TW - Winter 2023

4 Welcome from the Head of College

6 College Collage

8 Little Shop of Horrors Production

10 Return to Wesley

22

Kaya. Kaya nidja Whadjuk Noongar boodjar. We respectfully acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we stand and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Here we honour the cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Danjoo Koorliny. We accept the invitation to walk together for a better future. Booraka warniny. By daring & by doing.

UNDERSTANDING DATES The names of Old Collegians are followed by the dates they joined and graduated from the College, eg: John Smith (81-86). If a student left the College before their peer group, the dates reflect the year the student joined, the year they left and the graduation year of their peers, eg: John Smith (81-83-86).

COVER 2023 Moorditj by Moonlight celebrations. INSIDE COVER Wes the Wyvern.

EDITOR Mr Richard Ryan THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS Mr Ross Barron, Ms Sophie Foster, Ms Gerogia Atterton (00-02-10), Mrs Zoe Mailer, Ms Alexandra Robertson, Mrs Anthea Kirkman, Mr Thomas Campbell, Mr Robert Johnson, Eye Candy and our ‘community photographers’ for supplying the photographs for this edition DESIGN Groves & Groves GET IN TOUCH For queries or story ideas: communityrelations@wesley.wa.edu.au

By Mr Ross Barron

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE

I have revelled in hearing the stories that connect us all… and we’re only halfway through the year!

The bulk of the parties, reunions, and special Centenary experiences are now complete, but there are still a few exciting things on the horizon, in the shape of Wesley

Students, parents, teachers, staff, alumni, and friends –we have stood together, honouring those who came before us while also creating a legacy for future generations of Wesleyans.

So far, the Centenary celebrations have provided a unique opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and recognition. One thing has come through again and again – it is our combined efforts, and unwavering belief in the power of education, that has guided us through one hundred years of challenges and triumphs.

The Centenary celebrations have also been an opportunity for us to reconnect with alumni from various generations, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends time and distance. We have witnessed the incredible achievements and contributions of our alumni across diverse fields, reaffirming the profound impact Wesley College has had on shaping lives and shaping society.

This collective success fills me with immense pride, and I am grateful for the enduring bonds that tie us all together.

It is evident that from the College’s humble beginnings to our current status as a beacon of educational excellence, Wesley has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.

Takes the Stage at the Perth Concert Hall in August and the Centenary Arts Exhibition at the College in mid-September. There are also a handful more Sundowners and our Centenary Christmas Carols to be had!

Many of the events that we’ve enjoyed would not have been possible without the generosity of volunteers from the Wesley College community, so I thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.

Together, we created a strong foundation for launching into our second Centenary. We have shown the world how proud we are of who we are, what we represent and where we’re going. I’m positive that this expression of College pride will propel Wesley to even greater heights in the years to come.

Mind you, as exciting as it has been to look back, I’m much more excited about looking towards the future. The world is ever-changing. Now we’ve embarked on our second century, we are more dedicated than ever to creating an inclusive environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential.

After all, the real gift of the Centenary celebration is our confidence that the next hundred years are going to be even more extraordinary than the last!

It has been truly inspiring to witness our College community come together in unity and celebration for Wesley’s Centenary.

The Wesleyan

The Wesleyan

A blend of charm and comedic chaos delighted audiences

DON’T FEED THE PLANTS!

in Wesley’s production of Little Shop of Horrors

Our Arts students set new heights for what can be done in a school production with the rock musical Little Shop of Horrors.

The production captivated audiences with its unique blend of humour, horror, and unforgettable tunes – not least because Wesley’s unique take gave new energy to a show that has been performed in movies and on stage since 1960.

For a start, Audrey II – a murderous plant located in a failing florist on LA’s Skid Row – wasn’t a puppet as is usual. The Wesley production deliberately examined the artificial nature of storytelling, with students creating a fresh new way to represent Audrey II that involved her growing every time one of them put on something green.

The JGC Goatcher Auditorium was transformed into the bustling Skid Row, with a striking set design that captured the grittiness and charm of the urban landscape. The creativity was remarkable, with a monochrome, cartoonish cityscape created by our Certificate II Visual Arts students.

The innovative use of lighting and sound effects by students on the tech crew added depth to the production, enhancing the suspenseful moments and accentuating the show’s comedic elements, while Wesley’s musicians performed a soundtrack that would have impressed in any venue.

Little Shop of Horrors showcased Wesley’s exceptional pool of performers – from within the College and from beyond –each bringing their character to life with remarkable talent.

Audrey, portrayed by the charismatic Olivia Sartori, delivered a heart-wrenching performance, while College Captain, Jimmy Timcke, masterfully captured the essence of Seymour, the lovable and conflicted protagonist.

The supporting cast, including the hilarious Orin (played by Daniel Wooldridge), fabulous Mr Mushnik (played by Thomas Liggins) and the voice of Audrey II (brought to life by Lana Habibi), provided comedic relief and added depth to the production.

The musical numbers in Little Shop of Horrors were nothing short of spectacular. From the high-impact Downtown (Skid Row) to the hauntingly beautiful Suddenly Seymour, the cast showcased their vocal prowess and captivated the audience across four performances.

