Winter 2015 — Issue 107ISSN: 2204-938X

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Peace looks like this Gallipoli ANZAC Tour

The Imaginarium: A Sandpit for

Future Learning

ScienceFIRST Robotics World Championship

St Louis Missouri 2015

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Issue 107 Winter 2015

The Barker is the quarterly magazine of Barker College

Cover Photography Wayne Chang

Editor-in-Chief Mr Phillip Heath

Editor Jonathan Mifsud

Sub-Editor Stephanie Oley

Assistant Coordinators Mandy Loomes Karina Drummond

Print Production Ian Lindsay 0419 693 308

Art Direction Yolanda Koning 0404 811 136

facebook.com/barkercollege

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The Regulars

12 Prep School

14 Junior School

16 Middle and Senior School

26 Drama

38 Sport

44 The Old Barker

The Features08 Peace looks like this

Gallipoli ANZAC Tour 14 – 28 April 2015

16 The Imaginarium: A Sandpit for Future Learning

24 Library An exciting start to 2015 in the Library

25 Science FIRST Robotics World Championship St Louis Missouri 2015

34 MTB Championships 2015 Australian Interschools MTB Championships Thredbo

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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MTB Championships

The Roaring Girl Year 12 Play

Teaching & Learning Teacher QualityT

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S ix months ago we introduced our vision to be a School that inspires hope in others and to be a source of hope for the future. Two momentous events in April have placed us closer than we may first have imagined when formulating this vision.

Picture 45,000 people in a sporting stadium in St Louis, Missouri, cheering on over 600 international teams. Within this mix is a team from Sydney with students in Years 9 to 11 who had written the code and built a robot that could match it with teams from international universities and NASA.

With the assistance of some incredibly dedicated mentors, Jeser and Diaine, the generous support of the OBA and parents, and under the supervision of Sarah Cormio, our Barker Red Crusade Team 4613 made an impact among spectators and opponents alike. The travel team had created a formidable robot that could meet the challenge in a creditable and competitive way.

Team 4613 reached the semi-finals and won three from four matches at this level to end their tournament. One cannot overstate the magnitude of this achievement. Of course, they’ve set me a new challenge – how does Barker continue to support this brilliant example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) education into the future? And is there a robot they could design to help me meet this challenge?

As our Robotics students were receiving accolades for their performances, on the other side of the Atlantic a magnificent team of musicians, historians and staff, led by Simon Smith, were showcasing their own talents.

My office has received numerous letters of commendation from people who encountered our students and staff on the tour to Gallipoli – few of them directly connected to Barker.

Our students held several fine impromptu recitals and formal concerts, while their demeanour demonstrated some of the best qualities evident in this emerging generation – respect, grace, dignity, courage and compassion. Going far beyond what might have been expected of students who were on-tour; Barker College students honoured our Turkish hosts, befriended strangers and showed immense filial loyalty to our Kiwi antipodean cousins.

Two stories shared with me by strangers to Barker come to mind. The first involves a group of New Zealander school tour students encountering our touring party at one of the Gallipoli memorial sites. Without ceremony, our students greeted the Kiwis with both verses of God Defend New Zealand, including the traditional version in Maori language. The Kiwi students responded with an equally ebullient version of Advance Australia Fair. No adults made this happen. The kids knew how to show respect to others.

The second was at the end of the ANZAC Centenary Day, 25 April – a 27-hour day filled with emotion and redolent with meaning for all who attended. After difficulties with buses, numerous guests on the MSC Opera cruise ship were delayed and exhausted as they returned. Our students waited on the decks and sang to greet people until the last guest was back on board. It was a precious gift on a memorable day and several people have written to me to share the moment.

Thank you to FOBM and to all families for supporting this experience.

Barker College students have shown they are capable of meeting challenges on a truly global stage. I think we can all be proud of them. Peace

Phillip Heath Head of Barker College

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Mr Phillip HeathHead of Barker College

Part of the vision of Inspiring Global Hope

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I n February, The Barker Institute invited Dr Bartek

Rajkowski to speak about the application of recent

research involving the teaching of English and speech

to children. Dr Rajkowski addressed a packed audience

of staff and parents.

In April, our global reach was celebrated through an

outstanding trip by many students and staff to Gallipoli

for the ANZAC Centenary. The rest of the School closely

supported the tour, and marked the date with a service

on 27 April on the OBA Soundstage.

We are developing relationships outside Sydney with links

to the Yipirinya School in Alice Springs and New England

Girls Grammar School in Armidale.

The strategic plan is also changing the School itself.

Jeremy Von Einem has been appointed as the Director of

Academic Performance and Achievement, highlighting our

increasing commitment to academic performance. He will

bring together a number of different methods of monitoring

student performance, and develop new approaches to

teaching and learning throughout Middle and Senior School.

A separate group of staff with Mr Heath’s oversight is

looking at developing our facilities from the ground up.

The School has engaged an architect and facilitator to lead

this process, Paul Davies, a former Barker student has an

outstanding career in designing schools and church buildings.

This will involve the re-use or adaption of some classrooms,

such as the Imaginarium (featured pg 16), which involved the

redevelopment of a teaching space with current technology

and teaching equipment.

The School Council has now commenced construction

of the new girls sporting facility on Rosewood Oval, and

the Head of Barker College is looking at further facility

overhauls as part of the master plan process. Many of the

current sports facilities are a priority. The other area for

consideration is developing our Kindergarten to Year 2

classrooms, as enrolments continue to increase.

The School Council is looking forward to an exciting

year and will encourage you to be involved. Together Barker

College is marked by a very strong school spirit and sense

of community, which is shared by all our students, staff and

parents. This makes for an outstanding Christian educational

environment, of which we are all proud and committed to

further developing.

Ian Miller Chairman

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The first half of 2015 has been exciting at the School, with the outworking of the strategic plan being implemented across all areas of Barker College life.

—Ian Miller, Chairman

Chairman’s

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How would you describe your role?

Kate: Our role is quite diverse. Each week we meet with the

youth workers who help us plan and facilitate the voluntary

Christian program.

Jamie: We have learned a lot about organisation and

leadership and are amazed at how much happens behind

the scenes at Barker. I particularly enjoyed being involved in

the Interschool Cru event which saw over 300 students from

Cru groups all around Sydney meeting together at Barker.

Kate: A big highlight for me was the Senior Weekend Away,

it was a unique opportunity to plan and run a welcome camp

for the new and incoming Year 10 students.

What about the week-to-week work you do – how does

that make an impact at Barker?

Jamie: We have weekly Growth Group bible studies and

Senior School Cru, which are great opportunities to meet

students from other years and explore the Christian faith

in a relaxed environment.

Kate: We believe Cru contributes to Barker through the

support and encouragement of each student’s faith. In doing

so, Cru seeks to contribute to the loving and accepting

culture evident at Barker.

Kirrily Aynsley and Simon Walker have worked alongside

students in Cru for the past four years. They have also taught

PDHPE and Christian Studies. Kirrily leaves Barker in 2015 to

enjoy motherhood. Simon is moving into other roles within

the School.

Jeff Ware

Senior Chaplain

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Departing youth workers Kirrily Aynsley and Simon Walker met with the 2015 Cru Captains, Kate Daine and Jamie Woods, to discuss their leadership role and what they have been doing at Cru this year.

Chairman’s

The Cru

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Increasing the effectiveness of

teachers is the key to improving our

schools, but many systems around

the world have only recently focused

reform efforts on transforming

initial teacher education. The ways in

which candidates are prepared to be

teachers have a critical influence on

what teachers can do and what their

students learn, yet very few countries

have an effective system for educating

teachers. Many programs lack proven

practices and are a long way behind

the best and highest performing

nations where teachers are confident,

demonstrate capacity and enjoy status

and substantial remuneration.

Research shows that quality

teachers are crucial for achieving

an overall improvement in student

learning outcomes. In New South

Wales, for example, the State

Government released Great Teaching,

Inspired Learning – a Blueprint for Action

in 2013 which outlines a range of

actions to improve standards of

teaching in NSW. GTIL’s approach

includes four key focus areas including:

initial teacher education; entry into the

profession; developing and maintaining

professional practice and, recognising

and sharing outstanding practice.

Initial teacher education has

recently enjoyed much attention.

Learning First, a Melbourne-based

organisation that specialises in

education reform, training and

policy, has recently released Roberts-

Hull, Jensen and Cooper’s, A new

approach: Teacher education reform.

This 2015 study reveals the training

that aspirant teachers receive at

university generally fails to provide

them with essential skills. Co-author

of the report, Dr Ben Jensen, wryly

observes that “Some are excellent in

spite of their teacher training, not

because of it”. Similarly, the recent

Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory

Group (TEMAG) report has highlighted

the need in reforming approaches to

teacher training and, more specifically,

the ways that institutions approach

the development of practice amongst

emerging practitioners.

For each student to learn to the best

of their ability, teachers must be able

to use their formative and summative

assessment skills to identify a child’s

learning needs and then develop

curriculum and teaching strategies

to address each of those needs.

This is not an easy task. Teachers

need to have a range of high-level

skills to which they have often not

had sufficient exposure to during their

initial teacher training. Unsurprisingly,

statistics reveal that there is a high

drop-out rate of early-career teachers

in Australia and that students are not

developing the repertoire of subject

knowledge and learning skills as

rapidly as they should. Hopefully,

with initiatives such as GTIL, this is

about to change.

In the broader picture, state

governments across Australia are

considering reforms that could

fundamentally change initial teacher

education, enabling improvements

to the quality of education our young

people receive in this and future

generations. However, tertiary reform

has not been easy. A fraught debate

has raged about initial student entry

requirements into teacher training

programs, course content and the

broader ambit and standards of initial

teacher education that has largely

focused on peripheral areas and often

on policies that increase regulation and

government control of the factors that

make little difference to the quality of

the teacher produced.

Towards a greater professionalisation of the

profession

Quality:

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Ben Jensen’s view is more optimistic:

“The way forward is to rise above

polarising debates and recognise the

true problems in teacher development,

the idiosyncrasies of the sector and

the impact of these and reforms that

best develop and support teachers in a

complex profession”.

A new approach: Teacher

education reform details the various

transformative options available to

governments and how they can play out

in various systems including:

• Many teaching courses are training

future teachers in practices that

are out of date and not backed by

contemporary research;

• Too many teaching courses lack

rigorous training in specific subject

knowledge. Teachers need an

in-depth knowledge of a subject

to instruct students effectively,

particularly when students are

struggling to understand;

• Great teachers must continually

evaluate and develop their own

practice. Fundamental to this is the

ability to assess the impact of their

teaching on student learning; and,

• Effectively linking teaching theories

to classroom practice is critical to

developing beginner teachers.

In recent times, New South Wales

has led the nation in reforming teacher

education. Notably, it has instituted new

tough entry requirements and a more

comprehensive evaluation of the quality

of teacher education courses.

How then is Barker College

responding to the issues highlighted

by these current developments in the

professional lives of new and continuing

teachers? Two recent developments at

the School, Inspiring Global Hope (School

Strategic Plan) and the creation of the

Barker Institute allow us to explore and

implement strategies and professional

learning related to the issues

surrounding supporting, mentoring and

extending teaching skills particularly

amongst staff who are brand new to

the profession. Equally, the College

of Teachers, a professional arm of the

Barker Institute, is poised to recognise,

extend and explore notions of high-level

teaching and learning through action

research, observation, data collection

and collective approaches to developing

a quality experience for both our

students and teachers. Here, staff will

develop their own professional practice

by engaging in the regular review

and sharing of their own practice

with colleagues in a professional and

supportive context.

Teachers must have strong academic

capabilities combined with the ability

to envision learning in new and creative

ways. Barker is responding to increasing

calls for strengthening the profession in

a range of areas.

Dr Greg Cunningham

Director of Teaching and Learning

Dr Brad Merrick

Director of Research in Learning and

the Barker Institute

Website: www.barkerinstitute.com.au

Twitter @BarkerInstitute

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“For each student to learn to the best of their ability, teachers must be able to use their formative and summative assessment skills to identify a child’s learning needs and then develop curriculum and teaching strategies to address each of those needs.”

The Barker Institute

Sharing innovation, research &

professional learning throughout

the education community. Fostering

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Gallipoli ANZAC Tour April 14 - 28 2015

Peacelooks this

—Kirsten Hargreaves (Yr 11) and friend on National Children’s Day, Çannakale.

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In Peter FitzSimons’ own words there are a million

stories out of Gallipoli. This has been one of them.

Here is our story. In April 2015, 109 Barker students

formed a choir, symphonic wind band, chamber

orchestra, symphony orchestra and jazz orchestra.

These complemented the three significant aspects of

the Gallipoli ANZAC Tour – music, history and culture.

Performance highlights included National Children’s

Day in Çannakale, the Pre-dawn Service in Gelibolu and the

Gallipoli 100th Anniversary Ball at the Istanbul Convention

Centre. However, it was the impromptu performances

that are remembered most fondly. An a capella rendition

of Nearer My God to Thee around the memorial at Anzac

Cove (subsequently broadcast by ABC Radio National and

Channel 7) was perhaps the most solemn highlight, but the

spontaneous lining up of the students along the deck singing

home the returning battlefield pilgrims was immensely

moving. Of such things is character forged, and the

reputation of a generation of young Australians enhanced.

During performances the Year 10 history students

delighted audiences presenting their Adopt a Digger stories.

The stories of the 45 Barker alumni who served at Gallipoli

were regaled with respect and humour. In another of many

magic moments, ship passenger Andrew Traill was deeply

moved by Thomas Watt’s historical research into his great

uncle, Gallipoli veteran James Hamilton Traill.

