Ithaka Lectures inspire - Sydney Grammar School

In this, the inaugural year of Grammar’s Ithaka lecture series, we have had a wide range of fascinating topics covered so far, with more to come by the end of the year. The speakers we engaged were all tasked with the same remit: to challenge the audience to think outside their usual comfort zone, and to epitomise the theme of Ithaka… that enjoyment is to be found in the journey, not the destination.

We started the year in February with a very timely presentation from Dr Catriona Wallace. ChatGPT and related Artificial Intelligence considerations were addressed, as we were immersed in the metaverse and challenged to think critically about the practical and ethical issues surrounding these new spheres.

Pictured: L-R; Dr Richard Malpass, Dr Catriona Wallace and Mrs Becky Lovelock

In March, we welcomed Sam Bloom, who talked us through her personal journey of discovery when a devastating accident left her disabled, and learnt how you can find inspiration in the most surprising places.

Pictured: Mrs Shona Newall interviewing Sam and Cameron Bloom

May saw Emeritus Professor Grace Karskens delve into Australian history for us from some different perspectives, including the importance of community stories within historical research. We were given some insight into the research she did of the settlements on the Hawkesbury- Nepean river and learnt how her methods were implemented in this project.

Pictured: Emeritus Professor Grace Karskens and Mr Luis Siddall

In the early part of June, Professor Veena Sahajwalla introduced us to her modern approach to recycling. She told us of the development of her first MICROfactory, and how they were turning mattresses into ceramic tiles, and further showed how recycling materials could produce raw materials for 3D printing, thus reimagining the limits of recycling possibilities.

Picutred: (L) Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Mrs Becky Lovelock and Mr Geoff Carroll

More recently, in July we were joined by Professor Tim Flannery, who took us on an extraordinary adventure to the Solomon Islands. Whilst throwing in all the usual considerations around climate change, rainforest conservation and his exciting discoveries of new species, he also inspired us to consider parts of his projects one might not always consider – in this particular case, the narrative of a reconciliation ceremony with the indigenous people that needed to take place for any future projects to be safe and successful.

Pictured: Professor Tim Flannery and Mr Joshua Sztajer

On Thursday 7 September, we were incredibly privileged to be visited by Catherine Freeman. Two of our masters, Mrs Bernadette Mansfield and Mr Jason Slater, interviewed her in a manner that brought to the fore her humour, thoughtfulness and drive in equal measure. From the stories of her first ever race, and being dragged by the ear by a most beloved teacher from the toilets where she was hiding because she didn’t want to run, through to an insightful description of the moments immediately after her world famous victory, the audience was captivated. Catherine very kindly agreed to stay and meet the audience afterwards for photos and signatures, perhaps not quite appreciating that she was locking herself in for over an hour-long queue of keen parents, boys and other members of the community wanting to pay their respects. That her smile remained throughout and she kept the poise and grace we had come to anticipate over the evening only added to our respect for her.

Pictured: Mr Jason Slater, Cathy Freeman OAM and Mrs Bernadette Mansfield

We now look forward to our two speakers in Term IV: John Bell, of Bell Shakespeare, who will address us on the importance of literature and theatre in our life’s voyage, and Dr Clare Kenyon, who will explore the world of astrophysics with us.

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