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TERM 3 2026

STAY I N G C O N N E C T E D

Tara Neyland (‘11) wins gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Refer to P6 for her story.

HAVE FROMYOU THE HEARD? PRINCIPAL

The Brown and White Acknowledgements Copy:

Brianna Ablett (‘21) Geoff Brown (‘62) Mirella Busso-Lee Kirsty Hooper Tim Swain (‘72)

Photos: Josh Boland (‘14) Andrew Fox Dean Phipps Please advise us of any change in your personal contact details. Email alumni@ivanhoe.com.au or contact Brianna Ablett at Ivanhoe Grammar School. Phone +61 9490 3772. The Brown and White is a quarterly newsletter for alumni and supporters of Ivanhoe Grammar School. Correction The Brown and White team wish to acknowledge an oversight from the recent edition which included a feature on alumni who played senior VFL-AFL football. Two boys who should have been included in the list are: Justin Crow (‘00); Collingwood (1 game in 2004); recruited from Oakleigh Chargers. Ken Hogan (‘70); Essendon (18 games 1971-72); recruited from Ivanhoe Grammar School. This document has been produced to international environmental management standard ISO14001 by Ellikon Fine Printers, a certified green printing company.

Staying connected facebook.com/ OldIvanhoeGrammarians instagram.com/old ivanhoegrammariansofficial linkedin.com/ company/66766571/ oldivanhoe.com ivanhoe.com.au

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onstruction of the Senior Years Fraser Centre continues to progress strongly towards its opening, representing a significant investment in learning environments that supports both academic excellence and student wellbeing. Alongside this development, the School’s continued focus on evidence-informed instructional practices and the growing impact of its Artificial Intelligence strategy is enhancing teaching and learning outcomes across Ivanhoe Grammar School. While academic achievement remains important, our commitment extends equally to developing young people of character who understand the value of service, connection and community. This reflects the vision of Founding Headmaster, Reverend Sydney Buckley, who believed education should prepare students not only for personal success, but also for lives of purpose, compassion and responsible citizenship. Community continues to be one of Ivanhoe Grammar School’s greatest strengths. This spirit extends beyond our students to the many parents, volunteers and alumni who contribute to School life through mentoring, fundraising, events and ongoing engagement. Throughout the year, reunions and alumni gatherings have provided valuable opportunities to reconnect, reinforcing the enduring strength of the Ivanhoe community. Our commitment to service is particularly evident through programs offered at the University Campus, including Challenge Week, IDEALS, Outreach and international experiences. During Challenge Week, Year 9

students work alongside community organisations such as La Trobe Life Skills and Disability Services, FareShare and The Salvation Army, developing a deeper understanding of inclusion, service and community need. Through the weekly IDEALS program, students prepare meals for local charities, support fundraising initiatives, volunteer in childcare and aged care settings, and contribute to projects that assist vulnerable individuals and families. These experiences are complemented by Outreach activities with organisations including 300 Blankets and Big Group Hug, where students make meaningful contributions to their local community. The School’s annual service and cultural immersion programs to Cambodia and the Dampier Peninsula remain highlights of the year. Beyond the practical service undertaken, these experiences foster meaningful relationships, cultural understanding and global awareness, helping students develop empathy and perspective. Together, these programs demonstrate that an Ivanhoe education is about far more than academic success. They embody Sydney Buckley’s enduring belief that schools should nurture not only capable minds, but also generous hearts and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Through these experiences, students learn that true leadership is measured not simply by achievement, but by the positive impact they have on others and the communities they serve. Gerard Foley Principal

LEADING THROUGH SERVICE

Leading through Service

A lifetime of leadership and service recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia.

obert (Bob) George Batrouney (‘63) has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division as part of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, for service to the community through a range of roles. The honour acknowledges a lifetime of meaningful contribution across community development, education, business, and philanthropy, reflecting both breadth and longevity of service. Bob’s connection to Ivanhoe Grammar School began with active participation in his school life and continues to this day. Reflecting on those formative years, Bob says he thoroughly enjoyed his time at Ivanhoe, recalling good teachers, lifelong friendships and a school community where, despite being one of only a handful of boys with non-anglo heritage and surnames at the time, he experienced,

“never a hint of any sort of discrimination.”

