The Bark Issue 60, Term Two 2025

John's Memorial

What a day.

Thank you to everyone who made the trip to the Melbourne Town Hall or tuned in via the Zoom link (one of our school families got up at 5 am in Europe to do so!). It was a triumphant event: funny, poignant, moving, and packed to the rafters with friends, family, and our school community. John may have outwardly groaned at all the fuss, but I have no doubt he would have been secretly moved to see how many people love, admire, and appreciate him.

Many people generously offered their time and talent for the event. Sincere gratitude to the speakers and performers, Ros and Robin Marsden, Charlie Tautkus, Jeremy Madin, Shane Howard, Charlotte Austin, Ali McGregor, Dan Marsh, Alice Pung, Molly Daniels, Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks, Premier Jacinta Allan, and, of course, the performers of Candlebark and Alice Miller.

Events of this scale require colossal effort behind the scenes. Thank you to Sarah Thorpe, who designed the exquisite program, invitations and light boxes, to James Cecil, who stage managed the event, and to Dave Vertigan, who coordinated the live stream and video recording. One of the biggest logistical exercises was shepherding 400 students from the Macedon Ranges to the Town Hall. For a school brimming with first-hand experiences, it was our largest - and most important - excursion to date. Of course, Sam Thorpe, Mark Johnstone, and the staff managed this with the utmost assurance.

After John died, we knew we needed to have a commemoration fitting of his enormous impact on literature and education in this country. It was always going to be a big event, but this was an intimidating prospect on top of everything else that needed managing at the time. Initially, I got in touch with Sam McMillan (Sammy J), knowing of his friendship with John, and asked if he would like to MC. Sam immediately said that he would not only MC, but would help produce the entire event. Sam was instrumental in securing the Town Hall as a venue and designing a program that felt less like a memorial and more like the best show in town. He took time out of his national tour to visit both schools and spent many hours communicating with everyone involved. Sam was unwavering in his kindness and generosity and made a challenging process feel joyful. Several of you have asked for a copy of his opening speech; I've included it below.

I've said repeatedly over the years that we are all here because of the vision and tenacity of John Marsden. It is staggering how one person can shape the lives and futures of so many. The environments he set up for young people have changed and even saved lives, both literally and metaphorically.

It is also fair to say that there will never be anyone quite like John. We were all lucky to know him. We miss his unrivalled intelligence, drive, wit, and perception. We also miss his Lancefield op shop jumpers, his love of pink hot dogs, his lack of pretence, and his terrific laugh. He was as partial to a fart joke as he was to William Blake or Shakespeare. Like Les Murray, a literary great like John could have lived anywhere, but instead chose the area of his early childhood. In his affinity with the Macedon Ranges, John described himself as "a person of the mountains and the open paddocks and the big empty sky - that's me."

Sarita Ryan - Principal

Year 7 Alpine Walk

At the end of last term, the Year 7s set off to an area both remote and rugged - one of John's favourites, and the inspiration for the setting of Tomorrow When the War Began.

The early start on Monday was great as the drive into Howitt Plains is long. Packs were heavy as we set off from the bus but spirits were mostly high as we walked into Vallejo Gantner Hut nestled amongst the snow gums.

The next day we explored over Mount Howitt and down through more fairy rings of snow gums to Hells Window at the base of Mount Magdala. We had lots of kites wheeling above us and the air was clear and still as I read out some passages from Tomorrow When the War Began up high in the Victorian Alps.

The following day was an early start, and we were hiking out from camp before 7 am. The aim was ambitious - 16km out and back hike out to Mount Speculation across the Cross Cut Saw - a prominent, jagged ridge that looked as impressive and gnarled as the description of "Tailor's Stitch" in TWTWB. Walking out in the most beautiful part of the state in the clear blue morning light was exquisite, and hearing the kids laughing and talking, and singing was a fitting soundtrack. A flock of gang-gang cockatoos flew past with their ancient creaky cries.

After a restorative climb in the snow gum glade at the top of Mount Buggery we proceeded down and then up the final ridge to Mount Speculation. It was a hard climb. Loose rocks and a steep gradient meant that by the time we got to the top, I was expecting the mood to be pretty low and whingey, but the group was ebullient and joyful.

The walk back to camp was long but glorious. The afternoon sun on our backs, satisfaction in muscles working hard and a deep sense of contentment settled over the group as we stretched back along the Cross Cut Saw. We came into camp strong and joyful, ready for a big drink of water and dinner.

