the barker #106
DESCRIPTION
The quarterly publication of Barker CollegeTRANSCRIPT
Autumn 2015 — Issue 106
46 14Teaching & LearningThe Barker Institute
HSCCelebrating the Class of 2014
From the Archives 125 Years of Barker and 40 Years of Co-education
Celebrating 125 Years and 40 Years of
Co-education in 2015
Issue 106 Autumn 2015
The Barker is the quarterly magazine of Barker College
Cover illustration by Donald Begbie
Editor-in-Chief Mr Phillip Heath
Editor Jonathan Mifsud
Sub-Editor Stephanie Oley
Assistant Coordinators Mandy Loomes Karina Drummond
Print Production Ian Lindsay 0419 693 308
Art Direction Yolanda Koning 0404 811 136
facebook.com/barkercollege
CO
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S 10The Regulars
10 Prep School
12 Junior School
16 Middle and Senior School
28 Drama
36 Sport
44 The Old Barker
The Features04 The Barker Institute
Research, Innovation and Professional Learning in a Data Rich World
06 HSC Celebrating the Results of 2014
26 Where has the Barker been?
14 From the Archives 125 Years of Barker and 40 Years of Girls
29 How to Succeed A Barker Musical
43 The Barker Foundation The Inaugural Article from the Barker Foundation
26
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
12
Where hasthe Barker been?
Preparatory School The Snowy River Boys Production
Junior School:Getting to know Martin Lubrano
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People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the king-dom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16
A new academic year brings so much promise and so many opportunities. The pages in our books are pristine and perfect, just waiting for our hands to make their mark. Our textbooks are new and so are the hopes for a bright year ahead.
It is at such a time that we remind ourselves afresh about the things that matter. The story of Jesus, who allows the children to come to him from among the pressing crowds who surrounded him, is more than a lesson about the importance of children. In fact, it’s quite the reverse!
In the time of Jesus, children were to be seen but not heard. They had no rights at all and brought nothing of consequence into an encounter with a famous figure. There were no famous politicians ‘kissing babies’ in the first century. The disciples scolded parents for bringing children to Jesus because they were in the way and offered nothing. As we all know, Jesus turned the world upside-down by taking into his midst people who offered nothing, only faithfulness and hope.
Barker College is serious in fulfilling our vision: “To be a leader in Christian education that inspires global hope.” The year ahead, therefore, urges us to start making things happen. Writing plans is the easy part – now we must fulfil them. The starting point is to enhance the already strong
quality of the things we are doing. When we dare to influence the world around us we must be outstanding in the things we are doing locally. At times we will appear to be dealing with people or with circumstances that bring nothing of consequence in a material sense. We seek to inspire hope in others by the character we show and the quality we share.
The year ahead will see a range of initiatives, some of which will be celebrated in the pages that follow. Matters for our attention in 2015 include the launch of the Barker Institute, construction of the Imaginarium, development of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program under the leadership of the new Head of Junior School, Mr Martin Lubrano, the formation of the College of Teachers, a revised Master Plan and a renewed energy in academic achievement.
The strong Barker College culture forged over the past 125 years makes this vision possible. We give thanks to the Lord for this year when we remember the blessings lavished on us since the early days in the Kurrajong residence of the Founder, the Reverend Henry Plume. We also give thanks for 40 years since the arrival of the first girls at Barker College in 1975.
It’s time now to make things happen for the next generations of our School.
Peace
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Mr Phillip HeathHead of Barker College
Things
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At the end of 2014, the Barker School
community was challenged by Mr Heath
through our Strategic Plan to consider the
many possibilities in 2015 and the next few
years. Mr Heath and all our staff are now
beginning to implement our strategic plan. If you wish to
see the Strategic Plan, please go to www.barker.nsw.edu.au/
About-Barker/inspire
The principles underlying our Strategic Plan include:
• Our understanding that we now live in a global context,
with Australians all being impacted by events within
Australia and in other parts of our world. In addition,
decisions made in Australia have an impact within
Australia and throughout the world. Our vision should
seek to develop our students who can assist in local
decision-making which will have a global impact.
• A commitment to rigour in our approach to all our
academic and co-curricular programs, from Kindergarten
to Year 12, and to ensuring we track each student’s
academic progress. This will require continuous
development of our academic program for each of our
students to meet their vision, gifts and talents as they
prepare for their future contribution to our community.
• The provision of individual pastoral care and the ability
of our students to work together. This is based on our
Christian understanding that God cares for each of our
students, and that should we fulfil our responsibility
to challenge and care for each student at Barker College
to become a caring and positive contributor to our
community.
In implementing these principles, the School seeks to
work alongside each student’s family to provide the setting
and foundation for each of our students upon which Barker
College can build.
We welcome our new students, their families and new
staff to Barker College in 2015. In particular, we welcome Mr
Martin Lubrano in his role as Head of the Junior School. We
are looking forward to his contribution as the Junior School
develops its enquiry-based learning approach, which builds
on the Teaching for Understanding framework that has been
in place for several years now.
In 2015, the School Council will continue to provide the
resources necessary to develop and implement the Strategic
Plan which the School Council adopted in 2014. Although the
plan will have a life of five years, we are looking to achieve as
much of the plan’s direction as we can in 2015.
I look forward to meeting you at the various School
events throughout 2015, as we celebrate these milestones
in the life of Barker College. I also look forward to your
feedback and suggestions as we work together to implement
our strategic plan.
Ian Miller Chairman
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It will be a year of celebration as we remember the School was founded 125 years ago and that co-education was introduced into School life 40 years ago.
—Ian Miller, Chairman
Chairman’s
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It’s a Barker tradition, and one of our youth workers,
Kirrily Aynsley, had this to say about the weekend;
“Barker College’s Senior Weekend Away has been
running (in one form or another) at the beginning
of the new school year since 1980 – we think! It has
proved an excellent way to welcome students into the Senior
School. Significantly, in a year in which we celebrate 40 years
of co-education, the Senior Weekend Away has proven an
excellent opportunity for the Barker College Cru group to
warmly welcome new girls.
The 2015 weekend was no exception. We saw many girls
come along to the Senior Weekend Away, which enabled
them to get to know many other students as well as the
Chaplaincy Department and the many teachers who stopped
by over the weekend to visit the camp. In the Chaplaincy
Department, we love the contribution the girls make to
Barker and feel privileged to have played a small role in
welcoming them to the School over these past 40 years.
At Barker, we are proud of the great role that the
Chaplaincy Department plays in nurturing the students’
spiritual lives. I wish our Seniors all the best as they embark
on the academically – and mentally – rigorous final years at
the School, and I look forward to another meaningful year
with the whole school community, exploring the many ways
in which God touches our lives.
Jeff Ware Senior Chaplain
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One hundred and fifty students spent a weekend together at Galston on the last weekend of January.
Chairman’s
Welcome to
—Top, Above Left and Right Students enjoying the many activities at the Senior Weekend Away that were designed to help them get to know each other and their new School community.
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The InstituteResearch, Innovation & Professional Learning in a Data Rich World
Dr Bartek RajkowskiThe Reading Doctor ® software which is used by many practitioners.www.adelaidespeech.com
LINKS
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The Institute
The Barker Institute was launched on February 5 by renowned researcher and presenter Dr Bartek Rajkowski at Barker College.
Schools are amazing places as they are so data-
rich. Data exists in students’ work, classroom
observations, tests, reports and in our many
daily conversations.
Similarly, data surrounds us in many other
ways, ranging from formal and informal assessments to
external examinations. We are often unsure how data
should be interpreted and acted on. In a world immersed
in emerging technologies where the image of the 21st
century learner is juxtaposed with a raft of standardised
testing, it is important to focus on real learning, where
student inquiry, understanding and engagement guides
thought and action.
Teachers are now awash with data, yet they must be
confident and skilled in applying this data within their
decisions about teaching and learning so they become:
“active players in the data-rich environment that surrounds
them and incorporate a system of use for interpreting and
acting on information” (Earl & Katz 2006, pp. 2–3). Equally,
educational researchers have recently called for a more
rigorous use of data in ways that promote an ongoing
cycle of improvement (US Department of Education 2009;
Bernhardt 2005). Using data within a cycle of improvement
ensures that any collated content is analysed and used to
enhance learning. Professor John Hattie, Director of the
Melbourne Educational Research Institute at the University
of Melbourne and Chair of the Australian Institute for
Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), suggests that
data must be available at the classroom level to improve
teachers’ understanding of learners’ needs.
Bearing all this in mind, how can schools effectively
harness this data for their students’ learning? And how
might a strategic approach in dealing with data lead to
better quality teaching and improved learning? The Barker
Institute was established by the Head of Barker College,
Mr Phillip Heath, at the end of 2014 to respond to these
and other important questions. The Institute’s aims
include combining the latest educational research,
professional learning and emerging practice for staff and
the broader Barker College community. It will develop
its work in a way that allows for a collaborative sharing
of educational trends and emerging issues, encouraging
contributions from the School and broader community to
this important discussion.
The Barker Institute was launched on Thursday 5
February by renowned researcher and presenter, Dr Bartek
Rajkowski, at Barker College. Dr Rajkowski is a speech and
language pathologist whose doctoral study investigated the
underlying processing difficulties in children with dyslexia.
His Inaugural Barker Institute Address considered why too
many Australian students struggle with reading and what
should be done about it. He offered insights from current
research on reading acquisition and dyslexia of which every
teacher and parent educator should be aware.
An integral part of the School’s new Strategic Plan,
Inspiring Global Hope, the Barker Institute is the offspring of
the existing Research@Barker. The Institute aims to advance
research and practice locally, nationally and globally, by
partnering with other educational organisations, providing
seminars and courses that inspire educators to develop their
own professional practice. In so doing, the Institute will
enable the School to contribute to the national conversation
about learning, teaching and educational policy.
Apart from having a major educational research thrust,
the Institute also focuses on developing professional learning
for teachers and mentoring and coaching educators. It will
provide valuable opportunities for teachers and students
wishing to harness the rich research possibilities and data
that exists in a large school such as Barker.
The role of a teacher is to be faithful to authentic student
learning, yet current trends in the teaching profession seem
fixated on results from standardised tests that take place on
one day. While that data can be useful, teachers spend the
entire year collecting all sorts of immediate and valuable
information about students. This knowledge informs and
influences how we teach, as well as where and what we
review, re-adjust, and re-teach.
Reil Millar, the Head of Foresight, Bureau of Strategic
Planning at UNESCO recently wrote:-
In light of the transformations taking place in the world today
it is essential to question the models we use to imagine the
future. For if we are unable to grasp the novel systems emerging
around us, we will be unable to ensure a congruence between our
aspirations and our actions (retrieved 5 February, 2015. http://
curriculumredesign.org).
The focus of the Barker Institute will be to more effectively
harness the broad sweep of data we produce as we look to
inspire global hope among our young people. Critical in
this will be aligning our data-led insights with the way our
practice is being modified to meet the needs of our learners.
The Barker Institute will look to develop this role as it
contributes to the educational forum.
Dr Brad Merrick
Director of the Barker Institute
Dr Greg Cunningham
Director of Teaching and Learning
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HSC–Celebrating
There have been captivating performances across a wide
variety of co-curricular areas such as, on the sporting field,
in musical and drama productions, outdoor education and
community service.
Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath “We are delighted
with the performance of our students, but recognise that
a successful school experience goes far beyond the scores
gained on a single measure such as the ATAR or the HSC
Merit list. We seek to provide the means for our students
to develop their character, as well as their intellect, by
offering an extensive program of co-curricular activities and
opportunities for community service and pastoral support.”
Marcus Berkley, Earth and Environmental Science – 1st
Nikita Besseling, Earth and Environmental Science – 4th
Emma Bryant, Ancient History – 2nd
Alexander Chye, Economics – 4th
Tristan Deall, Automotive Examination – 1st
Noah Grundy, Earth and Environmental Science – 6th
Harris Kershaw, Earth and Environmental Science – 7th
Catriona Kon, Mathematics General 2 – 3rd
Jennifer Pym, Visual Arts – 7th
Chelsea Telfer, Design and Technology – 6th
Barker College is proud of the achievements of the Class of 2014. This fine body of students has had a remarkably successful year in so many different areas.
Distinguished Achievers’ List
16 students who achieved top
band marks in 10 or more units
Students gained 9 places in a variety of the 43 subjects on
offer, one of which was first place.
The quality of our student’s major works has been rewarded
with 24 nominations for inclusion in the Board of Studies
showcases.
Barker has an enviable reputation for educating strong all-rounders:
1st
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HSC–Celebrating
Earth and Environmental Science Place Getters.
A Few of Our Distinguished Achievers.
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Nikita Besseling
Hunter Preston
Harris Kershaw
Marcus Berkley
Timothy Berney-Gibson
Jennifer Pym
Alexander Chye
James Vodicka
Distinguished achievers received top bands in one or more subjects
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DramaNine students were nominated for OnStage. OnStage
showcases the most outstanding individual and group
performances by HSC Drama students. Individual
performances by Sean Goodwin for Richard II and Georgia
Wales for Hitchcock Blonde were selected. Two group
performances were also selected – Laura Colenbrander,
Sean Goodwin and Renata Labio in The Road to Oz and
Savannah Brell, Nathan Lewis, Adam Roberts and
Georgia Wales in Assassination.
MusicOur Music students enjoyed another successful year of
performances. The Senior Choir won the Youth Mixed Choir
Sydney Eisteddfod and the Senior Percussion Ensemble
achieved 2nd place in the Secondary Schools Percussion
Sydney Eisteddfod.
