the magazine of the st leonard's college community spring 2011

SPRING 2011
SPORTING SUCCESS
AT ST LEONARD’S page 7
Opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
5/6 centre page 9
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM page 10
network
<strong>the</strong> <strong>magazine</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
st leonard’s college community
An education for life.

Contents
From <strong>the</strong> Principal
From <strong>the</strong> Principal............................. 2
Sporting Success at
St Leonard’s...................................... 5
House Music...................................... 6
Science at St Leonard’s..................... 7
Opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 5/6 Centre.................. 9
Achievements...................................10
Talent Development Program...........10
News and Events..............................12
College Community News.................12
Infrastructure Upgrades...................15
2012 Theatre Program......................15
Where are <strong>the</strong>y now?........................16
Celebrations and Sympathy.............18
St Leonard’s Old Collegians
Association.......................................19
The closure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cornish Campus at <strong>the</strong>
end <strong>of</strong> its twenty fifth year <strong>of</strong> operation
will raise much emotion in those who
have poured so much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir mental
and physical energy into developing this
unique campus. Richard Cornish’s original
concept for <strong>the</strong> Patterson River Campus
was reputedly designed on <strong>the</strong> back <strong>of</strong> an
envelope and later shared with <strong>the</strong> College
Council in a meeting in 1980.
The students were first made aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
prospect <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r campus at an assembly
in July 1981, when Mr Cornish announced
that 114 acres <strong>of</strong> land next to <strong>the</strong> Patterson
River had been purchased.
This announcement was soon followed
by a letter to parents with three
purposes outlined:
1. A centre for Brighton students to visit
for environmental studies.
2. An opportunity to use as a College
sports facility
3. Possible site for a feeder school
to Brighton.
Interestingly, <strong>the</strong> land on which <strong>the</strong> Cornish
Campus is situated is not <strong>the</strong> same land
as that which he originally purchased.
The original land abutted <strong>the</strong> river and had
water views. The Victorian Government later
made a compulsory purchase order on 100
acres <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land to develop <strong>the</strong> National
Water Sports Centre and subsequently gave
permission for <strong>the</strong> College to purchase an
additional 100 acres <strong>of</strong> land at <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn
end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> site in its place.
It was not until 1982 that <strong>the</strong> Master
Planning and landscaping planning
was undertaken, by which time
Richard Cornish determined that
<strong>the</strong> new site would accommodate
Editor
michelle.adams@stleonards.vic.edu.au
DESIGN
Cognito Marketing — Craig Crosthwaite
craig@cognitomarketing.com.au
SLOCA
angela.norris@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Alumni
info@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Brighton Campus Parents’ Association:
parents.association@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Cornish Campus Parents’ Association:
cornishparents@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Uniform Shop:
uniformshop@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Cornish Uniform Shop:
ccuniformshop@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Community Day Fair:
cdf@stleonards.vic.edu.au
Information about <strong>the</strong> Parents’ Association
and <strong>the</strong> Uniform Shop can also be accessed
in <strong>the</strong> parents section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> College website,
www.stleonards.vic.edu.au
The original site <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cornish Campus 1984
St Leonard’s College
163 South Road, Brighton East,
Victoria 3187 Australia
phone [+61 3] 9909 9300
fax [+61 3] 9592 3439
www.stleonards.vic.edu.au
Front Cover: Mc Meekin Instrumental
BACK COVER: Cullen Massed Choir
Cornish today
2

a primary to year 8 campus as a
feeder school for Brighton.
There were difficult times facing
St Leonard’s College and many o<strong>the</strong>r
independent schools in this era.
The suburb <strong>of</strong> Brighton was an aging
society with a diminishing student
population to draw upon and <strong>the</strong> financial
implications <strong>of</strong> lower enrolments were
fur<strong>the</strong>r compounded by <strong>the</strong> Government
cuts to independent schools in 1983.
These cuts were exacerbated a few years
later following <strong>the</strong> delivery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Blackburn
Report in 1985, which fur<strong>the</strong>r diminished
grants to independent schools.
These cuts caused additional financial
pressures and <strong>the</strong> College Council faced <strong>the</strong>
dilemma <strong>of</strong> how to afford <strong>the</strong> development
<strong>of</strong> a new school, when significant funds
were needed to upgrade <strong>the</strong> substandard
buildings at Brighton. So strong was <strong>the</strong>
concern that consideration was given
to selling <strong>the</strong> newly acquired land to <strong>the</strong>
Uniting Church with <strong>the</strong> thought that
<strong>the</strong>y might develop a ‘low fee’ school!
Due to concerns that any such move
could generate a public perception that
<strong>the</strong> College was in financial difficulty,
<strong>the</strong> idea was not progressed and <strong>the</strong>
College continued to develop <strong>the</strong> concept
<strong>of</strong> a second campus. This resulted in a
fee increase <strong>of</strong> 15% to cover <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong>
developing a new school and maintaining
<strong>the</strong> current school. It is difficult to imagine
<strong>the</strong> reaction to a fee increase <strong>of</strong> such
magnitude, but <strong>the</strong> modern day reality might
have been a strikingly familiar experience.
Having determined that <strong>the</strong> plans for a new
school would be progressed, a brochure
entitled “St Leonard’s College, Patterson
River, and A World School” was distributed
and it was announced that <strong>the</strong> new school
Chair <strong>of</strong> Council, Dr Colin davey cuts <strong>the</strong> ribbon to open <strong>the</strong> buildings in 1987
Cornish Campus First day 1987 school assembly 72 students
would open in February <strong>of</strong> 1987 and be a
feeder school to Brighton.
When <strong>the</strong> school opened in 1987 it had
67 students, 5 teachers and 8 classrooms.
The enrolments rose to 78 by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
year. The first student enrolled was Claire
Glover, aged 4. Her fa<strong>the</strong>r Rodney and her
mo<strong>the</strong>r Gail became very active in <strong>the</strong> new
campus, which was dependent upon a great
deal <strong>of</strong> generosity from all members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
St Leonard’s College community. Rodney
had himself been a part <strong>of</strong> some previous
history making by being in <strong>the</strong> first intake <strong>of</strong>
boys to be educated at St Leonard’s College.
In <strong>the</strong> early years, <strong>the</strong> Brighton community <strong>of</strong>
teachers, students and parents responded
magnificently to <strong>the</strong> call for assistance in
planting many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> trees
that have now matured to create <strong>the</strong> present
beautiful setting. In addition to tree planting,
support was required for many o<strong>the</strong>r
projects and <strong>the</strong> sense <strong>of</strong> connection to <strong>the</strong>
Cornish Campus for many Brighton families
has remained inextricably strong due to
<strong>the</strong>ir input in <strong>the</strong> early years.
The first Head at Patterson was <strong>the</strong>
Reverend John Donnell, who was <strong>the</strong>
Head <strong>of</strong> Middle School at Brighton.
He brought with him a team <strong>of</strong> four o<strong>the</strong>r
teachers to form <strong>the</strong> foundation staff <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> campus. The first Educational Director
was Graeme Morgan who was a senior
school master at Brighton. Graeme was an
agricultural sciences graduate and was
given <strong>the</strong> early responsibility to deliver an
environmental education model. Mike Davis
was among this first group <strong>of</strong> teachers
invited to move across to <strong>the</strong> new campus
and is now <strong>the</strong> only remaining staff member
to have been a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whole journey.
When Rev. Donnell took Long Service
Leave in 1989, Wendy Adams became his
replacement. At that time Wendy was <strong>the</strong>
Head <strong>of</strong> Middle School and later became
<strong>the</strong> Deputy Principal <strong>of</strong> St Leonard’s College.
She managed <strong>the</strong> responsibility <strong>of</strong> running
<strong>the</strong> Middle School at Brighton in conjunction
with running <strong>the</strong> Patterson River Campus.
She is credited with <strong>the</strong> development and
implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>matic courses <strong>of</strong>
study that reflect <strong>the</strong> interdisciplinary
character <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current academic courses.
In 1989 <strong>the</strong> Patterson River Campus was
<strong>of</strong>ficially renamed <strong>the</strong> Richard Cornish
Campus, or Cornish for short.
John Donnell returned to ministry
at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> term 3, 1990 and
Kerry Bolger became <strong>the</strong> new Head <strong>of</strong>
Cornish Campus. Kerry renewed <strong>the</strong>
emphasis on environmental education and
brought many o<strong>the</strong>r ideas that broadened
<strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fering and experiences for students.
3

