Flowerdale 2024 Autumn : simplebooklet.com

Page 2 Page 3Dr Vivianne Nikou PrincipalAs we launch into our 35 Year Celebrations we began the year on a very positive note, celebrating the results of the Class of 2023 at the Scholar’s Assembly. We then began preparations for the wonderful Twilight Festival, which was attended by over 2,500 people.Most of us are aware that the world is becoming increasingly complex, especially in relation to the world we grew up in. Modern living has bought additional stresses for households, businesses and to us as educators. It is no wonder we constantly have to ask ourselves, “How do we equip our students with deeper thinking skills to thrive whilst also managing their emotions, fears, friendship groups, social media, community and environmental responsibilities?”. How do we support and nurture thinking and feeling dispositions in young people, our sta, loved ones and in our families in dierent contexts and relate them to both individual and social needs and aspirations?This edition of Flowerdale seeks to share accounts by students, alumni, sta and parents and gives insight into their ways of navigating and regulating their social and emotional wellbeing. Past School Captains Dr Shoumyaa Thanaskanda (Class of 2013) and Dr Nikolas Kazantzidis (Class of 2014) distinguished themselves both while at school as well as on the paths they are now navigating. The two alumni share with us reections of their school years and a strong message for a life well lived beyond the school gates, despite the challenges they have encountered along the way.The informative and meaningful reections by our School Psychologist Mr Max White provide a framework by which other contributors also share their journey. Alumni Mr Andrew Vouliotis has embarked on an amazing journey since graduating in 2007 that now sees him making incredible contributions in the area of digital health and education and undertaking collaborative projects with Dementia Australia. His work on the Brain Track project has had a huge impact on patients managing dementia and cognitive decline. Osteopath and AGS Grammarian Mrs Ashleigh McMurrie shares with us her life story that led to her opening and running her own Pilates studio in a story about listening to yourself and living an authentic life.Current student Mia Kosmas shares with us the impact of dance has on her navigating dicult teenage years. Simultaneously, our Dux of 2022 Zoe Tonkin reects on her journey since starting University and of her discovering herself, her career aspirations, treading her own path and nding the balance between all these competing demands.Alongside these articles I was utterly intrigued by current student Mio Maglen-Machado, who shares with us his hobby of Capoeira - an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art - and how that has helped improve his wellbeing and build up many interpersonal and social skills. Finally, our Head of Sport Ms Olivia Rahme has a huge oversight across all of these areas and works tirelessly to ensure we have a blend of age appropriate physical and wellbeing programs that help build resilience in our youth.I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Flowerdale as much as I did. From the Principal’s Deskfeatures

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Page 4 Page 52024 School CaptainsI am Pantelli Saris, and I am honoured to be the School Co-Captain for 2024. My journey at AGS began in 2014 when my family moved from Sydney. Since then, my sister (who graduated in 2018) and I have been fortunate enough for this school to become our second home. At AGS, I have been fortunate enough to be elected Future Leader, House Captain and now School Captain, opportunities which I will never forget. Moreover, whether it is from the tennis court to the stage, I’ve been able to weave myself into various facets of the school community, embracing both the thrill of sport and musicals. However, beyond any activity, what truly fuels me is connecting with people. I thrive on interactions, appreciating each opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life, with each conversation there is always a chance to discover something new.This year I aim to spread a message of unity and hope for the future as well as to ignite a spirit of collaboration and empowerment. As this year marks the 35th Anniversary of our School, I recognise the enormous milestones that we collectively have been able to achieve over the years and I aspire to continue to foster this culture of excellence and ambition that our school has been built upon.My name is Anastasia Fokianos and I am beyond grateful to be this year’s School Co-Captain.I started my journey here at Alphington in 2019, and ever since then I have been determined to play my role within the school to help my peers ourish, and to see our school grow and develop. I have always had a passion and love for helping other people, giving back to the community and supporting others to achieve their full potential, something I credit my parents with as they instilled it into us from an early age.I look forward to working with our enthusiastic and driven leadership team and aim to create stronger connections between our peers and form a sense of unity and pride, as we aspire to ensure everyone feels they are a part of our Alphington Grammar School family.Pantelli Saris, Mr Lukas Silver and Anastasia Fokianos Pantelli Saris, Mr Lukas Silver and Anastasia Fokianos at the Greek Independence Day Parade 2024at the Greek Independence Day Parade 2024features

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Page 6 Page 7My name is Mio Maglen-Machado, and I started my time at AGS in Year 7. My favourite part about learning at AGS is all the activities and cool stu that we do here in the dierent classes.For me, wellbeing is about taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Keeping a strong healthy body and mind as they both contribute to your overall wellbeing. Physical wellbeing can be improved by eating well, sleeping, and exercising regularly. Maintaining a healthy mental state can be achieved through being open to people you trust about any problems that you are having, rather than having everything bottled up. I believe that involving myself in extracurricular activities in and “Capoeira also has helped improve my wellbeing through being able to have interactions and experiences with different groups of people, old and young.”Mio Maglen-Machadooutside of school contributed to a positive state of mind. I strongly believe that participating in sport or tness related activities I have been able to maintain a positive input on my physical state and mental state of mind. Extracurricular activities are fantastic to take part in as they can keep you occupied and potentially spark new interests.Outside of AGS, I participate in guitar lessons, which I have been doing for 10 years. My main hobby however is Capoeira. I have been practising Capoeira for about 6 years and I train 2-3 times a week. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art, created by African slaves in slave plantations in Brazil. Capoeira was created as a Martial Art disguised as dance to train slaves to break out of the plantations. Many years later, Capoeira became illegal in Brazil, due to its perceived danger to the government. Despite this, people continued to train in the art by using Portuguese nicknames to make it harder for the police to track them. These names can be given through ways and traits that you play in Capoeira. My Capoeira name is Tufão.Traditionally, Capoeira is played on the street, with two people playing in the middle of a big circle of people. People at the head of the Roda (circle) play instruments, most notable being a big one-stringed instrument called a berimbau, a big drum called an atabaque, and a tambourine-like instrument called a pandeiro. The people playing the instruments also sing songs about slavery and Capoeira. Capoeira in my school (Abadá Capoeira) has two main styles, Benguela and São Bento. Benguela is a much slower game that is played more on the oor, using more controlled movements than kicks. The aim of it is to trick the other player into making a mistake. São Bento, however, is a faster and more objective game, relying much more on fast kicks and heavy takedowns and strikes. The aim of São Bento is to take down or hit your opponent. Capoeira has, like many martial arts, a ranking system; however, it takes around 30 years to become a master, requiring lots of dedication to the sport. features