Design and TechnologyBarker students’ creativity and design were recognised with
several students nominated for DesignTech. Their works
ranged from a wall hanging to urban eco outdoor furniture
and a physio aid for improving balance. Matthew Buffa’s mind
controlled prosthetic hand will be showcased at DesignTech.
Visual ArtsJames Vodicka’s sculpture, Lifetime Warranty, was selected for
inclusion in ArtExpress and will be on display at the Armoury,
Sydney Olympic Park from 6 March – 26 April.
James also won 2nd place in the 2014 Capture Ku-Ring-
Gai photography competition; the 2014 UNSW Science
Photography Competition and achieved a highly commended
award in the Engineering Photography Competition, also run
by UNSW.
Outstanding Team PerformancesDuring 2014, Barker students displayed great leadership,
discipline and sportsmanship as they celebrated the win of
several Associated Schools of NSW Premiership titles.
These included the CAS and ISA Open Athletics Champions;
the Girls ISA Open Division Cross Country Champions; Boys’
Football Premiership; Netball ISA Premiers; Softball Open
Premiers, Girls Swimming ISA Open Champions; Debating and
Mock Trial Champions. Our Cadets, Basketball, Cricket, Rugby,
Squash, Tennis, Touch Football, Volleyball and Waterpolo
teams also enjoyed a very successful 2014 season.
Matthew Buffa
Mitchell Gordon
Charles Johnston
Jack Davis
Lea Jurkovic
Creative, Performing Arts and Sports Achievements
A Few of Our Distinguished Achievers.
Distinguished achievers received top bands in one or more subjects
Seung Yup Baek Laura Colenbrander Simon Ivimey
Marcus Berkley Jack Davis Charles Johnston
Timothy Berney-Gibson Sean Goodwin Harris Kershaw
Nikita Besseling Mitchell Gordon Scott Nevison
Michael Bleasdale Lachlan Hobill Cole Raymond Ye
Alexander Chye
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Highlights...99.95 Atar
All Rounders
8 16 39%Eight students achieved
ATARs of 99 or more in
2014 (top 1% of the State).
The overwhelming majority
of students who applied for a
university place were successful
in gaining one.
There were 10 placegetters in a
range of subjects. Four students
were placed in the top 10 in Earth
and Environmental Science,
including Marcus Berkley, who
was placed 1st in the State.
In 2014 there were 16
students who were listed
on the HSC All-round
Achievers’ List.
39% of Barker students
achieved ATARS of 90 or
more. 85% of students
achieved ATARs greater
than 70.
Alexander Chye scored a perfect 99.95 ATAR. This is the fifth consecutive year that a Barker student has scored the top ATAR.
Seung Yup Baek Laura Colenbrander Simon Ivimey
Marcus Berkley Jack Davis Charles Johnston
Timothy Berney-Gibson Sean Goodwin Harris Kershaw
Nikita Besseling Mitchell Gordon Scott Nevison
Michael Bleasdale Lachlan Hobill Cole Raymond Ye
Alexander Chye
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—Clockwise from top left Stockmen and kookaburras; Brumbies, sun, trees and cockatoos; Cockatoos and trees; Shawn Liang, Cooper Robb-Jackson, Rayhaan Banerjee and Luke Mantis rehearse their roles; Hugh Jonker recites the Man from Snowy River.
Photography by Susan Wearington.
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The Boys
This featured in our Kindergarten to Year 6 production,
The Best of the Baggy Blue Boys, written and directed by the
former Head of Junior School, Mr Neil Harrison.
The overall production was an amalgamation of various
scenes from past Junior School Playnights. The Prep boys’
interpretation of The Man from Snowy River from the 2004
production The World of Art wowed the matinee and evening
audiences with colour and movement, poetry and song,
spectacular costuming, music and lighting.
The whole Prep School was involved in rehearsals as each
scene unfolded and the story emerged. The item commenced
with the dawning of a new day, the cracking of a stock
whip, the rising of the sun over a forest of eucalyptus and
the stockman gathered around a campfire. Then groups of
cockatoos, kangaroos, kookaburras and brumbies created a
kaleidoscope of images. The moon and the stars appeared and
Scene 1 ended with the appreciative applause from a packed
Multi-Purpose Hall.
In Scene 2, four of the stockmen recited the final stanzas
of The Man from Snowy River. The moon, stars and eucalyptus
trees provided the setting for the stockmen. In Scene 3 the
focus was on the tussle between the colt, the brumbies and
the stockmen, culminating with the escape of the colt. In the
final scene the whole Prep cast sang the first two stanzas of
the well-known poem.
This cross-curricular production involved the boys
consolidating and demonstrating many skills. The boys
were involved in every aspect of the production through
drama, singing and dance. They demonstrated teamwork,
cooperation, perseverance and patience as they mastered
complicated movements, sequences and choreography.
The boys and the staff thoroughly enjoyed the creative
process. Staff encouraged and supported our young stars
during each rehearsal and performance. In addition, they
designed and created all the props and costumes.
Congratulations to Mr Neil Harrison for an amazing
production! The Best of the Baggy Blue Boys it certainly was!
Sarah Dickson
Head of Early Learning K - 3
—Above Final scene.
Late in Term 4, 2014 the Prep School boys learnt, practised and performed an interpretative piece inspired by the Banjo Paterson poem the Man from Snowy River.
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He presided over the introduction of the International
Baccalaureate Primary Years Program at his previous school,
Trinity Grammar.
During the 2016 academic year, Mr Lubrano will take up
the important role of President of the Independent Primary
Schools Heads of Australia (IPSHA) – a position to which he
was elected in 2014.
Two of our Junior School captains, John Cuttle and Connor
Bond, spoke to Mr Lubrano on his background and interests.
Who Lives in the Lubrano house?My wife, Carolyn and I live with our two young children,
son James and daughter Jenaya. Another important member
of the house is our German Shepherd puppy, Koda. Our house
is lively and energetic and we have lots of fun together.
What sporting teams do you support?In rugby, I support the Waratahs – I think they are a mighty
team. In rugby league I have always supported the Sharks and
I’m really looking forward to them playing well this season. I
also enjoy watching the Swans play in the AFL, especially if
I can get to a game. In the English Football League, Arsenal
has always been my team and I certainly like watching their
games when I get the chance.
Tell us what you like to do on the weekends?My family and I love to go to the beach when we get the
chance. We all love swimming in the surf and playing in the
sand. We also love spending time with friends and family.
It’s so important to treasure these times, sharing experiences,
laughing and chatting. We all enjoy attending our church on
Sundays, and many of our friends join us there also.
Where do you like going in your holidays?I am a big fan of water skiing and Lake Macquarie is a great
place for that. My wife and I also enjoy snow skiing, but we
don’t seem to have as much time to hit the slopes as we once
did. One country I would like to visit in the holidays some
time soon is Japan. I have always been fascinated by
its history and its culture – I’d also like to try skiing there!
Who do you really admire? Why is this person important to you?I have always admired Steve Waugh. He was a fine captain for
Australia, with such a high level of cricketing skills. I admired
the quiet yet determined manner way in which he led his
team. I admired his tenacity and how he always tried his best
for his team and country. His service to people who are less
fortunate than him, and the understated and unreported way
in which he goes about helping others, is admirable.
What are your first impressions of the Junior School?The first thing that has struck me about Barker is the amount
of green space. The playing fields and the spaces you have to
run and play in are great. Your new buildings in the Junior
School offer learning spaces that few schools have – it is
a beautiful building to work and learn in. There is such a
positive feeling in the air and all the boys are so friendly to
each other. Your teachers seem very positive and happy to
work here. They have been friendly and welcoming – it’s a
very happy place to come to each day.
Why did you become a teacher?I remember so well the teachers I had in primary school
and I think that most adults remember their primary
classroom teachers the best. I have always enjoyed working
with children. I believe that primary education is so
important in laying sound and firm foundations, and it
brings me great pleasure in seeing young people grow and
learn in so many ways.
What would you like to do in your new job?Right now there is nothing urgent or pressing – I’m enjoying
being part of this community and being able to observe
everything happening here. My wish is to simply keep
improving what is already occurring in this Junior School.
James Laukka
Director of Curriculum
New Mr Martin Lubrano has come to the Junior School with extensive experience in boys’ education, in both New South Wales and international curricula.
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New
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The school house was a weatherboard cottage, with additions for dining room, classrooms, etc. There was no electric light, no telephone, and house water was not too plentiful, but we had a magnificent view over the Hawkesbury flats, Richmond and Windsor… Many things at the original Barker were perhaps crude, compared with the present school, but I had a very happy time there.
Herbert Friend, Student 1892-1894
Barker became the first independent school in Sydney to introduce co-education when these 59 girls walked through the Mint Gates in 1975.
of Barker and of Girls
The Rev. H. Plume, M. A. (Acting-Warden of St. Paul’s College, within the University of Sydney, and Examiner to the Supreme Court, formerly Scholar and Prizeman of C. C. Coll., Cam.), will after Christmas, take a limited number of pupils to prepare for Junior, Senior, and Matriculation Examinations…For prospectus apply St. Paul’s College. N. B. – Pupils allowed the use of Pony
The Sydney Morning Herald, October 5, 1889
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He [Henry Plume] had no ambitions for his school. It was his medium of self-expressions and service, and it is doubtful whether he ever realised that he was establishing a school which is destined to play an important part in the educational life of the State. But he carried it in his heart and was always as deeply interested in its progress and welfare as when he was in charge of its destiny.
Bicton Wilson, Student 1896-1899, and Staff 1899-1900
Barker’s short experience of co-education has convinced us that the school community has been greatly enriched by the presence of girls and not just in the obvious spheres of music and drama. Just as attitudes of men and women complement each other to create a balanced set of values in the world at large, so they do likewise at school.
Trevor McCaskill, Headmaster 1963-1986
So despite my aversion to surname-calling, high desks and cold rooms, the people and activities which are the essence of Barker College, make me answer ‘How do you like your new school?’ with ‘Very much, thank you.’
Helen Rose Wilson, Student 1975-1976
Certainly the most significant event in the life of the Senior School this year was the entry of fifty-nine girls into form five. They and the one hundred and thirty boys who continued from Form Four are the real foundation of the Senior School…
Chris Strong, Dean of Senior School 1975-1980
Barker girls relaxing in the classroom, 1975. Richard James Ford (1976) Collection.
Rev and Mrs Plume with Barker students at Kurrajong Heights, 1894.
The School’s founder, Rev Henry Plume, with his wife Eleanor. Edmund Harvie Thompson (1903) Collection.
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In November 2014, the collaborative project between Sydney University and Barker College, called Better Strangers, launched its own website – Shakespeare Reloaded, www.shakespearereloaded.edu.au The site is aimed at secondary and tertiary educators and students, and offers access to the project’s research ideas, teaching and learning activities, and world-leading research projects.
It also features a blog for educators to keep up-to-date with project news and relevant information about Shakespeare education, theory, practice and performance.
Three activities (all with downloadable worksheets and guides) have been launched on the site to date. The Shakespeare Imaginarium, The Bard Blitz and Kings’ Games are all borne out of work trialled at Barker. The Imaginarium is a four-stage professional learning course for teachers of Shakespeare; The Bard Blitz is a close-reading and argument-building exercise for teachers to use with students in the
Breaking a five-year drought for Barker College, William Li was a medalist in last year’s Australian Mathematics Competition, which put him among the top 0.03 per cent of students in NSW. He correctly answered the last 10 questions, presenting his solution to question 29 to the entire Middle School assembly, to rapturous applause. William, now in Year 9, has always loved learning mathematical ideas.
His favourite mathematician that he has studied so far is Pythagoras, and his favourite topic to date is algebra. At home he likes to look up the problem of the week on the internet and try his skills at solving it. William is looking forward to studying Extension 2 Mathematics in Years 11 and 12. Although it is early days, William likes the thought of using his mathematical ability in the finance world, maybe even
becoming an actuary when he finishes school.
Ros Hamblyn
Assistant Coordinator of Mathematics
classroom around Hamlet; and Kings’ Games is an engaging classroom activity that helps students to understand the narrative and motivations of Shakespeare’s Richard III via dramatic gameplay.
The project team, of Associate Professor Liam Semler (team leader), Professor Emerita Penny Gay, Professor Will Christie, Associate Professor Jackie Manuel, Dr Linzy Brady and PhD student Claire Hansen, have worked with Barker English and Drama staff over a number of years. They have used the School as a research and testing space to experiment how to make education in Shakespeare even more engaging, while being theoretically informed and rigorous. The website is part of a goal to share this understanding more widely and build global connections amongst Shakespeare educators interested in
innovative methods and ideas.
Andrew Hood Head of English
Medal Winner in
Shakespeare Reloaded
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On 16 October 2014, Year 9 Commerce students participated in Market Day at Barker College. As an initiative driven by the Commercial Studies department, its purpose was to allow us to practice the skills learnt during our Running a Business unit, and experience what it’s like to operate a business. Classes were divided into small groups, and each member had to assume roles that governed various areas of their stall, such as marketing, finance and operations.
On the day, we were given early-marks from our classes to quickly arrange our stalls. As the bell sounded for lunch, many of us were nervous as to how we would do. From beginning to end, waves of people piled into the courtyard and although serving the
Market Day
chaotic lines was quite tiring, it brought great excitement as we realised the success of all our preparation and the knowledge learnt in class. Each stall ran very successfully, which was confirmed through the $2620.70 raised and donated to the Room to Read charity.
Ultimately, Market Day was an insightful experience which gave students a fun and practical way of implementing the
skills learnt in the classroom.
Benjamin Lorschy Year 9
—This photo The demand did not stop for 45 minutes —Below A busy day of trading.
