yolk. Photo: Tammy Giblin. Top: Wee Willie Winkie (Ellie Huxtable) orders Ma Winkie (Gryff Connah) in the Soap Opera. Photo: Tammy Giblin. Bottom: Tweedle Dee (Louis Langoulant-Garde) and Tweedle Dum (Siggy Nock) scheme in the Soap Opera. Photo: Tammy Giblin.

trolled by TASDANCErs!

Friends’ School dance students from Years 9-10 became the audience of TROLLS performed by Tasdance on 29 April in the BAMOT Theatre.

TROLLS was a performance choreographed by Adam Wheeler to give young students around Australia an opportunity to understand the consequences of our actions online.

Kai and Gabe, the performers, are very experienced dancers which made the dance much more entertaining as they did not break out of their crazy characters.

While the dance was entertaining and engaging for the students, it was also a wake-up call for young people who spend time on the Internet, of the consequences of their actions.

The performance was followed by a workshop for dance students.

The Farrall Centre has been at the heart of our community for a decade, bringing us together for assemblies, gatherings, musical performances, drama productions and events.

On Saturday 26 June 2021 we welcomed members of our community to come together at The Farrall Centre to celebrate the opportunities it has created for our students. Performances from dance, choir, music, art and drama students were included in the showcase, with an alumni performance from Tasmanian Soprano, Sophie Mohler (Class of 2017), who visited us from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

It was a beautiful evening shared by some of our oldest and youngest community members, showcasing the extraordinary talent of just some of our students. Many thanks to the students who entertained us, to the staff who dedicated so much time and effort to ensure that the performance ran smoothly, and to the community members who braved the cold to join us for such a special night.

Alumnus Sophie Mohler (Class of 2017) performing in the showcase. Lucy Loney (Ogilvie) (1988) with former Head of Junior School, Frances Underwood.

Director of Community Engagement, Bill Avery, with Stan Mather (1949).

Former Principals Stephanie & Lyndsay Farrall with Presiding Member of the Board, Craig Stephens.

Sam Wood (Left) with David Jackson.

As a community we remain resolutely committed to education and the health, well-being and education of Friends’ students now and into the future. We are humbled to report that notwithstanding the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, The Friends’ community has donated $49,514 to our annual giving program, Friends’ Together 2021.

Funds raised during annual giving are used in the immediate future to directly benefit students. With the help of your gifts, we invest in students, facilities and resources to enhance the Friends’ experience and enable our students to grow.

This year, your donations of $23,430 have contributed to the installation of an ASF/Horner Sports Flooring Systems PR3 Advanced sprung timber floor in our new Sports Centre. Built adjacent to Friends’ Health & Fitness students will be using the new Sports Centre as early as Term 1 2022 and the new facility is evidence of the School’s enduring commitment to Sport and our investment in the long term health and well-being of Friends’ students.

Your donations have also made it possible to continue The Friends’ Fellowship needs-based scholarship, making it possible for students, whose families can least afford the fees, to attend the School. Thanks to your donations of $23,033, a new student will commence in Term 1 2022 who would otherwise not have been able to commence at Friends’.

Community contributions of $3,051 to the Library Fund continue to fund vital digital resources and subscriptions in the Morris, High School and Clemes libraries ensuring digital literacy remains central to our students educational growth. These skills have never been more important in an increasingly digital world.

Friends’ Together 2021 has not yet closed. Please consider investing in our students with a tax deductible donation online here: giving.friends. tas.edu.au.

We are delighted to share with our community that the Morris Undercover Walkway has now been completed. Community donations of $3,456 during Friends’ Together 2019 contributed to the implementation of the covered walkway which provides much needed shelter for students, staff and families walking between The Farrall Centre and Walpole. Thank you to all who donated.

The new Morris undercover walkway.

The Friends’ School Old Scholars’ Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1920 to assist children of Old Scholars affected by service in the First World War. In the 1980s, 1990s and 2010s, the Trustees amended the objectives of the Fund to meet contemporary needs.

