Vol 28 Term 2 2013 HEYINGTON Moonga Road

HEYINGTON
Moonga Road
Toorak 3142
Telephone 9822 0911
Facsimile 9822 3147
Vol 28 Term 2 2013
GLENDALOUGH
75 Lansell Road
Toorak 3142
Telephone 9827 9808
Facsimile 9827 7307
OMNIA
WATERFORD
20 Darlington Parade
Richmond 3121
Telephone 9421 4319
Headmaster’s Message
OM
NIA
PRO
DEO
The vibrancy and variety of school life sweeps us along as we conclude Semester
One. Sport, camps, musicals, plays, debating and dances have complemented the
academic program. Social justice enriches the lives of our boys and those they service
and with whom they interact. Our community has celebrated and mourned.
Schools are very much large villages in which we all have significant and real
emotional investment.
Many in our community may be sad to learn that our current
Deputy Headmaster, Dr Michael Davies, is to leave us at
year’s end to assume the Headmastership of Trinity Grammar
School, Kew. We will miss a very talented teacher of Physics,
a dynamic Faculty Head of Science, the very thoughtful and
pastoral inaugural Head of McCarthy House, a purposeful
Director of Studies and a very hard-working and astute
Deputy Headmaster. Michael’s contribution to outdoor
education and swimming were strong, and his development of
our rugby culture was instrumental in creating our success in
that sport. I am delighted that the Davies will remain in our
community as parents. The search for our fourth lay Deputy
Headmaster has begun. Pray that we attract applicants of faith
and moral fibre who are equal to the task.
Mrs Carmen Camilleri retired from the College at the end of term. A past parent,
she has been a wonderful senior school officer working as a PA to members of the
Leadership Team, including the author when I was in another chair. Her loyalty,
diligence, good humour and accurate judgement will be missed.
In recent times, boys throughout the College have completed examinations. Years
3, 5, 7 and 9 addressed Naplan. This is a useful tool, providing a snapshot in time
of a boy’s literacy and numeracy strengths. The data is useful to us; however, it is
but one thread in a whole carpet which underlays our teaching of the boys. We
do not place extra time or resources into the preparation of our boys beyond that
formally suggested to acquaint them with the style and nature of the testing. The
results would be more useful if they were available promptly. Details are available
on the myschool website (myschool.edu.au). It was pleasing to note in the ‘Weekend
Australian’ of 1-2 June that in 2012, St Kevin’s College, based on the combination of
Years 7 and 9, was ranked the top non-selective boys’ school in the country.
Far more rigorous and lengthy examinations have taken place across Years 7-12 and
form the basis of the reports families receive these holidays. Our highly structured,
cross-marked and statistically-moderated exams do allow teachers, a boy and home
to make astute and informed analysis of current progress. In Year 7, the examination
comprises 20% of the global grade rising to 50% in Year 11. I have been delighted
with the process and conduct of the examinations this semester. It has been a credit
to boys and staff.
As you read this Omnia, St Kevin’s boys will be active across the country. Our senior
AFL footballers head to Adelaide to play fellow EREA school, Rostrevor College, in
a fixture that dates back to 1924. Two teams of our basketballers head to Brisbane
to play in an EREA tournament. The senior rugby teams also fly north to play a
series of fixtures. Our musicians are also part of the mid-year flight north as they
head to a range of Brisbane schools for workshops and performances. We are such a
fortunate school to have staff so committed to the boys’ holistic education.
Work will commence in earnest on the McMahon Music Centre over the holidays.
The short-term pain of instrument tuition classes in demountables and the temporary
loss of the staff car park will be completely ameliorated when our musicians from
across the school take up residence in Term III of 2014. Please assist us to be good
neighbours throughout the build by strictly observing all parking requirements in
Lansell Road.
Front cover: Student musicians performing
at the Autumn Concert
The mid-year break is a great time to shake off coughs and splutters and recharge
our personal energy source to approach second semester with enthusiasm. I pray that
all in our community enjoy the company of family and friends during our winter
break.
Omnia Pro Deo
Generations in Jazz
Success at Sing Off
St Kevin’s College again made the journey
to Mount Gambier, South Australia to
take part in the National Stage Band
Awards as part of the annual Generations
in Jazz festival. The festival grows each
year, with approximately 3000 students
from more than 80 schools taking part in
the festivities this year.
The Sing Off is a charity event, organised
entirely by the Music Captains from six
schools, and features a singing contest
similar to ‘Glee’. Sing Off 2013 was
always set to be a fierce competition,
with a large number of talented
musicians involved from the six schools
– Genazzano, Xavier, Loreto, Scotch,
St Catherine’s and St Kevin’s. Fifteen
Kevinians represented the College at
Xavier’s Eldon Hogan Performing Arts
Centre, competing against the other five
strong individual school acts, and later
teamed up with St Catherine’s in the
Combined School division.