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LAW
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Students undertake the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses and court officers prosecuting or defending a case. In 2014, our team progressed to the elimination rounds in August and faced various opponents in the knockout trials. This involved travelling to places as far away as Penrith and Camden. The competition started with over 200 schools from all over NSW. The Grand Final took place in December at the Moot Court in Sydney University and was presided over by three judges. Barker was prosecuting a case of arson against St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour. In announcing Barker College as the winning team, the chief judge praised them for their highly developed advocacy skills, preparation and team presentation.
MockOur barristers, Seamus Dove and Geordie Wilson
agreed that they had learnt a lot about our legal system by participating in the competition and it has motivated them to learn more about the law. Our witnesses, Zac Gomes and Oscar Samios are looking forward to becoming the barristers in the team later this year, having gained invaluable experience in their role. Our solicitors Luke Glendenning and Viran Weerasekera have enjoyed the challenge of supporting counsel in court. Our court officer Tyler Wilson learnt about the professionalism required in communicating with judges and
keeping order in the court.
Rebecca Mountain Mock Trial Coordinator
Barker College has won the 2014 Mock Trial competition for the first time. This is a prestigious event run by the NSW Law Society, giving students an invaluable insight into our justice system.
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The end of 2014 was a busy time for the History Department. We hosted the inaugural History Exhibition Evening to showcase student projects completed over the course of the year. Many of the exhibits were the result of personal interest and Genius Hour time. The evening was a great success and was well attended by students, staff and parents.
Another outstanding success was achieved by Evan Lee, who was a winner in the National History Challenge (Australia and Asia). The winning essay discussed the changing perspectives of the foreign policy of the Whitlam government. Evan was supported to his success by his teacher, Amanda Eastman.
Latin Summer SchoolDuring the summer holidays, over two hundred Latin enthusiasts gathered at Sydney University for a week-long course on the language and culture of ancient Rome. Three of Barker’s Year 12 Latin scholars attended, along with students from schools across NSW. They enjoyed reading selections from the poets Virgil and Ovid, as well as speeches written by the orator Cicero. The relaxed yet rigorous nature of the week provided an excellent forum for many students to broaden their linguistic skills prior to embarking upon the HSC Latin course.
China Teaching ScholarshipOn Sunday January 1, Christine McDonald travelled to China on a fully funded Commonwealth scholarship. The award
– one of only 10 across the country – aims to promote the teaching of Asian languages in Australian schools. Christine had the opportunity to visit schools in Liao Ning province. She gained rich insights into Chinese culture and established
some invaluable contacts, which we hope to develop further.
Matthew Ross Head of Languages
The department also marked Remembrance Day with an assembly for Year 9 students. This event was organised and delivered by students in Mr Dibben’s class, who combined soldiers’ testimony with musical performance to create a deeply moving commemoration. Earlier in the day, Year 9 students sold poppies at Hornsby station and at School,
raising over $2,200 for the RSL sub-branch at Gilgandra.
Greg Longney Head of History and Commercial Studies
Historyon Display
WatchthatLanguageSummertime Fun for Languages!
—Below Alessandro Trinchero and Joel van Herten present their Genius Hour project on Abraham Lincoln.
—Above Mrs Christine McDonald in Liao Ning province, China.
—Above Caitlin McMenamin, James Lancaster and Nicholas Chang at the Latin Summer School.
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What are your favourite School memories, and who were your most influential teachers and mentors?I was part of anything and everything at School, taking
advantage of many co-curricular activities – CAS Swim
Team, Choir, Band and A-Tennis team – but I think the
highlight was playing Tony in West Side Story. Teachers who
influenced me included my Japanese teacher, Mrs McKinlay,
and my tennis coaches, Clint Newcombe and AJ Jesperson.
But my greatest mentor is the fabulous, one and only,
Lynda O’Brien. She believed in me and in my talent,
which is all I could ask for.
What was your next step after Barker?
It took me three attempts to get into the Western Australian
Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Coming from Barker,
I thought it would be easy to get in! Wrong – they only take
nine males and nine females, so it was hard! I started a
Bachelor of Arts at UNSW but deferred this to focus on
getting into WAAPA. During that time, I performed in
amateur musicals including Rent and The Wedding Singer,
and attended dance lessons at Sydney Dance Company
with Lynda O’Brien, who kept me in check. I was thrilled
when I was finally accepted into WAAPA. When I called
Lynda with the news, we were both crying.
How do you stay focused to reach your goals? I know what I want and where I’m headed. I was part of
the original cast of Sweet Charity (now playing at the Opera
House) and The King and I (tour). I’m currently in a cabaret
show called Speigelicious which is where I’m meant to be.
I’m in my element and love it. Everything is cultivating my
dream to be the lead in my own show, The Seann Miley Moore
Popstar Arena world tour. I want a Grammy Award!
Who is the most influential person you have worked with so far?Jason Coleman. He has helped me express myself as an
artist through Speigelicious. I cannot express how grateful I
am to be part of a show that allows me to share that with
the audience. It’s confronting and scary, but it’s a good thing
to grow as an artist and as a person.
What was it like working with Lisa McCune and Teddy Tahu Rhodes? I understand you would go to the gym with Teddy to keep in shape for the show. Who worked out hardest?Lisa is so talented and genuine, and that voice! I will never
forget her advice when I was preparing for an audition and
was confused on how I should portray myself. She said
“Seanny – do you! You are unique – just go for it. If you want
to sing a Shirley Bassey song with a red lip, do it. Who else
is going to?” In this industry you can second-guess yourself
and your artistry, but at that moment it clicked. And Teddy
– what a beast! Yes, we went to the gym together, where he
taught me a chest superset so I’d get the best Simba pecs
possible! Teddy is amazing.
You had four costume changes in The King and I. Which was your favourite and why?The Elephant, even though it took so long to get into each
night. It was my moment in the show. Who doesn’t love a big
red elephant covered in Swarovski crystals?
How do you feel when you perform?I love and hate performing. It’s where I’m most comfortable
but also most petrified. If you really want to let out
everything you feel, the stage is where to do it. There’s
nothing like it. Your whole body feels the energy of the
audience. When that spotlight hits you and your red glitter
lip sparkles, that’s it!
What has been the biggest challenge you have come across in your life so far?Honestly, being comfortable in my own skin. Dealing with
my sexuality and not changing who I am to fit in.
What advice do you have for today’s Barker students?Don’t second-guess yourself. Be confident, and work hard.
Take risks, put yourself out there and try things outside your
comfort zone. At Barker, I had no idea what I wanted to do
with my life. I think the most important thing for current
students is to immerse themselves. Get involved in sports
teams, be part of Music and most importantly, try Drama.
You might not be an actor when you leave, but you learn to
be confident and comfortable within yourself. Those lessons
are the most important when you leave the Barker bubble
and step into the real world.
Alumni Director of Alumni Relations, Mandy Loomes, speaks with Seann Moore from the Class of 2008.
—Left Seann Miley Moore in The King and I.
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T he community has welcomed boarders from overseas, interstate, NSW country and outer metropolitan Sydney, along with a number of boarders who have transitioned to boarding from day school.
On the first day, our Year 10 boarders arrived early with varying degrees of excitement and trepidation, as their dreams of moving into boarding suddenly became a reality. As the unpacking and organisation process began, the level of chatter increased, stories were shared, friendships made and the group headed off together to commence their Barker adventure.
This year will be recognised as the ’year of the siblings’, with four pairs of brothers and sisters sharing their boarding experience together. We also have seven other boarders who are siblings of past boarders. Vicki and Vivi Liang (Year 10) say, “It feels like we are at home and we can support each other along the way.” Noah Learoyd (Year 12) feels that his family is more together now that his sister Hannah (Year 10) has joined him in boarding.
At the start of the term, the boarding community came together and participated in the induction ceremony of the boarding captains, Molly Groat and Jacob McCorry.
The captains have been working hard to develop the sense of community, and a culture of gratitude and giving back among the boarders.
To complement the School’s Inspiring Global Hope strategic plan, Molly and Jacob presented their boarding vision for 2015, called Giving Back – The Big Three. They will be coordinating the boarding community’s participation in the Red Shield Appeal and Donate Life program. In addition, the boarders have undertaken to sponsor Mbonimana, a six-year-old boy from Tanzania, through the World Vision child sponsorship program.
A very exciting year is in store for the boarding community.
Jacqui McLachlan Head of Boarding
The 2015 boarding year commenced on a high, with full Houses and the arrival of many new boarders from a vast array of backgrounds, experiences and locations.
An Exciting Year in
BO
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—Above Year 10s day one—Below Boarding captains Jacob McCorry
and Mollie Groat with Mr Phillip Heath at their induction ceremony.
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An example of this is our Year 10 leadership program, Leading Without a Title, which runs for 10 weeks through the Pastoral Care program. It explores the many opportunities that students can experience in serving the
Barker community and building the School’s cultural capital. It culminates in three days of practical activities, in which Year 10 students can serve the Preparatory and Junior School boys through delivering fun, interactive lessons on the leadership principles they have learned.
Recent alumni including Brad Wall, Lucinda Mance, Stephanie Leaper, Jaydyn Cohen, Cameron Dove, Oliver Hannon, Tanian Naude and Caitlin Bell were invited back to lead the Year 10 groups and to assist the presenter, Bernie Kelly.
Like a hand in a glove, it is the hand (or service) that brings the glove (leadership) alive. The student leadership program at Barker is designed so that service to others is the forum through which leadership is nurtured.
in —Clockwise fromt top Brad Wall
leads a War Cry; Facilitators: Caitlin Bell, Cameron Dove, Tanian Naude,
Stephanie Leaper, Jaydyn Cohen; Serving Prep School boys.
Stories of service and leadership from former students, including Bob Mansfield, Sarah Onions, Chris Webb, Todd Cole and Amie McNee, helped to bring the ideas into the real world beyond school. Many of our Year 10s experienced the fulfilment of serving others and seeing their leadership skills come alive. Our wish is that they will find Barker to be a place that inspires future hope for their world, and allows them to develop and practice their leadership and service to fulfil their vision.
Dean Bunn Director of Student Leadership and Service Learning
& Service
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SC
IEN
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Science
They stayed at the Australian Museum Research Station and
spent every day exploring the abundant coral reefs. A highlight
for many was swimming with the turtles and reef sharks.
It was also good to catch up with Alex Vail (03), who grew up
on the island – his parents are in charge of the Research Station.
Alex has just completed his PhD at Cambridge.
Lizard
Fifteen fortunate Year 11 Biology students and three teachers had a memorable week on Lizard Island in the September break.
by Rob Paynter, Head of Science
—Above The group heading down from Cook’s Look, the highest point on the island.
—Above Swimming with the turtles.
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Science teacher Sarah Cormio continues to inspire the
Robotics team, which has been hard at work since the start
of January in the new Robotics Centre. This year, for the
first time, the competition will be held at Sydney Olympic
Park in March. A video clip of what this year’s competition
involves can be viewed on YouTube – just look up ‘2015 FRC
Game Reveal – Recycle Rush’. The team has been working
closely with parent mentor, John Nicholls, as well as Daiane
and Jeser Becker, two mentors from Brazil.
The Young Scientist Awards celebrate exemplary scientific
investigation and models or inventions carried out by
students across NSW.
Barker College has had a long history of success in these
Awards, and 2014 was no different with four Year 9 students
gaining positions in the State.
Oliver Nicholls 3rd place in the new Models and Inventions
category “To successfully build a replica model of a pulsar
and receiver and compare output of the model to a real
pulsar”.
Josh Lorschy 3rd place in the Earth and Environmental
category “Do all liquids evaporate at the same rate?”
George Gardiner 2nd place in the Earth and Environmental
category “Homemade Solar Air Heater”.
Jayden Pak 2nd place in the Chemistry category “The
effectiveness of commercially available teeth-whitening
products”.
This year, Oliver’s project was selected as one of 16 finalists
to be judged in Melbourne at the BHP Billiton Awards. Oliver
was placed in the top eight finalists. He has been asked to
display his model at Questacon in Canberra.
Young
RoboticsRefurbishment
The Science Centre foyer has been refurbished and
we are excited about the new marine aquarium which
is beginning to take shape. Not many will make it to
Lizard Island, but all can now enjoy the colourful soft
corals and fish on the way to class. Barker is working
closely with Reef River Reptile in Hornsby, which is
sponsoring the tank.
—Above George Gardiner, Oliver Nicholls, Josh Lorschy and Jayden Pak after receiving
their Young Scientists Awards.
—Above In the Robotics Centre with Alastair Noble and the Brazilian mentors Daiane and Jeser Becker.
—Above The refurbished foyer with fresh plasterboard and marine aquarium.
Scientist
Foyer
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WH
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BA
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?
Where hasthe
NEW ORLEANS, USA
VICTORIA FALLS
NEW YORK CITY
KYOTO, JAPANGAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
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YANKEE STADIUM, NEW YORK
COLDFOOT ALASKA, USA
VENICE, ITALY
KYOTO, JAPAN
QUEBEC, CANADA
LAS VAGAS, USA
MIDDLE EARTH, NZ
NOTRE DAME, PARIS
SRI LANKA
TJAPUKAI CULTURAL CENTRE, CAIRNS27
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In the lead role, Isaac Elliott was outstanding as Ui, the
mobster turned dictator, clearly echoing Hitler’s sinister
and violent rise to power. Griffin Ford gave a magnetic
performance as Ernesto Roma, both before and after death.
On subsequent nights Isaac Morgan and Oliver Iles-Mann
gave brilliantly sinister interpretations of Giuseppe Givola,
Ui’s right-hand man.
