Dear Old Sydneians,

I am excited to continue the role of President throughout 2026, serving my third term. I would like to welcome and highlight the 2026 Old Sydneians’ Union Committee.

President: Nicholas Manettas (OS 2009)
Secretary: Ethan Tsui (OS 2018)
Treasurer: Craig Duly (OS 1977)

Returning Committee Members: Walter MacCallum (OS 1987), Peter Gibby (OS 1964), Tony Wakefield (OS 1980), Tim Lindley (OS 1991), Tom O’Neill (OS 2009), Andre Bressan (OS 2000), Steve Gonski (OS 1975), Phil Beaumont (OS 2010), Peter Economos (OS 2005), and Stanley Tanudjaja (OS 2019)

Additional New Committee Members: Kerry Huang (OS 2020) and John Wu (OS 2023)

This committee is experienced, brings a wealth of generational knowledge and is an inspired group wanting to build on our prior year, to deliver value to each of you whether that be through social means, educational forums or just simply a chance to engage with Sydney Grammar School.

As this committee continues to build, I want to take a moment to thank Jack Pinczewski (OS 2005) as he departs our committee and pursues his career offshore. A notable thanks must also go to the OSU’s departing Secretary, David Ross (OS 1965). David is a pillar of the Sydney Grammar School and OSU community. He served for over seven years on the OSU and brought us a wealth of experience, drive and knowledge. David’s humour, application to the job at hand and his love for all things Grammar is a true testament to him and an example for those of us around him to follow.

The OSU would like to also honour ex-Secretary, William “Bill” Dive (OS 1957/58), who sadly passed away during Term IV 2025. Bill was an OSU committee stalwart, volunteering for over twenty years in many different roles, serving as the President from 1990 – 1992.

The OSU is enthused to once again deliver our mentoring program in 2026. You hopefully received a request to register in your inboxes; this will be an annual occurrence to ensure our mentors and mentees are available for their in-person commitments. We thank the 2025 members who provided us with feedback to refine this program and we will continue to tweak this as we learn best practices and ways of working to drive success.

The OSU also has a number of upcoming initiatives in planning:

• Young Leavers Event (OS 2024 and OS 2025) – Thursday 23 April
• Alligator Wine Club Dinner – Thursday 23 April – purchase tickets here
• Grammar in Business Networking Series
• The Annual Great Debate
• Back to Weigall Day
• OSU Annual Lunch – Friday 4 September
• OSU Golf Championship – October (TBC)
• Annual General Meeting 

On behalf of the Old Sydneian network, I would like to congratulate the following Old Sydneians:

The Honourable Chief Justice Andrew Scott Bell AC (OS 1983)
for eminent service to the judiciary and to the law, to legal education and training, and to the arts as an administrator and benefactor

Dr Michael Robert Carr-Gregg AO (OS 1976)
for distinguished service to child and adolescent psychology, to policy reform as an advocate and advisor, to youth cyber safety, and to the community

The late Mr Robert George Hirst AM (OS 1973)
for significant service to the performing arts through music

Mr George Benjamin Newhouse AM (OS 1979)
for significant service to the law, to the legal profession, and to the community

Mr Jeremy Steven Dunkel OAM (OS 1987)
for service to the Jewish community of Sydney 

Mr Kenneth James Packham OAM (OS 1954)
for service to the community through a range of organisations

Mr Adrian Peter Read OAM (OS 1964)
for service to gymnastics, and to the community

We would also like to extend the sincerest of welcomes to the Headmaster Mr Stuart McPherson. Stuart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a willingness to listen, engage and learn. Stuart is active within our network, our way of working and is ensuring the OSU and Sydney Grammar School are aligned in our growth and our want, to encompass a holistic community.

Finally, I look forward to seeing more of you engage as we continue to provide further opportunities. In the meantime, I encourage you to talk to each other about our events and initiatives. I also want to encourage you to feel comfortable having a discussion with your committee to further offer value and opportunity to our peers.

Nick Manettas (OS 2009)
OSU President

The first 2026 OSU Meeting in the Old Science Room on Wednesday 4 February

Athletics

The 151st Sydney Grammar School Athletics Championships were held at Weigall on Wednesday 25 February in sweltering conditions. KAS House emerged victorious for the first time. Age Champions were Kobe Chee (U13), Zac Heller (U14), Kimi Patokallio (U15), Alexander Hu (U16) and Angus Windeyer (U17).

