Oscar Bruten, from the St Leonard’s College Class of 2020, has achieved remarkable success in the world of jazz performance and composition.
Oscar Bruten has excelled as a saxophonist and jazz composer, earning prestigious accolades and releasing his new album titled ‘Strzelecki Suite.’
Oscar’s musical journey was signficantly influenced by his time at St Leonard’s College, where he was guided by his teacher Tarko Sibbel (Head of Jazz and Contemporary Music). Under Tarko’s mentorship, Oscar honed his skills, developed his unique talent, and cultivated his passion for jazz composition.
In 2022, Oscar was awarded the prestigious ABC Jazz Composer Commissioning Fund, a recognition of his exceptional talent and creativity. This milestone led to the creation of his album, Strzelecki Suite, which was recorded in 2023 and is a deeply personal and reflective work.
The Strzelecki Suite is inspired by Oscar’s connection to his home in Trafalgar, West Gippsland, where his family relocated in 2020. Nestled in the picturesque Strzelecki Ranges on Gunaikurnai land, the property became a source of profound artistic contemplation. Reflecting on his work, Oscar shared, “Written on Gunaikurnai land, this work is the product of deep introspection about my relationship to the land on which I live, its history and its story.”
The album showcases Oscar’s dedication to exploring themes of place, identity, and history through music. It is also a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered at St Leonard’s College, with several fellow Old Collegians contributing to the project:
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Jasper Bruten (OC2016) – Drums
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Ayda Akbal (OC2019) – Voice
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Max Bruten (OC2018) – Producer
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Oscar was a finalist in the recent National Jazz Awards, which celebrate the finest jazz talent in Australia. Oscar placed an impressive third. As part of this recognition, he performed at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues earlier this month, further solidifying his reputation as a leading talent in contemporary jazz.
St Leonard’s College is proud to celebrate Oscar’s achievements and his ongoing contributions to the arts. His journey exemplifies the creative spirit and commitment to excellence that the College nurtures in its students.
To listen to Oscar’s album Strzelecki Suite on Spotify, please click here.
Image featured above courtesy of Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues Facebook Page
St Leonard’s College alumna and Amiel Award recipient, Stella Wadeson (OC2018) reflects on the Garma Festival experience.
“I would like to first acknowledge the Bunurong and Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation who are the traditional owners and custodians of Country. I pay my deepest respects to their ancestors and all First Nations peoples past, present and emerging. I recognise that sovereignty was never ceded and further extend this acknowledgment to the Yolngu people in north-east Arnhem Land, the land where Garma Festival takes place, the sacred site of Gulkula.” Stella Wadeson, Class of 2018
St Leonard’s College takes immense pride in the accomplishments of its alumni who embody the values of social responsibility, cultural understanding, and social action.
A recent example of this commitment is Stella Wadeson’s inspiring journey to the Garma Festival in northeast Arnhem Land, made possible by the Amiel Award – a grant that celebrates the College’s tradition of fostering meaningful change and collaboration. The award is named after Nicki Amiel, past student, staff member and parent, past President of the St Leonard’s Old Collegians Association and member of the College Council from 2000. Nicki held the position of Chair of the College Council from 2014 to 2018. The Amiel Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the lives of others within and beyond the College.
Stella, who was the inaugural recipient of the Amiel Award in 2018, recently participated in Garma 2024, a four-day celebration of Yolngu life and culture. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “Being welcomed onto Yolŋu Country reinforced the importance of listening and learning. Through working alongside people from all walks of life, the key connection that united everyone was a commitment to ongoing reconciliation.”
The theme of Garma 2024, Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu – Fire. Strength. Renewal, resonated deeply with participants. Chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Djawa Yunupiŋu, emphasised the importance of resilience and hope following the rejection of the Voice referendum, encouraging attendees to “look up and ahead.”
For Stella, the journey was also a return to familiar landscapes. In 2014, she had visited Warruwi Community School as part of the College’s partnership program, fostering an enduring appreciation for the culture and traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples. She shared, “The memories of my time in Warruwi remain vivid. These experiences contributed to understanding the importance of culture, connection and collaboration.”
During Stella’s 12-day involvement at Garma, she worked as a volunteer alongside Yolngu people and festival attendees, contributing to an environment that celebrated cultural heritage and sought to inspire positive change. She described the festival as a space of profound learning and reflection, stating, “’Garma reminds us to hold space for one another, fostering a renewed future that represents strength and reconciliation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Stella’s commitment to community engagement and leadership has been evident throughout her journey. In 2019, she was recognized as the Bayside Young Citizen of the Year announced on Australia Day (photo below), an accolade that celebrated her extraordinary dedication to initiatives such as the Bayside Youth Ambassadors and Women of Influence group. She also played a key role in organising the St Leonard’s College Having a Yarn breakfast in 2018, which fostered important conversations on inclusion and cultural understanding.
Stella’s achievements exemplify the lasting impact of the Amiel Society and the immersive social action programs that are integral to the experiential education offered at St Leonard’s College. By nurturing global citizens who act with compassion and purpose, the College reinforces its commitment to reconciliation and creating a more inclusive society.
