Camberwell Grammar School
Encyclopedia
Camberwell Grammar School is an independent
, Anglican
, day school
for boys, located in Canterbury
, an eastern suburb of Melbourne
, Victoria
, Australia
.
Camberwell Church of England
Grammar School
was founded in 1886. In its early years, the school was housed at a number of sites in and around the suburb of Camberwell
, Victoria. It has occupied its present site on Mont Albert Road on Canterbury's Golden Mile, since 1935. In 2011, it celebrated the 125th year anniversary of its establishment in 1886.
The school currently has around 1600 students. The school is divided into three sections – Junior School (Prep – Year 5), Middle School (Year 6 – Year 8) and Senior School (Year 9 – Year 12).
In July 1891 the school was purchased by Mr. Alfred S. Hall, M.A., in partnership with Mr W.A. Gosman, and in 1896, when the number dropped to approximately 35 boys, it was transferred back to St John's Sunday School.
Twelve years later in 1908, a move was made to site which had been purchased in Burke Road where the school was to remain until 1934. It was during these years that the school was to take on the nature that the school is today. In 1924, suggestions were put forward that the school be converted from a private school to a 'Public School', and the following year at a public meeting in the Camberwell Town Hall, it was announced that a Provincial Council had been formed. this Council decided to take over the school from Mr. Hall, and on 3 May 1927, at a service at St. Mark's Church, the school was declared a 'Church of England Public School'.
At the end of 1926, mr. hall retired and was succeeded as Headmaster by Dr. M.A. Buntine, who was later to become Headmaster of Geelong College. He left the school in 1931 to go to Western Australia as Headmaster of Hale School, and was succeeded by Mr. H.L. Tonkin.
In 1934 the School Council purchased 'Roystead' for the sum of £ 12,500, and Camberwell Grammar School moved to its present site. With the help of the late Sir William Angliss, the building which used to house the Middle School and Administration was completed and was ready for occupation at the beginning of 1935. A preparatory school at the front of the property was opened a year later in 1936. This building, subsequently added to, remained a classroom block until its demolition in 2006.
In 1949 the late Mr. H.L. Tonkin retired as Headmaster, and was succeeded as Headmaster by Mr. M. Searle, who was appointed from England. At the end of 1954, Mr. Seal resigned his position was Headmaster, and was succeeded by the Reverend T.H. Timpson. Under his direction, the school made rapid progress, especially in terms of buildings and numbers of students. In 1957, the Parents' Association, under the leadership of Mr. Alec Hannah, and with the assistance of the old Boys, raised the necessary funds to commence the building of the Memorial Hall, and in February 1958 this building was opened and dedicated.
In 1958 also, the adjoining property known as 'Tara' was purchased, and three Preparatory School classrooms were built. The following year the H.L. Tonkin Science Block was begun and the ground floor, consisting of three science laboratories, were opened in April 1960. Additional Preparatory School classrooms, the B.L. Bath Wing, a Council Room and kitchen for the Memorial hall were added in 1961.
In 1962 a second floor was added to the H.L. Tonkin Memorial Building. the E.D. Romcke Memorial Library and two geography classrooms were erected a year later.
Other changes included the building of the buttery, an annex to the school tuck shop which served as a dining hall or common room for senior boys. In addition, land adjoining Blackburn Lake was acquired for future expansion, and a lease of scrubland named 'Bambara', near Broadford, was granted by the Forestry Commission. this was to provide a camp site where groups of boys may learn the benefits of community and country living.
1966 was a year of change, where Mr. Timpson resigned after guiding the school through a decade of expansion; he was succeeded by Mr. A.P.D. Dyer, formerly Headmaster of Ballarat College. During the year the classroom known as the T.H. Thimpson Wing was officially opened, and the property known as 'Highton' at the eastern end of the school was purchased to be used as a music school, the Rye family donating an impressive set of gates at the entrance to the property. About the same time, a new, large attractive kitchen-dining/ recreation hall was built at Bambara after a fire destroyed the original building.
Since 1966, new developments at Camberwell have included the building of new change rooms and toilets, the erection of an observatory, new tennis courts and a new Junior Science laboratory. the new L.W. Weickhardt Library and Resources Centre was opened in 1971. Other renovations included a new Junior School change room and projection box in Assembly Hall.