He spent five years as a member of the First XI cricket team, playing in two premierships, and was part of the football team that defeated Assumption College for their first loss in the Associated Grammar Schools competition. In his final year, he was appointed a Prefect. These roles reflected early signs of leadership, responsibility and strong engagement within the school community, qualities that would define his later contributions. Following his time at the School, Bob pursued university studies before entering the workforce through the family business - a successful sleepwear manufacturer. Bob’s most significant contribution has been through his involvement with Rotary, particularly the Rotary Club of Balwyn, where he has dedicated more than 40 years to service. During this time, he held numerous leadership roles, including President from 2007 to 2008 and as Vice President on two occasions. His leadership has extended across a range of initiatives and committees, including the Centenary Grants Committee, the Timor Leste Rotary Liaison Office, and the Rotary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Scholarship program, the Peer Support Foundation and the Hays Paddock Playground.

His contribution via Rotary has been both strategic and practical, involving governance responsibilities as well as hands-on engagement in projects. His long-term involvement demonstrates commitment to improving outcomes for communities locally and internationally, supporting initiatives that focus on education, development, and opportunity. Beyond Rotary, Bob has also made contributions within the business and education sectors. He was a foundation member of the Sleepwear Manufacturers Association, the Australian Confederation of Apparel Manufactures and the Family Business Association, supporting collaboration and representation within the industry. In the education sector, he has supported institutional development through his role as Vice President of the Carey Grammar School Foundation, contributing to its advancement and long-term sustainability. Bob and his family have maintained a strong connection to Ivanhoe Grammar School through their support as major philanthropic donors – investing in opportunities for future generations of students and the continued development of the School. The Medal of the Order of Australia is a significant national honour, that recognises Bob’s contribution beyond personal achievement, reflecting a lifetime of service to others.

Bob Year 12, 1963

TERM 3 2026

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY

A Different Path to the Bench

A journey shaped by setbacks, persistence and a commitment to public service.

eill Hutton KC (‘83) arrived at his current role as a judge in the County Court of Victoria by a less conventional route. In 1983, a serious water-skiing accident during his final year at Ivanhoe Grammar School disrupted his results and changed the path he had expected to follow. After graduating, he enrolled in Applied Chemistry at the University of Melbourne, but further injury and a difficult year of study led him to reconsider his direction. At the start of his career, Neill joined Victoria Police, beginning as a uniformed constable at the Preston Police Station before moving through roles that ranged from frontline policing to undercover work with specialist surveillance units. The work was demanding, varied, and often intense, while also offering a practical understanding of the criminal justice system. Over time, that exposure prompted reflection. While still serving, he enrolled in a part-time law degree at Deakin University in 1997, balancing professional responsibilities with study

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over several years. By 2001, he had left Victoria Police to join the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as a senior investigator and team leader. Once admitted to practice in 2003, he moved fully into legal work. At the Bar, his focus was criminal law. From 2004 onwards, Neill built a practice that involved both defending and prosecuting serious matters across the state. His appointment as a Crown Prosecutor in 2018 marked a further step, placing him at the centre of major trials in the Supreme Court, including cases connected to organised crime and homicide. In 2024, he returned to the private Bar and was appointed Senior Counsel - a recognition from peers and the judiciary of his advocacy and leadership. His work continued to centre on serious criminal matters, each bringing its own set of challenges and responsibilities. In June 2026, Neill was appointed as Judge of the County Court of Victoria. The appointment represents a shift from advocacy to adjudication, from presenting arguments to weighing them. It is a role defined by careful

judgement, attention to detail, and an understanding of the broader implications of each decision. Across each stage of his career, there is a consistent thread of engagement with systems designed to maintain order and accountability. Whether through policing, legal practice or now on the bench, his work has sat within structures that respond when boundaries are crossed and reinforce a sense that fairness is both expected and upheld. His journey, marked by setbacks, recalibration and persistence, reflects a career built not on a single moment of success but on sustained effort and an ability to adapt. Reflecting on his journey, Neill offers advice shaped by experience:

“Make friends, work hard and don’t worry too much about what comes next — there’s time to find your path, and it doesn’t have to be a straight line.”

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY

11, 1999 r a e Y e r i a Cl

Driven by Purpose

From leadership roles to community advocacy, her career has been guided by purpose and impact.

or Claire Waterman (‘00), nee Rowan, career direction has been shaped less by a single defining decision and more by a growing awareness of where her skills and interests could have the greatest impact. Her time at Ivanhoe Grammar School was marked by breadth. At Plenty Campus, she immersed herself in sport, debating and cadets, later serving as a Prefect. It was an experience she recalls as both formative and expansive, one that encouraged her to try new things while building confidence in familiar pursuits. Opportunities beyond the classroom, including Round Square conferences and outdoor education at Charnwood, added further dimension, fostering independence and a readiness to step beyond comfort zones. The connections formed during those years have remained an important part of her story. Claire met her husband, Ben Waterman (‘99), while at school, and many of her closest friendships trace back to that time. Today, the connection continues through their children, with their son now at Ivanhoe Grammar, and their daughter soon to follow; a continuation of a shared history.