Through opportunities like the Amiel Award and experiences such as the Garma Festival, St Leonard’s College alumni exemplify the values of social responsibility and action that lie at the heart of its mission. Their journeys inspire current students to engage with the world as thoughtful, informed, and empathetic leaders.
Featured above: Stella Wadeson (OC2018), Bayside Young Citizen of the Year Award Recipient, 2019
St Leonard’s College recently welcomed back alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago for a heartwarming reunion.
The 50-Plus Year Reunion brought together a cherished group of past students, united by fond memories and a shared connection.
The event commenced with a guided tour of the College, offering attendees a glimpse into its growth and transformation. A highlight of the tour for many of the attendees was the state-of-the-art Visual Arts Centre, which drew admiration for its innovative design and the creative opportunities it provides for current students.
One of the standout moments of the reunion was the presentation of the Harefield Club pins to the Class of 1974, symbolising an enduring 50-year bond with St Leonard’s. These pins, awarded as part of the College’s tradition, serve as a reminder of their lasting place in the College’s history.
Many alumni generously brought along memorabilia to the event which they donated to the College archives. These cherished items will be preserved and celebrated, enriching the historical tapestry of St Leonard’s.
Attendees also shared stories and memories of Camp Ibis, reflecting on its significance and discussing plans and ideas for its future. The collective hope for its future reflects the enduring impact it has had on past students.
St Leonard’s College extends its deepest gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of this milestone reunion. It was an occasion filled with laughter, reflection, and renewed connections – a celebration of the lasting legacy of our alumni community.
Titled ‘Where Do I Belong? Here’, Ayda’s album touches on themes of identity, culture, and belonging.
We are excited to celebrate the wonderful achievements of Old Collegian Ayda Akbal, from the Class of 2019, whose new album ‘Where Do I Belong? Here’ has just been released.
This album represents a deeply personal exploration of Ayda’s experiences growing up as a first-generation Turkish-Australian. Ayda shares, “This music was composed with the intention to provide a place of reflection and connection between people of all cultures and experiences – to do my part in fostering understanding, empathy, and celebration of diversity in storytelling.”
Contributing to the album are two fellow Old Collegians, Oscar Bruten and Max Bruten, both of whom are talented musicians who made significant contributions to the St Leonard’s music program during their time at the College, as did Ayda. Their involvement adds a special connection to the project, showcasing the continuing collaboration and creativity of our alumni.
Where Do I Belong? Here draws inspiration from Ayda’s family heritage, weaving together melodies passed down through generations and stories from her childhood. The album touches on themes of identity, culture, and belonging, exploring the challenges and rewards of growing up in a multicultural household. Through her music, Ayda reflects on her journey and invites listeners to consider their own experiences with culture and identity.
Ayda hopes the album fosters a greater understanding of diverse stories and the shared experiences that connect us all. By blending her personal history with broader cultural reflections, she has created a unique and thoughtful body of work that resonates on many levels.
St Leonard’s College is incredibly proud of Ayda, Oscar, and Max for their contributions to the music world. Their success is a great example of how our students go on to pursue their passions that were ignited during their school years and make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.
You can listen to Where Do I Belong? Here on all major music platforms. We encourage the St Leonard’s community to listen to Ayda’s album and join her on this journey of self-reflection and cultural connection.
St Leonard’s College welcomed back the Class of 2019 for their 5-year reunion on Friday 23 August.
The largest reunion of 2024 saw the Class of 2019 gather in the Leonardian Centre foyer to reminisce over their time at St Leonard’s College.
The evening began with the Old Collegians revisiting the campus with a beautiful College tour. Some highlights of the tour included the Senior School Cafeteria and the TCW.
Following the tour, attendees had the opportunity to reflect and catch up with their peers, whilst enjoying some tasty canapés and refreshments. The excitement in the room was contagious when the much-loved cafeteria favourite, ‘spicy chicken rolls’ were served.
Vanessa Loewy, Community Liaison Coordinator and Lydia Holmes, College Archivist hosted the Class of 2019’s return and proudly showcased memorabilia specific to this cohort. Their attention to detail surprised one of our attendees when they wished him a happy birthday, which he was celebrating on that day.
Our alumni were excited to chat with Mr Moore and fill him in on their lives since their graduation. One attendee advised she finally received her Australian Citizenship and is now looking forward to applying to study at University in 2025.
It was a pleasure to witness and share these special moments with the Class of 2019 and we hope they enjoyed reconnecting with one another. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2019 back to the College for future reunions and events.
On Friday 2 August, the Class of 2014 was warmly welcomed back for their 10-year reunion, where they reminisced about their days at the College.
The event brought many Old Collegians from the Class of 2014 back together to reminisce and celebrate their journey at the College a decade after they left our gates.
Attendees began the evening with a trip down memory lane, touring through the College along familiar paths. Highlights included wandering through their old library, now better known as the Year 9 Centre, visiting the new Wellbeing Centre, previously the Old Kiln, and seeing the new Senior School cafeteria complete with a commercial grade barista machine – which the staff love!