Sightseeing highlights included St Mark’s Square and

Basilica in Venice, the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque in

Istanbul and the ruins of Troy. Students also visited the

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the amazing Topkapi Palace and

of course the Gallipoli Peninsula, which is outstandingly

beautiful apart from its historical significance. Leaving

Venice and Istanbul by ship at sunset were both

unforgettable experiences.

The students and staff had many memorable experiences

on the tour that will enrich our lives forever.

Simon Smith

Tour Director and Head of Music

“The Barker choir instantly switches into a fabulous rendition of the Turkish national anthem. The guides stop, the wharf workers and security guards stare open-mouthed, the police and soldiers snap to attention. At the end, the Turks, the Australians and New Zealanders all together – 100 years on to the day since the beginning of the devastating battle that killed over 100,000 of our citizens – cheer and clap wildly.” P FitzSimons, ‘To thine own self be true … Lest we forget’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 May 2015

—Clockwise from top left Noah Learoyd (Yr 12) at Arni Burnu;

The tour party at Plugges Plateau; Paying respect at Anzac Cove;

Harry Sheppard and friends are awe-struck in the Blue Mosque, Instanbul;

Jazz Orchestra trombones at the Gallipoli 100 Anniversary Ball.

Peace

thisGallipoli ANZAC Tour April 14 - 28 2015

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Twenty-three old boys are

known to have died on the

battlefields of Gallipoli, Egypt,

Mesopotamia (Iraq), Belgium

and France.

One of the most famous Australian

regiments in the First World War

was the 1st Light Horse (LH). Five of

our old boys were part of the original

contingent that sailed from Sydney

on HMAT Star of Victoria on 20

October 1914 and arrived in Egypt on

8 December 1914.

Private Ronald AL MacDonald

(1902-04, Shore 1905-1907), Signaller

James H Traill (1908-12), Private Bruce

W Warden (1908-11) and brothers

Private Frank Kane (1907-09) and

Private Lord Alfred Kane (1909-1910)

embarked on a shared journey that

would inevitably change their lives

and those of their families and friends

forever.

Buoyed with enthusiasm

and anticipating an adventure

beyond their expectations and life

experiences to date, the five Barker

boys, along with 20,000 members of

the 1st LH, arrived in Egypt to undergo

battle training. They were not part

of the Gallipoli landing of April 25

but were sent as reinforcements two

weeks later, arriving on 12 May 1915.

DURING THE FIRST WORLD

WAR, MORE THAN 200 BARKER OLD

BOYS – BROTHERS, COUSINS AND BEST MATES –

VOLUNTEERED FOR ACTIVE SERVICE.

BARKER’S MEN OF THE 1ST LIGHT HORSE

It is hard to envisage what

sights, sounds and smells these

men encountered, and even harder

to comprehend how nervous and

apprehensive they would have felt

upon landing at ANZAC Cove.

The 1st LH had already seen the

great number of casualties that

were transported back from Gallipoli

to the Heliopolis Palace Hotel (1st

Australian General Hospital) in Cairo,

before their deployment. They had

already seen the ugly truth of war

on the peninsula.

Upon landing, the 1st LH were

directed to the northern end of the

beach. They made their way up

Shrapnel Gully, and along the way

the Kane brothers met their father,

a medical officer with the 2nd

Battalion. They managed to get to

Pope’s Post, where they stayed for

five days before retreating downhill

to a rest section. It was here on

May 19 that Frank Kane was hit in

the abdomen by a Turkish sniper’s

bullet. His brother Alf helped carry

him down to the beach to seek

medical attention. He was taken to

the hospital ship Sicilia, which was

anchored offshore. He died four days

later on 23 May 1915 aged 23 and

was buried at sea.

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—Above Ronald MacDonald was killed in August 1916. Image courtesy of the State Library of New South Wales.

—Above James Traill in 1918. Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.

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After staying on the peninsula

for six months the 1st LH were sent

back to Egypt and, for the rest of

the war, were part of the Egyptian

Expeditionary Force which took part

in the Sinai and Palestine campaigns.

Lieutenant MacDonald was the second

of the group to die when he was shot

through the heart on 9 August 1916

on the battlefields towards Bir el Abd,

Egypt. He was 27. The third to die was

2nd Lieutenant Bruce Warden, who

had left the 1st LH in 1916 and joined

the 56th Battalion in Flanders in

1917. He died of penetrating gunshot

wounds to the abdomen on 27

September 1917 near Polygon Wood.

Alf Kane and James Traill survived

the War. Lieutenant Traill transferred

to the Australian Flying Corp and

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was awarded a Distinguished Flying

Cross in 1918. He died in 1967 aged

70. Lieutenant Alf Kane arrived back

in Sydney on 4 July 1919 without his

only brother. He was Barker’s last

surviving AIF Gallipoli veteran when

he died in 1980 aged 87.

Barker College does not forget their

sacrifices.

For more information on Barker’s

involvement in World War 1

please visit the Archives website

barkerlibrarynsw.libguides.com/

archives/nominalrolls.

Sarah O’Neill

Archivist

—Below Bruce Warden as a member of the 1910 1st XV. He died of wounds in 1917.

—Above Alf Kane as an older man in the 1960s. Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial.

—Above Frank Kane was killed in action at Pope’s Post in 1915. Lord Alfred Kane (1908-1909) Collection.

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Every day in the Prep School we strive to inspire

each learner in every experience they are

engaged in. We encourage our young students

to think beyond themselves, as we lay the initial

foundations for Inspiring Global Hope. In 2015,

we are privileged to nurture the graduating classes

of 2025, 2026 and 2027. The Christian faith is at

the core of all that we do. We encourage each

boy to think, act and speak in a kind way, to be

committed, compassionate, courageous, to show

integrity, and to be respectful.

Sarah Dickson Head of Early Learning K to 3

INSPIRING

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—Top Year 3 students enjoying their afternoon tea before their GAP class. Left to right Zachary Fricke, Noah Workman, Sebastian Fowler, Lachlan Sweeney; —Above Luca Palermo (Yr 4) being taught by Mr Griffin-Miller in Woodwork.

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T he program is consistent with the teaching and

learning philosophy of the Junior School, which

draws significantly from the Howard Gardner

model of Multiple Intelligences, identifying

innate strengths and talents in all human beings.

Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences views

intelligence not as one single ability but as differentiated

into eight areas of understanding and behaviour.

Each learner displays a unique blend of all the

intelligences, with strengths shown in some domains

more than others. The Gardner Activity Program seeks

to help students identify and develop their strengths

and talents. For example, dance and drama demonstrate

the Kinesthetic and Interpersonal domains of Multiple

Intelligences, where the students are able to learn

collaboratively and cooperatively with others to express

creative ideas bodily. Meanwhile, Mandarin, Public

Speaking and Debating are in the Verbal/Linguistic

domain, and Science and Robotics fall within the Problem

Solving domain.

Robotics has been introduced this year, giving the boys

the opportunity to build robots and then add a power

supply and processors. The final step of the program is when

the robots begin to move independently according to the way

they’ve been programmed by the students.

Each week the Hip Hop group, with their lime green

caps, can be found channelling their energy into strength

and coordination drills, jumps and specialised routines

highlighting their individual and teamwork skills. Last year

and again this year, the group will perform at the Junior

School Showcase at Ravenswood, with Years 5 and 6 working

intensively towards their first ever dance competition, coming

up at the Sydney Opera House.

Other activities that have been offered to date are Drama,

Chess, Taekwondo, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Clay

Modelling, Craft, Woodwork, Mandarin, Debating, Public

Speaking, Science and Bible Study.

The Gardner Activity Program has and will continue

to provide a diverse range of learning experiences to appeal

to the equally diverse range of interests found in primary-

aged students.

Cate Loder GAP Co-ordinator

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—Above Years 5 and 6 Hip Hop Crew striking a pose.

GardnerProgram

Since early 2013, the Junior School students have participated, with enthusiasm, in the Gardner Activity Program, which provides extension and enrichment

learning in an after-school-hours program.

—Above Tom Schwarz from the Middle School mentoring Tom Vercoe (Yr 5) in Robotics.

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The Imaginarium (formerly known as C2 and C3) is a

new learning space designed to promote collaboration and

provide opportunities for flexible learning. The concept grew

from Mr Phillip Heath’s discussions with students about

Barker classrooms, and his interest in the role of the physical

environment as the third teacher, influencing how students

learn. In consultation with architects, staff and students,

we have sought to create an experimental sandpit. Here,

teachers and students will experience different learning

environments and identify what works best in terms of

furniture, light, colour, technology and space and how they

interface with effective pedagogies.

The new space has been open since the middle of Term 1

and is predominantly occupied by Year 7, Year 10 and Year

11 History classes. It allows for two class groups and their

teachers to work together.

The History staff has adopted the spirit of the sandpit and

embraced its new ideas on teaching and learning. Teachers

who have taken their classes into the Imaginarium have

already developed some excellent new teaching and learning

methods as a result. Some staff have adopted a Project-Based

Learning model while others have explored the best team-

teaching approaches. As an example, Kathryn Driver and

Dr Kelvin Watson developed a project on the development

of rights and freedoms in the twentieth century. Students

used the space to work collaboratively across the two

classes. Drawing on examples from the United States Civil

Rights Movement and the campaign for Indigenous rights

in Australia, the challenge was to present their findings to

younger students. The final product was presented to Year 4

students in the Junior School and was a great success.

The Imaginarium remains a work in progress, supported

by an ongoing process of reflection on what is working and

what needs to be revised. The early experiences suggest that

students and teachers can see enormous value in this flexible

environment, as it provides more choices in teaching and

learning, and takes into account the relationships between

formal learning, social learning and the built environment.

The future of learning remains to be seen, but we have

started the process of imagining.

Greg Longney Head of History and Commercial Studies

The Imaginarium:A Sandpit for Future Learning

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The Imaginarium:A Sandpit for Future Learning

Green Screen

Video Camera

Movable Furniture

Touch Screen

Writable Surfaces

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The Power of Imaginarium

• Furniture can be configured into project spaces, instructional spaces and presentation spaces.

• Small tiered seating areas and writable surfaces have been popular, as has the permanent green screen wall.

• Two touch screens allow students to push content to them. The screens are connected to cameras which allow for lesson capture. These will be invaluable for teacher professional learning and will provide the opportunity, in the future, for students to review lesson materials asynchronously.

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Matt Kean visits Year 10

students

Year 9 Commbank Presentation

On Monday 23 February, Year 9 were lucky

enough to have a representative from the

Commonwealth Bank, Jannalee Bollinger,

to teach us about smart spending and the

way retailers sell their goods. One of the

main things we learnt about was that major supermarkets

like Woolworths and Coles put our main needs and

necessities at the back of the store, so that customers have

to walk through the rest of the shop to get them.

In the second part of the lesson, Ms Bollinger gave us tips

on how to be smart when we’re buying goods and services.

The best tip she gave us was, “Wait 24 hours after you see

the product. If you still like it then go and buy it.” This helps

to stop impulse buying.

The presentation was extremely helpful, because we

played fun games and learnt important things in the unit

of work. It was a great way for us to learn in a different

environment to the classroom.

Lachlan Lloyd Year 9

It’s not every day an MP gives you an insight into

their day-to-day life and how they deal with the

ups and downs of their job. But on Friday May

1, Year 10 Commerce students were treated to a

question time of their very own with Matt Kean,

the parliamentary member for Hornsby.

During his talk he explained his enthusiasm for politics,

why he joined the Liberal Party and how we could make an

influence in politics ourselves, through youth branches and

even by joining our preferred party.

Mr Kean then opened the floor to a bit of Q & A,

which the classes (and teachers) actively participated in.

He was quickly approached with a broad range of questions,

spanning from “What is the most rewarding part of your

job?” to, “How do you deal with the haters?” The opportunity

to get prompt and direct answers from an MP was vigorously

lapped up by Year 10, who gave well-considered responses to

the audience.

The chance to have Mr Kean come to Barker for Year

10’s new unit on political involvement was accepted by

all classes with an energetic response. His speech proved

enlightening for us and we will definitely reflect on it in

the coming terms, years and maybe even elections, as we

finish school and reach voting age – the visit will not be

forgotten soon.

Finn van Herten Year 10

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—Above Learning about how to become wise consumers.

—Above Students learnt how to become involved with politics rather than just a spectator.

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Language Learning the Ages

Year 9 Languages Evening

On Wednesday 25 March all Year 9 language students gathered

in the BCMA theatre to perform a series of skits, songs and

films. Each item was produced in the foreign language studied

by the students: Japanese, Latin, French or Chinese. The evening

proved to be an excellent opportunity for our Year 9 students

to showcase their linguistic skills before an audience of their

parents and peers.

The Japanese classes opened the show with a gentle

exercise routine (Rajio Taisoo) followed by a stunning display of

choreographed dancing (Soran Bushi). The Latin students then

performed an abridged scene from the Roman playwright Plautus.

The French short film had a soccer theme, combining fast-paced

action scenes with side-splitting humour and a guest appearance

from language teacher, Ashley Rickman. The Chinese class

concluded the evening with a combined performance of drama,

poetry and song.

Congratulations must go to all the Year 9 students who

performed so magnificently on the night. The students

demonstrated passion and linguistic dexterity by performing

such a sophisticated range of pieces. Their Year 9 teachers also

deserve recognition for giving so much time and effort

in preparing the students for this outstanding event.

—Above Learning about how to become wise consumers.