Judging by the applause at the end of each show, the palpable energy and passion displayed on stage created a connection with the audience that would linger long after the final curtain call. It really was a testament to Wesley’s growing reputation as a hub for exceptional artistic expression.

RETURN TO WESLEY

A century of Boarding at Wesley was celebrated with a huge community event and the launch of a new sporting cup!

As weekends go, Return to Wesley was an extravaganza. It all started with a desire to celebrate 100 years of Boarding at the College.

Living at your school is a unique experience, so we contacted members of our past and present Boarding community and invited them to return to the College. We were keen to hear their memories and celebrate how the experience shaped their lives.

Of course, the nature of Boarding means that families had to travel vast distances to be here, so we wanted the weekend to be special.

We kicked off festivities on a Friday evening, with a tour of the Boarding House, followed by dinner in the Boarders’ Dining Hall and drinks in the JGC Staff Room. It was a night of reminiscences, stories and laughter!

Saturday was the main event though. Everyone loves sport, so we timed Return to Wesley with the launch of a new

competition – the Centenary Cup – which will be an ongoing tradition against Scotch College.

Wesley and Scotch are the two Uniting Church schools in the PSA. Our first sporting fixture, upon joining the PSA in 1952 also happened to be against them, so it seemed fitting for us to launch a special event between our teams.

A point is allocated for every game won, across every sport, at every grade, in every year group. The College with the most points takes home the Cup… which on this occasion ended up with Scotch. Just teething troubles – we’ll be back stronger next year!

Add in food stalls, market stalls, a special appearance by the College mascot, Wes the Wyvern, the Wesley Cheerleading Team, Year 9 Business and Enterprise students, and live music from both alumni and current students and it’s fair to say it was a wonderful couple of days!

The Wesleyan

The largest celebration Wesley has ever thrown saw 1,000 people gather for the Centenary Gala Ball.

The Wesleyan

“Tonight has been four years in the making,” said Head of College, Mr Ross Barron, addressing the parents, staff and friends gathered at Crown Towers in their elegant ballgowns and sharpest tuxedos.

The amount of planning was evident – from the incredible floral displays, to the menu, to the entertainment. It was a stunning way to formally celebrate Wesley’s 100th year.

The Gala Ball also saw the launch of the S arah Hardey Centenary Scholarship Fund – to offer a Wesley education to students who would otherwise not be able to afford the opportunity.

Time and time again, the theme of community was raised. Mrs Frauke Bolten-Boshammer, owner of Kimberley Fine Diamonds and a former Wesley parent, travelled from Kununurra to present a diamond necklace as the grand prize in our draw.

She said: “Wesley is in my blood – if I see the blazer, I still get goosebumps.” The applause suggested it was a feeling shared by many. It certainly summed up the sense of pride in the room.

The countdown is now on to the second Centenary Gala Ball… in 2123!

CELEBRATING CULTURE

Wesley College’s third Moorditj By Moonlight event was a resounding success, drawing our biggest crowd yet.

The Wesleyan

Performances from Wesley, Penrhos College, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, and Guildford Grammar School had the audience enthralled. Dancing on a giant sand mural, more than 80 Indigenous students brought their cultural stories to life. The crowd sang along to the famous cover of I Am Australian by the Yabu Band, cheered at a didge-off and clapped to the celebration dance, Nyumbi.

One highlight of the afternoon was the first live performance of the new Wesley College anthem – with the Wesley College Choral, College Choir, Chamber Strings and Wind Orchestra

appearing on stage together. The anthem, By Daring, By Doing, was created to celebrate the College’s centenary year.

Glenn Sarangapany (96-00), multi-award-winning composer and a member of the internationally acclaimed band Birds of Tokyo, was commissioned to compose the song. To respect and acknowledge our First Nations people, Glenn collaborated with both Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, who adapted a verse into Noongar. The end result is an anthem that celebrates who we are at Wesley and what we value.

MR NICK STACK

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU BECAME A TEACHER.

My journey to becoming a teacher started straight after school. I was a student at Scotch College (don’t hurt me) and I returned to the school as a Rugby Coach and transferred to being a Residential Mentor at the Boarding House. In this space, I began to find a love of helping children from Years 5 to 12.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT WERE YOU WHEN YOU WERE AT SCHOOL? I had an interesting journey as a student. I started my schooling in Sydney and I had a really difficult time understanding skills and concepts. It wasn’t always the easiest time. There were often tears due to frustration and thinking I didn’t belong in the classroom. Moving into Senior School I developed a high interest in History and English. In the end, this was just the beginning of my passion for these subjects, as I pursued them after school!

DID YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TEACHER AT SCHOOL?

My favourite teacher and one that I continuously thank for making me the man I am today, was a man named Mr Phillips. He was my teacher in Year 5 and during this time, I was very

poor in my academics. However, he saw something in me and made sure to push me to be the best version of myself. When I teach, I often think of him. Asking myself, “What would Mr Phillips have done in this situation?”

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE IN MR STACK’S CLASSROOM?

I pride myself on having a very welcoming and safe classroom environment. My teaching philosophy is centred around relationships. Always knowing things about my students, that I wouldn’t see in the classroom is crucial to me getting through to them. Whether it be their favourite Marvel character, their footy score, or the size of the fish they caught on the weekend. This can be invaluable to the point where a student’s engagement heightens, and they feel like they want to come to my class.

