As I prepared to write this article, I looked back at the Old Grammarians Society (OGS) President’s Report of 1983 and was delighted to see it was the year that the DJ Ross Memorial Fund was established. It began with $20,950 and, after 41 years and the generosity of Old Grammarians, it has grown substantially. The DJ Ross Memorial Fund, the OG Scholarship Fund and the Gilman Jones Scholarship have supported many students over the years to achieve an outstanding education and assist them on their paths beyond the red brick walls.

Looking back reminded me that we have stayed true to the desire to remain connected in the support and celebration of fellow Grammarians. We also continue our desire to grow our scholarship funds.

I encourage each of you to remain connected to our School community. Attend reunions, engage with current students, and share your journeys with one another. Your stories inspire and empower the next generation, reminding them that they, too, can achieve great things. Please step forward and shine a light on those doing wonderful things in our communities. May we all continue to uphold the values of the School, integrity, compassion, courage and self-discipline in our daily lives.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers who helped organise events, mentor students and strengthen our network. Your contributions are invaluable, and they demonstrate the true spirit of the Old Grammarians.

Thank you to the committee in supporting a donation to the School for the Red Brick Appeal. The funds we have accumulated over the years not only support scholarships, but also the building and maintenance of outstanding educational facilities. We hope we can continue our support in the years to come.  

Old Grammarians Society Committee

The committee has undergone significant change this year with the retirement of many long-standing members: Libby Jones (Davey, 1964), Athena Kellis (Scotis, 1965), Margaret McNaughton (Aitkins, 1956), Judy Wilkinson (Rutty, 1965), Pip O’Connor (Farrer, 1965) and Polly Winterton (HLM). We take this opportunity to say thank you for all their contributions to the School over the decades. Judy Wilkinson was an effective President of the OGS for seven years and is always remembered for her ability to connect Old Grammarians near and far. Libby Jones gave of her expertise in the laborious task of reviewing the Society’s documentation, from constitution to by-laws to manuals of procedure and operation. Pip O’Connor drew on her knowledge of the School and its history to assist the committee in planning and implementation. Polly, a previous Head of Boarding for 22 years, provided insight with a particular interest in the Arts Auxiliary. Athena took on the role of Vice-President for some years, with particular responsibility for event planning. These women have set an exemplary example of giving to our School community. Most outstanding of all, Margaret McNaughton has set a record which is unlikely ever to be broken, joining the Committee on leaving school in 1956 and serving in different roles for the next 68 years. Financial stewardship was the hallmark of her amazing contribution.

We welcome, as new committee members, Julie Faulkner (1969), Vice President and Lizzie Landale (2007), Treasurer.

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Julie Faulkner

Reflecting on my engagement with MGGS (MCEGGS when I was a student – and ‘get that apostrophe right!’), I see what a continuous thread the School has woven in my life’s trajectory. I was interviewed by the legendary Dorothy Ross, although she had retired by the time I began Grade 1. In 1969, I completed Matric, extending my ‘stay’ by going to the USA as an AFS exchange student the following June. Being advised to remain at School before attending an American school, I studied a different range of subjects. By that stage, Edith Mountain had demolished her living area with our Year 12 rooms underneath and built her ‘radical’ Year 12 Transition Centre, which then became Ross Hall and is now preparing for another major transition.  

As a university teacher educator, I joined the School Council in 2013 and began to understand the School from a governance perspective. I remained on the Property Committee after concluding nine years on Council, enjoying being part of the School’s continual evolution. I also joined the MGGI Advisory Board, which consults with School leaders over research and innovation in curriculum planning.  

Joining the OGS Committee continues this vital process for me. As buildings and House names change and reflect our shifting understandings of education, we continue to debate and affirm the School’s intellectual and social contribution.  

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Elizabeth Landale

I am originally from Deniliquin, NSW, and I boarded for four great years at Merton Hall. After finishing university, I moved to London to pursue a career in property development, focused on urban renewal precincts. I moved back to Melbourne in 2019 and have been lucky enough to be able to continue to grow my career in this wonderful city. I am also a passionate gardener and can be found in the garden in my spare time! I am delighted to have recently joined the OGS and look forward to my new role as Treasurer.

Should you wish to be involved and join our Committee, I can advise we meet once a term, support the various reunions, the anniversary function and the DJ Ross Oration. We also look to find new ways to connect with Old Grammarians.

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Honorary Life Members

Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians Society was awarded to Trudie Horsfall (1976). Trudie was nominated for her significant contribution to both the School and the Old Grammarians Society over the past 15 plus years. Trudie has held various voluntary roles including, President of the Snowsports Auxiliary (2008-2010), Vice President of the Parents Association (2011-2015), Parent Association representative to the Old Grammarian Society Committee (2011-2015) and President of the Old Grammarian Society Committee (2017-2024).

Trudie is dedicated to the School and the growth of our Grammarians. She oversaw the establishment of the Emily Hensley Award and the support by the Old Grammarians of building projects such as the Artemis Centre and the DJ Ross Memorial window in the Chapel of St Luke. In addition, Trudie tackled various administrative tasks associated with the role, often conducted from her home in Merrijig.

