Jottings

Ithaka Lectures

Named after Cavafy’s well-known poem, our Ithaka Lecture series features speakers from a range of backgrounds offering their expert insights. The poem is usually understood to highlight the importance of the journey rather than the destination (although it is a complicated text), and we are aiming for the Ithaka Lectures to be similarly thought-provoking and interactive opportunities to engage with the stories of extraordinary Australians. Below are snapshot summaries of the three most recent presentations.

Pictured: Dr Beau Miles

Dr Beau Miles

We had the great pleasure of hosting Dr Beau Miles in the second of the Ithaka Lectures for 2026. Beau spoke in his characteristically open and direct way about resilience, the privilege of having choices, his life as an endurance athlete, and the joy of finding adventure in both everyday and faraway places. Audience questions came in thick and fast as Beau shared his curiosity and his passion for storytelling.

Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert

Pictured: Dr Alex Stevens, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert and Dr Christopher Allen

On 11 February 2026, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert presented her astonishing story to a spellbound audience at College Street. She spoke with warmth, sincerity and candour about her horrifying experiences while falsely imprisoned in Iran for two years. Her simple and inspiring message: human connection is the fundamental basis of our lives, giving us the capacity to survive and thrive.

Professor Jioji Ravulo

Pictured: Professor Jioji Ravulo with Ms Fiona Wyndham

On 22 October 2025, we were fortunate to hear from Professor Jioji Ravulo in conversation with Ms Fiona Wyndham. Professor Ravulo spoke about the experience of discovering his difference growing up. His key message was one well worth taking to heart: “use your difference to make a difference.”

Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the General Division

The Honourable Chief Justice Andrew Scott Bell (OS 1983)

For eminent service to the judiciary and to the law, to legal education and training, and to the arts as an administrator and benefactor.

Scientia Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons AO (Former Sydney Grammar School Trustee)

For eminent service to quantum physics and nanotechnology research, to atomic-scale engineering, to technology innovation and commercialisation, and to STEM education.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division

Dr Michael Robert Carr-Gregg (OS 1976)

For distinguished service to child and adolescent psychology, to policy reform as an advocate and advisor, to youth cyber safety, and to the community.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division

The late Mr Robert George Hirst (OS 1973)

For significant service to the performing arts through music.

Mr George Benjamin Newhouse (OS 1979)

For significant service to the law, to the legal profession, and to the community.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the general division

Mr Jeremy Steven Dunkel (OS 1987)

For service to the Jewish community of Sydney.

Mr Kenneth James Packham (OS 1954)

For service to the community through a range of organisations.

Mr Adrian Peter Read (OS 1964)

For service to gymnastics, and to the community.

Waste 2 Art workshop

The Year 4 boys had a wonderful day at Ascham School, joining the Year 4 girls for this year’s Waste 2 Art workshop inspired by the colourful styles of Wayne Thiebaud and Patianne Stevenson. Guided by the theme Let Them Eat Cake, pupils explored the playful world of sweets and afternoon tea while also considering the environmental impact of waste, consumption and packaging.

A creative buzz filled the room as the young artists experimented with recycled materials, bold textures and imaginative designs. The atmosphere was warm and energetic, with pupils moving easily between focused making and lively collaboration. With regular co-educational experiences now part of their time at Edgecliff, the boys are increasingly at ease working alongside the girls, with each activity helping them develop more natural communication and stronger connections.

The workshop concluded with each artwork joining the others to create a striking final installation, highlighting how individual ideas can come together to form a cohesive and powerful collective message.

2026 Old Sydneians’ Union Scholarship

Congratulations to Ian Bierer (VI) for being awarded the 2026 OSU Scholarship. The Old Sydneians’ Union has a longstanding tradition of supporting boys at the School through the OSU Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a candidate nominated by the School and selected by the OSU Committee.

The award assists the Scholar with post-school initiatives.

Pictured L-R: Headmaster Mr Stuart McPherson, Ian Bierer (VI) and OSU President Mr Nicholas Manettas (OS 2009)

Barnardos Gifts for Kids Appeal

Barnardos Australia is a leading child protection charity, committed to supporting Australia’s most vulnerable children and their families.