Will Solomon imbued the part of Dogsborough with
a gravitas well beyond his years. Rod Mcleod’s thuggish
interpretation of Emanuele Giri brought a strong aesthetic
to the piece, while a supporting cast of many more produced
brilliant cameos in certain scenes: Eden Bird as the drunk
Classical Actor, Angus Brodie as O’Casey the City Hall
investigator, George Birch as Butcher of the Cauliflower Trust
and then Defence Council, Sam Milligan as Ted Ragg the
journalist and Sheet, the ‘suicidal’ Trust member.
Other highlights included Tom White, Malcolm Trayner,
Finn van Herten and Oliver Calloway as the long suffering
Cauliflower Trust Board of directors; Reuben Spargo,
accompanying Oliver Iles-Mann or Isaac Morgan on
subsequent nights to play the Announcers and Goodwill and
Gaffles of the Trust; and Adam Fiertl as the ill-fated Dullfeet.
The Year 9 students were joined by two of Year 10’s finest
female performers – Annabel Wilcher took on two roles, as
Dock Daisy and Betty Dullfeet, while Olivia Whiting played
a stunning if small part as Woman, a victim of the conflict.
The supporting cast and crew must be applauded for bringing
together the production with the professionalism they showed.
It was an audio-visual spectacle which I hope will stay with
people for years to come.
Sam Hawkins
Drama Teacher
The ResistibleRise of
The Year 9 students of Barker College again proved that, with only three terms of Drama under their belt, they still had enough talent to deliver an exceptional standard of work in their production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui.
—Above Isaac Elliott as Artruro Ui, with Annabel Wilcher as Dock Daisy.
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MU
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Rise of
How to Succeed,
A 97-strong cast. 24 crew. 16 orchestra. 5 nights...
Finch (Isaac Peiris) reading his way to the top.
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The orchestra, under the baton of our maestro,
Andy Mifsud, worked tirelessly to bring Loesser’s
fabulous music to the Leslie Hall stage, while the
crew and their fearless leader, Technical Director
Dugal Parker, made sure everything ran smoothly
and that our wonderful set and lights worked
effortlessly. Candice Jones made every number
sparkle on stage with her superb and detailed
choreography, convincing every student that they
could in fact dance – and dance well. The cast
enjoyed exploring the genius of Frank Loesser
and his team of writers, who so cleverly walk the
line between the inherent sexism of corporate
America in the 1960s and the satirical nature of
this musical comedy. Our leads were superb and
the ensemble spectacular.
It was a privilege working with such a talented
cast and creative team, bringing to life this
hilarious and vibrant show. I was constantly
inspired by their enthusiasm, work ethic and joy
de vivre. I will leave you with the reflections of
our cast representatives, Caitlin Plummer and
Harry Phillips, on the experience that was the 2014
Barker Musical.
Amy Robertson Director
MU
SIC
AL
The amount of student involvement in Barker’s 2014 Musical was astounding and one the creative team is incredibly proud of...
Hedy (Sophia Murray-Walker) and Biggley (Dom Westwood) sing of their
Love from a Heart of Gold.
“Hello, Mr Finch’s Office” – Miss Krumholtz (Caitlin
Plummer) and the executives
How to Succeed continued
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How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying was an amazing show, and
one that we will always remember.
The combination of a talented
cast, entertaining orchestra and
wonderful crew made the experience
unforgettable. Through hundreds of
hours of rehearsals, the cast bonded
over harmonies, difficult choreography
and the world of 1960s New York, and
were practically a family by the end.
When you are in Year 10 or 11 and
go into the busy atmosphere of putting
together a musical production, there
is always something to do. There
are those extra lines that need to
be memorised, or a few more dance
moves to be perfected, and it always
amazes us that everyone goes through
the immense time and effort required
to make a top performance.
Regularly, we would stumble
across Middle School students or
prospective new Year 10 girls on a
tour, explaining how excited they are
to be a part of the musical. It is great
to hear that it makes such a difference
to people’s perceptions of Barker
and the performing arts. One of our
fondest memories was closing night,
the majority of the Year 11 students
were tearing up halfway through Act
2, knowing that such a wonderful
experience was coming to an end and
it was time to pass it on to the younger
years.
With the guidance of our beautiful
Director, Musical Director and
Choreographer, we were all able to
produce something truly magical.
They were the heart and soul of the
musical and it would not have been
the same without their helping hand
guiding us. Another crucial element
to the musical, and one that we felt
did amazingly this year, was the crew.
They worked wonders behind the stage
to get the show looking spectacular in
each of the five performances, and the
orchestra blew us all away with their
refined performance of all the pieces we
performed.
The period over which we were
rehearsing and performing the musical
was our favourite time of the year. It
made us happy to see the whole musical
family come together and make this
labour of love special for all who were
involved, and to amaze and entertain
the audience who witnessed it in its
final state.
How to Succeed in Business Without
Really Trying was such a thrill!
Caitlin Plummer and Harry Phillips Year 11 (Musical Cast Representatives)
“With the guidance of our beautiful Director, Musical Director and Choreographer, we were all able to produce something truly magical.”
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Last year, the Visual Arts Department presented
a broad variety of exhibitions around Barker,
representing students’ highly individual responses
to the world around them. This is a crucial
function of our subject and one of the most enjoyable
parts of our role. Students are often immensely proud to
see their artworks displayed, so that they can be seen by
their friends and other teachers. In 2015, we look forward
to increasing the number of pieces displayed to include
artworks by students from Years 7–12 in the Design Centre,
Library, RE Kefford and Administration buildings.
Last year we also entered students’ artworks into
numerous art competitions. I would like to acknowledge
the following students for their efforts and outstanding
achievements:
2014 Silk-Cut Award
• Ethan Dower, Avalon
• Han Lin, The Cowboy Street Store
• James Ambrose, Moss Bespoke
• Patrick Lewis, Quintessence Lindfield
2014 V-Fest (a student film competition)• Jami Blood (Senior Section), Pissed
Lasting2014 Mosman Youth Art Prize (entries selected for exhibition)• Lucien Lambrechts, Gorillas in our Midst
• Hayden Nicholls, Broken Hill
2014 Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize (Finalist Student Section)• Fergus Hudson, Hugh
• Jeremy Chivas, On the Lookout
2014 Pixel Prize• Jeremy Chivas, A Great Divide
2014 Capture Ku-ring-gai• James Vodicka (2nd), Our Local Shops and Streetscapes
2014 Ilford Schools Photographic Competition
All photography students contributing to Barker College
won 1st prize each term and at the annual competition.
Individual achievements:
1st prizes:
Hayden Millican (twice), Hayden Nicholls, Jeremy Chivas,
Ben Maxwell, Claire Metcalfe and Jonathan D’Cruz.
Merits: Harry Chalmers, Hayden Nicholls, Rachel Wang,
Jeremy Chivas, Mariah Dunn (twice), Georgina Griffiths
(three times), Alfie Helps, Hayden Millican, Bevan Uzun,
Jonathan D’Cruz and James Stokes.
JEREMY CHIVAS – A GREAT DIVIDE ENTRY FOR THE PIXEL PRIZE.
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Four students were nominated for ArtExpress 2015• Stephanie Werner, Silence is a Woman’s Best Garment
• Jessica Timmiss, Allure of the Ordinary
• Jennifer Pym, Tabula Rasa. Jennifer achieved 99%
in HSC Visual Arts and came 7th in NSW.
• James Vodicka, Lifetime Warranty. Currently,
James is preparing for university life and will
undertake a Bachelor of Marketing and Media at
Macquarie University. You can see James’ continued
involvement in Visual Arts through his photography
website, www.jvodickaphotography.com
Art Express
JESSICA TIMMISS
JENNIFER PYM
JAMES VODICKA
PATRICK LEWIS, QUINTESSENCE LINDFIELDETHAN DOWER, AVALON
ALESSANDRO TRINCHERO’S WINNING ENTRY FOR
THE BARKER MARK 2014.
STEPHANIE WERNER
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DES
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ECH
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I n December last year, Southern Cross F1 competed in
Abu Dhabi in the World Final F1 in Schools Competition.
The collaborative team, made up of three Barker
and three Merewether High School students from
Newcastle, came sixth out of 38 teams from around the world.
This is a substantial achievement at this level of competition
and I am extremely proud of how hard the team has worked.
The F1 in Schools program involves over nine million students
from 17,000 schools in 31 nations.
Barker team members Patrick Smart, Andrew Simpson
and Viran Weerasekera have shown great dedication
since March last year to prepare for the Final. Their effort
and attention to detail rewarded them with first place in
the Folio section, which documents all aspects of their
preparation.
Southern Cross F1 would like to acknowledge their major
sponsors, Amalgamated Instruments Co, Port Waratah
Coal Services, Varley, the Barker Old Boys Association and
the Barker Foundation, along with the tremendous support
that they received from their local community. The team is
extremely thankful for the support that they received.
Team members highlighted the following benefits from
participating in the competition:
• competing at a world level
• collaborating with universities and leading professionals
• developing management and communication skills
• engaging with and resolving difficult problems
• seeking and organising corporate sponsorship
• valuing team work.
During their stay in Abu Dhabi, Southern Cross F1 team
members also spent time with other students from around
the world, visited the Grand Mosque, museums and the Burj
Khalifa. They met with Daniel Riccardo and attended the
Grand Prix. All of the team members are looking to pursue a
career in engineering or marketing, and this experience will
prove extremely beneficial.
Darren Woodrow
Head of Design and Technology
—Clockwise from top F1 in Schools World Finals teams visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Southern Cross F1 team meet Daniel Riccardo; World Final teams meet at Yas Marina Circuit.
World Final Abu Dhabi F1 in Schools
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Improving
DESIG
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—Clockwise from left Jack Conwell testing 3D printed parts for strength and fit; Year 7 using K’Nex to test structural loads; Oliver Nicholls using MultiCAM to produce robot parts and test them for assembly and function.
Some chance discoveries: Post it Notes, Teflon, laminated glass.
I t is wonderful to watch students discover. It is equally
pleasing to see teachers shift their focus toward
delivering the experiences that will empower students
to shape the future. The move toward inquiry-based
learning enables students to gain a better understanding of
how they can set up tests and experiments to discover what
might happen. While not every activity has a perfect outcome,
the ability for a student to evaluate their findings is real and
it provides an opportunity for improvement and sometimes
chance discoveries. Students need to recognise that they too
are capable of discovering through testing and observation.
More importantly, the benefit of testing is that it improves
performance. This is a mindset that is required in schools
and organisations if Australia is to remain competitive.
Darren Woodrow
Head of Design and Technology
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BO
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Barker students
AustralianChampions
Over the holidays, the National All Schools Athletics titles took place and a number of Barker students qualified to compete.
T his championship saw the best school-aged
students in Australia compete against each other.
Barker students won a total of seven medals,
including Matthew Wood winning gold in the 18
years hurdles and Will Lloyd winning gold in the 16 years
hurdles. Below is a full list of Barker medallists from this
championship, showing the real athletic talent that we have
among the students. Congratulations to all of these students,
and I look forward to seeing them excel further in 2015.
Matthew Wood – 1st in 18yrs 110m hurdles, 2nd in
200m race.
Will Lloyd – 1st in 16yrs 110m hurdles, 3rd in 200m race.
Taylor John – 2nd in 18yrs 800m race.
Falito van Woerkom – 2nd in 16yrs javelin.
Ben Nogajski – 2nd in 14yrs high jump.
Steve Thomlinson
Sportsmaster
crowned
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T he U15 team won the National Schools
Championship in Canberra last December, having
gone undefeated during the week-long event.
The boys were led by Benjamin Fakira and Angus
Henskens, who played in the Barker Firsts. Daniel Smedley was
another standout, and was well supported by Sam Jones and
the excellent shooting of Quinn Campbell. Harry Flaherty and
Lachie Basten provided plenty of energy from the bench, and
ensured we grabbed every rebound. Pat Chang and Oskar Fricke
did their part in ensuring the opposition were under pressure the
entire match. Lachlan Bofinger played a vital role in the Grand
Final, and performed strongly when the game was on the line.
It was a tremendous week and the team improved markedly.
The First basketball team enjoyed a great week of basketball
at the National Schools. They played in the U20 division,
displaying their usual tenacity and spirit. The team won a
It was cloudy on 4 December as the 8As travelled
three hours south to meet rival schools, Radford College
and St Edmund’s College, Canberra, in what would be
two action-packed days of highly contested cricket.
Our first game was against Radford. We lost the toss
and were put into bat, proceeding to score 156 with
Lachlan Fisher at 23 runs, Dan Alleyn (22) and Max
Naish (22) all making excellent contributions. We were
successful with the ball early in the innings, with Connor
Cameron taking two wickets and igniting a Radford
batting collapse. We cruised to a 60-run victory, with
three wickets to Lachlan Fisher and two to Tyson Lee.
thrilling semi-final against Hunter Sport High School, with
their self-belief getting them home in the final minutes. The
Grand Final against Central Coast Adventist, the current CIS
champions, was always going to be a challenge. However, the
team put in an incredible effort and pushed the opposition to
make a real contest of the game.
The Firsts will now continue to build their skills as
they commence the second round of the CAS at the top
of the table.
Steve Thomlinson
Sportmaster
This saw the return of the Challenge Trophy for the ninth year
in succession. Our second game was held on the slow outfields
of St Edmund’s College. We won the toss and elected to bat,
scoring 90 runs in our 40 overs. Josh Turner starred with the bat,
scoring 25 runs. Our bowlers did a great job defending our total,
they took a flurry of early wickets and we bowled St Edumnd’s
out for less than 50 runs.
This victory unfortunately brought our tour to a close, with a
good team effort by all over the two days.