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Page 8 Page 9MiaKosmasCapoeira also has competitions, which are very popular in Brazil. I got involved with Capoeira when in Lisbon, joining a small Capoeira school there. My dad already knew of Capoeira through his studies and had suggested to me that I do it while I had the chance. Once I started, I didn’t want to stop. When we moved to Australia, I found my Capoeira school, and I have been with the school for 4 years. I think that Capoeira improves my mind, body, and soul. Capoeira is deeply considered as a form of therapy for many Capoeira players, including myself, and it does oer a sort of “escape” from life during the trainings and street rodas. Capoeira trainings are very intense and require lots of physical ability. There are lots of movements and kicks that are quick bursts of energy, but there are also lots of movements that require constant strength and control. Capoeira also works physical endurance during trainings. Capoeira is also very much a social sport! In any Capoeira school or environment there is always a very strong sense of community. In my Capoeira group, I am the only kid that is involved in the adult Capoeira community. They are all very inclusive of me and treat me like I am one of the other adults. We always arrange things like barbeques and trainings. Capoeira helped us grow a strong bond between us, which helps us train and improve by teaching and giving advice to each other. The social aspect of Capoeira has also helped improve my wellbeing through being able to have interactions and experiences with dierent groups of people, old and young. Every year, there is a thing in Capoeira called a Batizado, which means baptism in Portuguese. The Batizado is a ranking ceremony where, depending on your improvement and contribution to the sport, you will receive a new belt. Part of capoeira is also learning a bit of the Portuguese language. I have an advantage with this due to my Portuguese background, but others may struggle with this. Learning the dierent songs and instruments is also an important part of Capoeira. You also learn the dierent Brazilian dances through Capoeira, including Samba de Roda, Maculele and Jongo, which are not related to Capoeira, but are played in the roda. Capoeira requires determination and patience to learn, and a lot more to master. Through Capoeira, you can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, help build overall physical strength and improve your social wellbeing. If you are thinking about starting Capoeira, the only advice I would give you is to be patient. To become good at Capoeira takes time and eort, and not everyone gets it at the start. It is all about patience and determination to get better at it. Capoeira requires lots of focus during the intense quick parts of the roda, where you are always in danger of receiving a takedown or kick. Capoeira has taught me dierent forms of self-defence through its unique ghting style. I would highly recommend this as a way to balance your wellbeing.features

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Page 10 Page 11“I strongly believe that dance is not just a physical activity; it is a form of art that nurtures the mind, strengthens the body, and uplifts the soul!”My name is Mia Kosmas and I started at Alphington Grammar School in 2013. I am 16 years old and am currently in Year 11. There are many reasons I enjoy learning at AGS. Given the size of our school and classes, it allows for a supportive and inclusive learning environment. There have been many instances where classmates and teachers have helped me overcome challenges and grow both academically and personally. Our teachers are passionate about ensuring students here feel supported personally and always make learning both engaging and enjoyable. I feel AGS has fostered an environment that enables me to thrive and create meaningful connections and lifelong friendships. AGS has provided me with so many amazing opportunities from an academic, sporting, and social/personal front. The Gateways program that I was so lucky to attend in 2023, visiting Europe, was one of the most valuable experiences thus far. The trip allowed me to forge even stronger connections, both with my peers and my teachers. I strongly believe participating in extracurricular activities provided me with numerous benets to my wellbeing. Attaining a balanced life in both academic, health and interpersonal relationships is crucial for achieving a healthy body and mind. For myself it has been about taking care of my “whole self” where I have been able to make choices that allow me to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle. I feel a sense of harmony in both mind and body. Outside of school, I dance and have done so since 3 years of age! I attend Stummer Dance Studio where I have been since the beginning of my dance journey. Over the last 13 years, I have trained in many dierent styles of dance, including Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and competitive dance. Stummer has provided me with so many amazing opportunities, competing in Dance competition Jazz Star, winning a Musical Theatre Award, and involvement in many concerts and photoshoots throughout the years, to name a few. This has been a great creative outlet for me emotionally and physically.I got involved in dance as my mum recognised my love for it at an early age. I would continuously put on performances for our family and friends at any opportunity I got! My mum enrolled me in what has been an amazing dance school for me, not only from a skills perspective, but more importantly from a social and wellbeing perspective. Dancing has provided me with a beautiful and supporting community where I have been able to thrive over the past decade and it’s because my family supported me to follow my passion.Dance is a powerful form of self-expression and can provide an outlet for emotions, allowing you to release stress, anxiety, tension and can boost your self-condence. During COVID, I remember the school provided students with online classes, where we danced in our living rooms and connected with our peers and teachers on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, many students dropped dance during this period, but I strongly believe one of the key things that got me through this challenging time, was having that weekly outlet which allowed me to move my body, and build on my skills. Our teachers at the dance school are amazing at keeping us motivated and feeling supported. I strongly believe that dance is not just a physical activity; it is a form of art that nurtures the mind, strengthens the body, and uplifts the soul! Dance is a social sport that can involve groups or partners, which for me is helpful in fostering social connections and establishing a sense of belonging, which goes a long way in improving wellbeing. As an advocate for dancing, I have a few pieces of advice for those considering joining: 1. Start with the Basics: it’s important to build a strong foundation. 2. Be consistent and dedicated: dance requires commitment and continuous practice. 3. Embrace the Challenges: it can be very demanding learning dierent dance styles but don’t be afraid in giving it a go, it’s ok to make mistakes. 4. Find your own style: don’t be afraid to express yourself and nd your own style within dance. It is a form of self-expression so let your personality shine through. 5. Stay Motivated and Inspired: surround yourself with supportive dance communities, watch performances, videos of professional dancers and set yourself goals to stay motivated. Lastly, I believe dance is not only about the steps and technique, but also about the creative passions it allows, so make sure you have fun along the way and be open to learning.