During the Christmas holidays at the end of 1971, the top floor of Roystead was considerably altered. besides the remodeling of two classrooms, a larger art room and senior study room were set up.
During 1973, the large 2 acres (8,093.7 m²) property 'Kingussie' at 43 Mont Albert Road was purchased for the School's long-term project.
By the start of 1974, alterations to Junior School to increase the size of the classrooms were fully completed, and in February, the long waited David Dyer Physical Education Centre was opened. This complex includes a heated pool, basketball/ volleyball courts, weights training and trampoline areas and a large multi-purpose room.
During 1974–1975, the Junior School alterations were completed and the tuck shop and Buttery both considerably increased in size and facilities.
The year 1976 marked the 90th anniversary of the School's foundation and the year was celebrated by past and present members of the School community. The two principal functions were the Old Boys' Dinner, held in Memorial Hall, and the Dinner for parents and friends at the Hilton, both most memorable occasions.
Kingussie was opened at the commencement of the year as an Asian Studies Centre for students and the community generally. the only noteworthy physical attention during 1976 was the interior reconstruction of part of 'Tara', to provide a small but effective Prep School library.
In early 1977, with the assistance of the Parents' Association, a computer was installed in the main administration building. It served the twofold purpose of giving students practical experience in programming, and of greatly increasing the efficiency of the school accounts department. Consequently, extensions to the limited office space were made.
At the end of 1977, the old Grade 6 classrooms near the Physical Education centre wan renovated to provide two areas for year 5 classes, and two new learning areas for Year 6 were erected between the site of the old gymnasium and the existing Junior school wing. This wing, in recognition of his long service to the school, first as Council Member then as Chairman, has been named the Cannon W. Holt Wing.
During 1978 part of the old Outer Circle Railway cutting near Canterbury Road was filled and a playing field prepared. In an historic venture Canterbury Girls' Secondary College shares this facility with Camberwell Grammar, and the local community is able to use it outside school hours. Work progressed during 1979 and landscaping was completed early in 1980. The area is called 'Shenley Ground', to commemorate Camberwell's first permanent settlers and the former railway station at the southern end of the field.
In 1979 the History Rooms facing Mont Albert Road were named the 'Romcke History Rooms', the original building used mainly for senior humanities and commerce, the 'Alfred Hall Building', the administration and Junior School section, the
William Angliss Building', and the former Council Room, the 'P.W. Robinson Council Room'.
Early in the year a work area for the Commerce Department was erected above what was then the Deputy Headmaster's office, the Staff Common Room in Roystead was enlarged and refurbished, and both the Art and Craft room were extensively improved.
During 1980 the sixteen and a half acres in Lake Road, Blackburn, bought by the school in 1963 for the purpose of building a Junior School, were sold to the Nunawading City Council. Shortly afterwards 'Norge', 10 Barnsbury Road, was acquired.
In 2004, the HR MacDonald Library block replaced the old library block and in 2005, the middle school building was upgraded with the new installment of the William Angliss building.
The school plans to build a new senior school building, which should be completed by 2013.
Independent school
An independent school is a school that is independent in its finances and governance; it is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operations, nor reliant on taxpayer contributions, and is instead funded by a combination of tuition charges, gifts, and in some cases the...
, Anglican
Anglicanism
Anglicanism is a tradition within Christianity comprising churches with historical connections to the Church of England or similar beliefs, worship and church structures. The word Anglican originates in ecclesia anglicana, a medieval Latin phrase dating to at least 1246 that means the English...
, day school
Day school
A day school—as opposed to a boarding school—is an institution where children are given educational instruction during the day and after which children/teens return to their homes...
for boys, located in Canterbury
Canterbury, Victoria
Canterbury is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 10 km east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Boroondara...
, an eastern suburb of Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Camberwell Church of England
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
Grammar School
Grammar school
A grammar school is one of several different types of school in the history of education in the United Kingdom and some other English-speaking countries, originally a school teaching classical languages but more recently an academically-oriented secondary school.The original purpose of mediaeval...
was founded in 1886. In its early years, the school was housed at a number of sites in and around the suburb of Camberwell
Camberwell, Victoria
Camberwell is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 9 km east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Boroondara. At the 2006 Census, Camberwell had a population of 19,637....