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WESLEY?

Not many people know this at Wesley, but I love to cook. I love trying new things and often have big cook-ups with friends at our place. I find it therapeutic!

Teachers are famous for focussing on the three Rs. But in Mr Stack’s case, they represent: rugby, recipes and relationships.

Middle School Teacher

MRS GEMMA CLARK

Year 5 Teacher and Year 7 Boarding Coordinator

WHERE DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING? I began my career teaching in various schools across Monmouthshire in South Wales. The experience of instructing Year 6 classes, consisting of 36 eager students, truly broadened my horizons and I wholeheartedly embraced the challenges that came my way. My passion for drama and dance flourished during my tenure and some of my most cherished memories involved directing musical productions.

SO, HOW DID YOU GET TO WESLEY? As I turned 30, I made the life-changing decision to relocate to Western Australia, bidding farewell to the grey skies and drizzle of Wales in favour of the welcoming warmth and radiant sunshine in WA. Within a month of arriving, I landed a job at Wesley; a school that left me awestruck as I drove through the sprawling campus. The sheer size of Wesley left an unforgettable impression on me. Little did I know what wonderful teaching moments and opportunities lay ahead of me.

DO YOU THINK WESLEY IS A SPECIAL PLACE?

Over the years I have spent at Wesley, my appreciation for this extraordinary place has deepened significantly. The

level of dedication shown by the staff is truly remarkable. Community also forms an integral part of Wesley’s identity and genuine partnerships are forged with families, ensuring that each student can embark on a fulfilling educational journey. I often think about how fortunate my son is to attend such an exceptional school.

WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING IN BOARDING? Working in boarding is the absolute highlight of my career to date. The boarders and their families are wonderfully genuine people and the connections made there will last a lifetime. Sending a child away to boarding is not easy and I genuinely feel a strong sense of responsibility to care for and support these boys who consider Wesley their home. The boarding staff are exemplary and the strong sense of community fostered within the Boarding House extends its reach throughout the entire school. It is an honour to be part of their journey.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR HIDDEN TALENTS? Growing up I loved hip-hop music and for many years in Australia, I attended hip-hop dancing classes which I absolutely loved!

Hailing from South Wales (the original, not the new one), Mrs Clark changed her life to teach in Western Australia.

In 1981, Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister, A Country Practice debuted on Channel 7 and Wesley won the PSA tennis trophy for the last time.

Well, the last time for 42 years – following a 16 sets to 8 victory over Christ Church Grammar School.

The result came down to the final fixture of the PSA’s tennis competition and was especially sweet for falling in Wesley College’s centenary year. It marks the seventh occasion that the College has won the Corr Cup, after victories in 1963, 1967, 1975, 1979, 1980 and 1981.

Director of Tennis at Wesley College, Mr Strahinja Bobusic, said afterwards: “This win over Christ Church is so special to our current players, past players and supporters of Wesley College. The team has done a tremendous job and worked so hard, starting in October 2022 when we had our training camp. The team was determined to be the first group in 42 years to bring the Corr Cup back over the Swan River.”

The Wesleyan

Wesley’s Tennis team brought the Corr Cup back over the Swan River for the first time in 42 years. A moment made even sweeter for being in our Centenary year.

The Wesleyan

KEEN FOR KEB AKO ORL

Written by Mrs Jo Edinger Head of Junior School

This year, the Early Years’ children have spent time learning on the banks of Derbarl Yerrigan in our new program, Kebakoorl.

The word Kebakoorl is Noongar. It means ‘went to the water’. It’s wonderful to have a resource like the South Perth foreshore right on our doorstep.

The program is tiered, beginning in Pre-kindergarten and progressing through to Year Two.

THE AIMS OF THE PROGRAM ARE TO:

• Build connections to ‘our place’

• Foster cultural competency

• Provide opportunities for learning and play in nature

• Develop a sense of environmental responsibility

As 2023 is the first year of the program, our focus is on safety and the development of new routines.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF KEBAKOORL?

Research shows that spending time in natural environments has a range of benefits for children.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Children take part in more physical activity outdoors during in-nature programs and in all weather. This is an important outcome for children as more and more children and families have limited access to natural environments at home.

NATURE DISPOSITIONS When children have the opportunity to be outside, they develop a greater interest in nature and positive attitudes to natural elements.

SOCIAL SKILLS Venturing outside and exploring the foreshore area promotes collaborative play and helps children relate to others with understanding, respect and supportiveness.

CURIOSITY Visiting new and different places allows children to develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflectivity.

REFLECTION SKILLS Children are able to interact with the environment and spend periods of time exploring, reflecting and participating in philosophical discussions with peers, educators and parents.

CREATIVITY When exposed to natural environments and resources, children become less dependent on manufactured toys and instead collect rocks, twigs and other natural materials for innovative and creative play.

A new program in the Junior School, called Kebakoorl, sees students head to the river to learn in new ways.

COLOUR CODING

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN children are the Hatchlings of Kebakoorl and wear yellow vests. They will begin with purposeful exploration on the school grounds before their first visits to Derbarl Yerrigan in Term Three.