Lachy Webster was the convincing winner of the WH Savigny Memorial Trophy for the Open Age Championship. In an impressive display of versatility, he won the Open 800m and 1500m, and finished second in the 400m, fourth in the 200m and fifth in the 100m.

Basketball

The 2025–26 basketball season delivered strong, competitive outcomes across multiple age groups, highlighted by the outstanding performance of the 14s age group, who were the most successful team for the season, winning 61 percent of their games. At the senior level, the Firsts and Seconds teams combined for a total of five GPS victories across the season, demonstrating resilience and competitiveness within a challenging competition environment.

Individual achievement was also recognized during the season, with Ashton Clarke (VI), Captain of Basketball, being awarded his Honour Badge after successfully earning selection in the GPS Representative Team. 

Cricket

Our First XI had a handful of games which were decided in the final over in favour of the opposition. Unfortunately, this resulted in the team recording a disappointing final position on the table. Congratulations to Captain of Cricket, Ben Ho (VI), who scored a century in the Tri-Grammar series and performed strongly with bat and ball in the AAGPS thrilling victory against CAS. Our Second XI was a young side and will no doubt benefit from being exposed to the demands of competition cricket. 

Finally, there were many promising performances in the younger age-groups, which bodes well for the seasons ahead.

Rowing

Despite unflattering results at the 2026 Head of the River, all crews displayed outstanding determination and fortitude throughout the regatta. The School is immensely proud of the resilience, boatshed pride and teamwork shown by the boys. This continues to define Grammar’s rowing culture and underpins future success.

Swimming 

The 2026 swim team delivered outstanding results in the pool this season. At the final AAGPS carnival, the Junior squad won their division for only the second time in Sydney Grammar history, and the Intermediate squad come second overall.  

A highlight of the evening was the All Age 6 × 50 freestyle relay. The Grammar team, consisting of Ashly Yang (I), Hudson Duong (II), Hugo Jones (II), Jonah Jo (III) Joseph Braund (IV) and Jonathan Cheng (VI), finished the race 7 seconds ahead of the rest of the field in a GPS record-breaking time. Sixteen boys have been selected to progress to the CIS Competition. 

Tennis

Tennis is very strong at Grammar. The Firsts took the title of AAGPS Tennis Premiers for the first time since 1996. They ended up being 5 points ahead of The Scots College. Special congratulations go to Kai Sloane (VI) and Lucas Lin (V), who played in the CIS competition.

The Seconds, after a season-long 84 hours of tennis, were still in contention for the premiership with just one hour remaining. However, they finished a mere two-and-a-half points behind The King's School in an outstanding second place.

The junior teams also performed successfully, and the future certainly looks bright for Grammar tennis.

Music

On Thursday 12 March, the main concert for Term I was held at 6:30pm in the John Vallance Hall. Several ensembles performed, including the School Orchestra, Seymour Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Croonivores, Grammarphones, Corelli, Concertante, Junior Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Combo Tuesday Lunch 1 and Jazz Orchestra. 

To celebrate Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday, four of Sydney Grammar’s organists joined Bob Wagner (OS 1986) in presenting a concert in Big School on Sunday 29 March. Not only was the 2004 Mander organ played but Grammar’s other organic treasure, the 1996 Bernhard Fleig continuo organ, featured.

Major Events in Term II

Catch Me If You Can - The Musical will be performed in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre across four nights from Tuesday 21 April to Friday 24 April 2026. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Grammarpalooza, Grammar rock’s night of nights, will be held in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre on Thursday 30 April at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased here, with all proceeds going to the Prefects’ Charity, ProjectKindness.

Our next Ithaka lecture on Tuesday 26 May we welcome AI data specialists Dr Sandra Peter and Dr Kai Riemer to Sydney Grammar School. Book tickets here.

Term II Concert

The Term II Concert will be held in the John Vallance Hall on Thursday 4 June at 6:30pm and will feature a variety of large ensembles. Details of ensembles performing will be noted in a newsletter closer to the concert.

Woodwind Ensembles Concert

A concert featuring our smaller woodwind ensembles will be held in the Alastair Mackerras Theatre on Thursday 25 June at 6:30pm.

