THE SCOOP

Music continues to be a powerful force, drawing the Grammar community together. At the Term III Concert, the Community Choir delivered a memorable performance of excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. Families and friends from across all three campuses joined the choir, accompanied by the School Orchestra and led by Mr Greg Platt. Following celebrated performances of Zadok the Priest, Carmina Burana and the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in recent years, this year’s concert was another magnificent musical achievement.

Another choral highlight was the relaunch of The Sydneian Bach Choir by Dr Koen van Stade, Head of Vocal Studies. Founded in 2000 by former Director of Music Dr Christopher Shepard, the choir built a distinguished reputation over nearly two decades, including performances of the complete vocal works of JS Bach. The relaunched choir, now named The Sydneian Vocal Consort, presented its inaugural concert in the Big Schoolroom to a packed audience, performing Heinrich Schütz’s Musikalische Exequien, one of the masterpieces of the early Baroque period.

Thanks, Matt

After eight years as President of the Sydney Grammar School Fathers’ Association, Matt Budden is stepping down from the role. Whether flipping burgers at Weigall or providing support behind the scenes, Matt’s contribution is appreciated. We thank him for his dedication, generosity and service.

Prefects’ Dinner

Generously sponsored by the Fathers’ Association, the annual Prefects’ Dinner provides an opportunity to recognise the service and leadership of the School’s Prefects and to acknowledge the support of their families. This year’s guest speaker, Robert Yezerski SC (OS 1997), captivated the audience with reflections and advice for the boys as they prepare to embark on the next stage of their journey beyond school.

Charity

Pupils and staff have continued to give generously of their time in service of others.

As part of community service work, a team of senior boys, alongside Mr Rob Fuller collected donations of pre-loved clothing to St Canice’s Op-shop. Proceeds from the shop provides hot meals for those experiencing homelessness.

In the recent holidays boys travelled to Tanzania alongside pupils from Kambala for a cultural and educational immersion. Based in Arusha in northern Tanzania, the group spent time at The School of St Jude, one of Africa’s leading charitable schools, as well as visiting local government schools to gain a deeper understanding of education in the region.

Pupils learnt about the challenges surrounding maternal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Ahead of the trip, the group was privileged to hear from Dr Andrew Browning AM, an Australian obstetrician and gynaecologist internationally recognised for his work in maternal health and obstetric fistula surgery across Africa.

The Common Room is committed to raising funds for Grayson, our sponsor child at St Jude, Tanzania. Eight staff members are volunteering to run the Bondi to Manly ultramarathon in October and revenue raised at selected Common Room functions goes to Grayson’s education.

Furthermore, the boys raised $10,332.20 during Charity Week for our ten sponsored children through Plan International. This is well above the amount required to maintain our sponsorships and is a wonderful reflection of the generosity of boys, families and staff. The additional funds will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we support in the following countries:

• Form I: Bolivia
• DBD: Indonesia
• SGN: Kenya
• SNT: Mozambique
• ACR: Cambodia
• LDL: Bangladesh
• DJL: Bangladesh
• KAS: Dominican Republic
• JDS: Philippines
• OMD: Cameroon

ProjectKindness was the Prefects charity of choice this year. With their energy and enthusiasm, they ran their raffle and a multitude of events to support this important cause.

Boys also continued their involvement with the Matthew Talbot Hostel, assisting in the canteen and spending time with the residents. Such opportunities encourage empathy and meaningful engagement with people who have interesting tales to tell.