PRE-PRIMARY AND YEAR 1 children are the Wyrmlings of Kebakoorl and wear orange vests. Pre-primary and Year 1 visits commenced in Term Two.

YEAR TWO children are the Elders of Kebakoorl and will wear blue vests, with their visits commencing in Term Two as well.

EMBRACING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Written by Ms Sarah Stone Acting Head of Middle School

Outdoor Learning at Wesley College aims to build students' individual resilience and life skills for a sustainable future in the great outdoors. Students participate in learning experiences that are developmentally and physically appropriate, challenging and enriching both their personal growth and the growth of others around them. This year, we added two new programs to our Outdoor Learning Experiences. Our Year 6 students went to Lake Leschenaultia and our Year 7 students went to Margaret River.

YEAR 6 – LAKE LESCHENAULTIA

The Year 6 Outdoor Learning program aims to develop positive interpersonal relationships within a collaborative team structure. The program's central theme is based on individual contribution and focusses on the importance of positive team dynamics while discovering the strengths this may bring to their group. These outcomes are delivered through activities such as raft building, mountain biking, orienteering, abseiling and rock climbing.

A step up from Year 5 camp, the Year 6 students take part in their first multi-night campout and cooking experience. Students are arranged in multiple teams and each member is given a specific role in the preparation of a traditional campsite. All these skills are practised early on in the students’ Outdoor Learning journey to create a sense of familiarity, as these skills will be utilised in future Outdoor Learning programs.

In Term One, I had the opportunity to join 602 for a day where I joined in with the mountain biking around Lake Leschenaultia, which was certainly a picturesque and enjoyable ride. Students also learnt how to service and look after a mountain bike. We then moved into raft building which saw the students work in teams to build rafts that their team raced on the lake. The team I was with worked well together. Admittedly, some pieces of the raft didn’t make it

all the way to the end, but we were still victorious and more importantly, had a good time!

YEAR 7 – MARGARET RIVER

The Year 7 program aims to further develop teamwork in a collaborative structure while developing self-organisation and personal responsibility. Students are expected to cook two out of three meals using a Trangia stove in teams of four. Each student is given specific roles within the cooking group.

Students are introduced to abseiling as an extension from rock climbing and also hiked part of the Cape to Cape Walking track and enjoyed some of the most stunning scenery that the South West has to offer. Students were able to participate in mountain biking, bush cooking, canoeing and team games. As Year 7 is an intake year for Middle School, camp brings an excellent opportunity for students to get to know one another better, collaborate and spend time outside the classroom environment.

Mrs Lucy Stuart, our Year 7 Head of Year and 702 Tutor, attended camp in Term Two. Afterwards, she said: “The camp week presents a variety of expectations and anticipation for our student cohort. It was wonderful to witness students getting involved in the activities, allowing the instructors to teach them skills and then the growth in independence around the camp as the week progressed. I found the student reflections around gratitude towards the end of the week were heart-warming. The experience is an important part of our culture.”

Our Year 5 students will have their Outdoor Learning program in Term Four, where they will visit Ern Halliday in Hillarys. Our Year 8 students take turns as Tutor Groups to be involved with the Katitjin program for a whole term with their camp to Morapoi Station finalising the term.

Outdoor Learning is a vital component of education, so it’s exciting to have introduced two new camps to the Middle School experience.

FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL

By Ms Lynette McGivern Head of Senior School

On Level 2 of the Joseph Green Centre, you will find the Senior Studies Centre (SSC), a place where our Year 9–12 students are known and are able to access a range of people to support them day-to-day. It is also a place where students are challenged and tricky conversations are had, in the hope students will grow and feel empowered to act as their own best advocate.

We encourage a wrap-around approach to caring for our students, something you feel as soon as you enter the SSC. The physical space hosts the Year 12 Common Room and shared kitchen, an open plan area used for individual and group study along with a meeting room. However, most importantly, it houses caring staff with a vast array of knowledge and expertise to assist our young people in navigating their studies and helping them to become the person they want to be. We want our students to feel as if they belong.

So who’s who? The first point of contact in the SCC is usually Mrs Tania Plant. She greets everyone with a big smile and usually by name! She signs students in late, signs them out for appointments, passes on uniform dropped off by parents and distributes uniform slips on those rare days that the boys forget something. Most importantly, she offers a listening ear and sound practical advice.

Our Heads of Year are also in the SSC. They oversee their respective year groups and, in conjunction with Mentors, organise student social events, host year group assemblies and assist both students and parents in navigating the various ups and downs that will invariably come from adolescence.

The Heads of Year are ably supported by Mr John Taylor, the Assistant Head of Senior School (Pastoral). Mr Taylor is committed to quality pastoral care and you will often see him in Jenkins Quadrangle chatting to both staff and students. He makes no apologies for holding our students to high standards, those that reflect our College values of courage, compassion, integrity, and respect.

Mrs Jo Nelson and Mrs Kaylene Stocker ensure the smooth running of assemblies, photo days, examinations, parent evenings and reporting. Both students and staff are likely to see Schoolbox posts from them reminding people of important dates or passing on information about upcoming academic events, such as NAPLAN.

