NEWS FROM GRAMMAR 2015
A Chat with Bruce Fairfax ….Pip Manson had the pleasure of spending time with Bruce Fairfaxa well-respected and inspirational teacher who has been a member of staff for 26 years. Bruce did not set out to be a teacher. He initially studied Arts/Law at Sydney University but quickly realised I could do more good if I worked with young people than bury myself with law. Employed by Headmaster Christopher Strong for whom he had great admiration, Bruce came to Grammar in 1988 as Director of Studies. During his busy and active time at School, he has also been Acting Head of English, Head of the Senior Campus and Deputy Principal. Presently he is working with senior students teaching English Literature and supporting students undertaking Student Directed Inquiry. Recently awarded life membership to the Tasmanian Debating Union, Bruce has fostered a love of the written and spoken word, not only through his teaching but involvement in the debating and public speaking programmes at school. He has also supported students involved in the Lions Youth of the Year and Model United Nations and other youth leadership programmes. Somehow Bruce also found time to be involved in orienteering, athletics, rowing and netball, as well as directing several musical productions. Two cherished memories: signing up Christopher Strong to be Assistant Director when we were performing Pirates of Penzance…. After a performance of Camelot, when a visiting audience member commented on driving along the East Tamar Highway and seeing the flag flying above the illuminated clock tower and the school standing out like a beacon of hope in a new world. The magic of this glorious musical had taken hold even before they reached the school and learned that King Arthur was being played by the school captain! That same captain Aiden Morrison’s comments about Bruce are revealing… I think Bruce was much more like the composer and in many ways a conductor of my educational experience…and …From what might appear to be a cacophony of conflicting events, activities and agendas going on in the school, Bruce could hear a symphony of education that was challenging, inspiring, and stimulating in the extreme. As a result of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Bruce has stepped away from leadership roles in the school and is enjoying teaching and an involvement in curriculum planning. His focus has always been on the students of the school. He thinks that; what matters is love and commitment to young people and that school is a place for learning what you can be. I love the students and I try to listen to them and find the things that are going to be important in their lives and encourage them to pursue the good …Students understand themselves and the world and wish to contribute …Those of us privileged to be their teachers have an awesome responsibility as we seek to live out our promise to nurture, challenge and inspire those in our care. page 12
Boarding House Dining The dining room in the Boarding House echoes of the past. A large brick fire place, honour boards and historical photographs, polished floors, well-worn wooden benches and buffed tables have been witness to a multitude of students across the generations; eating. The importance of food and the quality of the meals served can not be underestimated in students’ minds. Most ex-students recollections of the Boarding House involve food. There have been some horror stories of food and fruit rationing, trying to hide mushy food in pockets to avoid eating it, of learning to ‘like ‘tripe so you could feel full and of competitions seeing who can flick butter patties onto the ceiling. Today tells a different story. The Strickland family have been managing the kitchen since 2011. Maree runs the tuck shop and helps in the kitchen at busy time. Daughter Danielle is the kitchen hand and there is casual help at nights and during the weekends. But the kitchen domain is Darryl Strickland’s. Darryl caters for around 65 diners. This includes boarders, Gappies and boarding house staff. A day in the dining room begins with a continental breakfast with two hot options – perhaps pancakes or baked beans. Hungry boarders are offered a hot meal for lunch and a salad bar. In the evening, diners have the option of two dishes and a vegetarian meal. Students with special dietary needs are also catered for, whether it is gluten free or celiac free. The International students are looked after for with rice and noodles being offered most nights. Many students come back for seconds. Darryl’s philosophy is ‘fresh is best’. He ensures meals are well balanced and follows dietary guidelines. Butter chicken, Mongolian lamb or themed Mexican nights are popular with the students. The boarders are very appreciative. “They are a fantastic group of students. I am here because of the kids. If they are happy, I am happy.” He runs an open kitchen so they feel it is theirs. – They are not afraid to ask for extras. Darryl says the garbage bin is an indicator of what is popular. Whilst the dining room is etched in history the food served today is appealing and appetising. And the boarders’ favourite ingredient? Chocolate! page 13