In 2025, our boys showed incredible generosity by donating 787 gift cards to the annual Gifts for Kids Appeal. Collectively, the pupils contributed $23,342 to distribute to teenagers and young adults supported by the charity. This is a significant effort achieved by all the boys at College Street.

Pictured: Mr Tom Watkins second from the left with Barnardos staff

House Cross Country

On Monday 16 February, Edgecliff Preparatory School held the annual House Cross Country Carnival at Weigall. With ideal running conditions, the boys competed in a programme designed to cater for varying levels of fitness and running experience.

Races were closely contested, with many boys showing clear improvement in their endurance. It was pleasing to see a significant number of boys completing the full course for the first time, a reflection of their growing confidence and willingness to push themselves.

House spirit was a clear highlight of the day and the boys supported one another through house war cries, celebrating strong finishes, and motivating teammates who were challenged by the distances. It was also wonderful to have several parents supporting the boys at the carnival.

Congratulations to the following boys who were crowned Age Champions. In the U9s Jordan Loh placed 1st, Yanni Bull 2nd and Oscar Wang 3rd. In the U10s Tristan Tan secured 1st place, Hugo Åkesson 2nd and Maxwell Liu 3rd. In the U11s Thomas Briggs came in 1st, Conrad Young 2nd and Javier Hudson 3rd. In the U12s Oliver Gerlich took 1st place, Felix Marshall-Teoh 2nd and Victor Ding 3rd.

The Edgecliff Cross Country Team will now commence training two mornings a week in preparation for the IPSHA Carnival, which will be held at The King’s School on Wednesday 1 April. This course is always challenging and pushes all competitors to their limits, and we look forward to seeing our boys embrace the opportunity and represent Edgecliff with pride.

Exchange students visit

In Term I, Grammar welcomed exchange students from the University of Sydney who are studying the history of Australian sporting culture. Grammar has played a key part in establishing school sporting traditions during Sydney’s colonial era, with many Old Sydneians going on to compete professionally after graduation. Sitting on the steps of the portico, the exchange students learnt about Grammar’s rich history and its contribution to Australian sporting history.

Grammar also welcomed Ms Kalista Villatoro, an athlete on exchange from Yale. Ms Villatoro met with Grammar’s Director of Athletics, Mr Jarrod Egan, to discuss the School’s athletics programme and how sport can open up pathways to an Ivy League education.

Pictured: Ms Kalista Villatoro and Director of Athletics Mr Jarrod Egan

Old Sydneians vs First XI

The annual T20 clash between the Old Sydneians’ Cricket Club and the School’s First XI played at Weigall in January 2026. The Old Sydneians lineup drew from the 1980s and 1990s, 2014 and right up to 2025. The team featured three former First XI Captains, including current Eastern Suburbs First Grade wicketkeeper, Max Glen (OS 2021).

Batting first, the Old Sydneians compiled an imposing total of 171 runs from their 20 overs. The First XI responded with a spirited run chase but fell just 30 runs short.

A fantastic day of cricket and camaraderie.

Are We There Yet?

At St Ives Preparatory School, our Preschool boys had the pleasure of exploring Alison Lester’s classic Australian story about a family’s journey around Australia: Are We There Yet?

As we read, the boys investigated the diverse landscapes and landmarks in the story, learnt map-reading skills, compared different modes of travel and discussed what makes a home portable.

To deepen their learning, several staff members kindly opened their own caravans, campervans and camper trailers for a special Caravan Day. The boys explored the unique features of each vehicle, and the standout moment was all 19 boys squeezed onto Betty the Caravan’s big cosy bed, creating an unforgettable moment of curiosity and joy.

Congratulations Class of 2025 – HSC achievements

Grammar boys were again prominently featured. Seventy-six boys were listed as All Rounders for achieving top-band results in at least 10 units.

There were seven with first or equal first-place results:

First in Classical Greek Continuers: William Chung First in Classical Greek Extension: William Chung

First in French Extension: Jackson Chan

First in Geography: Alastair Herbert

First in Geography: Savya Mishra

First in German Continuers: Matthew Gu

First in Latin Continuers: Matthew Gu

And we were delighted to see that another Sydney Grammar School boy also topped Modern Greek Extension, which he studied externally:

First in Modern Greek Extension: George Moisidis (Secondary College of Languages Ashfield Boys Campus)

There were thirty-seven Grammar placements in the Top Achievers list, and this total placed Grammar second among all schools for Top Achievers. In total, boys from the School were featured 175 times in the Distinguished Achievers list.

