12

Connecting Generations of Alumnae

The Old Grammarians Society was created in 1904 and has been a visible presence in the School over nearly 120 years. The Society has changed and adapted with time as the School itself has grown and developed. Each year, we look for ways to improve our ability to reach out and connect with Old Grammarians.

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Being part of the Old Grammarians Committee provides OGs with a close connection to the School. We are always looking for people who would be interested in joining. We now have the option of meeting online or in person and this opens membership up to people living in regional Victoria or indeed further afield. We are delighted to welcome Fiona Nicholson-Stocker (1985) to our Committee. She brings a fresh voice and a deep connection to and knowledge of the School through her mother Fay Nicholson (Woodcock 1949) who was on the OG Committee for many years. Fiona’s sisters and three nieces are all OGs. At the Annual General Meeting we farewelled two committee members. Emma Harrison (Gourlay, 1982), our Vice President, has stepped away to concentrate on other aspects of her work. She has shouldered the role of Vice-President since 2017 and we appreciate all she has given to the Society. Libby Jones (Davey, 1964) is also retiring form the Committee and we will miss her acumen, attention to detail and her work as Secretary. Libby has put a lot of time into organising the OG papers ad records and we are grateful for the way she has set so much in place.

Reunions are very much a connection point for many Old Grammarians. At the very end of last year, the reunions of the Classes of 1982 and 1992 took place at the School and both were very well attended. As always there was a good representation of boarders, demonstrating the strong connections they build in their time at school.

Our 130th Year commenced with the Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and this was the first of many occasions of celebration in this historic year. The whole school from Prep to Year 12 was in attendance.

A few days later, the High Achievers’ Assembly took place and the Gilman Jones Scholarship Trustees were there to present Louise Wang (ATAR 99.80) and Alexandra Zhang (ATAR 99.80) with their scholarship awards.

Being part of the Old Grammarians Committee provides OGs with a close connection to the School. We are always looking for people who would be interested in joining. We now have the option of meeting online or in person and this opens membership up to people living in regional Victoria or indeed further afield. We are delighted to welcome Fiona Nicholson-Stocker (1985) to our Committee. She brings a fresh voice and a deep connection to and knowledge of the School through her mother Fay Nicholson (Woodcock 1949) who was on the OG Committee for many years. Fiona’s sisters and three nieces are all OGs. At the Annual General Meeting we farewelled two committee members. Emma Harrison (Gourlay, 1982), our Vice President, has stepped away to concentrate on other aspects of her work. She has shouldered the role of Vice-President since 2017 and we appreciate all she has given to the Society. Libby Jones (Davey, 1964) is also retiring form the Committee and we will miss her acumen, attention to detail and her work as Secretary. Libby has put a lot of time into organising the OG papers ad records and we are grateful for the way she has set so much in place.

Reunions are very much a connection point for many Old Grammarians. At the very end of last year, the reunions of the Classes of 1982 and 1992 took place at the School and both were very well attended. As always there was a good representation of boarders, demonstrating the strong connections they build in their time at school.

Our 130th Year commenced with the Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and this was the first of many occasions of celebration in this historic year. The whole school from Prep to Year 12 was in attendance.

A few days later, the High Achievers’ Assembly took place and the Gilman Jones Scholarship Trustees were there to present Louise Wang (ATAR 99.80) and Alexandra Zhang (ATAR 99.80) with their scholarship awards.

Being part of the Old Grammarians Committee provides OGs with a close connection to the School. We are always looking for people who would be interested in joining. We now have the option of meeting online or in person and this opens membership up to people living in regional Victoria or indeed further afield. We are delighted to welcome Fiona Nicholson-Stocker (1985) to our Committee. She brings a fresh voice and a deep connection to and knowledge of the School through her mother Fay Nicholson (Woodcock 1949) who was on the OG Committee for many years. Fiona’s sisters and three nieces are all OGs. At the Annual General Meeting we farewelled two committee members. Emma Harrison (Gourlay, 1982), our Vice President, has stepped away to concentrate on other aspects of her work. She has shouldered the role of Vice-President since 2017 and we appreciate all she has given to the Society. Libby Jones (Davey, 1964) is also retiring form the Committee and we will miss her acumen, attention to detail and her work as Secretary. Libby has put a lot of time into organising the OG papers ad records and we are grateful for the way she has set so much in place.

Reunions are very much a connection point for many Old Grammarians. At the very end of last year, the reunions of the Classes of 1982 and 1992 took place at the School and both were very well attended. As always there was a good representation of boarders, demonstrating the strong connections they build in their time at school.

Our 130th Year commenced with the Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and this was the first of many occasions of celebration in this historic year. The whole school from Prep to Year 12 was in attendance.

A few days later, the High Achievers’ Assembly took place and the Gilman Jones Scholarship Trustees were there to present Louise Wang (ATAR 99.80) and Alexandra Zhang (ATAR 99.80) with their scholarship awards.

This year the scholarship was awarded equally to both students on the basis of their outstanding results and commitment to the life of the School. Both girls had been at MGGS since Year 7. Louise has been accepted into Monash University to commence Medicine and Alexandra has enrolled to study Science at the University of Melbourne.

In March, the School recognised International Women’s Day with a school assembly for the students followed by lunch at The Lyceum Club for OGs, parents and friends of the School. Many came to share the occasion and to recognise the importance of the day. The School Captains were present and took part in the proceedings. The guest speaker was Sarah Giles (2000), one of the two 2022 Emily Hensley awardees. Sarah, a worthy winner, is an award-winning opera and theatre director who has directed over 25 productions. One of very few female directors, Sarah first directorial experiences were in School productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne with a double major in History and Italian and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Directing). Her work impressed the judges in the way she shines a light on social issues and gives her audience the chance to reflect and engage with those issues, often using humour as an entry point. That humour was to the fore in her address at the Lyceum and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to her.

Nominations for the Emily Hensley Award 2023 will open in July this year. We encourage all OGs to consider nominating someone they know and admire under the age of 40. Details of the process and the criteria will be on the website.