Tyson Lee
8A Captain
BasketballReport
Canberra CricketTour2015
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GIR
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The Girls Touch Football Program has flourished
over the past few years. Over 120 girls
participate in the sport, surpassing Netball as
the most popular Girls’ Sport at Barker. With the
successful introduction of neuromuscular training, to help
prevent injury, and a committed band of coaches on board,
the squad had one goal this season: to break the three-year
premiership drought. With numerous undefeated runs into
semi-finals, our Barker teams have come close to claiming a
championship on numerous occasions, and participated in
many drop-off situations (where one player from each team
is dropped from the field until one team wins).
Term 4 2014 was to be the year. With a huge crowd and
perfect weather, the scene was set for a thrilling decider in
Division 1 against local rivals, Abbotsleigh. The 1sts kick-
started the day with an entertaining display of skill and
teamwork to secure a massive 17-1 win, a testament to
the newfound confidence and teamwork achieved under
coach Pat Guilbert.
The Barker 2nds and 3rds created some inter-school
rivalry by both winning their way through to the Division 2
Grand Final. This hard-fought battle, in which the lead went
back and forth between the teams, was a highlight for the
crowd with the 3rds pulling off a 6-4 upset.
The Barker 4ths also made the Grand Final, playing well
in the heat but going down narrowly to Abbotsleigh.
With the Barker Term 1 Invitational Competition
(Friday Night Lights) well under way. The teams are keen to
continue improving and developing their skills to achieve
back-to-back premierships, and also help ISA to victory in
the NSWCIS Touch Football Challenge later in the year.
Alex Butt MIC Touch Football
—Clockwise from left Firsts Coach Pat Guilbert celebrating with Captain Rhianna Whitlock; Eloise Wicks stepping the opposition; Genevieve Love looking to score, with Natasha
Costellino and Amy Saikawa in support; Key to success – working as a team, not an individual.
Touch Football
Stepping Up
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—All above Functional Fitness, Pilates, Spin and Individual Programs.
BarkerBunker
T he new gym area now allows for strength training,
agility and cardiovascular training, and also displays
cutting-edge functional equipment and floor design.
These new features allow the girls to access all facets
of fitness to suit their goals. From pump classes to spin classes and
individual programs, the revamped gym has sparked excitement
and encouraged the girls to try new training techniques within
the Bunker.
This year has also seen the introduction of the Bunker Screening
Program, an initiative designed to help instructors create structured
individual programs and aid injury prevention. The program has
been welcomed, with a high number of girls already on board.
The Barker Bunker has gone from strength to strength, and we
are excited to see the girls eager to learn and embrace a healthy,
active lifestyle in 2015.
Chloe Taylor & Louise Gabb Girls Fitness Instructors
It was a fresh start for the Barker Bunker after its holiday makeover. The girls’ gym has seen a revamp to its layout for 2015 with three functional gym spaces now on offer, including a free weights room, spin room and a group fitness area.
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OED
A typical year in Outdoor Education sees students pushing their comfort boundaries, trying new things and forging new friendships with peers and staff alike. Camps are all about learning –
about new student experiences and insights.Hard outdoor skills are learned at the Grange, such
as putting up a tent, cooking, navigation and packing a backpack, under the direction of our own qualified staff. From there, progression has been carefully planned at each year group camp to extend and challenge students.The typical Outdoor Education year looks like:• Year 8 DEAS Camp, held in Berowra Valley. Two nights in
tents, walking, canoeing and a basic ropes course.• Year 9 Urban Challenge. An urban-based Amazing Race-
type activity. Students sleep in YHAs and solve problems to progress through the three days.
• Year 9 Serve and Survive Camp. Held in the Myall Lakes area. This is the last boys camp where they will surf, walk, canoe and participate in a community service
activity, which in past years has involved cleaning the Hind Dunes of rubbish and weeds to promote a healthier ecosystem. The Year 9s camp in their Barker-issued tents for four nights.
• Year 10 Adventure Camp. Held in the Snowy Mountains, this is a highlight for the girls and boys alike. Students white-water canoe, hike up Mount Kosciuszko, abseil, rock-climb, single-track mountain bike and contribute to a community service project.
• Year 11s get to choose their own camp. The strands vary from a Central Australia cultural odyssey, snow camping up beyond Thredbo, participating in a marine research project in Sydney Harbour, extending their outdoor skills on the South Coast, or conducting a significant community project.
Apart from the compulsory year group camps, Barker College Outdoor Education also offers Adventure Sports such as canoeing expeditions and snow sports. The Duke of Edinburgh runs alongside all of these events as well.
Andrew Ashby Director of Outdoor Education
—Clockwise from top A group enjoying the Head of School’s visit; Snow sports;
Sunrise at Kings Canyon.
Outdoor Education
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CA
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—Above Unit colours are marched into the Chapel by CUO’s Jack Redman and Jacob Hellyer for the Annual Church Parade.
—Below Inside the C130 Hercules training aid at Holsworthy.
—Right Annika’s home away from home.
The unit’s Annual Church Parade
was conducted on the Sunday before
Remembrance Day. The ADF (Long
Tan) Teamwork and Leadership awards
were presented to Jennifer Khouw
(Year 12) and Devlin Gunzenhauser
(Year 10) by Lieutenant Colonel Ian
Cavanagh OAM (Commander of the
Sydney Schools Battalion). Ian has been
an Officer of Cadets for over 50 years
and a great supporter of BCCU. He is a
regular visitor to our Glenworth Valley,
Singleton and BCAT camps and often
cites the Barker methods as among best
practices when speaking to other units
or people in the cadet organisation
– he especially applauds BCCU for
allowing the students to run the unit
with ownership of the plan, plus
conduct the activities with adult
guidance and assistance.
A highlight for many cadets and staff
was being able to look inside the
Hercules ground trainer and gain an
insight of the size and internal décor
including the flight deck. Major Nye was
able to brief students on this retired
RAAF C130E airframe and associated
parachute drills with the knowledge
gained from his decade as a Ground
Liaison Officer with the RAAF and his
experience of parachute operations
during his postings with 3RAR
(parachute Battalion).
Once again a determined group of BCAT (Barker
College Adventure Training) students challenged
themselves in early January as they braved
the heat and terrain to undertake the annual
challenge. For the first time eighteen attempted
the Silver award, and six returning campaigners
sought to qualify for their Gold award. The
student of merit for Silver was Annika Allen and
Gold was Michael Nicholas.
Terry Nye Commanding Officer BCCU
Church
BCAT
Bivouac
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BC
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T he Parents New to Barker College Dinner was held on February 10, organised and hosted by the BCMA. It was a wonderful evening, with over 370 guests enjoying the sensational meal prepared
by Barker’s chefs, under the guidance of Pascal Perrotin. Our main objective at the BCMA is to foster friendships and develop the community of Barker College, and this event is the perfect platform.
We also embarked on the year group morning teas throughout the first month back at school, which were well attended and catered for, as is the Barker tradition.
Some longtime friendships have been forged at these morning teas, and I wish to thank those families who opened up their homes to welcome us.
The BCMA never forgets those who need a helping hand, and we use the morning tea events to collect donations on behalf of Anglicare. Thank you to all who contributed this year to our drive.
Among the projects earmarked for the BCMA to support this year, we had the great pleasure of donating to the new Year 10 and 11 Common Room, which was unveiled during orientation at the start of the term. As you can see, the space looks incredible, with custom-made furniture and kitchen facilities. From all accounts, the students are enjoying a place of their own for relaxation and study throughout the day.
I would like to thank all the BCMA committee members for their dedication to making our events so enjoyable for all who attend, and for the many hours of behind-the-scenes work they do. We have an exciting year of fundraising and new friendships ahead.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful 2015.
Jenelle Montgomerie BCMA President
throughout the Barker Community
After an extremely busy 2014, the BCMA committee is straight into 2015, planning the many events we will be hosting this year.
—Clockwise from top left Year 10 girls enjoying the new common room; A sample of items collected on behalf of Anglicare; Year 5 mothers gather
for a group photo with the BCMA President.
Fostering
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BA
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The Barker Foundation is a philanthropic organisation led by a vibrant community. Since 1981, the Foundation has helped the School Council and Head of School advance education at Barker
College. Members are drawn from all constituencies of the Barker Community, whether parents or grandparents of current or past students, staff, ex-staff, alumni and friends of Barker College.
All members are donors to the Foundation’s Building, Library or Scholarship Funds. These Funds have tax-deductible gift recipient status. If you are not already a member, now is the time to consider becoming one. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is elected by and from the Foundation’s membership.
The Foundation strives to enliven and promote the culture of giving in the Barker Community, which in turn underwrites the viability of Barker’s aspiration of inspiring global hope. Philanthropy at Barker matters. The Rev John Griffiths, former Chairman of the School Council, put it well: “Barker’s riches lie within its community; members of whom give so generously of their time, energy and money.”
The Foundation will continue to support the School in many ways. The Building, Library and Scholarship Funds all enable gifts and donations for essential School buildings and facilities, library learning resources across
all year groups from K-12, the provision of scholarships and bursaries to Barker students, and funding for individuals (such as Indigenous students) needing assistance. The Foundation also administers the Education Trust, which facilitates Travelling Fellowship Grants for staff professional development, provides for various awards, prizes and competitions for students (including Mathematics Day), and enables visits by academic specialists and musicians.
Every March, the Foundation hosts its own signature event – the Sunset Cinema evening, when we screen a popular movie for families in the Prep and Junior Schools.
Barker families bring their own picnic dinner or pre-order pizza, and enjoy festivities such as face painting and games before the screening. These are splendid evenings of fun and friendship.
Donations to the Foundation – no matter the size – are valued and appreciated. All philanthropic assistance from the Barker Community supports the School’s mission to inspire global hope. It is with such support that Barker students can flourish as they pursue new insights and develop their talents for life during and after Barker. I encourage you to support the Foundation and become a member in 2015.
David Charles Barker Foundation Chairman
The Foundation strives to enliven and promote the culture of giving in the Barker Community, which in turn underwrites the viability of Barker’s aspiration of inspiring global hope.
—David Charles, Barker Foundation ChairmanBarker
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Autumn 2015 — Issue 220
Lisa Sthalekar, Class of 1997, was voted by the 2014 Middle School Seniors as their role model for demonstrating the determination to succeed. Lisa attended an assembly where she was acknowledged by the students, and joined them for lunch. These are the students’ words as presented to Lisa.
Lisa Sthalekar attended Barker College from 1996-1997.
In her time at Barker, Lisa was a member of the Girls
First XI Cricket Team in 1996, and captain in 1997. She
represented the CIS Cricket Team, where she also was the
captain. From there she went on to be part of the NSW
U19 Cricket Team and was eventually selected in the
Australian Women’s Youth Squad in 1996. Lisa has worked
for Cricket NSW as the youth program manager for female
programs, and is currently a consultant coach for Cricket
NSW and a commentator for the ABC.
Lisa Sthalekar is one of the most successful female
players to represent our country. She represented Australia
in eight Tests, 125 one-day internationals and 54 Women’s
Twenty20 Internationals, becoming the first and only
female player in one-day internationals to score 1,000 runs
and take 100 wickets. Beyond her sporting achievements,
she has inspired many through her charity work with the
Pink Ribbon campaign, as well as her determined mindset
and passion for the sport. Lisa Sthalekar’s story has
inspired the Seniors of the Middle School as they embark
on their own leadership journeys.
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—Top Lisa acknowledging the crowd after scoring a half century at the Adelaide Oval —Above Lisa at lunch with the 2014 Middle School Seniors.
Sthalekar
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FRO
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Old Barker Association Contactsemail: [email protected]
President Tony Gamson (78) 0458 564 556
Honorary Vice-President Peter Gregory (03) 0400 419 253
Honorary Treasurer Michael Brodie (79) 0409 980 009
Honorary Secretary David Brookes (79) 0400 906 052
General Committee Chris Bennett (83) Paul Goncharoff (88)Pip Hurley (Webber 85) Jenny Kalaf (Melville 78)Catherine Lancaster (82) Matt Ross-Smith (10) Di Slater (Stanbridge 91) David Trayner (84)
Nominees to School Council Pennie Cruickshank (79) Michael Brodie (79) Tony Gamson (78)
OBA Annual Patron Sandy Hollway (64) Keith Thornton (64)Benjamin Anson (85)
Over 70s Contact Robert Hill (56) (02) 9144 3582
School ContactsDirector of Alumni Relations Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 (Sch)[email protected]
Alumni Reunion Coordinator Karina Drummond (02) 9847 8283 (Sch)[email protected]
Manager of Archives Morwenna Pearce (02) 9847 8290 (Sch) [email protected]
Archivist Sarah O’Neill (02) 9847 8290 (Sch)[email protected]
Interstate and International Barker Contacts
Brisbane Andrew Wilkie (01) 0412 779 383 (m)[email protected]
Canberra Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 [email protected]
Melbourne Murray Anderson (65) 0457 000 407 (m)[email protected]
Northern Rivers Jim Poulos (61) (02) 6686 7711 (h)[email protected]
Perth Tom Hargreaves (69) 0437 906 588 (m)[email protected]
Sunshine Coast Phil Benjamin (61) [email protected]
Upper Hunter Charles Cooke (65) (02) 6545 8141 (w) [email protected]
Canada, Ontario George Darling (70) [email protected]
Hong Kong Brayden Winkler (07) [email protected]
Japan Carl Bastian (93) [email protected]
Middle East Erik Huyer (72) (966) 056 409 0144 (m)[email protected]
New Zealand Scott Brown (91) (64) 027 230 4561 (m) [email protected]
Oceania (Fiji) Neil Underhill (75) (679) 336 3968 (w) [email protected]
Papua New Guinea Johnson Kalo (83) (675) 305 6703 (w)[email protected]
Singapore Carly Switzer (94) [email protected]
UK, London Annette French (Slattery 88) (44) 1732 382 281 (h)[email protected]
USA, Wilmington Andrew Renton (85) (910) 612 [email protected]
46 From the OBA President
48 Reunions and Dinners
52 OBA Groups
55 Obituaries
58 Personal Notes
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Contributions WelcomePlease send contributions to Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni Relations, 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077 or [email protected].