A highlight for both students and staff
were the concerts on Friday and Saturday
nights, and again on Sunday morning
featuring James Morrison, The Idea
of North, Megan Washington and the
incomparable Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat
Band. The Big Phat Band is arguably the
best big band in the world today, made
up of the finest studio musicians the
USA has to offer. Their energy on stage
and mastery over their instruments was
remarkable and left all in the audience
blown away.
Big Band 1 performed in Division 2
under the expert guidance of Mr Andrew
Werner, Big Band 2 performed in Division
3 for the first time, directed by Mr David
George and Big Band 3 performed in
Division 4 led by Mr Henrik Beasy.
All three St Kevin’s Big Bands played
admirably and demonstrated fine progress
in the last twelve months.
The importance and worth of this trip is
evident instantly. The boys’ eagerness to
attend Generations in Jazz again next year,
and also their aspiration to improve and
develop after hearing some extraordinary
high school and professional musicians
contributes considerably to the positive
culture of the St Kevin’s College Music
Department.
We performed two songs. For the single
division, we used an arranged mash-up
of three popular songs: ‘Some Nights
by Fun’, ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae
Jepson, and ‘What Makes You Beautiful’
by One Direction, aptly named, ‘Some
Call Me Beautiful’. Our combined song
was also a merger of two songs: ‘Sing’ by
My Chemical Romance, and ‘Don’t You
(Forget About Me)’ by Simple Minds.
The night exhibited a wealth of amazing
musical talent: a showcase of brilliant
singers and dancers from the six schools.
While Scotch was able to come away as
victors in the Solo Section, the combined
St Kevin’s/St Catherine’s Glee Club, or the
‘Keverines’, as we liked to call ourselves,
sang and danced our way to triumph,
making this year another successful year
for St Kevin’s.
Ivor Wong
Deputy Music Captain
Edmund Rice Day
Almost 2000 students, aged from 5 to 18, gathered in the Wilding Centre to celebrate
Mass in honour of Blessed Edmund Rice, the man whose vision in starting a school for
children on the streets of Waterford in 1802 has led to St Kevin’s being in existence at
all. The Mass was a celebration of our faith and spirit. We were led by Fr David Ryan
SJ who quoted a Year 3 student who wrote ‘one of God’s main jobs is making people.’
The student also wrote: ‘If you don’t believe in God, you will be very lonely because your
parents can’t go everywhere with you like camp, but God can.’ Father Ryan urged us to
remember that God goes with us in everything we do, especially when we reach out to
others in the name of justice as Edmund Rice did.
Following the community celebration of Eucharist, the Years 7 and 8 students set off
on their fundraising run around the Tan. There was a mass of green, gold and blue
pounding along the walkways, and some very fit and energetic Year 7 boys were very
determined to beat their Year Level Coordinator, Mr Adam Valladares, back to the
College grounds. There may have been a challenge involved?
The senior school moved into House Groups and spent the afternoon off campus
enjoying the company of their fellow students in Tutor Group. There were a variety of
lunches, picnics, sporting activities, and more spread across Melbourne as the six House
communities took the opportunity to share fun, food and fellowship.
Trekking in Nepal
Fifteen boys accompanied by three
teachers ventured to Nepal in March/April
for a life-changing journey.
After arrival in Kathmandu, the group
took a short flight to Pokhara and the 7
days of trekking around the Annapurna
circuit began. The trek was a truly surreal
experience, taking us from Tolka where
we witnessed the work of the first St
Kevin’s group and spent time playing with
local children, to Ghandruk where we
visited a local museum. We then trekked
to Ghorapani, one of the largest towns in
the area, and played a volleyball match
with the locals and other travellers. After
an early, slightly frosty awakening, we
climbed up to Poon Hill where we were
treated to a panoramic view of a sunrise
over the Annapurnas.
Later, we trekked to Jilbrang to begin
the community project in the village.
Our work involved building a fence
and constructing a retaining wall for
the school. We not only worked, but
interacted with the school children.
Playing with them one rainy afternoon
will surely be engrained as one of the most
memorable moments of the trip. Upon the
conclusion of the project, we had formed
friendships with many of the children
and in a hand-over ceremony gave them
material for uniforms, sports equipment
and tools for the village.
We visited the village of Bukha and saw
the work of a previous St Kevin’s group
before descending to our final campsite.
After a flight back to Kathmandu, we
participated in community work at a local
school before spending a few days relaxing
and exploring the city.
The trip was a truly memorable experience
where we were all immersed deeply into
the culture of Nepal. The friendships we
formed with not only the people, but the
country, will remain with us for all our
lives.
Victor Choy
Studying history in Europe
The 7:30pm meeting of 26 adrenalincharged Kevinians, their nervous parents
and four spirited staff members, at the
Melbourne International Airport on
Friday, 29 March 2013 was the first stop
on an action-packed itinerary rivalling
most significant trips that one might
take to Europe. For many of the student
travellers from Years 9 to 12, this was to
be their first overseas trip, and what a way
to commence using a new passport!
