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Class of 1995: 30 Year Reunion
The Girton Class of 1995 and those who would have graduated in these years are warmly invited to the Brougham Arms in Bendigo for a night of friendship and fun. The event will officially start at 6pm on Saturday 11th October, in the function room. Enjoy a sit down meal where you can select your meal from the menu (pay on the night), plus drinks are available to purchase from the bar at bar prices. Partners are most welcome. For those interested, a school tour will run from the Peppercorn Tree at 4.00pm for those interested in a walk down memory lane. Family members most welcome. Date: Saturday 11th October, 2025 Time: 6:00pm til late Venue: Brougham Arms Hotel Tickets available HERE
Class of 2024: 1 Year Reunion
The Girton Grammar Class of 2024 and those who would have graduated in 2024 are warmly invited to the GPO Bar and Restaurant in Bendigo for a night of friendship and fun. The event will officially start at 6pm with finger food provided until 8.30pm, after which time you are welcome to remain at the venue and enjoy each other’s company. OGA members are free and non-members are $20. Drinks at bar prices. Date: Friday 12th December, 2025 Time: 6:00pm til late Venue: GPO Bar and Restaurant Tickets available soon!
GIVING BACK IN WORK AND IN LIFE: MEET DAVID SYMONS
“I am a big believer that my generation, and those to follow, need to do more to donate their time in the community, particularly those of us who are fortunate enough to have been given the benefit of a Girton education, as we often have a lot to offer, especially for the benefit of those who are less fortunate or privileged than us. Although there may not be any ‘monetary’ reward, I find that you cannot put a price on the satisfaction and pride that you feel having given your time to others in the community, especially when you do so and expect nothing in return.” When David Symons graduated from Deakin University in 2015, he was nervous about the future. He was worried that his grades weren’t good enough, and that he would have to reassess his career options. “Fortunately, I got lucky and got my foot in the door at HQ Law (despite a few comments about my somewhat ordinary university marks!) and haven’t looked back since!” Now, after more than nine years at HQ Law and moving from a graduate role to a role as Senior Associate, David has proven that it wasn’t just luck. David attended Girton between 2005 and 2010 as a member of Jenkin House. Among other subjects, he studied Business Management and Psychology in year 12, and names Mrs Matthews as his most influential teacher. “Her best attribute was that she took a very no-nonsense approach to how she taught us in both Business Management and Psychology – I feel that her teaching style best prepared us for life beyond school.” Life beyond school initially meant Deakin University for David, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in 2015. He went on to obtain a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Leo Cussen Institute before being admitted as a lawyer in August 2016. At HQ Law, David works predominantly in the area of Wills and Estates. While it wasn’t the area of law he was originally interested in, he has loved every minute of it. “I definitely never expected to practise in this area of law, or in fact to enjoy doing so. I am now so grateful that I ended up practising in this area by default.” It can be difficult to work in this area. But David gets great satisfaction from working with people during what can be the most emotional or vulnerable time in their lives, when they have lost a loved one and may also be navigating fraught family dynamics. “Generally, people are extremely grateful and appreciative of the care and compassion that we try and show them through this time.” He notes that he finds it particularly rewarding when he can help those who may have been unfairly left out of a Will. While he acknowledges that Wills should be respected, he has seen scenarios, particularly with parent-child relationships, where someone may have been unfairly excluded from receiving something that they had a reasonable expectation of receiving. He is proud of the times he’s been able to help resolve those situations. David’s willingness to show care and compassion and do what’s right for others extends beyond his professional life. He has been involved in playing, coaching and volunteering behind the scenes for football and water polo, and has also sat on the local soccer tribunal for a number of years. He also plays an important role on the committee of a local charity, raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. David says he’s a big believer that we need to do more to donate time to our communities, and he is walking his talk. When he’s not donating his personal time to important causes and local sporting clubs, David likes to travel, and has recently returned from a holiday to Europe with his partner.