, Victoria. It has occupied its present site on Mont Albert Road on Canterbury's Golden Mile, since 1935. In 2011, it celebrated the 125th year anniversary of its establishment in 1886.
The school currently has around 1600 students. The school is divided into three sections – Junior School (Prep – Year 5), Middle School (Year 6 – Year 8) and Senior School (Year 9 – Year 12).
History
In 1886, Arthur B. Taylor, B.A, began the school in the Sunday School of St. John's Church of England on Burke Road, Camberwell, and the following year moved to Fermanagh Road, Prospect Hill, where there were about a hundred students.In July 1891 the school was purchased by Mr. Alfred S. Hall, M.A., in partnership with Mr W.A. Gosman, and in 1896, when the number dropped to approximately 35 boys, it was transferred back to St John's Sunday School.
Twelve years later in 1908, a move was made to site which had been purchased in Burke Road where the school was to remain until 1934. It was during these years that the school was to take on the nature that the school is today. In 1924, suggestions were put forward that the school be converted from a private school to a 'Public School', and the following year at a public meeting in the Camberwell Town Hall, it was announced that a Provincial Council had been formed. this Council decided to take over the school from Mr. Hall, and on 3 May 1927, at a service at St. Mark's Church, the school was declared a 'Church of England Public School'.
At the end of 1926, mr. hall retired and was succeeded as Headmaster by Dr. M.A. Buntine, who was later to become Headmaster of Geelong College. He left the school in 1931 to go to Western Australia as Headmaster of Hale School, and was succeeded by Mr. H.L. Tonkin.
In 1934 the School Council purchased 'Roystead' for the sum of £ 12,500, and Camberwell Grammar School moved to its present site. With the help of the late Sir William Angliss, the building which used to house the Middle School and Administration was completed and was ready for occupation at the beginning of 1935. A preparatory school at the front of the property was opened a year later in 1936. This building, subsequently added to, remained a classroom block until its demolition in 2006.
In 1949 the late Mr. H.L. Tonkin retired as Headmaster, and was succeeded as Headmaster by Mr. M. Searle, who was appointed from England. At the end of 1954, Mr. Seal resigned his position was Headmaster, and was succeeded by the Reverend T.H. Timpson. Under his direction, the school made rapid progress, especially in terms of buildings and numbers of students. In 1957, the Parents' Association, under the leadership of Mr. Alec Hannah, and with the assistance of the old Boys, raised the necessary funds to commence the building of the Memorial Hall, and in February 1958 this building was opened and dedicated.
In 1958 also, the adjoining property known as 'Tara' was purchased, and three Preparatory School classrooms were built. The following year the H.L. Tonkin Science Block was begun and the ground floor, consisting of three science laboratories, were opened in April 1960. Additional Preparatory School classrooms, the B.L. Bath Wing, a Council Room and kitchen for the Memorial hall were added in 1961.
In 1962 a second floor was added to the H.L. Tonkin Memorial Building. the E.D. Romcke Memorial Library and two geography classrooms were erected a year later.
Other changes included the building of the buttery, an annex to the school tuck shop which served as a dining hall or common room for senior boys. In addition, land adjoining Blackburn Lake was acquired for future expansion, and a lease of scrubland named 'Bambara', near Broadford, was granted by the Forestry Commission. this was to provide a camp site where groups of boys may learn the benefits of community and country living.
1966 was a year of change, where Mr. Timpson resigned after guiding the school through a decade of expansion; he was succeeded by Mr. A.P.D. Dyer, formerly Headmaster of Ballarat College. During the year the classroom known as the T.H. Thimpson Wing was officially opened, and the property known as 'Highton' at the eastern end of the school was purchased to be used as a music school, the Rye family donating an impressive set of gates at the entrance to the property. About the same time, a new, large attractive kitchen-dining/ recreation hall was built at Bambara after a fire destroyed the original building.
Since 1966, new developments at Camberwell have included the building of new change rooms and toilets, the erection of an observatory, new tennis courts and a new Junior Science laboratory. the new L.W. Weickhardt Library and Resources Centre was opened in 1971. Other renovations included a new Junior School change room and projection box in Assembly Hall.
During the Christmas holidays at the end of 1971, the top floor of Roystead was considerably altered. besides the remodeling of two classrooms, a larger art room and senior study room were set up.
