autumn | 2012 · 2020. 10. 5. · autumn | 2012. from the principal commencement assembly 2012...

autumn | 2012

From the PrincipalCommencement Assembly 2012AFTER ACKNOWLEDGING THE WURUNDJERI PEOPLE’S ORIGINAL CUSTODIANSHIP OF THE LAND ON WHICH HUNTINGTOWER IS BUILT, THE PRINCIPAL, MR SHOLTO BOWEN, WELCOMED GUESTS, STAFF AND STUDENTS TO THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR. HIS ADDRESS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING REMARKS:

We live in interesting times, and in many ways the established world protocols appear to be changing. An era of integrity, compassion and humility may gradually be entering people’s thinking. The economy has taken a bashing in many countries, particularly in Europe. From this, a more equitable world view may emerge in which the rich do not always get richer at the expense of the poor; instead the wealthy may feel that because they are rich enough they now want to improve the conditions of others less fortunate and help them change their view of themselves.

Or perhaps I am dreaming.

But dreaming is good! Having a vision for what the world could be, or what a community might be, or what an organisation might be is immensely powerful. In fact, without such a vision, not only does nothing happen but organisations crumble, communities are directionless and countries can be subject to the lowest common denominator. Each individual, every one of you, must have some sort of idea of who you are, where you are headed, what you are going to do, why you are at Huntingtower and the sort of difference you are going to make in your own life and in the lives of others.

Last year’s VCE results were excellent and I am happy to announce that we once again had a 100% pass rate. For the 8th consecutive year, we had a 100% first round tertiary acceptance. Over 54% of our ATAR scores were over 90. That’s more than half the class. And 100% were over 70. Our median ATAR score was 92.7, with 12.2 % of ATAR scores being over 99. Our median study score was 37 out of 50 and 36.6% of our results were over 40. Many of you will be aware that this result placed us second in the state behind the state’s selective entry girls’ school. For a non-selective school, this result is particularly pleasing.

As the number one private school, the number one non-selective school and the number one co-educational school, we have certainly cemented our place as a leading academic school in Melbourne, particularly after being placed 5th in the state the previous year. Our dux student in 2011 was Kieren House who achieved an ATAR score of 99.9. We also had seven perfect scores (50/50) for individual studies: two in Food Technology, two in Visual Communication and one in each of Maths Methods, Media, and Further Maths. I extend my grateful thanks to the teachers who worked tirelessly to give the students the best possible preparation for their exams.

We welcome a number of new members of staff this year, including three who were here for some of last year: Mrs Vicki Close, our Student Welfare Counsellor, Mr Rodney Jones, who teaches Geography, History and Science, and Miss Alex Neal, who is Head of Athletics and teaches VCE Physical Education. Mr Jones and his wife Connie will also be Boarding House Supervisors.

Mr Craig Abernethy joins Huntingtower as our new Head of Design and Technology. Mr Abernethy has many years of experience both in industry and teaching in schools. We welcome Mrs Rosetta Batsakis

to the Maths department. Mrs Batsakis was Head of Middle School Maths at Wesley College and will teach all levels of Maths from Year 7 to 12. Mrs Leesa Bos joins us as our new Head of Science and our VCE Chemistry teacher. Mrs Bos has been teaching VCE Chemistry and Science at Loreto Mandeville Hall for the past 18 years. Her husband is an old student of Huntingtower, Michael Bos. We look forward to her leadership and vision for our Science Department.

Mr Nicholas Green is our Outdoor Education and Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator. It is good to have someone with his experience with us in this challenging role. Mrs Toudi Kouris joins us from Caulfield Grammar School where she was Head of Middle School Maths. She is the Year 7 Coordinator and teaches all levels of Maths from Year 7 to 12.

Mrs Marta Lopez joins the English department. Mrs Lopez will teach some Year 7 French classes as well as Senior English classes. A past student of Huntingtower (the Class of 2000), Mr Daniel Peterson joins the Indonesian Department, teaching from Year 5 to 9. He will also teach some Politics. Mr Peterson has completed a law degree and we are looking forward to his contribution to the school and the Indonesian Department.

Mr Eitan Sifris will be teaching VCE Legal Studies and Year 11 History, together with some Commerce and Politics. Mr Syfris has an Arts and Law degree and has been teaching at Rowville Secondary College for the last two years. Mr Anthony Wroe is an experienced Physics teacher who joins us from the United Kingdom. Mr Wroe comes highly recommended and I know that our students will make him feel very welcome.

This term, the Vice Principal, Mr Dry, is on a well-deserved Long Service Leave. Mr Noel Davies will be acting Vice Principal in his absence. We welcome back Mrs Sandra Tieperman and Mrs Lisa Sutton who both went on maternity leave last year. Head of Mather House Mrs Pat Dove, who has been at Huntingtower for 15 years, has accepted an appointment to Nazareth College as their Dean of Students. We congratulate Mrs Dove on her appointment to this senior position and know that our loss is Nazareth College’s gain.