The Making of a Violin Virtuoso: Evie Matthews’ path from classrooms to stadiums
When Evangeline (Evie) Matthews graduated from Girton in 2014, she knew her passion for music and performing arts would shape her future. Now, with a viral video performance to her name and a dynamic career as a musician and business owner, the former Frewian reflects on how her journey has unfolded with unexpected turns and remarkable milestones. Evie’s recent performance of ‘Seven Nation Army’ at the A-League Men’s Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park caught her by surprise. Booked through her corporate manager, she had no idea she’d be playing to a roaring crowd of over 20,000 fans at one of Australia’s biggest football matches. Her electrifying rendition went viral, drawing over 2 million views and catapulting her into a whirlwind of media attention, including an interview on The Today Show. “It was absolutely invigorating,” she shares. “Never in a million years did I imagine performing in a stadium, let alone going viral. It’s been a tremendous blessing for both my work and my brand.” The performance has since led to multiple invites to perform with the A-League and an ongoing partnership with Melbourne Victory FC. Reflecting on her path to success, Evie credits the encouragement and guidance she received from the staff in Girton’s Arts Faculty. “It truly takes a village,” she explains. “Each teacher brought their own unique strengths and perspectives, nurturing my development and honing my craft in different ways. Their ongoing support throughout my schooling – and even after graduation – has been invaluable, shaping not only my musical journey but also my passion for the arts.” After Girton, Evie pursued further studies in the arts at the University of Melbourne, spending her first year at the Victorian College of the Arts in a foundation course for music theatre, followed by four years in the Bachelor of Music Performance program at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, majoring in violin and viola. This training equipped her with a solid foundation and the technical skills needed to thrive in her industry. Alongside her studies, Evie participated in Orchestra Victoria’s mentorship program and performed as a freelance violinist, gaining experience performing in orchestras, bands, musicals and operas across the state. This led her to a range of exciting opportunities, such as being the on-stage violinist for the premiere season of Ned: A New Australian Musical; working with creatives from the National Institute of Circus Arts and Cirque Du Soleil; and performing alongside top-tier artists Damien Leith, Conrad Sewell and, more recently, Kygo and Tiesto. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in focus. During lockdown, Evie became a certified health and fitness coach and worked with clients online to help them achieve their fitness goals. This role proved to be a “game-changer”, giving her the skills and confidence she needed to take the next step in her music career. After restrictions eased, Evie took a leap of faith in founding her business, Evangeline Victoria Music. It was a risk that has proven immensely rewarding, with the business winning ‘Victoria’s Best Wedding Musician’ at the Australian Bridal Industry Academy Awards for the last three years. Evie’s dedication to her craft and her adventurous spirit have continued to open new doors. Most recently, she completed a European tour that saw her perform at 17 weddings and events in 23 cities. She is already planning next year’s Euro tour, while working towards her goal of owning her own home by 2025. As she and her partner focus on their careers and business, she remains excited for the journey ahead and is deeply grateful for the countless connections and experiences her career has brought her. “The opportunities that have come my way have been overwhelming in the best possible way, and I am beyond grateful,” she says. “I’m incredibly excited to see where this journey leads next!” www.evangelinevictoriamusic.com.au
Jenna Strauch: Girtonian turned Olympian
On Friday 30 August 2024, Girton Grammar School had the privilege of welcoming back former student and Olympic silver medalist Jenna Strauch during her first visit to Bendigo after her remarkable achievements in the pool at Paris. Following a tour of the school, Jenna attended a special assembly at the senior campus as the guest of honour. She received a warm welcome, with introductions by Principal Dr Emma O’Rielly and her former Head of Jenkin House, Mrs Winsome Wastell, who has remained in touch with her over the years. “I knew Jenna was destined for greatness, but didn’t guess it was going to be in the pool – it was just going to be greatness,” Mrs Wastell told those in attendance. “It’s been an absolute pleasure for me to watch quietly over Jenna’s career and to know that I was, and Girton is, part of Jenna’s story.” As part of her address, Mrs Wastell shared vision of the thrilling 4 x 100-metre medley relay in which Jenna and her teammates clinched the silver medal. When Jenna took to the stage, she revealed that it was the first time she had watched a replay of the event, and she was deeply moved to experience it at her former school. Jenna began her address by presenting her gleaming silver medal to the