—Clockwise from top left Barker parents learning Chinese; Alexander Rench taking orders for Max Alvarez, Nicholas McDermott, Matthew Rogers and Han Lin; Jonathan Greenberg and Nicolas Janjevski playing the part of the Roman Centurion and his parasite; Japanese dancers performing the Soran Bushi.

Language Classes for Barker Parents

This year the Languages Department has offered two

beginner courses for parents – the first in Chinese and the

second in Latin. The classes meet once a week on a weekday

evening. The program is designed to broaden the awareness

of different languages, in addition to providing valuable

family support to our students who are studying languages

here at Barker.

The response from parents has been extremely positive.

Each lesson provides a wonderful opportunity for parents

to explore a new culture and gain new insights by learning

a language. Following the success of this year’s program,

it is hoped that the department will be able to offer similar

classes in French and Japanese next year.

Matthew Ross Head of Languages

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MU

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A lex has nurtured the talents of hundreds of

gifted young people, including many at Barker

over the past 12 years, since arriving from

Romania in the 1970s to play in the Sydney

String Quartet and teach at Sydney Conservatorium.

Which isn’t to say that he is a softie; he has high standards

and expectations of his students because he knows they

are capable of meeting them. He also knows that hard

work provides the most satisfaction in the long term.

However, Mr Todicescu is not one to blow his own

trumpet (and not only because he plays viola). So the

news that he has yet again been awarded the Australian

Music Examinations Board’s shield for being the leading

instrumental teacher in the higher grades and diplomas in

NSW could easily have slipped under the radar. This is in

fact the 18th time that Alex – or ‘Todi’ as Conservatorium

students nicknamed him for years – has won the award.

He has won it every year since 1984 bar three, and for one

of those years he wasn’t in the country!

Currently, Alex has a studio of six students at Barker.

All his current and former Barker students are fine

musicians and have achieved excellent results, including

the higher diplomas A.Mus.A and L.Mus.A. At the age

of 75, Alex shows few signs of slowing down. He is no

longer teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium but teaches

exclusively at Barker and at his extensive home studio.

He also continues to perform concerts on his beautiful

Italian instruments. Long may that continue!

Barker College also received notification recently that the

results in the AMEB exams taken by Barker students last

year puts us in the top five schools in the State.

David Saffir Director of Strings

Alex Todicescu is a violin and viola teacher from Romania. While this may conjure up images of a stereotypical fearsome Eastern European taskmaster, he is in fact a warm and caring master musician.

Master

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GBoarding has its

“Boarding definitely makes you more independent, develops your life skills and makes you take responsibility for things you may have taken for granted at home.”

Six meals a days, prepared by great chefs, with a wide range of options on offer. Who wouldn’t want to be a boarder!

Alec says the compulsory two hours of supervised study time each night has made him more disciplined and organised. Catriona appreciates having her peers available for support and collaboration

Alec has leadership aspirations in the Cadet Unit and he values sharing his experiences and ideas with other boarders. It is also great to leave the afternoon activity, make it home for an early dinner and still have the time and energy to focus on study.

Catriona and Alec love being able to sleep through to 7:20am each morning, enjoy a cooked breakfast and still be able to get to school on time. Both also join other boarders regularly at early morning gym sessions, which are only minutes away.

A t times it is hard living away from home

and taking on greater levels of personal

responsibility, but the rewards are numerous

as well. Here, Catriona Uliana (Year 10) and

Alec Munro (Year 11) share some of their highlights of

daily life as boarders.

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Alumni ALU

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The best thing about my time at Barker was the friends I made. Barker’s wonderful ethos and core values provided a safe and collaborative platform for learning and extra-curricular activities.

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Director of Alumni Relations, Mandy Loomes, speaks

with Pip Ryan from the Class of 1983.

What was the highlight from your time at Barker?The best thing about my time at Barker was the friends

I made. Barker’s wonderful ethos and core values

provided a safe and collaborative platform for learning

and extra-curricular activities. We supported each other

in sport, debating, music and drama. Our ski weekends,

field trips and assemblies were hilarious. I am still in

touch with friends from School and some of us meet

regularly for lunch or Christmas drinks. I am keenly

aware of the sacrifices my parents made to send me to

Barker and I did not take a single minute for granted.

Did you always want to be a lawyer when you were at School?I always had ideas and the law was one. I was also keen

on publishing and advertising. Interestingly, teaching and

academia were not even on the radar. A stint working for

Esso in London and the sage advice of my aunt in New

Jersey convinced me to do a law degree.

Was it a difficult road to becoming a Barrister?The biggest challenge was logistical. Before taking the

plunge and registering to do the Bar exams, I had seven

years valuable experience in the law: first as a paralegal,

then as a judge’s associate and finally as a solicitor

in commercial litigation at a major law firm. During

those years, I was mindful that I was being paid to be

competent, reliable and efficient. The biggest challenge

was juggling these (very reasonable) expectations with

family obligations. In those days, it was not unusual

for me to leave work at 6pm, get home, make dinner,

supervise homework, bathe a child or two, read stories

and then return to work at 11pm to finish the day’s work.

I spent my 30s chronically sleep-deprived.

What is your area of expertise?My practice at the Bar has been mainly in Commercial

Law and Equity. I am not practising at the moment, but

I am a member of the Bar Education Committee and I

teach on the Bar Practice Course. My PhD thesis explored

the liability of third parties to breaches of trust. I am also

interested in fraud, Ponzi schemes and economic bubbles.

Do you enjoy lecturing at UTS and what made you take on this role?UTS Law is a fantastic place to work. The students are

highly motivated and it is a really collegiate faculty.

My first part-time teaching experience was at Sydney

University’s old law school on Phillip Street. After

finishing my Master of Education and PhD, I thought long

and hard about whether to commit to academia. I am glad

I did. I have autonomy in my research, and I find teaching

positive and engaging.

You are obviously very busy, so why do you mentor up-and-coming female law students as well?I was inspired by the mentoring program at The Women’s

College (where I had a teaching fellowship for three years).

I coordinate a mentoring program that matches female

law students with female barristers. We keep in touch with

our student on a regular basis, until she has completed her

degree and found a job. The most recent cohort included

the daughter of one of my best friends from Barker, and one

of our mentors is another Barker alumna.

How do you balance your work-life commitments?The key to victory is organisation: set the alarm, keep lists,

eat good food, meet deadlines, don’t double-book, and

prioritise. I am better at it now than I was 20 years ago,

perhaps because these days I have an iPhone. Technology

has been very kind to working mums and being self-

employed is liberating. I have on many occasions given

legal advice while parked outside a boatshed or sitting on

a chairlift at the snow. Instructing solicitors don’t really

mind where their barrister is, as long as they can be

contacted. Of course, there are times when you are utterly

consumed by preparation and the hearing itself. But the

work is always interesting and every time you appear in

court you learn something new.

Do you get much spare time? How do you relax?My spare time is found on long car trips to the Snowy

Mountains, where we have our family home. My husband

and I share the driving and we listen to podcasts. I also

love long-haul flights: the phone is switched off, the

headphones go on, and if I press a bell someone will bring

me food – with a glass of wine.

What would you advise today’s Barker students?Keep busy. Get involved. Take advantage of opportunities.

Don’t look sideways at what others are doing. Chart your

own course. Make getting on with people a priority.

Have a five-year plan. And if you are thinking of marrying

someone, ask to see their five-year plan!

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The inaugural Australian FRC (FIRST Robotics

Competition) Regional event was held in

Homebush Sports Centre on 11-14 March with

Asia Pacific and USA teams. Barker was a

finalist, 1st Seed and winner of the Innovation

in Control Award. This qualified the team for the FRC World

Championships in St Louis, Missouri, USA on 22-25 April.

The game robot was sealed after the competition, and

shipped to the States. Barker was the only Australian school

team to make it through.

Two identical robots were built for this competition.

Once the game robot was sealed for shipping, our time and

energies were directed at improving driver/operator skills

and continual upgrading the practise robot.

The team flew to St Louis on 18 April. There are over

3,000 robotics teams worldwide, with 600 making it

through to the World Championships; these teams are then

randomly divided into eight divisions. Barker was placed in

the Curie division.

Qualifying matches occur for the first two days;

for every match, the alliance partners are randomly drawn.

Each alliance is made up of three teams.

SC

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Day one of the competition was difficult. Sorting out

a few technical issues and being teamed up with weaker

alliance partners meant that the team finished 48th, but

they improved on this by the end of day two, reaching

9th position.

Day three saw Barker through to the quarter finals as

the 8th Seed Alliance. We selected Team 1318 and 4061,

after declining an offer to join the 4th Seed Alliance.

The scouting team had critically analysed and formulated

the best strategy and teams to select for us to move forward

in the game.

Finals are played as the best of three elimination games

for the quarterfinals, semi-finals and finals, with 1st Seed

Alliance playing 8th Seed and so on. Barker made history as

the only 8th Seed Alliance to beat the 1st Seed Alliance in

both the quarterfinals and semi-finals. Overall, Barker was

ranked in the top 20 robotics teams in the world and semi-

finalists at the World Championship. For a rookie team,

with one regional event under their belt, Team 4613 has

left its mark in this competition!

Sarah Cormio

Robotics Coordinator

FIRST Robotics

—Above A weary Travel Team return through the Mint Gates; Back row: Anthony Brian, Sarah Cormio, Matthew Brian, Oliver Nicholls, Matthew Buffa, Fergus Hudson, Joshua O’Hanna, Alastair Pilley, Sean Zammit and Barry Pilley. Front Row: Emmanuel Zammit, Julia Cormio, Alexander Milton and Sarah McVicker.

St Louis Missouri 201540 Countries, 18,000 students and a crowd of 40,000 filled the Edward Jones Dome in St Louis, Missouri

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Some of the new additions to the library’s programs and offerings for 2015 have been:

• Giant chess set (this has been a huge hit with the students). In addition to the giant set, many students are now playing chess on standard boards and it is especially satisfying to see Middle School students competing and interacting with Senior students.

• Teachers Love to Read Competition: Each fortnight, teachers from selected departments secretly provide their favourite books and staff and students have the opportunity to try and guess which book is the favourite of which teacher.

• Lunchtime iPad training. Each week, for eight weeks, the Teacher Librarians provided lunchtime introductory and masterclasses on the core suite of education iPad

apps for the staff and students.

• Teacher presentations in Year 9 Boys and Books.

A number of staff and teachers, including David Barker

and Mr Phillip Heath, have come to present and read a

portion of their favourite book. All reports suggest both

the teachers and the students have very much enjoyed

this initiative.

• Staff and students entering the Library will not fail to

notice the new Wordle Wall that greets all who enter.

The Wall is a visual display of the roles and activities the

library offers, intermingled with the newly revised Barker

College Mission, Vision and Values.

We look forward to more exciting and rewarding activities

and programs in the library for 2015.

Jason Saikaly

Head of Library Services

FIRST Robotics An exciting

—Above The new Wordle Wall that greets all who enter —Right Teachers Love to Read competition – can you match the book to the teacher?

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in the Library

It was a busy and exciting Term 1 for the Barker Senior Library. We started the year with the goal of offering more social, educational and collaborative activities and exercises for both staff and students

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The Roaring GirlIn February, the talented cast of 31 Year 12 students littered the Rhodes Theatre stage, and for the next two hours transported the audience into the gritty but ever-hilarious world of Moll Cutpurse – thief, misfit and extraordinary friend.

—Below The Two Neatfoots (Noah Learoyd and Natasha Spencer).

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The 200-year-old play, by Thomas Decker

and Thomas Middleton, was surprisingly

relevant to the cast and audience, challenging

our perceptions of gender and calling for a

society of understanding and mutual respect.

Throughout the play, Moll (Hannah Milligan) successfully

assists her friends, Mary Gallipot (Sami Novis) and Sebastian

Wengrave (Andrew Saar), in convincing their parents (Liam

Olsson and Sophia Murray Walker) to bless them in marriage.

Moll uses her miscreant reputation to scare the Wengraves

into believing that she plans to marry their son, therefore

creating a great sense of relief when they discover that Mary,

who they believe to be of too low social status, is in fact his

real wife. Through this, Moll challenges their and the rest

of the ensemble’s belief in the role of women: “I am my own

man… in truth I love to lie on both sides of the bed myself.”

Every rehearsal was a joy and I am truly lucky to have

played a part in the commitment and growth of us all

throughout the production. But it was not the cast alone that

brought this rambunctiously insightful play to life. The set

was one of co-director and set designer Dugal Parker’s most

dynamic creations to inhabit the Barker stage. With two

gigantic moving staircases and a maze of ladders and ramps,

the stage transformed from a blank slate to the abrasive and

bustling world of The Roaring Girl, a world which required

much coordination to smoothly execute its constructed

chaos. This is where the brilliant Backstage and Technical

Crew truly shone. With over 70 different hand-held props,

31 actors, 10 scene changes and live music to manage, the

crew did an exceptional job of keeping the show running

flawlessly. Everything from moving the stairs into the right

position for each scene, to sewing up my broken costume

five minutes before the show commenced one night, was

completed with a calm and positive nature and all 11 of

them were vital to the success of our production.

The Year 12 student band Schindler’s Fist comprised of

Jonathan Fawzi, Daniel Nicholas, Lachlan Fitzgerald, Matt

Crago and Mark Tuchin. They were a perfect complement

to the grungy tones of the play and gave a professional

performance each night. It was a unique addition to the play

and a fantastic experience to be able to work alongside such

talented musicians.

