Message from the President

Well another year has just flown by.  We finish the year with a terrific profile of David Pollock (class of 1984) - he remembers times at the school and lets us know a bit about what he is doing now.  Thank you David, for your story.
Next year is the College’s 125th year.  There are lots of activities and events planned.  So 2015 will be a great year to get in touch, and reconnect with old class mates.  Lots of dates listed to fill up your diaries.

The Gala Dinner and Twilight Carnival will be great opportunities to catch up with old school mates.  Please keep 25 July and 10 October 2015 free. It would be great to see a big Wyvernian turnout.

Next year we are also planning to develop business connections and networking opportunities – I would be pleased to receive interest and input into what would be of value to you as an individual, or representing your business and/or particular area of expertise.  There are many opportunities in areas of networking, connections, advice, mentoring and inspiring.  Your ideas and input would be greatly appreciated.

The Wyvernian Awards for General Excellence have been awarded to two exceptional students.  We congratulate Shinjini and Katherine for their fine efforts.

We are currently pre-planning for next year’s Reunions.  Details are in this edition.  If you would like to assist with chasing down some of your old class mates please contact me or the College Alumni Coordinator Amanda Berryman.  The Facebook pages will be up for each graduating year.  Please connect if you haven’t already, by joining your graduating year page, joining the Wyvernian FB page, and/or updating your details on the College website.

Other interesting things in this edition include the 2015 Archive Exhibition, Open Day, Hairspray, the College production for 2015, White Ribbon Day and Mental Health activities at the College.

On behalf of the College and Wyvernian Association I hope you all have a happy and safe Christmas. 

I look forward to hearing from you in 2015!

Stuart Castle

President

David Pollock Class of 1984

David Pollock was a student at Kingswood College from Year 7 (1979) to Year 12 (1984).

In particular David remembers liking the way that the Senior School operated for Year 11 and 12 students. Students were treated more like independent adults—for example, there was no daily morning assembly or uniform.

‘We didn’t feel “forced” to do things we didn’t want. The focus was more on trying to get us to see the value of attending classes and doing homework rather than being “forced” to. Also several teachers allowed us to use their first names.’

David felt that although this philosophy may not have been suitable for everyone, it helped prepare students for the ‘real world’. The more relaxed regime did suit David, and he did well academically (except in English, as he disliked writing essays!).

One of the benefits of Kingswood College’s policies at the time was that David feels he learnt a lot about being considerate of other people in different situations, such as those with disabilities. David found the atmosphere very positive, and felt accepted. He suggests that he was ‘respected for just being myself and not criticising others’.

Read the full article

125 Years events

Wednesday 4 February

Kingswood College first opened its doors on 4 February 1890.  This day marks 125 years of educating girls and boys.  It will be celebrated with a Welcome to Country, singing and entertainment, and finishes with a morning tea for parents.

We’d love you to join us at one or all of these important events to celebrate 125 years of education.

Saturday 28 February, Open Day

10am – 2pm

Located in the Senior School, Kingswood Central, is a must-visit centre for all information about Kingswood College. On display will be information about the LATTICE framework, International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, co-curricular activities, Parents and Friends Association, extension programs, enrolments and applications.

You’ll be able to meet with the Principal and senior staff, as well as teaching staff. Student Ambassadors will also be available to take you on a tour of the College and to answer questions.

13 May – 16 May, College Production, Hairspray

Students from Years 6 -12 will present the high-energy, get-up and dance musical Hairspray for this year’s College Production.

A fast-moving, entertaining and sing-a-long production, Hairspray is a feel-good story that everyone can relate to. Hairspray is a must-see musical that all the family will enjoy.

Saturday 25 July, 125 years Gala Dinner

Leonda By The Yarra

A special evening to celebrate 125 years of education, all members past and present of the Kingswood College community including Alumni are invited to attend the gala dinner on Saturday 25 July.
 

Saturday 10 October, Twilight Community Carnival, 3pm- 8pm finishing with fireworks

The highlight of a year of celebrations, the Kingswood College Community Carnival is the culmination of our 125 years program of events.

The Community Carnival will have something for everyone including a fantastic range of rides and entertainment for kids of all ages – big and small.

A fun afternoon out for the whole family the Community Carnival will finish with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

Gates open at 3pm and everyone is welcome!

2014 Wyvernian Awards for General Excellence

The Wyvernian Award for General Excellence recognises outstanding achievement in all areas of College life. 

This year the Award was received by Shinjini Shrivastava in Year 6 for her outstanding contribution to leadership as Junior School Captain.
 

Katherine Smith in Year 10 received her Award for her contribution to cocurricular activities, teamwork and sporting achievements.  

Congratulations to Shinjini and Katherine.

2015 Reunions

Sunday 19 April

125 years Reunion

A super Reunion to celebrate 125 years of Kingswood College will be held at the Box Hill Golf Club on Sunday 19 April from 11.30am – 3.30pm

College Reunion for 10 years (Class of 2005), 15 years (Class of 2000), 20 years (Class of 1995), 25 years (Class of 1990), 30 years (Class of 1985), 35 years (Class of 1980) and 40+ years (Class of 1975 and prior) at the Box Hill Golf Club. If you graduated from Kingswood College in any of these years we’d love you to attend.

Archive Exhibition

Tuesday 14 April – Saturday 26 April

Archives Exhibition, Box Hill Community Arts Centre

The exhibition will officially open on Tuesday 14 April at 4.00pm.

On display is 125 years of material from our archives. Come along and catch a glimpse of what schooling was like at the College in the 1890s and early 20th century to today.

White Ribbon Day

On Tuesday 25 November Kingswood College marked White Ribbon Day. All students in Years 4 - 9 were encouraged to support the day and chose to purchase a white ribbon to wear on their uniform.

White Ribbon Day is the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women. Originating in Canada in 1991, White Ribbon is the world’s largest male-led movement to end men’s violence against women and is active in more than 60 countries.

Sadly, in our own country there is a need to stand up in opposition to violence:

    One in three women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them.
    One in four children is exposed to domestic violence, which is a recognised form of child abuse.
    Intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and ill-health in Australian women aged 15 - 44.

In conjunction with our partners at the Bean Alliance – a White Ribbon Organisation - we invited all members of the College community, particularly men, to join us outside the Tuckshop for coffee.

The White Ribbon Campaign is about recognising the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. It fosters and encourages male leadership in the prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent.

The Campaign is a means for men to speak out against violence against women, and to safely and effectively challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of men who use or condone violence against women.

This document was created using resources available at White Ribbon. For more information visit www.whiteribbon.org.au

World Mental Health Day

On Friday 10 October Kingswood College celebrated Mental Health Week in many different ways, acknowledging the foundational role that robust mental health plays in our quality of life. Beyond Blue Ambassador Jeff Kennett was a special guest at a Years 7-12 Assembly, and participated in a Relay for Mental Health.

The Relay took place throughout the day and was a fantastic initiative of Journeys Precinct Leader Lucinda Malgas, and culminated in a family picnic. Proceeds from the day were given to Beyond Blue.

Update your details

Have you got a new email address, phone number, or changed address since leaving the College?  Please advise us of your updated details so we can continue to communicate with you, by updating your details.  If you know anyone else who attended the College but who may not have received this eNews please feel free to forward this on.