Overseeing our academic policies and processes is Mr Andrew Pateman, the Assistant Head of Senior School (Academic). Mr Pateman is responsible for the Senior School timetable, assessment and reporting. He manages the subject selection process and provides high-level support to students and families for academic pathways. Many families have benefitted from the wise counsel of Mr Pateman, particularly regarding study pathways. He is well-versed in School Curriculum and Standards Authority requirements and consistently uses data to fine-tune College processes.

Our Head of Academic Development, Mr Mike Filer, seeks to positively impact student learning across a range of College programs such as the opt-in Academic Afternoons and Academic Evenings as well as the multiple Mentor-led sessions, using specialist providers like Elevate. There is no doubt that when together, students are more motivated to study and that this improves outcomes. In a 2022 survey of Wesley students attending Academic Evenings, 81% of students indicated they had been involved in meaningful peer-to-peer learning and a majority of students said that the most beneficial aspect of the program was access to Academic Tutors and teachers. Our Academic Tutors are specifically recruited for their expertise as well as their capacity to model proven strategies for learning. Where possible, they are also Old Collegians, adding another element to the connection they have with our current students.

The education landscape evolves constantly. It looks different now from how it was even five years ago. Education is about opportunity and regardless of your interests and aptitude, our Head of Future Directions, Mrs Sarah Steer, helps our students navigate what will come after Wesley. With so many pathways available, Mrs Steer is constantly meeting with students and families or helping students through a range of important processes, whether that be TISC applications, how to apply for a Certificate course, INSTEP interviews, scholarship applications or attending Trade Exhibitions.

Our students are so lucky to have such a group of committed educators working for their best interests. Perhaps, Nelson Mandela’s quotation at the entry of the Senior Studies says it best: ‘A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination’.

As Head of Senior School, I really enjoy seeing students work, learn, and play in so many varied settings. The best part of the role is the conversations I have with students, listening to their ideas, sharing their disappointments, cheering for Wesley or working together to solve a problem.

WOMEN OF WESLEY

Our female Old Collegians (and their mums) caught up, united by the start in education that Wesley gave them.

P&F WELCOME

Our Parents’ and Friends’ Association warmly welcomed new families to the College.

PAST STAFF

It was wonderful to reconnect with former colleagues and learn of their adventures.

STRIPEYS CENTENARY

Wesley’s former prefects gathered to swap stories of their days on the student executive.

THE TIME IS NOW!

Wesley’s first 100 years wouldn’t have been possible without our generous donors and we are so grateful. To celebrate, we spoke with three of our youngest scholarship recipients about the College and their hopes for the next 100 years. Here is what they had to say.

The Wesleyan

SACHIV SILVA, YEAR 7

Arthur Moore Scholarship

AT WESLEY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR?

All the opportunities I have. I wouldn’t have been able to have these cool and interesting experiences at another school. I’m off to camp soon and I’m really excited!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR WESLEY IN THE NEXT 100 YEARS?

Wesley is already really great, I think if it continues on growing and growing it would be amazing.

WHAT ABOUT BEING A WESLEYAN MAKES YOU PROUDEST?

I’m most proud of the culture that Wesley has. Even though Wesley is a big school with so many people, it still feels like a close knit and special community to be part of.

DO YOU THINK WESLEY IS EVOLVING?

The school has grown a lot since it first started and I hope it continues to grow and continues to include people from different cultures and walks of life. I love the new traditions that have began like the ringing of the Tranby Bell. I hope Wesley keeps building educational spaces that improve the learning experiences. I also really hope they build a water polo pool!

WHAT ELEMENT OF COLLEGE LIFE MAKES YOU PROUDEST?

All the great things that we’ve done for the Leukemia Foundation. We’ve raised a significant amount of money and I hope this has made a difference. Over the past few years, we’ve been seeing great results in Water Polo – this is exciting and something I’m proud of. What I’m also really proud of is when a game of football is not going our way, we never give up and keep trying our hardest.

SARAH HARDEY CENTENARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

To mark Wesley’s 100th birthday, the College is establishing the Sarah Hardey Centenary Scholarship Fund. Sarah Hardey was one of Wesley’s very first donors. She supported the campaign to buy the land on which Wesley sits. She then went on to generously support two scholarships.

Without Miss Hardey we wouldn’t be here today. We invite you to be part of history by supporting this meaningful fund. Every gift, big and small, will leave a lasting legacy.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT WESLEY

KOBY HARNDEN, YEAR 8

Head of College’s General Excellence Scholarship

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WESLEY?

There are so many opportunities! All these programs, experiences and co-curricular activities just don’t happen anywhere else. I did Katitjin last term and really like being involved in all the PSA sport and activities.

MONTY STORK, YEAR 7

Arthur Marshall General Excellence Scholarship and E S Craft Music Scholarship

WHAT MAKES WESLEY SPECIAL?

All of the opportunities that we have here at our school. Opportunities such as playing PSA sport every Friday, the music program and being challenged by the extension program. I particularly enjoy the English enrichment program. It’s great.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE WESLEY WILL BE LIKE IN 2023?

It’s pretty good already! I hope it keeps expanding and growing, and becoming even more inclusive. I hope Wesley continues to keep introducing cool, new things!

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES WESLEY SPECIAL?

We’re a really inclusive school where your mates cheer you on and support you. Teachers want you to find what you love to do and will do whatever they can to help you.