The Old Grammarians Society has also been keen to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the School in our regions and interstate. As part of these celebrations, the Principal, Dr Toni Meath, is hoping to visit those groups holding a function during the year. Late in March, Dr Meath and Ms Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, joined the President of the OGS, Trudie Horsfall, at the lunches being held in Sydney and Brisbane. Both events were well attended with OGs most interested in hearing from Dr Meath about life and events at MGGS, including the completion of the Principals’ portraits and the much-anticipated publication of Lines of Flight by Prof. Erica McWilliam, AM.

This year the scholarship was awarded equally to both students on the basis of their outstanding results and commitment to the life of the School. Both girls had been at MGGS since Year 7. Louise has been accepted into Monash University to commence Medicine and Alexandra has enrolled to study Science at the University of Melbourne.

In March, the School recognised International Women’s Day with a school assembly for the students followed by lunch at The Lyceum Club for OGs, parents and friends of the School. Many came to share the occasion and to recognise the importance of the day. The School Captains were present and took part in the proceedings. The guest speaker was Sarah Giles (2000), one of the two 2022 Emily Hensley awardees. Sarah, a worthy winner, is an award-winning opera and theatre director who has directed over 25 productions. One of very few female directors, Sarah first directorial experiences were in School productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne with a double major in History and Italian and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Directing). Her work impressed the judges in the way she shines a light on social issues and gives her audience the chance to reflect and engage with those issues, often using humour as an entry point. That humour was to the fore in her address at the Lyceum and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to her.

Nominations for the Emily Hensley Award 2023 will open in July this year. We encourage all OGs to consider nominating someone they know and admire under the age of 40. Details of the process and the criteria will be on the website.

The Old Grammarians Society has also been keen to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the School in our regions and interstate. As part of these celebrations, the Principal, Dr Toni Meath, is hoping to visit those groups holding a function during the year. Late in March, Dr Meath and Ms Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, joined the President of the OGS, Trudie Horsfall, at the lunches being held in Sydney and Brisbane. Both events were well attended with OGs most interested in hearing from Dr Meath about life and events at MGGS, including the completion of the Principals’ portraits and the much-anticipated publication of Lines of Flight by Prof. Erica McWilliam, AM.

This year the scholarship was awarded equally to both students on the basis of their outstanding results and commitment to the life of the School. Both girls had been at MGGS since Year 7. Louise has been accepted into Monash University to commence Medicine and Alexandra has enrolled to study Science at the University of Melbourne.

In March, the School recognised International Women’s Day with a school assembly for the students followed by lunch at The Lyceum Club for OGs, parents and friends of the School. Many came to share the occasion and to recognise the importance of the day. The School Captains were present and took part in the proceedings. The guest speaker was Sarah Giles (2000), one of the two 2022 Emily Hensley awardees. Sarah, a worthy winner, is an award-winning opera and theatre director who has directed over 25 productions. One of very few female directors, Sarah first directorial experiences were in School productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne with a double major in History and Italian and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Directing). Her work impressed the judges in the way she shines a light on social issues and gives her audience the chance to reflect and engage with those issues, often using humour as an entry point. That humour was to the fore in her address at the Lyceum and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to her.

Nominations for the Emily Hensley Award 2023 will open in July this year. We encourage all OGs to consider nominating someone they know and admire under the age of 40. Details of the process and the criteria will be on the website.

The Old Grammarians Society has also been keen to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the School in our regions and interstate. As part of these celebrations, the Principal, Dr Toni Meath, is hoping to visit those groups holding a function during the year. Late in March, Dr Meath and Ms Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, joined the President of the OGS, Trudie Horsfall, at the lunches being held in Sydney and Brisbane. Both events were well attended with OGs most interested in hearing from Dr Meath about life and events at MGGS, including the completion of the Principals’ portraits and the much-anticipated publication of Lines of Flight by Prof. Erica McWilliam, AM.

At the Brisbane event, Robyn Burgess (Tonkin, 1969) was presented with her award of Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians’ Society in recognition of her significant contribution in keeping the Queensland Old Grammarian community connected by organising regular functions. Always aware of the significant distances involved in Queensland, Robyn has organised functions in different locations each year, such as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well as Brisbane to give as many OGs as possible the chance to get together. The introduction of Mothers of Old Grammarians (MOOGs) has made her gatherings even more inclusive, remembering that mothers sacrificed a lot for their daughters to attend Melbourne Girls Grammar as day girls or boarders.

In Sydney, ill-health prevented Rosie Humphrey (Wilmot, 1959) from receiving her award of Honorary Life Membership at the NSW OG Lunch and it will be presented at the Anniversary Event in October, which this year is featuring our boarding community. Rosie has been instrumental over many, many years in contacting, organising and connecting OGs who have moved to or who live in NSW. She has kept this community together and they have shown great interest in and loyalty to the School, donating money to projects and to the Library. For many years, this group volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels in Sydney.

The Society, through the Old Grammarians Committee is indebted to Rosie and Robyn for their support and their personal contributions in time and leadership. Their Honorary Life Membership are richly deserved.

At the Brisbane event, Robyn Burgess (Tonkin, 1969) was presented with her award of Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians’ Society in recognition of her significant contribution in keeping the Queensland Old Grammarian community connected by organising regular functions. Always aware of the significant distances involved in Queensland, Robyn has organised functions in different locations each year, such as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well as Brisbane to give as many OGs as possible the chance to get together. The introduction of Mothers of Old Grammarians (MOOGs) has made her gatherings even more inclusive, remembering that mothers sacrificed a lot for their daughters to attend Melbourne Girls Grammar as day girls or boarders.

In Sydney, ill-health prevented Rosie Humphrey (Wilmot, 1959) from receiving her award of Honorary Life Membership at the NSW OG Lunch and it will be presented at the Anniversary Event in October, which this year is featuring our boarding community. Rosie has been instrumental over many, many years in contacting, organising and connecting OGs who have moved to or who live in NSW. She has kept this community together and they have shown great interest in and loyalty to the School, donating money to projects and to the Library. For many years, this group volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels in Sydney.