Advisers needed for Careers Convention

The Sydney CBD Schools Careers Convention will be held on Monday 1 June in the Palladium building for boys in Forms IV, V and VI and their parents. From 5:00pm to 7:00pm, in the Palladium classrooms, advisers from many career and university areas will be available for consultation. If you can assist with this consulting, in your own career/academic area, then please contact Mr Peter Whild by email pjw@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

Friday 24 April – Anzac Assembly, John Vallance Hall and Anzac Lunch, Big School
Friday 17 July – Gold Sydneians’ Lunch, Big School
Thursday 3 September – 1986 40-Year Reunion, Shelbourne Hotel, LinQ Bar (Convenor: Steve Hing)
Saturday 12 September – 2016 10-Year Reunion, Lord Dudley Hotel
Saturday 26 September – 1996 30-Year Reunion, College Street (Convenor: Jason Gellert)
Saturday 26 September – 2006 20-Year Reunion, College Street (Convenors: Alex Beale and Michael Frazis)
Saturday 17 October – 1976 50-Year Reunion, Venue TBC (Convenor: Paul Kotala)
Wednesday 28 October – 1971 55-Year reunion Lunch, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay (Convenor: Craig Moran)

On Friday 5 December over 70 “Gold” Sydneains attended the inaugural lunch in Big School. A “Gold Sydneian” is an Old Boy who is over 70 years of age. Former President of the OSU Walter MacCallum (OS 1987) welcomed the group and Bob Wagner (OS 1986) gave a wonderful speech relating to his strong Sydney Grammar School connection as an Old Sydneian, master and parent. The next event will be held on Friday 17 July.

Melbourne

We are most grateful to Tony Johnston (OS 1955), who has assisted our Melbourne-based Old Sydneians for many years. Dr Sebastian King (OS 1993) and Jonathan Isaacs (OS 1984) are now available to help with alumni gatherings and activities.

They can be contacted on skk15@hotmail.com (Dr Sebastian King) and jbisaacs67@gmail.com (Jonathan Isaacs).

Canada

Rob Lesnie (OS 1970) has volunteered to assist any alumni living in western Canada who want to connect. Rob’s email address is: roblesnie@hotmail.com 

Similarly, Chris Dosne (OS 1973) lives in Toronto and is happy to liaise with Old Sydneians in the Toronto area and Eastern Canada. His address is: chris.dosne@century21.ca.

Indonesia

Thomas Tan (OS 1992) lives and works in Jakarta, Indonesia. He looks forward to connecting with fellow alumni who also live there. His email address is: thomas.tan75@gmail.com.

On Thursday 22 January a dinner was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Olympic Room to acknowledge 150 years of cricket matches between Sydney Grammar School and Melbourne Grammar School. A strong contingent of Sydneysiders travelled down to Melbourne to support our boys and attend the dinner. Old Melburnian and Channel Seven sports reporter Xander McGuire was the master of proceedings, and he interviewed the ABC cricket commentator Mr Jim Maxwell AM and former Australian Test cricketer (and former Headmaster of MGS) Mr Paul Sheahan AM. The Headmasters of both schools also spoke, and the Deputy Headmaster Mr Tom Watkins outlined the history of the schools and the cricket game. 

Jim Maxwell AM, Paul Sheahan AM, Xander McGuire

Andrew Crawford (OS 1976) holding ‘The Bat’ that was donated by his family at the Centenary match in 1976. He is surrounded by MGS mates from his year.

The annual T-20 fixture between the Old Sydneians Cricket Club (OSCC) and the School’s First XI was played at Weigall on Wednesday 14 January. The OSU XI comprised Old Sydneians from the 1980s up to 2025. The team included three former First XI captains, including current Eastern Suburbs First Grade wicketkeeper, Max Glen (OS 2021). The OSU XI batted first and compiled an imposing total of 171 from their 20 overs. The First XI run-chase was impressive but ultimately ended 30 runs short.  

This season the OSCC has enjoyed playing three games at Weigall main oval, all of which were great successes. This included an Ashes match and a Father-Son match featuring several current College Street pupils. The club, established in 1953 and nearing its 75th anniversary, continues to grow under the leadership of Alex Beale (OS 2006), Phil Freeman (OS 1992), Rommel Harding-Farrenberg (OS 1989) and Dan Baffsky (OS 1990). Old Sydneians of all ages are most welcome. Please email beale.alex@gmail.com or join their WhatsApp group here:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kx1z9BAY0pIEcsnYatWMDT, or the QR code below.

