Hale School community
commemorates student

It was with great sadness that the Hale School community farewelled beloved Year 12 student Ryan Murphy at the start of April following a brief and sudden illness. At the funeral, held in the School’s Chapel, he was remembered as a treasured member of the Hale community.

Ryan began his Hale journey in Year 1, following in the footsteps of his older brothers. His teachers recalled that he was always trusted to be honest, reliable, switched on, a natural leader, a passionate cricketer and academically gifted.

Ryan’s death in March left the School and, in particular, the Year 12 cohort shattered. As a group, the Year 12 boys shared a moving chapel service where they were given the option to write a note to Ryan expressing the impact he had on them over the years. In that service every student brought a note to the altar or lit a candle for Ryan.

The School Prefects wanted to honour their friend’s memory, so immediately began planning two special events.

“One thing I picked up from his funeral was that Hale meant a lot to his family and we owed it to him to show his parents how much he meant to us,” said Ashton Bryant, Hale’s Captain of School.

What transpired was what could only be described as inspirational scenes over two days in July.

At the Shave for Ryan, in a selfless act of solidarity, over 400 students lined up to have their hair shaved. The fun and positive atmosphere continued the following day when over 600 students and family members participated in the inaugural ‘Run for Ryan’ community event and fundraiser, around the School’s ovals. With fine weather on our side and the family of Ryan present, it was both emotional and uplifting.

In total, over $35,000 was raised from the two events, to be donated to the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, in support of brain cancer research. Ryan had suffered from a brain tumour.

Both Ryan’s family and school were overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity of the community. From this great tragedy there is the beginning of a legacy that we hope will remain at our school for years to come.

Published in Messenger August 2023