During the holidays a lot of building work was done. Middle School students will notice a new area next to the Year 7 building, and to the North of the East wing, next to the oval, the new deck area will overlook the 4 lane running track around the oval which is virtually complete. We have modified a number of staff offices and built a new science and technology exploration room in the Junior School. Thank you to the maintenance team and builders who worked tirelessly to get everything as ready as they could before the start of the year.

Our main focus in 2012 is going to be kindness. This is going to take some work because it is not always easy to be kind. To genuinely be kind one often has to set one’s own desires and needs aside and be concerned for the needs of others, while at the same time realising our own sense of worth and our value to the rest of the world. Despite such challenges, Huntingtower’s aim for 2012 is for every member of our community to be part of a collective environment in which everyone is always kind.

I welcome you all to another joyous and fulfilling year at Huntingtower.

Sholto Bowen Principal

2 News from Huntingtower Autumn 12


Class of 2011

VCE ExCEllEnCE

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1> Principal Sholto Bowen congratulates Ben Loveland (who achieved a perfect score in Maths Methods), Cindy Bao (who achieved a perfect score in Food Technology) and Kieren House (Dux) on receiving their first preferences for university. (Photo by Monash Weekly photographer Ted Kloszynski)

2> Joel Gardner, who achieved perfect scores in Media and Visual Communication and Design.

3> Kahli Joyce, who achieved a perfect score in Food Technology.

4> Barry Vo, who achieved a perfect score in Visual Communication and Design.

5> Current Year 12 student Warren Huang, who achieved a perfect score in 2011 in Further Mathematics.

The Class of 2011’s VCE results were exceptional, with the class’s superb median study score securing Huntingtower’s place as the number one private school, the number one non-selective school and the number one co-educational school in Victoria. As usual, there was a 100% pass rate at Year 12 level, and for the 8th consecutive year Huntingtower had a 100% first round tertiary acceptance.

High level passes were achieved in all subjects, with seven perfect scores (50/50) being achieved in the subjects of Food Technology, Visual Communication, Maths Methods, Media and Further Maths.

Other VCE highlights included the following:

• 54% of ATAR scores were over 90

• 100% of ATAR scores were over 70

• The median ATAR score was 92.7

• The median study score was 37 out of 50

• 36.6% of results were over 40

The Class of 2011 is to be congratulated on its magnificent achievements!

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KiErEn HousE dux of 2011

So after 13 years at Huntingtower, culminating in a tumultuous, frantic and exhausting year of study, I suddenly find myself rewarded with a great ATAR score and a scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in Australia. It is an extremely satisfying feeling.

Like the results of my predecessor as Dux of Year 12 in 2010, Allen Nguyen, my ATAR score was the outcome of years of studious dedication and determination. Dedication is not something that can be flicked on and off like a switch, depending on the stakes. It is a trait that needs to be nurtured and practised. It is a way of life.

Many students laughed off their Year 7 and 8 exam results, vowing to try harder in the later years of senior school, but when the time came to knuckle down they realised they lacked the necessary working and learning habits. In contrast, for me, ‘good enough’ was never, well… good enough. This attitude can be traced all the way back to Year 1, when I broke down in tears after failing a 10-point spelling test!

Much credit must go to my teachers, who were always willing to go the extra mile in order to help me understand something to a greater extent. The friendly, warm environment that Huntingtower provided during my 13 years of education was exceptional, and for this reason alone I believe that this school has a little extra something that other schools do not.

However, my parents are also definitely responsible for my success, as they are the ones who developed my work ethic from an early age, and who always gave me help, even when I didn’t want it! They provided the drive that fuelled my motivation, and pushed me to always try harder.

Most of all, thank you to the wonderful Class of 2011, who kept me sane throughout last year and who were always so loving and supportive!

CommEnCEmEnt day 2012

David Weil is a former Huntingtower School Captain. He studied Law, Economics and Accounting at Monash University before completing post-graduate studies at both Monash and Melbourne Universities. David is Special Counsel at the Melbourne legal practice of Russell Kennedy as well as a Law Institute Accredited Specialist in Property Law. David serves on the boards of a number of community organisations, including the Huntingtower School Board, where he has served for 23 years. His international interests include involvement with the Australian Asian Association and the Australia Malaysia Business Council. David is a familiar face in HOSA musicals, and in his spare time he and Martha, his wife, enjoy live theatre and travelling.

The last time many of you will have seen me on this stage will have been in the HOSA production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, when I was ‘Crazy Ol’ Maurice’. This morning I am here to show you that I am not crazy, odd or strange! (Or perhaps … just a little!)

