Ivanhoe Grammar School

Ivanhoe Grammar School
Location
Ivanhoe & Mernda , Victoria Australia
Coordinates	37°46′30″S 145°2′39″E
Information
Type	Independent, co-educational
Motto	Template:Lang-la (Faithful even unto death)
Denomination	Anglican
Established	1915
Chairman	D Proietto
Principal	Gerard Foley
Enrolment	2,200 (ELC–12)
Colour(s)	Brown & white
Slogan	Courageous and Kind
Website	www.ivanhoe.com.au

Ivanhoe Grammar School is an independent, co-educational, day school, located in Ivanhoe (Buckley House and The Ridgeway Campus) and Mernda (Plenty Campus), both located in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Founded in 1915 as St James' Grammar School for boys, Ivanhoe Grammar is a school of the Anglican Church of Australia, and currently caters for approximately 2,200 students from the Early Learning Centre to Year 12, across four campuses.

The school is affiliated with the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA), the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA), and is a founding member of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV). The school is also a member of the G20 Schools Group. Ivanhoe Grammar School is also one of only four Round Square schools in the state of Victoria, and has been an International Baccalaureate World School since December 1994.

History

In 1915 St James' Grammar School established in Parish Hall at St James' Church. The School moved to its current site, Ivanhoe House at The Ridgeway and changed its name to Ivanhoe Grammar School in 1920. Locksley House opened in 1924, it is located on far-South of Ridgeway Campus and today it is utilised for teaching English to ESL students, Music and Performing and Fine Art. The Headmasters' residence, now School House Administration Building, was built in 1928.

The first International students arrived at Ivanhoe Grammar School in 1941. In 1942 the school as occupied by the Armed Forces and the school relocated to Yea and St James' Parish Church. The Memorial Junior School, now Buckley House, opened in 1955. The first Cadet unit formed in 1961. In 1964 the entire senior school moved from Locksley House to Ivanhoe House site, with Locksley becoming the boarding school. In 1967 the re-built Buckley Hall opened.

In 1977, after 62 years, Ivanhoe cancelled its boarding program and Locksley House became the Middle School for year 7 and 8 students and Sherwood, whose membership was formerly exclusive to boarders, becomes the fourth day house. In 1978 the Country Centre opened. In 1985 land was purchased in the Plenty Valley (Mernda). Ivanhoe Grammar School's Mernda Campus (later renamed the Plenty Campus) opened in 1990. In 1992 the Mernda Campus became co-educational.

International Baccalaureate made available at The Ridgeway Secondary Campus in 1996. In 1998 a new school uniform was introduced and the Memorial Junior School was renamed to Buckley House. In 1999 Buckley House and The Ridgeway Campus went co-educational.

In 2001 the re-developed V.R.C Brown Centre and F.O. Watts Building open at The Ridgeway Secondary Campus, with a new school library. also that year, the Sinclaire Trust Enterprise Centre at Plenty Campus opened. 2003 was the first year in which girls are admitted to the year 7 student intake to Ivanhoe/Ridgeway campus. Ivanhoe Grammar School hosted the 2005 International Round Square conference. The Creative Arts Centre at Plenty Campus opened in 2005. In 2007 the New Science Building (T.R Lee Science Building) was opened by the Governor of Victoria. Also in 2007, Ivanhoe Grammar School established equestrian training center at Mernda Campus. In 2009 the Innovation Centre opened at Buckley House for Year 5 and 6 students. In 2010 a new school cafeteria, named "The Ridge", opened. In 2013 a new Middle Years Centre opened for Year 7 and 8 students.