Recent Events

The Annual OGS Golf Day

The Annual OGS Golf Day was held on Monday 29 April at Keysborough Golf Club. It was a perfect golf day with little or no wind and rain, followed by a relaxing lunch in the club rooms. Rowena Cole (1975) won the OGS Golf Cup with a score of 39 points.

Reunions

Many of our reunions in 2024 explored the School’s new community hub ‘Glenhope’ at 466 Punt Road. As the School grows and space becomes an issue, having a School venue that provides minimal disruption to the students and boarding students is fabulous. Reunions are an opportunity for Grammarians to reconnect and reminisce. Should anyone wish to see the School, tours are arranged throughout the year, with the next one scheduled for Monday 17 February at 9.15am.  

5 Year Reunion

The Class of 2019’s 5 Year Reunion was held at The Smith, Prahran in March. It was well attended and a great opportunity for them to connect, share stories and catch up after their first five years beyond our red brick walls. With some having finished degrees and starting full time work, and others still studying or going on adventures, the Class of 2019 are doing amazing things!

20 Year Reunion

The 20 Year Reunion was held at Glenhope on Friday 14 June. The Class of 2004 enjoyed an evening of connection, laughs and nostalgia. Lynn Broadway, who holds a close connection with this year group, delighted the OGs by attending and sharing many fond stories of their time at MGGS together. A big thank you to those who joined us on the night, including many past staff members.

30 and 40 Year Reunions

The Classes of 1984 and 1994 gathered for their 40 and 30 Year Reunions during July. The Class of 1984 heard about all that has changed and that which has remained the same at MGGS since their years on campus, and were welcomed back by Deputy Principal, Lynn Broadway. We were then taken on a fabulous trip back to the '80s by Helen Kennedy (1984), reliving the fashion, the music and the attitudes of the era with much hilarity.

50 Year Reunion

On Friday 9 August the Class of 1974 reunited at Glenhope to celebrate their 50 Year Reunion. Guests mingled over canapes and bubbles as they reflected on their time together at MGGS and what they had all been up to since graduation. After formally being welcomed by Principal, Dr Toni Meath, guests were delighted to hear from School Vice Captain, Anne Smith (Cooper, 1974). It was a wonderful afternoon, enjoyed by all.

1 Year Reunion

On Friday 22 November, our newest OGs celebrated their 1 Year Reunion, also held at The Smith in Prahran. The 1 Year Reunion, some may believe to be unnecessary, but our Grammarians have loved ending their first year in the ‘real world’ with a fun School catch up. They look forward to seeing peers who may have gone interstate, their teachers, and sharing their horror stories from their first year at university or in the workplace. Thank you to everyone who joined us this year!  

Thank you to Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director, Marketing and Community Engagement, Clare Fitzgerald, Community Engagement Manager and the Marketing and Community Engagement team for their tireless support of the reunions and all things OGS. In addition, thank you to Principal, Dr Toni Meath and the School Council for their continued support of the OGS.

Emily Hensley Award 2024

In 2024, Melbourne Girls Grammar in partnership with the Old Grammarians Society presented the annual Emily Hensley Award, the titular award that honours one of the School’s founding principals, to co-recipients Paris Thomson (2008) and Dr Sarah Livingstone (Lazar, 2002).

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the film production and content creation industry as the founder and Creative Director of SIRAP, a leading film production studio, Paris Thomson is a co-recipient of the Emily Hensley Award in 2024. Over the past 12 years, she has driven SIRAP to deliver content for clients such as Lexus and Visit Victoria. Paris’ leadership, starting from the age of 21, has been marked by her innovative use of technology and AI to keep the studio at the forefront of the industry. Her dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment has been a cornerstone of her success. Paris’ accolades include being named B&T’s ‘Best of the Best Film Director’ in 2021, and her studio’s recognition by the Australian Marketing Institute for creativity in brand marketing. Beyond her professional achievements, Paris is committed to social causes, producing films for organizations like Giant Steps Melbourne and Flying Fox to support children and young adults with disabilities. She is a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved with the Australian Ballet Young Ambassador Philanthropic Group and serving as Deputy Chair of the Arts Centre Melbourne Contemporary Foundation Board, highlighting her passion for the arts and community engagement.

Dr. Sarah Livingstone is recognised for her work as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. She became a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2022 after over 10 years in medicine and seven years of specialised training, including a fellowship in urogynecology and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Known for her personalised, evidence-based and empathetic care, Sarah treats women of all ages. Sarah is a staff specialist at the Royal Hospital for Women and a training supervisor for medical students and young doctors. She chairs the Clinical Business Rule Committee, a lead consultant for the Midwifery Group Practice Obstetric Model of Care collaborates with midwives to support women in pregnancy and labour. Sarah also works in the pre-invasive unit, caring for women with abnormal cervical screening and cervical cancer. Sarah is deeply committed to women’s health, particularly in caring for patients who may not have the financial means to access private healthcare. Her dedication to excellence and compassionate care makes her a respected leader in her field, and she is passionate about mentoring MGGS graduates.

Paris was present at Speech Night, on 27 November 2024, to receive her award. Mrs Catherine Birchall (Sarah's mother) received Sarah's award for her at Speech Night.

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