For further information please contact Mandy on 9847 8229.
Personal notes are published in good faith, as a service to the Barker Community.
52 OBA Groups
61 OBA Events
58Personal Notes
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This year marks two milestones in the history of Barker College. Not only does the School reach its 125th year, but also the 40th anniversary of co-education.
For those of us who were students at the
school in 1975, we will remember well that day when 50
girls came through the front gates for the first time. One
can only imagine what must have been going through their
minds as they instantly became the centre of attention for
over a thousand pairs of eyes.
I remember the lead-up to that day very well as my father
was a member of the School Council who, along with the
Headmaster, Trevor McCaskill, made the decision to invite
girls to enrol in 5th Form, as it was then called. In hindsight it
all seems so obvious, but at the time it was very courageous.
Of course, the talk was that this move was madness and
it would be the beginning of the end of Barker as a serious
educational institution. Ridicule was heaped upon the
School, and the experiment was expected to last only a year
or two at most.
To look at Barker today, the only conclusion possible is
that co-education has become the defining characteristic
of the School. We are now seeing many students come to
Barker not because their fathers or grandfathers did, but
because their mothers did. This is remarkable when you
consider most of these women attended for only two years,
and yet it made such a positive impression upon them they
chose Barker to educate their own children.
We all take great pride in this and recognise the positive
impact Barker has on young men and women as they
complete their secondary education.
In our own activities, The OBA too has benefited
enormously from our female alumni. Half of our current
general committee members are female, and one of our
three nominees to School Council was among the earliest
co-ed intakes to Barker.
Barker Old Girls Hockey is very successful, and last year
the creation of the OBA Theatre group was driven by two
old girls. We have also seen the creation of the OBA Netball
Club, once again proving our female alumni are proud of
their connection with Barker.
This is something to be celebrated and encouraged,
and the OBA will do just that this year, with a special
commemorative event on 29 May. You have all made a
significant contribution to Barker and to the alumni network.
On a different note, there are many alumni who need
support as the pressure and challenges of modern life can
sometimes prove overwhelming. Many of us know someone
who has dealt with mental health issues, which can have a
devastating impact on individuals and their loved ones.
After discussing the issue with John Hensley, who leads
the excellent counselling team at Barker, the OBA has
formed an alliance with Black Dog Institute, specialists in
this field. We hope that by raising awareness of this issue
and the support available to sufferers, we can offer some
assistance and comfort to those affected by this significant
and damaging condition.
Tony Gamson OBA President
The School has changed in a hundred different ways, many too small to notice, but important all the same. —Tony Gamson (78), OBA President
President’s
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ShotsEach year we host a series of breakfasts for our alumni parents and their Barker children in The Marks Pavilion. This has been a fabulous opportunity for alumni to catch up with friends from their time at the School, and for their children to celebrate their family connection with Barker.
FROM THE ALUMNI PARENT BREAKFAST
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ANNUALDINNER—
OBA Annual DinnerThe OBA annual dinner was held in Boyce Hall on Friday 7
November. The School grounds were a beautiful backdrop
as guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the
courtyard while the OBA Big Band played.
More than 115 alumni, partners and friends of Barker
sat down to share a wonderful dinner and to listen to our
guest speaker, David Astle (79). David, who is a journalist,
crossword-maker and linguist, was fabulous and very
entertaining.
The evening was also an opportunity to recognise
Reverend John Griffiths (48) as an OBA Life Patron, thanks to
the exceptional service he has provided to the Barker College
community. John was on the School Council from 1970-2001
and was Chairman from 1991-2001.
The night also included the reunion for the Class of 1954.
It was great to see all decades represented from the 1940s
through to today. Our oldest old boy was from the Class of
1948, and youngest from the Class of 2014.
It was a wonderful evening with great food and great
company. We look forward to seeing you at the 2015 dinner.
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60 Year ReunionWe gathered at Boyce Hall to the welcome sounds of the College Band – or perhaps not so welcome for those of us a little hard of hearing! The weather was just fine, as were the canapés and drinks served in the forecourt of what we oldies knew as the Assembly Hall.
Without going into detail, the meal was excellent but of course it is the company of those present that makes the evening so interesting. I have to admit, my memory is not as good as that of others present, but I did enjoy stirring up the grey matter and touching base with classmates of yesteryear.
With due respect to the speaker, I really enjoyed the photos of Barker events, seemingly going back to its inception, being shown on a screen throughout the evening. Another welcome thought was the leaving class photos provided as place mats, including a reproduced photo of our year with names noted on the bottom. Others like myself, who left early and never sat the Leaving, have never had a composite record of the Class of ’54. I can now put names to faces.
Bruce Edwardes (54)
ANNUALDINNER—
Class of ’54Honor non honores was the call from old school tie So we headed for Waitara, where the old school memories lie But we found a near new complex with gardens in between Modern-looking buildings and ovals sporting green
We gathered at appointed time outside the Boyce Hall doors Welcomed by the College Band, a drink and food galore We were lucky there were name tags, to jog the memory dim Of faces known in fifty-four, the class that we were in
There was Neil, who made his pile whilst working in the Bush And Ron, a well-known broker who traded with the push And Des, the man with figures, who made sure we paid our dues Whilst Brian and Don presented in their first four-wheel debut
So it’s great to have a catch-up, with memories of the past I was sad I didn’t speak with more, the way that time soon passed But there is a way to solve it, for all of us to share The OBA website, please write a little there
I’m feeling kind of lonely, as only one of eighty-eight If you have a go and log on then I’ll have another mate And if you have no access, or can’t do it on your own I’m sure your child or grandchild could make your presence known
But wait, I’ve had an answer from way up the Queensland side One Peter Maidens answered, he’s one who has not died He’s turned into an author and now a book he’s made With help of our Bert Findlay, where basics were first laid
So there you are; it works a treat, you never know your luck It’s luck we need from here on in, so get out of the rut And have a go, you never know what mates are waiting there What they’ve done, who they’ve met, there’s stories everywhere.
of ’54
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REUNIONS & DINNERS—Class of 1964 – 50 Year ReunionThe 42 who attended came from across NSW, interstate
and overseas, for the terrific evening at Cammeray Golf
Club on 25 October 2014.
Dinner was enjoyed in surrounds delightfully themed
by Keith Thornton’s daughters. A nostalgic video played
with sights and sounds of the School and Sydney in
1964, cleverly compiled by Ron Switzer, who was also the
evening’s photographer.
After dinner, Keith and Sandy Hollway delivered
messages from those unable to attend, and remembered
those who are, sadly, no longer with us.
James Hunter conducted a trivia quiz that unlocked
a few fossilised brain cells in us all, and over the odd
glass of wine, triggered many a dubious anecdote of our
school days.
All agreed that our friendships are still as warm and
strong as they were back in 1964 and that all are very
much looking forward to our next reunion.
Class of 1989 – 25 Year ReunionA balmy October evening saw close to 60 committed and
thirsty former students from the Class of 1989 descend upon
Petersham Bowling Club for our 25-year reunion.
Name-tags were discarded in lieu of the more fascinating
study of visual recognition and awkward introductions.
Wisps of grey hair and occasional glasses made the task all
the more challenging. Results varied from, “remember me?”
and, “we shared Economics in Year 9, dude” to, “he has not
changed one bit” and, “I thought he became a woman?”
A relaxed game of barefoot bowls was interrupted by
local kids stealing the jack so we adjourned to the cosier
surrounds of the lounge, where tunes of the early 90s and
the grunge era provided the perfect soundtrack, reminding
us just how good music was before MP3s and Triple-J became
unrecognisable.
A surprise visit by Mr Horsfield had the physics students
lining up to provide recollections of how they’d eschewed
general relativity and standard deviations to join the
banking industry. The rest of us just laughed at how we’d
travelled through our goth/metal-head/surfer-dude/long-
hair/shaved-head/dance-club/uni-politics phases and how
we can’t now be hipsters because our beards are too grey
and the jeans are too tight.
Many of us shared stories and pictures of our kids, from
teenagers to infants. We renewed old friendships and made
new ones.
We fondly remembered classmates lost – Lyall Cunich
and James Perry.
And while we counted down the minutes until the bar
tab ran out, and we were sent out into the night to head
home or continue to party elsewhere, we vowed to try it
again in five years from now, just before we get to 50 and
probably start listening to jazz.
Geoff McKeown
—Above Henry Davis, Sandy Hollway, Phil Noss, Brian Lang and Bill Jauncey.
—Above Brian Smart, Ron Switzer, Peter Cribb, Ken Halliday, Craig Terrey.
—Above Class of 1989 Reunion.
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Canberra EventOn Friday 31 October we met at The Commonwealth
Club for our annual Canberra gathering. Barker’s
new Head, Mr Phillip Heath, and Director of Alumni
Relations, Mandy Loomes joined us for the event.
Phillip spoke about the School as it is today and
his vision for the future. Alumni in attendance
were Gerald Farleigh (51), Bruce Edwardes (54),
John Donovan (58), Anna Gobbo (Miscamble 82),
Jack Radik (69), Brian Agnew (72), Mark Francis (72),
Andrew McColl (74), Sita Matthews (Harrison 82),
Robert Chilman (79), Stephen Hledik (83) and Richard
Temperly (05).
Perth EventOn Saturday 18 October we met at the home of Tom and
Kay Hargreaves for our annual Perth dinner. Despite the
very wet and windy weather, we enjoyed the opportunity to
share with Barker’s new Head, Phillip Heath and Director
of Alumni Relations, Mandy Loomes, our school stories
and personal journeys since leaving the School. Alumni in
attendance were Ian Grant (50), Alan MacFarlane (62), Drury
Heath (65), Michele Thomas (Cook 76), Ian Christian (69),
Tom Hargreaves (69), Mark Smith (71), Peter Cruickshank
(84) and Medon Loupis (87). Unfortunately quite a number
of our regular attendees couldn’t make it this time as they
were travelling, but we look forward to seeing them when
we meet again in 2015.
Sunshine Coast EventWe gathered on Sunday 26 October on a beautifully warm
day for the annual Sunshine Coast luncheon at Flaxton
Gardens in the gorgeous Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Director of Alumni Relations, Mandy Loomes, spoke to us
about the new Head of School, the happenings at Barker
today and its future direction. Alumni in attendance were
Brian Allen (53), Phil Benjamin (61), Charles Carmichael
(58), Don Carmichael (67), David Coffey (71), Robert Cole
(65), Richard Crickmore (55), John Grigg (59), Alistair Heron
(63), Mark Hurrey (75), Peter Hurrey (75), Peter Maidens
(54), Peter McCall (60), Heath McIntosh (93), Roger Marriott
(55), Sam Ponder (75), Colin Rankin (60), Mark Walsh (69),
Denver Webb (59) and Michael Wilson (45).
REUNIONS & DINNERS—
Class of 2004 – 10 Year ReunionIn November last year, the Class of 2004 got together to
celebrate our 10-year reunion. Where did that time go!
With around 115 people in attendance, the night was filled
with excitement at seeing familiar faces, re-introductions for
forgotten names, laughter at old high school stories, and an
enthusiasm to understanding each person’s story since school.
Hosted at The Treehouse in North Sydney, we were treated
to live entertainment by four of our own alumni – a trip down
memory lane with old-school anthems. Ten years on, and many
of us have travelled and now live abroad, so it seemed only
fitting to also host expat reunions in London and New York.
To all those who came, thank you for making it such a fun
and memorable night. To those who got together abroad, we
hope you managed to reminisce as much as we did back in
Sydney. Finally, to those who weren’t able to make it, we are
sorry to have missed out on hearing your story, and hope to
see you all in another 10 years.
Rivka Lloyd (Figg)
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OBA GROUPS—
BOBs Rugby
—Above Clint Harwood (00) and Aras Labutis (00) in action
against Hunters Hill
—Above BOGS Hockey Team
Barker Old Boys CricketThe Barker Old Boys Cricket Club has enjoyed some success in
the 2014/15 season thus far. We are pleased to qualify in second
position (out of 22 clubs) for the City and Suburban Jack Pace
Memorial Shield Competition final series. In the quarter-final,
we beat Cricketers Club of NSW on Barker No.1 Oval and for our
next game we play Zingari in the semi-final.
There have been many great individual performances this
season, but none better than Tom Burnett (05). He scored 111
not out against Sydney University Cricket Club on 1 February
and has been the standout batsman for the competition this
year, amassing 356 runs in seven matches, with an incredible
average of 178!
If the summer of cricket has inspired you to make a
return to the game, please contact us. Our fixtures are usually
scheduled on Sunday afternoons and all matches are on turf
wickets. Our website is www.bobscc.com and we are available
on Facebook.
Matt Hall (00) Club Captain0416 297 [email protected]
The newly elected BOBRUFC Committee has been hard at
work preparing for the 2015 Suburban Rugby Competition
season, which will be contested in Division 2 (Barraclough
Cup) and fielding four grade teams and one colts team.
After spending a few months away with girlfriends,
wives and summer friends, Barker Old Boys pre-season
was quickly upon us. With some players tipping the scales
slightly above playing weight, head coach Nick Hensley
(05) put everyone through their paces with some gruelling
pre-season sessions. It was fantastic to see a combination of
new and old players alike pushing each other to the limits
in the warm February sun.
After the success of last year’s tour to play the
Bathurst Bulldogs, BOBRUFC backed up again with another
scintillating tour of the V8 capital of Australia. A good time
was had, with some excellent rugby being played by both
teams and a jovial evening enjoyed by all. This is certainly a
tour which BOBRUFC would like to continue in the future.
