Alumni

50 Year Out Reunion (Class of 1971)

It was delightful to see the Class of 1971 come together recently at the 50 Year Reunion. The atmosphere was so warm and friendly and it was wonderful to see many excited to reconnect with their peers.

Read an overview of the reunion held recently and view some photos via this link.

We understand the sensitive nature of this reunion given the unfortunate circumstances created by COVID-19 and border restrictions. We are pleased to share that alumni gave positive feedback on the night regarding the possibility to offer another Reunion for the Class of 1971 early in 2022 once border restrictions have eased. More information will be sent directly to the Class of 1971 in the coming weeks.

5 Year Out Reunion (Class of 2016)

The class of 2016 gathered In The Hanging Garden to celebrate their 5 year reunion. It was lovely for alumni to reconnect with old friends over drinks and nibbles.

Remembrance Day Acknowledgement

This year on Remembrance Day we acknowledged Alumnus Philip Burgoyne Hudson - a Boarder at Friends’ from 1901 to 1903, who designed the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.

The extract from 1934 Echoes, written by Headmaster Ernest Unwin, discusses the classical influences of the design, and the symbolism behind some of the decorative features.

Farewell to Venus

In 2009-2010 The Friends' School High School and Clemes hosted a Guide Dog puppy named Venus. During her time in the ‘puppy raising’ phase of her training she spent nearly two years accompanying teacher Katrina Munting to classes, meetings, excursions and generally moving about the School. She learned so much about safely negotiating crowded hallways, stairwells, and assemblies; how to remain calm in active classroom; and how to not disrupt a lesson or meeting. 

Unfortunately, Venus passed away recently, just shy of her 13th birthday. During her time at The Friends' School, Venus touched the lives of many students and staff members, who all became very fond of her. 

Old Boys’ Luncheon

Thank you to Mark Risby for sharing this item with us.

For the past eleven years I have been the convenor of a regular and informal monthly luncheon, primarily for Old Boys.

While this has proven to be an extremely enjoyable and relaxed occasion I am looking to extend our group by encouraging others to join with us at our preferred location at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT) on the last Thursday of each month.

The genesis of this idea originated from finding my father’s Clemes College memorabilia. He had collected several signed menus of Clemes Old Boy luncheons that he had attended.

I remember him telling me how much he enjoyed catching up with past school mates and what a positive experience it always was.

I believe this tradition had merit and now our regular attendees are from local, intrastate and interstate.

Those wishing to join in can contact me on sandmrisby@bigpond.com.

Mark Risby (aka Ris)

Alumni stories

Oliver Hovenden (2015)

Thank you to Oliver for kindly sharing his story with us.

I completed Year 12 at Friends’ in 2015 after having attended since Year 7. I went straight to university after finishing school, studying a Bachelor of Arts and Laws at the University of Tasmania. This year, I graduated after five and a half busy years of study which included an internship in the Tasmanian Parliament as part of my Politics and Policy major and a semester exchange at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, studying international human rights and international criminal law. I had an amazing time on exchange, travelling all over Europe to countries including Belarus, Latvia, Estonia, Greece and Portugal. While in the Netherlands, I spent time at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice in The Hague and learned a lot from leaders of human rights and international law from across Europe. Upon returning to Tasmania, I finished my studies with my Honours thesis on the human rights impacts of Climate Change. My time at Friends’ was incredibly formative in the studies I have undertaken and the person I have become. The Quaker values of service and community and the many opportunities I was lucky to get as a Friends’ student have certainly stayed with me. In Year 7, I joined the Amnesty International letter-writing group where I was first exposed to Amnesty and many of the human rights causes and social injustices they championed. 11 years on, I am still very involved in Amnesty, having been a member of the Tasmanian Board and Activist Leadership Committee for 8 years, and helping to coordinate some of the major campaigns on asylum seeker and indigenous rights. This year, I have been involved in the campaign to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Tasmania, working with organisations like Civil Liberties Australia and members of parliament to bring forward a motion in parliament which was recently adopted by the Legislative Council.

Having finished my law degree in the middle of this year, I undertook an internship at the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia, where I worked in the criminal law team providing legal support to indigenous clients. There I attended prison and the Magistrate’s Court as well as travelling to rural communities for Circuit days.

My passion for social justice was definitely ignited by my time at Friends’ and I have maintained a connection with the Quaker community, having recently taken part in a programme with the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva. I am currently studying my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and am heading to Canberra next year to undertake a graduate program with the Department of Education.