I remember sitting where you are as a Huntingtower student after the long summer holidays. It was a time for catching up with friends, checking out new classmates, thinking about what the year ahead would offer - new teachers, new subjects and new experiences - and realising just how tight school shoes can be!

Many of your teachers and friends will leave a lasting impression upon you. Your relationships with them will help to form who you become in the years ahead. As a city lawyer, my encounters with work colleagues, clients and opposing counsel have added to my experience, and people I consider to be role models have helped me fashion how I perform as a lawyer and as a person. I have admired these role models for their clear mindedness and analytical approach, their business acumen, their eloquence and their dedication. They have been willing to stand for principle in business dealings and deal in a genuine and thoughtful way with staff, their fellow colleagues and clients. A sense of humour also never goes astray!

While still retaining my own identity, I have endeavoured to adopt these impressive qualities in the way I operate and deal with others. Whilst my role models have often been more senior mentors or my contemporaries, it is equally the case that my juniors’ refreshing

DAVID WEIL >

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1> Kieren House, Dux of 2011, with his parents Douglas and Suzanne, and his brother, Liam (Year 9)

Continued next page >4 News from Huntingtower Autumn 12

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CommEnCEmEnt day 2012approaches have helped me realise that there are many exciting ways to tackle tasks, view challenges, utilise technology and achieve results.

Over the years, I have taken an interest in a variety of community activities ranging from international relations, the arts, land care and education to business and community development. As a consequence, I have met and mixed with many inspirational people. One such person was the distinguished and greatly admired former Australian of the Year, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.

Sir Edward was a highly respected surgeon and community figure. I worked closely with him when he was president of the Melbourne Council for Overseas Students and the president of the Australian Asian Association. I later became president of both those organisations and I am pleased to be a trustee of the Sir Edward Dunlop International Students’ Emergency Fund.

‘Weary’ Dunlop was the epitome of someone who was willing to help whenever he could. His career included many years of hardship and courage as a prisoner of war. In listening to him relate his experiences, I drew inspiration from the qualities he expressed in the most desperate of situations. Even as a prisoner of war, Sir Edward continued to work towards saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. The most striking of Sir Edward’s qualities was that of forgiveness, despite the deplorable conditions and actions of his captors in the prison of war camps. He saw how futile it was to hate and hold any grudge. I remember occasions at Sir Edward’s home when he welcomed the descendants of those who would have been his captors and enemies. And in the recent Queen’s Christmas Message, she also highlighted the importance of forgiveness in ‘healing broken families, restoring friendships, reconciling divided communities and (in) enabling us to feel the power of God’s love’.

At Huntingtower, our new Rayner House is named after the Rayner sisters - two women who were both generous and loving supporters of this school and pioneers of Children’s Theatre in Australia in the early and mid-years of last century. I am pleased to help carry on their work now as a trustee of the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation.

I had the pleasure of knowing Joan and Betty Rayner as I was growing up. I attended many afternoons and evenings in their forest-enclosed home when they would tell stories about performing theatre around the world, bringing joy and a love of all cultures through their

performances of international folk tales. One of their plays was based on the tricks of a devil whose real identity was discovered to be … discouragement. Joan and Betty’s inspirational lesson was never to give any power to discouragement. Despite the many huge challenges that confronted them as early pioneers in Australian theatre, they succeeded because of their talent, persistence, dedication and reliance upon listening for God’s direction.

As I mentioned, our role models and lessons in life come not just from those who are well known or senior to us, but also from those who are young. Recently, my wife, Martha, and I were travelling through the South Western Chinese province of Yunnan. Our travels led us to a remote farming village on the Leeming River, in an isolated river valley which lay between jagged karst (limestone mountains). These areas were so remote that locals lined up to have their photographs taken with me because I was one of the seldom visiting Westerners! (Or perhaps, they thought I was crazy, strange or odd, like Maurice!)

One day as we were travelling along a mountain road, we saw a little boy about 6 or 7 years old standing on the roadside. As we passed, he enthusiastically waved and smiled. His joyful expression brightened our day. Shortly after, we returned along the same route. I hoped that he would still be there because I had a cuddly koala toy that I wanted to give him. There he was, at the same spot – big wave, beaming smile. As I hopped out of the buggy and gave him the toy, my wife heard this little boy tell us in Mandarin that it was ‘his job to mind the pigs’. Then we noticed several black piglets and some much larger black pigs that he was dutifully watching over in the ravine by the side of the road. The boy’s modest lifestyle, his sense of duty in spite of his young age and isolation and his beaming display of joy and friendliness created an example we will never forget.

But in my early days, who were the mentors that helped me learn some of the many lessons of life? The very same that you have here today: the dedicated teachers and staff at Huntingtower. I have always remembered the gift one teacher gave me when I graduated. Sometimes, when the challenges of professional and daily life seem overwhelming, I recall the present she gave me: a card with two verses from Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5 & 6:

‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.’