From <strong>the</strong> Principal cont.
His 1992 Leonardian report: “Growing up
on <strong>the</strong> farm at Patterson River” articulated
many elements <strong>of</strong> his own philosophy, which
have subsequently had a pr<strong>of</strong>ound impact
on <strong>the</strong> educational <strong>of</strong>ferings at Cornish
and <strong>the</strong> young people who have attended
<strong>the</strong> campus. The report title may also have
inadvertently been responsible for <strong>the</strong>
campus being affectionately referred to
as ‘<strong>the</strong> farm’, a term that has caused angst
and merriment in equal magnitude over
<strong>the</strong> years.
The 1990’s saw much financial investment
and building development at <strong>the</strong> Cornish
Campus whilst enrolments grew slowly from
137 to 273 during this decade. In <strong>the</strong> early
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new millennium <strong>the</strong> enrolments
grew above 300, but still fell short <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
enrolments required to comply with
Richard Cornish’s original condition that
<strong>the</strong> campus should be self-funding
and able to be maintained separately.
The Cornish Campus <strong>of</strong> St Leonard’s College
has achieved much in its short history.
There have been awards for gardens, team
teaching and a plethora <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r notable
distinctions, but <strong>the</strong> award that appears to
be held in highest regard was being named
<strong>the</strong> 2004 University <strong>of</strong> New South Wales,
‘Australian Schools Sustainable Champion’.
The building <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sustainability Centre
and its opening in 2006 by <strong>the</strong> Governor <strong>of</strong>
Victoria, David de Kretser, has provided a
facility that is iconic and resonates with
<strong>the</strong> central <strong>the</strong>me <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> campus. It has
provided a centre in which students are
inspired to contemplate <strong>the</strong> importance
<strong>of</strong> developing sustainable practices.
The four rings <strong>of</strong> sustainability displayed
on <strong>the</strong> wall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sustainability Centre
are included in <strong>the</strong> St Leonard’s College
4
sustainability brochure. These rings
connect <strong>the</strong> four domains: Personal,
Socio-Cultural, Natural and Urban.
They engage our thinking in much <strong>the</strong> same
way as <strong>the</strong> five Olympic Rings and provide
a clear model for all to consider how to
view <strong>the</strong> world in which <strong>the</strong>y live. If <strong>the</strong>re
was to be a fifth ring <strong>of</strong> sustainability, it
would be <strong>the</strong> ring <strong>of</strong> financial sustainability.
Financial sustainability appears to be
<strong>the</strong> elephant in <strong>the</strong> room in many current
debates, including <strong>the</strong> current economic
The Sustainability Centre at Cornish
debates surrounding <strong>the</strong> response to
reducing carbon emissions in key industrial
countries. It is certainly <strong>the</strong> missing link in
relation to connecting <strong>the</strong> key issues with
<strong>the</strong> barriers to sustainable practice.
I have heard many differing views on <strong>the</strong> key
characteristics that give Cornish a sense <strong>of</strong>
its uniqueness, which is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reasons
why I have not attempted to do so in this
article. The <strong>of</strong>t cited elements <strong>of</strong> evidence
that Cornish Campus provides an excellent
education include factors such as: <strong>the</strong>
physical setting, <strong>the</strong> small class sizes, <strong>the</strong>
small community which makes it possible
to know and be known by all, <strong>the</strong> teaching
staff, <strong>the</strong> approach to learning and <strong>the</strong>
curriculum programs, but most understand
that it is not as simple as creating a list
<strong>of</strong> possibilities. The reality is that if school
based communities were that easy to
define <strong>the</strong>n we could distil and bottle all
that we observed and valued and create
it elsewhere. We live in a time when <strong>the</strong>
idea <strong>of</strong> taking a school community and
duplicating it locally or internationally has
become akin to developing outposts <strong>of</strong> an
empire from yesteryear. It is evident that
schools have not been able to replicate
<strong>the</strong> essence <strong>of</strong> what is great about <strong>the</strong>
community <strong>the</strong>y seek to emulate and
replicate it elsewhere. Those who have
successfully achieved expansion have
embraced <strong>the</strong> opportunity for <strong>the</strong> new
campuses to determine <strong>the</strong>ir own character
and personality, one that reflects <strong>the</strong>
environment and <strong>the</strong> community in which
<strong>the</strong>y exist. The schools that enjoy <strong>the</strong>
strongest reputation are those who have
a strong sense <strong>of</strong> who <strong>the</strong>y are and who
identified what it is about <strong>the</strong>mselves that
is unique. These schools have invested
in <strong>the</strong>ir core values and provided <strong>the</strong>ir
uncompromised brand <strong>of</strong> education. For
this reason <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cornish
Campus by <strong>the</strong> Uniting Church is significant
for all members <strong>of</strong> St Leonard’s College.
For my own part, it is in <strong>the</strong> words <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
young people that I believe that we can
find <strong>the</strong> greatest evidence <strong>of</strong> what it is
about <strong>the</strong> Cornish Campus that I find
most uplifting. When new to St Leonard’s
College I read all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> copies <strong>of</strong> previous
Leonardian <strong>magazine</strong>s to gain an insight
into <strong>the</strong> College and what it valued.
One <strong>of</strong> my favorite examples <strong>of</strong> what stood
out about Cornish lay among <strong>the</strong> collection
<strong>of</strong> comments made by year 1 students in
<strong>the</strong> 2006 Leonardian: “We have a sense <strong>of</strong>
belonging here because we feel safe.
We are proud <strong>of</strong> our friends and we care
about each o<strong>the</strong>r.” Providing a safe and
secure environment in which all members
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community feel loved and valued for
who <strong>the</strong>y are provides <strong>the</strong> bedrock from
which <strong>the</strong>y can seek to achieve to be <strong>the</strong>
best that <strong>the</strong>y can be.
Dostoyevsky said: “You are told a lot about
your education, but some beautiful, sacred
memory, preserved since childhood, is
perhaps <strong>the</strong> best education <strong>of</strong> all. If a man
carries many such memories into life with
him, he is saved for <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> his days. And
even if only one good memory is left in our
hearts, it may also be <strong>the</strong> instrument <strong>of</strong> our
salvation one day.” As <strong>the</strong> Cornish Campus
closes at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2011, our students,
staff and parents will take with <strong>the</strong>m many
sacred and beautiful memories <strong>of</strong> a shared
history that will enrich us and surely serve
us well each and every day <strong>of</strong> our lives.
In 2012, a new school, Cornish College, will
commence at <strong>the</strong> same site as <strong>the</strong> current
Cornish Campus <strong>of</strong> St Leonard’s College.
As a fellow Uniting Church School,
St Leonard’s College has <strong>of</strong>fered every
support possible to assist <strong>the</strong> new school
achieve <strong>the</strong> many and varied requirements
to become a registered school.
Stuart Davis
Principal

Sporting Success at St Leonard’s
The sporting year has been filled
with many highlights and St Leonard’s
has enjoyed unprecedented success
across all year levels. In <strong>the</strong> senior
divisions, St Leonard’s has contested
29 Grand Finals thus far and are in
contention for ano<strong>the</strong>r 12 in term 4.
The year 9 winter teams were particularly
successful with 9 out <strong>of</strong> 11 qualifying
for grand finals. The senior section
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> school did us proud yet again:
all four Netball teams made <strong>the</strong> finals
for <strong>the</strong> second year in a row and three
out <strong>of</strong> four Girls’ Basketball teams playing
<strong>of</strong>f for premierships. The ACS Carnival
sports produced a third in Swimming,
third in Cross-Country and fourth overall
in Athletics. In Cross-Country <strong>the</strong> year 7
boys and year 12 boys won pennants.
In Swimming, <strong>the</strong> year 7 boys won <strong>the</strong>
pennant and Liam Mc Leod represented
Victoria in <strong>the</strong> School Sport Australia
Swimming Championships in <strong>the</strong> 12/13 yrs
50 m Butterfly. Liam was placed in <strong>the</strong> top
12 in Australia.
In Athletics, St Leonard’s won <strong>the</strong> Year
12 Boys pennant and <strong>the</strong> overall Year 12
pennant. The Athletics team went on to
compete in <strong>the</strong> Victorian All Schools
relay championships with <strong>the</strong> Year 7 Boys
4 x 100m team reaching <strong>the</strong> final.
We competed with distinction in many and
varied pursuits. Girls competed in several
Equestrian events across <strong>the</strong> year.
Our riders started <strong>the</strong> year <strong>of</strong>f winning an
equal third placing in <strong>the</strong> team category at
<strong>the</strong> VEC Interschool Competition in term 1.
All <strong>of</strong> our riders won at least 1 ribbon with
several first places in different events that
included showing and jumping classes.
St Leonard’s also competed for <strong>the</strong> first
time in <strong>the</strong> All Schools Surf Life Saving
Championships and <strong>the</strong> Sailing team
qualified for <strong>the</strong> State finals yet again.
St Leonard’s students tried <strong>the</strong>ir hand at
Kayaking, competing on <strong>the</strong> Yarra against
schools from all over Victoria. Snowsports
<strong>of</strong>fered a great opportunity for many <strong>of</strong> our
students to contest <strong>the</strong> Subaru Victoria
Interschools Snowsports Championships
at Mt Buller. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> results were:
Tess Leopold – 12th place in Division 1
Snowboard GS; Amelia McDonald –
19th place in Division 2 Snowboard GS;
Jack Marsh – 33rd place in Division 1
Moguls; Mat<strong>the</strong>w Peter – 38th place in
Division 1 Moguls; Harrison Cowie – 21st
place in Division 2 Moguls; Olivia Baenziger
– 38th place in Division 1 Alpine GS;
Caitlin Marks – 39th place in Division 2
Alpine GS; Harley Hirsch – 22nd place in
Division 2 Skier Cross. St Leonard’s College
finished in 15th place as a Coeducational
College at <strong>the</strong> Championships.
Year 10 students will embark on a new
alternative sport program for term 4 where
<strong>the</strong>y will take part in a number <strong>of</strong>
non-traditional sports such as trampolining,
rock-climbing, golf, surfing and sailing.
There were 35 students chosen in ACS All
Star teams that pitted <strong>the</strong>ir skills against
<strong>the</strong> Ballarat Public Schools. The students
were recognised for <strong>the</strong>ir efforts with a
presentation at <strong>the</strong> Astor Theatre. This has
been <strong>the</strong> second year <strong>of</strong> competition for our
students and <strong>the</strong> ACS teams have improved
significantly claiming draws in <strong>the</strong> Boys
Soccer and Hockey while <strong>the</strong> Girls Hockey,
Girls S<strong>of</strong>tball and Boys Volleyball defeated
<strong>the</strong> Ballarat Schools.
Premiership Teams 2011:
Senior Seconds Girls S<strong>of</strong>tball
defeated Westbourne
Senior Boys Fourths Basketball
defeated Loyola
Year 7 Boys Soccer
defeated Westbourne
Year 7A Netball
defeated St Michaels
Year 9A Girls Basketball
defeated Westbourne
Firsts Girls Basketball
defeated Loyola
Thirds Netball
defeated Westbourne
Seconds Netball
Defeated Thomas Carr
Firsts Netball
defeated Loyola
In Primary Handball, teams A and B
won <strong>the</strong>ir Lightning Premierships.
Senior Netball Winners
Equestrian Success
our budding Snowsports champions
cross country winners
5