The Society, through the Old Grammarians Committee is indebted to Rosie and Robyn for their support and their personal contributions in time and leadership. Their Honorary Life Membership are richly deserved.

At the Brisbane event, Robyn Burgess (Tonkin, 1969) was presented with her award of Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians’ Society in recognition of her significant contribution in keeping the Queensland Old Grammarian community connected by organising regular functions. Always aware of the significant distances involved in Queensland, Robyn has organised functions in different locations each year, such as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well as Brisbane to give as many OGs as possible the chance to get together. The introduction of Mothers of Old Grammarians (MOOGs) has made her gatherings even more inclusive, remembering that mothers sacrificed a lot for their daughters to attend Melbourne Girls Grammar as day girls or boarders.

In Sydney, ill-health prevented Rosie Humphrey (Wilmot, 1959) from receiving her award of Honorary Life Membership at the NSW OG Lunch and it will be presented at the Anniversary Event in October, which this year is featuring our boarding community. Rosie has been instrumental over many, many years in contacting, organising and connecting OGs who have moved to or who live in NSW. She has kept this community together and they have shown great interest in and loyalty to the School, donating money to projects and to the Library. For many years, this group volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels in Sydney.

The Society, through the Old Grammarians Committee is indebted to Rosie and Robyn for their support and their personal contributions in time and leadership. Their Honorary Life Membership are richly deserved.

Emma Harrison.

Fiona Nicholson.

Libby Jones.

Rosie Humphrey.

Robyn Burgess on the R with her sister Karen Caban.

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A new innovation this year is a revamped Anniversary Event. This annual event has traditionally been a luncheon, commemorating the foundation of the Old Grammarians Society in 1904. With Saturday lunchtimes being very busy times in most households these days, it has more recently tended to attract an older group of OGs. We want to celebrate the foundation of the Society with a wider group of OGs each year. The event will be held later in the day/early evening and each year it will focus on a different aspect of the School. This year, the focus is on boarding and the event will be held on Saturday 14 October, We hope to see many of our boarding Old Grammarians at the event. However, it will never be just for one group, but always an event which will welcome all Old Grammarians coming to celebrate the existence of our Society. Further details and an invitation will be sent soon.

The Bellarine region of the OGS welcomed many OGs to their biennial luncheon held at 360Q in Queenscliff in May. Despite being a cold day and the traffic woes on the Geelong road, it was well attended. Guests thoroughly enjoyed Dr Toni Meath’s witty speech, which gave a genuine insight into life at MGGS. Convenors, Wendy Amor (Cooper, 1969) and Sally Cordner (1970), introduced Sue Coffey (Adams, 1969) as the guest speaker. Sue has worked in a wide range of roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She has strong interest and experience in human rights issues and in 2012-13 she worked in Cambodia for the Australian Government's overseas aid program and then moved to a role in Myanmar. She spoke of the importance of aiming for a just and equitable world. The audience was very appreciative of her time.

A new innovation this year is a revamped Anniversary Event. This annual event has traditionally been a luncheon, commemorating the foundation of the Old Grammarians Society in 1904. With Saturday lunchtimes being very busy times in most households these days, it has more recently tended to attract an older group of OGs. We want to celebrate the foundation of the Society with a wider group of OGs each year. The event will be held later in the day/early evening and each year it will focus on a different aspect of the School. This year, the focus is on boarding and the event will be held on Saturday 14 October, We hope to see many of our boarding Old Grammarians at the event. However, it will never be just for one group, but always an event which will welcome all Old Grammarians coming to celebrate the existence of our Society. Further details and an invitation will be sent soon.

The Bellarine region of the OGS welcomed many OGs to their biennial luncheon held at 360Q in Queenscliff in May. Despite being a cold day and the traffic woes on the Geelong road, it was well attended. Guests thoroughly enjoyed Dr Toni Meath’s witty speech, which gave a genuine insight into life at MGGS. Convenors, Wendy Amor (Cooper, 1969) and Sally Cordner (1970), introduced Sue Coffey (Adams, 1969) as the guest speaker. Sue has worked in a wide range of roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She has strong interest and experience in human rights issues and in 2012-13 she worked in Cambodia for the Australian Government's overseas aid program and then moved to a role in Myanmar. She spoke of the importance of aiming for a just and equitable world. The audience was very appreciative of her time.

A new innovation this year is a revamped Anniversary Event. This annual event has traditionally been a luncheon, commemorating the foundation of the Old Grammarians Society in 1904. With Saturday lunchtimes being very busy times in most households these days, it has more recently tended to attract an older group of OGs. We want to celebrate the foundation of the Society with a wider group of OGs each year. The event will be held later in the day/early evening and each year it will focus on a different aspect of the School. This year, the focus is on boarding and the event will be held on Saturday 14 October, We hope to see many of our boarding Old Grammarians at the event. However, it will never be just for one group, but always an event which will welcome all Old Grammarians coming to celebrate the existence of our Society. Further details and an invitation will be sent soon.

The Bellarine region of the OGS welcomed many OGs to their biennial luncheon held at 360Q in Queenscliff in May. Despite being a cold day and the traffic woes on the Geelong road, it was well attended. Guests thoroughly enjoyed Dr Toni Meath’s witty speech, which gave a genuine insight into life at MGGS. Convenors, Wendy Amor (Cooper, 1969) and Sally Cordner (1970), introduced Sue Coffey (Adams, 1969) as the guest speaker. Sue has worked in a wide range of roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She has strong interest and experience in human rights issues and in 2012-13 she worked in Cambodia for the Australian Government's overseas aid program and then moved to a role in Myanmar. She spoke of the importance of aiming for a just and equitable world. The audience was very appreciative of her time.