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Page 12 Page 13Olivia Rahme“My advice is to prioritise self-care and make wellbeing a non-negotiable part of your routine.”I’m Olivia Rahme, the Head of Sport, Health and Physical Education at Alphington Grammar. In my role, I oversee and coordinate all aspects of the school’s sports programs, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture within the school community. I am deeply committed to fostering a positive sports culture, emphasizing values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and the benets of physical activity for the overall well-being of our students.Additionally, I frequently explore teacher-specic resources that address the unique challenges and opportunities within the education sector, helping me tailor wellness strategies to the demands of my role.As the Head of Sport, my role is centered around orchestrating and managing the comprehensive sports programs within the school for both Primary and Secondary school. This involves collaborating with educators, coaches, and students to organize inter-school competitions, sports events, and ensure the smooth operation of sports facilities. My journey at AGS started 10 years ago. I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of our sports programs during this time.In line with “The Resilience Project,” Wellbeing is this mix of feeling good mentally, keeping emotions in check, and having a solid connection with people around you. It’s all about having a positive mindset, balancing your emotions, and feeling a sense of belonging and closeness with others. Wellbeing, as highlighted by the project, is not solely the absence of problems but involves developing positive emotions, building resilience, and fostering a grateful and compassionate mindset. It’s about nurturing strengths and focusing on the pillars of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. A healthy and happy individual is better equipped to face life’s challenges.Personally, I believe in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Regular physical activity, healthy hobbies, mindfulness practices, and promoting positive relationships are integral to my approach. Having positive relationships around me serves as a natural stress reliever by providing a support system and a sense of connection. I also prioritize adequate sleep and ensure that I set aside time for activities that bring me joy and relaxation.Eectively managing stress or anxiety involves multiple strategies for me, incorporating exercise, sport, music, laughter, and surrounding myself with positive relationships. Regular physical activity, such as playing sports, is benecial as it not only contributes to overall health but also acts as a powerful stress-reliever by releasing endorphins, promoting a positive mood, and providing a constructive outlet for tension. Simple steps include incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, staying connected with friends and family, getting adequate sleep, and setting realistic goals. Taking breaks when needed and practicing mindfulness can also signicantly contribute to overall wellbeing.The most crucial element in achieving wellness for me is ensuring I dedicate time for myself and engaging in activities I truly enjoy. Music also serves as a therapeutic escape for me, helping to alleviate stress by creating a calming and uplifting atmosphere. Some of my favourite resources on wellness include “The Resilience Project,” which oers valuable insights into building resilience and positive mental health. I also nd inspiration in the “Imperfections Mindset,” a perspective that emphasizes growth through embracing imperfections. Motivational speakers provide a dynamic source of encouragement and perspective, guiding me through various aspects of personal and professional well-being. My advice is to prioritise self-care and make wellbeing a non-negotiable part of your routine. Find activities that bring you joy and make time for them regularly. Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed and remember that a balanced and healthy lifestyle contributes not only to your personal success but also to the overall enthusiasm of our school community.features

