Celebrating 10 to 40 Years of Mentonian Connections
On Thursday 30 October 2025, Mentonians from the Classes of 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015 gathered at Mentone Grammar’s Bayview Building to celebrate milestone reunions marking 10, 20, 30 and 40 years since graduation. The evening was a vibrant celebration of connection, memory, and community.
The beautifully landscaped Gumtree Courtyard, adorned with festoon lighting, created a warm and inviting atmosphere as old friends reunited, shared stories from their school days, and reflected on the journeys that followed. Guests were welcomed by the mouthwatering aroma of paella being prepared on-site, adding to the festive spirit of the evening. With refreshments in hand and the smooth sounds of duo Velvet Sky in the air, the setting was perfect for a night of reconnection and celebration.
The evening began with a warm welcome and introduction from Mentonians Association President, Jon Ponnusamy, whose presence and words set a heartfelt tone for the night. Campus tours sparked excitement and nostalgia, with many alumni marveling at the changes while fondly recalling their own time at Mentone Grammar. A special thank you to Chaplains Michael Prabaharan and Andrew Stewart for leading the tours and sharing insights that made the experience even more memorable.
Adding an extra sparkle to the evening, five lucky guests were thrilled to each win a $50 gift card as part of our door prize draw. Congratulations to:
- Matt Bardoel (Class of 2005)
- Judy Beazly (Delightful past staff member and cherished volunteer)
- Alexander Clark (Class of 2015)
- Caibrian Deas (Class of 2015)
- David Sager (Class of 1995)
Their wins added a fun and festive touch to the night, reminding us that Mentonian gatherings are not only about reconnecting but also about celebrating the joy of community.
The celebrations continued well into the evening, filled with hugs, laughter, and heartfelt moments. A highlight of the night was a friendly and uplifting address from Principal Andy Müller, who shared the exciting launch of the new Community Scholarship, an initiative that reflects the School’s commitment to inclusivity and opportunity. Andy also reflected on Head Prefect Darcy M’s speech at Valedictory, which spoke to the deep passion and pride within our School community – a sentiment that truly embodies what we have at Mentone Grammar. This announcement was beautifully tied to the spirit of our first Giving Day, which continues to unite and empower our Mentonian community.
A sincere thank you goes to the dedicated staff who attended on the night. Their presence was greatly appreciated and added a special sense of warmth and welcome for our guests, reinforcing the strong bonds between past and present members of our School community. We were delighted to welcome:
- Stuart Bainbridge
- Kristie Beames
- Cameron Lancaster
- Belinda McNeil
- Rohan Murphy
- Trevor Stevens
Looking ahead to Giving Day 2026, the focus will be on enhancing the Keysborough Playing Fields, an initiative that will directly benefit our current students and generations to come, by improving access to and enjoyment of this space. With the generous support of the Mentonians Association, which has pledged to be a matched funding partner, we have the opportunity to increase the impact of every gift and help achieve this important goal together.
