News from the Archives

Obituaries

Our sincere condolences go to the families and friends of members of our community who have passed away.

JEAN PHIBBS (FORMER STAFF MEMBER)

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Miss Jean Phibbs who was a dynamic leader of the PE and Sport Department at Kilvington from 1984 until the early 1990s. 

Current long serving staff member Kerryn Warbuton attended Jean’s service and reflected on Jean’s time at Kilvington. She said, “Originally from Dublin, Jean taught in India before moving to Australia to continue her career. Her greatest sporting passion was hockey, and I remember teaching this sport with her down at E Gunn Reserve many times. 

Back in those days the Reserve turned into a muddy swamp during a wet winter and students would often slide in the mud and the hockey ball often got stuck. We had no sport centre so rainy days were often a challenge, with ball sports banned in Dalton Hall. Despite this we managed to successfully compete in a wide range of traditional sports in the Southern District Sports Association (SDSA) and had a lot of success with our netball and softball teams. 

Jean was also heavily involved in the Kilvington community, in particular supporting the night debating teams. She was very welcoming to new staff, often inviting them over for dinner after the Annual Church Services held at St Andrew Church in Brighton.

Until recently Jean kept herself active swimming laps at GESAC and was also a member of a dog walking group. She certainly had a big impact on the students she taught and coached and will be sadly missed by friends and family.”

PAUL HOLPER (FORMER BOARD MEMBER)

We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former Kilvington Board Member, Mr Paul Holper. 

Paul was a member of the Kilvington Grammar Board from 2006 to 2011. He was a key supporter of the decision to transition to a coeducational school, and an integral contributor to ensuring a smooth and positive transition process. Both Paul’s daughters attended Kilvington – Kate who graduated in 2007 and Sarah who graduated in 2010. 

Our deepest sympathies to his wife, Janet, his daughters Kate and Sarah, and his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Alumni News

JENK AKYALCIN

It was wonderful to hear from much loved, former Physics teacher, Jenk Akyalcin, as he travelled through Europe in a camper van this year. 

Jenk said, "It has been over 25 years since I left Kilvington, a community I thoroughly enjoyed being part of. I am now semi-retired and live on the Mornington Peninsula. It is a wonderful place with so much to do. I enjoy paddling in the bay, exploring the walking trails and playing drums with a group of friendly musicians. My two children are content in their chosen careers and looking after themselves with their own place to call home.

Over the years I’ve had many career changes, from managing the Victorian Primary Care Partnership strategy to being a team member on the Bunnings paint desk. One day in the paint aisle I was greeted by a former student who had just received her PHD in Physics. I was honoured she visited personally to tell me.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Kilvington and learned a great deal about teaching and learning. Through my life experience I’ve discovered there is no need to focus on one direction, there are many paths that can lead to enriching experiences." Thank you Jenk!

LOUISE GILBERT (NEE HARRIS, CLASS OF 2002)

Congratulations to Louise Gilbert whose new book, Make work work for you was released in mid-November and has already 'hit the charts'.

• Multi-Category Amazon Australia #1 Bestseller
• Amazon Australia #1 Bestseller in 'Occupational & Organisational Psychology'
• Amazon Australia #1 Bestseller in 'Organisational Learning'

For over fifteen years, Louise Gilbert has partnered with Australia's leading organisations to guide teams and inspire leaders to embrace growth and change. She has now brought together the lessons from this work, and captured the essence of what all leaders and teams want to know.

Louise said, “It’s pretty exciting to see my book hit #1 Hot New Release and #1 Mover and Shaker on the first day of its release too.

My book includes twenty-seven leadership practices to achieve excellence across performance, growth and wellbeing.

A big part of my work and the book is to support leaders to develop contemporary methods so we can make work work for everyone including neurodivergent people.

My dad has started reading it and says it's 'pretty good' and my kids, Harrison (8) and Elodie (6), think they're famous because it has their names in there once!

My bestie from Kilvington, Jess Biggs (nee Snow) who I'm still friends with to this day, is also featured in the book."

You can take a look at Make work work for you here or visit Louise’s website at www.louise-gilbert.com

KILVONIAN KATHY FERDINANDS TIES THE KNOT

Big congratulations to Katherine (Kathy) Ferdinands (Class of 1991) who recently tied the knot with Justin Smyth. We hope you, Justin and Connie (your feline fur baby) are settling well into married life.