House Music
The House Music
Competition is a
highlight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
St Leonard’s
school calendar.
All students from year 5 – year 12
are involved in this huge production,
showcasing <strong>the</strong> musical talents <strong>of</strong>
our school. There are four categories
in <strong>the</strong> competition which are judged
by Directors <strong>of</strong> Music from o<strong>the</strong>r
schools. The categories are:
1. Massed Choir Set Piece
2. Massed Choir Free Choice
3. Small Vocal Ensemble
4. Instrumental Ensemble
Students compete in <strong>the</strong>ir House groups,
plus an additional group representing
<strong>the</strong> Cornish campus. Teachers are
involved in <strong>the</strong> choirs and <strong>the</strong> students
enjoy adorning <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong>ir house
colours. Conductors <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> items
look magnificent in formal attire. This year,
<strong>the</strong> honours went to <strong>the</strong> Cornish campus
group with a well-deserved win. For <strong>the</strong>
last two years, <strong>the</strong> competition has been
held at The Plenary, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Melbourne
Convention and Exhibition Centre - a very
majestic venue worthy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> standard
<strong>of</strong> competition.
The event is perfectly summarised by
an email sent to <strong>the</strong> Principal from
Judy Hopkins and Terry Shircore:
Dear Mr Davis
As veteran grandparents <strong>of</strong> seventeen
young people, my husband and I have
seen many, many school productions and
concerts but nothing could prepare us
for <strong>the</strong> wonderful show your students
put on last night.
The dedication and pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism <strong>of</strong> those
students and staff to produce music <strong>of</strong> such
high quality was truly inspiring. Not just
was <strong>the</strong> singing glorious, but <strong>the</strong> manner in
which <strong>the</strong> students presented <strong>the</strong>mselves
and moved on and <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> stage was a great
credit to <strong>the</strong> seriousness with which <strong>the</strong>y
took <strong>the</strong>ir work.
The instrumental presentations were
delightful and <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional level <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> performers took our breath away!
As <strong>the</strong> judges said, it was truly difficult
to separate <strong>the</strong> levels <strong>of</strong> excellence.
Please pass on our sincere congratulations
to all those concerned for a simply superb
night <strong>of</strong> music.
Yours sincerely
Judy Hopkins and Terry Shircore
( PS As an OC, I was cheering for Cullen,
but Cornish were most worthy winners!!)
Below, Congratulations Cornish!
6
Munro Small Vocal
Allen InstrumentaL

Science at St Leonard’s
Above, Forster Instrumental
INTRODUCTION
St Leonard’s is fortunate enough
to have a very passionate team <strong>of</strong>
Science teachers who lead and
inspire interest and excitement
in <strong>the</strong>ir students. The program
is diverse and entertaining and
includes many unusual or unique
features not found in o<strong>the</strong>r schools:
Science Leaders
Many schools have sports captains and
music captains but St Leonard’s places
just as much importance on Science and
has six dedicated Science leaders. The 2011
Science leaders are Stuart Crampton,
Romi Fried, Jamie Georgeson, Tim Hickox,
Yvonne Olszewski and Katie Punshon.
These students are involved in planning
and implementing activities which
encourage students to learn more Science.
This includes helping out with Science
at younger year levels, judging Science
competitions and playing a major role in
organising and promoting Science Week.
Science Masterclass
Inspired by <strong>the</strong> popular TV series,
Masterchef, St Leonard’s has its own
Science Masterclass. Just like Masterchef,
where contestants hone <strong>the</strong>ir cooking
skills, Science Masterclass allows
students to sharpen <strong>the</strong>ir scientific
knowledge and skills. This is a free
extension class <strong>of</strong>fered to year 7 and
8 students after school.
Science week activities draw a huge crowd
National Forensic
Science website
As part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2010 Science Week,
St Leonard’s students developed a
National Forensic Science website which
took <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> an online crime solving
game. Students from around Australia
were guided to research a range <strong>of</strong> forensic
fields, including forensic pathology,
fingerprinting, odontology and genetics.
PodCasts and Blogs
Year 9 Coordinator Timothy Barlow is very
tech savvy and produces regular podcasts
and blogs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> latest happenings in
<strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> Science. One <strong>of</strong> his popular
podcasts, ‘A bunch <strong>of</strong> interesting stuff’
includes a whole range <strong>of</strong> amazing science
facts designed to inform, amuse and
delight and is suitable for all year levels.
O<strong>the</strong>r podcasts are specific to particular
year levels and help students revise <strong>the</strong>
Science which <strong>the</strong>y have learnt about
in <strong>the</strong> classroom.
Dedicated 5/6 Science classes
Science is included as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
curriculum right from <strong>the</strong> Early Learning
Centre. Most schools cover science as part
<strong>of</strong> classroom activities, while St Leonard’s
has introduced specialist science lessons
for years 5 and 6 students which involve
visits to <strong>the</strong> Science labs and conducting
science experiments.
Young scientists at work
Incursions and Excursions
The teachers organise a fascinating
program <strong>of</strong> incursions and excursions
each year to supplement what is learnt
during regular Science classes. During
<strong>the</strong> Chemistry Spectroscope Analysis
incursion sophisticated Science equipment
is brought into <strong>the</strong> school for students to
experience. In year 7, students learning
about classification get <strong>the</strong> chance to
apply <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge to <strong>the</strong> real world
with a trip to Werribee Zoo. Year 8 students
visited <strong>the</strong> Melbourne Aquarium as part
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> program to learn about ecosystems
and sustainability around <strong>the</strong> bay. Year 9
PRISM students went on a Mission to
Mars excursion and got to dress up in
space suits and simulate a trip to Mars.
The annual excursion for VCE and IB
Biology students to <strong>the</strong> Melbourne Zoo
is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highlights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> course.
In Physics VCE and IB, students apply
<strong>the</strong>ir knowledge <strong>of</strong> forces and motion in an
exciting afternoon adventure at Luna Park.
Science Week
A major highlight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Science school
calendar is Science Week held in August
each year. Activities change each year
but include lunchtime activities such
as ‘Cool Science’ where students make
instant snow, and get to examine <strong>the</strong>
7

properties <strong>of</strong> dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
St Leonard’s is one <strong>of</strong> only a few schools
in Australia that has Dewar Flask which
contain liquid nitrogen for use in Science
classes. O<strong>the</strong>r activities include ‘It’Snot
Science’ where students make slime and
o<strong>the</strong>r gooey concoctions and investigate
<strong>the</strong> properties <strong>of</strong> incredible materials
like <strong>the</strong> super absorbent polymer.
Liquid Nitrogen explosions draw a huge
crowd in <strong>the</strong> playground and <strong>the</strong> Science
food stall sells interesting items such
as Iceberg Meringues and Elementary
Muffins. This year, Head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Science
Faculty, Martin Wareham treated staff
to a special morning tea <strong>of</strong> periodic table
cupcakes (109 individually designed and
decorated cakes). Teachers were asked to
name <strong>the</strong> chemical symbol before being
allowed to partake in <strong>the</strong> sweet treats!
8
Students make slime and o<strong>the</strong>r
gooey concoctions
Women in Science
Every second year, girls are invited to a
special breakfast where old collegians
and o<strong>the</strong>r women successful in <strong>the</strong> science
field come to <strong>the</strong> College and share <strong>the</strong>ir
career journeys. The focus <strong>of</strong> this initiative
is to encourage girls to pursue science
as a viable career option, traditionally
a male domain. This breakfast was
sponsored by a generous grant from
<strong>the</strong> Invergowrie Foundation.
State winners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Science
Drama competition
Competitions
St Leonard’s participates in many Science
competitions including <strong>the</strong> NSW Science
competition and <strong>the</strong> Rio Tinto Science
competition. Our College placed third in <strong>the</strong>
2011 Brain Bee Challenge in both <strong>the</strong> group
and individual events. O<strong>the</strong>r competitions
in which St Leonard’s reached <strong>the</strong> finals
this year include <strong>the</strong> Eureka Science
competition, and The Amazing Spaghetti
machine. A video was made <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
St Leonard’s entry into this competition
where students were given <strong>the</strong> challenge
<strong>of</strong> creating an overcomplicated machine
to make c<strong>of</strong>fee using scientific principles.
Ben Costa, a year 12, was selected as one
<strong>of</strong> 140 extremely gifted science scholars
from around <strong>the</strong> world to be awarded a
very prestigious scholarship to attend
<strong>the</strong> ‘Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Harry Messel International
Science School’ held over a two-week
period in July at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Sydney.
Katie Punshon, in year 11 received
a prize for her performance in <strong>the</strong>
Australian Society for Medical
Research School’s competition.
Two year 10 students, Luke Thorburn
and Nick Roulmeliotis, recently became
finalists in <strong>the</strong> prestigious Sleek Geeks
Science Awards. The University <strong>of</strong> Sydney
Sleek Geeks Science Eureka School Prizes
are part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian Museum Eureka
Prizes, Australia’s most comprehensive
science awards.
The Science Drama Competition
At year 9, a number <strong>of</strong> students have
been selected to take part in ‘The Science
Experience’ which is a three day event that
takes place at a variety <strong>of</strong> Universities,
including Monash, around Australia.
The Science Drama competition is a
unique initiative where <strong>the</strong> two disciplines
are combined, serving to de-mystify and
personalise some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
science curriculum. It also <strong>of</strong>fers a new
outlet for students who may be alienated
or threatened by science. St Leonard’s
achieved great success this year and
were winners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state competition.
Science Drama —
student perspective
St Leonard’s College has been taking part
in <strong>the</strong> annual Science Drama competition
for <strong>the</strong> past fifteen years and in that time
<strong>the</strong> school has been successful in a number
<strong>of</strong> its entries. This year as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year 8
Science course, our group entered a video
into <strong>the</strong> competition and was selected
as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state finalists. Our drama
performance was about three children
with wild imaginations (Morgan McGregor,
Sarah Hellyer and Arthur Knight) who
have <strong>the</strong>ir naïve beliefs crushed by two
nerds who teach <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> science
behind all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unexplained things
(Annabelle Erskine and Julia Wookey).
Also starring in our production was
<strong>the</strong> fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se children
(Ben Adshead). Our group worked toge<strong>the</strong>r
in writing <strong>the</strong> script, <strong>the</strong> performance,
ga<strong>the</strong>ring costumes and making props.
We went to <strong>the</strong> state competition on <strong>the</strong> 9th
<strong>of</strong> September, and we competed against
seven o<strong>the</strong>r teams. The competition was
very fierce, and <strong>the</strong> Science ideas that o<strong>the</strong>r
schools incorporated in <strong>the</strong>ir performances
were fascinating. In <strong>the</strong> end we came first,
winning $1000 for St Leonard’s College; this
was a great result that made us very happy,
even though we were a bit disappointed that
our journey was over. We had an absolutely
wonderful time writing, rehearsing and
performing our play. It was a long process,
and everyone was getting a little bit grumpy
at each o<strong>the</strong>r at times, but in <strong>the</strong> end,
everything came toge<strong>the</strong>r, and we managed
to win! We recommend to any kids next
year who are doing it to really give it a go,
because it was so much fun and all <strong>of</strong> us
really got something out <strong>of</strong> it.
By SARAH HELLER, JULIA WOKE,
MORGAN MCGREGOR and
ANNABELLE ERSKINE
Women in science breakfast
Junior School Science Stars
Many McMillan House students in
years 3 and 4 received outstanding
results in <strong>the</strong> International Competitions
and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)
science examination. Emerson Hurley
received a High Distinction which
places him in <strong>the</strong> top 1% in <strong>the</strong> State.
Luke Rabinov, Jack Barnell, Elias Ghaly,
Fraser Hurst, Ben Muehleisen,
Stephanie Barwick, Max Budgen,
Jackson Irving, Stephanie McLauchlan,
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Needham and Hugh Simpson
gained a Distinction which places <strong>the</strong>m
in <strong>the</strong> top 4% in <strong>the</strong> State. Credits were
awarded to Dax Khanna, Dima Khatsernov,
Will McIntyre, Beau Kulik, Mia Callahan,
Hamish Galloway, Tomi Mitchell and
Emma Vladicic.
Chemistry and Physics
Lunchtime Help
Science teachers make <strong>the</strong>mselves
available each week during lunchtime
<strong>of</strong>fering Science help to any year level but
specifically in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> Chemistry and
Physics. These sessions are well attended
by students who wish to fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>ir
understanding <strong>of</strong> Science.

Opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 5/6 Centre
Guests enjoyed glorious spring
sunshine at <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial launch <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> year 5/6 building on Thursday
8 September. Over 100 dignitaries
and parents were treated to a
performance by <strong>the</strong> school band
and <strong>the</strong> year 6 choir.
The Uniting Church Moderator,
Isabel Thomas Dobson blessed <strong>the</strong>
building and unveiled <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficial plaque.
Two year 6 students cut <strong>the</strong> ribbon and
guests were <strong>the</strong>n invited to tour <strong>the</strong> new
facility. This purpose built, environmentally
sustainable building provides a flexible
learning space for year 5 and 6 students.
Physically located halfway between <strong>the</strong>
Junior School and <strong>the</strong> Middle/Upper
School, this space provides a dedicated and
stimulating environment for <strong>the</strong> students in
<strong>the</strong>se important transitional years.
Features <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> building include <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong>
recycled materials, soundpro<strong>of</strong>ing, toilets
that are flushed using rain tank water and
a stunning ro<strong>of</strong> top garden where students
are growing vegetables and herbs for use
in <strong>the</strong> school canteen and Food Technology
classes. The building was funded by <strong>the</strong>
Federal Government BER grants scheme
and a loan from <strong>the</strong> National Bank.
Louise Asher MP, Stuart Davis,
Sonya Montgomerie and Russell Bates
VIP guests enjoyed a tour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> building
5/6 Centre
Council Member Nicki Amiel with
husband michael
9

Achievements
Talent Development Program
St Leonard’s is proud to support
Jessica Pride, currently in year 7 at
<strong>the</strong> Cornish campus who qualified late
last year for <strong>the</strong> 4th time in <strong>the</strong> Victorian
Gymnastics ‘Trampoline Sports Team’.
St Leonard’s also congratulates
TOM RODGERS who competes as part <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> 2011 SSV Triathlon Team. Well done to
DARIO PAGODA who won <strong>the</strong> Senior Division
Round 6 Spellmasters competition and
now advances to <strong>the</strong> finals.
Congratulations to our 12 year old Boys
Freestyle Relay team which consisted
<strong>of</strong> LIAM MCLEOD, THOMAS MADAREVIC,
MAX DALTON and MAX XANTHOPOULOS
on winning silver at <strong>the</strong> State Swimming
Championships on Thursday 7 April
at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic
Centre. A well deserved result for all
<strong>the</strong> commitment and training <strong>the</strong> boys
have put in over many months. Liam
McLeod also won bronze in <strong>the</strong> 12 year
old Boys Butterfly.
On Monday 29th August St.Leonard’s
College participated in <strong>the</strong> 2011 ACS
Public Speaking Competition held at
Loyola College. Congratulations to
JOSH STALEY representing years 7-8,
DANIEL MAW representing years 9-10
and ELIZA QUINN representing years 11-12
who each won <strong>the</strong>ir divisions, against
some extremely tough competition.
Jessica Pride, Victorian
Representative Trampolinist
At St Leonard’s College, we provide a rich
and stimulating curriculum for all students.
Our young people are encouraged to be
<strong>the</strong> best <strong>the</strong>y can be in every discipline.
We recognise that some <strong>of</strong> our students are
academically talented and we endeavour
to provide opportunities that constantly
extend and challenge <strong>the</strong>m.
Many <strong>of</strong> our teaching staff are involved
in our Talent Development Program,
that is facilitated by <strong>the</strong> committed and
diligent, Mrs Frances Devine. Some <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> programs our talented students
participate in, include:
United Nations Youth Australia:
Security Council
This program introduces students to <strong>the</strong>
working <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United Nations Security
Council. Various schools including Bialik,
Strathcona, Siena, Scotch and Balwyn
High attended <strong>the</strong> 2011 event.
Each school has a team <strong>of</strong> two students
and represent a country. Two <strong>of</strong> our year
9 students represented Portugal in <strong>the</strong>
competition. On <strong>the</strong> day, <strong>the</strong> students
learnt points <strong>of</strong> order, how to yield, how
to use caucus time, negotiate, and <strong>the</strong>
importance <strong>of</strong> note passing and putting
forth amendments. They also learned
<strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> research, diplomacy,
teamwork, being pro-active and really
understanding <strong>the</strong> context <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir given
country and how to link it to <strong>the</strong> local
context. Emma and John showed that <strong>the</strong>y
knew and understood <strong>the</strong> resolutions, how
to think quickly and to make connections.
The students were fortunate to have
Ms Susan Ferguson-Brown, our IB teacher
<strong>of</strong> International Studies prepare <strong>the</strong>m
for <strong>the</strong> event.
“The United Nations Mock Security
Council is a competition held annually at
Camberwell Grammar and o<strong>the</strong>r schools
around <strong>the</strong> world. We participated in <strong>the</strong>
training day held specifically for year 9
students who are hoping to participate
in <strong>the</strong> real competition in years to come.
There was obviously a lot less pressure than
if we were actually competing, so we had
more time to enjoy <strong>the</strong> day and talk with
people from some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r schools
but it was still a great learning experience.
This was <strong>the</strong> first year St Leonard’s
participated and hopefully this competition
becomes an annual thing for St Leonard’s!”
By Emma Buckthorpe and John McLeod
Future Problem Solving
Program International (FPS)
St Leonard’s year 6 team <strong>of</strong> Marko
Moutafis, Sylvie Evans, Jessica Martin
and Niamh Nolan advanced to <strong>the</strong> Future
Problem Solving National Finals held in
Queensland on 7 – 9 October. Thomas
Madarevic was chosen to be an alternative
and was part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> alternative competition,
as well as participating in <strong>the</strong> team Skit
Presentation. The topic was Water Quality
and our team performed extremely well in
in a field <strong>of</strong> outstanding candidates.
FPSPI is a global issues team competition
whereby four students work cooperatively
to research a given topic. The students
read and analyse a future scene on <strong>the</strong>
topic, according to eighteen different
categories, write sixteen challenges/
problems, create an underlying problem as
a question, brainstorm sixteen solutions,
write five criteria, rank <strong>the</strong>ir best eight
solutions and <strong>the</strong>n write an action plan
on <strong>the</strong>ir best solution. The program is a
highly challenging and demanding one,
requiring students to work effectively and
cooperatively as a team, pooling <strong>the</strong>ir
gifts and talents.
Congratulations to our o<strong>the</strong>r Junior team
and <strong>the</strong> Middle School teams who worked
really hard throughout <strong>the</strong> year.
Our International Champions
<strong>of</strong> FPSIP
First place getters in last year’s National
FPS Finals, Sam Richards, Benji Audigé,
Madison Buttolph and Sophie Tallis,
attended <strong>the</strong> International Finals at
La Crosse University, Wisconsin, in June
this year, and competed against sixty
two teams in <strong>the</strong> Junior division. These
students attended a homestay in Lester
Prairie, Minnesota, and relished <strong>the</strong>ir
time in <strong>the</strong> USA with <strong>the</strong>ir families in tow.
Congratulations on gaining eleventh place
in <strong>the</strong>se International Championships.
Left to right top: Benji Audige, Fran Devine
(coach) and Madi Buttolph. Left to right
bottom: Sophie Tallis and Sam Richards
10
spellmaster champion Dario Pagoda
with HIS proud parents
Emma Buckthorpe and John McLeod
PRISM
Programs Reflecting Individual, Social and
Multiple Intelligence (PRISM) is part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
St Leonard’s Talent Development program.
The program aims to stimulate and enrich
highly able students in different academic
disciplines. It is a withdrawal program for

