the barker #107
DESCRIPTION
The quarterly publication of Barker CollegeTRANSCRIPT
Winter 2015 — Issue 107ISSN: 2204-938X
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Peace looks like this Gallipoli ANZAC Tour
The Imaginarium: A Sandpit for
Future Learning
ScienceFIRST Robotics World Championship
St Louis Missouri 2015
08
Issue 107 Winter 2015
The Barker is the quarterly magazine of Barker College
Cover Photography Wayne Chang
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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The Regulars
12 Prep School
14 Junior School
16 Middle and Senior School
26 Drama
38 Sport
44 The Old Barker
The Features08 Peace looks like this
Gallipoli ANZAC Tour 14 – 28 April 2015
16 The Imaginarium: A Sandpit for Future Learning
24 Library An exciting start to 2015 in the Library
25 Science FIRST Robotics World Championship St Louis Missouri 2015
34 MTB Championships 2015 Australian Interschools MTB Championships Thredbo
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
04
MTB Championships
The Roaring Girl Year 12 Play
Teaching & Learning Teacher QualityT
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S ix months ago we introduced our vision to be a School that inspires hope in others and to be a source of hope for the future. Two momentous events in April have placed us closer than we may first have imagined when formulating this vision.
Picture 45,000 people in a sporting stadium in St Louis, Missouri, cheering on over 600 international teams. Within this mix is a team from Sydney with students in Years 9 to 11 who had written the code and built a robot that could match it with teams from international universities and NASA.
With the assistance of some incredibly dedicated mentors, Jeser and Diaine, the generous support of the OBA and parents, and under the supervision of Sarah Cormio, our Barker Red Crusade Team 4613 made an impact among spectators and opponents alike. The travel team had created a formidable robot that could meet the challenge in a creditable and competitive way.
Team 4613 reached the semi-finals and won three from four matches at this level to end their tournament. One cannot overstate the magnitude of this achievement. Of course, they’ve set me a new challenge – how does Barker continue to support this brilliant example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) education into the future? And is there a robot they could design to help me meet this challenge?
As our Robotics students were receiving accolades for their performances, on the other side of the Atlantic a magnificent team of musicians, historians and staff, led by Simon Smith, were showcasing their own talents.
My office has received numerous letters of commendation from people who encountered our students and staff on the tour to Gallipoli – few of them directly connected to Barker.
Our students held several fine impromptu recitals and formal concerts, while their demeanour demonstrated some of the best qualities evident in this emerging generation – respect, grace, dignity, courage and compassion. Going far beyond what might have been expected of students who were on-tour; Barker College students honoured our Turkish hosts, befriended strangers and showed immense filial loyalty to our Kiwi antipodean cousins.
Two stories shared with me by strangers to Barker come to mind. The first involves a group of New Zealander school tour students encountering our touring party at one of the Gallipoli memorial sites. Without ceremony, our students greeted the Kiwis with both verses of God Defend New Zealand, including the traditional version in Maori language. The Kiwi students responded with an equally ebullient version of Advance Australia Fair. No adults made this happen. The kids knew how to show respect to others.
The second was at the end of the ANZAC Centenary Day, 25 April – a 27-hour day filled with emotion and redolent with meaning for all who attended. After difficulties with buses, numerous guests on the MSC Opera cruise ship were delayed and exhausted as they returned. Our students waited on the decks and sang to greet people until the last guest was back on board. It was a precious gift on a memorable day and several people have written to me to share the moment.
Thank you to FOBM and to all families for supporting this experience.
Barker College students have shown they are capable of meeting challenges on a truly global stage. I think we can all be proud of them. Peace
Phillip Heath Head of Barker College
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Mr Phillip HeathHead of Barker College
Part of the vision of Inspiring Global Hope
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I n February, The Barker Institute invited Dr Bartek
Rajkowski to speak about the application of recent
research involving the teaching of English and speech
to children. Dr Rajkowski addressed a packed audience
of staff and parents.
In April, our global reach was celebrated through an
outstanding trip by many students and staff to Gallipoli
for the ANZAC Centenary. The rest of the School closely
supported the tour, and marked the date with a service
on 27 April on the OBA Soundstage.
We are developing relationships outside Sydney with links
to the Yipirinya School in Alice Springs and New England
Girls Grammar School in Armidale.
The strategic plan is also changing the School itself.
Jeremy Von Einem has been appointed as the Director of
Academic Performance and Achievement, highlighting our
increasing commitment to academic performance. He will
bring together a number of different methods of monitoring
student performance, and develop new approaches to
teaching and learning throughout Middle and Senior School.
A separate group of staff with Mr Heath’s oversight is
looking at developing our facilities from the ground up.
The School has engaged an architect and facilitator to lead
this process, Paul Davies, a former Barker student has an
outstanding career in designing schools and church buildings.
This will involve the re-use or adaption of some classrooms,
such as the Imaginarium (featured pg 16), which involved the
redevelopment of a teaching space with current technology
and teaching equipment.
The School Council has now commenced construction
of the new girls sporting facility on Rosewood Oval, and
the Head of Barker College is looking at further facility
overhauls as part of the master plan process. Many of the
current sports facilities are a priority. The other area for
consideration is developing our Kindergarten to Year 2
classrooms, as enrolments continue to increase.
The School Council is looking forward to an exciting
year and will encourage you to be involved. Together Barker
College is marked by a very strong school spirit and sense
of community, which is shared by all our students, staff and
parents. This makes for an outstanding Christian educational
environment, of which we are all proud and committed to
further developing.
Ian Miller Chairman
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The first half of 2015 has been exciting at the School, with the outworking of the strategic plan being implemented across all areas of Barker College life.
—Ian Miller, Chairman
Chairman’s
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How would you describe your role?
Kate: Our role is quite diverse. Each week we meet with the
youth workers who help us plan and facilitate the voluntary
Christian program.
Jamie: We have learned a lot about organisation and
leadership and are amazed at how much happens behind
the scenes at Barker. I particularly enjoyed being involved in
the Interschool Cru event which saw over 300 students from
Cru groups all around Sydney meeting together at Barker.
Kate: A big highlight for me was the Senior Weekend Away,
it was a unique opportunity to plan and run a welcome camp
for the new and incoming Year 10 students.
What about the week-to-week work you do – how does
that make an impact at Barker?
Jamie: We have weekly Growth Group bible studies and
Senior School Cru, which are great opportunities to meet
students from other years and explore the Christian faith
in a relaxed environment.
Kate: We believe Cru contributes to Barker through the
support and encouragement of each student’s faith. In doing
so, Cru seeks to contribute to the loving and accepting
culture evident at Barker.
Kirrily Aynsley and Simon Walker have worked alongside
students in Cru for the past four years. They have also taught
PDHPE and Christian Studies. Kirrily leaves Barker in 2015 to
enjoy motherhood. Simon is moving into other roles within
the School.
Jeff Ware
Senior Chaplain
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Departing youth workers Kirrily Aynsley and Simon Walker met with the 2015 Cru Captains, Kate Daine and Jamie Woods, to discuss their leadership role and what they have been doing at Cru this year.
Chairman’s
The Cru
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Increasing the effectiveness of
teachers is the key to improving our
schools, but many systems around
the world have only recently focused
reform efforts on transforming
initial teacher education. The ways in
which candidates are prepared to be
teachers have a critical influence on
what teachers can do and what their
students learn, yet very few countries
have an effective system for educating
teachers. Many programs lack proven
practices and are a long way behind
the best and highest performing
nations where teachers are confident,
demonstrate capacity and enjoy status
and substantial remuneration.
Research shows that quality
teachers are crucial for achieving
an overall improvement in student
learning outcomes. In New South
Wales, for example, the State
Government released Great Teaching,
Inspired Learning – a Blueprint for Action
in 2013 which outlines a range of
actions to improve standards of
teaching in NSW. GTIL’s approach
includes four key focus areas including:
initial teacher education; entry into the
profession; developing and maintaining
professional practice and, recognising
and sharing outstanding practice.
Initial teacher education has
recently enjoyed much attention.
Learning First, a Melbourne-based
organisation that specialises in
education reform, training and
policy, has recently released Roberts-
Hull, Jensen and Cooper’s, A new
approach: Teacher education reform.
This 2015 study reveals the training
that aspirant teachers receive at
university generally fails to provide
them with essential skills. Co-author
of the report, Dr Ben Jensen, wryly
observes that “Some are excellent in
spite of their teacher training, not
because of it”. Similarly, the recent
Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory
Group (TEMAG) report has highlighted
the need in reforming approaches to
teacher training and, more specifically,
the ways that institutions approach
the development of practice amongst
emerging practitioners.
For each student to learn to the best
of their ability, teachers must be able
to use their formative and summative
assessment skills to identify a child’s
learning needs and then develop
curriculum and teaching strategies
to address each of those needs.
This is not an easy task. Teachers
need to have a range of high-level
skills to which they have often not
had sufficient exposure to during their
initial teacher training. Unsurprisingly,
statistics reveal that there is a high
drop-out rate of early-career teachers
in Australia and that students are not
developing the repertoire of subject
knowledge and learning skills as
rapidly as they should. Hopefully,
with initiatives such as GTIL, this is
about to change.
In the broader picture, state
governments across Australia are
considering reforms that could
fundamentally change initial teacher
education, enabling improvements
to the quality of education our young
people receive in this and future
generations. However, tertiary reform
has not been easy. A fraught debate
has raged about initial student entry
requirements into teacher training
programs, course content and the
broader ambit and standards of initial
teacher education that has largely
focused on peripheral areas and often
on policies that increase regulation and
government control of the factors that
make little difference to the quality of
the teacher produced.
Towards a greater professionalisation of the
profession
Quality:
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Ben Jensen’s view is more optimistic:
“The way forward is to rise above
polarising debates and recognise the
true problems in teacher development,
the idiosyncrasies of the sector and
the impact of these and reforms that
best develop and support teachers in a
complex profession”.
A new approach: Teacher
education reform details the various
transformative options available to
governments and how they can play out
in various systems including:
• Many teaching courses are training
future teachers in practices that
are out of date and not backed by
contemporary research;
• Too many teaching courses lack
rigorous training in specific subject
knowledge. Teachers need an
in-depth knowledge of a subject
to instruct students effectively,
particularly when students are
struggling to understand;
• Great teachers must continually
evaluate and develop their own
practice. Fundamental to this is the
ability to assess the impact of their
teaching on student learning; and,
• Effectively linking teaching theories
to classroom practice is critical to
developing beginner teachers.
In recent times, New South Wales
has led the nation in reforming teacher
education. Notably, it has instituted new
tough entry requirements and a more
comprehensive evaluation of the quality
of teacher education courses.
How then is Barker College
responding to the issues highlighted
by these current developments in the
professional lives of new and continuing
teachers? Two recent developments at
the School, Inspiring Global Hope (School
Strategic Plan) and the creation of the
Barker Institute allow us to explore and
implement strategies and professional
learning related to the issues
surrounding supporting, mentoring and
extending teaching skills particularly
amongst staff who are brand new to
the profession. Equally, the College
of Teachers, a professional arm of the
Barker Institute, is poised to recognise,
extend and explore notions of high-level
teaching and learning through action
research, observation, data collection
and collective approaches to developing
a quality experience for both our
students and teachers. Here, staff will
develop their own professional practice
by engaging in the regular review
and sharing of their own practice
with colleagues in a professional and
supportive context.
Teachers must have strong academic
capabilities combined with the ability
to envision learning in new and creative
ways. Barker is responding to increasing
calls for strengthening the profession in
a range of areas.
Dr Greg Cunningham
Director of Teaching and Learning
Dr Brad Merrick
Director of Research in Learning and
the Barker Institute
Website: www.barkerinstitute.com.au
Twitter @BarkerInstitute
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“For each student to learn to the best of their ability, teachers must be able to use their formative and summative assessment skills to identify a child’s learning needs and then develop curriculum and teaching strategies to address each of those needs.”
The Barker Institute
Sharing innovation, research &
professional learning throughout
the education community. Fostering
inspired teaching practice, locally,
nationally and globally.TH
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Gallipoli ANZAC Tour April 14 - 28 2015
Peacelooks this
—Kirsten Hargreaves (Yr 11) and friend on National Children’s Day, Çannakale.
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In Peter FitzSimons’ own words there are a million
stories out of Gallipoli. This has been one of them.
Here is our story. In April 2015, 109 Barker students
formed a choir, symphonic wind band, chamber
orchestra, symphony orchestra and jazz orchestra.
These complemented the three significant aspects of
the Gallipoli ANZAC Tour – music, history and culture.
Performance highlights included National Children’s
Day in Çannakale, the Pre-dawn Service in Gelibolu and the
Gallipoli 100th Anniversary Ball at the Istanbul Convention
Centre. However, it was the impromptu performances
that are remembered most fondly. An a capella rendition
of Nearer My God to Thee around the memorial at Anzac
Cove (subsequently broadcast by ABC Radio National and
Channel 7) was perhaps the most solemn highlight, but the
spontaneous lining up of the students along the deck singing
home the returning battlefield pilgrims was immensely
moving. Of such things is character forged, and the
reputation of a generation of young Australians enhanced.