During 1973, the large 2 acres (8,093.7 m²) property 'Kingussie' at 43 Mont Albert Road was purchased for the School's long-term project.
By the start of 1974, alterations to Junior School to increase the size of the classrooms were fully completed, and in February, the long waited David Dyer Physical Education Centre was opened. This complex includes a heated pool, basketball/ volleyball courts, weights training and trampoline areas and a large multi-purpose room.
During 1974–1975, the Junior School alterations were completed and the tuck shop and Buttery both considerably increased in size and facilities.
The year 1976 marked the 90th anniversary of the School's foundation and the year was celebrated by past and present members of the School community. The two principal functions were the Old Boys' Dinner, held in Memorial Hall, and the Dinner for parents and friends at the Hilton, both most memorable occasions.
Kingussie was opened at the commencement of the year as an Asian Studies Centre for students and the community generally. the only noteworthy physical attention during 1976 was the interior reconstruction of part of 'Tara', to provide a small but effective Prep School library.
In early 1977, with the assistance of the Parents' Association, a computer was installed in the main administration building. It served the twofold purpose of giving students practical experience in programming, and of greatly increasing the efficiency of the school accounts department. Consequently, extensions to the limited office space were made.
At the end of 1977, the old Grade 6 classrooms near the Physical Education centre wan renovated to provide two areas for year 5 classes, and two new learning areas for Year 6 were erected between the site of the old gymnasium and the existing Junior school wing. This wing, in recognition of his long service to the school, first as Council Member then as Chairman, has been named the Cannon W. Holt Wing.
During 1978 part of the old Outer Circle Railway cutting near Canterbury Road was filled and a playing field prepared. In an historic venture Canterbury Girls' Secondary College shares this facility with Camberwell Grammar, and the local community is able to use it outside school hours. Work progressed during 1979 and landscaping was completed early in 1980. The area is called 'Shenley Ground', to commemorate Camberwell's first permanent settlers and the former railway station at the southern end of the field.
In 1979 the History Rooms facing Mont Albert Road were named the 'Romcke History Rooms', the original building used mainly for senior humanities and commerce, the 'Alfred Hall Building', the administration and Junior School section, the
William Angliss Building', and the former Council Room, the 'P.W. Robinson Council Room'.
Early in the year a work area for the Commerce Department was erected above what was then the Deputy Headmaster's office, the Staff Common Room in Roystead was enlarged and refurbished, and both the Art and Craft room were extensively improved.
During 1980 the sixteen and a half acres in Lake Road, Blackburn, bought by the school in 1963 for the purpose of building a Junior School, were sold to the Nunawading City Council. Shortly afterwards 'Norge', 10 Barnsbury Road, was acquired.
In 2004, the HR MacDonald Library block replaced the old library block and in 2005, the middle school building was upgraded with the new installment of the William Angliss building.
The school plans to build a new senior school building, which should be completed by 2013.
The School Crest
- 'The Bishop's Mitre'- symbol of the English Church and faith kept within the School
- 'The Laurel Wreath'- symbol of victory
Extra-curricular activities
- Army Cadet Corps- The Camberwell Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (CGSACU), was established in 1908. The Cadet Unit hold bivoacs and annual camps and cadets participate in weekly trainings and activities within and outside of school. Additionally, the cadet unit participate on the annual marches to the Shrine of RemembranceShrine of RemembranceThe Shrine of Remembrance, located in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia was built as a memorial to the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I and is now a memorial to all Australians who have served in war...
on ANZAC DayANZAC DayAnzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all...
.Sometimes they also Participate in the Remembrance DayRemembrance DayRemembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth...
service at the Shrine of RemembranceShrine of RemembranceThe Shrine of Remembrance, located in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia was built as a memorial to the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I and is now a memorial to all Australians who have served in war... - Interschool Debating- Camberwell Grammar is a part of the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) and holds interschool debates with other schools in the region with school grounds.
Notable Old Camberwell Grammarians
- Darren Chau (writer, performer, television executive).
- Simon ChestermanSimon ChestermanSimon Chesterman is Vice Dean and law professor at the National University of Singapore, and "Global Professor and Director" of the Singaporean branch of the NYU School of Law. His research concerns international law, conceptions of public authority, state-building and post-conflict reconstruction...
