The Barker #130

Issue 130 Autumn 2021 ISSN: 2204-938X

Autumn 2021 Issue 130

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Issue 130 Autumn 2021 ISSN: 2204-938X

Year 12 Play: The Floor of Heaven The tempestuous twists and turns of the past year have meant we have all, in one way or another, found ourselves washed onto unknown shores, looking for landmarks and seeking comfort in the company of family and friends.

Inside this issue

The Regulars 05

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20

22

24

34

Junior School Differentiation of Teaching and Learning Teaching and Learning Coaching to Thrive Visual Arts Engaging Creativity Design and Technology Drawing into the Future Music Music Camp Alumni Profile Ben Jones, a graduate from the Class of 2015

The Features 01 From the Head of Barker

Phillip Heath AM

46

03 From the Chair of Council

David Charles 45 OBA President’s Message

Angus Abadee

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Life Beyond Barker Gio Saraceno Class of 2012

36 29

Recognising our High Achievers

Sporting Season Kicks Off

As is the School’s custom, we were delighted to welcome back our Distinguished Achievers from 2020.

The 2021 Sporting year is off to a great start with some strong team performances.

Barker Dukes In recent months, our Duke of Edinburgh participants have been very busy completing record numbers of Awards.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor

Assistant Coordinators

Print Production

Art Direction

Phillip Heath AM

Julie McAllister

Mandy Loomes Karina Drummond

Ian Lindsay

Glenn Quevedo

From the Head

A Barker Education – for Self and for Others As the COVID-19 restrictions ease, we have been able to host more events at the School, bringing our community together again after what feels like a long absence. You will sense some of the joy of reuniting from the pages that follow.

Creating a school community requires the commitment of all, joining in the great cause of an education at Barker. The efforts of parents and students to make things possible is not taken for granted. We depend greatly on the support of the OBA, the BCPA and our various volunteer groups and clubs who enable us to reach our intentions for the Barker experience for all our students and families.

During one such moment during an academic event in term one, I fell into a long conversation with a former Barker student, now a parent at the School. One of the privileges of my work is to meet alumni who reflect on their time at the School and its impact on their current lives. The person told me how much they enjoyed their years at Barker and wanted something similar for their own child. The conversation moved to comparing then and now – and how things have changed so much in schools. Yet, we both agreed, in essentials the Barker approach has remained recognisable and strong for the most part.

Change is necessary. Few expect the School to be the same as past generations experienced. Life is dynamic, and change is one of the few constants that we can expect. Schools reflect the transformation being experienced in the world around us and it seems to be accelerating. New technologies open a window on the world for young learners, who carry in their pockets devices believed to be a million times faster and more

potent than the navigation system on the Apollo 11 space craft in 1969. Harnessing that breathtaking access to information requires a different approach to classroom learning, a different mode of teaching and certainly a different kind of architecture.

The challenge is to determine our preferred future. The School Council spends time in almost every meeting considering this question. As new buildings are conceived, as new programs imagined, and as appointments of new staff are considered we return to the question of what will make us authentically Barker whilst we engage with the contemporary and future world.

The Founder, the Rev Henry Plume, sought to establish an Anglican school that would prepare students for a pathway to higher education. He tutored some of the earliest female entrants to Sydney University and maintained close connections with the University of Sydney during the early years of that institution. From 1890 successive Headmasters and Councils encouraged us to look beyond our own location and educate our children to make a strong contribution to the world. Mr Carter and Mr Leslie (the 2nd and 4th Headmasters of the School) knew that looking beyond the North Shore of Sydney might take our graduates to the fields of conflict in Europe, the Middle East or in the Pacific. Our School has scores of memorials to the enormous sacrifice made by that generation.

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Look up, Look ahead, Look beyond Nura diya mirrung ngurang Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua yuu Yolŋu yura, barangay yagu yuu burani The lands on which our School stands always were and always will be the belonging place of the Dharug, Darkinjung, Wonnarua and Yolŋu peoples.

Students always have been encouraged to look beyond the “Mint Gates”. Drawing a conclusion from one his parables, Jesus said: “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48b). The School cannot demand this of its students without seeking to demonstrate the same spirit in our work.

The HSC rightly occupies a critical focus for work.

However, we know that long after the utility of the HSC has departed from our students as they commence their studies or their careers what remains will be their character, formed in part by the experiences provided at the School.

A venture that will take us beyond the Mint Gates is the partnership recently established between the Yothu Yindi Foundation and Barker College to establish a primary school in North East Arnhem Land, to be called Dhupuma Barker. Dhupuma means ‘looking up to the future’, and this name was also given to a secondary boarding school which thrived in this part of remote Australia between 1972 – 1980, until it was suddenly closed by the NT Government, leaving its students desperately sad. The graduates of Dhupuma College later became leaders of their communities and some of them created the acclaimed

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1990s rock band, Yothu Yindi, which introduced traditional words from Yolŋu language into rock songs that hit the charts throughout the world.

The same spirit of creative enterprise some years later established the world renowned Garma Festival, which draws together people from around Australia and beyond who seek to develop a closer sense of reconciliation by understanding traditional culture and identity.

The Yolŋu Elders yearn to see the concept behind Dhupuma College, and all it represented, rise again, forty years after it was closed, and they have reached out to Barker to make it happen. They want their own children and grandchildren to experience two-way learning, in language, on Country. We are humbled and thrilled that the Barker education under God continues to be both for self and for others. I look forward to sharing with you news of the progress of this vision in later editions.

Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College

From the Chair of Council

Friends for Life The Whole of School Commencement Assembly is a wonderful event at the start of the School year.

All of the students and the staff of Barker College, Darkinjung Barker and Ngarralingayil Barker are gathered together. For this year’s Assembly, on 29 January, everyone was accommodated in the excellent Rosewood Centre - just as well because it was raining outside!

The Assembly is a great opportunity to warmly welcome all of the new students and members of staff to the Barker community. This year, we were joined by the Archbishop of Sydney, The Most Rev Dr Glenn Davies, who is the President of the Council of Barker College.

In my opening remarks to the Assembly, I reminded everyone that each of us has a first day at Barker and that it is a welcoming spirit which characterises the culture of the School. Within a versatile and vibrant community, every person’s contribution at Barker is acknowledged, treasured and celebrated. Referencing JRR Tolkein’s Fellowship of the Ring, I drew attention to the importance of friendship and fellowship in the context of a shared cause. At Barker, our shared cause is to carry into effect the School’s Mission, Vision and Values. The cause is expressed (for instance) in the aspiration to look Beyond the Mint Gates, our iconic Pacific Highway entrance. It is also manifest in Barker’s call to inspire global hope through the acts of kindness and humility of its community members, consistent with the School’s motto Honor Non Honores.

All of us come to Barker from many places and of different backgrounds. We bring our own story and our own hopes and aspirations. As a community at Barker, we find unity in diversity. The unity is underpinned by friendship and fellowship. The fellowship happens among friends committed to a cause and then it flourishes through their common pursuit of the cause.

The commencement of a new year brings fresh momentum to the Barker cause. We can be grateful for new buildings and facilities in 2021, including: • Refurbishment of a number of general purpose classrooms to provide ten additional Science laboratories as well as preparation rooms; • The Junior School East Extension (with learning spaces for Year 5 and Year 6 students); • Conversion of the underutilised C Block theatre to two classrooms; • Further improvements in the Junior School, such as artificial turf in the Undercroft, sandstone seating and even a new kennel for therapy dog, Peachy; • The fitting out of the kitchen in the Rosewood Centre with commercial equipment suitable to cater for functions in the Sue Field Room.

Through the dedication and skill of its teaching and support staff, Barker’s principal focus continues to be on our current students, in academic outcomes, in sport and other co-curricular activities, and in pastoral care and wellbeing within Barker’s Christian framework. The Barker way is making sure all are welcomed, loved, supported and helped to be the best person they can be.

Friendship and fellowship flow naturally in the Barker community. It is a place of belonging where you can have friends for life, not just a summer or a spring.

David Charles (75) Chair of Council

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From the Chaplain

Reconnecting If 2020 was a year to forget, what do we want from 2021?

I’m sure there will be twists and turns to come, but I hope you’re looking forward to a year of reconnecting, stability and growth.

Even if we cannot map all that’s coming this year, we can still start the journey with strength and courage. In the Old Testament, Joshua was the man who inherited the leadership of Israel from Moses. His task was to lead God’s people into the Promised Land. The mission would eventually be accomplished with great triumph and joy, although the journey itself was full of challenges and unknowns.

It was before Joshua set off that God encouraged him with these words: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9).

Strength and courage are vital traits because they enable each of our other characteristics. Strength is not only about big muscles; one can also have strength of mind, of faith, of heart, of love. Similarly, courage, according to CS Lewis, is the quality needed when our virtues are tested. We may have wisdom, but courage is required to speak up; we may have compassion, but courage is required to act.

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As we stride into the year ahead let’s also go forward with strength and courage. Now you may feel neither strong nor courageous at the moment, however the best part of God’s words to Joshua were what came next: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9). This same God who promised to be with Joshua promises also to be with us. As we embark on another year together – with all the plans and unknowns, firsts and lasts, joys and challenges, failures and successes – may we be strong and courageous together in the knowledge that the God loves us and leads us, is with us every step of the way.

Rev Peter Tong Senior Chaplain

Junior School

Differentiation of Teaching and Learning The International Baccalaureate PYP (Primary Years Programme) and NESA (National Education Standards Authority) documents the requirement for schools to provide differentiation within the daily teaching and learning experiences.

Differentiation is the instruction that helps students with diverse academic needs and learning styles master the same challenging academic content. It means providing interrelated activities that are based on student needs for the purpose of ensuring that all students come to a similar grasp of a skill or idea.

Each unit of inquiry aims to ensure there are engaging, relevant, challenging and significant learning opportunities for all students.

Each unit is transdisciplinary in nature. This means that all key learning areas are combined within the inquiry.

Through careful planning, we must ensure the content is not topic based. We are always driving our teaching and learning experiences through the conceptual lens.

What is the big idea that we want our students to understand?

Our goal at Barker is to nurture learning for all students. We acknowledge and recognise that each learner is different and therefore experiences and opportunities for learning are different. If a student requires support or extension in an area of learning, we can very clearly identify what is needed for each student. Adjustments are made for students and work can be planned for individual, small group or whole class.

Reflection is a key component to a rich teaching and learning environment.

Reflection by the students and by the teachers is paramount. To authentically differentiate teaching and learning we must be reflecting, documenting and collaborating often. Reflection provides us with the opportunity to think about our thinking, look deeply into evidence and work towards collaborative solutions.

Every learner is valued. Every learner is different. Every learner is competent. Every learner is included.

Lisa Bonazza​ Junior School Director of Primary Curriculum/PYP Coordinator

Engaging

Relevant

Of interest to the students and involving them actively in their own learning.

Linked to students’ prior knowledge and experiences, and current circumstances, and therefore placing learning in a context connected to the lives of the students.

Challenging

Significant

Extending the prior knowledge and experience of the students to increase their competencies and understandings.

Contributing to an understanding of the transdisciplinary nature of the theme and therefore to understand commonality of human existence.

‘Inclusion is more about responding positively to each individual’s unique needs. Inclusion is less about marginalising students because of their difference.’

(Learning Diversity in International Baccalaureate Programmes, p.3) At Barker College, we strive to provide all children with access to an education that gives them the opportunity to achieve their personal potential. We believe children learn best in an inclusive environment, which welcomes diversity and nurtures self-esteem.

Barker staff collaborate to provide differentiated instruction which meets different learning styles and needs. Time to reflect on differentiation practices is a regular component of collaborative planning discussions and staff professional development.

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Junior School

Gifted and Talented (Aspire) in the Junior School

It is with great excitement that I commence my position as the Junior School Gifted and Talented Coordinator (Aspire).

This year, the Aspire program will have a multi-faceted approach. In-class support will be provided to teachers and a variety of extension and enrichment opportunities will be offered to students.

To address the needs of the main body of highpotential and high-performing learners in the Junior School, teachers will be supported at a programming level and with in-class team teaching support with particular focus being placed on the PYP program.

Working with the Junior School teachers, to date, I have been incredibly impressed with their knowledge of the students in their care. The teachers know their students and how they learn. They know each student’s readiness, their learning style and their interests. It is this knowledge that will enable these teachers to differentiate the curriculum effectively and design learning experiences which will allow students to achieve their full potential.

Additionally, there will be a myriad of extension and enrichment opportunities available to students. Some of these opportunities will require students to selfnominate and others will require a thorough analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data to ensure the students selected are provided the rigor they require.

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The aim of the Aspire program is for our highpotential and high-performing students in the Junior School to: • feel comfortable to take risks and make mistakes • work from their strengths • have elements of choice in their learning • be provided with challenging activities • have opportunities for creative and student-initiated activities • be encouraged to achieve excellence.

I look forward to working with Junior School staff and meeting more of the Barker Community as the year progresses.

Claire Hoare​ Junior School Gifted & Talent (Aspire) Coordinator

Junior School

Just Dance Dance in the Junior School is continuing to expand in 2021 to include a variety of elite competition and performance troupes.

This is an exciting opportunity for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 to develop performance qualities and showcase their skills. The transition to coeducation has created an increasing demand on programs of all styles and we are excited to be partnering with Raw Energy Dance Education, who have been providing dance in the Junior School for ten years.

There are several Show Troupes this year by audition only. Students will learn and refine a bespoke routine of a specific dance style that builds on the fundamentals of teamwork and embodies the Barker Values. This year the newly renovated Dance Studio was opened and many of our students are enjoying this amazing space. This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of Barker Dance here on campus.

Isabel Snowden CCC Junior School Dance Junior School Classroom Teacher

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Junior School

looks ‘The new buildingthe new amazing! I love ear 5 furniture’ Sam Y

‘The teachers w e ne have made all thelcome students feel w a new in and comfortable ronment’. school and envi 5 Anabel Year

Growth Continues Phase One of the much-anticipated Junior School East building opened in January ready for the new school year.

Year 5 Classrooms The building accommodates 14 classrooms over two floors with one floor being dedicated to Year 5 and one to Year 6. It is a wonderful space and a great learning environment. A highlight is the flexibility of the classrooms being able to open to extend collaboration between students and staff, learning together in the same environment. Each state-ofthe-art classroom is equipped with ergonomic furniture which can facilitate the flexible learning spaces. This will enhance student engagement and is in line with inquiry-based learning.

Phase Two will see the external play spaces completed and we look forward to seeing these add even more value to the classroom space as they will connect the classroom to the playground.

In Year 5, the year has begun with a sense of excitement, we have new classrooms, new furniture and new friends. Teachers and students have been getting to know one another through challenges and games. Students participated in the Marshmallow Challenge to inquire into teambuilding, collaboration and perseverance skills. The students participated in a wellbeing session as part of the

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‘I really enjoy coming to Barker, because on my first day I was feeling very nervous, but my peers and my teachers did a very good job of making me feel accepted’.

Nathan Year 5.

so big, The classroom is nice so is the floor space ad out.’ we can all spre 5 Lachlan Year

URSTRONG program with Dana Kefford, to help them understand new friendships and how to deal with change at the beginning of the School year. We will continue to unpack the URSTONG ideology in the coming weeks as the students continue to form friendships inside and out of the classroom.

Junior School

Year 6 Classrooms What an exciting way to begin Year 6! In brand new, incredibly special classrooms. These new learning spaces were a huge hit for the students. They were all keen to try out the super comfortable, ergonomically designed furniture in each room. It was pleasing to see the 120 happy and excited faces as they explored the new building and all of the different features in each room.

new I love using the and being learning spaces e new able to use all thany new features. So m possibilities!

Tim Year 6

Being on level 1 is awesome because of all the new things, as well as being able to look out the windows to see all the beautiful things outside the School.

Linden Year 6

Everyone was very excited to move into these new rooms developing positive classroom environments and making the most out of these new resources.

Michelle Habgood​ Junior School Classroom Teacher & Year 5 Coordinator Timothy Moyes​ Junior School Classroom Teacher & Year 6 Coordinator

As so room I on as I ente how m was amaze red the uch sp d to s Shawn ace there w ee as.

Year 6

It is really cool because this year being in Year 6 this great new we get to be in so grateful that building. We are is special space. we get to use thear 6 Max Y

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Junior School

Meet the New Members The start of a new year always brings excitement.

There have been some substantial changes across both Indigenous campuses with new families and staff joining our community.

We thank Tom Spencer for the past four years at Darkinjung Barker as he prepares to head to Dhupama Barker later in Term 1. Tom has been instrumental in the development of many programs and his dedication and expertise have been invaluable. I know that the whole School Community wishes him and his family all the best.

Roger Young K – 2 Teacher at Darkinjung Barker We welcome Roger Young to our teaching team. Roger commenced at Barker in 2005 and I know how excited he is to be joining the team at Darkinjung Barker. He brings plenty of experience to the team.

