Sunday 3 March 1923 was a proud day as 200 guests gathered on the Frogmore House lawn to officially open Mentone Grammar School.
The building at 63 Venice Street, known as Frogmore House, was built in 1891 as the residence of Reverend Robert Morrison Fergus, a minister in the Independent Church.
Senior Master, Henry Lycett Tonkin, was introduced as founding Headmaster. Henry became a fast favourite with parents and students alike and was instrumental in establishing the quality educational and sporting credentials of the fledgling School over the next nine years.
Athletics legend, Alexander Hillhouse made a significant contribution to the School in both sports and leadership. To honour this contribution, the School introduced the Hillhouse Trophy, which was awarded for cross-country running.
The School suffered a setback during the Great Depression and student numbers dwindled. Thomas Francis 'Frank' Jones, one of the original founding members and trustees of the School, funded the purchase of Frogmore House in the early 1930's.
Charles Campbell 'CC' Thorold, an Oxford-educated Englishman of impeccable family background, became the School’s third Headmaster in 1933. He was regarded as one of the great headmasters of his day.
CC Thorold's son John Jeffery 'JJ' Thorold, an accountant by profession, began his involvement at the School in 1933, the year his father became headmaster. JJ happily accepted the book-keeping responsibilities at the School in order to get the accounts under control.
Bessie Johnston joined the School in 1936, becoming the first full-time female member of staff. She was an outstanding French teacher, as well as a skilled primary teacher.
The School was saved through the benefaction of a parent, together with Francis Wellington Were, JJ's grandfather, and numbers grew during the war from 50 to 280.
Lionel Ashley Large became Headmaster in 1945 and was responsible for the conduct, discipline, and routine administration of the School, overseeing educational development and day to day operations, while JJ remained as Principal and essentially the School’s figurehead.
To celebrate the end of the war and a new era of peace, the school held a Victory Fair on the Oval on the 17th of August 1945. It was a great success and enjoyed by all present.
Distinguished European artist, Karl Duldig was appointed Art Master in 1945. He also became known as one of Australia’s leading sculptors and for 23 years his powerful influence would be felt by generations of Mentone students.
To safeguard the growth and future prosperity of Mentone Grammar, proprietor of the day Jeffrey ‘JJ’ Thorold, sold it to a keenly invested group of parents, led by J Finlay Anderson.
The school has always had a close relationship with St Augustine’s Chapel, but the formal association with the Anglican Church did not begin until 1957.
In 1958, Mentone Grammar School joined the ‘new’ Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV), where greater emphasis on participation and organised training was expected.
From his appointment in 1961, Keith William Jones set about rebuilding the School, through an ambitious building program, recruitment and an emphasis on academic performance.
Anthony ‘Tony’ John Drinan’s lifelong connection with Mentone Grammar began in 1963 as a bright-eyed Year 7 student. He became immersed in school life and the Cadet Unit and was appointed Head Boy in 1968. In his final year, he was also awarded the prestigious W.S. Leslie Award for outstanding Scholarship, Leadership and Sportsmanship.
Lewis Plumridge served for 27 years from 1982 to 2008 as Director of Music at Mentone Grammar, having briefly attended the School in the 1950s before winning a Music Scholarship at Trinity Grammar School.
The appointment of Neville Clark, a decorated Vietnam veteran, ensured Mentone Grammar's ongoing traditions were guaranteed.
Professor Glenn Bowes AO (Class of 1966) was awarded the 2001 Drinan Medal for his service to Medicine as a specialist in Paediatrics.
Ret Brigadier John Deighton A.M., M.C (Class of 1952) was awarded the 2002 Drinan Medal for his service to the Australian Defence Force and RSL.
Timothy Argall brought many changes to the School, including the introduction of new learning experiences and overseeing the complex decision to admit girls in 2006.
The Very Rev. Dr John Shepherd AM (Class of 1959) was awarded the 2003 Drinan Medal for his service to the Anglican Church as Anglican Dean of Perth.
Mr Don Ingram OAM (Class of 1955) and Master Emeritus was awarded the 2004 Drinan Medal for his service to Education. Don Ingram’s unparalleled contribution to Mentone Grammar began as a schoolboy in the 1950s where he excelled as a student, athlete, Captain of both the cricket and football teams, CUO of Cadets, House Captain and as a School Prefect in 1955.
Emeritus Professor Don Gartside (Class of 1964) was awarded the 2005 Drinan Medal for his service to Environmental Science and Management.
After more than 80 years, Mentone Grammar opened its doors to girls in 2006, a decision that was both contentious and complex. In the first year, 105 pioneering girls began classes, following in the footsteps of the 56 intrepid young boys who did the same when the School opened in 1923.
Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM (Class of 1971) was awarded the 2006 Drinan Medal for his service to Medicine as a Specialist in Geriatric Health.