A passion for social justice is one thing that has stuck with me from my time at Friends’. I have also maintained the passions for languages and poetry that I gained during my time at Friends’. Having studied French and German while at school, I have since gone on to spend a lot of time in those countries and have also tried to learn some basics in a few more languages like Spanish, Dutch and Russian. As part of my English Writing class at Clemes, I studied spoken word poetry which inspired me to go on and write and perform once I had left school. Less than a year after I completed that unit on poetry, I found myself performing my own work at the Sydney Opera House as a national finalist of the Australian Poetry Slam.

When I’m not studying or working, I love cycling, playing and listening to music, bushwalking and making Lego.

The main tip I have for young alumni would be: If you have found what you’re passionate about, pursue it. Work and study in areas that make you happy and give you fulfilment and make the most of the many opportunities and connections you were lucky to make through school.

Sophie Mohler (2017)

Thank you to Sophie for kindly sharing her story with us.

It was such a privilege to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Farrall Centre in June 2021. It was a joy to see so many students, led by the amazing staff,  getting involved in the performing arts and working at such a high standard.

The event made me reflect on my time at Friends’ and how my experiences there shaped my future study of music at tertiary level. I was a member of the choir from as early as I can remember in primary school through to Grade 12 and was also involved in marimba ensembles for most of high school and Clemes. Most prominently, in 2014 I had the opportunity to perform as a soloist in a concert in collaboration with Elena Kats-Chernin and what an opportunity it was! For a school to have such a prominent person in the Australian music industry as an artist in residence is testament to the standard of music produced at The Friends’ School. It was pivotal in my decision to pursue music as a career and remains one of my favourite performances.

I was heavily involved in sports at Friends’, in rowing, netball, AFL, inter-school swimming and cross country. Anyone who knew me in primary school and early high school may remember me as not the most organised student, however, the act of balancing sport, music and study particularly in late high school set up positive study habits which have been essential for the self-directed nature of my work. 

I was also a very keen English student while at Friends’, and the passion and skills that were cultivated there have rather unexpectedly followed me through my degree. So much of classical vocal repertoire is music set to poetry (not the other way around) to express a certain nuance of emotion that the text cannot. In other words, to understand the music and how to sing it, you have to have a deep understanding of the poetry. In my first couple of years of study this was not so important to me, however, after having grasped the basics of classical technique, I was able to delve more into the intentions of the poet, forge links between their poetry and the interpretation of the composer, and finally superimpose my own connection to the text in my performance delivery. 

Over the last few months and the early part of 2020, I was lucky enough to spend Sydney’s lockdown in Tasmania with my family, while continuing my studies online. Out of what has been a very difficult time for many, came some positive learning experiences. I learnt how to convert mum and dad’s lounge room into a make-shift recording studio (my poor parents!), produced online music events,  produced solo recordings as well as recordings for a collaborative vocal quartet and workshopped original works via seemingly endless emails and Zoom meetings. While in Hobart, I was able to pursue some of my favourite activities outside of music with my family and old friends. Some of these include bushwalking, running, baking, walking our gorgeous greyhound and most recently indoor rock-climbing, though I have a long way to go before I get over my fear of heights!  

I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in classical voice under the tutelage of Dr. Rowena Cowley, and a Diploma of Languages (Germanic Studies) also through the University of Sydney. Recently, through the generosity of The Friends’ School community, I was able to create an audition video in The Farrall Centre very kindly recorded by Paul Radford. This video was used as a part of my application for a Masters of Music Studies (Opera Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music which I am excited to begin in February next year. In the future I hope to participate in international exchange programs which will enable me to perform in professional productions overseas as soon as winter next year and engage in further studies at institutions in Germany, Austria or England in the pursuit of a career as a professional opera singer.

If I could give any advice, it would be to get involved as much as you can in what Friends’ has to offer. I feel privileged to be a part of a community whose support has extended far beyond my school years. So, to those who are about to leave Friends’ and go into work or further study: be confident! Apply for scholarships, jobs, courses and opportunities - even if you don’t think you will get them, and always say yes! 

Selwyn Bardenhagen, Friends’ staff member 1958-1978

Thank you to Selwyn’s son John Bardenhagen for kindly sharing Selwyn’s story with us.