After graduating in 2000, Claire went on to study for Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Criminology and Political Science. What began as a plan to pursue law soon shifted, as she found herself drawn to understanding why people commit offences and the broader systems that shape those outcomes. This interest deepened into a focus on gendered violence and the disproportionate impact on women and children. Her introduction to the social services sector came soon after university, through a role at the Department of Human Services during a period of reform in Victoria. It was work that aligned closely with her studies and, more importantly, with her developing a sense of purpose. From there, her career expanded across government and community settings, including roles at Victoria Police, Family Safety Victoria and the AFL, each offering a different perspective on prevention, response and systemic change. Now Director of Family Violence Strategy, Policy and Practice at Victoria Police, Claire has spent more than two decades contributing to initiatives that have shaped how these issues are addressed. Her work has included

involvement in two Royal Commissions and the establishment of specialised functions within policing, reflecting a sustained focus on improving both policy and practice. Central to her approach is a clear understanding of the scale of the challenge.

“Once you see how big the issue is and how harmful it is to people and families; you cannot unsee it or ignore it.” That perspective has underpinned a career spent working towards more informed, responsive systems, often in environments undergoing significant change. Recognition has followed, including the award for a Public Service Medal in 2018. Yet for Claire, the significance lies less in individual milestones and more in the collective progress achieved over time. Her journey reflects a career built gradually, shaped by opportunity, reinforced through experience and sustained by a strong sense of purpose; one that continues to evolve, while remaining closely tied to the communities and connections that first helped form it. TERM 3 2026

COMMUNITY IN ACTION

Paracycling Champion, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Two gold medals, two world records and a remarkable Commonwealth Games debut have cemented Tara Neyland (‘11) as one of Australia’s leading Paracyclists. Competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Tara delivered a series of outstanding performances that saw her claim gold and break world records in two events. In the Women’s C4 4000m Individual Pursuit, Tara set a new world record of 4:49.648 during qualifying before backing up the performance to secure gold in the final. The achievement marked a significant milestone for the Australian rider, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition. Tara returned to the track in the Women’s C4-C5 1km Time Trial and once again rewrote the record books. Producing a world record time of 1:09.667, she eclipsed her own benchmark and claimed a second gold medal in the Games. Breaking a world record is a rare achievement. To break a world record and then surpass it again days later is extraordinary. Few athletes leave a Games having rewritten the record books twice, but Tara did exactly that in Glasgow.

Global service through medical innovation After a long career consulting the IT industry in system analysis and communications, Alan King (‘58) relocated to Geelong in 2004 with plans to retire. However, a simple favour, repairing a faulty medical device for a friend, sparked a new chapter. For the next 14 years, Alan worked as a biomedical engineer, expanding his expertise across surgical laser, ultrasonic, magnetic, and shock wave technologies. In 2018, retirement beckoned again, but a 1990s electromagnetic chair used for pelvic floor rehabilitation captured his attention. With the original manufacturer no longer operating, Alan developed a digital interface with touchscreen controls, extending the life of these machines, and improving treatment delivery. His innovation has since reached users across the globe, supporting patients experiencing incontinence. In a remarkable turn, the device’s current manufacturer discovered Alan’s work in 2024 and has since integrated his interface into new production. Alan will soon relocate to North Carolina to help lead research and development, continuing to apply his expertise to advance therapeutic outcomes worldwide.

OIGA Business Breakfast Buckley Hall was filled with conversation, connection, and community on Thursday 23 July as alumni gathered for the 2026 Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association Business Breakfast. The event brought together OIGA Council members, Business Network members, OIG club representatives and alumni from a wide range of industries. Keynote speaker Mark Squirrell OAM (‘89) presented Leadership Under Pressure: Insights from Gaza to Everest. Drawing on his experiences as an Australian Army Commando, humanitarian aid worker with the United Nations World Food Programme and Everest summiteer, Mark shared valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. Adding to the discussion were fellow alumni Everest summiteers Nick Farr (‘84) and Keith Nyberg (‘91), who joined Mark for a Q&A session. Their reflections on perseverance and overcoming adversity offered attendees a unique perspective, making for a memorable conversation. The OIGA also acknowledges the generous support of Aspect Underwriting, Spitting Image Catering and FIVE Vineyard, who donated door prizes for the event.