The Centenary Procession

2015 marked the Centenary of Ivanhoe Grammar School with celebrations and acknowledgements occurring right throughout the year. 'A Passion to Serve', the history of Ivanhoe Grammar School was launched in February, with the Rev Sydney Buckley's daughter Mary Buckley in attendance to assist with the formalities. Other notable events included a very successful home coming weekend for the School's alumni, Centenary Ball and The Teams of the Centenary Dinner. A highlight of the year was the procession of Year 12 students from St James Church, the original site of Ivanhoe Grammar School, through the streets of Ivanhoe to the current site on The Ridgeway. Students from all year levels lined the streets as the procession was led by 'The Rev Sydney Buckley' and his 14 first day boys and culminated in a whole school assembly on the South Ground, with an address by 'The Rev Sydney Buckley'. A similar ceremony was held at the Plenty Campus involving 'first day students' and 'The Reverend Sydney Buckley' with all the students dressed in period costumes and engaged in various games and activities that reflected the early 1900s.

In June 2015 Ivanhoe Grammar teacher Graeme Harder pleaded guilty to multiple sex offences against a male between the ages of 10 and 16. Harder had been with the school for at least 30 years. The offences occurred between April 1, 1991 and April 22, 1992, with Harder suspended from the school on March 4, the day he was charged with the offences.

In 2017 construction of a new car park located under the school oval began and was completed in mid 2018. Following the completion of this project, work began on a new multi-level Sports Centre at Ridgeway Campus, located in the Locksley area of the Ridgeway Campus. This project is expected to be completed in late 2021 .

In May 2020, Ivanhoe narrowly avoided an appearance before the Fair Work Commission following staff layoffs in response to funding difficulties during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Independent Education Union was to argue that a "downturn in work does not justify Victorian school Ivanhoe Grammar's stand-downs of non-teaching staff under the Fair Work Act."

2020 A Year Like No Other

Early 2020 presented universal challenges that had never been experienced before and the world had to adapt very quickly. Australia was not excluded from the effects of COVID-19, neither was Ivanhoe Grammar School. On 16 March 2020, the Principal Mr Gerard Foley, wrote to parents and in part said,” In the interest of the health and wellbeing of the Ivanhoe Grammar School community, the decision has been made to close the School from the finish of the school day this Friday 20 March 2020; and for the week preceding the holidays, to deliver our classroom learning online to students at home.”

This arrangement continued until the Victorian State Government directed that Foundation Year1, Year 2, Year 11 and Year 12 return to school on Monday 25 May, with the remaining classes resuming on Tuesday 9 June.

During the period of shutdown, the Ivanhoe Grammar School teachers delivered live online lessons to their students, using Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other communication platforms. Rolls were marked prior to lessons and students were engaged in their full range of subjects, following their normal timetable. Year 11 student Frank Bevacqua summed up the feelings of many of his classmates when he was featured in an article in The Age on 23 May. “He and his classmates remain positive about the future, supported by the inexhaustible efforts of their teachers.’ I feel like the mentality of VCE is that we are all in this together,’ he says. ‘There is a sense that this is our last hurdle and we are all going to get there no matter what.’                                                                                                                                            

In unprecedented times, under extraordinary circumstance, the ability of students to adapt and teachers to deliver supported by a dedicated administrative staff, epitomised the characteristics of an Ivanhoe Learner.

Principals

Reverend Sydney Buckley

Founding Principal and Headmaster 1915 – 1947

The Reverend Sydney Buckley was the parish priest at St James Church of England in 1914 when, in conversation with his choir boys, the possibility of a parish school was raised. Buckley pursued the idea and despite some opposition within the church he did gain the support of the Archbishop.

St James Church of England Grammar School for Boys opened its doors for the first time in 1915 and fourteen boys made up the initial enrolment. In time, it became evident that Buckley needed support in order to carry out his duties as vicar and head and so a part time assistant was appointed.

By the end of 1916 the School Council was already discussing the need for the school to relocate however Buckley applied for leave of absence in order to enlist. The School was barely two years old and its Headmaster felt compelled, like so many others, to add to the large numbers going off to war. The Reverend Hamilton from Goulburn was appointed enabling Buckley to depart for Europe.

Upon his return in 1918 Buckley outlined his view that the school and the parish would now each benefit from independent leadership and the School a new site. Soon after he entered into discussions with Mr Horace Wilcox, a member of the School Council, for the purchase of Ivanhoe House.