It would be of interest to former staff and students to learn Selwyn Bardenhagen celebrated her 100th birthday on 17 November 2021. Although physically well for a 100 year old she needed to move to Barossa Park Lodge Nursing Home three years ago after living in New Town in the same house for 70 years. Selwyn taught in the Senior School and Middle School from 1958 to 1978 and retired at age 58. Selwyn joined Friends’ after teaching at Ogilvie in the 1950s when it was co-educational. Selwyn taught hundreds of students during that time, including her son David in French, although her other son John escaped that experience. Selwyn was Headmistress of the Middle School before retiring. Subjects that she taught included French, Latin, English, Mathematics and even Esperanto.

Selwyn's two sons attended the school, David (1966) and John (1970).  Both went on to successful careers in Los Angeles and Brisbane respectively. Her daughter Jill lives in Perth. Sadly her eldest son, Guy, disappeared without trace near Mt Picton in South West Tasmania in 1962 when he was 15.

Selwyn continued to support Friends’ after leaving. We are happy and proud to share her story and celebration with the Friends’ community.

Obituaries

Lynnette McLennan (James) (1933-2021), Class of 1949

Our heartfelt thanks to Lynnette McLennan’s daughter Anne Barnett (McLennan) (1976) for kindly sharing this obituary.

My mum Lynette McLennan (James) passed away on 5th August 2021. She was born 24 October 1933 and at the age of 10 years she started at The Friends’ School, continuing on until she finished Class 12. She stayed at Friends’ all her life and remained friends with people she met there including Jan Marshall, who used to be a PE teacher at the school. Mum was good at sports, including table tennis, tennis, hockey and athletics, and became honorary secretary of the Sports’ Committee in 1949. She had a very active life at the School, including as a prefect and House Vice-Captain (Ransome) in 1949, and participating in sports teams at junior and senior levels throughout her time.

She bravely moved from Hobart at the age of 74 to Sydney to be closer to me and her granddaughters Hannah and Erin. She is survived by her sister Margaret Barnes (James) (1947) who also attended Friends’ and my family, including her great granddaughter Lexie.

Alan Cato (1948-2021), Class of 1965

Our heartfelt thanks to Kathy Rundle for kindly sharing this obituary.

Alan was a boarder at Friends’, just as his mother Winifred (Clark) (1945) had been before him. During his school life Alan shared his musical talents with the The Friends’ School community. Boarders remember his music practice floating down the corridors of Hobartville. He was a gentle fellow and very beloved by his peers. We welcomed him back to reunions over the years and followed his musical journey in life with interest.

When Alan’s sons Andrew (2000) and Christopher (2003) came to attend Friends’ in time, a warm family bond continued.

Alan gave so much to the musical and cultural life of Hobart, especially through his long standing association with Elizabeth College as senior music teacher and Manager of the Performing Arts at Elizabeth College.

Christopher Walker (1934-2021), Class of 1951

Our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Walker’s brother Jim Walker for kindly sharing these words - please note, a longer story on Christopher will be shared soon.

Christopher and his 3 brothers Bernard (Jim) (1943), Ken (1945) and Ian (1948) (dec) were all students at Friends’, following on from their father Bernard Walker, also an old scholar of The Friends’ School and the school architect during its rebuilding from 1924 to 1937. Chris matriculated in 1952. He said the School introduced him to arts and crafts including pottery. He also enjoyed hockey, tennis and played the violin in the School orchestra. He continued to play the piano all his life. Christopher graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Tasmania in 1959. He travelled extensively and continued to work and lead the field in electrical engineering until 1989, when changes to his work meant he no longer had a job; Chris decided to retire and explore the fine arts. Christopher spent the next four years in full time study at the St George TAFE in Sydney obtaining an Associate Diploma of Arts (Fine Arts) specialising in Ceramics and Printmaking. He continued potting, printing and painting for many years prior to returning to Hobart to retire at Vaucluse Gardens.

Chris has left the School a generous bequest, and we give our sincerest thanks to his estate for the ongoing impact his bequest will have for our students.

Quick alumni updates

Our thanks to our alumni who kindly shared their and fellow class mates' stories, updates and snippets.

Congratulations to Friends’ alumnus Kerry HORE (1999) who was recently inducted into the 2021 Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame.  Kerry is an Olympic bronze medallist and was the first Australian female rower to represent Australia at four Olympics – Athens, Beijing, London and Rio.