Tahlia Scheermeijer Years 3-6 Teacher at Darkinjung Barker I come from an extremely large, blended family. I am the eldest of 11 children and I am a mum to four-year-old Lennox. I moved from a corporate career to follow my love of teaching. I spent ten years in the Northern Territory working across Darwin, Katherine and Maningrida relocating to

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Queensland in 2019. I have previous experience working for the Defence Indigenous Development Program, the Aboriginal Interpreter Service and I managed national and key accounts as a Business Development Executive for four years with Coca-Cola Amatil. During my time studying, I travelled to 35 different countries and lived abroad in Ireland, Guatemala and Colombia, where I spent time volunteer teaching English as a second language in charity schools. I love hanging out at the beach, being with friends and socialising with good food. I also like reading and cooking, and enjoy pilates and yoga.

Tammy Hunter Years 3-6 Teacher at Ngarralingayil Barker I am a proud Wonnarua woman and have a strong cultural connection to my students. I am currently engaging in Wonnarua language workshops, which enable me to deliver language lessons in the classroom. I completed my Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts – Primary K-6 at The University of Newcastle in 2014. I was employed as an Aboriginal Education Officer at Woodberry Public School throughout the duration of my studies. My children are Coen 15, Jannali 18, Sienna 19 and Kalista 22. I enjoy going to the beach, camping and reading and I spend a lot of time watching two of my daughters play soccer. We have three dogs, three chickens and lots of fish.

Junior School

Coeli Parsons (20) Darkinjung Barker Intern

Chloe Thong (20) Darkinjung Barker Intern

I have just completed high school at Barker College. I come from a loving family; mum, who is a flight attendant for Qantas airlines; Dad, who works for a bank and my brothers, Hamish who is at the Hornsby campus and an older brother Campbell who is living in Perth for University.

During my years at School, I loved getting involved with all co-curricular activities such as musicals, orchestras, plays and many sporting teams. After my internship, I am extremely enthusiastic to begin my journey at University to study a Bachelor of Primary Education, which has been a passion of mine since a young age.

I graduated from Barker in 2020. My family includes Mum, Dad, my sister Sarah and I. We are a close family who love going to the beach, playing pool and having a laugh. My sister and I love to swim and listen to music. Throughout School, I loved getting involved in as much as I could. I played water polo, swimming, tennis, netball and basketball. My favourite subjects included Industrial Technology, Visual Arts and Maths. I love being creative. Being an intern at Darkinjung Barker will be an amazing experience. I am keen to learn about culture whilst assisting the children. After the internship, I am going to complete a degree in Primary School Education.

Many opportunities at Barker including volunteering at Clarke Road School and my internship at Darkinjung, will help me pursue my career. I hope to inspire younger generations to fulfil their potential.

Jamie Shackleton​ Director of Aboriginal Campuses

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Teaching and Learning

Professional Learning Professional learning at Barker is valued and recognised as a major contributing factor for improving the learning outcomes of students.

The Barker Professional Learning Program supports the expectation that all staff members at Barker continually grow in their practice by participating in professional learning across varying aspects of education.

Teacher Feedback and Reflection

Focus Areas

• Student Feedback Teaching and Learning Survey: A new feedback process will begin in Semester 1 2021 to support the teaching and learning framework. This feedback from students will provide each teacher with evidence of teaching effectiveness in the areas that research suggests are vital to student learning.

Teaching and Learning Guided by the Barker Teaching and Learning Framework Professional Learning is targetted towards establishing the classroom environment for learning, the teaching of knowledge to enhance the acquisition application and depth of understanding, and how to ensure feedback is effective inmoving each learner forward.

Wellbeing Professional Learning in wellbeing aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the relationship between wellbeing and learning in the classroom in developing resilient, engaged and self-confident learners with a focus on unpacking Barker’s wellbeing framework (CASEL) including Mental Health First Aid courses.

Leadership The Professional Learning programs provide opportunities that support the development of staff as leaders.

Digital Learning 2020 made evident the importance of Technology in education. Professional Learning supports teachers with implementation of technology in the classroom to enhance learning outcomes.

Intercultural Understanding Formal Logo

Professional Learning in this area aims to develop understanding of and engagement with cultural diversity in the School, for the betterment of our students and the broader community.

12 • The Barker • Issue 130 • Autumn 2021

• Thrive Reflection Form: All teaching staff are required to reflect on their strengths and challenges, nominate focus areas and goals, and plan their professional learning journey.

Professional Learning Opportunities • Presentations: Whole school Professional Learning days in Term 2 and Term 3, along with small group afternoon forums held every term in Week 3, Week 6 and Week 9 are part of the ongoing professional learning program.

• Online courses: Barker-designed courses are provided online in the Barker Professional Learning Canvas Course offering staff flexibility in accessing opportunities to learn.

• Action research: Opportunities are available through the Barker Institute where support is provided for individuals and groups in the School to undertake educational research.

• Teacher Coaching: Staff have the opportunity, through the College of Teachers, to be trained as teacher coaches. All staff are encouraged to access coaching through the Barker College of Teachers as a recognised method to enhance professional growth.

Icon

Sarah Clifton​ Director of Professional Learning

Teaching and Learning

New Staff Orientation 2021 On a wonderfully mild 21 January the new staff orientation program began. A two-day event, the orientation brought together nearly 50 new people who were at the beginning of their Barker journey.

The program is designed for our administration and support staff, along with new teachers to the Junior and Secondary schools. One of the primary objectives of the days is to bring people together and to begin to build the sense of belonging to the broader Barker Community.

The Head, Phillip Heath commenced the program on the opening day in the Chapel, bringing the newest members of the team together in one of the most important spaces in the School. Senior staff were introduced, and the staff Class of 2021 then toured the School to get a sense of all that is happening right across our beautiful campus.

An information session from The Head, our Senior Chaplain, Rev Pete Tong, spoke to the importance of

Barker’s Mission, Vision and Values. Across the two-day program a variety of the Senior staff were able to meet with the newest members of the staff to work through the procedural, administrative and technical aspects of working at Barker!

It is hoped that the new team not only found the sessions informative and useful, but they were able to meet others and start to form strong working relationships for the years ahead!

We welcome all of them most warmly and wish them well for a fulfilling 2021!

Matt Macoustra Deputy Head

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Teaching and Learning

Coaching to Thrive Coaching helps our new graduate teachers not only survive but thrive!

When you consider those professions that are labelled as noble, for me teaching is the greatest profession.

Whilst the medical profession may save lives, teaching can nurture young minds and guide students as they grow. This is the difference a teacher can make to someone’s life. But teaching is also hard, with estimates showing that up to 50% of new graduate teachers across Australia leave the profession within the first five years.

Professor Robyn Ewing from the University of Sydney, who researches teacher attrition says: “New teachers need support once they're in schools. A wellmentored new teacher is three times more likely to stay in the game."

Over the past two years, Barker has welcomed over twenty graduate teachers to the teaching community and the College of Teachers (CoT) has developed a program of ongoing support and guidance to ensure that the graduate teachers are given the opportunities to thrive and grow.

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Len Nixon and Jacqui McLachlan, the two Lead Teacher Coaches, work with the graduate teachers in their first three years of teaching. Through coaching conversations, the coaches aim to create the best possible environments for the graduate teachers to learn for themselves, improve professional practice and enhance student outcomes.

The Lead Coaches dedicate time to develop professional relationships with the graduate teachers.

Coaching conversations, based on confidentiality and trust, help teachers to reflect on classroom practice and actual student encounters. Coaches visit classrooms and encourage the teachers to also visit other teachers’ classrooms to promote a model of sharing and collaboration. The graduate teachers also meet to discuss operational and school polices and reflect on the commonality of their professional growth journeys. In addition, the graduate teachers have the option to opt-in for a more personal and elaborate coaching experience with a coach.

Teaching and Learning

Coaching is a very positive strategy dedicated to supporting graduate teacher professional development. At Barker we strive to capture the enthusiasm and energy of our new teachers and, through the CoT support program, we endeavour to ensure they have the space and capacity to grow their practice, educate their students and share their innovative approaches to learning.

Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 2016, Spotlight: What do we know about early career teacher attrition rates in Australia?, Australian Government, Melbourne, viewed 29/01/2021, <https://www. aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/research-evidence/spotlight/spotlight--attrition.pdf?sfvrsn=40d1ed3c_0>.

Stroud, G 2017, Why do teachers leave, viewed 29/01/2021, <https://www abc.net.au/news/2017-02-04/why-do-teachers-leave/8234054>.

Jacqui McLachlan Mathematics Teacher and Teacher Coach

Staff Profile Julia Anstey joined the Curriculum team as a Visiting Academic Fellow. Barker is not new to Julia, having worked at the School as a teacher of Latin and French from 1988 – 1992.

“I was invited by the School to work with the Heads of Department to develop independent extension courses for the higher ability classes across Years 7 12, as well as supporting the Curriculum Team in their plans to develop the academic program,” Julia explained.

In these early weeks, Julia has been reviewing the current enrichment programs, observing classes and looking at student engagement in these programs. At the end of this review, she will provide suggestions that will continue to advance the academic life of the School.

Julia is looking forward to being a part of Barker at this time in its history, where virtually all of the Junior School, two thirds of the Middle School and all of the Senior School is coed.

Her timetable at the School is a full one, as she is also teaching some French and Latin classes and the Philosophy and Rhetoric course in Year 9, an area that is of particular interest as her husband is a Professor of Philosophy at Sydney University.

Julie McAllister​ Editor

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Teaching and Learning

Recognising our High Achievers We were delighted to welcome back our high achieving students from the Class of 2020, recognising their outstanding results at a special School Assembly.

513 Honour Roll Mentions

Total number of Top Band achievements

198 Students Gained at least one Top Band

A top band result is a Band 6/E4 (90% +)

8th School Ranked on the number of ‘top band’

Achievers in State 47th On SMH League Table 14 Place Getters

Placed in the top ten students in a course in the state 16 Students in top 1% of State

4.6% of Barker HSC Cohort

30 Students in top 2% of State

8.6% of Barker HSC Cohort

3 Students achieved maximum ATAR

achieved 99.95 23 All-rounders

Achieved a result in the highest band possible (Band 6) in 5 or more subjects.

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Speaking at the Assembly, Phillip Heath acknowledged the many demands that were placed on the Class of 2020, yet despite the challenges, this cohort achieved some remarkable results.

“These young people represented the School in their outstanding community service, leadership, their technical skills, sporting prowess and academic leadership.”

In such a year, it is an extraordinary outcome that there were 513 honour roll mentions; 198 students gained at least one top band result; 8th school ranked on the number of 'top band' Achievers in State; 14 placegetters; 23 all rounders and 16 students placed in the top 1% of the state.

Further, three students received the perfect ATAR of 99.95 for the first time in the School’s history. Declan Zammit, who achieved a top ten placing for all his units is studying a Bachelor of Arts and Advanced Studies; Rhys Macintosh has commenced a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Mathematical Science and Kai Wong is undertaking a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Law degree, as well as studying a fashion and design course.

Teaching and Learning

In their address to Year 11 and Year 12 students at the Assembly, their message was the same – set your goals high and apply yourself.

“I remember sitting at the 2020 Academic Assembly and feeling completely in awe of the previous year’s High Achievers,” Declan said.

“I wondered how I could ever achieve what they had, but I realised that the best way to master a subject is to be passionate about it.

“No one is born with a killer essay ready to go. You need to push yourself and set your goals high. The human brain is capable of incredible things,” Declan said.

Despite some health setbacks in his final Senior years, Kai believes it is important to set yourself a goal.

“Establish goals for yourself, work hard and you’ll be fine.”

“Each student showed enormous courage to achieve what they have,” Phillip Heath said. “They represent the 350 other students of the Class of 2020 and we give thanks to the Lord for the blessings they have given to the School and wish them every success.”

Julie McAllister​ Editor

Rhys agrees that everyone has a different method to approaching the HSC, yet he advised all students to apply themselves in their final year.

“You have been at school for 13 years. You owe it to yourself to do as well as you can,” Rhys said. “Don’t look back and have any regrets.”

Autumn 2021 • Issue 130 • The Barker • 17

The Drama Barker Institute

The Floor of Heaven The tempestuous twists and turns of the past year have meant we have all, in one way or another, found ourselves washed onto unknown shores, looking for landmarks and seeking comfort in the company of family and friends.

Our Year 12 cast in particular, missed the joy of participating in a Barker Drama production in 2020, and have not had the opportunity to flex their acting muscles or share in the joy and delight which comes from creating theatrical magic on stage with like-minded and equally passionate peers for many months.

Now, in these tempestuous times we need these stories to connect us, to reflect us and to remind us that the future, although unknown, is a place of hope, of potential, of new ideas and possibilities. We look to the past to remind us that we have endured and will continue to do so. Theatre and storytelling are our beacons of light in an uncertain sea.

These two ideas have informed our choice to stage Damien Ryan’s masterful production, The Floor of Heaven. Whilst it is not the first time The Floor of Heaven has been staged at Barker, we have commissioned Damien to write us a new ending with a heightened focus on freedom, hope and the future.

Our cast has done a phenomenal job of stepping into the world of Shakespeare, and the worlds he has created within his plays. Their willingness to take risks and to play on stage is what elevates this collection of works into a powerhouse of ensemble energy and we could not be more proud of them. It has been a joy to watch these young actors grow – as individuals and as performers. As directors, we have had the privilege of collaborating with each other and with the cast to bring these worlds, words and stories to life.

As always, none of this would be possible without the indefatigable creativity and energy of Dugal Parker.

Quite apart from his beautiful sets and lighting, it is his outstanding insight into physical comedy and slapstick which has been invaluable for our performers in shaping this production.

This play is more than a collection of moments from Shakespeare’s most famous plays, it is a distillation of the key ideas which inform and reflect what it means to be truly human. This is not the dry, difficult to understand Shakespeare of your schooldays. Rather, it is an intense, passionate, and lively investigation of love, loss, despair and the connections we crave with others. These are the stories of our lives, at this time in this place. ‘[the] characters transcend time and space-like embers flying in a forest fire they spread ideas across borders, lighting torches of imagination, passing the same roles and revelations on to new generations.’

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Angela Morosin and Pia Midgley Directors

The Barker Institute Sports

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Visual Arts

Engaging Creativity If you venture over to the Visual Art’s studios on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday you will find students from Years 7 to 12 engaged in artmaking and creative pursuits.

The Visual Arts Department not only caters to elective students who wish to extend their artmaking practice at Art Access but is also open to all Barker students and staff who wish to learn ceramic and photography techniques.

Barker’s Darkroom and Ceramics programs have been running for many years under the expertise of Ms Ellen Macdonald. The Darkroom program runs on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.30 until 5pm and is open to all students from Years 7-12.

Students learn how to use a 35mm film camera, process film and print images in the Darkroom using experimental techniques. The Ceramics program is open to all students from Years 7-12. Students learn

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how to create a variety of works in clay through a range of projects using handbuilding and wheelforming techniques.

Barker students create fun projects in a relaxed environment with friends, while also building connections with students from other year groups. If you are interested in joining the Darkroom or Ceramics program, please come to the Design Centre, Level 1 and speak to Ellen Macdonald.

Tara Jongsma​ Head of Visual Arts

Tristan Lyth Year 9

Henry Balzer Year 10

For the last couple of years, I have been in the Photography Club and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly loved processing film and enlarging the images onto paper. I really enjoy the process and artistic elements of taking both digital and film photos. I have also been a finalist in the Australian Photography Awards and the Head On competitions. Attending the after-school classes has really helped me understand more about cameras in general and creative processing. Overall, I would highly recommend this club to anyone who enjoys photography or wants to learn more about it.

Ceramics has been a most enjoyable time on a Tuesday afternoon in the 'outside of school' club. Last year we completed various creative projects including throwing on the pottery wheel, modelling animals and characters, constructing glazed milk cartons and slip cast vessels from our own moulds. The club has been part of Hidden 2019, a sculpture exhibition located at Rookwood cemetery. Our group artwork was an infinity symbol made up of many stones. I plan on entering my own sculpture this year. I look forward to the year ahead.

Sophia Zhao Year 8

Ben Weatherall Year 9 I’ve attended Photography Club since Year 7 and have learnt something new about darkroom photography every week. From rayograms to processing film, this club has taught me a lot about photography and has made me see the world in a new light. Lately I’ve really enjoyed experimental techniques like painting with developer, solarising and overlaying images. The Photography Club has taught me a lot about photography and has been a really fun experience.

Nikitha Sesha Year 11 I have really enjoyed being a part of Barker’s co-curricular art programs.

It has allowed me to develop new skills in both photography and ceramics. In ceramics there were several techniques and machines that I was able to try out and gain a better understanding of. Some of the projects we made include constructing pots using coils of clay, modelling animals with only a single slab of clay and my personal favourite, building Shaun Tan inspired characters. These models were very quirky and enabled us to think creatively. One of the most difficult projects that we made was a replica milk carton, this required us to think practically yet creatively. I have also been part of Barker’s Photography program which has been the highlight of my time at Barker. It was really enjoyable to take photos with an SLR film camera and develop them in the darkroom. I have thoroughly enjoyed Barker’s co-curricular art program and am extremely grateful to our teacher Ms Macdonald.