Renamed the FSOSM Grant, it now provides financial assistance to Year 10 students continuing to Clemes who have an Old Scholar connection (eg parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle). Applications for the 2022 Grant opened in July 2021. Please visit the School website for more information. The Trustees of the OSMSG met recently to formalise the appointment of three new Trustees and farewell two resigning Trustees. New Trustees, Steve McQueeney, Sophie Jerrim and Mike Gluskie, join continuing Trustees, David Asten, Ann Gould and Christine Howard. Retiring Trustees, Stan Mather and Philippa Maxwell, have made a positive difference for many years and everyone has benefitted from their wisdom and experience.

Our heartfelt thanks to Kathy Rundle and to John Beattie’s children, Gillian Turner, Susan Draskovic, David Beattie and Catherine Adams, for kindly sharing this obituary.

John Beattie was born in Melbourne as the second child of Thomas and Ethel (née Lean). Ethel and her siblings lived in Stanley; after early schooling there they each attended Friends’ as boarders during the early 1900s, becoming the first generation of Beatties to attend The Friends’ School.

The Beattie family moved to Tasmania when John’s father was transferred to a position with the National Bank in New Norfolk. John and his sister Dorothy (Scandrett) attended Friends’. John had very happy memories of his school years including catching the train to school. After his education at Friends’ John studied accountancy by correspondence, and worked in an accountancy firm in Huonville, then became a bank officer in the Commonwealth Bank in Hobart and later Devonport. In 1960 John joined the AMP Society and with his wife Barbara and children moved to live in Hobart where he had a very successful sales career.

John’s children Gillian, Susan, David and Catherine attended Friends’ during the later 1960s and 1970s and so the family connection with The Friends’ School continued. John’s granddaughter Amelia is currently attending Year 12 at the School, making her the fourth generation of John’s family to attend.

John enjoyed rowing as a youngster, later sailing and motor cruising allowed wonderful recreation. He enjoyed wood turning, bush walking and built many small boats which his children enjoyed using. John had a long-time interest in the Cerebral Palsy Association and enjoyed his involvement with their fundraising by The Miss Australia quest. He was involved for many years with the Variety club and participated in many “bashes”. For the last ten years he was Chairman of Business East. John was a valued member of The Friends’ School Old Scholars’ Association and served for 40 years on the School’s Old Scholars’ Memorial Grant as a Trustee.

John Beattie was a Rotarian for 31 years and a Liberal Party stalwart. In 1972 John stood for election as a Liberal in the Tasmanian seat of Franklin, in which he was elected 5 times for 4-year terms. His representation on the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for the 4-year term from 1985 involved a great deal of overseas travel and the highlight for him was meeting many members of the Royal Family.

John remarried and with his wife Melinda (née Moody, Friends’ student 1960 - 1969) spent happy years in retirement.

We give thanks for the life and loyalty of John Beattie.

Ben Kruimink.

Our heartfelt thanks to his Friends’ mates who kindly shared this obituary.

Ben Kruimink was a much-liked Friends’ student from 1983 until 1995. We were shocked and saddened to learn of his death in Bali earlier this month. Our thoughts and love go out to his brother John (1992) and his parents Rob (1965) and Georgia (née Howard) (1965).

Ben (Kruimer) was a great friend to many. As with all true friends, it didn’t matter how much time went by between catching up – the friendship was always there.

We last caught up in 2019 – which seems like yesterday – and as was the norm, it was along with many of our closeknit school friendship group.

His close group of friends will cherish the countless memories of Ben: surfing; fishing; camping; and snowboarding. The soundtrack to the surf movie Bunyip Dreaming, watched on many Saturday nights at Waimea Avenue will always bring back the fondest of memories of Ben’s love of surfing, adventure and fun.

His love of the outdoors and adventure led him on a number of journeys, including studies at the Australian Maritime College, farm management, and ultimately to a life in Indonesia, a place he loved perhaps only second to the Tasmanian wilderness.

We’ll always remember Ben, especially when we’re out on the water or in the Tassie wilderness – the places he loved so much.