Legends Return to the Field Dylan Buckley (‘11) (front left) and Nick Butler (‘00) (white guernsey) recently featured in the AFL Legends Game, with Dylan’s Team Victoria defeating Nick’s Team All Stars by 25 points. The event brings together former players and media personalities while raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. Both former Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Football Club players have built successful media careers. Dylan is the founder of Clubby Sports and host of Dyl & Friends, while Nick is a respected sports broadcaster and host of 200 Plus. Clubby Sports is also home to our Ego Yah Podcast.

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HAVE YOU HEARD?

Where Curiosity Leads For Tom Campbell-Dick (‘06), the years since Ivanhoe have been shaped by curiosity, creativity and a willingness to follow unexpected opportunities. After a gap year in Ireland, he returned to Melbourne to complete a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology, before later studying music and performing at events and venues across Australia.

Reckoning installed at the Australian War Memorial

Building a fitness community abroad

We congratulate Kat Rae (‘99) on the permanent installation of her artwork Reckoning in the new Afghanistan galleries at the Australian War Memorial.

Since Ivanhoe, Jordan Stanton (‘13) has focused on creating spaces where men can connect, challenge themselves and feel supported. After returning to Melbourne from a gap year, he studied business before moving into primary teaching, where his interest in people, confidence and wellbeing continued to grow.

A member of our Gallery of Achievement, Kat’s work contributes to important national conversations about memory, loss and the realities of war.

A turning point came with an opportunity at Werribee Open Range Zoo, where Tom has now spent ten years in visitor experience roles, leading animal talks and guiding overnight safari programs. His work focuses on engaging audiences and encouraging deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

After serving in the Australian Army for 20 years, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Kat retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019 to pursue her passion for the arts. Drawing on her lived experience, her work explores how place, memory and experience layer and mesh, and who or what is forgotten after the war.

While building a career that spans wildlife education, yoga and breathwork facilitation, Tom has continued to pursue his passion for music. As a singer-songwriter, he performs and records original music and has recently released his latest single, The Truth. We encourage you to listen to the track on Spotify and Apple Music.

Created in response to the Brereton Report, Reckoning asks Australians to confront difficult truths about the Afghanistan conflict. Its permanent place within the Memorial ensures Kat’s perspective will continue to engage visitors for years to come.

The Ego Yah Podcast continues to build momentum across our alumni community. Our most recent episode features Jennifer Khoo (‘23) and Ellen Vote (‘23), who share reflections on their time at Ivanhoe and their journeys.

That vision now drives The Heavyweight Division, a running movement created to give bigger men and athletes a stronger sense of belonging in a space where they have not always felt represented. More than a fitness group, it has become a community built around accountability, openness and shared progress, encouraging men to take the first step and keep showing up for themselves and each other. After relocating to London, Jordan completed endurance challenges including running the length of the United Kingdom and a 200-kilometre ultra event, using each challenge to amplify the message behind the movement. Through The Heavyweight Division, he is helping redefine strength as something built through vulnerability, consistency and community.

upcoming episode featuring our three Everest summiteers, Mark Squirrell (‘89), Nick Farr (‘84) and Keith Nyberg (‘91), as they share stories from their remarkable achievements. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

As the podcast evolves, we are exploring opportunities to expand into a video format, allowing audiences to watch along and engage with conversations in a new way. Be sure to keep an eye out for an

TERM 3 2026

AROUND THE SCHOOL

First Nations Artwork The School’s 2026 First Nations sports uniforms reflect a commitment to respect and community. Featuring artwork by First Nations artist and current parent Coree Thorpe, the designs build on a piece originally commissioned through the School’s Reconciliation Action Plan. The artwork represents a shared journey shaped by learning, respect, and collective experience. Now brought onto the sporting field, the designs unite students through a visible expression of culture and inclusion. Coree’s own strong ties to community sport further reinforce the message of belonging and teamwork at the heart of the work.

Ivanhoe Swims new Deaf and Hard of Hearing program At Ivanhoe Swim, a new Deaf and Hard of Hearing swimming program is helping students build confidence, independence and an essential life skill. Led by Deaflympian Imogen Nolan, the program supports both English and Auslan users, ensuring communication is accessible and every swimmer feels understood. For Imogen, the initiative is deeply personal. As a young swimmer, she faced barriers to accessing lessons that supported her development beyond the basics. Connecting with an Auslan-speaking instructor through Ivanhoe Swim allowed her to fully engage, leading to gold and silver medal performances for Australia at the 2025 Deaflympics.