I had never tried ceramics before I attended the Ceramics Club last year.

My most memorable moments were slip casting and creating my Shaun Tan inspired character from clay. I am looking forward to starting my second year attending the Club.

Lydia Hsieh Year 8 Last year attending the Ceramic Club was a great experience for me because I achieved many things that I would have never imagined doing!

We made many things and learnt many skills such as throwing on the wheel and hand building. My favourite project would have to be the milk cartons I made together with my friends.

Alina Song Year 8 Last year I looked forward to Tuesday afternoons because I enjoyed creating handbuilt objects and learning new ceramic techniques. I found throwing on the wheel challenging but I had lots of fun creating projects in ceramics with my friends last year! I am looking forward to ceramics again this year.

Rev Jeff Ware Community Chaplain Apart from surprising myself by making a couple of semi-reasonable items, it was a joy to learn new skills alongside students under the direction of someone as encouraging, creative and talented as Ellen Macdonald.

Autumn 2021 • Issue 130 • The Barker • 21

Design and Technology

Drawing into the Future ‘A picture tells 1000 words’ is a familiar comment.

Year 7 Technology students first introductory experience is the opportunity to develop their drawing skills. This is the most effective and time efficient tool for design communication. Technology students are ‘immersed’ in a sequence of drawing activities to begin their year which seeks to promote their confidence and capacity to communicate graphically. This work is done with pencil and paper for its tactility, and students are encouraged to not erase lines, but rather see their improvement evolve with repeated practice. This is an important skill in the process of inquiry and applied persistence. Research studies identify the following benefits of graphically representing an idea: • The retention of knowledge and improved memory recall • Clarification of thinking through stages of iteration • Reduced subjectivity in the communication of ideas • Improved collaboration due to visual communication • Improved efficiency through interpreting new ideas The science of drawing reveals that students process information in multiple ways: visually, kinaesthetically, and semantically. Actively drawing engages students to grapple with what they are learning and reconstruct it in a way that makes sense to them - effectively encoding this information in memory.

When we draw, we encode memory in very rich ways, layering together the visual memory of the image, the kinaesthetic memory of our hand drawing the image, and the semantic memory that is invoked by engaging in meaning making. This process effectively increases the likelihood that the concept being drawn will be retained for later recall.

The benefits of drawing are independent of students’ artistic talent and it is equally effective for people who may not have any artistic inclination. Developing and promoting confident sketching experiences for Year 7 students opens up opportunity for learners to have the facility to move into what is termed ‘sketch noting,’ that is active notetaking using annotation, sketches and diagrammatic representations. This will powerfully enhance learning throughout their secondary years and perhaps most importantly across the Barker curriculum.

Retaining the hands-on rigorous development of skills such as writing and drawing in combination with new digital tools such as the stylus and touch tablet devices, opens up the many opportunities presented to us through digital integration.

The takeaway: Encourage students to draw. This promotes learning through improving recall and challenging students to explore an idea in different ways to consolidate meaning and understanding.

John Dennison Design & Technology Teacher

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Design and Technology

A View from the Top Last year, Ross Mackay achieved 9th place in Industrial Technology in the NSW HSC. This is an outstanding achievement and indicative of his consistent and persistent approach towards managing his time and applying his skills.

Ross produced an acoustic guitar using acoustic timbers of German spruce, Queensland maple and African Ebony. Ross’s guitar was detailed with headstock and binding/purfling mother of pearl inlays. We are extremely proud of his achievement and here are a few responses from Ross when asked about his experience in Industrial Technology.

Darren Woodrow Head of Design & Technology

How do you think your participation in the Industrial Technology course might benefit you in your future career?

I found completing the Industrial Technology course provided me with a range of skills which I can apply to my future career. Aside from the obvious woodworking skills which I developed, the course prompted me to vastly improve my communication, time management, and project management skills.

These soft skills from Industrial Technology could transfer to almost any future career, but specifically they will benefit me substantially in Biomedical Engineering at University of Sydney.

How have you found the experience of participating and managing your time within this subject.

I loved the Industrial Technology course - particularly because of the independence and autonomy I was provided to construct my own project. This involved substantial time management, which I found beneficial, as it forced me to plan for my other subjects and build positive habits which I will use long after I have left Barker. Participation in the Industrial Tech course is unique from other courses

like Mathematics, and English, in that you have a major project, which requires a sustained effort in investigating and planning, and it demands a different skill set of creative problem solving which is developed throughout the realisation of the project. Although Industrial Technology did not end up counting toward my ATAR, even though I came 9th in the State, I would 100% do the course again if given the chance, due to the skill development across such a wide range of areas.

What was the highlight and what was most difficult?

The highlight of the Industrial Technology course for me was the moment I finished the project. The first strum on the guitar, having spent 12 months working tirelessly on it, was an incredible moment of relief and excitement. It all came together, my goal to produce a high-quality instrument, that had been only a concept a year before. That moment was pretty special, but there are so many special moments made with the teachers and classmates throughout the year, as you work as a team to support each other the whole way through. The most difficult part of the course is the beginning. It's hard to be motivated when planning your project and the initial construction phases, particularly if you can’t see where you are heading. As the project starts to form, it becomes its own motivation, as you want to finish to see the final product. This usually means the excitement, and enjoyment, of the course builds over time, until the completion of your major project.

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Music

Music Camp It was with glad hearts that staff and students of Barker’s ensemble program were able to descend on the idyllic surroundings of the Tops Conference Centre, overlooking the ocean from atop the Illawarra Escarpment.

The first two days were given over to choir camp, and after nine months of enforced silence the 137 singers were especially grateful to meet outside under canvas awnings, able to sing together once again. Two days of glorious rehearsal were enough to reignite the passion for chorus singing, and we had the added bonus of a visit and workshop with Hollywood film composer Ken Lampl, who is writing a work for our choirs. With a mix of fresh repertoire and unperformed favourites from 2020, Senior Choir were able to welcome new Year 10 students into our singing culture. Middle School Choir meanwhile continues to grow in size and quality as it reaches the point of two thirds coeducational.

By day two the additional 241 instrumentalists had arrived, the singers went to activities, and orchestras and bands were in full swing. Visitors were not allowed onto the site, but a fly on the wall would have been overwhelmed by the listening choices on offer. The enthusiasm of Middle School ensembles was positively infectious (in a good way), whilst Senior students were back to their best in no time at all. As an ensemble director it is a joy to get quality time with an ensemble that is finding enjoyment in hard work and achievement.

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Music Camp of course is not all work. The usual student concerts allowed students from all years the opportunity to perform, to the acclaim of the entire camp. Trivia night is a highlight, ably organised by the Music Captains once again, and a particular favourite was guessing the teacher from their baby photograph. Activities as diverse as kart racing, leap of faith, survivor, giant swing, high ropes, archery and the ever-popular private study focused the mind and the body on a searing day. There was no time for tiredness.

We’re always very aware that for a significant number of students, Music Camp is their first ever Barker experience. It’s always heartening to see new students grow into their first days at Barker, and we are honoured to have that part to play in their journey.

It is our hope that 2021 allows them to demonstrate to the wider Barker Community their immeasurable talents. We look forward to seeing you at a Barker event soon.

Peter Ellis Director of Choral Programs

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Wellbeing

Compass: Navigating Whole-School Wellbeing Barker College has been invited to partner with the NSW Association of Independent Schools to participate in the Compass: Navigating Whole School Wellbeing project over the next 12-18 months.

This is an exciting initiative and Barker joins 12 other schools in the project, including SHORE, Abbotsleigh, Blue Mountains Grammar School, Kinross Wolaroi and Macquarie Anglican.

The Compass: Navigating Whole-School Wellbeing initiative will support Barker to identify and implement evidence-based, whole-school, proactive wellbeing approaches that foster safe, supportive and respectful environments so that wellbeing outcomes are enhanced for students now and in the future (AIS 2020). The main outcome of the project is to seek input from the whole Barker Community to develop a bespoke wellbeing framework for Barker that will sustain the School and its students well into the future.

This is an exciting initiative for Barker, especially as the School moves to become a fully coeducational school by 2022. The outcomes of the Compass project are outlined in the diagram below.

An integral part of the project is to hear from stakeholders across the Barker community, including parents, students and staff. Focus groups and interviews will commence in Term 1. The Compass project team consists of senior executive and other senior members of staff. All Barker staff will be involved in the development of any new wellbeing frameworks that emerge from this important piece of work.

For more details about the Compass project visit the AIS Compass page where you will be able to view a short film clip and access other information about Compass.

Rowena Dudgeon​ Director of Wellbeing

A clearly articulated wellbeing vision, approach and framework that is unique to your school’s community and can be celebrated and showcased

Increased capacity to develop and lead a strengthened whole-school approach to wellbeing

Embedded processes for review and evaluation to ensure ongoing relevance and sustainability

Improved access to evidence-based wellbeing resources for staff, students and families

As a result of participating, your school will have:

Developed a stronger understanding and support of wellbeing protective factors across your school community

Established supportive relationships with AISNSW wellbeing consultants and other independent schools

Graph from www.aisnsw.edu.au/teachers-and-staff/supporting-students/compass-navigating-whole-school-wellbeing

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Maths

Photo two finalists in the Integration Bee, Kai Wong and Myles Fowlds, between the diabolical quizmasters, Declan and Rhys.

Integration Bee In 2019-2020 Matthew Dunstan and Andrew Mallam taught the Mathematics Extension 2 course to a combined candidature of 36 students at Barker.

64% of the candidature gained the top performance band in Extension 1 and 50% gained the top band in Extension 2 which was a very pleasing outcome.

Matthew Dunstan recalls: “Over the last two years, I have been blessed with a wonderful senior class for which I am so thankful. To finish teaching my final Year 12 class on such a happy and fulfilling note will stay with me for the rest of my days.”

One of the central themes of the Mathematics Extension 2 course is integral calculus. Both Declan Zammit and Rhys Macintosh excelled in the art and science of integration. In their search for knowledge they went well above and beyond the syllabus. Their efforts culminated in them putting the rest of the class to the test in an Integration Bee during their very

last lesson prior to the HSC. A spirit of enquiry was certainly a characteristic of the 2020 Barker Extension 2 students and undoubtedly contributed to their success in the HSC. Not surprisingly, both Declan and Rhys did brilliantly in both the Extension 1 and Extension 2 HSC Mathematics exams with Declan coming 9th in the state in Extension 1 and 10th in the state in Extension 2.

Allison Davis​ Assistant Coordinator Mathematics and Mathematics Teacher

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Senior Weekend Away

Senior Weekend Away The Chaplaincy department were thrilled to begin their year by taking 220 students away on the annual Senior Weekend Away.

The weekend is a program that has been running at Barker for more than 40 years and is designed as an opportunity for our incoming Year 10 cohort to meet one another, to learn more about Barker and to introduce them to some of the staff members who will be assisting them in their Senior School journey.

Joining our Year 10 students were an outstanding team of Year 11 and 12 student leaders who committed to planning, preparing and running the events across the weekend. The leadership of this fantastic team of students allowed for the weekend to run smoothly, for students to be welcomed enthusiastically and provided a space for the Year 10 cohort to ask questions of their peers.

This year, the Chaplaincy department also welcomed three incredible staff members, Mitch Derbyshire, Sarah Speechley and Joanna Yuen, who willingly and enthusiastically joined the team of Barker staff members at Galston. Whilst it is a busy way to end the first week of term the staff and students that attended the Senior Weekend Away responded to the weekend

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with positivity and excitement.

For the first time, the camp was run on two separate days, allowing for the greatest number of students to attend the Senior Weekend Away in Barker history. Despite the overcast and rainy weather, students loved participating in the ‘Paint War’, scavenger hunt and ‘Get-To-Know-You’ groups that occurred between welcome sessions, talks from our chaplains and Barker College Trivia.

The Chaplaincy department hope and pray the Senior Weekend Away provided students with the opportunity to develop new friendships, a greater understanding of the Barker community and instilled in them a willingness to explore perspectives on faith.

Caitlin Rossler​ Christian Studies Teacher

Outdoor Education

Barker Dukes In recent months, our Duke of Edinburgh participants have been very busy completing record numbers of Awards.

Staff members Sally Filtness and Erin Foster have recently assisted over 100 Bronze Awardees, with many eager to continue with their Award plans. Lisa Jellis and Mark Fitzgerald support our Senior students and were delighted by the way our participants were able to continue throughout 2020.

Late last year our Silver program traversed the famous canyons of the Wollemi National Park, and our Gold participants completed a challenging Adventurous Project – both memorable and inspiring programs delivered by The Grange team.

Finally, our congratulations and warmest farewell to all our Year 12 recipients of the Gold Award in 2020. We know our paths will cross again.

Graeme Dawes Grange Teacher & Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator

“We have all had our ups and downs, but through 2020 we have become so much closer with everyone.

When you need support the most, you realise who is there for you and who really cares about you. Even in these uncertain times I continued The Award, although at times I did start to doubt myself. The students that I volunteer with really helped me. Their smiles, laughter and positivity really pushed me. It made me realise how important they were to me and reminded me why I chose to volunteer through Dukes in the first place.”

Sena Kobayashi Year 11 Silver Participant

The Duke of Edinburgh Award with Barker is designed to take participants out of their comfort zone. It allows students to explore their full potential and find their place in the world regardless of location or circumstance.

Thanks to the resourcefulness of Dukes staff, equally challenging and inspiring journeys were designed and delivered in 2020. Our Adventurous Project used The Grange as our base and the Blue Mountains provided plentiful memorable experiences worthy of Gold level.

At the end of an amazing week, we came together as a group, challenged our thinking, and conquered our fears - including my own; abseiling down a waterfall.

Juliet Iraninejad Year 12 Gold Participant

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Outdoor Education

Waratahs and Wilderness Year 7 Journey to The Grange With social distancing restrictions easing in Term 4 last year, Outdoor Education camps were finally back!

For our lucky Year 7 students that meant a quick trip up to the lofty Blue Mountains for their very first Grange experience. Ensuring each and every student experienced their expedition into the wilderness, all 16 House groups visited in just four weeks and the outdoor education team did not fail to deliver.

Our students achieved both a night in bunk beds in Lord Piddington’s fabulous old historic residence ‘The Grange’, and a night under canvas in their very own Barker tent at the Cathedral of Ferns campsite, Mt Wilson. Each House group hiked the majestic Grand

Canyon circuit under waterfalls and through narrow gorges looking for freshwater yabbies, spying the shy water dragons and learning to read a map. They trekked the edges of the Wollangambe Wilderness in the footsteps of the Waradjuri ancestors practising their compass skills and learning about each other and the natural environment around them.

A particular flower of beauty, the Waratah, grows only on the sandstone plateau in and around the Sydney region. The Latin name for the Waratah, Telopea Speciosissima means ‘seen from a distance‘. They are an uncommon yet strikingly beautiful sight in the Blue Mountains bush.

The Waratah, or ‘warada’ as it's spoken in Darug language and meaning beautiful, symbolises a strong, powerful and unique young woman in various Indigenous stories where an elder has turned his daughter into a beautiful vibrantly red Waratah to protect her from the men in neighbouring clans. It then takes a particular strong and intelligent, honourable young man to impress the elder and be allowed to steal the young woman away for himself.

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Outdoor Education

In Gulpilil’s dreamtime stories, a female wonga pigeon flew above the tree canopy looking for her lost mate.

She was attacked by a hawk but broke free, tearing her breast. She landed on a white Waratah and her flowing blood stained it red. As she flew from flower to flower, the blood from the wounds drenched all the flowers red.

In honour of the Waratah, some 240 endemic seeds were collected by Grange staff in collaboration with Blue Mountains Conservation Society and grown meticulously for 12 months in a native plant nursery before being delivered to The Grange for further nurturing. The bushfires of 2020 saw our trays of 240 Waratahs rehomed several times as fires threatened The Grange property and the homes of the staff that work there. Finally, the little plants were ready for our Year 7 cohort to take ownership and together each House group planted their very own patch of Waratahs around The Grange.

The Waratah Walk was born! Our students engaged in the warada story and carefully prised each tube stock out of its pot and planted it in the ground. Protecting them from the busybody lyrebirds with a ring of stakes and piling up some native mulch to keep in the

moisture over summer, our students did us proud. It may take seven years for one Waratah to flower, but our students can return each year and visit their patch.

The striking beauty of this fabulous flower in the bush and the gardens around The Grange will bring joy to many in the coming decades.

When the thunderstorms played nicely and gave some respite, many groups were able to take part in some important frog research. The multi award winning “FROG ID” app released by Australian Museum two years ago, identified the Grange property as an important recording site for their research and asked staff to endeavour to capture recordings. What fun many students had in the dark traipsing down to the dam, crouching quietly, and listening and recording the multiple species croaking and chorusing in the edges of the reedy banks.