one period per week, allowing like-minded
students to work toge<strong>the</strong>r with a specialist
teacher in <strong>the</strong> discipline.
Below are some comments by students
in two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> PRISM classes.
Year 7 English PRISM
“Expressing how much we enjoy English
PRISM in one paragraph is an extremely
difficult task. In fact it’s almost impossible.
But we have managed to give you a little
taste <strong>of</strong> what English PRISM is all about.
English PRISM is a chance to get away
from <strong>the</strong> essay writing and book studying
<strong>of</strong> normal class English and lets you extend
yourself and explore all <strong>the</strong> enjoyable
aspects that you <strong>of</strong>ten don’t get <strong>the</strong>
freedom to explore at school. Now I’m not
saying that class English is boring but I’m
sure you’ll agree that being <strong>the</strong> author <strong>of</strong>
an English blog is much more exciting than
studying a book. On our blog we have been
given <strong>the</strong> freedom to write anything from
movie reviews to short stories. By next
term we hope to have filled <strong>the</strong> pages with
all English related movies, news articles,
narratives, poems and whatever else we
think up. So far English PRISM has been
a massive highlight <strong>of</strong> year 7 for all <strong>of</strong> us
involved and can only get better in term 4.
If you are interested in our English blog <strong>the</strong>
URL is: http://prismyear7.edublogs.org”
By Rainer Curcio and Tara Coughlan
Year 9 Science PRISM
“On <strong>the</strong> 9th <strong>of</strong> September, <strong>the</strong> year 9
Science PRISM class and Ms Gambino
travelled to <strong>the</strong> ‘Victorian Space Science
Education Centre’ for our amazing Mission
to Mars excursion. When we arrived we
put on our space suits and, after a little
introduction, we split into our two teams
- Viking and Mariner. Team Viking started
<strong>of</strong>f in <strong>the</strong> control room and team Mariner
organised <strong>the</strong>ir equipment and prepared to
be <strong>the</strong> first humans ever to walk on Mars.
Up in <strong>the</strong> control room, our team’s job was
to help team Mariner’s astronauts on <strong>the</strong>
Mars surface. We each had a computer with
details specific to our individual roles, and
a radio head set to contact members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
o<strong>the</strong>r team. We recorded data to predict if
and when danger was coming. After about
35 minutes we realised <strong>the</strong>re was a huge
dust storm approaching and <strong>the</strong> astronauts
needed to get <strong>of</strong>f Mars quickly. We managed
to warn everyone in time and <strong>the</strong>y evacuated
with just a few minutes to spare.
After a quick break we swapped over and it
was our turn to explore <strong>the</strong> Mars surface.
We ga<strong>the</strong>red our equipment including tool
belts, boots and helmets and we were ready
to go. We were each given our own list <strong>of</strong>
what we had to collect - mostly samples <strong>of</strong>
sand, dust, rock or anything suggesting life.
After about 40 minutes we had to quickly
evacuate due to extremely high radiation
levels. Unfortunately we didn’t evacuate
fast enough and two members <strong>of</strong> our
team were left behind.
After a break for lunch, we formed small
groups in <strong>the</strong> Science lab where we
measured levels <strong>of</strong> radiation in everyday
objects and looked at microscopic forms
<strong>of</strong> life. Overall it was a great experience
and we all left having learnt something
new about Mars exploration.”
By Julia Langdon
da Vinci Decathlon
Each year we field two teams <strong>of</strong> da Vinci
Decathlon students in year 7. This year,
St Leonard’s Green team advanced to <strong>the</strong>
National Finals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National da Vinci
Decathlon ‘Celebrating <strong>the</strong> Academic Gifts
<strong>of</strong> Australian Youth’ held in Sydney on
September 26, 27 and 28. Various activities
are organised by <strong>the</strong> host school, Knox
College, including a Symposia, whereby
students had to present an eight minute
session on a resolution. Michael Esplan,
Rebecca O’Connell, Mat<strong>the</strong>w O’Connell,
Clare Valder, Kate Johnson, Lauren Guiney,
Madeleine Perkin and Isobel Galloway
also worked on <strong>the</strong> ten disciplines:
• Ma<strong>the</strong>matics – emphasis on problem
solving, number patterns and logic puzzles.
• English – word origins, definitions,
spelling, grammar and writing.
• Science – students will be provided with
higher level scientific concepts and be
challenged to apply <strong>the</strong>m.
• Code Breaking – in <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> World
War II, students will aim to decipher
several codes.
• Engineering Challenge – a building task
designed to test creativity and ingenuity.
• Forensic Sleuths – dealing with logic,
observation, maps, photographs and
o<strong>the</strong>r evidence
• Creative Producers – a sub-group from
<strong>the</strong> team will have ten minutes to develop
and present a 30-second performance
on a given topic.
• Art and Poetry – <strong>the</strong> team will develop
a poem plus a complementary work <strong>of</strong>
art on a given <strong>the</strong>me.
• Games <strong>of</strong> Strategy – including
Mastermind, 3 Dimensional Connect 4,
Chess, Blockus and o<strong>the</strong>r games.
• General Knowledge – current affairs,
issues, history, science, entertainment,
sport and world facts.
The team was a credit to <strong>the</strong> school placing
second in <strong>the</strong> nation in a field <strong>of</strong> ten
competitors from around Australia.
The TOM Language/Literature team PLACED
FIRST in <strong>the</strong> Region. From Left: Alec Loschiavo,
Scott Guiney, Sylvie Evans, Sandon Hayes,
Daisy Shurlin, Sophia Burns and Jacqui Lokum
Tournament <strong>of</strong> Minds
Tournament <strong>of</strong> Minds (TOM) is a six week
program involving teams <strong>of</strong> seven students
from two different year levels. St Leonard’s
fields three teams in <strong>the</strong> primary school
level. There are three different Long-Term
categories/challenges in which we
participate: Maths/Engineering,
Language/Literature and Social Science.
Students work toge<strong>the</strong>r to create a play
around <strong>the</strong>ir Long-Term challenge. This is
always open ended and has set criteria.
The second component <strong>of</strong> TOM is a
Spontaneous Challenge which is held on
Tournament Day and which involves <strong>the</strong>
seven students working cooperatively on
a sight unseen creative thinking problem.
The following teams competed in <strong>the</strong>
Regional Finals at Deakin University,
Burwood Campus on 3 and 4 September.
TOM TEAM 1 MATHS/ ENGINEERING
FACILITATORS: Alex Edwards,
Christina Klopher and Fran Devine.
TEAM MEMBERS: Mariana Reyes Daza,
Cam Nicholson, Talia Braue,
Thomas Madarevic, Aiden Cha,
Finn Corlis-Richards and
Juliette Capomolla. This Maths/Engineering
team gained Honours in <strong>the</strong> Regional Finals.
<strong>the</strong> Maths/Engineering team
TOM TEAM 2 LANGUAGE / LITERATURE
FACILITATORS: Katrina Lever and
Michele Drysdale
TEAM MEMBERS: Sylvie Evans,
Jacqui Lokum, Daisy Shurlin, Scott Guiney,
Sophia Burns, Alec Loschiavo and
Sandon Hayes This team won <strong>the</strong> regional
finals and performed extremely well in
<strong>the</strong> state competition.
TOM TEAM 3 SOCIAL SCIENCE
FACILITATOR: Anna Adams
TEAM MEMBERS: Julian Grimm,
Samuel Chilcott, Kate Howard,
Niamh Nolan, Ricqui Bradley,
Shaya Zehtab-Jadid and Jake McCauley.
This team <strong>of</strong> Social Science students also
won <strong>the</strong> regional Finals and proceeded to
<strong>the</strong> state finals where <strong>the</strong>y gained Honours.
The Social Science team building one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir
props for <strong>the</strong> competition
11