Mal Cater set about transforming the School into a contemporary, dynamic and innovative learning environment while preserving cherished traditions.
Mr Geoff Ryan AM (Class of 1965) was awarded the 2007 Drinan Medal for his service to Education. Geoff was enrolled at Mentone Grammar in 1962 and was Head Prefect in 1965.
Mr Phillip Hutson (Class of 1971) was awarded the 2008 Drinan Medal for service to the AFP. Phil attended Mentone Grammar from 1966 to 1971.
Mr Mal Walden (Class of 1961) was awarded the 2009 Drinan Medal for his service to Broadcasting and Television. Mal attended Mentone Grammar from 1957 to 1961.
Mr Adam Kilgour (Class of 1982) was awarded the 2010 Drinan Medal for his service to Australian Business and Politics. Adam was enrolled at the School from 1977 to 1982.
Colonel Andrew Hocking (Class of 1989) was awarded the 2011 Drinan Medal for service to the Australian Defense Force. Andrew attended Mentone Grammar between 1984 and 1989.
Associate Professor Andre La Gerche (Class of 1991) was awarded the 2012 Drinan Medal for his service to Medicine as a specialist in Cardiology. Andre was enrolled at the School from 1982 to 1991.
Mr Shane Warne (Class of 1987) was awarded the 2013 Drinan Medal for his service to Cricket and the Shane Warne Foundation. In his final year at Mentone in 1987, Shane was Captain of School House (now Drinan House), Captain of Cricket, and played at a high level in the First XVIII football team.
Mr James Riady (Class of 1974) was awarded the 2014 Drinan Medal for his service to International Business and Philanthropic Support for Education. Born in Indonesia, James joined Mentone Grammar in 1970 as a boarding student.
The Hon. Associate Justice Nemeer Mukhtar (Class of 1975) was awarded the Drinan Medal for his service to the Law and the Supreme Court of Victoria where he has a long and distinguished legal career.
Professor Tim Brailsford (Class of 1981) was awarded the 2016 Drinan Medal for his service to Education as Vice-Chancellor and President of Bond University.
Sir Robert Jackson AC KCVO CMG OBE (Class of 1928) was posthumously awarded the 2017 Drinan Medal for his service to the UN as Under Secretary General.
Mr Robert 'Bob' Nottle CBE (Class of 1960) was awarded the 2018 Drinan Medal for his service to International Financial Services. Bob excelled at school and his leadership skills were developed as a Year 12 Prefect, Captain of the First XI cricket team (AGSV Rep) and Vice-Captain of the First XVIII football team.
Mr John Firth (Class of 1969) was awarded the 2019 Drinan Medal for his service to Education. During his time at Mentone Grammar, John was part of the First XI Cricket Team and excelled in many subjects including Commercial Practice.
Mr Steven Warrington AFSM (Class of 1978) was awarded the 2020 Drinan Medal for his service to the CFA. Steve was an active member of the Mentone Grammar community serving as Were House Captain, Vice-Captain of the cross-country team and member of the Cadet Unit. He was also an active participant in the School’s community service program.
Dr A G (Tony) Collins (Class of 2021) was awarded the 2021 Drinan Medal for his service to Education as President of Clarkson University, USA. Tony shone in leadership roles at Mentone Grammar, becoming a Prefect in 1966, and Vice-Captain of School House (now Drinan House) in the same year. He was also an outstanding member of the First XVIII football team in 1966 and rose to the rank of Cadet Under Officer in the School’s Army Cadet Unit.
Mr Peter Royston (Class of 1967) was awarded the 2022 Drinan Medal for his service to the Law Institute of Victoria. In addition to his academic talents, Peter’s sporting prowess was felt as a member of the first Mentone Grammar premiership swim team that won consecutive AGSV premierships in 1965, 1966 and 1967. He also captained the First XVIII football team in 1967 and excelled as a Cadet Under Officer in the School’s Army Cadet Unit.
To honour a true sporting hero and Mentone Grammar legend, the oval at Keysborough Sporting Grounds was named in memory of Shane Warne AQ.
Mr John Peers (Class of 2006) was awarded the 2023 Drinan Medal for his service to tennis and his excellence in the sport.
Mentone Grammar was delighted to welcome Andy Müller as its Principal in January 2024.
This state-of-the-art building and extensive outdoor precinct is the most significant project in the School’s history.
Professor James Oxley (Class of 1970) was awarded the 2024 Drinan Medal for his contribution to the field of Mathematics and his serivce to education in the field.
We'd love to hear from you. Please send questions or feedback to the below email addresses.
Before contacting us, you may wish to visit our FAQs page which has lots of useful info on Tiki-Toki.
We can be contacted by email at: hello@tiki-toki.com.
You can also follow us on twitter at twitter.com/tiki_toki.
If you are having any problems with Tiki-Toki, please contact us as at: help@tiki-toki.com
Close