As we continually grow and learn throughout our lives, it is so important that we continue to find new ways to connect in this ever-growing digital world. We have never been more connected, but the strongest connection of all is the one where you actually speak directly with each other.

We are all part of a vibrant community, as witnessed at our various reunions and events through the year. The Open Garden Day, to celebrate the annual anniversary event for the Old Grammarian Society (OGS) was a fabulous example of finding new ways to connect with a broader community. It was so well received that we plan to have another Garden day in October. To date, we have two gardens and would happily include another, if anyone was willing to open their garden to fellow gardening enthusiasts.  

Emily Hensley Award and International Women’s Day Lunch

Our annual International Women’s Day lunch at the Lyceum Club is always a spectacular occasion. It was wonderful to see so many current and former Grammarians enjoying the occasion, many of whom were mothers and daughters.  

It was a great pleasure to introduce Emily Hensley award winner for 2025, Hannah Pelka-Caven (2007). Hannah arrived fresh from speaking to the girls at the School’s IWD assembly and built on the impressive words of School Captain, Xanthe O’Loan, on ‘Balancing the Scales’. Hannah proved a particularly fitting guest speaker, as she has used her Juris Doctor to work at the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, the union for workers in the creative arts and media sectors. This enabled her to assist people who might not have otherwise had access to legal assistance.  

Hannah is currently employed by the Australian Education Union in 2021 assisting government school and early childhood teachers and TAFE teachers. Her work focuses on advocating for fair treatment, safe workplaces, and just outcomes for those who are often vulnerable or marginalised. She works with a number of organisations to champion women’s confidence and capability in the arts and serves on the Board for Creative Australia.

Hannah is not only an accomplished lawyer but a creative artist in her own right. She performs as a professional singer and musician, having appeared in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, sung for Victorian Opera, and performed at the Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. She has toured nationally with her folk band 'The Raglins', including at Woodford Folk Festival (Qld), the National Celtic Festival (Vic) and Cygnet Folk Festival (Tas).  

All at the lunch appreciated Hannah’s thoughtful reflections on progress, opportunity and the importance of creating a fairer future for women and girls  

The only disappointment of Hannah’s address is that we were unable to hear her perform!

Written by Julie Faulkner (1971)

Annual Golf Day  

Sixty-five avid golfers competed in the 78th Old Grammarians’ Annual Golf Day at Barwon Heads Golf Club on Monday 20 April 2026. After a chilly shotgun start at 8 am, it warmed into a perfect autumnal day with barely a zephyr of breeze. The golf was hotly contested, with the overall winner of the Gilman Jones Memorial Trophy winning on a count-back! As noted by our winner, it was lovely to see the inter-generational connection of participants on the day through golf. Another six OGs joined the golfers in the clubhouse for a delicious lunch and to catch up on school days. 

Results as follows:

1. Individual winner: Gilman Jones Memorial Cup (donated by Joyce Boothby) was won by Bridget McDonald (2010; 40 points)

2. Runner up: Iris Gilbert Memorial Spoon was won by Sue Gatford (Hurley, 1981)

3. Winner of teams event (with 98 points!)

• Tracey Kelly (Zieger, 1980)

• Sally Philip (McDonald, 1980)

• Laura Kininmonth (1979)

1. Nearest The Pin on Hole 4: Liz Cooper (1970)

2. Nearest The Pin on Hole 17: Lindy Clark (1968)

3. Longest drive on Hole 18: Tomi Crewes (2006)

The day was enjoyed by all … so much so that, after consultation with players, the date and venue have already been set for 2027! Golfers will meet again for the 79th Old Grammarians’ Annual Golf Day at Barwon Heads Golf Club on Monday 19 April 2027! Note the date in your diary now. 

I am very grateful to the staff at the Barwon Heads Golf Club for facilitating a fabulous day, both on and off the course, the school for organising ticketing for the event, and Pip Smith (1982) who worked tirelessly on the day with administration and photography.

Written by Jane Vaughan (1983)

Volunteering

Volunteering is something close to my heart and to many others. Should you be part of an organisation seeking volunteers, please let us know so we can share the opportunity with our Grammarians current and past.

On behalf of the OG committee, thank you for all that you do to engage and enrich the lives of those around you. We must continue to lead the way in supporting our community.

Reunions

Our reunion gatherings have been a wonderful reminder of the friendships and connections that continue to endure across the years. The 70-Year reunion brought together a wonderful group Old Grammarians, in an atmosphere filled with reflection and genuine affection. Joanne Nairn (Franklands, 1966) welcomed our Old Grammarians back on site to the Artemis Learning Commons for lunch. It was wonderful to hear the experiences that have shaped our Old Grammarians lives and celebrate the bonds formed during their school days.

Our 5-year reunion was equally special, with a large group returning to the Nina Crone Library, a place that holds so many memories for our Old Grammarians. Having been welcomed back by their Vice Captain, Mimi Barnes, our Class of 2021 reconnected with conversations flowing easily as old friendships were renewed and stories shared.

Both reunions demonstrated the lasting value of these gatherings and the importance of maintaining the friendships and sense of belonging that began within our School community.