To make a gift to Wesley, please visit wesley.wa.edu.au/giving or call: Ms Alexandra Robertson Development Manager (08) 9368 8127.

Time and time again, the Wesley community has supported the many programs, activities and capital developments which students and staff enjoy today. Whether you would like your donation to help students through scholarships or College buildings, the choice is yours.

The College can provide tax deductible receipts for donations above $2.00 to these funds:

• Wesley College Scholarship Fund

• Wesley College Indigenous Scholarship Fund

• Wesley College Building Fund

• OWCA Mildred Manning Scholarship Fund

Centenary Cup

The Centenary Cup was created this year to celebrate 100 years of sport at Wesley College. A new tradition, all Wesley College vs Scotch College matches played during the first weekend of fixtures in the winter season will be tallied, with the victorious school claiming custody of the Centenary Cup at their school until the following year.

Mildred Manning’s Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Mildred Manning, with almost 54 years of service, was Wesley College’s longest-serving staff member. A beloved scientist, teacher and all-round impressive person, Mildred inspired multiple generations of Wesley students. In 1964, Mildred was awarded an MBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Queen’s New Year honours for her extensive contributions to the teaching of Biology in Western Australian society. The document is signed by the late Queen and her husband, Prince Phillip.

Lych Gate

The Lych Gate in the Old Wesley Collegians’ Memorial Rose Garden commemorates the 55 Old Collegians who died in service during World War II and one Old Collegian named Roderick Sprigg, killed in the Vietnam War. The plaques inside the gate contain an honour roll of their names. Initially built on the Coode St boundary in 1953, the gate was moved to its current position and rededicated at a special Anzac Day service in 2005. The Lych Gate and memorial garden is a beautiful place to sit and reflect on the incredible bravery and sacrifice shown by others.

When it comes to interesting objects, Wesley College is an absolute treasure trove. From significant landmarks like the Lych Gate to the smallest prefect badge, they all have a story to tell.

Lance (Buddy) Franklin’s shoes

AFL legend Lance Franklin (03-04) donated a pair of his boots to Wesley College. They are on display in our Gallery of Honour. Regarded as the finest forward of his generation, Lance is among the greatest football players of the game. He has kicked over 1,000 goals, the most of any current player and the fourth most in VFL/AFL history. He’s competed in more than 350 games, been picked for the All-Australian team eight times, won four Coleman Medals and two Premierships.

Stained Glass Window

The stained-glass window in the Old Common Room was donated by the Old Wesley Collegians’ Association in 1937. At the unveiling, then-president of the association, H.B. Hanton, said the Old Collegians were: “proud of the continuing progress and success of the school.” The building developments in 1937 signified that important changes were being made at the College, and the Old Collegians wanted to show their continued support. The stained-glass window was designed by Arnold Camerer (25-33).

Foundation Day Trowel

On 11 November 1922, a very important first step was made in the life of Wesley College. Premier Sir James Mitchell laid the foundation stone on the southwest wing of what is now the J.F. Ward Wing in our Senior School, and Wesley was born. The Foundation Day Trowel used in the ceremony is one of the most symbolic pieces in the archival collection, signifying our earliest beginnings.

Tranby Bell

The Tranby Bell’s origin dates back to 1829 when a ship called Tranby left England, destined for the Swan River. Aboard the ship were two Methodist ministers – brothers John and Joseph Hardey. The Hardey family were benefactors of Wesley College and significant contributors to the College’s foundation. They donated the ship’s bell to Wesley in 1947. The bell once hung on the north-east side of Kefford Wing, and each week a student was appointed as ‘Bell Boy’ and responsible for ringing it, signalling the beginning and end of lessons. It was then retired for safekeeping in the College Archive.

The Tranby Bell is now mounted on a frame made of wood from the original pews that were fitted in The Old Wesley Collegians’ Association Memorial Chapel. It is rung to begin special events such as Assemblies, Speech Days, Valedictory and important Chapel services. Beginning this Centenary year, it will also be rung by each new student on their first day at Wesley as well as by each student on their last day at the College, reinforcing the message that Wesley will always be a part of each person.

Throssell Sword

A popular item in the Wesley archive, the Throssell Sword was donated to Wesley College in 1984 by Ric Throssell (32-39), a boarder and prefect. The sword once belonged to Ric’s father, war hero Hugo Throssell, who was a light horse soldier in World War I and received a Victoria Cross for his bravery in Gallipoli. Following the war and Hugo Throssell’s death, the Throssell family became pacifists. Ric had the sword blunted as a symbol of peace. He donated his father’s sword to Wesley College to encourage the study of peace amongst future generations of students at his old school.

Wesley Bookend

These stunning bookends were designed as gifts for special donors and supporters of Wesley College.

Wesley Quilt

The quilt captures the social and academic history of Wesley College between 1923 and 2003. A number of women associated with Wesley College worked on the quilt for over a year. The talented quilters included: Dene Ede, Carolyn Smith, Denise Nicholls, Anne Abbott, Narelle Jones, Kim Ryan and Julie Sharp.

Pith Helmet

A pith helmet belonging to John Maloney (51-55). A 1931 edition of the Wesley Wyvern states that the Wesley pith helmets were imported from India. Not designed to protect the head from injury, the hats are light and were made to shade and keep air circulating. The boys referred to their helmets as ‘bangers’.