Sadly, The Roaring Girl was my last hurrah as a Barker

Drama student. Directors Pia Midgley and Dugal Parker

inspired me every time I stepped on stage to present the best

work that I could, and their guidance and invaluable advice

will stay with me for years to come. Barker offers incredible

opportunities to explore the world of theatre, and I have been

lucky enough to benefit from the amazing facilities that our

School is blessed with. My experiences on the Barker stage

over the last three years have taught me many things about

myself and the world around me that will permeate my life

for a long time to come.

The Roaring Girl was a wonderful experience and I feel as

though we have ended our time as Barker Drama performers

with a bang. The story of Moll and her ability to change the

minds of those around her, enlightening them and bringing

her community to a deeper sense of understanding, has

inspired us all. I can say with great confidence that her legacy

will stay with me through all that I go on to do, and I am

forever grateful for my involvement in this production, the

friendships that have formed and the passion it has instilled

in all who were lucky enough to see it and be a part of it .

Sophie Ellis

The Roaring Girl Cast Member

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The Roaring Girl

“Would you know who it is, would you hear her name? She is called Mad Moll, her life our acts proclaim.”

—Above Moll Cutpurse (Hannah Milligan), Laxton (Seamus Dove) watched by Will Brown.

—Above The live band, Schindler’s Fist (Jonathan Fawzi, Daniel Nicholas, Lachlan Fitzgerald, Matt Crago and Mark Tuchin).

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—Clockwise from top left “I’ll take Fantasy for 500 points”; The hilarious antics of Theatresports; The Sonnet Project putting a contemporary spin on Shakespeare’s classics; Teachers in costume, can you guess who they have dressed up as?

In Week 7 of Term 1, the English, Drama and Library

staff inaugurated the Barker Festival of Page and

Stage as a celebration of all things dramatic, poetic

and novel – pun entirely intended. It was a week-

long event that launched on a day where staff came

dressed as a well-known literary character, which became

a great point of conversation about canonical texts,

nostalgic childhood memories and the pleasure of being

lost in a fantastical world.

The importance and joy of literature and drama were

brought to life in a range of opportunities on offer to the

students over the week. Guest presenters such as Brett Hunt

and The Sonnet Project entertained students during lunch

times. Brett Hunt brought together a range of songs from

periods of change and revolution in the twentieth century,

while The Sonnet Project performed their original music to

transform Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Students watched and enjoyed a collection of outstanding

short films, comforted by a cup of freshly popped popcorn.

There was the Speed Scrabble Tournament that saw Dylan

Hood of Year 12 eventuate as the champion wordsmith.

There were victors of Book Jeopardy – yes, a take on the game

show we all know and love – and a challenging Scavenger

Hunt where students had to find all the scattered letters

around the School and put them in order to make three

famous book titles. Congratulations to Alex Dring and Angus

Palmer of Year 9 for solving this.

The opportunity to buy books at the Book Fair and laugh

at the antics of Theatre Sports contributed to a well-received

and worthwhile first-ever Festival of Page and Stage.

Thank you to all the staff who were involved in organising

this event.

Michael Marokakis

English Teacher and Senior School Tutor

To subvert is not the aim of literature; its value lies in discovering and revealing what is rarely known, little known, thought to be known but in fact not very well known of the truth of the human world. Gao Xingjian, Nobel Lecture, 2000

Page and Stage

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It is timely that we provide an opportunity for all members of the Barker community to express their thoughts regarding Barker’s Strategic Plan Inspiring Global Hope in a visual form.

An art competition is being launched to all members of the Barker community. Any member of the Barker Community is welcome to submit an entry in any one of the following expressive forms:

• Painting

• Drawing

• Photography

• Sculpture

• Printmaking

• Video

Please note that it is not necessary to frame a work which is submitted.

The work should emphasise social change.

The winning artist will be the person who is perceived to best raise awareness and engagement regarding a social issue thus helping to promote lasting change.

Go to creativetime.org/summit/prize/ to see recipients of the Leonore Annenburg Prize and read from artist statements to provide you with ideas for your own artwork.

Submissions must be delivered to the Visual Arts staff room, digital entries will not be accepted. Entries are now open and will close 3.30pm Friday 24 July (end of Week 2, Term 3).

A range of entries will be exhibited during the HSC exhibition in August.

Prize winners will be chosen by the Head of Barker College, Mr Phillip Heath and the Head of Visual Arts, Mr Bentham. A prize of $200 will be awarded.

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We can think

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—Above Ani Dilanchian removing components for flat pack furniture.

—Above Samuel Darwell, Noah Wright and Morgan Overmass producing computer generated renders.

—Above Jeremy Chivas testing architectural design through CAD modelling and 3D printing.

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‘Developing students who can think and do’ is

the mantra of the Design and Technology

Department. Students who ‘think’ know how

to research, observe and identify opportunity.

They know how to frame a project, establish criteria and

apply multiple techniques to generate creative ideas. And

they know how to evaluate the appropriateness of a design.

Students who ‘do’ know how to communicate

graphically and verbally. They know how to use a range

of software to help them generate designs, renders and

machining. They also know how to use hand tools and

machine tools to measure and mark out accurately,

cut, shape, join and finish materials. They know how to

conduct tests and experiments and how to manufacture

design ideas that are aesthetic, functional and appropriate.

Over the past 20 years there has been a significant

shift towards improving students’ ability to apply design

thinking skills. Some have argued that it has been to

the detriment of their manual skills base. However, to

produce a student who can think and adapt quickly, who is

proactive toward innovation and opportunity, requires the

development of minds as much as manual skills.

Getting the right mix between developing skills for

thinking and skills for making solutions is a balancing

act which varies between projects. Barker students find

themselves in an enviable position, having access to a

wide range of tools, machines and processes. Equally

important, students have access to a methodology to

develop design thinking skills. These skills prepare an

individual for life. Through testing safety, human interface,

materials and environments in which their ideas have

to perform, students learn to mitigate risk. They are

in essence learning risk management as well as design

methodology.

The world is continually changing and therefore we

must continue to adapt. Tools, machines and processes

will continue to develop, but our aim will remain the same,

to produce students who are confident in their ability to

think and do.

Darren Woodrow

Head of Design and Technology

—Above Year 11 Design and Technology students assembling flat pack furniture.

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T he students involved in Public Speaking @

Barker have had a rewarding and exciting

start to the year, and are reaping the rewards

of their efforts.

At Barker College’s Public Speaking Competition

on Monday 16 March 2015, all students spoke with

passion and conviction on their chosen topic, engaging

and educating their audience. Congratulations to the

following students for their success in their section of the

competition:

Junior Jack Breden (Year 8)

Intermediate William Solomon (Year 10)

Senior Sean Landis (Year 11)

Best Prepared Speech Seamus Dove (Year 12)

Term 2 was eventful as our students participated in

a variety of public speaking competitions. Sean Landis

represented Barker College in the Lawrence Campbell

Oratory competition.

He unfortunately did not place but it was an

invaluable experience for him. He and William Solomon

will also compete in The Sydney Morning Herald Plain

English Speaking Award in late May (results announced

in next issue of The Barker).

Both competitions offer the students challenging

and rewarding opportunities to lift their public speaking

skills.

Melissa Dooley and Vicky Argyrakis

Coordinators Public Speaking

Public

Using iPads

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P roviding iPads to each Year 7 student has opened up a new range

of possibilities to the newest members of the Middle School.

They use a suite of apps installed on every Barker iPad to access

their textbook, draw geometrical diagrams and perform

calculations, but anyone with a mobile device can take advantage of the

myriad of mathematical apps available.

Algebra Touch helps to show how the rules of algebra work

and what operations can be performed. Its dynamic visual

interface makes it easy to see what steps are needed to

solve an algebraic equation.

WolframAlpha can answer almost any mathematical

question. It performs basic calculations but has the

power to produce step-by-step solutions for long and

involved problems. It can also answer questions

on sporting results, population estimates and

much more. This is a great tool for our senior

Mathematics students or anyone curious

about the world around us.

Andrew Mallam

Mathematics Technology Coordinator —Above WolframAlpha showing a step-by-step solution to Question 13 (a) of the 2014

Extension 2 HSC paper.

—Public Speaking coach Tim Berney-Gibson with

Sean Landis, Lawrence Campbell Oratory competitor.

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Public Annual C

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T he first Advance Party (Pioneers and HQ) drove

up to Singleton on Easter Saturday in torrential

rain. After a mighty effort to set up camp,

everybody welcomed the chance to get out of

wet clothes and into warm sleeping bags. The next day

the sun shone and dried everything out, ending with a

magnificent and memorable sunset. Just to remind us of the

power and unpredictability of nature, on Monday afternoon

after the main body arrived we were treated to another

short, heavy downpour (luckily after most tents were set up).

On Tuesday we experienced very strong winds which

required tents and tarps to be secured by additional ropes and

pegs due to the saturated ground. At times we had to physically

hold tents down to stop them flying away in wind gusts of over

70 kilometres per hour!

This year saw some popular changes to the Broken Back

Trek. Bravo Company enjoyed fresh food rather than ration

packs, and Delta Company spent three nights instead of just two.

Including a moving target serial to the WTSS (Weapons Training

Simulation System) raised the success rate and competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Charlie and Echo Companies enjoyed abseiling, the

Tacex and a visit to the Museum.

What a great camp for Year 12 to end their cadet careers.

Many thanks to the dads and staff who attended to ensure all

cadets had a safe and memorable experience.

Major Terry Nye

Commanding Officer BCCU

This year saw another successful Annual Camp completed despite some extreme weather conditions.

—End of camp skit night.

—Above Reflection before a raid – effective camouflage?—Above Successful plunder of the opposition’s booty.

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I t was another fantastic weekend of mountain biking

on the Thredbo slopes. The weather was kind for

the whole weekend and the boys rode in beautiful

sunshine. The competition started with the Dual

Compressor event, which saw competitors start at a drop

gate, ride a few metres on a wide track before hitting the

first corner, after which it was hard to overtake if you

weren’t already leading. Most of the boys who started off in

the left lane came out victors by the end. Qualifying races

were held to determine the first 32 racers in each division.

While several of the Barker riders made it through to this

stage, only Jordon Montgomery made it to the next round

of 16. Unfortunately there Jordan drew the right lane,

greatly reducing his chances of success.

MTB 2015 Australian Interschools MTB Championships Thredbo March 6-8

—Above Getting back up the hill for a couple more rides!

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On Saturday morning, after many downhill practice runs

(on one of which Eddie Thomas ran over a snake), the King

of the Mountain event finally started. The best of our riders

was Barker MTB captain Chris Hinds in Division 1 (Years 11

and 12), who came 7th out of a field of 72 starters, clearly

demonstrating that a serious fall on the same course over the

summer vacation was not going to put him off. Chris’ time of

5 minutes and 30.8 seconds was only about 36 seconds slower

than the winner. Tom de Kantsow and Tom Green were the

next best placed in 31st and 32nd respectively.

In Division 2 (Years 9 and 10), Sam Gibson and Sean

McCormack were our fastest riders, finishing 44th and

45th from a field of 94 starters. Kyle Henderson was not

far behind them in 47th place. The winner of this Division

finished in an amazing time of 5.03 seconds and Sam was

just under 2 minutes off this time, despite a fall close to

the start and tearing a ligament from his little finger. In

Division 3 (Years 7 and 8) Jordan Montgomery crossed the

line in 24th place about 1 minute 20 seconds behind the

race winner in a time of 7 minutes 22.44 seconds. Lachlan

Horsley and Hamish Carolan also finished in the top 40 in

the 72-strong field.

The last day of the competition was the cross-country

event. Tom Green shone in this event, coming 3rd behind

a second-place getter who had to run the last 100 metres

with his bike over his shoulder due to a broken chain.

Chris Hinds wasn’t far behind him, in 5th place, and this

joint effort helped the Division 1 riders take second place

in a field of 113 starters. In Division 2, Luc Weymouth was

the first of the Barker team crossing in 11th place, with

James Culver placing 0.1 seconds behind him, and Richard

Marais finishing about 20 seconds later. Once again, this

strong showing over five laps resulted in Barker placing

2nd in the Division 2 XC event. Finally, the Division 3

riders started with 130 other hopefuls. Lachlan Horsely

was the best of the Barker team, finishing in 8th place with

Jordan Montgomery coming 17th. Excellent efforts in such

a large field.

Many thanks to all the parents who helped, with

special thanks to Mr and Mrs Hinds, who supplied a daily

sausage sizzle as well as Gatorade and delicious muffins,

as part of their fundraising for the Tour De Cure.

Andrew Love

MIC Mountainbiking

—Clockwise from top left James Culver riding hard in the XC event; Tom Green on his way to 3rd in the XC Event; MTB captain Chris Hinds.

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LeadershipTime Out For Basketball Each fortnight at Time Out Basketball it is a joy to watch

and hear students with special needs from neighbouring

schools, together with Barker’s Middle School Seniors and

some Year 11s and Year 12s, practising their skills, playing

modified games, encouraging each other, cheering for

baskets shot and generally chatting with friends.

Seamus Dove (Year 12) devised and initiated this program

and deserves great credit for its success. The aims are for all

students to have fun, grow in character, forge friendships

and learn and develop new skills in a supportive, safe

environment. It allows the parents and carers of our visitors

to have the opportunity to connect with each other over a

cuppa. It also gives more Barker students the opportunity to

develop their leadership skills, gain greater insight into the

abilities of people with special needs, and appreciate the fact

that they too just love to have fun.