2026 Gala Ball The 2026 Gala Ball was a vibrant celebration of community, bringing together over 500 staff, parents, alumni and friends of the School for an elegant black-tie evening at Centrepiece, Melbourne Park. Guests enjoyed a threecourse dinner, premium beverages, live music from the Baker Boys Band, and show-stopping performances from professional dancers throughout the night. With a full dance floor and a lively atmosphere that continued until late, the event was a wonderful opportunity to connect, celebrate and support the School. The evening also featured the Luxury Croatian Cruise Raffle, proudly supported by Meridian Travel & Cruise.

Cadet Dinner A special evening at the MCG Members Dining Room brought together over 100 Year 12 cadets, alongside families, staff and guests, to mark the culmination of a four-year journey defined by leadership and service. The formal ceremony recognised the commitment of each cadet, with reflections from senior leaders. A highlight was the presentation of a new award honouring the late Mr. Greig Wanless (‘74), reflecting his lasting contribution to the School community. The Cadet Unit continues to foster values of service and teamwork supported by dedicated staff who guide students throughout their journey. The evening was a fitting celebration of shared experiences and collective achievement.

AI and Digital Learning Innovations A considered approach to ethical AI is supporting students to develop confidence, independence, and deeper understanding in their learning. Led by Director of AI and Digital Learning Innovation, Rachelle Crameri, a suite of teacher-designed chatbots helps guide students through reflection and problem-solving rather than simply providing answers.

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Aligned to curriculum and tailored across year levels, these tools offer safe, accessible support whenever it is needed, encouraging students to think critically and build lasting learning habits. The introduction of Nova 7 will extend this approach to Year 7, helping students establish strong foundations from the outset of their secondary journey. Through initiatives such as this, technology is being used thoughtfully to strengthen both individual growth and a shared culture of learning.

Dampier Peninsula Year 10 and 11 students took part in the Dampier Peninsula - Gone Bush Tour over the June-July school holidays, an eight-day experience that encouraged a deeper understanding of Country, culture and community. A meaningful part of the program was time spent with the Bardi-Jawi peoples, including at Christ the King Catholic School, where students learnt about language, traditions and the enduring connection between land, water and community. Guided by local Bardi people, they explored coastal environments, rock pools and cultural sites, gaining insight into ways of knowing and caring for Country that have been passed down through generations. The tour offered an important opportunity to build cultural awareness, strengthen relationships, and return home with gratitude for the generosity, knowledge, and stories shared by the Bardi-Jawi community.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS Aerobics

AeroSchools Champions

Olivia O’Sullivan (Y11), Macey Mileto (Y12) and Aerin Winther (‘25) qualified for the Australian National Championships in sports aerobics, representing Victoria with impressive results. Macey placed third in Level 8; Aerin placed second in Level 7, and together with Olivia, the trio finished fourth in the Level 7/8 Multiples division.

For the third year in a row, Ivanhoe Grammar School has been crowned Victorian AeroSchools Champions. Adding to this success, 40 students have qualified for the National Championships in Queensland this September. This is a fantastic reward for the countless hours of training and effort invested by our students and coaches.

AFL Harry Van Hattum (Y12) earned national recognition after being named in the 2026 Under 18 AFL All-Australian Team, a significant achievement that highlights his talent and strong season on the field.

Basketball Tanisha Iyer (Y10) (left) played for the Australia Women’s Deaf Basketball Team (the Ringtails) at the U21 World Championships in Poland in June. Sophie Richardson (Y12) (right) represented Australia at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in July, playing for the Australian Sapphires. The team recorded several impressive results, including a 74–72 contest against the USA and an 89–37 win over Côte d’Ivoire, where they tied the tournament’s all-time assist record. The Girls’ Firsts Basketball team (bottom) capped off a remarkable season with an AGSV/APS Premiership victory over Caulfield Grammar School. Their unbeaten record and premiership triumph stand as a testament to their commitment, determination and pursuit of excellence.

Cricket The UK Cricket Tour in June and July was a standout campaign, with students playing 12 matches against leading independent schools including Edinburgh Academy, Gordonstoun, Dulwich College, King’s College and St Peter’s School. The team lost just one game, capping off an impressive international tour. Henry Stone (Y10) and Dhanush Dahiya (Y11) have been selected in Cricket Victoria’s U17 Emerging Players Squad for 2026–27, recognising their hard work, talent and commitment to the game. The elite development program will see them train with Cricket Victoria High Performance staff and experienced Premier Cricket coaches as they continue their pathway towards the next level.

Girls Cross Country team

Hockey

Congratulations to our Girls Cross Country team, who claimed the AGSV Premiership for the first time in the event’s 31-year history!

Molly Noonan (Y11) represented Australia as part of the Joeys’ U18 team tour of India in May, competing in a week-long series in Bhopal. The team defeated India’s National U18 Team 3–1 in the fourmatch series, marking the Joeys’ first international tour in 20 years.