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1> Sholto Bowen congratulates Commencement Day Addressor David Weil

2> New staff for a new year: Miss Alex Neal, Mr Rodney Jones, Mrs Toudi Kouris, Mrs Leesa Bos, Mrs Vicki Close, Mr Anthony Wroe, Mr Eitan Sifris, Mr Daniel Peterson and Mr Craig Abernethy.


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Other teachers were great mentors who demonstrated to me the qualities of poise, gentleness, dedication and an unquenchable love of learning. They removed from us any sense of limitation and encouraged us, all the way! One teacher even showed us the life lessons we could learn from A.A. Milne’s ‘Winnie the Pooh’!

The founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, established single-handedly a Church organisation and an international newspaper and she authored numerous books and periodicals. This shows that she also saw challenge as opportunity. Reflecting back on my lessons learnt, there are similar messages in Mrs Eddy’s writings in Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures:

Sir Edward Dunlop’s example of forgiveness:

‘The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity.’(p571:19)

The Rayner sisters’ folk story rejecting discouragement:

‘Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can ‘run and not be weary: … walk and not faint’, who gain good rapidly and hold their position or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement.’ (p254:2)

Gratitude inspired by the little boy’s humility:

‘If we feel the aspiration, humility, gratitude and love which our words express - this God accepts’ (p 8:14)

And finally, my teacher’s gift:

‘When we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously, He directs thy path.’ (p254:10)

Here at Huntingtower, you have many opportunities to learn and excel. Your parents have also given you the opportunity to attend a school where you can learn many life lessons from dedicated teachers, who have chosen a profession where they can impart to you their love of learning and their inspirational qualities.

I wish you all, both students and staff, a most engaging and satisfying journey together in 2012!

CommEnCEmEnt day 2012

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3> President of the Huntingtower School Board Mrs Wendy Verhagen.

4> Former Huntingtower student and Deputy Mayor for the City of Monash, Jieh-Yung Lo, with Business Manager Rob Kitchingman.

5> Mrs Rosetta Batsakis, Mr Craig Abernethy, Mrs Leesa Bos and Mrs Marta Lopez.

6> Nadisha Jayasinghe, Siddarth Vadasseri, Genna Verbeek and School Captain Eloise Verbeek.

7> Mr Nicholas Green with Year 11 students Jamie Stadly and Ashini Perera.

8> Sholto Bowen with Peter, Mitchell (School Captain), Cassidy and Karen Rees.



HuntinGtoWEr Honours roBin BourKE“If I had to choose one person, one Australian I could show to everyone I know in Afghanistan and say, ‘This country in which I live and work has such fine people as this wonderful woman to welcome strangers such as me,’ it would be Robin I would choose… I remember times when I was in such despair in Afghanistan, and on my journey to Australia. If I had known that at the end of my journey, I would find such a friend as Robin, I would have thought all the pain and fear was worthwhile for such a reward.”

Najaf Mazari, The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif

One day in 2003, Robin Bourke (née Maynard), co-School Captain of the Class of ’53, went into Afghan Traditional Rugs in High Street, Prahran. The owner of the shop was Najaf Mazari. Over the next couple of hours, he spoke to Robin about being a refugee. Robin was amazed that a young man such as Najaf could have established a little business in Prahran after being only two years in Australia, with one of those years spent at the Woomera Detention Centre. Najaf was totally alone, unsure if he would get permanent residency and desperate for his wife and daughter to join him in Melbourne. Robin had taught English as a second language and decided to offer him help: ‘I thought “Right, one English lesson and one good feed a week.”’

After she left Huntingtower, which she had attended since kindergarten, Robin completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She later studied at the Sorbonne, gaining a Diploma in the study of French Civilisation for Foreign Students. She taught English

at schools in Arles and Lille and worked at the Australian Embassy in Paris. For many years after this Robin worked as a radio producer for the ABC Education Department, producing school broadcasts, among them French language programs. She is married to Norman, and after the birth of their son Ben, she gained a Diploma of Education (earlier she had taught at Huntingtower, acquiring a Teaching Certificate under the supervision of Bruce Warrell). Robin next completed a Post Graduate Diploma in TESL, teaching at Camberwell Girls’ Grammar for fourteen years. Robin has always loved radio – from the age of 12, along with students from other schools, she took part in dramatised children’s serials broadcast live to air three times a week at radio station 3DB. Later she was involved in National Radio Theatre on Sunday nights. Today, Robin still reads on

air – she has been a Vision Australia Radio volunteer for ten years.