audience, explaining that it symbolised much more than the victory itself, but rather the journey that had led her to that moment in her career. That journey began at age 13, shortly before she entered Year 7 at Girton, when she first commenced competitive swimming and quickly discovered her natural talent. Jenna also spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced throughout her swimming career. She revealed the sacrifices she made – including leaving her hometown, school and friends at a young age – as well as her battle with an illness that nearly ended her career. Her key message to the students in attendance was to embrace challenges rather than fear them. “Every single one of you in your life is going to face adversity, but in those moments, it’s those who choose to not let their adversity define them but shape them who will make it far – whether in swimming or any venture you choose. For me, those moments really taught me what it would take to get to an Olympic games.” Jenna also highlighted the importance of finding balance in life, which she has managed in her career as an elite sportsperson by completing a degree in biomedical science and now pursuing a masters in bioethics while working for a consultancy firm. She credited her Girton education for setting her up for success in these pursuits. “The education you receive at Girton is like none other. It really set me up in my early years to progress, so I’m very grateful for that,” Jenna disclosed. At the conclusion of her address, Jenna expressed her gratitude to those in attendance for their support – not only during her Olympic campaign but throughout her school years. “Many of you may have never met me before, but you are part of a community that I’m a part of, and I just can’t thank the Bendigo and Girton community enough for the support you have given me on my journey,” she said. “This medal wasn’t me alone. This medal is my family, it’s my supporters, the sacrifice we made to move away. But it’s also the likes of my teachers back here at Girton, who allowed me to continue my studies and be the best that I could academically while also giving me the leeway to pursue something extraordinary.” “I urge you to strive for excellence because one day you too could be standing up there and wonder how you got there. You could be me, because I was you.” Following Jenna’s address, School Captains Miffy Fisher and Charlotte Bett ascended the stage to present her with a token of the school’s appreciation. They then hosted a student Q&A session that saw Jenna delve into everything from her fondest memories of Girton, to her future career aspirations in the health sector. Following the assembly, Jenna stayed on for some one-on-one time with students from the school’s thriving Sports Excellence Program. Run by Head of Athletic Development Mr Ben Furphy, this program has been specifically designed to help young athletes develop the strength, mobility, coordination and movement patterns needed for success in their chosen sport. Girton is deeply grateful to Jenna for generously offering to visit the school during her return to Bendigo. The school could not be prouder of her achievements or the remarkable person she has become. Her legacy at Girton will endure – not only through her unbroken school Swimming Carnival records but in the inspiration her visit has instilled in this generation of Girtonians. NANTERRE, FRANCE – AUGUST 04: (EDITORS NOTE: Image was captured using a robotic camera positioned above the field of play.) Gold Medalists of Team United States (C) celebrate as Silver Medalists of Team Australia (L) and Bronze Medalists of Team People’s Republic of China (R) applaud on the podium during the Swimming medal ceremony after the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay Final on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Paris La Defense Arena on August 04, 2024 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
GIVING BACK IN WORK AND IN LIFE: MEET DAVID SYMONS
“I am a big believer that my generation, and those to follow, need to do more to donate their time in the community, particularly those of us who are fortunate enough to have been given the benefit of a Girton education, as we often have a lot to offer, especially for the benefit of those who are less fortunate or privileged than us. Although there may not be any ‘monetary’ reward, I find that you cannot put a price on the satisfaction and pride that you feel having given your time to others in the community, especially when you do so and expect nothing in return.” When David Symons graduated from Deakin University in 2015, he was nervous about the future. He was worried that his grades weren’t good enough, and that he would have to reassess his career options. “Fortunately, I got lucky and got my foot in the door at HQ Law (despite a few comments about my somewhat ordinary university marks!) and haven’t looked back since!” Now, after more than nine years at HQ Law and moving from a graduate role to a role as Senior Associate, David has proven that it wasn’t just luck. David attended Girton between 2005 and 2010 as a member of Jenkin House. Among other subjects, he studied Business Management and Psychology in year 12, and names Mrs Matthews as his most influential teacher. “Her best attribute was that she took a very