During performances the Year 10 history students
delighted audiences presenting their Adopt a Digger stories.
The stories of the 45 Barker alumni who served at Gallipoli
were regaled with respect and humour. In another of many
magic moments, ship passenger Andrew Traill was deeply
moved by Thomas Watt’s historical research into his great
uncle, Gallipoli veteran James Hamilton Traill.
Sightseeing highlights included St Mark’s Square and
Basilica in Venice, the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque in
Istanbul and the ruins of Troy. Students also visited the
Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the amazing Topkapi Palace and
of course the Gallipoli Peninsula, which is outstandingly
beautiful apart from its historical significance. Leaving
Venice and Istanbul by ship at sunset were both
unforgettable experiences.
The students and staff had many memorable experiences
on the tour that will enrich our lives forever.
Simon Smith
Tour Director and Head of Music
“The Barker choir instantly switches into a fabulous rendition of the Turkish national anthem. The guides stop, the wharf workers and security guards stare open-mouthed, the police and soldiers snap to attention. At the end, the Turks, the Australians and New Zealanders all together – 100 years on to the day since the beginning of the devastating battle that killed over 100,000 of our citizens – cheer and clap wildly.” P FitzSimons, ‘To thine own self be true … Lest we forget’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 May 2015
—Clockwise from top left Noah Learoyd (Yr 12) at Arni Burnu;
The tour party at Plugges Plateau; Paying respect at Anzac Cove;
Harry Sheppard and friends are awe-struck in the Blue Mosque, Instanbul;
Jazz Orchestra trombones at the Gallipoli 100 Anniversary Ball.
Peace
thisGallipoli ANZAC Tour April 14 - 28 2015
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Twenty-three old boys are
known to have died on the
battlefields of Gallipoli, Egypt,
Mesopotamia (Iraq), Belgium
and France.
One of the most famous Australian
regiments in the First World War
was the 1st Light Horse (LH). Five of
our old boys were part of the original
contingent that sailed from Sydney
on HMAT Star of Victoria on 20
October 1914 and arrived in Egypt on
8 December 1914.
Private Ronald AL MacDonald
(1902-04, Shore 1905-1907), Signaller
James H Traill (1908-12), Private Bruce
W Warden (1908-11) and brothers
Private Frank Kane (1907-09) and
Private Lord Alfred Kane (1909-1910)
embarked on a shared journey that
would inevitably change their lives
and those of their families and friends
forever.
Buoyed with enthusiasm
and anticipating an adventure
beyond their expectations and life
experiences to date, the five Barker
boys, along with 20,000 members of
the 1st LH, arrived in Egypt to undergo
battle training. They were not part
of the Gallipoli landing of April 25
but were sent as reinforcements two
weeks later, arriving on 12 May 1915.
DURING THE FIRST WORLD
WAR, MORE THAN 200 BARKER OLD
BOYS – BROTHERS, COUSINS AND BEST MATES –
VOLUNTEERED FOR ACTIVE SERVICE.
BARKER’S MEN OF THE 1ST LIGHT HORSE
It is hard to envisage what
sights, sounds and smells these
men encountered, and even harder
to comprehend how nervous and
apprehensive they would have felt
upon landing at ANZAC Cove.
The 1st LH had already seen the
great number of casualties that
were transported back from Gallipoli
to the Heliopolis Palace Hotel (1st
Australian General Hospital) in Cairo,
before their deployment. They had
already seen the ugly truth of war
on the peninsula.
Upon landing, the 1st LH were
directed to the northern end of the
beach. They made their way up
Shrapnel Gully, and along the way
the Kane brothers met their father,
a medical officer with the 2nd
Battalion. They managed to get to
Pope’s Post, where they stayed for
five days before retreating downhill
to a rest section. It was here on
May 19 that Frank Kane was hit in
the abdomen by a Turkish sniper’s
bullet. His brother Alf helped carry
him down to the beach to seek
medical attention. He was taken to
the hospital ship Sicilia, which was
anchored offshore. He died four days
later on 23 May 1915 aged 23 and
was buried at sea.
AR
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—Above Ronald MacDonald was killed in August 1916. Image courtesy of the State Library of New South Wales.
—Above James Traill in 1918. Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
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After staying on the peninsula
for six months the 1st LH were sent
back to Egypt and, for the rest of
the war, were part of the Egyptian
Expeditionary Force which took part
in the Sinai and Palestine campaigns.
Lieutenant MacDonald was the second
of the group to die when he was shot
through the heart on 9 August 1916
on the battlefields towards Bir el Abd,
Egypt. He was 27. The third to die was
2nd Lieutenant Bruce Warden, who
had left the 1st LH in 1916 and joined
the 56th Battalion in Flanders in
1917. He died of penetrating gunshot
wounds to the abdomen on 27
September 1917 near Polygon Wood.
Alf Kane and James Traill survived
the War. Lieutenant Traill transferred
to the Australian Flying Corp and
AR
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was awarded a Distinguished Flying
Cross in 1918. He died in 1967 aged
70. Lieutenant Alf Kane arrived back
in Sydney on 4 July 1919 without his
only brother. He was Barker’s last
surviving AIF Gallipoli veteran when
he died in 1980 aged 87.
Barker College does not forget their
sacrifices.
For more information on Barker’s
involvement in World War 1
please visit the Archives website
barkerlibrarynsw.libguides.com/
archives/nominalrolls.
Sarah O’Neill
Archivist
—Below Bruce Warden as a member of the 1910 1st XV. He died of wounds in 1917.
—Above Alf Kane as an older man in the 1960s. Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.
—Above Frank Kane was killed in action at Pope’s Post in 1915. Lord Alfred Kane (1908-1909) Collection.
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PARTICIPATE
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MOTIVATEPR
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Every day in the Prep School we strive to inspire
each learner in every experience they are
engaged in. We encourage our young students
to think beyond themselves, as we lay the initial
foundations for Inspiring Global Hope. In 2015,
we are privileged to nurture the graduating classes
of 2025, 2026 and 2027. The Christian faith is at
the core of all that we do. We encourage each
boy to think, act and speak in a kind way, to be
committed, compassionate, courageous, to show
integrity, and to be respectful.
Sarah Dickson Head of Early Learning K to 3
INSPIRING
OF THE
OURLEADERS
FUTURE
PREPA
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—Top Year 3 students enjoying their afternoon tea before their GAP class. Left to right Zachary Fricke, Noah Workman, Sebastian Fowler, Lachlan Sweeney; —Above Luca Palermo (Yr 4) being taught by Mr Griffin-Miller in Woodwork.
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T he program is consistent with the teaching and
learning philosophy of the Junior School, which
draws significantly from the Howard Gardner
model of Multiple Intelligences, identifying
innate strengths and talents in all human beings.
Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences views
intelligence not as one single ability but as differentiated
into eight areas of understanding and behaviour.
Each learner displays a unique blend of all the
intelligences, with strengths shown in some domains
more than others. The Gardner Activity Program seeks
to help students identify and develop their strengths
and talents. For example, dance and drama demonstrate
the Kinesthetic and Interpersonal domains of Multiple
Intelligences, where the students are able to learn
collaboratively and cooperatively with others to express
creative ideas bodily. Meanwhile, Mandarin, Public
Speaking and Debating are in the Verbal/Linguistic
domain, and Science and Robotics fall within the Problem
Solving domain.
Robotics has been introduced this year, giving the boys
the opportunity to build robots and then add a power
supply and processors. The final step of the program is when
the robots begin to move independently according to the way
they’ve been programmed by the students.
Each week the Hip Hop group, with their lime green
caps, can be found channelling their energy into strength
and coordination drills, jumps and specialised routines
highlighting their individual and teamwork skills. Last year
and again this year, the group will perform at the Junior
School Showcase at Ravenswood, with Years 5 and 6 working
intensively towards their first ever dance competition, coming
up at the Sydney Opera House.
Other activities that have been offered to date are Drama,
Chess, Taekwondo, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Clay
Modelling, Craft, Woodwork, Mandarin, Debating, Public
Speaking, Science and Bible Study.
The Gardner Activity Program has and will continue
to provide a diverse range of learning experiences to appeal
to the equally diverse range of interests found in primary-
aged students.
Cate Loder GAP Co-ordinator
JUN
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HO
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—Above Years 5 and 6 Hip Hop Crew striking a pose.
GardnerProgram
Since early 2013, the Junior School students have participated, with enthusiasm, in the Gardner Activity Program, which provides extension and enrichment
learning in an after-school-hours program.
—Above Tom Schwarz from the Middle School mentoring Tom Vercoe (Yr 5) in Robotics.
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The Imaginarium (formerly known as C2 and C3) is a
new learning space designed to promote collaboration and
provide opportunities for flexible learning. The concept grew
from Mr Phillip Heath’s discussions with students about
Barker classrooms, and his interest in the role of the physical
environment as the third teacher, influencing how students
learn. In consultation with architects, staff and students,
we have sought to create an experimental sandpit. Here,
teachers and students will experience different learning
environments and identify what works best in terms of
furniture, light, colour, technology and space and how they
interface with effective pedagogies.
The new space has been open since the middle of Term 1
and is predominantly occupied by Year 7, Year 10 and Year
11 History classes. It allows for two class groups and their
teachers to work together.
The History staff has adopted the spirit of the sandpit and
embraced its new ideas on teaching and learning. Teachers
who have taken their classes into the Imaginarium have
already developed some excellent new teaching and learning
methods as a result. Some staff have adopted a Project-Based
Learning model while others have explored the best team-
teaching approaches. As an example, Kathryn Driver and
Dr Kelvin Watson developed a project on the development
of rights and freedoms in the twentieth century. Students
used the space to work collaboratively across the two
classes. Drawing on examples from the United States Civil
Rights Movement and the campaign for Indigenous rights
in Australia, the challenge was to present their findings to
younger students. The final product was presented to Year 4
students in the Junior School and was a great success.
The Imaginarium remains a work in progress, supported
by an ongoing process of reflection on what is working and
what needs to be revised. The early experiences suggest that
students and teachers can see enormous value in this flexible
environment, as it provides more choices in teaching and
learning, and takes into account the relationships between
formal learning, social learning and the built environment.
The future of learning remains to be seen, but we have
started the process of imagining.
Greg Longney Head of History and Commercial Studies
The Imaginarium:A Sandpit for Future Learning
IMA
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The Imaginarium:A Sandpit for Future Learning
Green Screen
Video Camera
Movable Furniture
Touch Screen
Writable Surfaces
IMA
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The Power of Imaginarium
• Furniture can be configured into project spaces, instructional spaces and presentation spaces.
• Small tiered seating areas and writable surfaces have been popular, as has the permanent green screen wall.
• Two touch screens allow students to push content to them. The screens are connected to cameras which allow for lesson capture. These will be invaluable for teacher professional learning and will provide the opportunity, in the future, for students to review lesson materials asynchronously.
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Matt Kean visits Year 10
students
Year 9 Commbank Presentation
On Monday 23 February, Year 9 were lucky
enough to have a representative from the
Commonwealth Bank, Jannalee Bollinger,
to teach us about smart spending and the
way retailers sell their goods. One of the
main things we learnt about was that major supermarkets
like Woolworths and Coles put our main needs and
necessities at the back of the store, so that customers have
to walk through the rest of the shop to get them.
In the second part of the lesson, Ms Bollinger gave us tips
on how to be smart when we’re buying goods and services.
The best tip she gave us was, “Wait 24 hours after you see
the product. If you still like it then go and buy it.” This helps
to stop impulse buying.
The presentation was extremely helpful, because we
played fun games and learnt important things in the unit
of work. It was a great way for us to learn in a different
environment to the classroom.
Lachlan Lloyd Year 9
It’s not every day an MP gives you an insight into
their day-to-day life and how they deal with the
ups and downs of their job. But on Friday May
1, Year 10 Commerce students were treated to a
question time of their very own with Matt Kean,
the parliamentary member for Hornsby.
During his talk he explained his enthusiasm for politics,
why he joined the Liberal Party and how we could make an
influence in politics ourselves, through youth branches and
even by joining our preferred party.
Mr Kean then opened the floor to a bit of Q & A,
which the classes (and teachers) actively participated in.
He was quickly approached with a broad range of questions,
spanning from “What is the most rewarding part of your
job?” to, “How do you deal with the haters?” The opportunity
to get prompt and direct answers from an MP was vigorously
lapped up by Year 10, who gave well-considered responses to
the audience.
The chance to have Mr Kean come to Barker for Year
10’s new unit on political involvement was accepted by
all classes with an energetic response. His speech proved
enlightening for us and we will definitely reflect on it in
the coming terms, years and maybe even elections, as we
finish school and reach voting age – the visit will not be
forgotten soon.
Finn van Herten Year 10
CO
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—Above Learning about how to become wise consumers.
—Above Students learnt how to become involved with politics rather than just a spectator.