We will miss you Kruimer.

His Friends’ mates.

Thank you to Kathy Rundle for sharing this obituary based on her recent eulogy for Ripon.

Recently many members of the wider Shield family gathered to celebrate the life of Edward (Ripon) Shield. Much of the Shield family have attended Friends’ over time. Edward Ripon Shield and his wife Mary sent their two children to board at the School, Kathleen (1918) and Leslie Ripon Shield (1915). Kathleen later married Harold Hansen; and Leslie married Gladys Madsen. Many of Gladys’ nephews and nieces attended Friends’ as well.

Leslie Ripon Shield and Gladys Estelle Madsen married in 1934 and made their home at Glenbrook, Glen Huon. They had a daughter who died soon after her birth in 1944. Their son, Edward Ripon, was born 9 July 1948 at the Beaumont Hospital Franklin. Edward was always known as Ripon or Rip, and began his education close to his home at Glen Huon Primary School. He was just over 10 when he started at Friends’ as a boarder in 1959.

Rip’s academic strengths were demonstrated when he was awarded a Credit Award at the end of his first year at Friends’. He went on to achieve a Credit Award for the next four years. Rip is named on School honour boards: the 1960 William Benson Scholarship and the 1963 Old Scholars Academic Prize.

Rip was a quiet and popular boarder, his wry humor appreciated by many. Rumour has it that after he completed his homework Ripon “took on” other boarders’ homework. Outside class, Rip’s interests at Friends’ included participating in Public Speaking Lecturettes, the United Nations Club and the Astronomy Club, of which he was Secretary and President in his later school years. He worked on the school library committee and on the Focus newspaper committee. Rip was a school prefect in his final year at the School.

Rip‘s university career was curtailed and he began working in the Tax Office, then with Telecom before his early retirement. Rip’s working life included considerable experience in the public and community sectors specialising in accounting and finance, including roles as Assessor Supervisor and as a Revenue ED Project manager for the Australian Taxation Office. He worked as a Financial Accounting Manager and Internal Auditor for Telecom.

Following his early retirement, Rip held voluntary positions with a number of not-for-profit charitable organisations including treasurer of the Tasmanian Sunshine Association of Tasmania. Rip was involved with the Hobart City Mission for many years; he joined the Board in 2010 and served on the Finance, Investment and Property Management Committee. Rip was especially interested in the Hobart City Mission’s program Early Support for Parents. Rip also enjoyed his membership of the French Car Club of Tasmania and of the Clarence Plains Historical Society.

Rip was a faithful longtime member of The Friends’ School Old Scholars’ Association and for over 15 years was a weekly volunteer in The Friends’ School Archives. One of Rip’s jobs was helping the Archivist to organise a Rare Book room. He spent many months of Tuesdays in the Rare Book Room undertaking his allotted tasks with great thoroughness. Many other Tuesdays were spent in the old Hobartville attics to sort, organise and check past publications. As a ‘dotter of Is and crosser of Ts’ he was dependable and invaluable as a proofreader of articles in Archives.

Rip was very proud of the Shield name and the way it fitted into the Friends’ Story; he maintained a family tree adding new information as and when discovered. He was responsible for the restoration of the Shield monument at Cornelian Bay. Rip hung a large picture of the original Rippon Shield in his hallway. This first Rippon Shield was a leading builder in early Hobart, who built the Friends’ Meeting House in Murray Street with stone surplus to St Mary’s Cathedral’s rebuild.

We Give Thanks for the Lives Of... John BEATTIE (1950) Rosemary BROWN (former staff) Joan May DUCROW (Holt) (1942) Jane FLEMING (Wilks) (1954) Jennifer GIFFARD (Lipscombe) (1958) Jillian KLARIC (Henry) (1963) Benjamin KRUIMINK (1995) Adam MEIKLE (1989) Adrian (Mozza) MORRISBY (1990) Noel RUDDOCK (former staff) Edward Ripon SHIELD (1965) Lindsay SUHR (1958) Philip (Pip) WRIGHT (1963)