It was special to share the campsites and track with two groups from Alice Miller. The year 7s of Candlebark seem so big when they are at school, but seeing them chatting with students from the High School was a good reminder that they are still very young! The other hikers we came across in the mountains consistently commented on the high spirits and joyous nature of the group. One group of old timers in particular enjoyed the energy of the kids and stopped us to reflect on how wonderful it was to see the young ones up in the mountains and having such a rollicking good time.

High energy vibes continued on the walk out the following day and the long drive home again through Gippsland. I have never felt such a surge of jubilation in a school bus as Thursday evening when we drove up the driveway of Candlebark.

Strong, joyful, resilient and capable young people challenging themselves and supporting each other to achieve extraordinary things.

Just how John would have wanted.

Katy Penman, Cam Kerr and Eden Shoo

1/2 Multi-Day Bushwalk

The Grade 1s and 2s, in their respective grades, walked for two nights and three days through the Tye Estate. They walked, they snacked, and they walked some more. They rolled tyres down hills, made fires, invented games, built fairy villages, played ten-pin bowling with pine cones, and collected all sorts of bones from the bush. They slept. Then they woke up and did it all again.

They were great. They are great. All of the teachers and parents involved were great too.

A three-day bushwalk taking place within the school grounds might sound far-fetched, so stand by for photographic evidence!

Cam Kerr

Painting With Light

On a warm and clear night on the 12th of May, eleven students had a sleepover at school and learnt how to paint with light, a photographic technique. They learnt that the camera used a long exposure, and then with torches they could ‘paint’ their subjects with light. The students were able to work in small groups and experiment with lighting their objects. The last image taken on the night was a group effort. We walked down to the sheep yard and then we ‘painted’ in the sheep shed and the gorgeous autumn trees, while exposing the image to take an image of the stars.

Nicky Russell, Joanne Croke and Aleisha Burke

Preps at Hanging Rock

On a cold and overcast day, the Preps set out on an adventurous visit to the mysterious Hanging Rock. Bundled up in layers and carrying backpacks brimming with snacks, they eagerly hiked toward the summit. Along the way, they encountered spooky caves, navigated slippery rock slides, and even built imaginative rock homes of their own.

After their descent, the group faced an unexpected ambush from a cheeky flock of crimson rosellas, whose mission seemed to be snatching crackers from the unsuspecting explorers. Fortunately, the quick-thinking Preps foiled their plans—by devouring their snacks at lightning speed!

Sarah Lewis

Grade 4 Mount Buffalo

After several reschedules, the Grade 4 students finally made it to Mount Buffalo with Jules and Katy - and it was well worth the wait. Over four adventure-filled days, we hiked many kilometres across boulders and through the rocky wonderland known as the Giant’s Playground. We swam (or bravely dipped!) in the icy waters of Lake Catani, warming up afterwards by basking on its sunny banks. Fishing attempts using cheese, ham, and a lone worm stirred great enthusiasm, even if no fish were caught! Evenings brought time around the campfire under a starry sky, eating kangaroo stew with damper and sharing stories together.

The group followed the footsteps of Guide Alice in search of lyrebirds, watched the sunrise above the clouds from the edge of the Gorge, dressing up as early 20th-century explorers to wander the historic quarters of the Mount Buffalo Chalet where we stayed. From talent shows and board games to soccer matches and early morning walks, the camp was a beautiful mix of fun, challenge and connection to nature. It was a truly memorable trip that left everyone more connected to each other, happy, and full of stories to tell.

Jules Meltzer

Ocean Photography Exhibition

The 3/4s are studying the ocean in humanities in Term 2. We went to see the Ocean Photography Exhibition of the Year at Seaworks in Williamstown. The exhibition was amazing, so many photographs from around the world, with images of all kinds of sea creatures, from the very tiny to the giant sea creatures of the deep.

There were simply stunning images and some of the saddest images too. The impact of humans on the ocean were captured in many images which were quite shocking. Like the octopus who is using a transparent sandwich bag as a home which is obviously not a great hiding place.

This led to lots of great discussions between the students, and they wrote notes on the wall on how we should improve the health of the ocean. Things like ‘stop using plastic’, ‘stop overfishing’, and ‘only take what you need’.

Nicky Russell

Grade 6 Sydney Camp

You know what June means for the Macedon Ranges? Cold. Real cold. That’s what it means. So Grade Six, along with Nat, Jules, Kyle and Wendy, decided that they would head up up up on the train to beautiful sunny Sydney for a week of ferries, festivals, friends, futsal, frolicking and FUN FUN FUN!!