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Language Learning the Ages
Year 9 Languages Evening
On Wednesday 25 March all Year 9 language students gathered
in the BCMA theatre to perform a series of skits, songs and
films. Each item was produced in the foreign language studied
by the students: Japanese, Latin, French or Chinese. The evening
proved to be an excellent opportunity for our Year 9 students
to showcase their linguistic skills before an audience of their
parents and peers.
The Japanese classes opened the show with a gentle
exercise routine (Rajio Taisoo) followed by a stunning display of
choreographed dancing (Soran Bushi). The Latin students then
performed an abridged scene from the Roman playwright Plautus.
The French short film had a soccer theme, combining fast-paced
action scenes with side-splitting humour and a guest appearance
from language teacher, Ashley Rickman. The Chinese class
concluded the evening with a combined performance of drama,
poetry and song.
Congratulations must go to all the Year 9 students who
performed so magnificently on the night. The students
demonstrated passion and linguistic dexterity by performing
such a sophisticated range of pieces. Their Year 9 teachers also
deserve recognition for giving so much time and effort
in preparing the students for this outstanding event.
—Above Learning about how to become wise consumers.
—Clockwise from top left Barker parents learning Chinese; Alexander Rench taking orders for Max Alvarez, Nicholas McDermott, Matthew Rogers and Han Lin; Jonathan Greenberg and Nicolas Janjevski playing the part of the Roman Centurion and his parasite; Japanese dancers performing the Soran Bushi.
Language Classes for Barker Parents
This year the Languages Department has offered two
beginner courses for parents – the first in Chinese and the
second in Latin. The classes meet once a week on a weekday
evening. The program is designed to broaden the awareness
of different languages, in addition to providing valuable
family support to our students who are studying languages
here at Barker.
The response from parents has been extremely positive.
Each lesson provides a wonderful opportunity for parents
to explore a new culture and gain new insights by learning
a language. Following the success of this year’s program,
it is hoped that the department will be able to offer similar
classes in French and Japanese next year.
Matthew Ross Head of Languages
LAN
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MU
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A lex has nurtured the talents of hundreds of
gifted young people, including many at Barker
over the past 12 years, since arriving from
Romania in the 1970s to play in the Sydney
String Quartet and teach at Sydney Conservatorium.
Which isn’t to say that he is a softie; he has high standards
and expectations of his students because he knows they
are capable of meeting them. He also knows that hard
work provides the most satisfaction in the long term.
However, Mr Todicescu is not one to blow his own
trumpet (and not only because he plays viola). So the
news that he has yet again been awarded the Australian
Music Examinations Board’s shield for being the leading
instrumental teacher in the higher grades and diplomas in
NSW could easily have slipped under the radar. This is in
fact the 18th time that Alex – or ‘Todi’ as Conservatorium
students nicknamed him for years – has won the award.
He has won it every year since 1984 bar three, and for one
of those years he wasn’t in the country!
Currently, Alex has a studio of six students at Barker.
All his current and former Barker students are fine
musicians and have achieved excellent results, including
the higher diplomas A.Mus.A and L.Mus.A. At the age
of 75, Alex shows few signs of slowing down. He is no
longer teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium but teaches
exclusively at Barker and at his extensive home studio.
He also continues to perform concerts on his beautiful
Italian instruments. Long may that continue!
Barker College also received notification recently that the
results in the AMEB exams taken by Barker students last
year puts us in the top five schools in the State.
David Saffir Director of Strings
Alex Todicescu is a violin and viola teacher from Romania. While this may conjure up images of a stereotypical fearsome Eastern European taskmaster, he is in fact a warm and caring master musician.
Master
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BO
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GBoarding has its
“Boarding definitely makes you more independent, develops your life skills and makes you take responsibility for things you may have taken for granted at home.”
Six meals a days, prepared by great chefs, with a wide range of options on offer. Who wouldn’t want to be a boarder!
Alec says the compulsory two hours of supervised study time each night has made him more disciplined and organised. Catriona appreciates having her peers available for support and collaboration
Alec has leadership aspirations in the Cadet Unit and he values sharing his experiences and ideas with other boarders. It is also great to leave the afternoon activity, make it home for an early dinner and still have the time and energy to focus on study.
Catriona and Alec love being able to sleep through to 7:20am each morning, enjoy a cooked breakfast and still be able to get to school on time. Both also join other boarders regularly at early morning gym sessions, which are only minutes away.
A t times it is hard living away from home
and taking on greater levels of personal
responsibility, but the rewards are numerous
as well. Here, Catriona Uliana (Year 10) and
Alec Munro (Year 11) share some of their highlights of
daily life as boarders.
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Alumni ALU
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OFI
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The best thing about my time at Barker was the friends I made. Barker’s wonderful ethos and core values provided a safe and collaborative platform for learning and extra-curricular activities.
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Director of Alumni Relations, Mandy Loomes, speaks
with Pip Ryan from the Class of 1983.
What was the highlight from your time at Barker?The best thing about my time at Barker was the friends
I made. Barker’s wonderful ethos and core values
provided a safe and collaborative platform for learning
and extra-curricular activities. We supported each other
in sport, debating, music and drama. Our ski weekends,
field trips and assemblies were hilarious. I am still in
touch with friends from School and some of us meet
regularly for lunch or Christmas drinks. I am keenly
aware of the sacrifices my parents made to send me to
Barker and I did not take a single minute for granted.
Did you always want to be a lawyer when you were at School?I always had ideas and the law was one. I was also keen
on publishing and advertising. Interestingly, teaching and
academia were not even on the radar. A stint working for
Esso in London and the sage advice of my aunt in New
Jersey convinced me to do a law degree.
Was it a difficult road to becoming a Barrister?The biggest challenge was logistical. Before taking the
plunge and registering to do the Bar exams, I had seven
years valuable experience in the law: first as a paralegal,
then as a judge’s associate and finally as a solicitor
in commercial litigation at a major law firm. During
those years, I was mindful that I was being paid to be
competent, reliable and efficient. The biggest challenge
was juggling these (very reasonable) expectations with
family obligations. In those days, it was not unusual
for me to leave work at 6pm, get home, make dinner,
supervise homework, bathe a child or two, read stories
and then return to work at 11pm to finish the day’s work.
I spent my 30s chronically sleep-deprived.
What is your area of expertise?My practice at the Bar has been mainly in Commercial
Law and Equity. I am not practising at the moment, but
I am a member of the Bar Education Committee and I
teach on the Bar Practice Course. My PhD thesis explored
the liability of third parties to breaches of trust. I am also
interested in fraud, Ponzi schemes and economic bubbles.
Do you enjoy lecturing at UTS and what made you take on this role?UTS Law is a fantastic place to work. The students are
highly motivated and it is a really collegiate faculty.
My first part-time teaching experience was at Sydney
University’s old law school on Phillip Street. After
finishing my Master of Education and PhD, I thought long
and hard about whether to commit to academia. I am glad
I did. I have autonomy in my research, and I find teaching
positive and engaging.
You are obviously very busy, so why do you mentor up-and-coming female law students as well?I was inspired by the mentoring program at The Women’s
College (where I had a teaching fellowship for three years).
I coordinate a mentoring program that matches female
law students with female barristers. We keep in touch with
our student on a regular basis, until she has completed her
degree and found a job. The most recent cohort included
the daughter of one of my best friends from Barker, and one
of our mentors is another Barker alumna.
How do you balance your work-life commitments?The key to victory is organisation: set the alarm, keep lists,
eat good food, meet deadlines, don’t double-book, and
prioritise. I am better at it now than I was 20 years ago,
perhaps because these days I have an iPhone. Technology
has been very kind to working mums and being self-
employed is liberating. I have on many occasions given
legal advice while parked outside a boatshed or sitting on
a chairlift at the snow. Instructing solicitors don’t really
mind where their barrister is, as long as they can be
contacted. Of course, there are times when you are utterly
consumed by preparation and the hearing itself. But the
work is always interesting and every time you appear in
court you learn something new.
Do you get much spare time? How do you relax?My spare time is found on long car trips to the Snowy
Mountains, where we have our family home. My husband
and I share the driving and we listen to podcasts. I also
love long-haul flights: the phone is switched off, the
headphones go on, and if I press a bell someone will bring
me food – with a glass of wine.
What would you advise today’s Barker students?Keep busy. Get involved. Take advantage of opportunities.
Don’t look sideways at what others are doing. Chart your
own course. Make getting on with people a priority.
Have a five-year plan. And if you are thinking of marrying
someone, ask to see their five-year plan!
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The inaugural Australian FRC (FIRST Robotics
Competition) Regional event was held in
Homebush Sports Centre on 11-14 March with
Asia Pacific and USA teams. Barker was a
finalist, 1st Seed and winner of the Innovation
in Control Award. This qualified the team for the FRC World
Championships in St Louis, Missouri, USA on 22-25 April.
The game robot was sealed after the competition, and
shipped to the States. Barker was the only Australian school
team to make it through.
Two identical robots were built for this competition.
Once the game robot was sealed for shipping, our time and
energies were directed at improving driver/operator skills
and continual upgrading the practise robot.
The team flew to St Louis on 18 April. There are over
3,000 robotics teams worldwide, with 600 making it
through to the World Championships; these teams are then
randomly divided into eight divisions. Barker was placed in
the Curie division.
Qualifying matches occur for the first two days;
for every match, the alliance partners are randomly drawn.
Each alliance is made up of three teams.
SC
IEN
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Day one of the competition was difficult. Sorting out
a few technical issues and being teamed up with weaker
alliance partners meant that the team finished 48th, but
they improved on this by the end of day two, reaching
9th position.
Day three saw Barker through to the quarter finals as
the 8th Seed Alliance. We selected Team 1318 and 4061,
after declining an offer to join the 4th Seed Alliance.
The scouting team had critically analysed and formulated
the best strategy and teams to select for us to move forward
in the game.
Finals are played as the best of three elimination games
for the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals, with 1st Seed
Alliance playing 8th Seed and so on. Barker made history as
the only 8th Seed Alliance to beat the 1st Seed Alliance in
both the quarterfinals and semi-finals. Overall, Barker was
ranked in the top 20 robotics teams in the world and semi-
finalists at the World Championship. For a rookie team,
with one regional event under their belt, Team 4613 has
left its mark in this competition!
Sarah Cormio
Robotics Coordinator
FIRST Robotics
—Above A weary Travel Team return through the Mint Gates; Back row: Anthony Brian, Sarah Cormio, Matthew Brian, Oliver Nicholls, Matthew Buffa, Fergus Hudson, Joshua O’Hanna, Alastair Pilley, Sean Zammit and Barry Pilley. Front Row: Emmanuel Zammit, Julia Cormio, Alexander Milton and Sarah McVicker.
St Louis Missouri 201540 Countries, 18,000 students and a crowd of 40,000 filled the Edward Jones Dome in St Louis, Missouri
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Some of the new additions to the library’s programs and offerings for 2015 have been:
• Giant chess set (this has been a huge hit with the students). In addition to the giant set, many students are now playing chess on standard boards and it is especially satisfying to see Middle School students competing and interacting with Senior students.
• Teachers Love to Read Competition: Each fortnight, teachers from selected departments secretly provide their favourite books and staff and students have the opportunity to try and guess which book is the favourite of which teacher.
• Lunchtime iPad training. Each week, for eight weeks, the Teacher Librarians provided lunchtime introductory and masterclasses on the core suite of education iPad
apps for the staff and students.
• Teacher presentations in Year 9 Boys and Books.
A number of staff and teachers, including David Barker
and Mr Phillip Heath, have come to present and read a
portion of their favourite book. All reports suggest both
the teachers and the students have very much enjoyed
this initiative.
• Staff and students entering the Library will not fail to
notice the new Wordle Wall that greets all who enter.
The Wall is a visual display of the roles and activities the
library offers, intermingled with the newly revised Barker
College Mission, Vision and Values.
We look forward to more exciting and rewarding activities
and programs in the library for 2015.
Jason Saikaly
Head of Library Services
FIRST Robotics An exciting
—Above The new Wordle Wall that greets all who enter —Right Teachers Love to Read competition – can you match the book to the teacher?
LIBR
AR
Y
in the Library
It was a busy and exciting Term 1 for the Barker Senior Library. We started the year with the goal of offering more social, educational and collaborative activities and exercises for both staff and students
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DR
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The Roaring GirlIn February, the talented cast of 31 Year 12 students littered the Rhodes Theatre stage, and for the next two hours transported the audience into the gritty but ever-hilarious world of Moll Cutpurse – thief, misfit and extraordinary friend.
—Below The Two Neatfoots (Noah Learoyd and Natasha Spencer).
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The 200-year-old play, by Thomas Decker
and Thomas Middleton, was surprisingly
relevant to the cast and audience, challenging
our perceptions of gender and calling for a
society of understanding and mutual respect.
Throughout the play, Moll (Hannah Milligan) successfully
assists her friends, Mary Gallipot (Sami Novis) and Sebastian
Wengrave (Andrew Saar), in convincing their parents (Liam
Olsson and Sophia Murray Walker) to bless them in marriage.