Old Sydneians Cricket Club v Grammar First XI at Weigall on Wednesday 14 January

Kymbal Dunne (OS 1978) organised a wonderful gathering at the end of November 2025 to celebrate over 50 years of Sydney Grammar Football (soccer). Three of the original coaches, Mr Don Schumacher, Mr Michael Bromfield and Mr Harvey Hamilton attended and gave speeches, which helped to clarify what really happened during the first decade of Grammar football. Tom Alexakis, the current coach of the Second XI, subsequently described how healthy the state of football is at present at College Street with over thirty-three teams actively competing against other schools in 2025. About twenty Old Sydneians from the 1970s listened respectfully before providing some entertaining anecdotes of their own.

It was a great evening and many thanks to Kymbal for all his efforts in staging such a successful gathering at the Tattersall’s Club.

Celebration of Sydney Grammar School Football on Thursday 27 November 2025 at the Tattersall’s Club

Some of ‘The 1974 Originals’ with the Salmon Cup awarded to the Clubman of the Year (Firsts and Seconds Football)

L-R: Steve Gonski (OS 1975), Victor Nurcombe (OS 1974), David Lewis (OS 1975), Don Schumacher (Coach), Roger Engel (OS 1975)

The Class of 1978 had their annual lunch at the Tattersall’s Club on Friday 27 February. One of their year group, David Gordon, was the special guest speaker. He talked openly and humbly about all the lessons and failures in his career and how those motivated him to learn and improve. 

David started in law specialising in mergers and acquisitions before turning early to business. Amongst other things, he was the Chairman of Channel 10 and also of Accent Group, the owners of sneaker businesses such as Platypus, Hype, Glue and Athlete's Foot. David is currently the Chair of NIB Insurance.

I asked Ed to tell us a bit about his life:

“As a child, you are often asked what you want to be when you grow up. As I tip over into the second half-century of my life, I honestly still don’t know the answer to that question. But I feel very lucky that a Grammar education gave me optionality, curiosity and a willingness to chase life’s ever-changing chapters.

My eldest son started at College Street this year and while people will inevitably continue to ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, in the age of AI and global uncertainty, I hope Grammar simply kindles similar things for him as it did for me.

I have recently returned to Sydney after twenty years overseas, spent mostly on a Google campus in London, New York and Silicon Valley but also dabbling in the wine business with Eden Rift, the oldest continuously operating vineyard on the west coast of the USA (under vine since 1849). My latest chapter is as the Chief Commercial Officer at Cricket Australia – and to help shape a sport which is the fabric of Australian society is a privilege.

Cricket is a metaphor for life – innovation pushing against tradition, an individual sport in a team game, a rollercoaster of ups and downs, a need to accept the umpire’s decision, and so much more. Having just had the 150th anniversary of “The Bat”, the annual match between Sydney and Melbourne Grammar, and now planning for the 150th anniversary of Test Cricket itself in March 2027, it is easy to see why Grammar’s contrasting traditions and innovations mirror the very game itself.”

Tim Derricourt, Dave Rennick and Ned Cooke (all OS 2000) have been playing together as Dappled Cities since they met in the grounds of College Street all the way back in 1997. They have built a career as a cult indie band, releasing critically acclaimed albums, earning ARIA nominations and touring the globe alongside acts such as Silverchair, LCD Soundsystem and Modest Mouse. They have just released their sixth studio album The Aquarium and will be doing a short Australian tour (their first in seven years) this April. Listen now to The Aquarium through all streaming services and see them live at one of the following venues. 9 April, Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, 10 April, Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, 17 April, Oxford Arts Factor Sydney, 18 April, University of Wollongong. For more links see www.dappledcities.com.

Recently my former colleague Martin Rossleigh and I were very fortunate to catch up with Peter Harwin. He was a renowned teacher at Edgecliff Preparatory School in the 1960s and 70s before becoming the Headmaster from 1981-1993. Although Peter is now in a nursing home in the city’s eastern suburbs, he is still quite mobile and healthy. He remembered his days at Edgecliff very fondly and wishes everyone well.

Martin Rossleigh, Peter Harwin, Steve Gonski

Sadly, many of our Old Sydneians have passed away in recent times, and the School sends condolences to friends and family.