In addition to the usual challenges of
jet-lag, foreign currencies, differing time
zones, unknown languages and orientation
with new and wondrous cities, came of
course the psychological effrontery which
comes with standing on Anzac Cove,
walking in the steps of the tormented at
Auschwitz, journeying through the horrors
of trench warfare in the Somme Valley and
pondering on how and why competing
ideologies once split Berlin into East and
West. Conversely came the sobriety of
the eternal reverence held for the fallen
witnesses during the daily ritual of the
Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate,
Ypres, Belgium. Daniel Shuttleworth,
Thomas Montgomerie and Thomas
Appleby certainly did the entire College
proud in the laying of a wreath during
this very moving ceremony which students
attended in full school uniform, out of
respect for the occasion and drawing some
attention from the other tourists.
The splendour and magnificence of
the Palace of Versailles, along with the
grandeur and awe of the Louvre Galleries,
will be forever contrasted by the majesty
and spiritual significance of Notre Dame
Cathedral during the Easter season.
The long lines of both Parisians and
international visitors waiting patiently for
just the briefest of time spent in prayer
and reflection spoke volumes to our boys
about the global nature of our faith.
The final layer of sensory experience was,
of course, those few treasured moments
of haggling for souvenirs on the streets
of Paris, Istanbul and Krakow, and in
sampling the culinary sensations of a
‘currywurst and chips’, French croissants,
Belgium chocolates and real Turkish
delight!
However, the overall life-changing
effect of the trip was realised through
experiencing, first hand, the awesomeness
and power of living history. Above the
door of a hut at Auschwitz a plaque reads,
“The one who does not remember history
is bound to live through it again” (George
Santayana). The members of the tour
came home with an awareness of the real
impact of war and the true meaning of
sacrifice and courage. ANZAC Day will
never be the same.
A special day for special mums
On Friday, 10 May – the yellow line at
Glendaloughas awash with white and
pink bags – it was a most unusual sight!
The boys were leaving the school grounds
proudly holding the gifts they had selected
at the GMA Mother’s Day stall earlier in
the day.
The students purchased many gifts from
coloured bracelets to garden packs, Estee
Lauder skincare and make-up and Kikki
K stationery. Gorgeous kitchenware from
Bed Bath & Table was popular as were the
pink shopping bags and bookmarks.
If the level of excitement from the boys
was any gauge – they were all thrilled to
treat their Mum and special friends to
beautiful gifts in appreciation of the love
and assistance they tirelessly give on a day
to day basis.
Victoria’s Premier Award
Christian von Struppi, Riley O’Brien and Paolo
Petrucelli have been awarded the highly coveted
Premier’s Award for their studies in History
Revolutions, Physical Education and Business
Management respectively. Christian, Riley and
Paolo scored perfect 50s, and were among the top
performing students in their respective subjects.
The Premier Denis Napthine congratulated the
students for performing at the very highest levels.
‘VCE is no small feat, but doing so with a top
score is a tremendous achievement.’ He went on to
say the breadth of talent on display at the Awards
was good news for the state’s future. ‘If these
students are Victoria’s best and brightest, then we
are in very safe hands indeed.’
St Kevin’s congratulates Christian, Riley and Paolo
and on their wonderful achievements.
Flaming Torch is the history of Br Frank
McCarthy, written by Br Bill Wilding.
Copies are available for purchase at $35 (cash
or credit card payment). If you would like a
copy posted please include $5 for postage
Available from :
Mrs Robyn Brewis
Galleria, McCarthy Building
Heyington Campus
Phone : 9832 4954
Email : brewisr@stkevins.vic.edu.au
Thank you to Annie Saville and Jan
Read from the Glendalough Mother’s
Association who co-ordinated the stall
and to all the volunteer mums who helped
out on the day.
We hope that all Glendalough Mothers
had a lovely Mother’s Day, were spoilt
by their sons and enjoyed opening their
special gifts.
Nine Days author
The Year 10 Literature class enjoyed a
visit from Australian author, Toni Jordan.
She has recently published her new book,
Nine Days, and the Year 10 boys have
studied it during first semester. It tells
the story of nine momentous days in a
family’s life in 1939 as Australia is about
to go to war. It is set in the working-class
Melbourne suburb of Richmond, and
St Kevin’s plays a role in this family’s
experience. It is a novel about dreams and
fights and sacrifices. And finally, of course,
it is - as it must be - about love.
The Literature class enjoyed the book
and loved the opportunity to talk to Toni
Jordan in person.
Treading the boards
Performing Arts for Term Two came to a peak in May, with three diverse productions on
stage across three campuses.
VCE Theatre Studies students presented the peppy Mark Twain comedy of errors Is He
Dead? Braden Pitcher gave a terrific performance as the artist who faked his death to inflate
the prices of his artwork. The Theatre Studies class put together a fast paced production,
and portrayed the colourful range of international characters with great flair.