And boy did Sydney deliver! Camping in the middle of Sydney harbour with the Harbour bridge as a backdrop, catching ferries across glistening water every day, munching on crunchy wraps, surfing the waves in pristine beaches, walking through Vivid festival, with Sydney lit up in vibrant hues, sharing our stories round the fire, hiking coastal paths and spotting the occasional dolphin or whale in the waves below.

Of course there were some harder moments: an unpredictable injury, some chilly nights and mornings, Opal cards that flew over the ferry wall into the ocean, occasional sadness, big chats, tired eyes and grumpiness, but this ended up providing scope for deeper conversations, richer experiences and a tighter bond for the whole group.

The Sixes themselves shared their observations that this kind of trip was once in a lifetime, brought them together beautifully and changed them all in different ways. Some truly remarkable afterthoughts were shared, each student showing gratitude and wisdom.

This is why we do it; this is Candlebark magic! Thanks Sydney! Thanks Sixes! Thanks staff! Thanks CB!

Nat Banks

Vivid - by Valentino

At 6pm we were walking through the rainbow lights of Sydney Harbour. We saw the vivid colours of the Sydney Harbour bridge in the distance. Kyle called sardines and we all huddled up to find out where we were going.

We walked around for a while, looking at all the performances. By the time we saw most of it, we were all insanely tired so we hopped on the ferry to go back to camp.

On the ferry home it was cold and the ferry was rocking side to side. It was a zooming trip and by the time we got back to our tent, I was wet and cold. I gratefully slipped into my sleeping bag and went to sleep.

Grill’d - by Tally

I was shaking with hunger and excitement. The delectable scents filled my nostrils. I could vaguely hear the chatter of the people around me. It seemed hundreds of trays had been brought out in the time it had taken me to go to the bathroom, then another tray was brought out and put on to the table next to mine. Me, brimming with excitement could barely keep still in my seat finally after seeing the trays, it seemed it would never come but finally it did come; it was worth the wait. The first bite was different to what I could have ever imagined. A great depression fell over my soul as I swallowed the last bite. That night I pictured that first bite over and over until I fell asleep.

Get roasted in the toaster - by Maddie

Huh. I didn't think that I’d ever hear a funny story like that. I walk out of the bathroom block, my friends saying I could go without them and I’m pooped from the day so I leave.

I slide into my sleeping bag, and I feel as if god just told me I was going to heaven.

“Get roasted in the toaster!!” I hear Mov yell behind me as we leave. I laugh. "Arghh," a person screams. I can’t register who it is. I can’t control my body as it turns to run. I’m about to get away. Yes!

A shadowy figure appears in front of me. “Argghhh” I scream, loud enough to wake my family back home. I have nowhere to go.

But I hear my friends laughing behind me. Not screaming. Not scared. Not crying. I turn to them, to see them falling into hysterics. And beside them? Novak, somehow looking proud while snickering from my terror.

I hear a chuckle from behind me. I turn to see Alfie appearing where the figure was. What was this? Was I a part of some sort of sick prank? Still shaking, I walk into the laundry, shining my torch to the corners, bracing for more, ecstatic when it didn’t come.

Light - by Arlo

Light. So much light. Vibrant shades of purple and blue as the whole of Sydney Harbour lit up from top to bottom.

We were all excited to go to Vivid. So as we got on the ferry, we were all wondering what it was going to be like. When our ferry was getting close to the bridge, Ted said, “Imagine if the bridge went ‘bwaaa’ and lit up”. Right as he said it, the bridge lit up.

When we got to Vivid, we went in a mirror box, and in the mirrors you could see all the lights of Vivid. It was a room full of dazzling lights. After leaving the mirror room, we saw a brilliant street magician who was very comedic. We saw one more street performer after that and then we went back to the incredible island we were staying on: Cockatoo Island.

Bwaaaaaa! - by Ted

As we’re all on the ferry, the clock hits 6pm. Cooper and I sit comfortably in the second story, gazing at the bridge. I jokingly say, “Imagine if the bridge goes bwaaaaa’, making a funny little hand motion. As I was saying all of this, I’m in my mind thinking there is actually a chance of it lighting and it going ‘bwaaaa’. Just then, the bridge erupts with light. Cooper and I are both astonished and in disbelief.

While I’m bathing in glory and attention Cooper says “OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!! THAT IS SO COOL!!!"

Even though I am trying to keep my cool so I look more cool, I start to SCREAM "OH MY GOD THAT WAS SO PERFECT!!"

After a while we calm down, our cheering comes to an end. And that was the most perfect timing of camp.

The Soccer Pitch - by Cooper M

Goal!!! We played soccer a lot. It was the funniest part of the camp for me.