News and Events
Fundraising for Japan
The St Leonard’s College Community raised
an outstanding $12,760.80 to support
Japan in <strong>the</strong> aftermath <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> devastating
earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.
The funds were sent to Red Cross Japan.
The 24 Hour Multiple Sclerosis
Mega Swim
Middle School students participated in
<strong>the</strong> 24 Hour Multiple Sclerosis Mega Swim
over <strong>the</strong> weekend <strong>of</strong> 20 April. Jane Marino,
our outdoor education specialist, was <strong>the</strong>
organiser <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first ever 24 hour Mega
Swim held at a school in Australia. Staff,
parents and students all participated.
The swimming started at midday on
Saturday and was finished at midday on
Sunday at which point some teams had
completed in excess <strong>of</strong> 90km in this relay
style format. Over $12,000 was raised for
those living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Make a Difference Week
In June, <strong>the</strong> Cornish Campus held <strong>the</strong>ir
annual Make a Difference Week. This time,
<strong>the</strong> week had a visual and performing arts
focus. As part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week <strong>the</strong> campus
held an evening performance, an art
show and a special exhibition by <strong>the</strong> year
6 students. The exhibition examined
raising awareness about significant
issues impacting on our lives.
Live Below <strong>the</strong> Line
A number <strong>of</strong> our students took part in <strong>the</strong>
Oak Tree Foundation fund raising event
‘Live Below <strong>the</strong> Line’. This involved <strong>the</strong>m
living on $2.00 per day for <strong>the</strong>ir food needs.
Three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m were chosen to attend a
Fair Trade Leadership Retreat on Sunday,
<strong>the</strong> 14th <strong>of</strong> August. The students
were Max Jolley, James Martin and
Kara Robinson assisted by Upper
School English teacher Mrs Jan May.
St Leonard’s raised <strong>the</strong> most money
($4292.95) <strong>of</strong> any school at who
participated — which was excellent
for 18 participants.
Cornish Celebration
The Cornish Parents Association invite all
past, present and future students, staff
and parents to a Day <strong>of</strong> Celebration by
<strong>the</strong> lake at Cornish. The event is alcohol
free and will be held on Saturday 26th
November from 3 pm – 9 pm. Admission
is free but please help us to cater for
numbers by booking a FREE ticket at
http://www.trybooking.com/TVE.
There will be music, arts, rides and food.
Trivia Night
Kara, Max and James
SLOCA will be hosting a Social Trivia night
at <strong>the</strong> Brighton campus on November 18.
This is a fun night to get toge<strong>the</strong>r with
friends and share your love <strong>of</strong> trivia.
It will be held in <strong>the</strong> Merton Gallery at a
cost <strong>of</strong> only $10 per person. BYO nibbles
and drinks. Book your tickets online at
www.trybooking.com/WFD. For more
information, contact James Overell on
james@overell.net or 0407 951 741 or
Angela Norris at angela.norris@stleonards.
vic.edu.au or 9909 9541. Any proceeds
will be donated to Bayley House
www.bayleyhouse.org.au.
Would you like to host a Japanese
student in 2012?
For two weeks next March, 20 Japanese
boys and girls will visit us from Chiben
Gakuen. They will be placed with families
<strong>of</strong> our College as part <strong>of</strong> our 20-plus year
ongoing exchange. This is an exciting
opportunity open to everyone in years
10 and 11 in 2012. (A reciprocal trip to
Japan is being planned for September and
all hosts would be welcome to participate.)
The Chiben students are happy to share
rooms, and you do not have to be studying
Japanese to take part. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Chiben
students study English. Please open
your home to a new friend! We need you!
If you would like to host, or if you have any
questions, please contact Mrs Guyton
(Gillian.Guyton@stleonards.vic.edu.au) or
Mr Fraser (ifraser@stleonards.vic.edu.au).
Japanese students are welcomed into <strong>the</strong>
Australian way <strong>of</strong> life
College Community News
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
The Perpetual Need for Forgiveness
It’s been ten years since <strong>the</strong> awful events
<strong>of</strong> 9/11 and so I thought it might be helpful
to look at <strong>the</strong> subject <strong>of</strong> forgiveness.
It’s also a subject that may help us in
everyday life. Life, will, at some point,
demand that we make a decision to
ei<strong>the</strong>r forgive or harbour resentment.
This is certainly true <strong>of</strong> life in busy
St Leonard’s where we live in a vibrant
community and will inevitably experience
<strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>of</strong> this. So <strong>of</strong>ten teachers
and no doubt parents too will come across
deeply aggrieved students, sons and
daughters, who find it so hard to move on.
12
Often we don’t understand what
forgiveness actually means, how it
works, what it is and what it isn’t.
You may have suffered unspeakable things
at <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> people who were supposed
to love you.
Some <strong>of</strong> you have suffered terrible betrayal.
Or no one particular act, but years and
years and years <strong>of</strong> wounding and harm at
<strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> a negligent or insensitive or
selfish parent or verbally abusive husband
or wife or boss. Or, how do we forgive
someone who keeps doing <strong>the</strong> same
thing over and over again?
A major part <strong>of</strong> forgiveness is letting go
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past, letting go <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fence,
releasing <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fender, allowing a person
who has hurt us to get <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> hook.
Forgiveness is about cancelling a debt
tearing up an IOU.
But why should I let someone else’s sins
be carried away from me? Why should I
release a person who has <strong>of</strong>fended me?
Why should I cancel someone else’s debt,
tear up <strong>the</strong>ir IOU’s?
Why should I forgive?
Well, <strong>the</strong> simplest answer for <strong>the</strong> follower
<strong>of</strong> Christ is because it is commanded <strong>of</strong> us.
Jesus says in Luke 17:3, “If your bro<strong>the</strong>r
sins, rebuke him. And if he repents, forgive
him. If he sins against you seven times in
a day and seven times comes back to you

and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” We are
commanded to forgive. Also we forgive
because we have been forgiven.
Paul writes in Colossians 3:3, “Bear with
each o<strong>the</strong>r and forgive whatever grievances
you may have against ano<strong>the</strong>r, forgive as
<strong>the</strong> Lord forgave you.”And if we needed a
cattle prod to move us in <strong>the</strong> direction <strong>of</strong>
forgiveness, Jesus gives us a cattle prod in
<strong>the</strong> Lord’s Prayer where he says at <strong>the</strong> end,
“For if you forgive men when <strong>the</strong>y sin against
you, your heavenly Fa<strong>the</strong>r will also forgive
you. But if you do not forgive men <strong>the</strong>ir sins,
your Fa<strong>the</strong>r will not forgive your sins.”
Revenge tragedies make up a lot <strong>of</strong>
movie <strong>the</strong>mes
In <strong>the</strong> revenge tragedy movie, ‘Payback’,
Mel Gibson gets even with several dozen
people. Similarly, ‘The Godfa<strong>the</strong>r’ was
about revenge tragedy: it was about
several generations <strong>of</strong> a family who
understood <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> getting even,
making sure no one steps on <strong>the</strong>m, paying
back even years later — never forgetting
an <strong>of</strong>fence.
That’s <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me <strong>of</strong> so many <strong>of</strong> our
fantasies — “I see myself pounding that
bully, cutting to pieces that sarcastic
coworker, setting my ex-fiancée’s car on
fire”. Recently, ‘Taken’ a movie starring
Liam Neeson, is ano<strong>the</strong>r example <strong>of</strong>
revenge tragedy in film.
National Conflicts
The Serbs and <strong>the</strong> Albanian Muslims
have been at it since 1389. 600 years <strong>of</strong>
memories <strong>of</strong> getting even, <strong>of</strong> paying back for
generations <strong>of</strong> hurt. Actions and reactions.
The Protestants and Catholics in Ireland
have been at it for generations, since
William <strong>of</strong> Orange in <strong>the</strong> 1600’s and his
massacre <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Irish. And people are
still bombing o<strong>the</strong>rs for what happened
300 years ago.
We see it with <strong>the</strong> Palestinians and <strong>the</strong>
Israelis. A suicide bombing leads to a
helicopter gunship bowing up a police
headquarters, leads to a grenade
launcher attack that kills two boys,
leads to <strong>the</strong> demolition <strong>of</strong> 20 homes
and 5 children’s deaths.
Forgiveness does not mean that
<strong>the</strong>re are no consequences.
For example <strong>the</strong>re are consequences
for a breach <strong>of</strong> your marital vows.
And <strong>the</strong> consequences may be a limitation
<strong>of</strong> freedom. You can forgive someone and
still ask <strong>the</strong>m questions that you wouldn’t
have asked before <strong>the</strong> affair. You may
require an accounting for <strong>the</strong>ir time,
or an accounting for money spent.
Forgiveness is not just a one-time
easy thing to do.
Forgiveness is a process, not just an event.
You commit yourself to walk down <strong>the</strong> road
<strong>of</strong> forgiveness.
C.S. Lewis said, “To forgive for <strong>the</strong> moment
is not that difficult, but to go on forgiving,
to forgive <strong>the</strong> same <strong>of</strong>fence again and
again every time it recurs to <strong>the</strong> memory
— <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> real tussle.”
What about reconciliation?
I can tear up my IOU. I can release my
hurts, anger, fantasies <strong>of</strong> revenge.
Reverend Lingard with <strong>the</strong> last surviving
victim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pol Pot regime
But reconciliation, peace with ano<strong>the</strong>r
person, restored relationship with my
<strong>of</strong>fending spouse, boss, colleague or
pastor, restored relationship (that is what
I mean by reconciliation— a restored
relationship) absolutely requires that <strong>the</strong>
o<strong>the</strong>r person acknowledge <strong>the</strong>ir fault,
come to grips with it, stop hiding or lying
about it, confess it and own up to it
We can’t have peace with someone who
does not show remorse. You can’t be
reconciled to someone who still has
<strong>the</strong>ir backs to you. You can forgive <strong>the</strong>m,
but you can’t make peace with <strong>the</strong>m.
I recently heard a line that I will leave
you with:
“When I forgive, I set <strong>the</strong> prisoner free.....
and <strong>the</strong> prisoner is me.”
By <strong>the</strong> way, if you’re wondering what <strong>the</strong>
photograph is all about — it is a photo
<strong>of</strong> me and <strong>the</strong> last surviving victim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
horrendous torture at <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
Pol Pot’s Khymer Rouge. It is taken at <strong>the</strong>
place where <strong>the</strong> torture took place...a place
where he now spends every day teaching
and talking to visitors. You can tell by his
peaceful demeanor that this is a man who
is no longer imprisoned by ei<strong>the</strong>r a cell or
<strong>the</strong> resentment that unforgiveness brings.
Rev Gordon Lingard
Chaplain
Moulin Rouge—
Annual Gala Ball
The Brighton International was
transformed into <strong>the</strong> Parisian
nightclub ‘Moulin Rouge’ on <strong>the</strong>
evening <strong>of</strong> 9 September.
At full capacity, over 300 parents and staff
attended <strong>the</strong> Moulin Rouge Ball — a social
evening organised by <strong>the</strong> St Leonard’s
College Gala Ball Committee. Guests were
entertained by singers, dancers, bands
and many parents danced <strong>the</strong> night away.
The venue looked amazing with stockinged
can can legs adorning <strong>the</strong> walls, real size
decorated elephants, elaborate candelabras
with fea<strong>the</strong>rs, pearls and jewels on <strong>the</strong>
tables. Many thanks to <strong>the</strong> organising
committee — especially <strong>the</strong> tireless
Eveline Jona. Eveline is a Past President
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parents’ Association who continues
to dedicate time and energy into organising
events and activities for <strong>the</strong> school.
A venue has been already tentatively
booked for 2012 and will be announced
later in <strong>the</strong> year once confirmed!
Guests enjoying <strong>the</strong>mselves at <strong>the</strong> Gala Ball
Year 7 parents dressed in style
<strong>the</strong> hardworking organising committee
Dapper guests in front <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> amazing
life size elephant props
13

