A Snapshot of 

School History

V-Roccing around School With Mr Verrocchi

Interview By Ellie Adams

As a Year 8 student, I’m so happy to include Mr Verrocchi, a notable Alumnus, and our Head of Year into the third edition of The Ivy voice regarding school history.

Mr Verrochi a student from 1991 to 1998 recounts on his experiences and memories while also sharing the developments and differences Ivanhoe has embraced. When asked about what his favourite memories were, Mr Verrocchi divulges that his friendships, or 'mate-ships' as he calls it, especially with friends from other classes were some of his favourite parts of being a student at Ivanhoe along with sport and cadets he reluctantly mentions. As Mr Verrocchi continues recounting his time at school, the community image of Ivanhoe is illustrated further. Mr Verrocchi mentions how previously orchestra and cadets were at the same time, so students who wanted to be involved in both were 'penalised' by time, so changes were made so students could enjoy both.

Being a part of the staff at Ivanhoe today, Mr Verrocchi has been able to notice the changes that have made Ivanhoe the school it is today. From developing Ivanhoe Learner Attributes to changing into a co-ed school, Ivanhoe has taken on many changes. Mr Verrocchi recounts on the stricter uniform rules back then surprising me with quotes like, 'we had to wear garters on our socks, to keep our socks up', 'boys had to have their shirts tucked in and if they didn’t they would get sent home'. When asked why rules like these were so stringent at that time Mr Verrocchi reveals that this was because expectations were more set. Mr Verrocchi also thinks that higher expectations are possibly an area of improvement. There were many changes Ivanhoe went through, and it is amazing to know that simple things like Saturday sport were enjoyed so thoroughly back then as they are now. 

Although things have changed, I found it interesting to hear the similarities. While interviewing Mr Verrocchi, I was surprised to learn that traditions back then he enjoyed at school are still enjoyed by students today. Mr Verrocchi recounts on an amusing tradition, 'The Passing Parade' which because cadets often fainted, soon became a play on words. While the name celebrated the 'graduation' of cadet recruits and originated from the Army name, Mr Verroci and as I’m sure Year 12 students still call the Ceremonial Parade, 'the passing out parade' for a double meaning. The name originates from the heat experienced when the parade was originally held in October, and how the students would evidently 'go down like flies' at the end. Mr Verrocchi questionably confirms that this is a fun day that everyone joins in on. He even mentions some students holding a wager on how many students they thought would faint during the parade. It is important to note that since appropriately changing the date (and season) of the Ceremonial Parade, it is rare that anyone faints. 

Another tradition - a much more secretive one is what was called 'gate duty'. Mr Verrocchi discloses that all the prefects including himself possessed a small notebook in which they would scribble down other students’ detentions.

Mr Verrochi ultimately describes Ivanhoe as cultural, community-based, and an abundance of opportunities. 

Throughout this and prior interviews, I have gained a sense of the Ivanhoe culture, and what the seeds were that grew to make Ivanhoe Grammar School what it is today.

I’d like to thank Harriet and Emilie for presenting me with this opportunity to learn more about our School's history.