This year’s annual Junior Musical was the time-honoured classic Guys and Dolls Jr. A cast
of over 70 students from St Kevin’s and Loreto joined forces to bring 1950s New York to
life. Audiences enjoyed the toe-tapping songs, humorous characters and slick choreography
of the show, with a wonderful set of costumes completing the picture. Talented young
performers Noah Janssen (Sky Masterson) and Guy Athanasiadis (Nathan Detroit) led the
cast with strong singing and acting. Luke Macaronas and Tom Arvanitis provided plenty of
humorous touches to proceedings.
Senior students travelled across to Korowa for their senior musical Once Upon A Mattress.
A variation on the tale of The Princess and the Pea, the production featured a bevy of
princes and princesses in gorgeous silky costumes. Choreography was a major feature of
the staging, with fun production numbers performed by the full cast in tight unison. Tristan
Burns starred as the pouty Prince Dauntless, with Aidan Ziccone a strong romantic lead as
Sir Harry. Experienced performers Daniel Sango and Aaron Lampe stood out amongst the
many supporting players.
Yr 12 ‘Formal’ities
The evening of May 11 was an occasion
highly anticipated by the entire Year
12 cohort of 2013. The Formal was a
highlight of what is sure to be perhaps
the most memorable of all our years at
the College. The Formal Committee had
worked hard in the weeks leading up
to the event. The Committee of Adam
McKeon, Lewis Fitzgerald, Brayden
Pitcher, Jordan Janssen and Matthew
Johnson met weekly with Mr Nott and Mr
Coyne to create a night of celebration.
Dressed smartly in black tie dinner suits,
accompanied by their elegantly gowned
partners, the young men arrived at the
Skyline Function Room at Melbourne
Park at 7.00pm. Greeted by the
Headmaster and his wife upon entrance,
couples entered the Skyline Room, greeted
friends and settled at their tables. Brayden
Pitcher welcomed all and Dr Barclay said
Grace. The three course meal was enjoyed
by all and breaks between the courses
allowed attendees a chance to mingle
throughout the room. College Captain,
Conor Utri, entertained guests with his
speech following the meal, after which
everyone was encouraged to migrate to
the dance floor. This was an invitation
accepted enthusiastically by everyone,
and even a few brave teachers. As the
evening drew to a close at 11.30pm, the
overwhelming consensus was that a great
night was shared by all.
May I have this Dance?
Ballroom Dancing is widely considered one of
the most elegant skills to have and most Friday
afternoons at the College during Semester One,
140 Loreto girls and St Kevin’s boys danced
the afternoon away to the modern music of the
Jersey Boys, Michael Buble, Michael Jackson
and Abba.
Over the semester students are taught an
extensive range of dancing styles including
the Pride of Erin, the Barn Dance, the Samba
and the Jive, just to name a few, under the
experienced guidance of Ms Rhonda Stewart,
from Dingley Village Dance Centre.
On Tuesday April 30th, the Year Ten Social was
held in the Smith Hall and students dressed up
for the occasion, danced formally as taught but
also enjoyed time dancing to their own music
and beat. The Year 10 students enjoyed supper
and socialised all evening. A most enjoyable
evening was had by all.
T 1 94
6
ST KEVIN’S OLD COLLEGIANS’ ASSOCIATION
Reunions
Friday 16 August
Captain Melville
6.30 for 7pm
Tony Height on
Mobile 0418320888
tony.h@quantumbusiness.com.au
Julian Counsel on
Mobile 0408417181
julian@counselco.name
1988 - 25 Year Reunion
Friday 16 August
Swallows Hotel,
192 Station Street, Port Melbourne.
7pm
Peter McGarry on 0458 083 992 or
pmcgarry@ctqoutcomemgt.com.au
2003 - 10 Year Reunion
12 October 2013
Bridie O’Reilly’s
462 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Further details will be published on a
dedicated Facebook (for RSVP purposes)
& Old Collegians website
James Pope jameslpope@hotmail.com or
Richard Griffin reggie_g31@hotmail.com
2008 - 5 Year Reunion
Thursday 21 November
Smith Hall Foyer
6.00pm
Old Collegians Architecture,
Construction and Building
Industry Reunion
Wednesday 11 September
Galleria at 5.30pm
Old Collegians Medical, Dentistry
Profession Reunion
Monday 14 October
Galleria at 5.30pm
T H King Pavilion Redevelopment
St Kevin’s Old Boys Football Club is
in the process of raising funds for the
redevelopment of the Pavilion at T H
King Oval in Glen Iris. This development,
along with the recent ground resurfacing,
will provide the Club with a home base
that is both permanent and with much
improved facilities for both players,
supporters and spectators.
LEGIA
OL
ES
PRO
CI
ASSO ATION
NS
1973 - 40 Year Reunion
KEVIN'S OLD
ST
C
KEVIN'S OLD
ST
C
ES
OCIATIO
ASS
N
NS
LEGIA
OL
T 1 94
6
Valete
Peter George Griffin (‘40)
James Athanasius McGlade (‘28 )
Richard Paul Kerley (‘68)
SKOBFC has set a fundraising target
of $200,000, which is in addition to
the current yearly budget of $150,000
required to field five teams in the
Victorian Amateur Football Association
competition.