Harefield Club
New members were recently inducted
into <strong>the</strong> prestigious Harefield Club.
Guests enjoyed refreshments in <strong>the</strong>
glorious sunshine, were treated
to a sneak preview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> upcoming
production <strong>of</strong> Rent by <strong>the</strong> Leonardian
Players and toured <strong>the</strong> 5/6 building.
Congratulations to <strong>the</strong> following recent
inductees to <strong>the</strong> Harefield Club:
Barbara Leaver, Adele Palmer,
Margaret Templeton, Sue Walpole,
Graeme Morgan, Jean Stevenson,
Evan Packer, David Robinson,
Eveline Jona, Coral Smith,
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine Wallace, Corina Keller,
Sue Mc Lean and Margot Dawson.
Barbara Leaver is inducted by College
Council Chair Bruce Humphries
Past parent Eveline Jona signs <strong>the</strong> register
joining <strong>the</strong> Harefield Club
Recent Inductees <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Harefield Club with Council President Bruce Humphries and Principal, Stuart Davis
We’re getting iPads!
With thanks to <strong>the</strong> fundraising efforts
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Parents Association, 40 new
iPads will be purchased for <strong>the</strong> school.
This new technology will enhance <strong>the</strong>
current academic curriculum and provide
a portable learning tool for students.
The Parents Association also kindly
donated $36,000 towards <strong>the</strong> purchase
<strong>of</strong> high quality radio microphones which
are used in our performing arts program.
14
St Leonard’s College
International
Friends Group
St Leonard’s College International Friends
Group is a voluntary group that aims to
assist with <strong>the</strong> smooth transition <strong>of</strong> both
international and interstate families into <strong>the</strong>
college community and to <strong>the</strong> Melbourne
lifestyle. The group <strong>of</strong>fers support,
friendship and a variety <strong>of</strong> social
activities. We do not involve ourselves
in promoting business, charities or
educational issues. There is also a
sub-group <strong>of</strong> this larger group called
Past Parents International Friends.
Many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> activities and events are
combined. Recent activities include a trip
to <strong>the</strong> movies and a visit to <strong>the</strong> Tesselaar
Tulip Festival. For more information about
ei<strong>the</strong>r group, please contact Eveline Jona
on 0401 229 140.

Infrastructure Upgrades
The new netball/Basketball courts
have been installed and are a popular
addition to <strong>the</strong> playground. The final
surface will be installed in January
2012. The wea<strong>the</strong>r needs to be warmer
to lay <strong>the</strong> new flexipave surface.
The Hawkes Sports Centre has had a major
facelift in term 3. The pool deck has been
re-tiled, a new filtration plant installed and
an upgrade <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mechanical services.
Level 2 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Centre has been recarpeted
and remodelled including <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong>
a new disabled access to Hawkes Centre
basketball court.
The art rooms in Harefield will be
relocated to <strong>the</strong> Middle School building
and a new staff and function centre will
be established at Harefield.
The area at <strong>the</strong> rear <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IB building
will be landscaped in term 4.
The school has recently moved to
new IT platforms which will support
new technology for <strong>the</strong> future.
A new website is being built that will be
user-friendly and interactive. Many new
services for parents will be introduced
including online payments, digital form
submissions and a comprehensive
calendar with intricate search options
enabling <strong>the</strong> user to view by school level,
subject area or date. Many thanks to <strong>the</strong>
parents, students and staff who have been
involved in focus groups, consultations
and <strong>the</strong> online survey to provide direction
for <strong>the</strong> new website.
NEW NETBALL/BASKETBALL COURTS
2012 Theatre Program
The Theatre Program will double in
2012 with four major productions
being staged.
In May 2012, <strong>the</strong> grounds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> College
will feature a circus Big Top for <strong>the</strong> Upper
School musical — Barnum. Also in May,
<strong>the</strong> Middle School will perform ano<strong>the</strong>r
great play in <strong>the</strong> TC Woolhouse Theatre.
In August, <strong>the</strong>re will be an Upper School
play <strong>of</strong> Amadeus and in September,
a Middle School musical — Thoroughly
Modern Millie. A program with fur<strong>the</strong>r
details will be available in late November.
The Ruling Class —
Upper School Play
“The Ruling Class is a British play written
by Peter Barnes in 1968. The play contains
satire, black comedy and even a strip scene.
The play begins with <strong>the</strong> 13th Earl <strong>of</strong> Gurney
hanging himself in a white tutu, followed
by <strong>the</strong> 14th Earl <strong>of</strong> Gurney inheriting all <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> previous Earl’s land. Unfortunately <strong>the</strong>
14th Earl <strong>of</strong> Gurney isn’t quite right, as he
happens to believe he is God! His family
and friends try to change him, and when
eventually successful <strong>the</strong> Earl has gone
from being a benevolent loving God, to being
Jack <strong>the</strong> Ripper. Mr Tudor directed <strong>the</strong>
play, followed by Ms Anderson helping with
costume and set. The rehearsal process
was started before term 2 holidays and
<strong>the</strong> performance took place in <strong>the</strong> 4th
week <strong>of</strong> term 3. Filled with an extremely
talented and dedicated cast ranging from
students from years 10 to 12, an amazing
performance was shown. The lead,
‘<strong>the</strong> 14th Earl <strong>of</strong> Gurney’ was played by
Lucas Becket-Berger, who did an excellent
job <strong>of</strong> playing such a range <strong>of</strong> emotions while
still keeping his acting realistic and confined.
We set <strong>the</strong> play in <strong>the</strong> 1930’s which allowed
for beautiful costumes and set. Isabelle
Altmann played ‘Grace’ who managed to
have at <strong>the</strong> very least 4 costume changes
throughout <strong>the</strong> show. This play proved to
be a great challenge for every actor ranging
from <strong>the</strong> difficulty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir accent to <strong>the</strong>ir
irrational emotions; but overall it was a great
learning experience for all those who enjoy
<strong>the</strong> Performing Arts. The performance was
a great success with a number <strong>of</strong> audience
members coming up after <strong>the</strong> show to
congratulate each performer.
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> highlights was <strong>the</strong> occasional
song and dance to lighten <strong>the</strong> mood, as well
as <strong>the</strong> constant dark humour weaved in and
out <strong>of</strong> scene by <strong>the</strong> 14th Earl <strong>of</strong> Gurney.”
By Nick O’Brien and Marianna Jans
Drama Captains, 2011
A scene from this year’s
Middle School musical – Oliver
Upper school students performed
A Ruling Class to rave reviews
Performing arts at Cornish
15

Where are <strong>the</strong>y now?
Morag Huggins OC 1957 – 1963
Morag sent in this photo <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> oldest class reunions we may ever see! In this photo are
Morag with her mo<strong>the</strong>r Trish Sinclair (nee Colina Patricia Macmillan) and her lifelong
friend Una Allen who celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir 93rd birthdays in 2011.
They started school at St Leonard’s in 1925 and were <strong>the</strong>re for <strong>the</strong>ir primary schooling,
moving on about 1930. This was <strong>the</strong> era <strong>of</strong> Miss Munro, Mrs Ferguson and Miss Cullen.
They share many memories <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir school days, including <strong>the</strong>ir first lesson in French
which <strong>the</strong>y can still repeat <strong>of</strong>f pat!
Barbara Forrester nee Ballantyne
Clifford Forrester and I, known as
Barbara Ballantyne at school, married
in Brighton on 14 February 1951.
He is now Dr Clifford Forrester.
The school was in Were St, my sister
Elizabeth and I left school after 6th grade
in 1940 to go to PLC in East Melbourne.
The next year was <strong>the</strong> first time St Leonard’s
had a seventh grade but we had been
booked in to go to PLC before <strong>the</strong> decision
was made to extend <strong>the</strong> school to <strong>the</strong>
seventh grade. I think <strong>the</strong> decision was
only made during 1940.
Trish Sinclair, Morag Higgins and Una AlleN
The photo was taken by our granddaughter,
Christy who was visiting from Perth and
emailed it to us when she returned. Her
mo<strong>the</strong>r, Elizabeth, is an old collegian, left
in about 1969 after 8th year. She works in
Alice Springs as a psychologist with <strong>the</strong>
Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service
Nicole Erikson OC 1991
Nicole’s beautiful family
on her wedding day
After leaving St Leonard’s in 1991, I moved
to <strong>the</strong> USA with my family. Since French was
definitely not my strength at St Leonard’s
— when prompted to choose a language
to study I chose German (<strong>the</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>st from
French I could get). This choice changed my
life. I spent 1994 in Germany an au pair,
<strong>the</strong>n when I graduated with my Bachelors
degree (1997) in English and German
Literature I received a Fulbright Teaching
Assistantship and returned to Germany to
spend two years teaching English in German
Secondary schools. I returned to Australia in
2000 and 2001 while backpacking around <strong>the</strong>
world and caught up with many old friends
from St Leonard’s. I re-thought my career
and I just graduated with a Master’s degree
in Human Nutrition and clinical dietetics.
I currently live in Munich, Germany with my
husband and two children. I hope to get a
job in Oncology Nutrition in <strong>the</strong> near future.
16
16