no-nonsense approach to how she taught us in both Business Management and Psychology – I feel that her teaching style best prepared us for life beyond school.” Life beyond school initially meant Deakin University for David, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in 2015. He went on to obtain a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Leo Cussen Institute before being admitted as a lawyer in August 2016. At HQ Law, David works predominantly in the area of Wills and Estates. While it wasn’t the area of law he was originally interested in, he has loved every minute of it. “I definitely never expected to practise in this area of law, or in fact to enjoy doing so. I am now so grateful that I ended up practising in this area by default.” It can be difficult to work in this area. But David gets great satisfaction from working with people during what can be the most emotional or vulnerable time in their lives, when they have lost a loved one and may also be navigating fraught family dynamics. “Generally, people are extremely grateful and appreciative of the care and compassion that we try and show them through this time.” He notes that he finds it particularly rewarding when he can help those who may have been unfairly left out of a Will. While he acknowledges that Wills should be respected, he has seen scenarios, particularly with parent-child relationships, where someone may have been unfairly excluded from receiving something that they had a reasonable expectation of receiving. He is proud of the times he’s been able to help resolve those situations. David’s willingness to show care and compassion and do what’s right for others extends beyond his professional life. He has been involved in playing, coaching and volunteering behind the scenes for football and water polo, and has also sat on the local soccer tribunal for a number of years. He also plays an important role on the committee of a local charity, raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. David says he’s a big believer that we need to do more to donate time to our communities, and he is walking his talk. When he’s not donating his personal time to important causes and local sporting clubs, David likes to travel, and has recently returned from a holiday to Europe with his partner.
Vale Mr Tom Glazebrook AM RFD ED
Mr Tom Glazebrook with scholarship recipient Mietta Livingstone We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Tom Glazebrook, a mentor and dear friend of the Girton community. We offer our deepest condolences to his children Sue and David, and to their friends and families. Mr Tom Glazebrook was born in Rockhampton, Queensland in 1926. He moved to Victoria to attend Scotch College Melbourne, then studied Civil Engineering at the predecessor to RMIT University, graduating in 1948 and receiving the Municipal Engineers prize from the Institution of Engineers Australia and the Kernot Medal for Dux of Engineering School from RMIT. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1950, and made his way up the ranks to Major. He received his Master of Engineering and retired from the OC 104 Construction Squadron RAW (SR) in 1975 after 25 years of service, after having been awarded medals of Efficiency Decoration ED, 1st clasp to ED, Reserve Force Decoration RFD, 1st clasp to RFD, National Medal and Defence Medal. Mr Glazebrook held a number of roles during his life, including Assistant City Engineer, Assistant Divisional Engineer, Divisional Engineer, Sunday School Teacher, Preacher and Scout Teacher. He spent the majority of his working career at the Country Roads Board (which eventually became VicRoads). Mr Glazebrook gave to his community. He designed an oval and Kindergarten for a technical school, sat on the Advisory Council of Bendigo Senior High School for 10 years, was made Commodore of the Bendigo Yacht Club, served three years as Deputy Chairman of the Regional Board of La Trobe University Bendigo, and was the Executive Secretary and Building Coordinator for the Greater Bendigo Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. In 1970, Mr Glazebrook became a member of the Rotary Club of Bendigo South, and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by the club in 1988. He worked tirelessly for youth programs in the club, and was integral in forming a scholarship for a Year 10-11 student at Girton Grammar School. This is named ‘The Rotary Club of Bendigo South – Tom Glazebrook Scholarship’ in honour of Mr Glazebrook and his work. In 1995, Mr Glazebrook was made a Fellow of the Institute of Municipal Engineers Australia, an Honorary Member of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, and was additionally granted a Fellow status with the Institution of Engineers Australia. In 2001, Mr Glazebrook made the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘service to the community, particularly through the greater Bendigo Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and service to the Engineering profession’. Mr Glazebrook was a stalwart in the Girton community. He took it upon himself to personally present the scholarship bearing his name at Speech night over 27 years. Principal Dr Emma O’Rielly shares the following about Mr Glazebrook: “The image of Tom standing at the podium, year after year, is one that so many of us will