At the time Robin met Najaf, she had become increasingly concerned with the way Australia treated refugees and wanted to help redress the damage caused by the Tampa incident and the ‘Pacific Solution’. The consequences of Robin’s kindness and generosity towards Najaf were transformative. Najaf’s wife and daughter arrived in Australia in 2006 and he is now a successful businessman and co-author of his books The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif and The Honey Thief. He attributes much to Robin’s support and belief in his abilities. Robin has shown us all the far-reaching effects that kindness towards others can have in immeasurably enriching the lives of individuals and our communities.

11> Robin Bourke with Najaf Mazari at his shop in Prahran.

2> 1953 School Captains Robin Bourke (nee Maynard) and Jennifer Wood (nee Hope)

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For seven years, Huntingtower’s very own cycling guru, Mr Ray Clifford (in his other life, Mr Clifford teaches Commerce and Accounting) and P.E and I.T teacher Ms Jan Savage have led a team of students, teachers, HOSA members and parents in The Great Victorian Bike Ride. Year 12 student Rebecca Calleja’s report from The Ride of 2011 might persuade the more sedentary of us to consider taking on the challenge come November 2012!

After having done my first Great Victorian Bike Ride through torrential rains and thick mud, the thought of doing the 590km ride again seemed somewhat daunting. However, there are some things that compel cyclists of all skills and ages from all over Victoria (and other states!) to unite for ‘a week in another world’. Once again I found myself signing up. This was in spite of having to spend another week waking up at the crack of dawn, riding unthinkable distances through mountains and living without the luxuries of home.

When you travel in a car, most of the countryside rushes by while you are too busy trying to find where you are on a map. On a bike, however, one can experience the vast paddocks and fields of flowers on many levels: sight, delightful smells and sounds. Bicycle Victoria allocates side roads and minor highways infrequently used by the typical tourist

for The Great Victorian Bike Riders. These offer refreshing tree-lined roads, trickling creeks and this year - the mighty Murray.

The Ride of 2011 was set in many towns I had never visited: Swan Hill, Barham, Echuca, Boort, Maryborough etc. For many of these towns, 4000 cyclists pedalling their way to their doorstep to spend the night was a big affair. Some towns had spent twelve months planning for us! Heading into each campsite, we were greeted by friendly locals congratulating us and high-fiving us. In the towns, the locals offered more than just a power point to charge our phones - they shared their stories and smiles. Every town was unique. While Barham boasts that it is the ‘happiest town on the Murray!’, in all the towns there is a strong sense of community you don’t find in many Melbourne suburbs.

In fact, the best thing about The Great Vic is the community. I treasure the ease in which you can talk to anyone. You only need one common interest to bring together 4000 people, each with a unique story to tell. I must confess I love The Great Vic for the shower conversations you have with grannies, the support from strangers while attacking an ascent and the ukulele group who cheerily play in the early hours of the morning while you line up for breakfast. Only on The Great Vic do you meet bike-riding schoolkids dressed in drag, the guy who can play the Super Mario theme with his teeth and the old codger doing his 14th ride! To all the riders with sexy sunglasses, shorts and helmet tans heightened by that seductive slimming lycra, I can’t wait to see you on 2012’s Lakes Entrance to Phillip Island Great Victorian Bike Ride!


tHE GrEat ViCtorian BiKE ridE

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1> Annie Rose Field ‘intent’ on having a good time!

2> The boys in blue: Joshua Godino, Alistair Cramer, Jack Steinman and Jack Holyoake.

3> Ben Armstrong and Alex Hill.

4> Josh Klavins and Peter Higgins.

5> Michelle Clarke and Rebecca Calleja.

6> Corey Williams.


This year, Huntingtower’s Year 8 students love learning with iPads. These magical machines are lightweight, user-friendly and fun. Importantly, iPads enable easy access to the internet and to a range of exciting learning applications. As technology develops, iPads and digitally formatted textbooks will mean that students no longer need to carry heavy bags full of weighty tomes.

Teachers are enjoying using their iPads, too. They can see that integrating iPads into the curriculum enhances students’ abilities to:

• pose thoughtful questions,

• discriminate and make wise judgments when using a number of different sources of information,

• think carefully about issues and consequences,

• be creative,

• excel in their use of ICT skills and knowledge, and

• understand what it takes to be a savvy digital citizen.

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Integrated Studies integrates iPads:

1> Emma Sampson, Clare Carroll, Lisa Miyagi, Polina Nikolakakis and Kaitlin Hele

2> Patrick Holyoake and Marcus Ozga with Middle School Coordinator Meredith Lawson.

3> Carlyna Field, Emma Sampson, Patrick Holyoake and Marcus Ozga

In the Year 8 French class, students took photographs of their friends performing an action. They then used these photos to create a comic strip. Afterwards, the students learned about imperatives by using them when writing French descriptions about their comic strip.