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Page 14 Page 15My name is Maximilian White; I am the Lead School Psychologist at Alphington Grammar School. I am an accredited Educational and Developmental Psychologist. I run a small team of psychologists at the school which includes another registered psychologist Elyse Nash-Ferry, as well as student psychologists on placement from University of Melbourne and Monash University. My role broadly encompasses working with the pastoral sta at AGS to support the emotional wellbeing of our students. Alongside this, I work with the academic and learning support sta to identify and support students with additional learning needs. I began at AGS in June 2019 having previously worked as a psychologist with the Victorian Department of Education and in private practice helping people navigate the complexities of modern day living and the changing social and emotional .landscape. Wellbeing can in my opinion encompass a wide range of human experiences. Wellbeing can be thought of like a landscape, there can be many dierent mountain peaks (ways to ourish and thrive) and many ravines and crevasses (ways to struggle and suer).Every person must dene what peaks they aspire to climb and conquer, while also learning to identify and navigate whatever ravines and crevasses to which they are vulnerable. To me, it is important to recognise that wellbeing is both aspirational and non-linear, meaning that to ourish and thrive will inevitably “People who achieve a sense of wellbeing are those who can keep their eyes on the summit of their goals and keep moving forward.”involve failure, setbacks, and pain. This is normal and natural. People who achieve a sense of wellbeing are those who can keep their eyes on the summit of their goals and keep moving forward while learning and growing from their setbacks and failures.Finding balance in my physical, intellectual, and emotional life is the key to wellness. I try to sleep at least 8 hours per night (sometimes very dicult with a three-year-old son!!) and eat a healthy diet. I play tennis competitively and am currently training for a half marathon. I make time for meaningfull connections with loved ones and love to cook for people. I play several musical instruments including the drums, guitar and violin. I try to read at least two to three books a month, usually focused on psychology, child development and related elds. I also try to push myself outside my comfort zone from time to time. I recently ticked New Zealand’s highest bungee jump (134 meters with an 8 second featuresfreefall) o my bucket list which was an amazing opportunity to work through some very challenging emotions!!In the history of human thought, there are ideas that resonate throughout most philosophies. One such idea is the “dichotomy of control”. In any situation there is that which is within one’s control and that which is not. Worrying excessively about circumstances beyond one’s control is the path to suering.On the other hand, there is often more action in which one can take control in any given situation then people recognise. A big part of my approach as a psychologist (which I also try to practice myself) is helping people notice and accept stressful thoughts, anxious emotions, and environmental circumstances they cannot control, and take meaningful action to solve problems and move towards their values. Stress and anxiety are not problems in and of themselves. Stress and anxiety that aect your behaviour such that they prevent you climbing your mountain and living the life you want are a problem.As stated, there are many mountains of wellbeing to climb. For some it is a sporting or physical achievement. For others it may be academic or commercial. Others again it may be artistic or creative. Whatever it is, I think it is very important to have something that you love to do where you are working toward your own mastery. Other than that, investing time with loved ones, spending time in nature, engaging in random acts of kindness and being mindful of what you are grateful for are all things that work for me.I am a very lucky man; I have a wonderful wife and two beautiful children. Trying to be the best father and husband I can be is the most important thing to me. Nothing brings me more joy that helping my boys learn, grow, and laugh.I have read many books on the subject. Recently I loved a book called “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” by Amy Morin, it contained a wonderful list of universal patterns of thinking that will keep you in the ravines and crevasses of suering and how to overcome them. “Grit” by Angela Duckworth, and “Mindset” by Dr Carol Dweck are also some of my favourites, they cover the primacy of passion, perseverance, and tenacity over talent. Dene the mountains you want to climb and then try to form good habits that move you towards them. Goals are only as good as the daily habits that we create. Remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We are all are capable of amazing things if we can break our ultimate dreams down into what we can do over the next year, the next month, the next week, the next day, and the next hour. Finally, taking care of each other. The astronomer Carl Sagan once said that in all our searching, the only thing we’ve found that makes the emptiness of the universe bearable is each other. Recognise that dierences between people and ideas are natural and normal. Learn to communicate and to problem solve with humility and respect. Maximillian White

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Page 20 Page 2135-YearTwilighteventsFestivalAs the sun sank over the horizon on Friday the 1st of March, the darkness was kept at bay by bright neon lights, ashing rides, and the reworks that lit up the sky. The 35-Year Festival saw over 2,500 attendees come through the school gates to partake in the festivities. The festival hosted a wide variety of rides, activities, food and drink stalls. From dodgem cars and a petting zoo to souvlakia, loukoumades, and even Vietnamese street food. There was something for everyone to enjoy.While attendees were enjoying the attractions and activities, the stage was home to student performances, DJ Thomas Nico, and guest alumni appearances that entertained children and adults alike throughout the night. At the ocial Opening Ceremony guests were honoured by a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony led by local Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Yarra. Other performances on the night included the Greek Band, Latin Band, Drumline, Greek dance items, and a dragon dance, among many others. Students were given the chance to shine in front of their parents, peers, and members of the local community.Sta, parents, and older students also volunteered their time at the stalls speckled throughout the Oval. They could be seen grilling skewers at the Souvlaki stand, supervising games of giant inatable dart soccer, or sitting with children as they made masks for Carnavale out of sequins and glitter. The Beer Garden, which stocked the usual wines and beers plus a refreshing Aperol Spritz, was a denite highlight, as were the ice cream cart, fairy oss, and frappe stand.Adding to the atmosphere and the source of much of the excitement were the rides and attractions. The younger children were thoroughly entertained by the turbo tubs, laughing clown game and chair-o-plane; while the older children (and adults) lined up for the dodgem cars, atomic drop slide and cyclone until the late hours of the night. It was against this backdrop of fun and laughter that many attendees sat, either at the colourful tables or on picnic blankets, as they enjoyed the night and each other’s company.The night was brought to a close by a reworks display. The stunning showcase was the perfect way to end the festival and celebrate 35 years of excellence.