We thank Year 7 of 2020 for their happy dispositions and joyful dedication on camp.

Liz Charlton and Scott Manwaring Co-directors of The Grange

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Agriculture

Agriculture after School In recent years at Barker we have had the privilege of seeing many students who study Agriculture at School decide to go on and pursue it further through tertiary studies.

The last few years have regularly seen around 30% of our Year 12 Agriculture cohort progress to related university degrees, which has numbered around 20-25 students from Barker undertaking further study in the industry annually.

After university, they are pursuing diverse careers, occasionally on-farm but mostly off-farm somewhere along the supply chain. This includes working in robotics, agronomy, management consultancy, product development, veterinary practice, national and international policy development and more.

Here are some of the stories of a couple of our former students who are now pursuing careers within the agriculture sector.

Scott Graham​ Head of Agriculture

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Celine Badaoui (16) What made you decide to choose Ag at School?

I came from a school that didn’t offer subjects like Agriculture, so I was really intrigued when I saw it on the subject list in Year 10. I decided to choose it because I knew it was a great subject for field trips and hands-on experiences, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to have fun and make friends.

What are your memories of Ag at Barker?

There are plenty of great memories from the three years I did Ag at Barker. Ag camps were always the highlight of my year and I remember the food would always be amazing. Learning how to tip a sheep at the Ag plot at School was also an awesome experience, as well as the great BBQs we would have during some Agriculture lessons.

Agriculture

What degree did you do and where?

Scott Nevison (14)

I completed a Bachelor of Food and Agribusiness at the University of Sydney.

What made you decide to choose Ag at school?

What is your current role and what does it involve day-to-day/what interesting things have you done/ been involved in?

I chose Ag at Barker as it covered a variety of topics and had a very practical focus. Ag and perhaps Geography and Biology were the subjects at Barker that covered scientific and commercial aspects of the environment and our communities.

I now have a role at Coles in their 2021 Graduate Program and I have relocated to Melbourne. I work in the Own Brand team as a product technologist. There are plenty of cool things I get to do on a day-to-day basis, one of these is sensory panel with the chefs at Coles, where product developers bring in their new products and we taste them and give feedback.

Important parts of my role include responsible sourcing, food safety standards, maintenance and upkeep of the quality of Coles Own Brand products, visiting suppliers and manufacturers and much more.

I've only recently started and I've already learnt so much! I’ve also spent some time getting exposure in Coles supermarkets, my favourite part of this has been helping out in the bakery making choc chip cookies and hot cross buns all day!

Where do you see yourself heading in the future?

I would love to work my way up to management roles at Coles, overseeing different product lines and categories. I also see myself doing more research at some point. During my degree I did my honours thesis on the nutritional properties and flour quality of Indigenous grains for use in food products. I definitely think there is a lot more important research that needs to be done in this area and would love to be a part of that in the future.

What do you wish you’d known about a career in Ag while at school?

I think the most important thing to know looking back is that Agriculture opens career opportunities all the way through the paddock to plate supply chain, not just farm based roles. I was always a bit worried about starting an Agriculture degree that I might have to end up rural to find a job, but now I work in retail at the complete other end of the supply chain in an urban hub, and I absolutely love my job!

What are your memories of Ag at Barker?

Ag Camp was certainly a highlight of my time at Barker. We got to apply all our learnings in the field.

For me, this was the best form of education.

What degree did you do and where?

I studied a Bachelor of Food Science and Agribusiness at USYD. What is your current role and what does it involve day-to-day/what interesting things have you done/ been involved in?

My current role is business development at Foods Connected, a consulting and software company in the food industry. This involves talking to prospective and current customers about the issues they are dealing with in their food business and designing solutions to help them grow.

Where do you see yourself heading in the future?

I would love to continue my studies, but I don’t know where…. The beauty of studying Agriculture is the diverse places it will take you and the breadth of things you’ll learn.

What do you wish you’d known about a career in Ag while at school?

I was very fortunate to have been given some very useful advice when I was at Barker. I was told that a career in Ag would mean that I will be doing jobs that didn’t exist at the time. Studying Ag and a career in Ag is the opposite of bottle-neck, there are so many opportunities.

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Alumni Profile

Alumni Profile Ben Jones, a graduate from the Class of 2015 was announced as the NSW Rhodes Scholar Elect for 2021.

Studying at Oxford will help him realise his vision to work with children, youth and families in Australia who face health inequities. Director of Alumni and Community Relations, Mandy Loomes, recently caught up with Ben. Did you always want to study Medicine when you finished school?

I have always wanted to work in health. I believe that good health is one of many important factors that enable people to live the lives they wish to. Having the opportunity to contribute to this I think is an incredible privilege.

What will you be studying at Oxford, and what do you hope to gain from these programs?

I am hoping to study a DPhil at Oxford. I am most interested in tangible, translational research that explores programs and initiatives that are being implemented to improve child health across the world. I would like my research to be across areas such as public health, health services and system research, and health policy.

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When do you leave Australia for England?

I leave October 2021 just after I finish up my final medical school exams.

Where have you spent your time whilst at uni?

I was fortunate enough to live on campus at UNSW for a number of years which really gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of activities outside of my studies. I was a staff member at the residential colleges for a number of years and really enjoyed contributing to what I saw to be a really welcoming, fun environment. I was involved in the student services organisation on campus Arc@UNSW, which was responsible for all the clubs and societies, social sport, the events and parties, student advocacy

branches, and a number of other great programs. I was also involved with the Indigenous programs unit where I made many friends and mentors, and played football with the UNSW Football Club. On less of a fun note, I had a number of experiences within the governance structures of the Uni, where I developed an appreciation of how big institutions work.

Outside of Uni, I love spending time with my family, friends and community, travelling in the holidays, reading, and visiting Brewarrina in north western NSW where I am learning lots.

Alumni Profile

What did you learn at Barker that has helped you on your journey?

One thing I learnt throughout my time at Barker that has really stuck with me is the importance of making the most of opportunities.

When I arrived at Barker in Year 9, moving from a local high school I was blown away with the range of opportunities available. I think a really important part of being a Barker student and indeed a Barker family, is being aware of the opportunities available and importantly, recognising there are many other students across Australia who are not afforded the same opportunities. Barker is a wonderful, wonderful platform in life to make a positive impact in whatever your area of passion.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at Barker?

One of the aspects of Barker I reflect upon most fondly is the opportunity to support classmates do what they love doing.

Whether it was watching talented performers in the musicals and plays, musicians in the bands, sportspeople across the fields, or

just watching classmates love what they were learning in class. They are awesome memories. Secondly, the relationships built with your teachers, particularly in Senior School, was incredible. I had some really fantastic teachers throughout my time at Barker who I learnt not only content from, but also, perhaps more importantly, some wonderful values.

Oh and of course, Mr Heath’s birthday Freddo Frogs.

Has there been anyone who has inspired you to follow this path and your dream?

Other than my incredible support network of family, friends and community, one of my inspirations is Fred Hollows. Fred had a relentless drive, a clear vision, was an unapologetic advocate, and had a passion for new experiences.

His work providing eye care to thousands around the world who would not have otherwise had access to eye care, and particularly his work within Indigenous Australian health, act as big inspirations for me.

What is your vision for the future?

Tudor Hart’s Inverse Care Law states that the availability of good healthcare varies inversely with the need of the population served. My vision is a world in which this law is reversed, especially for young people. I hope to one day live in a world in which those who most need healthcare, receive it.

Do you have any advice for today's Barker students?

I have a lot to learn and expect to continue learning throughout my entire life. Some advice I can offer from the position of a recent graduate is to really value your time at Barker. Do what you love doing and spend time with the people you love spending time with.

Autumn 2021 • Issue 130 • The Barker • 35

Sports

Sporting Season Kicks Off The 2021 Sporting year is off to a great start with some strong team performances.

Cricket

Year 10 Girls & Year 7 Sports Trials

Late last year, Barker entered a Middle School XI into the Northern Districts Cup, a T20 competition for students 15 years and under. On 30 November, Barker played Knox Grammar in the tournament semi-final at Gillespie Field. Bowling first, Barker had an incredible start, with Year 7 student, Campbell taking two wickets in the first over. Knox continued to struggle under the impressive bowling pressure from the Reds, and the slow outfield. In reply, Barker batted with a patient confidence beyond their years, and managed to win in dominant fashion. The Kings School were victorious in the other side of the draw, which resulted in a Barker v Kings grand final played on Mark Taylor Oval on Wednesday 17 February where Barker were named as the 45th Northern Districts Schools Cup Champions.

This term we were delighted to welcome our new Year 10 Girls to Barker Sport. During the course of their orientation to the School, they spent time in the Fedeles Gym where they were introduced to their Co-curricular Coordinators (CCCs) and some of their coaches, before moving to various facilities within the campus to participate in their Summer Sport trials. Directors of Sport, coaches and staff were very impressed with the girls’ enthusiasm, engagement and skill level that was displayed across a variety of sport offerings, including Water Polo, Softball, Basketball, Touch Football, Rugby 7s and Strength and Conditioning. Various other sports joined the S&C team in the Rosewood Centre Gym for an introductory session with the team.

In the Opens, our 1st XI competed in the CAS T20 competition on 30 January at Curagal Field. The round robin, North/South Harbour format meant the Reds would play Knox Grammar and St Aloysius in the preliminary matches. With the rain spoiling parts of the day in the North and the South, run rate calculations were implemented and a tight, tense competition was played out. Despite losing to St Aloysius, Barker were victorious against Knox, and with a superior run rate, won through to the final against Cranbrook. The final was played at Dangar on Wednesday 3 February, with Cranbrook scoring the winning runs on the second last ball of the match.

Congratulations team on a great effort!

In representative news, we congratulate Archie Gowthorp (Year 10) on his selection to the CAS U16 team, and Luke Giacometti (Year 12), Harrison Davis (Year 12) and Harrison Lucas (Year 12) in gaining selection to the Opens CAS XI.

36 • The Barker • Issue 130 • Autumn 2021

Our new Year 7s also had the opportunity for their first taste of sport at Barker. Summer trials started with a warm-up session for the students on the Rosewood Centre courts with Director of Basketball, Steve Carfino. Outside at the Rosewood Cricket nets, our students braved the morning drizzle and got stuck into the trial net session. Girls Touch Football and Rugby 7s were in full swing of things on Rosewood Field as the Water Polo boys had an intense session with Len Nixon in the Aquatic Centre. Anne Horne was her passionate self on Bowman Field, taking the Softballers through their paces and introducing new parents to the program. We thank all involved in our first Saturday of 2021 and wish our new students much enjoyment as they begin their sporting journey at Barker.

Adam Watson Director of Sport - Operations

Sports

Autumn 2021 • Issue 130 • The Barker • 37

Sports

Introducing our new Sports Co-ordinators

As part of the School’s overall strategic plan and its whole school approach to sport, two new Sports Co-ordinators have joined the Sports Department in 2021.

Rachel Potter and Kylie Mildren each have responsibility for a portfolio of sports and will be working towards the vision of offering every Barker sport at a five star level.

What has surprised both colleagues in the short time they have been at the School, is the number of programs that Barker offers and the number of students who are involved and active in so many activities.

“From the time you walk into the School at 6.30am it is a hive of activity,” Kylie has noted.

With the oversight of Touch Football, Netball, Track and Field and supporting Softball, Kylie brings a wealth of experience from previous similar roles.

“I’m looking forward to building on the School’s Track & Field program and encouraging students to get involved and to benefit from working with coaches that can help them fulfil their potential,” Kylie said.

Rachel is looking forward to supporting the students in their choice of sport and encouraging them to excel through the broad range of programs offered at Barker. She will have oversight of Boys Rugby, Girls Rugby 7s, supporting Equestrian, as well as Head Coach of Girls Waterpolo.

“We have had a big intake in Year 7 for Waterpolo and I’d love to see the sport continue to grow,” Rachel said.

On the day this interview was conducted, the Sports Department were enjoying honey from Rachel’s beehives. An avid beekeeper, Rachel is also the Education Officer for the North Shore Beekeepers’ Association.

Kylie’s day starts before the sun is even up – as a marathon runner, Kylie trains every day, recording her fastest marathon time of 3 hours 14 minutes in the Sydney Marathon in 2015.

Julie McAllister​ Editor

38 • The Barker • Issue 130 • Autumn 2021

Sports

Reds Take to the Water

Throughout Barker’s long sporting history the continued growth and varied interests of the student population has diversified the range of interschool sports on offer.

Introduced at the end of 2020 for students currently in Years 8 and 11, Rowing has witnessed strong interest from the students who were keen to take on this new challenge.

Head of Sport, Cam Anderson, said the School’s decision to introduce Rowing as a sport recognises the many positive outcomes available to students.

“Some call Rowing the ultimate team sport and as such, students have the opportunity to develop skills, values and character that this physically and mentally demanding sport can deliver,” he said.

Head Coach for Barker Rowing, Andrew Ashby, is fulfilling his passion for the sport which began when he was a student.

“I discovered Rowing when I was at school and have subsequently gained qualifications and experience in Rowing coaching in Australia and overseas. The ultimate experience was entering a crew in the Henley Royal Regatta in which they did very well,” Andrew said.

Rowing requires discipline, focus, drive, leadership, sportsmanship, perseverance, competitiveness and compassion. It is an extremely challenging sport, and Barker’s first Rowing recruits have been preparing both physically and mentally over the summer sports season with the aim of entering limited regattas next year.

The School has purchased four singles and one quad boat and have been combining two Strength and Conditioning sessions with a Saturday session on the water at Narrabeen Lake. There have also been several session in the pool to allow students to familiarise themselves with a rowing shell.

Presently the sport is open to students in Year 8 and 11, but will be offered as a sport choice from Years 7 – 11 from Term 4.

Julie McAllister​ Editor

Autumn 2021 • Issue 130 • The Barker • 39

Barker College Parents' Association

BCPA Executive for 2021

Barker College Parents’ Association

We are proud to introduce you to the BCPA Executive for 2021 President: Warren Davis BCPA_President@barker. nsw.edu.au Warren Davis joined the Barker College Parents' Association in 2020 as the BCPA President. Warren is married to Michelle and they have three children, Madison who graduated from Barker in 2019, Sydney who is Year 8 at Barker and Carter who is a Year 10 student at Arden.

Warren is the Chief Operating Officer at JPMorgan where he has worked for the last 25 years in roles across Europe, Asia plus Australia and New Zealand.

Warren also plays a role in girls rugby through his role at Gordon Rugby Girls Lead.

Vice-President: Michele Biet BCPA_Vicepresident@ barker.nsw.edu.au Michele joined the BCPA committee in 2020 as the Vice President. Michele is married to Rob (Old Boy, Class of 1991), She has two current students at Barker, Jakob is in Year 11 and Isabella is in Year 7. Her oldest son, Hayden, finished in 2019.

Michele works part time as an Early Childhood Educator at her local Preschool, whilst also working alongside her husband in their family business.

Michele is also heavily involved with Rugby on the North Shore, having held the position of VicePresident at Wahroonga Rugby Club for the last five

40 • The Barker • Issue 130 • Autumn 2021

years and also sitting on the Sydney Junior Rugby Union Board holding the Northern Zone Director portfolio. Michele has previously been a member of the Barker Rugby Club.

Secretary: Karen Gilbert BCPA_Secretary@barker.nsw. edu.au Karen Gilbert joined the Barker College Parents' Association in 2020 as the BCPA Secretary.

She has one son, Jayden who is in Year 9. Her younger son, Fraser, will start at Barker in Year 7 in 2022.

During the week, Karen spends her day as the Head of Risk Management for State Street Services Australia Pty Ltd responsible for the oversight and management of the risk management programs of State Street’s business units within State Street Bank and Trust Sydney Branch and State Street Australia Limited. She has been at State Street for the past 16 years. Earlier in her career she held roles with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and also worked in London where she met her husband David, before returning to Australia in 2000.

Karen also plays an active role at the Wahroonga Tigers Rugby Club in the capacity of Gear Steward and Committee member.

Barker College Parents' Association

Treasurer: Kris White BCPA_Treasurer@barker. nsw.edu.au Kris White joined the Barker College Parents' Association in 2019 as a committee member and became part of the Executive team following the AGM in October 2020 as the BCPA Treasurer. Kris is a Barker Old Girl from the Class of 1987 and has two children attending Barker, a son Tom in Year 10 (who has been at Barker since Year 3) and a daughter Ash in Year 12.

During the week, Kris works full time for the Commonwealth Bank as a General Manager running large scale remediation and transformation projects.

She has held a number of senior executive positions across private and public companies covering finance, operation and information technology domains and has been a director and chairperson of industry bodies. Kris had previously been treasurer of another school parent association and is a CPA.

Class Parent Coordinator: Deanne Uy BCPA_Classparent@barker. nsw.edu.au Deanne Uy has enjoyed joining the BCPA Committee, and filling the role of Parent Coordinator alongside Suzanne Gibson in 2021. She has two boys at Barker, Oliver in Year 10 and Harry in Year 7.