4> Sophie Baker

5> Shekhar Nand

6> Vivienne Zhou and Kelly Laing

ideas imagination information

iPads!

THE JuNioR SCHooL MAKES A SPLASH!

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HsaC’s Grand oPEninG


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1> John Bruce, architect of the Huntingtower Sports and Aquatic Centre and Huntingtower School Board member, HSAC manager Helen Aden, Principal Sholto Bowen, the Australian Federal Member of Parliament for Chisholm, Anna Burke, Wendy Verhagen, Chairman of the Huntingtower School Board, Acting Vice-Principal Noel Davies and Head of the Junior School, Dot Greiveson at the official opening of HSAC on 9 March, 2012.

2> HSAC Operations Manager Jeremy Howell with Junior School swimming squad members.

3> Nicko Grimm (Year 3)

4> Laura Armstrong (Year 3)

5> Year 5 students: Rachel Ko, Alyssa Chau, Bethany Alexs, Satomi Goh-Maejima and Mandy Chen

6> Mihika Kapadi (Year 6)

7> Chris Campbell (Year 4), Claire Campbell (Year 6), Ellie Bentley (Year 5), Cassie Bentley (Year 7) and Mia Dieckmann (Year 6) with champion freestyle and butterfly swimmer Matt Targett

8> Stephanie Barrow (Year 5), Natalie Kouvelis (Year 6) and Jenna Pletsias (Year 5)

9> Harrison Penna (Year 5)

10> Emmanuel Papastamatis (Year 5)

11> Samantha Gates (Year 6)

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HsaC’s Grand oPEninG



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ConGratulations and fond farEWElls

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1> After winning the Waverley region ‘Lions Youth of the Year’, School Captain Eloise Verbeek represented Waverley in the district competition, where she took out the award for Best Speaker. Well done, Eloise!

2> Late last year, Alyssa Chau (Year 5) competed at the Australian Gymnastics National Clubs Championships in Canberra. She was awarded 1st place on the vault and 5th place on the beam, and came third nationally in the International Development Program Level 5. We congratulate Alyssa on her well-earned success.

3> Conor Rowley (Year 9) (right) came in 4th place out of 23 in the sprint, and 5th out of 23 in the time trial for his age group at the 2012 Cycling Australia Junior Track National Championships (photo by Leanne Cole). A great effort, Conor!

4> Indonesian teacher, Timi Ardiyanti with her husband, Glen, and daughter Lily, at Timi’s graduation ceremony at the University of Tasmania where she was awarded a Master of Teaching (Secondary). What a year for Timi: a baby and a Master’s Degree!

5> Legal Studies and Commerce teacher Eitan Sifris with his wife, Rachel, and their daughter, Scarlett Leah, born in February.

6> Congratulations to a team of 40 supporters who raised $600 for the Red Cross door knock appeal. Year 11 students included Meuni Dassanayake, Akshara Vivekananthan, Hamish Roe, Jessica Phillips, Bareetu Aba-Bulgu and Surabhi Ganapathy (seated).

A> Brett Borbely wishes Patricia Dove well at Pat’s farewell dinner. After 15 years at Huntingtower, Pat Dove has been appointed as Dean of Students at Nazareth College. Always ‘one of the best’ at teaching her beloved Science, Pat has also served as Head of both Bruce and Mather Houses. We all miss her, but wish her every success at Nazareth.

B> Niamh Comiskey (seen at last year’s Art Exhibition with Year 12 students Johnny Wang, Adam Bunting-Sylivris and Michelle Clarke) has made a marvellous contribution to Art at Huntingtower. The campus is ‘abuzz’ with new artwork, and everyone has warmed to Niamh’s enthusiasm and passion for her subject. We wish her every happiness as she returns home to Ireland.


Greetings to you all.

One of the key aims of HOSA for 2012 and beyond is to establish a mentoring and networking program. Because many of our ‘old students’ are more than happy to share their experiences and wealth of knowledge, HOSA is determined to make the most of their generosity and wisdom.

In February, as part of our mentoring program, we hosted a tertiary orientation day for the Class of 2011 at a number of campuses. We hope that this will become an annual event and that it helps our newest HOSA members to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of tertiary life from past Huntingtower students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions. Thanks go to Genna Verbeek for coordinating this.

To develop networking, the HOSA committee also intends to run an annual barbeque for students who have graduated from Huntingtower five or fewer years ago. The first event, organised by Stephanie Fuller, was held on Sunday 25 March at Jells Park, with over thirty people attending. It was a most enjoyable occasion and gave past students the opportunity to meet in a relaxed and informal environment ‘under the HOSA umbrella’.

On 23 May we will be holding our second HOSA Links evening. All Year 9-12 students have selected three occupations they are interested in learning about. From a list of around 25 different occupations, expert HOSA members have been asked to host 3 x 20 minute question/answer sessions about their profession or occupation. A current tertiary student studying each profession will also be available to give Huntingtower students tips and advice.