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Page 24 Page 25eventsThe 2024 Scholars Assembly saw our high achieving students recognised for their outstanding VCE results for 2023. Students who achieved an 80 plus ATAR and study scores over 40 were presented in front of their families to receive their awards and prizes. Our Keynote Speaker at our assembly was Dr Nikolas Kazantzidis, past School Captain from the Class of 2014. Nikolas, who now practices Medicine, shared with students his reections of his time at school and where the journey of lifelong learning has taken him. Having received an exceptional ATAR himself, he “fell into medicine” as he had no idea what he wanted to do at University. He led a full le while at School both in and out of class but doubted his ability to get into Medicine. He shared quite openly the origin of his self-doubt and the focus of comparing himself to others, which left him magnifying the success of those around him and doubting himself. The most powerful message to our current students was that it was not until his peers talked about their feelings did the shadows of self-doubt begin to lift and fall away. Nikolas encourages us all to use a “kinder lens”; to look at ourselves in the same way we look upon our friends, colleagues and inuencers of our generation. He certainly is testament to how hard work brings its own rewards and develops a growth mindset that equips you with the skills to express gratitude, kindness and compassion to those who will journey with you.The Dux for 2023, Costa Magiris, achieved an ATAR of 98.75, placing him in the top 2% of all students. Costa shared with us how he balanced things he enjoyed doing in his leisure time with the demands of academia. He also talked about where he found his motivation to try harder, particularly with subjects that didn’t pique his interest, and how as a cohort they inspired and motivated each other to keep studying and stay on track. While Costa was our Dux, the Class of 2023 as a group achieved many outstanding results, allowing them to enter many courses of their choosing. The high achievers also included two perfect scores of 50 – Alec Iddon in General Maths and Joudy Sallam in Business Management. Scholars AssemblyDr Nikolas Kazantzidis, Class of 2014Dr Nikolas Kazantzidis, Class of 2014Costa Magiris, Class of 2023Costa Magiris, Class of 2023Joudy Sallam, Year 12Joudy Sallam, Year 12Costa Magiris 2023 DUX

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Page 28 Page 29Alumni ReunionReviewOn the 18th of November 2023, Alphington Grammar School welcomed back the 2003 and 2013 graduating classes for their 10- and 20-Year Reunions. The event was full with nostalgia, joy, and the palpable excitement of rekindling old friendships and revisiting shared memories.As the day unfolded, the campus was buzzing with familiar faces, laughter and chatter. The joy of reunion was evident in every handshake, hug, and shared glance, as if no time had passed since those formative years spent together. Teachers mingled with their former students, sharing updates and reminiscing over past triumphs and trials. An array of food and drinks were served and shared over conversation, about stories of adventures and achievements since their departure from these familiar grounds.The most heartwarming activity was the guided tour around the campus, allowing the graduated students to wander through the school and take a step-down memory lane. The school, although touched by the inevitable changes time brings, still held the essence of their shared history, making every recounted memory feel as vivid as if it had happened just yesterday.As the day drew to a close, it was clear that this reunion was more than a mere gathering. It was a rearmation of the timeless connections and shared heritage that binds us. events

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Page 30 Page 31Zoe Tonkinalumni stories“For me, music and walking has always been something that centres me.”Hello, I’m Zoe, and I attended AGS in 2022. While I was only there for a year, I felt like I really became part of the community. The teachers were so supportive and really helped me feel at home even though I was in a whole new city. I think that I really took for granted the unwavering support of the AGS teachers and their loyalty and dedication to all their students, including myself, who they may not have necessarily known that well.I think some of the best lessons that I learned at AGS were that it is okay to not know what your passions are or exactly where you want to end up in life. I learned this by hearing about the rewarding life experiences of the teachers, whether they started as a teacher or in another industry.When I graduated, I chose the degree that I thought would oer me the most potential career pathways - engineering and commerce. My goal was to get a secure, well-paying job in which there was potential for me to travel. However, this is no longer what I aspire to have. My new career goal is to have a job that challenges me, one in which I can learn something new every day and continue to grow. But also one that allows me the freedom to travel, explore and learn more about the world. I still have not found my specic passion in engineering but have fallen in love with the way of thinking. I urge any student feeling lost or confused about their pathway to also nd a love for a way of thinking. Are you creative? Are you innovative? Are you a ne-detail person or big-picture person? What sort of work environment do you want to be in? An oce job? Always on the road?I also think it’s important to consider how your potential job will benet the well-being of the community. As the generation of change, we need to nd ways to think outside ourselves and save our dying planet. Sustainability is put at the forefront of engineering, and this has reshaped my way of thinking about the world. We must rst achieve sustainable practices before we can go about trying to x some of the damage that we have done.University oers a chance to reinvent yourself, which, in all honesty, is two parts terrifying and one part exhilarating.It really gives you the opportunity to discover yourself in a new environment surrounded by peers who, despite their varied backgrounds, tend to share the same goals as you. I learned this early on by participating in the engineering camp where you were forced into an environment to get to know each other.And while this is all amazing, it comes with a great deal of stress, and consequently quite a few viral infections. I especially struggled with not feeling grounded as I moved onto campus and lived alone.This meant that I really had to prioritise my well-being. It meant making time for exercising, time for friends, and time alone. It also meant accepting that lecturers’ expectations were much greater than those of my high school teachers, and that I had to reward myself for my accomplishments.Everyone has to nd their own way to cope with stress and anxiety. For me, music and walking has always been something that centres me. If I ever feel incredibly overwhelmed by my workload, I often try to make a list, and start with the easy things. If there’s an email that you have to send, send it. If there’s an assignment that needs a nal check before being submitted, just do it. I truly believe that having a crowded headspace is when things really start to go wrong.I still hold on to the notion that as teenagers we are invincible, and never truly fail. We are resilient, and full of opportunity. Put yourself out there, believe in yourself, but don’t dene your worth by the missed opportunities. To current AGS students, I would emphasise the signicance of nding a balance between academic pursuits and personal growth. Cherish the learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, and remember that true success comes from a holistic approach to life.Class of 2022 DUX