Returning to the function, the large group enjoyed looking through some of the photos and memorabilia on display and chatting with people they had not seen in a few years. Vanessa Loewy, Community Liaison Coordinator and Lydia Holmes, College Archivist were present to welcome the Class of 2014 and engage in memorable conversations with our Old Collegians.
Our alumni were also pleased to catch up with some of their teachers who popped in to say hello including Ms Haake, Ms Ferguson-Brown, Mr Barlow and Ms McCaughey.
The evening was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their time as students and share the adventures and opportunities life has given them since leaving the College, with their peers and teachers.
The event left our attendees with feelings of nostalgia, joy, pride and excitement as they reunited. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2014 back to the College for future reunions.
St Leonard’s College welcomed back the Class of 2004 for their 20-year reunion on Friday 14 June.
The event brought together a group of alumni eager to reconnect and celebrate two decades since their graduation. The festivities began with a cocktail-style reception in the Leonardian Centre foyer, where guests enjoyed an array of tasty appetisers and beverages.
The College organised a special campus tour, showcasing new developments and nostalgic spots. Old Collegians were delighted to see how the school had evolved while reminiscing about their own experiences.
Vanessa Loewy, the Community Liaison Coordinator, was present to focus on the achievements of the Class of 2004. One of the evening’s standout features was the exhibition of memorabilia from their school years, which evoked a wave of nostalgic memories.
The reunion was a joyous celebration, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and renewed friendships.
As the night concluded, it was clear that the bond between St Leonard’s College and its alumni remains strong, with the 20-year reunion serving as a testament to the lasting impact of the College’s community and the shared memories that unite them.
St Leonard’s College is delighted to congratulate our Old Collegian, Hamish Blake, on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the arts as an entertainer, and to the community.
Hamish’s outstanding contributions to the arts and his unwavering dedication to the community have earned him this prestigious recognition.
From his prolific career in entertainment as a writer, comedian, actor, and presenter to his impactful roles in numerous charitable initiatives, Hamish continues to inspire us all.
Community Involvement
Hamish has been actively involved as an ambassador and participant in several charity events and organisations, making a significant impact in supporting various causes.
Hamish exemplifies the quintessential Leonardian spirit, embodying the principles of generosity and service. He recognises the profound importance of giving back to the community and leveraging his talents and gifts for the greater good. His commitment to using his skills to make a positive impact is a testament to the values we cherish and strive to instil in all our students.
Entertainment Highlights
Hamish’s impressive body of work spans television, radio, and podcasts, including popular shows and series that have captivated audiences far and wide.
Awards and Recognition
Hamish has received a remarkable array of awards and accolades, highlighting his excellence and popularity in the entertainment industry.
Hamish reflects on his St Leonard’s College education;
“Whilst obviously nothing can top the school maths prize I won in 1999, the nod from the King was certainly touching. You may indeed allow the school to take some credit for the path I have been lucky enough to take in my life. It was the school’s belief in me at a pretty vulnerable time and age, the mix of great teachers and a peer group which was a bit like winning the lottery, that allowed me to find both my feet and my voice. Two pretty important things in a young guy’s life, and hard to grow up without them. It took a long time for me, I was lucky to be at a school that cared as much as St Leonard’s.“
Hamish’s journey is a testament to his talent, passion, and generosity. Join us in celebrating his incredible achievements!
On Friday 24 May, St Leonard’s College hosted the 30-year reunion for the Class of 1994, a celebration marked by joy, reflection, and rekindled friendships.
The evening began with a College campus tour, showcasing all of the recent developments that continue to make St Leonard’s College Bayside’s school of choice. Many attendees took the opportunity to explore the campus, noting the modern facilities while fondly recalling the spaces where they had created lasting memories.
The tour was followed by a reception in the Leonardian Centre foyer, where alumni were greeted with welcome drinks and canapés.
Vanessa Loewy, the Community Liaison Coordinator, was present to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Class of 1994. A highlight of the night was the curated display that showcased content from their school years, bringing back a flood of memories.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as former classmates caught up on the past three decades, sharing personal and professional achievements.
The 30-year reunion was a heart warming event that reinforced the enduring connection between St Leonard’s College and its alumni.
It was an evening of celebration, reflection, and the reaffirmation of lifelong bonds.
St Leonard’s College recently celebrated a momentous occasion, hosting the 40-year reunion for the Class of 1984 on Friday 10 May.
The event saw a wonderful turnout as Old Collegians gathered to reminisce and reconnect with old friends.
The evening kicked off with a nostalgic tour of the campus, which has undergone significant changes since the attendees’ school days, along with a warm welcome from Vanessa Loewy, the Community Liaison Coordinator.
The reunion was a walk down memory lane, with a curated exhibition of photos and memorabilia from the cohort’s time at the College, sparking conversations and laughter.
Alumni shared stories of their school days, careers, and personal milestones, highlighting the diverse paths they have taken since graduation.
One of the highlights of the evening was the selection of canapés and drinks, allowing guests to mingle and catch up in a relaxed setting. The camaraderie was palpable.
The event was a testament to the strong bonds formed at St Leonard’s College and the lasting influence of its community. Attendees left with renewed connections and a sense of pride in their shared history.