Clarke Road SchoolIn a similar vein, the Year 11 students continue to serve

the wider community through their weekly visits to Clarke

Road School, where they work with individual students

alongside teachers in the classrooms. Year 11s love to

see how excited the Clarke Road students are to have

them there. They interact wonderfully with the students

and leave with an enormous respect for the work of the

staff and a better understanding of the challenges the

students have. After what can be a sobering, but incredibly

worthwhile, experience, “Can’t we stay longer?” and “Can

we come again?” are commonly asked questions.

Both of these programs enliven the spirits of all involved.

Helen Graham

Dean of Individual Programs

—Clockwise from top left Michaella shoots a basket, encouraged by Tyler Wilson (Yr 12) and Alicia Blackett (Yr 12); James Gellan (Yr 11) and Oliver Vaughan (Yr 11) help clean the Clarke Road bus; Julian serves morning tea to Nicholas Ruberg (Yr 11) at Clarke Road School.

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PDHPE Promotes

I n the elective strand of PDHPE, staff use sports science

laboratories so that students can experience concepts

and gain a greater understanding of how to apply

them in practical situations. Recently, Year 11 PDHPE

students utilised Polar heart rate monitors to explore the

response of the heart to submaximal physical activity by

completing the Harvard Step Test. During this process

they also assessed their own aerobic fitness based on

the set protocol. Instantaneous recording of heart rates

through the monitors enabled students to track their

resting heart rate and then heart rates at every minute of

the five-minute test. Final analysis involved investigating

how quickly their heart rate returned to a resting level,

from which they calculated aerobic fitness. Through

graphical analysis from the Polar heart rate application,

students could visualise their heart’s response, as well as

look at aerobic and anaerobic training zones (see graph).

Afterwards, the students submitted a written lab report

analysing the results and evaluating their cardiovascular

endurance.

Sarah Clifton

Head of PDHPE

—Above Year 11 PDHPE completing the Harvard Step Test.

—Above Year 10 girls: Sophie Werhmann, Annabelle Christen and Jordy Riddock.

C lose the Gap is the overarching health promotion

initiative aimed to address Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander health inequities. The significant gaps

that exist in life expectancy, morbidity and education

hope to be closed by 2030.

While Year 12 PDHPE students study this campaign in-depth

for their HSC, students across Years 7–11 viewed a short video

clip in their PDHPE theory lesson (Just search for Close the Gap

2015 on YouTube) during Harmony Week, and discussed openly

and frankly the issues it brought up. In practical lessons, students

participated in traditional Indigenous games, such as Edor, a

vigorous game of chasings where the leader constantly changes.

We hope that by raising awareness through discussion,

combined where possible with in-depth study, our young people

will be able to meaningfully contribute to closing the gap in the

very near future.

Natalie Potent

Assistant Coordinator of PDHPE

in Elective PDHPE

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T he Barker College Track and Field Championship

was run on the last day of Term 1. After a foggy

start to the day, the cloud lifted and a great day

greeted all students. Several School records were

broken, including Jack Mills in the 16yrs 800m and 1500m,

Ben Nogajski equalling the 14yrs High Jump record and

Morgan Little breaking the 13yrs 200m and 400m records.

At lunchtime it was the staff relay, and the talk around the

track was whether the Sports Department with their new recruit,

Olympic silver medallist Du’aine Ladejo, would defeat the reigning

champion PDHPE team. The PDHPE team were leading into the

final leg of the relay, but the Sports Department was gaining

quickly. Du’aine unfortunately strained his hip flexor which led

to another PDHPE victory. Du’aine is part of the Track and Field

coaching staff this year and staff and students alike are looking

forward to working with him.

The carnival continued into the afternoon with great

performances in the 100m and 400m events. The final event

saw the Middle School house medley relay being won by Holt

house in record time, capping off a great day.

Below are the age champions from the day and the winning house.

Winning House: Boyce House

13 Years Male 14 Years Male1 Morgan Little 1 Ben Nogajski

2 Jonathan Friend 2 Kyle Galloway

3 Lucas Vass 3 Daniel Alleyn

15 Years Male 15 Years Female

1 Jamie Basheer 1 Sami McCormick

2 Lachie Basten 2 Maia Leadbetter

3 Ben Pears 3 Rachel Fear

16 Years Male 16 Years Female1 Benjamin Hayward 1 Abbey Hodge

2 Jack Mills 1 Sophie Wehrmann

3 Will Lloyd 3 Jessica Cunningham

17 Years Male 17 Years Female1 Josh Robins 1 Julia Cormio

2 Jack Brown 2 Genevieve Love

3 Alexander Dixon 3 Natasha Salisbury

Open Male Open Female1 Taylor John 1 Brianna Phillips

2 Alex Wearne 2 Lauren Tompkins

3 Ben Jones 3 Claire Haigh

Lee Batchler

Acting Sportmaster

Track and Field

Basketball

Barker entered the basketball season having not won the CAS title

since Mr Fedeles retired in 2008. This season started well, but would

depend on the last game against Knox. Led by their inspirational

captain, Murray Thorpe, the boys defeated archrivals Knox in the

Barker Gym to clinch the CAS title in front of a very vocal home crowd.

The team, coached by Matthew Arnot and Jared Scoines, have worked hard

for several seasons to improve and this was a fantastic result given all the

effort that had gone in. The team represented Barker with enthusiasm,

passion and great sportsmanship throughout the season. For Year 12 students

Rob Irwin, Dan Babb, Charlie Silvester and Sam Barlow to win the CAS in

their last game at home was a dream come true. The side was well supported

by Year 11 students Jeeven Singh, Ben Basten and sharp shooting Curtis

Abagi. Younger members of the team were Benjamin Fakira and Daniel

Smedley from Year 10 and Angus Henskens from Year 9.

Jason Bourke

MIC Basketball

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Rugby Tours

A1st XV squad of 24 boys, accompanied by three

staff members, completed a successful tour to

Queensland in the Easter break. Staying in boarding

facilities at both the Super Sports Centre, Runaway

Bay and at Marist College, Ashgrove in Brisbane, the boys

formulated strategy before scoring three resounding wins from

three games. Barker defeated Iona College 64-0, St Laurence

College 36-12 and, in a resounding come-from-behind effort,

edged out a powerful Marist Ashgrove 34-31. Tour captain

Bruce Thompson, ably assisted by game captains Andy Lloyd

and Andrew Saar, maintained a strong work ethic along with

camaraderie among the squad. Throughout the week, the group

was treated to delicious food, superb facilities and tropical

weather. They had an enjoyable free day at Dreamworld and

Waterworld theme parks. In the words of one student at Sydney

airport on return: “Now, that was a resounding success!”

Simultaneously, a 24-strong U16 rugby squad travelled down

to Canberra for two fiercely contested matches against Marist

College and Canberra Grammar. By staying at the Australian

Institute of Sport’s boarding facilities, the group experienced a

professional sports environment throughout their stay, helping

with team bonding. The excellent food helped, too. Despite

several serious injuries prior to the tour, the squad played

courageously but was narrowly defeated by Marist College 21-26

and 21-24 by Canberra Grammar.

Lee Batchler

Acting Sportmaster

Inspired by the leadership shown by team captains Geoff Herkes, Matt Kelly and Drayton O’Neill, the boys team headed off to Homebush to participate in one of the most exciting school swimming events in Australia, the CAS Swimming Championships. Joining the captains in the pool were fellow Year 12 swimmers Matthew Brouff, Jake Fornasaro and Matthew Sullivan. The boys led our team to a commendable third place, making ground on leading schools Trinity and Knox. Among the event’s highlights were Shaun Champion and Lucas Vass’ win of two events each. Lucas also set a new CAS record in the 13 years 50m backstroke. At the end of the night, Trinity were announced as winners with the final tally of points being:

Trinity 547Knox 545Barker 441

St Aloysius 342Cranbrook 329Waverley 284

The season continues with the following boys being selected to represent CAS at the NSWCIS Swimming Championships: Matthew Brouff, Billy Brown, Freddie Brown, Jack Brown, Jackson Burton, Shaun Champion, Jake Fornasaro, Taylor Gabb, Geoff Herkes, Kris Honor-Wilson, Campbell Jones, Oliver Jones, Daniel Jongma, Max Jostsons, Matt Kelly, Josh Knox, Alex Middleton, Brandon Murray, Jack Nixon, Matthew Sullivan and Lucas Vass.

Jason Cooper

MIC Swimming

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InsightsG irls Basketball at Barker has grown fast in 2015,

with five teams playing by end of season in the

ISA and Hornsby Monday night competitions.

The ISA Competition had three teams.

Our Seconds and Thirds teams played a tough season,

narrowly missing out on the semi-finals to finish in fifth

position in their divisions. All members worked hard to

improve their performances from earlier in the season.

We were excited to have three new players join our Firsts

team and expand the training squad to 13. Throughout

the season, our Firsts continued to improve, finishing the

regular season in third position. The closely fought ISA

Open A Competition is one of the strongest school divisions

in Sydney. In the semi-finals, Barker played an outstanding

match against Redlands (the Australian Open Schools and

ISA defending champions). It was the best quality ISA game

in years. Unfortunately, Redlands’ shooting was too good,

and although Barker played their best game of the season

we went down 66-62.

Three students were selected to represent ISA at the

NSWCIS Championships in May: Rebecca Black (Year 11),

Abby Cubillo (Year 10) and Kimberley Hodge (Year 11).

We wish them well in their next stage of representative

selection.

We end to potentially return as favourites for next year’s

ISA competition. Thank you to the wonderful support of

staff, parents, friends, the OBA and the Barker Basketball

Club. The teams have flourished with your support.

We are proud of the quality basketball and sportsmanship

the teams have shown throughout the year by all players.

Nicole Bailey

Basketball MIC

T he Barker Girls Cross Country team had

a stellar performance once again at this

year’s ISA Championships.

2015 saw the introduction of three

different components of training. These sessions

included not only interval and endurance training,

but also implemented a strength and technique

program to assist with injury prevention and

power production.

The hard work and dedication the girls put into

these early morning training sessions proved to

pay off as they achieved some fantastic results.

Out of 23 girls that competed, all placed within the

top 20 of their age category, with 15 girls selected to

represent ISA at the NSWCIS carnival in June.

Thanks to these exceptional results, Barker

College came 1st in both Senior and Intermediate

divisions. A special mention should go to Claire

Haigh and Natasha Salisbury, who placed 1st in

each of their age groups. Well done girls!

Chloe Taylor

Girls Cross Country Coach

Cross Country

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Gabby has represented Barker for both ISA and CIS softball, and is a strong left-handed batter and catcher in the Barker 1sts

W hat’s so good about Softball at Barker?The teamwork, arriving in Year 10,

I had no idea of the school routines or

what was expected, I felt I didn’t fit

in. The softball team changed all that – everyone there

has been so supportive, happy and become really close

friends. It’s like one big softball family.

How did you get into softball?My sister used to play, and it seemed to come naturally

to me. My dad used to pitch balls at me so I could practise.

I was very lucky my dad gave me so much help. I’m not

the strongest base-runner but I can slide into bases

confidently because of the help he gave me.

As a catcher, what is your role?The key part is keeping the team upbeat and ensuring they

have a positive attitude throughout the game. As a catcher

I call the game by signalling to the pitchers what they should

throw, so I need to know what they can do.

What is the best thing about softball?You are playing as a team, so it’s not about you the individual.

You may be batting on your own, but you’re batting for the

team. It’s so exciting when we make a double play or get the

base runner out in a run down play. Everyone is so close; it’s a

unifying sport.

Anne Horne

MIC Softball

with Gabby Chan

L ed by team captains Alison Smith and Sarah Middleton,

the Girls Swimming team reclaimed the ISA Senior

Division 1 title. An outstanding group of Year 12

swimmers led their team to victory, with Alison

Smith, Sarah Middleton, Shannon Ashton and Emma Baldwin

all winning multiple events throughout the program. Orla Flynn

(Year 11) and Ellie Jongma (Year 10) also won multiple events and

were the highlights of a strong Intermediate team that finished

second overall. Congratulations to all the girls who were selected

to represent ISA at the NSWCIS Swimming Championships:

Shannon Ashton, Meg Baldwin, Lili Duncan, Orla Flynn, Ellie

Jongma, Sarah Middleton, Natasha Salisbury and Alison Smith.

Alison Cox

Head of Girls Sport

ISASwimming

—Above 2015 Captain Alison Smith and vice-captain Sarah Middleton share their victory with Alison Cox!

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Simply

As busy mothers, we all love to get away

occasionally, and a weekend away at The Grange

was exactly what 50 fortunate Barker mothers

did at the end of Term 1. The traditional BCMA

Mothers’ Escape to the Grange sold out in record time,

proving my point.

So we headed for the Blue Mountains to kick off a

wonderful weekend of friendship and fun. It was a pleasure

to arrive knowing that the organising committee had been

putting the finishing touches on our accommodation, and

the weather was perfect.

After a relaxing and welcoming Friday night, many of

the ladies took to the outdoors early Saturday, while others

shopped to their heart’s content in Leura, nourished by

the local fare. A relaxing massage or facial on site was

also popular, while a round of golf was my choice with

some other keen starters. This was a great way to spend

a wonderful afternoon, taking in some fabulous views

from a couple of the greens to complete the day.

The wonderful Grange Committee, led by Jodie Eliott,

did an amazing job pampering and spoiling us throughout

the weekend. It was a perfect retreat for us all, with meals

catered daily and the Grange looking fantastic with its

70s-themed makeover for the disco on Saturday night.

Whoever thought that vinyl records could be used as a

table decoration? We all managed to somehow find some

spectacular apparel for the evening, which made the night

all the more fun.