Recently the DJ Ross Trustees, Venetia Patchett (Streeton, 1965), Merial Clark (1978) and Annita Robson (Brown, 1965) organised the 10th annual DJ Ross Oration. Trustee, Venetia, reported that Colonel Bunny (Catherine née Goddard, 1975) Carrigan had the audience enthralled as she talked of her career in the Australian Defence Forces from the Army Reserves during her university days, her graduation from Duntroon as a one of 10 females with 150 males and the ensuing 35 years in the Army. Looking back, Bunny is proud of her achievements and the positive changes in the role of women in the Australian Army. Since 2005, she has been an Army Reserve Officer, a board director and business consultant.

Recently the DJ Ross Trustees, Venetia Patchett (Streeton, 1965), Merial Clark (1978) and Annita Robson (Brown, 1965) organised the 10th annual DJ Ross Oration. Trustee, Venetia, reported that Colonel Bunny (Catherine née Goddard, 1975) Carrigan had the audience enthralled as she talked of her career in the Australian Defence Forces from the Army Reserves during her university days, her graduation from Duntroon as a one of 10 females with 150 males and the ensuing 35 years in the Army. Looking back, Bunny is proud of her achievements and the positive changes in the role of women in the Australian Army. Since 2005, she has been an Army Reserve Officer, a board director and business consultant.

Recently the DJ Ross Trustees, Venetia Patchett (Streeton, 1965), Merial Clark (1978) and Annita Robson (Brown, 1965) organised the 10th annual DJ Ross Oration. Trustee, Venetia, reported that Colonel Bunny (Catherine née Goddard, 1975) Carrigan had the audience enthralled as she talked of her career in the Australian Defence Forces from the Army Reserves during her university days, her graduation from Duntroon as a one of 10 females with 150 males and the ensuing 35 years in the Army. Looking back, Bunny is proud of her achievements and the positive changes in the role of women in the Australian Army. Since 2005, she has been an Army Reserve Officer, a board director and business consultant.

Reunions 2023

The class of 2018 celebrated their five-year reunion in early March. They gathered off site and their enjoyment in being back together was very evident amongst the large number who attended.

In May, in another innovation, we were pleased to share a school tour and then luncheon off-site with the Classes of 1953 and 1963 along with other OGs who were most welcome. Guests were greeted off-site for lunch at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. The group enjoyed the nostalgic photos and listened with interest to stories from the 1953 Jubilee Year School Captain, Sue Morgan (Somerset). Sue McCarthy, a long-term contributor to and supporter of the School, represented the 1963 cohort, raising laughter amongst her friends with her remarks. Pip O’Connor, School Historian, was very grateful to receive some School memorabilia for the Archives, including the blazer of 1935 School Captain, Betty Sewell, proudly worn for the afternoon by her relative, Jasmine Hewson (Sewell, 1963).

Reunions 2023

The class of 2018 celebrated their five-year reunion in early March. They gathered off site and their enjoyment in being back together was very evident amongst the large number who attended.

In May, in another innovation, we were pleased to share a school tour and then luncheon off-site with the Classes of 1953 and 1963 along with other OGs who were most welcome. Guests were greeted off-site for lunch at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. The group enjoyed the nostalgic photos and listened with interest to stories from the 1953 Jubilee Year School Captain, Sue Morgan (Somerset). Sue McCarthy, a long-term contributor to and supporter of the School, represented the 1963 cohort, raising laughter amongst her friends with her remarks. Pip O’Connor, School Historian, was very grateful to receive some School memorabilia for the Archives, including the blazer of 1935 School Captain, Betty Sewell, proudly worn for the afternoon by her relative, Jasmine Hewson (Sewell, 1963).

Reunions 2023

The class of 2018 celebrated their five-year reunion in early March. They gathered off site and their enjoyment in being back together was very evident amongst the large number who attended.

In May, in another innovation, we were pleased to share a school tour and then luncheon off-site with the Classes of 1953 and 1963 along with other OGs who were most welcome. Guests were greeted off-site for lunch at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. The group enjoyed the nostalgic photos and listened with interest to stories from the 1953 Jubilee Year School Captain, Sue Morgan (Somerset). Sue McCarthy, a long-term contributor to and supporter of the School, represented the 1963 cohort, raising laughter amongst her friends with her remarks. Pip O’Connor, School Historian, was very grateful to receive some School memorabilia for the Archives, including the blazer of 1935 School Captain, Betty Sewell, proudly worn for the afternoon by her relative, Jasmine Hewson (Sewell, 1963).

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If you are not receiving communications from the School with regard to your reunions, please contact the Community Office at community@mggs.vic.edu.au to update your contact details and confirm your preferences relating to contact from the School.

The OGS Committee would welcome any OG who would like to join us. To ensure we are connecting with OGs across all decades, we are particularly looking for representation from the more recent decades. Please consider giving some of your time to ensure that the OGS remains a robust, vital part of our School. If you are interested, please contact community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

If you are not receiving communications from the School with regard to your reunions, please contact the Community Office at community@mggs.vic.edu.au to update your contact details and confirm your preferences relating to contact from the School.

The OGS Committee would welcome any OG who would like to join us. To ensure we are connecting with OGs across all decades, we are particularly looking for representation from the more recent decades. Please consider giving some of your time to ensure that the OGS remains a robust, vital part of our School. If you are interested, please contact community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

If you are not receiving communications from the School with regard to your reunions, please contact the Community Office at community@mggs.vic.edu.au to update your contact details and confirm your preferences relating to contact from the School.

The OGS Committee would welcome any OG who would like to join us. To ensure we are connecting with OGs across all decades, we are particularly looking for representation from the more recent decades. Please consider giving some of your time to ensure that the OGS remains a robust, vital part of our School. If you are interested, please contact community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

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Written By

Trudie Horsfall

OGS President

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12

Connecting Generations of Alumnae

The Old Grammarians Society was created in 1904 and has been a visible presence in the School over nearly 120 years. The Society has changed and adapted with time as the School itself has grown and developed. Each year, we look for ways to improve our ability to reach out and connect with Old Grammarians.