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Page 32 Page 33Ashleigh McMurrieMy name is Ashleigh McMurrie, (nee Tunchon). I live in Benalla with my husband Michael, 3-year-old daughter Scarlett and with a little one on the way, due in April 2024. I am a qualied Osteopath, and own/run a Pilates studio in the lovely regional town of Euroa. We have two dogs, two cats and a turtle. In my spare time, I work as the head trainer down at Longwood Football Club. I began my AGS journey in 2003 and graduated in 2008. As a student, I was a high-level athlete (swimmer). I would describe myself as disciplined, but I didn’t like to study, although I knew I had to, so I did. Thinking back on my time at AGS I miss the daily connections with my friends that were lost after graduating and the supportive teachers. The most valuable lesson I learnt as a student was the everyone is dierent, learns dierently and behaves dierently, which isn’t always a bad thing. As a student I considered pursuing a career in the medical eld, specically a doctor of some kind.Currently I work as an Osteopath. My career goals did change throughout my years of study post AGS. I started out wanting to be a doctor, and found that even if I became a doctor, I may not be able to achieve the changes I wanted. So, I went down the road of research. I am a qualied Biomedical Scientist with an Honours degree in Molecular Biology. From there, it was dicult to nd a job that allowed me to feel accomplished. I still wanted to work in healthcare, and that’s when I met an Osteopath. The rest is history, I went back to university and have not looked back!In my role, I love working with so many dierent people and assisting them to achieve their health-care goals. Challenges I have faced mainly revolve around funding. I believe all forms of healthcare should be able to be accessed by anyone if they need it, not if they can aord it or not.I dene wellbeing as being happy and healthy in all aspects of life. Physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Contributing to the wellbeing of the community is important to me, and my job allows and requires me to incorporate a biopsychosocial approach to healthcare. This means that although my job is majorly hands on manual therapy, I must also get to know each individual, how their physical state aects their mental state, emotional state and social interactions. Being in a small community also means that I can’t walk down the main street without being stopped multiple times to just have a conversation. This is important to me, as it allows people to feel comfortable in talking to me about any issues they may or may not have, whether they are physical or not. My proudest moment has been opening my own clinic/studio, and looking back at everyone I have been able to help. As I run a Pilates studio, I do a lot of exercise which helps contribute to my wellbeing. I also make sure that I see my own Osteopath regularly. I have a good family support network, and I enjoy being a part of the community, especially since my daugh-ter is now in Kinder in the area. I enjoy volunteering for their fundraisers.I used to be a bit of a stress head, but I had a moment where I stressed out so much, and then nothing came of it. I stressed out over nothing. Now I take each day as it is. I have learned that I cannot control other people’s actions, only my own. So, if it is out of my control, then there is no point in stressing over it. I have learned to take time when I need time and take precautions if I feel I need to. Exercise and social interactions help a lot, as does having a very supportive husband. My personal motto is to be authentically yourself. Not everyone will like it, but it will make you a hap-pier person and those who chose to surround you will notice the dierence.My advice to current AGS students is to allow your goals to change throughout life, based on people you meet, things you like and dislike, and study you have done and enjoyed.“Now I take each day as it is. I have learned that I cannot control other people’s actions, only my own.”alumni stories

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Page 34 Page 35Andrew VouliotisMy name is Andrew Vouliotis, and I started at AGS in Year 3 in 1998 and completed Year 12 in 2007. Reecting on my time at AGS, there are several aspects that I remember and miss. The warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication of my teachers not only nurtured my growth as an individual, but also embodied the spirit of hard work and passion. I have many positive memories of classes and conversations that signicantly shaped who I am as a person today. AGS also oered diverse opportunities for young adults to explore their passions. During my time at AGS, I had the opportunity to participate in music and theatre productions, two overseas trips to Greece, and engaged in outdoor activities. These experiences played a pivotal role in uncovering and nurturing my hobbies and passions.Throughout High School, I envisioned myself becoming a commercial airline pilot. However, in Year 11, Mr Leamon and Mr Savopoulos gave me the opportunity to develop a software tool that assisted sta in identifying changes to their timetable. The process of working with Mr Leamon to elicit user requirements, developing the tool, and then obtaining feedback from sta at AGS made me realise I would enjoy a career in IT. It was at this point that I decided to study Information Systems at Swinburne University. I am currently a Product Manager at one of Australia’s largest articial intelligence research institutes, where I have had the privilege of working with a very talented team for over a decade. In my role, I collaborate with organisations to design, develop, and implement software solutions that positively impact society.Over the past decade, I’ve had the honour of partnering with many organisations, including Dementia Australia, Compass Education, Black Dog Institute, The Alfred Hospital, and Cancer Council, to create and develop some amazing, high-impact solutions.Much of my work is in the area of digital health and education. This involves projects that assist people in preventing cancer, monitoring depression, and identifying signs of cognitive decline. Recognising that these solutions can be stressful for users, a signicant part of my role is to map out their emotional journey. This involves identifying various states of physical and emotional well-being a user might experience and developing strategies to support them eectively.I’ve always believed that any role I undertake should contribute positively to society. Seeing the tangible benets of our projects, like improved health outcomes and better mental well-being in the community, is incredibly rewarding.To me, wellbeing encompasses both physical and mental health. It’s about how you look after yourself to stay physically healthy, and what you do to stay happy. It includes things such as eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, socialising with friends, and of course, exercising. It’s also about how you feel inside and how you handle your feelings, such as stress or sadness. My proudest achievement has to be the success the BrainTrack project with Dementia Australia. I’ve been working closely with Dementia Australia’s innovation team for many years, and in 2023, our collaboration really paid o. BrainTrack is designed to empower people with potential cognitive changes to have important conversations with their doctors early on, which can make a huge dierence in managing dementia.BrainTrack has a very large user base and has also gained amazing recognition. We won Australia’s best technology solution for non-prot organisations, Google awarded us two best app of the year awards. Kelly Burns from Dementia Australia and I had the opportunity to represent Australia at the Asia Pacic technology awards in Hong Kong. We came in second out of 25 entrants. The project has been the recipient of a Medical Research Future Fund grant that aims to evaluate its impact on users and medical professionals. It’s an extremely proud feeling to know that something you have worked on has made a tangible impact on society. There are three hobbies that I enjoy - two of which I started in High School that contribute to my wellbeing. alumni stories

