SGS Magazine Issue 22 Autumn

A round up of happenings and achievements in the Grammar community.

Battling high temperatures and stiff competition, KAS House have emerged as champions for 2026.

Director of Music Mr Greg Platt keeps us up to date on Grammar music.

Highlights from the 2025 Speech Day addresses.

Nineteen boys travelled to the United States, accompanied by Mr David Farrugia, Mr Darren Lawrenson and Firsts basketball coach Mr Mahesh Padmanabhan.

Headmaster Mr Stuart McPherson offers some reflections on how Grammar’s vision, sense of community and open-minded approach to learning gives the School a steadfast foundation.

This year marks the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Melbourne Grammar School versus Sydney Grammar School cricket match, first played in December 1876.

On a research trip through the UK and Europe, English master Mr Tim Derricourt explores how schools are responding to AI.

Director of Community Ms Sharon Ditmarsch provides an update on how we are partnering with various girls’ schools in a range of activities.

Acting Director of Sport Mr Mark Philp updates us with all the summer sport action.

Tour Coordinator Mr Alasdair Gyngell reports on a stimulating and inspiring combined Preparatory Schools orchestra tour to this vibrant metropolis.

Ms Rita Fin joined Grammar in 1991 as Director of Music. For over thirty-four years, she helped expand the Music department, pioneering opportunities for boys to learn and perform. Ms Fin was interviewed by Mr Greg Howard.

Edgecliff Preparatory School marks a significant milestone this year and some special activities have been planned to commemorate the occasion.

Dr Douglas Wilson reports on the production of Fear and Misery of the Third Reich by Bertolt Brecht, and Trouble in the Works and Victoria Station by Harold Pinter.

As five highly respected masters bid farewell to College Street, we pay tribute to their significant contributions and achievements.

Edgecliff Preparatory School Co-Ed Leadership Day emphasises collaboration and positive interaction.

Director of Studies Mrs Clare Greenup gives an insight into one of the highlights of the Year 6 boys’ academic year at St Ives.

Archivist Dr Madeline Bowers explores the lives of two figures whose names have been memorialised as Speech Day prizes.

In 2025, the Sydney Grammar School Women’s Association (SGSWA) celebrated their 100 year anniversary, reflecting a century of service, leadership, community and connection.

Dr Mark St Leon (OS 1969) is a circus historian involved with the production of The Colleano Heart, a documentary, produced by Australia’s WildBear Entertainment, available on SBS on Demand.

Housemaster Mr Oliver Derbyshire reports on a challenging and rewarding exploration by our boys into the unique culture and history of this amazing country.

The first ever female Governor of NSW, Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO passed on 20 January 2026 at the age of 95.

Debating Coordinator Mr Phillip Saidi and Head Debating Coach Mr Kasra Roushan report on Grammar representation at the 2026 World University Debating Championship.

We hear from Old Sydneians making their mark at home and abroad.

Old Sydneians continue to reunite and rekindle their friendships, forged during their time at Grammar.

Credits and contact information