Back to reality on Sunday, but plenty of time for more

retail therapy and a little lunch before the obligatory trip to

The Lolly Shop and bakery for an apple pie to take home to

my lovely family, whom I had of course missed so much!.

Our warmest thanks to the 2015 BCMA Grange

Committee: Jodie Eliott, Julie Long, Phoebe Rayner, Emma

Yim, Elmari De Lange, Georgi Faithfull, Michelle Sneddon

and Janet Burton for making our weekend so special.

Jenelle Montgomerie

BCMA President

A Weekend Escape to The Grange

BC

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—Clockwise from top left Enjoying the view from the green: Anne May, Jenelle Montgomerie, Bev Cooper and Karen Witts; Julie Long (Grange organising committee) and Jenelle Montgomerie; The dining room and lounge rooms received a 70s makeover; Janet Burton, Emma Yim, Phoebe Rayner and Jodie Eliott, members of the 2015 Grange Committee, prepare for Friday night dinner.

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—Clockwise from top left The Lego Movie looked fantastic on the giant inflatable screen; The transformation begins; Even The Incredible Hulk made an appearance.

The Barker Foundation held its signature Sunset Cinema evening on 21 March with the screening of The Lego Movie to an enthusiastic Preparatory and Junior School audience.

The Multi-Purpose Hall stood up to its name and reputation, providing the atmosphere and ambience to accommodate our enthusiastic moviegoers, who joined us with beanbags, picnic blankets, armchairs and strollers.

The evening was fuelled with fun activities and events for all to participate. We were fortunate to have Ginny Longstocking, an incredibly talented and gifted face painter, who turned imagination into reality with an Incredible Hulk, mini-Spidermen and even a confident Cinderella stealing the limelight.

Holly and Jessie from Stardust entertained our youngest attendees with games, balloon twisting and other activities, enabling parents to get to know each other in a relaxed and casual setting.

Pizza Cutters from Wahroonga built on their reputation, delivering piping-hot pizzas right to our armchairs; many commented it was as though they had been pulled straight out of the oven. Guests also chose to pack a mouthwatering picnic, which was spread out and shared with loved ones from the start of the movie.

At 7:30pm, when the lights went down, the 10-metre high inflatable screen captivated the audience. The Lego Movie did well to accommodate all viewing ages. Personally, the undeniably catchy lyrics of ‘Everything Is Awesome’ continue with me as I write this.

The Barker Foundation would like to thank parents, staff, students, friends and sponsors for making this event so special. We are blessed to have such amazing facilities at Barker College and thank the generosity of the current and past parent body that have planted trees well before our time to enable us to shelter our children from the rain today.

We are proud, under the leadership and guidance of Mr Phillip Heath and Mr Martin Lubrano to be a part of creating, supporting and fulfilling community-inspired events like this. The enjoyable evening was another proud moment for The Barker Foundation, continuing the tradition of giving. Our work at the Foundation, “to inspire global hope,” has only just begun – together we can do anything.

“Everything Is Awesome”

John DimitropoulosBarker Foundation Director

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Winter 2015 — Issue 221

What was the highlight of your time at Barker?Winning and playing in the CAS and CIS tournaments

– the extreme highs of being part of an elite team.

Did you have a role model?Not so much a ‘role model’, but there were people I looked up to, like senior Daniel Courtnall (05), and basketball coaches Paul Fedeles and Jason Bourke.

How much has basketball influenced your life so far?Enormously. I went to Barker to have Paul Fedeles as coach; it’s given me a first-class degree, it’s opened doors for me. I’ve played in America, Portugal and Ireland. It moulded me into a team player, and taught me to work with coaches with hugely different attitudes. It gave me a love of fitness, self-development and discipline.

Which university recruited you, and how was this experience?Emory University, which is considered as the ‘ivy league of the south’. It was everything I wanted: brilliant basketball, mainly enthusiastic tutors and great fun off campus. Plus, being in the US meant road trips, meeting people from all walks of life, music festivals and physical endurance races. It wasn’t a bad thing being the only Aussie at uni either.

What was your area of study?Biology; I got a BSc.

Did you join a Fraternity?I sure did! I wanted to see if it was like it is in the movies. Think about your closest friends – the ones you’ve been in trouble with, had the most laughs with or competed against in sport. This usually takes several years to develop, but with a fraternity, that process is condensed into three or four months. You get to know your pledge brothers very, very well.

And is it like in the movies? It’s much, much worse! Mind you, I think it’s helped me in my training sessions with the military more than my science degree. You know that others have gone through it before and you have a good chance of getting out of it alive.

What inspired you to enrol in the ADF?I am striving to reach the pinnacle of physical learning. I thought about medicine or medical research, but I wanted to interact more with people. I love the outdoors, helping others and bettering myself. You are taught to handle yourself in any situation, be it jungle or mountainous terrain, in any climate, on water or on land. The amount of knowledge and training is out of this world.

Congratulations on being awarded Most Outstanding Soldier. What challenges did you complete?We were taught and tested on all soldiering weaponry skills, with rifles and bayonets, and loads of physical challenges that had to be completed to the highest standard.

What advice do you have for today’s students?Follow your passion. Give everything a go, whether it be overseas or at home. Just go for it.

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CarletonClass of 2007After leaving Barker, Oliver went to university in America on a basketball scholarship. After graduating he re-tuned to Australia and joined the ADF where he was recently awarded the Most Outstanding Soldier.

Oliver Carleton playing against Chicago

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Old Barker Association Contactsemail: oba@barker.nsw.edu.au

President Tony Gamson (78) 0458 564 556

Honorary Vice-President Peter Gregory (03) 0400 419 253

Honorary Treasurer Michael Brodie (79) 0409 980 009

Honorary Secretary David Brookes (79) 0400 906 052

General Committee Chris Bennett (83) Paul Goncharoff (88)Pip Hurley (Webber 85) Jenny Kalaf (Melville 78)Catherine Lancaster (82) Matt Ross-Smith (10) Di Slater (Stanbridge 91) David Trayner (84)

Nominees to School Council Pennie Cruickshank (79) Michael Brodie (79)Tony Gamson (78)

OBA Annual Patron Sandy Hollway (64) Keith Thornton (64)Benjamin Anson (85)

Over 70s Contact Robert Hill (56) (02) 9144 3582

School ContactsDirector of Alumni Relations Mandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229 (Sch)mandy_loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

Alumni Reunion Coordinator Karina Drummond (02) 9847 8283 (Sch)karina_drummond@barker.nsw.edu.au

Manager of Archives Morwenna Pearce (02) 9847 8290 (Sch) morwenna_pearce@barker.nsw.edu.au

Archivist Sarah O’Neill (02) 9847 8290 (Sch)soneill@barker.nsw.edu.au

Interstate and International Barker Contacts

Brisbane Andrew Wilkie (01) 0412 779 383 (m)andrew.wilkie@morgans.com.au

Canberra Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 281(m)mccoll@grapevine.net.au

MelbourneMurray Anderson (65) 0457 000 407 (m)murray@capricorngroup.net.au

Northern Rivers Jim Poulos (61) (02) 6686 7711 (h)pamio@bigpond.net.au

Perth Tom Hargreaves (69) 0437 906 588 (m)tom.hargreaves@inpex.com.au

Sunshine Coast Phil Benjamin (61) pandj.benjamin@bigpond.com

Upper Hunter Charles Cooke (65) (02) 6545 8141 (w) charles_cooke@esat.net.au

Canada, Ontario George Darling (70) george.darling@snclavalin.com

Hong Kong Brayden Winkler (07) brayden.winkler@gmail.com

Japan Carl Bastian (93) bastianinternational@msn.com

Middle East Erik Huyer (72) (966) 056 409 0144 (m)erikhuyer@gmail.com

New Zealand Scott Brown (91) (64) 027 230 4561 (w) scott@hipgroup.co.nz

Oceania (Fiji) Neil Underhill (75) (679) 336 3968 (w) neilunderhill@connect.com.fj

Papua New Guinea Johnson Kalo (83) (675) 305 6703 (w)jkalo@bsp.com.pg

Singapore Carly Switzer (94) carlyswitzer@yahoo.com.au

UK, London Annette French (Slattery 88) (44) 1732 382 281 (h)annette.e.french@sky.com

USA, Wilmington Andrew Renton (85) (910) 612 5671arenton1@mac.com

46 OBA President

48 Community Events

49 OBA Groups

52 Personal Notes

54 Obituaries

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Contributions WelcomePlease send contributions to Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni Relations, 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077 or mandy_loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au.

For further information please contact Mandy on 9847 8229.

Personal notes are published in good faith, as a service to the Barker Community.

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Personal Notes

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OBA Theatre Emerald

For some of us, this has meant the daily ritual of checking the blogosphere for the latest updates from our sons and daughters who make up the over 100 current Barker students who are lucky enough to be in Gallipoli for the centenary.

While this was primarily a music tour, a small group of

Year 10 History students travelled with the group. Their task

has been to research some of the 45 Barker old boys who

served at Gallipoli, and to follow their journey through the

war and their lives thereafter.

What a wonderful opportunity for these students to travel

to this place at this very special time and see first-hand the

reality that confronted the ANZACs 100 years ago.

The OBA is proud of all its members who have served

their country in times of conflict, and over the years we

have acknowledged this service and the sacrifices made.

These gestures include the Old Boys Union funding of the

School’s main oval in 1924, to honour mates who were killed

during the 1914-18 conflict, and the OBU’s donation of the

Middle School’s War Memorial Steps in 1938 in honour of

World War I sacrifices. In 2005, the OBA Over 70s donated

the Memorial Steps outside the Chapel, recognising those

who served in World War II.

The OBA also donated funds toward this year’s trip to

Gallipoli. We felt it was important for today’s students to

appreciate the connection they have to those alumni who

went before them.

It was pleasing to see our crest emblazoned on the tour

jackets as the students appeared on news coverage in the

lead-up to the centenary.

We have also celebrated more recent history, with the

cocktail party for the 40th anniversary of co-education. It

is impossible to imagine Barker today without the girls in

the Senior School. The new Rosewood development is an

important addition to girls sport facilities at Barker, and will

be a welcome resource for footballers, touch football players,

cricketers and supporters.

Next term, we will unveil another contribution – a bronze

sculpture for the OBA Courtyard in the Junior School, designed

to evoke the School’s vision of ‘Inspiring Global Hope.’

It follows an earlier cultural contribution from the OBA,

the Centenary Sculpture donated in 1990, which now sits

outside Leslie Hall.

Finally, our Annual General Meeting will be held on 21

July in the Marks Pavilion. As always, you are welcome to

attend and learn more about our activities. It has broadened

its focus in recent years and we are looking to develop more

opportunities to support alumni. You never know, you may

just get inspired to get involved and help us to help the Barker

community.

Tony Gamson (78) OBA President

As I write, we are in the final countdown to the Gallipoli Centenary commemorations. —Tony Gamson (78), OBA President

President’s

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The iconic Australian play set in the late 80s, is a “fast-moving, wisecracking commentary on contemporary urban mores and morals, and the rivalries and passions to be encountered on the road to success” (Williamson, 2012). The cast includes Charlie Jones (10) in the role of Colin, a screenwriter who moves from Melbourne to Sydney with his publisher wife Kate, played by Eloise Westwood (13). The scheming persona of writer Mike will be played by Adam Jones (13, no relation to Charlie) with his smart and sultry girlfriend Helen played by Pip Dracakis (10). Finally, we have cool as a cucumber financier Malcolm acted by Josh Philipson (14) and the ice-cold businesswoman, Elaine played by Gemma Black (14) to round out the cast.

The show will premiere on 8 July at 7pm in the BCMA Theatre at Barker, followed by three more evening performances on 9, 10 and 11 July. We’d be honoured if you could join us in celebrating a great Australian playwright’s work, performed by some of Barker’s top drama alumni talents.

Gretel Maltabarow (09) Director

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The OBA Theatre is proud to announce the cast and dates for their 2015 production of David Williamson’s, Emerald City.Date: 8–11 JulyPrice: $10/$15 (students/adults) Book: www.trybooking.com/135592

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COMMUNITY EVENTS—Class of 2000 – 15 Year Reunion

On 2 May the Class of 2000 gathered with 70 fellow

schoolmates at Daniel San in Manly on a very soggy night.

The weather certainly didn’t taint the excitement

of many new mums, dads and those who travelled great

distances, including from overseas and interstate, for

a celebratory night out on the town. We came to the

realisation we’ve been out of school longer than we were

at school, which certainly made us feel more mature –

well, let’s hope so.

The group shot was a challenge for our resident

photographer Alex Barnes (Lane) for our rowdy bunch.

But we got there in the end.

I really enjoyed my night of many laughs, and

reconnecting with old friends. It felt like we hadn’t

skipped a beat. Thank you so much to everyone who

attended. For those that missed our night, we hope to

see you in another five years! Please keep in touch.

Hayley Gatt (00)

Singapore Event – Sunday 26 April 2015On 26 April, Barker alumni and their families currently

living in Singapore gathered for an afternoon of pizza and

putt-putt golf in Bukit Timah. It was great to see so many

people all with interesting tales of work, life and family

in Singapore and across the world! We even enjoyed the

story of one of our Singapore-based old boys’ eldest child

returning back to Barker this year as a boarder. It was also

lovely to meet spouses and kids (ranging from 0-15, more

of them in total than the adults). Everyone had a great

time and is looking forward to the next opportunity to

get together.

Carly Switzer (94)

Photo courtesy of Shot Photography – Alex Barnes (Lane).

