It’s great to be back!

Director of Community Ms Sharon Ditmarsch reports on the welcome return to normal activities around the School, following lockdown.

 

The decision to proceed with functions has certainly led to a hive of activity and an upbeat vibe in the School. The elation and relief seen in those who’ve come together to experience the talent and diversity of the School has been truly humbling.

The Concert for Vlad, postponed twice, initiated the return of large audiences to the John Vallance Hall. The energy that went into the recognition of Vladamir Khusid’s contribution to the School was impressive.

We managed four nights of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the end of Term II and soon after we held the belated farewell to Martin Smith. At around the same time World Expeditions used the Alastair Mackerras Theatre to host Old Sydneian Michael Dillon’s presentation on his inspirational life.

The Deputy Headmaster (Academic) wanted the Continuing Education Day at the start of Term III to be a significant event, so with the help of the Assistant Headmaster (Academic) she pulled off a Christmas-in-July themed, three-campus, on-site extravaganza. The smell of warm cinnamon, live Christmas trees and pine cones was a refreshing change from Zoom meetings.

Tutors were finally able to meet parents in person at the House functions, Form VI economists met Ross Gittens, and The Great Debate, organised by Walter MacCallum (Old Sydneian Union), was a magnificent display of wit and banter. Soon after the Trials, the Term III Concert B played with typical Grammar excellence before a full house.


Pictured: The Great Debate team

The return of the end-of-season sport dinners to College Street brought home the importance of team and connection. ‘Back to Weigall Day’ was well attended, and there was also a large crowd at the volleyball even though it was not compulsory.

WEigall crop.jpg


Grammar First XV vs Sydney Boys High School

Volleyball crop.jpg


Last volleyball fixture of the season

Open Day tours of the School were so popular that attendance had to be limited to five hundred visitors. The SGSFA acknowledged the good work of our Prefects at a dinner at the UUSC where the boys and parents were entertained by Chas Licciardello – the funny Chaser.


Pictured: Prefects’ Dinner, Dr Richard Malpass, Jack Story (Senior Prefect) and Mr Chas Licciardello (OS 1994)

The Business Society’s inter-school stock pitch competition

The HSC Art Exhibition and the Form VI Music dinner held in late August were a great success. Congratulations to the Art Department, Property, Fixtures, the Music Department and of course the boys for the immense effort that went into organising these events. Extracurricular activities like the Business Society, French Rap and Quiet Club were attracting regular attendees too.

Leavers’ Week was a well-deserved opportunity for the Class of 2022 to celebrate their achievements. The video below shows some highlights from their year.

The Literary Festival in Term III gave the entire school community an opportunity to share in a variety of events and workshops, including invaluable contributions from acclaimed authors. The video montage below gives a taste of the week’s activities.

Upcoming events at Grammar include a picnic day at Weigall, which is being planned by the Women’s Association and Fathers’ Association. Watch out for more on this and other activities on our website, on social media and in our next copy of SGS Magazine.

It is wonderful to welcome you back.