‍

Being part of the Old Grammarians Committee provides OGs with a close connection to the School. We are always looking for people who would be interested in joining. We now have the option of meeting online or in person and this opens membership up to people living in regional Victoria or indeed further afield. We are delighted to welcome Fiona Nicholson-Stocker (1985) to our Committee. She brings a fresh voice and a deep connection to and knowledge of the School through her mother Fay Nicholson (Woodcock 1949) who was on the OG Committee for many years. Fiona’s sisters and three nieces are all OGs. At the Annual General Meeting we farewelled two committee members. Emma Harrison (Gourlay, 1982), our Vice President, has stepped away to concentrate on other aspects of her work. She has shouldered the role of Vice-President since 2017 and we appreciate all she has given to the Society. Libby Jones (Davey, 1964) is also retiring form the Committee and we will miss her acumen, attention to detail and her work as Secretary. Libby has put a lot of time into organising the OG papers ad records and we are grateful for the way she has set so much in place.

Reunions are very much a connection point for many Old Grammarians. At the very end of last year, the reunions of the Classes of 1982 and 1992 took place at the School and both were very well attended. As always there was a good representation of boarders, demonstrating the strong connections they build in their time at school.

Our 130th Year commenced with the Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and this was the first of many occasions of celebration in this historic year. The whole school from Prep to Year 12 was in attendance.

A few days later, the High Achievers’ Assembly took place and the Gilman Jones Scholarship Trustees were there to present Louise Wang (ATAR 99.80) and Alexandra Zhang (ATAR 99.80) with their scholarship awards.

Being part of the Old Grammarians Committee provides OGs with a close connection to the School. We are always looking for people who would be interested in joining. We now have the option of meeting online or in person and this opens membership up to people living in regional Victoria or indeed further afield. We are delighted to welcome Fiona Nicholson-Stocker (1985) to our Committee. She brings a fresh voice and a deep connection to and knowledge of the School through her mother Fay Nicholson (Woodcock 1949) who was on the OG Committee for many years. Fiona’s sisters and three nieces are all OGs. At the Annual General Meeting we farewelled two committee members. Emma Harrison (Gourlay, 1982), our Vice President, has stepped away to concentrate on other aspects of her work. She has shouldered the role of Vice-President since 2017 and we appreciate all she has given to the Society. Libby Jones (Davey, 1964) is also retiring form the Committee and we will miss her acumen, attention to detail and her work as Secretary. Libby has put a lot of time into organising the OG papers ad records and we are grateful for the way she has set so much in place.

Reunions are very much a connection point for many Old Grammarians. At the very end of last year, the reunions of the Classes of 1982 and 1992 took place at the School and both were very well attended. As always there was a good representation of boarders, demonstrating the strong connections they build in their time at school.

Our 130th Year commenced with the Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and this was the first of many occasions of celebration in this historic year. The whole school from Prep to Year 12 was in attendance.

A few days later, the High Achievers’ Assembly took place and the Gilman Jones Scholarship Trustees were there to present Louise Wang (ATAR 99.80) and Alexandra Zhang (ATAR 99.80) with their scholarship awards.

Being part of the Old Grammarians Committee provides OGs with a close connection to the School. We are always looking for people who would be interested in joining. We now have the option of meeting online or in person and this opens membership up to people living in regional Victoria or indeed further afield. We are delighted to welcome Fiona Nicholson-Stocker (1985) to our Committee. She brings a fresh voice and a deep connection to and knowledge of the School through her mother Fay Nicholson (Woodcock 1949) who was on the OG Committee for many years. Fiona’s sisters and three nieces are all OGs. At the Annual General Meeting we farewelled two committee members. Emma Harrison (Gourlay, 1982), our Vice President, has stepped away to concentrate on other aspects of her work. She has shouldered the role of Vice-President since 2017 and we appreciate all she has given to the Society. Libby Jones (Davey, 1964) is also retiring form the Committee and we will miss her acumen, attention to detail and her work as Secretary. Libby has put a lot of time into organising the OG papers ad records and we are grateful for the way she has set so much in place.

Reunions are very much a connection point for many Old Grammarians. At the very end of last year, the reunions of the Classes of 1982 and 1992 took place at the School and both were very well attended. As always there was a good representation of boarders, demonstrating the strong connections they build in their time at school.

Our 130th Year commenced with the Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and this was the first of many occasions of celebration in this historic year. The whole school from Prep to Year 12 was in attendance.

A few days later, the High Achievers’ Assembly took place and the Gilman Jones Scholarship Trustees were there to present Louise Wang (ATAR 99.80) and Alexandra Zhang (ATAR 99.80) with their scholarship awards.

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This year the scholarship was awarded equally to both students on the basis of their outstanding results and commitment to the life of the School. Both girls had been at MGGS since Year 7. Louise has been accepted into Monash University to commence Medicine and Alexandra has enrolled to study Science at the University of Melbourne.

In March, the School recognised International Women’s Day with a school assembly for the students followed by lunch at The Lyceum Club for OGs, parents and friends of the School. Many came to share the occasion and to recognise the importance of the day. The School Captains were present and took part in the proceedings. The guest speaker was Sarah Giles (2000), one of the two 2022 Emily Hensley awardees. Sarah, a worthy winner, is an award-winning opera and theatre director who has directed over 25 productions. One of very few female directors, Sarah first directorial experiences were in School productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne with a double major in History and Italian and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Directing). Her work impressed the judges in the way she shines a light on social issues and gives her audience the chance to reflect and engage with those issues, often using humour as an entry point. That humour was to the fore in her address at the Lyceum and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to her.

Nominations for the Emily Hensley Award 2023 will open in July this year. We encourage all OGs to consider nominating someone they know and admire under the age of 40. Details of the process and the criteria will be on the website.

