Shantini & David Deutscher
Why we give
Our connection with Ballarat Grammar
Ours has very much been a grassroots association with Grammar over 34 years. As parents of three Old Grammarians, David and I have come to value the experiences our children gained at school which have nurtured skills, character and resilience – attributes standing them in good stead to this day. Through volunteering from assisting with milk and fruit, reading, the canteen, library, fundraising with the Auxiliary, through to editing a Grammar cookbook, we both came to deeply know and support the ethos behind our school. These experiences, with David’s support, were invaluable when I joined the School Board in 2007. I was privileged to serve as Chair for 6 years until 2024, and now on the Foundation Board. However, our most cherished memories of Grammar centre around our three children, each with their own unique study interests and career aspirations. The staff supported and nurtured each of our children’s unique abilities and talents, recognising them for who they were while encouraging them to reach their full potential, both as individuals and members of their communities.
Why we give to Ballarat Grammar
The words written on the door at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, from St Luke’s Gospel, summarises why we give, “From those to whom much is given, will much be required.” Our children have been the beneficiaries of the foresight and generosity of our school’s community, and we wish to continue that legacy of generosity so others can continue to benefit from a well-rounded education based on Anglican values that our community needs now.
Our hopes for the future
Through annual giving and in setting up a scholarship named after our parents, whose lives were defined by generous service, we hope to see rural and regional young people thrive in the context of a robust and broad values-based Grammar education, enabling them not only to become the best versions of themselves, but to give of their best to whatever community they belong to.
Encouraging others to give
Most parents at our school work very hard to ensure their children get the very best education to help set them up for the future. By giving to Grammar, we help families in a practical way to give their children a leg up in life. In seeing young people thrive at our school, learning in excellent facilities, making the most of the many opportunities available to them, growing into adulthood with meaning and purpose and becoming people who work towards the common good, we believe thatwe can make a difference.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