Caroline BEASLEY (2009) was a recipient of the 2021 ACT Young Lawyer of the Year Award, presented by the ACT Law Society. This award recognises the outstanding achievements of young lawyers in the ACT, and encourages lawyers to participate in the legal profession beyond their core employment duties.

After completing Year 12 at Friends’ in 2009, Caroline studied Arts/Law at the Australian National University in Canberra, graduating with first class honours in law. Caroline is now a workplace relations, employment and safety lawyer at Clayton Utz. She provides pro bono services through the Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Canberra Community Law on employment and discrimination matters, including working with vulnerable clients in family violence situations. Caroline also coordinates her firm’s Community Connect program which connects staff with volunteering opportunities in the Canberra community. She mentors young female law students at the Australian National University and the University of Canberra, as well as junior lawyers at Clayton Utz.

Caroline shared this award with Kieran Pender.

Ruby BLAKEAWAY (2012) I am a School Psychologist with the Department of Education of Western Australia. I'm based in Geraldton, 400km north of Perth and service the Midwest region.

David DUNKIN (1968) I attended boarding school from 1958 to 1965. I was house captain, sports captain and prefect during my stay at Friends'. My head teacher Mr "Cracker" Morris was the best teacher I ever experienced. He taught me about life and the Quaker way of life.

Christine ROBINSON (1973) Christine recently donated a copy of her book Sharing Joy’s Treasures to the Friends’ School library, and a number of photos from her mum’s photo collection of time at the School to our Archives. In a card she included the following lovely words:

“Dear Nelson

It is my pleasure to donate a copy of my book to the Friends' School library. I had hoped to visit and launch my book but travel restrictions have prevented this planned trip to Hobart. I met you at a couple of school reunions in recent years, and now I enjoy retirement appreciating Noosa Heads in a warmer climate and staying active. My family has had a long association with mum attending Clemes College and my sister Anne and I attending The Friends' School. We have fond memories of our school years and the bonds of friendship that have stood the test of time. I found these photos in one of mum's photo albums and thought I would contribute them to the school archives.

I hope you enjoy my story about the fascinating history of a cherished shell collection. Kind regards, Christine Robinson”

Inscription: I hope my story about the fascinating history of this collection and the beautiful images of my cherished family heirloom gives you many hours of pleasure. Enjoy. - Christine Robinson, Friends' old scholar 1973

Are your details up to date?

Please remember to update your details so you can receive news and information, including about upcoming events and reunions. Please pass this information on to family and friends so that they can update their details too. Enquiries to stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au.

Alumni Reps Quarterly Meeting

An Alumni Reps meeting was held in October. A summary of topics discussed can be found here

Focus Newspaper Distribution

As we implement and roll out our new School database, we apologise to any community member who did not receive a printed copy of the November edition of Focus with the recent distribution.  If you did not receive a printed copy of Focus and would like a copy, please let us know - stayconnected@friends.tas.edu.au or 6210 2200 - and we will arrange a copy to be sent to you.

Pleasingly, our new School database enables us to provide reader choice with regards to school information and publications being received in print and/or digitally.  Not only will this provide choice, but also enable us to consider our environmental footprint. There will be more information about this in the new year.

Message from the Friends’ Alumni Representatives

Lucy Loney (Ogilvie), Convener

Class of 1988

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all in the Friends’ alumni community a peaceful festive season and thank everyone for your support this year for the School, our students and each other. In particular I would like to thank our Alumni Reps who volunteer their time to help build our community. We would not have been able to achieve everything we did without their thoughtful and generous input.

This year we were able to hold reunions postponed in 2020 due to the global pandemic, offer support and practical assistance to our newest alumni, find new ways to connect our community through our Hobart Friends’ community catch ups, build our global digital connections through the School’s new LinkedIn alumni community and, importantly, continue to share our stories which reflect our shared values, create new connections, and inspire others in our community. Sharing our stories is a gift for everyone - you never know what small aspect might influence the direction of someone’s life, or simply brighten their day!

I hope we are all able to connect with family and loved ones this festive season wherever they are in the world. I know our family celebrations will include Zoom calls with overseas family members who we miss very much and will be unable to see in person due to the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic. I am sure many others are in the same boat. I hope we can all find ways to share some time, connect and reflect together.

About the Friends’ Alumni Community

The Friends’ Alumni Community (FAC) encompasses alumni and their families, former staff and volunteers, and friends of the School – wherever you are in the world. Membership is automatic – there is no application or membership fee. If you wish to receive updates about the activities of this group please ensure your details are up to date.

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