Cufflinks (1936)

Wesley College cufflinks made by J.C. Taylor Co. in 1936. The cufflinks were presented to Prefect Alan (Keith) Collins (32-37), who was awarded the College Dux that year.

Mildred Manning glass negative

The archive contains a collection of Mildred Manning (nee Le Souef)’s slides used in her popular biology lessons, in which students learned the detailed anatomy of a wide range of flora and fauna, from flowers and insects to large mammals. The Le Souef family resided at Perth Zoo, of which Mildred’s father, Ernest Albert Le Souef, was Director for more than 35 years. The family are pictured here with an elephant, a negative captured on a glass slide and found with Mildred’s teaching collection.

Ian Dick Olympic Collection

Ian Dick (36-44) arrived at Wesley College in 1936, the youngest of three talented brothers. A capable sportsman, Ian was involved in a range of College sports. However, Ian particularly excelled in Hockey and Cricket. After graduating from Wesley, Ian became a Sheffield Shield cricketer and Australian hockey player, culminating in captaining the Australian Hockey Team at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. He even scored Australia’s first ever hockey goal in Olympic competition. Ian’s items are kindly on loan to the Wesley College archive from the Dick family.

Prefect Badge (1941)

An intricate Prefect badge from 1941, belonging to Keith Richardson (36-41), one of our 55 Old Collegians killed in action in World War II – his young life cut short in 1944, just three years after his graduation.

Jack Dundas’ (24-27-28) Boarding Collection

A snapshot of boarding life in the 1920s. Jack Dundas’ collection includes a napkin holder emblazoned with the Wesley Crest, a Wesley College document holder, Jack’s school tie, his chemistry notebook, and his Prefect shield from 1927. He also kept an assortment of books from his school days. A talented student, most of Jack’s books were gifted as prizes and have the Wesley College crest on their cover as well as an inscription by our first Headmaster, J.F. Ward.

OWCA OVERVIEW WITH MR GREG BROWN

As I write this, we have just held Pioneers’ Day, which even in our Centenary Year (which is bursting with celebrations), is still my favourite event. We welcomed the Class of 1973 at the Year 12 Assembly in the JGC Goatcher Auditorium. Given the outstanding attendance last year by the Class of 1972, the Class of 1973 got a “could do better” on their report card. We look forward to much higher attendance rates in future events! Nonetheless, we had a great turnout from other years.

The Assembly highlighted the diversity of talent that is being nurtured by the College from the Benny Hill theme song by a jazz quartet to the new Wesley anthem by a rock band. Vastly different from the 3Rs of many a Pioneer’s time!

We heard from the 2023 OWCA President Award recipient, Roman Cook, son of Mathew Cook (90-98), about the lasting impact he feels Wesley will have on him and how he has embraced the ‘opt-in’ culture. Yet another example of by daring and by doing. As always, the Pioneers enjoyed having lunch and discussing the difference in school experiences with Jimmy Timcke (College Captain 2023) and his fellow Prefects.

Anzac Day was held in person this year for the first time since 2019. It was wonderful to be able to sit in the Memorial Chapel, dedicated to our 56 fallen members, gaze at the Vacant Chair and the bronze plaques engraved with their names, and honour their sacrifice. Captain Richard Edinger (81-85) delivered the Ode and son Lachlan (11H) bugled the Last Post. Mum, Jo, Head of Junior School, was a proud onlooker.

Shakers & Stirrers was relocated to the South Perth Bowling Club this year and saw a 50% increase in numbers (as well as at least a 30% reduction in drink prices, meaning that the bar tab lasted longer than usual) so we will continue with that in ’24. Several younger alumni even impressed on the bowling green!

We also had the Stripeys’ Sundowner in February. A Stripey refers to the braiding on the school blazer which is attributable to the College Captain, Vice- Captain, Captain of Boarding and Chair of SRC for each particular year.

This presented an opportunity for me to catch up with John Watson (College Captain 1984) and Ken Martin (Captain of Boarding 1982) whom I have not seen since they completed their studies. It was particularly noteworthy that Dr Rod Kefford AM (Headmaster 1984-1996) made one of several trips from the east to attend Centenary functions along with David Gee (Headmaster 2003-2018) and Ross Barron. Having three of our eight Headmasters in one spot is incredible and only goes to show that Wesley has an impact on more than just the students. Finally, I wanted to mention the Mildred Manning Scholarship Trust. Along with the OWCA, we are close to $5M in funds under management and are excited to announce a new six-year scholarship (Year 7-12) for the College. We sincerely thank all alumni who have contributed over the years. We have built a fund that will guarantee the future of Wesley well into the next century.

As always, I hope that the OWCA provides alumni with the best possible opportunities to connect and reconnect with your schoolmates, so if there is anything that we could do better, do not hesitate to get in touch.

GREG BROWN (82-86) OWCA President

ANZAC DAY

It was wonderful to be able to hold our special OWCA Anzac Day Service in person for the first time since 2019. It was a beautiful opportunity to remember and thank the servicemen and women who have fought for our country and freedom.