In 1920 the move to the current site occurred and the school was renamed. Also in 1920, the school badge was introduced and our colours, brown and white, were fully integrated into our school uniform.

The latter part of Sydney Buckley’s headmastership was marked by Australia’s involvement in World War Two. Offering the school for the Army’s use in 1942 he relocated the school to Yea, in central Victoria, although a smaller number of students remained and attended classes at St James’, Ivanhoe. The Yea years are recalled with great affection by those who were there but overall the war years took a great toll on Buckley. While he was a person of inestimable courage and determination, upon returning to Ivanhoe towards the end of the war Mr Buckley felt it was time to retire.

Mr Victor Brown

Headmaster 1948 – 1974

Following an international search Victor Brown, a Rhodes Scholar and Oxford graduate who was teaching in England at the time, was appointed to the headmastership. When Brown arrived in 1948 he was astounded by the poor condition of the school. The 1950s saw a gradual rise in student numbers and a pressing need to provide additional classroom accommodation. In 1955, the Memorial Junior School was opened and within ten years the Wilcox and Lee buildings were added along with a further extension to the Memorial Junior School.

Brown emphasised the importance of higher academic standards. He introduced many innovations and encouraged his staff to focus more on the scholastic progress of the students. This shift was met with resistance in some quarters particularly amongst the old Buckley men. Brown pushed ahead regardless and the performance of his students at the annual examinations improved markedly. He championed the performing arts as part of the school’s cultural renewal, and music and drama flourished. Further, and to the chagrin of some Buckley loyalists, he introduced a student newspaper, The IGS Spectator, a Student Council and a Public Questions Society to encourage debating and student interest in local and world affairs.

The 1950s and 1960s were decades that saw the rise of Rock and Roll, James Dean, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and the Vietnam War. Young people questioned the values and beliefs of their politicians, parents and teachers. Carefully, Victor Brown guided the school through these sometimes tumultuous years while placing enormous trust in his students to interpret them broadly, beyond the immediate thrill of rebellion. Ivanhoe Grammar had become a very different and interesting school.

Reverend Charles Sligo

Headmaster 1974 – 1996

Charles Sligo came to Ivanhoe as an experienced Headmaster. His vision was articulated clearly and it was to be based upon traditional “public” school values and symbols. Sligo once described Ivanhoe as a diamond that needed a little polishing and he set about strengthening the school’s self-confidence and pride in itself. It was the antithesis of the individualism that characterised the sixties and early seventies. Sligo wanted each boy to develop a strong sense of belonging to the school and of being part of something special.

Sligo introduced mass singing at weekly assemblies, which he often led. He looked for ways to assist boys towards their manhood through leadership, cadets, outdoor education and sport and he looked for opportunities to support excellence and bring it to the surface. These aspects of school life thrived throughout his headship. In 1980 Sligo’s first AGSV premiership was won. The swimming team’s famous victory was Ivanhoe’s first swimming premiership in 40 years and so the entire school was given a holiday. The cheering in assembly the following day must have confirmed for Sligo the importance of success in sport in building school spirit. It heralded an extraordinary era in sporting success at the school which lasted almost two decades.

As public funding for private schools diminished the school’s governing body and its headmaster recognised the importance of planning for the school’s long term financial security. Land at Mernda was purchased and in 1990 a new Ivanhoe Campus opened. Sligo transformed a relatively small and rather parochial school into a large complex organisation. His leadership was fundamental to the rise in prominence of Ivanhoe Grammar School as a major educational provider with a proud reputation across Australia.

Mr Rod Fraser AM

Principal 1996 -2015

Rod Fraser commenced his role as the School’s Principal in 1996. He had previously had senior roles in both Tasmania and NSW prior to returning to Victoria. Ivanhoe had not long been a multi-campus school and co-education at Plenty Campus was yet to reach Year 12. Fraser’s arrival coincided with the emergence of computers in schools, a more global perspective and increasingly strong connections to Asia.