Over the past ten years at Barker she has been very

fortunate to have made some wonderful friendships in both of her boys’ year groups, as well across the School. This has come about through getting involved in Class Parent roles and events, volunteering in Tuckshop, as well as being actively involved in the Spring Fair and other BCPA events. With the hope that 2021 will allow us to gather again, Suzanne and Deanne aim to build a wonderful group of Class Parent volunteers from Pre-K to Year 12 who will think creatively, so that we can connect again as a community and develop long lasting friendships.

Class Parent Coordinator: Suzanne Gibson BCPA_Classparent@barker.nsw. edu.au Suzanne Gibson’s sons have been at Barker for four years after they emigrated from Cornwall in the UK. She is English and has an Australian husband whom she met at work in London. He was an Aussie backpacker who left 19 years later! They have two boys who are currently in Year 5 and Year 7. She really likes the people she has met at Barker, and has found herself organically getting more and more involved with volunteering roles. Firstly, as a Class Parent, then as the Junior School Tuckshop Coordinator, and now as Class Parent Coordinator with Deanne Uy. It has been a great way to meet other parents and to be a part of her children’s world.

The staff have been very welcoming and appreciate the time that we can give. It has been something that she and others have missed during COVID and hopes that in 2021 that we can come together as a community again.

Autumn 2021 • Issue 130 • The Barker • 41

Barker Archives

A Global Vision that Inspires Hope

Barker’s current vision statement “to be a leader in Christian education that is characterised by a global vision that inspires hope” might seem like a modern aspiration, however this is not a new concept at Barker College, in fact this vision has been lived out and tested many times throughout Barker’s 131-year history.

During the First World War, global vision and hope for a better world shone through in the Barker alumni, where of the then 550 old boys, over 230 volunteered to serve in the Great War. During the Roll of Honour unveiling ceremony in June 1916 it was said that “Even in this topsy-turvy world it is sometimes hard to realise that the happy, light-hearted, irresponsible schoolboys of not so long ago are now safeguarding our liberties; that those who then seemed to us just ordinary schoolboys, are now playing the part of heroes, and winning fame, not only for themselves and for the land from which they have gone, but are also causing the name of their old School to shine with a brighter lustre, because of each and every one of her old scholars, who, putting on oneside all personal considerations and ambitions have heeded the greatest of all cries, 'For God! For King! For Fatherland!”

42 • The Barker • Issue 130 • Autumn 2021

At the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 the School once again began to ponder a global vision that inspires hope when it published “We are trying, not to teach boys something that will be useful to them; we are trying to teach them to be useful to somebody: not to help them to get on in the world so much as to help the world get on” in The College Barker.

As the School endures its second global health pandemic it once again perseveres with this vision, strengthening it further as the School aims to “look up, look ahead, and look beyond” in 2021.

Rachel Byrne Barker College Archivist

Foundation

As Barker is working to establish an Endowed Scholarship program to support future students we spoke with Old Boys John Donovan (1957/58) and Peter Donovan (1960) to discover what motivated them to endow their Donovan STEAM Scholarship Fund. This was established by Drs John and Peter Donovan in appreciation of their teachers, especially Gordon Miller.

This joint project came to be because both John and Peter were Dux, won the school prize for Mathematics, and won the NSW Leaving Certificate prizes for Mathematics. While John and Peter are very happy to see the Scholarship initially applied more broadly and hope that it inspires others to make similar endowments, their wish is that one day it will revert to being a Scholarship for Mathematics alone.

The Scholarship is awarded to the Year 11 student who studies Extension Mathematics and four units taken from Sciences and/or Design and Technology. The scholarship is awarded to the student who scores the highest scaled combined mark. Through their generosity this scholarship was awarded for the first time at the end of 2020 and there was a tie. Two Year 11 students going into Year 12 in 2021 received scholarships. John was particularly pleased to note that one recipient was the grandson of one of his fellow students, the late David Breden (1958).

So what inspired their philanthropic journey?

Peter reflects that to some extent his contribution was made in appreciation of the implementation of full coeducation at Barker. As his wife Margaret is partly Aboriginal, the Barker venture on the Central Coast was also a factor for their decision to provide an endowment for the School. Peter recalls that in 1946 Barker received a minor gift of some laboratory equipment formerly owned by the Imperial Japanese Navy, which was an initiative of their father Jack Donovan.

Their philanthropic wish for Barker is that ideally it should have ten to thirty scholarships awarded at the end of Year 9 to run from Years 10 to 12.

If you would like more information on the Barker Foundation please contact foundation@barker.nsw. edu.au or 02 8438 7229

John Slack-Smith Foundation Chair

John said that he remembers his father commenting in the 1950s that Barker was much less well endowed than similar private boys’ schools, and many years later knowing this was still the case, decided to do something about it.

John Donovan

Peter Donovan

Autumn Autumn 20212021 • Issue • Issue 130 130 • •The TheBarker Barker•• 43

Inside this issue 45 OBA President 46 Life Beyond Barker 48 OBA Groups 53 OBA Feature: Three Generations at Barker

46

56 Personal Notes 59 Community Chaplain 60 Obituaries Old Barker Association Contacts

School Contacts

email: oba@barker.nsw.edu.au

Director of Alumni and Community Relations Mandy Loomes (02) 8438 7229 mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au

(Please note that the number in brackets after a name is the graduating year) President Angus Abadee (07) 0433 108 525 Honorary Vice-President Emily Tutt (09) 0433 711 664 Honorary Treasurer Andrew Hassall (86) 0412 610 434

Alumni Reunion Coordinator Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au Archives Rachel Byrne (02) 8438 7290 rbyrne@barker.nsw.edu.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) gdarling@sandstormgold.com Hong Kong Vacant

Interstate and International Barker Contacts

Japan Carl Bastian (93) carl@rwo.okinawa

General Committee Martin Donaldson (2000) Declan Flaherty (2016) Anthony Hearne (1990) Benjamin Ho (2009) Pip Hurley (1985) Jenny Kalaf (1978) Anna Sutton (2005)

Adelaide Lane Hinchcliffe (00) 0412 130 935 (m) lane@lkggroup.com.au

Middle East David Baker (85) +965 9950 1657 drwbaker2002@yahoo.co.uk

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

New Zealand Michelle McLachlan (Dooley 96) +64 27 838 7838 mmclachlan@trustwave.com

Nominees to School Council Michael Brodie (79) Tony Gamson (78) David Trayner (84)

Canberra Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 281(m) as.mccoll@icloud.com

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

OBA Annual Patron Sandy Hollway (64)

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

Papua New Guinea Johnson Kalo (83) (675) 305 6703 (w) jhnsnka03@gmail.com

Newcastle Nicholas Bedggood (88) 0410 565 101 (m) nickbedggood@yahoo.com.au

Philippines Steven Robinson (77) steve.robinson@dfat.gov.au

Honorary Secretary Andrew Davis (78)

OBA Seniors Contact Ian Pont (63) oba@barker.nsw.edu.au

OBA Support for Life Julie Davis 0434 385 442 obasupportforlife@barker.nsw.edu.au

Northern Rivers Jim Poulos (61) 0413 087 412 pamio@bigpond.net.au Perth Ian Christian (69) 0417 980 968 (m) ian.christian@thepark.com.au

Contributions Welcome Please send contributions to Mandy Loomes, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, 91 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077 or mloomes@barker.nsw.edu.au For further information please contact Mandy Loomes on 8438 7229.

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

44 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

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, East Coast New York Alex Skellet (94) (917) 251 3361 (h) alexandraskellet@gmail.com USA, West Coast Phoenix, Arizona Digby Cook (56) (623) 523 4321 (h) digbyhcook@gmail.com

From the OBA President

OBA President’s Message

As we start down the path of 2021, we look back at 2020 with mixed emotions. 2020 was an incredibly trying time, filled with challenges faced by all.

For many of us it was difficult to adapt to the new way of working, socialising and spending time with our families.

It was, however, through this adversity that we have been able to try new things, seek out new opportunities, and in many cases strengthen the connections we have with one another.

The Old Barker Association has also been on this journey. While 2020 was a change, the OBA is stronger for it as it gave us the opportunity to bring people together in new ways and to provide support to those who might not have needed it before.

In the lead up to our Annual General Meeting in August, we will be having conversations with many of you about what else we could be doing to support our alumni community. I am excited about what ideas you might have – and how we continue to ensure that the OBA is a focal point of the Barker Community.

Angus Abadee (07) OBA President

Our commitment to supporting you and your families goes beyond our ongoing work with the School to enhance the student and family experience, and beyond our support for affiliates. It is about ensuring that we are running an organisation that responds to your needs and wants.

In 2020 we were proud to ramp up our Support for Life services, driven by the unfailing dedication of David Trayner (84) and Emily Tutt (09) and the immense generosity of members of the Barker Community through our fundraising partnership with the Barker College Parents' Association. These efforts not only ensured that those who needed a helping hand at a difficult or challenging moment in their life were able to access one.

Help is just one phone call 0434 385 442 or one click away: obasupportforlife@barker.nsw.edu.au

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 45

The Old Barker

Life Beyond Barker Gio Saraceno, an Old Boy from the Class of 2012 has started creating podcasts through As Per podcast. podcast. Director of Alumni and Community Relations, Mandy Loomes, recently caught up with Gio. What did you study after you finished at Barker?

I was always strong in Maths and Chemistry, and was actually recommended by the Barker Careers Counsellor that Chemical Engineering would be a good career fit for me. Some very brief research indicated that engineers make money (high on the priority list for 17-year old Gio) so I went to the University of Sydney to study Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering!

What was your inspiration to start these podcasts?

Podcasting is the convergence of multiple passions of mine and has been something I've always wanted to do but never had the courage to start. It wasn't until a friend (and current podcast partner) Amanda approached me with a similar passion that 'As Per' started taking shape. The podcast's focus is something close to both our hearts. Hearing interesting life stories and unpacking lessons to improve your personal & professional life is very much the style of podcast I listen to in my free time.

Who have you had conversations with and what have you learned from them?

We're only seven episodes in (at the time of writing this), and already we've chatted with leaders, founders, and teachers across a fantastically broad spectrum of topics. David Gonski AC is definitely a highlight, having the opportunity to interview such an impressive individual was amazing. What I'm finding is everyone's story and experiences is entirely unique,

46 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

and packed full of lessons for young people - so it would be hard for me to start picking favourites!

Who are you hoping to chat with next?

That's a tough one, any inspiring leader is top of my list. I find the concept of leadership fascinating.

It's difficult to do well but great leaders shape organisations and nations. Having said that we're always on the hunt for passionate people who enjoy coaching and developing the next generation of leaders.

What did you learn at Barker that has helped you on your journey?

Another tough question. Barker certainly helped to develop my sense of curiosity and fondness for learning what makes stuff work. This mindset has certainly shaped me as an adult and helped me greatly in my professional and personal life. Aside from that Barker did a great job in keeping my interests balanced, by making the space for sport and music on top of study.

Has there been anyone who has inspired you to follow this path and your dream?

My parents have never relied on permission from others to follow their passion, they've always pursued careers close to their heart. My Dad's journey from freelance photographer to internationally-recognised director certainly inspired the thinking that you should find what interests you and just go out and do it!

The Old Barker

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at Barker?

I will always look back on my surf life-saving days super fondly. We'd surf all morning and then hit up Mr Dobson's BBQ. Upon reflection this is basically how I still spend my Saturdays so I guess that culture really had an impact on me!

Do you have any advice for today's Barker students?

1) Surround yourself with positive and inspiring people, 2) Keep your interests broad, and 3) Learn what you're good at. And if you want advice from someone more switched on than me you should check out the As Per podcast!

What do you do to relax?

I spend all day at my desk, so I'll head to the outdoors to unwind. Cycling, surfing, or a coastal walk, are my definite favourites, and if I can listen to a podcast that makes it all the more enjoyable.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 47

OBA Groups

OBA Groups Old Barker Football Club 2021 is shaping up to be a year of change for the Old Barker Football Club. Gentle and able stewardship from gaffer Peter Gunning wrapped up in 2020 and coaching duties have now fallen on the very capable shoulders of a player leadership group. Keiren Hayes (11), Gohto Saikawa (11) and Adrian Cocaro (11) have stepped up to the challenge.

Time slows for no one, except maybe the Robinson brothers.

Ned Robinson (05) and Matthew Robinson (03) are stepping back from top-flight football this year after over a decade each of throwing their bodies on the line for OBFCs top team. The Robinson brothers will bolster the strength of the Premier League reserve grade team. Joining them will be Matt Vickers (05), following the lead of older brother Dave Vickers (03) into a gradual fatherhood induced metabolic slowdown. Young guns Will Capon (15) and Alec Blair (16) will become the engine room of the 1st grade team.

Barker Old Boys Cricket Club Barker Old Boys Cricket Club have had a successful season again with plenty of good cricket played. The highlight of the season to date was a comfortable victory over Knox Old Boys. Heading into next season we are looking for new recruits to play limited overs games on Sunday afternoons. The games are good fun where all players get plenty of opportunity to have a bat and a bowl.

48 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

2020 saw Australia reach its lowest level of net migration since 1918.

However, the Old Barker FC bucked the trend retaining their Englishmen Joshua Gadsby, Matthew Worsfold and Keaton Dickinson. Yohei Sei’s services were also retained, after a complex loan extension deal was inked with an undisclosed Japanese football club.

The Club continues to cater to a global playing group.

The North Shore Football Association have this year changed the structure of competitions, removing the squad-based conditions from Division 4 onwards.

2021 will see the Club fielding a Premier League squad, a Division 3 squad helmed by Liam Demaine (13), as well as a Division 4 and Division 5 team. The depth of playing opportunities caters to any interested footballer, whether they are seeking a competitive or social hit out. This year sees a nebula of We are looking forward to welcoming the new Old Boys into the Club at the beginning of next season. Please send me a text on 0416 685 944 or email me on lachielloyd1@gmail. com to be added to our Facebook group where additional information is available.

Lachie Lloyd (18)

seasoned players filling out the Division 5 team. The intention is for this team to provide a springboard for registering the Cub’s inaugural over 35s team, commencing in 2022.

Pre-season is well underway, and we would encourage any interested party to come down and join us for a kick, even if uncommitted to the season ahead. Pre-season schedule and registration fees are outlined on our website – www.oldbarkerfc. com Matt Vickers (05)

OBA Groups OBA Netball The Old Barker Netball Club was started in 2015 and is a registered Club with the Hills District Netball Association (HDNA). Lauren Kirkby (07) is one of the two founding members and is the current President. Due to work and other interests Lauren would like to pass the running of the Club to a new generation of players. If you would like to be involved and would like more information please contact Lauren on 0414 837 992. You always

Old Barker Rugby Old Barker Rugby is back for season 2021 with the Men’s teams once again competing in NSW Subbies 2nd Division. After a Covid-19 interrupted season last year we are looking forward to getting back to the usual 14 round home & away competition against teams including Hunters Hill, Lindfield, Epping and UNSW. The season starts with back to back trials on 20 and 27 March, while our first regular season fixture sees us take on Hunters Hill at Boronia Park on 17 April. Our first home game will recognise ANZAC Day as we tackle UNSW on 24 April. The Club looks forward to welcoming all spectators back to the Turramurra Memorial Park as we manage in a COVID-safe way.

Following a very successful 2020 campaign, where the team went undefeated during the season leading to a Grand Final berth, our Colts (U/21) team will once again be coached by Angus Blakemore (16) and Matt Nevison (16). Traditionally the Club has always had a strong Colts outfit and this year will be no different. The new Colts from the School this year will be joined by returning players including Jack Breden (19), Christian Donovan (18), Andrew Castrisos (18) and Dave Ward (18) to name a few.

If pre-season training has been anything to go by we expect that our 1st and 2nd Grade teams will be strong in 2021. We are delighted

have the unwavering support of the Alumni & Community Relations Department at Barker as well as the Old Barker Association so you are never alone.

Over the years the Club has played in the two night comp seasons at HDNA each year as well as the Saturday competition.

Lauren Kirkby (07) President: 0414 837 992

to have Steve Phipps & Richard ‘RG’ Grant returning as 1st Grade coaches for this season along with the core group of players who have been instrumental in establishing a strong culture both on and off the field for the past few seasons.

Will Rowbotham (15) will continue as our 1st Grade captain supported by the Club’s elder leader Thomas McGregor (08). Our top two grades will have a healthy mix of youth and experience this season as they look to bounce back and move up into the finals picture once again.

Looking to build on some of our 50th anniversary season success, the ‘Frathouse’ is making a return to the 3rd Grade competition. This team is always a crowd favourite and will be full of talented players including Hugh Doran (09), Steve Hayter (10) and Tim Pasternatsky (07) to name a few who, despite moving on from 1st Grade, still have the passion for another premiership.