carry forward. He brought with him a quiet dignity, a gentle but infectious enthusiasm, and a spirit of encouragement that reached far beyond the recipient of the award. Each time he stepped onto the stage, Tom did more than present a scholarship; he offered hope, recognition, and the powerful gift of believing in a young person’s potential.” Mr Glazebrook’s involvement with Girton extended beyond the scholarship and Speech Night. He attended Foundation Day each year and supported the school’s events and development, and regularly checked in on the recipients of his scholarship, becoming an unofficial mentor and celebrating their successes. Girton Grammar School thanks Mr Glazebrook and his family for their support and his presence for so many years. We are grateful for having known him. Mr Tom Glazebrook presenting The Rotary Club of Bendigo South Tom Glazebrook Scholarship at the 2023 Speech Night Mr Tom Glazebrook processing out of the 2024 Foundation Day Service
The John E Higgs Hall – an update for the Girton community
In 2025, Girton was due to renovate and upgrade the John E Higgs Hall on the Junior School campus. This work would revitalise the Hall and usher in a new era of events for Girton Grammar School. Earlier this year, in preparation for these renovation works on the Hall, an assessment was conducted and a preliminary report recommended that the northern wall (facing the Jan Thomas Building along Vine Street) be rebuilt as part of the broader project. Out of an abundance of caution, we installed temporary propping along the northern wall and relocated classes from the Jan Thomas Building (also known as T Block – situated at the corner of Vine and MacKenzie Streets) while further assessments and wall propping were completed. Further assessments have been undertaken and have found additional long-term deterioration. Following engagement with the City of Greater Bendigo, the City has issued a demolition order for the John E Higgs Hall. At Girton, we prioritise the safety of our students, staff and the Girton community. We are working with the City of Greater Bendigo and all other relevant parties to work through the issues, seek relevant approvals and determine the next steps. As such, timing is still uncertain. We understand that the John E Higgs Hall has played an important role in the history of Girton Grammar School. It has been the setting for many an important event – for productions and exhibitions, for competitions and concerts, for assemblies and formalities, and for welcomes and farewells. We will be celebrating these memories as we make plans for the future that are sympathetic to the history of the Hall.
Vale Mr Les Evans, former Senior Master
The Girton community was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Les Evans, former Senior Master and teacher of Mathematics, on 18 August 2025. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Leonie, his daughters, Brigid and Laura, his son-in-law, Chris, his granddaughter, Melody, and their families and friends. Mr Les Evans commenced at Girton as a teacher of Mathematics in 1998, having taught previously in Catholic Schools around Victoria and in the Northern Territory. Following his appointment, Mr Evans’ intellect and organisational ability were soon evident, and he was appointed Head of Curriculum in 1999. He was appointed Senior Master in 2004 and remained in that important role until his retirement at the end of Term Four in 2019. During his 22 years at Girton, Mr Evans proved himself as an outstanding teacher of Mathematics. His students enjoyed his teaching style and dry sense of humour. He was always willing to help a student who struggled with a subject, and his students performed very well at VCE level. As Senior Master, Mr Evans drove curriculum development and was responsible for the complex task of timetabling. Ever the mathematician, Mr Evans made extensive use of data and statistical analysis to assist in ensuring that student learning was tracked and monitored appropriately. His ability to extrapolate information from data was crucial in helping the school’s curriculum leaders understand the learning styles and learning needs of the students in Senior School. In 2011, Mr Evans led the school’s adoption of Yale University’s RULER program, introducing the development of emotional intelligence throughout the school community. Teams of teachers were sent to Yale for intensive training in the RULER approach based on Mr Evans’ recommendation. RULER is now part of the fabric of Girton’s Junior School thanks to the leadership and vision of Mr Evans, with Girton having been named a RULER Spotlight School for 2025. One of Mr Evans’ most important roles was to advise students and their parents about learning pathways and subject selection. This was a task that Mr Evans took very seriously, and his advice was greatly valued. Ever an understanding and logical thinker, Mr Evans was an intelligent problem solver who could always be relied upon for clear analysis and sound advice. Girton Grammar School was lucky to know and have Mr Evans, and to benefit from his calm, professional manner, his care and precision, and his bottomless reserves of good humour. A funeral service for Mr Les Evans will be held at 1.30pm on Friday, 29 August 2025 at The Conservatory, All Seasons Bendigo.