The pitch was up on a scarp and it had the best view of the Sydney Harbour bridge. It had futsal goals and was the same size as a futsal pitch.

Every day we went up to play and everyone in our class was having heaps of fun.

On the train back to Melbourne it was extremely hard for me to go to sleep. All I could think of when I was trying to sleep was that soccer pitch!

Surfing - by Mars

My back hit the sand hard, before a wave swept me back to the shore. I stood up, caught my breath, grabbed a board and started for the waves. With board in hand I charged into the water or at least tried, for the first wave hit me, my knees buckled and I fell over. After an intense underwater battle with the waves, I rose to the surface, into the calm ocean. I paddled over to my instructor and after a quick succession of waves, I prepared for a ride. As the wave approached, I got into the position and as the wave hit all my focus switched to surfing. Everything else didn’t matter. The wave hit and I popped up switching weight to the front. As the wave breaks, I glide across the water. I love surfing.

Grade 1 Botanical Dyes

Recently, Grade One visited the studio of Pen Pender. Pen is a botanical dyer who works with natural fabrics and makes her own colour from nature. Pen shared her practical knowledge in her beautiful garden in Macedon.

https://www.penpender.com

Joanne Croke

Rickett's Point

The 3/4s went to Rickett’s Point to learn more about the ocean. We had the most stunning weather, clear blue skies and lots of sunshine. Perfect for playing on the beach and exploring rock pools. The workshop was fantastic and the students learnt lots of things. Some facts that they learnt are:

Special types of sea stars split themselves in two to reproduce. – Dolly

If you take heaps of shells from the beach, then it can kill two species, the sea gull and the crab. – River

Some sharks lay eggs, some sharks lay live young which are called pups. – Auden

Don’t put rubbish on the beach! Look after our beaches! – Zahra

A food web is amazing, it shows us how lots of animals stay alive but if someone comes to the beach and collects empty shells and they think that the shells are empty, those shells are probably homes for little sea creatures. – Luka

Seaweed is food for herbivorous sea snails. – Ruby

Nicky Russell, Cam Kerr, Joanne Croke and Louise Lovett

Grade 5 Canberra Trip

At the end of May, Grade Five bussed up to Canberra. Although winter was close, we enjoyed five days of sunshine. Our accommodation was Outward Bound set near the Murrumbidgee River and the surrounding hills of Canberra. Each day we had at least three educational activities, the first day we had five! Our students absorbed lots of information and asked curious questions. Between appointments we had short breaks, and someone would create a soccer pitch on a patch of grass, and the fun would begin.

Day one, at the Botanic Gardens, we learnt about indigenous plant use and a few good fishing tips. At Questacon, physics was shown with pulleys, weights and simulations such as the Earthquake House and the lightning cage. Next, we visited Goldie’s Grandmother and jeweller Harriet Barry to make individual necklaces and to discover Rob’s typewriter museum. His collection included Australian Author Miles Franklin’s typewriter. After pizza, we visited Mount Stromlo Observatory for stargazing.

During the morning of day two, we went op-shopping, then to the Arboretum for orienteering. Later at the High Court, we heard about our Constitution and how a court case can change the lives of all Australians. We ended day two with the Australian National Gallery and a movie night.

On the final day in Canberra, Grade Five visited Parliament House. They learnt about checks and balances of the House of Reps and the Senate, then we role-played how to get a bill through the two houses. That day, Alice (Maud’s Mum) was working in Parliament House. It was unbelievable timing. She met the group and took us through lots of security checkpoints, the use of phones and cameras was banned, we crept along the corridors of Parliament House in an orderly line into the Prime Minister’s reception area, right past his office and through to the PM’s courtyard. It was beautiful Italian architecture designed in 1975 and completed in the 90s. The kids were thrilled, but they were even more thrilled when Alice pointed out the fossilised shrimp embedded in the black marble step, just as we exited this classy building for the people. Our final appointment was the Australian War Memorial, where two of our students laid a wreath to commemorate lost soldiers and the Last Post was played. We also found the name of Rhys’s relative, J Cozens, in the Role of Honour, a memorial of 100,000 soldiers who were lost in wars.

Thanks to our families who contributed to our activities: Harriet, Rob, Alice, and Piper.

Thanks to teachers Andy Moffat and Taran Carter for driving us up and back to Canberra and all around this amazing city.

Joanne Croke

Year 7 NT update

The intrepid Year 7 students are almost halfway through their NT epic camp. They’ve just arrived at Nitmiluk Gorge and are about to set off on their separate journeys. Much more information will be in the next Bark newsletter.

Nicky Russell