The School was again ranked third for overall success rate according to The Sydney Morning Herald league table and was again the highest-placed independent school.

Click here to view more details

Making matzah

The Jewish Culture Club meets at lunchtime three or four times each term, offering boys from Forms I to VI the chance to explore the rich traditions of the Jewish faith. Led by the effervescent and enthusiastic Rabbi Chida Levitansky from JEMS (Jewish Education Matters), each session is filled with engaging stories that both entertain and educate.

One of the highlights was a hands-on matzah-making session. The boys learned about the significance of matzah during Passover, its symbolism as the “bread of haste” and discovered how quickly it must be prepared, from mixing to baking. Under Rabbi Chida’s guidance, they rolled and shaped the dough themselves, gaining a memorable, tactile connection to a tradition that has been observed for generations.

The School of St Jude

Grammar has grown a relationship with The School of St Jude in Tanzania since 2023. The Common Room Committee is proud to deepen this connection by launching its own partnership through the sponsorship of a St Jude pupil. This long-term commitment reflects our shared belief in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty and represents a small but meaningful step in living out the values we seek to instil in the pupils we teach at Sydney Grammar School.

The need is significant. In Tanzania, seven out of ten teenagers do not attend secondary school. The School of St Jude is working to change this reality by providing free, high-quality education to 1,800 pupils, all of whom are supported through 100 per cent scholarships. By supporting this work, the Common Room Committee is proud to contribute to an organisation that is transforming lives through education.

Click here for more information on the school

Camp Toukley

Following a busy Term I, the Form I boys enjoyed a well earned break at Camp Toukley, providing an opportunity to unwind and reflect. Enjoying fine weather, the boys participated in a range of outdoor activities, including time in the surf and exploration of the surrounding natural environment.

The camp also offered valuable opportunities for social connection, allowing the boys to relax, enjoy meaningful time hanging out with friends, and strengthen their sense of camaraderie.

Jane Austen Book Club evening

On Tuesday 10 March, the SGS Women’s Association gathered to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and International Women’s Day with a special Jane Austen Book Club evening.

Ms Ava Banerjee, Ms Tara Long and Mr James Whiting of the Banjo Paterson Library joined the SGSWA and spent an evening in the spirit of Mansfield Park and Pride and Prejudice. Book club members mingled over refreshments and tested their knowledge of Jane Austen’s life and works with a quiz. Congratulations to Anna Story who took home the prize for Austen Trivia!

But the main event was lively discussion of one of Austen’s lesser-known works, Lady Susan. Written in 1794, but unpublished until 1871, this epistolary novella follows the manipulative – but delightful and witty – scheming of its protagonist.

Led by Ava Banerjee, Head Librarian, the Book Club reflected on Austen, her women characters and their time. Lady Susan can feel like an anti-heroine, but she is also a survivor. Her wit and her intellect are a source of power she uses to take on the world. Thank you to all who joined and shared their perspectives on a fascinating read.

The SGSWA Book Club meets twice a year in Terms I and III. Both new and established readers are welcome. The Library looks forward to the next occasion.

Old Sydneians sharing experiences

It was a pleasure to welcome two Old Sydneians back to the School in Term I to speak with the boys about their pathways beyond Grammar.

On 17 February, SGN, KAS, SNT and DJL Houses were fortunate to hear from Mr Mark Sproule (OS 2007) during a House Meeting. Mark spoke about his life after Grammar, including founding Reach Robotics, learning to lead, and overcoming self doubt. He encouraged the boys to keep meeting new people, to recognise the complexity of others, and to remember that feelings are not facts.

On Tuesday 12 March, Mr Andrew Luboski (OS 2004) was invited to meet with the Business Society, where 120 boys engaged in a lively 45 minute Q and A on investment and career pathways. More than 500 boys later attended his Period 6 presentation, during which Andrew reflected on his time at school, the value of a liberal education, and life beyond the College Street gates.

Pictured: Mr Andrew Luboski speaks to the Business Society

Inset: Mr Mark Sproule third from left