In June 2015 Fraser was acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with a Member (AM) in the General Division for significant service to secondary education, to national and international learning development organisations, and to the community.

Our membership of Round Square occurred in 1997 representing a significant turning point in the history of the school. By the time it was Ivanhoe’s turn to host the International Round Square Conference in 2005 its pillars of internationalism, democracy, environment, adventure, leadership and service had become embedded in every aspect of student life. In particular, internationalism has become a major thrust made manifest through Round Square activities, Cambodia Service Trip, the International Baccalaureate, the enrolment of overseas students and the Year 9 international trips program.

Early on, Fraser put in place a number of strategies to strengthen his one school philosophy. Whole school events were introduced including services at the cathedral and gala presentation evenings. Professional Development events were scheduled bringing together staff resulting in a shared curriculum across the school.  Overseas trips, seminars, cadets, sport and performing arts became increasingly one school in approach and practice.

Significant changes to the uniform were made, girls were enrolled at Buckley House and the notebook computer program provided impetus for change throughout the curriculum. Vertical pastoral care structures were introduced at the Ridgeway Campus underlining Fraser’s desire to create a friendlier environment for every child and where cross age mentoring might occur as a natural part of school life.

Rod Fraser placed Ivanhoe Grammar firmly into various international networks of schools and organisations creating extraordinary opportunities for our students. More than ever, Ivanhoe students are now living and working internationally and playing their part in a world vastly different to that when in 1915 St James’ Grammar School of Boys first opened its doors.

Gerard Foley Principal 2015 – Current

Mr Gerard Foley leads the School into a new era with the firm beliefs that all students have the capacity to succeed, that community and caring for others is paramount and that education can provide outstanding opportunities for all who embrace it. Gerard was Acting Principal of the School throughout 2014, after being appointed to the School in 2008 as the Head of The Ridgeway Campus and Deputy Principal in 2011. His career has spanned roles in the independent and government sector and includes the Head of Senior School at Overnewton Anglican College and VCE Coordinator at Eltham College.

Gerard’s key aims are to assist students to develop their unique potential by providing a range of rich experiences through academic opportunities, the creative and performing arts, sport, outdoor education, intercultural understanding, leadership and service to others. He believes that active, engaged, critical and empathetic global citizens are created through exposure to local and international issues via the curriculum, and a range of community and international experiences.

As part of his commitment to helping students to become global citizens the Global Citizenship Centre launched in May 2017. Using the UN Global Goals as a foundation, students are asked to consider how these goals can be reached, and the future they want to see grow from their own actions.

Under Gerard’s leadership, the School embarked on an innovative Australian-first partnership with La Trobe University to provide Year 9 students with a year-long hybrid secondary school-university learning experience. Out of this vision, University Campus was born and accepted students in the early commencement period of 2018.

One of Gerard’s key priorities is the development of young people of character which has seen the creation of the Ivanhoe Learner. The Ivanhoe Learner is the embodiment of a young person of character. A person who is courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate. These attributes have been integrated into every aspect of the learning experience from ELC to Year 12.

Campuses

Ivanhoe Grammar School is currently located over four campuses

• Buckley House (formerly The Memorial Junior School), Ivanhoe. Years: Early Learning Centre (Age 3+) to Grade 6.
• The Ridgeway Campus, Ivanhoe. Years: 7-12.
• Plenty Campus (formerly the Mernda Campus), Mernda. Years: Prep-12.
• La Trobe University Campus, Year 9 Students Only

The school also has three former campuses: Parish Hall at St James' Church (1915–1920), Yea, Victoria - The school was relocated to Yea during WWII, and "Charnwood" (later renamed "Strathbogie"), Lima East, Victoria - The school's country centre was opened in 1978.

The Ridgeway Campus

The Ridgeway Campus encompasses Year 7 to 12 and is located in Ivanhoe, a suburb located approximately 12 kilometres north-east of Melbourne's CBD. For students in Year 11 and 12, The Ridgeway Campus offers the state's traditional Victorian Certificate of Education qualification, or the Internationally recognised International Baccalaureate Programme. The Ridgeway Campus is co-educational.