- Page 1 and 2: nEWS FROM GRAMMAR ISSUE 59 JUNE 201
- Page 3 and 4: From the Headmaster’s Desk Build
- Page 5 and 6: Co-Captains Converse 2015 Co-Captai
- Page 7 and 8: There used to be dedicated radio an
- Page 9 and 10: We have high expectations, particul
- Page 11: After some lovely days in Istanbul
- Page 15 and 16: Christmas Camp 2005-2014 - My Journ
- Page 17 and 18: Never Bored- 6 questions for Adam M
- Page 19 and 20: Alex Frain (Class of 2004) When I l
- Page 21 and 22: Nurture Nurture Challenge Pip Manso
- Page 23 and 24: There is no doubt in my mind that s
- Page 25 and 26: Book Launch The launch of the book
- Page 27 and 28: Launceston Grammar Prefects 1931 Th
- Page 29 and 30: Class of 2004 - 10 Year Reunion Cla
- Page 31 and 32: 2015 Annual Fund Doing, thinking, f
A Chat with Bruce Fairfax<br />
….Pip Manson had the pleasure of spending time with Bruce Fairfaxa<br />
well-respected and inspirational teacher who has been a member of staff for 26 years.<br />
Bruce did not set out to be a teacher. He initially studied Arts/Law<br />
at Sydney University but quickly realised I could do more good if I<br />
worked with young people than bury myself with law.<br />
Employed by Headmaster Christopher Strong for whom he had great<br />
admiration, Bruce came to Grammar in 1988 as Director of Studies.<br />
During his busy and active time at School, he has also been Acting<br />
Head of English, Head of the Senior Campus and Deputy Principal.<br />
Presently he is working with senior students teaching English<br />
Literature and supporting students undertaking Student Directed<br />
Inquiry.<br />
Recently awarded life membership to the Tasmanian Debating<br />
Union, Bruce has fostered a love of the written and spoken word, not<br />
only through his teaching but involvement in the debating and public<br />
speaking programmes at school. He has also supported students<br />
involved in the Lions Youth of the Year and Model United Nations<br />
and other youth leadership programmes. Somehow Bruce also found<br />
time to be involved in orienteering, athletics, rowing and netball, as<br />
well as directing several musical productions.<br />
Two cherished memories: signing up Christopher Strong to be<br />
Assistant Director when we were performing Pirates of Penzance….<br />
After a performance of Camelot, when a visiting audience member<br />
commented on driving along the East Tamar Highway and seeing the<br />
flag flying above the illuminated clock tower and the school standing<br />
out like a beacon of hope in a new world. The magic of this glorious<br />
musical had taken hold even before they reached the school and<br />
learned that King Arthur was being played by the school captain!<br />
That same captain Aiden Morrison’s comments about Bruce are<br />
revealing… I think Bruce was much more like the composer and in<br />
many ways a conductor of my educational experience…and …From<br />
what might appear to be a cacophony of conflicting events, activities<br />
and agendas going on in the school, Bruce could hear a symphony<br />
of education that was challenging, inspiring, and stimulating in the<br />
extreme.<br />
As a result of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Bruce has<br />
stepped away from leadership roles in the school and is enjoying<br />
teaching and an involvement in curriculum planning. His focus has<br />
always been on the students of the school.<br />
He thinks that; what matters is love and commitment to young<br />
people and that school is a place for learning what you can be. I love<br />
the students and I try to listen to them and find the things that are<br />
going to be important in their lives and encourage them to pursue<br />
the good …Students understand themselves and the world and wish<br />
to contribute …Those of us privileged to be their teachers have an<br />
awesome responsibility as we seek to live out our promise to nurture,<br />
challenge and inspire those in our care.<br />
page 12
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