The Old Grammarians Society has also been keen to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the School in our regions and interstate. As part of these celebrations, the Principal, Dr Toni Meath, is hoping to visit those groups holding a function during the year. Late in March, Dr Meath and Ms Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, joined the President of the OGS, Trudie Horsfall, at the lunches being held in Sydney and Brisbane. Both events were well attended with OGs most interested in hearing from Dr Meath about life and events at MGGS, including the completion of the Principals’ portraits and the much-anticipated publication of Lines of Flight by Prof. Erica McWilliam, AM.

This year the scholarship was awarded equally to both students on the basis of their outstanding results and commitment to the life of the School. Both girls had been at MGGS since Year 7. Louise has been accepted into Monash University to commence Medicine and Alexandra has enrolled to study Science at the University of Melbourne.

In March, the School recognised International Women’s Day with a school assembly for the students followed by lunch at The Lyceum Club for OGs, parents and friends of the School. Many came to share the occasion and to recognise the importance of the day. The School Captains were present and took part in the proceedings. The guest speaker was Sarah Giles (2000), one of the two 2022 Emily Hensley awardees. Sarah, a worthy winner, is an award-winning opera and theatre director who has directed over 25 productions. One of very few female directors, Sarah first directorial experiences were in School productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne with a double major in History and Italian and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Directing). Her work impressed the judges in the way she shines a light on social issues and gives her audience the chance to reflect and engage with those issues, often using humour as an entry point. That humour was to the fore in her address at the Lyceum and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to her.

Nominations for the Emily Hensley Award 2023 will open in July this year. We encourage all OGs to consider nominating someone they know and admire under the age of 40. Details of the process and the criteria will be on the website.

The Old Grammarians Society has also been keen to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the School in our regions and interstate. As part of these celebrations, the Principal, Dr Toni Meath, is hoping to visit those groups holding a function during the year. Late in March, Dr Meath and Ms Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, joined the President of the OGS, Trudie Horsfall, at the lunches being held in Sydney and Brisbane. Both events were well attended with OGs most interested in hearing from Dr Meath about life and events at MGGS, including the completion of the Principals’ portraits and the much-anticipated publication of Lines of Flight by Prof. Erica McWilliam, AM.

This year the scholarship was awarded equally to both students on the basis of their outstanding results and commitment to the life of the School. Both girls had been at MGGS since Year 7. Louise has been accepted into Monash University to commence Medicine and Alexandra has enrolled to study Science at the University of Melbourne.

In March, the School recognised International Women’s Day with a school assembly for the students followed by lunch at The Lyceum Club for OGs, parents and friends of the School. Many came to share the occasion and to recognise the importance of the day. The School Captains were present and took part in the proceedings. The guest speaker was Sarah Giles (2000), one of the two 2022 Emily Hensley awardees. Sarah, a worthy winner, is an award-winning opera and theatre director who has directed over 25 productions. One of very few female directors, Sarah first directorial experiences were in School productions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne with a double major in History and Italian and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (Directing). Her work impressed the judges in the way she shines a light on social issues and gives her audience the chance to reflect and engage with those issues, often using humour as an entry point. That humour was to the fore in her address at the Lyceum and the audience thoroughly enjoyed listening to her.

Nominations for the Emily Hensley Award 2023 will open in July this year. We encourage all OGs to consider nominating someone they know and admire under the age of 40. Details of the process and the criteria will be on the website.

The Old Grammarians Society has also been keen to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the School in our regions and interstate. As part of these celebrations, the Principal, Dr Toni Meath, is hoping to visit those groups holding a function during the year. Late in March, Dr Meath and Ms Robyn McCutchan, Executive Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, joined the President of the OGS, Trudie Horsfall, at the lunches being held in Sydney and Brisbane. Both events were well attended with OGs most interested in hearing from Dr Meath about life and events at MGGS, including the completion of the Principals’ portraits and the much-anticipated publication of Lines of Flight by Prof. Erica McWilliam, AM.

At the Brisbane event, Robyn Burgess (Tonkin, 1969) was presented with her award of Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians’ Society in recognition of her significant contribution in keeping the Queensland Old Grammarian community connected by organising regular functions. Always aware of the significant distances involved in Queensland, Robyn has organised functions in different locations each year, such as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well as Brisbane to give as many OGs as possible the chance to get together. The introduction of Mothers of Old Grammarians (MOOGs) has made her gatherings even more inclusive, remembering that mothers sacrificed a lot for their daughters to attend Melbourne Girls Grammar as day girls or boarders.

In Sydney, ill-health prevented Rosie Humphrey (Wilmot, 1959) from receiving her award of Honorary Life Membership at the NSW OG Lunch and it will be presented at the Anniversary Event in October, which this year is featuring our boarding community. Rosie has been instrumental over many, many years in contacting, organising and connecting OGs who have moved to or who live in NSW. She has kept this community together and they have shown great interest in and loyalty to the School, donating money to projects and to the Library. For many years, this group volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels in Sydney.

The Society, through the Old Grammarians Committee is indebted to Rosie and Robyn for their support and their personal contributions in time and leadership. Their Honorary Life Membership are richly deserved.

At the Brisbane event, Robyn Burgess (Tonkin, 1969) was presented with her award of Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians’ Society in recognition of her significant contribution in keeping the Queensland Old Grammarian community connected by organising regular functions. Always aware of the significant distances involved in Queensland, Robyn has organised functions in different locations each year, such as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well as Brisbane to give as many OGs as possible the chance to get together. The introduction of Mothers of Old Grammarians (MOOGs) has made her gatherings even more inclusive, remembering that mothers sacrificed a lot for their daughters to attend Melbourne Girls Grammar as day girls or boarders.

In Sydney, ill-health prevented Rosie Humphrey (Wilmot, 1959) from receiving her award of Honorary Life Membership at the NSW OG Lunch and it will be presented at the Anniversary Event in October, which this year is featuring our boarding community. Rosie has been instrumental over many, many years in contacting, organising and connecting OGs who have moved to or who live in NSW. She has kept this community together and they have shown great interest in and loyalty to the School, donating money to projects and to the Library. For many years, this group volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels in Sydney.