Old Sydneians who have passed away since our last OS E-Newsletter:

William (Henry) Treweeke MARTEL (OS 1941/2)
The Hon Sir Anthony Frank MASON (OS 1942)
Michael Anthony GLEESON-WHITE AO (OS 1942/3)
Ian Grant HOPE (OS 1943)
Ian Phillip Julius BLOOM (OS 1945)
Donald (Don) Stewart SAMS (OS 1948/9)
Barry John HOCKING OAM (OS 1949)
Richard Norman LANE (OS 1950)
Dr John Alan BUZACOTT (OS 1953)
Rodney (Rod) Arthur LESTER (OS 1953)
Harry Heinz ENGEL (OS 1954)
Ian Anthony HUTCHINSON (OS 1955)
Bevan Hopetoun STONE (OS 1955)
Roger McNeil JONES (OS 1956)
William (Bill) James Clouston DIVE (OS 1957)
Gerald (Blitz) David BAYLISS (OS 1957)
Barry Leslie POOLE (OS 1958)
Allan Edwin Sleeman ANDERSON (OS 1959/60)
John Hudson DETTMAN (OS 1959)
Lt Col Rowley (Stewart) CUDDY ED RFD (OS 1960)
Alan Bartle EVANS (OS 1963)
Andrew John McPHEE (OS 1967)
Bruce Kent BARRETT (OS 1967)
Alan Andrew MANZIE (OS 1968)
Robert (Rob) George Cansdell HIRST (OS 1973)
Arthur Yat Ming PANG (OS 1992)

Also:

Christopher James ‘Smoky’ WILLIAMS who taught English at College Street from 1992-95 and 1999-2013
Jeremy Nelson (English Master/Head of English: 1961-1963 and 1967-1991)
George Edward BEVERLEY who taught Geography at College Street from 1993-95
A former Trustee, Professor the Honourable Dame Marie BASHIR AD CVO

These are the names that we have been made aware of at the Alumni Office. If you know of any Old Sydneians who have recently passed away, please contact the Alumni Office on (02) 9332 5918 or alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

The SGS magazine, Edition 21, Spring 2025 is available in an online electronic format here.

Edition 22, Autumn 2026 will be released at the end of April.

A vast number of hard copy magazines are ‘returned to sender’ each time the School sends a new edition out to subscribers through the post. If you are regularly on the move and would prefer to receive the SGS magazine online via email, or would no longer wish to receive a hard copy of the magazine via post, please kindly notify the Alumni Office on (02) 9332 5918 or alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

You are able to view most editions of SGS magazine anytime via the School’s website.

The School’s Archives would appreciate some assistance from the Sydney Grammar School community. We are wondering whether any of our readers can assist us in identifying names in the following 13Ds cricket photo that we think was taken in the 1980s.

Any information can be passed on via sgsarchives@sydgram.nsw.edu.au and please let us know whether you do not want your name to be acknowledged as a contributor in the next newsletter. 

A Continuing Tradition, MGS v SGS, 150 Years of Cricket

To mark the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Sydney Grammar School v Melbourne Grammar School cricket match, Jim Cattlin (OS 1961) published a second edition of his book, A Continuing Tradition, MGS v SGS, 150 Years of Cricket. This updated edition now includes the history of games, scoresheets, team photographs, and accounts of each match up to the 2024/2025 season. Purchase here for $50 (plus postage).

Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby

Jim Cattlin (OS and First XV 1961) has published Alligator Grammar! A History of Sydney Grammar School Rugby. The book delves into the 150-year history of rugby at the School, with 440 photos of teams, action shots and illustrations. Purchase here for $50. 

In Gallant Company

Dr Philip Creagh’s (OS 1965-1966) book honouring the Old Sydneians who died in World War I is available, at a cost of $65 plus postage via the following link. This book includes short biographies of each Old Sydneian who didn’t make it home, comprising details of their school career, the circumstances in which they found themselves during the war and events leading to their untimely demise.

Old Sydneians’ Newsletter

Editor:

Mr Steve Gonski

smg@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

If you have news of some significant event or achievement, that you would like published, please contact me.

Alumni Office 

Ms Charlotte McColl

alumni@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Publications Office

Ms Dimetra Skondras-Silva

publications@sydgram.nsw.edu.au