A special thanks to the following OWCA members for being part of the service, Mr Greg Brown (82-86), Mr Tom Goodheart (09-15), Mr Connor Fitzgerald (14-20), Mr Rob Davies (56-58-60), Mr Darcy Roden (12-17), Mr Mitchell Nixon (15-20) and Captain Richard Edinger (81-85).

WORLD CLASS

Mr Michael MacKinnon (91-95) has joined the College’s list of elite athletes after his recent appearance at the World Transplant Games. He tells us his story.

YOU TOOK PLACE IN THE WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES FOLLOWING A DUAL KIDNEY TRANSPLANT. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE GAMES? The World Games were held here in Perth. It was actually my second Games, so it was an incredible experience to play host to the world and race in my hometown this time, in front of my family and friends.

IN WHICH SPORT DID YOU REPRESENT AUSTRALIA?

I was the Swimming Team Captain. It was my role to create a team culture that all the swimmers were proud to be part of. We raced hard, supported each other and, most importantly, had fun. It was a challenging role as I was responsible for a variety of transplant athletes, ranging from 12 years old through to 83 years old!

OBVIOUSLY, YOU’VE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME WITH YOUR HEALTH. WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOU HAD KIDNEY ISSUES? My transplant journey began way back when I was 21 years old. I had a consult with my doctor, who predicted that by the time I was around 30 I would experience end-stage kidney failure. From that appointment, I commenced taking medication and kept living life to the

full – doing the obligatory London-Europe sojourn many Australians do. Fast forward to just before I turned 30 years old, I experienced the predicted kidney failure. That lead to dialysis sessions three times a week while the testing began for a possible kidney donor.

YOU MANAGED TO FIND A DONOR – DO YOU KNOW WHO IT WAS? It was my beautiful mother, Pam. As a result of organ donation from my amazing Mum, I received six amazing years of life. I got to see the weddings of my sister and my brother, I fell in love, travelled the world, became a godfather. Unfortunately, my transplant failed in April 2014 and I was back on dialysis. I had a love/hate relationship with dialysis. I loved the way it made me feel better but hated the treatment which saw me hooked up to a machine for four or five hours, four times a week.

THAT MUST HAVE BEEN REALLY EMOTIONALLY DRAINING. With no end in sight, it was a dark time for me as you never know if another transplant will come. I was on dialysis until December 2015 when I received ‘The Call’. A kidney had become available. The surgery occurred on 20 December 2015, then I began my recovery. In the end, I was discharged

The Wesleyan

Christmas Day – my own Christmas miracle! I am now coming up to eight years post my second transplant.

WITH YOUR HEALTH IMPROVING, HOW DID YOU GET INTO COMPETITIVE SWIMMING? I began swimming in February 2016 as part of my recovery from my second transplant. I had been completely cut open and needed to rebuild my core. When I began swimming I couldn’t swim more than 200m without stopping. Three months post-transplant I competed with a team in The Port to Pub event.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT SWIMMING? I love swimming as it helps me completely switch off. All I have to focus on is my next stroke. Also, there is always something to work on and improve. The early morning banter is always full of classic comments and the coffee, post swim, is a winner.

LOOKING AT YOUR SCHOOLDAYS IN THE CLASS OF 95, WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE OF YOUR TIME AT WESLEY? Memories from Wesley are many. The early morning rise for rowing training with many amazing sessions on the water, where as a crew it all came together; the teachers who always encouraged me to do my best,

particularly Mr Allen, Mr Woodroofe, Mrs Koulianos, Mr Aubrey, Mr Rogers, and Mr Ware. And I’ll never forget the school camp of a lifetime in The Pilbara with Mr Sofoulis. This got everyone out of their comfort zone and opened our eyes to the world beyond Perth.

WHAT DID YOU DO AFTER GRADUATION? When I left Wesley, I started a pre-apprenticeship course in Plumbing and Gasfitting. After 12 months in this course, I then commenced my apprenticeship with Longreach Plumbing. My time at Wesley set me up for my career. I learnt that the harder I worked the luckier I got. I also made many lifelong friends from my time at Wesley and continue those many friendships to this day.

OF ALL THE THINGS YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO FAR, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am most proud of how people talk about me. I often hear from others how I always treat people with kindness and make them feel good. I am also a very proud Uncle Mikey to three nieces and three nephews and a godfather to five children.

CLASS OF CORR CUP CLASS OF

1961 1981

DARLOT CUP (THEN)

DARLOT CUP (NOW)

It’s one of our favourite days here at Wesley, when our Pioneers return to the campus for an assembly in their honour and a chance to swap stories of times long past. Pioneers are Wesleyans who graduated more than 50 years ago – so it’s always a pleasure to hear their reminiscences.

We also heard from Year 11 student, Roman Cook, who is the 2023 recipient of the OWCA Presidents’ Award. Roman spoke eloquently about his journey through Wesley and what the College means to him

The Pioneers attended an assembly led by our Year 12 students where the prefects shared insights into College life in 2023 – from breaking a 40-year drought in the Corr Cup to a surprise visit from Wesley’s newest student, Wes the Wyvern.

The autumn sun was as bright as the smiles as we welcomed the Class of 1973 into the Pioneers’ Club.

In

Mr

BY DARING & BY DOING

“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”

– JOHN WESLEY’S PHILOSOPHY –