Kayaking

Old Ivanhoe Soccer Club

Luca Thavarasah (Y12) (left) and Alex Redlich (Y11) (right) selected for Australia in ICF Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships in July.

Congratulations to the Old Ivanhoe Soccer Club for their incredible Grand Final victory in August. Their talent, dedication and commitment to the sport were evident throughout the season and reflected in this well-deserved result. TERM 3 2026

CAMBODIA SERVICE TRIP

Fir st Cambodia trip, 2004

Cambodia Service Trip

Serving communities abroad for more than two decades.

or many alumni, the mention of Cambodia evokes something immediate. Heat rising off dirt roads, the rhythm of village life at dawn, the hum of conversation in classrooms where language is shared as much through gestures as words. Since its beginning in 2004, the Cambodia Service Project has become a defining experience – one that lingers long after students return home. What began as a small group of eight staff and students has grown into a deeply embedded program, shaped by long-standing relationships with community partners in Phnom Penh and the Siem Reap region. Rather than a one-off visit, the project has evolved over more than two decades through trust and continuity, enabling each group to build on the work of those who came before them. In the June-July School holidays, 98 students and 17 staff continued that legacy. Arriving in Phnom Penh, they stepped quickly into the pace and complexity of a new environment, balancing the physical demands of the climate with the emotional impact of what they encountered. Teaching English in local schools and learning about Cambodia’s deep and complex history. Classrooms filled with laughter, curiosity, and music - connections often came more easily than expected. For David Gibbs, a secondary teacher who has long been involved in the

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program, it is these moments that define the impact for both our students and the communities they serve.

“What makes the program unique is the depth of the relationships we’ve built over time,” he says. “Students are not just visiting, they are contributing to something ongoing, and they can see the difference that makes.” Beyond Phnom Penh, the experience deepens: in Siem Reap, students move into village life spending three days living in the communities, teaching, painting classrooms, planting and mulching garden beds, and sharing meals. The 2026 group contributed to a significant milestone: the completion of a four-classroom school in a new partnership with Roots Cambodia. Replacing a single-room structure, the new facility reflects the collective fundraising effort of students, staff, families and the broader Ivanhoe community, supported in part by the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Association. In the same year, the Cambodia Service Project has been recognised internationally, receiving a Promising Practice Award from Character.org, an acknowledgement of its longterm impact and the strength of its approach to experiential learning.

This year, students collectively raised around $80,000, with individual contributions; a silent auction and community events all playing a part. Year 11 student, Indi, was a standout, raising a total of $5,130 by holding a community event in Benjeroop, home to her grandfather, Lindsay Schultz. For families following along from home, the impact is often just as clear. One parent reflected,

“She’s come home with an increased appreciation of her own life, and an awareness of the challenges others face… experiences that were quite confronting interspersed with ones of utter joy.” Students, too, speak of the lasting effect. As one student shared;

“We thought it was solely about the service that we could provide, but it was so much more… the relationships and memories will stay with us for a lifetime.” It is this combination, challenge and connection, discomfort and joy, that has come to define the Cambodia Service Project. For generations of alumni, it remains not just a trip, but a shared experience, carried forward in stories, friendships, and a lasting sense of perspective.

HATCHED & MATCHED HATCHED & MATCHED

Congratulations to our alumni below who have recently celebrated wonderful personal events.

Isabella Chiappalone (‘14) and Fisher welcomed daughter Alyra in March.

Michael Mitris (‘10) and Laura welcomed daughter Maxie in April.

SAVE THE DATE 2026 The 2026 OIGA reunions remain a hugely important component of the alumni program. The dates for the last term of the year are set out below but are subject to change, so please refer to the OIGA website, Facebook and Instagram for reunion updates and details of all OIGA activities.

Alex Tsardakis (‘08) married Bonnie in June.

Jack Pead (‘06) and Dani welcomed daughter Silvia in July.

Keep an eye out in the next edition of The Brown and White for 2027 Reunion dates, and if you have a reunion coming up next year, make sure to update your contact details viathe OIGA website.

Friday 23 October Plenty Campus 10 Year Reunion (Class of 2016) Thursday 26 November Buckley Boys/Brown-Sligo Era Luncheon

Chris Guy (‘06) and Penny welcomed daughter Camilla in July.

Jamie Hyndman (‘03) and wife Molly Hyndman (‘05) welcomed son Rafferty in August.