Grade - Tom McGregor 0415 057 657 Colts – Angus Blakemore 0438 264 875 Women’s 7s – Bianca Blake 0401 551 676 We look forward to welcoming you all back to Turramurra Oval this year as we indulge in a few renditions of our famous victory song William Tell!

Please visit www.oldbarkerrugbyclub. com for more information on the Club as well as the progression of our new clubhouse.

Josh Ballad (09) www.oldbarkerrugby.com

Rounding out the teams to represent the Old Barker banner this year are the BOBETTEs. Under the guidance of their new coach Jordan Fowles the Women’s 7s team will take part in the Jack Scott Cup for Season 2021. The team is excited to be finally entering a full season competition, with returning players Bianca Blake (15) and Liv McEwan (15) leading the charge.

As the season approaches we are always looking for more players to join the Club. If you are interested please contact one of the members: • Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 49

OBA Groups OBA Ag Society The OBA Agriculture Society has been created to provide our Alumni with the opportunity to stay connected with like-minded people with an interest in Agriculture. This is an invaluable network for careers, mentoring and keeping up with current and future trends in agricultural science, business and technology. This Society is being led and supported by Matt Nevison (16) and Barker’s Head of Agriculture, Scott Graham.

As soon as we can, we will let you know the details for our inaugural gathering. Details of this event will be available through the OBA Ag Society Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/2541392712616643

OBA Big Band For the majority of 2020 the OBA Big Band was unable to maintain a traditional rehearsal format. Our members were left to their own devices, practising pieces from the cloud at home. Fortunately, things are looking up for the band and we are now rehearsing as a group once again. Although our fingers and ears are a little rusty, we’ve set our goals high and are aiming to record two of our newest pieces in April. Our first piece was composed for the classic Leslie Nielsen detective noir satire known as Police Squad! This short 1982

OBA Christian Fellowship The OBACF was super excited to hold the first ‘in person’ event with Christmas Drinks at the Blue Gum Hotel in December. A COVIDsafe group of 30 alumni from the Classes of 2014 through to 2020 gathered for a cheerful evening getting to know one another. It was great to see everyone mixing across year groups, sharing old Barker stories and making new connections.

We organised another ‘in person’ event with a picnic in the park in February and are starting to plan for an Easter catch up as well.

50 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

TV series was later adapted into the successful Naked Gun movie series. Our second piece, Alone at Last, is composed by the Belgium trumpeter Bert Joris. The piece begins as soft, delicate, spacious blues and slowly builds into a roaring, wild release of passion. We are thankful to be together in the same room once again and are more eager than before.

To listen to recordings and find out more, visit www.obabigband. com Luke Davis (09)

The OBA Christian Fellowship aims to offer an opportunity for the multi-generational network of Barker Alumni to meet, connect and encourage one another in their faith journeys. We would love to grow our network even more. If you are interested in joining, please join our Facebook Group or contact Mandy Loomes mloomes@barker. nsw.edu.au or Rev Jeff Ware jware@ barker.nsw.edu.au.

Georgia Breckenridge (18)

OBA Groups OBA North Shore Wind Symphony Over the course of last year our ensemble shape shifted in step with the changing health restrictions. During hard lockdown we pivoted to virtual conducting lessons with our Music Director Andrew McWade. Later in the year we spilt our ensemble into two chamber groups (woodwind and brass) which allowed us to appropriately socially distance in rehearsals. In addition, our annual member concerto competition was still able to take place in October with James Brice as our adjudicator (Knox Grammar School Head of Performing Arts). Congratulations to Rowena Watts (Clarinet) for winning amongst a competitive field of entrants.

The prize of the competition is playing the concerto with our full ensemble live in concert. Rowena is due to perform her concerto in our August performance at the Conservatorium of Music. We had

Old Barker Association Theatre Group The OBA Theatre has been bringing past students back to the Barker stage since 2014, reuniting many classmates from years gone by and reigniting their passion for performance. Now into its seventh season, OBAT is proud to announce Candida by George Bernard Shaw for the 2021 winter season.

One of George Bernard Shaw’s now lesser known plays, Candida is the second in his 1898 publication of Plays Pleasant. Littered with Victorian wit, flair, political and dramatic irony, and scathing emotional commentary, it is no wonder the show swept the world with “Candidamania” at the turn of the 20th century!

to do something a bit different for our 2020 featured soloist Kate Rockstrom due to COVID-19 preventing our ensemble from performing.

We recorded a chamber version of Kate's Flute Concertino arranged by Julie Simonds, music directed by Andrew McWade, videographer and editing by Ansel Wakamatsu (14) and recording engineering by Dexter Cave. This performance has recently been premiered on our Facebook page and I am confident you won’t regret watching.

The OBA NSWS has returned to regular rehearsals with our full ensemble on Sunday afternoons at Barker College. If you are interested in joining our ranks this is a great year to join. Later in the year we will be performing at one of Sydney’s

Set in the northeast suburbs of London in October, Candida, the heroine, finds herself the object of a tug-of-war between two men.

The first, the famous clergyman Reverend James Morell, a muscular Christian socialist; on the other, there is Eugene Marchbanks, a nervy 18-year-old poet unsure of himself in nearly every way. The crisis occurs when Marchbanks rattles Morell's confidence by declaring his love for Candida; and, when the Reverend returns home and finds the poet and his wife enjoying a moment of domestic intimacy, Candida is forced to choose between the two men.

This is Shaw all over. He allows you to think he is creating a drama of ideas, only to depict a world governed by uncontrollable passion.

best spaces Verbrugghen Hall in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Before that, our next concert titled, The places we could not go, will be held on Friday 30 April at Barker featuring music from around the world. Tickets will be available via our Facebook page. Please reach out if you have any questions about joining us as a member or at our concerts.

Harry Nicol (14) NSWS Band Manager manager@nsws.band www.facebook.com northshorewindsymphony

If you’d like to be involved or have any inquiries, please write to: obatheatre@live.com Adam Roberts (14)

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 51

OBA Groups

OBA Fencing It is the great pleasure of the Barker Fencing community to announce OBA Fencing. There have been many requests over the years for an OBA Fencing Club which has now been made possible with Fencing’s recent transition to on-campus training. Fencing, at a student level, has fostered many long-term networks of friends well into their graduate lives, and we hope to return many ex-combatants to the fold.

The Club will cater for both social and competitive events, with the hopes of continuing Barker's ferocious and medal winning spirit.

The Club is anticipated to open Autumn 2021.

Thomas Smart (18)

The Club will be headed by the current coaching staff, including the legendary Steve Augoloupis.

We support Foil and Epee but can facilitate Sabre in the future.

Kurrajong Society

OBA Seniors

If your children have left Barker and you would still like to support the School and be part of the Barker Community events, then the Kurrajong Society is for you.

We send a regular quarterly newsletter, Kurrajong News to keep you updated on what is happening at Barker College.

If you graduated from Barker 50 years ago you are now a member of The Old Barker Association Seniors.

This is a social group who organise a number of events each year.

If you would like more information, please contact us at kurrajong@barker. nsw.edu.au.

52 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

If you would like further information, please contact Mandy Loomes in the Alumni Office on (02) 8438 7229 or oba@barker.nsw.edu.au Ian Pont (63)

OBA Feature

Three Generations at Barker When Michael moved from Cooma to come to Barker as a boarder in 1954, he never expected his family connection with the School would span more than 75 years.

Michael’s brother, Peter, started the Hook’s Barker journey in 1946. His sister Patricia married Graham Piper an Old Boy from the Class of 1955. Patricia and Graham’s children and grandchildren went to Barker with their youngest grandson Frank currently in Year 10. Michael’s three sons Jonathan (87), Jeremy (88) and Antony (92); and grandsons Lachlan (17) and Nicholas (Year 12) are also Barker students.

Michael Hook (59) How would you describe Barker when you first started and how do you think this compares to the experience of your children and grandchildren?

The School had approximately 650 lads. A third from the north shore, another third from the mainline and the "rest" were boarders mostly from NSW country with a few from New Caledonia, Fiji and Hong Kong. Sport was definitely high on our agenda. Nowadays the range of sports, as well as subjects, is so vast.

Do you have a favourite memory of School?

I have a very clear memory of my early weeks in Plume House. After "prep" we had our showers and a Senior would have the clock set at 50 seconds and say "get the soap off!". Granny Smith was our big mama.

She would call out "lights out". On our third night Barry Cragg, whose dad was a poultry farmer from Windsor, called out "I'm asleep Granny". Laughter was enormous. Boxing was one of Mr Leslie's passions. It was held on the quad before the May holidays. I was silly enough to enter and was matched with Paul Lee from Fiji. I survived our three one minute rounds but stupidly re-entered four years later. Paul had coaching each week and the "Boss" saved me from real damage before the end of round one.

Why did your parents choose Barker for you and Peter?

The Hook "dynasty " began at the end of 1945 when Dad drove up from Cooma to ask Mr Leslie if he could enrol Peter to start in 1946 to which he agreed. Dad had enquired after chatting with Arthur Haylock, a local grazier and Barker Old Boy. His sons Peter (my "big brother") and Roger made up the Monaro lads.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 53

OBA Feature

How did your schooling impact your life after Barker?

Do you have a favourite memory of School?

Moving on I am forever glad that our boys Jonathan, Jeremy and Antony had such great schooling and I enjoy regular reunions more as time rolls on. Our 60th Anniversary in November 2019 at the Blue Gum Hotel was very special.

The best memories were sporting ones (I can’t remember too many science classes - sorry Mr Campbell) and any opportunity to play on the Main Oval. It was great to witness and be part of the Athletics Squad in the 80s. Ian Moyes was an incredible coach and organiser, and anyone who was part of the highly-organised training, camps, or carnivals would have been inspired. Creating team spirit in what is largely a collection of individual pursuits is no easy task – it was a very positive environment.

Did Barker foster your love of sport?

Regarding our sport I can honestly say although I played a few games in the first cricket, each one of our sons and grandsons Lachlan and currently Nick played and were and are far better. Maybe it is Jenny's genes as she won the All Schools (Tildesley Shield) tennis and is still encouraging the boys.

Any final words on your time at School?

In summary we have all been blessed to be a small part of a great school which has lots for everyone.

Nearly forgot to mention Sunday lunch, roast leg of lamb with the veggies, fruit salad and ice cream. That kept the boarders going for another week.

Jeremy Hook (88) How would you describe Barker when you first started and how do you think this compares to Dad’s and your children’s experience?

I thought Barker in the 1980s was a fabulous school, lacking nothing, but getting bigger and better. Stories from Dad about the School in the 1950s sounded like “Tom Browns school days”! He told boarding tales of one-minute showers, boxing, canings by Bertie Finlay.

He obviously didn’t mind it too much because he sent three sons to Barker! I think his point was that the School had developed a lot since the 50s. For me, it wasn’t a hard decision to send our boys to Barker.

I had enough insight to see that the lovely culture of the School in the 80s was very much intact, the School had continued to develop and it had excellent leadership. The biggest difference at the School between our generations would be the introduction of full coeducation, a wonderful feature that has helped develop and modernise Barker. It was all-boys for Dad, and part coed for me, Lachie and Nick.

54 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

How different has it been for you as a Barker student and parent?

I must say it did feel odd at first when Lachie started in the Junior School in 2010. The School had grown, but still felt the same to me. A good number of teachers from my time were still there, even if in different roles.

Overall, I think the School is surer of itself, and what it stands for, and is clearly more progressive. A very good School has become even better.

How did your schooling impact your life after Barker?

In business I have seen how people lose their way without a proper value system. Barker seems to have always put enormous emphasis on values, and character, and I can see how that is obvious in the Old Barker people I know. I’m very sure that Barker helped instil good values and high standards in my time at School. A good value system sets you up well for life; life can get tricky when you aren’t sure of the difference between right and wrong!

Has the School’s motto, Honor non Honores had a significant meaning in your life?

Absolutely. Three words which mean a lot, and have stood the test of time, still being highly relevant today.

When I think of the motto, I think of character, humility, effort, achievement, service, selflessness and stoicism.

The motto speaks to the very values that Barker taught.

Do you have any words of wisdom for today’s Barker students?

It’s essential to realise that you are fortunate to be at such a school. That should firstly help you enjoy your time at school and secondly to consider how you can direct that good fortune to causes that matter to you once you leave school. The kind of things ex-Barker students have been doing for decades!

OBA Feature

Nick Hook (Year 12) How would you describe Barker when you first started and how do you think it compares to the different members of your family?

Coming from a small primary school, Barker shocked me simply due to the size of the property. I was a small, naive kid on an enormous 44-hectare campus, which would soon become my second home. It was also then, that I would build friendships that last until this day. When I compare Barker to my family members, the School has grown and there are now more facilities on the campus.

How different do you think Barker was for each generation of your family?

In Grandpa's year he explains how it was a full boys' school and the times he shared in the boarding house with his mates. In contrast Dad's generation involved girls from Year 11 onwards, and to nowadays and the near future of a complete coed school.

How different are the opportunities for you as a student compared to those of your grandfather?

There are so many more opportunities for students nowadays, such as the gym and additional academic classes which my grandfather's generation lacked.

What do you enjoy most about school?

Throughout my time at Barker, I have particularly enjoyed sport. I have built life-long friendships and shared great memories playing sport at Barker.

Note: Sadly Michael Hook passed away on 17 January 2021 after writing his recollections. His tribute will be in the next issue of The Barker.

How different do you think Barker would have been for your family especially your grandfather, uncles and aunts? What have they told you about Barker before you started? Was it very different to what you expected?

Very different. For example, they told me about the swimming pool located where the current Hornsby Hundred building is. The School was very different to what I expected.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 55

Personal Notes

Personal Notes (Number in brackets is the alumni year)

Des Pain (42/43) I had the great pleasure of visiting the National Portrait Gallery recently with my daughter, Robyn, and was delighted to come across a picture of Paul Korner. Paul was a fellow student of mine at Barker in 1942. I recall that he was a brilliant student and became dux in his final year. I remember him well, and often at the time wondered what his future held for him. I was delighted to read his CV which accompanied his portrait.

in the same family. It was a sad day on December 6 as we drove out the front gate for the last time as we headed for Perth.

We had operated "Roslyn" since my father's retirement in 1981 and I had worked there most of the time since leaving Barker in 1963.

Diane and I had experienced the full range of seasons that Australia can serve up, the years 2017 to early 2020 being the hardest rain wise in our occupancy.

Fortunately, we were able to sell out in the exceptional year that 2020 developed into.

We have travelled to various places around the world during that time and educated our three children into lucrative careers, so no complaints.

I ride motorbikes in my spare time, having ridden in Peru, Bolivia and Cambodia. Trips within Australia have included Tamworth to Cairns and return, Bunbury and return and more recently a 6,000km odyssey from Nyngan to Tasmania early in 2020 getting home just before the COVID shutdowns hit. I am a member of the Ulysses Club and also Australian Vstrom Riders group.

Living now in Currambine, I am very keen to meet up with any old Barker students living in Perth as I do not know many people over here.

Bruce (Kiwi) Power (47) I recently turned 90 and am very appreciative to be here and to be so well. I have written a 20-page booklet, outlining the factors that can help everyone to better health and the power of self-healing. It is titled Isometrics Plus and costs $10 which will be donated to Barker. Please email brucepower1@iprimus.com.au if you would like a copy.

John Hall (63) My wife and I sold our property in the Nyngan district in September 2020 to retire and move to Perth where our sons have made their careers.

This brought to a conclusion 162 years of ownership 56 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

Sandy Hollway (64) featured on The Australasian Special Events Project podcast last year. During his career in the Australian Public Service, Sandy served in the DFAT in postings as diverse as Pakistan, Germany, Canada and USA. As PM Bob Hawke’s Chief of Staff he was at the centre of one of the most progressive times of Australian political life. Headhunted to lead the SOCOG (Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) team, Sandy discussed the build up to the Sydney Olympics (20 years ago). Follow this link if you would like to listen to the podcast https://bit. ly/3s27x2L Neil Hudson (86) was elected to the House of Commons in December 2019 as the Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Penrith and The Border. In Parliament, Neil is an elected member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.

Neil is an equine veterinary surgeon, Fellow of the

Personal Notes Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has worked in mixed practice in the UK and at the Universities of Sydney and Edinburgh. He is the only vet in the House of Commons. Neil is married to Nicola and they have two sons. He keeps in regular contact with a number of great friends from the 1986 leavers.

Sam and a number of his mates have registered a team for the World’s Greatest Shave, to raise money for blood cancer research. His brother Will (19) and his cousin Lachie (Year 11) are also part of Sam’s team, Team Ranga, with a goal to raise $10,000. If you would like to donate please visit worldsgreatestshave.com Ed Hunt (15) married Hannah Biskupic on Saturday 9 January 2021 at the Narrabeen Surf Club. It was under challenging circumstances with lockdowns, hot spots and cancellation of the original venue at the last minute. Fifty people watched virtually via Zoom and 20 people were in attendance. The pair met at the University of Technology Sydney studying environmental biology. They completed their degrees and are now both studying a Masters Degree. Edward is also working at Sydney University as a Research Assistant.