—From left to right: Mark Wakeling (01), Edward Yue (94), Carly Switzer (94), Marc Giuffrida (94), Gregory Parkhurst (90), Anna Sutton (05), Jon Llewellyn (91) and Andrew Reeve (90).

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—Above Winners of the Jack Pace Memorial Shield.

Barker Old Girls Netball ClubThe first Barker Old Girls Netball team had

a tough start to our first season but ended

the 2015 summer competition on a high,

defeating a strong West Pennant Hills team

25-20. Although the season didn’t produce a

better outcome, we have a great group of girls

onboard, most of whom have come back to play in the winter

competition. There has been solid development of skills and

player ability, and some wonderful friendships formed.

We have two teams in the Saturday competition with girls

playing from an array of alumni years. We are looking forward

to a competitive winter season and the continual development

of our club. If you are interested in playing for Barker Old Girls

Netball, we welcome girls of all abilities to come and join

us. We aim to play all year round including the summer and

spring night competitions so there is always an opportunity

to get involved. If you would like to join the club please email

barkeroldgirlsnetball@gmail.com or send a message through

Facebook by liking the ‘The Barker Old Girls Netball’ page.

See you out on the courts.

Lauren Kirkby (07)

Barker Old Boys Cricket

I am pleased to announce that Barker Old Boys Cricket

have won the City and Suburban Cricket Association Jack

Pace Memorial Shield for season 2014/15! Congratulations

to all players involved this year, particularly those who

competed in the epic grand final victory against Knox

Old Boys. This was no mean feat, with a competition of

22 clubs vying for the trophy. It was a tight match, with

thunderstorms playing havoc with the pitch conditions.

We kept our wickets intact during the last over of the

match and sealed a famous victory. It was a quality game

of cricket and played with tremendous sportsmanship.

Needless to say, the post final celebrations were

enjoyed by one and all. The Most Valuable Player Award

was presented by Club President, Paul Goncharoff (88) to

Tom Burnett (05). Tom certainly had a season to remember,

amassing an incredible 416 runs at an average of 69.33.

We are looking forward to defending our title next

season and welcome any new players to try out during

the pre-season training in September. More details to follow

in the next edition of The Old Barker. Our website is

www.bobscc.com and we can be found on Facebook.

Matt Hall (00)

Club Captain

0416 297 775

Email: hall_matt@bigpond.com

OBA Big BandEveryone has practised really hard and been very committed

as we work towards recording our newest piece, a 12-minute

long composition by Belgian composer Bert Joris, plus a couple

of others. The band is sounding amazing and we cannot wait

to get in the studio for our final recording. If you would like us

to perform at any of your functions please contact us at

OBA_bigband@barker.nsw.edu.au

Luke Davis (09)

OBA Big Band Representative

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OBA Athletics ClubLike many greats over the ages, injury cursed the OBAC

late in the season. When hypothetically asked, OBAC’s

hypothetically biggest fan Usain Bolt hypothetically said

“No comment, I have no idea who they are!” Despite the

injuries we had some positive notes to end the season,

with Tom Riddell (11) making the semi-final of the 100m

and Brendan Tsoi (09) making the final of the 110m hurdles

at the NSW State Championships.

Barker Old Girls HockeyThe winter hockey season has begun and both teams are off to a wonderful start. Our Seconds team played extremely well last weekend, resulting in a fantastic victory over Red Bears – who are usually on top of the leader board. Our Firsts team also came out on top, defeating Northern Districts 2-1 in a close game. Both teams are having fun adjusting to the new rule changes, which have improved the flow of the game immensely. Both teams are looking very strong for the season ahead.

BOGS are excited to welcome back returning players and

are extending a warm welcome to all new players. It is never

too late to join us. If you are interested in playing, please

contact our President Katie by email at hockeybogs@gmail.com —Above BOGS are looking forward to an enjoyable and exciting

season ahead!

Old Barker Football ClubWhat a start to the 2015 season! Our Premier League squad has

had a shaky start, with Reserve Grade and First Grade going

down 4-1 and 6-0 respectively. Much to improve on, but we’re

up for the challenge!

Meanwhile both Division 6 teams scored comfortable

victories in their opening matches. Our Division 5 Reserve team

also had an easy victory and our brilliant women’s team sealed

a comfortable 1-0 win over St Ives in their opening round.

We’ve only just begun, and there’ll be some challenges

ahead, but the character of the Club and our members’

optimism always shines through. The social fabric of the Club is

as strong as ever which was evident at the official season launch

on 18 April at the Kirribilli Hotel, the Club’s new official sponsor.

Finally, to reflect our diverse nature and our continued

focus on expansion, we are proud to unveil the new logo, name

and website for the club. We’re still keen to recruit some more

players, so check out our new website and Facebook page and

give me a call.

Peter Gregory (03)

President

0400 419 253

peter.gregory11@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/bobsfc

www.oldbarkerfc.com

With the summer season over

we have moved straight onto winter

season training. If you are a current

or former student who is looking to

regain former abilities or get fast,

come along to training. We train on

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

For more details contact Glen Parker (0410 597 235).

OBA GROUPS—

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OBA TheatrePreparations for OBAT’s 2015 season are well under way.

Rehearsals have begun! We are delighted to have some new

talent with us this year and, along with some returning

OBAT faces, we are proud to have alumni from the classes

of 2009 through to 2013 on board.

Emerald City is shaping up to be a fantastic production

and will be coming to Barker’s BCMA Theatre in July this

year. Please see page 47 for booking details. We look forward

to seeing you there!

Amie McNee (10) and Cassandra Jones (10)Presidents

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BOBs RugbyBOBRUFC has traditionally played a fast and expansive

style of rugby, delivering many premierships over the

years. However, we’ve sometimes struggled to match the

physicality of other clubs in the scrum and rolling maul.

Not anymore though! Thanks to the generous support

of the OBA and a number of ex-players and Barker Alumni,

BOBRUFC purchased a new scrum machine in the

off-season. The results are outstanding! Organised practice

has significantly improved our packs, with our Colts now

(literally) walking over their opposition. The confidence

from the set piece is now infectious across the Club.

Our Ladies Day round was overwhelmingly attended

and significant funds were raised for the Gidget Foundation.

Looking ahead, BOBRUFC will be returning to Barker No 1

Oval on 4 July 2015 for our annual Back-2-Barker round, and

preparing for the finals series between 15 and 29 August

2015.

For more information on BOBRUFC membership,

events, results, news and sponsors log on to our website

www.bobsrugby.com or find us on Facebook.

Martin Donaldson (00) President

Kurrajong SocietyYou may be aware of some of the changes happening in the Kurrajong Society. We have simplified some of the cumbersome administrative details, while still continuing to do all things Kurrajong. So this gives us the best of both worlds – enjoy all the wonderful events and activities at Barker, without the paperwork. No fundraising, no AGM or elections. Sounds great – we think so!

As part of the restructure we have also purchased

two Kurrajong Society shade shelters, which will be used

throughout the school in places such as extra cover for the

seats around the main oval. Look for our

regular newsletter, Kurrajong News, to

keep updated on what else is happening at

Barker College.

If your children have left Barker and

you would still like to be part of the Barker Community

events, then the Kurrajong Society is for you. We would be

happy to talk to you about joining the committee. Contact us

at kurrajong@barker.nsw.edu.au

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PERSONAL NOTES—

Robert Russell (51) We’ve bought a

house in Santa Cruz, CA, on the beach

on the north coast of Monterey Bay. We’ll

be moving there (from Hanover, NH)

mid-2016 if we’re still extant!

Michael Robertson (59) has just

completed his latest film The Pack.

The world premiere was held at this

year’s Cannes Film Festival – the film

will be released internationally in the

second half of 2015. Michael’s company,

Prodigy Movies, is Australia’s foremost

producer of commercial genre films.

He is developing film projects both in

Australia and overseas and is widely

regarded as a supporter of emerging

filmmakers.

Philip Prideaux (67) My main

employment has been within the

television production industry. Later,

I became very interested in what

computer software can do with video

and sound, animation, DVD video, web

design, multimedia and so on. In 2009,

I obtained a diploma with distinction

in Digital Media full-time at college

which was a wonderful experience.

My portfolio can be seen at

www.archiveambition.com.au/portfolio/

index_orig_full.html

I also completed the Certificate IV in

Training and Assessment. I have always

lived in Sydney, in and out of two

marriages, producing two children by

each. I have three grandchildren now.

Over recent years, I have toured the

USA’s west coast, Vanuatu, Fiji, Phuket,

Bali and Kuala Lumpur. I tried to find

the hospital in Penang that I was born

in, without success, but glad I tried.

Merrilyn Clancy (Gow 79)

Dr Merrilyn Clancy has been appointed

to the Faculty of Clinical Aesthetics at

the Australasian College of Health and

Wellness in Glebe. This is the nation’s

second degree program in medical

James Beckwith (71) I was in Çannakkale as part of an Australian team staging Australia/Turkey friendship concerts to mark the ANZAC centenary. I felt proud to see the large contingent of’ ‘Red and Blue’ near the place where, 100 years ago, my great uncle landed under quite different circumstance. Well done Barker!

Casey O’Brien (04) married Martin Machado

on 3 January in Sydney.

Many Barker friends and

family were there to help

them celebrate, including

Amy Perry (Webster 98)

and Ben O’Brien (06), who

were members of the

bridal party.

skincare and the first for NSW. Merrilyn

is excited to bring her American

academic experiences from Columbia

University in New York City and her

innovative Medspa techniques from

Aspen, Colorado. Her research interests

are in reducing the visible signs of

ageing in the skin. She is enjoying

relearning the Australian lifestyle in

Kirribilli after 28 sensational years in

the USA.

Max Cowdroy (Former Staff)

At 75 years old, still employed (two

days a week) as a recreational activities

officer at the Anglican retirement village

at Castle Hill. Praise the Lord!

Wedding

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Alistair Mettam (03) and Amy Garemyn

were married at Christ Church, Lavender Bay

on 21 March 2015 and held their reception at

Taronga Zoo. John Kirkness (03) and Cameron

McDonald (03) were in the Bridal Party and

Alistair’s cousin, Edward Pain (97) was the

MC. It was great to share the day with so

many former Barker students including

the photographer, Clare Darling (Oliver 03),

Alistair’s parents Prudence and John Mettam

(69), Alistair’s sister Louisa Mettam (99) and

grandparents Shirley and Clifford Pain (37),

a past Chairman of Barker Council. Alistair’s

great-grandfather, Canon Kenneth Wellesley

Pain was Chaplain and Council member

after whom Pain House is named. After the

wedding, Alistair and Amy honeymooned in

Koh Samui.

Graeme Forssberg (60) After leaving

Barker, I worked for a Sydney life

assurance office as a claims clerk for six

years. After I decided that office work

wasn’t for me, I joined the RAAF as an

aircraft technician. After six years I was

offered a job with a marine outboard

motor manufacturing firm at Bankstown

NSW and for the next few years I worked

as a marine engine technician. As work

in this field was extremely seasonal I

rejoined the RAAF and stayed with them

until compulsory retirement at age 55.

Next I got a contract as a civilian working

in the hydraulic workshop at RAAF

Amberley QLD overhauling F-111 aircraft

hydraulic components. This was very

exacting work but also very rewarding.

After finishing my contract, I moved to

Melbourne to work as a Defence public

servant doing aircraft engineering support.

I have tried retirement on three occasions

but each time I became restless and bored,

so seven years ago I commenced working

for Bunnings Warehouse at Preston

(Northland) in Melbourne. I still work for

them, mainly in the tool shop, and have

no plans for retirement. I currently reside

in Melbourne with my wife of 35 years

who works as an occupational therapist

with autistic children. We also have a cat

and a dog. I will always be most grateful

to Barker College for the education it

provided, however I can see from the

school magazine that the Barker College I

attended is vastly different to Barker today.

Wedding

Baptisms in the Barker Chapel

8 March

Layla Michelle, daughter

of Naomi (Seary 00) and

Nic Lamb.

8 March

Thomas Augustus, son

of Silke (Kelly 96) and

Lachlan Botticchio.

22 March

Silas William James, son

of Kyrra (O’Shea 00) and

Jonathon Cross (00).

12 April

Amber Mabel, daughter of

Marnee and Angus King (98).

19 April

Sarah Jade, daughter of

Diana (Starmer 97) and

Daniel Dennis.

19 April

Jasmine Annabelle,

daughter of Stacey and

Colin Denver (96). L to R: Jack Abadee (Yr 10), Philip Ruddock (59), Noel Pearson, Peter Baum.

The launch of Uphold and Recognise at Hornsby RSL. Jack’s brother Angus (07) is

a lawyer who works in the Prime Minister’s Department on the taskforce relating

to the proposed constitutional changes. Phillip Ruddock and Peter Baum are both

former Ministers for Aboriginal Affairs.

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Roger Cuthbert Clark (48) 1930-2014Roger Clark, late of St Ives, attended Barker from 1938-1948 as a boarder. His brothers John (44) and David (46); and children Andrew (76), Matthew (76), Katherine (79) and David (83) were also Barker students.

Whilst at School, Roger was on the Library Committee, played the role of Mrs Larkin in Mrs Larkin’s Lodger, was a Lance Corporal in cadets, a member of the swimming team and played cricket in the 1st XI.

After Barker, Roger studied to be a chartered accountant. This led him to his position as the CEO of a computer resources company, a role he held until he formally retired over 30 years ago. During his retirement, Roger remained as busy as ever. He had a number of volunteer positions including his work at Matthew Talbot Hostel, St Ives Bushcare and Neringah Palliative Care Services. Roger’s other interests included travelling and together with his wife Margaret he had many fascinating adventures both in Australia and overseas. He also loved to walk and when this became more difficult in later life, he instead took up bike riding! However, first and foremost he loved his family and close friends, remaining especially close to Margaret, their children and grandchildren until the time of his death.