Friday 27 November Ridgeway Campus 40 Year Reunion (Class of 1986)

If you have a new addition to your family, and would like a free OIGA bib, please contact our Alumni Coordinator at alumni@ivanhoe.com.au

Amelia Ghiotti (‘10) and Jack welcomed daughter Matilda in August.

Elyce Lovell (‘12) and Mitchell welcomed daughter Matilda in August. TERM 3 2026

CENTRE STAGE

Generations in Jazz From 1 to 3 May, students travelled to Mount Gambier for Generations in Jazz, one of the world’s largest youth jazz festivals. The School was proudly represented by the Big Band, Stage Band and Small Vocal Ensemble, with students performing to an exceptionally high standard while learning from peers and industry professionals. Across three days of workshops, jam sessions and live concerts, the festival offered a valuable blend of performance, collaboration and education. Highlights included inspiring performances by world-class artists, including Tower of Power, leaving a lasting impression on students and staff.

n Chicago: Teen Editio Chicago: Teen Edition The Senior Years Musical brought the glamour, wit and energy of Chicago: Teen Edition to life in a dazzling production set in 1920s Chicago. Following Roxie and Velma as they chased fame, fortune and freedom amid a world of murder, media and jazz-fuelled ambition, the show gave students the opportunity to shine on stage, in the orchestra, and behind the scenes. Audiences thoroughly enjoyed the production, which combined sharp performances, striking choreography and a strong sense of theatrical flair to create a memorable Senior Years performance.

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The Lightning Thief The Lightning Thief The inaugural Middle Years production of The Lightning Thief: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition marked an exciting milestone for the School’s performing arts program. Bringing Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel to life, the show followed Percy Jackson as he discovered his demigod identity and set out to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. With a dynamic rock score, humour, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling, the production gave Middle Years students a memorable opportunity to shine both on stage and behind the scenes. As the first production of its kind, it celebrated student creativity, collaboration and the growing strength of the performing arts program.

Generations in Jazz

MORE THAN PERFORMANCE whole school together and created bonds that have lasted decades. She recalled one former student who could still recite his lines from that first production, more than 35 years later!

Virginia Creed

hen Virginia Creed arrived at Plenty Campus in 1990, the School was still in its earliest days: just seven staff, 75 students and a campus that was primarily old farmland. It was, as she recalls, “a clean blank slate”, and from that blank slate, she helped build not only a performing arts program, but a genuine sense of belonging.

As Plenty Campus grew, so did the program. Productions moved from classrooms to the gymnasium and later to the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, but the underlying purpose remained the same: to build community through collaboration. Virginia made sure students were involved not only on stage, but behind the scenes. They helped with curtains, backstage operations, sound and technical production, gaining practical experience and learning how to work together in service of something larger than themselves. By the time many students were older, they started taking on more responsibility within productions, a sign of the trust and capability the program had created.

“I think the everlasting legacy of a musical production is how it creates that lovely, close, collaborative community feel.”

A strong sense of inclusion sat at the centre of her approach. Younger students were brought into productions alongside older students, so they, too, could feel part of the occasion and excitement. She also worked deliberately to grow choir and ensemble participation, including encouraging students to sing and discover skills they may never have explored otherwise. The Year 7 band program, where every student learnt an instrument, was part of her vision: a belief that music should be accessible, formative, and shared.

That spirit defined the earliest years of the program. The first Plenty Campus production, circa 1990, involved students and staff, with teachers directing, building sets, managing sound and creating music, while students stepped into every available role both on the stage and behind the scenes. It was staged in a double classroom, with a stage built at one end and a smoke machine adding theatrical flair. In those early years, productions brought the

For Virginia, the value of performing arts was always deeply connected to student growth. She spoke of music as something that exercises parts of the brain “that just don’t get a workout” and observed that students deeply involved in co-curricular life often developed stronger concentration, discipline and confidence. Yet what stayed with students most powerfully were the memories and relationships formed through the work.

From the beginning, Virginia saw performing arts as something much bigger than performance. Her vision was to instill in students a love of music and a shared creative experience, with musical productions becoming the heart of that work.

“They don’t remember an English or a Math lesson. It’s our musical productions that are the game changers.” That same ethos of service ran through her broader contribution to School life. Beyond performing arts, Virginia also established the equestrian program and supported the Cadets’ involvement in service initiatives, including riding programs for people with disabilities. Even after leaving the School, Virginia has remained connected, returning each year to assist with scholarship interviews at our Plenty Campus. Looking back, she described her departure as “like leaving my family”. It is a telling reflection of the care she invested in Plenty campus and the community she helped shape. Her legacy continues - not simply in concerts and productions, but in the culture of connection, encouragement and service that continues to define Ivanhoe Grammar School.