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Page 36 Page 37“It’s an extremely proud feeling to know that something you have worked on has made a tangible impact on society.”SaxophoneIn Year 7, I was handed a saxophone by Mr Simmons and I have been playing ever since. I was a part of the Australian Youth Band until 2020 which gave me the opportunity to play some incredible music and tour around Australia, Malaysia and China.Travel and PhotographyI love jumping on a plane and putting myself outside of my usual comfort zone. I am currently writing this article from Varanasi, India, where I am spending a few days with friends, meeting photographers, and spending a signicant amount of time capturing images of the energy of this spiritual city. HikingI really enjoy the solitude that comes from hiking and trekking in the mountains. I’ve found it a great way to disconnect from the demands of everyday life. It’s a refreshing shift where the focus moves from mental exertion to a blend of mental and physical capabilities while handling the raw elements.When I nd myself in a stressful situation, I nd that it’s important to try and nd a way to decouple myself from the situation. I then need to identify the following: 1. What do I have full control of in this situation?2. What do I have inuence over in this situation? 3. What don’t I have control over? This helps me compartmentalise the situation and determine the best course of action. It’s also important to acknowledge the stress that compounds over time. This is why I nd it important each year that I allocate enough time out of my annual leave to completely detach myself from day-to-day life. Every few years I particularly enjoy spending time where there is limited access to the internet. For example, last year I spent 4 weeks exploring remote Iceland and the Faroe Islands with some of my best friends that I made while on student exchange. My advice for current AGS students would be to keep reading, learning, experimenting, and persevering, you never know where it will lead you.

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Page 38 Page 39alumni storiesShoumyaa ThanaskandaTaken from 2023 VCE Awards Night Speech.It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole decade since I graduated from Alphington Grammar School. I was honoured to have been the year’s Valedictorian and Dux, and I remember speaking at our Graduation Ceremony with immense gratitude and nostalgia at the time. It’s those exact same sentiments that I feel again reecting on my time at Alphington Grammar School.My journey at this school started as a just a wide-eyed, somewhat timid ve-year old when I took my rst steps into Prep.I still remember my rst day on the school bus, that feeling of trepidation mixed with excitement as I peered into the bus from the door – seeing much bigger, older high school students babbling in the back seat. I walked up tentatively, and I realised that the school bus driver, Chris, had left a small toy puppy dog for me on the very front seat to welcome me, which I still have today. It’s these small but heart-felt and generous eorts to nurture and support that I continued to experience time and time again by sta and teachers throughout my thirteen years at Alphington Grammar School.Alphington Grammar felt like a family, not just between students and teachers, but there was even a cohesive and communal feeling between its high school and primary school students. I remember plenty of opportunities for mentorship and looking up to older students as role-models. This school also being Greek in its roots, embraced diversity and I, as a Sri Lankan –Australian, had the chance to not only grow academically but also within a new culture. I learnt very early on how to be open-minded, celebrate diversity and nd the commonalities between us all. This has been an invaluable lesson that I have carried forward not just in my relationships, but also in my work as a doctor. Alphington Grammar’s small, close-knit community fostered a sense of belonging, and the opportunities it oered me have played a signicant role in my success.This school provided me with countless chances to grow and develop as a leader and a well-rounded individual. I was a proud member of the Greek Band and Strings Orchestra, was a runner–up speaker at the State Debating Championships and was able to proudly serve as School Captain in my nal year. It was within these nurturing school walls that I found my footing and I was able to grow in condence. Over the past ten years, I’ve embarked on a journey that took me far beyond these school walls. I graduated with Honours from Monash University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. I worked as a doctor in the hospitals during the peak of the Covid Pandemic, primarily in the Emergency Department. I then continued to successfully complete my fellowship exams this year under the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. I now work as a GP. The path was not easy, it was in equal parts deeply challenging and deeply fullling. Unprecedented times in the hospitals meant being thrown in the deep end with high-risk work, crumbling and understaed departments, very sick patients and very long hours. However, I’ve witnessed rsthand the power of communities coming together to face a common battle, and watching hospitals quickly mobilize their forces and teamwork in an ever-changing battleeld has made its mark on me. Through these dicult times, I learned the importance of grit and the resilience that resides within us when we come together as a community.I’d like to share one story from my journey as a doctor that I think illustrates this point beautifully. I’ve had the privilege of travelling to countries like Ghana, India, and Fiji for volunteer medical work, and these experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of community. This story is from my time in Ghana, Western Africa, where I lived for a few months in a remote shing village called Princes town. It is town of 700 people, where there was only one tiny medical clinic for the whole village – this was run by just one midwife and a nurse. The community was very excited when I arrived there to learn from them and to help. One particular night, I awoke to frantic knocks on my door at 3am- “Doctor, please come and help deliver the baby”. This wasn’t unusual during my stay there; I was woken up weekly to help deliver babies in the village overnight. As I struggled through the darkness with my head torchlight, I arrived to a very heavily pregnant woman pushing. Within minutes, I found myself helping guide the baby out, but when he did come out – he was not crying, blue and oppy. With no resuscitation equipment available here, all we had to rely on was physical stimulation – which involves vigorously rubbing baby’s back. As I started to do this, I glanced back again at the mother, who I saw continuing to push. Before I knew it, there was another baby being delivered by the midwife- 2023 VCE Awards Night Speaker