Our Season will kick off with a home game against
Newport on 11 April and we hope to produce some excellent
results throughout the first half of the season.
We will continue our good form over the coming months as
we plan to procure some silverware come late August.
For up to date information on fixtures and results,
please visit our website www.bobsrugby.com.
Martin Donaldson (00)
BOBRUFC President
Barker Old Girls HockeyGames start for the season on 12 April. Training is on
Bowman at the beginning of March on Wednesday evenings.
We will have a team in Division A and Division C. All are
welcome to play! Please email bogshockey@
hotmail.com for more information.
Breeana Taylor (04)
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OBA Athletics Club In his most recent visit to Australia, Usain Bolt was quoted
as saying, “with the controversy currently surrounding the
athletics world, it is nice to know that there are still some
people out there keeping it real”. Not a truer word could be
said about the OBAC, where the simple yet effective mantra
of ‘you have to be in it to win it’ shines like a light in the
darkness.
The season is halfway through and people are running some
quick times, particularly Andrew Malpass (06), who was
ranked in the top 30 athletes nationally in the 100m. We
are keen to get more people coming along to training and
competition. Past and current students are welcome. We
train at Barker on Mondays and Homebush on Wednesdays
and Thursdays, starting at 5.45 pm. For more details, contact
Glen Parker [email protected]
Tim Willatt (07)
Barker Old Boys Football Club is now into its 25th season
and planning is in motion to make 2015 the Club’s biggest
and best year yet. The regular season kicks off on Saturday
11 April for the men, and Sunday 12 April for the women’s
competition, but pre-season training is well underway.
This year should be another fantastic year for the Club,
with a range of activities planned. The season launch
function will take place at the Crows Nest Hotel on Saturday
11 April, followed by regular player of the month drinks
throughout the season and many other social activities!
The Club has expanded greatly over the past few years
and this season we will field over 100 players, with a total
of seven teams, two of which make their very long (1997)
awaited return to the Premier League. Four other teams
will compete in the Division 5 and 6 competitions, and the
Women’s All Age team will return to Division 3 after their
successful promotion from last year.
Games in the Men’s competition are played within the
North Shore area on Saturdays (some Sunday games) at 1pm
and 3pm. Games in the Women’s competition are played on
Sundays at either 1pm or 3pm, also in the North Shore area.
We’re always looking for more players and there’s still
plenty of time to register with the Club for the 2015 season.
Please contact me via the details provided below. Check out
and ‘Like’ our Facebook page for more information!
Peter Gregory (03)
Barker Old Boys Football Club President
0400 419 253
www.facebook.com/bobsfc
OBA Big BandThe OBA Big Band is back and groovin’
at the start of the new year. It feels as if
the band has doubled in size now that
our 2014 musician graduates have joined
the crew. We will be working towards
perfecting our most challenging piece
to date, a 12-minute long composition
by Belgian composer Bert Joris. Aside
from rehearsing, our long-term goals
are to record and perform in the local
community.
Luke Davis (09)
OB
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Barker Old Boys Football Club
—Above Performing at the OBA Annual dinner.
—Above Club President Peter Gregory (03) networking with Socceroos 1974 World Cup Coach Rale Rasic.
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OBA GROUPSCONTINUED —
Kurrajong SocietyAt the 2014 Valedictory dinner, the Society presented our
new members with a Welcome gift of Kurrajong chocolates
and an invitation to stay connected to Barker. We look
forward to seeing many of you at some of Barker’s upcoming
events, such as the Barker Red, Barker Swings and BCCU
Ceremonial Parade.
In March, the Kurrajong members were entertained
again by the superb talent of the Music Department at
Symphony Under the Stars. With the special seating for
Kurrajong members, it made for a memorable evening.
Keep updated on what else is happening at Barker in our
regular newsletter Kurrajong News. Contact us at kurrajong@
barker.nsw.edu.au
Anne Turkington
Barker Old Girls Netball ClubAfter much anticipation and a rush to get our club together in time for the Hills District Netball Association Summer Competition, Barker Old Girls Netball is up and running! We received a huge response from the Barker alumni and have a fantastic team of enthusiastic girls playing. Such was the response that we hope to have two or three teams playing in the upcoming winter competition. Although our first game didn’t produce the result we would have liked, we got the opportunity to see where our strengths lie and have laid plans for the year ahead. As we grow as a club, we hope to include as many girls as possible. If you wish to play, please email [email protected] or ‘Like’ our Facebook page, Barker Old Girls Netball. Thanks to everyone for helping us in getting Barker Old Girls Netball off the ground.
Lauren Kirkby (07)
Co-President —Above Ready for our first game.
OBA TheatreOBAT’s 2015 season was launched at the end of January. It was a spectacular evening, with the announcement that our 2015 play will be David Williamson’s Emerald City, which will be directed by the wonderful Gretel Maltabarow (09). Talented Barker alumni will be returning to the Barker stage once again!
We are thrilled to have Gretel bringing a fresh, innovative take on Williamson’s 80s classic. Dealing with the ever-present Melbourne-Sydney feud as well as the social and economic price-tag of a glittering harbour view, Emerald City is a play with rapid-paced dialogue, absolute dynamite one-liners and issues which remain as socially relevant in 2015 as they were in the late 80s.
For those who were able to join us at our launch and register their interest, we will be sending an audition pack for you to look through shortly. For those who weren’t able to join us but are interested in being involved, either on or off the stage, simply email [email protected] with your details and whether you’re interested in a cast or creative role (such as set design, music or crew).
As always, if you’d like to get in touch please email us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!
Amie McNee (10) and Cassandra Jones (10) Presidents, OBAT
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Donald Douglas Brown AO (40) 1924-2014
Don Brown, late of Milsons Point, New
South Wales, attended Barker from
1936–1940 as a boarder. His brothers
Graham (37, deceased) and Spencer (39,
deceased); and nephews Stephen (78),
Andrew (Graham) (82), Ian (83), Glen
(84) and Neil (86) and niece Suzanne
(83) were also Barker students.
Don was very active in his School
life at Barker. He played cricket and
football, was a member of the diving
and swimming teams, won the HP
Walker Australian History Prize, was on
the editorial committee for the College
Barker and was a Sergeant in the Cadet
Unit. In 1939 he played the Bad Man in
The Man In The Bowler Hat, was dux in
1937 and 1939, and a prefect. In 1940 he
was in the Rugby 1XV (Colours) and the
Cricket 1XI.
After Barker, Don graduated with
honours in Chemistry at Sydney
University and then obtained his PhD
at London University.
During his time at CSR, Don rose to
become one of CSR’s Deputy General
Managers and an Executive Director.
He was instrumental in bringing the
Mount Newman Project into being in
Western Australia and became responsible
for CSR’s iron ore interests and Managing
Director of Pilbara Iron Limited.
He became Chairman of the
Electricity Commission, a board
member of Lend Lease, a director of
County NatWest, and was on numerous
other boards including the Brain
Foundation and Cardiac Technology,
and was Chairman of Aussat.
In 1980 he was awarded an Officer
of the Order of Australia in recognition
of services to Industry. In 2000 he
received the CSIRO Chairman’s Medal
for Business Excellence and in 2003 was
a recipient of the Centenary Medal.
Don died on 23 October and is
survived by his wife Barbara, daughter
Jacqui and his nieces and nephews.
Greg Nelson Hummel (74) 1956-2014
Greg Hummel, late of California, USA,
attended Barker from 1966–1968.
His brothers William (67, deceased),
Frederick (70) and Jay (72), were also
Barker students.
During his time at the School, Greg
was a keen swimmer and athlete. He
also played rugby in the Junior 1XV and
was part of the 1968 undefeated team.
Greg and his family returned
to Southern California, where he
completed his schooling. He graduated
from the University of California, Santa
Barbara with a degree in Geology and
then completed a Masters degree at the
University of Colorado Boulder.
In 1977, Greg was one of the first
people to walk the Pacific Crest
Trail from Mexico to Canada across
California, Oregon and Washington.
Greg worked in the oil industry for
thirty-five years. He was a successful
geologist with a thorough knowledge
of the oil reservoirs and tectonics in
California.
Greg died on 31 December and is
survived by his wife Laurie; and his
children Amber, Kyle, Dana, Travis
and Molly.
Barry Neil Webb (63) 1945-2014
Barry Webb, late of Upper Coomera,
Queensland, attended Barker from
1954–1961 as a boarder. His brothers
Graham (64) and Peter (69) were also
Barker students.
At Barker, Barry was part of the
School trip to Heron Island and enjoyed
playing rugby.
Barry operated his family business
of home furnishings with his wife and
two of his sons for many years and was
active in his local district activities.
Barry passed away after a long illness
and is sadly missed.
Barry is survived by his wife of
46 years, Lorraine; four sons; seven
grandchildren; four brothers and two
sisters.
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Neil John Gorman (68) 1951-2014Neil Gorman, late of Abermain, New South Wales, attended Barker from 1966-1968.
Whilst at School, Neil was an NCO in the Cadet Unit; played tennis; and was a member of both the athletics and chess teams. In 1968 he was awarded the Commonwealth University Scholarship.
After Barker, Neil attended Sydney University, graduating with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws in 1977. He worked as a solicitor with a legal firm in Glen Innes, before establishing his legal practice in 1979 in Gunnedah as sole practitioner, Neil J Gorman and Associates. He closed the legal practice in 1982 and moved to Penrith working for Public Prosecutions.
Neil joined Rotary wherever he lived and later became involved in sales and marketing with Rotary International, publishing the Rotary Magazine. He placed a great emphasis on service and always assisted organisations he became involved with, writing constitutions and sharing his legal knowledge.
In 1996, he was President of Lane Cove Rotary and had the achievement of setting up the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation, with which he was involved for many years.
Neil liked all sports, but cricket and rugby league became his obsession.
In 1999 Neil married Lynda Mary and moved to the Hunter Valley, where they established their company, GEM Australia. He also ran a program, Reminiscing, on the community radio station CHR.
Neil’s life passion however was politics. In 2008 he was nominated as an independent councillor on Cessnock Council and in 2012 he unsuccessfully sought election as Mayor of Cessnock. He then joined the National Party in his push to enter Federal Parliament. He then joined the Palmer United Party and in September 2013 stood for the seat of Parkes, losing by a narrow margin.
Neil died on 12 September and is survived by his wife Lynda Mary and
father Ray.
Peter James Maynard (86) 1968-2014
Peter Maynard, late of Castaways
Beach, Queensland, attended Barker
from 1976-1986. His father David (53)
and brother John (82) were also Barker
students.
Peter entered fully into the life of
the School. He was a good footballer
and captained two teams in successive
years. He captained the squash team,
played basketball and was a member of
the athletics team. He was a competent
swimmer. Peter was involved in Drama
and the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.
After School, Peter worked in the
hospitality industry, training at the
Sydney Hilton and the Sebel Town
House hotels. He also worked at Elanora
Golf Club. Twelve years ago he and
his family moved to Queensland and
Castaways Beach, where he indulged
in his great love of surfing. He worked
at Lindoni’s on Hastings Street, Noosa,
for most of this time. His greatest
love was reserved for his wife and
children. He was a very popular and
highly respected member of his local
community.
Peter died on 24 August 2014 in a
surfing accident. He is survived by his
wife, Kylie; his children, Max, Poppy and
Lexie; his mother and father Natalie
and David; his brother John; and sisters,
Catherine and Jane.
George Vivian Roberts CBE (32) 1915-2015
George Roberts, late of Townsville,
Queensland, attended Barker from
1931–1932 as a boarder. His father
George (1902, deceased) and brothers,
Ian (34, deceased) and Graham (37,
deceased) were also Barker students.
George was very busy during his time
at Barker. He was a prefect and played
cricket (colours) and rugby, and was
involved in athletics, debating and cadets.
In 1932, George and the other students
travelled into the city to witness the
opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
In 1938 he qualified and was
admitted as a solicitor, which was
predestined, as his father wanted all
his sons to be lawyers to ensure fourth
and fifth generation Roberts family law
practice. He was then employed in the
firm of Roberts Leu & North, of which
his father was a partner.
George served in the Australian
Army in the 31/51st Battalions in WWII
in Dutch New Guinea and Bougainville,
and at the end of the war he was sent
to Nauru to repossess the island.
On 28 June 1941 George married
Dalva Hack. They made Townsville their
home and went on to have four children.
They celebrated their diamond wedding
anniversary in 2001. Apart from his two
years of school at Barker and his years
of active service, he spent all of his
nearly 100 years in Townsville, where he
influenced the lives of many.
In 1946 George became a member
of the North Queensland Club and its
President in 1969, just like his father
and grandfather before him. He was
Deputy Mayor on the Council and
a long-serving alderman for many
years and in 1981 was awarded the
Commander (Civil) of the British Empire
in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. He
was Deputy Chancellor of James Cook
University, Chancellor of the Anglican
Diocese of North Queensland and
served on the committees of several
other local organisations. He was a
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great visionary and campaigner.
He had an active role in the
establishment of the Good Shepherd
Home, of which he was chairman for
25 years. In 1999, a 64-place high care
facility was opened there, called George
Roberts House in his honour.
George retired from Roberts Leu &
North at the end of 1984 but remained
as a consultant until 1993. In retirement,
George and Dal travelled widely, both in
Australia and overseas, and also enjoyed
gardening.
George died on 11 January and is
survived by his children Susan, David,
Richard, Helen and their families.
Kenneth Herbert Short AO (44)1927-2014
Ken Short, late of Kiama, New South
Wales, attended Barker from 1936-1943.