Moll uses her miscreant reputation to scare the Wengraves
into believing that she plans to marry their son, therefore
creating a great sense of relief when they discover that Mary,
who they believe to be of too low social status, is in fact his
real wife. Through this, Moll challenges their and the rest
of the ensemble’s belief in the role of women: “I am my own
man… in truth I love to lie on both sides of the bed myself.”
Every rehearsal was a joy and I am truly lucky to have
played a part in the commitment and growth of us all
throughout the production. But it was not the cast alone that
brought this rambunctiously insightful play to life. The set
was one of co-director and set designer Dugal Parker’s most
dynamic creations to inhabit the Barker stage. With two
gigantic moving staircases and a maze of ladders and ramps,
the stage transformed from a blank slate to the abrasive and
bustling world of The Roaring Girl, a world which required
much coordination to smoothly execute its constructed
chaos. This is where the brilliant Backstage and Technical
Crew truly shone. With over 70 different hand-held props,
31 actors, 10 scene changes and live music to manage, the
crew did an exceptional job of keeping the show running
flawlessly. Everything from moving the stairs into the right
position for each scene, to sewing up my broken costume
five minutes before the show commenced one night, was
completed with a calm and positive nature and all 11 of
them were vital to the success of our production.
The Year 12 student band Schindler’s Fist comprised of
Jonathan Fawzi, Daniel Nicholas, Lachlan Fitzgerald, Matt
Crago and Mark Tuchin. They were a perfect complement
to the grungy tones of the play and gave a professional
performance each night. It was a unique addition to the play
and a fantastic experience to be able to work alongside such
talented musicians.
Sadly, The Roaring Girl was my last hurrah as a Barker
Drama student. Directors Pia Midgley and Dugal Parker
inspired me every time I stepped on stage to present the best
work that I could, and their guidance and invaluable advice
will stay with me for years to come. Barker offers incredible
opportunities to explore the world of theatre, and I have been
lucky enough to benefit from the amazing facilities that our
School is blessed with. My experiences on the Barker stage
over the last three years have taught me many things about
myself and the world around me that will permeate my life
for a long time to come.
The Roaring Girl was a wonderful experience and I feel as
though we have ended our time as Barker Drama performers
with a bang. The story of Moll and her ability to change the
minds of those around her, enlightening them and bringing
her community to a deeper sense of understanding, has
inspired us all. I can say with great confidence that her legacy
will stay with me through all that I go on to do, and I am
forever grateful for my involvement in this production, the
friendships that have formed and the passion it has instilled
in all who were lucky enough to see it and be a part of it .
Sophie Ellis
The Roaring Girl Cast Member
DR
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The Roaring Girl
“Would you know who it is, would you hear her name? She is called Mad Moll, her life our acts proclaim.”
—Above Moll Cutpurse (Hannah Milligan), Laxton (Seamus Dove) watched by Will Brown.
—Above The live band, Schindler’s Fist (Jonathan Fawzi, Daniel Nicholas, Lachlan Fitzgerald, Matt Crago and Mark Tuchin).
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—Clockwise from top left “I’ll take Fantasy for 500 points”; The hilarious antics of Theatresports; The Sonnet Project putting a contemporary spin on Shakespeare’s classics; Teachers in costume, can you guess who they have dressed up as?
In Week 7 of Term 1, the English, Drama and Library
staff inaugurated the Barker Festival of Page and
Stage as a celebration of all things dramatic, poetic
and novel – pun entirely intended. It was a week-
long event that launched on a day where staff came
dressed as a well-known literary character, which became
a great point of conversation about canonical texts,
nostalgic childhood memories and the pleasure of being
lost in a fantastical world.
The importance and joy of literature and drama were
brought to life in a range of opportunities on offer to the
students over the week. Guest presenters such as Brett Hunt
and The Sonnet Project entertained students during lunch
times. Brett Hunt brought together a range of songs from
periods of change and revolution in the twentieth century,
while The Sonnet Project performed their original music to
transform Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Students watched and enjoyed a collection of outstanding
short films, comforted by a cup of freshly popped popcorn.
There was the Speed Scrabble Tournament that saw Dylan
Hood of Year 12 eventuate as the champion wordsmith.
There were victors of Book Jeopardy – yes, a take on the game
show we all know and love – and a challenging Scavenger
Hunt where students had to find all the scattered letters
around the School and put them in order to make three
famous book titles. Congratulations to Alex Dring and Angus
Palmer of Year 9 for solving this.
The opportunity to buy books at the Book Fair and laugh
at the antics of Theatre Sports contributed to a well-received
and worthwhile first-ever Festival of Page and Stage.
Thank you to all the staff who were involved in organising
this event.
Michael Marokakis
English Teacher and Senior School Tutor
To subvert is not the aim of literature; its value lies in discovering and revealing what is rarely known, little known, thought to be known but in fact not very well known of the truth of the human world. Gao Xingjian, Nobel Lecture, 2000
Page and Stage
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VISU
AL A
RT
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It is timely that we provide an opportunity for all members of the Barker community to express their thoughts regarding Barker’s Strategic Plan Inspiring Global Hope in a visual form.
An art competition is being launched to all members of the Barker community. Any member of the Barker Community is welcome to submit an entry in any one of the following expressive forms:
• Painting
• Drawing
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Video
Please note that it is not necessary to frame a work which is submitted.
The work should emphasise social change.
The winning artist will be the person who is perceived to best raise awareness and engagement regarding a social issue thus helping to promote lasting change.
Go to creativetime.org/summit/prize/ to see recipients of the Leonore Annenburg Prize and read from artist statements to provide you with ideas for your own artwork.
Submissions must be delivered to the Visual Arts staff room, digital entries will not be accepted. Entries are now open and will close 3.30pm Friday 24 July (end of Week 2, Term 3).
A range of entries will be exhibited during the HSC exhibition in August.
Prize winners will be chosen by the Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath and the Head of Visual Arts, Mr Bentham. A prize of $200 will be awarded.
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We can think
DES
IGN
& T
ECH
NO
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—Above Ani Dilanchian removing components for flat pack furniture.
—Above Samuel Darwell, Noah Wright and Morgan Overmass producing computer generated renders.
—Above Jeremy Chivas testing architectural design through CAD modelling and 3D printing.
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DESIG
N &
TEC
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OLO
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‘Developing students who can think and do’ is
the mantra of the Design and Technology
Department. Students who ‘think’ know how
to research, observe and identify opportunity.
They know how to frame a project, establish criteria and
apply multiple techniques to generate creative ideas. And
they know how to evaluate the appropriateness of a design.
Students who ‘do’ know how to communicate
graphically and verbally. They know how to use a range
of software to help them generate designs, renders and
machining. They also know how to use hand tools and
machine tools to measure and mark out accurately,
cut, shape, join and finish materials. They know how to
conduct tests and experiments and how to manufacture
design ideas that are aesthetic, functional and appropriate.
Over the past 20 years there has been a significant
shift towards improving students’ ability to apply design
thinking skills. Some have argued that it has been to
the detriment of their manual skills base. However, to
produce a student who can think and adapt quickly, who is
proactive toward innovation and opportunity, requires the
development of minds as much as manual skills.
Getting the right mix between developing skills for
thinking and skills for making solutions is a balancing
act which varies between projects. Barker students find
themselves in an enviable position, having access to a
wide range of tools, machines and processes. Equally
important, students have access to a methodology to
develop design thinking skills. These skills prepare an
individual for life. Through testing safety, human interface,
materials and environments in which their ideas have
to perform, students learn to mitigate risk. They are
in essence learning risk management as well as design
methodology.
The world is continually changing and therefore we
must continue to adapt. Tools, machines and processes
will continue to develop, but our aim will remain the same,
to produce students who are confident in their ability to
think and do.
Darren Woodrow
Head of Design and Technology
—Above Year 11 Design and Technology students assembling flat pack furniture.
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T he students involved in Public Speaking @
Barker have had a rewarding and exciting
start to the year, and are reaping the rewards
of their efforts.
At Barker College’s Public Speaking Competition
on Monday 16 March 2015, all students spoke with
passion and conviction on their chosen topic, engaging
and educating their audience. Congratulations to the
following students for their success in their section of the
competition:
Junior Jack Breden (Year 8)
Intermediate William Solomon (Year 10)
Senior Sean Landis (Year 11)
Best Prepared Speech Seamus Dove (Year 12)
Term 2 was eventful as our students participated in
a variety of public speaking competitions. Sean Landis
represented Barker College in the Lawrence Campbell
Oratory competition.
He unfortunately did not place but it was an
invaluable experience for him. He and William Solomon
will also compete in The Sydney Morning Herald Plain
English Speaking Award in late May (results announced
in next issue of The Barker).
Both competitions offer the students challenging
and rewarding opportunities to lift their public speaking
skills.
Melissa Dooley and Vicky Argyrakis
Coordinators Public Speaking
Public
Using iPads
PUB
LIC
SPE
AK
ING
& M
AT
HS
P roviding iPads to each Year 7 student has opened up a new range
of possibilities to the newest members of the Middle School.
They use a suite of apps installed on every Barker iPad to access
their textbook, draw geometrical diagrams and perform
calculations, but anyone with a mobile device can take advantage of the
myriad of mathematical apps available.
Algebra Touch helps to show how the rules of algebra work
and what operations can be performed. Its dynamic visual
interface makes it easy to see what steps are needed to
solve an algebraic equation.
WolframAlpha can answer almost any mathematical
question. It performs basic calculations but has the
power to produce step-by-step solutions for long and
involved problems. It can also answer questions
on sporting results, population estimates and
much more. This is a great tool for our senior
Mathematics students or anyone curious
about the world around us.
Andrew Mallam
Mathematics Technology Coordinator —Above WolframAlpha showing a step-by-step solution to Question 13 (a) of the 2014
Extension 2 HSC paper.
—Public Speaking coach Tim Berney-Gibson with
Sean Landis, Lawrence Campbell Oratory competitor.
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Public Annual C
AD
ETS
T he first Advance Party (Pioneers and HQ) drove
up to Singleton on Easter Saturday in torrential
rain. After a mighty effort to set up camp,
everybody welcomed the chance to get out of
wet clothes and into warm sleeping bags. The next day
the sun shone and dried everything out, ending with a
magnificent and memorable sunset. Just to remind us of the
power and unpredictability of nature, on Monday afternoon
after the main body arrived we were treated to another
short, heavy downpour (luckily after most tents were set up).
On Tuesday we experienced very strong winds which
required tents and tarps to be secured by additional ropes and
pegs due to the saturated ground. At times we had to physically
hold tents down to stop them flying away in wind gusts of over
70 kilometres per hour!
This year saw some popular changes to the Broken Back
Trek. Bravo Company enjoyed fresh food rather than ration
packs, and Delta Company spent three nights instead of just two.
Including a moving target serial to the WTSS (Weapons Training
Simulation System) raised the success rate and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Charlie and Echo Companies enjoyed abseiling, the
Tacex and a visit to the Museum.
What a great camp for Year 12 to end their cadet careers.
Many thanks to the dads and staff who attended to ensure all
cadets had a safe and memorable experience.
Major Terry Nye
Commanding Officer BCCU
This year saw another successful Annual Camp completed despite some extreme weather conditions.
—End of camp skit night.
—Above Reflection before a raid – effective camouflage?—Above Successful plunder of the opposition’s booty.
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I t was another fantastic weekend of mountain biking
on the Thredbo slopes. The weather was kind for
the whole weekend and the boys rode in beautiful
sunshine. The competition started with the Dual
Compressor event, which saw competitors start at a drop
gate, ride a few metres on a wide track before hitting the
first corner, after which it was hard to overtake if you
weren’t already leading. Most of the boys who started off in
the left lane came out victors by the end. Qualifying races
were held to determine the first 32 racers in each division.
While several of the Barker riders made it through to this
stage, only Jordon Montgomery made it to the next round
of 16. Unfortunately there Jordan drew the right lane,
greatly reducing his chances of success.
MTB 2015 Australian Interschools MTB Championships Thredbo March 6-8
—Above Getting back up the hill for a couple more rides!
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On Saturday morning, after many downhill practice runs
(on one of which Eddie Thomas ran over a snake), the King
of the Mountain event finally started. The best of our riders
was Barker MTB captain Chris Hinds in Division 1 (Years 11
and 12), who came 7th out of a field of 72 starters, clearly
demonstrating that a serious fall on the same course over the
summer vacation was not going to put him off. Chris’ time of
5 minutes and 30.8 seconds was only about 36 seconds slower
than the winner. Tom de Kantsow and Tom Green were the
next best placed in 31st and 32nd respectively.
In Division 2 (Years 9 and 10), Sam Gibson and Sean
McCormack were our fastest riders, finishing 44th and
45th from a field of 94 starters. Kyle Henderson was not
far behind them in 47th place. The winner of this Division
finished in an amazing time of 5.03 seconds and Sam was
just under 2 minutes off this time, despite a fall close to
the start and tearing a ligament from his little finger. In
Division 3 (Years 7 and 8) Jordan Montgomery crossed the
line in 24th place about 1 minute 20 seconds behind the
race winner in a time of 7 minutes 22.44 seconds. Lachlan
Horsley and Hamish Carolan also finished in the top 40 in
the 72-strong field.