These events are all examples of how HOSA is making itself more relevant to both past students and the wider Huntingtower community.

Don’t forget to pencil in the second weekend in September in your diary. The HoSA Sports Day will be held on the Sunday (9th), and on the Friday night (7th) a gala fundraising event, ‘HT’s Got Talent’, will be held in the PAC. ‘HT’s Got Talent’ will showcase past and current students’ musical, acting and performance skills, and all funds raised will be donated to HOSA member Adrian Trout’s Big Heart Project in Cambodia. For more details, contact me at [email protected] or 0427 277 357.

Our Annual General Meeting is on Monday, May 14 at 7.30pm in the Long Room of HSAC. We would love to see you there! This year we welcome three new committee members: Simone Masci, Simon Bourke and Hamish Gould. If you or anyone else you know are interested in joining the committee, please let me know. We are always happy to have more people involved.

Peter Thompson President

newsmessage from hosa president, peter thompsonwww.hosa.com.au


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1> Alicia Goricane (’07) is congratulated for being selected from a competitive field of graduate applicants to study Masters of Law (Juris Doctor) at Monash University in 2012. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (Global) in 2011, with majors in Global Studies and Management plus a minor study in Japanese Language. Alicia says that her years at Huntingtower inspired and nurtured both her personal and academic skills, and in turn prepared her for the challenging years at university.

2> Congratulations to Jieh-Yung Lo (’02), who was elected unopposed as the new Deputy Mayor for the City of Monash last November. He says: ‘It is truly an honour to be given the opportunity to serve in this important role … The reason why I stood for council … is to give something back to this great local community … I want to continue to strive for positive change and engage our community in every way possible.’

3> Ashley Davies (’10) at the national ATOM Awards, where he won the ‘Best Documentary’ for his film ‘Rally’.

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• May 14: HoSA AGM

• May 23: HoSA Links

• September 7: HT’s Got Talent Concert

• September 9: HoSA Sports Day

• November 10: Fete Day - HoSA BBQ

CalEndar of EVEnts

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1> The reunion of The Simunye Project’s very first trip in 2007: Back row (standing) teacher Mel Beal, Kate Jacklin (’09), Emily Laughlin (’08), Adam Jahnke (’08), Georgie Rawlins (’08), David Swan (’08), Kathleen Mann (’08) and Tori Yelland-Riddell (’08). Grouped in the front row are teachers Peter and Samantha Dry with their children Tegan, Taine and Shaya and Nathan Stewart (’08).

2> Roy Beal (Mel Beal’s father), John Bruce (’54) and Ray Thomas (father of Rhys, ’08), who swam in their 2008 Friends of Simunye timeslot.

3> Swimming star Matt Targett with Emma Lynch (’08).

4> Simone Masci and Alysha Waye (both Class of 2010) with Matt Targett.

5> Teacher Sandra Tiepermann with little Zara and Laura Armstrong (Year 3)

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sPlasH for CasHHosa HElPs tHE simunyE ProjECt

A 24-hour swim-a-thon in Huntingtower’s brand new Aquatic Centre took place in February and HOSA was there to help. Make a Splash for Cash saw over 200 participants help raise funds for The Simunye Project racking up the distance in laps from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park.

Telstra and BodyScience contributed generously and several local businesses, including the Mount Waverley Subway, Piccolino’s and Crust provided food to the hungry volunteers and swimmers.

The swim-a-thon kicked off at midday on Saturday, February 25, and HSAC was quickly filled with scores of HOSA members, students, friends, teachers and families. Star power was provided by Olympic and World Championship swimmer Matt Targett. He happily posed for photos and autographs before proving he wasn’t just a pretty face by racing swimmers such as Sam Hillman (Class of 2010) and Ben Armstrong (Year 12), and then towing two, then four children down the 25m pool. Sophie Edington, a Commonwealth Games medalist and world record holder, arrived on the Sunday to help the tired, chlorine-saturated swimmers to cross the line and complete the 24 hours.

The grueling experience was well rewarded, with the swimmers surpassing their goal and hitting 600km, or 24,000 laps. It’s safe to say that the Splash for Cash was a huge success, with over $9000 collected so far. The next Simunye Project leaves in late March for eighteen days. To donate or help, or to find out more information, visit http://thesimunyeproject.com/

Sharon Lin, Class of 2011


1> The Class of 2011 at the Monash University HOSA Orientation Day: Ben Loveland, David Hughes, Jonty Lewis, Shivani Myagerimath, Shefali Sharma and Ryan Wallis.

3> Orientation Day guides: Vincent Noutso (’09), Jessica Clarke (’09), Elliot Kitchingman (’10), Kavya Kottampally (’10) and Siddarth Vadasseri (’10) at Monash University.