Peter Dunbar (‘48)
If you able to contribute, please go
to the website www.skobfc.com.au
where plans for the redevelopment can
be seen and where a Donation Form
can be downloaded from the T H King
Redevelopment link.
Andrew Hibbert (‘09) - was seen
on the high seas as the youngest
competitor in Melbourne to Osaka
two-handed race which occurs every
four years for two person yachts who
do not touch land until they reach
Osaka. Funnily enough, the reporter
of the Herald Sun article was Kieran
Jones (‘08) who is now at Channel 9
in the newsroom.
The Club has registered the project
with the Australian Sports Foundation
which enables donations of $2 or over
in support of the project to be tax
deductible.
20 July for the SKOCA Western District
luncheon at Steve Coleman’s Quoin Hill
Vineyard & Café. Great day out in the
country – just past Ballarat. Get a group
together and contact Peter Jackman
margen@hotkey.net.au
Generations
The next cocktail evening for Kevinian
families with three or more generations
with connections to the College will
be in Term 4. Are you part of a three
generation connection? If you have not
informed us of the names and peer years
of the generations, please do so at the
Old Collegians Office. Three Generations
can skip one and be across four family
tree generations, can be via a daughter
of an Old Collegian and nephews. Please
contact us with your details. A pro-forma
guide can be found on the website on the
Old Collegians page.
Latest Sightings
John L McArdle (‘62) and Michael
Rosel (‘60) - visited Brother Michael
Stallard in Villa Maria Aged Care,
Prahran.
Professor Christopher James
Baggoley (‘68) - who has been
awarded an Officer (AO) in the
General Division of the Order of
Australia for distinguished service to
medicine, particularly in the area of
emergency medicine as a clinician, to
medical administration and public
health care, and to education. Our
congratulations go out to him.
Gathering Information
We are gathering information about any
Kevinian who served in the Australian
Forces. We have anecdotes and some
lists from the mid 1930s up to the recent
Afghanistan campaigns but would like to
make sure of thoroughness and accuracy.
Please contact us with details of these
Kevinians.
old-collegians@stkevins.vic.edu.au
SKOBCC
Golden Jubilarians
The SKOBCC Second XI stormed to the B
Turf premiership on Saturday 23 March,
defeating arch rival Marcellin by nine
runs in a thrilling contest at Ashwood.
It was fitting and long awaited reward,
not just for the Seconds, but for the club
overall. Our Third XI won a premiership
in 2010, but aside from that we had lost
six grand finals in the past decade - so
it was about time to start squaring the
ledger.
The past few seasons have been extremely
successful for the club, as we have
regularly taken on and defeated larger
and more fancied opposition. The First
XI have played in consecutive Dunstan
Shield finals series, and the Seconds have
been regular finalists over the past five
seasons.
The Annual Jubilarians Assembly was attended by over fifty Old Kevinians who had attended the
College from 1954 onwards. Mr Kevin Rosengren (‘54) addressed the current students and reflected
on the impact his schooling at St Kevin’s had had on his life. Many Jubilarians shared their memories
of the College with staff and students at the Morning Tea that followed the Assembly.
An amazing game and an amazing win.
APS Old Boys’ Bowls Tournament
The St Kevin’s Old Collegians Bowls
team finished a creditable Third behind
Old Xaverians and Old Haileybury in
this year’s tournament, held at the Kew
Heights Bowling Club in March. Our
best performing team of four players
was skippered by Farris Derrij, with Leo
McNamara as Lead, John O’Keefe as
Second and Ray Guthrie as Third.
Next year’s tournament, to be held on
Sunday 30 March, has been moved to the
Glen Waverley Bowling Club when we
will again be looking for 16 bowlers to
represent St Kevin’s Old Collegians
Farewell, Brother McGlade
Brother James Athanasius McGlade (‘28) went peacefully to God at 8.50pm on 21
May 2013. Athy, as he was known, had been able to make the trip to Melbourne in
late January to open the Albert Street Study Centre in the new Kearney West Building,
having been a student at St Kevin’s Central College in 1928 at Albert Street. We were
so pleased he could join us. Athanasius had been in St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney,
following a fall,in which he broke his hip. He had surgery, and seemed to be mending
well. He was three months short of his 99th birthday.
Athanasius was one of the giants of the Province, loved and appreciated by all who
came to know him. We thank God for his life of fidelity and service and pray for the
surviving members of his family. May he be at peace with his God whom he served
so well. In his life, he had been awarded an Order of the British Empire and an Order
of Australia and was an identity in educational, artistic and opera circles. A mark of
his importance to Australia was highlighted by a visit by the Governor General to his
hospital bed before he died.
Joy to the world
SKAAC
At this years Australian Track and Field
titles Alex Rowe (‘10) won the mens
800m and Alex Carew (‘07) made the
final of men’s 400m.
At this years Stawell gift:
Jonathan Woodman (‘02) won the men’s
400m and Chris Roche (‘93), the ever
long veteran came third in the same race.