(international law professor). - Rob GellRob GellRob Gell is a geomorphologist and weather presenter formally with National Nine News and later Seven News.He was one of the only Australian weather presenters on free-to-air television with a degree in Meteorology along with David Brown.-Career:Gell, who attended Koonung Secondary College is a...
(born 1952, geomorphologistGeomorphologyGeomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them...
and televisionTelevisionTelevision is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
weather manWeather forecastingWeather forecasting is the application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a given location. Human beings have attempted to predict the weather informally for millennia, and formally since the nineteenth century...
) - David de KretserDavid de KretserDavid Morritz de Kretser, AC is an Australian medical researcher and a former Governor of Victoria from 2006 to 2011.-Biography:...
ACOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
KStJ (born 1939, Governor of Victoria) - Barry HumphriesBarry HumphriesJohn Barry Humphries, AO, CBE is an Australian comedian, satirist, dadaist, artist, author and character actor, best known for his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna Everage, a Melbourne housewife and "gigastar", and Sir Les Patterson, Australia's foul-mouthed cultural attaché to the...
AOOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
CBEOrder of the British EmpireThe Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(born 1934, also known as Dame Edna EverageDame Edna EverageDame Edna is a character created and played by Australian dadaist performer and comedian, Barry Humphries, famous for her lilac-coloured or "wisteria hue" hair and cat eye glasses or "face furniture," her favorite flower, the gladiola and her boisterous greeting: "Hello Possums!" As Dame Edna,...
and Sir Les PattersonSir Les PattersonDr Sir Leslie Colin Patterson is a fictional character portrayed by the Australian comedian Barry Humphries. Obese, lecherous and offensive, this farting, belching, nose-picking figure of Rabelaisian excess is an antipodean Falstaff...
) - Robert A. LittleRobert A. LittleRobert Alexander Little DSO & Bar, DSC & Bar is officially regarded as the most successful Australian flying ace of World War I, with a total of forty-seven aerial victories. Born in Victoria, he travelled to England in 1915 and learnt to fly at his own expense before joining the Royal Naval Air...
(1895–1918, World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
flying aceFlying aceA flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
) - Sir Keith MurdochKeith MurdochSir Keith Arthur Murdoch was an Australian journalist and the father of Rupert Murdoch, the CEO and Chairman of News Corp.-Life and career:Murdoch was born in Melbourne in 1885, the son of Annie and the Rev...
(1886–1952, journalistJournalistA journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
, father of Rupert MurdochRupert MurdochKeith Rupert Murdoch, AC, KSG is an Australian-American business magnate. He is the founder and Chairman and CEO of , the world's second-largest media conglomerate....
). - Henry Douglas StephensHenry Douglas StephensHenry Douglas Stephens was an Australian paediatric surgeon.He was born in Williamstown, Melbourne to John Charles Stephens, a newspaper owner, and his wife Kate. He was dux of Camberwell Grammar School and graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1900...
(1877–1952, paediatric surgeon) - Greg StrachanGreg StrachanGreg Strachan is a former Australian rules football player who played in the VFL between 1978 and 1988 for the Richmond Football Club.-References:*Hogan P: The Tigers Of Old, Richmond FC, Melbourne 1996...
(born 1958, Australian rules footballAustralian rules footballAustralian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
er). - George Alan Vasey (1895–1945), Major GeneralMajor GeneralMajor general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
) – Also attended: Wesley College, MelbourneWesley College, MelbourneWesley College, Melbourne is an independent, co-educational, Christian day school in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Established in 1866, the college is a school of the Uniting Church in Australia. Wesley is the largest school in Australia by enrolment, with 3,511 students and 564 full-time staff... - Andy Lee (comedian)Andy Lee (comedian)Andrew Thomas "Andy" Lee is an Australian comedian. He usually works alongside Hamish Blake as part of the comedy duo Hamish & Andy.-Personal background:...
(born 24 May 1981) Television and radio personality (Captain of music and sport 1999)
See also
- List of schools in Victoria, Australia
- List of high schools in Victoria
- Victorian Certificate of EducationVictorian Certificate of EducationThe Victorian Certificate of Education or VCE is the credential awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete high school level studies in the state of Victoria, Australia. Study for the VCE is usually completed over two years, but it can be spread over a longer period in some cases...