A Community That Grows Together
A great school has a culture of community.
At Ivanhoe Grammar School, that community spans generations. With more than 2,600 students from three-year-olds in the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12, alongside dedicated staff and families, Ivanhoe is a place where connection and belonging matter.
For one family, that sense of belonging has spanned almost 30 years at the School. The Tan family’s connection to Ivanhoe Grammar School began in 1997, when Ben Tan commenced in Year 10. His twin brothers followed, while their sister Michelle attended Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School.
Today, 12 Tan children have attended or are currently attending Ivanhoe Grammar School, a remarkable legacy that reflects both family tradition and the enduring strength of our community.
Recently, we spoke with Elizabeth (Liz) Tan, one of the eldest of the Tan siblings and our current School Captain. Reflecting on growing up at a school where so many family members share the same classrooms, Liz spoke about the moments that still make her smile.
‘The funniest thing,’ she said, ‘is when teachers realise there isn’t just one Tan at this school.’
One particularly memorable moment dates back to primary school at Buckley House, during sibling photo days.
‘They’d call our names over the speakers,’ Liz recalled. ‘It honestly felt like the list never ended — Elizabeth Tan, Alexis Tan, Lucas Tan… We’d all just keep lining up!’
When asked who the funniest member of the Tan family is, Liz told us about Lucas and Chelsea.
‘Lucas or Chelsea, they’re so sassy and completely out of pocket, especially together. But honestly, my brother Isaac is the funniest person to me.’
Living the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes
The Ivanhoe Learner Attributes shape our students into young people of character; courageous, innovative, balanced, collaborative, ethical, reflective and compassionate learners prepared for life beyond school. When the older Tan siblings were asked which Learner Attribute best describes their family, the answer was clear.
‘Collaborative,’ said Jacqueline. ‘We work well together, listen to each other and have fun doing it.’
That sense of collaboration is also felt among the younger members of the family, particularly those currently learning at Buckley House.
Katie, Year 6 shared that the best thing about attending Ivanhoe together is the support she receives from her older cousins and siblings.
‘They help me with my schoolwork,’ she said. ‘My favourite subject is Sport because we get to be more active.’
Isaac, Year 5 loves that his family members are spread throughout the School.
‘That’s the best thing about attending Ivanhoe together,’ he said, adding that Chelsea and Ryan are the funniest ‘because they’re so random.’
Ryan, Year 4 enjoys the everyday connection of being on the same campus.
‘We can see each other often,’ he said. He also nominated Liz as the family’s funniest member, ‘because she makes everybody laugh, even the adults.’
Chelsea, Year 4 shared her love for PE and sports, but was certain about one thing: ‘Lucas is the funniest. He always makes me laugh.’
The Tan Clan at Ivanhoe
To finish, we asked the family a fun question: if they could name a club at Ivanhoe Grammar School, what would it be called?
Alexis: Tan Clan
Harry: Legendary Monk Disciples of Tan Temple
Liz: Tan Fam Spam
Lucas: Team Tan
Sophie & Jacqueline: The Tan Club
We also discovered that help with homework is very much a family effort, whether it’s older siblings or cousins stepping in, it’s another example of collaboration in action.
The Tans story is a powerful example of what makes Ivanhoe Grammar School special: shared history, close connections and a community that grows together, generation upon generation.
