Court of Companions

The Court of Companions commemorates those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of Brighton Grammar School. All members of staff who have completed 15 years of service are invited to join the Court of Companions which enriches a sense of belonging and camaraderie amongst present and former long-term staff.

2020 Inductees

This year Terry -Anne Ashley, string teacher, and Doug McKelvie, our Facilities Coordinator, were inducted into the Court of Companions. The function has been postponed until early this year.

Terry-Anne Ashley

As a student, Terry-Anne enjoying lead roles in school music and drama productions. As a talented musician, Terry-Anne performed with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, undertaking several regional and interstate trips and two European tours over an eight-year association.

Terry-Anne studied classical music at the Victorian College of the Arts, Drama Studies at the National Theatre, and post graduate studies in Drama in Education.

She has had numerous teaching positions in many of Melbourne’s leading independent schools as a violin/viola tutor, string orchestra conductor, chamber music instructor, choir mistress and musical advisor for drama productions.

Terry-Anne worked at BGS for two years in the late 1980s and then returned in 2005. Between times, she was invited to play for several School concerts. At Brighton Grammar, Terry-Anne teaches violin/viola to group and individual students from Years 2 through to Year 12 and also teaches Years 7 and 8 music theory group lessons.

She is the Director of Training Strings, conductor of the Wilson House String Orchestra and conductor of the Junior School Speech Night Orchestra. Terry-Anne’s 15 year contribution has enriched the music program and is much appreciated by all.

 

Doug McKelvie

On leaving school, Doug was trained as a horse strapper, then a house painter, followed by ten years working for a bedroom furniture company, a role he very much enjoyed.

On joining the BGS, Doug was initially employed as the School’s handyman. Over the years, his role developed from initially supporting the Facilities Manager, to being appointed to lead the Maintenance Team which Doug describes as ‘a great bunch of blokes’.

Doug’s role is now Facilities Coordinator, still working with the same ‘great bunch of blokes’ and enjoying strong support from Business Manager, Natalie Baker.

At all times, Doug has worked closely with our Junior and Secondary School Heads and his commitment has ensured that the School’s infrastructure has consistently supported all aspects of School life.

Doug’s main interest outside of BGS is competitive sport shooting, a hobby since he was 12. He is an expert marksman and has competed in National clay pigeon shooting competitions, coming a very creditable 25 out of 500 shooters.

Doug’s other great interest is cooking and overseas travel. Most importantly, Doug is an ardent Tigers supporter!

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