The last day of the competition was the cross-country
event. Tom Green shone in this event, coming 3rd behind
a second-place getter who had to run the last 100 metres
with his bike over his shoulder due to a broken chain.
Chris Hinds wasn’t far behind him, in 5th place, and this
joint effort helped the Division 1 riders take second place
in a field of 113 starters. In Division 2, Luc Weymouth was
the first of the Barker team crossing in 11th place, with
James Culver placing 0.1 seconds behind him, and Richard
Marais finishing about 20 seconds later. Once again, this
strong showing over five laps resulted in Barker placing
2nd in the Division 2 XC event. Finally, the Division 3
riders started with 130 other hopefuls. Lachlan Horsely
was the best of the Barker team, finishing in 8th place with
Jordan Montgomery coming 17th. Excellent efforts in such
a large field.
Many thanks to all the parents who helped, with
special thanks to Mr and Mrs Hinds, who supplied a daily
sausage sizzle as well as Gatorade and delicious muffins,
as part of their fundraising for the Tour De Cure.
Andrew Love
MIC Mountainbiking
—Clockwise from top left James Culver riding hard in the XC event; Tom Green on his way to 3rd in the XC Event; MTB captain Chris Hinds.
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LeadershipTime Out For Basketball Each fortnight at Time Out Basketball it is a joy to watch
and hear students with special needs from neighbouring
schools, together with Barker’s Middle School Seniors and
some Year 11s and Year 12s, practising their skills, playing
modified games, encouraging each other, cheering for
baskets shot and generally chatting with friends.
Seamus Dove (Year 12) devised and initiated this program
and deserves great credit for its success. The aims are for all
students to have fun, grow in character, forge friendships
and learn and develop new skills in a supportive, safe
environment. It allows the parents and carers of our visitors
to have the opportunity to connect with each other over a
cuppa. It also gives more Barker students the opportunity to
develop their leadership skills, gain greater insight into the
abilities of people with special needs, and appreciate the fact
that they too just love to have fun.
Clarke Road SchoolIn a similar vein, the Year 11 students continue to serve
the wider community through their weekly visits to Clarke
Road School, where they work with individual students
alongside teachers in the classrooms. Year 11s love to
see how excited the Clarke Road students are to have
them there. They interact wonderfully with the students
and leave with an enormous respect for the work of the
staff and a better understanding of the challenges the
students have. After what can be a sobering, but incredibly
worthwhile, experience, “Can’t we stay longer?” and “Can
we come again?” are commonly asked questions.
Both of these programs enliven the spirits of all involved.
Helen Graham
Dean of Individual Programs
—Clockwise from top left Michaella shoots a basket, encouraged by Tyler Wilson (Yr 12) and Alicia Blackett (Yr 12); James Gellan (Yr 11) and Oliver Vaughan (Yr 11) help clean the Clarke Road bus; Julian serves morning tea to Nicholas Ruberg (Yr 11) at Clarke Road School.
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PDH
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PDHPE Promotes
I n the elective strand of PDHPE, staff use sports science
laboratories so that students can experience concepts
and gain a greater understanding of how to apply
them in practical situations. Recently, Year 11 PDHPE
students utilised Polar heart rate monitors to explore the
response of the heart to submaximal physical activity by
completing the Harvard Step Test. During this process
they also assessed their own aerobic fitness based on
the set protocol. Instantaneous recording of heart rates
through the monitors enabled students to track their
resting heart rate and then heart rates at every minute of
the five-minute test. Final analysis involved investigating
how quickly their heart rate returned to a resting level,
from which they calculated aerobic fitness. Through
graphical analysis from the Polar heart rate application,
students could visualise their heart’s response, as well as
look at aerobic and anaerobic training zones (see graph).
Afterwards, the students submitted a written lab report
analysing the results and evaluating their cardiovascular
endurance.
Sarah Clifton
Head of PDHPE
—Above Year 11 PDHPE completing the Harvard Step Test.
—Above Year 10 girls: Sophie Werhmann, Annabelle Christen and Jordy Riddock.
C lose the Gap is the overarching health promotion
initiative aimed to address Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander health inequities. The significant gaps
that exist in life expectancy, morbidity and education
hope to be closed by 2030.
While Year 12 PDHPE students study this campaign in-depth
for their HSC, students across Years 7–11 viewed a short video
clip in their PDHPE theory lesson (Just search for Close the Gap
2015 on YouTube) during Harmony Week, and discussed openly
and frankly the issues it brought up. In practical lessons, students
participated in traditional Indigenous games, such as Edor, a
vigorous game of chasings where the leader constantly changes.
We hope that by raising awareness through discussion,
combined where possible with in-depth study, our young people
will be able to meaningfully contribute to closing the gap in the
very near future.
Natalie Potent
Assistant Coordinator of PDHPE
in Elective PDHPE
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T he Barker College Track and Field Championship
was run on the last day of Term 1. After a foggy
start to the day, the cloud lifted and a great day
greeted all students. Several School records were
broken, including Jack Mills in the 16yrs 800m and 1500m,
Ben Nogajski equalling the 14yrs High Jump record and
Morgan Little breaking the 13yrs 200m and 400m records.
At lunchtime it was the staff relay, and the talk around the
track was whether the Sports Department with their new recruit,
Olympic silver medallist Du’aine Ladejo, would defeat the reigning
champion PDHPE team. The PDHPE team were leading into the
final leg of the relay, but the Sports Department was gaining
quickly. Du’aine unfortunately strained his hip flexor which led
to another PDHPE victory. Du’aine is part of the Track and Field
coaching staff this year and staff and students alike are looking
forward to working with him.
The carnival continued into the afternoon with great
performances in the 100m and 400m events. The final event
saw the Middle School house medley relay being won by Holt
house in record time, capping off a great day.
Below are the age champions from the day and the winning house.
Winning House: Boyce House
13 Years Male 14 Years Male1 Morgan Little 1 Ben Nogajski
2 Jonathan Friend 2 Kyle Galloway
3 Lucas Vass 3 Daniel Alleyn
15 Years Male 15 Years Female
1 Jamie Basheer 1 Sami McCormick
2 Lachie Basten 2 Maia Leadbetter
3 Ben Pears 3 Rachel Fear
16 Years Male 16 Years Female1 Benjamin Hayward 1 Abbey Hodge
2 Jack Mills 1 Sophie Wehrmann
3 Will Lloyd 3 Jessica Cunningham
17 Years Male 17 Years Female1 Josh Robins 1 Julia Cormio
2 Jack Brown 2 Genevieve Love
3 Alexander Dixon 3 Natasha Salisbury
Open Male Open Female1 Taylor John 1 Brianna Phillips
2 Alex Wearne 2 Lauren Tompkins
3 Ben Jones 3 Claire Haigh
Lee Batchler
Acting Sportmaster
Track and Field
Basketball
Barker entered the basketball season having not won the CAS title
since Mr Fedeles retired in 2008. This season started well, but would
depend on the last game against Knox. Led by their inspirational
captain, Murray Thorpe, the boys defeated archrivals Knox in the
Barker Gym to clinch the CAS title in front of a very vocal home crowd.
The team, coached by Matthew Arnot and Jared Scoines, have worked hard
for several seasons to improve and this was a fantastic result given all the
effort that had gone in. The team represented Barker with enthusiasm,
passion and great sportsmanship throughout the season. For Year 12 students
Rob Irwin, Dan Babb, Charlie Silvester and Sam Barlow to win the CAS in
their last game at home was a dream come true. The side was well supported
by Year 11 students Jeeven Singh, Ben Basten and sharp shooting Curtis
Abagi. Younger members of the team were Benjamin Fakira and Daniel
Smedley from Year 10 and Angus Henskens from Year 9.
Jason Bourke
MIC Basketball
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CAS Swimming
Rugby Tours
A1st XV squad of 24 boys, accompanied by three
staff members, completed a successful tour to
Queensland in the Easter break. Staying in boarding
facilities at both the Super Sports Centre, Runaway
Bay and at Marist College, Ashgrove in Brisbane, the boys
formulated strategy before scoring three resounding wins from
three games. Barker defeated Iona College 64-0, St Laurence
College 36-12 and, in a resounding come-from-behind effort,
edged out a powerful Marist Ashgrove 34-31. Tour captain
Bruce Thompson, ably assisted by game captains Andy Lloyd
and Andrew Saar, maintained a strong work ethic along with
camaraderie among the squad. Throughout the week, the group
was treated to delicious food, superb facilities and tropical
weather. They had an enjoyable free day at Dreamworld and
Waterworld theme parks. In the words of one student at Sydney
airport on return: “Now, that was a resounding success!”
Simultaneously, a 24-strong U16 rugby squad travelled down
to Canberra for two fiercely contested matches against Marist
College and Canberra Grammar. By staying at the Australian
Institute of Sport’s boarding facilities, the group experienced a
professional sports environment throughout their stay, helping
with team bonding. The excellent food helped, too. Despite
several serious injuries prior to the tour, the squad played
courageously but was narrowly defeated by Marist College 21-26
and 21-24 by Canberra Grammar.
Lee Batchler
Acting Sportmaster
Inspired by the leadership shown by team captains Geoff Herkes, Matt Kelly and Drayton O’Neill, the boys team headed off to Homebush to participate in one of the most exciting school swimming events in Australia, the CAS Swimming Championships. Joining the captains in the pool were fellow Year 12 swimmers Matthew Brouff, Jake Fornasaro and Matthew Sullivan. The boys led our team to a commendable third place, making ground on leading schools Trinity and Knox. Among the event’s highlights were Shaun Champion and Lucas Vass’ win of two events each. Lucas also set a new CAS record in the 13 years 50m backstroke. At the end of the night, Trinity were announced as winners with the final tally of points being:
Trinity 547Knox 545Barker 441
St Aloysius 342Cranbrook 329Waverley 284
The season continues with the following boys being selected to represent CAS at the NSWCIS Swimming Championships: Matthew Brouff, Billy Brown, Freddie Brown, Jack Brown, Jackson Burton, Shaun Champion, Jake Fornasaro, Taylor Gabb, Geoff Herkes, Kris Honor-Wilson, Campbell Jones, Oliver Jones, Daniel Jongma, Max Jostsons, Matt Kelly, Josh Knox, Alex Middleton, Brandon Murray, Jack Nixon, Matthew Sullivan and Lucas Vass.
Jason Cooper
MIC Swimming
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InsightsG irls Basketball at Barker has grown fast in 2015,
with five teams playing by end of season in the
ISA and Hornsby Monday night competitions.
The ISA Competition had three teams.
Our Seconds and Thirds teams played a tough season,
narrowly missing out on the semi-finals to finish in fifth
position in their divisions. All members worked hard to
improve their performances from earlier in the season.
We were excited to have three new players join our Firsts
team and expand the training squad to 13. Throughout
the season, our Firsts continued to improve, finishing the
regular season in third position. The closely fought ISA
Open A Competition is one of the strongest school divisions
in Sydney. In the semi-finals, Barker played an outstanding
match against Redlands (the Australian Open Schools and
ISA defending champions). It was the best quality ISA game
in years. Unfortunately, Redlands’ shooting was too good,
and although Barker played their best game of the season
we went down 66-62.
Three students were selected to represent ISA at the
NSWCIS Championships in May: Rebecca Black (Year 11),
Abby Cubillo (Year 10) and Kimberley Hodge (Year 11).
We wish them well in their next stage of representative
selection.
We end to potentially return as favourites for next year’s
ISA competition. Thank you to the wonderful support of
staff, parents, friends, the OBA and the Barker Basketball
Club. The teams have flourished with your support.
We are proud of the quality basketball and sportsmanship
the teams have shown throughout the year by all players.
Nicole Bailey
Basketball MIC
T he Barker Girls Cross Country team had
a stellar performance once again at this
year’s ISA Championships.
2015 saw the introduction of three
different components of training. These sessions
included not only interval and endurance training,
but also implemented a strength and technique
program to assist with injury prevention and
power production.
The hard work and dedication the girls put into
these early morning training sessions proved to
pay off as they achieved some fantastic results.
Out of 23 girls that competed, all placed within the
top 20 of their age category, with 15 girls selected to
represent ISA at the NSWCIS carnival in June.
Thanks to these exceptional results, Barker
College came 1st in both Senior and Intermediate
divisions. A special mention should go to Claire
Haigh and Natasha Salisbury, who placed 1st in
each of their age groups. Well done girls!
Chloe Taylor
Girls Cross Country Coach
Cross Country
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Gabby has represented Barker for both ISA and CIS softball, and is a strong left-handed batter and catcher in the Barker 1sts
W hat’s so good about Softball at Barker?The teamwork, arriving in Year 10,
I had no idea of the school routines or
what was expected, I felt I didn’t fit
in. The softball team changed all that – everyone there
has been so supportive, happy and become really close
friends. It’s like one big softball family.
How did you get into softball?My sister used to play, and it seemed to come naturally
to me. My dad used to pitch balls at me so I could practise.