Huw Jones (00) is the Section Principal Oboe of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4k0-P4l2aw to hear Reflections from Huw on the magic of live performance and the importance of sharing music with audiences.

Jaimee Rogers (03) has set the enormous challenge of swimming the English Channel in August 2022 – the swimming equivalent of climbing Mt Everest. The goal is to raise $50,000 for Gotcha4life, a charity founded by media personality Gus Worland to improve mental health and reduce rates of suicide.

Kieren Tall (16) won the 5000m race in the Athletics NSW titles for 2021 in February. Photo courtesy Athletics NSW.

The 35km slog from England to France will take roughly 12 hours of continuous swimming. To follow Jaimee’s journey or donate to the cause – www.jaimee.com.au

Lily Moody (19) and Mikey Jones (20) performed in the Little Spirits Theatre production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar at Ku-ring-gai Bicentennial Park in January 2020.

Piper Duck (19) was named in the Wallaroos Training Squad in November 2020.

Sam Wicks (13) was recently diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma and is currently undergoing 18 weeks of chemotherapy. Despite a sea of uncertainty Sam is taking one day at a time and trusting God with his future.

Zac Sellars (19) released a new single Thinking About You in November which is now available on all streaming platforms! It’s his first completely original track.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 57

Personal Notes

Kyle Bowen (20) and Mitch Wheals (20) represented the NSW Gen Blue Schools Section XVs against the Under 18s NSW Juniors in November 2020. Lucas Vass (19) and Adrian Brown (19) represented the NSW U18s Juniors side. Ben Whittaker (07) was the coach for NSW Gen Blue School Selection XVs. Mitch Wheals, Adrian Brown and Lucas Vass were also selected in the 2021 Waratahs Senior Academy in December 2020.

2021 Australia Day Military Honours Lieutenant Colonel Henry William Stimson CSC (99) was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious devotion to duty as the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment Task Group whilst deployed on Operation Bushfire Assist 2019-2020.

Chaplain Jui-Hsiang ‘Ricky’ Su (97) was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for meritorious achievement in leadership, pastoral support and welfare management within the Australian Army.

Chaplain Su was awarded the CSM for his selfsacrifice and work ethic within the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and during a four-month deployment to Iraq. For Chaplain Su, the best part of the job has been going to the field to see training, being with the troops, getting to know their families and seeing soldiers thrive.

Emma Wall (20) and Jacob Kalnins (20) received their Queen’s Scout Awards in 2020. This award is the highest award in Venturer Scouts. The Queen’s Scout Award requires over 250 hours of adventurous activities, community involvement, leadership development and personal growth.

Emma Wall

58 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

Jacob Kalnins

From our Community Chaplain Rev Jeff Ware

Barker Elders Former students often ask after their teachers: ‘Is David Giltrap still here?’ ‘Anne Horne?’ ‘John Griffin-Miller?’ ‘Lynda O’Brien?’ ‘Helen Graham?’

‘John McGrath?‘ Whatever happened to so-and-so, do you know where they’re teaching, what they are doing?’

They recount funny incidents and recall Barker staff members with considerable fondness.

Two of the teachers whose names invariably crop up are Lennie Nixon and Sue Field. So, to save myself breath: ‘Yes, they are still here.’ And, let me briefly share what they are now doing, these two Barker elders who have both served our Barker community for well for over 40 years.

Sue Field is now in the role of ‘Advisor to the Head of Barker College’ where her wonderful combination of gifts: her wisdom, her sharp mind and attention to detail, her capacity for sustained and focused work, her steadiness, discretion and dignity – all enable her to support Phillip Heath (and the school community) in a variety of projects.

She arrived at the School in 1975 as Sue King, a teacher of Chemistry. She assisted with the introduction of girls into Year 11 and 12 and was our Deputy Head for upwards of 20 years. In every role she has occupied, Sue Field has made an outstanding contribution to the School and has been the consummate professional.

Lennie Nixon, known affectionately by his colleagues as ‘Father of the House,’ arrived at Barker in 1977.

He is still going strong. He teaches Economics and Business Studies, he coaches sport - and loves his Rugby and Water Polo. He has written books,

Left to right Len Nixon weaves his magic in the classroom; Sue Field: Well done good and faithful servant of the Barker community.

trained teachers at university, and has stepped into a coaching role with Barker’s College of Teachers. He maintains a love of learning and an enthusiasm for the classroom. He models a commitment to continual improvement, to ‘making what is good, even better.’

It is said that if you serve here for over 30 years that you qualify as a Barker elder. These two well and truly qualify for that – and also as Barker legends!

They have been and continue to be a blessing to our School Community. We honour them and celebrate their being amongst us.

Rev Jeff Ware Community Chaplain

Baptisms in the Chapel 29 November Billie Helena, daughter of Hannah and William Wilhelm (10) 29 November Charles Lawrence Park, son of Annika and Nathan Hussey (06)

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 59

Obituaries

Obituaries (Number in brackets is the alumni year)

Amyand David Buckingham (46/47) 1930 – 2021

David attended Barker from 1941 to 1947 and excelled in all aspects of School. He was in the Athletics Team in 1944 and 1945, the 1st XI and the 1st XV from 1945 to 1947.

He even scored a hat trick in the match between Barker and CBC Waverley in 1947. David was a Prefect in 1946 and School Captain in 1947. He was the winner of the University Exhibition for Science and was awarded the Anderson Stuart Medal and was Dux of the School in 1947.

Following Barker, David studied chemistry at the University of Sydney completing a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree. He was awarded the Shell Postgraduate Scholarship in 1953 and pursued a PhD at the University of Cambridge in the Theoretical Chemistry Department.

After completing his PhD, David held chemistry lectureships at Oxford University with college responsibilities at Christ Church.

He also initiated key experiments at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington and was Chair of 60 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

Theoretical Chemistry at Bristol University. In 1969 David returned to Cambridge University as Professor of Chemistry and Head of the Theoretical Chemistry Department and remained there until his retirement.

Throughout his career David made many important contributions in molecular physics, predominantly in the areas of intermolecular forces (relevant to aspects of molecular biology and genomics) and nonlinear optics (intrinsic to laser-based technology and telecommunications). The CGS unit (centimetre, gram and second measurement system) used for the structural property of any molecule is called the “Buckingham”.

David received numerous recognitions for his research including being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (1975), a Fellow of the American Physical Society (1986), a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences (1992), a Foreign Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (2008). He was awarded the first Ahmed Zewail Prize in Molecular Sciences for pioneering contributions to molecular sciences.

He also received the Harrie Massey Medal and Prize (1995) presented jointly by the Institute of Physics and the Australian Institute of Physics. In 1997, he was bestowed a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) award by the Queen.

David continued playing Cricket after school, representing Sydney University, Cambridge University,

Free Foresters and I Zingari in the 1950s. His interest with the sport continued and he was involved in Cricket Administration for many years in Oxford and Cambridge before serving as President of Cambridge University Cricket Club from 1990-2009.

Professor David Buckingham CBE FRS FAA, passed away peacefully at home on 4 February 2021. He was a devoted family man and is survived by his wife Jill, their three children, Lucy, Mark, and Alice, and eight grandchildren, who range in age from 15 to 25.

Morris Alexander (Sandy) Bull (58/59) 1941 – 2021

Sandy spent his early years at Binnaway before he attended Barker as a boarder from 1954 to 1956. His brother Ross (56) also attended Barker. Sandy met his lifelong friend Barry Cragg while at Barker and although Sandy said that school was not for him, he did enjoy his sport, spending hours practising tennis, playing football and cricket.

Obituaries

Following Barker, Sandy worked and managed ‘Cattle Creek’, a family grazing property in Cassilis and later the family farm 'Braeburn' at Binnaway until 1989.

One of Sandy’s passions was his horses. He played polocrosse for many years, starting in the Binnaway juniors and later playing for Coolah and Muswellbrook.

He stopped playing in 1966 but his love of horses continued over many years. He had an Australian Stockhorse Stud, was involved with the Binnaway Pony Club, Jockey Club, as well as owning and training a few handy racehorses.

Sandy met his wife Carol in 1962, they were married in 1967 at Gunnedah and had four children – Andrew, Stuart, Jacqueline and Stephanie.

He supported the Binnaway community in many ways - with horse and cart rides at the hospital fete fundraiser, participating in charity golf days, and donating steers or sheep for a variety of auctions. He served on committees of local clubs and was the inaugural President of the Campdraft and Rodeo Committee.

Sandy was also proud of the Poll Shorthorn Cattle Stud established under CA Bull & Co. He travelled and showed cattle at many shows with highlights including winning Supreme Female in 1959 with ‘Jenny’ at the Brisbane Centenary Exhibition and running second with ‘Snowy’ at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1979. The Stud was dispersed in 1989, and Sandy moved to Manilla buying the top butcher shop with his son Stuart, and the property Kildare with Carol.

Sandy and Carol moved to Boggabri in 2000 and later retired to Gunnedah in 2011.

Sandy passed away on 7 January 2021 and is survived by his wife, his four children and grandchildren Immogen, Zander and Chanel.

Rolf Kenneth Cambridge (58) 1940 - 2020

Rolf often reminisced about his time as a boarder at Barker, retelling accounts of his sleeping arrangements on the outdoor veranda of Carter House and the mundane food in the boarding house kitchen. (It is clear there has been an astronomical improvement in these services since Rolf's time at Barker!)

Rolf will be dearly missed by his family. He is succeeded by three children, their spouses and nine grandchildren.

James Duguid (56) 1939 – 2020

Rolf Cambridge, late of Wahroonga attended Barker as a boarder in 1954 and 1955. Rolf was a keen mathematician at Barker and went on to have a long career as a surveyor owning his own business in the Hawkesbury region for over 40 years. He was actively involved in the Institution of Surveyors NSW throughout his surveying career and was the Treasurer for many years.

Rolf had a lifelong interest in marine biology, astronomy, mathematics, and permaculture. He thoroughly enjoyed encouraging his grandchildren in these areas and imparting his scientific knowledge to his children and grandchildren.

Rolf was Secretary for the Australian Plants Society. He also volunteered his time at Marine Rescue based at Cottage Point, as a committee member at North Shore Beekeepers' Association, Peninsula Firearms Academy and Permaculture Sydney North.

Rolf was an active member of his local church and enjoyed a lifelong commitment to the Lord.

James originally from Austinmer, received a scholarship and attended Barker from 1952 to 1956.

He enjoyed his time at Barker College as a boarder in Plume House, and on leaving school was followed by his brothers David (58) and Peter (63, deceased).

Following Barker James attended Sydney University and studied industrial chemistry.

During his studies he worked with CSR and continued with the company until 1974.

James was married in 1975 to Robyn and they had three children - James, Eloise and Ian. He later took a position with the SPCC in the area of Air Pollution, travelling extensively overseas for conferences. At times in his work he was required to climb chimney stacks at oil refineries to carry out air pollution checks.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 61

Obituaries

James retired early setting up his own business helping companies source problems they had in air quality control to meet government specifications.

yards and 440 yards races in each year he was at Barker. Tim was also a Cadet reaching the rank of Lieutenant Corporal in his final year.

preserve Victoria’s Little Desert and he applied his knowledge of bushfire ecology working on the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.

He was very proud of his family, and when his son Jamie (94) was at Barker in the 1st XI Cricket Team he became the official team scorer and enjoyed following the team during each season for a number of years.

Following Barker Tim studied Zoology at Sydney University.

During his Honours year in 1948, Tim travelled to Heard Island in the Antarctic where he carried out field work surveying birds and counting elephant seals. These surveys led to Heard Island being made a sanctuary with a glacier he sledged across in 1949 later being named Ealey Glacier. His thesis for a Master’s in Oceanography was based on his research on plankton colonies.

In the 1970s, “Dr Tim” appeared on Channel Seven’s program This Week Has Seven Days over a period of six years passionately educating children about ecology and conservation.

On retiring from that he spent time caring for his son Ian, who had downs syndrome and a congenital heart condition until Ian sadly passed at the age of 20.

James had health issues over the years including diabetes and cancer and in early 2020 his health declined further and he passed away on 7 June 2020.

Eric (Tim) Herbert Mitchell Ealey (44) 1927 – 2020

Tim attended Barker from 1938 to 1944 as a day boy. His brother John (45) and his nephew Hugh (82) also attended Barker. Tim's early interest in the environment was evident during his time at Barker where his original contributions The Forest Fire (1939) and A Seagull’s Soliloquy (1941) were published in The College Barker. Tim was also a sportsman. He played Rugby in the Under XVB and Colts A teams and was a strong runner, winning or placing in the 100 yards, 220 62 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

Tim then worked for the CSIRO and obtained a Ph.D from the University of Western Australia after spending six years in the Pilbara at a remote research station where he studied kangaroos, discovering a particular species could live without water for months. His work there was acknowledged with a hill and also a tiny marsupial rodent (Ningaui Timealeyi) being named after him.

In 1960 Tim commenced at Monash University as a senior lecturer in zoology and established classes in applied ecology and environmental conservation in response to a growing public awareness and concerns over the environment. In 1973, he became Director of the Graduate School of Environmental Science.

Over the decades Tim was involved in many worthy causes.

In the 1960s he helped set up an Environmental Living Zone at Bend of Islands and a Conservation Cooperative in the Christmas Hills area north of the Yarra River.

In 1978 he helped the Walpiri people in the Tanami Desert in their fight for land rights and was given the skin brother name Tim Tchapanaka. He campaigned to

Tim didn’t slow down after his retirement from Monash University in 1986. He set up a Faculty of Environmental Science in Thailand and consulted to the United Nations in the South Pacific.

In 1998, he moved to Coronet Bay and joined the Seagrass Partnership. He became known as ‘Dr Mangrove’ for his conservation work which included encouraging ten local schools to get involved growing and planting around 100,000 mangroves to stop coastal erosion.

Tim received many awards over his lifetime, including a Robin Boyd Medal for Contributions to the Living Environment, a Victorian Education Award and a Commonwealth Coastal Custodian Order of Australia as well as a UN Association Environmental Day Award. In 2008, he received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and an Antarctic Medal from the Australian Antarctic Divison after he became the first Australian scientist to circumnavigate Antarctica in winter.

Tim was also acknowledged as a National Treasure by the national library.

In 2017, Dr Tim Ealey OAM and his wife Laura moved to South Australia. Tim passed away on 21 October 2020 and is survived by his wife Laura and daughters Jenny and Wendy from a previous marriage.

Obituaries

Brian Harold Finch (45) 1928 - 2021

the Kiama Library, the Men’s Shed, and was a ‘regular’ at the Kiama Anglican Church as well as their Thursday men’s coffee mornings.

Edward (Ted) James Gaden (58) 1940 to 2021

Brian attended Barker College from 1941 to 1945 as a boarder.

He studied hard and achieved good results in his finals. In sport he participated in tennis (social), athletics and cricket. He learned to swim in the Barker swimming pool. On leaving School he attended Sydney University, where he gained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

After practising in Australia for eight years, he moved to England, where he remained for 17 years and married Nancy Phillips, a fellow Australian. They raised two daughters, Susan and Helen. Brian ran a dental practice at Romford for several years, and joined a group practice at Chelsmford for the last four years. During their last five years in England, Brian started and taught a certificate course for dental nurses, helped by other dentists. During that time the students achieved a pass rate of 80%.

In 1977, the family returned to Australia, where Brian ran dental practices at Wagga Wagga and district until he retired in 1992.

His interests included club tennis, Rotary, gallery guide, amateur theatre and membership of the Self-Realization Church of all Religions.

In 2006, Brian and Nancy moved to the Illawarra, where Brian continued his Rotary activities, then later Probus, Red Cross, Friends of

Ted attended Barker as a boarder from 1953 to 1958. His father James (1921) and son James (93) also attended Barker. Ted loved his years at Barker. He received the Helen Leslie Memorial Prize in 6th Class. He was in the 14B Cricket XI and 14B Rugby XV and in the Athletics Team in his final year.

His performance in the play Ile in 1957 was considered a dramatic highlight. He was a Prefect, Head Boy of Carter House and reached the highest Cadet rank of Under Officer.

During his time at Barker Ted formed many lifelong friendships including - Dave Prince, Mal, Jim and Rob McCalman, Geoff Little, Peter Breden, Garry Boyce and Tony Watts. Other great mates Keith Bedggood, John Grigg and Denver Webb, together with their wives, Lois, Ros and Cathy attended Ted's restricted Covid private funeral service. The boys he befriended in those years became his brothers.

Ted maintained a lifetime connection with the School. Marcia and Ted were married in the Barker Chapel in l969. Over the years he returned to the School for open days and sporting matches and after retirement he returned

to the School initially as a hobby to help with locating old boys and doing other alumni work which eventually became a paid job. One of his major contributions was the Barker Student Register which he meticulously researched and then supervised its publication.