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Page 40 Page 41alumni storiesDo you want to get involved in the alumni community, be spotlighted in the magazine, or recommend an alum for us to interview for a feature article? Email us at alumni@ags.vic.edu.au with your questions, comments, or suggestions.We also accept submissions of engagement, wedding, birth or vale notices for publication. “You need to be your own cheerleader and best friend and learn to talk to yourself in ways that lift you up - it is the secret to success.”twins. But he too came out oppy and blue. We didn’t have enough hands – I had one arm frantically trying to resuscitate one baby as I was quickly being passed the other baby. I glanced once again to the mother, and this time I was horried – she had started to haemorrhage and was bleeding out profusely. This was a medical emergency and there were only two of us with 3 individuals that needed resuscitation. In the hospitals I had worked in Australia- there usually would be 3 large emergency teams called to manage this situation.But it didn’t stop here. As fate would have it in the midst of this chaos, the electricity suddenly cut o, plunging us immediately into darkness. I had never experienced nor even imagined being in a situation like this before. Immediately from the midwife, I saw a resolve and a quickness to action that I’ve never seen. We used my head-torch and phone light, working as a team to quickly insert an IV and push uids and medications to Mum, we managed to work cohesively under the pressure with the most basic equipment. With clear direction, teamwork between us and tenacity, miraculously we were able to resuscitate both babies and Mum, who eventually all emerged healthy.I was in awe from this midwife’s leadership and asked this woman afterwards about her experiences. She told me the greatest lesson she has learnt - that sometimes you only just need one other person on your team to achieve remarkable things. I continued to see incredible examples of community eorts in Ghana to increase health literacy and improve health outcomes. This experience reinforced a lesson I’ve carried with me—that communities and teams no matter how small, when they unite with a shared goal, can be incredibly resourceful, and we must lean on each other in times of need.So this comes to my rst piece of advice for students, never underestimate the power of community. Lean on one another, support each other, reach out to the amazing teachers and sta who are here to support you on your own personal journeys and you will discover that together, you are capable of incredible things. I have life-long friendships from Alphington, and its these connections that have been an abundance of support, wisdom, and inspiration for me. Nurture these relationships. They can be your guiding light in the darkest of times.Secondly, I urge you to embrace opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone. When I look back on my journey, it’s the moments where I was pushed beyond my limits that stand out as the most transformative. I started o as quite a shy and timid child, and now I can look back on my growth with pride. Whether it was taking on leadership roles in this school or embarking on volunteer work overseas, those moments of discomfort was where my character was forged. I encourage each of you to step forward and actively seek out chances to lead and learn at this school. Seize those opportunities that challenge you, for they will be the ones that lead to your greatest growth. Thirdly, embrace travel. Most of my learning and the most colourful experiences I have had have been when exploring dierent parts of the world, exposing myself to new people and their stories, new lifestyles and new perspectives. How lucky you are to have a travel immersion program at this school. If you ever have the chance to travel, I encourage you to seize it with both hands.Lastly, nurture helpful self-talk. The challenges you’ll face may be daunting, but your inner dialogue will always be your most powerful ally. You need to be your own cheerleader and best friend and learn to talk to yourself in ways that lift you up - it is the secret to success. Before I conclude, I want to take a moment to congratulate and acknowledge the progress of this school under the leadership of Dr Nikou over the past ten years. The growth and transformation that has taken place here is a testament to her vision and dedication for her students. I would also like to extend this gratitude to Mr Mike Smith who was a wonderful and nurturing principal for the majority of my time at Alphington Grammar School.I want to thank this incredible school for the invaluable education, support, and sense of community it provided me. To the students, as you leave this school and venture into the world beyond, I encourage you to stay connected with your roots, to invest in your relationships, to be your own biggest supporter, to embrace challenges, and to explore the world around you.

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Page 42 Page 43Engagement, wedding, birth and vale notices are welcome for publication in future editions. We would love to honour these milestones within our community. Please send any notices and photographs to: alumni@ags.vic.edu.au To make sure you receive invitations, information about future events, and Flowerdale, scan the QR code. community newsBirths, Weddings and EngagementsAndrew Diviny (Head of Byron House/Secondary PE Teacher) along with his partner Poppy joyfully welcomes their son, Oscar William Diviny, to the family. Little Oscar joins his big sister, Maggie.Samuel Savvidis (Class of 2015) and Pallavi Daniel (Class of 2015) met as Year 7s at Alphington Grammar School in 2010. They graduated together as best friends in 2015 and recently tied the knot on the 1st of March 2024. Amelia Ioannou, Year 2, Primary Cross-CountryAmelia Ioannou, Year 2, Primary Cross-CountryChris Nikolakakos (Class of 2014) married Eve Potamianos (Class of 2014) on Sunday the 3rd of March 2024 surrounded by their families and close friends, many of whom are also fellow Alphington alumni.Dorothy Liapis (Secondary EHASS Teacher) and Christopher Kantzidis celebrated their Engagement Party on the 5th of April.

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Flowerdale 2024 Autumn

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