I was very lucky my dad gave me so much help. I’m not
the strongest base-runner but I can slide into bases
confidently because of the help he gave me.
As a catcher, what is your role?The key part is keeping the team upbeat and ensuring they
have a positive attitude throughout the game. As a catcher
I call the game by signalling to the pitchers what they should
throw, so I need to know what they can do.
What is the best thing about softball?You are playing as a team, so it’s not about you the individual.
You may be batting on your own, but you’re batting for the
team. It’s so exciting when we make a double play or get the
base runner out in a run down play. Everyone is so close; it’s a
unifying sport.
Anne Horne
MIC Softball
with Gabby Chan
L ed by team captains Alison Smith and Sarah Middleton,
the Girls Swimming team reclaimed the ISA Senior
Division 1 title. An outstanding group of Year 12
swimmers led their team to victory, with Alison
Smith, Sarah Middleton, Shannon Ashton and Emma Baldwin
all winning multiple events throughout the program. Orla Flynn
(Year 11) and Ellie Jongma (Year 10) also won multiple events and
were the highlights of a strong Intermediate team that finished
second overall. Congratulations to all the girls who were selected
to represent ISA at the NSWCIS Swimming Championships:
Shannon Ashton, Meg Baldwin, Lili Duncan, Orla Flynn, Ellie
Jongma, Sarah Middleton, Natasha Salisbury and Alison Smith.
Alison Cox
Head of Girls Sport
ISASwimming
—Above 2015 Captain Alison Smith and vice-captain Sarah Middleton share their victory with Alison Cox!
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Simply
As busy mothers, we all love to get away
occasionally, and a weekend away at The Grange
was exactly what 50 fortunate Barker mothers
did at the end of Term 1. The traditional BCMA
Mothers’ Escape to the Grange sold out in record time,
proving my point.
So we headed for the Blue Mountains to kick off a
wonderful weekend of friendship and fun. It was a pleasure
to arrive knowing that the organising committee had been
putting the finishing touches on our accommodation, and
the weather was perfect.
After a relaxing and welcoming Friday night, many of
the ladies took to the outdoors early Saturday, while others
shopped to their heart’s content in Leura, nourished by
the local fare. A relaxing massage or facial on site was
also popular, while a round of golf was my choice with
some other keen starters. This was a great way to spend
a wonderful afternoon, taking in some fabulous views
from a couple of the greens to complete the day.
The wonderful Grange Committee, led by Jodie Eliott,
did an amazing job pampering and spoiling us throughout
the weekend. It was a perfect retreat for us all, with meals
catered daily and the Grange looking fantastic with its
70s-themed makeover for the disco on Saturday night.
Whoever thought that vinyl records could be used as a
table decoration? We all managed to somehow find some
spectacular apparel for the evening, which made the night
all the more fun.
Back to reality on Sunday, but plenty of time for more
retail therapy and a little lunch before the obligatory trip to
The Lolly Shop and bakery for an apple pie to take home to
my lovely family, whom I had of course missed so much!.
Our warmest thanks to the 2015 BCMA Grange
Committee: Jodie Eliott, Julie Long, Phoebe Rayner, Emma
Yim, Elmari De Lange, Georgi Faithfull, Michelle Sneddon
and Janet Burton for making our weekend so special.
Jenelle Montgomerie
BCMA President
A Weekend Escape to The Grange
BC
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—Clockwise from top left Enjoying the view from the green: Anne May, Jenelle Montgomerie, Bev Cooper and Karen Witts; Julie Long (Grange organising committee) and Jenelle Montgomerie; The dining room and lounge rooms received a 70s makeover; Janet Burton, Emma Yim, Phoebe Rayner and Jodie Eliott, members of the 2015 Grange Committee, prepare for Friday night dinner.
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—Clockwise from top left The Lego Movie looked fantastic on the giant inflatable screen; The transformation begins; Even The Incredible Hulk made an appearance.
The Barker Foundation held its signature Sunset Cinema evening on 21 March with the screening of The Lego Movie to an enthusiastic Preparatory and Junior School audience.
The Multi-Purpose Hall stood up to its name and reputation, providing the atmosphere and ambience to accommodate our enthusiastic moviegoers, who joined us with beanbags, picnic blankets, armchairs and strollers.
The evening was fuelled with fun activities and events for all to participate. We were fortunate to have Ginny Longstocking, an incredibly talented and gifted face painter, who turned imagination into reality with an Incredible Hulk, mini-Spidermen and even a confident Cinderella stealing the limelight.
Holly and Jessie from Stardust entertained our youngest attendees with games, balloon twisting and other activities, enabling parents to get to know each other in a relaxed and casual setting.
Pizza Cutters from Wahroonga built on their reputation, delivering piping-hot pizzas right to our armchairs; many commented it was as though they had been pulled straight out of the oven. Guests also chose to pack a mouthwatering picnic, which was spread out and shared with loved ones from the start of the movie.
At 7:30pm, when the lights went down, the 10-metre high inflatable screen captivated the audience. The Lego Movie did well to accommodate all viewing ages. Personally, the undeniably catchy lyrics of ‘Everything Is Awesome’ continue with me as I write this.
The Barker Foundation would like to thank parents, staff, students, friends and sponsors for making this event so special. We are blessed to have such amazing facilities at Barker College and thank the generosity of the current and past parent body that have planted trees well before our time to enable us to shelter our children from the rain today.
We are proud, under the leadership and guidance of Mr Phillip Heath and Mr Martin Lubrano to be a part of creating, supporting and fulfilling community-inspired events like this. The enjoyable evening was another proud moment for The Barker Foundation, continuing the tradition of giving. Our work at the Foundation, “to inspire global hope,” has only just begun – together we can do anything.
“Everything Is Awesome”
John DimitropoulosBarker Foundation Director
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Winter 2015 — Issue 221
What was the highlight of your time at Barker?Winning and playing in the CAS and CIS tournaments
– the extreme highs of being part of an elite team.
Did you have a role model?Not so much a ‘role model’, but there were people I looked up to, like senior Daniel Courtnall (05), and basketball coaches Paul Fedeles and Jason Bourke.
How much has basketball influenced your life so far?Enormously. I went to Barker to have Paul Fedeles as coach; it’s given me a first-class degree, it’s opened doors for me. I’ve played in America, Portugal and Ireland. It moulded me into a team player, and taught me to work with coaches with hugely different attitudes. It gave me a love of fitness, self-development and discipline.
Which university recruited you, and how was this experience?Emory University, which is considered as the ‘ivy league of the south’. It was everything I wanted: brilliant basketball, mainly enthusiastic tutors and great fun off campus. Plus, being in the US meant road trips, meeting people from all walks of life, music festivals and physical endurance races. It wasn’t a bad thing being the only Aussie at uni either.
What was your area of study?Biology; I got a BSc.
Did you join a Fraternity?I sure did! I wanted to see if it was like it is in the movies. Think about your closest friends – the ones you’ve been in trouble with, had the most laughs with or competed against in sport. This usually takes several years to develop, but with a fraternity, that process is condensed into three or four months. You get to know your pledge brothers very, very well.
And is it like in the movies? It’s much, much worse! Mind you, I think it’s helped me in my training sessions with the military more than my science degree. You know that others have gone through it before and you have a good chance of getting out of it alive.
What inspired you to enrol in the ADF?I am striving to reach the pinnacle of physical learning. I thought about medicine or medical research, but I wanted to interact more with people. I love the outdoors, helping others and bettering myself. You are taught to handle yourself in any situation, be it jungle or mountainous terrain, in any climate, on water or on land. The amount of knowledge and training is out of this world.
Congratulations on being awarded Most Outstanding Soldier. What challenges did you complete?We were taught and tested on all soldiering weaponry skills, with rifles and bayonets, and loads of physical challenges that had to be completed to the highest standard.
What advice do you have for today’s students?Follow your passion. Give everything a go, whether it be overseas or at home. Just go for it.
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CarletonClass of 2007After leaving Barker, Oliver went to university in America on a basketball scholarship. After graduating he re-tuned to Australia and joined the ADF where he was recently awarded the Most Outstanding Soldier.
Oliver Carleton playing against Chicago
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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 985 281(m)[email protected]
MelbourneMurray 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 (w) [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 OBA President
48 Community Events
49 OBA Groups
52 Personal Notes
54 Obituaries
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.
4852
Dinners & Reunions
Personal Notes
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OBA Theatre Emerald
For some of us, this has meant the daily ritual of checking the blogosphere for the latest updates from our sons and daughters who make up the over 100 current Barker students who are lucky enough to be in Gallipoli for the centenary.
While this was primarily a music tour, a small group of
Year 10 History students travelled with the group. Their task
has been to research some of the 45 Barker old boys who
served at Gallipoli, and to follow their journey through the
war and their lives thereafter.
What a wonderful opportunity for these students to travel
to this place at this very special time and see first-hand the
reality that confronted the ANZACs 100 years ago.
The OBA is proud of all its members who have served
their country in times of conflict, and over the years we
have acknowledged this service and the sacrifices made.
These gestures include the Old Boys Union funding of the
School’s main oval in 1924, to honour mates who were killed
during the 1914-18 conflict, and the OBU’s donation of the
Middle School’s War Memorial Steps in 1938 in honour of
World War I sacrifices. In 2005, the OBA Over 70s donated
the Memorial Steps outside the Chapel, recognising those
who served in World War II.
The OBA also donated funds toward this year’s trip to
Gallipoli. We felt it was important for today’s students to
appreciate the connection they have to those alumni who
went before them.
It was pleasing to see our crest emblazoned on the tour
jackets as the students appeared on news coverage in the
lead-up to the centenary.
We have also celebrated more recent history, with the
cocktail party for the 40th anniversary of co-education. It
is impossible to imagine Barker today without the girls in
the Senior School. The new Rosewood development is an
important addition to girls sport facilities at Barker, and will
be a welcome resource for footballers, touch football players,
cricketers and supporters.
Next term, we will unveil another contribution – a bronze
sculpture for the OBA Courtyard in the Junior School, designed
to evoke the School’s vision of ‘Inspiring Global Hope.’
It follows an earlier cultural contribution from the OBA,
the Centenary Sculpture donated in 1990, which now sits
outside Leslie Hall.
Finally, our Annual General Meeting will be held on 21
July in the Marks Pavilion. As always, you are welcome to
attend and learn more about our activities. It has broadened
its focus in recent years and we are looking to develop more
opportunities to support alumni. You never know, you may
just get inspired to get involved and help us to help the Barker
community.
Tony Gamson (78) OBA President
As I write, we are in the final countdown to the Gallipoli Centenary commemorations. —Tony Gamson (78), OBA President
President’s
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OBA Theatre Emerald
The iconic Australian play set in the late 80s, is a “fast-moving, wisecracking commentary on contemporary urban mores and morals, and the rivalries and passions to be encountered on the road to success” (Williamson, 2012). The cast includes Charlie Jones (10) in the role of Colin, a screenwriter who moves from Melbourne to Sydney with his publisher wife Kate, played by Eloise Westwood (13). The scheming persona of writer Mike will be played by Adam Jones (13, no relation to Charlie) with his smart and sultry girlfriend Helen played by Pip Dracakis (10). Finally, we have cool as a cucumber financier Malcolm acted by Josh Philipson (14) and the ice-cold businesswoman, Elaine played by Gemma Black (14) to round out the cast.
The show will premiere on 8 July at 7pm in the BCMA Theatre at Barker, followed by three more evening performances on 9, 10 and 11 July. We’d be honoured if you could join us in celebrating a great Australian playwright’s work, performed by some of Barker’s top drama alumni talents.
Gretel Maltabarow (09) Director
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The OBA Theatre is proud to announce the cast and dates for their 2015 production of David Williamson’s, Emerald City.Date: 8–11 JulyPrice: $10/$15 (students/adults) Book: www.trybooking.com/135592
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COMMUNITY EVENTS—Class of 2000 – 15 Year Reunion
On 2 May the Class of 2000 gathered with 70 fellow
schoolmates at Daniel San in Manly on a very soggy night.
The weather certainly didn’t taint the excitement
of many new mums, dads and those who travelled great
distances, including from overseas and interstate, for
a celebratory night out on the town. We came to the
realisation we’ve been out of school longer than we were
at school, which certainly made us feel more mature –
well, let’s hope so.
The group shot was a challenge for our resident
photographer Alex Barnes (Lane) for our rowdy bunch.
But we got there in the end.
I really enjoyed my night of many laughs, and
reconnecting with old friends. It felt like we hadn’t
skipped a beat. Thank you so much to everyone who
attended. For those that missed our night, we hope to
see you in another five years! Please keep in touch.
Hayley Gatt (00)
Singapore Event – Sunday 26 April 2015On 26 April, Barker alumni and their families currently
living in Singapore gathered for an afternoon of pizza and
putt-putt golf in Bukit Timah. It was great to see so many
people all with interesting tales of work, life and family
in Singapore and across the world! We even enjoyed the
story of one of our Singapore-based old boys’ eldest child
returning back to Barker this year as a boarder. It was also
lovely to meet spouses and kids (ranging from 0-15, more
of them in total than the adults). Everyone had a great
time and is looking forward to the next opportunity to
get together.