Plenty Campus '89 TERM 3 2026

REUNIONS

Class of 2021 – Ridgeway Campus 5 Year Reunion Welcome to Brunswick, Friday 12 June 2026

Bella Lessene, Maya Klaric, Jayde Ilievski, Lexie McLean-Jakobovic

Peter Nikas, Ben Eddings, Rahul Sivaraj

Nick Malcolm, Oli Faulkner, Joe Andersen

Harry Matsamakis, Alex Taylor, Ben Little, Archie Taylor, Carla Civitella, Brigid Watson

Class of 2016 – Ridgeway Campus 10 Year Reunion Hotel Collingwood, Friday 17 July 2026

Brigitte Kendall, Jessica Green (Staff), Stephanie Elovaris

Rajiv Gya, Tae Louey, Jezebel Karalis, James Cain, Riley Cleeve, Max Loughbrough

Saskia Veldkamp, Miles Wada, William Rothnie, Stephanie Kalinovska Alevras

Taylor Dimoski, Rajiv Gya, Mathew Kenyon-Smith, Callum McIlveen

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REUNIONS

Class of 2006 – Ridgeway Campus 20 Year Reunion Hotel Collingwood, Friday 31 July 2026

Chris Toohey, Mick Gordon, Tom Campbell-Dick, Brodie Tieman

Kim Fkiaras, Josh Riddle, David Cannalonga, Michael Goddard, Adriano Del Monte, Christopher Kearney, James Chan, Sandeep Rakhra, Seton Leggett

Mark Moncrieff, Scott Gordon

Sandeep Rakhra, James Timms, Richard Merjan

Brisbane Reunion – Drinks with the Principal The Rose and Crown, Monday 31 August 2026

(L to R): Rob Lake, Ken Barlow, Richard Tisdale, Kellie Hammond (Staff), Gerard Foley, Justin Crow (rear), Raiika Bolandian, Daniel Bryar, Steven Wade, David Barclay, Lisa Cockram, Peter Cockram, Kirsty Hooper (Staff).

TERM 3 2026

FROM THE OFFICE

Thank you to almost 90 community members who donated over $100,000 to the 2026 Annual Appeal, for our Scholarship, Library and Building Funds. Your support shapes what comes next.

Fraser Centre: A new view over the South Ground

or generations of Ivanhoe students, the South Ground has been important in the daily rhythm of life at Ridgeway Campus. Soon, it will be flanked by the Fraser Centre, a new seven level Senior Years facility that represents both the future of the School and a nod to some traditions of the past. Named in honour of the late former Principal Rod Fraser AM, and set to open in late 2027, the Fraser Centre recognises a leader who left a mark on Ivanhoe that is still felt today. His focus on character education, global outlook and preparing young people for life beyond the classroom set a tone the School is carrying forward in the new building, making it less a tribute, and more a continuation of his impact. At the recent Topping Out Ceremony— marking the point at which the building reached its full height—Principal Gerard Foley described the Fraser Centre as “a bridge between school and university”, an appropriate description for a building that includes a floor for each House, classrooms and laboratories, flexible learning spaces and breakout areas, a dedicated Futures Centre, the rooftop Kempen Terrace and café, and 300-seat Andrianopoulos Theatre. The people behind the project give it particular resonance, and an important connection between past and future. Former student Randal Marsh (’77), of Wood Marsh Architects, brings his expertise and personal connection to

THE BROWN AND WHITE

the design, as head architect, while generous supporters including Peter Kempen AM, George Andrianopoulos (‘77) and Chris Andrianopoulos (‘81) were present at the ceremony, to see the Kempen Terrace and Andrianopoulos Theatre, spaces named in recognition of their contributions coming to life. The Fraser Centre will stand for many generations of students to come—a testament to the generosity of our community—people giving back not for recognition, but for the love of a school that helped shape them. We look forward to welcoming alumni back to see it for themselves when the building officially opens next year. Questions: Kirsty Hooper, Head of Development kirsty.hooper@ivanhoe.com.au or +61 3 9490 3312

VALE FIDELIS USQUE AD MORTEM We acknowledge the passing of the following individuals who were members of the Ivanhoe Grammar School family.

Chris Golden (‘78) Sligo Era Our sympathies go out to the Golden family on the passing of Chris.

Read more on the School website: https://bit.ly/4wKBR2M Robert Kirwan (‘74) Sligo Era

Max Warwick (‘64) Brown Era

(L to R): George Andrianopoulos (‘77), Randal Marsh (‘77), Principal Gerard Foley, Chris Andrianopoulos (‘81)

John Watson (‘74) Sligo Era