The Society, through the Old Grammarians Committee is indebted to Rosie and Robyn for their support and their personal contributions in time and leadership. Their Honorary Life Membership are richly deserved.

At the Brisbane event, Robyn Burgess (Tonkin, 1969) was presented with her award of Honorary Life Membership of the Old Grammarians’ Society in recognition of her significant contribution in keeping the Queensland Old Grammarian community connected by organising regular functions. Always aware of the significant distances involved in Queensland, Robyn has organised functions in different locations each year, such as the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well as Brisbane to give as many OGs as possible the chance to get together. The introduction of Mothers of Old Grammarians (MOOGs) has made her gatherings even more inclusive, remembering that mothers sacrificed a lot for their daughters to attend Melbourne Girls Grammar as day girls or boarders.

In Sydney, ill-health prevented Rosie Humphrey (Wilmot, 1959) from receiving her award of Honorary Life Membership at the NSW OG Lunch and it will be presented at the Anniversary Event in October, which this year is featuring our boarding community. Rosie has been instrumental over many, many years in contacting, organising and connecting OGs who have moved to or who live in NSW. She has kept this community together and they have shown great interest in and loyalty to the School, donating money to projects and to the Library. For many years, this group volunteered regularly with Meals on Wheels in Sydney.

The Society, through the Old Grammarians Committee is indebted to Rosie and Robyn for their support and their personal contributions in time and leadership. Their Honorary Life Membership are richly deserved.

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Emma Harrison.

Fiona Nicholson.

Libby Jones.

Rosie Humphrey.

Robyn Burgess on the R with her sister Karen Caban.

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Emma Harrison.

Fiona Nicholson.

Libby Jones.

Rosie Humphrey.

Robyn Burgess on the R with her sister Karen Caban.

Prev

Next

A new innovation this year is a revamped Anniversary Event. This annual event has traditionally been a luncheon, commemorating the foundation of the Old Grammarians Society in 1904. With Saturday lunchtimes being very busy times in most households these days, it has more recently tended to attract an older group of OGs. We want to celebrate the foundation of the Society with a wider group of OGs each year. The event will be held later in the day/early evening and each year it will focus on a different aspect of the School. This year, the focus is on boarding and the event will be held on Saturday 14 October, We hope to see many of our boarding Old Grammarians at the event. However, it will never be just for one group, but always an event which will welcome all Old Grammarians coming to celebrate the existence of our Society. Further details and an invitation will be sent soon.

The Bellarine region of the OGS welcomed many OGs to their biennial luncheon held at 360Q in Queenscliff in May. Despite being a cold day and the traffic woes on the Geelong road, it was well attended. Guests thoroughly enjoyed Dr Toni Meath’s witty speech, which gave a genuine insight into life at MGGS. Convenors, Wendy Amor (Cooper, 1969) and Sally Cordner (1970), introduced Sue Coffey (Adams, 1969) as the guest speaker. Sue has worked in a wide range of roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She has strong interest and experience in human rights issues and in 2012-13 she worked in Cambodia for the Australian Government's overseas aid program and then moved to a role in Myanmar. She spoke of the importance of aiming for a just and equitable world. The audience was very appreciative of her time.

A new innovation this year is a revamped Anniversary Event. This annual event has traditionally been a luncheon, commemorating the foundation of the Old Grammarians Society in 1904. With Saturday lunchtimes being very busy times in most households these days, it has more recently tended to attract an older group of OGs. We want to celebrate the foundation of the Society with a wider group of OGs each year. The event will be held later in the day/early evening and each year it will focus on a different aspect of the School. This year, the focus is on boarding and the event will be held on Saturday 14 October, We hope to see many of our boarding Old Grammarians at the event. However, it will never be just for one group, but always an event which will welcome all Old Grammarians coming to celebrate the existence of our Society. Further details and an invitation will be sent soon.

The Bellarine region of the OGS welcomed many OGs to their biennial luncheon held at 360Q in Queenscliff in May. Despite being a cold day and the traffic woes on the Geelong road, it was well attended. Guests thoroughly enjoyed Dr Toni Meath’s witty speech, which gave a genuine insight into life at MGGS. Convenors, Wendy Amor (Cooper, 1969) and Sally Cordner (1970), introduced Sue Coffey (Adams, 1969) as the guest speaker. Sue has worked in a wide range of roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She has strong interest and experience in human rights issues and in 2012-13 she worked in Cambodia for the Australian Government's overseas aid program and then moved to a role in Myanmar. She spoke of the importance of aiming for a just and equitable world. The audience was very appreciative of her time.

A new innovation this year is a revamped Anniversary Event. This annual event has traditionally been a luncheon, commemorating the foundation of the Old Grammarians Society in 1904. With Saturday lunchtimes being very busy times in most households these days, it has more recently tended to attract an older group of OGs. We want to celebrate the foundation of the Society with a wider group of OGs each year. The event will be held later in the day/early evening and each year it will focus on a different aspect of the School. This year, the focus is on boarding and the event will be held on Saturday 14 October, We hope to see many of our boarding Old Grammarians at the event. However, it will never be just for one group, but always an event which will welcome all Old Grammarians coming to celebrate the existence of our Society. Further details and an invitation will be sent soon.

The Bellarine region of the OGS welcomed many OGs to their biennial luncheon held at 360Q in Queenscliff in May. Despite being a cold day and the traffic woes on the Geelong road, it was well attended. Guests thoroughly enjoyed Dr Toni Meath’s witty speech, which gave a genuine insight into life at MGGS. Convenors, Wendy Amor (Cooper, 1969) and Sally Cordner (1970), introduced Sue Coffey (Adams, 1969) as the guest speaker. Sue has worked in a wide range of roles across government and not-for-profit sectors. She has strong interest and experience in human rights issues and in 2012-13 she worked in Cambodia for the Australian Government's overseas aid program and then moved to a role in Myanmar. She spoke of the importance of aiming for a just and equitable world. The audience was very appreciative of her time.