Carly Switzer (94)
Photo courtesy of Shot Photography – Alex Barnes (Lane).
—From left to right: Mark Wakeling (01), Edward Yue (94), Carly Switzer (94), Marc Giuffrida (94), Gregory Parkhurst (90), Anna Sutton (05), Jon Llewellyn (91) and Andrew Reeve (90).
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—Above Winners of the Jack Pace Memorial Shield.
Barker Old Girls Netball ClubThe first Barker Old Girls Netball team had
a tough start to our first season but ended
the 2015 summer competition on a high,
defeating a strong West Pennant Hills team
25-20. Although the season didn’t produce a
better outcome, we have a great group of girls
onboard, most of whom have come back to play in the winter
competition. There has been solid development of skills and
player ability, and some wonderful friendships formed.
We have two teams in the Saturday competition with girls
playing from an array of alumni years. We are looking forward
to a competitive winter season and the continual development
of our club. If you are interested in playing for Barker Old Girls
Netball, we welcome girls of all abilities to come and join
us. We aim to play all year round including the summer and
spring night competitions so there is always an opportunity
to get involved. If you would like to join the club please email
[email protected] or send a message through
Facebook by liking the ‘The Barker Old Girls Netball’ page.
See you out on the courts.
Lauren Kirkby (07)
Barker Old Boys Cricket
I am pleased to announce that Barker Old Boys Cricket
have won the City and Suburban Cricket Association Jack
Pace Memorial Shield for season 2014/15! Congratulations
to all players involved this year, particularly those who
competed in the epic grand final victory against Knox
Old Boys. This was no mean feat, with a competition of
22 clubs vying for the trophy. It was a tight match, with
thunderstorms playing havoc with the pitch conditions.
We kept our wickets intact during the last over of the
match and sealed a famous victory. It was a quality game
of cricket and played with tremendous sportsmanship.
Needless to say, the post final celebrations were
enjoyed by one and all. The Most Valuable Player Award
was presented by Club President, Paul Goncharoff (88) to
Tom Burnett (05). Tom certainly had a season to remember,
amassing an incredible 416 runs at an average of 69.33.
We are looking forward to defending our title next
season and welcome any new players to try out during
the pre-season training in September. More details to follow
in the next edition of The Old Barker. Our website is
www.bobscc.com and we can be found on Facebook.
Matt Hall (00)
Club Captain
0416 297 775
Email: [email protected]
OBA Big BandEveryone has practised really hard and been very committed
as we work towards recording our newest piece, a 12-minute
long composition by Belgian composer Bert Joris, plus a couple
of others. The band is sounding amazing and we cannot wait
to get in the studio for our final recording. If you would like us
to perform at any of your functions please contact us at
Luke Davis (09)
OBA Big Band Representative
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OBA Athletics ClubLike many greats over the ages, injury cursed the OBAC
late in the season. When hypothetically asked, OBAC’s
hypothetically biggest fan Usain Bolt hypothetically said
“No comment, I have no idea who they are!” Despite the
injuries we had some positive notes to end the season,
with Tom Riddell (11) making the semi-final of the 100m
and Brendan Tsoi (09) making the final of the 110m hurdles
at the NSW State Championships.
Barker Old Girls HockeyThe winter hockey season has begun and both teams are off to a wonderful start. Our Seconds team played extremely well last weekend, resulting in a fantastic victory over Red Bears – who are usually on top of the leader board. Our Firsts team also came out on top, defeating Northern Districts 2-1 in a close game. Both teams are having fun adjusting to the new rule changes, which have improved the flow of the game immensely. Both teams are looking very strong for the season ahead.
BOGS are excited to welcome back returning players and
are extending a warm welcome to all new players. It is never
too late to join us. If you are interested in playing, please
contact our President Katie by email at [email protected] —Above BOGS are looking forward to an enjoyable and exciting
season ahead!
Old Barker Football ClubWhat a start to the 2015 season! Our Premier League squad has
had a shaky start, with Reserve Grade and First Grade going
down 4-1 and 6-0 respectively. Much to improve on, but we’re
up for the challenge!
Meanwhile both Division 6 teams scored comfortable
victories in their opening matches. Our Division 5 Reserve team
also had an easy victory and our brilliant women’s team sealed
a comfortable 1-0 win over St Ives in their opening round.
We’ve only just begun, and there’ll be some challenges
ahead, but the character of the Club and our members’
optimism always shines through. The social fabric of the Club is
as strong as ever which was evident at the official season launch
on 18 April at the Kirribilli Hotel, the Club’s new official sponsor.
Finally, to reflect our diverse nature and our continued
focus on expansion, we are proud to unveil the new logo, name
and website for the club. We’re still keen to recruit some more
players, so check out our new website and Facebook page and
give me a call.
Peter Gregory (03)
President
0400 419 253
www.facebook.com/bobsfc
www.oldbarkerfc.com
With the summer season over
we have moved straight onto winter
season training. If you are a current
or former student who is looking to
regain former abilities or get fast,
come along to training. We train on
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
For more details contact Glen Parker (0410 597 235).
OBA GROUPS—
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OBA TheatrePreparations for OBAT’s 2015 season are well under way.
Rehearsals have begun! We are delighted to have some new
talent with us this year and, along with some returning
OBAT faces, we are proud to have alumni from the classes
of 2009 through to 2013 on board.
Emerald City is shaping up to be a fantastic production
and will be coming to Barker’s BCMA Theatre in July this
year. Please see page 47 for booking details. We look forward
to seeing you there!
Amie McNee (10) and Cassandra Jones (10)Presidents
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BOBs RugbyBOBRUFC has traditionally played a fast and expansive
style of rugby, delivering many premierships over the
years. However, we’ve sometimes struggled to match the
physicality of other clubs in the scrum and rolling maul.
Not anymore though! Thanks to the generous support
of the OBA and a number of ex-players and Barker Alumni,
BOBRUFC purchased a new scrum machine in the
off-season. The results are outstanding! Organised practice
has significantly improved our packs, with our Colts now
(literally) walking over their opposition. The confidence
from the set piece is now infectious across the Club.
Our Ladies Day round was overwhelmingly attended
and significant funds were raised for the Gidget Foundation.
Looking ahead, BOBRUFC will be returning to Barker No 1
Oval on 4 July 2015 for our annual Back-2-Barker round, and
preparing for the finals series between 15 and 29 August
2015.
For more information on BOBRUFC membership,
events, results, news and sponsors log on to our website
www.bobsrugby.com or find us on Facebook.
Martin Donaldson (00) President
Kurrajong SocietyYou may be aware of some of the changes happening in the Kurrajong Society. We have simplified some of the cumbersome administrative details, while still continuing to do all things Kurrajong. So this gives us the best of both worlds – enjoy all the wonderful events and activities at Barker, without the paperwork. No fundraising, no AGM or elections. Sounds great – we think so!
As part of the restructure we have also purchased
two Kurrajong Society shade shelters, which will be used
throughout the school in places such as extra cover for the
seats around the main oval. Look for our
regular newsletter, Kurrajong News, to
keep updated on what else is happening at
Barker College.
If your children have left Barker and
you would still like to be part of the Barker Community
events, then the Kurrajong Society is for you. We would be
happy to talk to you about joining the committee. Contact us
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PERSONAL NOTES—
Robert Russell (51) We’ve bought a
house in Santa Cruz, CA, on the beach
on the north coast of Monterey Bay. We’ll
be moving there (from Hanover, NH)
mid-2016 if we’re still extant!
Michael Robertson (59) has just
completed his latest film The Pack.
The world premiere was held at this
year’s Cannes Film Festival – the film
will be released internationally in the
second half of 2015. Michael’s company,
Prodigy Movies, is Australia’s foremost
producer of commercial genre films.
He is developing film projects both in
Australia and overseas and is widely
regarded as a supporter of emerging
filmmakers.
Philip Prideaux (67) My main
employment has been within the
television production industry. Later,
I became very interested in what
computer software can do with video
and sound, animation, DVD video, web
design, multimedia and so on. In 2009,
I obtained a diploma with distinction
in Digital Media full-time at college
which was a wonderful experience.
My portfolio can be seen at
www.archiveambition.com.au/portfolio/
index_orig_full.html
I also completed the Certificate IV in
Training and Assessment. I have always
lived in Sydney, in and out of two
marriages, producing two children by
each. I have three grandchildren now.
Over recent years, I have toured the
USA’s west coast, Vanuatu, Fiji, Phuket,
Bali and Kuala Lumpur. I tried to find
the hospital in Penang that I was born
in, without success, but glad I tried.
Merrilyn Clancy (Gow 79)
Dr Merrilyn Clancy has been appointed
to the Faculty of Clinical Aesthetics at
the Australasian College of Health and
Wellness in Glebe. This is the nation’s
second degree program in medical
James Beckwith (71) I was in Çannakkale as part of an Australian team staging Australia/Turkey friendship concerts to mark the ANZAC centenary. I felt proud to see the large contingent of’ ‘Red and Blue’ near the place where, 100 years ago, my great uncle landed under quite different circumstance. Well done Barker!
Casey O’Brien (04) married Martin Machado
on 3 January in Sydney.
Many Barker friends and
family were there to help
them celebrate, including
Amy Perry (Webster 98)
and Ben O’Brien (06), who
were members of the
bridal party.
skincare and the first for NSW. Merrilyn
is excited to bring her American
academic experiences from Columbia
University in New York City and her
innovative Medspa techniques from
Aspen, Colorado. Her research interests
are in reducing the visible signs of
ageing in the skin. She is enjoying
relearning the Australian lifestyle in
Kirribilli after 28 sensational years in
the USA.
Max Cowdroy (Former Staff)
At 75 years old, still employed (two
days a week) as a recreational activities
officer at the Anglican retirement village
at Castle Hill. Praise the Lord!
Wedding
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Alistair Mettam (03) and Amy Garemyn
were married at Christ Church, Lavender Bay
on 21 March 2015 and held their reception at
Taronga Zoo. John Kirkness (03) and Cameron
McDonald (03) were in the Bridal Party and
Alistair’s cousin, Edward Pain (97) was the
MC. It was great to share the day with so
many former Barker students including
the photographer, Clare Darling (Oliver 03),
Alistair’s parents Prudence and John Mettam
(69), Alistair’s sister Louisa Mettam (99) and
grandparents Shirley and Clifford Pain (37),
a past Chairman of Barker Council. Alistair’s
great-grandfather, Canon Kenneth Wellesley
Pain was Chaplain and Council member
after whom Pain House is named. After the
wedding, Alistair and Amy honeymooned in
Koh Samui.
Graeme Forssberg (60) After leaving
Barker, I worked for a Sydney life
assurance office as a claims clerk for six
years. After I decided that office work
wasn’t for me, I joined the RAAF as an
aircraft technician. After six years I was
offered a job with a marine outboard
motor manufacturing firm at Bankstown
NSW and for the next few years I worked
as a marine engine technician. As work
in this field was extremely seasonal I
rejoined the RAAF and stayed with them
until compulsory retirement at age 55.
Next I got a contract as a civilian working
in the hydraulic workshop at RAAF
Amberley QLD overhauling F-111 aircraft
hydraulic components. This was very
exacting work but also very rewarding.
After finishing my contract, I moved to
Melbourne to work as a Defence public
servant doing aircraft engineering support.
I have tried retirement on three occasions
but each time I became restless and bored,
so seven years ago I commenced working
for Bunnings Warehouse at Preston
(Northland) in Melbourne. I still work for
them, mainly in the tool shop, and have
no plans for retirement. I currently reside
in Melbourne with my wife of 35 years
who works as an occupational therapist
with autistic children. We also have a cat
and a dog. I will always be most grateful
to Barker College for the education it
provided, however I can see from the
school magazine that the Barker College I
attended is vastly different to Barker today.
Wedding
Baptisms in the Barker Chapel
8 March
Layla Michelle, daughter
of Naomi (Seary 00) and
Nic Lamb.
8 March
Thomas Augustus, son
of Silke (Kelly 96) and
Lachlan Botticchio.
22 March
Silas William James, son
of Kyrra (O’Shea 00) and
Jonathon Cross (00).
12 April
Amber Mabel, daughter of
Marnee and Angus King (98).
19 April
Sarah Jade, daughter of
Diana (Starmer 97) and
Daniel Dennis.
19 April
Jasmine Annabelle,
daughter of Stacey and
Colin Denver (96). L to R: Jack Abadee (Yr 10), Philip Ruddock (59), Noel Pearson, Peter Baum.
The launch of Uphold and Recognise at Hornsby RSL. Jack’s brother Angus (07) is
a lawyer who works in the Prime Minister’s Department on the taskforce relating
to the proposed constitutional changes. Phillip Ruddock and Peter Baum are both
former Ministers for Aboriginal Affairs.