Ted’s passion for Barker’s history, ex-students who served in the wars and his knack of keeping his peers connected have had a considerable impact on the alumni community.

Following his School years at Barker, Ted wanted to join the Air Force but was unsuccessful due to poor eyesight. In l959 he joined the large commercial building company, Concrete Constructions, as a cadet and worked his way up to become an Associate Director in 1973 and a full Director in l984.

Ted retired from Concrete Constructions in l992 (due to continuing ill health from heart disease) after 33 years of service.

However, he continued with work as a consultant in Malaysia and Melbourne in the years that followed.

Ted's interests included carpentry and 'fixing stuff' and he also had a passion for military history for which he had a great depth of knowledge.

He was a 'fighter' all his life from the very beginning as a premi-baby right through his very medically challenged 80 years. He was extremely resilient and courageous, coupled with a gentleness, a kindness and a helpfulness which came from a very sincere place. He always looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

Ted, late of Forster, passed away on 13 January 2021. He is survived by his wife Marcia, children Amanda and James, and six grandchildren.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 63

Obituaries

Graham Stanley Lugton (43) 1926 - 2020

Graham was born on the kitchen table of the family home in Lane Cove, son of Charlie and Norma, younger brother of Roderick (42).

He attended Lane Cove Public School and then North Sydney Technical School until in 1939 he won a scholarship to Barker.

He thrived academically being awarded Dux of Form V C & D on Speech Day 1940, and he always relished being one of “Leslie’s Men”, enjoying their reunions over the years. It was at Barker he met David Coffey (43) who became a lifelong friend. Until shortly before his death, Tuesday was always the day he’d have “coffee with Coffey”, an 81-year friendship!

After leaving Barker in 1943 he studied Forestry at Sydney Uni and the Forestry School in Canberra, graduating with a BSc. So began his career in the Forestry Commission of NSW. Graham met Aline in the 1950s and was smitten. They married in 1957 before moving to Tumut and then to Batemans Bay in 1958 following Graham’s promotion to District Commissioner. They moved back to Sydney in 1962 following another promotion and two children, Andrew (76) and Rowena Bragg (77). They bought a house in West Pennant Hills and this would remain the family home until 2012.

They had three children by 1966 after James (83) arrived.

64 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

Graham retired in 1986 as General Secretary of the Forestry Commission and threw himself into retirement with gusto. He took up woodwork and many beautiful pieces of his furniture adorn our homes. He kept the garden meticulously despite the best efforts of the dog, and loved entertaining in the garden with family and their wide circle of friends. He took up golf, and Aline and he travelled a lot, both locally and overseas. He was a keen student of English and History and perhaps his favourite pastime was vigorous dinner table conversation.

He was also an early adopter of technology, spending many hours in front of the computer.

Graham suffered from ankylosing spodilitis which left him with chronic pain for most of his life, but you would never have known it. His patience and faith was immense yet quiet. He and Aline attended St Matthews at West Pennant Hills since 1962 and Graham participated in the running of the church as a Parish Councillor and Treasurer for a number of years. He developed a love of theology, approaching his faith with the same intellectual rigour that he applied to everything.

He died in the early hours of 20 September 2020 after a short and unexpected fight with pneumonia. He is survived

by Aline (his wife of 63 years), children Andrew, Rowena and James, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was a thoroughly good man.

David William Noble (58) 1941 -2020

David "Nobby" Noble died on 28 October 2020 aged 79. He was a boarder at Barker from 1954 to 1958. He participated fully in school life and was a popular boy with staff and boys alike. He had a most delightful sense of humour which, no doubt, aided his popularity.

He played Cricket in the 4th and 3rd XI in 57 and 58 and the records show that as a bowler he took a total of 39 wickets for 314 runs an average of 8 runs per wicket!

Rugby was his true love and he captained the 5th XV in 58 and was the 5/8 and principal goal kicker.

He was also in the School cadet band as a bugler.

David did a wool classing course upon leaving School and soon realised that this was not a good career option. David's father had started a Holden dealership in Gosford, so it was not long before David joined the staff of Noble Motors doing all sorts of odd jobs including cleaning floor stock and used vehicles. David had natural business acumen and when his father retired David's ability came to the fore and Noble Motors grew and flourished.

Obituaries

The Noble family had the Holden dealership for 40 years and also had VW, Audi, Kia and Izuzu utes.

David was always community minded and as such he was involved in the activities of the Wahroonga Legacy Younger Set, Gosford Apex Club and the Gosford Beef and Burgundy Club.

He was a long term member of the Gosford Chamber of Commerce and even joined the Terrigal Surf Club obtaining his bronze medallion and doing patrols.

David's love of Rugby was always foremost and he was, with a group of like minded people, instrumental in introducing Rugby to the Central Coast. In the 1970s the Brisbane Water Rugby Club was formed and it played in the Newcastle competition. Some years later a local competition was formed and David became the inaugural President of The Terrigal Trojans, a position he held for many years.

David was made a Life Member of the Club in 2015, an honour that he cherished.

The Terrigal Trojans Rugby Club have renamed their Player of the Year award, The David Noble Award, in his memory.

David retired in 2002 and moved to Paradise Waters on the Gold Coast and then to Main Beach for the last ten years. He had two children, Nic and Ali from his first marriage and three grandchildren.

David married his second wife Maree in 1995 and took her daughter Emma as his own and two more grandchildren.

David and Maree loved to travel extensively. Fiji was obviously his favourite destination as he travelled there over 60 times!

David's health began to decline some two or so years ago and he fought against it to the end and never lost his sense of humour

even after he lost the ability to speak. David Noble will be remembered as a loyal friend with an engaging humorous manner and a loving family man.

Tim Lawrance, Tony Reynolds (1958 classmates) John George Russell (47) 1931 – 2020

of WS Leslie era gave John the opportunity to renew friendships made at School and they kept in touch for some time. At 88 years there are few remaining from his era.

John, late of Canowindra, passed away on 6 January 2020 after a year long battle with blood cancer.

He leaves behind his wife Norma, son Stephen and his wife Lynne, grandsons James and Stewart; son Phillip and grandson Trent.

John (Adrian) Lawrence Sterling (44) 1927 – 2020

John attended Barker as a boarder from 1944 to 1947.

His first interest on completing his education at Barker was the Young Anglican Club which ran social activities to raise money for the local church. When YA folded, sport became his off-farm interest.

He held executive positions on the local Rugby League Club, Horse Racing and Trotting Clubs.

When Rugby Union started in Canowindra, he turned his efforts to that and become one of the committee that ran the local club, South West Rugby, Country Rugby Union, New South Wales Rugby Union and Australian Rugby Union.

At the time of his death he was an Honorary Life Member of all four.

He managed the Australian Under 11 team that were undefeated on a tour of New Zealand and were coached by Geoff Sale of the Randwick Rugby Club.

The 2001 luncheon for Old Boys

Adrian attended Barker as a day student from 1942 to 1944.

During his time at Barker Adrian wrote a School play Write me a Requiem which was published in The College Barker in 1943 and an original contribution Haze which was published in 1944. He was a member of the Athletics Team and in 1944 broke the Shot Put record set by M Roberts winning the Open Championships with a distance of 34ft 6½ in. In his final year at Barker, Adrian was awarded Athletics Colours, held the rank of Sergeant in the Cadet Unit and was a Prefect.

Following Barker, Adrian studied law at Sydney University. He was admitted to the Bar of New South Wales but decided to travel around Europe first. He returned to Australia briefly before heading

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 65

Obituaries

back to London where he was called to the English Bar (Middle Temple).

The first stage of Adrian’s career was with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in Piccadilly, representing the recording industry. He travelled the world attending landmark conferences and making representations to governments on copyright issues from 1954 rising to the position of deputy director-general of the IFPI before he retired in 1973.

Adrian met his wife Caroline in 1972 and they were married four years later in Temple Church. Over the next two decades, he established organisations to protect the rights of performers, composers and authors and also wrote books on data protection and copyright law in Australia and Britain with Caroline assisting.

In 1992, at the age of 65, Adrian began a teaching role in the international and comparative law of copyright at Queen Mary, University of London. He spoke French, German and Italian and is remembered fondly by his students for reciting poetry and the lyrics from Italian operas.

During the last lecture of each year he would perform a scene from Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2 which included the line “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.”

Professor Adrian Sterling was considered a giant in the world of copyright law with a reputation for forward thinking.

He was instrumental in the Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Phonogram Producers and Broadcasting Organisations, 1961; the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Stockholm 1967, Paris 1971); Phonograms Convention

66 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

1971, WIPO Copyright Treaty 1996 and WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty 1996 (the two 1996 Treaties recognised rights of authorising internet transmission of authors works, performances and sound recordings); and the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, 2012.

Adrian Sterling, late of Notting Hill in London passed away on 29 November 2020 and is survived by his wife Caroline.

Meredith (Merry) Nield (Staff 2000 - 2017) 1960 - 2020

In January we celebrated the life of Meredith Nield who taught at Barker for sixteen years (20002017) having previously taught at Pymble Ladies College, Mount St Benedict College and Northholm Grammar School.

Merry was a dedicated, caring PDHPE teacher who taught with enthusiasm and distinction across all year levels in our Secondary School. She had a passion for sport, in particular for hockey, where she led the program at Barker for many years. Beyond Barker she played football for the Wahroonga Tigers, and loved exercising indoors and outdoors, indeed - here, there and everywhere.

For more than a decade she was a Tutor in the Senior School and was always willing to do all that was needed (and more) to ensure the best outcome for the students in her care. Merry’s instinct was to be

interested in and of help to others.

She had a remarkable ability to delve beyond the superficial to find out what was truly going on in people’s lives. Many have found strength, clarity, and a way forward by chatting things through with Merry and reflecting on the values she lived by and the little ‘life lessons’ she freely shared.

Merry has had a profound influence on many people – family, friends, students, and colleagues.

Her upbeat attitude and strength meant Merry found the joy in every moment. There was never a complaint, just a mindset of: things to do, people to help, places to explore and exercise to be done. Her approach to life was remarkable.

Given less than 12 months to live, at age 56, Merry amazed doctors by making it through to her 60th birthday and living a life full of adventure. From energetic hikes, family holidays and walks with friends, to karaoke, Merry was never going to go without a fight and she experienced some of her most treasured life moments in those four years.

The positive manner in which she dealt with her illness inspired many people: there was never a trace of self-pity, she was always interested in other people and their troubles, and she remained totally focussed on whoever was with her at the time.

A number of our community knew of Merry through her two muchloved sons who both attended Barker, Digby (09) and Monte (12).

Her sons were with her to the very end. Merry died on 21 December 2020.

Jeff Ware (Community Chaplain)

WHAT'S ON TERM2

Thu 6 May Griffiths Court 6.00pm start

​

Photo sourced from www.imdb.com

WINTER PLAYHOUSE

YEAR 11 PLAY: METAMORPHOSES

YEAR 10 PLAY: THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE

Wed 2, Thu 3, Fri 4 June BCMA Theatre 7.30pm The Happiest Days of Your Life is a delightful farce by the English playwright John Dighton.

Let the wonderful Barker Drama family entertain you for the night – a chance to see your drama friends perform!

Set after World War II, this is about what happens when a boys' school receives the news that they are to billet another school which is all female. Events are complicated by the arrival of the parents. Each headmaster/mistress tries to conceal the fact that his/her school is now coed. Eventually, the parents learn the truth and are about to remove their children when news arrives that a third school is to be amalgamated into theirs. They all join together to keep out these intruders. This delightful, whimsical show about the breaking down of barriers between the sexes is ideal for all groups.

The title of the play echoes the old saying that schooldays are "the happiest days of our lives".

Once a year, Barker Drama showcases some of the wonderful curricular projects we have been working on, and you may get a sneak preview of some of the exciting co-curricular productions in the pipeline. Griffiths Court (CRU Courtyard) will be transformed into an atmospheric amphitheatre where you can enjoy a fun night out with friends while sipping hot chocolate!

You will get a taste of modern Realism, traditional Musical Theatre, Dance, Monologues and have a laugh at the Theatresports teams in action…. Phew, the list is endless, but the evening will leave you with the Drama spirit!

Director: Phillip Heath AM

OBAT: CANDIDA

by George Bernard Shaw Thu 8, Fri 9, Sat 10 July 7:30pm Rhodes Theatre Director: Adam Roberts (14)

Candida is a Shaw classic, resonating across generations with ever-present ideas of philosophy, love, and passion.

One of George Bernard Shaw’s now lesser known plays, Candida is the second in his 1898 publication of Plays Pleasant. Littered with Victorian wit, flair, political and dramatic irony, and scathing emotional commentary, it is no wonder the show swept the world with “Candidamania” at the turn of the 20th century!

Set in the northeast suburbs of London, Candida, a charming woman “quite at her best”, finds herself the object of a tug-of-war between two men. The first, the

famous clergyman Reverend James Morell, her husband; on the other, there is Eugene Marchbanks, a nervy 18-year-old poet unsure of himself in nearly every way. The crisis occurs when Marchbanks shakes Morell’s confidence by declaring his love for Candida; and, when the Reverend returns home and finds the poet and his wife enjoying a moment of domestic intimacy, Candida is forced to choose between the two men.

• Autumn 2021 • Issue 244 • The Old Barker • 67

WHAT'S ON TERM2 BARKER WIND SYMPHONY AND OBA CONCERT

CHAMBER IN THE CHAPEL

BARKER WIND SYMPHONY AND MORIAH SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT

Friday 30 April Leslie Hall

Wednesday 5 May Barker College War Memorial Chapel

Thursday 13 May Moriah College

These two wind symphonies perform in a joint concert titled “The Places We Could Not Go.” Music representing all the places we could not go during COVID’s lockdowns and restrictions. You’re invited to a brief “musical” holiday.

The word "Chamber" is used in music to denote smaller scale, more intimate groupings and presentations. Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Chamber music.

This concert features all of those things, with works by Vaughan Williams, Vivaldi, Bloch and Benjamin Saffir.

2021 MASTERPIECE CONCERT

COFFEE HOUSE

Thursday 10 June The Concourse Chatswood

Thursday 17 June McCaskill Music Centre

Barker’s major concert this year sees its senior ensembles make a triumphant return to the wonderful Concert Hall in The Concourse at Chatswood. The College’s resurgent choirs, splendid wind symphony and awesome orchestras will dazzle and delight.

Coffee House is a student-run rock concert which showcases over 20 of the very best Barker student rock bands.

68 • The Old Barker • Issue 244 • Autumn 2021

In 2019, the Moriah Symphonic Wind Ensemble visited the North Shore to perform with Barker’s Wind Symphony. It’s our turn to visit Moriah College and perform in a brilliant, joint concert with another incredible high school wind band.

Pianos

Have you ever heard of or played a Beale Piano? Beale Pianos were Australia’s first piano manufacturer.

Our very own Old Boy Jim Beale from the Class of 1945 is the grandson of Octavius Beale. Jim recently shared the story of his family with the School.

difference. The highest weekly production was 96 and the preparation of components could have taken months. Total production from 1893 to 1961 was in the order of 90,000 and for most of that time a working week was 44 hours. The company was sold in 1961.

Octavius formed a company to import sewing machines and pianos in 1884 after which he established a factory in Annandale in 1893. There was also a showroom in George St opposite the Queen Victoria building. In those early days cows grazed in paddocks near the factory.

‘My father was blown off his horse in France receiving multiple wounds so he knew about pain. Logging and saw milling had many accidents and hours away from medical help. The mill was only a few years under his management before the casualty room was built and staffed. This was unheard of in the industry!l and

During this time it became apparent that the imported European pianos were at that time made entirely of wood, but in the dryer climate the timbers were shrinking and splitting the instrument.

My eldest son is named after my favourite cousin Richard, second son of Rupert Beale, who was older than me and who lost his life taking a hand grenade away from children on Wollongong beach’.

By the 1880s pianos were made with an iron frame which Beale & Co imported from Hapsburg Beale Pianos in Germany, however during the journey, the iron frame was subject to shrinking.

Beale & Co started making radio sets in combination with AWA Ltd prior to the death of Jim’s father in 1936. Jim’s maternal grandfather, Sir George Mason Allard was chairman of AWA. After the war the company did make some TV cabinets, but it was not a lasting venture.

Octavius had to learn what constituted dry timber (and therefore no further shrinking) as it differed in Europe to Australia particularly in low humidity areas such as SA, Bourke and Broken Hill. European and North American timbers were available at a cost while local timbers could be accessed without delays. The species of timber selected for any particular part had to conform with density to cover machining ability, acceptance of glue, strength and straight grain.

The first Beale pianos were modelled on the Hapsburg Beale model using kiln dried timber, animal glue (known as “pearl”, because before it was heated for use, it was supplied in beads looking like pearls). After 1904 the patented tuning system was the ultimate

Jim has no photos or documentary evidence of the stories he heard from old employees at the factory but recalls two events of caring for others he can share.

There are about fifty thousand Beale pianos still in existence today.

Trees

used #130

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