Would you like to speak to Huntingtower students about your career?

The HOSA Links is a biannual event which gives students an opportunity to meet with career professionals, exchange ideas and ask questions.

For more details, contact Peter Thompson (0427 277 357) or Jan Tyquin (9807 8888) ([email protected])

We would love to hear from you!

accounting – architecture – armed services – building – dentistry – designing – law – police – psychology – management – teaching…

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Former students have noted that making the transition from Huntingtower to university is not always easy. In early February, as part of a new HOSA initiative introduced by Stephanie Fuller (’09) to alleviate this problem, current HOSA university students invited members of the Class of 2011 to take an orientation tour of their chosen campuses. The new university students were also given advice about clubs, social events, sporting facilities, library facilities, car parking, public transport and more!

HOSA extends its sincere appreciation to those who volunteered to take tours:• Siddarth Vadasseri (’10), Elliot Kitchingman (’10), Kavya Kottampally (’10), Jacob Davey

(’10), Vincent Noutso (’09), Jessica Clarke (’09) – Monash University• Karen Androulakis (’07), Jessica Brien (’09), Alex Clapp (’09) – Deakin University• Nathan Siles (’08), Sam Hillman (’10) – Melbourne University• Samuel Hodson (’08) – LaTrobe University• Stephanie Fuller (’09) – RMIT• Chris Pettit (’09) – Swinburne University

HOSA congratulates the Class of 2011 for its outstanding results and wishes every student success in his or her future tertiary endeavours. It is hoped that the Orientation Program will continue for the Class of 2012 and for former students returning to tertiary study next year. If you would like to register your interest in assisting as a tour guide, or in participating in a tour as a new student, please contact Jan Tyquin – [email protected]

Genna Verbeek

May 23 @ 7.30pm

oriEntation 2012Hosa linKs

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> School Captains Mitchell Rees and Eloise Verbeek help Sholto Bowen and Anna Burke MP unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the Huntingtower Sports and Aquatic Centre, the building of which was made possible by the Australian Government’s contribution of $2,000,000 as part of the Building the Education Revolution Fund.

Credits:

Editor and Art Director: Jan TyquinGraphic Design: Claire Emmett & Steve Miles, Redfish Bluefish CreativePhotography: Phil Amos, Jane Barker, Paul & Wendy Bentley,

Jillian Broadbear, Michelle Clarke, Meredith Lawson, Sharon Lin, Amelia Trickey, Jan Tyquin

Advisor: Margaret IrvinePrinted by: Alpha Printing Co. Pty Ltd

Huntingtower School AssociationA.B.N. 23 004 231 654

If you know of someone who would like to receive the Huntingtower News, please ask them to contact the school (9807 8888) or email Jan Tyquin at [email protected]

dates to remember:> Monday, May 14, HoSA AGM: 7.30pm in

the Long Room of HSAC

> Wednesday, May 23, HoSA Links: 6.30 – 8.30pm, PAC

> August 7, 9, 10 & 11: Senior School Musical ‘The Wizard of oz’

> Friday, September 7: Huntingtower’s Got Talent, 7.30pm, PAC

> Sunday, September 9: HoSA Sports Day, 11.00am

> october 14, Sunday: Camerata Performance, 2.30pm

> November 10, Saturday: Huntingtower Fete

> November 30, Friday: Junior School Speech Night, 6pm

> December 8, Saturday: Speech Day, Robert Blackwood Hall, 2.00pm

preserving our independenceIn 1927, a group of Christian Scientists established Huntingtower with the purpose of helping its students reach their unlimited potential. Huntingtower continues to be based firmly on the principles of Christian Science. Generations of students have passed through the school, their success measured in fine academic results and fulfilling lives. The school’s needs have traditionally been met by the generous support of benefactors, supplemented with Government financial assistance. In order to ensure Huntingtower’s progress and lessen its reliance on Government funding, the founders of the school set up different ways for supporters to help the school financially.

You may like to consider any of the following: • Grants, bequests or donations to the Huntingtower

Foundation (A Foundation set up by Trust Deed to preserve and maintain the school’s financial independence)

• Tax Deductible donations to the Property and Building Fund (A fund set up to assist the school in adding new facilities)

• Grants or donations to the Mather Foundation (named after Mr. J.B. Mather, Principal 1949-1972, and set up as a restricted endowment. Whilst the assets cannot be used, the income from the assets contributes towards the running of the school and to student bursaries).

For more information on any of these or to register a bequest via a will or codicil please contact: Business Manager, Huntingtower School, 77 Waimarie Drive, Mt Waverley 3149, Australia Phone: (03)9807 8888, email: [email protected]

autumn | 2012 · 2020. 10. 5. · autumn | 2012. from the principal commencement assembly 2012...

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