Roger died on 24 December and is deeply missed by Margaret; sons and daughters-in-law Matthew and Jean, Andrew and Nicola, David and Anna; daughter and son-in-law Katy and Paul; and grandchildren Rachel and her husband Joel, along with Nicholas, Maddie, Flynn, Theo and Hugo.

Lachlan James Congdon (96) 1978-2015Lachlan Congdon, late of Beecroft, attended Barker from 1989-1996.

At Barker, Lachlan played in the Rugby 1st XV (Colours) in 1995 and 1996, was a member of the 1st Waterpolo team (Colours) and of the CAS Swimming team.

After School, Lachlan worked as

an artist and graphic designer, with works included in exhibitions and publications locally and internationally. Lachlan lived in South America in 2003-2004 and happily travelled the world and its cities to embrace different cultures, most recently finding a home away from home in New Zealand with extended family, his partner Tash and their son Marlee Lyon.

Lachlan enjoyed landscaping and teaching his son the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Lachlan died on 13 February and is survived by his parents Ian and Lesley-Ann; partner Natasha; son Marlee; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Alexis and Simon, Stacy and Brad, and Chloe and Nick.

John Gordon Dewes1926-2015

John was Barker’s fifth Headmaster from 1958-1963. One of his lasting legacies was the introduction of Houses for day students in both the Secondary and Junior Schools. In 1962 he presided over the official opening of Barker’s first purpose-built science building.

John Gordon Dewes was born at North Latchford, Cheshire, on 11 October 1926, and educated at Aldenham, where he was in the Cricket 1st XI for four years and was captain in his last year. His batting average was 74.0.

John was a distinguished English cricketer, touring Australia with the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1950/51. He was a prolific opening batsman for Cambridge University and Middlesex after the Second World War. He had the distinction of being on the field for Don Bradman’s last Test where he witnessed Bradman being bowled out for a duck, which led to his famous 99.94 batting average.

After National Service in the Navy, Dewes went up to St John’s College, Cambridge, in 1947. He won Blues for hockey as well as cricket. In the mid-1950s, he represented Warwickshire in the first county hockey final.

He left cricket to become a schoolmaster in 1951, teaching geography at Tonbridge then Rugby in England, before being Headmaster at Barker College. John left Barker in 1963 to return to England and to Dulwich College, where he remained for 25 years until his retirement in 1987.

John died peacefully on 12 May surrounded by his family. John is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.

Julian Richard Divett (53) 1935-2015Julian Divett, late of Norwalk, Connecticut, United States, attended Barker from 1950-1953.

Julian was actively involved in School life. He played the role of The Toff in

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A Night At the Inn, the Sergeant in Macbeth, played rugby, was a swimmer and was a Sergeant in cadets.

Living in Australia led to a deep love of the surf and swimming, and also a passion for rugby. He enjoyed following the Wallabies and later refereeing at the university level in the US.

Julian moved to New York City in 1965 to work for J Walter Thompson Company before switching to a career in finance. Julian was a member and a past president of the Tokeneke Club, a place where he loved swimming in Long Island Sound and playing tennis.

Julian died on 20 February 2015 and is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Justine and Alexa; and sister, Felicity.

Gary Charles Humble (74)

1957-2015Gary Humble, late of Leura, attended Barker from 1969-1974. His sister Carolyn (76) was also a Barker student.

Gary’s lifelong love of the bush and the Australian landscape was expressed through his enthusiastic involvement with the School’s teaching of Geology and Science, the student-led bushwalking club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. It also led to a close circle of friends who miss his subversive spirit, prodigious memory, quick wit and entertaining wordplay.

More than this, his friends and family miss his absolute generosity of spirit... He was Uncle Gaz to a legion of children from all around Australia and an inspirational teacher to a generation of children in Sydney’s west, many of whom were refugees finding asylum in our prosperous country.

At his funeral, a former student remembered that he was the first person in authority she had met in Australia who made her smile and ignited her wish to learn and succeed.

After school, Gary graduated from Macquarie University with a science degree majoring in geology. He then completed a Diploma of Education and earned a Graduate Diploma in Science Communication at ANU.

His passion for science led to a change of career, from geology to teaching and working for social justice and a sustainable environment.

Gary was not much interested in petty authority. He rebelled against trifling rules and boring guidelines, and life was all the more exciting and

colourful because of this.

Imagine the surprise of one school

principal to have an unexpected visit

to their school from the Japanese

Ambassador and the Minister of

Education, after Gary had been expressly

forbidden to have anything to do with

origami cranes, the teaching of peace and

the story of Sadako, the little girl who

was a casualty of Hiroshima. For a week

Gary and his class were stars of Japanese

morning TV as they crossed live to Japan

from Sydney’s west, remembering the

madness of war.

He gave much to his beloved Blue

Mountains community, putting a lot of

magic into the annual winter festival,

running community events, choirs, music

and quiz nights, acting as education officer

for the Blue Mountains Conservation

Society, energising the local Chamber

of Commerce and just doing simple

things like getting the Council to direct

pedestrians off the scary bit of Cliff Drive.

For those fortunate to know him he

filled us with so much: love and laughter,

silly jokes, his travel exploits, loud shirts,

thoughts about how to make the world a

better place and giving to others. In his too-

short life he lit up the world around him.

Gary died on 22 February 2015 and

is survived by his wife Annette; mother,

Beth; sister, Carolyn, and their families.

Written by David Marnie (74)

Richard Anthony Read (57)

1940-2014

Richard Read, late of Attadale, WA,

attended Barker from 1954-1957.

His brother John (63); and nephews

Julian (86), Simon (90), Adrian (90) and

Michael (94) were also Barker boys.

Richard completed his Leaving

Certificate in 1957.

After school, Richard graduated

from Sydney University with a geology

degree. He then studied for a post

graduate and PhD degree respectively

in Holland and Imperial College in

London.

He worked for Rio Tinto, which

led him to live in Spain for nearly

10 years and Brazil for three years.

In 1980, Richard, Eveline and their

two daughters returned to Australia,

settling in Western Australia because of

the mining industry. In 1990 Richard set

up his own business, which included

the operation of three goldmines near

Kalgoorlie.

Richard died on 19 November 2014,

and is survived by his wife Eveline;

daughters and sons-in-law Maria and

Warren, and Cathrina and Chris; and

grandchildren Millie, Jasper, Fred, Otis,

Rex and Lella.

Grant Christopher Todd (75)

1958-2015

Grant Todd, late of Chatswood,

attended Barker from 1965-1969.

Grant’s father, Alistair, was a past

Senior Master at Barker and his

nephew, Angus (Year 11) and niece,

Eloise (Year 10) are current Barker

students.

Whilst at Barker, Grant was involved

in swimming. After school, Grant

specialised in personal injury law.

He was an outstanding sportsman

and was especially good at tennis,

cricket and golf. He was club champion

of Northbridge Golf Club six times and

scored an incredible 26 holes-in-one.

Grant died on 28 January and is

survived by his parents Alistair and Joy;

and son Struan.

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Grant Christopher Todd

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Support our Barker Alumni when they take on the Hills Rugby Club on Saturday 4 July 2015

4th Grade – 10:40am

3rd Grade – 11:45am

Colts – 1.00pm

2nd Grade – 2.00pm

1st Grade – 3.15pm

Date: 15 SeptemberTime: 10.30amWhere: Pennant Hills Golf Club Green fees: $55ppGolf cart hire: $35RSVP: 4 SeptemberRemember, you can also invite friends, clients and familyContact: Mandy Loomes on 9847 8229 or Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

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OBA Annual 2015

Back--Barker Day

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2015

Agenda1. Apologies.2. Confirmation of Minutes of the 106th

Annual General Meeting of the Old Barker Association Inc held on 22 July 2014.

3. President’s Report.4. Honorary Treasurer’s Report.5. Report by the Head of Barker College,

Mr Phillip Heath.6. To receive and consider the Income and

Expenditure Report for the financial year ended 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015, together with the Balance Sheet at that date.

7. To receive and consider the Annual Statement to be lodged with the Department of Fair Trading for the year to 30 June 2015.

8. Appointment of Patron(s) and election of Office Bearers and Committee Members comprising: President, Vice President/s, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary/Public Officer, Assistant Honorary Secretary, eight (8) ordinary members. Refer note below.

9. Appointment of Nominee to the School Council – Mr Michael Brodie has been nominated for a three (3) year term. Refer note below.

10. Appointment of Honorary Auditor.11. Other Business permitted to be raised

pursuant to clause 31(2) of the Constitution.

By Order of the Committee,David Brookes, Honorary Secretary

Note: In accordance with the requirement of Clause 29(2) of the Constitution any further nominations are hereby called and shall be in writing, signed by a Member of the Association, endorsed by the candidate and lodged with the Honorary Secretary at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting in compliance with Clause 29(3). Any nominee must be a financial member of the OBA.

OBA Annual General MeetingNotice is hereby given that the 107th Annual General Meeting of the Old Barker Association Inc will be held in the Marks Pavilion, Barker College, Hornsby on Tuesday 21 July 2015 at 6:30pm

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BARKER ALUMNI EVENTS 2015—Class Reunions1975 – 40 Year Reunion Sat 8 AugustLez Cheung 0416 127 103lezcheung@gmail.com

1980 – 35 Year Reunion Sat 15 AugustDavid McGinley 0419 433 708david@conceptpartners.com

Robyn Kendall0418 263 227robyndkendall@gmail.com

Murray Hartin0419 606 116muz@murrayhartin.com

Martin Rodgers0412 642 561martin@ahl.net.au

2005 – 10 Year Reunion Sat 29 AugustChris MacKenzie 0411 874 426

Daniel Courtnall0416 080 892

barker2005reunion@gmail.com

1965 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 12 SeptemberJames Humphery0416 021 915 james_humphery@huntsman.com

Doug Spencer0404 888 085DSpencer@millernoyce.com.au

2010 – 5 Year Reunion Sat 19 SeptemberAnnalise Unsworth 0400 305 748

Henry Wells 0400 593 553

barker2010reunion@gmail.com

1955 – 60 Year Reunion Wed 7 October Bob Charley 0419 244 507banjobob@inneslake.com.au

Tom Garrick 0428 883 332garrick@bigpond.net.au

1990 – 25 Year Reunion Sat 10 OctoberDarren Perry Anna Brooks (Higs) Lucinda French (Etherden) Nathan Deveson barkercollege1990@gmail.com

1985 – 30 Year Reunion Sat 17 OctoberJames Hopkin0402 831 356james@hopkin.com.au

1970 – 45 Year ReunionSat 24 October

Jack Brislee 0411 648 217prbb@bigpond.net.au

Phil Montgomery0449 545 954philnmont@gmail.com

Class Reunions in 20161986 – 30 Year ReunionSaturday 19 March 2016Mark Cooper0400 344 697 markdcooper@hotmail.com

Gaille Smith (Yates)0412 784 221Gaille@creativeincentives.com.au

OBA Events OBA Theatre Production Wed 8, Fri 10 and Sat 11 JulyMandy Loomes (02) 9847 8229Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

OBA AGM & Committee MeetingTues 21 JulyMandy Loomes(02) 9847 8229Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

OBA Golf Day Tues 15 SeptemberMandy Loomes(02) 9847 8229Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

OBA Committee MeetingTues 13 OctoberMandy Loomes(02) 9847 8229Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

OBA Annual DinnerFri 6 NovemberMandy Loomes(02) 9847 8229Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

Over 70s EventsOver 70s/Leslie’s Men Lunch/ Rugby and AGMSat 8 AugustBob Hill (56)(02) 9144 3582bob.hill@optusnet.com.au

Grange VisitWed 21 OctoberBob Hill (56) (02) 9144 3582bob.hill@optusnet.com.au

Regional EventsTamworth Fri 24 July Richard Webb (67) (02) 6769 5540 (H)0419 616 654

Melbourne Sat 1 AugustMurray Anderson (65) 0457 000 407murray@capricorngroup.net.au

LondonFri 7 AugustAnnette French (Slattery 88) annette.e.french@sky.com

New York Thurs 1 OctoberAndrew Renton (85) 910 612 5671 arenton1@mac.com

Alexandra Skellet (94) 917 251 3361 alexskellet@yahoo.com

Perth Sat 10 OctoberTom Hargreaves (69) tom.hargreaves@inpex.com.au

Northern RiversSun 18 OctoberJim Poulos (61)0413 087 412pamio@bigpond.net.au

Sunshine Coast Sun 25 OctoberPhil Benjamin (61) pandj.benjamin@bigpond.com

Canberra Fri 20 November Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 281mccoll@grapevine.net.au

PRIVACY

Due to changes in Privacy Legislation we are required to inform you that your contact details may be shared with OBA reunion organisers with the strict guidelines that they are only to be used for the purposes of organising your OBA reunion. Please contact the Alumni Office if you wish to keep your details private.

PHOTOS

Photos from your event may be posted on the OBA website (www.oba.net.au) and the Alumni Facebook page (www.facebook.com/barkercollegealumni) and in The Barker magazine. For further queries please contact the Alumni Office: alumni@barker.nsw.edu.au (note: all the organisers are using the one email, list them all together in one block with the email at the end.)

CONNECT!

Regional events provide a great opportunity to connect with members of the Barker community in your area.

Please send your contact details to Mandy_Loomes@barker.nsw.edu.au if you are living in a different location to your Barker mailing address so we can invite you too!