Plenty Campus

The Plenty Campus (formerly the Mernda Campus) was founded in 1990, and is co-educational from Prep to Year 12. It is located in Bridge Inn Rd, Mernda, an outer suburb north of Melbourne. The Plenty Campus offers only the Victorian Certificate of Education to Years 11 and 12, however students at the Plenty Campus can choose to transfer to The Ridgeway Campus to study the International Baccalaureate for their final two years of schooling.

Buckley House

Also located in Ivanhoe, The Memorial Junior School was opened in 1955, and was built using the donations from the families of old boys who died in the Second World War. It was renamed "Buckley House" in 1998. In memory of the old boys who gave their life for King and Country, there now stands a small stone memorial.

Buckley House is Ivanhoe's primary school, accepting students from ELC 3 to Year 6, and is located on the North side of The Ridgeway Campus.

La Trobe University Campus

In 2018 Ivanhoe Grammar announced a partnership with La Trobe University in which Year 9 classes would be held in specially renovated hertitage terrace houses on the university property. The campus opened for the 2019 school year and provided students with a year long, unique learning experience that incorporated the use of university facilities and input from key university personnel.

Co-curriculum

Cadets

Ivanhoe Grammar School has an Australian Army Cadets (AAC) unit that is one of the largest in the state. Founded in 1961, the unit is known as Ivanhoe Grammar School Cadet Unit (IGSCU).

Sports

The School participates in the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria's sporting fixture, where it has been the competitions powerhouse in the sports of Athletics and Swimming where it has, since 1988 won 14 and 13 Premierships respectively.

Ivanhoe Grammar School is a traditional rival of Camberwell Grammar School and the two schools have a tradition of annual sporting fixtures. Most notable of these is the annual cricket match, for the Allan Graham Trophy.

Notable alumni

Academic

• John Alexander McKenzie – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at The University of Melbourne; Professor of Genetics and Personal Chair of the Department of Genetics; Recipient of the Centenary Medal 2003
• Stephen Bigelow – Mathematician

Entertainment, media and the arts

• Wilbur Wilde; saxophonist
• Tarik Frimpong; Actor
• Lana Murphy; Television Presenter

Medicine and science

• Rev. Irwin Faris – Assistant Curate of the Surf Coast Parish; Foundation Professor of Surgery at Geelong Hospital and the University of Melbourne (1992–99), former Chief of Surgery (1997–99); Former Editor-in-Chief of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery; Recipient of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Medal 2001

Politics, public service and the law

• John Kelvin Dawson – Agent General for Queensland to the United Kingdom and Commissioner for Europe in London
• John Ingles Richardson – Former Member of the Legislative Assembly, (Liberal) for Forest Hill; Former Chairman of the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee; Former Chairman of the Planning Committee; Former Shadow Minister for Community Services, Housing and Aboriginal Affairs (also attended Kerang High School)
• Harry Jenkins, Sr.
• John Brumby - Premier of Victoria (2007–10)
• Rowan Downing QC -President of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, UN-appointed judge, Khmer Rouge War Crimes Tribunal, Cambodia & Justice, 2006-2014 Court of Appeal, Vanuatu;

Sport

• Ben McKinley; AFL Footballer
• Kyle Langford; AFL Footballer
• Sam Grimley; AFL Footballer
• Dylan Buckley; AFL Footballer
• Ben Lennon; AFL Footballer
• John Stevens; AFL Footballer
• Aaron Lord; AFL Footballer
• David O'Halloran; AFL Footballer
• Mark Richardson; AFL Footballer
• Cameron McConville; Racing car driver
• Sam Bramham; Paralympic gold medalist
• Alf Watson; 1928 and 1936 Olympian
• Brad Camp; 1988 Olympian (marathon)
• Charles Siddall Rann; Australian athlete
• Alice Teague Neeld; Netballer

See also

• List of schools in Victoria
• List of high schools in Victoria

External links

• Ivanhoe Grammar School website