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Recently the DJ Ross Trustees, Venetia Patchett (Streeton, 1965), Merial Clark (1978) and Annita Robson (Brown, 1965) organised the 10th annual DJ Ross Oration. Trustee, Venetia, reported that Colonel Bunny (Catherine née Goddard, 1975) Carrigan had the audience enthralled as she talked of her career in the Australian Defence Forces from the Army Reserves during her university days, her graduation from Duntroon as a one of 10 females with 150 males and the ensuing 35 years in the Army. Looking back, Bunny is proud of her achievements and the positive changes in the role of women in the Australian Army. Since 2005, she has been an Army Reserve Officer, a board director and business consultant.

Recently the DJ Ross Trustees, Venetia Patchett (Streeton, 1965), Merial Clark (1978) and Annita Robson (Brown, 1965) organised the 10th annual DJ Ross Oration. Trustee, Venetia, reported that Colonel Bunny (Catherine née Goddard, 1975) Carrigan had the audience enthralled as she talked of her career in the Australian Defence Forces from the Army Reserves during her university days, her graduation from Duntroon as a one of 10 females with 150 males and the ensuing 35 years in the Army. Looking back, Bunny is proud of her achievements and the positive changes in the role of women in the Australian Army. Since 2005, she has been an Army Reserve Officer, a board director and business consultant.

Recently the DJ Ross Trustees, Venetia Patchett (Streeton, 1965), Merial Clark (1978) and Annita Robson (Brown, 1965) organised the 10th annual DJ Ross Oration. Trustee, Venetia, reported that Colonel Bunny (Catherine née Goddard, 1975) Carrigan had the audience enthralled as she talked of her career in the Australian Defence Forces from the Army Reserves during her university days, her graduation from Duntroon as a one of 10 females with 150 males and the ensuing 35 years in the Army. Looking back, Bunny is proud of her achievements and the positive changes in the role of women in the Australian Army. Since 2005, she has been an Army Reserve Officer, a board director and business consultant.

Reunions 2023

The class of 2018 celebrated their five-year reunion in early March. They gathered off site and their enjoyment in being back together was very evident amongst the large number who attended.

In May, in another innovation, we were pleased to share a school tour and then luncheon off-site with the Classes of 1953 and 1963 along with other OGs who were most welcome. Guests were greeted off-site for lunch at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. The group enjoyed the nostalgic photos and listened with interest to stories from the 1953 Jubilee Year School Captain, Sue Morgan (Somerset). Sue McCarthy, a long-term contributor to and supporter of the School, represented the 1963 cohort, raising laughter amongst her friends with her remarks. Pip O’Connor, School Historian, was very grateful to receive some School memorabilia for the Archives, including the blazer of 1935 School Captain, Betty Sewell, proudly worn for the afternoon by her relative, Jasmine Hewson (Sewell, 1963).

Reunions 2023

The class of 2018 celebrated their five-year reunion in early March. They gathered off site and their enjoyment in being back together was very evident amongst the large number who attended.

In May, in another innovation, we were pleased to share a school tour and then luncheon off-site with the Classes of 1953 and 1963 along with other OGs who were most welcome. Guests were greeted off-site for lunch at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. The group enjoyed the nostalgic photos and listened with interest to stories from the 1953 Jubilee Year School Captain, Sue Morgan (Somerset). Sue McCarthy, a long-term contributor to and supporter of the School, represented the 1963 cohort, raising laughter amongst her friends with her remarks. Pip O’Connor, School Historian, was very grateful to receive some School memorabilia for the Archives, including the blazer of 1935 School Captain, Betty Sewell, proudly worn for the afternoon by her relative, Jasmine Hewson (Sewell, 1963).

Reunions 2023

The class of 2018 celebrated their five-year reunion in early March. They gathered off site and their enjoyment in being back together was very evident amongst the large number who attended.

In May, in another innovation, we were pleased to share a school tour and then luncheon off-site with the Classes of 1953 and 1963 along with other OGs who were most welcome. Guests were greeted off-site for lunch at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. The group enjoyed the nostalgic photos and listened with interest to stories from the 1953 Jubilee Year School Captain, Sue Morgan (Somerset). Sue McCarthy, a long-term contributor to and supporter of the School, represented the 1963 cohort, raising laughter amongst her friends with her remarks. Pip O’Connor, School Historian, was very grateful to receive some School memorabilia for the Archives, including the blazer of 1935 School Captain, Betty Sewell, proudly worn for the afternoon by her relative, Jasmine Hewson (Sewell, 1963).

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If you are not receiving communications from the School with regard to your reunions, please contact the Community Office at community@mggs.vic.edu.au to update your contact details and confirm your preferences relating to contact from the School.

The OGS Committee would welcome any OG who would like to join us. To ensure we are connecting with OGs across all decades, we are particularly looking for representation from the more recent decades. Please consider giving some of your time to ensure that the OGS remains a robust, vital part of our School. If you are interested, please contact community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

If you are not receiving communications from the School with regard to your reunions, please contact the Community Office at community@mggs.vic.edu.au to update your contact details and confirm your preferences relating to contact from the School.

The OGS Committee would welcome any OG who would like to join us. To ensure we are connecting with OGs across all decades, we are particularly looking for representation from the more recent decades. Please consider giving some of your time to ensure that the OGS remains a robust, vital part of our School. If you are interested, please contact community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

If you are not receiving communications from the School with regard to your reunions, please contact the Community Office at community@mggs.vic.edu.au to update your contact details and confirm your preferences relating to contact from the School.

The OGS Committee would welcome any OG who would like to join us. To ensure we are connecting with OGs across all decades, we are particularly looking for representation from the more recent decades. Please consider giving some of your time to ensure that the OGS remains a robust, vital part of our School. If you are interested, please contact community@mggs.vic.edu.au.

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Written By

Trudie Horsfall

OGS President

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