Samantha Hutchison OC 1991
Samantha became an endocrinologist after
13 years <strong>of</strong> training. She has just handed in
a PhD and has just started back at Monash
Medical Centre following maternity leave.
Samantha sub-specialised in polycystic
ovary syndrome and is keen to see where
this takes her beyond her clinical work over
<strong>the</strong> next few years. Samantha’s daughter
Saskia started at <strong>the</strong> ELC at St Leonard’s
and enjoys catching up with o<strong>the</strong>r old
collegians at drop-<strong>of</strong>f.
Christine Lehman nee Le Grand OC 1986
I live in <strong>the</strong> mountains outside Santa Fe,
New Mexico with my husband Jon and
three sons: Benton (age 11), Oliver (age 9)
and Andrew (age 7). After completing my
IB Diploma at St Leonard’s, I attended
Duke University in North Carolina, followed
by Harvard Law School in Boston. Jon and
I lived in San Francisco for five years while
I practised law, <strong>the</strong>n we moved to Santa Fe
about twelve years ago. It’s an incredibly
beautiful and interesting place to live —
a small town with a great outdoor lifestyle,
good food and culturally diverse. We live
20 minutes from our local ski area (yes, it
snows in <strong>the</strong> high desert) and all 3 boys are
on <strong>the</strong> ski team, so we ski every weekend
all winter. The rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year is for biking!
Of course, <strong>the</strong> best thing about school
is <strong>the</strong> amazing friends I still see on visits
back to Melbourne! I feel really fortunate to
have completed <strong>the</strong> IB Programme and to
have experienced such small, seminar-like
classes. Also have many great memories <strong>of</strong>
trips with John Willis, which helped lay <strong>the</strong>
foundation for <strong>the</strong> type <strong>of</strong> lifestyle my
family has today.
Gretel Taylor OC 1991
My life is consumed by family, lifesaving
and athletics. Family is all good. Ellie-May
now 14, also a pro runner over 120m and
has place in three (3) events at Stawell
over Stawell Gift Weekend. Eva-Sky (11) is
very arty, must get that from her mo<strong>the</strong>r,
loves to cook and make cards, also runs
with Mornington Little Aths and starts high
school next year. Brian (6) in September
loves lifesaving over <strong>the</strong> summer months.
Loves to ride his bike and build stuff, a real
boy. My wife, Maria, is a chef and managed
a business called ‘Hungry Monster’ in
Mount Martha. I have been President <strong>of</strong>
Mount Martha Lifesaving Club for <strong>the</strong> past
two y year. I have travelled parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
East Coast with lifesaving and enjoy <strong>the</strong>
sport and community aspect <strong>of</strong> lifesaving.
Mount Martha is one <strong>of</strong> Victoria’s largest
LSC with 1000+ members <strong>of</strong> which 450
are nippers, ages 6 to 14.
John Harvey OC 1986
Gretel is a dancer and a performance artist.
She holds a PhD in Performance Studies
and lectures at Victoria University on a
sessional basis.
She is involved in research and community
arts projects; particularly with Indigenous
community Yuendumu in <strong>the</strong> NT. Gretel
lives with her husband Tom and one year
old daughter in <strong>the</strong> Dandenongs.
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Barry OC 1980
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Barry is a winemaker and
owner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mount Avoca Winery.
Mount Avoca Winery was recognised
with an Environmental Sustainability
Award featured in The Age on August 6
2011. Mat<strong>the</strong>w’s winery was awarded
for its sustainable, organically
managed vineyard and commitment
to biodynamic viticulture.
Naomi Brice OC 1996
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Barry presented a wine tasting
on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Old Collegians back in
1999 and SLOCA hopes to invite Mat<strong>the</strong>w
to hold ano<strong>the</strong>r soon. More details <strong>of</strong>
Mat<strong>the</strong>w’s wines can be found at
www.mountavoca.com.
Alison Sim nee Riordan OC 1996
Alison graduated as an Osteopath in 2001,
studied Animal Osteopathy and practised
in <strong>the</strong> UK for two years, and currently
teaches science at Deakin Medical School.
Alison loved <strong>the</strong> school/house sports
days and <strong>the</strong> house music competitions
at St Leonard’s and she especially loved
<strong>the</strong> musicals. Alison lives with her
husband and two young boys in
Newtown near Geelong.
After 10 years living and working in Kenya as
facilities manager for <strong>the</strong> Aga Khan group <strong>of</strong>
companies, three years ago Naomi moved
to <strong>the</strong> UK. She is currently on maternity
leave as facilities manager <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> London
Trocadero in Piccadilly. Naomi lives in
Bedfordshire, UK with Mark and her son
Isaac who was born this year.
Naomi’s son Isaac when he was
one day old – 24 April 2011
Christine Lehman and Her family On Holidays
Christoph Baranc OC 1996
Currently a Senior Postdoc in Astronomy
at <strong>the</strong> California Institute <strong>of</strong> Technology,
building and testing instruments which
sharpen images <strong>of</strong> stars and galaxies
taken with ground-based telescopes.
Christoph BARANC (third from right) with his team and <strong>the</strong> Robo- AO
instrument at <strong>the</strong> P60 telescope at Palomar Observatory in Sou<strong>the</strong>rn
California
17

Celebrations and Sympathy
Births
DANIEL NICHOLLS OC
1994 and wife Fiona
welcomed Olivia Kate
Nicholls born 23
September 2010.
A sister to Isabelle.
Rebecca Gelsi
(nee Cavalier)
OC 1990 and
husband Steve
welcomed Arabella
Gelsi on 2 April
2010. A little sister
for Eliana (age 4),
and Luca (dec.)
Samantha Kenney
(NEE Friend) OC
1995 and husband
Justin celebrated
<strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> a baby
boy, Finnegan Oliver,
on 12 January 2011.
Jayson Newman
OC 1993 and wife
Melissa welcomed
<strong>the</strong>ir first child,
Lachlan Jack
Newman on 10 May
2011, weighing a
healthy 8 pounds
9.5 ounces (3.9kg).
Kane Malherbe
OC 1998 and Lisa
Hosken (NEE
Malherbe) OC 2001
welcomed Milla
Jane Malherbe
to <strong>the</strong> world on
11 July 2011.
St Leonard’s
Science Teacher
Alex Edward’s new
grandson William.
Narelle Culley OC 1990 and partner Cameron Brabner welcomed <strong>the</strong>ir fourth child, Abby
on 13 January 2011. A little sister for Holly (age 5), Ruby (age 3), and Harvey (age 18 months).
Weddings
Rachael Allen OC 1992 married Ryan Lynn
at Sandringham Yacht Club on 5 November
2010.
Denise Hamblin OC 1997 was married to
Andrew Beric at Oakdene Vineyards in
Wallington Victoria, during April 2011.
Kane Malherbe OC 1998 married Lisa
Hosken (Malherbe) OC 2001 in Sorrento
on 22 January 2011. Lisa is <strong>the</strong> niece <strong>of</strong>
St Leonard’s Principal, Stuart Davis.
In Memoriam
Vale Paul Guymer OC 1982.
Paul passed away quite suddenly after becoming ill and
was rushed to hospital in Afghanistan where he died on
24 April 2011. Paul was a contracted advisor to <strong>the</strong> local
Ministry <strong>of</strong> Finance — not part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Australian armed forces
contingent. Paul led an extremely full life. His friends have
commented that he squeezed two lifetimes into his 46 years.
He made many friends in <strong>the</strong> countries he worked in, mainly
on Aid contracts in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Philippines,
Mongolia and China to name a few.
He was also a keen skateboarder and made a habit <strong>of</strong> finding
a skateboard park in almost, if not every, country he visited,
and where possible teaching locals <strong>the</strong> sport.
His parents Di and Barry Chatfield are extremely proud
<strong>of</strong> Paul and what he gave <strong>of</strong> himself to o<strong>the</strong>rs.
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> last photos
<strong>of</strong> Paul (Afghanistan)
18

St Leonard’s Old Collegians Association
The St Leonard’s Old Collegians’
Association (SLOCA) provides
opportunities for past students
to maintain friendships with one
ano<strong>the</strong>r and maintain a connection
to <strong>the</strong> College, through a variety <strong>of</strong>
activities and events. Many events
are open to all members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
St Leonard’s community.
Reunions
Reunions for Old Collegians are held many
times throughout <strong>the</strong> year with leavers
returning to <strong>the</strong> College every five years.
They are always well attended and
provide a wonderful opportunity to catch
up with old school mates. Current year
12 tour guides enhance <strong>the</strong> reunion
experience by conducting tours <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
school at each reunion. Photos <strong>of</strong> recent
reunions are available to view on <strong>the</strong>
online alumni directory.
Message from <strong>the</strong> President <strong>of</strong> SLOCA
Dear St Leonard’s Community,
SLOCA has seen a fairly mellow 2011 to
date, but look to revive <strong>the</strong> year with an
inaugural Social Trivia Night to be held
on <strong>the</strong> 18th <strong>of</strong> November.
This should prove quite an opportunity
draw members from various peer years
(and staff from St Leonard’s) to compete
to see who knows what!
Any proceeds from this will be forwarded
to Bayley House who provide invaluable
services for people with intellectual
disabilities in our local community.
During <strong>the</strong> year we have assisted with
several reunions held, both in and away from
<strong>the</strong> school, which have been a huge success.
Thanks to <strong>the</strong> many current students
who have assisted in giving <strong>the</strong>ir time
to provide tours around <strong>the</strong> new facilities
for reunion attendees.
Finally. congratulations to our Leonardian
Players who have worked diligently
throughout <strong>the</strong> year and have recently
finished performances <strong>of</strong> Rent.
They performed across four evenings
during September to <strong>the</strong> delight <strong>of</strong> many,
and we look forward to what are sure to
be more hits in <strong>the</strong> future.
We are always looking for ways to interact
with our old collegians, so please email
us at sloca@stleonards.vic.edu.au if you
have any feedback or suggestions.
Remember that SLOCA membership
benefits include access to <strong>the</strong> St Leonard’s
pool and tennis facilities for a very
small cost, so please contact us if
you are interested.
By James Overell
President, St Leonard’s
Old Collegian’s Association
Rent, <strong>the</strong> production by <strong>the</strong> Leonardian Players raised $3000 for <strong>the</strong> AIDS Trust Australia
St Leonard’s New Friends for Life
We welcome <strong>the</strong> following new Life Members to <strong>the</strong> St Leonard’s Old Collegians’ Association:
Nicky Angelone Milbret Gnann Jessica Doyle John Tyquin
Enquiries for Life Membership should be directed to info@stleonards.vic.edu.au
19

Brighton Campus
163 South Road, Brighton East, Victoria 3187 Australia
phone [+61 3] 9909 9300 | fax [+61 3] 9592 3439
Cornish Campus at Patterson River
65 Riverend Road, Bangholme, Victoria 3175 Australia
phone [+61 3] 9773 1011 | fax [+61 3] 9773 1726
www.stleonards.vic.edu.au
stleonards@stleonards.vic.edu.au | ABN 52 006 106 556 | CRICOS 00343K
An education for life.
Network is <strong>the</strong> <strong>magazine</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> St Leonard’s community and is produced on behalf <strong>of</strong> St Leonard’s College, Melbourne. It is published twice a year.