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Roger Cuthbert Clark (48) 1930-2014Roger Clark, late of St Ives, attended Barker from 1938-1948 as a boarder. His brothers John (44) and David (46); and children Andrew (76), Matthew (76), Katherine (79) and David (83) were also Barker students.
Whilst at School, Roger was on the Library Committee, played the role of Mrs Larkin in Mrs Larkin’s Lodger, was a Lance Corporal in cadets, a member of the swimming team and played cricket in the 1st XI.
After Barker, Roger studied to be a chartered accountant. This led him to his position as the CEO of a computer resources company, a role he held until he formally retired over 30 years ago. During his retirement, Roger remained as busy as ever. He had a number of volunteer positions including his work at Matthew Talbot Hostel, St Ives Bushcare and Neringah Palliative Care Services. Roger’s other interests included travelling and together with his wife Margaret he had many fascinating adventures both in Australia and overseas. He also loved to walk and when this became more difficult in later life, he instead took up bike riding! However, first and foremost he loved his family and close friends, remaining especially close to Margaret, their children and grandchildren until the time of his death.
Roger died on 24 December and is deeply missed by Margaret; sons and daughters-in-law Matthew and Jean, Andrew and Nicola, David and Anna; daughter and son-in-law Katy and Paul; and grandchildren Rachel and her husband Joel, along with Nicholas, Maddie, Flynn, Theo and Hugo.
Lachlan James Congdon (96) 1978-2015Lachlan Congdon, late of Beecroft, attended Barker from 1989-1996.
At Barker, Lachlan played in the Rugby 1st XV (Colours) in 1995 and 1996, was a member of the 1st Waterpolo team (Colours) and of the CAS Swimming team.
After School, Lachlan worked as
an artist and graphic designer, with works included in exhibitions and publications locally and internationally. Lachlan lived in South America in 2003-2004 and happily travelled the world and its cities to embrace different cultures, most recently finding a home away from home in New Zealand with extended family, his partner Tash and their son Marlee Lyon.
Lachlan enjoyed landscaping and teaching his son the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Lachlan died on 13 February and is survived by his parents Ian and Lesley-Ann; partner Natasha; son Marlee; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Alexis and Simon, Stacy and Brad, and Chloe and Nick.
John Gordon Dewes1926-2015
John was Barker’s fifth Headmaster from 1958-1963. One of his lasting legacies was the introduction of Houses for day students in both the Secondary and Junior Schools. In 1962 he presided over the official opening of Barker’s first purpose-built science building.
John Gordon Dewes was born at North Latchford, Cheshire, on 11 October 1926, and educated at Aldenham, where he was in the Cricket 1st XI for four years and was captain in his last year. His batting average was 74.0.
John was a distinguished English cricketer, touring Australia with the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1950/51. He was a prolific opening batsman for Cambridge University and Middlesex after the Second World War. He had the distinction of being on the field for Don Bradman’s last Test where he witnessed Bradman being bowled out for a duck, which led to his famous 99.94 batting average.
After National Service in the Navy, Dewes went up to St John’s College, Cambridge, in 1947. He won Blues for hockey as well as cricket. In the mid-1950s, he represented Warwickshire in the first county hockey final.
He left cricket to become a schoolmaster in 1951, teaching geography at Tonbridge then Rugby in England, before being Headmaster at Barker College. John left Barker in 1963 to return to England and to Dulwich College, where he remained for 25 years until his retirement in 1987.
John died peacefully on 12 May surrounded by his family. John is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.
Julian Richard Divett (53) 1935-2015Julian Divett, late of Norwalk, Connecticut, United States, attended Barker from 1950-1953.
Julian was actively involved in School life. He played the role of The Toff in
OBITUARIES—
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A Night At the Inn, the Sergeant in Macbeth, played rugby, was a swimmer and was a Sergeant in cadets.
Living in Australia led to a deep love of the surf and swimming, and also a passion for rugby. He enjoyed following the Wallabies and later refereeing at the university level in the US.
Julian moved to New York City in 1965 to work for J Walter Thompson Company before switching to a career in finance. Julian was a member and a past president of the Tokeneke Club, a place where he loved swimming in Long Island Sound and playing tennis.
Julian died on 20 February 2015 and is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Justine and Alexa; and sister, Felicity.
Gary Charles Humble (74)
1957-2015Gary Humble, late of Leura, attended Barker from 1969-1974. His sister Carolyn (76) was also a Barker student.
Gary’s lifelong love of the bush and the Australian landscape was expressed through his enthusiastic involvement with the School’s teaching of Geology and Science, the student-led bushwalking club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. It also led to a close circle of friends who miss his subversive spirit, prodigious memory, quick wit and entertaining wordplay.
More than this, his friends and family miss his absolute generosity of spirit... He was Uncle Gaz to a legion of children from all around Australia and an inspirational teacher to a generation of children in Sydney’s west, many of whom were refugees finding asylum in our prosperous country.
At his funeral, a former student remembered that he was the first person in authority she had met in Australia who made her smile and ignited her wish to learn and succeed.
After school, Gary graduated from Macquarie University with a science degree majoring in geology. He then completed a Diploma of Education and earned a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication at ANU.
His passion for science led to a change of career, from geology to teaching and working for social justice and a sustainable environment.
Gary was not much interested in petty authority. He rebelled against trifling rules and boring guidelines, and life was all the more exciting and
colourful because of this.
Imagine the surprise of one school
principal to have an unexpected visit
to their school from the Japanese
Ambassador and the Minister of
Education, after Gary had been expressly
forbidden to have anything to do with
origami cranes, the teaching of peace and
the story of Sadako, the little girl who
was a casualty of Hiroshima. For a week
Gary and his class were stars of Japanese
morning TV as they crossed live to Japan
from Sydney’s west, remembering the
madness of war.
He gave much to his beloved Blue
Mountains community, putting a lot of
magic into the annual winter festival,
running community events, choirs, music
and quiz nights, acting as education officer
for the Blue Mountains Conservation
Society, energising the local Chamber
of Commerce and just doing simple
things like getting the Council to direct
pedestrians off the scary bit of Cliff Drive.
For those fortunate to know him he
filled us with so much: love and laughter,
silly jokes, his travel exploits, loud shirts,
thoughts about how to make the world a
better place and giving to others. In his too-
short life he lit up the world around him.
Gary died on 22 February 2015 and
is survived by his wife Annette; mother,
Beth; sister, Carolyn, and their families.
Written by David Marnie (74)
Richard Anthony Read (57)
1940-2014
Richard Read, late of Attadale, WA,
attended Barker from 1954-1957.
His brother John (63); and nephews
Julian (86), Simon (90), Adrian (90) and
Michael (94) were also Barker boys.
Richard completed his Leaving
Certificate in 1957.
After school, Richard graduated
from Sydney University with a geology
degree. He then studied for a post
graduate and PhD degree respectively
in Holland and Imperial College in
London.
He worked for Rio Tinto, which
led him to live in Spain for nearly
10 years and Brazil for three years.
In 1980, Richard, Eveline and their
two daughters returned to Australia,
settling in Western Australia because of
the mining industry. In 1990 Richard set
up his own business, which included
the operation of three goldmines near
Kalgoorlie.
Richard died on 19 November 2014,
and is survived by his wife Eveline;
daughters and sons-in-law Maria and
Warren, and Cathrina and Chris; and
grandchildren Millie, Jasper, Fred, Otis,
Rex and Lella.
Grant Christopher Todd (75)
1958-2015
Grant Todd, late of Chatswood,
attended Barker from 1965-1969.
Grant’s father, Alistair, was a past
Senior Master at Barker and his
nephew, Angus (Year 11) and niece,
Eloise (Year 10) are current Barker
students.
Whilst at Barker, Grant was involved
in swimming. After school, Grant
specialised in personal injury law.
He was an outstanding sportsman
and was especially good at tennis,
cricket and golf. He was club champion
of Northbridge Golf Club six times and
scored an incredible 26 holes-in-one.
Grant died on 28 January and is
survived by his parents Alistair and Joy;
and son Struan.
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Grant Christopher Todd
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Support our Barker Alumni when they take on the Hills Rugby Club on Saturday 4 July 2015
4th Grade – 10:40am
3rd Grade – 11:45am
Colts – 1.00pm
2nd Grade – 2.00pm
1st Grade – 3.15pm
Date: 15 SeptemberTime: 10.30amWhere: Pennant Hills Golf Club Green fees: $55ppGolf cart hire: $35RSVP: 4 SeptemberRemember, you can also invite friends, clients and familyContact: Mandy Loomes on 9847 8229 or [email protected]
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OBA Annual 2015
Back--Barker Day
Old Barker Association
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Agenda1. Apologies.2. Confirmation of Minutes of the 106th
Annual General Meeting of the Old Barker Association Inc held on 22 July 2014.
3. President’s Report.4. Honorary Treasurer’s Report.5. Report by the Head of Barker College,
Mr Phillip Heath.6. To receive and consider the Income and
Expenditure Report for the financial year ended 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, together with the Balance Sheet at that date.
7. To receive and consider the Annual Statement to be lodged with the Department of Fair Trading for the year to 30 June 2015.
8. Appointment of Patron(s) and election of Office Bearers and Committee Members comprising: President, Vice President/s, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary/Public Officer, Assistant Honorary Secretary, eight (8) ordinary members. Refer note below.
9. Appointment of Nominee to the School Council – Mr Michael Brodie has been nominated for a three (3) year term. Refer note below.
10. Appointment of Honorary Auditor.11. Other Business permitted to be raised
pursuant to clause 31(2) of the Constitution.
By Order of the Committee,David Brookes, Honorary Secretary
Note: In accordance with the requirement of Clause 29(2) of the Constitution any further nominations are hereby called and shall be in writing, signed by a Member of the Association, endorsed by the candidate and lodged with the Honorary Secretary at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting in compliance with Clause 29(3). Any nominee must be a financial member of the OBA.
OBA Annual General MeetingNotice is hereby given that the 107th Annual General Meeting of the Old Barker Association Inc will be held in the Marks Pavilion, Barker College, Hornsby on Tuesday 21 July 2015 at 6:30pm
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BARKER ALUMNI EVENTS 2015—Class Reunions1975 – 40 Year Reunion Sat 8 AugustLez Cheung 0416 127 [email protected]
1980 – 35 Year Reunion Sat 15 AugustDavid McGinley 0419 433 [email protected]
Robyn Kendall0418 263 [email protected]
Murray Hartin0419 606 [email protected]
Martin Rodgers0412 642 [email protected]
2005 – 10 Year Reunion Sat 29 AugustChris MacKenzie 0411 874 426
Daniel Courtnall0416 080 892
1965 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 12 SeptemberJames Humphery0416 021 915 [email protected]
Doug Spencer0404 888 [email protected]
2010 – 5 Year Reunion Sat 19 SeptemberAnnalise Unsworth 0400 305 748
Henry Wells 0400 593 553
1955 – 60 Year Reunion Wed 7 October Bob Charley 0419 244 [email protected]
Tom Garrick 0428 883 [email protected]
1990 – 25 Year Reunion Sat 10 OctoberDarren Perry Anna Brooks (Higs) Lucinda French (Etherden) Nathan Deveson [email protected]
1985 – 30 Year Reunion Sat 17 OctoberJames Hopkin0402 831 [email protected]
1970 – 45 Year ReunionSat 24 October
Jack Brislee 0411 648 [email protected]
Phil Montgomery0449 545 [email protected]
Class Reunions in 20161986 – 30 Year ReunionSaturday 19 March 2016Mark Cooper0400 344 697 [email protected]
Gaille Smith (Yates)0412 784 [email protected]
OBA Events OBA Theatre Production Wed 8, Fri 10 and Sat 11 JulyMandy Loomes (02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA AGM & Committee MeetingTues 21 JulyMandy Loomes(02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA Golf Day Tues 15 SeptemberMandy Loomes(02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA Committee MeetingTues 13 OctoberMandy Loomes(02) 9847 [email protected]
OBA Annual DinnerFri 6 NovemberMandy Loomes(02) 9847 [email protected]
Over 70s EventsOver 70s/Leslie’s Men Lunch/ Rugby and AGMSat 8 AugustBob Hill (56)(02) 9144 [email protected]
Grange VisitWed 21 OctoberBob Hill (56) (02) 9144 [email protected]
Regional EventsTamworth Fri 24 July Richard Webb (67) (02) 6769 5540 (H)0419 616 654
Melbourne Sat 1 AugustMurray Anderson (65) 0457 000 [email protected]
LondonFri 7 AugustAnnette French (Slattery 88) [email protected]
New York Thurs 1 OctoberAndrew Renton (85) 910 612 5671 [email protected]
Alexandra Skellet (94) 917 251 3361 [email protected]
Perth Sat 10 OctoberTom Hargreaves (69) [email protected]
Northern RiversSun 18 OctoberJim Poulos (61)0413 087 [email protected]
Sunshine Coast Sun 25 OctoberPhil Benjamin (61) [email protected]
Canberra Fri 20 November Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 [email protected]
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: [email protected] (note: all the organisers are using the one email, list them all together in one block with the email at the end.)
CONNECT!
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!