Both Paul Tancredi (‘99) and Shaun
Hargraves (‘07) made the Stawell Gift
semi finals.
James Keogh (‘05) who was College Captain in 2005
completed an Arts/ Law degree - and then decided that
music was his passion.
In March 2012, he was living in a Brunswick share
house with a friend, working as a gardener three days a
week and spending the rest of his time trying to figure
out how to satisfy his desire to create music. Every
Sunday he would cross town to play an afternoon gig at
a Chapel Street cafe, where he sometimes felt as if he was
spoiling the customers’ dining experience as he sat in the
corner with a guitar and his original compositions.
‘Back then,’ Keogh says, ‘having a good year would have meant getting a regular gig
headlining at a venue like the Great Britain Hotel, maybe doing a demo recording.’
He’s done slightly better than that. As Vance Joy, a name that allows him to put aside
James Keogh’s history and the associated expectations of others, the 25-year-old has
issued an impressive debut EP, established a live following and found favour with
national youth broadcaster Triple J.
Welcome to our school
Each year in May, St Kevin’s opens its doors to the wider community. It is a time for
families to see their sons’ College at work, for prospective parents to tour the facilities and
for the general public to gain an insight into what makes St Kevin’s such a great school.
There are displays, musical perfomances, rehearsals and a variety of interactive exercises
- a mile-long queue waited patiently in the new Science building for the opportunity
to ‘make’ ice-cream - but the most successful activity is the College Tour led by the
current students. There is always amazing feedback from our visitors about the friendly,
articulate, assured young men who so willingly share their experiences of their school.
Here is one reflection from a Year 12 student guide, Robert La Marca, who was assisting
at his last Open Day in May 2012:
I never realized the significance of Open Day at St Kevin’s until my later years at the
College. Pulling on my blazer to be a guide this year, for the last time, it dawned on me
that Open Day is the one day the public can truly see how our school operates, the one
day where our school pride, our values, and our academic and co-curricula activities are
on full display. Showing potential families around the grounds is just a part of Open Day.
For me, I believe it is one of the days we can be truly proud of our school. I felt very
privileged to show potential students, their families and the wider community what makes
our school great. Be it Mr Vince Toohey’s enthusiasm in the History department, the
Units 3/4 Theatre Studies boys ‘doing their thing’ on stage or the skill of our musicians on
display in Smith Hall, we are giving these visitors a view of St Kevin’s that is very rarely
seen by those other than students.
I took around three groups on the day, each with different questions, each from different
parts of Melbourne, each wanting to learn different things about the school. All of the
tour guides, from the Year 6 boys at Glendalough, to my fellow Year 12 students, realized
the significance of Open Day, and the influence it could have over another boy’s future. I
believe Open Day 2013, sadly my last, was a brilliant success.
Mark Z Chiba - Class of 1983
Recently, Mark Chiba, College Captain
and Dux 1983, awoke to a new day at
home in Hong Kong, had his evening
meal in Tokyo and prepared for a trip to
the USA. He sat down to a phone call to
discuss his St Kevin’s experience, hastening
to remind us that, as exciting as the travel
may sound, it is routine when running an
independent but global investment firm.
Mark joined St Kevin’s in Grade 3 in
1974. His parents were post war refugees
from Hungary who had created a
wonderful life in Australia. Starting SKC
life at the youngest level possible gives
longevity to one’s reflections, he notes.
“I think I can speak for all of us who
went to Glendalough in saying that my
years at the Junior School were happy and
fulfilling. The teachers – including many
more Christian Brothers in those days as
well as wonderful lay teachers – cared
about teaching all of us well. Sure, there
were growing pains but all in all it was
a happy as well as a challenging place
– full of laughs as well as learning – the
beginning of a great school spirit for all of
our St Kevin’s years. Plus it was the 70s –
a more relaxed and innocent time.”
Mark moved to the Heyington Campus
for the start of Form 2 (Year 8) in 1979.
He wrote in the 1983 Annual: “The
system was everywhere: the morning
memo, the fearsome 8.45 administration
period, the late-arrival slip, and that first
formal assembly, when the band played,
the teachers (in our eyes) played Batman
in their academic gowns, and Br Brandon
thundered his ovation across the flock.
Well, once again, we adjusted. And we
soon discovered that the system, too, had
a human face. Lord knows, who could
forget some of them, and school life was
rich in experience and highlights!”
Mark’s rich experience was born from his
immense enthusiasm to immerse himself in
everything. His studies were central – but
he also loved participating in sports every
year and being engaged with theatrical
pursuits. In ‘Ring Around the Moon’
(performed in 1983) Mark played Hugo, a
central character. “Who better to play the
suave, sophisticated Hugo, the sensitive
and romantic character, than Mark
Chiba? His slick, debonair capacities
adapted him brilliantly for this part”, the
Annual records. However, Mark’s great
legacy, as all his teachers and peers tell
it, was his unfailing work in promoting
avenues for ‘thinking’ and forums to
discuss ‘thought’. Mark led the debating
groups into the Debating Association of
Victoria competition with huge success.