His brother Stephen (40, deceased)
was also a Barker student. At School,
Ken participated in athletics and played
cricket in the 2nd XI.
After Barker, Ken worked for the
Commonwealth Bank and at age 18,
he enlisted in the Australian Infantry
Force and served with the British
Commonwealth Occupying Force in
Japan 1946-1948.
He worked during the day and studied
for his Leaving Certificate at night to be
ready for entry into Moore Theological
College. He was ordained as a Curate
in 1952 and served for four months at
St Clements, Mosman. Following that
he was appointed the Curate in Charge
for the Provisional District of Pittwater.
He married Gloria in January 1952
and in 1955 the family left to serve in
Tanganyika, later known as Tanzania, for
10 years. Ken and his family returned to
Australia and he was appointed General
Secretary to the Church Missionary
Society New South Wales. He was Rector
of St Michael’s, Vaucluse, and in 1975 was
consecrated the Bishop of Wollongong.
During this time he was also the Major
General in charge of the Anglican
Chaplains of the Australian Defence
Force. He was then Bishop of Parramatta
1982-89 and concurrently as the first
Bishop to the Army, Navy and Air Force
1979-89. In 1989 he was made Dean of
St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Sydney.
In 1982 he welcomed Queen Elizabeth II
to the Cathedral on her state visit.
He retired from active ministry in 1992
but continued ministry both interstate
and overseas.
In 1988, Ken was appointed an
Officer of the Order of Australia,
General Division, for services to
Religion and the Australian Defence
Force. In 1989 he was made a Chaplain
of the Order of St John.
In his retirement Ken enjoyed
his interests in carpentry, fishing,
photography and bird watching. He
and Gloria moved to Kiama. Here,
Ken became the Chaplain of the
Kiama/Jamberoo Sub-Branch of the
RSL. He prepared and conducted all
the Remembrance and ANZAC Day
Services, during which he formally
took the salute from the marching
veterans.
Ken died on 19 October and is
survived by his wife Gloria; children
Kathy, David and Marion; eight
grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Max Edmund Kingsbury Wurcker (44) 1927-2014
Max Wurcker, late of Merriwa, attended
Barker from 1938–1944 as a boarder. His
son John (76), and granddaughters Sara
(04) and Rebecca (05) were also Barker
students.
At Barker, Max was a Lance Corporal
in the Cadet Unit.
After graduating from Barker with
his Leaving Certificate, Max joined the
Australian Navy for two years, serving
on The Hobart and being a part of the
occupying forces in Japan. He then
worked as a Jackaroo at Gunningbar
before basing himself at Woolbrook. Here
Max started his own bulldozer business.
Then, with his father, he established
Woolbrook Rural Industries, gradually
building up a turkey-raising and farming
business, which grew to be the second
biggest employer in the district.
In 1970 Max went on the road
as a truck salesman, selling the
1418 Mercedes Benz truck. He had
tremendous success and worked his
way up to be the General Manager for
Mercedes Commercial Vehicles in NSW.
Max spent the last 30 years in
Woolbrook. He wrote a weekly column in
the Merriwa Ringer on a range of topics
including politics, science and agriculture.
Max died on 6 September 2014 and
is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his
children Jenny, John, Beth and Sue; and
his grandchildren.
John Sidney Morris
1923-2014
John Morris, late of Banora Point, New
South Wales, was a Junior School
teacher at Barker from 1951–1967. His
sons Timothy (69) and Anthony (74)
were Barker students.
He was affectionately remembered
as ‘Beakie’ by many former students.
Among his many interests, he was a TV
quiz show champion.
John died on 2 December and is
survived by his sons Tim and Peter.
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PERSONAL NOTES—
Donald Michell (64) was judged
Queensland’s Professional Truck
Driver of the Year in 2003 and was also
acknowledged for his dedication in
helping disadvantaged and homeless
teenagers for the past 25 years. Don finds
it rewarding helping struggling families,
offering them shelter, food, and moral and
financial support.
Cathy Duncan (86), after working at
Mona Vale and then Shoalhaven Hospitals
as a social worker for a number of
years, Cathy moved to Hobart and then
Canberra to work for the Commonwealth
Department of Health and Ageing in
aged care and rural health policy and
program development. She is now back
on the south coast of NSW and works
as a researcher at the Australian Health
Services Research Institute at Wollongong
University.
Cathy surfed competitively for many years
and competed in the NSW State Surfing
Titles twice. She was a member of Christian
Surfers International and surfed in Fiji,
Tonga, Bali, Hawaii and the Maldives.
Cathy retired from competitive surfing
due to injury but still surfs occasionally.
Cathy spends most of her free time horse
riding and still keeps in touch with Andrew
Munro (86) and Dave Ball (87).
Rod Sims (70) is now semi-retired
and living in a small community on
the NSW North Coast. He enjoys being
creative with digital photos as well as
woodworking, large building projects,
home renovations and travel.
Sandy Swanton (80) moved to
Florence, Italy, in October 2013, to teach
Business English and pursue writing and
photography. After more than a decade of
working in government communications
in Canberra and Western Canada
(Calgary and Vancouver), she finds
the light in Florence and pace of life
there intoxicating. The food and wine,
countryside, people, art, culture, history
and language are pretty good too!
David Treloar (72), Ian Campbell and
Stewart Horne (72) recently caught up for a cup of coffee.
Catch-up
Yvonne Low (79) is an old girl and local Wahroonga artist. She
was awarded the Art on Loftus Most Outstanding – Open Award for
a mixed media painting on Friday 21 November. The top prize of
$1,000 was awarded to Yvonne by the AOL judge and award-winning
artist, Lyndsey Hatchwell. Lyndsey described Yvonne’s winning entry
as a work that, “caught my eye immediately. (It was a) lovely flowing
composition with skilled use of mixed media. Great atmosphere.”
Yvonne has been working predominantly in watercolour, but decided
to experiment with acrylic and oil pastels alongside her favourite
medium. Using the Blue Mountains as her inspiration, she created a
piece with light playing on water in a valley glen. Yvonne continues to
write and illustrate, creating children’s books, and her work can be seen
at www.yvonnelow.com.
Award
Catch-up
Phillip Cook (98) married Samantha
Ridgewell in the Chapel at the
Intercontinental Resort, Coral Coast, Fiji
on 19 April 2014. His attendants included
former Barker friends, Kinsey Cotton,
Michael Pearce, Jon Sinclair (all 99).
Phillip’s brother, Andrew, also attended the
wedding having flown from London.
Francis Bright (81) has just moved
to Darwin after 12 years in Kununurra
WA, working as the regional agricultural
economist. He is now the economics
leader for Northern Territory Department
of Primary Industry and Fisheries
(NTDPIF) delivering practical economic
analysis. Francis enjoys the coastal
weather as it’s cooler than Kununurra.
He still lives in a two bedroom tacklebox
with two boats, two dogs and a sense
of humour.
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Arthur Hunt (59) was presented with
The Livingstone Shire Australia Day
Citizen of the Year Award. Arthur has
spent 18 years as a volunteer for the
Capricorn Coast Community. He is best
known for his outstanding work with
the Coast Guard and is involved with
community events such as Australia Day,
Anzac Day, Emergency Services Day and
Festival of the Wind. Arthur volunteers
in excess of 40 hours a week and is an
outstanding role model for all members
of the community.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division
David Coffey (43), for significant service to engineering, particularly in
the areas of environmental and geotechnical investigation, to business,
and to tertiary education.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Eve Sheppard and Guy Sheppard (62, deceased), for service to the
community through fundraising support for mental health organisations.
Geoffrey Sutherland, Barker College Council 1978-1990, for service to
engineering, and to education.
Alverna ‘Dusty’ Walkom, wife of Philip Walkom (67), for service to
the community of Taree.
Australia Day Honours 2015
Award
Baptisms23 November 2014
Zoe Audrey, daughter of Hayley
(Woods 00) and Jason Gatt
23 November 2014
Harry Anthony, son of Nicky
(Keevy 01) and Steve Beland
13 December 2014
Chelsea Lily, daughter of Kim
Pluess (99) and Stephen Timm
(99)
14 December 2014
Zara Jane and Chloe
Marguerite, daughters of Sally
(Collins) and Tim Filtness
Weddings31 January 2015
Imogen Seymour and Benjamin
Davis (09)
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Celebrating of Barker Collegewith Regional
Events in Australia and Overseas
1890-2015
Besides the OBA events being held at Barker College to celebrate the 125th Anniversary this year, there will also be alumni events throughout Australia and overseas:Events in Australia include: Tamworth, Perth, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Central Coast, Northern Rivers and Melbourne.
Several overseas events are also being planned, including Hong Kong, Singapore, London and New York.
These events provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this anniversary and connect with the Barker community in your area. Dates already confirmed are listed on the back cover. To keep up to date with the event calendar, connect with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/barkercollegealumni or through the OBA website, oba.net.au
If you would like a personalised invitation, please confirm your contact details with the Director of Alumni Relations, [email protected]. Please let us know if you are living in a different location to your Barker mailing address.
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2015
When: Friday 15 May
Time: 7.15am – 8.30am
Where: The Menzies Hotel
Hobart Room, 14 Carrington St, Sydney
Cost: $40 per person
Topic: Making LinkedIn work for you
Speaker: Kim McGuinness (84), founder and Managing Director of
Mentor Central
LinkedIn has quickly become an essential tool for business. However,
it is easy to create a profile, connect with a few colleagues and
then forget about it. What happens to that profile once a strategy is
applied? Could LinkedIn become the springboard for a supercharged
and responsive business network? Join Kim McGuinness for an
interactive and energising discussion on the benefits of LinkedIn and
how to make it really work for you. Understand why your branding on
LinkedIn is so important, how to structure your profile for success and
how to be found by the right people, for the right reasons. Discover
who to connect with and when to connect with people you don’t know.
Learn how groups work and how you can make them work for you.
RSVP by 6 May 2015 at www.barker.nsw.edu.au and click on the payment option to book this OBA event.
Any enquiries please contact Mandy Loomes on 02 9847 8229 or
The Old Barker Association has much pleasure
in inviting you to join them for a walk down
memory lane.
When: Friday 29 May
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Where: The Marks Pavilion, Barker College
Cost: $40 per person, includes Canapés, drinks and
a special celebratory gift
RSVP: 15 May 2015 at www.barker.nsw.edu.au and
click on the Payment option to book this OBA Event
So we can compile our photo story commemorating
40 years of girls, please scan your favourite photo
and email it to [email protected]
Enquiries: Mandy Loomes 9847 8229 or [email protected]
Alumni Networking Breakfast
40 Years of Girls Cocktail Party
You are invited to join us for our
‘a walk down memory lane’
BARKER ALUMNI EVENTS 2015—Class Reunions2000 – 15 Year Reunion Sat 2 May
Hayley Gatt (Woods) 0413 456 [email protected]
1995 – 20 Year ReunionSat 16 May
Dimity Brown (Macleod) 0412 926 [email protected]
1975 – 40 Year Reunion Sat 8 August
Lez Cheung 0416 127 [email protected]
1980 – 35 Year ReunionSat 15 August
David McGinley 0419 433 [email protected]
Robyn Kendall 0418 263 [email protected]
Murray Hartin0419 606 [email protected]
Martin Rodgers 0412 642 [email protected]
1965 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 12 September
James Humphery0416 021 [email protected]
Doug Spencer0404 888 [email protected]
1985 – 30 Year ReunionSat 17 October
James Hopkin0402 831 [email protected]
1970 – 45 Year ReunionSat 24 October
Jack Brislee0411 648 [email protected]
Phil Montgomery0449 545 [email protected]
OBA EventsOBA Committee Meeting Tues 12 May
Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA Theatre Production Wed 8, Fri 10 and Sat 11 July
Mandy Loomes(02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA AGM & Committee MeetingTues 21 July
Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 [email protected]
OBA Golf Day Tues 15 September
Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA Committee MeetingTues 13 October
Mandy Loomes(02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA Annual Dinner Fri 6 November
Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 [email protected]
Over 70s EventsBack to Barker Day Wed 20 May
Bob Hill (56)(02) 9144 [email protected]
Over 70s/Leslie’s Men Lunch/ Rugby and AGMSat 8 August
Bob Hill (56) (02) 9144 [email protected]
Grange Visit Wed 21 October
Bob Hill (56)(02) 9144 [email protected]
Regional EventsHong Kong Fri 24 April
Brayden Winkler (07) [email protected]
Singapore Sat 25 April
Carly Switzer (94) [email protected]
London Sat 13 June
Annette French (Slattery 88)[email protected]
Tamworth Fri 24 July
Richard Webb (67)0419 616 654 Perth Sat 10 October
Tom Hargreaves (69) [email protected]
Sunshine CoastSun 25 October
Phil Benjamin (61)[email protected]
Canberra Fri 20 November
Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 [email protected]
WILL YOU BE ATTENDING YOUR CLASS REUNION?
Not sure whether anything is being planned? Please contact Karina Drummond in the Alumni Office, [email protected] or 02 9847 8283.
PRIVACY
Due to changes in Privacy Legislation we are required to inform you that your contact details may be shared with OBA reunion organisers with the strict guidelines that they are only to be used for the purposes of organising your OBA reunion. Please contact the Alumni Office if you wish to keep your details private.
PHOTOS
Photos from your event may be posted on the OBA Website (www.oba.net.au) and the Alumni Facebook page (www.facebook.com/barkercollegealumni) and in The Barker magazine. For further queries please contact the Alumni Office.
We are also planning events for Melbourne, Brisbane, Central Coast, Northern Rivers and New York, USA.
Regional events provide a great opportunity to connect with members of the Barker community in your area.
Please send your contact details to [email protected] if you are living in a different location to your Barker mailing address so we can invite you too!