He captained the Victorian Schools
Debating Team in the 1983 national
competition to its first-ever win. In his
senior school years, he founded a Rostrum
public speaking group at the College, a
Political Discussion Club and also a group
dedicated to entering public speaking
competitions at Rotary, Apex and other
community organisations.
Mark’s list of awards at St Kevin’s
are many, including the Alan Shelton
Memorial Award; The Donald Hamilton
Rankin Prize for English Literature; Br
Kearney English Prize; The Economics
Prize; Br Long Politics Prize. He received
Full Colours for Public Speaking and Full
Colours for Debating in 1982. His Cross
Country team ran a creditable Third, and
he was known to have played a reasonable
game of soccer along the way, too.
Mark left St Kevin’s with a firm conviction
to act when believing in something
sincerely – the threats or temptations
of peers, the State, or indeed religion,
should be resisted and challenged. In his
valedictory speech, he argued that being a
responsible citizen in a democratic country
is a vastly different ball game from
that of being a school student. Perhaps
prophetically, he said at the time that we
must embrace our Australian place in
Asia. Above all, Mark urged Kevinians, in
the words of the great philosopher, Henry
David Thoreau, to be “men first, and
subjects afterward”.
Mark Chiba went on to achieve a First
Class Honours degrees in Economics
from the University of Melbourne and
Law from the University of Sydney.
Subsequently, he was awarded the
Rhodes Scholarship for Victoria and was
conferred a Masters of Philosophy degree
in International Relations with Distinction
from Oxford University.
In 2003, Mark co-founded The Longreach
Group, a Hong Kong and Tokyo based
private equity firm. As Group Chairman
and Partner, Mark’s main focus is on
raising capital, senior relationship-driven
deal sourcing and financial services
sector investments. Before Longreach,
he served as Chief Executive Officer
and President of UBS Securities Japan,
Co-Head of Investment Banking Japan,
and as a member of the global UBS
Investment Bank Board. In his capacity as
CEO of UBS Japan, Mark managed full
service investment banking and securities
operations encompassing Investment
Banking, Equities and Fixed Income
franchises as well as risk management,
information technology, human resources,
compliance and other operational support
functions. Mark successfully led and
repositioned UBS Japan to become a
first tier investment bank as measured
by financial performance and industry
and client recognition. Previously, Mark
led the UBS Investment Bank’s Financial
Institutions Group in the Asia Pacific
Region.
Mark is married to Lisa, an American, and
together they visit Australia every month
to be with his two daughters from his first
marriage, Elisabeth (11) and Nathalie (7).
The girls may never be Kevinians but the
school spirit hopefully lives on in them –
as they travel their educational journey at
Ascham School, Sydney.
Mark keeps a keen eye on the physical
changes at St Kevin’s but also its
development as a leading scholastic
institution. Upon reflection, he
contemplates his College as having
nurtured his education, giving him so
many happy times, and providing him
with a sound foundation for adulthood.
“What I always remember are the teachers
– Br McCarthy, Miss Tout, Mr O’Sullivan,
Mr Barnett ... the list goes on and on.
They worked hard and always cared
about us even when some of us did not
always quite do our best. And my mates
of course – we really were a close knit
year, whether we were doing great things
or (just occasionally) getting into a bit of
trouble! It was just an incredible honour
to be voted by them as School Captain.”
Mark hopes that in his life ahead he will
be able to move on from business, to make
contributions to Australia and the world
beyond that do proper credit to all that
St Kevin’s gave him. “That is the big and
final challenge.”
Journeying together
During the final week of Term One, all Years 10 and
11 boys were off campus participating in a variety of
structured outdoor education programs and recreational
based pursuits in Victoria and abroad. For most boys and
staff, the experiences are the highlight of the school year
and thoroughly enjoyed after a busy term’s work. St Kevin’s
prides itself on student and staff relationships outside the
context of the classroom and these outdoor experiences
provide a level playing field for all.
A total of over 510 boys and over 48 teachers shared their
outdoor experiences together, whether it was locally in
Victoria or further afield in Nepal or Thailand. That in
itself is an amazing statistic and one we should be extremely
proud of. The staff worked meticulously with the boys to
assist them with their food and program logistical planning
and preparation. They truly enrich and add value to every
boy’s experience.
The Year 10 outdoor education programs were located at
the Thomson, Mitchell and Mitta Mitta Rivers. There were
20 different House groups, each with a qualified instructor
and a SKC staff member. The outdoor activities ranged from
bushwalking and kayaking to mountain bike riding.
Year 11 students chose from a number of activities including
- climbing at Mt Arapiles, sailing on the Gippsland Lakes,
white water rafting on the Mitta Mitta, horse riding from
Mansfield to the Howqua, mountain bike riding at Mt
Buller and Mt Stirling, snorkelling and scuba diving on the
Mornington Peninsula, and surf lifesaving at Inverloch and
Point Leo. A group of boys went trekking in Nepal and
participated in community service activities, while another
group explored Thailand’s beautiful Southern Beaches and
became involved in community service work and social
justice activities.
Outdoor Education is a wonderful avenue for both boys
and staff to journey together, extend friendships, and
challenge themselves in a variety of different settings and
further improve leadership and decision making skills.
In looking ahead to 2014, there will be many more new and
exciting programs to further challenge and engage the boys.
An OAP Leader reflects ...
Life is a gift taken for granted; people think little on how they
live it. In a world trapped by money and social status, it is easy
to forget about the benefits of living life to the fullest. However,
for the few who do manage to grasp life’s opportunities and
dwell within the deep waters of what the world has to offer, the
experience is rich and enlightening.
The turning point that changed my sense of self and the way I
view myself and the world came with the opportunity of being
an OAP leader to a Year 7 class. My short time as a leader,
mentor and role model to these young men has opened my eyes
to a deeper sense of self and a broader approach to my future.
When I was initially given the opportunity to become an OAP
leader, I didn’t really think much of it. It was an offering by
the Outdoor Education Department of the College, little more.
The six-day strenuous hike which was part of the Leadership
Program – one of the hardest things I have ever done - left me
feeling sour. What was I doing? Was it worth it? Was I really
missing the first week of holidays for a stitched insignia on my
blazer?
It was when I first visited my Year 7 class that my eyes were
opened to a raft of unseen opportunities. I started to form
connections with the boys in the class; communication opened
and relationships evolved. Then came the week-long camp. As
I looked at the 30 eager faces, new to the world of high school,
study and exams, I saw myself four years ago, looking up to
another young man who had been through it all.
The camp week was one of the best of my life, filled with
laughter and happiness. Each boy emerged as an individual,
instead of just another student. Each one had their own worries,
talents, strengths and weaknesses; however, they all looked to
me as a leader, and looked to me for guidance. The sense of
responsibility was overwheming. I, who had always relied on
others, was the one being relied upon.
As I sit here, reflecting on the week behind me, I understand
that I have experienced an amazing turning point in my life, one
that will affect me forever. I am now aware I have the capacity
to impact the lives of 30 young boys in a positive manner. I
can help model these boys into men. I understand that I have
the ability to help those who need it. I have the ability to be
a mentor, guiding the boys to make the best possible choices.
From now on, I will look to do well myself, and exhibit the
goodwill and positiveness that is the key to a strong community
and lifelong friendships.
The turning point I’ve reached has changed my sense of self
forever.
St Patrick’s College Sports Exchange
A 95 year old tradition continued on Wednesday 17 April
when St Kevin’s and St Patrick’s, Ballarat, took part in their
annual sports exchange. These matches alternate between
the two schools and this year it was our turn to journey
to Ballarat. The first encounter between the two schools
dates back to 1918, SKC’s foundation year, when the two
schools met in a football game at the Brunswick Street
football ground. This was SKC’s first ever appearance on
a sporting field. The exchange now encompasses not just
football but rugby, soccer, basketball and hockey and is an
important fixture on both schools’ calendar.
The Wilding Cup is the prize for the winning football team
and recognises the Headmastership of Brother William
Wilding at both schools. In the 118th football match
between SKC and SPC, it was the home team that regained
the cup. In the four other sports, it was St Kevin’s who
prevailed in friendly yet hard-fought encounters.
Afternoon tea, speeches and formal presentations of cups
and trophies followed the games before the bus trip back
to Melbourne. Although a long and tiring day, it was a
day in which we maintained a long-standing tradition, met
fellow Edmund Rice colleagues and students, played sport,
and enjoyed the company and hospitality of our “country
cousins”.
Sporting success
During the term, the SKC Cross Country team has continued
its excellent form of the last decade. In 2012, for the first time,
they won the Athletics Victoria State Cross Country Relay
title. In 2013 they have now added the State Road Relay title
to their bag of achievements. In both wins they have had to
overcome the best schools, not just in the APS, but in Victoria.
In particular, Marcellin College, a powerhouse of the sport in
the AGS, has proved difficult to dislodge from top spot in State
Championships but the SKC team has done this now twice in
the past two seasons.
Connor Pain, the Captain of the 2011 SKC Soccer team, has
continued to break new ground for Kevinians in this sport. In
the last Omnia we reported his selection at A League level; the
first Old Boy to make this grade. We can now report that he
has been selected to represent Australia in its U-20 team at the
soon to be held World Cup. A massive achievement.
Joining Connor in the Green and Gold
colours of Australia is current SKC
Swimming Captain, Alexander Graham.
Alex will represent Australia at the
Senior World Championships to be
held in Barcelona later this year in the
4 x 200m Freestyle Relay. His selection
comes on the back of National Title wins
in the U-20 Championships. He had the
rare distinction of winning titles in three
different strokes: 100m Butterfly, 100m
Freestyle, 200m Freestyle and 200m
Backstroke. At the Senior National titles Alex gained sixth
place in both the 100m and 200m Freestyle.